Daily Prelims Notes 17 September 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

17 September 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Environment takes centre stage as global summits loom
2. What is the current status of the introduction of African cheetahs?
3. Start-up India to Move Out of Invest India’s Ambit
4. Institutional Credit to Agriculture Reaches All-Time High in FY24
5. How Emergency Provisions Impact Centre-State Relations
6. Impact of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Cuts on Global Markets
7. Quantum Computing’s Role in Enhancing Large Language Models
8. Why is T.N.’s education funding on hold?
9. Taliban call off polio vaccination drives: UN
10. Melting glaciers pose a major threat to Central Asia

1. Environment takes centre stage as global summits loom

Sub: Env

Sec: Int Climate Conventions

The United Nations is hosting four important sessions in the coming months to address critical environmental issues:

2. What is the current status of the introduction of African cheetahs?

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Cheetah Action Plan (CAP):

• The Cheetah Action Plan (CAP) is India’s ambitious project to reintroduce African cheetahs into its ecosystems.
• The goal is to conserve the species while restoring savanna habitats.
• Despite its noble objectives, the project has faced challenges, including prolonged captivity and fatalities, which raise concerns about its long-term viability.

What is Project Cheetah?

• Project Cheetah aims to translocate African cheetahs to India.
• The Phase-1 of the project started in 2022, to restore the population of cheetahs, which were declared extinct in the country in 1952.
• Key objectives include:
  • Cheetah Conservation: Restoring cheetah populations and habitats.
  • Ecosystem Restoration: Cheetahs are seen as a flagship species for savanna ecosystems in India, which are in need of restoration.
  • Long-Term Commitments: The project requires a long-term (25+ years) commitment from India’s Ministry of Environment, National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), Madhya Pradesh Forest Department, and the Wildlife Institute of India.
  • Global Partnership: India aims to collaborate with Iran and other international bodies to conserve the Asiatic cheetah as well.

Who Manages Project Cheetah?

• An expert committee chaired by Rajesh Gopal, appointed by the NTCA, is responsible for overseeing the project.
• Key institutions include:
  • NTCA and MoEFCC: Responsible for high-level decisions and negotiations with African countries.
  • Wildlife Institute of India: Provides technical guidance.
  • Madhya Pradesh Forest Department: Manages field operations.

Will Project Cheetah Succeed?

The CAP outlines both short-term and long-term goals for success:

• Short-Term Goals:
  • 50% survival rate in the first year.
  • Cheetahs establishing home ranges.
  • Successful reproduction in the wild.
  • Economic benefits through eco-tourism.
• Current Status: Many of these goals have not been met due to the extended captivity of cheetahs.
• Long-Term Goals:
  • Establish a stable, viable cheetah population.
  • Improve ecosystem health and prey diversity.
  • Generate sustainable income for local communities through conservation efforts.

Is There a Sunset Clause?

• The project is expected to require management for at least 30-40 years, with success defined as the establishment of a stable, free-ranging cheetah population in India.
• However, the availability of 4,000 to 8,000 sq. km of suitable habitat is still uncertain, making the long-term viability of Project Cheetah an open question.

Why are African Cheetahs in Captivity?

• Originally, the plan was to release radio-collared males and females into the wild within weeks of their arrival.
• However, these timelines were not met:
  • Prolonged Captivity: The cheetahs endured extended periods in enclosures, with the 12 surviving adults spending almost the entire last year in captivity.
  • Negative Effects: Long-term captivity has rendered these cheetahs unfit for release into the wild, undermining the project’s main goal.
• According to Namibian policy, wild large carnivores should not remain in captivity for more than three months, beyond which they are deemed unsuitable for release.

Why Have So Many Cheetahs Died?

• Some cheetahs had medical issues, such as one female from Namibia with renal disease, leading to her death.
• Issues like improper pairing for mating and incorrect care have led to deaths, including one instance where a female cheetah was mauled during a mating attempt.
• Cheetah cubs and adults have succumbed to heat stroke, poor environmental conditions, and suspected improper care during the Indian summer and monsoon.
• One cheetah died from drowning, an extremely rare occurrence for this species.

Why Kuno National Park?

• Out of 10 sites surveyed, Kuno National Park in Madhya Pradesh was chosen due to its suitable habitat and prey base. However, even in Kuno, most of the cheetahs have remained in captivity.
  • Plans to release cheetahs into the Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary have been delayed, now expected to happen in late 2024 or early 2025.
  • A captive breeding facility is also being built in Banni grasslands, Gujarat, for future cheetah housing.

