Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (14-02-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| Ecology and Environment- Gupteswar forest designated as fourth biodiversity heritage site in Odisha
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| Science and Technology- High-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicles, powered by the Sun
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| National– National Women’s Day
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| Economy- Deep Industrialisation
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| International Relations- UAE-India Relations
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Gupteswar forest designated as fourth biodiversity heritage site in Odisha
Source: Times of India
Context: Gupteswar forest in Odisha has been declared as the state’s fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS Paper – 3: ( Biodiversity Conservation)
Why in news
- Gupteswar forest in Odisha has been declared as the state’s fourth Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS)
Key Highlights
- Spanning an area of 350 hectares, the Gupteswar forest is not only revered by the local community for its sacred groves but also boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna.
- The forest is home to 608 faunal species, including mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish, butterflies, and more.
- The limestone caves within the forest provide habitat for eight species of bats, two of which are considered near-threatened.
- With an array of trees, shrubs, herbs, climbers, and orchids, the forest is of significant ecological importance.
About biodiversity heritage site
Biodiversity Heritage Sites are well-defined areas that are unique and ecologically fragile ecosystems (terrestrial, coastal, marine, inland waters) having rich biodiversity comprising of any one or more of the following components:
- Species richness
- High endemism
- Presence of rare and threatened species, keystone species, and species of evolutionary significance.
- Presence of wild ancestors of domestic/cultivated species.
- Past pre-eminence of biological components represented by fossil beds.
- Areas with significant cultural, ethical or aesthetic values important for the maintenance of cultural diversity .
- Under Section 37 of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 (BDA), the State Government in consultation with local bodies may notify areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites (BHS).
Key facts about Biological Diversity Act, 2002
- It is an Act of the Parliament of India for the preservation of biological diversity in India and provides a mechanism for the equitable sharing of benefits arising out of the use of traditional biological resources and knowledge.
- It was enacted to meet the obligations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), as India is a party to it.
- The Act defines, Biological resources as “plants, animals and micro-organismsor parts thereof, their genetic material and by-products (excluding value added products) with actual or potential use or value, but does not include human genetic material,”
- The Act provides measures for safeguarding traditional knowledge and practices, preservation of rare and threatened species and prevention of blo-piracy.
- Under the Act, the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) has been formed and is headquartered in Chennal. State Biodiversity Boards (SBBs) also have been formed in all Indian states.
- The Act mentions that every local body shall constitute a Biodiversity Management Committee within its area for the purpose of promoting conservation, sustainable use and documentation of biological diversity.
First BHS of India
- Nallur Tamarind Grove in Bengaluru, Karnataka was the first Biodiversity Heritage Site of India, declared in 2007.
- As per Section 37 (1) of the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 the State Government may, from time to time in consultation with the local bodies, notify in the Official Gazette, areas of biodiversity importance as Biodiversity Heritage Sites.
- So far 45 Biodiversity Heritage Sites have been notified by sixteen (16) states.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Which of the following pairs is correctly matched:
Biodiversity Heritage Sites States 1. Debbari – Tripura 2. Betlingshib – Kerala 3. Hajong Tortoise Lake – Assam 4. Borjuli Wild Rice Site – Manipur 5. Amarkantak – Madhya Pradesh Code A. One only B. Three only C. Four only D. All five
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Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2019 )
1. Under Ramsar Convention, it is mandatory on the part of the Government of India to protect and conserve all the wetlands in the territory of India. 2. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 were framed by the Government of India based on the recommendations of Ramsar Convention. 3. The Wetlands (Conservation and Management) Rules, 2010 also encompass the drainage area or catchment regions of the wetlands as determined by the authority. Which of the statements given above is / are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1 , 2 and 3 Answer : C
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| Ans 1 B
Explanation
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High-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicles, powered by the Sun
Source: Indian Express
Context: Why India wants to develop high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicles, powered by the Sun
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Science and Technology )
Why in News
- Recently the Bengaluru-based National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) successfully flew a prototype of a new-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that is being seen as a huge technology breakthrough.
Key highlights
- This new-generation unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) can fly at great heights, about 20 km from ground, runs entirely on solar power, and can remain in the air for months on end.
