UPSC KEY

Back
21-Aug-2024
Attempt Prelims IMPM Attempt Mains
INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) KEY (22/08/2024)

INTEGRATED MAINS AND PRELIMS MENTORSHIP (IMPM) 2025 Daily KEY

 
 
 
Exclusive for Subscribers Daily: Ethanol blending and Indian Space research Organisation (ISRO) for the UPSC Exam? Why are topics like Competition Commission of India (CCI)  and Gaganyan , Chandrayan-3 important for both preliminary and main exams? Discover more insights in the UPSC Exam Notes for August 22, 2024

 

🚨 UPSC EXAM NOTES presents the July edition of our comprehensive monthly guide. Access it  to enhance your preparation. We value your input - share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments section or via email at Support@upscexamnotes.com 🚨

Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 22, 2024

Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students

 

On the ethanol blending programme

For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international importance

For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance on ethanol program, GS III - Science & technology

 

Context:

India is on its way to achieve its target of blending 20% of petrol with ethanol by 2025-26. However, the food versus fuel equation continues to hang over the ethanol economy along with questions regarding fuel efficiency in existing vehicles

 

Read about:

What is ethanol?

What is ethanol blending?

Key takeaways:

  • India is progressing toward its goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26, given the advancements in blending percentages and the expansion of ethanol production capacity.
  • However, concerns about the balance between food and fuel persist, as recent developments have highlighted. For instance, maize imports from April to June this year have increased compared to the previous year, coinciding with the rise in maize usage for fuel ethanol to offset restrictions on sugarcane products.
  • Despite this, the industry remains confident in India's grain and sugar surpluses. 
  • The focus has primarily been on first-generation (1G) ethanol, produced directly from food grains and sugarcane. The government is encouraged to diversify into second (2G) and third-generation (3G) ethanol, which are less impactful on food security.
  • Achieving the 20% ethanol blending target by 2025-26 requires producing around 1,000 crore liters of ethanol for petrol blending. 
  • According to the roadmap for ethanol blending targets by NITI Aayog, the capacity of sugarcane-based distilleries must rise from 426 crore liters in 2021 to 760 crore liters by 2026, while grain-based distilleries' capacity should increase from 258 to 740 crore liters.
  • Besides fuel ethanol, an additional 310 crore liters will be needed for liquor production and industrial uses.
  • By December 2023, the government's review indicated that India’s ethanol production capacity had reached 1,380 crore liters—875 crore liters from sugarcane and 505 crore from food grains—almost meeting the total target with a heavier reliance on sugarcane.
  • The expansion of ethanol production has been supported by two interest subvention programs for new distilleries.
  • The industry has requested the extension of these programs to maintain growth and create surplus capacity for blending with diesel. Additionally, they urge Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to sign more long-term contracts with distilleries to establish a robust supply chain.
  • Sugarcane yields three primary byproducts—sugarcane juice and syrup, B-heavy molasses, and C-heavy molasses, with decreasing sugar content. Traditionally, the first two are used for sugar production, while the third is for ethanol.
  • To boost fuel ethanol production, the government allowed the diversion of the first two away from sugar production.
  • Ethanol prices depend on the sugar content of the input. In 2022-23, 63% of fuel ethanol came from B-heavy molasses and 33% from molasses.
  • However, in December 2023, the government restricted this diversion due to concerns about declining sugar stocks

 Follow Up Question

 

1.According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, which of the following can be used as raw materials for the production of biofuels? (UPSC 2020)
1. Cassava
2. Damaged wheat grains
3. Groundnut seeds
4. Horse gram
5. Rotten potatoes
6. Sugar beet
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
A. 1, 2, 5, and 6 only
B. 1, 3, 4, and 6 only
C. 2, 3, 4, and 5 only
D. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6

 

Answer (A)
 
According to India's National Policy on Biofuels, raw materials such as Cassava, damaged wheat grains, rotten potatoes, and sugar beet can be used for the production of biofuels. Groundnut seeds and horse gram are not typically used as raw materials for biofuel production
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: All Launch vehicles of ISRO, All types of satellites
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
 
Context:
 
On this #NationalSpaceDay, let's reflect on the incredible progress that has been made in space technology and research and inspire the next generation of space explorers
 
Read about:
 
 
All Launch vehicles of ISRO
 
Key takeaways:
 

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is the national space agency of India, responsible for the country's space exploration and satellite deployment. Established in 1969, ISRO operates under the Department of Space (DoS), which is directly overseen by the Prime Minister of India.

