DAILY ENRICHMENT PROGRAMME (DEP_ 0068)
Today’s Topics List:
Withdraw of South West Monsoon
Eight institutes findings on reasons for Josimath sinking
Parliament panel report on National Education Policy (NEP), 2020
What are the trends in India’s labour market
Mission Gaganyaan
CSIR –NGRI:
GEOGRAPHY & DISASTER MANAGEMENT
Withdraw of South West Monsoon
- News:
- The southwest monsoon is set to begin its withdrawal from parts of western Rajasthan from around September 25 onwards, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
- Factors considered while measuring withdrawal
- dry weather over the area for five days
- the establishment of an anticyclone in the lower levels of the atmosphere
- considerable reduction in moisture content.
- IMD Observations
- Weak El Nino conditions are currently prevailing over the equatorial Pacific Ocean, while it is set to intensify and continue up to early next year
- El Nino conditions refer to a warming of equatorial Pacific Ocean waters and are usually associated with suppression of rainfall.
- The IMD has also said that “border line positive” Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) conditions are prevailing over the Indian Ocean
- The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) is a natural climate phenomenon characterized by variations in sea surface temperatures across different regions of the Indian Ocean.
- A positive IOD is expected to counter, to some extent, the adverse impact of El Nino conditions on rainfall.
- South West Monsoon
- The Southwest Monsoon is a significant weather phenomenon in South Asia, particularly in India.
- Duration: The Southwest Monsoon usually arrives in India during June and continues until September.
- Why South West Monsson? It is called the “Southwest” Monsoon because it travels from the southwest towards the northeast, bringing moisture-laden winds.
- Significance & Challenges of South West Monsoon
- This monsoon is responsible for a major part of India’s annual rainfall. It brings heavy rains, which are crucial for agriculture and replenishing water sources.
- Different parts of India experience the monsoon differently. Some regions receive abundant rainfall, while others may face drought if the monsoon is weak.
- While the monsoon is essential for India’s agriculture, excessive or insufficient rainfall can lead to flooding or droughts, respectively. Proper water management is critical.
- IMD
- The India Meteorological Department (IMD) is responsible for meteorological observations and weather forecasting in India
- It works under Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
- IMD is headquartered in Delhi
- News:
Eight institutes findings on reasons for Josimath sinking
- The mysterious land subsidence plaguing Joshimath town in Uttarakhand, India.
- Eight premier institutions conducted studies attributing the sinking town to seismic activity, construction practices, population pressure, and poor drainage systems, raising vital questions about the causes and solutions.
several factors contributing to the sinking of the Himalayan town:
- Seismic Activities: One of the attributed causes of land subsidence is seismic activities.
- The region’s susceptibility to earthquakes is considered a factor leading to gradual subsidence.
- Construction Loopholes: The Central Building Research Institute (CBRI) mentioned that a significant portion of construction in Joshimath does not comply with the National Building Code of India, 2016.
- Non-engineered construction may have contributed to subsidence.
- Population Pressure: The pressure from a growing population can lead to overdevelopment and increased demand for resources, potentially exacerbating subsidence issues.
- Poor Drainage System: Inadequate drainage systems can contribute to subsurface water accumulation, which may be connected to land subsidence.
- Addressing drainage issues is considered a priority.
- Other Factors: The studies also mentioned factors like the nature of local geological deposits (irregular boulders and clay), subsurface drainage, infiltration of rainwater, melting ice, wastewater discharge, and flash flood events as potential contributors to land subsidence.
- Government’s Response: The reports from these institutions were submitted to the government earlier but were made public following questioning by the Uttarakhand High Court.
- Contradictory Findings: Some of the reports provided contradictory findings.
- For instance, one report exonerated the construction activities of the NTPC, while another emphasized the importance of safe disposal of water from upper reaches and waste disposal.
- Recommendations: Recommendations included controlling water infiltration, improving drainage, regulating infrastructure development, and addressing issues related to construction compliance.
- Historical Perspective: Geologists pointed out that these findings resembled earlier reports, suggesting that the issues had been known for a long time but were not adequately addressed.
