18 February 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Is Russia testing a new anti-satellite weapon? SOCIAL JUSTICES 1. Nearly 50% of pregnancies in India are high-risk C. GS 3 Related ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY 1. A different shade of green: T.N.’s renewable energy initiatives D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. Jnanpith for Gulzar, Sanskrit scholar Rambhadracharya 2. INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite successfully injected into orbit 3. Govt. more than doubles authorised capital of FCI to ₹21,000 crore G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Is Russia testing a new anti-satellite weapon?
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests
Mains: Changing Power Dynamics, US, Russia and India, Nuclear Weapons and Threat to Global Security.
Context: Recent statements from U.S. officials have raised concerns about a purported Russian space-based anti-satellite weapon. The weapon, allegedly nuclear-powered, violates the Outer Space Treaty and poses significant risks to global satellite infrastructure.
What We Know:
- U.S. National Security Council confirmed the existence of a Russian space-based anti-satellite weapon, though not yet deployed.
- Reports suggest the weapon could be nuclear in nature, which raises additional concerns about treaty violations and potential consequences.
Anti-Satellite Weapons (ASAT):
- ASAT weapons aim to disable or destroy operational satellites, violating the Outer Space Treaty’s provisions.
- Both the U.S. and the former Soviet Union have historically developed ASAT capabilities, primarily kinetic in nature.
Space-Based Nuclear Weapons:
- Historical tests, such as Starfish Prime, demonstrate the potential impact of nuclear weapons detonated in space.
- Concerns include electromagnetic pulse (EMP) effects, radiation release, and the generation of debris, threatening global satellite infrastructure and violating treaty agreements.
Implications of U.S. Claims:
- The purported Russian nuclear anti-satellite capability raises significant security concerns.
- Debate surrounds the extent of the nuclear component’s role and whether it is primarily for power or as an explosive warhead.
Conclusion:
- The revelation of a potential Russian space-based anti-satellite weapon underscores the fragility of global satellite infrastructure and the risks associated with militarizing space.
- Amidst geopolitical tensions, allegations and responses highlight the complexities of international security and arms control in space.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: SOCIAL JUSTICES
1. Nearly 50% of pregnancies in India are high-risk
Syllabus: Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.
Mains: Health Infrastructure and Maternal mortality
Context: A study analyzing data from over 24,000 pregnant women in India reveals a high prevalence of high-risk pregnancies, with nearly 50% of women affected. Factors contributing to high-risk pregnancies include short birth spacing, adverse birth outcomes, and maternal health issues.
Key Findings:
- The study utilized data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019-2021) and identified high-risk pregnancies based on various risk factors.
- Northeastern and southern states of India, along with certain demographic groups, exhibit higher prevalence rates of high-risk pregnancies.
Risk Factors:
- Leading risk factors include short birth spacing, adverse birth outcomes (miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth), and maternal health issues such as advanced age, short stature, and obesity.
- Lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol use, as well as previous birth outcomes, also contribute to high-risk pregnancies.
Regional Disparities:
- Different states exhibit varying prevalence rates of specific risk factors, highlighting regional disparities in maternal health.
- Factors like short birth spacing, caesarean deliveries, and adverse birth outcomes vary significantly across different states and union territories.
Implications and Recommendations:
- Short birth spacing emerges as a significant factor contributing to high-risk pregnancies, indicating the need for effective contraception and family planning measures.
- Public awareness campaigns and educational programs targeting women are recommended to address the issue of short birth intervals and mitigate the risks associated with high-risk pregnancies.
Conclusion:
- The study underscores the importance of addressing high-risk pregnancies in India, particularly focusing on factors like birth spacing and maternal health.
- By identifying regional disparities and key risk factors, policymakers and healthcare providers can develop targeted interventions to improve maternal and child health outcomes across the country
C. GS 3 Related
Category: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY
1. A different shade of green: T.N.’s renewable energy initiatives
Syllabus: Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.
Mains: Renewable Energy
Context: Tamil Nadu has been a frontrunner in renewable energy since 1986, pioneering wind power and expanding into solar and hydro projects. Recent policy reforms and ambitious targets, such as Chief Minister M.K. Stalin’s net zero target by 2050, highlight the state’s commitment to sustainable energy initiatives.
Renewable Energy Landscape in Tamil Nadu:
- Tamil Nadu has been a pioneer in wind energy since 1986, establishing itself as a prominent player in green energy.
- The emergence of solar power and proposed hydro projects has diversified the state’s renewable energy portfolio.
- A separate entity, Tamil Nadu Green Energy Corporation Limited (TNGECL), was formed to explore renewable energy plans.
Current Green Energy Generation Capacity:
- Tamil Nadu’s total green energy generation capacity stands at 34,700 MW, with wind, solar, hydro, and co-generation contributing.
- Notable capacities include 10,500 MW from wind energy, 7,360 MW from solar, and 600 MW from hydro.
