Tag: Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP)

UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (30TH NOVEMBER, 2024) Rise of Indian Tourism Sector Syllabus :GS 3/Economy In News The Centre has approved ₹3,295 crore in interest-free loans for tourism infrastructure development across states. About The Union Finance Ministry cleared the loans, which are being disbursed under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. The loans are long-term, interest-free, and will be repaid over 50 years. The aim is to develop iconic tourist centers, enhance global branding, and promote sustainable tourism that boosts local economies and creates jobs. States are encouraged to develop lesser-known tourist destinations like Bateshwar (Uttar Pradesh), Ponda (Goa), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat). 40 new tourism projects have been identified across 23 States. India’s Tourism Sector Growth: India, one of the oldest civilisations in the world, is a multicultural melting pot. India’s tourism industry is becoming a global favorite due to its rich heritage, cultural diversity, and beautiful destinations, contributing significantly to economic growth and job creation. In 2022-23, 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs were created in the tourism sector, compared to 70.04 million in 2021-22. Government Budget for Tourism: For FY25, the government has allocated ₹2,479 crore to further develop the tourism sector. Global Ranking: India ranks 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024 (TTDI), with improvements in: Prioritization of Travel & Tourism,Safety & Security,Health & Hygiene. Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): In 2023, India recorded 9.24 million FTAs, a 43.5% growth compared to 2022 (6.44 million). Foreign Exchange Earnings (FEEs) from FTAs grew by 65%, reaching ₹2.3 lakh crore in 2023. Measures to Increase FTAs: Promotion of adventure and niche tourism. Easier access to e-visas. Launch of a 24×7 multilingual helpline for tourists. Launch of Paryatan Didi and Paryatan Mitra for a better tourist experience. In 2023, 2,509.63 million Domestic Tourist Visits (DTVs) were recorded, up from 1,731.01 million in 2022. Government’s Initiatives The government is prioritizing adventure tourism and sustainable tourism along with technological integration to increase sector growth. Infrastructure Investment: India has invested around ₹7,000 crore (approximately $1 billion) in building tourism infrastructure to improve the tourist experience. Initiatives like Dekho Apna Desh, PRASHAD, Vibrant Village Programme, SWADESH 2.0, and Udaan aim to promote domestic tourism. Challenges Infrastructure Deficiencies: Poor connectivity in remote areas, limited quality accommodation in rural destinations, and inadequate basic amenities. Safety and Security Concerns: Issues such as crime, health risks from disease outbreaks, and political instability in certain regions can deter tourists. Environmental Impact: Pollution in urban areas, overtourism leading to the degradation of popular destinations, and potential harm to wildlife and ecosystems due to tourism in sensitive areas. Cultural Sensitivities: Tourists may unintentionally disrespect local customs, and increased tourism can threaten the preservation of cultural and heritage sites. Marketing and Promotion: Inadequate awareness and ineffective branding campaigns, like “Incredible India,” fail to highlight the country’s diverse attractions. Skill Development: There is a lack of trained professionals in the tourism industry and language barriers for foreign tourists. Conclusion and Way Forward India’s tourism industry has shown remarkable growth due to government initiatives, infrastructure development, and global branding. The government sees tourism as a driver of social inclusion, employment, and economic progress, working towards making India a developed country by 2047. Continued focus on sustainable tourism and technological integration is expected to further boost the sector. Odisha Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024 Syllabus: GS2/Governance Context The Odisha government is to enact a new law with stringent penal provisions to check cheating and other discrepancies in public examinations of the state. About The law is known as the Odisha Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024. The law would be aimed at effectively and legally deterring persons, organised groups, or institutions that indulge in various unfair means and adversely impact the public examination systems for monetary or wrongful gains. Currently, there is no specific law in Odisha to prevent cheating in examinations. Recent Cases of Discrepancies in Public Exams in India The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) revealed that there are about 2,000 cases of examination malpractices recorded in the year 2018 only. Four people were arrested in Bihar state for leaking the question papers of the National Eligibility Cum Entrance Test (Undergraduate). The qualifying exams for the post of Review Officer/Assistant Review Officer in Uttar Pradesh, was cancelled amid allegations of paper leak. These malpractices have severe financial and psychological tolls on the students, and the whole of the education system requires stronger measures to deal with them. Impact