Current Affairs 14 June 2021 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 14 June 2021 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

1. Online Module To Re-enrol out-of-school children
2. Rare Earth Metals In China
3. PASIPHAE Sky Surveys
4. 47th G7 summit
5. Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
6. National River Conservation Plan : Devika River National Project

Prelims

1. Solo woman motorcycle expedition
2. Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III
3. PROJECT O2 for INDIA

Online Module To Re-enrol out-of-school children

Source : Indian Express
GS II : Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Why in News ?

The Ministry of Education launched an online module to compile data on out-of-school children.

Key Facts

• They will facilitate age appropriate admissions of children in the age group of 6-14 years and those belonging to socially and economically disadvantaged groups.
• For out of school children in the 16-18 years age group, financial assistance will be provided for the first time in the current session 2021-22 to continue their education through open/distance learning mode.
• To track down such children, the ministry has developed an online module for compiling the data of out-of-school children.
• Identified by each state/UT and their mapping with special training centres (STC) on the PRABANDH portal.
• The child wise information of the identified out of school children and STCs will be uploaded at block level under the supervision of block source coordinator of the certain block research centre (BRC).

PRABANDH portal

PRoject Appraisal, Budgeting, Achievements and Data Handling System :- PRABANDH

• PRABANDH System has enabled in which States and UTs may view the Status of GoI Releases approved outlays coverage as per UDISE, school wise list of approvals, school wise gaps, cancellations in approvals etc. under Samagra Shiksha.
• Step towards leveraging technology to enhance efficiency and manage the implementation of newly launched Centrally Sponsored Integrated Scheme for School Education, Samagra Shiksha.
• In addition on line submission of Monthly Progress Reports physical as well as financial can also be made by the respective State/UTs in the PRABANDH System.
• This will help in introducing better transperancy in the implementation of the scheme and improve the same.
• Physical and Financial expenditure module for District users have been initiated to capture the progress on the Samagra Shiksha activities.
• From 2020-2021 onwards, districts will submit the physical and financial expenditure on the PRABANDH portal.
• The State / UTs will validate and freeze the expenditure, so that it can be viewed at National level.

Rare Earth Metals In China

Source : The Hindu
GS II : Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora

Why in News ?

Rare Earth Metals at the heart Of China’s Rivalry with US and Europe. China has rare minerals that are essential to electric vehicles, wind turbines and drones.

Key Facts

• At a time of frequent geopolitical friction among those three powers US and Europe want to avoid this scenario by investing in the market for 17 minerals with unique properties that today are largely extracted and refined in China.
• United States imported 80 percent of its rare earth minerals from China according the US Geological Survey.
• European Union gets 98 percent of its supply from China.
• Amid the transition to green energy in which rare earth minerals are sure to play a role.
• China’s market dominance is enough to sound an alarm in western capitals.
• Neodymium, Praseodymium and Dysprosium
  • Crucial to the manufacture of magnets used in industries of the future like wind turbines and electric cars.
  • They are already present in consumer goods such as smartphones, computer screens and telescopic lenses.

US and Rare Earth Metals

• US Senate passed a law aimed at improving American competitiveness that includes provisions to improve critical minerals supply chains.
• It aims to boost production and processing of rare earths and lithium another key mineral component. 
• While working with allies and partners to increase sustainable global supply and reduce reliance on geopolitical competitors.
• Major production can be found at the Mountain Pass mine in California was one of the major player before China
• It is one of the world’s largest and highest-grade rare earth deposits, with soil concentrations of seven percent versus 0.1 to four percent elsewhere.

Impact over Europe

• An action plan will soon be presented to the European Commission on how to boost production.
• If recycling is scaled up 20 to 30 percent of Europe’s rare earth magnet needs by 2030 could be sourced domestically in the EU from literally zero today.
• The desire to accelerate rare earth production comes amid a shortage of semiconductors, which are essential for the computing and automotive industries and mostly manufactured in Asia.

India and Rare Earth Metal

• India has the world’s fifth-largest reserves of rare earth elements, nearly twice as much as Australia, but it imports most of its rare earth needs in finished form from China.

PASIPHAE Sky Surveys

Source : Indian Express
GS III : Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights

Why in News ?

The project has been funded by the world’s leading institutions, signalling India’s growing expertise in building complex astronomical instruments.