Source: TH

3. Start-up India to Move Out of Invest India’s Ambit

Sub :Eco

Sec: External Sector

• Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced that Start-up India will be moved out of Invest India, which is the government’s official investment promotion and facilitation agency.
• New Entity Formation:
  • A new non-profit company will be created to house the Start-up India initiative.
  • This new entity will be set up under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
  • It will operate independently, reflecting the growing importance of the start-up ecosystem.
• National Startup Advisory Council:
  • The newly formed company could also serve as the home for the National Startup Advisory Council.
• SIDBI’s Involvement:
  • SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India) will be actively involved in this new setup to provide financial support and growth opportunities.
• BHASKAR Platform:
  • Minister Goyal also unveiled the Bharat Start-up Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR), which is a networking platform for start-ups to enhance collaboration and access to resources.
• Rationale:
  • The Start-up India initiative has grown into a powerful ecosystem, and this move allows it to have its own structure to better support its mission.

Start-up India

Launched in 2016 by the Government of India, Start-up India aims to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. The initiative provides various benefits, including easier compliance norms, tax exemptions for startups, and financial support through funding schemes such as the Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS). It also focuses on building a strong ecosystem by providing incubation centers, fostering partnerships, and streamlining processes for setting up businesses.

Key Objectives:

• Simplification of regulatory frameworks.
• Financial support and incentives (such as tax holidays, capital gains tax exemption, and credit guarantee funds).
• Industry-academia collaboration for entrepreneurship promotion.
• Creation of networking platforms for entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and other stakeholders.

Invest India

Invest India is the official investment promotion and facilitation agency of the Government of India, tasked with attracting and assisting foreign investors and promoting domestic investments. It provides sectoral expertise, market intelligence, handholding services, and helps investors navigate regulatory challenges.

Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013

Section 8 of the Companies Act permits the creation of companies with charitable objectives like promoting commerce, art, science, sports, education, research, social welfare, and environmental protection. These companies, known as “Section 8 Companies,” are similar to NGOs or non-profits, but they have a corporate structure.

National Startup Advisory Council

The National Startup Advisory Council (NSAC) was set up by the Government to advise on measures needed to create a robust startup ecosystem. The council includes stakeholders from the startup community, government, and academia.

Objectives:

• Promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
• Encourage funding and growth of startups.
• Address challenges faced by startups, including policy issues.

SIDBI (Small Industries Development Bank of India)

SIDBI, established in 1990, is the principal financial institution for the promotion, financing, and development of the Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME) sector. It offers funding solutions and promotes innovation, skills development, and employment creation within the MSME sector.

BHASKAR Platform

BHASKAR (Bharat Start-up Knowledge Assimilation and Research) is a platform designed to support startups by offering resources like mentorship, training, market intelligence, and investment opportunities. It aims to empower startups with knowledge, market access, and funding, especially in sectors like technology, agriculture, and manufacturing.

4. Institutional Credit to Agriculture Reaches All-Time High in FY24

Sub: Eco

Sec: External Sector

• Record High Credit:
  • Institutional credit to agriculture in 2023-24 reached an all-time high of ₹25.10 lakh crore, highlighting the importance of financing in promoting agricultural growth, as noted by RBI Deputy Governor Swaminathan J.
• Demographic Challenge:
  • Indian agriculture faces a demographic challenge, with the average age of farmers now at 50.1 years.
  • This highlights the need to attract younger generations to the sector to ensure its sustainability.

Sources:

• 72% of the credit requirement of agricultural households was met through institutional sources and 28% from non-institutional sources such as relatives and moneylenders.
• As per RBI directions, Domestic Scheduled Commercial Banks are required to lend 18% of the Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent to Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE), whichever is higher, towards agriculture. A sub-target of 8% is also prescribed for lending to small and marginal farmers (SF/MF) including landless agricultural labourers, tenant farmers, oral lessees and share croppers. Similarly, in the case of Regional Rural Banks 18% of their total outstanding advances is required to be towards agriculture and a sub-target of 8% has been set for lending to small and marginal farmers. With a view to ensure availability of agriculture credit at a reduced interest rate of 7% p.a. to the farmers, the Government of India in the Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers’ Welfare implements an interest subvention scheme for short term crop loans up to Rs. 3.00 lakh. The scheme provides interest subvention of 2% per annum to Banks on use of their own resources

