February 22, 2024 | Your One-Stop Solution for Daily Preparation
Nuclear Power in India | Explained
As a rapidly developing nation, India seeks to balance economic progress with environmental responsibility. One avenue for achieving this goal lies within the realm of nuclear power, which plays a vital role in supplying clean energy and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. With 22 operational nuclear power reactors and an installed capacity of 6,780 Megawatt electric (MWe), India is poised to enhance its nuclear energy capabilities even further.
Highlights of the Day
1.Indian Cabinet Approves Major Reforms: 100% FDI in Space Sector and Investments in Flood Management and Women's Safety
The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved significant amendments to the Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) policy in the space sector, allowing 100% FDI to attract investors. The amended policy permits up to 74% FDI automatically for satellite activities and up to 49% for launch vehicles, with 100% for manufacturing components. The move aims to enhance private sector involvement, generate employment, and integrate Indian companies globally. Additionally, the Cabinet sanctioned the ₹4,100-crore Flood Management and Border Areas Programme and continued the "Safety of Women" scheme with ₹1,179.72 crore for 2021-22 to 2025-26, focusing on helplines, cyber forensic labs, and training to prevent crimes[1].
2.ISRO Achieves Human-Rating for CE20 Cryogenic Engine, Advances Towards Gaganyaan Mission
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) achieved a significant milestone in its Gaganyaan mission by human-rating the CE20 cryogenic engine, crucial for the LVM3 launch vehicle. The final ground qualification tests, including rigorous demonstrations and performance assessments, were successfully completed on February 13. Four CE20 engines underwent 39 hot firing tests, exceeding the minimum human rating qualification standard. Additionally, ISRO completed acceptance tests for the flight engine designated for the first unmanned Gaganyaan mission, scheduled tentatively for Q2 2024. The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate human spaceflight by launching a three-member crew for a 3-day mission[2].
3. India and China Emphasize Disengagement in 21st Round of Military Talks for Border Normalization
India and China held their 21st round of military talks, emphasizing the need for complete disengagement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh to restore normalcy. Discussions at the Chushul-Moldo border focused on easing tensions and restoring peace. Both sides committed to maintaining communication and tranquility while discussing confidence-building measures. Friction points, including Depsang Plains and Demchok, were addressed, but no concrete decisions were made on troop levels or limiting construction activities. The possibility of another round of talks before summer, considering fresh troop deployment, was mentioned. The last formal disengagement occurred in September 2022[3].
4. Indian Government Allocates ₹20 Crore Annual Fund to Aid Impoverished Prisoners
The Union government allocates an annual fund of ₹20 crore to aid financially constrained prisoners nationwide under the "Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme." The Ministry of Home Affairs urges States and Union Territories to utilize the funds to assist impoverished prisoners who struggle to pay fines or obtain bail. Launched in May, the scheme aims to alleviate overcrowding in prisons and help socially disadvantaged or low-income individuals rejoin society as responsible citizens. The Ministry emphasizes the need for prompt committee constitution at the district and headquarters levels. However, some states have yet to confirm committee formation, prompting urgent action from authorities[4].
5. Morgan Stanley Predicts India's Economic Growth to Slow to 6.5% in FY 2025
Morgan Stanley predicts a slowdown in India's economic growth to 6.5% in FY 2025, down from the forecasted 6.9% in FY 2024. The Reserve Bank of India's Monetary Policy Committee anticipates a 7% GDP growth for FY 2025. Morgan Stanley also forecasts headline inflation to range from 5.0-5.2% in Q1 FY 2024, averaging 5.4% in FY 2024 and 4.5% in FY 2025. The current account deficit is expected to stay benign at 1.2% of GDP in FY 2024 and 1.3% in FY 2025. The report envisions a shallow rate cut cycle of 50 basis points from June 2024[5].
Source: The Hindu | TOI
Practice Questions for Prelims
Q1: Consider the following pairs:
Regions often mentioned in news Reason for being in news
1. North Kivu and Ituei War between Armenia and Azerbaijan
2. Nagorno-Karabakh Insurgency in Mozambique
3. Kherson and Zaporizhzhia Dispute between Israel and Lebanon
How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?
a) Only one
b) Only two
c) All three
d) None
Q2: Consider the following statements regarding bail in the Indian legal system:
1. Bail is an absolute right, and every person accused of a non-bailable offense is entitled to it.
2. Anticipatory bail is granted to a person apprehending arrest in connection with a non-bailable offense.
3. The primary consideration for granting bail is the severity of the offense.
Select the correct statements using the codes below:
a) Only 1
b) 2 and 3
c) 1 and 2
d) 1 and 3
Q3: Which of the following statements about Vyommitra is correct?
a) Vyommitra is a humanoid robot designed for agricultural tasks to assist farmers.
b) Vyommitra is an advanced chatbot developed for space communication.
c) Vyommitra is a virtual assistant designed to provide information about space missions.
d) Vyommitra is a humanoid spacefaring robot intended for space missions.
Q4: Which of the following bodies of water borders Senegal to the west?
a) Red Sea
b) Indian Ocean
c) Atlantic Ocean
d) Mediterranean Sea
Q5: With reference to Foreign Direct Investment in India, which one of the following is considered its major characteristic?
a) It is the investment through capital instruments essentially in a listed company.
b) It is a largely non-debt-creating capital flow.
c) It is the investment that involves debt-servicing.
d) It is the investment made by foreign institutional investors in the Government securities.
Today’s Question for Mains Answer Writing
Discuss the role of nuclear energy in addressing the challenges of sustainable development. Examine the potential benefits, environmental concerns, and the policy measures required for the responsible and effective utilization of nuclear energy.
Need help in writing or evaluation?
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