Daily Prelims Notes 27 November 2024

November 27, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

27 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. All about the central government scheme to promote natural farming

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Env

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

Launch and Objective

Approval Date: November 25, 2024, by the Union Cabinet.
Under: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
Purpose: Promote natural farming nationwide in mission mode as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme.

What is Natural Farming?

A “chemical-free” farming system relying only on livestock and plant-based inputs.
Implementation Focus: Initially targeted at districts with high fertiliser consumption.
Area Covered under Natural farming: 22 lakh hectares.
- Area under Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP): 4 lakh hectares.
- Area under Namami Gange: 88,000 hectares.
- State Initiatives: 17 lakh hectares.
Farmers Involved: 34 lakh farmers.
Benefits of Natural farming:
- Help farmers to reduce the input cost of cultivation and dependency on externally purchased inputs while rejuvenating soil health, fertility & quality and building resilience to climate risks like waterlogging, flood, drought, etc.
- Reduce health risks from exposure to fertilisers, pesticides, etc
- Provide healthy & nutritious food for the farmers’ family
- Through the improvement of soil carbon content & water use efficiency, there is an increase in soil microorganisms and biodiversity in NF.

Background and Evolution:

Predecessor Initiative: Bhartiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhti (BPKP) under Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojna (PKVY).
Key Developments:
- Promoted in a 5-km belt along the Ganga under the Namami Gange scheme (FY 2022-23).
- Upgraded to NMNF to scale the initiative and enhance mission-mode efforts.
Budget Announcement (2023):
- Target to initiate 1 crore farmers into natural farming within two years.
- Establishment of 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs).

Future Goals under NMNF:

Expansion Plan:
- Add 7.5 lakh hectares under natural farming.
- Implement in 15,000 Gram Panchayat clusters over the next two years.
Farmer Training:
- 18.75 lakh farmers trained in natural farming practices.
- 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs for awareness and support.
Infrastructure:
- 10,000 need-based BRCs for ready-to-use inputs.
- Establish 2,000 model demonstration farms (at KVKs, universities, and farmer fields).

Unique Features of NMNF:

Higher Budget Outlay: ₹2,481 crore (₹1,584 crore by Centre; ₹897 crore by states).
Certification and Branding:
- Develop scientifically supported standards for chemical-free produce.
- Establish a single national brand.
Focus Areas:
- Sustainable ecosystem for natural farming.
- Districts with high fertiliser usage and Namami Gange areas.

Why Promote Natural Farming?

Issues Addressed:
- The input (fertiliser) sales are above the all-India average (138 kg/hectare) during 2022-23 in 228 identified districts (16 states) — Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and West Bengal.
- High chemical fertiliser sales (>200 kg/hectare).
Benefits:
- Reduced input costs for farmers.
- Improved soil health, fertility, and resilience to climate risks (e.g., drought, flooding).

Source: IE

2. India indigenously develops new antibiotic for drug-resistant pneumonia

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

A new antibiotic for drug-resistant pneumonia:

Company: Wockhardt Ltd, a Maharashtra-based pharmaceutical firm.
Drug Name: Nafithromycin (Trade Name: Miqnaf).
Purpose: First indigenously developed antibiotic for treating Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) in adults, particularly drug-resistant cases.

Development Journey:
- 14 years of research and development.
- ₹500 crore investment.
- Clinical trials were conducted in the US, Europe, and India.
Support:
- Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) contributed ₹8 crore for Phase 3 clinical trials and provided technical assistance.

Significance of Nafithromycin:

This marks a significant step forward in India’s capability to develop life-saving drugs.
Reinforces the country’s commitment to battling AMR and improving global health outcomes.
Potency and Safety:
- 10 times more potent than azithromycin.
- 8 times higher lung exposure.
- Clinical cure rate: 96.7%.
- Superior safety and tolerability.
Convenience: Administered orally, once daily for three days.
Global Need:
- Pneumonia Impact: Responsible for over 2 million global deaths annually, with India bearing 23% of the global burden.
- Drug Resistance: Widespread resistance to current treatments like azithromycin.

