Rocks made of plastic debris have been discovered on the volcanic Trindade Island of Brazil.
What are Plastic rocks?
Technically they are called as plastiglomerate.
It is formed when plastic trash melts and fuses together with natural materials such as basaltic lava fragments, sand, shells, wood and coral, resulting in a plastic-rock hybrid.
When the plastic melts, it cements rock fragments, sand, and shell debris together, or the plastic can flow into larger rocks and fill in cracks and bubbles.
Researchers say the new material is likely to last a very long time, possibly becoming a permanent marker in Earth’s geologic record.
About Trindade Islands:Location – It is located 1140 Km from Southeastern state of Espirito Santo of Brazil in South Atlantic Ocean.
Ecological significance: Trindade Island is one of the world’s most important conservation spots for green turtles, or Chelonia mydas, with thousands arriving each year to lay their eggs. The only human inhabitants on Trindade are members of the Brazilian navy, which maintains a base on the island and protects the nesting turtles.
Plastic threat: It mainly comes from fishing nets, which is very common debris on Trinidade Island’s beaches. The (nets) are dragged by the marine currents and accumulate on the beach. When the temperature rises, this plastic melts and becomes embedded with the beach’s natural material.
What is Plastisphere?
The plastisphere consists of ecosystems that have evolved to live in human-made plastic environments.
The Plastisphere is a diverse microbial community living on bits of plastic floating in the ocean. These communities are distinct from the surrounding water, suggesting that plastic serves as its own habitat in the ocean.
It’s like a biofilm—a sticky material that traps all sorts of microorganisms, protozoa and fungi. They can multiply and create a unique biome around the plastics.
What is Marine snow?
Marine snow is a term popularized by scientific explorer and diver William Beebe in the 1930s. It’s made up of nutrient-rich, organic material that falls like snow from the ocean’s surface to the sea floor.
The marine snow phenomenon explains why there’s life at the bottom of the ocean.
Also, how carbon can move from top to bottom in the ocean can also be partly explained through marine snow.
NITI Aayog has released a report on the promotion of Bio and Organic Fertilisers.
Organic Fertilisers
Organic fertilisers are substances made up of one or more unprocessed materials of a biological nature (plant/animal) and may include unprocessed mineral materials that have been altered through the microbiological decomposition process.
Organic fertilisers are composted/fermented products made from organic wastes (city waste, agro-waste, crop residue, livestock waste, food processing industry waste etc.)
Organic fertilisers specified under FCO, 1985 are classified into the following categories:
City compost
Vermicompost
Phosphate-rich organic manure
Organic manure
Bio-enriched organic manure
Bone meal (raw/steamed)
Potash derived from rhodophytes
Fermented organic manure
Liquid-fermented organic manure
Biofertilisers
Biofertilisers are different from organic fertilisers. Biofertilisers are defined as a product containing carrier-based (solid or liquid) living microorganisms which are agriculturally useful in terms of nitrogen fixation, phosphorus solubilisation or nutrient mobilisation, to increase the productivity of soil and/or crop (FCO 1985).
Upon application to seed or soil, these microbial preparations multiply rapidly around emerging crop roots and fix/mobilise nutrients from air and soil, from unavailable form to available form.
Nutrient solubilisers (P, K or Zn solubilizers) transform insoluble nutrients present in the soil to soluble form for easy uptake by crop plants.
Average dose of mixed bio fertilisers application is 6 litre/hectare for liquid formulations and 12 kg/hectare for solid carrier-based for solid carrier-based, for fixation/solubilisation of 20-25 kg nutrients/hectare.
Biofertilisers are available in four different forms:
Organic & Biofertilisers are regulated by the Fertiliser (Inorganic, Organic or Mixed) (Control) Order (FCO, 1985) under the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.
Currently, 11 bio fertilisers & 10 organic fertilisers are approved under FCO for use in India as of now.
Need for promoting organic and biofertilisers
Sustainable Agriculture: Organic and chemical-free agriculture can reverse environmental ill effects like groundwater depletion and loss of biodiversity etc primarily caused due to overuse of chemical fertilisers and pesticides after the green revolution.
Nutrient run-off from farms laced with chemical fertilisers adversely affects land ecosystems.
Ammonia emissions from agricultural activities can combine with vehicle exhausts to create dangerous particulates in the air and exacerbate respiratory diseases.
Chemical fertiliser production and use also lead to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
Promoting Soil Health: India's soil is getting depleted of organic matter. Nutritional quality of food produced from soil poor in organic matter is also poor. Organic and bio fertilisers conserve the micro-fauna of soil and act as a natural surface purifier. Dung manure contains basic elements critical to plant health i.e., nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and several micronutrients. Also, humus in dung manure act as a soil amender and preserves moisture in the soil. Application of organic and bio fertilisers will lead to the sustainability of agriculture.
