Daily Prelims Notes 17 April 2023

April 17, 2023
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

Daily Prelims Notes

17 April 2023

Table Of Contents

1. Sewage overload: Why the Ganga remains polluted despite cleanliness drives

Subject: Environment

Section: Pollution

Context: At least 71% of the river’s monitoring stations reported alarming levels of faecal coliform in January 2023.

More on the News:

Union minister of state for Jal Shakti told the Parliament that the NamamiGange Programme has been able to reduce pollution load in the Ganga river. Since 2014, the Centre had taken up 409 projects with a budget outlay of Rs 32,912.40 crore to clean up the river.
Still, at least 71 per cent of the river’s monitoring stations reported alarming levels of faecal coliform. Faecal coliforms are a group of bacteria found in the gut and faeces of warm-blooded animal Their presence indicates that the water has been contaminated with the faecal material of humans or other animals, which enters rivers through discharge of untreated sewage.
While Uttarakhand had permissible levels of faecal coliform at all 12 tested stations, numbers in three other states — Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and West Bengal — are alarming.
CPCB currently carries out manual monitoring for five parameters, including faecal coliform. In 2022, the river had permissible levels for two of the parameters: Dissolved oxygen and acidic or pH levels.
The current monitoring mechanism needs to be more ambitious. The five parameters monitored at present are part of the notified Environment (Protection) Amendment Rules, 2000. The Centre released of two guidelines in 2007 and 2017 which recommeded 25 parameters for perineal rivers.

NamamiGange Programme:

It is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as a ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with a budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation, and rejuvenation of the National River Ganga.
It is dynamic and evolving in nature to address the emerging needs and priorities for the rejuvenation of river Ganga & its tributaries.
It is being operated under the Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti.
The program is being implemented by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), and its state counterpart organizations i.e State Program Management Groups (SPMGs).
NMCG is the implementation wing of National Ganga Council (set in 2016; which replaced the National Ganga River Basin Authority – NGRBA)
The main pillars of the NamamiGange Programme are
- Sewerage Treatment Infrastructure
- River-Front Development
- River-Surface Cleaning
- Bio-Diversity
- Afforestation
- Public Awareness
- Industrial Effluent Monitoring
- Ganga Gram

National Ganga Council:

What is National Ganga Council:

The National Ganga Council is an authority created in October 2016 under the River Ganga (Rejuvenation, Protection and Management) Authorities Order, 2016, dissolving the National Ganga River Basin Authority.
Compositions:
- The National Ganga Council is chaired by the Prime Minister.
- Union Minister for Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation will be the ex-officio Vice-Chairperson.
- The other ex-officio members of the council are from various ministries and CMs of the corresponding states among other stakeholders.
The National Ganga Council was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act (EPA),1986.
It has been given overall responsibility for the superintendence of pollution prevention and rejuvenation of River Ganga Basin, including Ganga and its tributaries.
National Mission for Clean Ganga(NMCG) acts as an implementation arm of the National Ganga Council.
It was established in the year 2011 as a registered society.
It has a two-tier management structure and comprises Governing Council and Executive Committee.

2. Consensus on definition of startups among G20 nations may emerge by July

Subject: Economy

Section: National Income

Context: G20 nations are working towards agreeing on a common definition for start-ups by July this year to help create an ecosystem that will enable global policymaking, say officials.

A G20 Startup20 Engagement Group was formed recently to come up with policy recommendations on entrepreneurship and innovation priorities of G20 countries. The taskforce on foundation and alliances, one of the three taskforces, has been tasked to come up with consensus-based definitions and promote knowledge sharing.

According to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), the nodal department for start-ups in India, an entity would be considered a start-up up to 10 years from its date of incorporation and if its turnover for any of the financial years since incorporation does not exceed ₹100 crore.

Why definition of Start up is important?

Definition of start-ups is important as governments extend various incentives, including tax sops to such entities by meeting the stated requirements and parameters. The G20 Starup20 Engagement Group also seeks to bridge the knowledge gap between the start-up ecosystems of G20 member countries and emerging economies through partnerships with enablers such as incubators and government agencies, per a government statement.

