anbu current affairs dec 2021

Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021
Contents
Environment Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021 ..........................................................................................4
{Envi – Biodiversity – 2021/12} Kasturirangan Committee on Western Ghats ..............................................................4
Kasturirangan Committee ................................................................................................................................................................. 5
{Envi – In News – 2021/12} Species in News for Prelims ..................................................................................................5
Great Indian Bustard ......................................................................................................................................................................... 5
New Dinosaur Species ....................................................................................................................................................................... 6
{Envi – In News – 2021/12} Topic in News for Prelims .....................................................................................................7
Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021 ........................................................................................................................................ 7
Green Hydrogen Microgrid Projects ................................................................................................................................................. 7
Global Methane Initiative ................................................................................................................................................................. 8
Earth’s Black Box ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8
Black Box in Airplanes ....................................................................................................................................................................... 9
{Envi – In News – 2021/12} TR/NP/WLS in News for Prelims ....................................................................................... 10
Buxa Tiger Reserve .......................................................................................................................................................................... 10
Beas Conservation Reserve ............................................................................................................................................................. 11
{Envi – Pollution – 2021/12} Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ............................................................................................ 12
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons ............................................................................................................................................................ 12
Benzene Pollution ........................................................................................................................................................................... 12
Toluene (methylbenzene) ............................................................................................................................................................... 13
Xylene (dimethylbenzene) .............................................................................................................................................................. 13
Geography Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021........................................................................................... 15
What is an Industrial Corridor? ....................................................................................................................................................... 15
1
{Geo – EG – Infra – 2021/10} Industrial Corridor ............................................................................................................ 15
Golden Quadrilateral....................................................................................................................................................................... 18
Diamond Quadrilateral.................................................................................................................................................................... 19
{Geo – HG – 2021/12} India’s Declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR) ............................................................................... 19
What is Total Fertility Rate? ............................................................................................................................................................ 20
What is 'Replacement Level'? ......................................................................................................................................................... 20
{Geo – In News – 2021/12} Topic in News for Prelims ................................................................................................... 21
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
National Industrial Corridor Programme ........................................................................................................................................ 16
National Crisis Management Committee ........................................................................................................................................ 21
PLI Scheme for Semi-Conductors .................................................................................................................................................... 22
Chillai Killan ..................................................................................................................................................................................... 22
{Geo – LBT – 2021/12} Place in News for Prelims ........................................................................................................... 23
Chile ................................................................................................................................................................................................ 23
Russia – Ukraine Crisis ......................................................................................................................................................... 23
Mount Semeru Volcano....................................................................................................................................................... 26
Agriculture Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021 .......................................................................................... 27
{Agri – Crops – 2021/12} Spices Sector in India .............................................................................................................. 27
Spices Sector in India....................................................................................................................................................................... 27
{Agri – Crops – 2021/12} Turmeric Cultivation in India ................................................................................................. 28
Turmeric – Indian Saffron................................................................................................................................................................ 29
{Agri – In News – 2021/12} Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households (SAAH) Report ............................... 31
Key Findings of Survey .................................................................................................................................................................... 32
{Agri – Schemes – 2021/12} Per Drop More Crop component of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana
(PMKSY-PDMC) .................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Irrigation Status in India .................................................................................................................................................................. 33
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna .......................................................................................................................................... 34
Objectives of Components .............................................................................................................................................................. 35
Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects ................................................................................................................................ 36
Peri-Urban Areas ............................................................................................................................................................................. 37
{Agri – Tech – 2021/12} Drones in Pesticide Application .............................................................................................. 37
Applications of Drone in Agriculture ............................................................................................................................................... 37
National Drone Policy...................................................................................................................................................................... 39
Insecticide Act 1968 ........................................................................................................................................................................ 40
{S&T – COVID – 2021/12} CT Value .................................................................................................................................. 42
2
Science and Tech Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021 ................................................................................ 42
{S&T – COVID – 2021/12} Herd Immunity ....................................................................................................................... 42
What is Herd Immunity? ................................................................................................................................................................. 43
{S&T – Defence – 2021/12} India’s Missiles .................................................................................................................... 44
India’s Missiles ................................................................................................................................................................................ 44
Agni Missiles .................................................................................................................................................................................... 45
Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT) ......................................................................................................................................................... 49
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Cycle Threshold Value ..................................................................................................................................................................... 42
{S&T – In News – 2021/12} Topics in News for Prelims ................................................................................................. 51
Study of Distant Magnetar Stars ..................................................................................................................................................... 51
Tundra Satellite ............................................................................................................................................................................... 51
INS Vela ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 52
Project 75 ........................................................................................................................................................................................ 53
Mission Indradhanush ..................................................................................................................................................................... 54
Intensified Mission Indradhanush ................................................................................................................................................... 54
NASA’s IXPE Mission ........................................................................................................................................................................ 54
{S&T – Persons of Interest – 2021/12} Role Played by Indian Scientists in Freedom Struggle ................................ 55
Dr Mahendralal Sircar ..................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Jagdish Chandra Bose ...................................................................................................................................................................... 55
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray ......................................................................................................................................................... 56
{S&T – Space – 2021/12} Gaganyaan Mission ................................................................................................................. 56
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
3
Gaganyaan....................................................................................................................................................................................... 57
Environment Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021
{Envi – Biodiversity – 2021/12} Kasturirangan Committee on Western Ghats
IE | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > environmental conservation etc.
Context: Karnataka Chief Minister has informed the Centre that the state is opposed to the Kasturirangan Committee
4
report on Western Ghats.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
Kasturirangan Committee
•
Under pressure from various stakeholders, MoEF had set up the High-Level Working Group (HLWG) under the
Chairmanship of Dr K. Kasturirangan to study recommendations of the Gadgil Committee.
•
The HLWG had diluted many recommendations of WGEEP to satisfy the interests of the various mafia.
•
HLWG had suggested that 37% (60,000 hectares) of the Western Ghats should be declared as ESA.
•
The remaining 63% human settlements, plantations & agricultural field classified as Cultural Landscape.
Recommendations of Kasturirangan Committee
•
A ban on mining, quarrying and sand mining.
•
No new thermal power projects, but hydro power projects allowed with restrictions.
•
A ban on new polluting industries.
•
Building and construction projects up to 20,000 sq m was to be allowed but townships were to be banned.
•
Forest diversion could be allowed with extra safeguards.
Q. ‘Gadgil Committee Report’ and ‘Kasturirangan Committee Report’, sometimes seen in the
news, are related to
1) constitutional reforms
2) Ganga Action Plan
3) linking of rivers
4) protection of Western Ghats
Suggested Reading: Refer to Env 2021 -22 (Preservation of the Western Ghats and the Eastern Ghats)
{Envi – In News – 2021/12} Species in News for Prelims
IE | IE |
Context: In a bid to check the dwindling numbers of the endangered Great Indian Bustard and Lesser Florican, a Supreme Court bench headed by the then Chief Justice of India directed that overhead power lines be laid underground, wherever feasible, passing along the habitat of the birds in Rajasthan and Gujarat.
•
The Centre has approached the Supreme Court seeking modification of its order & expressing its concern that this
process will escalate the cost of renewable energy production and hurt India’s renewable energy cause.
Birds – CR – Great Indian Bustard
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
5
Great Indian Bustard
•
The Great Indian Bustard (CR) is one of the heaviest flying birds in the world.
•
It is the State bird of Rajasthan.
•
Habitat: large expanses of dry grassland & scrub.
•
Its largest populations (95%) are found in the Indian state of Rajasthan (Jaisalmer).
•
Today, its population is confined mostly to Rajasthan & Gujarat.
•
Small population also occurs in Maharashtra, Karnataka & Andhra Pradesh.
•
Threats: Habitat loss, hunting, mortality due to collision with power lines (they have a poor frontal vision); Great Indian Bustards fly across to Pakistan’ desert from Rajasthan & fall prey to poachers.
•
Conservation Status:

IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered

WPA: Schedule I

CITES: Appendix I
New Dinosaur Species
•
Context: Issi saaneq is the new dinosaur species recently discovered.
•
It roamed in Greenland 214 mn years ago.
•
It was a medium-sized, long necked herbivore and a predecessor of the sauropods, the largest land animals ever to
Source & Credits
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
6
live.
{Envi – In News – 2021/12} Topic in News for Prelims
IE | PIB | TH | DTE | DTE | IE |
Biological Diversity Amendment Bill 2021
•
Context: Environment Minister has referred the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 to a Joint Parliamentary
Committee.
Key Provisions of the Bill 2021
•
The amendments seek to decriminalise certain provisions and bring more foreign investments in the chain of biological resources, including research, patent and commercial utilisation, without compromising the national interest.
•
The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021 looks to relax certain rules in the 2002 Act in order to fast track research and patenting as well as empower local communities to be able to utilise resources, particularly of medicinal
value, such as seeds.
•
The amendments also give exemption to registered AYUSH medical Practitioners from giving prior intimation to
State Biodiversity Board for accessing biological resource from certain purposes.
