All India Judicial Service

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the President of India advocated for All India Judicial Service (AIJS) to enhance diversity in the judiciary by increasing representation from marginalized social groups.

What is All India Judicial Service (AIJS)?

• About:
  • AIJS is a proposed centralized recruitment system for judges at the level of additional district judges and district judges across all states.
  • AIJS aims to centralize the recruitment of judges, similar to the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) model, assigning successful candidates to states.
  • Originating from Law Commission reports in 1958 and 1978, AIJS seeks to address structural issues like varying pay, faster vacancy filling, and standardized nationwide training.
  • The idea was revisited in 2006 by the Parliamentary Standing Committee, supporting a pan-Indian judicial service.
• Constitutional Basis:
  • Article 312 of the Constitution provides for the establishment of AIJS, similar to central civil services, upon a resolution by the Rajya Sabha supported by at least two-thirds of its members.
  • However, Article 312 (2) states that the AIJS cannot include any post inferior to that of a district judge, as defined in Article 236.
    • According to Article 236, a district judge can include a city civil court judge, additional district judge, joint district judge, assistant district judge, chief judge of a small cause court, chief presidency magistrate, additional chief presidency magistrate, sessions judge, additional sessions judge, and assistant sessions judge.
• Need:
  • AIJS would ensure a uniform and high standard of selection and training of judges, enhancing the quality and efficiency of the judiciary.
  • AIJS would fill the vacancies of judges in the lower courts, which are presently around 5,400 vacant positions in lower judiciary across the nation and pendency of 2.78 crore cases in lower judiciary primarily due to inordinate delay in holding regular exams by states.
  • AIJS would increase the representation and diversity of judges from different regions, genders, castes, and communities, reflecting the social composition of the country.
  • AIJS would reduce the scope for judicial or executive intervention in the appointments to the judiciary, ensuring the independence and accountability of the judges.
  • AIJS would create a pool of talented and experienced judges who can be appointed to the higher judiciary, improving the career prospects and mobility of the judges.
• Current Status:
  • As of 2023, there is no consensus on AIJS due to diverging opinions among major stakeholders.
  • The AIJS proposal remains an unimplemented initiative, highlighting the challenges in achieving consensus for its establishment.

How are District Judges Recruited Currently?

• The current system involves Articles 233 and 234 granting states the authority over the appointment of district judges, managed through State Public Service Commissions and High Courts, since HCs exercise jurisdiction over the subordinate judiciary in the state.
  • Panels of HC judges interview candidates after the exam and select them for appointment.
  • Article 233 deals with the appointment of district judges. Appointments of persons to be, and the posting and promotion of, district judges in any State shall be made by the Governor of the State in consultation with the High Court exercising jurisdiction over such State.
  • Article 234 deals with the recruitment of persons other than district judges to the judicial service.
• All judges of the lower judiciary up to the level of district judges are selected through the Provincial Civil Services (Judicial) exam. PCS (J) is commonly referred to as the judicial services exam.

What are the Concerns Regarding AIJS?

• It would infringe upon the federal structure and the autonomy of the states and the high courts, who have the constitutional right and responsibility to administer the subordinate judiciary.
• It would create a conflict of interest and a dual control over the judges, who would be accountable to both the central and the state governments.
• It would disregard the local laws, languages, and customs of the different states, which are essential for the effective functioning of the judiciary.
• It would affect the morale and motivation of the existing judicial officers, who would be deprived of the opportunities and incentives for their career advancement.

Way Forward

• Facilitate dialogues and consultations with states, high courts, and legal experts to address concerns and garner support for AIJS.
  • Consider implementing AIJS on a pilot basis in select states to assess its impact and address concerns gradually.
• Design AIJS with flexible mechanisms allowing adaptation to local laws, languages, and customs, ensuring effective functioning without disregarding regional nuances.
  • Propose a well-defined transition period during which existing judicial officers can seamlessly adapt to the new system, minimizing disruptions.
• Establish a periodic review mechanism to assess the impact of AIJS on federal structure, autonomy, and the effective functioning of the judiciary, making necessary adjustments as needed.
• Develop an incentive structure within AIJS that motivates and recognizes the contributions of existing judicial officers, addressing concerns about career advancement.

