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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on November 09, 2024
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The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been at the forefront of India's space exploration and technology development. Over the years, ISRO has launched numerous successful space missions, ranging from satellite launches to deep space exploration. Here are some key ISRO space missions:
Chandrayaan Missions:
- Chandrayaan-1 (2008): India's first lunar mission, which helped confirm the presence of water molecules on the Moon.
- Chandrayaan-2 (2019): A more advanced mission that aimed to land near the Moon's south pole. While the orbiter continues to function, the lander failed in its descent.
- Chandrayaan-3 (2023): Successfully landed a rover on the Moon, making India the first country to achieve a soft landing near the lunar south pole.
Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan) (2013):
- India's first interplanetary mission and the first to reach Mars on its maiden attempt. It demonstrated ISRO’s capability in deep space missions at a low cost.
Gaganyaan Mission (Upcoming):
- Planned as India's first manned space mission, Gaganyaan aims to send Indian astronauts (Vyomanauts) into space. It will carry three crew members into a low Earth orbit for five to seven days, with an expected launch in the coming years.
Aditya-L1 Mission (Upcoming):
- India’s first solar mission to study the outermost layer of the Sun (the corona). It is designed to observe solar activities and their impact on space weather.
PSLV and GSLV Satellite Launch Programs:
- PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle): Known for its reliability, PSLV has launched numerous Indian and international satellites into polar orbits.
- GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle): Used for launching heavier payloads into geostationary orbits, including communication satellites and advanced missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan.
Astrosat (2015):
- India’s first dedicated multi-wavelength space observatory, launched to study celestial sources in different wavelengths, including X-rays, optical, and UV.
ISRO's vision for 2047, the centenary year of India's independence, focuses on ambitious goals in space exploration, technology, and applications that align with India's growth as a global space power. Some key elements of ISRO's vision for 2047 include:
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Advanced Space Missions: ISRO plans to conduct advanced planetary exploration missions. These include potential crewed lunar and Mars missions, as well as missions to asteroids, Venus, and deeper into space, continuing its legacy of Chandrayaan, Mars Orbiter Mission, and other exploratory endeavors.
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Human Spaceflight Program: ISRO aims to establish long-term human presence in space. Following the success of Gaganyaan, its human spaceflight program, ISRO envisions building space habitats and participating in international space stations or space colonies.
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Space Transportation: Development of reusable launch vehicles (RLVs) and next-generation rockets like the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) and heavy-lift rockets will ensure cost-effective, frequent, and reliable access to space, catering to the commercial space market as well.
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Space Technology Applications: ISRO aims to integrate space technology more deeply into India's socioeconomic fabric. This includes improved satellite services for communication, agriculture, disaster management, education, and environmental monitoring.
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International Collaboration: ISRO seeks to further enhance international cooperation and collaboration with other space agencies and private entities, working on joint missions, sharing data, and contributing to global space governance.
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Space Economy and Industry: By 2047, ISRO envisions India becoming a major hub in the global space economy, with a thriving private sector participating in satellite launches, space tourism, and space-based services. The promotion of startups and innovation in the Indian space ecosystem is key to this vision.
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Sustainability in Space: ISRO’s vision emphasizes sustainability in space exploration and operations. This includes efforts to mitigate space debris, promote the peaceful use of outer space, and use clean technologies in space activities.
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Answer (A)
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Goods and Services Tax (GST) is an indirect tax introduced in India on July 1, 2017, to replace multiple indirect taxes previously levied by the central and state governments. It is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax levied on every value addition. GST aims to streamline India's indirect tax structure, making it simpler, transparent, and more efficient. Here's an overview of GST:
Key Features of GST:
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One Nation, One Tax: GST replaced various central and state taxes like Value Added Tax (VAT), excise duty, service tax, and more, integrating them into a single tax regime.
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Destination-Based Tax: GST is levied at the point of consumption rather than the point of origin. The state where the goods or services are consumed receives the tax revenue.
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Multi-Tier Structure: GST has a dual system, with the tax divided between:
- CGST (Central GST): Collected by the central government on intra-state sales.
- SGST (State GST): Collected by the state governments on intra-state sales.
- IGST (Integrated GST): Collected by the central government on inter-state sales and then apportioned between the center and the states.