Incomes for farmers and gaushalas: Promoting the use of cow dung manure will improve economy of gaushalas, support natural farming and improve sustainability of agriculture.
Address the problem of stray cattle: Promoting use of cow and animal waste-based organic and bio-fertilisers will address the issue of stray cattle which has led to a big menace in rural areas.
Waste management: Production of bio and organic fertilisers from animal waste, cow dung etc. will help to sustainably address the issue of waste management in rural areas.
Less input cost of agriculture: Increasing the use of bio and organic fertilisers will reduce the input cost of farming and is expected to increase the incomes of farmers over the long term.
Reduced expenditure on fertiliser subsidy: Fertilisers subsidy alone accounts for more than Rs 1,50,000 lakh crores per year. This increases the fiscal deficit of the government. This can be reduced if we promote the use of bio and organic fertilisers.
Fertiliser security: Most chemical fertilisers have to be imported into India as India lacks domestic sources of phosphorous, potassium and urea. This dependence on imports exposes Indian agriculture to supply chain constraints. Thus, promoting bio and organic fertilisers will come to the fertiliser supply more assured.
Government Initiatives for Promoting Organic and Biofertilisers
Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana
Mission Organic Value Chain Development for North Eastern Region
Namami Ganga Program
National Program for Organic Production
Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme (CISS)
Soil Health Management Scheme
Policy on Promotion of City Compost
New National Biogas and Organic Manure Programme (NNBOMP)
Government has set a target to bring additional 10 lakh hectares under organic farming in the next 3 years.
Challenges
Heavy subsidies on chemical fertilisers especially urea discourage the use and uptake of organic fertilisers and biofertilisers, which do not get any subsidy.
Limited R&D in the field of organic & bio fertilisers.
Lack of regional resource centres for the supply of authentic and efficient microbial strains; Lack of awareness of biofertilisers for proper preservation, sub-culturing, storage, and procurement of authentic strains suitable for local environmental conditions.
Lack of availability of options for enriched organic fertilisers with essential nutrients for agricultural use.
Absence of economically viable mass production systems could lower the selling cost of biofertilisers.
Inadequate funds are spent on the promotion of bio and organic fertilisers despite various schemes for their promotion of them.
Lack of suitable infrastructure: Infrastructure support funds provided under schemes like the Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme and Soil Health Management have not seen much uptake in states and remain underutilised. Gaushalas and farmers cannot market compost and other organic fertiliser produced by them and there is no organised market and buyer for their produce.
Lack of extension and awareness on the use and benefits of organic and bio fertilisers amongst farming communities.
Issues of regulation: (i) FCO does not list some bio & organic fertilisers prepared from livestock waste such as Panchagavya, Dasagavya, Sheep & Goat Manure, Poultry Manure, Sanjivak, Gokripa Amrut, Amrit Pani, Fermented curd water, Ghanjivamrut, Crystallised cow urine. (ii) Lack of testing facilities and personnel and certification for organic and bio fertilisers in states which have slowed market prospects for manufacturers of organic fertilisers, especially PROM. (iii) Currently, the regulatory process for Bio and Organic fertilisers differs between states.
Way Forward
Digitisation of the whole process of manufacturing, license to sale authorisation to a dealer, stock records and maintenance, timely sampling by an inspector as per FCO with time-bound consultation with States.
Parity between inorganic and bio and organic fertilisers: There is a need for some parity in support for organic & bio fertilisers vis-a-vis organic, bio fertilisers and other animal waste-based compost, manures, jivamrit etc. This will also help cow farmers and cow shed owners earn extra income.
Marketing of bio & organic fertiliser: (i) Public sector fertiliser distribution agencies like IFFCO, KRIBHCO and such state-level agencies should be mandated to market standardised bio and organic fertilisers. (ii) A mechanism should be established to mandate fertiliser selling and manufacturing agencies to sell inorganic and organic fertiliser. (iii) Policy support to encourage commercial production, packaging, marketing & distribution of cow dung-based organic fertilisers including brand development. (iv) Gram panchayats should be involved in the production of organic and bio fertilisers at cow sheds.
Expanding the scope of FCO, 1985: (i) FCO, 1985 should be amended to include livestock waste fertilisers such as Panchagavya etc. (ii) Adequate testing facility should be created for manufacturers of organic and bio fertilisers. (iii) Quality certification of bio and organic fertilisers should be undertaken which would help farmers to identify safe and certified products. (iv) There is a need for uniformity in the regulatory process accommodating state specificities across India for registration and marketing of bio and organic fertilisers.