Challenges and the Path Forward:

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):
- Bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites becoming unresponsive to antimicrobial medicines.
- A major global health threat.
Pharmaceutical Industry Trends:
- Large companies withdrawing from antibiotic R&D.
- Smaller firms like Wockhardt filling the gap.
BIRAC-CSE Initiative: Collaborative discussions with small-scale antibiotic developers to address challenges and identify solutions.

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs (alveoli) in one or both lungs.
Causes:
- Bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pneumoniae).
- Viruses (e.g., Influenza, RSV, SARS-CoV-2).
- Fungi (e.g., Pneumocystis jirovecii, in immunocomp

How it Affects the Lungs

The alveoli fill with fluid or pus, causing difficulty in oxygen exchange, leading to:
- Difficulty breathing.
- Reduced oxygen supply to the bloodstream.

Symptoms

Cough (may produce phlegm).
Fever, chills, or sweating.
Shortness of breath.
Chest pain during breathing or coughing.
Fatigue, weakness.
Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.

Types of Pneumonia

Community-Acquired Pneumonia (CAP): Acquired outside hospitals.
Hospital-Acquired Pneumonia (HAP): Contracted during hospital stays, often more drug-resistant.
Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia (VAP): Infections in people on mechanical ventilation.
Aspiration Pneumonia: Caused by inhalation of food, liquids, or vomit.

Risk Factors

Age:
- Infants and young children.
- Adults over 65 years.
Chronic conditions: Diabetes, asthma, COPD, heart disease.
Weakened immune system: HIV/AIDS, cancer, organ transplant.
Lifestyle factors: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption.

Diagnosis

Clinical Examination: Listening to lungs with a stethoscope.
Tests:
- Chest X-ray.
- Blood tests to identify infection.
- Sputum analysis to determine the causative organism.

Treatment

Bacterial Pneumonia: Antibiotics (e.g., azithromycin, ceftriaxone).
Viral Pneumonia: Antiviral medications for specific viruses; supportive care.
Fungal Pneumonia: Antifungal drugs (e.g., fluconazole).
Supportive Care:
- Oxygen therapy for severe cases.
- Fever and pain management.

Prevention

Pneumococcal vaccine (for bacterial pneumonia).
Influenza vaccine (to prevent viral complications).

3. International Pathogen Surveillance Network announces first recipients of grants to better understand disease threats

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Context:

The World Health Organization (WHO) and partners announced 10 projects that will receive almost US$ 2 million in grants to improve capacities in pathogen genomic surveillance.

Details:

The catalytic grant fund was established by the International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN) to strengthen pathogen genomic surveillance in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).
Technology Focus:
- Analyses the genetic code of pathogens (viruses, bacteria, fungi).
- Tracks pathogen spread, severity, and evolution.
- Supports vaccine and treatment development.
- Enables faster public health decisions.
Host and Supporters:
- Hosted by the United Nations Foundation and funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, The Rockefeller Foundation, and Wellcome.

Key Benefits:

Improved Disease Surveillance: Better tracking of infectious diseases and emerging threats.
Enhanced Decision-Making: Supports countries in taking rapid, informed actions.
Equitable Access: Focuses on building capabilities in LMICs to reduce global health disparities.

Grant Recipients and Projects:

Highlighted examples of innovative applications:

American University of Beirut (Lebanon):
- Focus: Wastewater genomic surveillance to track diseases in refugee populations.
- Goal: Provide early care and support in migration settings.
Pasteur Institute (Laos):
- Focus: Monitoring avian flu in live-bird markets using genomic tools.
- Importance: A crucial but overlooked setting impacting millions.
Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil):
- Focus: Develop an open-source bioinformatics tool for offline analyses.
- Potential: Scalable to global use, particularly in low-resource settings.

Grantee List by Country:

Africa: Angola, Cameroon, DRC, Ghana, Rwanda.
Asia-Pacific: India, Laos, Sri Lanka.
- Ashoka University, International Foundation for Research and Education, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (India) – “Quantitative mapping of environmental to clinical AMR via DNA barcoding”
Middle East: Lebanon.
Latin America: Brazil.

International Pathogen Surveillance Network (IPSN):

A global network of pathogen genomic actors established by the WHO Pandemic Hub to expand genomic sequencing and analytics and improve public health decision-making.
Vision: Equitable access to genomic surveillance for every country.
Applications:
- Pandemic/epidemic prevention.
- Emerging uses like wastewater surveillance and monitoring foodborne diseases.

WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence (WHO-PEI):

Forming part of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, the WHO Hub for Pandemic and Epidemic Intelligence (the WHO Pandemic Hub), facilitates a global collaboration of partners from multiple sectors that supports countries and stakeholders to address future pandemic and epidemic risks with better access to data, better analytical capacities, and better tools and insights for decision-making.
With support from the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany, the WHO Pandemic Hub was established in September 2021 in Berlin, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which demonstrated weaknesses around the world in how countries detect, monitor and manage public health threats.

Centre for Pathogen Genomics (CPG):

The Centre for Pathogen Genomics at the Doherty Institute, University of Melbourne is an academic and training hub that supports new collaboration for translational research, genomics-informed infectious disease surveillance, and capacity building and training across the Asia-Pacific region.
The Centre is underpinned by a portfolio of world-leading experts across pathogen genomics, public health, surveillance, bioinformatics, research, and capacity building and training, with years of experience in using cutting-edge technologies to address infectious diseases of national and global importance.

4. CAMPCO seeks Centre’s intervention against ‘data manipulation’ to project arecanut as carcinogenic by WHO

Sub : Geo

Sec: Eco Geo

Context:

The Central Arecanut and Cocoa Marketing and Processing Cooperative Limited (CAMPCO) has accused the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), under the World Health Organization (WHO), of manipulating data to label arecanut as carcinogenic.

Key Allegations by CAMPCO:

Misrepresentation of Data:
- The original study by Gupta et al. (1998) cited in the IARC Monograph (Vol 85, 2004) focused on tobacco use among subjects with oral submucous fibrosis (OSF).
- The IARC report allegedly altered the table’s title to include arecanut, leading to misleading conclusions.
Inflated Sample Sizes:
- The original sample size in Gupta et al.’s study was 1,786 (arecanut users) out of a total of 5,018 subjects.
- In the IARC Monograph, these figures were inexplicably increased to 11,786 and 15,018, respectively.
Inclusion of Mawa:
- Mawa, a mixture of arecanut, tobacco, and slaked lime, was categorized under arecanut usage.
- CAMPCO questioned why such mixtures were attributed solely to arecanut and why the WHO-IARC overlooked this inconsistency.

Impact on Arecanut Farmers:

The distress among farmers has intensified due to the implications of this report.
The allegations of manipulation create a negative perception of arecanut, threatening the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers in Karnataka and Kerala, where arecanut is a key crop.

CAMPCO’s Demands

Intervention by the Indian Government:
- CAMPCO seeks to protect arecanut farmers from what it calls propaganda by international bodies.
Advanced Research:
- CAMPCO has requested studies by premier institutions such as AIIMS-New Delhi, CSIR-CFTRI-Mysuru, and IISc-Bengaluru.
- This would provide a fair scientific evaluation of arecanut.

Significance

Arecanut is a vital crop for India’s agricultural economy, particularly in Karnataka and Kerala.
Unfavourable findings could have widespread socio-economic consequences for farmers.
This case highlights the importance of scientific transparency and accurate representation in global health research.

About CAMPCO:

Founded by the Late Sri Varanashi Subraya Bhat in 1973 in Mangalore.
CAMPCO succeeded in uplifting the areca nut market and to this day ensures that the farmers get a very good return on their crop.
The company set up a chocolate manufacturing plant in 1986 in Puttur, a city in Dakshina Kannada district of Karnataka. The plant produces chocolates and other products of cocoa both under its own brand and also for other chocolate brands
CAMPCO’s products: Areca, Pepper, Cocoa, Rubber

Arecanut Crop:

Scientific Name: Areca catechu.
Common Names: Betel nut or supari.
Type: Perennial plantation crop.
Uses: Primarily consumed as a masticatory in betel quid (with betel leaves and lime) and used in pan masala and gutka.
Other Applications: Medicinal uses, cultural and religious rituals, and limited industrial applications.

Climate and Soil Requirements

Climate: Tropical and humid climate; thrives in areas with temperatures between 14°C–36°C and annual rainfall of 750–4,500 mm.
Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile, and acidic to neutral soils. Commonly grown in laterite soils.
Shade Requirement: Requires partial shade, often intercropped with coconut or pepper.

