Today's Brief 30/9/2024
- Smriti IASxp
- Sep 30, 2024
- 7 min read
Youtube Analysis IE: https://youtu.be/nqXVmsB9IA4?feature=shared
Youtube Analysis jN: https://youtu.be/6KEcvo5tjk4?feature=shared
Overview:
GS Paper 3 General Studies III (Science and Technology)
WAVES Summit: A global platform for the media and entertainment industry, hosted by India in November 2024.
SBMU 2.0: A flagship initiative to achieve ODF+ status in all urban areas and promote efficient solid waste management.
Mars Atmosphere: Key characteristics, implications for life, and research on carbon capture using smectite clay.
Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): A new era in nuclear power with smaller size, modularity, safety, flexibility, and efficiency.
Organic Farming Initiatives: PKVY, NOFS, MOVCD, RKVY, and NFSA.
1.Waves 2024: The inaugural WAVES summit is a global platform for the media and entertainment industry, hosted by the Government of India in November 2024.
Date and Location: The first edition of WAVES will be held from November 20th to 24th, 2024 in Goa, India.
Purpose: WAVES aims to position India as a global powerhouse in the M&E landscape, fostering dialogue, trade collaboration, and innovation.
The summit's goals include:
Attracting global media and entertainment players to India
Fostering a creative economy
Enhancing media and entertainment infrastructure
Empowering a skilled workforce
Promoting India as a business-friendly destination
The Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0 (SBMU 2.0) is a flagship initiative launched by the Government of India to continue and expand the successful implementation of the Swachh Bharat Mission Urban (SBMU).
It aims to achieve and sustain Open Defecation Free (ODF+) status in all urban areas of India by 2024 and promote solid waste management (SWM) in an efficient and sustainable manner.
Key Objectives of SBMU 2.0:
ODF+ Certification: Ensure that all urban areas are not only ODF but also ODF+, meaning there is no open defecation and proper sanitation facilities are available and maintained.
Solid Waste Management: Promote the scientific and efficient management of solid waste through segregation, collection, transportation, and treatment or disposal.
Plastic Waste Management: Reduce the use of single-use plastics and ensure proper management of plastic waste.
Faecal Sludge Management: Improve the management of faecal sludge from toilets and septic tanks to prevent contamination of water bodies and soil.
Public Toilet Maintenance: Ensure that public toilets are well-maintained, accessible, and clean.
Behaviour Change: Create awareness and promote behavioral change among citizens regarding sanitation and waste management.
Key Features of SBMU 2.0:
ODF+ Certification Framework: A comprehensive framework has been developed to assess and certify urban areas as ODF+.
SWM Guidelines: Guidelines have been issued for the implementation of SWM in urban areas, including segregation, collection, transportation, and treatment or disposal.
Plastic Waste Management Rules: Stricter rules have been introduced to regulate the use and disposal of plastic waste.
Faecal Sludge Management Guidelines: Guidelines have been issued for the safe and hygienic management of faecal sludge.
Public Toilet Maintenance Standards: Standards have been set for the construction, maintenance, and operation of public toilets.
Public Awareness Campaigns: Extensive public awareness campaigns are being conducted to educate citizens about sanitation and waste management.
Achievements of SBMU 2.0:
As of March 2024, over 6,000 urban local bodies have been declared ODF+.
Over 100 million people have been provided with access to toilets.
Over 60% of urban waste is now being segregated at source.
Over 10,000 public toilets have been constructed or upgraded.
Challenges and Way Forward:
Financial Constraints: Adequate funding is required to sustain the implementation of SBMU 2.0.
Lack of Awareness: Some citizens still lack awareness about sanitation and waste management.
Infrastructure Gaps: Infrastructure for SWM and faecal sludge management needs to be improved in many areas.
The SBMU 2.0 is a significant step towards achieving a cleaner and healthier India. By addressing the challenges and continuing to implement its objectives, India can become a global leader in sanitation and waste management
3.Mars Atmosphere: Mars' is 95% carbon dioxide, 3% nitrogen, 1.6% argon, and it has traces of oxygen, carbon monoxide, water, methane, and other gases, along with a lot of dust. Dust hanging in the air colors Martian skies tan in photos taken from the surface.
Key Characteristics of Mars' Atmosphere:
Thinness: Mars' atmosphere is approximately 1% as dense as Earth's.
Composition: Carbon dioxide makes up the majority of the atmosphere (about 95%), followed by nitrogen (2.7%), argon (1.6%), and oxygen (0.13%).
Temperature: Average temperatures on Mars range from -140 degrees Fahrenheit (-98 degrees Celsius) during the night to 86 degrees Fahrenheit (30 degrees Celsius) during the day.
Pressure: The atmospheric pressure on Mars is about 1% that of Earth's at sea level.
Dust Storms: Mars is known for its frequent and intense global dust storms, which can last for months and significantly affect the planet's climate.
Implications of the Thin Atmosphere:
Lack of Protection: Mars' thin atmosphere provides little protection from harmful solar and cosmic radiation.
Difficulty in Retaining Heat: The low density of the atmosphere makes it difficult to retain heat, leading to extreme temperature variations.
Water Retention: The thin atmosphere and low temperatures make it challenging for liquid water to exist on the surface of Mars. However, evidence suggests that liquid water may have flowed on Mars in the past.
