Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (19-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Economy: Centre launches new system to understand cropping patterns, impact of weather |
| Awards: 70th National Film Awards |
| Environment and Ecology: FSSAI begins project on microplastic contamination |
| Odisha will plant 20 lakh palm trees for protection against lightning strikes |
| Polity and Governance: UPSC issues ad for lateral entry into bureaucracy: About the policy, why it has no reservation provision |
Centre launches new system to understand cropping patterns, impact of weather
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 –Economy
Context: Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS)
Why in News
The Union Agriculture Ministry has launched a digital geo-spatial platform, Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS) in New Delhi.
What is Krishi-DSS?
- Krishi-DSS is a digital geo-spatial platform designed specifically for Indian agriculture.
- It provides real-time, data-driven insights to various stakeholders, including farmers, experts, and policymakers.
- The platform integrates a wide range of data sources and tools to assist in agricultural management.
Key Features of Krishi-DSS
- Comprehensive Data Access:
- The platform offers seamless access to a variety of data, such as satellite images, weather information, reservoir storage levels, groundwater data, and soil health metrics.
- This data can be accessed from anywhere at any time, making it a flexible tool for users.
- Advanced Modules for Agricultural Management:
- Crop Mapping and Monitoring: The platform can analyze crop patterns over different years by creating parcel-level crop maps. This helps in understanding crop rotation practices, which is vital for promoting sustainable agriculture through the cultivation of diverse crops.
- Drought Monitoring: Krishi-DSS can monitor drought conditions by providing near real-time data on soil moisture, water storage, crop conditions, and dry spells. This helps stakeholders assess how weather conditions are impacting crops and make informed decisions.
- Flood Impact Assessment and Crop Insurance: The platform can assess the impact of floods on agriculture and offer solutions for crop insurance, making it a holistic tool for managing agricultural risks.
Significance of Krishi-DSS
- The launch of Krishi-DSS is seen as a “significant milestone” in India’s agricultural innovation.
- The platform aims to empower farmers by providing them with the information they need to make better decisions, inform policies that support agriculture, and ultimately contribute to the nation’s food security and rural development.
Government’s Commitment
- During the launch, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan emphasized the government’s commitment to fulfilling Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for agriculture and rural development.
- The minister urged the employees and officers of the Ministries of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development to work hard towards achieving the goals set for 2047, which includes creating a developed India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. With reference to the Krishi-Decision Support System (DSS) launched by the Union Agriculture Ministry, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only
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Q. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 1 – A
Explanation:
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70th National Film Awards
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/entertainment/movies/70th-national-film-awards-full-list-of-winners/article68531760.ece
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Economy
Context: Informal Sector in Indian Economy
Why in News
- The winners of the 70th National Film Awards were declared recently, by the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (I&B) at a presser in New Delhi.
Overview
- The National Film Awards in India, established in 1954, are among the most prestigious awards in the Indian film industry.
- Administered by the Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, they aim to honor the best of Indian cinema annually.
Categories and Awards Structure
The awards are broadly categorized into Feature Films, Non-Feature Films, and Books on Cinema. Each of these categories is further divided into multiple awards:
- Feature Films: This category includes awards likeBest Feature Film, Best Direction, Best Actor, Best Actress, Best Supporting Actor/Actress, Best Children’s Film, and Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment. Other technical categories include Best Cinematography, Best Screenplay, Best Editing, Best Music Direction, etc.
- Non-Feature Films: This section recognizes short films, documentaries, and other forms of non-feature filmmaking. Awards includeBest Non-Feature Film, Best Direction (Non-Feature), Best Cinematography, Best Music Direction, etc.
- Books on Cinema: This recognizes outstanding literary work on Indian cinema with awards likeBest Book on Cinema and Best Critic.
Significant Awards
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: Considered the highest honor in Indian cinema, it is awarded for lifetime contribution to the growth and development of Indian cinema.
- Golden Lotus (Swarna Kamal): Presented in several categories like Best Feature Film, Best Non-Feature Film, and Best Direction.
- Silver Lotus (Rajat Kamal): Awarded in categories such as Best Actor, Best Actress, and Best Music Direction, among others.
Recent Winners (70th National Film Awards)
- Best feature filmaward has been given to Aattam (The Play) directed by Anand Ekarshi and the award for Best Non-Feature Film has been bagged by Ayena (Mirror)directed by Siddhant Sarin.
- Award forBest Book on Cinema has been given to Kishore Kumar: The Ultimate Biography authored by Anirudha Bhattacharjee & Parthiv Dhar.
- Kantarawon the Award for Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment.
- Rishab Shettyhas been awarded the Best Actor in Leading Role for his performance in the movie Kantara whereas Nithya Menen bagged the award for Best Actress in a Leading Role for Thiruchitrambalam.
