CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/10/2023

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/10/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 21/10/2023

A draft menstrual hygiene policy, at long last

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Menstrual Hygiene Policy in India aims to tackle long-standing challenges related to menstruation.

Historically, this natural biological process has been overlooked, negatively impacting girls, women, families, and the environment.
The policy is designed to comprehensively address the diverse requirements of all individuals who menstruate, with a focus on improving access to menstrual products, private and clean toilets, and overall menstrual hygiene.

Key Highlights

Comprehensive Lifecycle Approach:
- The policy intends to provide support throughout the menstrual journey, from menarche (the first occurrence of menstruation) to menopause.
- It aims to break down the barriers women and girls face in managing their menstruation.
Alignment with Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs):
- The policy is committed to aligning with India’s aspirations to achieve the SDGs, particularly focusing on good health and well-being, quality education, gender equality, and clean water and sanitation.
Accessibility and Affordability:
- The policy pledges to make menstrual products more accessible and affordable, particularly in public areas, workplaces, and schools.
Challenges Faced by Women:
- Lack of Safe Spaces:
  - The absence of safe and private spaces for women during menstruation affects their mental health, confidence, and development.
- Local Infections:
  - Women can develop local infections due to the lack of hygienic facilities, especially in rural areas where toilets are scarce.
- Stigma:
  - Menstruation-related stigma, particularly in rural areas, leads to girls dropping out of school.
- The policy aims to address and challenge these societal norms.
- Statistics and Progress:
  - The policy notes significant improvements in menstrual hygiene practices, with more women aged 15-24 using hygienic methods during their menstrual cycle.
  - This includes increased use of sanitary napkins and a growing awareness of alternative options such as menstrual cups.

Inauguration of India’s First Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the first phase of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) on October 20.

This marks a significant development in India’s transportation infrastructure, offering high-speed rail connectivity to enhance regional connectivity in the National Capital Region (NCR).

Key Highlights

The RRTS project is India’s first dedicated mass rapid transit system designed to improve regional connectivity in the NCR.
It focuses on balanced and sustainable urban development through enhanced transportation options and better accessibility.
Key Features:
- High-Speed Capability: The RRTS trains can achieve speeds of up to 180 km/hour, significantly reducing travel times.
- Delhi-Meerut Connectivity: The first phase of the project aims to reduce the travel time between Delhi and Meerut to less than an hour.
Historical Background:
- Origins:
  - The idea for the RRTS network dates back to a study commissioned by the Indian Railways in 1998-99.
  - This study identified the potential for an RRTS system to connect various locations in the NCR through fast commuter trains.
- 2006 Re-examination:
  - The proposal gained traction in 2006, especially with the expansion of the Delhi Metro lines to NCR towns like Gurgaon, Noida, and Ghaziabad.
- NCRPB Involvement:
  - The National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) took up the project as part of its “Functional Plan on Transport for NCR-2032.”
  - They identified and recommended eight RRTS corridors to connect NCR towns with high-speed rail-based commuter transit services.
- The project is being implemented by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC).
  - NCRTC is a joint venture involving the central government and the state governments of Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
  - The NCRTC, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, has been entrusted with the task of implementing the RRTS project across the vast NCR, covering an area of approximately 55,000 square kilometers and a population of over 46 crore, with a combined GDP of an estimated $370 billion.
- Comparison with Existing Systems:
  - RRTS is faster than existing metro systems.
    - It caters to commuters seeking to cover relatively longer distances across the NCR in a shorter time.
  - Compared to Indian Railways, RRTS trains will cover smaller distances but offer higher frequency and greater comfort, enhancing the travel experience.
  - The RRTS project is modeled after successful systems such as the RER in Paris, Regional-Express trains in Germany and Austria, and the SEPTA Regional Rail in the United States, among others.
- Objectives of the RRTS Project:
  - The RRTS project aims to unlock the full potential of the NCR by improving multi-modal connectivity at existing transportation hubs.
  - It encourages commuters to shift towards public transportation, thereby reducing congestion on roads, highways, and existing metro and railway networks.
  - The project is expected to stimulate employment generation and the development of new commercial hubs, enabling residents of suburban areas to participate in economic activities without having to relocate.
- Speed of RRTS Trains:
  - RRTS trains can travel at a speed of 160 km/hour, with the capability to reach speeds of up to 180 km/hour.
  - In comparison, Delhi Metro trains generally operate at speeds ranging from 100 km/hour to 120 km/hour, depending on the line.
- Corridors Developed Under the RRTS Project:
  - Eight corridors are planned under the RRTS project.
    - Phase I includes the Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut (82 km), Delhi-Gurugram-SNB-Alwar (164 km), and Delhi-Panipat (103 km) corridors.
    - Future corridors include Delhi – Faridabad – Ballabgarh – Palwal, Ghaziabad – Khurja, Delhi – Bahadurgarh – Rohtak, Ghaziabad-Hapur, and Delhi-Shahadra-Baraut.
  - The inaugurated section, classified as the ‘priority section,’ covers 17 km of the 82-km-long Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut RRTS corridor.
  - The entire Delhi-Ghaziabad-Meerut corridor is expected to be operational by 2025, connecting the city to Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan.