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Four Tax Slabs: GST has multiple tax rates to accommodate various types of goods and services:
- 5%: Essential goods, such as basic food items.
- 12% and 18%: Standard rates applied to most goods and services.
- 28%: Luxurious and non-essential goods like automobiles, tobacco products, etc.
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Input Tax Credit (ITC): Under GST, businesses can claim a credit for the tax paid on inputs, which reduces the tax burden on each stage of production. This ensures that only the value added at each stage is taxed, avoiding the cascading effect of taxation.
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GST Council: The GST Council, comprising the Union Finance Minister, the Finance Ministers of all states, and other officials, oversees the implementation and changes in GST. It decides on rates, exemptions, and adjustments.
Types of GST:
- CGST: Collected by the central government on intra-state sales.
- SGST: Collected by state governments on intra-state sales.
- IGST: Levied by the central government on inter-state sales, exports, and imports
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Answer (D)
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The Marburg virus poses a serious threat to Rwanda's already delicate healthcare infrastructure. Since the country's first reported case late last month, at least 46 people have been infected, and 12 deaths have been attributed to the virus.
Approximately 80% of the infections are among healthcare workers. With only 1,500 doctors available to serve a population of over 13 million, this outbreak could place immense pressure on Rwanda’s health system.
What is the Marburg virus?
The Marburg virus is one of the most lethal pathogens known, with fatality rates ranging from 24% to 88% in past outbreaks, depending on the strain and the quality of medical care. The virus first emerged in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, and has since primarily affected countries in Africa.
Part of the filovirus family, like Ebola, Marburg virus shares clinical similarities with Ebola and, although rare, can lead to highly fatal outbreaks. Initially, human infections were linked to prolonged exposure to caves or mines housing colonies of Rousettus bats, particularly the Egyptian fruit bat. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the virus spreads not only through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals but also indirectly through contaminated surfaces or materials such as clothing or bedding.
Healthcare workers treating confirmed or suspected cases are especially vulnerable to infection, particularly when infection control measures are insufficient.
What are the symptoms of Marburg virus disease (MVD)?
The incubation period for MVD can range from 2 to 21 days. Early symptoms, as noted by WHO, include high fever, severe headaches, muscle aches, abdominal pain, cramps, vomiting, and watery diarrhea. Many patients also develop hemorrhagic symptoms, such as bleeding from various parts of the body, including the digestive system, nose, gums, and vagina. In fatal cases, death typically occurs 8 to 9 days after symptoms begin, often due to severe blood loss and shock.
How can MVD be prevented and treated?
Currently, there are no licensed vaccines or specific treatments for MVD. However, WHO notes that supportive care, such as rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can improve survival chances. Experimental treatments are being developed. Rwanda's Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana has stated that the country is exploring experimental vaccines and treatments to combat the outbreak, including candidate drugs and vaccines that are in preclinical or clinical trial stages. The US-based Sabin Vaccine Institute has already provided 700 doses of an experimental Marburg vaccine, which will be given to healthcare workers on the front lines
Follow Up Question
1.H1N1 virus is sometimes mentioned in the news with reference to which one of the following diseases? (UPSC 2015)
A. AIDS
B. Bird flu
C. Dengue
D. Swine flu
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Answer (D)
The H1N1 virus is associated with swine flu. It caused a global pandemic in 2009 and continues to circulate as a seasonal flu virus. Swine flu primarily affects the respiratory system and spreads in a manner similar to the seasonal flu, through respiratory droplets from infected individuals
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission from Shahdol, Madhya Pradesh, with the aim of eradicating sickle cell disease as a public health issue by 2047. Having witnessed the severe impact of this disease during his time as Chief Minister of Gujarat, where it poses a major public health challenge, Mr. Modi's government is now working to address it nationwide. This article outlines the opportunities for further progress in tackling the disease.
Challenges in India
- India has the second-highest burden of sickle cell disease globally, with over a million people affected, primarily in the tribal regions of Odisha, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
- Sickle cell disease is caused by a genetic mutation; children are at risk of developing the disease if both parents carry the trait. While healthy individuals have disc-shaped red blood cells, those with sickle cell disease have crescent-shaped cells that shorten life expectancy (to around 40 years) and cause numerous health issues like sickle cell anaemia, recurrent infections, and organ damage.