Gujral Doctrine of Foreign Policy

Source: IE

Why in the News?

Recently, the 11^th death anniversary of the precursor of Gujral doctrine, IK Gujaral, the 12^th Prime Minister of India has been marked on November 30.

• He is the only Prime Minister with a foreign policy approach identified with his name the Gujral Doctrine.

Who is Inder Kumar Gujaral?

• Inder Kumar Gujral was sworn in as the 12^th Prime Minister of India from April 1997 to May 1998.
• IK Gujral can be remembered for two significant contributions to Indian foreign policy:
  • He propounded the 'Gujral doctrine' when he was the Union minister of External Affairs from 1996 to 1997.
  • Despite international pressure, Gujral firmly refused to sign the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) in October 1996.

What is the Gujral Doctrine?

• The Gujral doctrine delineated its approach towards India’s neighbors, which later came to be known as the Gujral Doctrine. This consisted of five basic principles. It was outlined at a speech in Chatham House in London in September 1996.
• The five basic principles of Gujral Doctrine:
  • India, surrounded by neighbors such as Nepal, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, and Sri Lanka, doesn't seek reciprocity but instead offers assistance wholeheartedly, guided by goodwill and trust.
  • South Asian nations won't tolerate the use of their territory to harm the interests of another country in the region.
  • None will interfere in the internal affairs of another.
  • All South Asian Countries must respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.
  • Nations will settle all their disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations,”.
• The Gujral Doctrine believed that India's significant size and population naturally positioned it as a key player in South East Asia.
• To enhance its standing and reputation, the doctrine advocated adopting a non-dominant approach towards smaller neighboring countries. It, thus, recognises the supreme importance of friendly, cordial relations with neighbors.
• It also stressed the significance of maintaining ongoing dialogue and refraining from unnecessary provocations, such as commenting on the internal affairs of other nations.

How Successful was the Gujral Doctrine?

• Gujral’s approach to foreign policy helped strengthen trust and cooperation in India’s neighborhood.
• The Water-Sharing Treaty, 1977 between India and Bangladesh expired in 1988, and negotiations failed due to inflexibility on both sides. The resolution of the water-sharing dispute with Bangladesh came in just three months in 1996-97.
• India obtained Bhutanese approval for a canal project to increase water flow to the Ganga.
• This almost coincided with the treaty with Nepal for taming the Mahakali river for the generation of hydel power.
• It was followed by agreements with Sri Lanka for expanding development cooperation.
• Also, it led to the starting of composite dialogue with Pakistan.
  • The composite dialogue was based on the principle that entire spectrums of relationships came under sincere problem-solving dialogues.
  • Cooperation must begin on agreed terms in agreed areas (trade, travel, culture etc.) even as certain disputes remain unresolved.

What are the Criticism of Gujral Doctrine?

• Lenient approach toward Pakistan: Gujral doctrine was criticized for going too soft on Pakistan, and leaving India vulnerable to the threats of the future, including the many terror attacks.
• Security Concerns: It was perceived by some as being too idealistic and neglecting India's security concerns. Critics argued that the doctrine did not adequately address the security challenges posed by some of India's neighbors, especially in the context of historical conflicts and ongoing geopolitical issues.
• Failure to Address Bilateral Issues: The Gujral Doctrine did not effectively address long standing bilateral issues between India and its neighbors. For example, issues like territorial disputes, and cross-border terrorism were not given sufficient attention according to some critics.
• Domestic Opposition: Some argued that the emphasis on goodwill and non-reciprocity might be perceived as weakness and could be exploited by adversaries.

