Assam Launches State Commission for Right to Public Services

 The Assam State Commission for Right to Public Services was recently launched by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma in Guwahati. The aim of the commission is to enhance accountability in public services. A manual detailing the appeal process for public service rights was also introduced, and the Commission’s official website was revealed to facilitate access to information.

Importance of Technology

Technology plays an important role in promoting accountability. The Chief Minister emphasized that good governance relies on citizens understanding their rights. Efficient service delivery is a government responsibility. The use of technology can streamline processes and improve transparency.

Madhya Pradesh was the first state in India to introduce the Right to Public Service Act in 2010. Assam followed with its version in 2012. The Act has been updated in 2019 and again in 2024 to enhance its effectiveness, which reflects the state’s commitment to improving public service delivery.

Seva Setu Platform

The Seva Setu platform classifies 725 services as citizen rights, which encompasses 64 government departments and three autonomous councils. The platform establishes clear timelines for service delivery. Since its launch, over 1.56 crore applications have been submitted, with a resolution rate exceeding 90%.

The Right to Public Service Act is now operational in 34 states. It works alongside the Right to Information (RTI) Act. Together, these laws empower citizens to access essential services and information effectively.

Leadership of the Commission

Sujoy Lal Thaosen, a retired IPS officer, has been appointed Chief Commissioner. Ranjan Kumar Chakraborty and Bimal C. Oswal will serve as members of the Commission. Their leadership is expected to drive the implementation of these reforms.

The Chief Minister urged officials to promote awareness about citizens’ rights. Active engagement with the public is essential for effective governance. Assam aims to set a benchmark for excellent service delivery.

Important Facts for Exams:

1. Seva Setu: Seva Setu is a digital platform in Assam. It classifies 725 services as citizen rights. The platform enhances transparency and efficiency in service delivery across various departments.
2. Right to Public Service Act: The Right to Public Service Act ensures timely access to government services. It originated in Madhya Pradesh in 2010. Assam adopted its version in 2012, with subsequent updates.

Significance of Black Friday, one of the biggest shopping days in the US

 ‘Black Friday’ falls on Friday (November 29), a day after the US holiday of Thanksgiving. The day – usually associated with massive shopping sprees witnessed across the US driven by attractive discounts and deals – is not marked in many countries globally, but its idea has gradually spread.

In India too, brands like Amazon, Flipkart and PVR have begun offering discounts on the day. However, it has also been criticised on several counts. According to the Associated Press, at a protest of about 200 warehouse workers and delivery drivers in New Delhi, Indian workers joined many Amazon workers globally in calling for higher wages, better working conditions, and union rights. Here is what to know about the day.

What is Black Friday?

Similar to how the months of October and November see discounts in India, given some major festivals (such as Dussehra and Diwali) take place around this time, festival shopping begins around the time of Black Friday in the US. Shoppers are attracted to bulk buys and discounts and they begin their Christmas shopping during this period.

Why is it called Black Friday?

There are different stories behind this. One view says it was to denote that companies were no longer “in the red” and instead doing well. But, according to Britannia, a more accurate version comes from the early 1960s, when police officers in the city of Philadelphia began using the phrase “Black Friday” to describe the chaos that resulted, when large numbers of suburban tourists came into the city to begin their holiday shopping.

The huge crowds created a headache for the police, who worked longer shifts as they dealt with traffic jams, accidents, shoplifting, and other issues, as shoppers thronged. In the 1980s, Black Friday was described as the day stores began to turn a profit for the year and as the biggest shopping day in the United States, though by some figures that may be the period right before Christmas.

“In more recent years, Black Friday has been followed by other shopping holidays, including Small Business Saturday, which encourages shoppers to visit local retailers, and Cyber Monday, which promotes shopping online. Giving Tuesday has also emerged to spur charitable donations,” according to the encyclopedia.

Black Friday’s global spread and criticism

With the success of Black Friday for companies, the idea has taken hold globally. Though not in November, many countries have their own versions of such sales. Companies like Amazon, which have operations on a large scale now, are also able to hold sales elsewhere with their expansion. But the global shift towards a more consumerist way of life has its critics. In the larger culture, Black Friday is associated with videos of chaos and even violence surfacing on social media, as shoppers resort to physical fights to secure special items on sale.