Gaganyaan Mission: ISRO is set for first test flight

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

On October 21, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to carry out the Gaganyaan’s first Flight Test Vehicle Abort Mission-1 (TV-D1).

This mission is designed to test the performance of the Crew Escape System (CES) for the Gaganyaan project, which aims to launch humans into low Earth orbit and bring them back safely.

Key Highlights

Launch Date and Location:
- The TV-D1 mission will commence at 8 a.m. on October 21 from the first launch pad of the Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota.
Test Vehicle Description:
- Single-Stage Liquid Rocket: The test vehicle for this mission is a single-stage liquid rocket.
- Payloads: It carries the Crew Module (CM) and Crew Escape Systems (CES) equipped with fast-acting solid motors, along with CM fairing (CMF) and Interface Adapters.
- Unpressurized CM: Unlike the pressurized CM used in Gaganyaan missions, the CM for TV-D1 is unpressurized.
Abort Simulation:
- Abort Condition:
  - This flight will simulate an abort condition during the ascent trajectory, equivalent to a Mach number of 1.2 encountered in the Gaganyaan mission.
- Separation and Deployment:
  - The CES with CM will be separated from the test vehicle at an altitude of about 17 km.
  - The abort sequence will be executed autonomously, including the separation of CES, deployment of parachutes, and the safe touchdown of the CM in the sea, approximately 10 km from the coast of Sriharikota.
- Duration:
  - The entire flight, from liftoff to CM touchdown in the sea, is expected to take about eight and a half minutes.
- The Indian Navy will lead the recovery of the TV-D1 CM after touchdown.
  - Recovery ships positioned at a safe range in sea waters will approach the CM. A team of divers will attach a buoy, hoist the CM using a ship crane, and bring it to the shore.
- Mission Objectives:
  - Flight Demonstration:
    - The primary goal is to demonstrate and evaluate the performance of test vehicle sub-systems.
  - CES Evaluation:
    - The mission will assess the capabilities of the Crew Escape System, including various separation systems and CM characteristics.
  - Deceleration System Demonstration:
    - The deceleration systems will be demonstrated at higher altitudes.
  - Safety Check:
    - The mission aims to ensure the safety of the CES for its ability to rescue the CM in case of an emergency requiring an abort.
  - Gaganyaan Project:
    - Project Goals:
      - The Gaganyaan project aims to demonstrate India’s ability to launch three crew members into low Earth orbit and safely return them to Earth, potentially landing in the Bay of Bengal or the Arabian Sea.
    - Upcoming Flights:
      - Prior to the first crewed flight, three test vehicle (TV) flights are planned: TV-1, TV-2, and TV-3.
      - An additional flight, carrying the humanoid VyomMitra, is scheduled for the beginning of the next year.
      - The manned flight is anticipated to take place in 2025.

What is low Earth orbit?

A “low Earth orbit” (LEO) is a specific region of space around the Earth where satellites and other objects are in relatively close proximity to our planet.
LEO is one of the most common orbital altitudes for various purposes, including communication satellites, scientific research, and space stations like the International Space Station (ISS).
Altitude:
- LEO typically extends from approximately 160 kilometers (about 100 miles) above Earth’s surface to about 2,000 kilometers (approximately 1,240 miles).
- This range can vary slightly depending on the specific mission and purpose of the satellite or spacecraft.
Orbital Period:
- Objects in LEO have relatively short orbital periods, often around 90 minutes or less.
- This means they complete an orbit around the Earth in a relatively short amount of time.
Applications:
- LEO is commonly used for a wide range of applications, including Earth observation, weather monitoring, communication, navigation, scientific research, and space exploration.
- For example, it’s where you find constellations of satellites providing services like global positioning (GPS) and broadband internet.
Space Debris:
- LEO is also home to a significant amount of space debris or “space junk” due to the high volume of satellite and rocket activity.
- This debris can pose a challenge for satellite operators and space missions.

Missed opportunity

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

In a recent Australian referendum, voters rejected a proposal known as the ‘Voice’ by a significant margin of 60%.