The finance taskforce aims to increase access to capital for start-ups by providing financing and investment platforms and also create pitching and networking opportunities. The inclusion and sustainability taskforce is working on the roadmap to increasing support for women-led start-ups and organisations. It also plans to promote start-ups working on making communities more inclusive and those working on sustainable development goals in areas of global interest.

Eligibility Criteria for Startup Recognition:

The Start-up should be incorporated as a private limited company or registered as a partnership firm or a limited liability partnership.
Turnover should be less than INR 100 Crores in any of the previous fiscal years.
An entity shall be considered a Start-up up to 10 years from the date of its incorporation.
The Start-up should be working towards innovation/ improvement of existing products, services, and processes and should have the potential to generate employment/ create wealth.
An entity formed by splitting up or reconstruction of an existing business shall not be considered a “Startup”.

3. Passive funds’ AUM grows 34% in FY23 nears ₹7 lakh crore

Subject :Economy

Section: National Income

Passive investing refers to a strategy adopted by investors to optimize their returns by buying and holding a broad base of securities rather than churning portfolios by buying and selling them frequently.

The main aim is not to beat the market but to track portfolio performances and provide returns equal to that of the prominent stock exchanges of the country. This is usually done by investing in a low-cost, broadly diversified index fund.

Index funds, Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs), and Direct Equity are the three types of passive investing.

Due to its simplicity of having to buy and hold a broad-based index of securities, passive investing tends to gain prominence among the masses.

Khayal

The word khayal, derived from Persian, means “imagination” Origin of this style was attributed to Amir Khusrau.
Is popular amongst the artists as this provides greater scope for improvisation.
Based on the repertoire of short songs ranging from two to eight lines. Is also referred to as a ‘Bandish’.
Khayal is also composed in a particular raga and tala and has a brief text.
Texts mainly include Praise of kings, Description of seasons, Pranks of Lord Krishna, Divine love & Sorrow of separation
Major gharanas in khayal: Gwalior, Kirana, Patiala, Agra, and Bhendibazaar Gharana
Gwalior Gharana is the oldest and is also considered the mother of all other gharanas.

Historical evolution

The early form of khayal emerged in the late 16th century when Sufi musicians based in the region between Delhi and Jaunpur adapted the cutkula form, which used a Hindi dialect, to devotional forms such as the Persian qaul and tarana sung in Sufi communities from Amir Khusro’s (1253-1325) tradition, according to Katherine Butler Schofield, the foremost historian of khayal. Khusro, a musician, poet and scholar, lived during the rule of the Delhi Sultanate. The cutkula was a regional form that was in vogue during the reign of Sultan Hussain Shah Sharqi of Jaunpur, who ruled from 1458 to 1505 and was a great music lover.
The earliest version of khayal probably evolved into today’s drutbandish, the fast composition, also called the chhota khayal, which is meant to be sung in a spritely tempo, some experts say. The Sufi communities that were the crucible in which this emerged attracted both Hindus and Muslims, and its leading members had close relationships with Vaishnava sects, Butler Schofield says. In the early 17th century, khayal travelled from the Sufi communities to the qawwals of Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah in Delhi, remaining within their lineage until the early 18th century, she further says.
In the next phase, many experts agree that Niyamat Khan “Sadarang” (1670-1748), a famous dhrupad singer and been player at the court of the Mughal emperor Muhammad Shah “Rangila”, who ruled from 1714 to 1748, played a key role in further developing khayal. In particular, he began creating khayal compositions with some melodic movements from dhrupad, setting many of these compositions in a slow tempo. This version became the vilambitbandish, or slow composition, also called the bada khayal, which is now the centrepiece of a raga rendition in khayal. Sadarang was a kalawant, the term used for a singer from a hereditary lineage of musicians attached to a Mughal court. Both his slow and fast compositions are widely sung to this day.
Today, the majority of khayal’s practitioners are Hindu, but in previous generations, a mix of Hindu and Muslim singers coexisted, while in its early phase, the genre emerged in a Sufi Islamic context.

4. G7 Ministers commit to move to carbon-free power by 2035

Subject : Environment

Section: Climate change

Context: A proposal to have a 2030 deadline for phasing out coal was shot down and the final text gives leeway for continued investment in gas, on the grounds that it could be a stopgap against energy shortfalls.