Way Forward

• Balancing Idealism and Realism: Future foreign policies should strike a balance between idealistic principles and realistic assessments of security challenges. Ensuring national security should be a paramount consideration.
• Comprehensive Conflict Resolution: Addressing unresolved bilateral issues with neighbors requires a comprehensive and proactive approach. Dialogue must encompass territorial disputes and security concerns.
• Adapting to Evolving Threats: Recognizing the evolving nature of security threats, future doctrines should incorporate strategies to counter terrorism and ensure the safety of the nation.
• Strengthening Regional Alliances: Building on the positive aspects of the Gujral Doctrine, India should continue strengthening regional alliances and cooperation for mutual benefit.
• Public Diplomacy and Domestic Consensus: In crafting foreign policies, fostering domestic consensus is crucial. Public diplomacy efforts can help in conveying the rationale behind diplomatic decisions, mitigating potential domestic opposition.

World Bank’s Plan to Combat Methane Emissions

Source: TH

Why in News?

In an initiative to combat the rising threat of methane emissions, the World Bank has announced plans to launch a series of country-led programs, to reduce up to 10 million tons of methane over the course of their investment lifespans.

What is the Plan Unveiled by World Bank?

• Need For the Plan:
  • Methane accounts for approximately 19% of global greenhouse gas emissions (GHGs), making it a substantial contributor to climate change.
  • Rice production accounts for 8%, livestock 32%, and waste 18% of all human-driven methane emissions, making targeted efforts in these areas crucial.
    • Methane has a much higher global warming potential (GWP) than carbon dioxide.
    • Despite methane being 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming the palnet, it has received less attention and funding.
• World Bank’s Planning:
  • The World Bank is set to roll out a minimum of 15 country-led programs within the next 18 months.
    • According to the World Bank, the move is a step in addressing the alarming increase in global temperatures and supporting communities most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
    • These programs will specifically target methane emissions, employing strategic interventions to curb environmental degradation and promote sustainable practices.
  • World Bank’s Triple Win Approach:
    • The ambitious programs will focus on slashing methane emissions from various sources, including rice production, livestock operations, and waste management.
    • The comprehensive approach to methane reduction outlined by the World Bank emphasizes triple wins - reducing emissions, enhancing resilience, and empowering livelihoods.
• Funding Mechanism:
  • Currently, finance for methane abatement constitutes less than 2% of global climate finance.
  • The World Bank envisions a substantial increase in financing for methane reduction through public and private sector channels between 2024 and 2030.
    • The institution is set to collaborate with Germany, Norway, the United States, the UAE, and the private sector to implement effective solutions and reduce methane emissions across the entire energy value chain.
• Partnership Platforms:
  • Complementing its efforts, the World Bank is launching two partnership platforms:
    • The Global Methane Reduction Platform for Development (CH4D) focusing on methane abatement in agriculture and waste.
    • Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership (GFMR) concentrating on reducing methane leaks in the oil and gas sector.

What are the Initiatives to Tackle Methane Emissions?

• Indian:
  • ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD): Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has developed an anti-methanogenic feed supplement ‘Harit Dhara’ (HD), which can cut down cattle methane emissions by 17-20% and can also result in higher milk production.
  • India Greenhouse Gas Program: The India GHG Program led by WRI India (non-profit organization), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) is an industry-led voluntary framework to measure and manage greenhouse gas emissions.
  • National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): NAPCC was launched in 2008 which aims at creating awareness among the representatives of the public, different agencies of the government, scientists, industry and the communities on the threat posed by climate change and the steps to counter it.
  • Bharat Stage-VI Norms: India shifted from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms.
• Global:
  • Methane Alert and Response System (MARS):
    • MARS will integrate data from a large number of existing and future satellites that have the ability to detect methane emission events anywhere in the world, and send out notifications to the relevant stakeholders to act on it.
  • Global Methane Pledge:
    • At the Glasgow climate conference (UNFCCC COP 26) in 2021, nearly 100 countries had come together in a voluntary pledge, referred to as the Global Methane Pledge, to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from the 2020 levels.
  • Global Methane Initiative (GMI):
    • It is an international public-private partnership focused on reducing barriers to the recovery and use of methane as a clean energy source.

What Measures can be Taken Further to Reduce Methane Emissions?