- Such UAVs belong to a class of flying objects called HAPS, or high-altitude pseudo-satellite vehicles, or HALE, that is high- altitude long-endurance vehicles.
- The primary utility of HAPS vehicles is in the field of surveillance and monitoring, but there are other situations, like disaster management, wherein it can be very useful.
- HAPS technology is still under development.
- Several countries, and companies, have developed and flown such vehicles with encouraging success, but none has mastered the technology yet.
- The world record for a vehicle of this class is held by the Airbus-manufactured Zephyr, which flew continuously for 64 days in August 2022 before crashing.
- The prototype tested by NAL last week spent eight and a half hours in the air. Next month, NAL, a unit of the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR), plans to keep it in flight for at least 24 hours.
- The full-scale machine that NAL is trying to build, by 2027, would be aiming to remain in the air for 90 days at a stretch.
About High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS)
- Since the 1990s, several initiatives have been launched globally to explore the potential applications of High Altitude Pseudo Satellites, also called High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS).
- HAPS are aircraft located above 20 km altitude, in the stratosphere, for very-long-period flights counted in months and even years. These unmanned aircraft may be airplanes, airships or balloons.
What is the need for such UAVs
- The kind of jobs that HAPS are meant to do are currently done by UAVs and satellites, but both have certain limitations.
- The normal UAVs, or drones as they are commonly called, are mostly battery-powered and cannot remain in the air beyond a few hours.
- Continuous monitoring is not something these can do very effectively. In addition, they fly at relatively low levels, because of which their vision is restricted to small areas.
- Satellites can observe much larger areas, but the ones in low-earth orbits are continuously moving with respect to Earth.
- They cannot be constantly keeping an eye on the target area.
- Geostationary satellites, located at a height of about 36,000 km above the ground, can keep a constant gaze over one area.
- But these are fairly expensive, and once deployed, cannot be repurposed or reoriented. HAPS are meant to overcome all these shortcomings, and do more.
Experts Views
- Dr L Venkatakrishnan, chief scientist and head of Experimental Aerodynamics Division at NAL, who is leading the development of HAPS said that these stratospheric vehicles (flying about 20 km above the ground) are designed to loiter over a region.
- By standards of flying objects, and in comparison, to UAVs for example, they move really slow, at just about 80-100 km per hour.
- That kind of slow speed 20 km above the ground means that objects on the ground pretty much don’t move for it.
- You can easily keep an eye over 200 sq km of area. In fact, you can observe everything even over a 400 sq km area with a five metre resolution.
- If you want to focus only at one sq km, for example, you can get a resolution as high as 15 cm.he also added that HAPS can be a very powerful solution for this kind of work.
- They work like geostationary satellites but with added flexibility.
- They can be easily redeployed over another location, or can be reequipped with a different payload, something that is not possible with a geostationary satellite,
Engineering challenges of HAPS
- The primary challenge is to generate enough solar power to keep the aircraft flying, the payloads operating, and the batteries charging.
- The batteries need to be enough to continue the operations through the night. Then there are design- related challenges. The aircraft needs to be extremely lightweight to minimise the power requirement, but it also has to be stable.
- This is one of the reasons why this aircraft is meant to fly in the stratosphere. The region between 17 and 23 km above the earth’s surface is climatologically conducive for their flight.
- The wind speed is very low and ideal for light-weight aircraft to remain stable.
- It helps that this height, much above the region in which civilian aircraft fly, is favourable for observation and surveillance activities.
- But temperatures at that height can drop to-50 degree Celsius or lower. Electronics need to be kept warmer, and that is an additional burden on power resources.
- Also, air density is just about 7 per cent of what it is at sea level.
- That creates acute complications for the aircraft, for example in producing lift and thrust.
- Because of limitations of space and weight, solar cells and batteries need to have very high efficiencies.
- For example, Venkatakrishnan said they were looking at battery cells with an energy density of 500 watt-hour/kg.
- Energy density is a measure of the amount of energy stored in a battery in proportion to its weight.
India and the HAPS
- For India, HAPS is another technology area where it is entering the race at a relatively early stage.
- In the last few years, there has been great emphasis on promoting research in emerging technologies, so that the country is not dependent on others for critical technologies of the future.