of Examination Malpractices: Undermines Educational Integrity: When cheating and malpractices become widespread, it erodes the credibility of the examination system. Devaluation of Qualifications: When malpractices affect the credibility of exams, the value of the qualifications awarded by educational institutions diminishes, affecting the employability and future prospects of all students. Loss of Trust in the System: Parents and the public lose trust in the education system. Psychological Impact on Students: Students feel demotivated and discouraged by the prevalence of malpractices. Delay in Exams: Malpractices in public examinations lead to delays and cancellation of examinations, adversely impacting the prospects of millions of youth. Additional Cost: The government has to bear additional financial burden to reconduct the examination. Public Examination (Prevention of Unfair Means ) Act, 2024– The Act broadly defines “unfair means” to include various malpractices, such as:1. Leaking question papers or answer keys,2. Assisting candidates during exams (unauthorized communication, providing solutions),3. Tampering with computer networks or resources,4. Impersonating candidates,Conducting fake examinations or issuing fake documents,Tampering with documents for merit lists or ranks.– Penalties and Punishments:1. Individuals:1.1 Imprisonment ranges from 3 to 10 years depending on the offense’s severity.1.2 Fines up to Rs. 1 crore for organized crimes.2. Service providers:1.1 Fines up to Rs. 1 crore for involvement in malpractices.1.2 Barring from conducting public examinations for 4 years.1.3 Personal liability for directors/management involved.3. Organized crimes:1.1 Harsher penalties, with imprisonment between 5 and 10 years and a minimum fine of Rs. 1 crore1.2 The institution involved can face property attachment and forfeiture– Investigation: 1. All offences under the Act are cognisable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable.2. An officer not below the rank Deputy Superintendent or Assistant Commissioner of Police will investigate the offences under the Act. 3. The Central Government may transfer the investigation to any Central Investigating Agency. Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP) Syllabus: GS2/Education Context The University Grants Commission (UGC) has recently approved a Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) for Higher education institutions (HEIs) to offer the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP). What are ADPs and EDPs? At the end of the first or second semester, but not beyond, undergraduate students will be allowed to opt for an ADP or an EDP. Students enrolled under an ADP will follow the same curriculum and must earn the same number of credits as required for a three- or four-year undergraduate (UG) programme. However, they can complete their programme sooner by earning additional credits starting from the semester they choose the ADP. Under ADP, a three-year UG programme can be completed in five semesters instead of the standard six (shortened by a maximum of one semester), while a four-year UG programme can be completed in six or seven semesters (shortened by a maximum of two semesters) rather than eight. On the other hand, students who choose the EDP will be allowed to earn fewer credits per semester compared to the standard programme, allowing them to take longer to complete their course. The government departments, private organisations, and recruiting agencies like UPSC/State Service Commissions and so on, will treat the ADPs and EDPs on a par with those of standard duration. How will they be implemented? HEIs will set up the committee to scrutinise the applications they receive for ADP and EDP at the end of the first or second semester and select students accordingly. An institution can earmark up to 10% of the sanctioned intake for ADP students, while there will be no cap on the number of EDP students. HEIs can begin offering ADP or EDP from the 2025-26 academic year, with the choice to implement these programs left to the institutions. Significance ADP allows high-performing students to complete their degrees faster and allows them to enter the workforce or pursue higher studies sooner. The move was in line with the National Credit Framework (NCrF) released last year in accordance with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. University Grants Commission (UGC)– It came into existence on 28th December, 1953 and became a statutory Organization of the Government of India by an Act of Parliament in 1956.– The UGC’s mandate includes:1. Promoting and coordinating university education.2. Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination, and research in universities.3. Disbursing grants to the Universities and Colleges.4. Serving as a vital link between the Union and State Governments and institutions of higher learning.5. Advising the Central and State Governments on the measures necessary to improve university education. Government Proposed 100% FDI in Insurance Sector Syllabus: GS3/Economy Context The Union Finance Ministry released a consultation paper proposing to raise the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) limit in the insurance sector from 74% to 100%. About The FDI limit in the insurance sector was previously increased from 49% to 74% in February 2021. A comprehensive review of the legislative framework of the sector has been conducted in consultation with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority (IRDAI) and the industry. Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)– It refers to investments made by a company or individual from one country in assets, businesses, or production activities in another country. Significance– It boosts the economy by bringing in capital, technology, and management expertise, which enhances productivity and innovation in the host country.– It generates employment opportunities, especially in sectors like manufacturing, services, and infrastructure.– It facilitates the exchange of skills and technology, enhancing the competitiveness of domestic firms. Proposed Amendment to Insurance Laws: It aims to ensure accessibility and affordability of insurance for citizens, foster the expansion and development of the insurance industry, and streamline business processes. Net Owned Funds for foreign reinsurers is also proposed to be reduced from Rs 5,000 crore to Rs 1,000 crore. IRDAI is being empowered to specify lower entry capital (not less than Rs 50 crore) for underserved or unserved segments on a special-case basis. Open architecture for insurance agents that will allow them to tie up with more than one life, general and health insurance player. Currently, the insurance agents are allowed to tie-up with only one life, general and health insurance company. Need for the Amendments The sector regulator is making efforts to attract more capital to the capital-intensive industry. The insurance sector needs to infuse approximately ₹50,000 crore annually to double insurance penetration in the country. Insurance penetration refers to the ratio of insurance premiums written in a particular year to the gross domestic product (GDP). India could save up to USD 10 billion annually by expanding insurance coverage to currently uninsured individuals and assets. With a large portion of India’s population still without insurance, the country faces significant risks, including high out-of-pocket expenses. IRDA is determined to achieve its mission of ‘Insurance for all by 2047’, with aggressive plans to address the industry’s challenges. Insurance Sector in India India is the fifth largest life insurance market in the world’s emerging insurance markets, growing at a rate of 32-34% each year. Insurance Penetration: As per the Economic Survey 2023-24, overall insurance penetration in the country moderated slightly to 4% in FY23, from 4.2% in FY22. During the same period, insurance penetration in the life insurance segment declined from 3.2% in FY22 to 3% in FY23, while it remained flat at 1% for the non-life insurance segment. Insurance Companies: At present, there are 25 life insurance companies, and 34 general insurers in the country. Among the life insurers, Life Insurance Corporation (LIC) is the sole public sector company. In addition to these, there is a sole national re-insurer, namely General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re). Challenges faced by the Sector Low Penetration: Insurance penetration remains low, with limited awareness among the population about the benefits and types of insurance. Claims Settlement Issues: Delays, rejections, and lack of transparency in the claims process create customer dissatisfaction. Distribution Limitations: There is limited reach in rural areas, and insurance distribution remains urban-centric, relying heavily on agents. Affordability: High premiums and the underpricing of certain products affect accessibility for low-income groups. Fraud and Mis-selling: Fraudulent claims and mis-selling by agents are common problems, damaging customer trust. Health Insurance Gaps: Limited coverage and high medical costs make health insurance inadequate. Rising Costs: Increasing medical and claims costs impact affordability and profitability for insurers. Way Ahead Increase Financial Literacy: Conduct educational programs to enhance understanding of insurance products among the population. Simplify Regulations: Streamline regulatory processes to make product approvals faster and less complex, while ensuring consumer protection. Improve Claims Settlement: Ensure faster, transparent, and more efficient claims processing to build trust and reduce disputes. Expand Distribution Networks: Leverage digital platforms and mobile technology to reach underserved rural and semi-urban areas. Enhance Health Coverage: Expand coverage to include critical illnesses, hospitalization, and post-treatment care. Global Wage Report 2024-25: ILO Syllabus: GS3/Economy Context The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released the Global Wage Report 2024-25. About The Global Wage Report is an annual publication released by the ILO. The first edition was published in 2008. It provides a detailed look at wage trends around the world and in different regions, highlighting changes in wage inequality and real wage growth. Major Highlights of the Report Decrease in Wage Inequality: The wage inequality has decreased at an average rate of 11.1% per annum in about two-thirds of all countries around the world since 2000. Increase in Global Wages: Global wages have grown faster than inflation in recent times. The global real wages grew by 1.8% last year, while