Today's Brief 18-22/03/2024

1. Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction: Biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction (BBNJ) refers to the vast array of life forms that exist in international waters, also known as the high seas, the Area (seabed and subsoil beyond national jurisdiction), and the deep seabed minerals.

These regions make up around two-thirds of the world's oceans and contain a unique and complex ecosystem, with many species still waiting to be discovered.

BBNJ is crucial for the health of our planet. It provides essential services such as:

• Regulating the climate

• Producing oxygen

• Providing food and resources for millions of people

• Supporting unique marine life

However, BBNJ faces significant threats from human activities, including:

• Overfishing

• Pollution

• Climate change

These threats can damage marine ecosystems and reduce their ability to provide us with the services we rely on.

There is growing international recognition of the need to protect BBNJ. In June 2023, after years of negotiations, countries adopted a new treaty under the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) that specifically addresses the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. This treaty, known as the High Seas Treaty or the BBNJ Agreement, is a significant step forward in protecting our oceans.

The BBNJ Agreement includes provisions for:

• Establishing marine protected areas (MPAs) in international waters

• Regulating activities that could harm marine life, such as fishing and mining

• Sharing benefits from marine genetic resources

• Improving environmental impact assessments

The BBNJ Agreement is not yet in force, but it is a hopeful sign for the future of our oceans. By working together, we can ensure that BBNJ is protected for generations to come.

2.The Sarkaria Commission, formally called the Commission on Centre-State Relations, was established in 1983 to examine the balance of power between the central government and state governments in India. Here are some of their key recommendations:

Strengthening Cooperative Federalism:

• The commission emphasized cooperative federalism, where the center and states work together for effective governance.

Intergovernmental Council:

• Establishment of an Intergovernmental Council consisting of the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers to discuss and decide on matters causing friction between the center and states.

Governor's Role:

• More careful selection of Governors with experience in public service and a non-partisan approach.

• Guidelines for Governor's discretion in appointing Chief Ministers, considering factors like party majority and pre-poll alliances.

Legislative Matters:

• Central government intervention in concurrent list subjects (areas where both center and states can make laws) should be limited to ensuring uniformity when necessary.

• Consultation with states before passing central laws related to the concurrent list.

• Time limits on central laws passed under Article 252 (power of Parliament to make laws for the whole or any part of India).

Other Recommendations:

• Sparing use of Article 356 (President's Rule) for imposing central control on states.

• Consultation with the Vice President and Lok Sabha Speaker during Governor selection.

It's important to note that while these recommendations were significant, not all of them have been fully implemented.

3.The PM-SURAJ scheme, launched in March 2024, is a recently introduced initiative by the Indian government aimed at empowering marginalized communities through financial assistance. Here's a breakdown of the key details:

Full Name: Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan Aur Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (Prime Minister's Program for Social Upliftment and Livelihood Generation)

Goal: Provide credit support to small entrepreneurs from disadvantaged communities in India.

Target Audience:

• Scheduled Castes (SCs)

• Other Backward Classes (OBCs)

• Safai Karamcharis (Sanitation Workers)

Key Features:

• Loan & Credit Schemes: The portal acts as a one-stop shop for marginalized communities to find and apply for various loan and credit schemes offered by the government.

• Empowering Beneficiaries: By eliminating middlemen and facilitating direct financial aid, the scheme aims to empower beneficiaries and reduce dependence on third parties for loans.

• Loan Providers: Loans are channeled through banks, Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), and Microfinance Institutions (MFIs) to ensure accessibility across the country.

• Loan Amount: While specific details may emerge later, news sources indicate beneficiaries can apply for loans up to Rs 15 lakhs.

Overall Impact:

The PM-SURAJ scheme has the potential to significantly benefit marginalized communities in India by:

• Providing easier access to capital for starting or expanding businesses.

• Promoting financial inclusion and self-reliance.

• Contributing to economic and social upliftment.

Current Stage (as of March 21, 2024):

The scheme is a new initiative launched in mid-March 2024. For specifics on loan applications, interest rates, or other details, it's advisable to consult the official PM-SURAJ portal or contact relevant government agencies.