•
The amendments are also aimed at promoting the cultivation of medicinal plants and ancient Indian medicine by
exempting Indians cultivating medicinal plants and manufacturing products using codified traditional knowledge from
payment of Access and Benefit Sharing.
Suggested Reading: Refer to Environment 2021 – 22 (Biodiversity Act, 2002)
Green Hydrogen Microgrid Projects
•
Context: India’s 1st & one of world’s largest Green Hydrogen Microgrid Projects to be set up at Simhadri (Vishakhapatnam).
•
It is India’s first Green Hydrogen based Energy Storage Project.
•
It would be a precursor to large scale hydrogen energy storage projects and would be useful for studying and deploy-
•
Hydrogen Economy is the vision of using hydrogen as a low-carbon energy source.
•
Hydrogen is the most abundant chemical substance in the universe.
•
It is not found in pure form on earth.
•
It must be produced from other compounds such as natural gas, biomass, alcohol, or water.
•
At standard temperature & pressure, hydrogen is a nontoxic, nonmetallic, odourless, tasteless, colourless, & highly combustible diatomic gas with the molecular formula H2.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Hydrogen Economy
7
ing multiple microgrids in various off grid and strategic locations of the country.
•
There are 3 types of hydrogen – grey, blue & green.
1) The fuel produced from fossil fuels is called grey hydrogen.
2) Fuel produced from fossil fuels with carbon capture & storage options are called blue hydrogen.
3) Those produced from renewable power sources are called green hydrogen.
Green Hydrogen
•
Green hydrogen is produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using an electrolyzer powered by renewable energy sources such as wind and solar.
•
The fuel can be a game-changer for the energy security of India, which imports 85% of its oil and 53% of gas requirements.
•
To promote clean fuels, India is considering making it mandatory for fertilizer plants and oil refineries to purchase
green hydrogen.
Additional Reading: Refer to Environment 2021-22 (Hydrogen Energy)
Global Methane Initiative
•
It is a voluntary & multistakeholder partnership that brings together national governments, private sector entities,
development banks, NGOs and other interested stakeholders in a collaborative effort to reduce methane gas emissions and advance methane recovery and use as a clean energy source.
•
The initiative currently focuses on five sectors, which are known sources of anthropogenic methane emissions: agriculture, coal mining, municipal solid waste, municipal wastewater, and oil and gas systems.
•
It was formed in 2004.
Earth’s Black Box
•
Context: Earth is getting a ‘black box’ to hold humans accountable for climate change.
•
It is a steel vault about the size of a school bus will record the Earth’s warming weather patterns.
•
It will collect daily metrics, including average oceanic and land temperatures, atmospheric carbon dioxide concentraThe vault, known as Earth’s Black Box, will be constructed in Tasmania, an Australian island state off the south
coast.
•
It will operate much like a plane’s flight recorder, which records an aircraft’s final moments before crashing.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
8
tion and biodiversity loss.
Black Box in Airplanes
•
The black boxes are actually two orange metallic boxes containing the recorders.
•
Most aircraft are required to be equipped with two black boxes — the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) & the flight
The information & help reconstruct the events leading to an accident.
•
While the CVR records radio transmissions & other sounds in the cockpit, the flight data recorder records different
types of information such as altitude, airspeed, flight heading, vertical acceleration, pitch, etc.
How do the black boxes survive the crash?
•
The recording devices are stored inside a unit that is made out of steel or titanium & are also insulated from factors
such as extreme heat, cold or wetness.
•
To protect these black boxes, they are equipped towards the tail end of the aircraft – where usually the impact of a
crash is the least.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
9
data recorder (FDR).
•
To make black boxes discoverable in situations where they are under water, they are equipped with a beacon that
sends out ultrasound signals for 30 days.
{Envi – In News – 2021/12} TR/NP/WLS in News for Prelims
IE | TH |
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
10
Buxa Tiger Reserve
•
Context: An increase in the forest density and the big cat prey base, especially deer, had attracted a Royal Bengal
tiger, a first such sighting in 23 years, to the Buxa reserve.
•
It is a tiger reserve in northern West Bengal.
•
Its northern boundary runs along the international border with Bhutan.
•
In altitude, it ranges from 60 m in the Gangetic Plains to 1,750 m bordering the Himalayas in the north.
•
Major Fauna: Bengal tiger, Asian elephant, gaur, sambar deer, clouded leopard, Indian leopard, etc.
•
Threats: Flooding, poaching of elephants.
•
Context: As per experts reintroduced gharials are thriving in Beas Reserve.
•
The reserve lies primarily in north-west Punjab.
•
It is a 185-kilometre stretch of the Beas River.
•
The stretch is dotted with islands, sand bars and braided channels.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
11
Beas Conservation Reserve
•
The Reserve hosts the only known population in India of the endangered Indus River dolphin (EN).
•
In 2017, a Programme was initiated to re-introduce the critically endangered gharial.
{Envi – Pollution – 2021/12} Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
IE | DTE | HT | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > environmental pollution & conservation etc.
•
Context: The government has signed an MoU with IIT Kanpur for a source apportionment and forecasting study on air
pollutants in Delhi especially Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons.
•
Recent studies have showed that Calcutta’s air is highly polluted with polyaromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) such as benzene, toluene and xylene.
•
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), these compounds should not be present in the air at all.
Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons
•
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants generated primarily during the incomplete combustion of organic materials (e.g. coal, oil, petrol, and wood).
•
Many PAHs have toxic, mutagenic & carcinogenic properties.
•
PAHs are highly lipid soluble and thus readily absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract of mammals (Bioaccumulation).
•
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons can associate with other particulate matter, like PM2.5, PM10, and make them more
toxic
Sources
Natural
•
PAHs in the environment originate from natural sources such as open burning, natural losses or seepage of petroleum or coal deposits, and volcanic activities.
•
It occurs naturally in coal, crude oil, and gasoline.
They also are produced when coal, oil, gas, wood, garbage, and tobacco are burned.
•
Cigarette smoke contains many PAHs.
•
High-temperature cooking will form PAHs in meat and in other foods.
•
Naphthalene is a PAH that is produced commercially in the United States to make other chemicals and mothballs.
Benzene Pollution
•
Benzene is a chemical that is a colorless at room temperature.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
12
Anthropogenic
•
It has a sweet odor and is highly flammable.
•
Benzene evaporates into the air very quickly. Its vapor is heavier than air and may sink into low-lying areas.
•
Benzene dissolves only slightly in water and will float on top of water.
•
Benzene is a natural constituent of crude oil and is one of the elementary petrochemicals.
•
Because benzene has a high-octane number and is an important component of gasoline (petrol).
•
As a Volatile Organic Compound, benzene reacts with other air pollutants to form ground levels ozone which can
damage crops (in the form of smog) and materials).
Where benzene is found and how it is used?
•
Benzene is formed from both natural processes and human activities.
•
Natural sources of benzene include volcanoes & forest fires.
•
Benzene is also a natural part of crude oil, gasoline, and cigarette smoke.
•
Some industries use benzene to make other chemicals that are used to make plastics, resins, and nylon and synthetic fibers.
•
Benzene is also used to make some types of lubricants, rubbers, dyes, detergents, drugs, and pesticides.
•
The benzene in indoor air comes from products that contain benzene such as glues, paints, furniture wax, and detergents.
How benzene works
•
Benzene works by causing cells not to work correctly.
•
For example, it can cause bone marrow not to produce enough red blood cells, which can lead to anemia.
•
Also, it can damage the immune system by changing blood levels of antibodies and causing the loss of white blood
cells.
•
People who breathe in high levels of benzene may develop the following signs and symptoms within minutes to sevDrowsiness
•
Dizziness
•
Rapid or irregular heartbeat
•
Death (at very high levels)
Toluene (methylbenzene)
•
Toluene is a clear, colorless liquid which becomes a vapor when exposed to air at room temperature.
•
It has a sharp or sweet odor, which is a sign of exposure.
•
It used in paint thinners and as an octane booster in gasoline engines.
Xylene (dimethylbenzene)
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
13
eral hours:
•
Xylene is an environmental pollutant.
•
Xylene easily vaporizes and divides by sunlight into other harmless chemicals.
Sources
•
It is used in dyes, paints, polishes, medical technology and different industries as a solvent.
•
xylene is released into the atmosphere from petrochemical industries & cigarette smoke from different vehicles.
•
Burning organic matter, such as wood, coal and petroleum products.
Q. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? [UPSC
(Pre) 2021]
1) Automobile exhaust
2) Tobacco smoke
3) Wood burning
4) Using varnished wooden furniture
5) Using products made of polyurethane
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
a) 1, 2 and 3 only
b) 2 and 4 only
c)
1, 3 and 4 only
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
14
d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Geography Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021
{Geo – EG – Infra – 2021/10} Industrial Corridor
Source1 | TH | GS3 > Infrastructure: Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways, etc.
•
Context: The Andhra Pradesh government has proposed Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor on the lines of
Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, covering a length of 585km between Hyderabad and Nagpur.
What is an Industrial Corridor?
•
Industrial Corridors are a multi-modal connectivity projects involving Rail, Road, Water & Air Transport.
