UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 25th October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

Key Facts about the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

Source: Business Standard

Why in News?

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) recently convened a conference featuring Buddhist monks and scholars in Colombo, focusing on granting Pali the designation of a classical language by the Indian government.

About Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR):

• ICCR is an autonomous entity under the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, that plays a significant role in managing India’s cultural relations with other nations.
• Its mission includes fostering cultural exchanges and promoting Indian culture internationally through a network of cultural centers.
• Established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was the first Education Minister of independent India.

Objectives:

• To actively engage in shaping and executing policies and programs related to India’s cultural relations with the world.
• To enhance and cultivate mutual understanding and cultural ties between India and other nations.
• To facilitate cultural exchanges and interactions with various countries and their populations.
• Administers numerous scholarship programs each year, offering over 3000 scholarships through 21 different schemes for international students from approximately 180 countries.
• Among these 21 schemes, six are directly funded by ICCR, while the remainder are managed on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ayush.
• The scholarships encompass a wide range of academic programs, from undergraduate to postdoctoral studies, across various prestigious universities and educational institutions throughout India.

GS3/Environment

KEY BIODIVERSITY AREAS (KBA)

Source: DTE

Why in news?

At the 16th Conference of Parties (COP16) of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), alarming new data was revealed indicating that some of the world's most vital ecosystems are under threat from extractive industries. This includes key biodiversity areas (KBAs), high-integrity forest landscapes, protected zones, and Indigenous territories. A report titled “Closing Window of Opportunity: Mapping Threats from Oil, Gas and Mining to Important Areas for Conservation in the Pantropics” illustrated that extraction activities for oil, gas, and mining are occurring in crucial conservation areas across the Amazon Basin, Congo Basin, and Southeast Asia.

About Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA)

• Key Biodiversity Areas (KBA) are defined geographical regions recognized for their international significance in biodiversity conservation, based on globally standardized criteria established by the IUCN.
• The primary objective of identifying KBAs is to pinpoint regions that require protection from governments and other stakeholders.
• KBAs broaden the concept of Important Bird Areas (IBAs) to encompass various taxonomic groups, and they are being identified globally.
• Types of KBAs include:
  • Important Plant Areas (IPAs)
  • Ecologically and Biologically Significant Areas (EBSAs) in marine environments
  • Alliance for Zero Extinction (AZE) sites
  • Prime Butterfly Areas
  • Important Mammal Areas
  • Important Sites for Freshwater Biodiversity
• Prototype criteria have also been developed for assessing freshwater molluscs and fish, as well as for marine ecosystems.
• The Global Standard for the Identification of Key Biodiversity Areas (IUCN 2016) lays out the globally accepted criteria for KBA identification.
• To qualify as a global KBA, a site must meet one or more of the 11 criteria, categorized into five main groups:
  • Threatened biodiversity
  • Geographically restricted biodiversity
  • Ecological integrity
  • Biological processes
  • Irreplaceability
• The KBA criteria can be applied to species and ecosystems across terrestrial, freshwater, and marine settings and are applicable to all taxonomic groups, excluding micro-organisms.

GS3/Science and Technology

Union Cabinet Approves Rs 1,000-Crore Fund to Boost Indian Space Start-Ups

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has approved a Rs 1,000-crore venture capital (VC) fund aimed at supporting about 40 space start-ups over the next five years. This fund, launched under the aegis of IN-SPACe, is expected to attract private investment and drive innovation in India's growing space sector.

Supporting India's Emerging Space Entrepreneurs

• The Indian government, through IN-SPACe, has introduced the Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Development Program to guide startups from the ideation phase to prototype development.
• Financial support includes tax incentives such as GST exemptions for satellite launches and income tax breaks for research and development (R&D).
• Initiatives like the Startup India Seed Fund, DRDO’s Technology Development Fund, and Atal Innovation Mission are critical for providing financial backing to space startups.
• GIFT City in Gujarat is emerging as a global hub for space technology, offering both regulatory benefits and world-class infrastructure.
• Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched a space accelerator program in India, in collaboration with ISRO and IN-SPACe, selecting 24 startups for mentorship and up to $100,000 in credits.
• The Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC) provides startups with access to advanced laboratories, funding opportunities, and mentorship.