Arecanut Production in India

Major Producing States

India is the largest producer and consumer of arecanut globally.
The primary producing states are: Karnataka (top producer, accounts for about 50-55% of total production), Kerala (Second largest producer), Assam (Leading producer in the northeastern region), Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Meghalaya.

Production Statistics

Annual Production: Approximately 1.4–1.6 million tonnes (varies annually).
Area Under Cultivation: Around 500,000 hectares.

Global Standing

India contributes about 50-60% of the world’s arecanut production.
Other major producers: Bangladesh, Indonesia, Myanmar, and China.

Pests and Diseases:

Infestation of red palm weevil and spindle bug.
Diseases like yellow leaf disease and root rot.
Climate Vulnerability: Sensitive to drought and excessive rainfall.

Source: TH

5. Stories of women who helped draft the Constitution of India

Sub : Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

On Constitution Day (November 26), President Droupadi Murmu highlighted the contributions of women members in India’s Constituent Assembly.
The 299-member body had 15 women, including prominent figures like Sarojini Naidu, Sucheta Kripalani, and Vijaya Lakshmi Pandit, as well as lesser-known women from diverse backgrounds.

Ammu Swaminathan (1894-1978):

A political activist from Kerala, she opposed restrictive widowhood practices and advocated for gender equality in the Constituent Assembly.
She strongly opposed the oppressive customs imposed on widows.
After independence, she served as India’s goodwill ambassador to countries such as Russia, China, and the US.
Among her children was Captain Lakshmi Sahgal, who joined the Indian National Army.

Annie Mascarene (1902-1963):

Born in Travancore (now Thiruvananthapuram), Annie Mascarene came from a Latin Christian family considered to be at the bottom of the caste hierarchy.
She actively campaigned for the rights of marginalized groups.
Voting rights in the legislature were limited, excluding lower-caste Ezhavas, Christians and Muslims. Mascarene joined the All Travancore Joint Political Congress, advocating for universal adult suffrage.
Despite facing physical attacks, she remained committed to her cause.

Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909-2001):

Born into a royal family, she defied conservative norms by discarding purdah and engaging in politics. A member of the Muslim League and later Congress, she was an advocate for women’s rights and opposed separate electorates based on religion.
She was the only Muslim woman in the Constituent Assembly of India.

Dakshayani Velayudhan (1912-1978):

The first Dalit woman to graduate in science in Cochin, Velayudhan was a strong advocate for social justice.
She belonged to the Pulaya community and faced discrimination throughout her life.
She became the first Dalit woman in the Cochin Legislative Council and later joined the Constituent Assembly, where she disagreed with Ambedkar on separate electorates.

Renuka Ray (1904-1997):

Born in Pabna, present-day Bangladesh, Renuka Ray came from an illustrious family. Her father was an Indian Civil Services officer, and her mother was one of the first women students at Calcutta’s Presidency College.
Ray was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi and joined the freedom movement after meeting him in 1920.
Ray campaigned for women’s rights, including divorce and inheritance laws. She opposed women’s reservations in legislatures, believing it would insult their intelligence and impede growth.

6. With RTI fading, SC asks govt. to fill up vacancies in CIC, SICs

Sub : Polity

Sec: National bodies

Context:

The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the significant vacancies in the Central Information Commission (CIC), which currently has eight out of 11 sanctioned posts unfilled.
This lack of appointments was seen as a failure in fulfilling the mandate of the Right to Information (RTI) Act, which ensures transparency in governance.
In addition to the CIC, the Supreme Court’s scrutiny also extended to various State Information Commissions (SICs), which have similarly faced severe vacancies.

Central Information Commission (CIC):

CIC is a statutory body constituted under section 12 of the Right to Information Act, 2005.
CIC consists of a Chief Information Commissioner and not more than ten Information Commissioners.
They are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister as Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
The members shall hold office for a term of three years or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They are not eligible for reappointment.

State Information Commission (SIC):

It is an independent, statutory committee formed under the RTI Act to ensure freedom of information to citizens. It has jurisdiction over state government bodies, PSU and authorities.
It comprises of chief information commissioner and up to 10 information commissioners. All are appointed by the governor on recommendation of committee consisting of chief minister, cabinet minister nominated by him and leader of opposition in legislative assembly.
After RTI Amendment 2019, the tenure of central and state information commissioners has now been reduced from five to three years.