• Kisan Credit Cards (KCC):
  • There are 7.4 crore active Kisan Credit Cards, which have become essential tools for providing timely and flexible credit for short-term agricultural needs.
• Regional Disparities:
  • Addressing regional disparities in access to credit remains a critical issue.
  • Ensuring all farmers, regardless of location, have access to adequate financing is crucial to tackling challenges related to sustainability and resilience in agriculture.
• Innovative Financial Solutions:
  • Traditional lending practices have limitations, and there is a need for innovative financial solutions that are flexible and tailored to the specific needs of farmers, as emphasized by the Deputy Governor during his keynote at the International Research Conference hosted by the College of Agricultural Banking (CAB), Pune.

Kisan Credit Card (KCC)

It is a scheme introduced in 1998 by the Government of India and NABARD to provide short-term credit to farmers for crop production and other agricultural expenses.

It offers them a flexible, simplified loan structure to purchase inputs like seeds, fertilizers, and equipment. Farmers can also withdraw funds as needed within a limit based on their landholding and crop value. KCC holders enjoy benefits such as lower interest rates, crop insurance, and risk mitigation.

5. How Emergency Provisions Impact Centre-State Relations

Sub : Polity

Sec: Constitution

Why in  News

The recent surge in violence in Manipur has reignited the debate on Centre-State relations, particularly the use of emergency provisions by the Centre. The situation has raised questions about the implementation of Articles 355 and 356 of the Constitution, which govern Centre-State relations during crises.

The Federal Structure of Governance in India

India follows a federal system of governance where both the Centre and the States hold their own powers and responsibilities. The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution divides these powers between the Union and the States. Maintaining law and order is primarily the responsibility of the States under this federal structure.

Emergency Provisions in the Constitution

The Emergency Provisions empower the Central Government to address abnormal situations effectively.

These provisions were adopted from the Government of India Act, 1935, while the suspension of Fundamental Rights during an emergency was borrowed from the Weimar Constitution of Germany.

The primary purpose of these provisions is to protect the sovereignty, unity, integrity, security, and the democratic political system of India.

The Constitution provides for three types of emergencies:

National Emergency- Art352

Constitutional Emergency (President’s Rule)-  Art 356

Financial Emergency- Art 360

The emergency provisions are outlined in Part XVIII of the Indian Constitution, specifically through Articles 355 and 356.

Article 355

Article 355 outlines the Union’s responsibility to protect States from external aggression and internal disturbances.

It mandates that the Central Government ensures the governance of each State aligns with the provisions of the Constitution. This article empowers the Centre to take necessary actions to safeguard States from any threat, whether internal or external.

Article 355 is a preventive mechanism to avoid the breakdown of the State’s constitutional machinery.

The article was invoked during instances of internal disturbances.

The Supreme Court has expanded the interpretation of Article 355, emphasizing that the Centre has a duty to protect the Constitution.

It provides the legal basis for invoking Article 356 if the failure of constitutional machinery occurs.

Article 355 has been referred to in cases like State of Rajasthan vs Union of India (1977) and Naga People’s Movement of Human Rights vs Union of India (1998), where its scope was examined.

Sarkaria Commission and Punchhi Commission recommended that Article 355 be used sparingly and only in extreme situations.

Article 356

Article 356 grants the President of India the power to intervene when the constitutional machinery of a State fails to function in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. This is commonly referred to as the imposition of President’s Rule in a State. It is one of the key emergency provisions designed to safeguard the governance and constitutional integrity of States.

Parliament may exercise the powers of the State Legislature during President’s Rule.

The proclamation must be approved by Parliament within two months and can last for up to six months, extendable to a maximum of three years.

The S.R. Bommai case (1994) imposed judicial safeguards to prevent arbitrary use of Article 356.

Judicial review is allowed, and the court can nullify an unconstitutional proclamation.

President’s Rule cannot extend beyond three years unless a National Emergency is in effect.

Expanding the Scope of Article 355

Over the years, the scope of Article 355 has been broadened through various Supreme Court judgments. Initially, the State of Rajasthan vs Union of India (1977) judgment interpreted Article 355 narrowly, linking it directly to the justification for using Article 356. However, subsequent rulings such as:

Naga People’s Movement of Human Rights vs Union of India (1998),

Sarbananda Sonowal vs Union of India (2005),

H.S. Jain vs Union of India (1997)

Expanded the scope of Article 355, allowing the Centre to take all necessary constitutional and statutory actions to protect the State and ensure its governance complies with the Constitution.