The ‘Voice’ was intended to establish a body comprising members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to advise the Australian Parliament on laws affecting these communities.
This decision marked a missed opportunity to amend the constitution for the first time in nearly 50 years, with the goal of fostering a more inclusive society.

Key Highlights

Background:
- Uluru Statement from the Heart:
  - The idea for the referendum emerged from a historic 2017 summit of Indigenous peoples, which resulted in the ‘Uluru Statement from the Heart.’
  - This statement called for a treaty between the Australian government and the Indigenous community, as well as a commission to promote “truth-telling about our history.”
- Prime Minister’s Proposal:
  - In March 2023, Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese announced plans for the referendum.
  - He argued that the ‘Voice’ would formalize recognition of the coexistence of Indigenous Australians with other Australians who have arrived from elsewhere.
- Supporters’ Perspective:
  - Proponents of the ‘Voice’ saw it as a means to facilitate consultations between lawmakers and Indigenous community leaders.
  - They aimed to address disparities such as the shorter life expectancy, lower healthcare and education attainment, and higher incarceration rates among Indigenous Australians.
- Critics’ Perspective:
  - Critics of the ‘Voice’ believed it might divide Australians along racial lines and fail to alleviate the disadvantages faced by Indigenous communities.
  - They also expressed concerns about potential compensation and reparation claims.
  - Some Indigenous leaders preferred a “legally binding, negotiated agreement” between the government and First Nations peoples.
  - Critics pointed out that Indigenous people were already proportionally represented in Parliament at 4.8%, exceeding their representation in the general population.
- Outcome and Implications:
  - The referendum’s rejection marked a missed opportunity to advance the conversation about creating a more harmonious future for all Australians.
  - The country faces challenges in achieving socioeconomic progress until disparities in human development indicators and life prospects between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians are addressed.
- Future Prospects:
  - The Prime Minister called for unity in Australian society and expressed his commitment to holding the referendum if reelected in 2025.
  - The future direction, whether through the ‘Voice,’ a binding treaty, or legislative action, will be critical in addressing historical injustices and achieving a more equitable society.

Special trains to transport volunteers for Meri Maati, MeraDesh campaign

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : TH

The Indian Railways is set to operate special trains to transport soil collected by volunteers from state capitals and major stations across the country to New Delhi on October 29.

This initiative is part of the ‘Meri Maati, MeraDesh’ campaign organized by the Ministry of Culture to pay tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the nation.

Key Highlights

Campaign Overview:
- Campaign Name: ‘Meri Maati, MeraDesh’ (My soil, my country) campaign.
- Objective: To honour the brave individuals who made supreme sacrifices for the country.
- Participation: Around 20,000 volunteers with urns containing soil will participate in events in New Delhi, marking the culmination of the year-long AzadiKaAmritMahotsav celebration.
Soil Collection:
- Volunteers’ Role:
  - Volunteers will collect soil from every household as a mark of respect to those who sacrificed their lives.
  - In cases where soil is not available, individuals can contribute a grain of rice.
- Utilization:
  - The collected soil will be used in the creation of an ‘AmritVatika’ garden in Delhi and an ‘AzadiKaAmritMahotsav’ memorial.
- Railway’s Role:
  - Special Trains: The Ministry of Railways will operate special ‘AmritKalashYatri’ trains to facilitate the transportation of volunteers.
  - Additional Coaches: Extra coaches will be added to scheduled trains to accommodate the demand.
  - Emergency Quota: Berths from the Emergency Quota will be released as needed.
  - Meet and Greet: Special trains will make halts at major stations for volunteers to meet local Members of Parliament, celebrities, and officials.
  - Special trains will run from Delhi to the volunteers’ respective destinations on November 1 for the return journey.
- Lack of Participation in Some States:
  - No Representation: Some states, including Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Telangana, Bihar, and Himachal Pradesh, did not have any participants in the campaign.
  - The Ministry of Culture organized the program, and the Railways’ role was limited to providing transportation and food for the volunteers.

Israel chip maker Tower makes second bid to enter India with fab unit

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

Israel-based chip manufacturing company, Tower Semiconductor, has expressed renewed interest in India’s chip incentive scheme and is considering the establishment of a semiconductor fabrication plant in the country.

This development follows Intel’s cancellation of its plan to acquire Tower Semiconductor due to regulatory issues.