- Joining technology development at an early stage also results in capacity building, early adoption of technologies, control over patents, business opportunities and spin-off technologies
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Q. With reference to High Altitude Platform Stations (HAPS), consider the following statements:
1. HAPS are advanced uncrewed aircraft designed to operate in the stratosphere about 20 kilometers above ground. 2. HAPS vehicles can play an important role in the field of surveillance and monitoring and disaster management. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. Consider the following statements regarding Smart Walls For Borders: (UPSC Prelims 2021)
1. It uses drones, scanners, and sensors to create a technological barrier. 2. India has currently deployed 61 km long smart wall at Indo-Bangladesh Border. Which of the given statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A
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| Answer 2 C
Explanation
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National Women’s Day
Source: Down to Earth
Context: India celebrated National Women’s Day 2024 on February 13, 2024.
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS Paper – 2 (Gender Issues Relating to Development Issues Related to Women’s Inclusive Growth)
Why in news
- This year, National Women’s Day, also known as the National Day of Women in India, becomes special as it will mark the 145th birth anniversary of Sarojini Naidu.
Theme:
- It may not have a specific annual theme. Focuses on broader concerns like challenges faced by women in India and women’s empowerment.
About National Women’s Day
- In India, we celebrate it as National Women’s Day on February 13, 1879, the birthday of Sarojini Naidu.
- She was a brilliant national leader, a freedom fighter, and a renowned poetess. She was known as ‘India’s Nightingale’.
- In 1914, Sarojini Naidu met Mahatma Gandhi for the first time and dedicated herself to the cause of the nation.
- During her studies, she joined the national movement.
- She enjoyed the respect and confidence of all prominent leaders, including Mahatma Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, who were impressed by her leadership abilities.
- Sarojini Naidu’s birth anniversary was chosen to remember Indian women and their contributions to the nation in every sphere of life.
- After the independence of the country, Sarojini Naidu had the honor of becoming the first woman governor.
Why is Sarojini Naidu’s birthday celebrated as National Women’s Day
- Sarojini Naidu made an important contribution to the development of women, she raised his voice against the evils prevalent in Indian society.
- She inspired women to participate in the freedom movement.
- National Women’s Day was started in India on February 13, 2014, in recognition of the works of Sarojini Naidu and her role in women’s rights.
- She was also a freedom fighter and the first woman governor of the United Provinces, present-day Uttar Pradesh.
- Also in 1925, she was elected President of the Indian National Congress due to his educational abilities and political skills.
- She participated in the Quit India Movement and was jailed for 21 months.
Literary contribution
- Sarojini Naidu has written many poems based on subjects like love, religion, patriotism, and tragedy.
- In 1905, her first collection of poems, “Golden Threshold’, was published. Because of her best writing, Mahatma Gandhi gave her the title of ‘Nightingale of India’.
Some of her literary works include
- Golden Threshold (1905)
- Kitabistan
- Muhammad Jinnah: Ambassador of Unity
- Bird of Time: Songs of Life, Death, and Spring
- The Broken Wing: Songs of Love, Death, and Spring gift of India
- Indian weaver
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statement with reference to National Women’s Day:
1. National Women’s Day is celebrated in India on February 13 every year. 2. It is celebrated to mark the birth anniversary of Mother Teresa. Which of the above statements is/are incorrect? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2021)
1. February 21st is declared to be International Mother Language Day by UNICEF. 2. The demand that Bangla has to be one of the national languages was raised in the Constituent Assembly of Pakistan. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: B
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| Answer 3– B
Explanation –
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Deep Industrialisation
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 3 ( Indian Economy)
Context: India Needs Deep Industrialisation.
Why in news
- As per Raghuram Rajan and Rohit Lamba in their book, despite sustaining growth momentum and a relatively swift recovery from the pandemic, India faces the challenge of ‘premature deindustrialisation’.
Introduction
- In the wake of a shifting global economic landscape, marked by the resurgence of industrial policy and state-led interventions, India finds itself at a critical juncture.
- The concentration of wealth among a minority exacerbates existing disparities, evident in the contrasting realities of luxury car sales and soaring food prices.
