Daily Prelims Notes 13 March 2025

March 13, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

13 March 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Global Coordination in Climate Predictions

Sub : Geo

Sec: Climatology

Why in News

The downsizing of the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Trump administration has raised concerns about the future of climate predictions.

Climate Predictions and Projections:

Climate Projections: These provide potential future climate scenarios based on agreed-upon global models, closely coordinated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
Climate Predictions: These rely on global observational systems under the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and require continuous updates using real-time data.

The Need for K-Scale Modelling:

Existing models lack the spatial resolution needed for region-specific climate predictions.
K-scale climate models, characterized by their 1-kilometer spatial resolution, represent a significant advancement in climate modelling.
With a 1-km grid scale, these models can capture fine-scale atmospheric processes, leading to more accurate simulations of weather patterns and climate behaviour.
The enhanced resolution allows for better modelling of localized events such as thunderstorms, urban heat islands, and microclimates, which are often missed by coarser models.

Types of Grid Scales in Climate Models:

Coarse Resolution Grids: These grids have larger cells, typically spanning several degrees of latitude and longitude. Used in early climate models and some current general circulation models (GCMs) to simulate large-scale climate patterns.
High-Resolution Grids: Feature smaller cells, often less than a degree in latitude and longitude, providing more detailed simulations. Used in regional climate models to study specific areas with greater precision.
Gaussian Grids: Utilize a non-uniform grid where grid points are unequally spaced along longitudes but equally spaced along latitudes, based on Gaussian quadrature. Commonly employed in spectral models and by institutions like the European Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF).
Variable-Resolution Grids: Grids with varying cell sizes, allowing higher resolution in areas of interest while maintaining coarser resolution elsewhere. Useful for focusing computational resources on regions requiring detailed analysis, such as urban areas or regions prone to extreme weather events.

2. Mycelium Bricks: A Sustainable Alternative for Climate-Resilient Construction

Sub : Env

Sec: Sustainable dev

Why in News

The construction industry is actively exploring eco-friendly alternatives to reduce its carbon footprint. Mycelium bricks have emerged as a promising solution due to their biodegradable, fire-resistant, and insulative properties, presenting an innovative step toward sustainable construction.

What Are Mycelium Bricks?

Mycelium bricks are an innovative material made using fungal mycelia—the vegetative part of fungi, comprising an extensive network of thread-like filaments known as hyphae.
Researchers combine agricultural waste such as husk and sawdust with fungal spores to form a fibrous network. Within days, the material solidifies into a lightweight, durable structure suitable for various applications.
Mycelia are essential decomposers, breaking down complex organic materials like lignin and cellulose, thus recycling nutrients back into the soil.
Symbiosis with Plants: Many plants form mutualistic associations with mycorrhizal fungi, enhancing water and nutrient uptake, which is crucial for plant health and soil fertility.

Advantages:

Lower Carbon Emissions: Traditional fired clay brick production emits nearly 300 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Mycelium bricks offer a sustainable alternative with a lower carbon footprint.
Lightweight: Their reduced weight can lead to easier handling and potential cost savings in transportation.
Biodegradability: Mycelium bricks decompose naturally over time, ensuring minimal environmental impact.
Fire Resistance: Inherent fire-resistant qualities make them safer for construction.
Insulation: They offer good thermal insulation, enhancing energy efficiency in buildings.

Potential Applications:

Construction: Suitable for non-load-bearing structures, interior paneling, and decorative elements.
Filtration Systems: Mycelium-based components can be used in liquid filters.
Manufacturing: Potential applications in sports equipment and printed circuit boards.

Limitations:

Structural Strength: Mycelium composites have a high strength-to-weight ratio but are considerably weaker than concrete. Currently, they are unsuitable for load-bearing structures.
Moisture Sensitivity: Mycelium bricks absorb more moisture than synthetic foams and plywood, making them less ideal for damp environments. They are also vulnerable to termite infestations.
Scalability and Cost Issues: The large-scale production of mycelium bricks is not yet feasible due to high costs and limited infrastructure.