More on the News:

Climate and Energy Ministers and envoys from Group of Seven (G7) countries committed to work towards ensuring carbon-free electricity production by 2035 and “accelerating” the phase-out of coal. This was part of an agreement by the countries at the end of a two-day conference in Sapporo, Japan, ahead of the G7 summit in Hiroshima this May.
A proposal to have a 2030 deadline for phasing out coal was shot down and the final text gives leeway for continued investment in gas, on the grounds that it could be a stopgap against energy shortfalls, Reuters reported.
At the United Nations-Conference of Parties (COP) meeting in Glasgow in 2021, India had objected to language in the agreement to “phase out” and pushed instead for a “phase down” of coal.
At the COP meeting in Sharm el Sheikh last year, India pushed for a proposal to phase out all fossil fuel sources, including coal and gas. India and China are significantly dependent on coal for electricity, whereas several developed countries, including the United States, Japan, Canada and Europe are reliant on gas reserves. The latter however didn’t find mention in the final text of the Sharm el Sheikh agreement.
The G7 nations account for 40% of the world’s economic activity and a quarter of global carbon emissions. Their actions are critical, but so is their support for less wealthy nations often suffering the worst effects of climate change while having the fewest resources for mitigating such impacts.
Emissions in advanced economies are falling, though historically they have been higher — the United States alone accounts for about a quarter of historic global carbon emissions — while emerging markets and developing economies now account for more than two-thirds of global carbon emissions
The president-designate for the next United Nations climate talks, the COP28, who was also attending the talks in Sapporo, issued a statement urging G7 nations to increase financial support for developing countries’ transitions to clean energy.

5. Collecting voice samples to aid investigation: process and legality

Subject :Polity

Section: Constitution

Context:

Congress Leader Jagdish Tytler has appeared before the CBI to submit samples of his voice as part of the investigation into his alleged role in three murders in Delhi’s Pul Bangash area by a mob during the anti-Sikh violence of 1984.

How is a voice sample taken?

The sample is collected under controlled circumstances, following specific procedures.
A voice sample is generally taken in an echo-proof room for a controlled and noise free environment and a voice recorder is used.
The subject is asked to say a small part of the original statement that is already part of the evidence, and both vowels and consonants in the spoken sample are analyzed.
Certain technical parameters are kept in mind while collecting the voice sample. A spectral analysis of the audio speech is undertaken where the pitch, energy, and frequency of the voice are kept as the base to study and match with the original audio sample
There are two ways in which a comparison is made
Firstly, The semi-automatic spectrographic method” of voice sampling — that uses an instrument that converts speech signals into a visual display — while some other countries use the “automatic method” where a likelihood ratio of the voice samples is developed, which increases accuracy

Legality to collect voice samples of a suspect or accused

India’s criminal procedure laws do not contain a specific provision for testing voice samples because it is a relatively new technological tool.
Section 53 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973, allows examination of accused by a medical practitioner at the request of a police officer.
The word “examination” includes the examination of blood, blood stains, semen, swabs in case of sexual offenses, sputum and sweat, hair samples and fingernail clippings by the use of modern and scientific techniques including DNA profiling and such other tests which the registered medical practitioner thinks necessary in a particular case”.
The phrase “such other tests” is read to include the collection of voice samples.
In a 2013 case, the Supreme Court considered whether compelling an accused to give his voice sample in the course of an investigation would be violative of the fundamental right against self-incrimination or the right to privacy. While delivering a Split Verdict in the case, the SC acknowledged that there is no specific law for collection of voice samples
In a ruling on March 30, 2022, the Punjab and Haryana High Court observed that voice samples in a sense resemble fingerprints and handwriting, each person has a distinctive voice with characteristic features. The sample taken itself would not be an evidence, rather they are for comparing the evidence already collected.”

6. Poland and Ukraine ban wheat import from Ukraine

Subject: International Relations

Section: Msc

Context:

Poland and Hungary have decided to ban imports of grain and other food from neighbouring Ukraine.

More about the news:

Poland and Hungary have imposed a ban on food grain from Ukraine until 30 June including a prohibition on imports of sugar, eggs, meat, milk and other dairy products and fruits and vegetables.
The bans are a result of the Russia-Ukraine war.
Fearing the worst consequences, the European Union then lifted duties on grain from Ukraine to ease distribution to those global markets. However, instead of the grain transiting seamlessly onto global markets, it has remained in Poland and caused a grain glut.
This grain glut has brought down the prices drastically, causing massive losses to the Polish farming community.
The European Union has criticized bans by Poland and Hungary on imports of Ukrainian grain and other foods over the weekend, saying the unilateral moves were “unacceptable.”