In recent years, many see Black Friday as a symbol of over-consumption that makes people buy products that are not needed, adding to waste generation and the increase in carbon footprint, simply because items are sold cheaper on one particular day.

Some years ago, activists in France staged Black Friday protests against Amazon, blaming the service for exacerbating climate change through its rapid deliveries when it introduced the concept of Black Friday sales to European markets.

The “Stop Black Friday” amendment in France was proposed around this time as part of an anti-waste Bill, which was put forward by France’s former environment minister Delphine Batho. The amendment proposed the integration of “Black Friday” advertising as part of “aggressive commercial practices” punishable by imprisonment of up to two years and a fine of €300,000. Amazon has also been accused of not providing safe working conditions for its employees during this time, particularly the workers involved in major logistics work and deliveries.

Source: Indian Express, 29/11/24

Disaster Mitigation Funding Approved for 15 States

 The Union Home Minister Amit Shah has recently led a high-level committee that approved important funding for disaster mitigation. This initiative aims to enhance capacity-building projects across 15 states in India. A total of ₹1,000 crore has been allocated for these efforts. Additionally, ₹115.67 crore will support the training of civil defence volunteers nationwide.

Fund Allocation Details

The approved funds are distributed as follows –

• Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh – ₹139 crore each
• Maharashtra – ₹100 crore
• Karnataka and Kerala – ₹72 crore each
• Tamil Nadu and West Bengal – ₹50 crore each
• Northeastern States – ₹378 crore for Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura

National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF)

The projects are financed by the National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF). They focus on reducing landslide risks in the designated states. Additional projects include Urban Flood Risk Mitigation in seven cities, costing ₹3,075.65 crore. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) risk management will receive ₹150 crore across four states.

Strengthening Disaster Risk Reduction

The Ministry of Home Affairs is implementing various measures to boost disaster risk reduction. These efforts align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a disaster-resilient India. The aim is to prevent important loss of life and property during disasters.

Previous Funding Released This Year

This year, over ₹21,476 crore has already been allocated to states. The breakdown includes:

• State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) – ₹14,878.40 crore
• National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) – ₹4,637.66 crore
• State Disaster Mitigation Fund (SDMF) – ₹1,385.45 crore
• National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) – ₹574.93 crore

Important Facts for Exams:

1. National Disaster Mitigation Fund (NDMF) – NDMF finances disaster mitigation projects across India. It aims to reduce risks from natural disasters, particularly landslides and flooding in vulnerable regions.
2. Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): GLOF refers to floods caused by the sudden release of water from glacial lakes. These events pose important risks in mountainous regions, especially during climate change.
3. State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF): SDRF is a financial mechanism for states to respond to disasters. It enables rapid allocation of resources to address immediate needs after calamities.
4. Civil Defence Volunteers: Civil defence volunteers play important role in disaster management. They are trained to assist in emergencies, providing support and resources during natural disasters and crises.

India Ranks 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024

 India ranks 176th in the Global Nature Conservation Index (NCI) 2024, with a score of 45.5 out of 100. This places India among the five worst performers globally, alongside Kiribati, Turkey, Iraq, and Micronesia. The NCI was released on October 24, 2024, and assesses conservation efforts across 180 countries.

About the Nature Conservation Index

The NCI is a new tool that evaluates conservation efforts using four key markers:

1. Land Management
2. Threats to Biodiversity
3. Capacity and Governance
4. Future Trends

Developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University and BioDB.com, the index aims to provide a clear analysis of each country’s conservation strategies. It helps governments and organizations identify issues and improve their conservation policies.

India’s Conservation Challenges

India’s low ranking is primarily due to poor land management and increasing threats to biodiversity. The country has converted 53% of its land for urban, industrial, and agricultural use. The NCI marks several problems:

• High Pesticide Use: This contributes to soil pollution.
• Sustainable Nitrogen Index: Currently at 0.77, indicating a need for improvement in soil health.