- Pavan Raj Malhotrawon the award for Best Supporting Actor while Neena Gupta won the Best Supporting Actress Award in the Feature Films
- BRAHMASTRA-PART 1: SHIVAbagged the award for Best Film in AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects Gaming & Comic).
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||||
Q2. Match the Pair
Answer Choices a) 1-C, 2-E, 3-D, 4-B, 5-A |
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. 3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (d) |
| Answer 2– A
Explanation:
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FSSAI begins project on microplastic contamination
Source: The Hindu
https://epaper.thehindu.com/ccidist-ws/th/th_hyderabad/issues/95753/OPS/GA5D7CIIE.1+GCAD7EAQM.1.html
UPSC Relevance: GS-3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Why in News
- The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has initiated a significant project to address microplastic contamination in food products.
Project Overview
- Launch Date: March 2024
- Objectives:
- Develop and validate analytical methods for detecting micro and nano-plastics in various food products.
- Assess the prevalence and exposure levels of these contaminants in India.
Key Goals
- Develop Standard Protocols: Establish standard procedures for analyzing micro and nano-plastics.
- Conduct Comparisons: Perform intra- and inter-laboratory comparisons to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Generate Data: Collect critical data on microplastic exposure levels among consumers.
What Are Microplastics?
- Microplastics are small plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in diameter. They can be primary (intentionally manufactured small) or secondary (resulting from the breakdown of larger plastic items).
- Types:
- Microbeads: Tiny plastic beads found in personal care products like exfoliating scrubs.
- Microfibers: Fibers from synthetic textiles, which shed during washing.
- Fragments: Small pieces of plastic that have broken down from larger items.
Sources of Microplastics in Food
- Packaging: Microplastics can leach from plastic packaging into food products.
- Processing: Contamination during food processing and handling.
- Environmental Contamination: Microplastics can enter the food chain through soil, water, and air pollution.
Health Implications
- Potential Risks: While research is ongoing, concerns include potential toxicity, inflammatory responses, and the possible accumulation of harmful chemicals that microplastics may carry.
- Long-Term Effects: The impact of long-term exposure to microplastics on human health is not yet fully understood, but it is a subject of intense research.
Detection and Analysis
- Methods:
- Spectroscopy: Techniques like FTIR (Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy) and Raman Spectroscopy are used to identify and quantify microplastics.
- Microscopy: Optical and electron microscopy can visualize and measure the size and shape of microplastic particles.
- Challenges:
- Sensitivity: Detecting very small particles in complex food matrices requires highly sensitive and precise methods.
- Standardization: Developing standardized protocols for consistent detection and reporting.
Regulatory Measures and Initiatives
- Global Efforts: Various countries and organizations are developing regulations and guidelines to manage microplastic contamination.
- FSSAI Initiative: The FSSAI’s project aims to create standardized protocols for analysis, compare laboratory results, and provide critical data on exposure levels.
Mitigation Strategies
- Reducing Plastic Use: Minimizing the use of single-use plastics and opting for alternatives can help reduce microplastic pollution.
- Improving Waste Management: Enhancing recycling and waste management practices to prevent plastics from breaking down into microplastics.
- Consumer Awareness: Educating consumers about the sources and risks of microplastic contamination.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Microplastics can enter the human food chain through several pathways. Which of the following pathways is NOT a known route for microplastic contamination in food?
A. Plastic packaging used for food products D. Plastic-based clothing fibers washing into food processing facilities |
Q. Why does the Government of India promote the use of ‘Neem-coated Urea’ in agriculture? (2016)
A. Release of Neem oil in the soil increases nitrogen fixation by the soil microorganisms B. Neem coating slows down the rate of dissolution of urea in the soil C. Nitrous oxide, which is a greenhouse gas, is not at all released into atmosphere by crop fields D. Six is a combination of a weedicide and a fertilizer for particular crops Ans B |
| Answer 3 D
Explanation
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UPSC issues ad for lateral entry into bureaucracy: About the policy, why it has no reservation provision
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Polity and Governance
Context: Lateral Recruitment
Why in News
- The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) issued an advertisement seeking applications for “talented and motivated Indian nationals for Lateral Recruitment” to the posts of Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary in 24 ministries of the Union government.
Lateral Recruitment Overview
- Lateral recruitment refers to the process of hiring individuals from outside the traditional civil services pipeline into middle and senior-level positions within the central government.
- This approach aims to bring specialized expertise into the bureaucracy, potentially enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of government operations.
What is Lateral Recruitment?
- Lateral recruitment involves hiring professionals from outside the regular civil service cadre for specific roles in the government.
- This is intended to infuse fresh talent and domain expertise into the central government administration.
- Positions: Typically, positions like Joint Secretary, Director, and Deputy Secretary are filled through this process. These roles are critical in various ministries and departments.
Rationale Behind Lateral Recruitment
- Objective: The main goals are to bring in specialized knowledge and augment the existing manpower with expertise in specific areas.