the projections have reached 2.7% growth in 2024, the highest increase in over 15 years. Regional Disparity in Growth: Africa, Northern America and parts of Europe recorded stagnant or negative real wage growth. Persistent inequality: Low-income countries suffer from significantly higher wage inequality compared to high-income nations, with nearly 22% of workers earning less than half the median hourly wage. Decoupling between productivity and wages: Despite a 29% rise in productivity in high-income countries between 1999 and 2024, real wages have only risen by 15%, highlighting a failure to share productivity gains equitably with workers. A continual gender wage gap: Women, especially in lower-middle-income countries, remain disproportionately affected by wage inequality due to overrepresentation in informal, precarious and low-paid work. Indian Scenario: The shares of low-paid wage workers and low-paid non-wage workers in India declined at an average annual rate of 6.3% and 12.7% between 2008 and 2018. The share of low-paid wage workers — those earning less than 50% of the median hourly wage in the country — stands at 9.5% in India. On the other hand, it is 9.4% for Pakistan, 10.5% for Nepal, 11.2% for Bangladesh, 13.7% for Bhutan and 25.9% for Sri Lanka. Analysis: Despite the positive trend, significant wage differentials persist worldwide. Such positive outcomes mark a notable recovery compared to the negative global wage growth, of -0.9%, observed in 2022. The emerging economies have experienced stronger growth than the advanced ones. Suggestions Minimum wage adjustments need to be more responsive to inflation, especially to protect low-wage earners. Stronger worker protections, policies and regulations to address precarious and insecure forms of work. Action to close the gender wage gap and ensure equal pay for work of equal value. About International Labour Organization– It is an United Nations Agency established in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles that ended World War I, and it became the first specialized agency of the UN in 1946.– It has 187 Member states.It sets labour standards, develops policies and devises programmes promoting decent work for all women and men.– It is the only tripartite U.N. agency that brings together governments, employers and workers.– It is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.– Major Reports: World Employment and Social Outlook (WESO), Global Wage Report, World Social Protection Report, World Employment and Social Outlook for Youth, World of Work Report. Number of Gig & Platform Workers in India Syllabus :GS3/Economy In News The government said that the number of gig workers and platform workers in the country is expected to rise to 23.5 million by 2029-30. What Are Gig Workers? Gig workers are individuals who engage in temporary or flexible jobs, often through online platforms. They are part of the gig economy, which is characterized by freelance, short-term, or on-demand work rather than traditional, full-time employment. The gig economy in India has seen significant growth in recent years, driven by the widespread adoption of digital technologies and the proliferation of online platforms. The gig and platform economy is an emerging sector with significant growth and employment potential. Status in India As per NITI Aayog’s report “India’s Booming Gig and Platform Economy” (June 2022), there were 7.7 million gig and platform workers in India in 2020-21, including women. According to the Economic Survey 2020-21, India has become one of the world’s largest countries for flexi-staffing (gig and platform work). This form of work is expected to continue growing, particularly with the expansion of e-commerce platforms. Impacts Macro: The gig economy has had a substantial impact on India’s economy. It has provided employment opportunities to millions of people, particularly in urban areas Micro: Gig work offers several benefits for workers, including flexibility, independence, and the ability to earn additional income. Many gig workers appreciate the freedom to set their own schedules and work on multiple projects simultaneously. Challenges Gig workers in India have protested over issues like revenue sharing, working hours, and employment conditions. These issues are hard to address within the current legal framework, which is designed for traditional employer-employee relationships. Lack of Legal Protection: Without recognizing employment relations, gig workers lack access to labor law protections, such as Occupational safety and health standards etc. Income Instability: There is no guaranteed minimum earnings, and workers may not earn consistently, even if available for long hours. Unregulated Working Hours: Gig workers, like app-cab drivers, often work late into the night or early mornings, leading to safety concerns, including accidents. Measures For the first time, the Code on Social Security, 2020 provides definitions for ‘gig workers’ and ‘platform workers’ and outlines provisions related to them. The Code on Social Security, 2020 includes the provision for framing social security measures for gig and platform workers, covering areas like: Life and disability cover Accident insurance Health and maternity benefits Old-age protection Conclusion and Way Forward The gig economy in India is a dynamic and