•
These modalities are arranged such that an "arterial" modality, such as a highway or railroad, receives "feeder"
roads or railways.
•
It is a package of infrastructure spending allocated to a specific geographical area, with the intent to stimulate
industrial development with complete plug & play infrastructure.
•
Plug & Play concept refers to ready facilities in terms of building, power-water-sewage connectivity, road connectivity, beside other basic things including clearances in land required to start the industry.
•
Such corridors are often created in areas that have pre-existing infrastructures, such as ports, highways,
and railroads.
•
Projects such as Golden Quadrilateral, Diamond Quadrilateral & Sagarmala Project are in the direction for building
various Industrial Corridors.
•
The government of India is developing various Industrial Corridor Projects as part of the National Industrial Corridor Programme which is aimed at the development of futuristic industrial cities in India.
What is an Economic Corridor?
•
It is a more comprehensive model than industrial corridor.
•
It integrates all three-transport network (Road, Rail & Water) development and investment in manufacturing,
The corridors provide critical connections between urban centres wherein each urban centre is not a standalone hub
of development but a part of the regional network.
•
The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has been in the forefront among the promoters of the development corridor
concept.
Industrial corridors Constitute:
•
High-speed transportation network – rail and road
•
Ports with state-of-the-art cargo handling equipment
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
15
trade, and real estate with necessary regulation to address environmental safeguards.
•
Modern airports
•
Special economic regions/industrial areas
•
Logistic parks/trans-shipment hubs
•
Knowledge parks focused on catering to industrial needs
•
Complementary infrastructure such as townships/real estate
•
Other urban infrastructure along with enabling policy framework
Significance of Industrial Corridor
•
Avenues for Export: Industrial corridors are likely to lower the cost of logistics thereby increasing the efficiency of
industrial production structure.
•
Manufacturers can reap economies of scale
•
It aims to expand the industrial output, increasing employment opportunities, provide better living & social facilities
for the new & growing workforce.
•
Socio-Economic: The effect of industrial corridors in socio-economic terms are many such as setting up of industrial
townships/Complexes, educational institutes, hospitals etc. These will further raise the standard of living.
Challenges to Industrial Corridors
•
Land acquisition is a major challenge because of the legal hurdles & the compensation issue.
•
India’s taxation regime needs to clearly define the tax liabilities of foreign firms operating in India as permanent establishments and otherwise.
•
Massive investment in industrialisation can lead to large displacement of people and also destroy fertile agricultural land.
•
Inadequate technological Know-How
•
Widening Urban-Rural Gap
National Industrial Corridor Programme
gramme which is aimed at development of greenfield industrial cities in India in order to compete with the best
manufacturing and investment destinations in the world.
•
National Industrial Corridor Development & Implementation Trust (NICDIT) has been constituted for unified development of Industrial Corridors in the country.
•
It is India's most ambitious infrastructure programme aiming to develop new industrial cities as "Smart Cities" and
converging next generation technologies across infrastructure sectors.
•
These industrial corridors are spread across India, with a strategic focus on inclusive development to boost industrialization & planned urbanization.
•
All the corridors namely: -
16
Government of India is developing various Industrial Corridor Projects as part of National Industrial Corridor Pro-
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
1.
Delhi – Mumbai Industrial Corridor,
2.
Amritsar – Kolkata Industrial Corridor,
3.
Bengaluru – Mumbai Industrial Corridor,
4.
Chennai-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor,
5.
Vizag Chennai Industrial Corridor
6.
Hyderabad Nagpur Industrial Corridor
7.
Delhi Nagpur Industrial Corridor
8.
Hyderabad Warangal Industrial Corridor
9.
Hyderabad Bengaluru Industrial Corridor
10. East Coast Economic Corridor
•
Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC) project was approved by the Union Cabinet of India in 2007.
•
The backbone of the corridor is the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Port
near Mumbai to Dadri near Delhi which was expected to be completed by 2017,
DMIC will cover six states:
1) National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi
2) Uttar Pradesh
3) Haryana
4) Rajasthan
5) Gujarat
6) Maharashtra
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
17
Delhi Mumbai Industrial Corridor (DMIC)
Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC)
•
The Chennai Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (CBIC) has been Proposed to achieve accelerated growth, regional industry
agglomeration in the states of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh, and to facilitate the development of a
well-planned and efficient industrial base.
East Coast Economic Corridor
•
It is India’s first coastal economic corridor covering 2500 km of India's coastline, to be developed with the help of the
Asian Development Bank (ADB).
•
The ECEC running along the entire east coast of India from Kolkata to Kanyakumari.
•
It covers 4 states of West Bengal, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh & Tamil Nadu.
•
It includes:
Odisha & West Bengal Industrial Corridor
o
Vishakhapatnam – Chennai Industrial Corridor
o
Chennai – Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor
18
o
•
It is a national highway network (consisting of four and six-lane express highways) connecting most of the major
industrial, agricultural and cultural centres of India.
•
It forms a quadrilateral connecting the four major metro cities of India:
1) Delhi (north)
2) Kolkata (east)
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Golden Quadrilateral
3) Mumbai (west)
4) Chennai (south)
•
The main objective of these super highways is to reduce the distance & time between the four mega cities of India.
•
It provides smaller towns better access to markets, reduce agricultural spoilage in transport, drive economic
growth, and promote truck transport.
•
he Golden Quadrilateral project is managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) under the Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways.
Diamond Quadrilateral
•
Diamond Quadrilateral is a project of the Indian railways to establish a high-speed rail network in India launched in
2014.
•
The Diamond Quadrilateral will connect the four mega cities of India, viz. Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and Chennai,
similar to the Golden Quadrilateral highway system.
The project is implemented by National High Speed Rail Corporation Limited.
{Geo – HG – 2021/12} India’s Declining Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
19
•
IE | Prelims + Mains | GS1 > Human Geography > Population
•
Context: The latest findings of the NFHS survey have revealed that India's national Total Fertility Rate (TFR) has
fallen below the replacement level for the first time.
What is Total Fertility Rate?
•
The World Health Organisation (WHO) describes Total Fertility Rate (TFR) as the average number of children born to
a woman "at the end of her reproductive period" (15-49 years).
•
The TFR has been falling over the years and has now reached 2.0 at the national level, which means that India’s
population will decrease soon — probably by 2047-48 — after reaching a peak of about 1.6 billion people.
What is 'Replacement Level'?
•
Replacement level is the level of fertility at which a population replaces itself exactly from one generation to the
next.
•
It is the level of fertility needed to keep the population the same (also known was population stabilization) from
generation to generation.
•
The countries with a Total Fertility Rate lower than 2.1, a generation is not producing enough children to replace
itself.
•
Such a situation results in an outright reduction in the population of that country.
What are the key reasons for the decline?
•
Increase in female education levels
•
Postponement of marriage
•
Access to family planning methods / high contraceptive prevalence rate
•
Declining infant mortality rate
•
Declining neonatal mortality rate
•
According to the survey, there are five states with TFR above 2:
20
Key Takeaways of Latest NFHS Survey
b) Meghalaya (2.9)
c)
Uttar Pradesh (2.4)
d) Jharkhand (2.3)
e) Manipur (2.2).
•
In addition, the survey also revealed that the use of condoms in India has increased from 5.6 per cent to 9.5 per cent.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
a) Bihar (3)
•
The occurrence of anaemia among women and children continues to be a cause of concern with more than half of
the children and women, including pregnant women, found to be anaemic in states and UTs.
•
It also revealed that institutional births saw a substantial increase from 79 per cent to 89 per cent at the pan-India
level.
•
With the exception of Punjab, there has been a substantial increase in the Overall Contraceptive Prevalence Rate
(CPR) from 54 per cent to 67 per cent.
•
Uptake of female sterilisation has gone up to 38% against 36% in 2015-16. The increase in female sterilisation
shows that the onus of family planning remains with women, with men not participating in the process and “shrugging
responsibility’’.
{Geo – In News – 2021/12} Topic in News for Prelims
PIB | PIB | TH | TH
It is an ad hoc committee (temporary committee) set up by the GOI in the wake of a natural calamity.
•
At the national level, Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) and National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC)
are the key committees involved in the top-level decision-making w.r.t Disaster Management (DM).
•
It is headed by Cabinet Secretary of GOI (top-most executive official of GOI).
•
On the constitution of NCMC, the Secretaries of other departments must abide by the NCMC’s instructions.
•
NCMC will give directions to the Crisis Management Group of the Home Ministry as deemed necessary.
Functions of NCMC
•
Coordinate the activities of the Central Ministries (Departments of GOI) and the State Governments in relation to dealing with a natural calamity (disaster preparedness and relief).
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
21
National Crisis Management Committee
•
Oversee effective coordination and implementation of relief measures and operations.
•
Review every year Contingency Plans formulated by the Central Ministries/Departments.
•
Review the measures required for dealing with a natural calamity.
PLI Scheme for Semi-Conductors
•
Content: The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs. 76000 crores scheme to boost semiconductor & display manufacturing in the country.