More about European Union:

The European Union is a group of 27 countries that operate as a cohesive economic and political block.
It was formed in 1993 after the signing of the Maastricht Treaty
The European Union Headquarters is located in Brussels, Belgium
The Maastricht Treaty is also known as the Treaty of the European Union. The Maastricht Treaty was amended thrice. The amendments are listed below.
- Treaty of Amsterdam (1997)
- Treaty of Nice (2001)
- Treaty of Lisbon (2007)
The objectives of forming the European Union are listed below.
- To increase political cooperation
- To enhance economic integration by creating a single currency, the EURO.
- Unified security and foreign policy
- Common citizenship Rights
- Enhanced cooperation in the areas of judiciary, immigration and asylum

7. Fake Encounters

Subject : Polity

Section: Constitution

Context:

The latest cases of fake encounters in Uttar Pradesh.

What is Extra Judicial Killing:

Extrajudicial killings are acts of violence carried out by law enforcement agencies without any judicial authorization.
This is usually done by the state to enforce what may be called ‘instant justice’ by circumventing the elaborate procedure established through the criminal justice system

What are the laws dealing with Extrajudicial Killings:

There are no provisions under the Indian law which directly authorize the police officer to encounter criminals. However, there is some enabling provision that can be construed to confer power on the police officer to use force against a criminal.
The Indian Penal Code, 1860
- The law relating to the right of private defense is contained in Section 96 to 106 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
- Section 96 of the IPC declares that any act done in exercise of ‘right of private defense’ is not an offense. Section 97 states the defense is available both in respect of ‘body’ and ‘property’, however Section 99 cautions that the defense is not available for inflicting more harm than is necessary for defense.
- Section 100 specifies the various circumstances (death, grievous hurt, kidnapping, rape, acid attack etc.) under which a person committing death in exercise of private defense, will be justified.
- Also, it provides an exception if an encounter is done by the police officer. Exemption 3 of Section 300 states that –Culpable homicide is not murdered if it is done by the offender who is a public servant exercises his right of private defence in good faith and exceeds his power conferred to him by law and causes the death of such person.
The Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 also permits a police officer to use all means to arrest the accused if he forcibly resists the endeavour to arrest him or evade such arrest.

How fake encounters are Gross violation of Indian Constitution and Principles:

Encounter killings violate the fundamental rights of criminals, including the right to life and liberty. The right to life and liberty can only be deprived through the procedure established by law, as guaranteed by Article 21 of the Indian Constitution.
This right extends to all individuals, regardless of their actions or criminal record, and ensures a fair investigation and trial process.
The right to a fair investigation and trial process safeguards the principle of equality before the law, as enshrined in Article 14.
An accused person has a fundamental right to have a lawyer of their choice for their defence, as guaranteed by Article 22 of the Indian Constitution and Section 303 of the Criminal Procedure Code.
In fake encounters, the police assume the role of the judiciary without providing a proper opportunity for the accused to be heard in an appropriate judicial forum. This violates the principle of Audi alteram partem, which ensures that both parties have a fair and reasonable opportunity to be heard.
Encounter killings not only violate the fundamental rights of criminals but also threaten the principles of justice and the rule of law in India.

What are the Supreme Court Guidelines in fake encounters?