Key Highlights

First Fabrication Pedigree:
- If Tower Semiconductor’s proposal materializes, it would become the first semiconductor company with a significant fabrication background to apply for India’s $10 billion chip manufacturing scheme.
- This interest can be a substantial boost to India’s aspirations in the chip manufacturing sector.
The Indian government has invited Tower Semiconductor’s CEO, Russel C Ellwanger, to discuss a potential partnership with India in the semiconductor industry.
Tower Semiconductor’s Background:
- Tower Semiconductor is known for producing older technology that includes analog chips used for various tasks, such as signal amplification and power management in cell phones and other electronic products.
Status of Chip Manufacturing in India:
- India has succeeded in attracting investments from companies like Micron Technology, which set up a chip packaging plant in the country.
Need for Fabrication Plant:
- While attracting Micron’s investment was significant, having a chip foundry would be a crucial milestone, potentially drawing more investments to India’s chip sector.
Previous Proposals:
- ISMC Consortium:
  - The International consortium ISMC, backed by Tower Semiconductor, had initially proposed a $3 billion semiconductor fab in Karnataka but asked the government not to consider its proposal due to the pending Intel-Tower merger.
- Foxconn-Vedanta Joint Venture:
  - A joint venture between Foxconn and Vedanta to establish a $19.5 billion chip plant faced a sudden halt, with Foxconn pulling out of the venture.
  - There have been no developments in separate applications from the two entities.
- IGSS Venture:
  - Singapore-based IGSS Venture also proposed a fabrication plant but did not meet the advisory committee’s standards and is currently on hold.

What is a Fabrication Unit in Chip industry?

In the chip industry, a “fabrication unit” typically refers to a semiconductor fabrication facility, which is commonly known as a “fab.”
These facilities play a central role in the manufacturing of integrated circuits, microchips, and other semiconductor devices.
A fabrication unit, or fab, is a specialized manufacturing facility designed for the production of semiconductors.

BangaruAdigalar passes away

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : The Indian Express

BangaruAdigalar, the spiritual leader of Melmaruvathur in South India, passed away at the age of 82.

He was a prominent figure celebrated for his role as the custodian of a significant religious movement and advocate for inclusivity in the spiritual domain, particularly for lower-middle-class Tamil women devotees.

Key Highlights

Spiritual Renaissance:
- Adigalar’s legacy represents a spiritual renaissance, especially among the lower-middle-class Tamil population, with a focus on empowering women devotees.
- He combined venerable traditions with pioneering reforms to create a space for women devotees in the spiritual realm, offering them an experience equal to that which Tamil men enjoyed in places like Sabarimala or the Lord Muruga temple in Palani.
Life and Journey:
- Born as G Subramaniam, Adigalar was a school teacher in Sothupakkam before becoming a spiritual leader.
- Despite his spiritual status, he retained a humble approach to life, traveling on a bicycle in his earlier days.
- Adigalar’s people skills, spiritual talents, and the ability to connect with the masses led him to emerge as a godman at the Adhiparasakthi temple in Melmaruvathur.
At the heart of his spiritual movement was radical inclusivity. Unlike many traditional Hindu temples marked by stringent rituals and customs, his temple in Melmaruvathur welcomed people without discrimination based on caste, creed, and notably, gender.
Women, especially from the lower middle class, found in Adigalar an advocate who broke traditional barriers and offered them a place in the spiritual realm.

In Image: BangaruAdigalar

How MPs ask questions in Lok Sabha

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Indian Express

The Lok Sabha typically commences its sessions with a Question Hour.

During this period, Members of Parliament (MPs) have the opportunity to ask questions to ministers and hold them accountable for the functioning of their respective ministries.

