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Critical Topics and Their Significance for the UPSC CSE Examination on August 24, 2024
Daily Insights and Initiatives for UPSC Exam Notes: Comprehensive explanations and high-quality material provided regularly for students
A look at ongoing Indian space missions
For Preliminary Examination: Current events of national and international importance
For Mains Examination: GS III - Science & Technology
Context:
Over the past year, ISRO has made significant strides with several key missions; the Aditya L1 spacecraft began studying solar radiation from the earth-Sun Lagrange point, while the Gaganyaan TV-D1 mission successfully demonstrated crew safety systems
Read about:
What are the important missions of ISRO?
What is the Gaganyan Mission?
Key takeaways:
- Aditya L1: After the successful lunar mission, India launched its solar science mission, Aditya-L1, on September 2, 2023. The launch, which used ISRO's Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV), was relatively straightforward. The spacecraft then performed a series of maneuvers to enter orbit around the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1) by January 6, 2024, and completed its first orbit around L1 on July 2, 2024. In May 2024, it studied a solar storm in collaboration with ground-based observatories and lunar orbiting spacecraft.
- Gaganyaan TV-D1: As part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, ISRO utilized a modified L-40 Vikas engine to create its Test Vehicle (TV), which conducted its first abort mission on October 21, 2023. This mission demonstrated the Crew Escape System (CES), which successfully detached from the TV, guided the crew module to safety, and slowed it down for a safe splashdown in the Bay of Bengal. The Indian Navy's INS Shakthi later retrieved the crew module.
- XPoSat: On January 1, 2024, ISRO launched the X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat), aiming to examine the polarization of radiation from various celestial bodies. This mission is the second space-based observatory of its kind, following NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IPEX) launched in 2021. XPoSat’s two instruments, XSPECT and POLIX, became operational on January 5 and 10, respectively.
- INSAT-3DS: The meteorological satellite INSAT-3DS was launched by ISRO on February 17 using a Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV). This mission was vital for showcasing the GSLV's reliability ahead of the significant NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, which is anticipated to launch in early 2025. This version of the GSLV previously succeeded in launching the NVS-01 satellite in 2023.
- RLV-TD: ISRO conducted two landing tests with a scaled-down version of the Reusable Launch Vehicle, named Pushpak, on March 22 and June 7, at its Aeronautical Testing Range in Challakere, Karnataka. These tests simulated space landing conditions by dropping the Pushpak from a Chinook helicopter—along its landing path in LEX-02 and 500 meters off-course in LEX-03. The success of these tests provided ISRO with the confidence to proceed with the Orbital Return Flight Experiment.
- SSLV: On August 16, ISRO launched the third and final test flight of the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV), deploying the EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites into orbit. With the success of two consecutive test flights, ISRO declared the SSLV's development phase complete, paving the way for its industrial handover. EOS-08 carried three payloads: one for infrared Earth observation, another for testing reflections from a global satellite navigation system, and a third as an ultraviolet dosimeter and alarm system, to be used in the Gaganyaan crew module.
- ISRO Roadmaps: After transferring commercial operations to NewSpace India, Ltd. (NSIL), ISRO shifted its focus to research. In December 2023, ISRO Chairman S. Somanath outlined a 25-year roadmap for the Gaganyaan mission, which aims for completion by 2047 and includes plans for an Indian moon landing by 2040. The roadmap also involves a crewed lunar mission, a lunar sample-return mission, a long-duration lunar surface mission, potential docking with NASA's Lunar Gateway under the Artemis program, and the construction of lunar habitats.
- Gaganyaan: ISRO has prioritized training its astronaut candidates, or Gaganyatris, for space missions. On February 27, Prime Minister Modi announced the names of the candidates: Wing Commander Shubhanshu Shukla, and Group Captains Prashanth Nair, Ajit Krishnan, and Angad Pratap. Recently, Shukla and Nair traveled to the U.S. for advanced training in preparation for a mission to the International Space Station (ISS). Shukla is expected to fly on this mission, with Nair as his backup. This mission, scheduled for 2025, will be conducted by Axiom Space, with input from NASA and utilizing SpaceX’s launch vehicle and crew capsule. ISRO has also planned at least four additional abort tests using its Test Vehicle before the historic crewed flight, with the first uncrewed Gaganyaan mission expected in late 2024. Mr. Somanath's roadmap includes building an Indian space station, the 'Bharatiya Antariksh Station' (BAS), by 2035.
