Daily Prelims Notes 1 April 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

1 April 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024
2. Tamil Nadu’s Role in India’s Electronics Exports
3. Bringing 1000 elephants to Jamnagar makes no sense: Raman Sukumar
4. Remembering Vaikom satyagraha, a 100 years later
5. Russia’s war is weakening scientists’ ability to track the climate
6. The ART of India’s HIV/AIDS response
7. World’s most powerful laser points to uncharted arenas
8. Genetic profiling of captive jumbos of Kerala to begin soon
9. Over 60 products from across India earn GI tags

1. Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme (EMPS) 2024

Subject: Schemes

Section: Economy

Current Issue:

• Manufacturers of e2Ws and e3Ws are in confusion regarding the continuation of discounts for customers under the EMPS 2024.
• The scheme is set to commence on April 1.
• However, the portal for companies to register their certificates to avail of subsidies is not ready.
• Without the portal, companies cannot pass on the benefits to customers, potentially impacting sales.
• OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) are worried about offering discounts without clarity.

Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024

Aim and Objective:

• The scheme aims to accelerate the adoption of Electric Vehicles (EVs) across the country.
• It seeks to provide a boost to the development of the electric vehicle manufacturing ecosystem.
• Accelerate adoption of EVs, particularly in the two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments.
• Support the growth of the EV manufacturing ecosystem.
• Promote affordable and environmentally friendly public transportation.
• Encourage the use of advanced battery technologies in EVs.

Financial Allocation:

• The scheme is a fund-limited initiative with a total outlay of Rs. 500 crore.
• The duration of the scheme is for a period of 4 months, starting from 1st April 2024 till 31st July 2024.

Targeted Vehicles:

• Focus on faster adoption of:
  • Electric Two-Wheelers (e-2W)
  • Electric Three-Wheelers (e-3W)
  • This includes registered e-rickshaws, e-carts, and L5 category e-3W vehicles.
• Eligibility Criteria:
  • The scheme mainly applies to e-2W and e-3W vehicles registered for commercial purposes.
  • Additionally, privately or corporately owned registered e-2W vehicles are also eligible.
• Advanced Technology Incentives:
  • Incentives will be provided to vehicles fitted with advanced battery technologies.
  • This move aims to encourage the adoption of cutting-edge EV technologies.
• Nodal Ministry:
  • The scheme is under the purview of the Ministry of Heavy Industries.

Benefits for Stakeholders:

• Consumers:
  • Access to affordable electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers.
  • Reduced operating costs and environmental impact.
• Manufacturers:
  • Increased demand and market penetration for EV models.
  • Opportunity to contribute to India’s green mobility goals.
• Government:
  • Promotes the “Make in India” initiative by boosting local EV manufacturing.
  • Contributes to reducing carbon emissions and achieving environmental sustainability targets.

2. Tamil Nadu’s Role in India’s Electronics Exports

Subject: Economy

Section: External sector

• Key Statistics:
  • Tamil Nadu, in FY24, accounted for 30% of all electronic goods exports from India.
  • The district of Kancheepuram alone contributed close to 40% of India’s smartphone exports in the last two fiscal years.
  • The state has seen a significant rise in its contribution to electronics exports, overtaking states like Uttar Pradesh and Karnataka.
• State-wise Comparison:
  • Tamil Nadu’s electronic goods exports in FY24 surpassed the combined exports of Uttar Pradesh and
  • The gap between Tamil Nadu and other top exporting states like Gujarat and Maharashtra has widened.
  • Exports from Gujarat and Maharashtra have shown stagnation in recent years.
• Trend in Exports:
  • From April 2023 to January 2024, Tamil Nadu exported electronic goods worth over $7.4 billion, nearly four times the volume in FY22.
• Commodity-wise Share:
  • Engineering goods dominated exports ($98 billion), followed by petroleum products ($78 billion), gems and jewellery ($30 billion), and electronics goods ($25 billion).
  • In FY18, electronic goods were not even in the top 10 most exported commodities, with an export value of just $0.8 billion.
• Major Markets:
  • The S. and the UAE are the largest markets for India’s electronic goods exports.
  • In FY24, the U.S. imported nearly 35% of India’s electronic goods exports ($8.7 billion), followed by the UAE at $3 billion (12%).
  • The Netherlands and the U.K. each accounted for about 5% of India’s electronic goods exports.
• Shift in U.S. Imports:
  • Since FY21, the U.S. has remained the primary destination for India’s electronics exports.
  • The S.’s share in India’s electronics exports has increased significantly in recent years, reaching 24-34% in the latest two fiscal years.
• Inference:
  • The surge in smartphone exports from Kancheepuram district, Tamil Nadu, has significantly boosted India’s electronics exports.
  • Most of these exports, particularly smartphones, have been directed to the U.S., the world’s largest importer of smartphones.