Challenges Faced by Space Startups

• Limited early-stage funding, with few substantial government grants available and non-transparent procurement processes.
• Difficulty in accessing testing facilities and standardised technology-sharing platforms.
• Lack of affordable public liability insurance creates financial risks for startups.
• Insufficient intellectual property (IP) protection standards hinders innovation.
• Export restrictions impede the global expansion of Indian space startups.

Future Outlook

• Emerging trends like space tourism, asteroid mining, and advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are anticipated to revolutionise the space sector.
• Startups are expected to play a significant role in future space exploration and the commercialisation of major missions such as Gaganyaan, NISAR, and Chandrayaan-4.
• The introduction of a deep tech startup policy and continued strategic investments will be crucial for fostering growth in the sector.
• Stakeholders need to engage with startups to create a nurturing environment for technological advancements.

Significance of IN-SPACe

• Established as part of the 4th ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ stimulus, IN-SPACe is a single-window, independent agency formed to authorise, promote, and supervise private non-governmental entities (NGEs) involved in space activities.
• Since its inception, IN-SPACe has signed 45 MoUs with NGEs to support their space activities.
• IN-SPACe has proposed a Rs.1000 crore VC fund to bolster the growth of India's space economy, currently valued at $8.4 billion, with a goal to reach $44 billion by 2033.
• With around 250 space startups emerging across the value chain, timely financial support is essential to ensure their growth and prevent talent loss overseas.
• The fund aims to address the critical need for risk capital, as traditional lenders are often hesitant to finance startups in this high-tech sector.

Financial Implications of Establishing a VC Fund for Start-ups

• The deployment period for the proposed Rs.1,000 crore VC fund is planned to be up to five years from the commencement of fund operations.
• The average deployment amount is expected to range from Rs 150 to 250 crore per year, depending on available investment opportunities and fund requirements.
• The indicative range of investment proposed is Rs 10 to 60 crore, based on the stage of the company, its growth trajectory, and its potential impact on national space capabilities.
• Indicative equity investment ranges are:
  • Growth stage: Rs 10 crore - 30 crore
  • Late growth stage: Rs 30 crore - 60 crore
• Based on these investment ranges, the fund is expected to support approximately 40 startups.

Details/ Significance of the VC Fund for Start-ups

• The proposed government-backed fund is set to boost investor confidence, attract private capital, and demonstrate the government's commitment to advancing space reforms.
• It will function as an Alternative Investment Fund under SEBI regulations, providing early-stage equity to startups and enabling them to scale up for further private equity investments.
• The fund is strategically designed to advance India's space sector, aligning with national priorities and fostering innovation and economic growth through key initiatives such as:
  • Capital infusion
  • Retaining companies in India
  • Growing the space economy
  • Accelerating space technology development
  • Boosting global competitiveness
  • Supporting the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative
  • Creating a vibrant innovation ecosystem
  • Driving economic growth and job creation
  • Ensuring long-term sustainability
• By addressing these areas, the fund aims to position India as a leading space economy.

GS3/Environment

Cyclone 'Dana' makes landfall

Source: Business Today

Why in News?

Severe Cyclonic Storm Dana made landfall on the Odisha coast on the night of October 24. The storm made landfall at a speed of 100 to 110 kmph gusting at 120 kmph.

About

Cyclones that form in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer are referred to as tropical cyclones. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) defines 'Tropical Cyclone' as a weather system where wind speeds exceed 'Gale Force,' which is a minimum of 34 knots or 63 km/h. These cyclones arise from the interaction between the ocean and the atmosphere, fueled by the heat from the sea, and are influenced by easterly trade winds, temperate westerlies, high-altitude winds, and their own intense energy.

Formation of cyclones

A Tropical Cyclone is a significant weather event that occurs exclusively over warm ocean waters near the equator.

Characteristics of a Tropical Cyclone:

• The center of a cyclone is characterized by calm and clear conditions and exhibits very low air pressure.
• The average wind speed is substantial, contributing to significant weather impacts.
• Cyclones have closed isobars, which indicate areas of equal atmospheric pressure and lead to increased wind velocity.
• They exclusively develop over oceans and seas.
• Typically, they move from east to west due to trade winds.
• They are seasonal phenomena, often occurring at specific times of the year.

