Wednesday, August 30, 2023
International Youth Day: Empowering Youth with Green Skills
The UN celebrates International Youth Day on 12 August, 2023 and the theme for this year is "Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World." The youth has an immense role and potential towards transitioning to a greener world through sustainable development. Today the world is advancing towards a green transition. The green transition will result in the creation of 8.4 million jobs for young people by 2030. Young people need to be well-equipped with green skills to navigate this changing environment. Henceforth there is a dire need to educate young people with relevant green skills.
“We do not inherit the earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children (Anonymous)”.
There is no other better quote than this to highlight the need for urgent action toward mitigating climate change and paving the path to a sustainable world. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were framed in 2015 with the aim to make the world better for everyone by 2030 and as of today, it is clearly evident that SDGs are unlikely to be met by 2030 (Bill Gates and Bjorn Lomborg, July 2023). Governments, businesses, media, the education sector, and NGOs should come together strongly to chalk a realistic path for achieving SDGs. Current youth do not have the luxury of ignoring to incorporate sustainability in every aspect of economic and technological development. Against this backdrop, it is important to discuss the ways on empowering youth in achieving SDGs.
The fact that youth plays a significant role in contributing towards achieving SDGs should be recognized and acknowledged by empowering them with green skills to build back better and greener to make the world more sustainable and resilient. Youth should be equipped with the right green skills to convert their education, activism, passion, and creativity to build a greener economy. The first step towards this should be to incorporate the sustainability curriculum in higher education. The current national education policy 2020 (NEP) in India has provided this opportunity at various intensities and levels. There is a lack of clear guidelines and resources to train youth in sustainability in higher education. The curriculum on sustainability should be taught with the highest flexibility providing better opportunities for students to be exposed to hands-on projects, workshops, training, etc. The scheme of evaluation should be open to accepting various forms of knowledge assessment in the area of sustainability rather than restricting to written examinations and assignments. Students should have the flexibility to demonstrate course outcomes through live projects, industry training, internships, field visits, product development, certificate courses, club activities, etc.
There is an urgent need to have skilled human resources in the area of sustainability. Industries, government agencies, businesses, policymakers, and individuals should come together to help youth in their sustainable world movement by empowering them with resources, skills, and opportunities to upskill them in green technologies. Here are the links to some excellent and leading organizations that offer memberships, voluntary activities, career and internship opportunities, free and paid specialized courses, etc., in the area of sustainability and green technology.
Dr. Sumaraj
Source: Telegraph, 12/08/23
This Quote Means: Einstein said, ‘The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking’
Einstein’s perspective says that science is an evolved form of our common thinking. It is systematically developed to grasp the intricacies of reality and acknowledge its own limitations. Quotes of this nature are also important from a UPSC Essay paper perspective.
The success of India’s lunar mission, Chandrayaan-3, has seen the appreciation of ISRO scientists. That India has been able to land a spacecraft on the Moon, becoming only the first country to have done so on its south pole, is a milestone.
As a whole, it is hoped that the idea of promoting scientific research and innovation will get a boost. Moreover, the idea of a scientific temper, also mentioned in the Directive Principles of State Policy under Article 51A of the Indian Constitution. This broadly means that in their day-to-day lives, people must develop the ability and instinct to question and reform things.
In this context, we take a look at a quote from Albert Einstein: “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” Quotes from notable personalities are also an important part of the UPSC CSE syllabus, particularly from an Essay Paper perspective.
Where is the quote from?
The quote is from a collection of essays, called Out of My Later Years. In an essay titled ‘Physics and Reality’, Einstein explained how physics constitutes a logical system that helps us create theories for understanding the reality around us.
He wrote at the beginning of this essay that it is said that a “man of science is a poor philosopher.” This assertion is not without basis, he wrote, and it can then be argued for a physicist to stick to what he knows and not begin thinking like a philosopher.
However, this assumes that physics has a set of final laws that cannot be further improved upon and that are totally correct and rigid. Einstein argued against this perception of science. A physicist also “…must try to make clear in his own mind just how far the concepts which he uses are justified, and are necessities,” he wrote.
