UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (18TH SEPTEMBER, 2023)

Island of Lampedusa

Syllabus: Prelims/ Current Events of international importance

News

• European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen recently visited the Italian island of Lampedusa, which is struggling with a surge in migrant arrivals.

About

• Lampedusa, which is closer to North Africa than the Italian mainland, has long been targeted by people smugglers. With Tunisia now the main launching pad for Europe, the island today is receiving around 70% of all migrants arriving in Italy.

• The boats arriving in Lampedusa from Tunisia are citizens of various African nations, including Ivory Coast, Guinea, Cameroon, Burkina Faso, Mali and Tunisians. 
• There is also a growing number of people from neighboring Libya. These include citizens of Egypt, Eritrea and Sudan, where the ongoing conflict between rival military leaders has already displaced more than 4 million people.
• The socio-economic situation in Tunisia is spiraling with high inflation and a lack of jobs, crippling both Tunisians and foreigners living there. 

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS)

Syllabus: GS 2/Education 

In News

• Sarp-Rajju and five other indoor games have been developed by Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) to promote interdisciplinary research on aspects of indigenous knowledge. 

About the Games

• The games have been divided into three segments: dice-based, strategic, and those based on engagement. 
• This is in keeping with the ministry’s focus on the shift from rote-based to fun-filled learning that is one of the themes of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. 
• These indoor games will be introduced to school children in the next academic year, under the Bhartiya Games programme that has already launched 75 outdoor games from different parts of the country in the current school year.
• Some popular ones are Langdi-Taang (hopscotch), javelin throw, Patang Uddayan (kite flying), Seeta Uddhar (prisoner’s base), Mardani Khel (a form of martial arts).
• Some indoor games have been included in the Jadui Pitara 
• The aim is to promote creativity and a multi-faceted growth.

Indian Knowledge Systems (IKS) 

• It is an innovative cell under the Ministry of Education (MoE) at All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) , New Delhi. 
• It is established to promote interdisciplinary research on all aspects of IKS, preserve and disseminate IKS for further research and societal applications.
•  It will actively engage in spreading the rich heritage of our country and traditional knowledge in the field of Arts and literature, Agriculture, Basic Sciences, Engineering & Technology, Architecture, Management, Economics, etc. 

Dhanush Guns

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

News

• The Indian Army, which has ordered 114 Dhanush artillery guns, will receive all the guns by 2026.

About

• Dhanush is the indigenously upgraded gun of the Swedish Bofors gun procured in the 1980s.
• It is a 155 mm, 45-calibre towed artillery gun with a range of 36 km and has demonstrated a range of 38 km with specialized ammunition. 
• It is an upgrade of the existing 155m, 39 calibre Bofors FH 77 gun. 
• It is compatible with all North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (NATO) 155 mm ammunition systems.
• The Advanced Weapons and Equipment India Limited, carved after corporatisation of the Ordnance Factory Board, is now manufacturing the Dhanush guns.

Features

• The gun is fitted with an inertial navigation system with global positioning system- (GPS) based gun recording and auto-lying, an enhanced tactical computer for onboard ballistic computations and an onboard muzzle velocity recording.
• It also has an automated gun sighting system equipped with camera, thermal imaging and laser range finder.

One Week One Lab Programme

Syllabus: GS3/ Science & Technology

In News

• CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) concluded its extremely successful “One Week One Lab (OWOL)” programme.

About

• During One Week One Lab programme (OWOL), CSIR-NIScPR organised 9 major events namely India’s Startup Revolution: From Idea to Market, Grassroots Innovation & Skill development Conclave for Rural development, Science Communication Workshop, Student-Science Connect, Science Communication: Public Engagement with Science, Science Knowledge Convention, Science policy & Diplomacy Meet.

One Week One Lab (OWOL) Programme

• The One Week One Lab programme of CSIR-NIScPR, aimed at fostering public engagement with sciences and science policy and showcasing the achievements of CSIR-NIScPR.
• During the OWOL programme, NIScPR invites its key stakeholders like science policy makers, diplomats, science communicators, scientists etc.

About CSIR-NIScPR

• CSIR-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) is one of the constituent laboratories of CSIR under the Ministry of Science & Technology, Government of India. 
• It focuses on evidence-based policy research and studies. It publishes various journals, books, magazines, newsletters, and reports on science and technology. 
• It also conducts research on science communication, science policy, innovation systems, science-society interface, and science diplomacy.

Over 75% of European bumblebee Species Threatened

Syllabus: GS3/ Conservation

In News

• More than 75% of European bumblebee species may be threatened in the next 40-60 years according to a paper published in Nature. 