Key features of Program
•
The scheme would provide financial support of upto 50% of the project cost for setting up semiconductor & display
fabrication units.
•
The scheme was aimed at making India a global hub of Electronic System Design & Manufacturing (ESDM).
•
In addition, the centre would work with the states to set up high tech clusters with the necessary infrastructure such as
land 7 semi-conductor grade water.
Components of the Mission
Semiconductor Fabs & Display Fabs
•
This shall extend fiscal support of up-to 50% of project cost top eligible applicants.
•
The government will work closely with the states to establish High Tech Clusters with requisite infrastructure in terms
of land, semiconductor grade water, high quality power, logistics & research.
Semi-Conductor Laboratory
•
The ministry of Electronics & Information Technology will take
Additional Reading: Refer to April CA 2021 (Production Linked Incentive Scheme)
Chillai Kalan or Chillia Kalan is the local name given to 40-day period of harsh winter in Kashmir.
•
It is the coldest part of winter, starting from 21 December to January 29 every year.
•
The weather in valley of Kashmir continues to remain cold with minimum temperatures hovering below the freezing
point.
•
The snow that falls during this time period freezes and lasts longer.
•
It is this snow that adds to the glaciers of the Valley and replenishes the perennial reservoirs that feed the rivers,
streams and lakes in Kashmir during the months of summer.
•
Any snowfall after the chillai kalan does not last long.
•
It is followed by 20-day long Chillai Khurd that occurs between January 30 and February 18.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
22
Chillai Killan
•
After that 10-days long Chillai Bachha which is from February 19 to February 28.
{Geo – LBT – 2021/12} Place in News for Prelims
IE | TH | TH |
Chile
•
Context: The South American country of Chile has formed a Constitution Convention to write a new constitution to
tackle a "climate and ecological emergency."
•
It will also determine the future of a soft, lustrous metal, lithium in the country.
•
Chile is extremely rich in lithium (second-largest lithium producer after Australia) - an essential component of batteries that support almost all modern smart devices.
Lithium Triangle
•
The Lithium Triangle is a region rich in lithium reserves around the borders of Argentina, Bolivia and Chile.
•
The area is thought to hold around 54% of the world's lithium reserves.
•
The Indian Navy has shown interest in the Lithium Triangle as lithium will be required on Li-ION batteries that are
Russia – Ukraine Crisis
•
Context: Tensions between Ukraine and Russia are at their highest in years, with a Russian troop build-up near the
two nations' borders spurring fears that Moscow could launch an invasion in the coming weeks.
What is the Issue?
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
23
planned to be fitted in future submarines.
•
Ukraine & Russia share hundreds of years of cultural, linguistic and familial links.
•
As a part of USSR, Ukraine was the second-most powerful nation after Russia, and was crucial strategically, economically, and culturally.
•
Ever since Ukraine split from the Soviet Union, both Russia and the West have vied for greater influence in the country
in order to keep the balance of power in the region in their favour.
Euromaidan Movement
•
Tensions between Ukraine and Russia, both former Soviet states, escalated in late 2013 over a landmark political and
trade deal with the European Union.
•
Protesters were angry at Ukraine’s then pro-Russia President Viktor Yanukovych’s decision to join the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union instead of the EU.
•
The protests, known as the Euromaidan movement, saw massive clashes between the protesters and security forces
that reached its peak in 2014, and led to the ouster of Yanukovych.
•
Soon after, amid fears of growing Western influence in Ukraine, Russia decided to take action by invading Crimea,
which was a part of Ukraine.
•
Thereafter, Russia faced sanctions from west owing to its action of invading Crimea.
What is the current issue?
•
Russia is keeping the tensions high at the Ukraine border in order to get sanctions relief and other concessions
Also, it is seeking assurances from the US that Ukraine will not be inducted into NATO.
•
However, the US is not prepared to give any such assurance.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
24
from the West.
•
India did not join the Western powers’ condemnation of Russia’s intervention in Crimea and kept a low profile on
25
India’s Stand
•
In 2020, India voted against a Ukraine-sponsored resolution in the United Nations (UN) that condemned alleged
human rights violations in Crimea thereby backing old ally Russia on the issue.
Way Forward
•
A practical solution for the situation is to revive the Minsk peace process.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
the issue.
Minsk Agreements
•
Minsk agreements were signed to stop the ongoing conflict between pro-Russian separatists & Ukraine administration in the Donbas region of Ukraine.
•
Minsk I: Ukraine and the Russian-backed separatists agreed a 12-point ceasefire deal in the capital of Belarus in
September 2014.
•
Minsk II: In 2015, an open conflict was averted after the ‘Minsk II’ peace agreement was signed, under the mediation
of France and Germany.
Mount Semeru Volcano
•
Context: Recently, Mount Semeru volcano of Indonesia erupted which killed at least 14 persons and left dozens injured.
•
Indonesia, with the maximum number of active volcanoes in the world, is prone to seismic upheaval due to its location on the Pacific’s Ring of Fire.
Mount Semeru
•
It is an active volcano in East Java, Indonesia.
•
It is located in a subduction zone, where the Indo-Australian plate subducts under the Eurasia plate.
•
It is the highest mountain on the island of Java.
•
Other Major Volcanoes of Indonesia:
Mount Merapi

Mt. Sinabung
Additional Reading: https://www.pmfias.com/volcanism-andesitic-basaltic-lava-distribution-of-volcanoes/
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
26

Agriculture Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021
{Agri – Crops – 2021/12} Spices Sector in India
PIB | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Crops & Cropping pattern in India
•
Context: Ministry of Agriculture has released the book ‘Spices Statistics at a Glance 2021’.
•
The book is a compendium of all the spices statistics like, area, production, productivity, export, import, price and value of output of various spices produced in the country.
•
The Directorate of Arecanut & Spices Development (DASD) is a nodal agency for collection and compilation of
area and production estimates of spices at National level.
Spices Sector in India
Area Wise
•
Cumin ranks first followed by chilli, coriander, garlic etc.
•
State Wise: Rajasthan occupies the major area under spices owing to seed spices cultivation followed by Gujarat,
Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala etc.
Production
•
Spices production in the country grew from 67.64 lakh tonnes in 2014-15 to 106.79 lakh tonnes in 2020-21 with an
annual growth rate 7.9%.
•
Among spices, garlic ranks first in terms of production followed by Chillies, ginger, turmeric etc.
•
Madhya Pradesh ranks first in terms of production owing to garlic production followed by Rajasthan, Gujarat, Andhra
Export
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
27
Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Assam etc.
•
Spices is the 4th largest export earner among principal agriculture commodities, falling behind only the marine products, non-basmati rice & basmati rice.
Chilli is the largest exported spices in terms of both volume & value in the country.
{Agri – Crops – 2021/12} Turmeric Cultivation in India
DTE | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Major crops & cropping pattern etc.
•
Context: Turmeric native to India, has been studied extensively for its effects against viral diseases in recent decades,
but the COVID 19 pandemic has renewed interest.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
28
•
Turmeric – Indian Saffron
•
Turmeric is an ancient spice derived from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa which is a member of ginger family.
•
It is also known as ‘Golden Spice of India’.
•
It is an important commercial spice crop grown in India and known as “Indian saffron”.
•
It is native to Asia and India.
•
The use of turmeric dates back nearly 4000 years to the Vedic culture in India, where it was used as a culinary spice
and had some religious significance.
Rhizome
It is a stem that creeps and grows horizontally under the ground and produces plant systems such as root and
shoot of a new plant.
•
They are stems and not roots because they have the fundamental features of a stem, such as the presence of internodes, small leaves, buds, and nodes.
•
Rhizomes are specialized forms of stems that can produce new shoots and roots while staying underground.
•
These rhizomes store proteins, nutrients, starches, & glucose to help plants survive unfavourable conditions.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
29
It is used as condiment, dye, drug and cosmetic in addition to its use in religious ceremonies.
•
Climate & Soil
•
It can be grown in diverse tropical conditions from sea level to 1500m above sea level.
•
It requires a temperature range of 20 -35 C with an annual rainfall of 1500 m or more, under rainfed or irrigated conditions.
•
Though it can be grown on different types of soil, it thrives best in well drained sandy or clay loam soils with a pH
range of 4.5 – 7.5 range with good organic status.
Turmeric Production in India
•
India produces 78% of the world’s turmeric.
•
India is a leading producer and exporter of turmeric in the world.
•
The top five turmeric producing states are Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu & Andhra Pradesh.
•
In Tamil Nadu, city of Erode (also known as Yellow City or Turmeric City) is the world’s largest producer of turmeric.
Q. With reference to the current trends in the cultivation of sugarcane in India, consider the
following statements:
1) A substantial saving in seed material is made when bud chip settlings are raised in a nursery and transplanted in the
main field.
2) When direct planting of setts is done, the germination percentage is better with single budded setts as compared to
setts with many buds.
3) If bad weather conditions prevail when sets are directly planted, single budded setts have better survival as compared
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 3 only
c)
1 & 4 only
d) 2,3 & 4 only
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
4) Sugarcane can be cultivated using settlings prepared from tissue culture.