Incentives to encourage production and consumption of bio & organic fertilisers: (i) Extension of subsidy/market development assistance for bio fertiliser in line with city compost Rs 1500/ton. (ii) Mandatory 10-20% off-take of bio and organic fertiliser by fertiliser companies. (iii) Via gap funding to be provided to capital assistance and marketing of cow dung and cow-urine-based formulations for application in agriculture. (iv) Attracting the private sector to invest in mass-scale production of organic and bio fertilisers, bio pesticides, soil-enriching products and stimulants for use in agriculture.
Research & Development: (i) Improvement of efficiency of different formulations of organic and bio fertiliser. (ii) ICAR and other institutions should be encouraged to research organic & biofertilisers. (iii) These institutions should be encouraged to carry extension among farmers to take over bio and organic fertilisers.
Assessment carried by NAAC for higher education institutions have been mired in controversy. There have been demands for reviewing the process of accreditation by NAAC.
ABOUT National Assessment & Accreditation Council (NAAC)
NAAC is an autonomous institution established by the University Grants Commission (UGC) under the UGC Act, 1956 for assessing and accrediting higher education institutions (HEIs) of the country.
NAAC conducts assessment and accreditation of HEIs to derive an understanding of the 'Quality Status' of the institution.
Headquartered in Bengaluru.
Eligibility: Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), with at least two batches of students graduated, or been in existence for six years, whichever is earlier, are eligible to apply for process of Assessment & Accreditation (A&A) of NAAC. Institutions covered can be:
Universities (Central/State/Private/Deemed to be) and Institutions of National Importance
Autonomous colleges/Constituent Colleges/Affiliated Colleges (Affiliated to universities recognised by UGC as an affiliating university)
Accredited HEIs applying for Reassessment or Subsequent Cycles (Cycle 2, Cycle 3, Cycle 4) of Accreditation
Any other HEIs at the discretion of NAAC.
Criteria of Accreditation followed by NAAC: Currently, the NAAC follows an input-based approach and focuses on 7 main criteria. NAAC has categorised HEIs into three major categories (University, Autonomous College and Affiliated/Constituent College) and are assigned different weightages to these criteria. They are:
Curricular Aspects
Teaching-Learning & Evaluation
Research, Innovations and Extension
Infrastructure and Learning Resources
Student support & progression
Governance, Leadership and Management
Institutional Values and Best Practices.
Process of Accreditation: Process of assessment and accreditation broadly consists of:
Online submission of institutional information for quality assessment and self-study report.
Data validation and verification by NAAC.
Student Satisfaction Survey by NAAC
Peer Team Visit
Institutional Grading
Assessment Outcome: Final result of Assessment & Accreditation exercise will be an ICT based score, which is a combination of qualitative and quantitative metrics. This will be based on report of Peer Review Team, institutional grade sheet and quantitative metrics. The above three parts will together form “NAAC Accreditation Outcome” document. It is mandatory for the HEIs to display it on their institutional website apart from NAAC hosting it on its website.
Range of Institutional Cumulative Grade Point Average
Letter Grade
Status
3.51-4
A++
Accredited
3.26-3-50
A+
Accredited
3.01-3.25
A
Accredited
2.76-3.00
B++
Accredited
2.51-2.75
B+
Accredited
2.01-2.50
B
Accredited
1.51-2
C
Accredited
<=1.50
D
Not accredited
Validity of Accreditation: Accreditation given by NAAC is usually valid for a period of 5 years. However, institutions which have secured highest grade consecutively in previous two cycles of accreditation and continue to do so in the 3rd cycle will be eligible for extension of validity from 5 years to 7 years.
Scope of Reassessment: Institutions can apply for reassessment to make an improvement in the accredited status, after a minimum of one year or before three years of accreditation. Current procedures and methodology is also applicable for all institutions applying for re-assessment.
Issues with NAAC
Discrepancies in Assessment process: Peer review of Assessments done by NAAC have been found to be allocating 'arbitrary points' to colleges. There have been allegations that certain HEIs are given more scores in NAAC assessment and even corruption and bribing of members of peer-review team.
Limited coverage: Despite mandate for universal accreditation of HEIs in India. More than 50% of universities and 75% of affiliated colleges in India are not accredited.
Issues with current assessment method of NAAC
Current assumption is that desired learning outcomes can be achieved once systems and processes necessary for achieving them are in place. However, the focus must shift to assessing the learning outcomes themselves. There is a need to assess knowledge and skills acquired by students as outcomes after completing their studies.
