06 Dec 2023: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

C. GS 3 Related

Category: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Understanding how the Global Positioning System (GPS) works

Syllabus: General awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, Robotics, Nanotechnology, bio-technology.

Mains: Global Positioning System (GPS): Origin, components and working.

Prelims: About Global Positioning System (GPS)

Context:

The Global Positioning System (GPS), initiated by the U.S. Department of Defence in 1973, has become a revolutionary force in navigation, impacting diverse sectors globally through its satellite-based technology.

Introduction

• The Global Positioning System (GPS) has revolutionised various sectors, impacting civilian life, military operations, scientific studies, and urban planning.
• Originating from the U.S. Department of Defense in 1973, the GPS satellite constellation plays a crucial role in determining accurate locations globally.

Components of GPS

• Space Segment
  • Consists of 24 satellites in six orbits around the Earth, ensuring that at least four satellites are visible from any point on Earth.
  • Satellites broadcast signals containing information on their location, operational status, and emission time.
• Control Segment
  • Involves ground-based control stations and antennas globally, tracking and managing satellite performance.
  • The master control station is in Colorado, with an alternate station in California, along with ground antennae worldwide.
• User Segment
  • Involves various sectors such as agriculture, construction, telecommunications, and military operations.
  • The widespread use of GPS is evident with an estimated 6.5 billion Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) devices globally in 2021.

How GPS Works

• GPS satellites continuously broadcast radio signals encoded with information about their location and operational status.
• Receivers, like those in smartphones, calculate their distance from satellites by measuring signal travel time.
• Triangulating data from at least four satellites provides accurate three-dimensional spatial and one-dimensional temporal information.

Adjustments for Accuracy

• Adjustments are made to account for gravitational potential differences, satellite velocities, and relativistic effects.
• Atomic clocks on satellites, synchronised to within 10 nanoseconds of each other, ensure precise timekeeping for accurate measurements.

Satellite Atomic Clocks

• Atomic clocks onboard satellites exploit the resonant frequency of electrons, ensuring accurate timekeeping.
• Electrons absorb radiation at the resonant frequency, allowing scientists to fine-tune and measure time based on specific energy transitions.

Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) Worldwide

• Other countries, including China, the European Union, India, Russia, and more, operate their GNSS.
• International cooperation ensures compatibility, with regular meetings and committees like the International Committee on GNSS promoting collaboration.

Indian GNSS: NavIC and GAGAN

• India’s Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC) consists of seven satellites providing ground-based navigation.
• NavIC uses rubidium atomic clocks and transmits in different frequency bands.
• India also operates the GPS-Aided Geo Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) system, primarily for civil aviation applications and GPS corrections.

Nut Graf: GPS, with its space, control, and user segments, enables precise global navigation. From its inception, it has evolved into a vital technology, influencing industries and daily life worldwide.

E. Editorials

Category: SOCIAL JUSTICE

1. The Ambedkar touch in rethinking social justice policies

Syllabus: GS-2, Social sector; Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the Population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes; Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Mains: Importance of Ambedkar’s ideas in rethinking social justice policies.

Introduction: 

Contemporary democracy underscores the importance of social harmony and reforms for historically marginalized communities. Democratic institutions strive to ensure dignity and self-respect, particularly for Dalits and Adivasis in India.

The death anniversary of Babasaheb Ambedkar reminds his vision for the social welfare of Dalits. He envisioned a post-colonial India where these communities would play equal roles in the nation’s development.

Challenges for Social Justice in the Neoliberal Era:

• The advent of neoliberal economic development has disrupted traditional support for Dalits and Adivasis from state institutions.
• Positions of power are predominantly held by social elites, leaving marginalized groups with tokenistic representation.
• Despite promises, social justice policies have yielded limited impact on the substantial participation of the most disadvantaged social groups.

Dr Ambedkar’s Approach on Dalit Welfare: Ambedkar’s principles provide a critical perspective on neoliberal disregard for Dalit and Adivasi concerns. His approach proposes ethical corrective measures, fostering greater democracy and responsiveness in institutions. While not as radical as Marxism, Dr Ambedkar’s mechanism instils moral sensibilities in institutions, holding them accountable.

Need for Reforms:

• The detachment of the neoliberal market from social responsibilities exacerbates crony capitalism. 
• Reforms are imperative to re-envision the market economy, aligning it with ethical values and addressing social inequalities.

Suggestions for reforms:

• Social justice policies must extend to the private economy, democratizing the working classes and alleviating poverty. Integrating these policies into the market economy can uplift Dalits and Adivasis to influential roles.
• Adivasi concerns regarding habitat protection, ecological order, and cultural autonomy need addressing within the framework of the market economy.
• Reparation policies should rectify historical wrongs and foster equitable participation in economic development.
• The new social justice framework should facilitate the emergence of a prominent class among Dalits and Adivasis.
• Affirmative action policies are crucial to democratize the business sector, enabling these groups to become leaders, entrepreneurs, and influencers.

Transitioning from Traditional Methods:

• Policymakers must view Dalits and Adivasis as active contributors rather than passive recipients of state welfare.
• These groups should be acknowledged as integral components of urbanization, industrial production, and technological innovation.
• Dr Ambedkar envisioned the modern state as a transformative force for Dalit and Adivasi emancipation.
• In the neoliberal era, the state has become a passive associate of big business, deviating from its social responsibilities.

Conclusion: Dr Ambedkar’s vision provides a roadmap to reinvigorate social justice in contemporary democracy. Reimagining the economic order entails integrating social justice into the market, empowering Dalits and Adivasis as active contributors to the nation’s development.

Nut graf: Dr Ambedkar’s vision for social justice in contemporary democracy emphasizes the importance of dignity and self-respect for historically marginalized communities. Despite challenges posed by neoliberal economic development and tokenistic representation, Dr Ambedkar’s approach offers ethical corrective measures, holding institutions accountable. Reforms, including extending social justice policies to the private sector and addressing Adivasi concerns, are crucial for uplifting Dalits and Adivasis.