Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (30-08-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: India gets second nuclear submarine with commissioning of INS Arighaat |
| Goa Shipyard launches India’s first pollution control vessel Samudra Pratap for Indian Coast Guard |
| International Relations: Australia’s new cap on number of international students means; its possible impact on Indians |
| Social Issues: New She-Box Portal to make Workplaces safer for Women |
| Polity and Governance: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare will set up “Matri Van” in about 1 acre of land |
India gets second nuclear submarine with commissioning of INS Arighaat
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: INS Arighaat
Why in News
- The commissioning of INS Arighaat represents a significant step forward in India’s naval and strategic capabilities.
Nuclear Triad Enhancement
- INS Arighaat is the second submarine in the Arihant class, joining INS Arihant.
- Together, these submarines enhance India’s nuclear triad—a strategic capability to deliver nuclear weapons from three different platforms: land (e.g., missiles on land), air (e.g., aircraft), and sea (e.g., submarines).
- This ensures that India has a reliable and survivable second-strike capability in case of a nuclear attack, contributing to regional stability and deterrence.
Submarine Specifications and Capabilities:
- INS Arighaat is a 6,000-tonne nuclear-powered submarine, which means it is propelled by nuclear power and can stay underwater for extended periods compared to conventional submarines.
- It is armed with indigenously developed K-15 missiles with a range of over 700 kilometers. These missiles are designed to be launched from underwater and are part of India’s strategic deterrence.
Technological Advancements:
- Advanced Technology: INS Arighaat benefits from advanced design and manufacturing technologies. The submarine features improvements over its predecessor, INS Arihant, including better materials, engineering, and more advanced systems.
- Indigenous Development: The submarine is equipped with indigenous systems and equipment developed by Indian scientists, industry, and naval personnel. This demonstrates India’s growing capability in advanced defense technology.
Strategic and Economic Impact:
- Strategic Balance: By adding another nuclear submarine to its fleet, India aims to enhance its nuclear deterrence and contribute to the strategic balance in the region. The ability to maintain a credible and survivable second-strike capability is crucial for deterrence.
- Economic Boost: The project has also positively impacted the Indian industrial sector, particularly Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It has created jobs and spurred technological advancements within the country.
Historical Context and Future Developments:
- The INS Arihant project began over 30 years ago with international collaboration and has evolved significantly. The first submarine, INS Arihant, was commissioned in 2016 and conducted its first deterrence patrol in 2018.
- INS Arighaat represents a continuation of this progress, with two larger ballistic missile submarines currently under construction, indicating ongoing expansion and enhancement of India’s naval capabilities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Which of the following statements regarding INS Arighaat is/are correct?
Select the correct answer using the codes below: a) 1 and 2 only |
Which one of the following statements best reflects the idea behind the “Fractional Orbital Bombardment System” often talked about in media? 2022
Answer: C |
| Answer 1- B
Explanation:
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Australia’s new cap on number of international students; its impact on Indians
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Context: National Planning Level (NPL) by Australia
Why in News
- Australia’s Education Minister Jason announced plans to introduce a National Planning Level (NPL) to cap the number of new international students at 2.7 lakh for the calendar year 2025, pending parliamentary approval.
Australia’s 2025 Cap on International Students
- Australia’s Education Minister Jason Clare announced plans to introduce a National Planning Level (NPL) that would cap the number of new international students at 270,000 for the calendar year 2025.
- This move, pending parliamentary approval, represents a significant reduction compared to the 561,000 international students who commenced their studies in 2023.
- The introduction of this cap comes shortly after an increase in Australia’s visa processing fees, which took effect on July 1, 2024.
What the 2025 Cap Entails
Publicly Funded Universities:
- These institutions will admit 145,000 new international students in 2025.
- This maintains the admission levels from 2023, indicating no significant change for these universities.
Vocational Education and Training (VET) Sector:
- The intake for the VET sector will be capped at 95,000 new students.
- This represents a reduction from previous years, reflecting a strategic shift in focus or resources.
Other Universities and Non-University Providers:
- The intake for other universities and non-university providers will be limited to 30,000 students.
- This category is likely to experience the most significant decrease in new student admissions, indicating tighter control over less regulated or smaller institutions.
Impact on Indian Students
- Reduced Opportunities:
- Indian students, who form a significant portion of the international student body in Australia, will face increased competition for a limited number of spots.
- With the cap being the lowest in five years, aspiring students may find it harder to secure admission, particularly in sectors outside the publicly funded universities.
- Impact on Vocational and Non-University Sectors:
- Indian students often enroll in the VET sector due to its practical, skill-based training that aligns with Australia’s labor market needs. The reduction in intake for this sector could limit these opportunities.
- Students aiming for non-university providers may have to reconsider their options, as the intake will be significantly lower.
- Financial Considerations:
- The recent increase in visa processing fees, combined with the cap on student intake, could make Australia a less attractive destination for some Indian students, particularly those from middle-class backgrounds.