Key Points of the Study

• Population decline: Around 38-76% of European bumblebee species currently considered as non-threatened are projected to see their ecologically suitable territory shrink by at least 30% by 2061-2080.
• Key drivers of population loss: Degradation of habitats and alterations of climate due to human activity are identified as key drivers of these estimated population declines.

About Bumblebee

• The bumblebee (Bombus) is a genus of bees considered to be especially important for the pollination of crops in the cold and temperate regions of the northern hemisphere. 

• Bombus species are social bees, with each nest containing a female bee and other male and worker bees.
• The species live and nest in open farmland & fields. It feeds on food plants like sunflowers & clovers.

Way Ahead

• There is a need for conservation measures and policies that mitigate the human impact on important ecosystems.
• Understanding the trajectory of insect populations is important for devising conservation efforts.

Entrances of India’s New Parliament

Syllabus: GS-2/Indian Polity, Parliament

In News

• The Vice President hoisted the National Flag at Gaja Dwar at India’s new Parliament Building, before its first session.

About New Parliament

• It was built as part of the Indian government’s Central Vista Redevelopment Project.

• The new Parliament Building has six gates named after animals and creatures.
• Out of these six entrances, three are designed as ceremonial entrances, to welcome special guests and to mark special events. They have been named as Gyan, Shakti and Karma, representing the Indian knowledge system, patriotism and artistic traditions, respectively.

The Six statues at the Entrances of New Parliament

• Gaja Dwar (the Elephant Gate)
  • It represents intellect, memory, wealth and wisdom. 
  • This gate is on the north side of the building. 
• Ashwa (Horse) Dwar
  • It is at the Southern entrance. A horse symbolises power, strength and courage , describing the quality of  governance.
• Garuda (the King of Birds)
  • It is believed to be the mount of Lord Vishnu (the preserver in the Hindu trinity). It makes Garuda a symbol of power and dharma (duty).The Garuda gate is the eastern entrance of the new Parliament building.
• Makara (the Mythological Aquatic Creature)
  • It is named after the legendary sea creature that is a combination of different animals. 
  • Makara sculptures are seen in Hindu and Buddhist monuments spread across South and Southeast Asia. 
  • On one hand, Makara is considered as the combination of different creatures that represents India’s unity in diversity. On the other hand, Makara sculptures at doorways are seen as protectors. 
  • The Makara Dwar faces the entrance to the old Parliament building.
• Shardula (the Mythological Creature)
  • It is a mythological creature who has the body of a lion, the head of a horse, elephant or parrot. It symbolises the power of the people of the country.
• Hamsa Dwar (Swan)
  • It is named after the swan. 
  • Hamsa is the mount of Saraswati (the Hindu goddess of knowledge).
  • It symbolises moksha, or meaning the liberation of the soul from the cycle of birth and death. 
  • The Hamsa sculpture on the Parliament’s gate is a symbol of self-realisation and wisdom.

Gita Mehta

Syllabus: GS-1/Art and Culture, Personalities in News

Context

• Recently, Gita Mehta, a renowned writer-filmmaker passed away.

About Gita Mehta

• She was a writer, journalist and filmmaker of both Indian and American heritage. 
• She was engaged in documentary filmmaking, with focus on various wars and conflicts. 
  • One of her significant contributions was her coverage of the Bangladesh Liberation War in 1971.

Books Published

• ‘Karma Cola’, ‘Snake and Ladders’, ‘A River Sutra’, ‘Raj’ and ‘The Eternal Ganesha’.

Awards Honored

• She was conferred India’s fourth highest civilian honour, the Padma Shri, in the field of literature and education in 2019, she had declined the award.

Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan (MCTM) Railway Station

Syllabus: Prelims

Context

• The Union Government unveils the naming of UDHAMPUR (UHP) Railway Station as Martyr Capt. Tushar Mahajan (MCTM) Railway Station.

About

• Captain Tushar Mahajan was an officer in the Indian Army who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. He was a part of the 9 Para Special Forces Unit (Parachute Commando).
• He attained martyrdom during a terror attack in Pulwama, South Kashmir in February 2016.
• He was awarded the Shaurya Chakra (posthumous), highest peacetime gallantry awards of India because of his selfless dedication to his duty and bravery in the face of danger.

How are Railway Station Names Changed?