Key Functions and Achievements:

  • Satellite Launches: ISRO is known for developing, launching, and managing a range of satellites for various purposes, including communication, Earth observation, navigation, and scientific research.

  • Launch Vehicles: ISRO has developed a series of launch vehicles, including the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV), and the latest GSLV Mk III (now called LVM-3). These vehicles have been crucial in deploying satellites into space.

  • Mars and Lunar Missions:

    • Chandrayaan Missions: ISRO launched Chandrayaan-1 in 2008, which discovered water on the Moon. Chandrayaan-2 was launched in 2019 to explore the lunar surface, and Chandrayaan-3 successfully landed on the Moon's South Pole in 2023.
    • Mangalyaan (Mars Orbiter Mission): In 2013, ISRO launched Mangalyaan, making India the first country to reach Mars orbit on its first attempt.

  • International Collaborations: ISRO collaborates with several countries and international space agencies for joint missions, satellite launches, and research projects. It also launches satellites for other countries, making it a competitive player in the global space market.

  • Space Applications: ISRO's satellites support a wide range of applications, including weather forecasting, disaster management, agriculture monitoring, urban planning, and navigation services like NavIC, India's regional navigation system.

  • Human Spaceflight Program: ISRO is working on the Gaganyaan mission, which aims to send Indian astronauts into space. This would be India's first crewed space mission.

Milestones:

  • 1975: Launched its first satellite, Aryabhata.
  • 1980: Successfully launched its first satellite, Rohini, using its own launch vehicle (SLV-3).
  • 2008: Chandrayaan-1 mission to the Moon.
  • 2014: Mangalyaan mission to Mars.
  • 2017: Launched 104 satellites in a single mission (PSLV-C37), setting a world record.
  • 2023: Successful soft landing of Chandrayaan-3 on the Moon's South Pole.
 
Follow Up Question
 
1.With reference to India's satellite launch vehicles, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)
1. PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.
2. Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.
3. GSLV Mk III is a four- staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 and 3
C. 1 and 2
D. 3 only
 
 
Answer (A)
 

  • PSLVs launch satellites useful for Earth resources monitoring whereas GSLVs are designed mainly to launch communication satellites.

    • Correct. PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle) is primarily used for launching satellites into polar orbits, which are ideal for Earth observation and resource monitoring. GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) is designed to place satellites into geostationary orbits, typically used for communication satellites.

  • Satellites launched by PSLV appear to remain permanently fixed in the same position in the sky, as viewed from a particular location on Earth.

    • Incorrect. Satellites that remain fixed in the sky are in geostationary orbits, which are launched by GSLVs. PSLV typically launches satellites into polar orbits, where the satellite passes over different parts of the Earth as the planet rotates.

  • GSLV Mk III is a four-staged launch vehicle with the first and third stages using solid rocket motors; and the second and fourth stages using liquid rocket engines.

    • Incorrect. GSLV Mk III is a three-stage launch vehicle, not four-staged. The first stage has two solid rocket boosters, the second stage uses a liquid core stage, and the third stage is a cryogenic stage.
 
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international importance
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - Governance 
 
Context:
 
CCI approves combination involving acquisition by Advent (through Rasmeli) in Apollo Healthco, acquisition by Apollo Healthco in Keimed and merger of Keimed into Apollo Healthco
 
Read about:
 
What is the Competetion Commission of India?
 
Functions and responsibilities of CCI
 
Key takeaways:
 
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a regulatory body established under the Competition Act, 2002 to enforce and promote fair competition in the Indian market. Its primary objective is to prevent practices that have an adverse effect on competition, promote and sustain competition, protect the interests of consumers, and ensure freedom of trade in the markets of India
 
Key functions of CCI:
 
  • CCI investigates and takes action against anti-competitive agreements, including cartels, which can harm competition in the market
  • CCI monitors and addresses instances where dominant companies exploit their market position to the detriment of competition, such as by imposing unfair prices or limiting production
  • The Commission assesses mergers and acquisitions to ensure they do not lead to a significant adverse effect on competition. Companies are required to notify CCI of large mergers that might affect competition
  • CCI also plays a role in educating businesses, consumers, and stakeholders about the benefits of competition and the importance of complying with competition laws
  • CCI has the authority to investigate suspected anti-competitive behavior, either on its own initiative or based on complaints from individuals or companies. If found guilty, companies can be subjected to penalties, including fines
Read also:
 
What is Cartelisation?
 