Process of Peer Team Visits adds substantial effort on the part of NAAC and Higher Education Institutions. Hence, role of Peer Teams should be facilitatory in nature and not have a significant weightage in assessment and accreditation.
Documentation exercise is too intensive and overwhelming for HEIs and must be rationalised.
Choosing of members of peer-review group is often biased and not objective. Only those Universities/Colleges which have NAAC grading or NIRF Ranking will be eligible for inclusion in the list maintained by UGC for receiving financial assistance.
Way Forward:
Moving towards outcome based assessment: NAAC should clearly spell out outcomes of learning expected of graduates of an Higher Education Institution with focus on assessing Educatedness, Professional Skills, Career Progression, Alumni Feedback, Autonomy of Practitioners, Quality of Teaching, Quality of Research, Commitment for SDGs, Diversity & Inclusiveness & Infrastructure support and development.
Assessment and Accreditation of educational institutions should be done transparently and professionally.
Only those Universities/Colleges which have NAAC grading or NIRF Ranking will be eligible for inclusion in the list maintained by UGC for receiving financial assistance.
Move towards unified National Accreditation Council (NAC): National Education Policy, 2020 has proposed National Accreditation Council as a meta-accrediting body. UGC has established a committee to bring synergy between NAAC, National Board of Accreditation (NBA) and National Institutional Ranking Framework to propose a common framework and roadmap for National Accreditation Council.
Accreditation & Assessment shall be mandatory and every Higher Educational Institution needs to be accredited. Self-declaration and transparency shall be basis of assessment and accreditation.
Accreditation should be carried out by an independent ecosystem of accrediting institutions supervised and overseen by NAC. Recognised accreditor to be awarded to an appropriate number of institutions by NAC.
A Graded system of accreditation should be developed which will eventually result in graded autonomy for colleges and HEIs.
Technology Enabled Assessment: Use of technology to might help HEIs in reducing burden of collecting and verifying data for assessment. Technology enabled formative assessment may provide a comprehensive, reliable and realistic assessment of HEIs.
The Union Cabinet has approved Centrally Sponsored Scheme- “Vibrant Villages Programme” (VVP) for the Financial Years 2022-23 to 2025-26.
About Vibrant Villages Programme:
Comprehensive development of villages of blocks on northern border thus improving the quality of life of people living in identified border villages. This will help in encouraging people to stay in their native locations in border areas and reversing the outmigration from these villages adding to improved security of the border.
The scheme will provide funds for development of essential infrastructure and creation of livelihood opportunities in 4 states and 1 UT:Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh, and Ladakh along the northern land border of the country which will help in achieving inclusive growth and retaining the population in the border areas.
This central scheme will promote social entrepreneurship and empowerment of youth and women through skill development and entrepreneurship through “Hub and Spoke Model”.
Under the ‘one village-One product’ model, the local cultural, traditional knowledge, and heritage will be promoted through community-based organizations, Cooperatives, SHGs, NGOs, and others.
Vibrant Village Action Plans will be created by the district administration with the help of Gram Panchayats.
There will not be overlap with Border Area Development Programme.
The ‘Vibrant Villages Programme’ will focus on mobile and internet connectivity, all-weather road, drinking water, and round-the-clock electricity using renewable sources (Solar and Wind energy). It will also focus on the development of tourist centres, multi-purpose centres, and health and wellness Centres.
Context: The Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA) is preparing to introduce a new version of the National Pension Scheme (NPS) that will enable contributors to retain 50% of their investment in equity funds until they reach the age of 45.
AboutPension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA):
It is a statutory regulatory body set up under PFRDA Act 2013, to promote old age income security and protect the interests of NPS subscribers.
PFRDA is regulating NPS, subscribed by employees of Govt. of India, State Governments and by employees of private institutions/organizations & unorganized sectors.
It operates under the jurisdiction of Ministry of Finance in the Government of India.
Organizational Structure:
The Authority consists of a Chairperson and not more than six members, of whom at least three shall be whole-time members, to be appointed by the Central Government.
Schemes managed by PFRDA:
Atal Pension Yojana (APY): a pension scheme launched by Government of India is focused on the unorganized sector workers. Under the APY, minimum guaranteed pension of Rs. 1,000/- or 2,000/- or 3,000/- or 4,000 or 5,000/- per month will start after attaining the age of 60 years depending on the contributions by the subscribers for their chosen pension amount. The contributions under Atal Pension Yojana are invested as per the investment guidelines prescribed by PFRDA.
