July 6, 2023 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
NATO and NATO Plus | Explained
In this explained section, delve into the ongoing debates surrounding NATO's expansion and the proposed NATO Plus framework. Explore the arguments criticizing NATO's actions, its evolution beyond its original North Atlantic focus, and the potential implications of including additional countries in NATO Plus. Examine various perspectives on global security and strategic relationships, and get a comprehensive analysis of this complex and significant topic.
Highlights of the Day
1. ISRO Integrates Chandrayaan-3 with Launch Vehicle, Prepares for India's Third Moon Mission:
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is preparing to launch Chandrayaan-3, the country's third moon mission. The spacecraft has been integrated with the Launch Vehicle Mark-III (LVM3) at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota. Chandrayaan-3 aims to demonstrate the capability for safe landing and roving on the lunar surface. It comprises a lander module (LM), a propulsion module (PM), and a rover, equipped with scientific payloads to conduct experiments and in-situ chemical analysis on the moon's surface. The PM will carry the LM to the lunar orbit and separate from it. Like its predecessor, Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 will perform orbital maneuvers before landing on the moon. The lander has been enhanced with additional fuel and equipment, and it will follow the same trajectory and land at the same site as Chandrayaan-2 [1].
2. Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS): A Measure to Regulate Food Grain Supply and Curb Inflation:
The Open Market Sale Scheme (OMSS) is a program implemented by the Food Corporation of India (FCI) to sell surplus food grains from the central pool, primarily wheat and rice, in the open market. The scheme aims to regulate the domestic supply and availability of these grains, particularly during the lean season, and mitigate food grain inflation. The FCI conducts e-auctions to sell specified quantities at predetermined prices to traders, bulk consumers, and retail chains. States also have the option to procure grains through OMSS for distribution beyond their central pool allocations. Recently, the Centre revised the OMSS by restricting the quantity per bid to accommodate more small buyers and break monopolies. The discontinuation of OMSS grain sales to states aims to control inflation and meet the FCI's food security obligations. Some states have criticized this move, citing its impact on their welfare schemes and the need to find alternative sources for grain procurement [2].
3. Cabinet Committee Approves PM-PRANAM Scheme and Sugarcane Price Hike:
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has given approval to the PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness, Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother Earth) scheme, which aims to promote the use of nutrient-based biofertilizers for sustainable agriculture. The scheme involves the participation of state governments and offers incentives to those states adopting alternative fertilizers. The CCEA also announced a ₹10 per quintal increase in the Fair and Remunerative Price (FRP) of sugarcane for the 2023-24 season. Additionally, the continuation of the urea subsidy scheme was approved to ensure a constant supply of urea to farmers at the same price. The government aims to increase the use of nano urea and promote organic fertilizers from Gobardhan plants to address crop residue management challenges and provide an additional income source for farmers. The sugarcane price hike and other measures are expected to benefit farmers and reduce arrears [3].
4. African Cheetahs to be Shifted from Kuno National Park to Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh:
Officials plan to relocate African cheetahs from Kuno National Park (KNP) in Madhya Pradesh, India, to the Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary in the same state. The move follows the Cheetah Action Plan, which aims to identify new cheetah habitats. A team of experts has developed a detailed plan for monitoring and ensuring the survival of the cheetahs. Gandhi Sagar Sanctuary, located about a five to six-hour drive from Kuno, is being prepared to house the cheetahs in an enclosure over 60-70 square kilometers. The decision to relocate the cheetahs comes after the Supreme Court's directive to distribute them over a wider geographic range and following recent incidents of cheetah deaths at KNP [4].
5. Panchayat Development Index (PDI) Measures Progress of Panchayats towards Sustainable Development Goals:
The Ministry of Panchayati Raj has introduced the Panchayat Development Index (PDI) to evaluate and measure the progress of Panchayats (local self-governance bodies) in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The PDI is a computation score based on local indicators and data points related to the nine themes of the SDGs. It provides a baseline for Panchayats to set local targets and develop action plans for thematic Gram Panchayat Development. The PDI encourages Panchayats to take concerted actions and build institutional mechanisms to achieve development goals at the grassroots level [5].
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Which organization is responsible for implementing the Open Market Sale Scheme?
a) Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
b) Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)
c) Food Corporation of India (FCI)
d) Indian Council of Food and Agriculture (ICFA)
Q2: The concept of "Gram Sabha" in Panchayati Raj refers to:
a) Village-level meetings of elected representatives
b) Annual budget discussions at the Gram Panchayat
c) The general body of registered voters in a village
d) A committee of village elders advising the Panchayat President
Q3: Which national park is located in the state of Madhya Pradesh and is known for its population of Royal Bengal Tigers?
A) Periyar National Park
B) Sariska National Park
C) Bandipur National Park
D) Kanha National Park
Q4: Which government agency is responsible for fixing the Minimum Support Price (MSP) for various agricultural commodities in India?
A) Food Corporation of India (FCI)
B) Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
C) National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED)
D) Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP)
Q5: Which of the following statements about the Governor of a state in India is incorrect?
A) The Governor is appointed by the President of India.
B) The Governor can exercise discretionary powers in certain situations.
C) The Governor can override the decisions of the State Council of Ministers.
D) The Governor can dissolve the State Legislative Assembly in case of a constitutional breakdown.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Explain the role of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) in promoting grassroots democracy, rural development, and localizing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in India. Discuss the challenges PRIs face in fulfilling their functions and propose measures to enhance their institutional capacity for inclusive and sustainable development. (Word limit: 250 words)
Note: This is a broad-based question that requires a comprehensive analysis and critical evaluation of the role of PRIs. Candidates are expected to provide a well-structured answer with relevant examples and insights.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
What we see matters
Some insightful observations from past UPSC papers:
International Monetary Fund (IMF) is an international financial institution that monitors global financial risks and ensures financial stability. Questions related to the working of the IMF have been repeatedly asked in UPSC Prelims every other year.
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