January 24, 2025

Current Affairs

ISRO to launch its 100th mission: NVS-02 Satellite

Context: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is all set to launch its 100th mission – the NVS-02 satellite, aboard the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) – in January 2025.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about NVS-02 Satellite; NAVIC System

About NVS-02 Satellite

NVS-02 will be the second satellite in the series of 2nd-generation navigation satellites and the 9th satellite in the Navigation with Indian Constellation (NavIC).
- NavIC consists of a constellation of 7 satellites (First-generation Satellites)
- NVS-01 (the first 2nd generation satellite was launched in May 2023)
Launch vehicle: GSLV Mark II
NVS-02 will likely have two kinds of payloads - navigation payload and ranging payload.

Payloads of NVS-02

1. Navigational payload:

Navigational payload transmits signals to users on Earth. It does so using three bands in the spectrum - L1, L5, and S band.
A Rubidium atomic clock is on-board NVS-02.
- Atomic clocks are highly accurate and stable clocks, with errors of less than 10 nanoseconds.
- The low errors result in providing accurate ranging for position determination.
- The Rubidium atomic clock measures the length of one second by counting the oscillations of rubidium-87 atoms.

2. Ranging payload:

Ranging payload consists of a transponder.
- This helps the navigation satellite transmit time-stamped navigation signals to the receivers at the ground station.
- This information is then processed at the end-user stage to derive their exact position, speed, and time.
This helps in providing seamless and non-stop service irrespective of weather conditions on Earth.

Significance of 2nd generation satellites

2nd-generation satellites in NavIC will send signals in a third frequency (L1) besides the L5 and S, thus increasing interoperability with other satellite-based navigation systems.
2nd-generation satellites have a much more robust encryption system to keep all communications completely secure.
These satellites will have a longer mission life of more than 12 years. 1st generation satellites have a mission life of 10 years.

What is NavIC?

NavIC (Navigation with Indian Constellation) is the independent stand-alone navigation satellite system of India. It was earlier known as IRNSS (Indian Regional Navigation Satellite System).
Features:
- NavIC consists of a constellation of seven satellites. Three satellites are located in the geostationary orbit and the remaining four are located in geosynchronous orbits around the Earth: IRNSS-1A, IRNSS-1B, IRNSS-1C, IRNSS-1D, IRNSS-1E, IRNSS-1F, and IRNSS-1G.
- The first satellite of the seven-satellite navigation system was launched in 2013, and the seventh satellite was launched in 2016.
  - NVS-01 replaced IRNSS-1G.
  - NVS-02 is also a replacement satellite for one of the satellites in NavIC.
NavIC provides positioning, navigation, and timing services to users across India and the region extending up to 1,500 km around the country, with position accuracy of better than 20 meters, and timing accuracy of better than 50 nanoseconds.
Developed by: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

NavIC offers two types of services

Standard Positioning Service: Available to all users and provides positioning accuracy of around 20 meters throughout the Indian region and within the primary service area.
Restricted Service: Encrypted service primarily intended for authorised users such as the military, government agencies, and other security-sensitive applications.

Key objectives of NavIC system will be to aid:

Precision military activity
Strategic applications
Terrestrial, aerial, and maritime navigation
Precision agriculture
Geodetic surveying
Emergency services
Fleet management
Location-based services in mobile devices
Orbit determination for satellites
Marine fisheries
Timing services for financial institutions, power grids, and other government agencies
Internet-of-Things (IoT) based applications.

Satellite navigation systems of other countries:

Presently, there are four global satellite-based navigation systems.
- United States: Global Position System (GPS)
- Russia: Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS)
- China: BeiDou
- European Union: Galileo
Japan has a four-satellite regional navigation system (Quasi-Zenith Satellite System).

Why NavIC over global competitors?