Why TamilNadu?

Good industrial climate, availability of skilled or trainable labour, especially women with high productivity and good logistics connectivity of the airport has attracted leading electronics manufacturers to Tamil Nadu.

3. Bringing 1000 elephants to Jamnagar makes no sense: Raman Sukumar

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Context:

• On March 14, the captive elephant’s future came to be governed by new Rules—Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024, that regulate their transfer from one State to another.

What are Captive Elephants?

• These elephants are owned and kept by humans, often for various purposes such as historical roles in forest management, timber transport, religious ceremonies, or entertainment.
• Captive Elephants  are distinct from wild elephants as they are  subject to regulations regarding their care and management.
• Elephants can be found in various captive facilities such as a zoo, sanctuary, circus, or camp, usually under veterinary supervision.
• The earliest evidence of captive elephants dates to the Indus Valley Civilization about 4,500 years ago.

Provision for transfer and transport of elephant under Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972:

• As per the WPA 1972, elephants are a Schedule 1 species they cannot be captured and traded under any circumstances
• Section 12 of the act allows scheduled animals to be translocated for special purposes like
  • Education and scientific research
  • Management of wildlife without harming any wild animal
  • Collection of Specimen for recognised zoos or museums
• Section 40 of WLA 1972 prohibits the acquisition, possession and transfer of captive elephants without written permission of the Chief Wildlife warden of the states

Provisions in updates rule:

• Provides relaxation under which captive elephants can change owners or transfer.
• Owners must submit that they are no longer in a position to maintain the animal and that it must be assured of better upkeep than its present circumstances.
• Under the new Rules, the Chief Wildlife Warden of a State can permit the transport of captive elephants within the State or between States.
• Intra state transfer:
  • Elephant health to be ratified by veterinarian
  • The deputy conservator of the forest has to establish that the animal’s current habitat and prospective habitat are suitable
  • The chief wildlife warden on receipt of such documents may reject or approve the transfer.
• Interstate transfer of elephants:
  • The genetic profile of the elephant has to be registered with the environment ministry
  • Only the permission of the Chief Wildlife warden of the originating and recipient states permission required (earlier required permission from all states’ Chief Wildlife warden through which elephant passes).
• Regarding the transfer of elephants, the Rules make it mandatory for Chief Wildlife Wardens of the source and recipient States to issue certificates that the transfer is genuine and necessary, and the animals ought to have been registered with the office of the Chief Wildlife Warden.
• A genetic database of all captive elephants in the country is being created at the Wildlife Institute of India.

About Kumki Elephants:

• Kumki (also known as Thappana in Malayalam) is a term used in India for trained captive Asian elephants used in operations to trap wild elephants,  to rescue or to provide medical treatment to an injured or trapped wild elephant.
• They are used in capturing, calming and herding wild elephants or to lead wild elephants away in conflict situations.

4. Remembering Vaikom satyagraha, a 100 years later

Subject: History

Section: Modern India

Context:

• Vaikom satyagraha, the epic movement, enters its 100th year.

Early 20th century Travancore:

• The princely state of Travancore had a feudal, militaristic, and ruthless system of custom-ridden government.
• The idea of caste pollution worked not only on the basis of touch but also sight.
• The second half of the 19th century saw several social and political developments ushering in unprecedented social change.
• Christian missionaries converted large sections of lower castes seeking to escape the clutches of caste oppression.
• The reign of Maharaja Ayilyam Thirunal Rama Varma (1860-80) saw many progressive reforms, such as universal free primary education — including for the lower castes.
• By the dawn of the 20th century, there had begun to emerge among caste Hindus, Christians and even avarna Hindus, especially Ezhavas, a significant educated elite.

About Vaikom Satyagraha:

• Vaikom is a temple town in the princely state of Travancore, saw the start of a non-violent agitation on March 30, 1924- the first among temple entry movements that would soon sweep across the country.
• Early morning on March 30, 1924, a Nair, an Ezhava and a Pulayu, dressed in Khaddar uniforms and garlanded, and followed by a crowd of thousands, attempted to use the roads.
• Leaders such as Periyar, who was arrested multiple times, and C Rajagopalachari came to Vaikom to offer support and lead the protesters.
• The campaign, led by Congress leaders T. K. Madhavan, K. Kelappan K. P. Kesava Menon, George Joseph, E. V. Ramasamy “Periyar”.
• In August, 1924, the Maharaja of Travancore died, following which, the young Maharani Regent, Queen Sethulakshmi Bai, released all prisoners.
• In March 1925, Gandhi was finally able to iron out a compromise: three out of the four roads surrounding the temples were opened up for everyone, but the fourth (eastern) road was kept reserved for brahmins.
• In November 1925, the government completed diversionary roads that could be used by the low castes “without polluting the temple”.
• The last satyagrahi was recalled from Vaikom on November 23, 1925.
• The Vaikom satyagraha was a remarkable movement, which sustained itself for over 600 days, amidst hostile social forces, police crackdowns, and one of the worst floods in the town’s history in 1924.
• In November 1936, the Maharaja of Travancore signed the historic Temple Entry Proclamation which removed the age-old ban on the entry of marginalized castes into the temples of the state. 
• This, along with the demonstration of Gandhian methods of civil disobedience as effective tools of protest, was the great success of the Vaikom satyagraha.

How did agitation started?

• The issue of temple entry was first raised by Ezhava leader T K Madhavan in a 1917 editorial in his paper Deshabhimani. 
• Inspired by the success of Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, by 1920, he began to advocate for more direct methods.
• Entry of the Indian National Congress into the picture that changed the dynamics.
• Madhavan met Gandhi in 1921, and secured the Mahatma’s support for a mass agitation to enter temples.
• In the 1923 session of the INC in Kakinada, a resolution was passed by the Kerala Provincial Congress Committee to take up anti-untouchability as a key issue.
• This was followed by a massive public messaging campaign and a movement to open Hindu temples and all public roads to avarnas.
• Vaikom, with its revered Shiva temple, was chosen as the location for the very first satyagraha.

About Ezhavas:

• The Ezhavas are a community with origins in the region of India presently known as Kerala, where in the 2010s they constituted about 23% of the population and were reported to be the largest Hindu community.
• The Malabar Ezhava group have claimed a higher ranking in the Hindu caste system than do the others.

5. Russia’s war is weakening scientists’ ability to track the climate

Subject: Environment

Section: Climate change

Context:

• Human activities are warming the Earth, and war is now obstructing precise climate change measurements. The Arctic is heating up nearly four times faster than the global average, which could lead to severe consequences such as melting permafrost and rising sea levels, impacting ecosystems and the climate worldwide.

How the Russia-Ukraine War Impacts Climate Tracking:

• Arctic research deteriorated due to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Russia, which comprises nearly half of the Arctic region, has become inaccessible to foreign scientists.
• This situation has disrupted the work of the International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic (INTERACT), hindering comprehensive climate studies due to the lack of data flow from Russian territories.
• Researchers utilized earth-system models (ESMs) to study Arctic ecosystem conditions, focusing on eight key variables such as temperature, vegetation, precipitation, and snow depth.
• Excluding Russian data from Arctic climate studies, particularly from Siberia, has significantly increased biases in understanding the Arctic’s ecosystem changes.
• INTERACT stations, generally located in regions not fully representative of the Arctic’s diversity, miss crucial data from colder, drier, and carbon-rich areas of Siberia.
• This exclusion has led to predictions that underestimate the ecosystem variables’ changes, equating to an 80-year advance in climate change impacts.

International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic (INTERACT):

• INTERACT is an infrastructure project under the auspices of SCANNET, an arctic network of 74 terrestrial field bases (with an additional 21 research stations in Russia on pause) in northern Europe, the US, Canada, Greenland, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Scotland as well as stations in northern alpine areas.
• The project aims to enhance research and monitoring capabilities across the Arctic via the Transnational Access Program, supported by EU funding.
• Its primary goal is to enable the identification, understanding, prediction, and response to environmental changes in the Arctic, a region with limited observing capacity due to its vastness and sparse population.
• INTERACT is multidisciplinary, supporting thousands of scientists globally in fields like glaciology, permafrost, climate, ecology, biodiversity, and biogeochemical cycling.
• Besides research, INTERACT stations support international networks in single disciplines and contribute to education by hosting summer schools.

6. The ART of India’s HIV/AIDS response

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Health

Context:

• April 1 commemorates the 20th anniversary of the launch of Free Anti-retroviral Therapy (ART) for Persons living with HIV (PLHIV) by the Indian government, a pivotal step in the nation’s HIV/AIDS response.

Details:

• Initially, HIV/AIDS was seen as a death sentence following its emergence in the early 1980s, surrounded by significant fear, stigma, and discrimination.
• The first antiretroviral drug, AZT (zidovudine), was approved in March 1987 by the US FDA, followed by the approval of three more drugs in 1988 and the introduction of protease inhibitors in 1995.
• Despite these advancements, access to these life-saving treatments was mostly restricted to high-income countries.