Classification of cyclones

The Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) classifies cyclones based on their wind speed:

Category of a tropical cyclone

The classification of a tropical cyclone is determined by its sustained wind speed, according to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale, which categorizes storms into five levels ranging from Category 1 to Category 5. Category 1 cyclones produce winds between 119 and 153 km/h, whereas Category 5 storms are the most powerful, with winds exceeding 252 km/h. Cyclones categorized as Category 3 or higher are considered major due to their potential for extensive damage.

Regional Names for Tropical Cyclones

• Hurricanes: Found in the Caribbean Sea and Atlantic Ocean.
• Tornadoes: Commonly referred to in West Africa and the southern United States.
• Typhoons: Predominantly in the Northwest Pacific Ocean, impacting East and Southeast Asia (e.g., Japan, Philippines, China, Taiwan).
• Willy-Willies: An informal term for tropical cyclones used in Australia.

Naming of Cyclones

The name 'Dana' was proposed by Qatar to the World Meteorological Organization/United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/ESCAP).

Process of Naming Cyclones

• Globally, there are six regional specialized meteorological centers (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) responsible for issuing advisories and naming tropical cyclones.
• The five TCWCs include the ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee and the WMO/ESCAP Panel on Tropical Cyclones, which handles naming in the Indian Ocean.
• IMD is one of the six RSMCs that provide tropical cyclone advisories under the WMO/ESCAP framework, established in 1972.
• Members include 13 countries: Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen.
• Each member country contributes names that are assigned in sequence whenever a cyclonic storm develops, with a list of 169 names released by IMD in 2020, containing 13 suggestions from each country.

What is landfall of a cyclone?

Landfall refers to the occurrence of a tropical cyclone moving onto land after being over water. According to IMD, a cyclone is considered to have made landfall when its center, or "eye," crosses the coastline. The eye is a calm area at the cyclone's center where winds are light and skies are often clear or partially cloudy. The size of the eye can vary significantly, sometimes exceeding 50 kilometers in diameter for larger storms.

During landfall, the cyclone's outer bands may have already impacted the coast, bringing strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges. Landfall denotes the moment when the cyclone officially makes contact with the land. It is important to distinguish landfall from a 'direct hit,' which occurs when the core of high winds (the eyewall) makes landfall, even if the cyclone's center remains offshore.

GS3/Science and Technology

EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR Satellites

Source: Times of India

Why in news?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is actively monitoring Cyclonic Storm ‘Dana’ as it approaches Odisha and West Bengal using the EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR satellites.

About EOS-06

• EOS-06, also referred to as Oceansat-3, is an Earth observation satellite developed by ISRO.
• It was successfully launched on November 26, 2022, aboard ISRO’s Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV-C54).
• This satellite is part of the Oceansat series, aimed at studying and monitoring different aspects of Earth’s oceans and coastal areas.
• The primary purpose of EOS-06 is to ensure continuity of services provided by its predecessors, Oceansat-1 and Oceansat-2.
• EOS-06 features enhanced payload capabilities that support oceanographic and atmospheric research.
• This satellite is instrumental in applications such as ocean surface studies, coastal zone management, and marine weather forecasting.

About INSAT-3DR

• Launched in September 2016, INSAT-3DR is the successor to INSAT-3D and is operated by ISRO.
• This advanced meteorological satellite is equipped with an imaging system and an atmospheric sounder.
• Key enhancements in INSAT-3DR include:
  • Imaging capabilities in the middle infrared band, allowing for nighttime observations of low clouds and fog.
  • Utilization of two thermal infrared bands for more accurate Sea Surface Temperature (SST) estimation.
  • Improved spatial resolution in both visible and thermal infrared bands.
• INSAT-3DR ensures continuity of earlier meteorological missions and enhances the capacity for meteorological services as well as search and rescue operations.

GS3/Environment

Environmental Ship Index (ESI)

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Mormugao Port Authority has recently gained international acclaim for implementing Green Ship Incentives, making it the first port in India to do so. This initiative promotes environmentally friendly shipping practices. In October 2023, the port introduced the "Harit Shrey" scheme, which offers discounts on port fees based on the Environmental Ship Index (ESI) ratings of commercial vessels.

