Daily Prelims Notes 21 January 2025

  • January 21, 2025
  • Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
  • Category: DPN
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Daily Prelims Notes

21 January 2025

Table Of Contents

  1. Study Proposes Inclusion of 179 Communities in SC, ST, and OBC Lists
  2. Harnessing Satellite Technology to Combat Future Wildfires
  3. Plea in SC calls for creation of a dedicated Ministry for senior citizens
  4. Government Partially Lifts Sugar Export Ban, approves 1 Million Tonnes export

 

 

1. Study Proposes Inclusion of 179 Communities in SC, ST, and OBC Lists

Sub : Geo

Sec : Human Geo

Why in News

  • A comprehensive study led by the Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI) and Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs) has, for the first time, systematically categorized 268 denotified, semi-nomadic, and nomadic tribes. This study, commissioned by a NITI Aayog panel, has proposed the inclusion of 179 communities into the Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) lists across 26 States and Union Territories.

Key Findings:

  • A total of 179 communities were recommended for inclusion:
    • State-wise Recommendations
    • Uttar Pradesh: 19 communities.
    • Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan: 8 communities each.
  • The study identified 9 communities where existing classifications were either inaccurate or incomplete.
  • Many of the 268 communities were partially categorized in State or Central lists but were inconsistently recognized across different States.
  • Around 63 communities (over 20%) were classified as “not traceable.”
  • The proposed additions to the SC, ST, and OBC lists will increase their respective populations.
  • Separate Quota for Denotified Tribes (DNTs), Nomadic Tribes (NTs), and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs)
  • Voices within the Development and Welfare Board for DNT, NT, and SNT communities have raised concerns about merging them into existing categories.

Constitutional Provisions:

  • Article 341(1): The President may specify the castes, races, or tribes deemed as Scheduled Castes concerning a State or Union Territory.
  • Article 341(2): Parliament holds the authority to modify the SC list through legislation.
  • Article 15(4): Empowers the State to make special provisions for the advancement of socially and educationally backward classes, including OBCs.
  • Article 16(4): Allows the State to provide reservation in appointments for any backward class underrepresented in public services.

Anthropological Survey of India (AnSI):

  • Founded in 1945, operating under the Ministry of Culture.
  • Conduct bio-cultural research on Indian populations.
  • Document and preserve the cultural and biological diversity of communities.
  • Serve as a training centre for students in anthropology.

Tribal Research Institutes (TRIs):

  • Typically function under the respective State Tribal Welfare Departments, with guidance and funding from the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.
  • Institutions dedicated to research and documentation of tribal cultures, languages, and socio-economic issues.

Denotified Tribes (DNTs):

  • Communities that were listed under the Criminal Tribes Act of 1871 during British rule, which labelled them as “criminal” by birth.
  • The Act was repealed in 1952, and these communities were “de notified.”
  • Despite denotification, many DNTs continue to face social stigma and economic hardships.

Nomadic Tribes (NTs):

  • Communities that traditionally practice continuous or periodic mobility, often for livelihood purposes such as pastoralism, trade, or craftsmanship.
  • Lack permanent settlements; mobility is central to their lifestyle.

Semi-Nomadic Tribes (SNTs):

  • Communities that combine nomadic and settled lifestyles, often migrating seasonally for specific economic activities.
  • Maintain temporary or semi-permanent settlements.
  • Engage in occupations like agriculture during settled periods and migrate for activities like animal husbandry or artisanal work.

2. Harnessing Satellite Technology to Combat Future Wildfires

Sub : Sci

Sec : Space sector

Why in News

  • The increasing frequency and intensity of wildfires, driven by climate change, is prompting global efforts to leverage satellite technology for early detection, monitoring, and mitigation of wildfire risks.

Role of Satellites in Monitoring Wildfires: Satellites are capable of identifying:

  • Dry areas prone to wildfires.
  • Actively flaming and smouldering fires.
  • Burnt areas and emissions of smoke and trace gases.
  • Low-Earth Orbit (LEO): Provides high-resolution images but covers specific points briefly.
  • Geostationary Orbit: Offers continuous observation of the same region but at lower resolution.
  • The Earth Fire Alliance (EFA) is planning to launch a satellite with a resolution of 5 meters, compared to ESA’s Sentinel-2 satellites with 10-meter resolution.

Earth Fire Alliance (EFA):

  • Established in 2024, the Earth Fire Alliance is a global, community-led, non-profit coalition dedicated to providing transformative real-time data on all fires worldwide.
  • Mission Objectives:
    • Comprehensive monitoring of all fires on Earth.
    • Deliver timely and reliable fire-related information to communities globally.
    • Support the preservation of Earth’s ecosystems and biodiversity by informing climate resilience strategies.
    • FireSat Constellation: In collaboration with Muon Space, EFA is developing the FireSat satellite constellation to enhance global wildfire response.

ESA’s Sentinel-2 Satellites:

  • Part of the European Space Agency’s Copernicus program, Sentinel-2 comprises a pair of satellites, Sentinel-2A and Sentinel-2B, launched in 2015 and 2017, respectively.
  • Features:
    • Equipped with multispectral instruments capturing 13 spectral bands.
    • Provides imagery at resolutions of 10m, 20m, and 60m, depending on the spectral band.
    • Offers a revisit frequency of approximately five days at the equator, enabling frequent monitoring.
  • Applications:
    • Supports agricultural practices, forestry management, and land cover classification.
    • Assists in monitoring natural disasters, including wildfires, floods, and volcanic eruptions.
    • Aids in tracking changes in vegetation, water bodies, and soil conditions.