PASIPHAE Sky Surveys

• Polar-Areas Stellar-Imaging in Polarisation High-Accuracy Experiment (PASIPHAE) is an international collaborative sky surveying project.
• Scientists aim to study the polarisation in the light coming from millions of stars.
• The name is inspired from Pasiphae, the daughter of Greek Sun God Helios, who was married to King Minos.
• Survey will use two high-tech optical polarimeters to observe the northern and southern skies, simultaneously.

Key Facts

• PASIPHAE survey will measure starlight polarisation over large areas of the sky.
• It will help create a 3-Dimensional model of the distribution of the dust and magnetic field structure of the galaxy.
• The development of a vital instrument which will be used in upcoming sky surveys to study stars, is being led by an Indian astronomer.
• PASIPHAE will focus on capturing starlight polarisation of very faint stars that are so far away that polarisation signals from there have not been systematically studied.
• The distances to these stars will be obtained from measurements of the GAIA satellite.
• By combining these data, astronomers will perform a maiden magnetic field tomography mapping of the interstellar medium of very large areas of the sky using a novel polarimeter instrument known as WALOP (Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter).
• The Infosys Foundation, India, Stavros Niarchos Foundation, Greece and USA’s National Science Foundation have each provided a grant of $1 million combined with contributions from the European Research Council and the National Research Foundation in South Africa.

Wide Area Linear Optical Polarimeter (WALOP)

• An instrument, when mounted on two small optical telescopes, that will be used to detect polarised light signals emerging from the stars along high galactic latitudes.

  

• WALOP each will be mounted on the
  • 1.3-metre Skinakas Observatory, Crete
  • 1-metre telescope of the South African Astronomical Observatory located in Sutherland.
• They will be unique instruments offering the widest ever field of view of the sky in polarimetry.
• Working Method
  • WALOP will operate on the principle that at any given time, the data from a portion of the sky under observation will be split into four different channels.
  • Depending on the manner in which light passes through the four channels the polarisation value from the star is obtained.
  • That is each star will have four corresponding images which when stitched together will help calculate the desired polarisation value of a star.

Polarimetry has played a key role in the development of modern astronomy, providing insight into physical processes occurring in systems that range from our own solar system to high-redshift galaxies.

47th G7 summit

Source : Indian Express
GS II : Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate

Why in News ?

The 47th G7 summit was held on 11–13 June 2021 in Cornwall in the United Kingdom while it holds the presidency of the G7.

• Participants included leaders of the G7 member states and representatives of the European Union.
• G7 invited leaders from India, South Korea, South Africa (Cyril Ramaphosa) and Australia

Key Facts

• Response to the COVID-19 pandemic
  • G7 call for the work on a global approach to pandemics to ensure an equal global distribution of COVID-19 vaccines
  • Also to prevent future pandemics.
  • Five-point plan to prevent future pandemics put forward by Britain includes
    1. A worldwide network of zoonotic research hubs
    2. Developing global manufacturing capacity for treatments and vaccines
    3. Design of a global early warning system
    4. Agreement of global protocols for a future health emergency
    5. Reduction of trade barriers.
  • The G7 nations agreed to pledge 1 billion vaccines to other countries.
• Climate Change
  • It is considered to be the top priority for the United Kingdom ahead of the COP26 conference.
  • Sought coordinated action on carbon border taxes, green finance, the phase-out of coal and helping poorer countries to step up climate action.
  • While the taxes have been backed by the EU and US, EU climate ambassador Mark Vanhuekelen indicated that Australia may oppose the measures.
  • The G7 nations pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.
• International co-ordination on economic policies
  • Negotiations over reforming the corporate taxation of multinationals were also carried out, with the United States agreeing to a deadline of the summer.
  • United States is also reviewing a plan for the IMF to allocate up to £500bn in special drawing rights to its members.
• Freedom of Speech : Internet curbs threat to democracy
  • India signs joint statement at G-7 for freedom of expression: Internet curbs threat to democracy.
  • Reaffirm and encourage the values of “freedom of expression, both online and offline, as a freedom that safeguards democracy and helps people live free from fear and oppression.
  • Also refers to politically motivated internet shutdowns as one of the threats to freedom and democracy.
  • Impact over India
    • Statement is directed at China and Russia, India
    • It has been under scrutiny over Internet curbs in Jammu and Kashmir.
    • Also the Government is locked in a face-off over its new IT rules with tech giants such as Twitter, which described a police search at its offices in India last month as a potential threat to freedom of expression.