Expert Recommendations on the Use of Emergency Provisions

Several commissions have reviewed the working of Articles 355 and 356:

• Sarkaria Commission (1987)
• National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002),
• Punchhi Commission (2010).

These commissions have emphasized that:

• Article 355 imposes not just a duty but also grants the Centre powers to act in the interest of the State.
• President’s Rule under Article 356 should be invoked only as a last resort and in cases of utmost gravity.

About Sarkaria Commission:

• Established in 1983 to review Centre-State relations.
• Chaired by Justice R.S. Sarkaria.
• Focused on improving federal relations and reducing friction between the Centre and States.
• Recommended rare use of Article 356 and greater consultation with States on legislative matters.
• Suggested the establishment of a permanent Inter-State Council.
• Emphasized cooperative federalism and strengthening decentralization.
• Advocated for the financial autonomy of States and a balanced distribution of power.

Punchhi Commission:

• Formed in 2007, chaired by Justice M.M. Punchhi.
• Set up to review Centre-State relations after Sarkaria Commission’s recommendations.
• Proposed clear guidelines for imposing Article 356 to prevent misuse.
• Recommended creating a mechanism for resolving Centre-State disputes
• Emphasized the need for financial devolution and empowerment of local bodies.
• Suggested measures to enhance the role of States in international treaties that impact their interests.
• Called for a better-defined role of the Governor to prevent undue interference by the Centre.

About National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (2002):

• Established in 2000, chaired by Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah.
• Formed to review the Constitution’s working and suggest changes for improving its effectiveness.
• Recommended limiting the use of Article 356 and ensuring it’s invoked only in rare situations.
• Advocated for greater autonomy to States and a more federal structure of governance.
• Suggested reforms to strengthen Parliamentary accountability and improve the functioning of coalition governments.
• Proposed changes to ensure better separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
• Emphasized judicial reforms, such as faster resolution of cases and establishing a National Judicial Commission.

6. Impact of the U.S. Federal Reserve’s Interest Rate Cuts on Global Markets

Sub :Eco

Sec: External Sector

Why in the News

On September 18, 2024, the U.S. Federal Reserve is expected to cut interest rates for the first time in four years. This significant move is poised to impact global financial markets, influencing investor behavior, central bank policies, and economic conditions worldwide. The rate cut comes amid uncertainties surrounding the upcoming U.S. presidential election and varying economic conditions across regions.

Impacts of U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate cuts on global markets:

Strengthens Global Investment: Lower U.S. interest rates make U.S. assets less attractive, leading to increased investment in emerging markets.

Boosts Global Trade: Cheaper borrowing costs in the U.S. can stimulate domestic spending, which may increase demand for exports from other countries.

Weakens U.S. Dollar: Rate cuts often lead to a depreciation of the U.S. dollar, impacting global trade balances and exchange rates.  Historically, U.S. rate cuts have led to a weaker dollar. However, the dollar has often strengthened after initial cuts in recent cycles. The future outlook for the dollar will depend on comparative rates with other currencies.

Bond Markets: The anticipated Fed rate cut is expected to benefit global bond markets. U.S., German, and British government bond yields are anticipated to fall, marking their first quarterly decline since the end of 2023.

Equity Markets: Lower U.S. rates could spur a global equity rally if it stimulates economic activity and avoids a recession. However, recent growth fears have led to market volatility, with equities experiencing declines.

Encourages Risk-Taking: Lower rates can drive investors towards higher-risk assets, leading to increased volatility in global financial markets.

Impacts Commodity Prices: A weaker U.S. dollar can lead to higher prices for commodities like oil and gold, as they are typically priced in dollars.

Influences Global Inflation: Lower U.S. rates can contribute to global inflationary pressures by increasing demand for goods and services.

Affects Capital Flows: Investors may shift capital to countries with higher returns, affecting global capital flow dynamics and financial stability.

Alters Emerging Market Economies: Emerging markets might experience capital inflows due to relatively higher returns compared to the U.S., affecting their economies and currencies.

Impact on Global Debt Levels: Cheaper borrowing costs can lead to increased global debt as both governments and corporations may take on more debt.