30
to large setts.
31
PIB | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Agricultural Produce & Issues etc.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
{Agri – In News – 2021/12} Situation Assessment of Agricultural Households
(SAAH) Report
•
Context: In its 77th round of survey, conducted during the period 1st January 2019 to 31st December 2019, NSO carried out a survey on “Land and Livestock Holdings of Households and Situation Assessment of Agricultural
Households” in the rural areas (not urban areas) of India with an integrated schedule of enquiry.
•
Survey is conducted by National Statistical Office (NSO) under Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI).
•
Prior to this, Land and Livestock Holding Surveys (LHS) and Situation Assessment Survey (SAS) of Agricultural Households used to be conducted as separate surveys.
Objective of the Survey
•
To know ownership and operational holdings of rural households
•
To know ownership of livestock
•
To estimate the income, productive assets and indebtedness of agricultural households
•
To understand farming practices of agricultural households
Key Findings of Survey
•
The detailed socio-economic data set provides insight into a farmer’s investment behaviour, level of indebtedness
and income earned from various activities.
Who is an Agricultural Household?
•
The survey defines an agricultural household as one who fulfils these two criteria:
1) Receiving more than Rs 4,000 as value of produce from Agri activities (e.g., cultivation of field crops, horticultural crops, fodder crops, plantation, animal husbandry, poultry, fishery, piggery, bee-keeping, vermiculture, sericulture, etc.)
2) Having at least 1 member self-employed in agriculture either in principal status or in subsidiary status during
the last 365 days.
About 87% of the country's total farmers are under Marginal & Small Farmers.
Category
Size Class of Land Possessed (ha.)
Agricultural Households
Marginal
< 0.01
0.6
Marginal
0.01 - 0.40
34.2
Marginal
0.40 - 1.00
35.6
Small
1.01 - 2.00
17.7
Semi - Medium
2.01 - 4.00
8.6
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
32
% Distribution of Agricultural Households by Size of Land
Medium
4.01 - 10.00
2.8
Large
10.00 +
0.4
Income Levels of Farmers
•
In nominal prices, the average monthly income of agricultural households from all sources – wages, leasing out
land, crop production, livestock and non-farm business – has increased from Rs 6,426 during 2012-13 to Rs 10,218
during 2018-19.
•
The report reveals the monthly income of farmers to be the highest in agriculturally advanced states of Punjab and
Haryana & lowest in relatively poorer states – Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh & West Bengal.
Loans
•
The average outstanding loan per agricultural household increased 57.7 per cent to Rs 74,121 in 2018 compared
with Rs 47,000 five years ago in 2013.
•
Of the total loan, only 57.5% was taken for agricultural purposes.
Incidence of indebtedness
•
The incidence of indebtedness was about 35% in rural India as compared to 4% in urban India.
•
8% households were indebted to institutional credit agencies only against 14.5% households in urban India.
•
About 2% of the households were indebted to non-institutional credit agencies only in rural India compared to 4.9%
households in urban India.
Mains Practice: Despite the consistent efforts of government, the status of farmers on various parameters remains bleak as
per the recent NSO’s SAAH Survey Report 2019. Analyse (150 Words)
{Agri – Schemes – 2021/12} Per Drop More Crop component of Pradhan Mantri
Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY-PDMC)
Context: The cabinet has given its approval to extend its umbrella scheme Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna for
another five years till 2026.
Irrigation Status in India
•
Irrigation in India includes a network of major and minor canals from Indian rivers, groundwater well based systems, tanks, and other rainwater harvesting projects for agricultural activities.
•
Irrigation is main consumer of fresh water and more than 90% of groundwater in India.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
33
TH | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Irrigation etc.
•
States with the highest dependency on ground water for irrigation include Punjab (79% of the area irrigated is by
tube-wells and wells), Uttar Pradesh (80%) and Uttarakhand (67%).
•
Out of about 141 million hectare of net area sown in the country, about 65 million hectares (or 45%) is presently
covered under irrigation (remaining 55% per cent is rainfed or monsoon dependent).
•
Substantial dependency on rainfall makes cultivation in unirrigated areas a high risk, less productive profession.
•
Empirical evidences suggest that assured or protective irrigation encourages farmers to invest more in farming
technology and inputs leading to productivity enhancement & increased farm income.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojna
•
It aims to ensure access to some means of protective irrigation to all agricultural farms in the country, to produce
‘per drop more crop’, thus bringing much desired rural prosperity.
•
PMKSY has been formulated amalgamating various schemes like:
1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
2. Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP)
3. On Farm Water Management (OFWM) component of National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture
(NMSA)
•
All the States and Union Territories including North Eastern States are covered under the programme.
•
The National Steering Committee (NSC) of PMKSY under the chairmanship of Prime Minister provides policy direction to programme framework.
•
The National Executive Committee (NEC) under the chairmanship of Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog will oversee the
programme implementation at national level.
The broad objectives of PMKSY include
•
Achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level (preparation of district level and, if required, sub
district level water use plans).
•
Enhance the physical access of water on the farm & expand cultivable area under assured irrigation (Har Khet ko
Integration of water source, distribution and its efficient use, to make best use of water through appropriate technologies and practices.
•
Improve on - farm water use efficiency to reduce wastage and increase availability both in duration and extent.
•
Enhance the adoption of precision - irrigation and other water saving technologies (More crop per drop).
•
Enhance recharge of aquifers and introduce sustainable water conservation practices.
•
Ensure the integrated development of rainfed areas using the watershed approach towards soil and water conservation, regeneration of ground water, arresting runoff, providing livelihood options.
•
Promote extension activities relating to water harvesting, water management and crop alignment for farmers and
grass root level field functionaries.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
34
pani).
•
Explore the feasibility of reusing treated municipal waste water for peri - urban agriculture.
•
Attract greater private investments in irrigation.
Scheme components
•
PMKSY consists of 3 major components implemented by various ministries. They are as follows.
Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare
•
Component: Per Drop More Crop
Department of Water Resources, River Development and Ganga Rejuvenation, Ministry of Jal Shakti
•
Component: Accelerated Irrigation Benefits Programme (AIBP)
•
Component: Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)
a. Sub component: Command Area Development (CAD)
b. Sub component: Surface Minor Irrigation (SMI)
c.
Sub component: Repair, Renovation and Restoration (RRR) of Water Bodies
d. Sub component: Ground Water Development
Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development
•
Component: Watershed Development
Objectives of Components
PMKSY (Per Drop More Crop)
•
Promoting efficient water conveyance and precision water application devices like drips, sprinklers, pivots, rain guns in the farm (Jal Sinchan).
•
Construction of micro irrigation structures to supplement source creation activities including tube wells and dug
wells.
Extension activities for promotion of scientific moisture conservation and agronomic measures including cropping
alignment to maximise use of available water including rainfall and minimise irrigation requirement (Jal Sarankchan);
35
•
•
To focus on faster completion of ongoing Major and Medium Irrigation Projects.
PMKSY (Har Khet ko Pani)
•
Creation of new water sources through Minor Irrigation (both surface and ground water)
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP)
•
Repair, restoration and renovation of water bodies; strengthening carrying capacity of traditional water sources, construction rain water harvesting structures (Jal Sanchay).
Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP)
•
Under HKKP, surface minor irrigation and repair-renovation-restoration of water bodies component of PMKSY is
targeted to provide additional 4.5 lakh hectare irrigation.
•
Ground Water component of HKKP, approved provisionally for 2021-22, targets creation of irrigation potential of
1.52 lakh hectare.
PMKSY (Watershed Development)
•
Effective management of runoff water and improved soil & moisture conservation activities such as ridge area
treatment, drainage line 5 treatment, rain water harvesting, in - situ moisture conservation and other allied activities
on watershed basis.
Major, Medium and Minor Irrigation Projects
•
The methods of irrigation used in India can be broadly classified into major, medium and minor irrigation schemes
depending on area under Culturable Command Area (CCA).
•
Major Projects: CCA > 10,000 hectares.
•
Medium Projects: 2,000 hectares < CCA < 10,000 hectares.
•
Minor Projects: CCA < 2,000 hectares
Major & Medium Projects
•
It comprises a network of dams, bunds, canals and other such schemes.
•
Such projects require substantial financial outlay and are, therefore, constructed by the government or any other
agency which may draw financial assistance form the government and financial institutions.
Minor Projects
It comprises all ground water development schemes such as dug wells, private shallow tube wells, deep public tube
wells, and boring and deepening of dug wells, and small surface water development works such as storage tanks, lift
36
•
•
These schemes are essentially people's programmes implemented primarily through individual and cooperative efforts
with finances obtained mainly through institutional sources.
What is Culturable Command Area?
•
Culturable Command Area is that part of Gross Command Area, which is fit for cultivating crops.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
irrigation projects, etc.
•
Gross Command Area (GCA) includes cultivable land as well as barren land, forests, houses, wasteland, roads etc.
•
So, cultivable area excludes forest and barren land from the Gross Command Area. What is left is uncultivable area.