7. Commissions for SCs, STs, OBCs, minorities discuss their ‘common issues’

Sub: Polity

Sec: National bodies

Context:

Recently the National Commissions for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), Scheduled Tribes (NCST), Other Backward Classes (NCOBC), and Minorities held a joint meeting to address common challenges they face.
Representatives of the National Commission for Safai Karmacharis (NCSK) were also present at the meeting.

Key issues raised:

The meeting highlighted concerns related to the evasion of summonses by officials and the refusal of organizations to implement the Commissions’ recommendations by obtaining stay orders from courts.
Some Commission representatives argued that these actions were an infringement on their authority, particularly their power to act as a civil court.
The inability to effectively enforce their recommendations hampers the functioning of the Commissions, which are meant to safeguard the rights of marginalized communities.

National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC):

NCSC is a constitutional body that works to safeguard the interests of the scheduled castes (SC) in India. Article 338 of the constitution of India deals with this commission.
It consists of Chairperson, Vice-chairperson and three other members. They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.

National Commission for Scheduled Tribes (NCST):

The NCST is a constitutional body established in 2004 by amending Article 338 and introducing Article 338A in the Constitution through the 89th Amendment Act, 2003.
It consists of a Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson, and three other members. At least one member should be a woman. They are appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
Tenure: The Chairperson, the Vice-Chairperson, and other Members of the Commission hold office for a term of three years from the date on which he/she assumes such office. They are not be eligible for appointment for more than two terms.

National Commission for Backward classes:

102nd Constitution Amendment Act, 2018 provides constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) under Article 338B.
The Commission consists of five members including a Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and three other Members appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal.
The conditions of service and tenure of office of the Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and other Members is determined by the President.

National Commission for Minorities:

It is a statutory body under the National Commission for Minorities Act, 1992 for the purpose of safeguarding and protecting the interests of minorities as provided in the Constitution of India and laws enacted by the Parliament and the State Legislatures.
The commission consist of Chairperson, a Vice-Chairperson and five Members. The Members including the Chairperson shall be from amongst the minority communities.
Each Member holds office for a period of three years from the date of assumption of office.
The NCM Act defines a minority as “a community notified as such by the Central government.”

National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK):

The National Commission for Safai Karamcharis (NCSK) was constituted on 12th August, 1994 as a statutory body by an Act of Parliament ‘National Commission for Safai Karamcharis Act, 1993’, for a period of three years.
However, validity of the Act was extended up to March 2004, by subsequent amendments.
After 2004, The Commission is acting as a non-Statutory body of the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment. The Commission’s tenure is extended from time to time through Government Resolutions
It comprises a Chairman (in the rank and status of the Union Minister of State) and four members, including a lady member (in the rank and status of the Secretary to the Government of India) and the Secretary (in the rank of Joint Secretary to the Govt. of India)

8. Supreme Court Seeks Report on Pennaiyar River Water Dispute

Sub : Geo

Sec: India Physical

Why in News

The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to submit a report prepared by the Negotiation Committee, tasked with resolving the water-sharing dispute between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka over the Pennaiyar River.

Background:

The dispute resolution efforts are being facilitated under the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956.
Karnataka initiated negotiations in May 2023, following the formation of a new government in the state.
This step marked a shift towards dialogue and mediation between the two states.
Tamil Nadu moved the Supreme Court in 2018 to challenge Karnataka’s construction of check dams and diversion structures on the Pennaiyar River.
The state argued that these works would harm its water-dependent population and were against national water-sharing principles.
Tamil Nadu cited an 1892 agreement, asserting that it is valid and binding on both states. It argued that the term “river” encompasses tributaries, streams, and other water sources that contribute to it directly or indirectly.
Supreme Court’s Directives: In January 2023, the Supreme Court directed the Union government to form a new Negotiation Committee under Section 4 of the Inter-State River Water Disputes Act, 1956. The committee’s mandate was to seek a mutually agreeable resolution.
The Negotiation Committee’s report is expected to detail the progress made and provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue.