Potential Risks and Challenges

U.S. Presidential Election: The upcoming U.S. election introduces uncertainty into the rate-cutting cycle, potentially complicating global economic forecasts and central bank strategies.

Market Volatility: Initial rate cuts often lead to market instability as investors assess the implications of central bank actions. The response of markets to the Fed’s rate cut will depend on broader economic conditions and geopolitical developments.

7. Quantum Computing’s Role in Enhancing Large Language Models

Sub: Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT

Why in News

Quantum computing has emerged as a promising solution to some of the challenges faced by Large Language Models (LLMs), offering potential breakthroughs in energy efficiency and accuracy. Recent research has explored Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP) and quantum generative models, which may revolutionize the capabilities of AI systems. On May 20, 2024, researchers in Japan demonstrated a quantum generative model’s success in handling time-series data, further spotlighting the possibilities of integrating quantum computing with AI.

Large Language Models (LLMs)

Large Language Models (LLMs) have transformed AI-based applications, particularly in natural language processing (NLP). Understanding their architecture, mechanisms, and applications is essential for leveraging AI advancements in diverse fields, such as governance, healthcare, and education.

Types of Large Language Models (LLMs):

Based on Architecture:

Autoregressive Models: Predict the next word based on previous words (e.g., GPT-3).

Transformer-based Models: Use specific neural networks for language tasks (e.g., LaMDA, Gemini).

Encoder-Decoder Models: Encode input text into a representation and decode it into another format or language.

Based on Training Data:

Pretrained and Fine-tuned Models: Adapted to specific tasks through fine-tuning on domain-specific datasets.

Multilingual Models: Capable of understanding and generating text in multiple languages.

Domain-specific Models: Trained for specialized sectors like law, finance, or healthcare.

Based on Size and Availability:

Open-source models (e.g., LLaMA2, Falcon 180B).

Closed-source models (e.g., GPT 3.5, Gemini).

Applications of LLMs:

Content Creation: Generate human-like content (stories, articles, etc.).

Virtual Assistants: Perform tasks like sentiment analysis, translation, and text summarization.

Marketing and Strategy: Used in marketing for personalized recommendations and customer interaction.

Challenges with Current Large Language Models

High Energy Consumption: LLMs require enormous computational resources, leading to significant energy consumption. For example: GPT-3, a model with 175 billion parameters, required 1,287 MWh of electricity to train—equivalent to what an average American household uses in 120 years.

Pre-trained Model Limitations: LLMs, being pre-trained on large datasets, are prone to generating factually incorrect or nonsensical text, commonly referred to as “hallucinations.”

Syntactic Limitations: While LLMs excel in processing semantic aspects (meaning) of language, they often struggle with syntax—the structural arrangement of words. This limits their ability to generate contextually accurate responses.

About Quantum Computing:

Quantum computing has emerged as a promising technology, capable of transforming artificial intelligence (AI) and solving complex computational problems that traditional systems struggle with. Its applications in sectors like cryptography, healthcare, and data analytics are gaining global attention.

Properties of Quantum Computing

Superposition – It is the ability of a quantum system to be in multiple states simultaneously. A qubit can be in a state of both 0 and 1 simultaneously, unlike classical bits.

Entanglement– It means the two members of a pair (Qubits) exist in a single quantum state. Changing the state of one of the qubits will instantaneously change the state of the other one in a predictable way. This happens even if they are separated by very long distances.

Interference – Quantum interference states that elementary particles (Qubits) can not only be in more than one place at any given time (through superposition), but that an individual particle, such as a photon (light particles) can cross its own trajectory and interfere with the direction of its path.

Potential Applications For Quantum Computing

• Machine Learning
• Computational Chemistry
• Financial Portfolio Optimisation
• Secure Communication
• Disaster Management
• Pharmaceutical
• Logistics and Scheduling
• Cyber Security
• Augmenting Industrial revolution 4.0

About Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP): Key Points

Quantum Natural Language Processing (QNLP) merges quantum computing with natural language processing (NLP) to address challenges that classical NLP faces, such as model complexity and interpretability. It explores how quantum properties like superposition and entanglement can help process and understand human language more efficiently.

Advantage:

The main promise of QNLP lies in its ability to reduce computational complexity. Classical NLP models, such as transformers, require immense computational resources, including processing large datasets like entire Wikipedia corpora. QNLP, by leveraging quantum mechanics, may drastically cut down the training time and data requirements​.

