Prelims Nuggets

Quantum algorithms solve problems that Classical computers cannot

Context: We often hear that quantum computers efficiently solve problems that are very difficult to solve with a classical computer. But even if the hardware is available to build a quantum computer, exploiting its quantum features requires us to write smart algorithms.

What is Quantum computing?

  • Quantum computing is a field of study focused on the development of computer-based technologies centred around the principles of quantum theory.
  • Quantum theory, a subfield of physics, describes the nature of energy and matter on the quantum (atomic and subatomic) scale.

Principles of Quantum Computing:

  • Superposition: A qubit can represent both 0 and 1 state simultaneously.
  • Entanglement: States of qubits become interlinked allowing coordinated processing.
  • Interference: Quantum states combine to amplify correct solutions and cancel out wrong ones.
  • Tunnelling: Particles can pass through barriers aiding in optimisation tasks.
  • Measurement: Extracts a result from a qubit collapsing its state to either 0 or 1.
  • Quantum Gates: Operations that manipulate qubits, analogous to classical logic gates.
  • No-Cloning: Qubits cannot be precisely copied.
  • Decoherence: External influences can cause errors requiring error correction.

Application of Quantum computing

image 54

What is Classical Computing?

Classical computing refers to the traditional model of computing based on classical physics principles and the binary system.

  • Bits: The fundamental unit of classical computing. A bit can be in one of two states: 0 or 1.
  • Logic Gates: Operations that manipulate bits. Common gates include AND, OR, NOT, XOR, and others. These gates form the building blocks of digital circuits and processors.
  • Binary System: Classical computers operate using the binary numeral system, where data and instructions are represented using combinations of 0s and 1s.
  • Deterministic: Classical computers operate in a deterministic manner, meaning given the same input, they will always produce the same output.
  • Stored-Program Concept: Modern classical computers follow this concept, where instructions (software) and data are stored in memory and processed by a central processing unit (CPU).
  • Architecture: Classical computers typically have a CPU, memory (RAM), storage (hard drive or SSD), input/output devices, and other components interconnected by a system bus.
  • Applications: Classical computing encompasses a wide range of devices, from simple calculators to supercomputers, and is used in virtually every industry and aspect of modern life.
  • Limitations: There are problems that classical computers find challenging or time-consuming, such as factoring very large numbers or simulating quantum systems. This is where quantum computing may offer advantages.

Quantum computing vs Classical computing

Feature/AspectQuantum ComputingClassical Computing
Basic UnitQuantum bits (qubits)Binary bits (0 or 1)
State Representation0, 1, or a superposition of bothEither 0 or 1
ParallelismCan process multiple possibilities simultaneouslyProcesses tasks sequentially or with limited parallelism
EntanglementQubits can be entangledNo equivalent phenomenon
OperationsUses quantum gates         Uses logic gates (AND, OR, NOT, etc.)
DeterminismProbabilistic outcomes         Deterministic outcomes
Data StorageQuantum states (fragile)Electronic storage (RAM, SSDs, hard drives)
Error CorrectionRequires quantum error correctionUses classical error correction methods
Maturity & ApplicationsEarly stages with specific potential applications  Mature, used in countless applications
HardwareSpecialised conditions (E.g., very low temperatures) Operates at room temperature with semiconductor technology

Benefits of Quantum Computing:

  • Speed: Solve specific problems exponentially faster.
  • Parallelism: Process vast information simultaneously.
  • Optimisation: Efficiently tackle complex optimization tasks.
  • Simulation: Directly simulate quantum systems for research.
  • Cryptography: Enable ultra-secure quantum encryption.
  • Machine Learning: Accelerate training and improve accuracy.
  • Material Discovery: Efficiently find new materials with desired properties.
  • Climate Modelling: Achieve more accurate environmental simulations.
  • Enhanced Search: Quickly search through unsorted databases.
  • Error Correction: Advanced techniques applicable beyond just quantum computing.