NavIC is an independent regional system over the Indian region and does not depend on other systems for providing a position service within the service region.
- GPS and GLONASS are operated by the defence agencies of the US and Russia, respectively.
- There is a possibility that civilian service can be degraded or denied at any given time. E.g., during the 1999 Kargil War, the Indian government requested the US to provide enemy locations, but this request was denied.
Enhances India's military capabilities by providing accurate real-time navigation data for defence applications like weapon guidance, fleet management and location-based services, reinforces national security and safeguards territorial integrity.
NavIC signals come to India at a 90-degree angle, making it easier for them to reach devices located even in hard-to-reach areas like congested areas, dense forests, or mountains. In contrast to this, the GPS signals (satellites placed in Medium Earth Orbit) are received over India at lower angles.

Rhodamine B

Context: In the U.S., the FDA has long prohibited Rhodamine B in food due to evidence of its carcinogenic properties. In India, Rhodamine B is banned in food items due to potential health risks under Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Despite the ban, In India, the rampant use of Rhodamine B in food items has raised significant health concerns.

Relevance of the Topic:Prelims: Key facts about Rhodamine B.

About Rhodamine B

Rhodamine-B is a water soluble chemical compound or fluorescent xanthene dye which has various applications.
The chemical is considered substandard and unsafe under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006.
Threats:
- In long-term use, Rhodamine-B can:
  - Cause Cell death
  - Cause allergies or irritation of the lip, tongue, eyes, upper respiratory allergies.
  - Damage the cerebellum tissue and brainstem, kidney and liver
  - Induce DNA damage, leading to mutations and increases the risk of stomach tumour and cancer.

Various applications include

Used as a dye in textile, cosmetics, paper, paints, plastics, leathers etc., lends a vibrant pink hue.
Food dye (used in cotton candy to produce its iconic pink colour). Also used in the preparation of sweets, preparation of sauces for Chinese food.
Used as a tracer dye, E.g., to determine the rate and direction of water flow in rivers, lakes etc. Used to trace pollutants in water systems and indicate herbicide usage, or detect leaks in pipelines due to its high visibility and water solubility.
Rhodamine dyes exhibit fluorescence, and thus can be used in fluorescence microscopy, fluorescence correlation spectroscopy and ELISA (To detect the presence of specific molecules like proteins or antibodies).
Laser Dyes employed in scientific and medical lasers.

FSSAI Regulations

Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011 restrict the use of artificial colours in food unless permitted in the regulations.
The regulations state that the colours used must be pure and free from harmful impurities. For example, FSSAI has approved certain food colours and flavours as safe for consumption. These include: Caramel, Riboflavin (Lactoflavin), Saffron, Annatto, Curcumin (Turmeric), Carotene and carotenoids, including Beta-carotene, red colour from Ponceau 4R, Carmoisine, and Erythrosine, yellow colour (Tartrazine and Sunset Yellow FCF), blue colour (Indigo Carmine and Brilliant Blue FCF) and green colour (Fast Green FCF).

Gandhian Ideas and their reflection in Contemporary World

Relevance of the topic:

Prelims: Questions based on Gandian movements and life of Gandhi.

Mains: GS-4 question on Gandhian ethics and ideas; Significance for Essay paper.

About Mahatma Gandhi

Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born on 2nd October 1869. He is one of the most prominent freedom fighters associated with the Indian National Movement.
He spent a major portion of his life in South Africa, worked as a lawyer and had significant contributions.

Gandhi’s Initiatives in South Africa

Confrontation with Racial Discrimination: Gandhi himself experienced the racial discrimination and raised voice against the policy of Apartheid in South Africa.
Formation of the Natal Indian Congress (NIC): Gandhi founded the Natal Indian Congress in 1894 to unite and advocate for the rights of Indians in South Africa.
Civil Rights Advocacy: Gandhi fought against the marriage registration Act that violated the civil rights of Indians.
Birth of Satyagraha: Gandhi launched his philosophy of non-violent resistance, Satyagraha in 1906 during the fight against the "Black Act."
Indian Opinion Newspaper: He founded the Indian Opinion in 1903 to raise awareness about injustices and mobilise the community.
Resistance to Indentured Labor System: Gandhi opposed the exploitation of Indian indentured laborers and advocated for their rights.
Campaigns Against Discriminatory Laws: He led peaceful protests, including burning registration certificates, to resist oppressive laws.