He added, “The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” This implies that the skill of critical thinking – related to a thorough analysis of an issue – should not be restricted to one’s own field. Just as we observe and form an understanding of the world around us on a daily basis, and that process is not free from errors, similarly, science should also be constantly analysed and questioned.
What does the quote mean?
The quote basically gives the view that science is not the same as finality, and it is merely a process or a framework through which we can understand the world. It has a structure: there is a hypothesis (an argument or idea that may or may not be correct), there are defined processes of experimentation to test it, and finally, a conclusion is drawn.
Such theories are not direct representations of reality, but rather tools for understanding it. Einstein wrote that scientific theories, despite their role as representations of reality, are inherently constrained by the assumptions and simplifications they rely upon – just as our own perceptions are. We might have our own theories on morality, the politics of the day, or how we or others should live their lives. But these are, at the end of the day, only theories.
He underscored that no theory can assert itself as an absolute representation of the entire truth regarding all of the universe, because this understanding is in a constant state of progression and refinement, as science progresses.
The essay invites readers to contemplate the relationship between human thought, scientific models, and the objective world. It ultimately seems to convey that there is no absolute truth because of how humans perceive things and the fact that they can never be sure of their own knowledge.
Einstein discussed how scientific theories are mental constructs that help us make sense of our experiences and observations.
Source: Indian Express, 28/08/23
Monday, July 31, 2023
Quote of the Day July 31, 2023
“He who loses money, loses much; He who loses a friend, loses much more, He who loses faith, loses all.”
Eleanor
“जो व्यक्ति धन गंवाता है, बहुत कुछ खो बैठता है; जो व्यक्ति मित्र को खो बैठता है, वह उससे भी कहीं अधिक खोता है, लेकिन जो अपने विश्वास को खो बैठता है, वह व्यक्ति अपना सर्वस्व खो देता है।”
एलेयानोर
What is JUPITER-3?
SpaceX, led by visionary entrepreneur Elon Musk, is set to make history once again by launching the world’s largest private satellite to space on July 27. The satellite, named JUPITER-3 and developed by Maxar Technologies, is a breakthrough in the field of communications satellites, boasting impressive size and cutting-edge technology.
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy Rocket
SpaceX’s Falcon Heavy rocket, known for its triple-booster design, will carry the JUPITER-3 satellite into space. This upcoming launch will signify the Falcon Heavy’s seventh mission, gaining widespread attention since its inaugural flight in 2018. The rocket has proven to be a reliable workhorse in the aerospace industry.
Meet JUPITER-3: The Largest Commercial Communications Satellite
JUPITER-3 is not just any ordinary satellite; it is the largest commercial communications satellite ever built. Developed by Maxar Technologies in Palo Alto, California, this satellite represents a major leap in satellite technology.
Impressive Size and Capabilities
Upon complete deployment, the JUPITER-3 satellite’s dimensions will resemble the wingspan of a commercial airliner, ranging from 130 to 160 feet (approximately 40 to 50 meters). Beyond its size, what sets JUPITER-3 apart are its advanced technological features and capabilities.
Enhancing Satellite Fleet Capacity
One of the primary aims of JUPITER-3 is to double the capacity of Maxar Technologies’ satellite fleet with an additional 500 Gbps. This substantial increase in capacity will enable the company to better serve customers, especially in regions where cable and fiber connectivity are unavailable or unreliable, such as in remote areas.
Wide-Ranging Applications
The JUPITER-3 satellite will cater to various communication needs. Its applications include supporting in-flight Wi-Fi, maritime connections, enterprise networks, backhaul for Mobile Network Operators (MNOs), and Community Wi-Fi solutions across North and South America.
Technological Advances and Testing
JUPITER-3 features an updated technological architecture that allows for the miniaturization of electronics. It includes solid-state amplifiers and enhanced antenna efficiency. The satellite underwent rigorous vibration and temperature testing, including Thermal Vacuum Testing, to ensure its resilience in the extreme conditions of space.
Current Affairs-July 28, 2023
INDIA
- The Supreme Court extended Enforcement Directorate (ED) Director Sanjay Kumar Mishra’s tenure till September 15.
- Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has been asked to take over the probe into the May 4 violence incident in Manipur.