Key Highlights

Procedure for Raising Questions:
- The procedure for raising questions in the Lok Sabha is governed by Rules 32 to 54 of the “Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in Lok Sabha” and Directions 10 to 18 of the “Directions by the Speaker, Lok Sabha.”
- To ask a question, a Member of Parliament (MP) must submit a notice to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, indicating their intent to ask a question.
- The notice typically includes the text of the question, the official designation of the Minister to whom the question is addressed, the desired answer date, and the order of preference (if the MP submits multiple notices for the same day).
- Each MP is allowed to give a maximum of five notices of questions for both oral and written answers for any given day.
- Excess notices received from an MP are considered for subsequent days during the same session.
- The period of notice for a question is usually not less than 15 days.
- MPs can submit notices through either the online ‘Member’s Portal’ by entering their ID and password or by using printed forms available at the Parliamentary Notice Office.
Conditions for Admissibility of Questions:
- Several rules and conditions govern the admissibility of questions raised by MPs.
- Questions should not ordinarily exceed 150 words in length.
- Questions must not contain arguments, defamatory statements, or references to the character or conduct of any individual except in their official or public capacity.
- Queries that address larger policy issues are not allowed as it’s challenging to cover complex policies in the limited scope of a question and its answer.
- Questions are not admissible if the subject matter is pending judgment before a court of law, tribunal, or any other legal body, or if it’s under consideration by a Parliamentary Committee.
- Questions should not seek information on matters that may jeopardize the unity and integrity of the country.
Types of Questions:There are four different types of questions that can be raised in parliamentary proceedings:
- Starred Questions:
  - These are asked by MPs and answered orally by the Minister-in-charge.
  - Each MP is allowed to ask one starred question per day, and they must be submitted at least 15 days in advance.
  - Only 20 questions can be listed for oral answers on a given day.
  - Supplementary questions can be asked after the oral response.
- Unstarred Questions:
  - Unstarred questions receive written replies from the Ministry.
  - They also need to be submitted at least 15 days in advance, with a limit of 230 questions listed for written answers in a day.
  - Unlike starred questions, unstarred questions do not permit follow-up questions.
- Short Notice Questions:
  - These pertain to matters of urgent public importance and can be asked with less than 10 days’ notice, along with reasons for the short notice.
  - Short notice questions are answered orally, followed by supplementary questions.
- Questions to Private Members:
  - Addressed to the MP themselves, these questions are asked when the subject matter relates to any Bill, Resolution, or matters concerning the Business of the House for which the MP is responsible.
  - The procedure for addressing private member questions is similar to questions addressed to a Minister, with necessary variations.
- Importance of Raising Questions:
  - Asking questions is an inherent and unfettered parliamentary right of an MP, serving as a fundamental parliamentary device to exercise legislative control over executive actions.
- The importance of raising questions lies in its ability to:
  - Obtain information about various aspects of administration and government activities.
  - Criticize government policies and schemes.
  - Shed light on government lapses and shortcomings.
  - Encourage ministers to take substantive actions for the common good.
  - For the government, questions help gauge public reaction to policies and administration.
  - Questions can lead to the formation of a parliamentary commission, a court of inquiry, or even the enactment of new legislation.

Scientists spot most distant ‘fast radio burst’ recorded in history

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Indian Express

Researchers have made a remarkable discovery, detecting a remote blast of cosmic radio waves known as a “fast radio burst” (FRB) that lasted less than a millisecond.

This FRB is the most distant ever detected, originating from a galaxy so far away that it took eight billion years to reach us.
It is also one of the most energetic FRBs observed, releasing the equivalent of 30 years’ worth of emissions from our Sun in a fraction of a second.

Key Highlights

The discovery of this distant FRB has significant implications for our understanding of the Universe.
It confirms that FRBs can be used as a tool to measure the “missing” matter that exists between galaxies, offering a new way to “weigh” the Universe.
The Mystery of Missing Matter:
- Current methods for estimating the mass of the Universe have provided conflicting answers and posed challenges to the standard model of cosmology.
- More than half of the expected normal matter in the Universe appears to be missing.
- Scientists believe this missing matter is likely located in the space between galaxies, but it may be too hot and diffuse to be detected using traditional techniques.
FRBs as Cosmic Probes:
- FRBs can “sense” ionized material in the Universe, even in space that appears almost completely empty.
- These bursts allow scientists to measure the amount of matter present between galaxies, shedding light on the Universe’s structure and the distribution of matter.
- Although the exact cause of these massive bursts of energy remains unknown, this discovery confirms that FRBs are common events in the cosmos.
- FRBs offer a valuable tool to detect and study the matter between galaxies, contributing to a better understanding of the Universe’s composition and structure.

What is Fast Radio Burst?

A Fast Radio Burst (FRB) is a high-energy astrophysical phenomenon characterized by extremely brief and intense bursts of radio waves coming from deep space.
These bursts typically last just milliseconds, making them challenging to detect and study.
FRBs were first discovered in 2007, and they have since become a subject of great interest and research in the field of astrophysics.
High Energy:
- Despite their short duration, FRBs release an enormous amount of energy in a very brief period.
- Some FRBs have been observed to emit energy equivalent to the output of the Sun over several years in just a fraction of a second.
Radio Waves:
- FRBs are observed in the radio wave portion of the electromagnetic spectrum.
- They are detected by radio telescopes, and their radio wave emissions are what make them “radio bursts.”

In Image: An artistic view of how FRBs are generated!

What is a Magnetar?

A magnetar is a type of neutron star, which is the extremely dense remnant of a massive star that has undergone a supernova explosion.
What sets magnetars apart from other neutron stars is their incredibly strong magnetic fields.
These magnetic fields are some of the most intense observed in the universe, and they can be billions of times more powerful than the magnetic fields of typical neutron stars.