The evolution of free ART:

• Antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the treatment of people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) using anti-HIV drugs. The standard treatment consists of a combination of drugs (often called “highly active antiretroviral therapy” or HAART) that suppress HIV replication.
• The commitment to combat HIV was solidified in 2000 at the UN General Assembly’s Millennium Summit, leading to the creation of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in 2002, which advocated for universal access to HIV services.
• In 2004, India had an estimated 5.1 million People Living with HIV (PLHIV), with a population prevalence of 0.4%, and very few were receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART).
• The introduction of free ART for adults in India was a crucial step, expanded to include children from November 2006.
• By 2023, HIV prevalence in India dropped to 0.20%, with the number of PLHIV reduced to 2.4 million, decreasing India’s global share of PLHIV to 6.3%.
• By the end of 2023, 82% of PLHIV in India knew their status, 72% were on ART, and 68% had achieved viral suppression.
• The annual new HIV infections declined by 48%, and AIDS-related deaths decreased by 82%, surpassing global averages and marking significant public health achievements.

Patient-centric approach to services:

• The success in combating HIV in India is not solely due to free ART; it also involves comprehensive initiatives including free diagnostic services, prevention of mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT), and managing opportunistic infections and co-infections like TB.
• The ART program has evolved to be more inclusive and patient-centric, moving from strict CD4 count eligibility criteria to a “Treat All” policy in 2017, allowing anyone diagnosed with HIV to start treatment regardless of CD4 count.
• Rapid ART initiation policies were adopted in 2021, enabling treatment to start within seven days of diagnosis, sometimes on the same day.

95-95-95 target of UNAIDS:

• The fifth phase of India’s National AIDS Control Programme (NACP) aims by 2025 to significantly reduce new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths, eliminate vertical transmission of HIV and syphilis, and achieve the 95-95-95 targets set by UNAIDS: 95% of PLHIV knowing their status, 95% of those diagnosed on ART, and 95% of those on ART achieving viral suppression.

7. World’s most powerful laser points to uncharted arenas

Subject: Science and tech

Section: Msc

Context:

• Antonia Toma, an engineer at a research centre in Romania, activates the world’s most powerful laser as part of the European Union’s Infrastructure ELI project, aiming for significant advances across various sectors including health and space.

Details:

• The laser facility is located near Bucharest, Romania, and is operated by the French company Thales, leveraging inventions that won the Nobel Prize.
• The 2018 Nobel Physics Prize was awarded to France’s Gerard Mourou and Canada’s Donna Strickland for developing precision instruments using laser technology, which the Nobel Academy cited as opening new avenues for understanding and shaping the world.
• Gerard Mourou describes the process of amplifying a “small luminous seed” of energy millions of times to achieve “phenomenal powers.”
• Mourou envisions applications for the laser including treating nuclear waste to shorten its radioactivity and cleaning space debris, marking a shift from the “century of the electron” to the “21st century being that of the laser.”

Extreme Light Infrastructure (ELI) Project:

• ELI is an international laser user facility open to the global scientific community, representing the first ESFRI Landmark in newer EU Member States.
• ELI aims to study extreme light-matter interactions at unprecedented intensities and time scales, contributing to pan-European research efforts.
• Three high-power, high-repetition-rate laser facilities have been established in Czech Republic (ELI Beamlines), Hungary (ELI-ALPS), and Romania (ELI-NP) through this investment.
• The three ELI pillars will be managed by the European Research Infrastructure Consortium (ERIC), involving governance and funding aspects.
• ELI ERIC’s Founding Members include the Host Countries (the Czech Republic and Hungary), Italy (a supporter since ELI’s preparatory phase), and Lithuania (noted for its contributions to laser physics).
• Germany and Bulgaria are participating as Founding Observers, with the prospect of future membership.

Romania, which hosts the ELI-NP facility, is expected to join ELI ERIC shortly after its establishment.

8. Genetic profiling of captive jumbos of Kerala to begin soon

Subject: Environment

Section: Species in news

Introduction

The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is set to initiate genetic profiling for the approximately 400 captive elephants in Kerala. This initiative, aimed at incorporating the details of these elephants into a national database, signifies a pioneering effort in the conservation and management of captive elephants.

Details of the Initiative

• Objective: The project is designed to create a comprehensive database that includes photographs, physical details (such as height), and genetic features of each captive elephant in Kerala.
• Implementation: Assistant conservators (social forestry) across districts have been tasked with collecting blood and dung samples. The Kerala Forest Department, equipped with forensic kits provided by the WII, will spearhead this effort
• Training and Timeline: An online training session for forest officials on sample collection and reporting is scheduled for April 5 and 6. The actual sample collection is expected to commence in the second week of April, coinciding with Kerala’s temple festival season, a period of heightened activity involving captive elephants.