Limitations of Quantum Computing:

  • Decoherence: Qubits are unstable and lose information over time.
  • Error Rates: High error rates compromise computation reliability.
  • Scalability: Difficult to build large-scale quantum systems.
  • Quantum-to-Classical Transition: Information loss when translating quantum results into classical data.
  • Selective Speedup: Not universally faster; speed benefits apply to specific problems.
  • Algorithm Complexity: Quantum algorithms are intricate and hard to design.
  • Hardware Demands: Requires extreme conditions (E.g., very low temperatures) to function.
  • Error Correction: Needs many extra qubits, complicating the design.
  • Immature Software: Lacks a robust software ecosystem.
  • Cryptography Risks: Threatens current encryption methods.
  • Practicality: Many quantum solutions have limited immediate real-world use.

Unmanned Aerial Vehicle

Context: The Chief of Defence Staff recently ordered two studies to be conducted on major military platforms (unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV) and armoured helicopters) used by the three Services. The study on UAVs has been completed with a recommendation to acquire 31 MQ-9B high-altitude long-endurance (HALE) UAVs and 155 medium-altitude long-endurance (MALE) UAVs.

What is Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)?

A UAV, or Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, is an aircraft that operates without a human pilot onboard. Instead, it is either piloted remotely by a human operator or autonomously through pre-programmed systems or artificial intelligence. UAVs are commonly known as "drones."

image 9

Type of UAVs:

  • Fixed-Wing: Resemble airplanes; long flight times; used for surveillance and mapping.
  • Multi-Rotor: Have multiple rotors (E.g., quadcopters); great for photography and short-range tasks.
  • Single-Rotor: Like helicopters; carry heavier payloads; used for specialized tasks.
  • VTOL (Vertical Take-Off and Landing): Combine fixed-wing and rotor features; long endurance with vertical takeoffs/landings.
  • Tethered: Connected to a ground station; offer continuous power for persistent tasks.
  • Nano/Micro: Small drones for indoor use or tight spaces.
  • High Altitude: Operate at great heights; used for weather and surveillance.
  • Swarm: Groups of drones working together; used for coordinated displays and research.

UAVs in India:

  • During the 1990s, the Indian Army procured unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) from Israel, subsequently prompting the Indian Air Force and Navy to adopt similar measures.
  • During the 1999 Kargil conflict with Pakistan, India employed military unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to conduct visual reconnaissance activities along the Line of Control (LOC).
  • The regulation of all aerial vehicles, whether human or automated, in India is overseen by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
  • Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs), initially designed for military and aerospace applications, have gained widespread adoption in several sectors due to their notable advancements in safety and efficiency.

Application of UAVs:

image 52

Policy Framework:

  • The 'Drone Rules 2021' and Drone Amendment Rules 2022 have been introduced to support the UAV industry with restrictions on foreign drone imports​.

New Drone Rules 2021:

  • In 2021, India introduced a new set of guidelines called "The Drone Rules, 2021" to regulate the use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) or drones in the country. 
  • These rules replaced the previous guidelines issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in 2018 and aimed to simplify and liberalize the regulatory framework for drones.

Key highlights and provisions of the Drone Rules, 2021:

Reduced Compliance Burden:

  • The number of forms required for operating drones has been reduced from 25 to 5.
  • Permissions such as the Unmanned Aircraft Operator Permit (UAOP), Remote Pilot License, and many others have been abolished.
  • The "No Permission, No Takeoff" (NPNT) mandate has been liberalised.

Categories:

  • The Drone Rules classified drones into five categories based on weight: Nano (up to 250 grams), Micro (250 grams to 2 kg), Small (2 kg to 25 kg), Medium (25 kg to 150 kg), and Large (more than 150 kg).
  • The maximum altitude for drone operations has been set at 400 feet.

Safety and No-Fly Zones:

  • Drones cannot be flown in specified no-fly zones such as over the perimeter of strategic locations, military installations, and from the international border unless permitted.
  • Yellow zones (controlled airspace) have been reduced from 45 km to 12 km from the airport perimeter.

Easier Import Process:

  • The process for importing drones has been simplified, with the requirement for security clearance before any approval or license has been done away.

Digital Sky Platform:

  • An interactive airspace map with green, yellow, and red zones will be displayed on the Digital Sky Platform.
  • Real-time tracking of drones is mandated for all Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA) except for those in the Nano category.

Promotion of Indigenous Manufacturing:

  • The rules encourage the use of drones "Made in India" and promote indigenous research and development.

Penalties:

  • Penalties for minor violations have been reduced, focusing on a constructive approach rather than a punitive one.