- In addition to physical challenges, patients often face social stigma, being considered "genetically inferior" or even subjected to superstitions linking the disease to divine punishment or black magic. This can limit their social and marital opportunities.
- The Mission, launched in 2023, has placed the government's focus on addressing sickle cell disease. A nationwide screening initiative is underway, and hydroxyurea, a key medication for managing the disease, has been added to the essential medicines list, improving accessibility. However, significant challenges remain.
- Current estimates indicate that only 18% of sickle cell patients in India receive regular treatment. This is due to high dropout rates at various stages, from screening to diagnosis and treatment adherence.
- The biggest barriers are at the diagnosis and treatment stages. Many patients delay seeking proper medical help due to the stigma and often turn to traditional healers, who misdiagnose the condition. While the public healthcare system has strong diagnostic capabilities, tribal communities have historically distrusted it, leading to fewer people getting tested.
- The second major issue is treatment adherence. There is no permanent cure for sickle cell disease, and while gene therapy holds potential, it is likely to remain unaffordable for most patients. In the meantime, hydroxyurea, an affordable treatment, is effective when administered consistently.
- However, access to medication is inconsistent, with patients often facing stock shortages or long distances to collect their prescriptions. In some areas, patients must travel over 200 kilometers for treatment. Additionally, many patients lack access to crucial vaccinations that help prevent infections and improve their quality of life.
- To build on the Mission's early progress, addressing these challenges is key. First, efforts to reduce stigma and build trust in public health services are essential. Targeted media campaigns could dispel myths specific to different regions and communities, drawing on successful public health campaigns against polio and HIV. Reducing stigma could also lead to better disclosure of sickle cell carrier status, lowering the number of children born with the disease.
- Second, increasing newborn screening in high-risk areas could help catch cases earlier, as it is a cost-effective approach with significant benefits.
- Third, ensuring that essential medications and adherence support are easily accessible at local health centers is vital. Specialized centers for treating complications should also be established at the district or divisional level.
- Fourth, improving vaccination coverage for sickle cell patients, possibly through catch-up programs, would help reduce infections and enhance their quality of life.
- Fifth, health services in tribal areas need to be strengthened, with funding and operational strategies tailored to the unique challenges of these regions.
- Finally, more research is needed to better understand the disease in India and develop new treatments. Philanthropists and civil society organizations can play a crucial role in collaborating with the government at both the central and state levels to drive progress
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Answer (B)
Sickle cell anemia is caused by a genetic mutation that leads to the production of abnormal hemoglobin, known as hemoglobin S. This causes red blood cells to take on a sickle shape, leading to various health issues
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Were 8 crore new jobs created in three years?
For Preliminary Examination: Unemployment, Types of Unemployment
For Mains Examination: GS III - Indian Economy
Context:
Prime Minister Modi, based on the India-KLEMS database, claimed that India created “eight crore new jobs in the last three to four years”. However, analysts are questioning the methodology used to estimate these numbers. They argue that little meaningful employment was created in these years
Read about:
What is Unemployment?
Types of Unemployment
Key takeaways:
- India-KLEMS utilizes employment data from the PLFS, but instead of using the absolute number of workers, it relies on the Worker Population Ratio (WPR), which the PLFS provides as the proportion of workers in the population.
- To calculate the total number of workers, the WPR is multiplied by the total population. The challenge arises here because India does not have an official population figure after 2011.
- Demographers typically estimate population figures for years between censuses by interpolating data from the most recent Census. However, India-KLEMS took a different approach by using population estimates from the Economic Survey (ES) 2021-22 for the years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20.
- The ES projected population by assuming that the growth rates from 2001 to 2011 remained constant after 2011. These population projections were then multiplied by the WPR to estimate the number of workers for those years.
- For the years 2020-21 to 2023-24, India-KLEMS switched to a different source and method, using population projections from 2011-2036 published by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare (MoHFW) in 2020.
- These projections were based on 2011 Census data and were adjusted annually using demographic models that included Total Fertility Rates (TFR) and mortality rates reported in the 2017 Sample Registration System (SRS).