National Pension System (NPS): is a pension cum investment scheme launched by Government of India to provide old age security to Citizens of India. It brings an attractive long-term saving avenue to effectively plan your retirement through safe and regulated market-based return. The Scheme is regulated by Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA). National Pension System Trust (NPST) established by PFRDA is the registered owner of all assets under NPS.
The McMahon Line, named after British colonial officer Henry McMahon, is a disputed boundary between India and China that runs through the eastern Himalayas.
The line was established in a 1914 treaty between the British Empire and Tibet, which was then an independent country. China, however, does not recognize the McMahon Line and considers it a relic of British colonialism.
Right hand palm theory of China
Firstly, it is important to understand the history of the McMahon Line and the dispute surrounding it. When the treaty was signed in 1914, the Chinese government was not consulted, and it has since claimed that the treaty was invalid. China maintains that Tibet was a part of China at the time and that the McMahon Line was never recognized by the Chinese government.
The McMahon Line became the de facto boundary between India and China after India gained independence from Britain in 1947.
China, under the leadership of Mao Zedong considered Tibet to be the right hand’s palm of China with Ladakh, Nepal, Sikkim, Bhutan and NEFA (Arunachal Pradesh) as its five fingers.
It therefore was China’s responsibility to “liberate” these regions believed Mao.
After annexation of Tibet it was widely expected that China may attempt to liberate these regions but global outcry against Tibet’s annexation forced Mao to distance himself temporarily from the idea.
However, in 1962, China launched a surprise attack on India along the McMahon Line, resulting in a brief but intense war that ended with China's victory. Since then, there have been occasional flare-ups along the border, including a deadly clash in 2020 that led to the deaths of several Indian and Chinese soldiers.
India and China have engaged in several rounds of talks over the years to resolve the border dispute, but progress has been slow. Meanwhile, the US has increasingly taken an interest in the region, viewing China's growing influence and assertiveness as a threat to its strategic interests.
Recognition of McMahon Line by the US
Recently, there has been much discussion about the recognition of the McMahon Line as the official boundary between India and China by the United States.
The move, if it were to happen, would have significant geopolitical implications for the region.
The US recognizing the McMahon Line as the official boundary between India and China would be a significant diplomatic move, one that would have implications for the entire region. It would signal US support for India and its territorial claims, which could embolden India in its dealings with China. It could also encourage other countries in the region, such as Japan and Australia, to take a stronger stance against China's assertiveness.
However, such a move would undoubtedly be met with strong opposition from China, which views any recognition of the McMahon Line as a violation of its territorial integrity.
China has already warned against any such move by the US, stating that it would harm bilateral relations between the two countries.
India-China Border Dispute
India shares a 3488-km boundary with China along J&K, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim & Arunachal Pradesh.
Border between India and China is not demarcated throughout and there is no mutually agreed Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Entire border is divided into three sectors: Western sector is disputed (Ladakh); Middle sector is largely settled and peaceful (Himachal Pradesh & Uttarakhand) and Eastern sector is unsettled and disputed (China claims entire Arunachal).
China claims that the border claimed by India as signed by British India and Tibet was under colonial pressure and a weak China. China does not agree.
British India had failed to produce a single integrated and well-defined northern boundary separating the Indian subcontinent from Xinjiang and Tibet.
Western Sector
Western sector i.e., Aksai Chin Sector
The two sides differ over boundary line that separates Ladakh region from Xinjiang province of China.
India accuses China of illegally occupying Aksai Chin and some other parts of Ladakh region. China sees Aksai Chin as extension of Tibet plateau whereas India claims it is an extension of Ladakh plateau. The region is mostly uninhabited.
Aksai Chin is important for China as it connects two backward provinces of China i.e., Tibet and Xinjiang.
British Johnson Line where Aksai Chin was part of Kashmir another advocated McDonald line under which Aksai Chin falls under Xinjiang Province of China.
As a result, disagreement prevails with India claiming Johnson Line to be correct and China claiming McDonald Line to be correct.
In the official map of India of 1950, India marked east of Karakoram range as “boundary undefined”.
Currently, LAC at present separates India and China in the absence of a mutually agreed boundary, there is a difference in perceptions about the alignment of the line.
Eastern Sector: McMahon Line
In eastern sector, boundary was delineated in 1914 Shimla conference of British India, China and Tibet.
British proposed formation of Outer Tibet bordering India & Inner-Tibet bordering China.
A boundary demarcating Tibetan region of China and the North-east Frontier Areas of India (current Arunachal Pradesh) was agreed upon by British and Tibetan representatives which came to be called McMahon Line.
China does not recognize McMahon line as it was signed between British and Tibet which was not a sovereign state at the time.
