DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS ANALYSIS
20th October 2021
| S. No. | Topic Name | Prelims/Mains |
| 1. | About the Perseverance Rover of NASA | Prelims & Mains |
| 2. | What is the Geospatial Energy Map of India recently launched by the Niti Ayog | Prelims & Mains |
| 3. | About the General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance | Prelims & Mains |
| 4. | Consent of Attorney General required for the Contempt Proceedings | Prelims & Mains |
| 5. | What is Allium Negianum | Prelims Specific |
| 6. | About the Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery (BSRMS) | Prelims Specific |
About the Perseverance Rover of NASA:
GS III
Topic : Space related topics:
- Why in the News:
- NASA’s Perseverance rover has clicked a panorama image of the “South Seitah” region of Mars’ Jezero Crater, giving clues to the complexity of the area.
- The pictures show the gray, brown, and Swiss coffee coloured rocky regions named the “Faillefeu” (after the name of the medieval building in the French Alps).
- Background:
- NASA’s Perseverance rover explores the Jezero Crater on Mars and attempts to collect its first rock samples.
- About Perseverance Rover:
- Launched in 2020 within United Launch Alliance Atlas V.
- Why is this work important:
- It contains a unique instrument, MOXIE or Mars Oxygen ISRU Temptation, which is the first to produce molecular oxygen on Mars using carbon dioxide from carbon-dioxide-rich air (ISRU means Situ Resource Consumption: or use of local resources to meet the needs of the individual or the needs of the spacecraft).
- It also carries a smart and the first helicopter to fly on Mars.
- It is the first step planned to retrieve rock samples from Mars for analysis in complex Earth’s laboratories: for the purpose of searching for biosignatures: or signatures of current or past life.
- These are some of the main objectives of the equipment:
- Look for signs of ancient bacterial health.
- Collect samples of Martian rock and dust to return to Earth later.
- Take out the experimental helicopter.
- Learn about Mars’ climate and geology.
- Demonstrate the technology of future Mars missions.
- What is the cause of high interest in Mars:
- Mars is located at the back of the yard of the earth’s atmosphere (about 200 million miles).
- It is a planet that people would like to visit or stay longer.
- Mars had flowing water and wind in the distant past: and perhaps even life-sustaining conditions.
- It also has an impact on business mobility.
- Prelims Hot-Link:
- Objectives of this mission
- Instruments used in this mission
- About the Hope Mission of the UAE and the Tianwen-1 Chinese spacecraft Mission
- About the Pathfinder Mission.
- Source – https://www.indiatimes.com/technology/news/sounds-of-mars-perseverance-rover-551989.html
- What is the Geospatial Energy Map of India recently launched by the Niti Ayog:
GS III
Topic à Conservation related issues:
- Why in News:
- NITI Aayog Introduces Geospatial Energy Map of Indian
- What is it:
- Geospatial Energy Map, enables the identification of energy sources such as conventional power stations, oil and gas sources, petroleum refineries, coal fields and coal blocks, regional intelligence of renewable energy plants and renewable energy sources, etc. through 27 layers.
- This comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS) Map is developed by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO).
- This GIS map provides a complete picture of all of the country’s energy sources.
- What will it do:
- The map will attempt to identify and locate all primary and secondary energy sources and their distribution / distribution networks to provide a complete overview of energy production and distribution in the country.
- Key features:
- It is a unique endeavour aimed at consolidating the energy data scattered across multiple organizations and presenting it in an integrated, visually appealing way.
- It uses the latest advances in web-GIS technology and open-source software to make it more engaging and easy to use.
- India’s Geospatial Energy Map will assist in planning and making investment decisions in a more efficient and expeditious manner.
- It will also assist in disaster management using the available energy resources.
- Importance of a GIS map of Energy Assets:
- Creating a GIS map of energy assets will be instrumental in ensuring the real-time and integrated planning of the Indian energy sector, due to its large geographical distribution and dependence on foreign countries.
- It will be of benefit to all stakeholders involved in it and will help speed up the policy-making process in the energy sector of India.
- Will help India to achieve self-reliance or Aatma Nirbharta in the Energy Sector.
- Source- livemint.com/news/india/niti-aayog-launches-geospatial-energy-map-of-india-in-collaboration-with-isro-11634603115250.html
- About the General Assembly of the International Solar Alliance:
GS III
Topic à Conservation related issues:
- Why in the News:
- The fourth general meeting of The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is being held.
- It is chaired by the Minister of New and Renewable Energy, Government of India and the President of the ISA Conference.
- Highlights:
- The fourth ISA meeting will discuss key initiatives on OSOWOG’s implementation, the 1 trillion Solar Investment Roadmap of 2030, and the approval of the Financial Risk Reduction Center.
- World leaders of ISA member states will also discuss ISA’s strategic plan for the next five years.
- ISA will also negotiate with the Global Energy Alliance (GEA) to increase technical and financial support for Least Developing Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
- About the ISA Assembly:
- It is the highest decision-making body of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), in which each member state is represented.
- The body makes decisions regarding the implementation of the ISA framework agreement and the corresponding steps that will be taken to achieve its objective.
- The Forum meets annually at Ministerial level in the chair of the ISA, examining the combined impact of programs and other activities on solar energy delivery, efficiency, reliability, and cost and financial level.
- About the International Solar Alliance (ISA):
- The International Solar Alliance was launched in 2015 by the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The International Solar Alliance (ISA) is a coalition of more than 122 countries established by India.
- ISA is an organization of the world’s richest countries with solar resources lying partially or in part between the Tropic of Cancer and the Tropic of Capricorn to directly address energy needs through solar energy.
- The Paris Declaration establishes the ISA as a coalition dedicated to promoting solar energy among its member states.