- The question arises as to why India-KLEMS did not consistently use the MoHFW projections for all years after 2017-18. It seems that while the RBI updates the series with new estimates after 2022, it does not revise or update earlier estimates.
- There are two significant concerns here. First, the population projections from both the ES and MoHFW fail to account for the significant decline in fertility rates in India over the past decade.
- The standard replacement TFR is typically 2.1 children per woman, but recent National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data show that India’s TFR had dropped to 2.0 by 2019-21. Additionally, a 2024 study in The Lancet projected that TFR values in India and Bangladesh would fall below 1.75 by 2027. These declines in TFR were not factored into the population projections by either the ES or MoHFW.
- Second, the population projections from both the ES and MoHFW do not differentiate between rural and urban areas. As a result, India-KLEMS managers used national sex-wise population data, assumed uniform growth rates for rural and urban populations, and derived separate projections for each.
- However, it is well-known that rural populations in India are growing more slowly than urban populations. Assuming the same growth rates for both likely leads to an overestimation of the rural population.
- Due to these two issues, the population figures used to multiply the WPR in India-KLEMS, and the resulting estimates of the number of workers, are likely overestimated
- In the past three to four years, the claim of job creation has come under scrutiny, with analysts raising concerns about the methodology used to estimate these figures. They argue that there was minimal meaningful employment generated during this period.
- Employment, or the lack thereof, has been a hotly debated topic among economists and policymakers in India recently.
- According to this database, the total number of workers in India increased from 56.6 crore in 2020-21 to 64.3 crore in 2023-24, indicating a net increase of 7.8 crore workers. Following this claim, the research team at the State Bank of India (SBI) released a report that appeared to validate these figures, showing a correlation between the number of workers in the India-KLEMS database and the NSSO's Annual Survey of Unincorporated Sector Enterprises (ASUSE), 2022-2023.
- What was surprising about these claims was the reported increase in the number of workers during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. The International Labour Organization (ILO) reported that the employment-to-population ratio between 2019 and 2023 remained stagnant or even declined in regions such as East Asia, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific. Given these global trends, analysts have expressed significant methodological and empirical doubts about the India-KLEMS database, suggesting that India's employment growth figures may be outliers.
- The India-KLEMS project originated as an academic initiative funded by the RBI in 2009, and since 2022, the RBI has hosted the database. KLEMS stands for Capital (K), Labour (L), Energy (E), Material (M), and Services (S), representing a framework for measuring industry-level "total factor productivity" (TFP), which is seen by mainstream economists as an indicator of the efficiency of all inputs in producing a unit of output.
- It is important to note that the primary purpose of the KLEMS framework is not to generate employment data. Instead, employment figures serve as inputs within the database's modeling framework. Additionally, the RBI does not directly collect data on employment or any other inputs used in the India-KLEMS database. Instead, it sources sectoral data on employment, input usage, and output from official sources such as the Central Statistics Office, Census of India, Annual Survey of Industries, and Periodic Labour Force Surveys (PLFS). It is therefore surprising that data sourced by the RBI from these official channels, intended for TFP estimation, are being portrayed as "RBI jobs data" to make political statements about employment generation in the economy.
- India-KLEMS derives its employment data from the PLFS, but it does not use absolute figures for the number of workers. The PLFS only provides the Worker Population Ratio (WPR), or the proportion of workers in the population. To estimate the number of workers, the WPR is multiplied by the total population. The problem arises because there is no official population figure for India after 2011.
- To estimate population figures for the years between censuses, demographers typically interpolate numbers from the last available Census. However, India-KLEMS took a different approach by using population estimates from the Economic Survey (ES) 2021-22 for the years 2017-18, 2018-19, and 2019-20. The ES assumed that population growth rates from 2001 to 2011 remained constant after 2011, and these projections were then used to estimate the number of workers by multiplying them with the WPR.
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Answer (B)
Thus, the correct answer is B. 1 and 2 only |
| Subject | Topic | Description |
| History | Modern Indian History | Company rule and Crown rule 1773 - 1947 |
| History | Modern Indian History | Fall of Mughals |
| History | Modern Indian History | Establishment of British rule in India |
| History | Modern Indian History | Economic Policies of the British |
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