 
More Information
 
Cartelisation refers to the practice where independent businesses, typically in the same industry, come together to form an agreement aimed at controlling competition. This often involves colluding on prices, limiting production, dividing markets, or rigging bids to ensure that all members of the cartel benefit at the expense of fair competition. Such practices are illegal under competition laws in many countries, including India, as they harm consumers by reducing competition, leading to higher prices, lower quality, and less innovation.
 

  • In India: Under the Competition Act, 2002, cartelisation is prohibited, and the Competition Commission of India (CCI) is empowered to investigate and take action against cartels. Companies found guilty of cartelisation can face significant penalties, including fines of up to three times the profit earned from the cartel or 10% of the turnover, whichever is higher.

  • Leniency Program: To encourage members of cartels to come forward and report cartel activities, many competition authorities, including CCI, have leniency programs. These programs reduce the penalties for cartel members who cooperate with investigations.

 
Follow Up Question
 
1.Competition Commission of India is which kind of body? (RSMSSB Sanganak 2018)
A. Statutory body
B. Constitutional.
C. Single Member
D. Private
 
Answer (A)
 
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a statutory body
 
A statutory body is an organization or agency that is created and empowered by a specific law or statute passed by a country's legislature. These bodies are established to perform certain functions and have the authority derived from the law under which they were created.
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
 
Context:
 
The Chief of Naval Staff, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, who recently took over his current assignment, called on Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today in North Block and reiterated Navy's support to India's first human Space mission 'Gaganyaan" as well as to the Ocean mission "Samudrayaan"
 
Read about:
What is Gaganyan Mission?
 
What is Chandrayan?
 
What is Chandrayan -3?
 
Key takeaways:
 
The Gaganyaan Mission is India's ambitious human spaceflight program developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The mission aims to send Indian astronauts, known as "Vyomanauts," into space and return them safely to Earth. It marks a significant milestone in India’s space exploration efforts and represents the country’s first crewed space mission.
 
Chandrayaan refers to a series of lunar exploration missions launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO). The term "Chandrayaan" comes from the Sanskrit words "Chandra" (Moon) and "Yaan" (vehicle), meaning "Mooncraft" or "Moon Mission." The Chandrayaan missions are part of India's efforts to explore the Moon, study its surface, and expand the country's capabilities in space exploration.
 
All Chandrayan Missions
 

  • Chandrayaan-1 (2008):

    • Launch Date: October 22, 2008.
    • Mission: India's first mission to the Moon.
    • Objectives: To map the Moon's surface, study its mineral composition, and search for water/ice in the lunar polar regions.
    • Key Achievements:
      • Chandrayaan-1 made one of the most significant discoveries in lunar science by confirming the presence of water/hydroxyl molecules on the Moon's surface.
      • The mission included a Moon Impact Probe (MIP) that deliberately crashed into the lunar surface, providing valuable data.
    • Status: The mission lasted for about 10 months, during which it achieved most of its objectives.

  • Chandrayaan-2 (2019):

    • Launch Date: July 22, 2019.
    • Mission: A more complex mission than Chandrayaan-1, it included an orbiter, a lander (Vikram), and a rover (Pragyan).
    • Objectives: To explore the south pole of the Moon, which is relatively unexplored. The mission aimed to study the lunar surface, conduct topographical studies, and search for water ice.
    • Key Achievements:
      • The orbiter continues to orbit the Moon and provides valuable scientific data, including detailed images and studies of the lunar surface.
      • However, the Vikram lander lost communication during its descent and could not achieve a soft landing on the Moon.
    • Status: The orbiter is still operational and continues to send data back to Earth.

  • Chandrayaan-3 (2023):

    • Launch Date: July 14, 2023.
    • Mission: Following the Chandrayaan-2 mission, Chandrayaan-3 focused solely on a lander (Vikram) and a rover (Pragyan) without an orbiter component.
    • Objectives: To successfully land on the Moon's surface, particularly near the lunar south pole, and conduct scientific experiments with the rover.
    • Key Achievements:
      • On August 23, 2023, Chandrayaan-3 successfully made a soft landing near the Moon's south pole, making India the first country to land a spacecraft in this region.
      • The rover Pragyan carried out experiments on the lunar surface, including studying the composition of the soil and rocks and the presence of water.
    • Status: The mission was successful, marking a significant milestone for India's space exploration program.
 