As a result, China claims Arunachal Pradesh especially Tawang as part of Tibet.
India on its part while recognizes Chinese suzerainty over Tibet and considers McMahon line to be the official boundary.
In conclusion, the recognition of the McMahon Line by the US as the official boundary between India and China would be a significant development in the ongoing border dispute between the two countries. While it would provide India with diplomatic support, it could also escalate tensions with China, which has already warned against such a move. Ultimately, a peaceful resolution to the border dispute remains the best outcome for all parties involved.
Central Government has allocated a budget of Rs. 9023 Crores towards achieving the objectives of the Gaganyaan mission.
The Department of Space is also in the process of formulating a comprehensive, overarching space policy to provide a further boost to the entire space ecosystem.
About Gaganyaan Mission:
Gaganyaan Mission by ISRO aims to demonstrate India's capability to conduct human spaceflight and safe return.
The mission will launch a crew of three members to a low earth orbit (LEO) of 400 kilometres for three days and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
The first trial (uncrewed flight) for Gaganyaan is being planned for the end of 2023 or early 2024.
It will be followed by sending Vyom Mitra- a humanoid, and then with the crew onboard.
The crewed mission is expected to be launched by December 2024. If successful, India would be the 4th country to send a manned mission after Russia, the USA, and China.
Precursor Missions:
Various precursor missions are being undertaken before carrying out the actual Human Space Flight mission including Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT), Pad Abort Test (PAT) and Test Vehicle (TV) flights.
Integrated Air Drop Test (IADT): The test is a simulation of different failure conditions of the Gaganyaan Parachute system. It is designed to test the capability of the crew module’s parachute system to handle the stresses of atmospheric re-entry and ensure the safety of the astronauts during their return to Earth.
Pad Abort Test (PAT)/Crew Escape System: An emergency accident-avoidance measure designed to quickly get astronauts and their spacecraft away from the launch vehicle if a malfunction occurs during the initial stage of the launch. In July 2018, ISRO completed the first successful flight ‘Pad Abort Test’ or Crew Escape System.
Critical components of Gaganyaan:
Launch Vehicle: GSLV Mk III satellite, popularly known as Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM3). The Human-rated LVM3 rocket consists of the solid stage, liquid stage and cryogenic stage.
Satellites that are launched for communication or remote sensing are meant to remain in space. However, a manned spacecraft needs to come back. While re-entering Earth’s atmosphere, the spacecraft needs to withstand very high temperatures created due to friction.
A prior critical experiment was carried out in 2014 along with GSLV MK-III when the CARE (Crew Module Atmospheric Re-entry Experiment) capsule successfully demonstrated that it could survive atmospheric re-entry.
Environmental Control & Life Support System (ECLSS):
The crew module carrying human beings must have conditions inside it suitable for humans to live comfortably.
ECLSS will:
Maintain steady cabin pressure and air composition.
Remove carbon dioxide and other harmful gases.
Control temperature and humidity
Manage parameters like fire detection and suppression.
In line with Government’s ‘Waste to Wealth’ mission and encouraging environmentally sustainable National Highways construction, a trial use of ‘Steel Slag’ in road construction has been initiated by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI).
Major Highlights:
Earlier, NHAI had announced testing the use of phosphor-gypsum — a by-product of fertilizer production — in road construction on national highways.
NHAI has also used fly ash — the fine residue of coal combustion in thermal power plants — for the construction of highways and flyover embankments.
NHAI is encouraging the use of waste plastic in road construction. Studies have established that roads built using plastic waste are durable, sustainable and increase the life of bitumen.
Significance:
The initiative will help to address thechallenge of shortage of materials used in the development of the National Highways and could replace natural aggregates such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone with the waste material from the steel industry.
The use of such materials in road construction shall make construction more economical and will promote the circular economy.
About Steel slag:
Steel slag is a solid waste or an unavoidable by-product during the production of steel. It is produced in large quantities (nearly 100-150 kg per tonne of steel) during the separation of the molten steel from impurities in steel-making furnace.
Benefits:
Steel slag particles become an integral part of the concrete matrix, acting as a filler and helping to improve the density of the concrete i.e., improve its strength and durability.
Steel slag is resistant to weathering and can withstand more load and pressure than traditional aggregates such as gravel and crushed limestone.
India and Italy are celebrating 75 years of establishing diplomatic relations. In order to strengthen the relations even further, both countries have elevated the bilateral relations to a strategic partnership.
Factors strengthening India-Italy relations
The trade between India and Italy has doubled in 2022 (from 2020) to 15 billion euros.
In 2020, a five-year action plan has been adopted which focuses primarily on energy transition, food processing, advanced manufacturing, the creative industry and infrastructure of various kinds.