About the Environmental Ship Index (ESI):

• What is it? A scoring system designed to assess the environmental performance of ships, focusing on their air pollution emissions.
• Establishment: Initiated in 2011 by the World Ports Sustainability Program (WPSP) in collaboration with the International Association of Ports and Harbours (IAPH).
• Scope:The ESI evaluates emissions of the following pollutants:
  • Sulfur oxides (SOx)
  • Nitrogen oxides (NOx)
  • Carbon dioxide (CO₂)
  • Particulate matter from seagoing vessels.
• Purpose: The main goal is to encourage ships to adopt technologies and practices that reduce emissions, which contribute to better air quality and help combat climate change.

Effectiveness of ESI:

• The ESI framework incentivizes ships based on their environmental performance, particularly in reducing air emissions such as CO₂, SOx, and NOx.
• Effectiveness is measured using specific metrics, including a ship’s ESI score, which takes into account factors like engine efficiency, fuel quality, and the use of emission reduction technologies.
• Ports can analyze the overall impact of green shipping initiatives through aggregated data from participating vessels.

Future Developments for ESI:

• Plans are underway to expand the metrics to include additional pollutants and measure carbon intensity for a thorough environmental evaluation.
• Improvements in digital reporting are anticipated to facilitate easier tracking of emissions data and performance analytics.
• Upcoming updates will support the International Maritime Organization’s (IMO) 2050 decarbonization targets, including the promotion of zero-emission technologies.

Alignment with Global Maritime Regulations:

• Future adaptations of the ESI will conform to the IMO’s MARPOL Annex VI regulations concerning pollutant emissions and greenhouse gases (GHG).
• ESI will address carbon intensity targets and encourage the use of alternative fuels such as ammonia and hydrogen, aligning with the IMO’s goal of achieving net-zero GHG emissions by 2050.
• The ESI is part of a broader initiative aimed at promoting sustainability in port operations and fostering low-carbon maritime trade.
• It seeks to incentivize the adoption of energy-efficient engines, battery systems, and hybrid propulsion to support long-term emission reductions.

GS3/Environment

Asiatic Golden Cat

Source: Money Control

Why in News?

After a long absence, the Asiatic Golden Cat has been spotted again in Assam's Manas National Park, marking a significant conservation success.

About Asiatic Golden Cat:

• The Asiatic Golden Cat is a medium-sized feline characterized by relatively long legs.

Other Names:

• In Thailand and Burma, they are referred to as the “fire cat”.
• In certain regions of China, they are known as the “rock cat”.

Appearance:

• Their coat color varies from cinnamon to multiple shades of brown, with some individuals displaying gray and black fur (known as melanistic).
• They are known to be solitary and territorial animals.
• While once believed to be primarily nocturnal, research using radio tracking has revealed that they are also active during the day and at twilight.
• They exhibit polygynous behavior, meaning males mate with multiple females and do not have a specific breeding season.

Habitat:

• This species can thrive in a diverse range of habitats including:
  • Dry deciduous forests
  • Subtropical evergreen forests
  • Tropical rainforests
  • Temperate and sub-alpine forests
• They can be found at elevations ranging from sea level (0 m) to as high as 3,738 meters.

Distribution:

• The Asiatic Golden Cat is distributed across Southeast Asia, including regions from Nepal and Tibet to Southern China, Sumatra, and India.

Conservation Status:

• IUCN: Classified as Near Threatened.
• CITES: Listed in Appendix I.
• Wildlife (Protection) Act of India, 1972: Listed under Schedule 1.

Threats:

• The primary threats to the Asiatic Golden Cat include:
  • Habitat destruction due to deforestation.
  • A decline in the population of ungulate prey.
  • Illegal wildlife trade, which poses a significant risk to their survival.

GS3/Environment

GEO ENGINEERING: SPRAYING DIAMOND DUST TO COOL EARTH

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

A recent study has proposed the innovative idea of dispersing millions of tonnes of diamond dust in the Earth's upper atmosphere annually as a potential strategy to mitigate global warming. This concept is part of broader geoengineering efforts aimed at addressing climate change.