Way forward:
- To address land subsidence in Joshimath, a comprehensive strategy should involve strengthening building regulations, improving drainage systems, and enhancing seismic monitoring.
- Additionally, public awareness campaigns can play a crucial role in promoting responsible land use practices and long-term sustainability.
POLITY, GOVERNANCE & LAWS AND SCHEMES
Parliament panel report on National Education Policy (NEP), 2020
- News: Recently, the Parliament Standing Committee on Education released its report on NEP 2020
- Key findings of the report:
- Facts observed:
- It noted that of the 1,043 universities functioning in the country, 70% are under the State Act.
- In that 94% of students are in State or private institutions with just 6% of students in Central higher educational institutions.
- About multiple entry multiple exit programme (MEME)
- It said that Indian institutions were likely to face several issues in implementation
- As the institutions may not know the in and outtraffic, it may disturb the pupilteacher ratio
- Challenges in implementation:
- rigid separation of disciplines in higher education
- limited access to higher education in socioeconomically disadvantaged areas
- lack of higher education institutes (HEIs) that teach in local languages
- the limited number of faculty
- lack of institutional autonomy,
- lesser emphasis on research,
- ineffective regulatory system
- low standards of undergraduate education.
- Suggestions given by Panel
- The panel said that by 2030, every district in the country should have at least one multidisciplinary HEI.
- The Gross Enrolment Ratio in higher education, including vocational education, should be increased from 26.3% in 2018 to 50% by 2035.
- It asked Centre & state governments to take following measures
- earmarking suitable funds for the education of Socially and Economically Disadvantaged Groups (SEDGs)
- setting clear targets for higher Gross Enrolment Ratio for SEDGs
- enhancing gender balance in admissions to HEIs
- providing more financial assistance and scholarships to SEDGs in both public and private HEIs
- making admission processes and curriculum more inclusive
- increasing employability potential of higher education programmes
- develop more degree courses that are taught in regional languages and bilingually.
- It ensures strict enforcement of all nodiscrimination and antiharassment rules.
- Funding:
- It asked the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA) to diversify its funding sources beyond government allocations and explore partnerships with private sector organisations, philanthropic foundations, and international financial institutions.
- Note:
- Jammu & Kashmir, Union Territory was among the first in the country to implement NEP from the academic session 2022 in all its higher educational institutions.
- Note:
- Suggestions given by Panel
ECONOMY
What are the trends in India’s labour market
- News: The “State of Working India 2023” report by the Centre for Sustainable Employment at Azim Premji University provides a comprehensive analysis of India’s labor market trends spanning from 2004 to 2018.
- This overview highlights key findings related to economic mobility, gender representation, caste dynamics, and the influence of family structures on workforce participation.
key findings:
- Economic Mobility: The data shows that over the period from 2004 to 2018, sons of fathers engaged in casual wage employment in India increasingly moved towards informal, semi-informal, and formal regular wage work.
- However, this upward mobility was weaker for Scheduled Castes (SCs) compared to the general category.
- Impact of Mother-in-law: The presence of an unemployed mother-in-law in a household reduces the likelihood of a married woman being employed.
- In contrast, having an employed mother-in-law has a lesser impact on this likelihood compared to households with no mother-in-law.
- Differential Economic Mobility: The report highlights a differential intergenerational upward economic mobility between SCs and other categories.
- In 2024, a significant percentage of sons of SC/ST casual wage workers remained in casual wage work, although there was a decline from 1983 to 2018.
- In contrast, the decline in the same period for sons of general caste casual wage workers was steeper.
- Women’s Representation: Women’s representation in certain industries like tobacco, education, health, social work, and textiles increased between 1983 and 2021.
- However, it decreased in waste management and sewerage. Women continued to be overrepresented in these sectors compared to men.
- Caste Representation: The share of SCs in industries like waste management, sewerage, leather, and leather products fell, but SCs remained overrepresented compared to other castes in these sectors.