Italy has joined multilateral initiatives promoted by India like the Indian Ocean Rim Association, the Coalition for Disaster Relief Infrastructure, the International Solar Alliance etc.
India and Italy are also collaborating in the field of culture and creative spheres like fashion, design and cinema etc.
India and Italy are collaborating in the field of science and technology and have launched 13 new joint products.
There has been a lot of movement of Indian students and workers in Italy and there are around 200,000 Indian living, working and studying in Italy (The highest in the EU).
In the health sector, during the pandemic, the two countries have collaborated since the beginning with the exchange of experiences and practices, with humanitarian initiatives, and we have also promoted joint research projects.
Now, the Joint Declaration approved in the last Summit affirms the commitment of the two governments to develop a strategic partnership that will also focus on sectors such as defence, cybersecurity, space and energy.
Way forward
The enhancement of our relationship is part of a common vision for an Indo-Pacific based on respect for international law, freedom of navigation and territorial integrity.
Finally, Italy intends to offer full support to the Indian Presidency of the G20. One of the ways it will do so is by contributing to the issues that were at the centre of Italy’s G20 Presidency in 2021. This includes debt service suspension, special drawing rights, finance and health track, and balance sheet optimisation of multilateral banks – that will help promote the agenda of the Global South in this G20, where India’s Presidency will further enhance these priorities.
Italy is part of the Coffee Club and can support India’s candidature for the UNSC in future.
Recently, as many as 246 vultures were spotted in the firstever synchronised survey conducted along the borders of Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka.
The estimation was carried out in the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve (MTR) and the adjoining landscape consisting of the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) in Tamil Nadu, the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) in Kerala, the Bandipur Tiger Reserve (BTR) and the Nager hole Tiger Reserve (NTR) in Karnataka.
A total of 98 vultures were seen in MTR, two in STR, 52 in WWS, 73 in BTR, and 23 in NTR.
About Vultures
Varieties of vultures found in India:
India is home to 9 species of Vulture namely
Vultures
IUCN Status
Oriental white-backed Vulture
Critically endangered
Long-billed Vulture
Critically endangered
Slender-billed Vulture
Critically endangered
Himalayan griffon vulture
Nearly threatened
Red-headed Vulture
Critically endangered
Egyptian vulture
Endangered
Bearded vulture
Nearly threatened
Cinereous vulture
Nearly threatened
Eurasian Griffon
Least concerned
ECOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE
• They act an important function as nature’s garbage collectors and help to keep the environment clean of waste.
• Vultures also play a valuable role in keeping wildlife diseases in check.
THREAT
• Diclofenac is a common anti-inflammatory drug administered to livestock and is used to treat the symptoms of inflammation, fevers and/or pain associated with disease or wounds. • Diclofenac leads to renal failure in vultures damaging their excretory system (direct inhibition of uric acid secretion in vultures).
CONSERVATION: The Ministry for Environment, Forests and Climate Change launched a Vulture Action Plan 2020- 25 for the conservation of vultures in the country. To upscaling conservation four rescue centres will be opened like Pinjore in the north, Bhopal in central India, Guwahati in Northeast and Hyderabad in South India.
The Government has retracted change in the guidelines for use of MPLADS (Members of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme) funds.
More about the news:
Changed guidelines made the provision for allocation to SC/ST areas advisory in nature.
Concerns expressed: This could result in a drop in funds for these areas, and change the "inclusive and egalitarian nature" deed of MPLADS.
The earlier guidelines, in place of since 2016:
provided flexibility in spending funds on either SCs or STS depending on their population in a constituency. They also had a provision to spend the stipulated amount in any other part per of the state provided there was not a sizeable SC/ST population in a MP's constituency.
This meant that of the Rs 25 crore MP could spend over five years, at least Rs 3.75 crore had to be set aside for SCs and Rs 1.87 OV ethe crore for SI's.
The government has now reinstated these old provisions.
MP Local Area Development (MPLAD) Scheme
MPLAD is under MOSPI. The scheme is funded and administered through the Union Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MOSPI).
Amount allotted - MPLADS allot Rs. 5 crore per year to each Member of Parliament (MP) to be spent on projects of their choice in their constituency. Under the scheme, each MP can suggest to the District Collector for work to be done under the scheme.
Role of District Authorities - Sanction of the eligible works and implementation of the sanctioned works in accordance with State Government’s financial, technical and administrative rules.
Nodal District - If a Lok Sabha Constituency is spread over more than one District, the Member of Parliament can choose any one of the Districts as Nodal District in his/her constituency. The Rajya Sabha MP can choose any District in his/her State of Election as Nodal District.