Inter-State River Water Disputes:

Article 262 of the Constitution provides for the adjudication of inter-state water disputes.
Under this, Parliament may by law provide for the adjudication of any dispute or complaint with respect to the use, distribution and control of waters of any inter-state river and river valley.
Parliament may also provide that neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to exercise jurisdiction in respect of any such dispute or complaint.
The Parliament has enacted the two laws, the River Boards Act (1956) and the Inter-State Water Disputes Act (1956).
The River Boards Act provides for the establishment of river boards by the Central government for the regulation and development of inter-state river and river valleys. A River Board is established on the request of state governments concerned to advise them.
The Inter-State Water Disputes Act empowers the Central government to set up an ad hoc tribunal for the adjudication of a dispute between two or more states in relation to the waters of an inter-state river or river valley.
The decision of the tribunal is final and binding on the parties to the dispute.
Neither the Supreme Court nor any other court is to have jurisdiction in respect of any water dispute which may be referred to such a tribunal under this Act.

Amendment to the 1956 Act:

An amendment was enacted to the Inter-State Water Disputes Act in 2002 which brought about a few changes such as:
The tribunal has to be constituted within one year of the request.
The tribunal should give the award within 3 years and in some exceptional cases, within 5 years.
If the award is not immediately implemented, the concerned parties can seek clarification within three months.
The tribunal award will have the same force as an order or decree of the Supreme Court. The award is final and above the SC’s jurisdiction.
However, the states could still approach SC through Article 136 (Special Leave Petition)
Private persons could approach the SC under violation of Article 21 (Right to Life).

About Pennaiyar River:

The South Pennar River is also known as Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada and Thenpennai or Pennaiyar in Tami
Bangalore, Hosur, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore are the important cities on the banks of South Pennar river.
This is the second longest river in Tamil Nadu, with a length of 497 km, after the Kaveri.
The river is severely polluted by industrial waste as it flows through major industrial areas in the eastern suburbs of Bangalore, the industrial parks of Hosur and Chengam.
The river originates in the Nandi Hills in Karnataka and flows through Tamil Nadu before emptying into the Bay of Bengal.
The river is dry for the most part of the year. Water flows during the monsoon season when it is fed by the south-west monsoon in the catchment area and the northeast monsoon in Tamil Nadu.

9. Norway’s Apology to Indigenous and Minority Groups for Assimilation Policies

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Why in News

Norway’s Parliament recently issued an unreserved apology for its century-long assimilation policies toward the Sami, Kvens, and Forest Finns. This move follows the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s 2023 report and marks a significant step toward addressing historical injustices.

Who Are the Sami, Kvens, and Forest Finns?

About Sami People:

Indigenous people of northern Europe, spanning Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Russia. Number approximately 1,00,000, with Norway hosting the largest population.
Known for reindeer herding, a practice protected as an exclusive Sami right in Norway.
Speak three languages: North Sami, East Sami, and South Sami, part of the Uralic language family.

About Kvens:

Descendants of Finnish migrants from the Torne River Valley. Historically engaged in slash-and-burn farming, fishing, and blacksmithing.
Kven language, a Finnic tongue, was recognized as an independent language in Norway in 2005.

About Forest Finns:

Descendants of Finnish immigrants who migrated to Norway in the 1600s via Sweden. Practiced traditional slash-and-burn agriculture and maintained distinct cultural practices.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission:

Launched in 2018 to investigate historical injustices against the Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn communities.
Aimed to address the effects of Norwegianization policies and propose measures for reconciliation.
Study the assimilation policies and their impact on indigenous and minority groups.
Develop recommendations for preserving cultural heritage and promoting inclusivity.
The report highlighted the loss of language, cultural suppression, and socio-economic disparities faced by these groups.

Recommendations:

Establish a centre for reconciliation work.
Preserve indigenous and minority languages through language training and integration into education.
Foster measures to prevent prejudice and harassment against these communities.
The findings prompted an unreserved apology from Norway’s parliament to Sami, Kven, and Forest Finn communities on November 11, 2023.
A set of 17 resolutions was adopted to address historical and current challenges.
Similar commissions are underway in Sweden and Finland, focusing on the Sami people’s experiences, with reports expected soon.