Potential Applications:

QNLP can be applied to a variety of tasks such as text classification, sentiment analysis, machine translation, and question answering.

Challenges:

Although promising, QNLP faces several challenges, including the availability of quantum hardware and its scalability. Moreover, theoretical frameworks need to be robust enough to generalize beyond niche tasks and datasets. The technology is still in its early stages, with a lot of research focusing on proving the quantum advantage.

Advancements in Time-Series Forecasting with Quantum Computing

Time-series data, which tracks variables at regular intervals (e.g., stock prices, temperature), is notoriously challenging for classical AI models to process, especially non-stationary data that fluctuates unpredictably.

Quantum Generative AI (QGen-AI) models have been proposed to handle such data more efficiently.

Research Breakthrough: QGen AI Model

On May 20, 2024, Japanese researchers successfully demonstrated a QGen AI model capable of working with both stationary and non-stationary data, such as financial data and stock prices.

8. Why is T.N.’s education funding on hold?

Sub :Schemes

Sec: Education

Context:

• Tamil Nadu is has not received this year’s funds from the Union government under the flagship education scheme Samagra Shiksha.
• For 2024-25, Tamil Nadu’s allocation under the scheme amounts to ₹3,586 crore of which the Central share is ₹2,152 crore, with a first quarterly instalment of ₹573 crore, which has not yet arrived halfway through the financial year.

Why has Tamil Nadu not received funds:

• The Centre has linked these funds to the complete implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which includes provisions that the State has opposed, including the contentious three-language formula.
• Tamil Nade has refused to implement the scheme completely and claims that linking the release of Samagra Shiksha funds to full NEP compliance “infringes upon the State’s constitutional autonomy in education”.
• The Centre has also stopped funding for the Samagra Shiksha scheme in states that have refused to implement its PM SHRI scheme.

Tamil Nadu’s problem with the NEP 2020:

• TN’s problem is with specific elements like the three-language formula and curriculum changes.
• Tamil Nadu is already implementing many acceptable aspects of NEP through its own initiatives.
• Tamil Nadu’s draft State Education Policy (SEP), clearly indicates that the State wants to stick to the 5+3+2+2 curricular formula, rather than NEP, which includes pre-school years.
• The SEP proposes five years as the age of entry to Class 1, as against six years in the NEP.
• The State wants undergraduate college admissions to be based on Class 11 and 12 marks, rather than a common entrance test as proposed by the NEP.
• The biggest issue, however, is the NEP’s three-language formula.
• The state implements a two-language formula, making it mandatory for all students to study both Tamil and English throughout their school years, and they are free to choose Hindi or any other language as an optional third.

NEP’s three-language formula:

• The NEP 2020 recommends the mother tongue or the local language as the medium of instruction till Class 5 and says that all school students should be taught at least three languages, of which two must be native to India.
• This three-language formula recommendation has been in every NEP since 1968, and has been implemented in many States by teaching the local language, as well as English and Hindi, with Sanskrit also offered as an option, especially in Hindi-speaking States.
• NEP states that there will be a greater flexibility in the three-language formula, and no language will be imposed on any State.

Why does Tamil Nadu oppose the three-language formula?

• Historic opposition: Tamil Nadu has had a long-standing opposition to this formula, dating back to social movements in the pre-Independence era. From a widespread agitation against mandatory Hindi in the 1930s to violent anti-Hindi riots in the late 1960s, to protests against the NEP and Navodaya schools in 1986, there has been a consistent political consensus on the issue.
• Cultural identity: Language is seen as a part of culture and the people of Tamil Nadu sees the policy as an attempt to dilute Tamil supremacy.
• English: English is seen by many as the language of empowerment rather than Hindi
• Opposition to Hindi imposition: Voluntary learning of Hindi language has never been restricted in the state. Only the compulsion is opposed.
• Autonomy: TN claims that linking the release of Samagra Shiksha funds to full NEP compliance infringes upon its autonomy.

Samagra Shiksha (Integrated Scheme for School Education):

• Samagra Shiksha is an integrated Centrally-sponsored scheme for school education from pre-school till Class 12 launched by Ministry of Education in 2018.
• It aims to deliver inclusive, equitable, and affordable school education.
• It subsumes the three Schemes of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA) and Teacher Education (TE).
• It includes components for teacher training and salaries, special education, digital education, school infrastructure, administrative reform, vocational and sports education, with grants for textbooks, uniforms, and libraries, among others.
• The scheme’s estimated outlay between 2021 and 2026 is ₹2.94 lakh crore, with the Centre and States contributing funds in a 60:40 ratio.