•
Gross Command Area=Cultivable Command Area + Uncultivable Area
Peri-Urban Areas
•
Peri-urban areas (rurban space, outskirts or the hinterland) are zones of transition from rural to urban.
•
The boundaries of peri-urban areas are porous and transitory.
•
This area is inhabited by the native population—who are normally engaged in agro-based activities, livestock rearing,
and fishing—as well as by a migrant population who pursue non-farm interests.
{Agri – Tech – 2021/12} Drones in Pesticide Application
PIB | Prelims + Mains | GS3 >E – technology in the aid of farmers etc.
•
Context: Agriculture Ministry releases Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for use of drone in pesticide application
The SOP covers like statutory provisions, flying permissions, area distance restrictions, weight classification, overcrowded areas restriction, drone registration, safety insurance, piloting certification, operation plan, air flight zones,
weather conditions, SOPs for pre, post and during operation, emergency handling plan.
Applications of Drone in Agriculture
•
The use of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) commonly known as drones have great potential to revolutionize Indian agriculture and ensure country’s food security.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
37
for crop protection and for spraying soil & crop nutrients.
•
Drones are well-equipped with many features like multi-spectral and photo cameras and can be used in many areas of
agriculture sector such as monitoring crop stress, plant growth, predict yields, deliver props like herbicides, fertilizer and water.
Problems with Traditional Approach
•
The farmers face many problems like unavailability or high cost of labours, health problems by coming in contact with
chemicals (fertilizers, pesticides, etc.) while applying them in the field, bite by insects or animals, etc.
•
In conventional agricultural practices pesticides are sprayed either manually or with the help of tractor mounted
sprayers where high quantity of pesticides and water are used and where a sizeable portion of spray goes waste in environment.
Usage of Drones
•
Traditional methods of soil nutrient analysis give properties of the soil at sample locations only, whereas use of drones
provides properties of entire field in short time.
•
Drones require less amount of water as well as pesticides due to better application and bio efficiency.
•
At least 10 times the more area can be sprayed per day per drone as compared to traditional sprayers.
•
It can be used for assessing the health of any vegetation or crop, field areas inflicted by weeds, infections and pests
and based on this assessment, the exact amounts of chemicals needed to fight these infestations can be applied
thereby optimizing the overall cost for the farmer.
•
Drones were used for the first time in warding off the locust attacks in various states of the country.
•
Drone planting systems have also been developed by many start-ups which allow drones to shoot pods, their seeds
and spray vital nutrients into the soil.
•
It increases consistency and efficiency of crop management, besides reducing the cost.
•
Use of drones in agriculture may also give ample opportunities to provide employment to people in rural areas.
Q. Consider the following activities (UPSC 2020)
3) Collecting breath samples from spouting whales for DNA analysis.
At the present level of technology, which of the above activities can be successfully carried out by using drones?
a) 1 & 2 only
b) 2 & 3 only
c)
1 & 3 only
d) All
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
2) Inspecting the craters of active volcanoes.
38
1) Spraying pesticides on a crop field.
Statutory Provisions Dealing with Drone Usage
•
Ministry of Civil Aviation is the nodal ministry regulating drones in India.
•
The National drone policy has been notified & the Drone Rules 2021 have been made significantly easier for people
and companies in the country to now own and operate drones.
•
Pesticide application through drones is governed through the provisions of Insecticide Rules 1971 & Insecticide Act
1968.
National Drone Policy
Drone Policy 1.0
•
The policy was released in 2018.
•
It clarifies where, when and how drones can operate within India.
•
The policy made flying drones or remotely-piloted aircraft legal in India.
•
It allowed the online registration of drones in India through its Digital Sky portal.
•
It classified drones into 5 different categories of drones as Nano, Micro, Small, Medium, and Large.
•
Nano drones which weigh less than 250 grams or equal does not need a registration or license.
•
However, drones that belong to remaining categories will need to be registered on the Digital Sky portal.
•
Under Drone Policy 1.0, the potential to exploit drones for commercial purposes was limited, for instance, through
Visual Line of Sight (VLOS) requirements.
•
Commercial usage of operations was restricted to within VLOS and to a limit of 400 feet above ground level (AGL),
and the delivery of food through drones was not permitted.
•
Drone Policy 2.0 recommends expanding operations to beyond VLOS and beyond the current limit of 400 feet.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
New forms of air freight permitted
39
Drone Policy 2.0
•
The draft policy is geared at exploiting the commercial potential of drones especially with respect to transport of temperature sensitive commodities like bodily organs, emergency/just-in-time deliveries of life-saving drugs or safe blood
for transfusions and collection of patient specimens for delivery for time-sensitive testing in laboratories.
Proposes development of Infrastructure
•
The draft Drone Policy 2.0 conceives of drone corridors (segregated airspace demarcated by appropriate authorities) to keep commercial UAS operations out of non-segregated airspace in which manned aircraft operate.
•
It is also proposed that UAS Traffic Management (UTM) should be established which would be responsible for managing UAS induced traffic, especially in drone corridors.
•
Further, there should be designated areas known as ‘drone ports’ to facilitate the landing and take-off of drones.
Recommends establishing a Drone Directorate
•
The draft Drone Policy 2.0 recommends establishing a Drone Directorate within the Directorate General of Civil
Aviation (DGCA) as the needs of the nascent drone industry may differ from those of the mature civil aviation industry.
Permits 100% FDI
•
The draft policy proposes 100% FDI under automatic route in UAS and RPAS-based commercial civil aviation services.
•
Under Drone Policy 1.0, there is no mention of FDI.
Insecticide Act 1968
•
The act aims to regulate the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of insecticide with a view to
prevent risk to human beings or animals and for matters connected therewith.
•
Any person desiring to manufacture or to sell, stock or exhibit for sale or distribute any insecticide (or to undertake
commercial pest control operations with the use of any insecticide), may make an application to the Licensing Officer
Whoever uses an insecticide in contravention of any provision of this Act or any rule made therunder shall be punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees.
Central Insecticides Board
•
The board is constituted by central government under Insecticide Act 1968.
•
The board aims to advice the central & state governments on technical matters arising out of the administration of
this Act and to carry out other functions
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
40
for the grant of a licence.
Registration Committee
•
This committee is also constituted under Insecticide Act, 1968 by central Government.
•
It aims to register insecticides (including fungicides and weedicides) after scrutinising their formulae and verifying
claims made by the importer or the manufacturer, as regards their efficiency and safety to human beings and animals
and to perform other functions.
Additional Reading: Drone Rules 2021 (Refer to S&T July 2021 CA) | Pesticides Management Bill 2020 (Refer to
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
41
Env 2021 - 22)
Science and Tech Current Affairs by Pmfias.com – December 2021
{S&T – COVID – 2021/12} CT Value
TOI | IE | Prelims | GS3 > S&T developments and their applications etc.
•
Context: The team of IISc researchers and accompanying experts have proposed to conduct genome sequencing tests
for those reporting positive with a lower CT value to accurately pick out those with higher viral load for immediate
treatment to mitigate COVID-19 spread.
Cycle Threshold Value
•
Ct is a value that emerges during RT-PCR tests, the gold standard for detection of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus.
Process
•
In an RT-PCR test, RNA is extracted from the swab collected from the patient.
•
It is then converted into DNA, which is then amplified.
•
Amplification refers to the process of creating multiple copies of the genetic material — in this case, DNA.
•
This improves the ability of the test to detect the presence of virus.
•
Amplification takes place through a series of cycles – one copy becomes two, two becomes four, and so on.
•
Ct value of an RT-PCR reaction is the number of cycles at which fluorescence of the PCR product is detectable over
and above the background signal.
•
Put simply it refers to the number of cycles after which the virus can be detected.
1) If a higher number of cycles are required, it implies that the virus went undetected when the number of cycles
was lower.
2) The lower the Ct value, the higher the viral load because the virus has been spotted after fewer cycles.
Is there any correlation between a Ct value and severity of disease?

•
Although Ct value is inversely correlated with viral load.
Patient can have a low Ct value, which means her viral load is high enough to be detected rapidly, but she may still be
asymptomatic.
{S&T – COVID – 2021/12} Herd Immunity
HT | IE | Prelims | GS3 > S&T developments and their applications etc.
•
42
No there is no correlation between Ct value and severity of disease.
Context: In several metros where serosurveys showed high immunity levels, Covid cases are still surging.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
What is Herd Immunity?
•
It is also known as ‘population immunity’ and ‘community immunity’.
•
It is when a population develops indirect protection from an infectious disease as a result of the majority of the
population becoming immune.
•
This immunity can be achieved through vaccination or through mass exposure to a particular illness.
•
The World Health Organisation does not recommend attempting to achieve herd immunity through allowing an infection to work its way through the population, arguing that such an approach leads to unnecessary illness and death.
How does herd immunity work?
•
The basic theory behind it is that if a certain percentage of the population is immune, members of that group can no
longer infect another person.
•
This breaks the chain of infection through the community (“herd”), and prevents it from reaching those who are the
most vulnerable.
•
To estimate the extent of spread and immunity, epidemiologists use a measure called the ‘basic reproductive number’ (R0).