- This structural flaw underscores a longstanding issue: India’s inability to break free from industrial stagnation and generate inclusive employment.
- In their book Breaking the Mould: Reimagining India’s Economic Future, Raghuram Rajan and Rohit Lamba advocate for a departure from traditional manufacturing-led growth in favor of high-skill, services-driven development.
Why Break the Mould Now
- Despite seven decades of independence, India’s industrialisation efforts have fallen short. Manufacturing’s share in output and employment has remained stagnant, hovering below 20%, except for a brief surge during the ‘Dream Run, 2003–08’.
- Even the landmark economic reforms of 1991 failed to substantially alter this reality. Presently, India grapples with stagnant industrial investment, soaring unemployment, and a widening trade deficit fueled by imports.
- Rajan and Lamba propose a strategy that champions high-skill services, powered by information technology, to catalyse manufacturing—a departure from conventional wisdom that posits services growth as contingent upon manufacturing. However, this approach may exacerbate existing challenges.
Employment Elasticity and Inequality
- Services-led growth exhibits poor employment elasticity, failing to absorb labor exiting agriculture as manufacturing could. Moreover, the service sector demands a highly skilled workforce, exacerbating inequality.
- The Gini index of inequality for regular wages in services stands at 44, compared to 35 for manufacturing. Early investments in higher education neglected mass schooling, fostering a system that favors elites and perpetuates inequality.
- Yasheng Huang’s comparison with China underscores India’s failure to harness rural entrepreneurship due to disparities in human capital.
Education Disparities
- India’s education system reflects deep-rooted inequalities, with differential quality perpetuating disparities in labor market outcomes.
- The emphasis on high-skill services benefits the traditional elite but overlooks the majority of first-generation graduates from rural areas and small towns.
- The neglect of public education exacerbates class divides, mirroring historic caste-based inequalities.
A Culturally Rooted Diagnosis
- The stagnation of industrialisation in India reflects cultural impediments, including a lack of mass education and a devaluation of certain essential occupations.
- Joel Mokyr’s notion of useful knowledge underscores the importance of valuing labor, production, and technology in fostering economic growth.
- India’s failure to embrace vocational skills impedes innovation in manufacturing, while artisanal knowledge languishes in the shadow of academic pursuits.
Conclusion
- India stands at a pivotal moment where the path to economic transformation hinges on deep industrialisation.
- While services-led growth may offer short-term gains, it exacerbates inequality and fails to address the structural challenges hindering inclusive development.
- Embracing a holistic approach that prioritises mass education, values diverse skill sets, and fosters inclusive growth is imperative.
- Only through deep industrialisation can India rewrite the narrative of economic progress and lay the foundation for a more equitable society.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. According to Joel Mokyr, what is crucial for fostering economic growth in modern economies?
A. A focus on traditional occupations and artisanal knowledge. B. A culture that values labor, production, and technology. C. Investments in high-skill services powered by information technology. D. Strict regulations and state-led interventions in the industrial sector. |
Q. Consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2018)
1. Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process which enables 2. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 3. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 4. accumulation of tangible wealth. 5. accumulation of intangible wealth
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 B. 2 only C. 2 and 4 D. 1, 3 and 4
Answer: C |
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Answer 4: B Explanation: · The stagnation of industrialisation in India reflects cultural impediments, including a lack of mass education and a devaluation of certain essential occupations. · Joel Mokyr’s notion of useful knowledge underscores the importance of valuing labor, production, and technology in fostering economic growth. · India’s failure to embrace vocational skills impedes innovation in manufacturing, while artisanal knowledge languishes in the shadow of academic pursuits. · Hence option B is correct answer. |
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UAE-India Relations
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS II (International Relations)
Context: Inauguration of BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Abu Dhabi: A Milestone in UAE-India Relations
Why in news
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to the UAE includes the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi, the first Hindu temple in the Gulf nation.
About BAPS
- The temple is constructed by Bochasanwasi Akshar Purushottam Swaminarayan Sanstha (BAPS), a Vaishnav sect of Hinduism, known for its extensive global network of 1,550 temples and 3,850 centers.
- BAPS temples, including the renowned Akshardham temples, are present worldwide, fostering spiritual and cultural connections.