 
Follow Up Question
 
 1.In the context of space technology, what is "Bhuvan", recently in the news?  (UPSC 2010) 
A. A mini satellite, launched by ISRO for promoting the distance educa­tion in India
B. The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayan-II
C. A geoportal of ISRO with 3 D imaging capabilities of India
D. A space telescope developed by India
 
Answer (C)
 
"Bhuvan" is a geoportal developed by ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India. It is a web-based application that allows users to explore various geospatial data related to India's geography. Bhuvan provides satellite imagery and thematic maps, enabling users to visualize terrain, urban planning, disaster management, and more.
 
 

2.What will be India's second moon mission by ISRO? (Maharashtra Talathi  2019) 

A. Chandrayaan 1         

B. Chandrayaan 1.A       

C. Chandrayaan 2         

D. Chandrayaan 3

Answer (C)
 

Chandrayaan 2 was India's second lunar exploration mission and was launched by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) on July 22, 2019. The mission consisted of an orbiter, a lander named Vikram, and a rover named Pragyan.

The key details about Chandrayaan 2 are:

  • It was the first Indian attempt at a soft landing on the lunar surface.
  • The mission aimed to explore the uncharted south polar region of the Moon.
  • Unfortunately, the Vikram lander crash-landed on the lunar surface in September 2019, though the orbiter is still operational.
  • Despite the setback with the lander, the Chandrayaan 2 mission has provided valuable data and insights about the Moon through the orbiter
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination:  Current events of national and international importance
 
For Mains Examination: GS II - International relations
 
Context:
 
The India-Japan partnership is set against a larger context of a free, open and rules-based Indo-Pacific and it will continue to grow, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on Tuesday as the two sides held a fresh edition of "2+2" dialogue amid China's increasing military muscle-flexing in the region
 
Read about:
 
What is 2+2 Ministerial dialogue?
 
Significance of this 2+2 dialogue
 
Key takeaways: 
 
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue is a high-level diplomatic meeting format involving two countries, where each country sends its foreign and defense ministers to discuss strategic issues and enhance bilateral relations. The format is designed to strengthen cooperation in various areas, including defense, security, and foreign policy
 
The 2+2 Ministerial Dialogue holds significant importance in international diplomacy and defense relations. Here are some of the key aspects of its significance:
 
  • The dialogue allows countries to discuss and strengthen their strategic partnership, addressing both regional and global challenges
  • By involving foreign and defense ministers, the dialogue ensures that both diplomatic and security dimensions are considered in policy-making and cooperation
  • Countries can align their strategic interests, coordinate policies, and enhance mutual understanding on security issues and geopolitical challenges
  • The dialogue helps in managing regional conflicts and crises, providing a platform for coordinated responses and joint strategies
  • The dialogue often leads to agreements on joint exercises, defense technology sharing, and military cooperation, enhancing interoperability between armed forces
  • It facilitates the development of security partnerships and defense agreements that can include arms sales, training programs, and strategic support
  • By involving top diplomats and defense officials, the dialogue underscores the importance of the bilateral relationship and fosters high-level engagement
  • It helps in identifying and promoting mutual interests, leading to stronger diplomatic and economic ties
  • The dialogue can result in comprehensive agreements that cover various aspects of defense and foreign policy, providing a framework for future cooperation
 
Read also:
 
What is COMCOSA Pact ?
 
More Information
 
The COMCOSA Pact (Communications, Security, and Cooperation Agreement) is a bilateral agreement between the United States and India designed to enhance defense and security cooperation between the two countries. The pact focuses on strengthening communication and security ties, facilitating deeper collaboration on defense and strategic matters
The pact aims to improve secure communication channels between the defense and military forces of the two countries
 It supports interoperability between U.S. and Indian military systems, facilitating better coordination and joint operations
  • Part of U.S.-India Strategic Partnership: The COMCOSA Pact is one of several agreements that form the foundation of the U.S.-India strategic partnership. It complements other agreements such as the Logistics Exchange Memorandum of Agreement (LEMOA) and the Basic Exchange and Cooperation Agreement (BECA).
  • Signed in 2018: The pact was signed during a meeting between U.S. Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis and Indian Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman in September 2018
 