•
This indicates how many persons will be infected when exposed to a single case;

An R0 of more than 1 indicates one person can spread the infection to multiple persons.
What percentage of the population needs to be immune?
•
The question of when ‘herd immunity’ will be achieved is a complex one.
•
It varies from disease to disease.
•
The more contagious the disease, the larger a slice of the population must be immune to stop the transmission chain.

Measles, for example, is highly contagious and requires 94% of a population to be immune in order for ‘herd
immunity’ to be achieved.

When do we know that a population has achieved herd immunity?
•
•
43
The rise of COVID-19 variants has further complicated the question of herd immunity.
It depends on multiple factors:
1.
How effective the vaccine for a given disease is?
2.
How long-lasting immunity is from both vaccination and infection.
3.
Which populations form critical links in transmission of the disease.
Mathematically, it is defined on the basis of a number called “herd immunity threshold”, which is the number of
immune individuals above which a disease may no longer circulate.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
Some scientists had initially pegged herd immunity for COVID-19 as low as 60-70% of the population.
1.
The higher the R0, the higher the percentage of the population that has to be immunised to achieve herd
immunity.
Why is herd immunity as a strategy against COVID-19 questionable?
•
It is very risky to seek herd immunity by allowing a large proportion of the population to get infected.
•
Such a strategy at this stage, experts have underlined, would be based on many unknowns and variables.
1.
To begin with, much about the behavior of the pathogen is still unclear.
2.
There isn’t enough statistically significant data to estimate conclusively how many persons can get the virus from
a single infected person.
3.
It can take months or longer to build group immunity to COVID-19. During that time, the need is to protect people who are at greater risk; the numbers so far indicate that people above 55, especially those with co-morbidities
like cardiovascular disease and hypertension, are the most vulnerable.
4.
Lastly, we still don’t know whether one can become immune to the virus. Nor is it clear whether a person who develops immunity will remain permanently immune.
Mains Practice: Illuminate the factors on which herd immunity depends as well as the means to achieve it. (150 Words)
{S&T – Defence – 2021/12} India’s Missiles
IE | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Defence
Type
Range
Astra
air-to-air
80 km
Trishul
surface-to-air
9 km
Akash
30 km
Prithvi Air Defence (PAD)
2000 km
Nag
surface-to-surface Anti-tank missile
4 km
Prahaar
surface-to-surface
SRBM
150 km
BrahMos
land, naval, air
Supersonic Cruise Missile
300 km
Nirbhay
land, naval, air
Subsonic Cruise Missile
1000 km
K-15 Sagarika
underwater-to-surface
SLBM
700 km
Dhanush
sea-to-sea/surface
SRBM
350 km
Shaurya
surface-to-surface
SLBM
1900
Name
Features
Astra
•
Astra is a beyond-visual-range (BVR) air-to-air missile (AAM).
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Name
44
India’s Missiles
•
In terms of size and weight, the Astra is the smallest missile developed by the DRDO.
•
It was envisaged to intercept and destroy enemy aircraft at supersonic speeds.
Trishul
•
Used as anti-sea skimmer (to fly low to avoid radar) from ships against low-flying attacks.
Akash
•
It has the capability to "neutralize aerial targets like fighter jets, cruise missiles and air-to-surface
missiles" as well as ballistic missiles.
PAD
•
Anti-ballistic missile developed to intercept incoming ballistic missiles outside the atmosphere
(exo-atmospheric).
Nag
•
3rd generation anti-tank ‘fire and forget’ guided missile (lock-on before launch system) where
the target is identified and designated before the weapon is launched.
Prahaar
•
High maneuverability.
•
Primarily a battlefield support system for the Army.
•
It is a supersonic cruise missile developed as a joint venture between Indian and Russia.
•
It is the fastest supersonic cruise missile in the world.
•
It is the world's fastest anti-ship cruise missile in operation.
Nirbhay
•
Subsonic missile which is ancillary (providing necessary support) to the BrahMos range.
K-15 Sagarika
•
It forms the crucial third leg of India’s nuclear deterrent vis-à-vis its submarine-launched ballistic
BrahMos
missile (SLBM) capability.
Shaurya
Prithvi
It was subsequently integrated with India’s nuclear-powered Arihant class submarine.
•
It is capable of carrying nuclear warheads.
•
It carries forward the legacy of the K-15 Sagarika.
•
Surface-to-surface ballistic missile (SSM) variant of the K-15 Sagarika.
•
The nuclear capability of the missile enhances India’s second strike capability.
•
It reduces the dependence on the K-15 which was built with Russian assistance.
•
All the Prithvi variants are surface-to-surface SRBMs.
•
Prithvi I - Army version - 150 – 1000 km
•
Prithvi II - Air force version - 350 – 500 km
•
Prithvi III - Naval version - 600 – 1000 km
45
Agni Missiles
Type
Range
Payload in kg
Agni-I
MRBM
700 – 900 km
1,000
Agni-II
MRBM
2,000 – 3,000 km
750 – 1,000
Agni-III
IRBM
3,500 – 5,000 km
2,000 – 2,500
Agni-IV
IRBM
3,000 – 4,000 km
800 – 1,000
Agni-V
ICBM
5,000 – 8,000 km (Testing)
1,500 (3 – 10 MIRV)
Name
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Dhanush
•
8,000 – 10,000 km (Under development)
1,000 (10 MIRV)
46
ICBM
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Agni-VI
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
47
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
48
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
49
Anti-satellite weapons (ASAT)
•
ASAT is the technological capability to hit and destroy satellites in space through missiles launched from the
The technology is aimed at destroying, if necessary, satellites owned by enemy countries.
•
With large number of crucial applications being satellite-based, satellites are extremely critical infrastructure of any
country these days.
•
Some of them include navigation systems, communication networks, banking systems, weather forecasting, disaster
management, and military applications.
•
Destroying a satellite would render these applications useless.
•
It can thus cripple enemy infrastructure without causing any threat to human lives.
Mission Shakti
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
50
ground.
•
India is the fourth country to carry out an anti-satellite missile test.
•
A missile was launched & it struck a predetermined target which was a redundant Indian satellite that was orbiting
at a distance of 300 km from the Earth’s surface.
Suggested reading: Ballistic Missile vs. Cruise Missile, India’s Missile Systems, IGMDP
{S&T – In News – 2021/12} Topics in News for Prelims
TH | TH | Source1 | IE | Source1 | IE
Study of Distant Magnetar Stars
•
Context: An international group of researchers has succeeded in measuring for the first time the characteristics of a
flare on a distant magnetar.
What is a Magnetar?
•
As per NASA, a Magnetar is a neutron star.
•
Magnetar: The crushed, city-size remains of a star many times more massive than our Sun.
•
The magnetic field of such a star is immensely powerful, which can be thousand times stronger than a typical
neutron star.
•
Neutron stars are formed when the core of a massive star undergoes gravitational collapse when it reaches
the end of its life.
•
This results in the matter being so tightly packed that even a sugar-cube sized amount of material taken from such
a star weighs more than 1 billion tons, which is about the same as the weight of Mount Everest.
•
Magnetars are a subclass of these neutrons and occasionally release flares with more energy in a fraction of a second than the Sun is capable of emitting in tens of thousands of years.
Tundra Satellite
Context: Russia on Thursday successfully placed into orbit a military satellite believed to be part of the Kremlin’s early
warning anti-missile system. This launch could be delivering a Tundra satellite.
51
•
•
Tundra, also known as EKS or Unified Space System (USS).
•
It is a constellation of Missile Early Warning Satellites established by Russia between 2015 and 2020 to close a gap
in space-based missile tracking capabilities.
•
These satellites carry a secure emergency communications payload to be used in case of a nuclear war.
What are Tundra Orbits?
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
What are Tundra Satellites?
•
The Tundra orbit is a special type of Geosynchronous Orbit which is highly inclined from the Earth's equator.
•
A Tundra orbit is also elliptical such that the satellite spends more time North of the equator than South of it.
What are Molniya Orbits?
•
It is a highly elliptical orbit with an inclination of 63.4 degrees, an argument of perigee of 270 degrees, and an orbital
period of approximately half a sidereal day.
•
Molniya Orbit is a type of satellite orbit designed to provide communications and remote sensing coverage over
high latitudes.
•
The name comes from the Molniya satellites, a series of Soviet/Russian civilian and military communications satellites
INS Vela
•
Context: Vela, the fourth submarine of P75 of the Indian Navy was commissioned by Navy.
About Vela
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
Suggested Reading: https://www.pmfias.com/keplers-laws-satellite-orbits-pslv-gslv/
52
which have used this type of orbit since the mid-1960s.
•
Vela is a diesel-electric powered attack submarine, designed to act as “sea denial” as well as “access denial” warfare to the adversary.
•
The submarine can engage in offensive operations across the entire spectrum of naval warfare, including anti-surface
warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.
What are the weapons on Vela?
•
The submarine is equipped with C303 anti torpedo countermeasure system, and can carry up to 18 torpedoes or Exocet anti-ship missiles or 30 mines in place of torpedoes.