• In the Energy Sector: Methane emissions occur along the entire oil and gas supply chain, but especially from fugitive emissions from leaking equipment, system upsets, and deliberate flaring and venting.
  • Existing cost-effective solutions can help reduce emissions, including initiating leak detection and repair programs, implementing better technologies and operating practices, and capturing and utilising methane that would otherwise be wasted.
• In Agriculture: The farmers can provide animals with more nutritious feed so that they are larger, healthier and more productive, effectively producing more with less.
  • When it comes to staple crops like paddy rice, experts recommend alternate wetting and drying approaches that could halve emissions.
    • Rather than allowing the continuous flooding of fields, paddies could be irrigated and drained two to three times throughout the growing season, limiting methane production without impacting yield.
      • That process would also require one-third less water, making it more economical.
• In the Waste Sector: The waste sector accounts for around 20% of global human-caused methane emissions.
  • The cost-effective mitigation solutions with the greatest potential related to separating organics and recycling also have the potential of creating new jobs.
    • Upstream avoidance of food loss and waste is also key.
  • Additionally, capturing landfill gas and generating energy will reduce methane emissions, displace other forms of fuels and create new streams of revenue.
• Role of Government: The Government of India should envision a food system transition policy to help its people grow and consume food differently.
  • Instead of working in silos, the government must develop a comprehensive policy that moves farmers to sustainable modes of plant-based food production.
  • Divert subsidies from industrial livestock production and its associated inputs, and look at job creation, social justice, poverty reduction, animal protection and better public health as multiple aspects of a single solution.

GDP Growth Surprise

Source: IE

Why in News?

According to the latest data from the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) , India’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 7.6% in second quarter (Q2) of 2023-24, covering the months of July to September.

• India’s economy in Q2 witnessed a decline in agriculture, a surge in manufacturing, and a slowdown in services sectors.

What is the Significance of This Growth Data?

• Not only is this a fairly impressive level of economic growth, it also beats all market expectations.
  • The recent quarterly GDP growth has triggered a flurry of upward revisions in the GDP forecast for the full financial year.
• It appears that India's central bank accurately predicted the country's GDP growth rate for the fiscal year, despite initially seeming optimistic compared to other economists.
  • Now, with many experts revising their projections to align with the bank's forecast of 6.5%, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) seems to have made an accurate prediction.
• This also means that RBI is unlikely to cut interest rates sooner than expected. Had the growth rate been below market expectations, the probability of a rate cut would have heightened.
• It is also noteworthy that it was exactly three years ago — when MoSPI announced the Q2 GDP data for 2020-21 — that India went into a technical recession. The upside surprise on growth has given hope that India’s economic recovery is now gathering momentum.

What are the Different Ways of Measuring Economic Growth?

• Two Ways to Calculate Economic Growth:
  • GDP:
    • It involves examining people's spending patterns (the expenditure side). GDP can be derived from Gross Value Added (GVA) by incorporating indirect taxes and subtracting government subsidies.
  • GVA:
    • It focuses on the income side of the economy. GVA, as defined by the RBI, is the value of a sector's output minus the value of its intermediary inputs. This "value added" is distributed among the primary factors of production—labor and capital.
• Disparity Between the Two Methods:
  • The disparity between the two methods is termed a discrepancy and has sparked controversies, notably during the release of first-quarter GDP data.
  • For a nuanced analysis of quarterly economic trends, GVA numbers are often considered more reliable, while GDP (expenditure data) is preferred for assessing annual trends.

What Needs to be Done to Make India's Growth Rate More Robust?