SC/ST Areas -MPs are to recommend every year, works costing at least 15% of the MPLADS entitlement for the year for areas inhabited by Scheduled Caste population and 7.5% for areas inhabited by S.T. population.
Creating Community Assets - In case there is insufficient tribal population in the area of Lok Sabha Member, they may recommend this amount for the creation of community assets in tribal areas outside of their constituency but within their State of election. In case a State does not have S.T. inhabited areas, this amount may be utilized in S.C. inhabited areas and vice-versa.
Areas prone to calamities - MPLADS works can also be implemented in the areas prone to or affected by the calamities like floods, cyclone, Tsunami, earthquake, hailstorm, avalanche, cloud burst, pest attack, landslides, tornado, drought, fire, chemical, biological and radiological hazards.
MGNREGA - Funds from Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) can be converged with MGNREGA with the objective of creating more durable assets.
Khelo India - Funds from Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS) can be converged with Khelo India.
Amount released in two Instalments - The annual entitlement of Rs 5 crore shall be released, in two equal instalments of Rs 2.5 crore each directly to the District Authority of the Nodal District of the Member of Parliament concerned.
Conditions for Second Instalment - The second installment of the MPLADS funds will be released subject to the fulfilment of the following eligibility criteria –
(i) the unsanctioned balance amount available in the account of the District Authority after taking into account the cost of all the work sanctioned is less than Rs.1 crore;
(ii) the unspent balance of fund of the MP Concerned is less than Rs. 2.5 crore; and
(iii) Utilization Certificate and Audit Certificate of the immediately concluded financial year ending 31st March have been furnished by District Authority.
MPLADS Fund Non-Lapsable - It means that funds sanctioned under MPLADS can be carried forward for utilization for subsequent year.
Further, the funds not released by the Government of India in a year will be carried forward for making releases in the subsequent years.
Presently, Pumped Storage Projects (PSP) and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) are the major feasible options to store Renewable Energy. Recently, the Ministry of Power has issued draft guidelines to promote the development of Pump Storage Projects (PSP) in the country.
Under the draft guidelines, the ministry has asked the states to:
Consider exempting stamp duty and registration fees for the land for PSP projects.
Give government land at concessional rates for such projects.
Avoid double taxation, and provide relief in the State Goods and Services Tax (SGST).
Pumped Storage Projects (PSP):
Pumped storage projects (PSPs), often called ‘giant batteries,’ is a type of hydroelectric energy storage system. The internationally accepted technology is conventionally used to stabilise the grid and maintain peak power.
These projects storeappreciable amounts of energy and release it when required. The present installed capacity of PSPs in the country is 4745 MW and another 1500 MW capacity is under active construction.
Some of the operational PSP plants exist in Telangana (Nagarjuna Sagar, Srisailam), Tamil Nadu (Kadamparai), Maharashtra (Bhira, Ghatgar), and Purulia in West Bengal.
Mechanism:
The PSPs comprise two water reservoirs connected through a tunnel or underground pipe at different heights.
When there is more electricity production and less demand, these projects pump water from the downward reservoir to the upward reservoir.
When more energy is needed, water is pushed from the uphill to the downhill via a turbine to produce the required power instantly.
Advantages:
PSPs are clean, megawatt-scale, domestically available, time-tested, and internationally accepted.
PSPs are clean, green, safe, and non-explosive as they do not produce any poisonous/ harmful by-products or pose disposal problems.
Concerns:
Several issues have halted the growth of PSPs in India including, higher upfront costs, the high tariff of power used to pump water uphill, and the long gestation period of such projects due to several approvals like environmental clearance and other formalities.
PSPs vs BESS:
Currently, the price of batteries is rising and stands around Rs. 8-10 per unit (1 kilowatt-hour), and their price is dynamic depending on changing geopolitics and other reasons. Although the upfront cost of PSPs is higher, its operational cost per KwH is lower than that of battery storage systems.
PSPs lose around 20-30% of the energy in their storage process but have a longer duration supply than battery systems. While the lead acid batteries can work up to 2-6 hours, PSPs can supply energy ranging from six to 20 hours.
PSPs have a long gestation period, and their capacity is dependent on location, however, they have a longer life. BESS have a short gestation period, and are non-dependent on location (mobile) but limited by the availability of minerals and technology.
Way Forward:
To improve the uptake of PSPs in the grid, differential pricing should be explored (instead of a flat energy charge) that will increase PSP profitability, and generation-based incentives should be provided.
The government could consider allowing Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for PSPs as they are available for other renewable projects.