Marine Conservation Deficiencies

Marine conservation is another critical area of concern. Only 0.2% of India’s national waterways are protected. There are no protected areas within its Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ), despite 7.5% of terrestrial land being safeguarded.

Threats to Biodiversity

India faces threats to its biodiversity:

• Habitat Loss and Fragmentation: Caused by agriculture, urbanization, and infrastructure development.
• Climate Change: This adds pressure on sensitive ecosystems, like alpine regions and coral reefs.

From 2001 to 2019 lost 23,300 sq. km of tree cover due to deforestation. Although 40% of marine species and 65% of terrestrial species are in Protected Areas, many continue to decline. The index reports that 67.5% of marine species and 46.9% of terrestrial species are experiencing population decreases.

Global Sustainable Development Goals

India’s NCI findings align with issues raised in the latest global progress report on Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). The country struggles with SDG 14 (Life below water) and SDG 15 (Life on land).

Future Trends and Opportunities

The index notes both challenges and opportunities for India’s biodiversity. With one of the highest population densities globally and a population that has doubled since the late 1970s, ecological wealth is under threat. India is also the fourth-largest illegal wildlife trader, with annual sales of around £15 billion. The index calls for stronger enforcement and international cooperation to combat this issue. Strong political will is crucial for effective conservation. This includes passing laws that promote sustainable development and securing funding for environmental initiatives. With commitment and action can address its conservation challenges and work towards a sustainable future.

India Ranks 79th place in Rule of Law Index Ranking 2024

 India ranks 79 out of 142 countries in the 2024 Rule of Law Index published by the World Justice Project. This ranking reflects the current state of governance, fundamental rights, and the business environment in India.

Governance Indicators

India’s performance on governance indicators is mixed. It ranks 60th in constraints on government powers and 44th in open government. These scores indicate some progress in governance frameworks. However, they also highlight lapses and a lack of coordination in efforts to improve governance.

Fundamental Rights

India’s score in the protection of fundamental rights is concerning. It ranks 102nd out of 142 countries. This poor performance suggests ongoing issues with the enforcement and respect for citizens’ rights.

In terms of order and security ranks 98th. This low ranking points to challenges in maintaining public safety and effective law enforcement. The effectiveness of policing systems is questioned, impacting citizens’ trust in security agencies.

Criminal Justice Efficiency

India’s criminal justice system is rated 82nd. The system is often slow and inefficient, leading to delays in justice delivery. This inefficiency contributes to a lack of public confidence in the legal framework.

India’s rank also reflects a poor business climate. It scores 97th in the absence of corruption, 78th in regulatory enforcement, and 107th in civil justice delivery. These factors are critical for attracting investment and nurturing businesses.

International Comparisons

In comparison, Singapore ranks 3rd for both the absence of corruption and regulatory enforcement, and 8th in civil justice delivery. This stark contrast marks the challenges India faces in creating a conducive business environment.

Regional Rankings

Within South Asia ranks third, following Nepal (69) and Sri Lanka (75). Bangladesh (127), Pakistan (129), and Afghanistan (140) rank lower. This positioning indicates that India is performing better than some of its regional counterparts, yet still faces challenges.

What is National Agriculture Code?

 What is National Agriculture Code?

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) is developing a new set of guidelines called the National Agriculture Code (NAC). This is similar to the existing national codes used for buildings and electrical systems, but specifically for agriculture. The goal is to create a set of standards that can help improve the quality and efficiency of farming practices in India, which currently lack detailed regulations.

Understanding NAC

The NAC is a plan to create rules and guidelines that will cover various agricultural practices across the country. These guidelines will aim to standardize farming methods to ensure that they are efficient, safe, and of high quality. This is important because, while there are already standards for things like farming machinery, fertilizers, and pesticides, many other areas of farming do not have clear rules.

Why is the NAC needed?

Although the BIS has already set standards for specific items like machinery and fertilizers, many other parts of farming do not follow a standard process. These areas include:

• Land preparation (getting the field ready for planting)
• Irrigation (how water is used for crops)
• Sustainable farming practices

This lack of clear rules is a problem that policymakers have recognized for a long time. They believe that having a strong framework like the NAC will help make farming more organized and efficient.