- Implementation: Since 2018, the government has advertised various vacancies for these positions. The candidates are selected based on their qualifications and experience rather than traditional civil service exams.
Process and Current Status
- Initial Advertisements: The first advertisements for Joint Secretary-level posts appeared in 2018. Since then, positions for Directors and Deputy Secretaries have also been included.
- Appointments: As of August 2024, 63 appointments have been made through lateral recruitment, with 57 individuals currently holding positions across various ministries.
Criticisms and Controversies
- Lack of Reservations: A major criticism of the lateral recruitment process is the absence of reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC). Critics argue that this excludes these communities from the benefits of reserved positions typically available through civil service exams.
- Political Reactions: Opposition leaders have condemned the policy for not adhering to reservation norms, suggesting it could sideline SC, ST, and OBC candidates.
Reservation Policies and Lateral Recruitment
- Reservation Rules: The general rule mandates reservations for SC, ST, and OBC candidates in public appointments. However, lateral recruitment operates differently.
- Single-Post Cadre: Since each lateral entry position is considered a single post, reservation rules (like the 13-point roster) do not apply. This is because reservation policies are generally implemented in multi-post cadres, where vacancies are filled based on the roster system.
Policy Evolution
- Historical Context: Earlier circulars and guidelines have affirmed that temporary appointments (including those on deputation) should follow reservation norms.
- However, the lateral entry process is treated as a form of deputation where mandatory reservation does not apply.
Current Policy Application
- Vacancy Advertisement: The recent advertisement by UPSC for 45 posts is criticized for bypassing reservation policies due to the single-post nature of these roles.
- This means that although the vacancies could theoretically be reserved based on the 13-point roster, the current practice effectively avoids applying these quotas.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements with regards to lateral recruitments:
Which of the statements given above are correct?
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Q. Rajya Sabha has equal powers with Lok Sabha in (2020)
(a) the matter of creating new All India Services (b) amending the Constitution (c) the removal of the government (d) making cut motions Answer- (b) |
| Answer 4 B
Explanation
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Odisha will plant 20 lakh palm trees for protection against lightning strikes
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Chandipura virus
Why in news
- Odisha has begun the plantation of 20 lakh palm trees to protect its population against injury or death due to lightning strikes, which were designated as a state-specific disaster in 2015.
Why Lightning Strikes are a Concern in Odisha
- Climatic and Geographic Factors:
- Tropical Location: Odisha, located in eastern India, has a tropical climate that contributes to frequent lightning strikes.
- Climate Change Impact: Research indicates that climate change increases lightning activity, with a nearly 10% increase for every 1°C rise in temperature. This trend exacerbates the problem in Odisha.
- Complex Climatic Conditions: The region experiences significant lightning due to a mix of pre-monsoon and monsoon conditions, cyclonic activities influenced by sea temperature, and atmospheric convective energy.
- Risk Populations:
- Rural and Agricultural Communities: With 96% of lightning strikes occurring in rural areas, farmers and daily wage earners, who often work in open fields, are particularly vulnerable. Over 80% of Odisha’s population relies on agriculture, making them prone to lightning strikes, especially between June and October, the peak agricultural season.
The State’s Response
- Palm Tree Plantation Initiative:
- Objective: The state government of Odisha has initiated the plantation of 20 lakh palm trees to mitigate lightning strike fatalities. Palm trees are seen as effective lightning conductors due to their height and high moisture content.
- Implementation: The forest department has started planting these trees across the state, focusing on vulnerable points like schools. The initiative aims to reduce fatalities and eventually eliminate them.
- Financial and Logistical Support:
- Budget: Rs 7 crore has been approved for this plan.
- Regulations: The state has banned the felling of existing palm trees to support this initiative.
- Expert Concerns:
- Growth and Efficacy: Palm trees take 15 to 20 years to reach a height sufficient for effective lightning protection. Immediate benefits may be limited, and there are concerns about potential fires caused by lightning strikes hitting the trees.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the recent efforts by the Odisha state government to address the issue of lightning strikes?
A) Odisha experienced a significant increase in lightning fatalities in the past year, prompting the government to invest Rs 10 crore in building lightning shelters across the state. B) In response to the high incidence of lightning strikes, which have resulted in a total of 3,790 deaths over the last 11 years, the Odisha government has launched a palm tree plantation program with a budget of Rs 7 crore to mitigate lightning-related fatalities. C) The state government of Odisha has reported a reduction in lightning strike fatalities in recent years and has focused solely on public awareness campaigns without any financial allocation for preventive measures. D) Odisha has recorded 61,000 lightning strikes in a single day, leading the state government to implement a policy of distributing free lightning protection gear to all farmers. |
Q. With reference to street lighting, how do sodium lamps differ from LED lamps? (2021)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. Answer: (c) |
| Answer 5 B
Explanation
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