What is Sea Denial?
•
It is a military term describing attempts to deny the enemy's ability to use the sea.
•
Sea control and sea denial are not mutually opposing, but whereas the object of sea control is to use the sea for
oneself, the object of sea denial seeks to deny the enemy effective use of the sea.
Under this project, the Indian Navy intends to acquire six diesel-electric submarines.
•
It will feature advanced air-independent propulsion systems to enable them to stay submerged for longer duration
and substantially increase their operational range.
•
•
The vessels in the class are INS Kalvari, INS Khanderi, INS Karanj, INS Vela & INS Vagsheer.
1)
Kalvari means Tiger Shark.
2)
Vagir has been named after a Sand Fish, a predatory marine species.
3)
Khanderi has been named after an Island Fort built by Chhatrapati Shivaji, which played a key role in his Navy.
4)
Karanj has also been named after an Island located South of Mumbai.
India currently operates:

1 submarine each in nuclear powered Classes of Chakra and Arihant &

14 submarines belonging to three classes of Diesel Electric category — Kalvari, Shishumar and Sindhughosh.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
53
Project 75
What has been the progress so far?
•
After Kalvari, two more submarines under the contract, INS Khanderi and INS Karanj, were commissioned. Vela is the
fourth, and sea trials are ongoing for Vagir, while the sixth, Vagsheer, is under construction.
Mission Indradhanush
•
Context: Recently PM has talked about the importance of Mission Indradhanush in his speech.
Brief Background
•
Immunization Programme in India was introduced in 1978 as ‘Expanded Programme of Immunization’ (EPI) by the
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
•
In 1985, the Programme was modified as ‘Universal Immunization Programme’ (UIP) to be implemented in phased
manner to cover all districts in the country by 1989-90 with the one of largest health Programme in the world.
•
Despite being operational for many years, UIP has been able to fully immunize only 65% children in the first year of
their life.
•
To strengthen and re-energize the Programme & achieve full immunization coverage for all children and pregnant
women at a rapid pace “Mission Indradhanush” was launched in 2014.
Goal of Mission Indradhanush
•
The ultimate goal of Mission Indradhanush is to ensure full immunization with all available vaccines for children up
to two years of age and pregnant women.
Intensified Mission Indradhanush
•
To further intensify the immunization Programme Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI) was launched in
2017.
•
It aims to reach each and every child up to two years of age & all those pregnant women who have been left uncovered under the routine immunization Programme/UIP.
(652 blocks) in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar among hard-to-reach and tribal populations.
Additional reading: Universal Immunization Programme (October Month S&T CA)
NASA’s IXPE Mission
•
Context: NASA launched a new mission named Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer or IXPE.
•
IXPE observatory is a joint effort of NASA and the Italian Space Agency.
•
The mission will study supernova remnants, supermassive black holes, and dozens of other high-energy objects.
54
The IMI 2.0 aims to achieve targets of full immunization coverage in 272 districts in 27 States and at block level
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
{S&T – Persons of Interest – 2021/12} Role Played by Indian Scientists in Freedom
Struggle
PIB | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Achievements of Indians etc,
•
Context: In a recent event Ministry of Science & Technology remembered the important role played by Indian scientist in freedom struggle movement.
•
There is a general perception in the country that India’s freedom struggle was mainly political and economic with
some social aspects associated with it, even as there was a freedom movement going on in the arena of science too
and scientists played an important role in it.
Dr Mahendralal Sircar
•
He was a successful medical practitioner and a science enthusiast who rose against the sheer injustice by Britishers
and pledged to establish a swadeshi scientific institution.
•
With the help of fellow Indians, he established an Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS) in 1876,
which was ‘solely native and purely national’.
•
IACS was the first national science association of India.
•
It was a beginning of science movement with a swadeshi spirit that stirred up genius young minds.
Sir Jagadish Chandra Bose, a biologist, physicist, botanist and an early writer of science fiction.
•
He was a first non-white scientist who created radiant imprints in the domain of modern science driven with a nationalistic spirit.
•
He is known as the first Indian scientist of the modern era.
•
Upon his return to India from England (1884), he confronted injustice and racial discrimination.
•
Refusing to submit to this oppression, Bose initiated a struggle with protest, a satyagraha.
•
In 1895, he made a ground-breaking discovery through which he pioneered wireless communication in the history
of modern science.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
•
55
Jagdish Chandra Bose
Acharya Prafulla Chandra Ray
•
He was an eminent Bengali chemist, educationist, historian, industrialist and philanthropist.
•
He is regarded as the father of chemical science in India.
•
He established the 1st modern Indian research school in chemistry (post classical age).
•
To raise the diminishing spirit of Indians he wrote the book, History of Hindu Chemistry highlighting the remarkable
development of chemistry in India from early times.
•
In a similar vein, to cultivate self-confidence in the hearts of countrymen to achieve self-reliance, he successfully estab-
{S&T – Space – 2021/12} Gaganyaan Mission
PIB | Prelims + Mains | GS3 > Achievements of Indians | GS3 > Awareness in field of Space etc.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
56
lished a first science-based swadeshi industry, the Bengal Chemical and Pharmaceutical Works, in 1901.
•
Context: The ambitious Indian Human Spaceflight Mission got slightly delayed due to COVID restrictions.
Gaganyaan
•
It is the 1st human space flight programme of ISRO.
•
The objective of Gaganyaan programme is to demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake human space flight
mission to low earth orbit using GSLV-Mk III launch vehicle.
•
India has signed agreements with Russia & France for cooperation on the Gaganyaan mission.
•
It will lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme in the long run.
•
The total cost of Gaganyaan Programme ~ ₹ 9023.00 crores
•
India will become the 4th nation in the world to launch a Human Spaceflight Mission after USA, Russia and China.
•
This mission consists of 2 unmanned missions (G1 & G2) and one manned mission (G3).
•
The uncrewed missions are for technology demonstration, safety and reliability verification and will be heavily instrumented to study the performance of systems before crewed flight.
•
This crewed orbital spacecraft is expected to carry 3 peoples into space for 7 days.
What are the latest deadlines?
•
As per the ministry, test vehicle flight for the validation of Crew Escape System performance & 1st Uncrewed mission of Gaganyaan (G1) are scheduled during the beginning of 2nd half of 2022.
•
This will be followed by 2nd Uncrewed mission (G2) at the end of 2022 carrying “Vyommitra”.
•
In the end, the 1st crewed mission in 2023 (not 2022).
What are the new technologies required for Gaganyaan programme?
•
The major new technologies required for Gaganyaan programme are as follows:
1. Human rated launch vehicle
2. Crew escape systems
3. Habitable orbital module
5. Crew selection and training and associated crew management activities
57
4. Life support system
•
Human rated launch vehicle is the certification of a spacecraft or launch vehicle that is capable of safely transporting
humans.
•
Human rating is the thorough process that consists of many variables being taken into account to safely design, build
and launch a crewed spacecraft and return that spacecraft, and its crew safely to the earth.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
What is Human Rate Launch Vehicle?
•
The process begins at program inception and continues throughout the life cycle of the program and includes: design
and development; test and verification; program management and control; flight readiness certification; mission operations; sustaining engineering; maintenance, upgrades, and disposal.
Human Space Flight Centre
•
It comes under ISRO.
•
It aims to coordinate Indian Human Spaceflight Programme.
•
It is an agency responsible for Ganganyaan Project.
Vyommitra
•
It means Space friend.
•
It is a female-looking spacefaring humanoid robot being developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation to
function on-board the Gaganyaan, a crewed orbital spacecraft.
•
It will accompany Indian astronauts in space missions and will also be a part of uncrewed experimental Gaganyaan missions prior to the crewed spaceflight missions.
•
ISRO aims not to fly animals onboard experimental missions unlike other nations that have carried out human space
flight. Instead, it will fly humanoid robots for a better understanding.
•
It can perform microgravity experiments, monitor module parameters, and support astronauts in crewed missions
by simulating functions exactly like human.
•
It is programmed to speak Hindi and English and perform multiple tasks.
•
It can mimic human activity, recognize other humans, and respond to their queries.
•
Technically, it can perform environment control and life support systems functions, handle switch panel opera-
Challenges for Astronauts
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
58
tions, and give environmental air pressure change warnings.
•
The astronauts will have to adapt to the change in gravitational field.
•
The change in gravity affects hand-eye & head-eye coordination.
•
Bones may lose minerals adding to the risk of osteoporosis related fractures.
•
Lack of exercise & improper diet make them lose muscle strength & cause develop vision problems.
•
Once they are in space, astronauts will receive over 10 times more radiation than what people are subjected to on
earth.
•
It can cause cancer, nervous system damage & trigger nausea, vomiting, & anorexia & fatigue.
•
Without pressure, human blood heats up.
•
Despite the training, behavioural issues may crop up due to isolation leading to depression.
Mains Practice: What is the importance of Gaganyaan mission to India? Discuss various challenges related to the mission.
PMF IAS – Learn Smart
59
(250 words)