Pradhan Mantri Schools for Rising India (PM-SHRI) Scheme:

• PM SHRI is a Centrally Sponsored scheme announced in 2022.
• It aims to develop 14,500 schools across the country by strengthening selected existing schools being managed by Central Government/ State/ UT Government/ local bodies.
• It will create and nurture holistic and well-rounded individuals equipped with key 21st century skills.
• The duration of the scheme is from 2022-23 to 2026-27, after which it shall be the responsibility of the States/UTs to continue to maintain the benchmarks achieved by these schools.

9. Taliban call off polio vaccination drives: UN

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• UN says that Taliban has suspended polio vaccination campaigns in Afghanistan. No reason was given for the suspension.
• Afghanistan is one of two countries in which the spread of the disease has never been stopped. The other is Pakistan.
• WHO has confirmed 18 polio cases in Afghanistan this year. That’s up from six cases in 2023.

About Polio:

• Polio, also called Poliomyelitis is a viral disease that destroys the nerve cells present in the spinal cord, causing paralysis or muscle weakness to some parts of the body and is fatal in rare cases.
• It is a contagious disease affecting the nervous system and is caused by Picornaviridae, a poliovirus.
• The virus is transmitted from person-to-person through:
  • Oral-faecal route.
  • contaminated food or water.
• This virus primarily grows and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can attack the nervous system and will cause polio and paralysis on an advanced level.
• It mostly affects children under 5 years of age.

Polio vaccines:

• There is no cure to Polio, but it can be prevented through immunization. There are two types of polio vaccines available:
• Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV):
  • Developed by Albert Sabin.
  • Administered orally.
  • Contains weakened live polioviruses.
  • Easier to administer and induces community-wide immunity (herd immunity).
  • Rare risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus (VDPV) which can cause paralysis in unvaccinated populations.
• Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV):
  • Developed by Jonas Salk.
  • Administered via injection.
  • Contains inactivated (killed) polioviruses.
  • No risk of vaccine-derived poliovirus.
• IPV is used in many countries for routine immunization due to its safety profile.

Herd immunity:

• Herd immunity happens when enough people are vaccinated against a disease, making it difficult for the illness to spread.
• This protects people who aren’t vaccinated.
• For polio, about 80–85% of the population needs to be vaccinated to stop the spread.

10. Melting glaciers pose a major threat to Central Asia

Sub: Geo

Sec : Climatology

Context:

• In the high mountains of Kyrgyzstan, where a glacier once stood at 4,000 meters, only grey rocks remain. This is part of the Tian Shan range, spanning Central Asia.
• The rapid glacier melt signals climate change’s impact, threatening water supply and food security.
• This issue affects not only Kyrgyzstan but also neighbouring countries like Tajikistan. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov warns that by 2050, Central Asian glaciers could be halved and may disappear entirely by 2100.

Petrov Glacier: A Vital Water Source in Kyrgyzstan

• Petrov Glacier is a significant glacier located in the Tien Shan mountain range in Kyrgyzstan. It is part of the Inylchek Glacier system, one of the largest glacier systems in Central Asia.
• Key features and importance of Petrov Glacier:
  • Water source: The glacier is a major source of water for the Inylchek River, which flows into Lake Issyk-Kul, a vital freshwater lake in Kyrgyzstan.
  • Tourism: Petrov Glacier is a popular destination for trekking and mountaineering enthusiasts, contributing to the local economy.
  • Climate change impact: Like many glaciers in the region, Petrov Glacier is experiencing accelerated melting due to climate change, raising concerns about water availability and potential flooding.

Some notable glaciers in Central Asia include:

• Tien Shan: A vast mountain range that spans parts of China, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan.
• Pamir: A mountain range located in Tajikistan, Afghanistan, China, and Pakistan.
• Kara-Korum: A mountain range in Pakistan and China, home to K2, the second-highest mountain in the world.
• Muztagh Ata Glacier: Located in the Pamir Mountains, China.
• Inylchek Glacier: One of the largest glaciers in the Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan.
• Fedchenko Glacier: The longest glacier in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan.
• Baxoi Glacier: A large glacier in the Pamir Mountains, Tajikistan.

Source: TH