growing sector that offers numerous opportunities for workers and businesses alike. However, to fully harness its potential, it is essential to address the challenges faced by gig workers and create a supportive regulatory framework. With the right policies and initiatives, the gig economy can contribute significantly to India’s economic growth and provide sustainable employment for millions of people. FACTS IN NEWS Ramappa Temple Syllabus: GS1/ Art & Culture In News Centre approves ₹141 Crore loans for development of Ramappa Circuit under the Special Assistance to States/Union Territories for Capital Investment (SASCI) scheme. About Ramappa Temple Brief: The Ramappa Temple, also known as the Rudreshwara Temple, is a magnificent testament to the architectural prowess of the Kakatiya dynasty. The presiding deity of the temple is Ramalingeswara Swamy. Located in Palampet, Telangana, this 13th-century temple was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2021. Key Features: The temple is renowned for its exquisite sculptures, depicting gods, goddesses, dancers, and mythical creatures. The “sandbox technique” used in the foundation of the temple has been a marvel of engineering. Kakatiyas adopted the Chalukyan Style of Vesara Architecture. The sandbox technique involves filling a pit (dug for the foundation) with a mixture of sand-lime, jaggery (for binding), and karakkaya (black myrobalan fruit) before constructing the building. The lower part of the temple is constructed using red sandstone. The pillars are made of basalt, while the white gopuram is made of light bricks that are said to float on water, showcasing the advanced engineering methods of the time. The gopuram (temple tower) is one of the key features of the temple. Built with light bricks, it is not only a structural marvel but also has aesthetic significance. The gateway style employed at the Rudreswara Temple is unique to the Kakatiya region and reflects a highly evolved aesthetic sense in South Indian temple architecture. Jyotiba Phule Syllabus: GS1/History and Personality in News Context November 28 marks the death anniversary of great Indian activist and reformer, Jyotiba Phule. About: Jyotiba Phule Birth: On 11th April, 1827 in Khatgun village which is today in the Satara district of Maharashtra. Title: His family belonged to the ‘mali’ caste and their original title was ‘Gorhay’. On May 11, 1888, he was bestowed with the title of Mahatma by a Maharashtrian social activist Vithalrao Krishnaji Vandekar. Ideology and influence: His ideology centered around liberty, egalitarianism, and socialism. He drew inspiration from Thomas Paine’s book The Rights of Man. Marriage: He was married off when he was only 13 with Savitribai. The couple went on to establish the country’s first school for girls in Bhidewada, Pune, in 1848. Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha: In 1863, Jyotiba and Savitribai began Balhatya Pratibandhak Griha, India’s first home dedicated to prohibiting infanticide and supporting pregnant Brahmin widows and rape victims. Satyashodhak Samaj: Phule along with his followers formed Satyashodhak Samajin 1873 which meant ‘Seekers of Truth’ and was dedicated towards the removal of the socio-economic backwardness of Dalits. It is believed that it was Phule who first used the term ‘Dalit’ for the depiction of oppressed masses often placed outside the ‘varna system’. Literary works: Gulamgiri (Slavery), Shetkarayacha Aasud (Cultivator’s Whipcord), and Tritiya Ratna. Baltic Sea Syllabus: GS1/ Places in News In News Sweden has formally requested China’s cooperation in explaining the recent damage to two undersea data cables in the Baltic Sea. About Baltic Sea The Baltic Sea is the youngest sea on Earth, formed 10,000-15,000 years ago as glaciers retreated. The Baltic Sea is artificially linked to the White Sea by the White Sea Canal and to the North Sea by the Kiel Canal. Location: It is in Northern Europe, bordered by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Russia, and Sweden. It includes the Gulf of Bothnia, the Bay of Bothnia, the Gulf of Finland, the Gulf of Riga, and the Bay of Gdańsk. Characteristics: Brackish Water: It is one of the largest brackish water bodies, where saltwater from the North-East Atlantic mixes with freshwater from rivers and streams. Ecosystem: The Baltic Sea has a unique and sensitive marine ecosystem with diverse flora and fauna. Economic Importance: Provides food, income, recreation, and well-being, but faces underperformance due to environmental decline. Concerns: Environmental Impact: 94% of the Baltic Sea is affected by eutrophication, leading to dead zones. Baltic Sea Seagrass Initiative helps train local citizens to restore seagrass meadows in the Baltic Sea which can help tackle Climate Change. Biodiversity Decline: Cod populations have crashed, European eel is near extinction, and only around 500 Baltic Harbour porpoises remain. Climate Change: A degraded Baltic Sea may release more greenhouse gases, worsening climate change. Koraga Tribal Community Syllabus: GS2/ Welfare of Vulnerable Sections, Tribals In News The Kerala government has launched a project named Operation Smile to provide land titles (patta) to the Koraga community. By securing land rights, the Koraga community can access government housing schemes, agricultural loans, and other