Important Gandhian Movements in India

Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi advocated for the rights of peasants of Champaran, and raised voice against the unjust ‘Tinkathia’ system of indigo plantation.
Ahmedabad Mill Strike (1918): He demonstrated the tool of hunger strike to secure the Plague bonus for the Ahmedabad mill workers.
Kheda Satyagraha (1918): Kheda Satyagraha was led by Gandhi to protest against the oppressive tax increase imposed on peasants despite crop failure and famine conditions.
Non-Cooperation Movement (1920-1922): Initiated by Gandhi in response to the Rowlatt Act and the Jalliawalah Bagh Massacre. Later, the movement was called back after the Chauri Chaura incident in 1922.
Ground work and social reform: Gandhi played a crucial role in reforms in village culture, and rural economy; eradication of untouchability, upliftment of the Dalit Community with his organisation- Harijan Sewak Sangh.
Civil Disobedience Movement: Gandhi initiated the movement by breaking Salt law and marched from Sabarmati Ashram to Dandi in 1930.
Quit India Movement (1942): In response to the failure of Cripps Mission, threat of Japanese invasion during World War II, civil atrocities, and war-led inflation, Gandhi launched Quit India movement on 8 August 1942 with the slogan ‘Do or Die’.

Gandhian Ideas and their Relevance in present context:

Truth: Gandhi emphasised truth as it is critical for transparency, trust, and accountability in governance, business, and personal relationships.
- E.g., Whistle blowers like Suchir Balaji who unveiled violations of copyrights by OpenAI upheld the idea of truth.
Non-violence: Gandhi advocated for resolving conflicts without violence, whether in personal disputes or political struggles. Challenges like wars, conflicts (Israel-Hamas conflict) and terrorism, make adopting non-violence a key component in the present world.
Sarvodaya: Gandhi's Sarvodaya principle means 'Universal Uplift' or 'Welfare of All', especially the marginalised sections. Inclusive development and policies to reduce inequality reflect Sarvodaya’s principles. E.g., National Food Security Act 2013 for marginalised sections.
Self-reliance: Gandhi promoted self-reliance by encouraging the use of locally made goods and rejecting dependency on foreign products. The world is facing issues like neo-colonialism; global issues like CoVID-19 makes self reliance a key.
- E.g., Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative mirrors Gandhian Swadeshi philosophy.
Decentralisation: Gandhi supported decentralised governance, empowering local communities through self-rule (Gram Swaraj). Decentralisation helps in effective governance and participatory democracy.
- E.g., 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendment Act devolving powers to Panchayati Raj institutions and Urban Local Bodies.
Simplicity: Gandhi emphasised on the idea of simple living. He quoted, “The world has enough for everyone's needs, but not enough for everyone's greed.” The idea of simplicity aligns with sustainable living by minimising human greed or materialistic desires.
- E.g., Lifestyle for Environment (LIFE) campaign to promote sustainability with simple living.
Trusteeship: Gandhi favoured the idea where the rich hold the wealth as the trustee of vulnerable sections of society. The concept is relevant in the present world due to rising inequalities in the world as 1% individuals hold 90% of wealth.
- E.g., Corporate social responsibility and District Mining Committees are based on Gandhian trusteeship concept.

Therefore, Gandhian ideology and values are crucial for sustaining the peaceful coexistence of humankind.

Contract Farming in India

Context: India has emerged as a major exporter of French Fries attributed to the success of contract farming. It is a model through which companies procure high-quality potatoes directly from growers.

Relevance of the Topic:Mains: Contract Farming: Advantages, Challenges

What is Contract Farming?

According to the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), Contract farming is an agreement between farmers and processing and/or marketing firms for the production and supply of agricultural products under forward agreements, frequently at pre-determined prices.