- With fewer spots available, universities and other institutions may raise tuition fees, further impacting affordability.
- Shift in Preferences:
- Indian students may explore other countries for higher education, such as Canada, the UK, or the US, where immigration policies might be more favorable.
- Alternatively, there could be a shift toward online or hybrid learning options offered by Australian institutions to circumvent the cap.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Australia’s Education Minister recently announced plans to introduce a National Planning Level (NPL) to cap the number of new international students at 270,000 for the calendar year 2025.
Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding this development?
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
|
Q. Consider the following statements (2022)
Which of the statements given above are correct?
|
| Answer 2– B
Explanation:
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New She-Box Portal to make Workplaces safer for Women
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049765
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 Social Issues
Context: New She-Box Portal
Why in News
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development, led by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, has launched the new SHe-Box portal, a centralized platform designed to register and monitor complaints of sexual harassment against women in the workplace.
Background
- The Ministry of Women and Child Development, led by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi, has launched the new SHe-Box portal, a centralized platform designed to register and monitor complaints of sexual harassment against women in the workplace.
- This significant development was announced at an event in New Delhi, which also saw the launch of the Ministry’s newly developed website.
- The event was attended by Minister of State for Women and Child Development Smt. Savitri Thakur, Secretary Shri Anil Malik, and other ministry officials.
Key Features of the SHe-Box Portal
Centralized Platform:
- The SHe-Box portal acts as a unified platform for filing complaints related to sexual harassment at the workplace, applicable across both government and private sectors in India.
- It serves as a centralized repository of information on Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) established across the country, ensuring comprehensive coverage.
Complaint Registration and Monitoring:
- The portal provides a streamlined process for filing complaints and tracking their status.
- It ensures a time-bound processing of complaints by the respective Internal Committees, thus providing an efficient redressal mechanism.
- A designated nodal officer will oversee the real-time monitoring of complaints, ensuring transparency and accountability.
Assured Confidentiality:
- The platform guarantees the privacy of the complainant, allowing complaints to be registered without personal information being publicly accessible.
Alignment with India’s Vision for 2047
- The launch of the SHe-Box portal is a part of the broader initiative by the Government of India, under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to achieve “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047.
- Women’s empowerment and safety in the workplace are seen as critical components of this vision.
- The government has emphasized women-led development, recognizing the essential role of women’s leadership in driving inclusive economic growth.
- The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013, is a cornerstone of this commitment.
- The SHe-Box portal is a significant enhancement to the existing framework, making the process of addressing workplace sexual harassment more efficient and accessible.
Launch of the Ministry’s New Website
- In addition to the SHe-Box portal, the Ministry also introduced a newly designed website aimed at improving the government’s engagement with both national and global audiences.
- This website is part of an effort to create a cohesive visual identity across digital platforms, enhancing the government’s communication and brand presence as digital interactions become increasingly central to citizen engagement.
Statement by Union Minister Smt. Annpurna Devi
- During the event, Smt. Annpurna Devi emphasized the importance of this initiative in creating a safer and more inclusive working environment for women across India.
- She expressed confidence that the SHe-Box portal will provide a secure and efficient platform for addressing workplace sexual harassment complaints, ensuring that women’s grievances are heard and addressed promptly.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the SHe-Box portal launched by Ministry of Women and Child Development:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. Instil into the vast millions of workers, me and women who actually do the job a sense partnership and cooperative performance…’. (2000)
The above passage relates to (a) Planned Development (b) Community Development Programme (c) Panchayati Raj System (d) Integrated Development Programme Ans. (b) |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation
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Goa Shipyard launches India’s first pollution control vessel Samudra Pratap for Indian Coast Guard
Source: ANI News
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: ‘Samudra Pratap’
Why in News
- Launch of the Indigenous Pollution Control Vessel ‘Samudra Pratap’ by Goa Shipyard Ltd
Introduction:
- Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL), a premier Indian Defence Public Sector Undertaking (DPSU) Shipyard, has successfully launched the indigenous Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) named ‘Samudra Pratap’ for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
- This marks a significant milestone in India’s journey toward self-reliance in defense production under the ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative.
Contract and Collaboration:
- The contract for constructing two pollution control vessels was signed on 22nd June 2021, with a total value of ₹583 crore.
- The launch of ‘Samudra Pratap’ reflects the long-standing partnership between GSL and the Indian Coast Guard, highlighting their commitment to enhancing India’s maritime capabilities through indigenous production.
Launch Ceremony:
- The vessel was officially named and launched by Neeta Seth in the presence of Sanjay Seth, the Raksha Rajya Mantri, who was the Chief Guest at the ceremony.
- The event was attended by several high-ranking officials, including IG Bhisham Sharma, IG HK Sharma, and Brajesh Kumar Upadhyaya, Chairman and Managing Director of GSL, along with representatives from the Ministry of Defence, ICG, Indian Navy, and Goa Shipyard Ltd.