In 2023, they were working on a type of clay material known as smectite, which is known to be a highly effective carbon trap. Grains of smectite each comprise a number of folds, within which carbon can sit for billions of years. The MIT researchers found that if left exposed to the atmosphere on Earth, smectite can draw and store atmospheric carbon dioxide over millions of years, enough to cool down the planet.
Smectite Clay: A Versatile Mineral
Smectite is a group of clay minerals known for their high swelling capacity and plasticity. They are composed of layers of silica tetrahedra and alumina octahedra, which are held together by weak van der Waals forces. This structure allows the clay particles to expand and contract when exposed to water.
Key Characteristics of Smectite Clay:
High Swelling Capacity: Smectite clay can absorb a large amount of water, causing it to swell significantly. This property is often used in drilling muds and as a sealant.
Plasticity: Smectite clay is highly plastic, meaning it can be easily molded and shaped. This property is used in ceramics, pottery, and papermaking.
Cation Exchange Capacity: Smectite clay has a high cation exchange capacity, which means it can exchange cations (positively charged ions) with the surrounding environment. This property is used in soil conditioning and water treatment.
Types of Smectite: There are several types of smectite clay, including montmorillonite, nontronite, and saponite. Each type has slightly different properties based on its chemical composition.
Uses of Smectite Clay:
Drilling Mud: Smectite clay is used as a component in drilling muds to help lubricate the drill bit and stabilize the borehole.
Sealant: Smectite clay can be used as a sealant to prevent the leakage of fluids.
Ceramics and Pottery: Smectite clay is used in the production of ceramics and pottery due to its plasticity and ability to withstand high temperatures.
Papermaking: Smectite clay can be added to paper to improve its strength and absorbency.
Soil Conditioning: Smectite clay can be added to soil to improve its structure and water-holding capacity.
Water Treatment: Smectite clay can be used to remove contaminants from water, such as heavy metals and organic matter.
4.Small Modular Reactors (SMRs): A New Era in Nuclear Power
are a type of nuclear reactor that is significantly smaller and more modular than traditional large-scale reactors. They are designed to be factory-built and shipped to the site for installation, which can reduce construction time and costs.
Key Features of SMRs:
Smaller Size: SMRs are typically less than 300 megawatts (MW) in capacity, compared to traditional reactors that can generate over 1,000 MW.
Modularity: SMRs are designed to be built in sections, which can be transported to the site and assembled on-site. This modular approach can reduce construction time and costs.
Safety: SMRs incorporate advanced safety features, such as passive safety systems that don't require external power to function.
Flexibility: SMRs can be used to provide power to remote areas or to supplement existing power grids.
Efficiency: SMRs are generally more efficient than traditional reactors, which can lead to lower fuel costs.
Benefits of SMRs:
Reduced Construction Time: The modular design of SMRs can significantly reduce construction time compared to traditional reactors.
Lower Costs: SMRs can be more cost-effective to build and operate than traditional reactors.
Improved Safety: SMRs incorporate advanced safety features, which can reduce the risk of accidents.
Increased Flexibility: SMRs can be used in a variety of applications, including providing power to remote areas and supplementing existing power grids.
Reduced Environmental Impact: SMRs can produce electricity with a lower carbon footprint than fossil fuels.
Challenges and Future Prospects:
Regulatory Hurdles: The development and deployment of SMRs face regulatory challenges, as they represent a new technology.
Economic Viability: The economic viability of SMRs will depend on factors such as the cost of fuel, construction costs, and government incentives.
Public Acceptance: Public acceptance of SMRs may be influenced by concerns about safety and nuclear waste.
Despite these challenges, SMRs are seen as a promising technology that could play a significant role in meeting the world's energy needs while reducing greenhouse gas emissions. As regulatory frameworks and technologies continue to evolve, SMRs may become a more viable option for power generation.
5.Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY): The purpose of this Development Manual for Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is to create an enabling mechanism for improved implementation of the Scheme at the cutting edge, leading to enhanced outcomes in nature and extent.
Accordingly, it is a guide for implementation by the District Collector and key District-level functionaries, and enables quick learning, implementation modalities, roles and responsibilities of the various functionaries as well as stakeholders etc.
Launched in: 2015
Aim: To promote organic farming in a cluster-based approach.
Key features:
Provides financial assistance to farmers for adopting organic farming practices.
Offers training and technical support to farmers.
Facilitates the certification of organic products.
. National Organic Farming Scheme (NOFS):
Launched in: 2000
Aim: To promote organic farming in India and develop organic markets.
Key features:
Provides financial assistance to farmers for organic certification and infrastructure development.
Supports the establishment of organic markets and processing units.
Promotes research and development in organic farming.
. Mission Organic Value Chain Development (MOVCD):
Launched in: 2018
Aim: To develop organic value chains and promote organic exports.
Key features:
Provides financial assistance to farmers, cooperatives, and exporters for organic value chain development.
Supports the establishment of organic processing units and export hubs.
Facilitates the certification and labeling of organic products.
Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY):
Launched in: 2007
Aim: To promote agricultural growth and development in India.
Key features:
Allocates funds to states for various agricultural development programs, including organic farming.
Supports the development of organic clusters and the promotion of organic markets.
. National Food Security Act (NFSA):
Launched in: 2013
Aim: To ensure food security for a large section of the population.
Key features:
Includes provisions for the procurement of organic food grains.
Promotes the consumption of organic food through public distribution systems.
The Model Organic Farm aims at demonstrating conversion of conventional land into organic farming practices in one hectare parcels. This is to spread the information on the latest technologies of various units of organic inputs production through exposure visits to farmers.
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