Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Economic development

Topic: Infrastructure Development.

Issue: Infrastructure Development.

Context: Union Minister Nitin Gadkari announces greenfield corridor and inaugurates national highway projects in Kerala, emphasizing improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and positive impacts on tourism and economic growth.

Synopsis:

Key feature:

• The 121-km NH 966 Kozhikode-Palakkad project at an estimated cost of ₹10,371 crore, reducing travel time between Palakkad and Kozhikode.
• Other major schemes in the corridor project include NH 744 Kollam-Sengottai route, Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road, SH1/NH 183 Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi stretch, Kutta Malappuram Economic Corridor, and NH-544 Angamali-Kundanur stretch.
• Gadkari emphasizes the positive impact of the Mumbai-Kanyakumari corridor, spanning 1,619 km, with 644 km in Kerala at a cost of ₹60,999 crore.
• Another crucial project mentioned is the Tuticorin to Cochin corridor, covering 443 km, with Package 1 of 42 km already completed.
• Gadkari praises the Kerala government, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, and Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas for overcoming land acquisition challenges.
• Centre’s commitment to fast-tracking projects, addressing land acquisition challenges, and anticipating significant benefits for Kerala’s development and economic growth.

Conclusion: Infrastructure initiatives in Kerala signal progress, emphasizing reduced travel time and enhanced connectivity. The collaborative efforts promise economic growth and a transformative impact on tourism.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Indian Economy

Topic: Issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context: India’s real GDP growth in 2023-24 is estimated at 7.3%, compared to 7.2% a year ago, as per the National Statistical Office (NSO).

Highlights:

• Estimates pegs nominal GDP growth at 8.9% compared to the 10.5% Budget estimate.
• Possibility of fiscal deficit breaching the year’s 5.9% of GDP target and hit around 6%.
• Share of private final consumption expenditure in GDP is expected to drop this year to the lowest in at least three years at 56.9% from 58.5% in 2022-23.
• Investment rate is likely to pick up to nearly 30% of GDP

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-II

Subject: International Relations

Topic: India & Its Neighbourhood Policy

Issue: Shifting Foreign Policy Of Maldives.

Context: New Maldives President Muizzu’s China visit raises concerns for India due to shifting foreign policy, military withdrawal, and closer China ties.

Synopsis:

Maldives Foreign Policy Implications for India:

1. The decision by President Muizzu to visit China before India marks a departure from the traditional sequence of visits by Maldivian leaders.
2. This shift raises concerns in India about a potential reorientation of the Maldives’ foreign policy towards greater alignment with China.

Recent Developments :

3. President Muizzu’s request for the withdrawal of 77 Indian military personnel from the Maldives is a matter of concern for India. The presence of Indian military personnel in the Maldives has historically been part of defense and security cooperation agreements between the two countries.
4. The decision to review more than 100 bilateral agreements with India suggests a reevaluation of the overall relationship. This move creates uncertainties about the future trajectory of diplomatic, economic, and security ties between India and the Maldives.
5. Cancellation of Hydrographic Survey Agreement: The announcement of plans to drop a hydrographic survey agreement with India is another significant concern for India. Such agreements are essential for maritime security and cooperation, especially in the strategically important Indian Ocean region.
6. Strained Political Relations: The fallout between President Muizzu and his predecessor, Abdullah Yameen, who had close ties with China, adds a layer of complexity to the political dynamics in the Maldives. This internal political discord may impact the country’s external relationships and influence its foreign policy decisions.
7. the new Maldivian Vice President participated in a China-sponsored forum and praised Chinese infrastructure projects raises concerns about China’s increasing influence in the region.
8. This influence, particularly through initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), could have geopolitical implications in the Indian Ocean.

The Maldives holds strategic importance for India due to its proximity and location along crucial commercial sea lanes in the Indian Ocean. Any shift in the Maldives’ foreign policy that distances it from India could have strategic implications for India’s security and geopolitical interests in the region. 

Background

India – Maldives

Conclusion: The evolving political and diplomatic landscape in the Maldives, including the changing foreign policy dynamics and the growing influence of China, raises concerns for India regarding its strategic interests, security cooperation, and historical ties with the Maldives.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Science & Technology

Topic: Achievements of Indians in science & technology

Issue: ISRO’s Fuel Cell

Context: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved a milestone by testing a fuel cell in space, utilizing hydrogen and oxygen to generate 180W of power.

Synopsis:

• The fuel cell, sent aboard the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) on January 1, produces heat and water as byproducts, making it suitable for human space missions.
• The fuel cell is a precursor to the future power systems for space stations, aligning with India’s goal of establishing a space station in low Earth orbit by 2035.
• The zero-emission cells demonstrated potential applications on Earth, possibly replacing vehicle engines. Another Silicon-based cell showcased during the mission offers a low-cost and lighter alternative to current cells.
• ISRO plans to incorporate these fuel cells in upcoming operational missions, anticipating a notable 35-40% battery mass saving. The cells’ resilience in harsh space environments was validated during the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM) flight.
• The fuel cell tests were part of 10 experiments on the January 1 PSLV launch, which included a radiation shielding experiment, an amateur radio, and three propulsion systems by space start-ups.

Background:

What Is POEM?

• POEM (PSLV Orbital Experimental Module) is an experimental mission by ISRO that performs in-orbit scientific experiments during the fourth stage of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) launch vehicle as an orbital platform.
• POEM has a dedicated Navigation Guidance and Control (NGC) system for attitude stabilization, which stands for controlling the orientation of any aerospace vehicle within permitted limits. The NGC will act as the platform’s brain to stabilize it with specified accuracy.

Conclusion: ISRO’s successful flight test of a 100W fuel cell, emitting only water, marks a significant step towards efficient power production in space and holds promise for emission-free transportation and space missions.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus: GS-III

Subject: Science &Technology

Topic: Functioning of the Executive —Ministries and Departments of the Government.

Issue: Merging of Schemes.

Context: The PRITHVI initiative, approved by the Union Cabinet in India, allocates Rs. 4,797 crores over five years for holistic earth sciences research, fostering international collaboration and disaster prediction capabilities.

Top of FormSynopsis:

The “PRITHvi VIgyan (PRITHVI)” scheme of the Ministry of Earth Sciences is set to be implemented from 2021-2026.

AIMS: To improve the understanding of Earth System Sciences and enhance capabilities in predicting and managing natural disasters by integrating research efforts across different MoES institutes.

Sub-Schemes: PRITHVI encompasses five ongoing sub-schemes:

1. Atmosphere & Climate Research-Modelling Observing Systems & Services (ACROSS)
2. Ocean Services, Modelling Application, Resources and Technology (O-SMART)
3. Polar Science and Cryosphere Research (PACER)
4. Seismology and Geosciences (SAGE)
5. Research, Education, Training and Outreach (REACHOUT)

Objective:

• Aims to approach earth system sciences holistically, treating various components (atmosphere, hydrosphere, geosphere, cryosphere, and biosphere) as an interconnected unit.
• Provide reliable services for weather forecasts, warnings, and alerts for natural disasters.
• Strengthen India’s capabilities in predicting and managing natural disasters for societal, environmental, and economic benefits.
• PRITHVI initiative enables cross-disciplinary projects by consolidating funds allocated to separate verticals. This approach fosters integrated research efforts and facilitates ease of doing research.
• The Ministry of Earth Sciences can now award research projects to overseas institutes under PRITHVI, expanding collaboration beyond national boundaries.

Conclusion: The PRITHVI initiative, demonstrates India’s commitment to advancing Earth System Sciences, disaster prediction, and international collaboration for holistic research and societal benefits.

Source: Indian Express