3. APAAR ID for School Students: Concerns and Mandates

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

The Department of School Education and Literacy (DSEL) has initiated the issuance of 12-digit Automatic Permanent Academic Account Registry (APAAR) unique Identity Cards (IDs) for all government, aided, and private school children.
It is modeled after Aadhaar and integrates with DigiLocker and the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) to standardize school transcripts as a “single source of truth.”

Concerns Over Voluntary Nature and Growing Mandates

The Ministry of Education states that APAAR ID enrolment is voluntary.
However, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), in a January 2025 circular, directed schools to ensure “100% saturation”, leading many schools to treat it as mandatory.

Data Privacy and Legal Concerns

Linking with Aadhaar:
- APAAR IDs are linked to Aadhaar, causing enrolment issues due to spelling mismatches between school records and the UIDAI database.
- CBSE has instructed affected parents to visit Common Service Centres for updates.
Lack of Legal Framework:
- The Education Ministry admits that there is no law mandating APAAR IDs.
- The Internet Freedom Foundation (IFF) and Software Freedom Law Centre (SFLC) have raised concerns over the collection and handling of minors’ data without adequate legal safeguards or data protection measures.

State-Level Enforcement and Coercion

Uttar Pradesh has begun using APAAR for detecting discrepancies in school enrolment records.
Madrasas in Bahraich district were warned of de-recognition if they failed to enrol students under APAAR.
Uttar Pradesh officials have not responded to concerns regarding this enforcement.

Legal Challenges and Supreme Court Ruling

Justice (Retd.) K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2019):
- The Supreme Court ruled that Aadhaar cannot be made mandatory for accessing basic education.
- APAAR ID, requiring Aadhaar linkage, contradicts this ruling.
Data Protection Act, 2023 (Section 6(1)):
- Consent for data collection must be free, specific, informed, and unambiguous.
- APAAR implementation through institutional coercion undermines informed voluntary consent.

Conclusion

While APAAR aims to create a standardized academic record, concerns remain over coercive implementation, data privacy, and legal safeguards.
Activists argue that pressuring schools and parents into enrolling students undermines voluntary choice and privacy rights.

4. Fortified Rice Scheme: Recommendations by Parliamentary Panel

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Agri

Context:

The Standing Committee on Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution has recommended the meticulous implementation of the fortified rice distribution scheme across India.
The initiative aims to eradicate malnutrition and improve the overall health and well-being of vulnerable populations.

Key Recommendations of the Committee

Implementation of Fortified Rice Distribution

The panel emphasized the need for proper implementation, particularly in States where rice is a staple food.
It aims to ensure the effective reach of fortified rice to combat malnutrition.

Budget Estimates and Financial Management

The report noted discrepancies between revised estimates and actual expenditure under the capital section of the Budget for 2024-25.
It recommended the Ministry adopt a more accurate and informed approach while preparing future budget estimates.

Management of Food Subsidy Funds

The panel urged the Union Food Ministry to carefully manage and monitor funds allocated for food subsidy.
It emphasized ensuring free food grains reach the intended beneficiaries under the National Food Security Act (NFSA) with minimal wastage.

Storage Infrastructure Issues

Concern was expressed over the Food Corporation of India (FCI) failing to achieve its physical and financial targets for setting up storage godowns over the past three years.
The committee recommended the Centre formulate a strategy to achieve targets and resolve these issues effectively and timely.

Strengthening of Consumer Commissions

In a separate report, the committee called for immediate action to fill vacancies in consumer commissions at the State and district levels.
Addressing staffing gaps is essential to improve the functioning of the Strengthening of Consumer Commissions (SCC) Scheme.

Food Fortification Program in India

Food fortification is the process of adding essential micronutrients such as vitamins and minerals to food items to improve their nutritional quality.
In India, fortification is seen as a cost-effective and scalable strategy to combat malnutrition and micronutrient deficiencies, particularly among vulnerable populations.