• Boosting Investment and Consumption: These are the two main drivers of domestic demand, which accounts for about 70% of India’s GDP.
  • To increase investment, the government can continue to implement reforms that reduce policy uncertainty, regulatory hurdles, interest rates, and bad loans.
  • To increase consumption, the government can support income growth, inflation control, rural development, job creation, and credit availability.
• Enhancing Manufacturing and Exports: These are the key sources of value addition, employment, and external demand, which can help India diversify its economy and integrate with the global market.
  • To improve manufacturing and exports, the government can continue to implement initiatives such as the Atmanirbhar Bharat package, the production-linked incentive scheme, and the national infrastructure pipeline.
• Investing in Human Capital and Social Services: These are the essential factors for improving the living standards and productivity of India’s large and young population.
  • To invest in human capital and social services, the government can continue to implement programs that enhance education, health, skills, nutrition, water, sanitation, energy, housing, and healthcare.
• Maintaining Macroeconomic Stability and Resilience: These are the necessary conditions for sustaining economic growth and coping with various shocks and uncertainties.
  • To maintain macroeconomic stability and resilience, the government can continue to pursue prudent fiscal and monetary policies that balance growth and inflation objectives.

Exit Polls

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the exit polls results were released for five states Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Mizoram.

• Exit polls in many recent elections have been unreliable, providing conflicting results.

What are Exit Polls?

• Exit polls are surveys conducted with voters as they leave a polling station during an election.
• The purpose is to gather information on how people voted and their demographic characteristics.
• These polls provide early indications of election results before official results are announced.
• An exit poll was conducted by the Indian Institute of Public Opinion during the second Lok Sabha elections in 1957.

How can Accuracy of Exit Polls Can be Judged?

• Sampling Methods: The reliability of the sampling methods used in conducting exit polls is crucial. A well-designed and representative sample is more likely to produce accurate results.
  • Some common parameters for a good, or accurate, opinion poll would be a sample size that is both large and diverse, and a clearly constructed questionnaire without an overt bias.
• Structured Questionnaire: Surveys, like exit polls, collect data by interviewing many respondents using a structured questionnaire, either over the phone or in person.
  • According to the Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, “Without a structured questionnaire, the data can neither be collected coherently nor be analyzed systematically to arrive at vote share estimates.”
• Demographic Representation: Ensuring that the surveyed population is demographically representative of the overall voting population is essential. If certain groups are over or underrepresented, it can impact the accuracy of the predictions.
  • A large sample size is important but what matters most is how well the sample represents the larger population, rather than the size of the sample.

What are the Criticisms of Exit Poll?

• Exit polls can be controversial if the agency conducting them is perceived to be biased.
• These surveys can be influenced by the choice, wording and timing of the questions, and by the nature of the sample drawn.
• Critics argued that many opinion and exit polls are motivated and sponsored by their rivals, and could have a distorting effect on the choices voters make in a protracted election, rather than simply reflecting public sentiment or views.

How is Exit Poll Regulated in India?

• Section 126A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 prohibits conduct of Exit poll and dissemination of their results by means of print or electronic media during the period mentioned therein, i.e. between the hour fixed for commencement of poll in the first phase and half an hour after the time fixed for close of poll for the last phase in all the States.
• The Election Commission is responsible for regulating the use of exit polls. According to the ECI, exit polls can only be conducted during a specific period. This period starts from the time when the polling booths close and ends 30 minutes after the last booth has closed.
• Exit polls cannot be conducted during the voting period or on polling day.
• The Election Commission issued guidelines under Article 324 of the Constitution, prohibiting newspapers and news channels from publishing results of pre-election surveys and exit polls.
• The EC also mandated that while carrying the results of exit and opinion polls, newspapers and channels should disclose the sample size of the electorate, the details of polling methodology, the margin of error and the background of the polling agency.
• The ban on the publication of exit polls remains in place until the last phase of voting is completed.
• In addition to the ban on the publication of exit polls, the ECI also requires that all media outlets that conduct exit polls must register with the commission.

Way Forward

• Transparency and Methodological Rigor:
  • Emphasize the importance of transparency in the methodology of conducting exit polls.
  • Polling agencies should disclose details such as sampling methods, questionnaire structure, and the criteria for respondent selection.
• Regulatory Reforms:
  • Collaborative efforts between election authorities, media, and polling agencies can lead to refined guidelines that address emerging challenges and ensure fairness and accuracy in the reporting of exit poll results..
• Collaboration with Election Authorities:
  • Foster closer collaboration between polling agencies and election authorities. Election commissions can provide valuable insights into the electoral process, share data on voter demographics, and offer guidance on minimizing potential disruptions caused by exit polls.