10. Indian Space Exploration at 61

Sub : Sci

Sec: space sector

Why in News

November 21, marked 61 years since the launch of India’s space program with the first Nike-Apache sounding rocket at Thumba, Kerala.

GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Satellite:

Type: High Throughput Communication Satellite.
Operating Band: Ka-band.
Weight: 4,700 kg at lift-off.
Mission Life: 14 years.
Developer: New Space India Ltd., the commercial arm of ISRO.
Objective: To enhance broadband services, boost in-flight connectivity, and provide high-speed communication across India using advanced Ka-band technology.
Multi-beam Architecture: Equipped with multiple spot beams and Ka x Ka transponders, which enable:
- Frequency reuse for increased system capacity.
- Support for a large subscriber base using compact user terminals.
- Enhanced overall system throughput.
The satellite will significantly improve broadband connectivity, reaching underserved and remote areas.
Aims to offer better internet services on aircraft flying over the Indian region.
This mission marks India’s first venture with SpaceX, opening possibilities for future international partnerships in space technology and exploration.
The satellite was placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit, a crucial step before moving it to its final geostationary position.
GSAT-N2’s advanced Ka-band technology facilitates high-speed data transfer, essential for modern communication needs.

Ka-Band Communication:

The Ka-band is a part of the microwave segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, operating at frequencies between 5 GHz and 40 GHz.
It is widely used in satellite communication for a variety of applications, including broadband services, military uses, and remote sensing.
The Ka-band offers a broader bandwidth compared to lower-frequency bands like C-band and Ku-band. This wider bandwidth enables high data transfer rates, allowing for faster communication, which is ideal for applications requiring large volumes of data, such as video conferencing and satellite internet
Due to the shorter wavelengths in the Ka-band, it supports smaller antennas and ground equipment. This makes it easier to deploy in compact or mobile systems while reducing infrastructure costs
The Ka-band’s high frequency is suitable for modern communication technologies like phased-array antennas and multi-beam satellites, enhancing the capacity and flexibility of satellite networks. It supports various advanced applications, including telecommunication networks, wireless systems, and direct-to-home (DTH) TV services

About Proba-3 mission:

The mission will also attempt the first-ever “precision formation flying”, where two satellites will fly together and maintain a fixed configuration in space.
Proba-3 is part of the European Space Agency’s (ESA) Proba missions.
Predecessors: Proba-1 (2001) and Proba-2 (2009)
Collaborators: Scientists from Spain, Belgium, Poland, Italy, and Switzerland.
Mission Life: 2 years.
Orbit: Highly elliptical, 600 x 60,530 km, with a 19.7-hour orbital period.
Satellite Configuration: Two satellites will separate post-launch and fly in tandem to form a solar coronagraph, an instrument that blocks the Sun’s bright light for better observation.
India’s First Astronaut to ISS: Shubhanshu Shukla is undergoing training at the European Space Agency for ISS missions.

About Pixxel’s Hyperspectral Satellites:

Launch Plans: Six hyperspectral satellites named ‘Fireflies’ set to launch in early 2024.
Capabilities: Spatial resolution: 5 meters.
Applications: Detection of crop diseases, water stress, deforestation, and ocean pollution.

GalaxEye Space:

Focused on testing synthetic aperture radar (SAR) subsystems for high-resolution Earth observation.
Conducting experiments aboard PSLV’s Orbital Experimental Module (POEM).
Aims to develop advanced imaging technologies for environmental and disaster monitoring.

PierSight Space – Varuna Mission:

Demonstrates deployable reflect array antennas for enhanced satellite communication.
Testing avionics onboard the PSLV’s Orbital Experimental Module.
Supports advancements in space-borne radar and aeronautical information systems.

HEX20’s Nila Satellite:

A compact 5-kg cubesat designed for hosting various payloads and data processing.
Scheduled for launch on SpaceX Transporter-13 in February 2025.
Will establish a ground station in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, for operations and data acquisition.

AAKA Space Studio – Analog Mission in Ladakh:

Simulates lunar and Martian conditions to test habitat sustainability and isolation effects.
Conducts experiments on life-support systems for human spaceflight.
Involves a 21-day human-inhabitation trial in a specialized habitat.