welfare programs. About Korega Tribals The Koraga community is a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) primarily residing in the Kasaragod district of Kerala and certain parts of Karnataka. PVTGs are identified by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and currently there are 75 PVTGs communities. In 1973, the Dhebar Commission created Primitive Tribal Groups (PTGs) (in 2006, renamed as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups) as a separate category, who are less developed among the tribal groups. They primarily speak Tulu and possess a rich cultural heritage, including traditional songs, dances, and rituals. Rule 267 Syllabus: GS2/ Polity In News The increasing frequency of invoking Rule 267 in the Rajya Sabha has led to disruptions and delays in parliamentary proceedings. About Rule 267 of the Rajya Sabha Rules of Procedure allows members to move a motion to suspend the normal business of the House to discuss a matter of urgent public importance. Nafithromycin Syllabus: GS2/ Health In News Mumbai-based Wockhardt Limited developed Nafithromycin with the support of the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC). The Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) is indeed a Public Sector Enterprise established by the Department of Biotechnology (DBT). About It would be available with the brand name Miqnaf. It is designed to treat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP), caused by drug-resistant bacteria like Streptococcus pneumoniae. Antimicrobial resistance is a serious global health threat. The emergence of drug-resistant bacteria has made it increasingly difficult to treat common infections. Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) Syllabus: GS3/ Economy In News The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) showed a 3.1% growth in October 2024 compared to October 2023. About Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) The ICI encompasses industries such as Coal, Crude Oil, Natural Gas, Refinery Products, Fertilizers, Steel, Cement, and Electricity, which together account for 40.27% of the Index of Industrial Production (IIP). Index of Industrial Production (IIP) is an index that tracks manufacturing activity in different sectors of an economy. IIP data is compiled and published by CSO every month. CSO or Central Statistical Organisation operates under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI). The base year was changed to 2011-12 from 2004-05 in the year 2017. The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, through its Office of the Economic Advisor. This index is published monthly. CAFE Norms Syllabus: GS3/ Environment, Conservation In News The Indian government has identified non-compliance with tightened CAFE norms by eight major car manufacturers for the fiscal year 2022-23, resulting in proposed penalties. About CAFE Norms Brief: Introduced in 2017 under the Energy Conservation Act, 2001. CAFE norms link the corporate average fuel consumption of vehicles (measured in litres/100 km) to the average kerb weight of all vehicles sold by an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) in a fiscal year. The calculation focuses on achieving better mileage and lower emissions across the entire fleet of vehicles a manufacturer sells. Objectives: Reduce CO₂ emissions from vehicles. Lower fuel consumption. Decrease oil dependency and address air pollution. Applicability: Applicable to vehicles with gross weight less than 3,500 kg. Covers petrol, diesel, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and compressed natural gas (CNG) vehicles. Compliance Phases: Phase I (2017–2022): Focused on introducing the standards and achieving initial compliance. Phase II (from 2022): Enforces stricter fuel efficiency and emission targets. Impact of CAFE Norms Fuel Efficiency: Encourages the development and production of more fuel-efficient vehicles. Reduced Emissions: Contributes to lower greenhouse gas emissions and improved air quality. Technological Advancements: Promotes innovation in automotive technology, such as hybrid and electric vehicles. Consumer Benefits: Lower fuel costs and reduced environmental impact. Indian Army Launches Eklavya Digital Platform Syllabus: GS3/ Defence In News The Indian Army’s Eklavya platform is a significant step towards modernizing military education and training. It aligns perfectly with the Indian Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative and Indian Army’s theme for 2024 as the “Year of Technology Absorption.” About Developed by: Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N). Key Features of Eklavya: Accessibility: The platform is accessible to Army officers across the country, eliminating the need for physical attendance at training institutions. Personalized Learning: Officers can access a wide range of courses and resources tailored to their specific needs and career goals. Continuous Learning: The platform promotes continuous learning by providing regular updates on the latest military doctrines, technologies, and best practices. Collaborative Learning: Eklavya fosters collaboration among officers through discussion forums, webinars, and other interactive features.

Tag: Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP)

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