Geoengineering Overview

• Geoengineering encompasses large-scale interventions in the Earth's natural climate system aimed at countering the detrimental effects of global warming.
• Solar Radiation Management (SRM) is one of the primary geoengineering strategies being explored. This involves deploying materials into the atmosphere to reflect solar radiation away from the Earth.

Previous Geoengineering Proposals

• In addition to diamond dust, other compounds like sulphur, calcium, aluminium, and silicon have been suggested for use in geoengineering.
• The goal of using these materials is to scatter them in a way that they reflect solar radiation, preventing it from warming the Earth.
• Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Technologies
  • CDR technologies aim to actively remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. Key methods include:
  • Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS): This process captures carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources and stores it deep underground in geological formations.
  • Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU): Captured carbon can also be repurposed for various industrial applications.
  • Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS): This method combines both utilisation and long-term storage of carbon dioxide.
  • Direct Air Capture (DAC): DAC techniques involve using large 'artificial trees' to extract carbon dioxide directly from the air, offering greater potential for reducing atmospheric CO2 levels.
• Inspiration from Nature
  • The most ambitious geoengineering method, SRM, takes cues from natural events like volcanic eruptions, which release sulphur dioxide into the atmosphere.
  • These volcanic emissions can form sulphate particles that reflect sunlight, thereby cooling the planet.
  • The eruption of Mount Pinatubo in 1991 is a significant example; it is estimated to have lowered global temperatures by approximately 0.5 degrees Celsius in that year.

GS3/Science and Technology

Pink Cocaine

Source: India Today

Why in News?

Pink cocaine has emerged as a concerning trend within the nightlife scenes of various U.S. cities, drawing attention from both the Drug Enforcement Administration and health professionals.

About Pink Cocaine:

• The substance known as pink cocaine typically lacks actual cocaine.

Composition:

• Pink cocaine is made up of a mix of substances, often including:
  • Methamphetamine
  • Ketamine, a dissociative anesthetic recognized for its hallucinogenic properties
  • MDMA, commonly referred to as ecstasy
  • Benzodiazepines
  • Crack cocaine
  • Caffeine
• The pink color is typically achieved using food dye, with the mixture usually containing both a stimulant and a depressant.
• This combination of drugs is also known by various street names, including:
  • Tusi
  • Tuci
  • Cocaina rosada
  • Tucibi
  • Pink powder

Health Effects:

• Users may experience a range of dangerous health effects, such as:
  • Hallucinations
  • Respiratory issues and heart complications
  • Elevated blood pressure
  • Increased likelihood of stroke
  • Behavioral changes
  • Risk of addiction
  • Anxiety and depression
  • Potential for psychosis
• The unpredictable nature of its contents can lead to significant health risks, as some versions may be tainted with fentanyl, a powerful opioid contributing to the rising number of overdose fatalities.

GS1/Indian Society

Move on madrasas, the alienation of Muslims

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Supreme Court's decision to block the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR) recommendations, which aimed to cut funding for madrasas not adhering to the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009, has offered some relief to minority communities and secular advocates.

To effectively modernize madrasa education and reshape public perceptions, several reforms are essential:

• Curriculum Integration: There is a pressing need to develop a well-rounded curriculum that merges religious education with modern disciplines such as science, mathematics, and social studies, ensuring that madrasa education aligns with contemporary educational standards.
• Teacher Training and Certification: It is crucial to provide madrasa educators with appropriate training in modern teaching methodologies and subjects to enhance their teaching effectiveness.
• Infrastructure Development: Upgrading madrasa facilities is essential to create a better learning environment, which includes improved classrooms, libraries, labs, and access to digital learning resources.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Establishing a system for regular assessment and monitoring of educational quality in madrasas is vital for continuous improvement.
• Vocational and Skill-Based Training: Incorporating vocational training and skill development into madrasa programs can significantly improve students' employability and practical skills.
• Awareness Programs: Initiatives to educate the community about the benefits of modernizing madrasa education are essential for garnering support.