What will the NAC cover?

The NAC will focus on:

Agricultural Processes: This includes choosing the right crops, preparing the land, planting, watering, and harvesting.

Post-Harvest Operations: Once crops are harvested, the NAC will provide guidelines for things like initial processing, storing the produce, and making sure everything can be traced back to its source.

Input Management: This covers the standards for using chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and promoting organic farming.

New Farming Methods: The NAC will also include modern technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT) for farming and sustainable farming methods.

What are the objectives of the NAC?

The NAC has several main goals:

• Create a national framework to guide various farming methods across India.
• Promote a culture of quality in Indian agriculture that policymakers and regulators can follow.
• Act as a guide for farmers to help them make better decisions in their farming practices.
• Encourage the use of modern agricultural techniques, including smart farming and sustainability initiatives.

When will the NAC be ready?

The BIS is working on drafting the NAC, and the goal is to finish it by October 2025. Once it’s ready, farmers will be trained to understand and apply the new standards in their everyday work.

What are Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF)?

To help test and promote the NAC, the BIS is also setting up Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF). These farms will be created with the help of major agricultural institutes and will serve as experimental sites. Farmers and others in the agricultural industry will be able to learn hands-on from these farms, where they can see the standardized practices in action and understand how to apply them in their fields.

What is BharatGen?

 haratGen is a major new project in generative  AI, which is a type of  artificial intelligence that can create text, images, or even sound. The goal of BharatGen is to improve public services and increase citizen participation in India using AI. This project was officially launched in New Delhi by Dr. Jitendra Singh, the Union Minister of State. BharatGen is part of India’s efforts to develop its advanced technologies and aims to make India a global leader in AI.

Key Goals of BharatGen

The main purpose of BharatGen is to create AI models that can work with language, speech, and visual information. These models will help solve different social challenges. Some of the key goals include:

Promoting social equality: Making AI accessible to all parts of society.

Preserving cultural heritage: Ensuring that India’s diverse cultures and languages are represented.

Accessibility: Making AI technology available to everyone, especially in different regional languages.

Who is Managing BharatGen?

The project is being led by IIT Bombay under the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NM-ICPS). It is managed by the TIH Foundation for IoT and IOE, which will work with many top universities and research institutions to develop the project.

Four Important Features of BharatGen

BharatGen is special for several reasons:

Multilingual and Multimodal Models: It will focus on developing AI that works across many Indian languages and forms of communication, like text and speech.

Bhartiya Data Set: It will use Indian data to train its AI models, making them more relevant to local needs.

Open-Source: BharatGen will be an open-source platform, meaning its technology will be available to everyone, encouraging collaboration.

AI Ecosystem: The project will support the growth of AI research in India, helping more researchers and developers work on generative AI.

Project Timeline

BharatGen is expected to be completed in two years, with key milestones, including developing important AI models, set to be achieved by July 2026.

Focus on Indian Data and Efficiency

A unique feature of BharatGen is its focus on data sovereignty, meaning that it will use data collected from India, ensuring that India’s languages, dialects, and cultures are accurately represented. This is especially important for languages with fewer digital resources.

BharatGen is aligned with India’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, which means self-reliant India. The project will help India develop its own AI capabilities, reduce dependence on foreign technology, and build a stronger AI ecosystem that benefits startups, businesses, and government agencies.

India Jumps to 39th in Global Innovation Index 2024

 India has moved up to 39th place out of 133 countries in the Global Innovation Index (GII) 2024. This shows a big improvement in how India supports innovation. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced this news, highlighting that India is the leader in innovation in Central and Southern Asia.

Key Rankings

• Global Position: 39th out of 133 countries
• Regional Leadership: 1st in Central and Southern Asia
• Economic Category: 1st among lower-middle-income countries
• WIPO S&T Cluster Ranking: 4th place

Innovative Cities

Four Indian cities—Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, and Chennai—are recognized among the World’s Top 100 Science & Technology clusters. This shows that these cities are strong centers for innovation.