India at 47th G7 Summit

• India also called for a transparent and timely WHO Covid origins study in China.
• The planet’s atmosphere, biodiversity and oceans cannot be protected by countries acting in silos, and called for collective action on climate change.
  • Commitment by Railways to achieve Net Zero Emissions by 2030.
• Increasing effectiveness of the two major global initiatives nurtured by India the CDRI and International Solar Alliance were stressed.
• Mentioned the developing countries need better access to climate finance, and called for a holistic approach towards climate change that covers mitigation, adaptation, technology transfer, climate financing, equity, climate justice and lifestyle change.

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

Source : PIB
GS III : Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth

Why in News ?

Rajnath Singh approved the budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) – Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) for the next five years.

Key Facts

• The budgetary support will provide a big boost to the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ of Prime Minister
• iDEX–DIO has the primary objective of self-reliance and indigenisation in defence & aerospace sector of the country.
• The budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore for the next five years aimed at providing financial support to nearly 300 start-ups/MSMEs/individual innovators and 20 partner incubators under the DIO framework.
• Support increased awareness in the Indian innovation ecosystem about defence needs.
• Also this will helps to deliver innovative solutions to meet their needs.

How this works ?

• DDP will release funds to DIO for setting up and managing the iDEX network in the form of Partner Incubators (PIs).
• DDP communicating with innovators/start-ups/technology centres of MSMEs through the PIs including the PIs of Department of Science and Technology regarding defence and aerospace needs.
• DDP then shortlist potential technologies and entities and evaluating technologies and products developed by them. 

Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)

• Creation of the iDEX framework and establishment of the DIO by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) is aimed at creating an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in defence and aerospace.

  

• The primary goal is delivering defence grade products to address the needs of the military identified through the challenges.
• Engaging Industries including MSMEs, start-ups, individual innovators, R&D institutes & academia
• Also to provide them grants/funding and other support to carry out R&D development which has good potential for future adoption for Indian defence and aerospace needs.
• Aim
  • Facilitate rapid development of new, indigenized, and innovative technologies for the Indian defence and aerospace sector, to meet needs for these sectors in shorter timelines.
  • Create a culture of engagement with innovative startups, to encourage co-creation for defence
    and aerospace sectors.
  • Empower a culture of technology co-creation and co-innovation within the defence and aerospace sectors.
• Taking the iDEX initiative further Defence India Startup Challenge has been launched by Ministry in partnership with AIM
  • It aimed at supporting Startups / MSMEs / Innovators to create prototypes and commercialise products / solutions in the area of National Defence and Security.
• Functions of iDEX
  • Communicate with innovators/startups through the Defence Innovation Hubs regarding defence and aerospace needs.
  • Organizing various challenges/hackathons to shortlist potential technologies for defence and aerospace use.
  • Facilitate scale-up, indigenization and integration in manufacturing facilities for successfully piloted technologies.
  • Evaluate technologies and products coming from innovators/startups in terms of their utility and impact on the Indian defence and aerospace setup
  • Interface with the military (Army/Navy/Airforce) top brass about key innovative technologies and encourage their adoption into the defence establishment with suitable assistance (financial if required).

Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO)

• iDEX will be funded and managed by a Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO).
• It is formed as a not for profit company as per Section 8 of the Companies Act 2013 for this purpose.
• DIO will provide high level policy guidance to iDEX and iDEX will have functional autonomy.
• CEO of iDEX will be selected and recruited by the DIO and will be a professional person of sound technical, scientific and engineering background
• It Enable the creation of channels for innovators to engage and interact with the Indian Defence production industry.

National River Conservation Plan : Devika River National Project

Source : PIB
GS III : Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc
GS III : Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment

Why in News ?

Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh says, Devika River National Project in J&K is a symbol of harmony and unity. Visits the site of the Devika Project for on-the-spot assessment.