• Change of station names is entirely a state subject even though Railways belong to the Union government.
  • While Indian Railways may own the station, it does not get involved in the changing the name of railway stations.
• The state governments send the request to the Ministry of Home Affairs, the nodal ministry for these matters, which then accords its approval, keeping the Ministry of Railways in the loop.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

Syllabus: GS-2/Governance, GS-3/Economy

Context 

• Recently, the Prime Minister  has launched the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

• About: 
  • It is announced to give financial assistance to workers engaged in traditional crafts and skills.
  • It is launched on the occasion of Vishwakarma Puja and is fully funded by the Union Government.
  • Eligibility: Eighteen traditional crafts will be covered under this-Carpenter, Boat Maker, Armourer, Blacksmith, Hammer, Tool Kit Maker, Locksmith, Goldsmith, Potter, Sculptor, Stone breaker, Cobbler (Shoesmith/ Footwear artisan), Mason (Rajmistri), Basket/Mat/Broom Maker/Coir Weaver, Doll & Toy Maker (Traditional), Barber, Garland maker,  Washerman, Tailor; and Fishing Net Maker.
  • Registration will be done hrough biometric based PM Vishwakarma portal.
• Aim & Significance:
  • To strengthen the Guru shishya parampara or family based practice of traditional skills by artisans and craftspeople working with their hands and tools.
  • To improve the quality as well as reach of the products and services of artisans and craftspeople.
  • To provide financial stability to those who make a living in these professions. 
  • To provide skill training, loan assistance, incentives for digital transactions, incentives for purchase of equipment and support for marketing business
• Benefits under this Scheme:
  • Loan will be provided in two phases:
    • In First Phase, loan up to Rs 1,00,000 with Interest rate of 5% will be provided.
    • In Second Phase, loan up to Rs 2,00,000 with Interest rate of 5
      % will be provided.
  • PM Vishwakarma Certificate and Identity card will be provided.
  • Stipend of Rs 500 will be provided for skill training.
  • Amount  of Rs 1500 will be provided to purchase modern tools.
  • Toolkit will be provided to aid the knowledge of workers.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

‘Anti-trust’ Law

Context: Google is currently facing allegations in a U.S. court that it used illegal tactics to maintain a monopoly in online search.

• The S. Department of Justice (DoJ) and several U.S. states argue that Google’s “arrangements” with companies like Apple to be the default search engine on their devices constitute unlawful monopoly building.
• Google contends that its success is due to providing superior services rather than stifling competition.

This case is significant not only for Google but also for other major internet companies like Amazon and Meta, as it could set a precedent for how antitrust issues are addressed in the tech industry.

While the European Union has previously fined Google for antitrust violations, this case represents a growing “techlash” in the U.S. against the influence and practices of big tech companies.

“Anti-trust” issues, refer to concerns related to antitrust laws and regulations, which are designed to promote fair competition and prevent anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. These issues typically involve situations where companies or organizations engage in activities that hinder competition, limit consumer choice, or create monopolies or dominant market positions.

Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics

Context: The Unified Portal for Agricultural Statistics (UPAg Portal – www.upag.gov.in) was officially launched recently.

• This innovative platform is designed to revolutionize data management in India’s agriculture sector, addressing complex governance challenges.
• The portal aims to provide real-time, reliable, and standardized information, empowering stakeholders and facilitating more responsive and efficient agricultural policies.

Key Points:

• The UPAg Portal addresses key challenges in agriculture data, including lack of standardization, verification, dispersion, and different update frequencies.
• It offers data standardization, advanced analytics, granular production estimates, commodity profile reports, and flexibility for users to prepare their own reports.
• The UPAg Portal is part of the Digital Public Infrastructure for Agriculture, focusing on harnessing data for growth, transparency, and agility in India’s agriculture sector.
• This initiative aligns with e-governance principles and aims to enhance data-driven decision-making for policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders in the agriculture domain.

Water on the Moon

Context: A recent study using data from the Chandrayaan-1 mission has suggested that high-energy electrons in Earth’s magnetosphere might be contributing to the formation of water on the Moon’s surface.

• The research indicates that electrons in our planet’s plasma sheet, a region of trapped charged particles within Earth’s magnetosphere, may play a role in weathering processes on the lunar surface, potentially leading to the formation of water.
• The study builds upon previous research that showed oxygen in Earth’s “magnetotail” is causing rusting on iron in the lunar polar region.

The analysis of remote sensing data collected by the Moon Mineralogy Mapper during the Chandrayaan-1 mission revealed that water formation in the magnetotail appeared to be consistent whether the Moon was inside or outside of it. This suggests the presence of water formation processes or sources not directly associated with solar wind protons.