India’s rise in the GII is impressive, moving up from 81st place in 2015. This significant progress shows India’s dedication to improving its innovation environment.

What is the GII?

The Global Innovation Index (GII) ranks countries by how well they can innovate. It was started in 2007 by WIPO, INSEAD, and Cornell University and looks at 81 different factors. Switzerland has often been at the top of the list because it invests a lot in research and development (R&D).

The GII is published every year and provides valuable information about different economies. It focuses on key areas like education and skills (human capital), infrastructure (like roads and buildings), and how advanced the market is. The 2021 report noted that India is becoming an important place for innovation. The GII also helps countries work together on innovation strategies, which can influence policies worldwide.

Global Leaders in Innovation

According to the GII 2024, the top five innovative countries are Switzerland, Sweden, the US, Singapore, and the UK. China, Turkey, India, Vietnam, and the Philippines are noted as the fastest-growing countries in innovation over the past ten years.

What is helium and why is it used in rockets?

 Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will stay on the International Space Station for months because of a faulty propulsion system whose problems included helium leaks.

Back on Earth, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, which finally launched on Tuesday, was delayed because of helium issues on ground equipment.

Past missions that have been affected by pesky helium leaks include ISRO’s Chandrayaan 2 and ESA’s Ariane 5.

Why do spacecraft and rockets use helium?

Helium is inert — it does not react with other substances or combust — and its atomic number is 2, making it the second lightest element after hydrogen. Rockets need to achieve specific speeds and altitude to reach and maintain orbit. A heavier rocket requires more energy, not only increasing fuel consumption but also needing more powerful engines, which are more expensive to develop, test, and maintain. Helium has a very low boiling point (– 268.9 degree Celsius), allowing it to remain a gas even in super-cold environments, an important feature because many rocket fuels are stored in that temperature range.

How is helium used in spacecraft?

Helium is used to pressurise fuel tanks, ensuring fuel flows to the rocket’s engines without interruption; and for cooling systems. As fuel and oxidiser are burned in the rocket’s engines, helium fills the resulting empty space in the tanks, maintaining the overall pressure inside.

Because it is non-reactive, it can safely mingle with the tanks’ residual contents.

Is it prone to leaks?

Helium’s small atomic size and low molecular weight mean its atoms can escape through small gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems.

But because there is very little helium in the Earth’s atmosphere, leaks can be easily detected — making the gas important for spotting potential faults in a rocket or spacecraft’s fuel systems. The frequency of helium leaks across space-related systems, some engineers say, have highlighted an industry-wide need for innovation in valve design and more precise valve-tightening mechanisms.

Source: Indian Express, 14/09/24

What is Whitetopping Technology?

 The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) in India is proposing a new policy to repair and upgrade old national highways using a method called Whitetopping Technology. MoRTH is asking for feedback on this idea from stakeholders by September 7. This policy is needed because many parts of India’s national highways, which cover about 1.46 lakh km, are aging and require improvement.

Definition of Whitetopping Technology

Whitetopping is a process where a layer of Portland Cement  Concrete (PCC) is placed on top of existing bituminous ( asphalt) roads. This technique is especially useful for roads that have ongoing problems due to poor drainage. Whitetopping has already been used successfully in various government projects, such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), and cities like Bengaluru.

Benefits of Whitetopping

Whitetopping offers several advantages compared to traditional asphalt overlays:

Longer Lifespan: It can extend the life of a road by 20-25 years.

Less Maintenance: Roads require fewer repairs and less frequent lane closures.

Cost-Effective: Although the initial cost is higher, the long-term savings from reduced maintenance make it a smart investment.

Environmental Benefits: The lighter color of concrete reflects more light, helping to cool urban areas and reduce the heat island effect.

Better Performance: Whitetopping is more resistant to common road issues like deformation, rutting, and cracking, especially in hot climates.

Improved Fuel Efficiency: Vehicles use less fuel when driving on concrete roads compared to asphalt roads.

MoRTH is actively seeking input from various stakeholders to fine-tune the proposed policy and ensure it is implemented effectively. Gathering feedback is important to address any practical challenges and make this innovative approach to highway maintenance successful.