Fourth Phase Roll-Out of GIAN Scheme

Source: TH

Why in News?

After an eight-year journey, including a brief pause during COVID, the Ministry of Education is preparing to resume the fourth phase of the Global Initiative of Academic Networks (GIAN).

• This initiative aims to bring in distinguished scholars worldwide to teach at Indian universities.
• The National Institute of Educational Planning and Administration (NIEPA), after evaluating the scheme, recommended its continuation.

What is Global Initiative for Academic Networks (GIAN) Scheme ?

• GIAN is a flagship initiative by theMinistry of Education (MoE), Government of India designed to foster collaboration and enhance the quality of education and research in Indian academic institutions.
• Launched in 2015, the primary objective of the GIAN scheme is to provide an opportunity for students and faculty to interact with the best academic and industry experts from all over the world.
• The eligibility criteria for joining the GIAN scheme are as follows:
  • Faculty members of Indian institutions of higher education.
  • Scientists and entrepreneurs from abroad.
• The courses offered under the GIAN scheme should be relevant to the Indian context.
  • The courses should be designed to provide exposure to the latest developments in the field.
  • The courses should be designed to provide hands-on training to the participants.

What is the Present Status of GIAN Scheme?

• Government Spending on GIAN Courses:
  • Since the initiation of the GIAN program, the Central government has allocated a substantial ₹126 crore towards supporting foreign faculty. These funds cover travel expenses and honorariums for teaching.
  • Notably, each foreign faculty member receives USD 8,000 (~ ₹7 lakh) for a week-long course and USD 12,000 (~ ₹12 lakh) for a two-week course.
• Distribution of Courses Across Educational Institutions:
  • Of the delivered courses, 39% took place in IIT campuses, with the second-largest share occurring in National Institute of Technology (NIT) campuses.
  • The distribution also included State Universities, Indian Institutes of Information Technology (IIITs), Indian Institute of Sciences (IISC), Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISERs), management institutes, Central universities, and All India Council of Technical Education's engineering colleges.
• Geographic Diversity and Future Plans:
  • The majority of visiting academicians, 41.4%, were from the US, followed by experts from the U.K., Germany, Canada, France, Italy, Nordic countries, China, Japan, Taiwan, ASEAN countries, and others.
  • The Ministry of Education (MoE) plans to enhance the program's reach by promoting video recording of lectures and establishing an online consortium.

Pilatus PC-7 Mk II

Source: IE

Why in News?

Two Indian Air Force (IAF) pilots were killed after their Pilatus PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft crashed during a routine training sortie from the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Telangana which marks the first crash involving the aircraft in nearly a decade.

What is Pilatus PC-7 Mk II Trainer Aircraft ?

• Trainer Aircraft:
  • Trainer aircraft are specialized planes meant for training pilots and aircrews. Since modern military planes are complex and challenging for new pilots, trainers serve as a foundational step.
  • These aircraft are simpler, slower, and more forgiving, helping rookies learn basic skills. They are also cost-effective, allowing air forces to purchase them in large quantities for cadet training.
• Types of Trainer Aircraft with IAF:
  • The IAF currently operates 75 Pilatus PC-7 Mk II aircraft, which are used for basic training in the first stage of a cadet's flight training.
  • After basic training, cadets progress to the HAL Kiran, an intermediate jet-powered trainer, and then to the BAE Hawk, a British advanced trainer.
• Features of Pilatus Aircraft:
  • The PC-7 is a turbo-prop aircraft with tandem seating, introduced in the 1990s as an upgraded version of the original model from the 1970s.
  • Powered by a Pratt & Whitney engine, it has a maximum speed of 412 km/h, can reach over 10,000 m in height, and has a range of 1,200 km without external tanks, providing slightly over 4 hours of flying time.
• IAF’s Need of PC-7 Mk-II:
  • The IAF procured 75 of these aircraft from Pilatus Aircraft Ltd (an aerospace manufacturer located in Stans, Switzerland ) under a contract signed in 2012, to meet the critical shortage of trainer aircraft urgently needed to carry out the basic flying training for its pilots.
  • The shortage emerged after the indigenously developed HPT-32 aircraft were grounded in 2010, after fatal crashes which killed multiple IAF pilots.
• Replacing PC-7 Mk II:
  • Defence Ministry signed a contract with Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) to procure 70 HTT-40 for replacing PC-7.
  • Designed indigenously, the HTT-40 is a basic trainer aircraft powered by a four-bladed turbo-prop engine (PC-7 is three-bladed).
    • The aircraft will have an air-conditioned cockpit, modern avionics, hot refuelling, and zero-zero ejection seats.