Ongoing Projects and Infrastructure Development:
- Several hydro-power projects and initiatives to strengthen green energy transmission corridors are underway.
- A significant project is the Kundah pumped-storage hydro electricity project, expected to be completed by 2025-26.
- Infrastructure projects like the construction of a 765-KV sub-station at Virudhunagar aim to improve power evacuation.
Focus on Solar Power:
- The Kamuthi solar project, with a capacity of 648 MW, highlights Tamil Nadu’s commitment to solar energy.
- Rooftop solar power systems are also promoted, with production-linked incentives reducing module prices.
Policy Reforms and Future Targets:
- Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a net zero target by 2050, emphasizing the importance of power sector reforms.
- Despite successes, challenges remain, including the need to balance thermal and renewable energy generation for grid safety.
Challenges and Recommendations:
- Challenges include high network charges, payment delays to renewable energy developers, and the need for re-powering old wind turbines.
- Recommendations include incentivizing investments through special interest rates, annual banking of wind energy, and a special feed-in tariff.
- Initiatives to manage curtailment of wind and solar generation are being developed by the Tamil Nadu Electricity Regulatory Commission.
Conclusion:
- Tamil Nadu’s renewable energy initiatives demonstrate a strong commitment to sustainable energy development, although challenges such as grid balancing and policy reforms remain.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
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F. Prelims Facts
1. Jnanpith for Gulzar, Sanskrit scholar Rambhadracharya
Context: The Jnanpith Award, considered India’s highest literary honor, has been conferred upon two eminent personalities: Gulzar, a celebrated Urdu poet and Bollywood figure, and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a renowned Sanskrit scholar and spiritual leader.
Significance:
- The Jnanpith Award is prestigious and recognizes outstanding contributions to Indian literature since 1965.
- Gulzar, known for his multifaceted talent in poetry, film direction, and writing, has received numerous accolades throughout his career, including the Sahitya Akademi Award, Dadasaheb Phalke Award, and National Film Awards.
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a polyglot and prolific writer, is recognized for his extensive contributions to Sanskrit literature and spiritual leadership within the Hindu community.
Key Points:
- Gulzar, born Sampooran Singh Kalra, is renowned for his poetry, film direction, and contributions to children’s literature.
- He has received prestigious awards such as the Padma Bhushan, and his song “Jai Ho” from the film Slumdog Millionaire won both an Oscar and a Grammy.
- Jagadguru Rambhadracharya, a respected spiritual leader and author of over 240 books, is known for his expertise in Sanskrit and his role as the head of Tulsi Peeth in Chitrakoot, Madhya Pradesh.
- The Jnanpith Award carries a cash prize, a statue, and a citation, and this year marks the second time it’s being awarded for Sanskrit and the fifth time for Urdu.
Conclusion:
- The selection of Gulzar and Jagadguru Rambhadracharya for the Jnanpith Award underscores the recognition of their significant contributions to Indian literature and culture.
- Their diverse talents and profound impact in their respective fields highlight the richness and diversity of India’s literary landscape, making them deserving recipients of this esteemed honor.
2. INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite successfully injected into orbit
Context: The GSLV-F14 successfully launched the INSAT-3DS meteorological satellite from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Significance:
- The successful launch marks a significant milestone for ISRO, particularly for the GSLV program, which has experienced failures in the past.
- The INSAT-3DS satellite will enhance meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and disaster warning capabilities.
Key Points:
- The GSLV-F14 deployed the INSAT-3DS satellite into the intended geosynchronous transfer orbit approximately 18 minutes after lift-off.
- INSAT-3DS is a follow-on mission designed for advanced meteorological observations, monitoring of land and ocean surfaces, and disaster management.
- The satellite will augment the services provided by the existing INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR satellites.
- The GSLV program, once considered the “naughty boy” of Indian space due to past failures, has matured into a reliable and robust launch vehicle.
- The success of this mission boosts ISRO’s confidence ahead of the launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite, scheduled in the coming months.
Conclusion:
- The successful launch of INSAT-3DS by GSLV-F14 underscores ISRO’s capability in satellite deployment and strengthens its position in the global space community.
- The maturity and reliability demonstrated by the GSLV program reflect ISRO’s commitment to continuous improvement and excellence in space technology.
- The upcoming launch of the NISAR satellite further cements ISRO’s reputation as a reliable partner in international space missions.
3. Govt. more than doubles authorised capital of FCI to ₹21,000 crore
Context: The government has increased the authorised capital of the Food Corporation of India (FCI) from ₹10,000 crore to ₹21,000 crore.
Significance:
- The increase in authorised capital aims to enhance FCI’s operational capabilities, reduce interest burden, and positively impact government subsidies.
- It will facilitate modernization of storage facilities, improvement of transportation networks, and adoption of advanced technologies.