- The ISA brings together countries with rich solar powers to consolidate global demand, thus reducing prices through bulk purchases.
- It facilitates the deployment of existing solar technology on a large scale, and promotes the integration of solar R&D and energy building.
- Secretariat of the ISA:
- India and France jointly laid the foundation stone of the ISA Secretariat..
- These countries have opened an interim ISA Secretariat at the National Institute of Solar Energy, Gurugram, Haryana.
- Objectives of ISA:
- ISA’s main objectives include the global deployment of 1,000 GW of solar power generation and the promotion of more than US $ 1000 billion in investments in solar energy by 2030.
- ISA has a vision to empower the perfect environment for the acquisition and development of technology, economic resources, and the development of storage technology, mass production and innovation in the solar energy sector.
- Need for of the ISA:
- Reduced technological costs will result in improved solar energy systems.
- Solar energy is a major source of affordable, renewable and reliable energy.
- Successful project implementation will play a significant part in fulfilling the goal of universal energy access (SDG 7).
- Six ISA programs can change the game with the application of Solar Use for Agricultural Applications, Affordable Finance available at Scale, Mini Grids, Solar Rooftops, Solar E-mobility systems & Storage and Large-Scale Solar Park applications.
- Prelims Hot-Link:
- All about ISA.
- ISA Secretariat
- The original goals of OSOWOG.
- When was it launched?
- What is energy efficiency? Examples.
- Source – https://www.aninews.in/news/environment/world-leaders-to-address-4th-international-solar-alliance-general-assembly-from-october-18-to-2120211016210822/
- Consent of Attorney General required for the Contempt Proceedings:
GS II
Topic à Constitutional Posts & Appointments:
- Why in News:
- India’s Attorney General KK Venugopal recently refused to grant his go-ahead for criminal charges against Azad Samaj Party National President Chandra Shekhar Azad for his comments in support of allegations against judges in the Supreme Court.
- Background:
- The AG was considering an application for a permit under Section 15 (1) (b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 to initiate proceedings against Azad.
- What is the law of contempt of court:
- The Contempt of the Courts Act of 1971 gives the definition of civil and criminal contempt and sets out the powers and procedures by which courts may punish contempt, as well as the penalties for contempt of court.
- Contempt for a court is an offense relating to the disobedience or disrespect to a court of law and its officials by a conduct that violates or disregards the authority, justice and dignity of the court.
- Why is it necessary for the Attorney General’s permission to start a contempt procedure:
- The purpose of seeking the consent of the Attorney General before recognizing the appeal is to save court time.
- This is necessary because sometimes, contempt proceedings are filed based on unreasonable requests and it will lead to the wastage of court’s time if the court is the first forum to admit them.
- Thus, the AG’s consent is intended to be a protection against such unreasonable claims, as it is expected that the AG will independently verify whether the complaint is valid or not.
- Under what circumstances is the AG’s approval not required:
- The AG’s consent is compulsory when an independent citizen wants to initiate a contempt of court proceedings against a person.
- However, once the court itself initiates the contempt of court charges, the AG’s approval is not required.
- This is because the court uses its natural powers under the Constitution to punish its contempt and that constitutional power cannot be revoked just because the AG has refused to grant permission.
- What happens if the AG denies the approval:
- If the AG denies the approval, the matter will end then and there.
- The petitioner, however, may separately bring the matter to court and request the court initiate the contempt proceedings based on suo motu basis.
- Section 129 of the Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to initiate cases of contempt independently, without a recommendation submitted by the AG or with the consent of the AG.
- Prelims Hot-Link:
- Power of SC vs HCs wrt Contempt cases.
- The provisions of the Constitution in this regard.
- Changes introduced by the Contempt of Courts (Amendment) Act, 2006.
- Contempt for Civil vs Criminal.
- Rights under Article 19.
- Is section 10 of the Contempt of Courts Act of 1971 relevant?
- Source à https://www.indialegallive.com/top-news-of-the-day/news/tripura-cm-contempt-venugopal/
- What is Allium Negianum:
Prelims Specific Topic:
- It is a type of onion species native to the Uttarakhand Himalayas, known to the local people but recently discovered to the entire world.
- It grows at an altitude of 3,000 to 4,000 feet [3,000 to 4,800 m] and can be found in open grasslands, sandy riverbanks, and glaciers in alpine pastures, where melting snow helps transport its seeds to the desired places.
- With limited distribution, the newly described species is limited to the western Himalayan region and has not yet been reported from anywhere else in the world.
- The scientific name Allium and Gianum honors the late Dr. Kuldeep Singh Negi, an explorer and collector of Allium.
https://journalsofindia.com/allium-negianum/
- About the Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery (BSRMS):
Prelims Specific Topic:
- The University Grants Commission has issued a notice to recognize a Bachelor of Sowa Rigpa Medicine and Surgery (BSRMS).
- The graduation period will be at least five years & Senior Secondary Education (Passing Class 12th) are set as the basic eligibility condition.
- What is Sowa-Rigpa:
- It is a traditional medical practice performed in the Indian Himalayan belt region.
- It originates in Tibet and is widely used in countries such as India, Nepal, Bhutan, Mongolia and Russia.
- Most of the Sowa-Rigpa doctrine and practice is similar to “Ayurveda”.
- Yuthog Yonten Gonpo from Tibet is believed to be the father of Sowa Rigpa.
- The basic idea of Sowa-Rigpa can be summarized according to the following five principles:
- Immunity to diseases in place of treatment.
- Finding an Antidote, that is, Treatment.
- How to use that antidote
- Medications to be used for various diseases.
- Materia Medica, Pharmacy and Pharmacology.