- Next-generation Launch Vehicle: To support the BAS and a comprehensive lunar program, India requires a new launch vehicle capable of carrying heavier payloads than the current PSLV or GSLV rockets. The proposed solution is the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV). A team led by S. Sivakumar submitted a project report to the Union Cabinet in February, detailing the NGLV's development requirements and requesting funding. The NGLV is planned to be a three-stage launch vehicle powered by semi-cryogenic, liquid, and cryogenic engines. ISRO does not intend to continue using the GSLV once the NGLV is operational, and the PSLV production has already been handed over to a private consortium led by Larsen & Toubro and Hindustan Aeronautics, Ltd. Concurrently, ISRO is developing a semi-cryogenic engine for the LVM-3 rocket (also known as the GSLV Mk III) to enhance its launch capabilities, successfully conducting pre-burner ignition tests on May 2 and 21.
- NSIL Missions: With ISRO focusing on research, NSIL has taken charge of mission execution and commercial space activities. On May 1, ISRO transferred all commercial activities related to Indian Remote Sensing satellite data and products to NSIL. NSIL signed an agreement with SpaceX to launch the GSAT-20/GSAT-N2 satellite, which LVM-3 cannot currently accommodate due to its weight. SpaceX is expected to launch this satellite in August 2024. On May 10, NSIL issued a request for qualifications for the LVM-3 production through a public-private partnership and signed a dedicated launch service agreement with an Australian private space company to launch the SSLV.
- Private Space Missions: On March 21, Agnikul Cosmos successfully launched its SoRTeD-01 vehicle from the Satish Dhawan Space Center in Sriharikota, marking the first Indian launch of a vehicle powered by a semi-cryogenic engine. Skyroot Aerospace is advancing towards the launch of its Vikram 1 rocket, having conducted solid-fuel engine tests between May and July 2024, and previously launching the Vikram S test vehicle on November 18, 2022. Dhruva Space and Bellatrix Aerospace conducted experiments aboard the PSLV-C58 mission’s fourth and final stage on January 1.
- IN-SPACe: Over the past year, the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has introduced several significant policy updates and granted key licenses. On May 3, it published the 'Norms, Guidelines, and Procedures for Authorization of Space Activities.' It issued India's first satellite broadband license to Eutelsat OneWeb on November 21, 2023, and granted the first license for ground station services to Dhruva Space on July 15. Additionally, on February 21, the Indian government revised its foreign direct investment (FDI) policy to allow 100% direct FDI in all space-related segments, with a 74% cap in satellite manufacturing and operations, and a 49% cap in launch infrastructure
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Answer (A)
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Goods and Services Tax (GST) is a comprehensive, multi-stage, destination-based tax that is levied on the value added to goods and services at each stage of their production or distribution. It aims to simplify the tax structure by replacing a multitude of indirect taxes with a single tax.
Here’s a breakdown of its key aspects:
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Single Tax System: GST replaces various indirect taxes like excise duty, service tax, VAT (Value Added Tax), and others, creating a unified tax structure.
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Multi-Stage Tax: GST is collected at every stage of the production and distribution process. Each business in the supply chain is taxed only on the value they add to the product or service.
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Destination-Based Tax: The tax is levied based on the final destination of the goods or services, meaning the tax revenue is collected by the state where the goods or services are consumed.
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Input Tax Credit (ITC): Businesses can claim credit for the tax paid on inputs (raw materials, services, etc.) against the tax they collect on their outputs (finished goods or services). This prevents the cascading effect of taxes.
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Central and State GST: In federal countries like India, GST has two components:
- Central GST (CGST): Collected by the central government on intra-state transactions.
- State GST (SGST): Collected by state governments on intra-state transactions.
- For inter-state transactions, Integrated GST (IGST) is applied, which is collected by the central government but shared with the state of destination.
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Standardization: GST aims to standardize tax rates and procedures across different regions, simplifying compliance for businesses operating in multiple states or countries.
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Rates: GST rates vary depending on the category of goods or services, with different rates applicable for essential items, luxury goods, and services
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IT Infrastructure: GSTN provides the technological backbone for the GST system. It operates and maintains the GST Portal, which serves as a platform for businesses and taxpayers to comply with GST regulations, file returns, and make payments.
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Data Management: GSTN manages and processes a large volume of data related to GST transactions, including registration, invoicing, return filing, and payment. It helps in the collection and analysis of data for better tax administration.
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Facilitating Compliance: The network facilitates various aspects of GST compliance, such as the generation of GST returns, input tax credit claims, and tax payment processes. It aims to make compliance easier for businesses by providing tools and resources on the GST Portal.
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Integration with Government Systems: GSTN integrates with central and state government systems to ensure seamless information flow between various tax authorities and agencies. This integration supports the administration of GST, including enforcement and audit functions.
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Support and Training: GSTN provides support to taxpayers and tax professionals through helpdesks, training programs, and user manuals. It also works on improving the system based on user feedback and evolving requirements.
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Answer (D)
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Establishment and Legal Framework:
- The NHRC was established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- It is empowered to investigate complaints of human rights violations and take necessary actions.