Specifications of ‘Samudra Pratap’:
- Dimensions: The vessel is 114.5 meters long and 16.5 meters wide, with a displacement of 4,170 tons.
- Crew Capacity: It will be manned by 14 officers and 115 sailors.
- Capabilities: The ship is equipped with specialized equipment for oil spill response operations, including containment, recovery, separation, and dispersal of pollutants, allowing it to effectively manage pollution in India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond.
- Indigenous Design: Designed and constructed entirely in-house by Goa Shipyard Ltd, ‘Samudra Pratap’ is the first indigenously designed and built hybrid sea-going ship in India.
- Keel Laying: The keel of the vessel was laid on 21st November 2022, and the shipyard has made significant progress since then to achieve this launch milestone.
Impact on Local Industry and MSMEs:
- The project boasts an indigenous content of over 60%, significantly contributing to skill development and employment generation for local industries and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) engaged in production activities.
- This involvement of local industry reinforces the objectives of self-reliance and economic growth within the nation.
Significance and Future Implications:
- Nation’s Shipbuilding Capabilities: The launch of ‘Samudra Pratap’ showcases India’s growing expertise in shipbuilding, positioning Goa Shipyard Ltd as a leading Indian shipyard capable of producing state-of-the-art pollution control vessels.
- Self-Reliance in Defence Production: Raksha Rajya Mantri Sanjay Seth commended the Ministry of Defence, the Indian Coast Guard, and the industry for their collective efforts in ensuring that all shipbuilding requirements of the ICG are met indigenously. He emphasized the importance of continuing the momentum toward ‘Atmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) in defense production.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) recently launched the Pollution Control Vessel (PCV) ‘Samudra Pratap’ for the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). Consider the following statements regarding this development:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)
a) Amphibious warfare ship Ans: C |
| Answer 4 A
Explanation
|
Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare will set up “Matri Van” in about 1 acre of land
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2049687
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: Matri Van Programme
Why in News
- Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, participated in a tree plantation event at the IARI Campus PUSA, marking the launch of the campaign #एक_पेड़_मां_के_नाम #Plant4Mother.
Key Details of the Event:
- Campaign Launch: The campaign #एक_पेड़_मां_के_नाम #Plant4Mother was officially launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on World Environment Day, June 5, 2024.
Event Activities:
- Sapling Planting: Shri Chouhan planted saplings and announced the establishment of a “Matri Van” on 1 acre of land at the IARI Campus.
- Participation: Around 200 officers and staff from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, school students, and various institutions participated in the event.
- The Minister reported that over 800 institutions under the Ministry were involved, with an estimated 3,000-4,000 saplings planted across the country.
Objectives and Goals:
- Global Campaign Goals: As part of the global campaign, the Ministry of Environment, Forest & Climate Change aims to plant 80 crore saplings by September 2024 and 140 crore saplings by March 2025.
- Local Efforts: The campaign also saw the start of tree planting activities at the Asola Bhati Wildlife Sanctuary on June 20, 2024, where individuals planted trees in honor of their mothers.
Significance of Tree Plantation:
- Environmental Impact:
- Sustainable Farming: Trees play a crucial role in sustainable agriculture by enhancing soil health, improving water quality, and increasing biodiversity.
- Economic Benefits: Trees provide additional income sources for farmers through timber and non-timber products.
- Addressing Land Degradation: The campaign aims to prevent and reverse land degradation and desertification, contributing to environmental restoration and conservation.
- Mission LiFE: Planting trees supports Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which is a Government of India initiative promoting an environmentally conscious lifestyle.
Minister’s Appeal:
- Public Involvement: Shri Chouhan urged all officers, employees, and students to actively participate in the tree planting movement as a way to honor their mothers and contribute to environmental conservation.
World Environment Day
- The United Nations Assembly established World Environment Day in 1972, which was the first day of the Stockholm Conference on the human environment.
- World Environment Day (WED) is celebrated every year with a specific theme and slogan that focuses on the major environmental issues of that time.
- WED 2024 is hosted by Saudi Arabia.
- India hosted the 45th celebration of World Environment Day in 2018 under the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution’.
- WED celebration in 2021 kicked off the UN Decade on Ecosystem Restoration (2021-2030) which is a global mission to revive billions of hectares, from forests to farmlands, from the top of mountains to the depth of the seas.
Theme for 2024:
- Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience
- Year 2024 also marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD).
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Regarding the tree plantation campaign #Plant4Mother launched by the Union Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following schemes launched by the Union Government. (2001)
1. Antyodaya Anna 2. Gram Sadak Yojana 3. Sarvapriya 4. Jawahar Gram Samridhi Yojana Which of these were announced in the year 2000? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 4 (c) 3 and 4 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (a) |
| Answer 5 C
Explanation
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