Insurance:

  • Drones must have insurance for potential damages to third parties.

Challenges:

image 51

Contributions of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan

Context: The passing of the Women’s Reservation Bill coincided with the 125th birth (October 17) anniversary of Sir Syed Ahmad Khan, known for propagating social reforms among the Muslim community. 

The evolution of Muslim political thought unfolded in a multifaceted historical context marked by interactions with colonial rule and the complexities of social, cultural, and political life among the Muslim communities in India. The relative backwardness of the Muslim population gave rise to competitive tendencies, intensifying the debate about accommodating diverse social groups within existing and future power structures and institutions.

Syed Ahmad Khan (1817-1898)

sir syed 1 652f989d4297d

1. Educational and Political engagement

  • Syed Ahmad Khan, a prominent figure of the 19th century, received education in both religious Scripture, the Quran, and Western sciences. 
  • His booklet, "Asbab-e-Baghawat-e-Hind" (Reasons for the Indian Revolt of 1857), highlighted British ignorance, their aggressive expansionary policies, and the exclusion of Indians from the Legislative Council of India as major causes for growing antagonism. 
  • Interestingly, non-official Indian members were included in the Viceroy's Council from 1861, and Syed Ahmad Khan was nominated to the Viceroy's Legislative Council in 1878.
  • He supported the efforts of Dadabhai Naoroji and Surendra Nath Banerjee in securing Indian representation in the government and civil services.

2. Educational and Socio-religious reforms

  • Syed Ahmad Khan emphasized interfaith understanding, exemplified by his work, "Commentary on the Holy Bible."
  • He advocated modern scientific education for Muslims, criticizing the prevailing superstitions and regressive customs of society.
  • He founded the Scientific Society of Aligarh in 1863, modelling it after the Royal Society of England. This society organized annual conferences and disseminated scientific material in English and Urdu. 
  • He established various educational institutes to promote education, most notably the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College (MAOC) in 1875, later evolving into Aligarh Muslim University.
  • The MAOC played a pivotal role in the Aligarh Movement of the 19th century, fostering a renaissance among Indian Muslims. While founded primarily for Muslims, MAOC's doors were open to all, emphasizing inclusivity.
  • Mohammedan Anglo-Oriental (MAO) College, aimed  to provide modern education while preserving cultural heritage. 
  • The Aligarh Institute Gazette, initiated by him, campaigned against practices such as female infanticide, polygamy, child marriage, sati, segregation of widows, and poverty-induced marriages of young girls to older men.
  • His progressive social ideas were disseminated through his magazine, "Tahdhib-ul-Akhlaq" (Improvement of Manners and Morals).

Views of Syed Ahmad Khan on Women Education

  • Despite showing inclination for liberal values and rationality, his views on education to be imparted to women had been controversial. 
  • Syed Ahmad Khan, believed the ultimate goal for women is marriage and therefore, training for them should focus on familial duties. For women’s education he believed in a “Disorganised home-based tutor education”.
  • However, later he was convinced that the “rejection of women’s education by Muslims played a big role in the decline of the community” in comparison to others. 

Muhammadan Educational Conference: 

  • To propagate the ideas of Anglo-oriental College across India, Syed Khan established the All-India Muhammadan Educational Congress in Aligarh, U.P.
  • The first session of the congress was held in 1886 in Aligarh and was presided by Maulvi Samiullah Khan.
  • The organisation aimed to promote educational development among Muslims through conferences and also to gain University status for the Anglo-Oriental College.  

3. Aligarh movement

  • The Aligarh Movement, the first national awakening among Muslims, began at Aligarh under the leadership of Syed Ahmad Khan.
  • It was furthered by individuals like Khwaja Altaf Hussain Ali, Maulvi Wazir Ahmed, and Maulvi Shibli Numani.
  • It sought to introduce social reforms within the Indian Muslim community, challenging practices such as polygamy and the ban on widow remarriage.
  • The Aligarh Movement was rooted in a liberal interpretation of the Quran and aimed to harmonize Islam with modern, liberal culture.