- Income and Women’s Employment: The data shows that as a husband’s income increases, the probability of the wife being employed reduces.
- However, in urban areas, once the husband’s earnings reach a certain threshold, the probability of the wife being employed starts to increase.
- This is likely due to better-educated wives in higher income brackets seeking better-paid work.
- Mother-in-law’s Influence: The presence and employment status of a mother-in-law significantly impact whether married women participate in the workforce.
- Education and Workforce Participation: Chart 3 indicates that, except for diploma and above, women in rural areas have higher workforce participation rates for all levels of education compared to women in urban areas.
- It also notes that in 2001-2002, a higher percentage of SC women were employed compared to general caste women.
- Unemployment Rates: Among those under 25 years old, graduates have the highest unemployment rate across all education levels.
- The report shows that more than 15% of graduates are unemployed, although this rate is lower than before the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Unemployment rates decrease as education levels decrease.
- Way forward: The report underscores the disparities in economic mobility among different social groups, particularly Scheduled Castes, and sheds light on the complex interplay of factors such as family dynamics and income in influencing women’s participation in the workforce.
- These insights are crucial for policymakers and stakeholders in addressing labor market challenges and promoting inclusive economic growth in India.
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY & HEALTH
Mission Gaganyaan
- News:
- The ISRO has successfully completed the CE20 E13 engine hot test for the Gaganyaan qualification and 22-tonne thrust qualification
- The CE20 engine, developed by the Liquid Propulsion Systems Centre (LPSC) in Valiamala, is a critical component of the Cryogenic Upper Stage (CUS) that powers the upper stage (C25) of the LVM3 vehicle.
- Gaganyaan
- It is the India’s first manned space mission aims to send 3 astronauts into an orbit of 400 kilometres above the Earth’s surface for a 3 days mission and bring them back safely to earth, by landing in Indian sea waters.
- Module’s in Gaganyaan
- Gaganyaan will consist of two parts, the crew module (CM) and the service module (SM), which together will form the orbital module.
- The CM will be shaped like a truncated cone and is designed to carry up to three astronauts.
- The CM will sit on top of the SM, which will contain the propulsion and power systems of the craft.
- Upon re-entry the CM will separate from the SM and splash down in the ocean.
- News:
CSIR –NGRI:
- The CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) is one of the premier geoscientific research institutions in India.
- CSIR-NGRI’s primary mission is to conduct research and development activities in the field of geophysics.
- Geophysics is the scientific study of the Earth’s physical properties and the processes that occur beneath its surface.
- Research Areas:
- Earthquake and Seismology: CSIR-NGRI is known for its work in earthquake prediction, monitoring, and seismic hazard assessment. They conduct research to better understand seismic activities and mitigate the impact of earthquakes.
- Groundwater Exploration: The institute focuses on groundwater exploration, aiming to find sustainable sources of groundwater to address water scarcity issues.
- Mineral Exploration: CSIR-NGRI conducts research to explore and assess mineral resources in various regions of India. This research is vital for the country’s mineral industry.
- Environmental Studies: The institute is involved in environmental geophysics research, including the assessment of environmental impacts and monitoring of natural resources.
- Geospatial Technology: CSIR-NGRI also works on geospatial technology and its applications for mapping, remote sensing, and GIS (Geographic Information Systems).
- Facilities: CSIR-NGRI is equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories, geophysical instruments, and computational resources to support its research activities.
- Collaborations: The institute collaborates with various national and international organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies to advance geophysical research and its applications.
- Publications: CSIR-NGRI researchers regularly publish their findings in scientific journals, contributing to the global body of knowledge in geophysics.
- Training and Education: The institute is also involved in training and education in geophysics and related fields, contributing to the development of skilled professionals in the domain.
- Way Forward: CSIR-NGRI plays a crucial role in advancing geophysical research and technologies in India and addressing geoscientific challenges, including earthquake prediction, resource exploration, and environmental management.
- Its work is valuable for both scientific advancement and practical applications in various sectors, including natural resource management and disaster mitigation.