- Resource Efficiency Circular Economy Industry Coalition (RECEIC) was launched on the sidelines of the 4th G-20 Environment and Climate Sustainability Working Group (ECSWG).
- Cinematograph Bill aimed at curbing piracy passed by the Rajya Sabha.
- As many as 120 people died in Kerala from heatwaves till June-end, which is the highest in the country.
- Delhi saw the highest number of deaths due to rabies in the country in 2022, followed by West Bengal.
ECONOMY & CORPORATE
- India set to be third-largest economy by FY28: SBI Research.
- The Government sets up a working group to decriminalise legislations for ease of doing business.
- Banks recovered bad loans worth Rs 10.16 trillion in 9 years: Finance Ministry.
- Digital payments rise 13% year on year at March-end 2023, shows RBI data
WORLD
- Mutinous soldiers claim to have ousted President in Nigeria.
- China has granted Pakistan a two-year rollover on a USD 2.4-billion loan.
- U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned that the era of global warming has ended and “the era of global boiling has arrived”.
- Singapore executes first woman in nearly 20 years after the 45-year-old was caught with heroin.
SPORTS
- Lakshya enters semifinals of Japan Open Super 750 badminton tournament.
- Ireland secures a spot in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
What is a no confidence motion?
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla accepted the Opposition’s no confidence motion against the Government earlier today (July 26), saying that he will speak to leaders of all parties and announce when the discussion on the motion will be taken up.
The motion was brought to the House by Congress Party MP Gaurav Gogoi amidst the Opposition’s ongoing protests demanding a statement on the situation in Manipur from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary, Congress’s Lok Sabha leader, had on Tuesday (July 25) told the media that the Opposition will be introducing a no-confidence motion in the house.
“Today, it has been decided that we would not have any other alternative but to resort to a no-confidence motion because the government is not accepting the demand of the opposition to have an elaborate discussion with the Prime Minister on Manipur,” Chowdhary said, as per news agency ANI. “He should make a statement on the Manipur violence as he is our leader in the parliament,” he added.
What is a no confidence motion?
In a parliamentary democracy, a government can be in power only if it commands a majority in the directly elected House. Article 75(3) of our Constitution embodies this rule by specifying that the Council of Ministers are collectively responsible to the Lok Sabha.
For testing this collective responsibility, the rules of Lok Sabha provide a particular mechanism – a motion of no-confidence. Any Lok Sabha MP, who can garner the support of 50 colleagues, can, at any point of time, introduce a motion of no-confidence against the Council of Ministers.
Thereafter, a discussion on the motion takes place. MPs who support the motion highlight the government’s shortcomings, and the Treasury Benches respond to the issues they raise. Finally, a vote takes place – in case the motion carries, the government is bound to vacate the office.
Should the government be worried?
No. With the majority mark at the Lok Sabha being 272, currently, the NDA government has 331 members, with the BJP alone boasting of 303 MPs. This means that even if all non-NDA parties come together (which is highly unlikely), the BJP still has the numbers to survive a no confidence motion.
The newly named INDIA alliance has 144 MPs while ‘neutral’ parties such as the BRS, YSRCP and the BJD have a combined strength of 70.
However, the no confidence motion has historically been used as a strategic tool to force a discussion on a certain topic or issue. The Opposition knows that it does not have the numbers but still has moved the motion to force the government to address their concerns about the situation in Manipur.
It was during the third Lok Sabha in 1963 that the first motion of no confidence was moved by Acharya J B Kripalani against the government headed by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. The debate on the motion lasted for 21 hours over four days, with 40 MPs participating.
In his reply, Nehru remarked, “A no-confidence motion aims at or should aim at removing the party in government and taking its place. It is clear in the present instance that there was no such expectation or hope. And so the debate, although it was interesting in many ways and, I think profitable too, was a little unreal. Personally, I have welcomed this motion and this debate. I have felt that it would be a good thing if we were to have periodical tests of this kind.”
Since then, there have been 26 more no-confidence motions moved in the parliament (not counting the latest one), with the last one being in 2018, moved by the TRS against the previous Narendra Modi government.
Source: Indian Express, 26/07/23
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