Need for Food Fortification in India

India faces a high burden of malnutrition, including deficiencies of iron, vitamin A, iodine, and folic acid.
Anemia, stunting, and other health issues related to poor nutrition affect a significant portion of the population, especially children and pregnant women.
Fortification helps address hidden hunger, where people consume enough calories but lack essential nutrients.

Major Food Fortification Initiatives in India

Rice Fortification Program

The Government of India has launched a fortified rice distribution program under the Public Distribution System (PDS), Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), and Mid-Day Meal (MDM) schemes.
Fortified rice contains added iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 to combat anemia and micronutrient deficiencies.
The program was expanded in phases, with a target to provide fortified rice across India by 2024.

Fortification of Edible Oil

Edible oil is fortified with vitamins A and D to address deficiencies related to vision and bone health.

Fortification of Salt

India has been promoting iodized salt since the 1960s to prevent iodine deficiency disorders (IDD).
Double-fortified salt (DFS) with iodine and iron is also promoted to combat anemia and goiter.

Fortification of Milk

Milk is fortified with vitamins A and D to tackle deficiencies, particularly in children and lactating mothers.
FSSAI has made it mandatory for all major dairy companies to fortify packaged milk.

Wheat Flour (Atta) Fortification

Wheat flour (atta) is fortified with iron, folic acid, and vitamin B12 under various government programs.
Fortified wheat flour is distributed through PDS and other welfare schemes.

Regulatory Framework for Food Fortification

FSSAI has established Food Safety and Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2018, which set standards for fortified food products.
The +F logo is used to indicate fortified foods in the market.
The Food Fortification Resource Centre (FFRC) under FSSAI provides technical support for fortification efforts.

5. Parliamentary Panel Recommendations on Agriculture Ministry and Farm Labourers

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Agri

Context:

The Standing Committee on Agriculture, headed by Charanjit Singh Channi, has suggested renaming the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare to ‘Department of Agriculture, Farmers and Farm Labourers Welfare’.
This change would acknowledge the significant role of farm labourers in the agricultural sector.

Recognition of Farm Labourers

The committee noted that farm labourers, who often belong to marginalised communities, are a critical part of the agricultural workforce.
However, they are frequently overlooked in policy discussions and welfare schemes.
The panel recommended the establishment of a ‘National Commission for Minimum Living Wages for Farm Labourers’ to address wage disparities and improve living standards.

Declining Budget Allocation for Agriculture

The budgetary allocation to the Ministry as a percentage of the total Central outlay has been declining over the years:
- 2021-22: 3.53%
- 2022-23: 3.14%
- 2023-24: 2.57%
- 2024-25: 2.54%
- 2025-26: 2.51%
The committee urged the Ministry to reverse this declining trend, given that more than 50% of India’s population depends on agriculture for livelihood.

Minimum Support Price (MSP) for Organic Crops

The panel recommended MSP for all organic crops, in addition to traditional crops.
However, it stated that MSP for organic produce should not undermine the broader MSP demand based on the Swaminathan formula.
It suggested expanding the legal MSP framework to include organic produce to incentivise organic farming.
The MSP for organic produce should be higher than that for conventional crops to compensate for:
- Lower yields in the initial years.
- Costs associated with the shift to organic farming.

Free and Compulsory Crop Insurance for Small Farmers

The committee suggested a “free and compulsory” crop insurance scheme for small farmers with land holdings of up to two hectares.
The scheme should be designed on the lines of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.
Expected benefits:
- Provides financial stability by protecting against crop losses.
- Encourages investment in better farming practices.
- Helps farmers avoid debt traps by reducing reliance on high-interest loans from informal sources.
- Ensures timely compensation and protects small farmers from exploitative lenders.

Monitoring of Agricultural Funds Usage

The committee recommended that the Ministry:
- Put in place mechanisms to monitor fund usage at regular intervals.
- Address issues that may hamper the spending of allocated amounts.

About Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare consists of the following three departments:

Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW)

Responsible for agriculture policy, development programs, and farmers’ welfare schemes.
Focuses on crop production, soil health, irrigation, and market reforms.
Implements major schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, e-NAM, and Soil Health Card Scheme.

Department of Agricultural Research and Education (DARE)

Oversees agricultural research and education in India.
Administers the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), which promotes research and innovation in agriculture.
Focuses on crop improvement, biotechnology, climate resilience, and extension services.

Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD)

Deals with livestock, dairy, and poultry sector development.
Implements schemes for animal health, genetic improvement, and fodder management.
Major schemes include Rashtriya Gokul Mission, National Livestock Mission, and Dairy Entrepreneurship Development Scheme.

Major Schemes under DA&FW

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN)

Direct income support of ₹6,000 per year to small and marginal farmers.
Amount paid in three equal installments of ₹2,000 each.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

Crop insurance scheme to protect farmers from crop losses due to natural calamities, pests, and diseases.
Farmers pay a nominal premium, and the government subsidizes the remaining amount.

Soil Health Card Scheme

Provides soil health reports to farmers to improve soil fertility and reduce input costs.
Helps in judicious use of fertilizers based on soil conditions.

Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY)

Promotes organic farming by providing financial assistance to farmers.
Encourages the formation of organic farming clusters and certification of organic produce.

Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)

Provides flexible funds to states for the development of agriculture and allied sectors.
Aims to bridge yield gaps and promote innovation in agriculture.

National Agriculture Market (e-NAM)

An online trading platform that connects farmers with buyers across India.
Promotes transparent price discovery and better market access.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC) Scheme

Provides easy and affordable credit to farmers for agriculture and allied activities.
Includes loans for crop production, equipment purchase, and animal husbandry.

6. Astronauts stuck in space close to return as rotation crew prepares for take off

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

The upcoming NASA-SpaceX Crew-10 mission, launching from the Kennedy Space Centre in Florida, holds special significance as it marks the return of two astronauts, Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams, who have been stranded on the ISS for over nine months.
These astronauts have been aboard the ISS since June 2024 due to propulsion issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft, which rendered it unfit for their return.

Details:

Astronauts Butch Wilmore and Sunita Williams were initially part of an eight-day mission but were stranded after their Boeing Starliner developed propulsion issues, rendering it unfit for their return.
As a result, they were reassigned to the Crew-9 mission, which arrived in September 2024.
To accommodate them, Crew-9 carried only two members instead of the usual four. The Crew-9 team will remain aboard the ISS until the arrival of Crew-10.
Once Crew-10 arrives, the handover will take place, and Crew-9 will depart the ISS for a planned ocean splashdown off the coast of Florida.

Crew-10 Mission:

The Crew-10 team consists of NASA astronauts Anne McClain and Nichole Ayers, Japanese astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Russian cosmonaut Kirill Peskov.
The mission is planned for a duration of approximately six months, during which the crew will engage in various scientific experiments and maintenance tasks aboard the ISS.
These experiments will include flammability tests for future spacecraft designs and research on the effects of space on the human body.

International Space Station:

The ISS is a manmade space station or artificial satellite that is habitable for humans in space.
It is in the low-earth orbit and there are astronauts living onboard the space station conducting experiments on earth science, biology, biotechnology, astronomy, microgravity, meteorology, physics, etc.
The International Space Station was the brainchild of former US President Ronald Reagan, who in 1984 proposed building a permanently inhabited spacecraft in cooperation with a few other countries.
The ISS was developed and built by five space agencies namely, NASA (USA), Roscosmos (Russia), European Space Agency (ESA-Europe), JAXA (Japan) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA-Canada).
The station is divided into two sections: the Russian Orbital Segment (ROS) is operated by Russia, while the United States Orbital Segment (USOS) is run by the United States as well as many other nations.