4. Evolution of Syed Ahmad Khan's political thought

(a) First Phase (Up to 1887)

  • Syed Ahmad Khan advocated for Hindu-Muslim unity, emphasizing their shared history and common interests.
  • He advocated for the separation of religious and political matters, believing that religious and spiritual issues should not impede nationalist objectives.
  • In his role on the Viceroy's Legislative Council, he actively worked for the welfare of both Hindus and Muslims.
  • Cooperation between the two communities was evident in the scientific society and the Aligarh British India Association.
  • Syed Ahmad Khan even supported the ban on cow slaughter within the MAOC. 

(b) Second Phase (After 1887)

  • His perspective on the applicability of Western democracy and nationalism in India underwent a significant shift.
  • He argued that the complex, diverse nature of Indian society, with its diverse castes, religions, and races, made representative government impractical and could lead to Hindu dominance over Muslims.
  • This argument laid the foundation for the two-nation theory, which claimed that Hindus and Muslims were separate nations with distinct interests.
  • He aimed to establish an Anglo-Muslim alliance to counter the influence of the Congress, influenced by British officials and the need for their support for his college.

Syed Ahmad Khan's influence initiated social and educational reforms among certain sections of Muslims, reflecting the dynamism of India's diverse religious communities and their multifaceted options. It is essential to note that his major concerns were to advance the interests of the Muslim community, especially the established groups, rather than promoting hatred or division among communities.

Why Egypt is keeping Gaza’s Rafah border crossing shut

Context: Egypt is wary of insecurity near the border with Gaza in Northeastern Senai, where it faced an Islamist insurgency that peaked after 2013, after that it is largely regulated allowing aid to enter and medical evacuees to leave but preventing any large scale movement.

About Rafah border crossing

  • It is crossing between the Gaza Strip and Egypt and is the sole route for aid to enter Gaza directly outside Israel.
  • It is only exit that does not lead to Israeli territory.
  • The crossing is at the south of the Gaza Strip and wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.
image 49
image 50

UN approved Kenya-led security mission to Haiti

Context: The UN Security Council has approved International Intervention in the form of a foreign security mission led by Kenya to restore security, protect critical infrastructure and control the spiralling Gang war in the country.

About the UN Security Council

The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations.

It is charged with:

  •  Ensuring international peace and security,
  •  Recommending the admission of new UN members to the General Assembly,
  •  Approving any changes to the UN Charter.

Its powers as outlined in the United Nations Charter include:

  • establishing peacekeeping operations, 
  • enacting international sanctions,
  •  authorizing military action.

The UNSC is the only UN body with the authority to issue binding resolutions on member states.

UNSC Member: - 5 Permanent members (P5)-USA, CHINA, RUSSIA, UK, France.

10 non-permanent members elected by the UN General Assembly for a 2-year term.

ABOUT HAITI

  • Haiti is a country in the Caribbean Sea that includes the western third of the island of Hispaniola and such smaller islands. The capital is Port-au-Prince.
  • Recently, a Group of Gangs called “G9 and family” seized control of the entry of the main fuel port Varreux in the capital protesting the PM’s decision to cut fuel subsidies.
image
image 48

Global Terrorism Index

Context: The recent Global Terrorism Index states that ideologically motivated terrorism continues to be the most common type of terrorism in the West.

About Global Terrorism Index

  • The Global Terrorism Index (GTI) is a comprehensive study analysing the impact of terrorism for 163 countries.
  • It is released by the Institute for Economics & Peace (IEP).
  • GTI is a composite measure made up of four indicators: incidents, fatalities, injuries and hostages; weighted over a five-year period.
  • It does not include acts of state repression and violence by state actors.
  • The Sahel is home to the world’s fastest growing and most-deadly terrorist groups.
  • Afghanistan remained the country most impacted by terrorism for the fourth consecutive year.
  • India’s rank: 13

E-commerce site by Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

Context: Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is planning to set up a new e-commerce site to showcase ‘energy efficient’ appliances.

Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL)

  • Founded in 2009, EESL is promoted by the Ministry of Power, Government of India as a Joint Venture of four reputed public-sector undertakings NTPC Limited, Power Finance Corporation Limited, REC Limited and POWERGRID Corporation of India Limited.
image 47
  • Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL) is a Super Energy Service Company (ESCO), which enables consumers, industries and governments to effectively manage their energy needs through energy-efficient technologies.

Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE)

  • The Government of India set up the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) in 2002 under the provisions of the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.
image 46
  • BEE co-ordinates with designated consumers, designated agencies and other organizations; recognizes, identifies and utilizes the existing resources and infrastructure, in performing the functions assigned to it under the Energy Conservation Act.

Standards & Labelling

  • Standards and Labelling (S&L) scheme is a flagship initiative of Ministry of Power that was launched with the key objective of providing consumers an informed choice regarding the energy savings and thereby the cost-saving potential of various energy consuming appliances.
  • This scheme prescribes minimum energy performance levels for appliances/ equipment, rated on a scale of 1 to 5 with 5 being the most energy efficient.
  • Presently, S&L scheme covers the star labelling program for 35 appliances, out of which 15 appliances are under mandatory regime and remaining 20 appliances are under voluntary regime. 

Estivation or Aestivation

Context: Animals often tend to show some physiological adaptation to survive in challenging environments. This adaptation varies depending on factors like when and why they are occurring and what kind of animals are adopting it.

Physiological adaptations are mainly of three types:

  1. Hibernation
  2. Brumation
  3. Estivation or Aestivation

Further Migration can also be considered as an adaptation technique where species relocate themselves to avoid harsh weather.

Hibernation 

  • Hibernation is a physiological adaptation practised by some animals. It is a state of inactivity and dormancy that enables some animals to survive in cold environments with reduced food availability during the winter months.
image 42
  • Hibernation is mostly done by the endotherms or warm-blooded animals
  • A variety of animals can hibernate, including bats, bears, rodents, and some species of birds and reptiles.

Brumation

  • Brumation is known as the hibernation for cold-blooded animals. In a nutshell, brumation is to reptiles what hibernation is to mammals.
image 41

Hibernating animals need to eat in order to have enough food storage to last them through their hibernation period as their metabolism while decreased is still active.

Brumating animals stop eating before entering inactivity as their metabolic rate drops so low that they are unable to fully digest their meal until outside temperatures increase.

Estivation or Aestivation

  • It is a physiological adaptation whereby the animal enters a long period of dormancy or inactivity in response to high temperatures or maybe even drought-like conditions. 
image 40

Similarities Between Hibernation, Brumation and Aestivation:

  1. Metabolic Slowdown: In all strategies, animals experience a significant reduction in their metabolic rate while in a dormant state.
  2. Reduced Activity: Processes involve a decrease in activity levels, which serves to conserve energy.
  3. Water Conservation Adaptations: Animals have developed specific adaptations to minimize water loss, such as creating protective mucus layers or sealing themselves within cocoons.
  4. Prolonged Dormancy: Processes can endure for extended periods, enabling animals to survive challenging environmental conditions until more favourable circumstances return.

Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

Context: Prime Minister of India paid tribute to Sikh warrior Baba Banda Singh Bahadur on 350th birth anniversary

About Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

About Baba Banda Singh Bahadur

Early Life

  • Baba Banda Singh Bahadur, originally known as Lachman Dev, emerged as a prominent Sikh warrior and the commander of the Khalsa army.
  • His journey into Sikhism was a transformative one, as he became a devout disciple of Guru Gobind Singh, who bestowed upon him the name Gurbaksh Singh.
  • Banda Singh Bahadur's life took a significant turn when he arrived in Khanda, Sonipat, where he assembled a military force and started a struggle against the Mughal Empire.

Establishment of Khalsa Rule

  • Upon consolidating his authority in Punjab, Banda Singh Bahadur initiated a series of reforms.
  • He abolished the oppressive Zamindari system, an exploitative land revenue system, and ensured that property rights were granted to the tillers of the land.
  • In addition to his land reforms, Banda Singh Bahadur introduced the Nanak Shahi coins, showing his commitment to Sikh values and principles.

Early Conquests

  • His early conquests demonstrated his commitment to the Sikh cause.
  • His first major confrontation took place at the Battle of Sonipat, where he led the Sikh army and clashed against the Mughals.
  • In 1709, he achieved victory in the Battle of Samana, leading to the capture of the Mughal city of Samana.
  • These victories set the stage for the Sikhs to expand their influence into the Cis-Sutlej areas of Punjab.
  • Banda Singh Bahadur even established his capital in Mukhlisgarh, renaming it as Lohgarh, which translates to ‘fortress of steel,’ and issued his own currency.