Rationale behind Contract Farming in India

Generating a steady source of income for small-scale and marginal farmers.
Focus on growing market-oriented crops.
Promote food processing and value addition and enhance exports.
Attract private sector investments into the agriculture sector, promoting innovation.
Reducing government burden of procurement or providing fair prices for the produce.
Diversifying crops and reducing the stress of growing traditional crops continuously.
Educating farmers about agri-business and market share of their produce.
Streamlines sourcing of raw materials for food processing units.

Advantages of Contract Farming

Producer/Farmer	Buyer/Firms
Assured income.	They get the desired quality and quantity of produce.
Access to modern technology, credits, and cost information.	Consistent supply of produce/raw material.
Doorstep exchange of produce, minimising transportation and marketing costs.	The most effective and preferred way to utilise their resources.
Minimising risks related to production and damage.	Direct investment in the agriculture sector.
Higher production and quality yield	Fixed price and no further negotiations after the contract is made. Cheaper option of all.
Assured market price	Increases brand value by having proper explanations for food safety concerns.
Knowledge acquisition and other intangible benefits.	Control over the variety of produce and other inputs.

Challenges associated with Contract Farming

Exploitation of Small-scale Farmers: Weak bargaining power of farmers, lack of knowledge compared to a team of market analysts and economists makes them vulnerable to unfair terms.
High Risks for Farmers: To meet the demands of firms, farmers have to make a change in their cropping pattern. This makes them overly dependent on contracting firms for inputs and market access, and makes them vulnerable to firms’ decisions.
Lack of Legal Protection: Informal (verbal) or poorly enforced contracts often fail to protect farmers’ interest. Minimal legal recourse in the event of breach of agreements.
Monopsony: A single buyer dealing with multiple farmers limits competition, promotes dependency and limits farmers’ negotiating power.
Differential Contractual Agreements: Large-scale farmers often receive better terms in the contract than the small-scale farmers for the same commodity, by the same firm.
Problems faced by growers like undue quality cut on produce by firms, delayed deliveries at the factory, delayed payments, low price and pest attack on the contract crop which raised the cost of production.

Case Study: Success Story of French Fries:

India has transitioned from importing to exporting frozen French fries. Varieties of potato like Innovator, Atlantic, and Markies are grown specifically for processing into fries.
Companies like McCain Foods, HyFun Foods, and Iscon Balaji Foods directly engage with farmers, ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality potatoes.
Farmers benefit from assured markets, stable incomes, and technical guidance, while companies gain reliable raw material.
This partnership has bolstered India’s agricultural exports and rural economy, with Gujarat emerging as a key hub.
The model highlights how contract farming can align farmers' interests with global demand for processed food products.

Legal status of Contract Farming in India:

Agriculture and Agricultural Marketing is a State Subject.
- Agricultural marketing is regulated by the States’ Agricultural Produce Marketing Regulation (APMR) Acts.
- Over 20 states of India have amended their APMR Acts to provide for contract farming.
Tamil Nadu is the first State in India to enact a law on contract farming in 2019- Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Act.
- Aim: To safeguard interests of farmers during times of bumper harvest or fluctuating market prices.
- Key Features (Can be used as Way Forward):
  - Farmers would be paid at a pre-determined price arrived at the time of signing agreements with buyers.
  - Farmers could get support from purchasers for improving production and productivity by way of inputs, feed and fodder, and technology.
  - Any produce, banned by the Centre or State government or the Indian Council of Agricultural Research, would not be covered under contract farming.
  - Such agreements would have to be registered with designated officers from the Department of Agricultural Marketing and Agri Business.
  - State Contract Farming and Services (Promotion and Facilitation) Authority, would be formed to ensure proper implementation of this Act.
The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 was an Act to create a national framework for contract farming through an agreement between a farmer and a buyer before the production or rearing of any farm produces. However, the Act was repealed owing to farmer protests.

Maritime Sector in India

Context: India’s maritime sector has become a cornerstone of the country’s economic resurgence. However, to harness its full potential, the maritime sector would need an investment of $1 trillion by 2047 and ₹5 lakh crore by 2030.