Political narratives and policies significantly impact how madrasas are perceived within the Muslim community:

• Communal Narratives and Stereotyping: Political discourse frequently depicts madrasas as centers for extremism, which skews public perception, particularly among non-Muslims.
• Legislative and Policy Decisions: Actions like cutting government funding or imposing strict regulations can foster a sense of bias against Muslim educational institutions.
• Historical Reason and Islamophobia: Past events, such as the U.S.-Taliban conflict, have shaped views of madrasas, associating them with extremism, which political rhetoric often reinforces.
• Social Justice versus Appeasement: The debate continues over whether financial support for madrasas constitutes social justice (ensuring educational access) or appeasement.

Madrasas have the potential to contribute to social cohesion and counter extremism:

• Interfaith Learning and Dialogue: Madrasas can offer teachings that foster understanding and respect among different religions.
• Combating Radicalization: By updating their curricula to include secular education and critical thinking, madrasas can effectively counter extremist ideologies, fostering resilience among students.
• Community Engagement Programs: Madrasas can engage in community service initiatives, helping to bridge gaps between Muslim communities and others, dispelling misconceptions and fostering trust.
• Promoting National Values and Secular Ideals: Integrating national education standards within madrasa curricula can help promote the core values of the Indian Constitution, including secularism, social justice, and equality.

Looking ahead, several steps can be taken to enhance madrasa education:

• Comprehensive Policy Reforms: A national framework should be developed to integrate modern subjects into madrasa education, ensure teacher training, and maintain quality oversight.
• Community and Interfaith Initiatives: Awareness programs that highlight the advantages of modernizing madrasa education, while promoting interfaith dialogue and community involvement, are necessary.

Mains PYQ: The Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009 remains inadequate in promoting an incentive-based system for children’s education without generating awareness about the importance of schooling. Analyse.

GS2/Polity

PUBLIC ACCOUNTS COMMITTEE (PAC)

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

The Chairperson of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), Madhabi Puri Buch, was summoned by the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Parliament as part of its review of financial regulators. However, she did not attend the meeting held on Thursday, citing personal reasons.

• The PAC Chairman, K.C. Venugopal, who is a Congress leader, announced the adjournment of the meeting after reading a letter from Ms. Buch, which was received just under two hours before the scheduled meeting time, indicating her inability to appear before the committee.

Background:

• The PAC is not a constitutional body; it was established in 1921 under the Government of India Act, 1919.
• Its formation and operations are governed by Parliamentary procedures and Rules of Business.

Composition:

• The committee consists of 22 members: 15 from the Lok Sabha and 7 from the Rajya Sabha.
• Members are elected annually from both houses using proportional representation to ensure diverse political party representation.
• The Chairperson is typically a member of the Opposition from the Lok Sabha.

Functions:

• Examines the annual audit reports presented to Parliament by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG).
• Reviews government spending to ensure it is in line with parliamentary grants and approvals.
• Investigates cases of wasteful expenditure, losses, and irregularities in government financial activities.
• Ensures that public funds are utilized in an efficient, effective, and economical manner.

Limitations:

• The PAC is not permitted to examine policy matters or the day-to-day administration of government.
• It cannot investigate issues that are currently under judicial scrutiny.
• While the PAC's recommendations are not legally binding, they carry considerable moral and ethical weight.

GS3/Environment

Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting initiative

Source: Business Standard

Why in news?

Recently, the Government of India inaugurated the Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting initiative at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi.

About the Initiative:

• The initiative is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR) and the India Meteorological Department (IMD), along with the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES).
• It aims to empower rural communities and improve disaster preparedness at the grassroots level, ultimately benefiting farmers and villagers throughout the country.
• This initiative will provide Gram Panchayats with a five-day weather forecast and hourly updates.

Benefits for Rural Communities:

• The weather forecasts will help rural communities plan their agricultural activities more effectively and prepare for potential weather-related risks.
• Weather updates will be delivered through platforms such as e-GramSwaraj, the Meri Panchayat app, and Gram Manchitra portals.
• e-GramSwaraj is already operational, allowing users to access real-time data on temperature, wind speed, cloud cover (expressed in percentage), rainfall, and relative humidity at the Gram Panchayat level.
• The forecasts will include minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall predictions, cloud cover, wind direction, wind speed, and an overall weather outlook.

Significance of the Initiative:

• This initiative is expected to strengthen grassroots governance.
• It will promote sustainable agricultural practices, enhancing the climate resilience of rural populations and equipping them to address environmental challenges more effectively.