SatSure’s Property Mapping:

Partners with the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) under the ‘Svamitva’ scheme.
Utilizes drones and satellite data for mapping rural properties with high precision.
Employs machine-learning tools to extract features such as building footprints and water bodies.

Square Kilometre Array Observatory:

The Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project is an international effort to build the world’s largest radio telescope, with eventually over a square kilometre (one million square metres) of collecting area.
Objectives: The SKA will eventually use thousands of dishes and up to a million low-frequency antennas that will enable astronomers to monitor the sky in unprecedented detail and survey the entire sky much faster than any system currently in existence.
Significance: Its unique configuration will give the SKA unrivalled scope in observations, largely exceeding the image resolution quality of the Hubble Space Telescope.
It will also have the ability to image huge areas of sky in parallel a feat which no survey telescope has ever achieved on this scale with this level of sensitivity.
Whilst 10 member countries are the cornerstone of the SKA, around 100 organisations across about 20 countries are participating in the design and development of the SKA.
Location: Thousands of SKA antenna dishes will be built in South Africa (in the Karoo), with outstations in other parts of South Africa. Another part of the telescope, the low-frequency array, will be built in Western Australia.

11. Google to Modify Search Results in Europe Amid Rival Complaints

Sub : IR

Sec: Int groupings

Background:
- Google, a unit of Alphabet Inc., will adjust search result displays in Europe following complaints from smaller rivals and ongoing scrutiny from EU regulators.
- The changes are prompted by the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA), which prohibits Big Tech from favoring its own products and services on their platforms.
Complaints from Rivals:
- Price comparison sites, hotels, airlines, and small retailers reported a 30% drop in direct booking clicks due to Google’s recent changes.

Google’s Proposed Changes:

Expanded Display Units:
- New formats allowing users to choose between comparison sites and supplier websites.
- Rivals can now showcase prices and pictures on their sites, along with new ad units for comparison services.
Return to “Blue Links” Format:
- Google will test removing the map view for hotel search results in Germany, Belgium, and Estonia, reverting to its older “ten blue links” layout.
- Short test period to assess user feedback on the changes.
Concerns from Google and Industry:
- Google’s Perspective: Removing features like maps may reduce convenience and harm both consumers and businesses.
- German Hotel Association: Fears reduced visibility for independent hotels, potentially increasing reliance on third-party platforms with high commission fees.

10 blue links

The term “10 blue links” refers to the traditional format of search engine results, especially in Google’s early days, where search results were displayed as a simple list of 10 clickable, blue-colored hyperlinks.

Each link would lead directly to a relevant webpage without any additional features like images, maps, or ads.

Characteristics of the 10 Blue Links Format:

Plain Text Links: Results were basic hyperlinks in blue text.
Minimal Design: No extra features like images, ads, or rich snippets.
Equal Opportunity: All results were ranked purely on search relevance, offering smaller sites a fair chance to appear on the first page.

Why Is It Relevant Today?

In the context of Google’s recent EU regulatory changes, the Digital Markets Act (DMA) has prompted discussions about whether Google should revert to this simpler format to avoid favoring its own services (e.g., maps, hotel listings). Critics argue that modern search results prioritize Google’s own content, diminishing visibility for competing services.

EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA)

The Digital Markets Act (DMA) is the European Union’s landmark legislation aimed at creating a fairer, safer, and more competitive digital market. It specifically targets large digital platforms, or gatekeepers, to prevent anti-competitive practices and ensure a level playing field.

Objective of the DMA:

Promote Fair Competition
Enhance Consumer Protection
Foster Innovation

Key Provisions:

Gatekeeper Identification:
- Gatekeepers are large digital platforms providing core platform services like search engines, app stores, and messaging services.
- Companies such as Apple, Google, and Meta are being investigated for potential breaches under this Act.
Do’s (Obligations) and Don’ts (Prohibitions) for Gatekeepers:
Data Protection:
- Gatekeepers must obtain explicit user consent before tracking activities for advertising purposes.
Interoperability of Messaging Services:
- Platforms like WhatsApp must enable users to send messages to other services such as Telegram or Signal.
Uninstall Preloaded Apps:
- Users must have the option to uninstall preloaded apps on their devices.
Fair Ranking of Products:
- Gatekeepers are prohibited from ranking their own products or services higher than those of competitors in search results.