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Functions:
- Investigate Complaints: NHRC can investigate complaints regarding human rights violations, either suo motu or based on complaints from individuals or groups.
- Monitor: It monitors the functioning of human rights institutions and the implementation of human rights laws and policies.
- Advise: It advises the government on human rights issues and recommends measures to prevent violations.
- Awareness and Education: It promotes human rights awareness and education through various programs and activities.
- Research and Reporting: NHRC conducts research on human rights issues and publishes reports to inform the public and government.
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Powers:
- Inquiry Powers: NHRC has the power to conduct inquiries and investigations into complaints of human rights violations.
- Recommendations: It can make recommendations to the government for corrective measures and reforms.
- Legal Action: While NHRC itself does not have judicial powers, it can recommend legal action or compensation for victims.
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Composition:
- NHRC is headed by a Chairperson, who is a retired Chief Justice of India or a retired Supreme Court judge.
- It includes other members, such as retired judges of the Supreme Court or High Courts, and experts in human rights, law, and social work.
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Jurisdiction:
- NHRC's jurisdiction extends across the entire country of India. It works in cooperation with state human rights commissions (SHRCs) and other relevant agencies.
1.Other than the Fundamental Rights, which of the following parts of the Constitution of India reflect/reflects the principles and provisions of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)? (UPSC CSE 2020)
- Preamble
- Directive Principles of State Policy
- Fundamental Duties
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
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Answer (D)
The Universal Declaration of Human Rights was adopted by the UN General Assembly as Resolution 217 A in Paris. It asserts that all individuals are born free and equal in dignity and rights, endowed with reason and conscience, and should treat each other with a spirit of fraternity. Article 3 of the Declaration guarantees the right to life, liberty, and personal security. Similarly, the Preamble of the Indian Constitution emphasizes "equality of status and opportunity," as well as the dignity of the individual and national unity and integrity. Therefore, Statement 1 is accurate. Article 22 of the Declaration highlights the importance of economic, social, and cultural rights for human dignity and personal development, concepts also reflected in the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) in the Indian Constitution. Additionally, Article 29 of the Declaration refers to duties, a notion incorporated into the Indian Constitution by the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, which established Part IV-A (Article 51A).
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- On August 21, 2024, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) instructed the Union Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to provide an affidavit outlining its stance on the extensive forest land encroachment in Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary, Assam, which has been ongoing for several years.
- This affidavit should address the findings reported by the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest, Assam, on July 15, 2024. Additionally, the NGT's eastern zone bench directed the Chief Secretary of Assam to resubmit a corrected affidavit within four weeks, as the previous one was deemed defective.
- The affidavit from the Principal Chief Conservator of Forest revealed that approximately 300,000 individuals have encroached upon the sanctuary, clearing lowland evergreen and semi-evergreen forests, and establishing permanent structures and agricultural activities, including the cultivation of commercial crops such as betel nut, coconut, rubber, and tea. It also highlighted that around 23,028 claims have been made under the Forest Rights Act, 2006, in Charduar Reserve Forest, Balipara Reserve Forest, and Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary.
- The report included a chart showing that about 50,241 hectares of the total 73,524.86 hectares of reserve and protected forest land are currently encroached upon.
- On August 22, 2024, the Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) of Renukoot, Sonbhadra, filed an affidavit in response to an NGT order from May 10, 2024, regarding ongoing surveillance of the Dongia reservoir reserve forest area in Pipri, Sonbhadra, Uttar Pradesh. This surveillance aims to prevent illegal activities in the region.
- The affidavit addressed the issue of unlawful encroachments and tree felling in the reserve forest, which threatens the forest, wildlife, and aquatic animals. The report detailed that illegal activities were being conducted by the Chairman, Digvijay Pratap Singh, the executive officer of Nagar Panchayat Pipri, and their associates.
- The affidavit also noted the presence of diverse wildlife in the reserve forest, such as deer, leopards, and peacocks, and crocodiles in the reservoir. The DFO’s report confirmed that illegal activities were being carried out by various individuals, including Pradeep Kumar Singh, Vijay Bahadur Singh, and Anil Kumar. The forest department has taken strict action, halted illegal road extension work, and addressed issues related to illegal tree cutting, installation of iron sheets and gates, and encroachments
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National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is an autonomous and specialized judicial body in India established to handle environmental disputes and issues related to the protection and conservation of the environment.
Here are the key details about the NGT:
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Answer (B)
To answer this question, let's examine each statement about the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB): Statement 1: "The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by the executive order of the Government." This statement is incorrect.
Statement 2: "The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells, and aims to improve the quality of air in the country." This statement is correct.
Therefore, the correct answer is B. 2 only |
| 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 |
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