The Temple’s Significance
- Pramukh Swami Maharaj, the tenth spiritual guru of BAPS, envisioned the temple in 1997 to promote unity among countries, communities, and cultures.
- Despite a smaller Swaminarayan community in Abu Dhabi, the temple stands as a testament to inclusivity and harmony.
Architectural Marvel
- The temple, spread over 27 acres, boasts traditional stone architecture with seven shikhars, showcasing universal values and stories of harmony.
- Its construction utilized 20,000 tonnes of stone and marble, with intricate designs reflecting diverse cultural influences.
Key Features
- Notable features include a Wall of Harmony displaying the temple’s milestones, 96 bells honoring Pramukh Swami Maharaj’s life, and nano tiles ensuring comfort for visitors.
- The temple’s design, devoid of ferrous material, underscores durability and sustainability.
Symbol of Unity
- The temple’s construction reflects a collaborative effort, involving individuals from diverse religious backgrounds.
- Its inauguration underscores the UAE’s commitment to fostering interfaith dialogue and cultural exchange.
India-UAE Relations
- India’s diplomatic ties with the UAE date back to 1972, with recent efforts aimed at enhancing bilateral relations.
- On 16 August 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to the UAE, the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 34 years. This gave a greater push in bilateral relations and marked the beginning of a new strategic partnership between the two countries.
- Economic cooperation, highlighted by a robust trade relationship amounting to USD 85 billion, underscores the strategic partnership between the two nations.
Economic Partnership
- Efforts to boost bilateral trade above USD 100 billion and facilitate two-way investment flows demonstrate the mutual commitment to economic growth.
- Indian companies’ presence in sectors such as manufacturing, tourism, and healthcare signifies the depth of economic engagement.
The I2U2 Group is a grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States.
- The group’s first joint statement, released on July 14, 2022, states that the countries aim to cooperate on “joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.”
Kafala system- a challenge
- Under the Kafala system, a migrant worker’s immigration status is legally bound to an individual employer or sponsor (kafeel) for their contract period.
- The migrant worker cannot enter the country, transfer employment nor leave the country for any reason without first obtaining explicit written permission from the kafeel.
- India ought to diplomatically engage with the UAE to push for reforms in the Kafala labor system.
Future Prospects
- Both nations prioritize negotiating comprehensive economic agreements to further deepen economic cooperation.
- The UAE’s intent to pursue bilateral economic agreements with India underscores the shared commitment to fostering prosperity and development.
- In conclusion, the inauguration of the BAPS Swaminarayan temple in Abu Dhabi represents more than a religious landmark; it signifies a bridge between nations, cultures, and faiths, fostering stronger ties between India and the UAE.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q 5. Which of the following statements is/are not correct about India- United Arab Emirates?
1. India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 2014. 2. India and the UAE are actively engaged in various regional groupings and initiatives such as the I2U2 and AUKUS. 3. One of the challenges in India-UAE relations is Kafala labor system of UAE. Code A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
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Q. Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (UPSC Prelims 2016)
A. Iran B. Saudi Arabia C. Oman D. Kuwait Answer A |
| Answer 5– A
Explanation · India and the UAE established diplomatic relations in 1972. · On 16 August 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi began a two-day visit to the UAE, the first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 34 years. This gave a greater push in bilateral relations and marked the beginning of a new strategic partnership between the two countries. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · The I2U2 Group is a grouping of India, Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States. The group’s first joint statement, released on July 14, 2022, states that the countries aim to cooperate on “joint investments and new initiatives in water, energy, transportation, space, health, and food security.” · AUKUS, also styled as Aukus, is a trilateral security partnership for the Indo-Pacific region between Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Announced on 15 September 2021, the partnership involves the US and the UK assisting Australia in acquiring nuclear-powered submarines. So, statement 2 is not correct. · Under the Kafala system, a migrant worker’s immigration status is legally bound to an individual employer or sponsor (kafeel) for their contract period. · The migrant worker cannot enter the country, transfer employment nor leave the country for any reason without first obtaining explicit written permission from the kafeel. India ought to diplomatically engage with the UAE to push for reforms in the Kafala labor system. So, statement 3 is correct. Therefore, correct answer is option A.
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