Key Points:
- FCI is responsible for procuring foodgrains at minimum support price (MSP) to protect farmers’ interests and maintains strategic stocks for welfare schemes.
- The increase in authorised capital will reduce the need for cash credit and short-term loans, leading to lower interest costs and improved subsidy management.
- FCI plans to modernize storage facilities, improve transportation, and adopt advanced technologies to reduce post-harvest losses and ensure efficient food distribution.
- The government provides equity to FCI for working capital and asset creation, and FCI is implementing integrated IT systems for operational efficiency.
- Initiatives like e-office implementation aim to create a paperless office culture and streamline functions with a common digital backbone.
- FCI has taken steps to enhance efficiency, including infrastructure upgrades, lab equipment purchase, and software development for quality checking.
- The government’s commitment to MSP-based procurement and investment in FCI’s operational capabilities underscores its dedication to empowering farmers and ensuring food security.
Conclusion:
- The increase in FCI’s authorised capital reflects the government’s efforts to strengthen food distribution infrastructure and support farmers.
- By investing in modernization and efficiency initiatives, FCI aims to improve food grain management and contribute to national food security objectives.
G. Tidbits
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H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following facts about Pradhan Mantri-Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan Scheme?
- This scheme is designed for the Schedule Tribes excluding the Particularly Vulnerable TribalGroups (PVTGs).
- Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) will focus on 11 critical interventions through 9 line Ministries.
Which of the following facts are correct?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
Statement 1 is incorrect: Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN) to improve socio-economic conditions of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Statement 2 is correct: The PM-JANMAN (comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes) to focus on 11 critical interventions through 9 Ministries including the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
Q2. What do you understand by the term Chilla-i-Kalan?
- It is a type of food mainly eaten by tribal people of J & K
- It is a 40-day harshest winter phase period in J & K
- It is winter clothing worn in J&K
- It is a festival enjoyed by the people of Himachal Pradesh.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
‘Chilla-i-Kalan’ is the 40-day harshest winter period when a cold wave grips the region and the temperature drops considerably leading to the freezing of waterbodies, including the famous Dal Lake here, as well as the water supply lines in several parts of the valley.
Q3. Consider the following statements with regard to the UNSC veto:
- An informal “coffee club”, comprising 40-odd members states, has been instrumental in holding back reforms to the United Nations Security Council.
- The prime movers of the club include Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Argentina and Pakistan.
- Italy and Spain are opposed to Germany’s bid for Security Council’s permanent membership, Pakistan is opposed to India’s bid.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any 1
- Any 2
- All 3
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: An informal “coffee club”, comprising 40-odd member states, has been instrumental in holding back reforms to the United Nations Security Council.
Statement 2 is correct: The prime movers of the coffee club include Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Argentina, and Pakistan. These countries have come together to push for reforms in the UNSC, including changes to the veto system.
Statement 3 is correct: Italy and Spain are indeed opposed to Germany’s bid for a Security Council permanent membership, and Pakistan opposes India’s bid. These stances are reflective of their national interests and regional dynamics.
Q4. What do you understand by Serengeti?
- It is a geographical region of Africa
- It is the local wind of Australia
- It is the biggest copper mines of Chile
- It is the biggest state in Canada
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
- The Serengeti is a geographical region located in Africa, primarily in northern Tanzania and extending into southwestern Kenya. It is one of the most famous and iconic wilderness areas in the world, renowned for its vast savannah plains, diverse wildlife, and spectacular annual migration of millions of wildebeest, zebras, and other herbivores.
- The Serengeti ecosystem encompasses the Serengeti National Park in Tanzania, as well as several other protected areas and reserves. It is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including the “Big Five” (lion, leopard, elephant, buffalo, and rhinoceros), as well as numerous other species of mammals, birds, and reptiles.
- The name “Serengeti” is derived from the Maasai language, specifically from the word “siringet,” which means “endless plains.” This name aptly describes the vast grasslands that characterize the region, making it a prime habitat for wildlife and a popular destination for tourists and wildlife enthusiasts from around the world.
Q5. With reference to the Indian freedom struggle, consider the following events:
- Mutiny in the Royal Indian Navy
- Quit India Movement launched
- Second Round Table Conference
What is the correct chronological sequence of the above events?
- 1-2-3
- 2-1-3
- 3-2-1
- 3-1-2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- Second Round Table Conference: This conference took place in September 1931.
- Quit India Movement launched: Mahatma Gandhi launched the Quit India Movement in August 1942.
- Mutiny in the Royal Indian Navy: The Royal Indian Navy Mutiny occurred in February 1946.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- India’s march towards net-zero can’t be a smooth ride unless the cost for installation is brought down significantly. Do you agree? Analyze. (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-3, Environment and Ecology]
- Maternal mortality rate is a key indicator of government’s commitment towards women’s welfare. In this context, highlight initiatives by the government of India to improve maternal mortality rate. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2, Social justices]
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