In 2014, PUCL vs State of Maharashtra case the Supreme Court of India issued a set of guidelines for the investigation of encounter killings, also known as “fake encounters.”
The Supreme Court then laid down the following 16 point guidelines as the standard procedure to be followed for thorough, effective, and independent investigation in the cases of death during police encounters:
- Record Tip-off: Whenever the police receives any intelligence or tip-off regarding criminal activities pertaining to the commission of a grave criminal offence, it must be recorded either in writing or electronic form. Such recordings need not reveal details of the suspect or the location to which the party is headed.
- Register FIR: If in pursuance to a tip-off, the police uses firearms and this results in the death of a person, then an FIR initiating proper criminal investigation must be registered and be forwarded to the Court without any delay.
- Independent Probe: Investigation into such death must be done by an independent CID team or a police team of another police station under the supervision of a senior officer. It has to fulfill eight minimum investigation requirements like, identify the victim, recover and preserve evidentiary material, identify scene witnesses, etc.
- Magisterial Probe: Mandatory magisterial inquiry into all cases of encounter deaths must be held and a report thereof must be sent to the Judicial Magistrate.
- Inform NHRC: The NHRC or State Human Rights Commission (as the case may be) must be immediately informed of the encounter death.
- Medical Aid: It must be provided to the injured victim/criminal and a Magistrate or Medical Officer must record his statement along with the Certificate of Fitness.
- No Delay: Ensure forwarding FIR, panchnamas, sketch, and police diary entries to the concerned Court without any delay.
- Send Report to Court: After full investigation into the incident, a report must be sent to the competent Court ensuring expeditious trial.
- Inform Kin: In the case of death of an accused criminal, their next of kin must be informed at the earliest.
- Submit Report:Bi-annual statements of all encounter killings must be sent to the NHRC by the DGPs by a set date in set format.
- Prompt Action: Amounting to an offense under the IPC, disciplinary action must be initiated against the police officer found guilty of wrongful encounter and for the time being that officer must be suspended.
- Compensation: The compensation scheme as described under Section 357-A of the CrPC must be applied for granting compensation to the dependants of the victim.
- Surrendering Weapons: The concerned police officer(s) must surrender their weapons for forensic and ballistic analysis, subject to the rights mentioned under Article 20 of the Constitution.
- Legal Aid to Officer: An intimation about the incident must be sent to the accused police officer’s family, offering services of lawyer/counselor.
- Promotion: No out-of-turn promotion or instant gallantry awards shall be bestowed on the officers involved in encounter killings soon after the occurrence of such events.
- Grievance Redressal: If the family of the victim finds that the above procedure has not been followed, then it may make a complaint to the Sessions Judge having territorial jurisdiction over the place of incident. The concerned Sessions Judge must look into the merits of the complaint and address the grievances raised therein.

What are the Current International position:

It must be noted that India has not ratified the UN Convention against Torture and Other Cruel, Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (UNCAT) of 1987.
The main concern of the convention is the violation of rights and lack of transparency as overstepping on the function of the judiciary is fatal.

Further, even Article-6 of The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to which India is a party, states that “every human being has the inherent right to life and this right shall be protected by law. No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of his life.”

8. Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor (OL3)

Subject : International Events

Section: Places in new

Concept :

Finland’s next-generation Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor, the largest in Europe, has gone into regular production.

About Olkiluoto 3 nuclear reactor (OL3):

OL3 is an EPR (European Pressurized Water Reactor) located in Finland.
It is built by the French-led Areva-Siemens consortium.
It is the most powerful nuclear reactor in Europe, with a capacity of generating 1,600 megawatts.
It covers approximately 14% of Finland’s electricity demand.

9. Same-sex marriage’s legal recognition in India

Subject : polity

Section: Constitution

Concept :

The Supreme Court has set up a five-judge Constitution bench to hear the batch of petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India.
The bench set up by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud also includes Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli, and PS Narasimha.

What is the case?

The Court has been hearing multiple petitioners’ requests for legal recognition of same-sex marriages under a special law.
SC took up the case as petitioners claimed that the non-recognition of same-sex marriage amounted to discrimination that strikes at the root of dignity and self-fulfilment of LGBTQIA+ couples.
The petitioners cited the Special Marriage Act, 1954 and appealed to the Court to extend the right to the LGBTQIA+ community, by making the marriage between any two persons gender neutral.
Special Marriage Act, 1954 provides a civil marriage for couples who cannot marry under their personal law.

Why does the community want this right?

Even if LGBTQIA+ couples may live together, legally, they are on a slippery slope.
In Navtej Singh Johar case (2018) homosexuality was decriminalised.
They do not enjoy the rights married couples do.
For example, LGBTQIA+ couples cannot adopt children or have a child by surrogacy;
They do not have automatic rights to inheritance, maintenance and tax benefits;
After a partner passes away, they cannot avail of benefits like pension or compensation.
Most of all, since marriage is a social institution – that is created by and highly regulated by law – without this social sanction, same-sex couples struggle to make a life together.