Context and Significance

• Current Status: Kerala, previously known for having the largest population of captive elephants, now records about 25 elephant deaths annually, reducing the captive population to 407.
• National Perspective: With an estimated 3,000 captive elephants across India, similar profiling has been completed in several states. The data collected will be accessible through “Gaja Suchana,” a mobile application developed by the WII, facilitating monitoring of elephant transfers and welfare.
• Regulatory Framework: The initiative aligns with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change‘s efforts to regulate the transfer of elephants and ensure their welfare, highlighted by the recent introduction of the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.
• Previous Efforts: Notably, in 2019, the Kerala Forest Department undertook DNA profiling of elephants with the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram supporting it, marking an initial step towards scientific management of captive elephants.

Implications

• For Conservation: This profiling is a crucial step towards enhancing the welfare of captive elephants and combating illegal transfers, offering a methodical approach to monitoring and management.
• For Research and Policy: The data generated will provide valuable insights into the genetic diversity and health of captive elephants, informing future conservation strategies and policies.

Conclusion

The genetic profiling of captive elephants in Kerala by the Wildlife Institute of India represents a significant advancement in elephant conservation efforts. By integrating modern scientific techniques with traditional practices, it aims to ensure the health, welfare, and sustainable management of these majestic animals, embodying Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.

9. Over 60 products from across India earn GI tags

Subject: History

Section: Art and culture

Introduction

A landmark achievement has been recorded as over 60 products from across India, including the renowned Banaras Thandai, have received the Geographical Indication (GI) tags. This unprecedented move marks a significant recognition of India’s diverse and rich heritage of traditional and historic products.

Key Highlights

• Broad Spectrum of GI Tags: This recent batch of GI tags encompasses a wide range of products, from traditional crafts in Assam like Asharikandi terracotta and Sarthebari metal craft to the famous Banarasi Thandai.
• Significant Increase in Applications: It is the first instance of such a large number of products being awarded GI tags simultaneously, highlighting an increasing trend of states applying for GI tags to recognize their unique products.

Assam’s Rich Heritage:

• Six traditional crafts received GI tags: These include Asharikandi terracotta craft, Pani Meteka craft, Sarthebari metal craft, Jaapi (bamboo headgear of rural Assam), Mishing handloom products, and the Bihu dhol.
• Thirteen other products from Assam: Bodo Dokhona, the traditional attire of Bodo women; and Bodo Eri silk, referred to as the fabric of peace or ahimsa (non-violence), which comes from the silkworm Samia ricini that feeds mostly on the leaves of the castor plant (Ricinus communis), and cassava.
  • Bodo Jwmgra (a traditional scarf), Bodo Gamsa (traditional dress of Bodo men), Bodo Thorkha (a musical instrument), and Bodo Sifung (a long flute) are also, on the list.

Asharikandi terracotta craft

In India, the single largest cluster where both Terracotta and Pottery crafts are found and practiced in traditional way is Asharikandi (Madaikhali) craft village. Due to the factors of production, the product-quality of one place varies from that of another. Weather is a key factor and plays a major role in Terracotta-production. The main raw material for pottery and terracotta craft is Hiramati, a special type of soil. The quality of Hiramati varies from place to place. The quality of Hiramati and artistic skill determine the quality of Terracotta and Pottery products.

Banaras’ Unique Offerings:

• Culinary and Craft Recognition: Banaras, known for its spiritual and historical significance, has seen several of its products like Banaras Thandai, Banaras Tabla, Banaras Shehnai, Banaras Lal Bharwamirch and Banaras Lal Peda.

Banaras Thandai

• It is a drink made by blending milk with a nutritious mix of nuts, seeds and spices
• Traditional Banarasi Thandai shops in areas such as Gaudaulia Chowk, Lahurabir, and the old lane of Pakka Mahal attract large crowds.
• The drink was first introduced many centuries ago as an offering to the Shri Kashi Vishwanath deity on the occasion of Mahashivaratri, Rangbhari Ekadasi, and Holi.

Recognition for Tripura and Meghalaya:

• Tripura: It has secured GI tags for Pachra-Rignai, a traditional dress, and Matabari Peda, a sweet delicacy, marking the state’s presence on the cultural map of India.
• Meghalaya: Its Meghalaya Garo Textile, Lyrnai Pottery, and Chubitchi, integral to the state’s socio-cultural and religious fabric, have also received GI tags.