Mughal response and the Persecution

  • The rise of Banda Singh Bahadur and the Sikhs in Punjab caused great concern for the Mughal Emperor Bahadur Shah, as it disrupted communication between Delhi and Lahore, the capital of Punjab.
  • In response, the Mughal Empire organized a formidable force to subdue and eliminate Banda Singh Bahadur.
  • The Sikhs, under Banda Bahadur’s leadership, made a strategic move to Lohgarh to prepare for the battle and despite successfully defeating the initial Mughal forces, the Sikhs found themselves besieged by an overwhelming Mughal army of 60,000 troops.
  • Banda Singh Bahadur tried to recoup and reorganise and therefore, issued Hukamnamas (decrees) to the Sikhs, urging them to join him. In 1712, the Sikhs gathered near Kiratpur Sahib.
  • As the Mughal Empire was facing succession wars for the throne, Banda Singh Bahadur managed to recapture Sadhaura and Lohgarh in 1712.
  • In 1715, the Mughal governor of Lahore, Abd al-Samad Khan, led an army to besiege Banda Singh Bahadur and his Sikh forces in a village.
  • The Sikhs defended their position, however, but the Mughal assault eventually led to the capture of Banda Singh.
  • Subsequently, in 1716, during the reign of Mughal Emperor Farrukhsiyar, Banda Singh Bahadur, along with 700 of his followers, were executed in Delhi.
  • This event was witnessed by a European visitor, an East India Company diplomat, who sent a letter to the governor of Fort William in Calcutta. 

Does the bio decomposer help? It’s all in the timing, say farmer in Capital

Context: The exercise of spraying the bio-decomposer began in the capital to curb the issue of stubble burning.

What is stubble burning?

  • Intentionally setting fire to the straw stubble that remains after grains, such as rice and wheat, have been harvested.

Why stubble burning is a big challenge?

  • It releases huge amount of pollutants and gases like no2, n20, co2, so2, ch4 and thus amounts to environmental pollution.
  • It impacts soil fertility because excessive heat kills the soil microbes, reduces soil moisture as well as destroys the nutrients.
  • It reduces visibility and thus affects free vehicular movement.
  • During the winter season its effects are more severe, The stable atmospheric conditions and northwesterly winds carry the pollutants towards Delhi.
  • It severely affects the health also, Various respiratory and cardiovascular diseases owe their origin to environmental pollution.

Why does stubble burning continue?

  • It is easy and cheap practice. It makes the field free from remains withing few days. Moreover, employing labor to clear the fields creates an unnecessary financial burden on the farmers.
  • Vote bank politics make the laws that ban stubble burning un-enforceable.
  • Farmers do not have many alternatives on ground level. Though many projects are going on but still they are far from accessible to farmers.
  • Lack of policy initiatives further aggravates the challenges.

About Bio decomposer

  • A bio decomposer is a living organism that breaks down organic matter into simpler substances, such as carbon dioxide, water, and minerals.
  • Bio decomposers can be bacteria, fungi, insects, or other animals. They play an essential role in the ecosystem by helping to recycle nutrients and keeping the environment clean.
  • There are many different types of bio decomposers, each with its own specialized role. For example, some bacteria break down dead plants and animals, while others break down waste products.
  • Fungi plays an important role in decomposing wood and other plant matter.
  • Insects and other animals help to break down organic matter by eating it and then excreting it as waste.

How to apply Bio decomposer in the field to curb Stubble Burning?

It is sprayed on the field post harvest, ploughed to mix the straw into the soil and lightly irrigated.

It can take 20-25 days for stubble to decompose.

Bio decomposers are used in a variety of ways, including:

Composting: They are essential for the composting process, which breaks down organic waste into nutrient-rich soil enrichment.

Bioremediation They can be used to clean up contaminated soil and water by breaking down harmful pollutants.

Here are some examples of bio decomposers:

Bacteria: Escherichia coli (E. coli), Bacillus subtilis, Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Fungi: Aspergillus Niger, Trichoderma Reese, Penicillium chrysogenum

Insects: Earthworms, termites, maggots

Other animals: Crabs, lobsters, snails

Current development and need of Bio-decomposer

As stubble burning in Punjab causing air pollution in Delhi and parts of the Indo-Gangetic Plains, an innovative intervention developed by the Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) holds promise.