Key Facts

• It was formally launched by PM during his visit to Jammu in early 2019.
• Conducted a thorough review of the project through a virtual meeting.
• Centrally funded Rs.190 crore National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) Devika project
  • Bathing ghats (places) on the banks of the Devika River will be developed
  • Encroachments will be removed
  • Natural water bodies will be restored
  • Catchment areas will be developed along with cremation ground.

Devika River National Project

• The work on the project was started in March 2019 under the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP).
• The detailed project report (DPR) amounting to Rs 189.22 crore has been formulated for the Devika rejuvenation project.
• Project includes the construction of three sewage treatment plants of 8 MLD, 4 MLD and 1.6 MLD capacity,
• Other Project
  • Sewerage network of 129.27 km
  • Development of two cremation ghats
  • Protection fencing and landscaping
  • Small hydropower plants and three solar power plants.
• On completion of the project The rivers will see reduction in pollution and improvement in water quality.
• It also aims to removal of encroachments, sewerage treatment, restoration of natural water bodies and development of catchment area.

Devika Bridge

• Last year Ministry also inaugurated the important Devika Bridge in Udhampur
• Apart from taking care of traffic congestion, the Devika Bridge was also meant to help smooth passage of Army convoys and vehicles.

National River Conservation Plan

• The objective of NRCP is to improve the water quality of the rivers, which are the major water sources in the country, through the implementation of pollution abatement works.
• By 1995 major rivers were subsequently approved under NRCP for the fight against pollution. 
• After launching of NRCP in 1995, it was decided to merge GAP II with NRCP.
• India fight against polluted rivers, the National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) has covered 34 rivers in 77 towns across 16 states.
• Need for the plan
  • Comes in the backdrop of a significant number of Indian river waters being unfit for drinking
  • It is necessary for the government working on measures to combat water pollution.
• NRCP has also helped set up sewage treatment capacity of 2522.03 million litre per day (mld).
• Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) September 2018 report 351 polluted river stretches have been identified on 323 rivers in the country.
• Under Namami Gange programme a total of 335 projects have been sanctioned at a cost of Rs.29,578 crore so far
  • In which 142 projects have been completed and made operational.
  • Out of 335 projects, 156 projects are in the sewerage sector for creation of total sewage treatment capacity and sewerage network of 5066 kms.

What are the major focus of National River Conservation Plan ?

• Diversion of raw sewage to flowing into the river for sewage treatment.
• River Front Development works such as improvement of bathing ghats etc.
• Electric Crematoria and Improved Wood Crematoria.
• Prevention of Open defecation on river banks.
• Development of river bed by providing Bathing ghats etc. 

PRELIMS

Solo woman motorcycle expedition

• The first-ever solo woman motorcycle expedition, organised by Border Roads Organisation (BRO).
• 29-year-old lady biker with 10 years and 21,000 kms of riding experience is undertaking the challenge to cover 3,187 kms in 24 days.
• As part of the expedition, she will cross Umlingla Pass, the highest motorable pass at 19,301 feet in the world, built by BRO.
• The route being traversed is New Delhi-Manali-Leh-Umlingla Pass–New Delhi.

Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III

• As a part of Atmanirbhar Bharat vision India inducted Advanced Light Helicopters (ALH) Mk-III in Indian Coast Guard (ICG).
• The state-of-the-art helicopters are indigenously designed and manufactured by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bengaluru.
• Helicopters are capable of undertaking embarked operations from ships.
• This will enhance Coast Guard capabilities towards sea-air co-ordinated search, interdiction capabilities, coastal security, search and rescue operations, medical evacuation, humanitarian missions, pollution response missions, etc.

PROJECT O2 for INDIA

• Project O2 for India’ of the Office of Principal Scientific Adviser, Government of India, is to enable stakeholders working to augment the country’s ability to meet this rise in demand for medical oxygen.
• Under Project O2 for India a National Consortium of Oxygen is enabling the national level supply of critical raw materials such as zeolites, setting up of small oxygen plants, manufacturing compressors, final products, i.e.,oxygen plants, concentration, and ventilators.
• The consortium is not only looking forward to providing immediate to short-term relief but also workingt o strengthen the manufacturing ecosystem for long-term preparedness.
• A committee of experts has been evaluating critical equipment such as oxygen plants, concentration, and ventilators,from a pool of India-based manufacturers, start-ups, and MSMEs (in partnership with FICCI,MESA, etc.).

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