FOREST-3 Nanosatellites:

  • Developed by OroraTech, FOREST-3 is an advanced nanosatellite designed to enhance wildfire detection and environmental monitoring capabilities.
  • Features:
    • Monitors three channels in the Thermal Infrared spectrum to detect wildfires.
    • Provides additional visual data to complement thermal readings.
    • Equipped with an onboard graphics card capable of on-orbit fire detection and image stacking.
  • Mission Objectives:
    • Delivers near-real-time alerts to facilitate prompt response.
    • Offers a spatial resolution of 5 meters, enabling the identification of small-scale fires.
    • Aims for a revisit time of 30 minutes by 2026 through a planned constellation of nanosatellites.
    • FOREST-3 was successfully launched on January 14, 2025, aboard SpaceX’s Transporter-12 mission, marking a significant advancement in European Earth observation capabilities.

3. Plea in SC calls for creation of a dedicated Ministry for senior citizens

Sub : Schemes

Sec : Vulnerable section

Context:-

  • A plea filed in the Supreme Court sought the establishment of a dedicated Ministry for Senior Citizens to address their unique and growing challenges. While recognizing the importance of the issue, the Court dismissed the petition, directing the petitioner to approach the executive.

Why Is There a Need for a Dedicated Ministry?

  • Demographic Trends: According to the India Ageing Report 2023 by UNFPA, India is witnessing rapid ageing. By 2050, the senior population (aged 60+) is expected to reach 319 million, comprising over 20% of the total population.
  • Health Challenges: Seniors often face chronic illnesses, inadequate geriatric healthcare, and mental health concerns.
  • Economic Insecurity: A significant portion of elderly individuals lack stable pensions or social security, making them vulnerable to poverty.
  • Social Support: Traditional family systems are weakening, leading to increased isolation and neglect of senior citizens.
  • A dedicated ministry could address these issues systematically by developing specific policies and programs.

Existing Schemes for Old-age in India

Indira Gandhi National Old Age Pension Scheme (IGNOAPS)

  • Part of the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP).
  • Provides pensions to senior citizens (60+ years) below the poverty line.
  • Monthly pension: ₹200 for 60–79 years and ₹500 for 80+ years.

Rashtriya Vayoshri Yojana (RVY)

  • Distributes physical aids and assistive devices like hearing aids, wheelchairs, and spectacles to BPL senior citizens aged 60+.

Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY)

  • A pension scheme for senior citizens (60+ years) managed by LIC.
  • Provides an assured high return for 10 years.

Varishtha Pension Bima Yojana (VPBY)

  • Offers senior citizens a guaranteed monthly income through pension payments.
  • Premium-based scheme managed by LIC.

Senior Citizen Savings Scheme (SCSS)

  • A government-backed savings scheme offering a 8.2% interest rate (subject to change).
  • Open to individuals aged 60+ with a maximum limit of ₹30 lakh.

Atal Pension Yojana (APY)

  • Targeted at unorganized sector workers.
  • Offers a guaranteed pension of ₹1,000–₹5,000/month after 60 years of age.
  • Contributions vary based on the chosen pension and the age of joining.

Ayushman Vay Vandana Card

  • The Ayushman Vay Vandana Card is a healthcare initiative under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY, providing comprehensive coverage for senior citizens aged 70 years and above
  • ₹5 lakh per annum for free treatment, including surgeries and chronic illnesses.
  •  Open to all Indian citizens aged 70+.

4. Government Partially Lifts Sugar Export Ban, approves 1 Million Tonnes export

Sub : Eco

Sec : External sector

Why in News?

  • The Union Government has partially lifted the ban on sugar exports, allowing 1 million tonnes of sugar to be exported for the 2024-25 season, which ends in September 2025. This decision is aimed at maintaining domestic price stability, improving farmer payments, and boosting liquidity for sugar mills.

Context:

  • The sugar export ban, imposed in October 2023, was a measure to control domestic prices amidst supply concerns. The partial relaxation now seeks to balance surplus stocks with domestic demand while ensuring timely farmer payments and price stability.

Objectives of the Move

  • Price Stability:
    • Regulate domestic sugar prices by managing surplus stocks.
  • Support to Farmers:
    • Ensures timely payments to 5 crore farmer families.
  • Worker Benefits:
    • Positively impacts 5 lakh workers in the sugar industry.
  • Sectoral Strengthening:
    • Enhances the financial liquidity of sugar mills.
  • Global Market Opportunities:
    • Indian sugar exports play a crucial role in stabilizing global sugar markets.

Reactions from the Government and Industry

  • Government’s View:
    • Union Food Minister emphasized that this decision would benefit both farmers and workers and stabilize the sector.
  • Industry Response:
    • The Indian Sugar and Bio-Energy Manufacturers Association (ISMA) welcomed the move, highlighting its role in addressing surplus sugar stocks and improving financial liquidity for mills.
Daily Current Affairs Prelims Notes