Marapi Volcano

Recently, the Marapi volcano in West Sumatra, Indonesia, erupted, ejecting ash up to 3,000 meters (9,840 feet) into the air and causing casualties.

• Mount Marapi, which means “Mountain of Fire”, is the most active volcano on Sumatra island and its most deadly eruption was in April 1979, when 60 people were killed.
• Indonesia sits on the Pacific's "Ring of Fire" and has 127 active volcanoes.
• Despite being one of the most dangerous volcanoes in the world, Mount Merapi is a famous tourist destination.
  • Mount Merapi, along with other volcanoes like Mount Semeru and Mount Bromo, continues to be a popular adventure destination in Indonesia.

Read more: Ring of Fire, Mt. Merapi of Indonesia

Rising Cases of Mpox in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has witnessed a significant increase in Monkeypox(mpox) cases, with 12,569 suspected cases and 581 deaths reported from January to November 2023.

• This surge in cases marks the highest number of annual infections ever recorded, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
• The WHO has also highlighted a growing outbreak of mpox cases linked to sexual transmission in the country.
  • Previously, no documented cases of sexual transmission were reported globally. However, the first-ever confirmed case of sexual transmission was recorded in the DRC.
• Monkeypox, caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV), is a viral zoonotic disease endemic in densely forested regions of west, central, and east Africa.
• Symptoms include a severe rash, resembling chickenpox, accompanied by fever, malaise, and headache. Unlike smallpox, Monkeypox exhibits early lymph gland enlargement.
• There is no specific treatment or vaccine available for Monkeypox infection. In the past, the anti-smallpox vaccine, once 85% effective, is no longer widely accessible.

Read more: Monkeypox

Tele-MANAS Cell for Armed Forces Mental Health Support

Recently, a dedicated Tele-MANAS Cell was inaugurated at the Armed Forces Medical College in Pune.

• The cell serves as an extension of the Tele-Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele MANAS) initiative of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
  • It functions as a central psychological helpline for all Armed Forces beneficiaries across the country.
• The need for tele-mental health services in the Armed Forces is recognized due to unique stressors faced by military personnel.
• Tele-MANAS is a free, comprehensive mental health care service in India. The service is part of the government's initiative to make mental health services accessible to everyone.
  • Tele MANAS has received over 4,60,000 calls nationwide since its launch and operates in 20 languages across 51 active cells.

Read more: Indian Army's Proactive Measures for Mental Health

India's Manufacturing PMI Rises

The manufacturing sector in India showed signs of recovery in November from October's eight-month low pace, with the S&P Global India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) rising to 56 from 55.5. However, the growth of export orders was the slowest since June.

• PMI data are compiled by S&P Global for more than 40 economies worldwide.
• The PMI dataset features a headline number, which indicates the overall health of an economy, and sub-indices, which provide insights into other key economic drivers such as Gross Domestic Product (GDP), inflation, exports, capacity utilization, employment and inventories.
  • The headline PMI is a number from 0 to 100.
    • A PMI above 50 represents an expansion when compared with the previous month.
    • A PMI reading under 50 represents a contraction while a reading at 50 indicates no change.

Read more: Purchasing Managers Index, Unleashing the Potential of India's Manufacturing Sector