What is the Centre’s stand?

At depositions in courts and outside, the Centre has opposed same-sex marriage.
It said that the judicial interference will cause complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws.
While filing a counter-affidavit during this hearing, the government said that decriminalisation of Section 377 IPC does not give rise to a claim to seek recognition for same-sex marriage.

Arguments forwarded by the Government

Notion of marriage :
- The notion of marriage itself necessarily and inevitably presupposes a union between two persons of the opposite sex.
- This definition is socially, culturally and legally ingrained into the very idea and concept of marriage and ought not to be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation.
Marriage laws governed by the personal laws/codified laws :
- Parliament has designed and framed the marriage laws in the country to recognise only the union of a man and a woman to be capable of legal sanction, and thereby claim legal and statutory rights and consequences.
- Marriage laws in India are mostly governed by the personal laws/codified laws relatable to customs of various religious communities.
- Any interference with the same would cause a complete havoc with the delicate balance of personal laws and in accepted societal values.
Reasonable restriction :
- Even if such a right is claimed under Article 21, the right can be curtailed by competent legislature on permissible constitutional grounds including legitimate state interest.

Special Marriage Act, 1954

Marriages in India can be registered under the respective personal laws Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, Muslim Marriage Act, 1954, or under the Special Marriage Act, 1954.
The Special Marriage Act, 1954 is an Act of the Parliament of India with provision for civil marriage for people of India and all Indian nationals in foreign countries, irrespective of religion or faith followed by either party.
When a person solemnized marriage under this law, then the marriage is not governed by personal laws but by the Special Marriage Act.

10. Eswatini

Subject : Geography

Section: Places in new

Concept :

Five years ago, the King of Swaziland renamed his country “Eswatini”.

About Eswatini

Eswatini is officially known as the Kingdom of Eswatini, sometimes written in English as eSwatini, and formerly and still commonly known in English as
Eswatini is a landlocked country in Southern Africa. It is bordered by Mozambique to its northeast and South Africa to its north, west, and south.
The population is composed primarily of ethnic Swazis.
The government is an absolute monarchy, ruled by King Mswati III since 1986. Elections are held every five years to determine the House of Assembly and the Senate majority.

11. What to know about first test flight of SpaceX’s big Starship

Subject :Science and Technology

Section: Space technology

Context:

Elon Musk’s SpaceX is about to launch the first test flight of its mammoth Starship.
It’s the biggest and mightiest rocket ever built, with the lofty goals of ferrying people to the moon and Mars.

About SpaceX Starship:

Starship is a fully reusable spacecraft designed and built by SpaceX with the primary goal of sending humans to the Moon, Mars, and beyond.

Key objectives

SpaceX aims to use Starship to establish a self-sustaining human settlement on Mars.
The ultimate goal is to enable humans to become a multi-planetary species.
It also aims to make Starship reusable, reducing the cost of spaceflight and bringing down the price to a few million dollars per flight.
In the long run, the company aims to achieve full and rapid reusability of the spacecraft.

Features:

Design and configurability:

Made up of two parts: a 50-meter tall spacecraft and a 70-meter tall Super Heavy rocket booster.
Spacecraft has six Raptor engines; Super Heavy Booster has 28 Raptor engines.
Payload capacity of up to 250 metric tons and features a large heat shield.
Interior can be configured for up to 100 passengers or cargo.

Manoeuvrability

Designed to be fully reusable, with vertical take-off and landing on Earth, Moon, and Mars.
Can be refuelled in orbit for deeper space travel and for establishing a human settlement on Mars.

Construction and materials

Built using durable and cost-effective stainless steel material.
Stainless steel also provides heat protection during re-entry into the Earth’s atmosphere.

Power and thrust:

The stainless steel Starship has 33 main engines.
Powered by methane and liquid oxygen fueled Raptor engines.
Generates 17 million pounds of thrust more than twice that of the Saturn V rockets used for the Apollo missions.

Other competitors:

Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin is readying the New Glenn rocket for its orbital debut from Cape Canaveral, Florida.
United Launch Alliance expects its new Vulcan rocket to make its inaugural launch later this year, hoisting a private lunar lander to the moon at NASA’s behest.
Europe’s Arianespace is close to launching its new, upgraded Ariane 6 rocket from French Guiana in South America.