Follow Up Question
 
1.What introduces friction into the ties between India and the United States is that Washington is still unable to find for India a position in its global strategy, which would satisfy India’s National self-esteem and ambitions’. Explain with suitable examples. (2019)
 
 
 
 
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and International importance
 
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & technology
 
Context:
 
Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams’s job was simple when they took off to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5. They were to test-fly the Boeing Starliner crew capsule for the first time with a human crew, assess its performance (including its manual controls), dock with the ISS, and return to the earth in about a week
 
Read about:
 
What is International Space Station (ISS)?
 
Scientific Discoveries Benefiting Earth
 
Key takeaways:
 

Barry Wilmore and Sunita Williams embarked on their mission to the International Space Station (ISS) on June 5 with a clear objective: to test the Boeing Starliner crew capsule for the first time with humans on board, evaluate its performance including manual controls, dock with the ISS, and return to Earth within approximately a week.

However, what was initially planned as a straightforward eight-day mission has extended into an eight-month operation. NASA has indicated that the two astronauts might not return until 2025 due to issues with Starliner, including a helium leak and malfunctioning thrusters. Despite Boeing’s optimism, it appears unlikely that Wilmore and Williams will return to Earth aboard the Starliner.

Current ISS Crew:

As part of Expedition 71, nine crew members are currently aboard the ISS: Williams, Wilmore, Oleg Kononenko, Nikolai Chub, Tracy Caldwell-Dyson, Matthew Dominick, Michael Barratt, Jeanette Epps, and Alexander Grebenkin.

  • Kononenko and Chub: Arrived aboard Soyuz MS-24 for Expedition 70 and stayed on for Expedition 71. They are scheduled to return on September 24 aboard Soyuz MS-25.
  • Caldwell-Dyson: Joined the ISS crew on March 25 this year via Soyuz MS-25, with a return planned on the same spacecraft in September.
  • Dominick, Barratt, Epps, and Grebenkin: Arrived on March 5 with SpaceX Crew-8 aboard the Dragon Endeavour, and they are also set to return in September 2024 using the same craft.

As Expedition 71 concludes, its crew will transfer responsibilities to Expedition 72, starting on September 24 with a new seven-member team.

Williams and Wilmore were supposed to have left the ISS before Expedition 72 began, but due to the issues with Starliner’s thrusters, their stay has been prolonged.

 

Follow Up Question

1.What is the purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news? (UPSC 2008)
A.  To study the possibility of life on Mars
B.  To study the satellites of Saturn
C.  To study the colorful display of high-latitude skies
D. To build a space laboratory to study the stellar explosions

 

Answer (C)
 

The purpose of the US Space Agency’s Themis Mission, which was recently in the news, is to study the colorful display of high-latitude skies.

Themis, which stands for Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms, is a mission focused on understanding the auroras and the phenomena associated with the Earth's magnetosphere
 
 
Subject and Subject Wise Notes for the Sunday Exam (Free)
 
Subject Topic Description
History Modern Indian History National Movements between 1919 to 1939
History  Modern Indian History Governor generals of India
History Modern Indian History Doctrine of Lapse
History Modern Indian History Religious reform Movements
 

 

UPSC EXAM NOTES will be conducting both Prelims and Mains exams every Sunday as part of the Integrated Mains and Prelims (IMPM) Program. This program provides a comprehensive approach to UPSC exam preparation, ensuring that candidates are well-prepared for both stages of the exam.

Program Highlights:

  • Daily Study Keys: Each day, we will provide keys that outline what to read, focusing on the most relevant topics and current affairs.
  • Subject Notes: In addition to daily keys, we will supply detailed subject notes to help you build a strong foundation in all necessary areas.
  • Sunday Exams: Every Sunday, a combined exam will be held, encompassing the daily keys' content and subject notes, along with a culmination of current affairs from various sources. These exams will cover both Prelims and Mains syllabi.
  • Format: Exams will be available in both online and offline formats to cater to different preferences and situations.

Duration: The IMPM plan is a one-year program, ensuring continuous and structured preparation over 12 months. With regular testing and consistent study guidance, this program is designed to maximize your chances of success in the UPSC exams
 
 
 
 
Share to Social