About Pusa Bio-decomposer

pWYlbJedlVMTXR7mnanD1 zAL74rVuemkB5ctr0 SdQnJdBlAixzpjOyFF OK8sgx dfFlHNdxplWXpMBb2gLs7dNdg 0hoLqS6naEG6g9PCo

Benefits of Pusa Decomposer​

  • Easy to use.
  • Environmentally friendly.
  • Helps in maintaining soil health.
  • Replenishes organic content in the soil.
  • Can be sprayed easily.
  • Effective and proven results.
  • Helps in reducing pollution by solving stubble burning problem.

Bio decomposers are important for maintaining a healthy and balanced ecosystem. They help to recycle nutrients, break down organic matter, and clean up the environment.

Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana - Gramin

Context: According to surveys done in 2022, more than 80 per cent of Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin beneficiaries spent over Rs 1.50 lakh to construct houses under the scheme, higher than the allocated Rs 1.20 lakh for rural areas in plains and Rs 1.30 lakh in hills, 

About PMAY-G

  • Background: Indira Awaas yojana (IAY) has been restructured into PMAY-G.
  • Launched in: 2016.
  • Type of scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme.
  • Nodal ministry: Ministry of Rural Development.
  • Budgetary allocation: 13,000-crore.
  • Objective: To ensure the provision of pucca housing for all individuals who are homeless or living in dilapidated houses in rural areas except Delhi and Chandigarh by 2024, instead of the previous goal of 2022.
  • Target: Construction of 2.95 crore houses by March 2024.
  • Funding pattern: Shared between Central and State Governments in the ratio 60:40 in plain areas and 90: 10 for North Eastern and Himalayan States.
  • Eligible Beneficiaries: All the houseless households living in zero, one, or two-room houses with kutcha walls and kutcha roofs. Criteria for Automatic/Compulsory Inclusion: 
    • Households without shelter
    • Destitute/ living on alms
    • Manual scavengers
    • Primitive Tribal Groups
    • Legally released bonded labourer.
  • Selection of Beneficiaries: Through a three stage validation - Socio Economic Caste Census 2011, Gram Sabha, and geo-tagging.
  • Benefits: Financial Assistance of ₹ 1,20,000 per unit for plain areas, and ₹ 1,30,000 per unit for hilly areas, difficult areas, and Integrated Action Plan districts.
    • Can avail of institutional finance (loan) of up to ₹ 70,000 at 3% lower interest rate.
    • The minimum size of the house shall be is 25 sq m including a dedicated area for hygienic cooking.
    • In convergence with Swachh Bharat Mission-Gramin (SBM-G), get financial assistance of up to ₹ 12,000 for the construction of toilets.
    • In convergence with MGNREGA, the beneficiary is entitled to employment as unskilled labour at ₹ 90.95 per day for 95 days.
    • In convergence with Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, one LPG connection per house is provided.
    • Payments are made electronically directly to bank accounts or post office accounts that are linked to Aadhaar.
  • Exclusion: Candidates that have: 
  • motorised two wheeler, three-wheeler, four-wheeler and agriculture equipment or fishing boat, Kisan Credit Card (KCC) with a limit greater or equal to Rs.50,000, at least one member that is employed with the government or earning more than Rs. 10,000 per month, that pays Income Tax, professional tax or owns a refrigerator or landline phone connection.

Bnei Menashe

Context: As the Israel-Palestine conflict is back in news, there is a focus on Jewish community among the Kukis. A section of Kukis community in Manipur and Mizoram identify themselves as Jews and have overtime emigrated to Israel.

About Bnei Menashe

  • Around 5,000 Kuki tribal people live in Israel as they emigrated under Israel's open-door policy for communities recognised as 'Lost Jewish Tribe' by Israel. Most of Kuki resettled in Israel live in small town of Sderot, close to Gaza.
  • The community is known as Bnei Menashe in Hebrew which translates as children of Manasseh. Menashe is the first son of Joseph, revered in Judaism as the first prophet.
  • Bnei Menashe claim descent from one of the Ten Lost Tribes of Israel, who were sent to exile by the Assyrian Empire 2700 years ago who wandered all through Asia to settle in the Northeastern India.
  • Kuki have integrated well and many of them are part of Israel Defence Forces.