4.Startup Registry: The Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry is a recently launched initiative by the Indian government aimed at creating a comprehensive database of all stakeholders within the Indian startup ecosystem. Here's a breakdown of the key details:

Launched by: Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

Goal:

• Create a single point of access for all stakeholders in the Indian startup scene.

• Foster better connections and collaboration between startups, investors, incubators, and other relevant players.

• Increase transparency and attract investments, both domestic and international.

Who can register?

The registry is open to a wide range of participants, including:

• Startups (at all stages)

• Investors (angel investors, venture capitalists, etc.)

• Incubators and accelerators

• Mentors

• Educational institutions

• Government bodies and industry associations

Benefits of Registration:

• Increased visibility and networking opportunities

• Easier access to resources and funding

• Improved communication and collaboration within the ecosystem

Current Status (as of March 21, 2024):

The Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry is a new program, and details are still emerging. You can find information about the registry on the Startup India website:

Here are some additional points to consider:

• The registry is expected to be linked with other government initiatives supporting startups, like Startup India.

• Registration is likely to be an online process through a dedicated portal (details to be confirmed).

Overall, the Bharat Startup Ecosystem Registry has the potential to be a game-changer for the Indian startup scene by fostering a more connected and supportive environment.

5.SAKHI App: Space-borne Assistant and Knowledge Hub for Crew Interaction (SAKHI): This is an app designed for astronauts on the Gaganyaan mission, India's human spaceflight program. SAKHI is intended to:

• Monitor astronaut health (heart rate, blood pressure, etc.)

• Maintain communication between astronauts, onboard computers, and ground control

• Provide astronauts with vital technical information and mission logs

• Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC), the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) facility, has developed the multi-purpose app SAKHI to help astronauts on the Gaganyaan mission.

The Gaganyaan mission is a historic endeavor by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to send Indian astronauts into space. It aims to demonstrate India's human spaceflight capability by launching a crew of three individuals into low-earth orbit for a mission lasting up to seven days.

 Gaganyaan mission:

• Mission Goal:  Perform a human spaceflight mission carrying a crew of 3 astronauts to a low-earth orbit of 400 km for a period of up to 7 days.

• Spacecraft: The crew will be housed in a capsule named the "Orbital Module," which is indigenously developed by ISRO.

• Launch Vehicle: The astronauts will be launched aboard the GSLV Mk-III, a heavy-lift launch vehicle developed by ISRO.

• Selection of Astronauts:  Four Air Force pilots were selected for the Gaganyaan mission in February 2023.

• Current Status: The mission is currently scheduled for launch sometime in 2024 after undergoing several uncrewed test flights to ensure safety.

The Gaganyaan mission holds immense significance for India, as it will:

• Be a major leap forward in the country's space exploration efforts.

• Provide valuable scientific data and technological advancements.

• Inspire future generations to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.

• Solidify India's position as a major player in the global spacefaring community.

e-Sakhi App: This app is an initiative by the DoITC (Department of Information Technology and Communication) in Rajasthan, India. It focuses on digital literacy for women aged 18-35. The app likely offers resources and training to help women navigate the digital world.

Here's how to tell which SAKHI App is relevant:

• Focus: If the context is related to the Gaganyaan mission or astronaut health, it's likely referring to the Space-borne Assistant app (SAKHI).

• Location: If the context is related to Indian government initiatives or women's digital literacy, particularly in Rajasthan, it's likely referring to the e-Sakhi app.

6.Cyclone Storm Megan has diminished in strength to become a tropical low, causing significant rainfall and winds in Australia's Northern Territory.

Cyclones are large air masses that rotate around a center of low atmospheric pressure. They are known for bringing powerful winds and heavy rainfall. Here's a breakdown of what cyclones are and some key points to remember:

Formation:

• Cyclones form over warm ocean waters, where the warm, moist air rises rapidly and creates a low-pressure zone.

• The Coriolis force, caused by Earth's rotation, deflects this rising air, initiating a counter-clockwise rotation in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

• As more warm air rises and spirals inward, the winds strengthen, and the storm system intensifies.

Types of Cyclones:

• Tropical Cyclones: These are the most intense cyclones, forming in warm tropical waters. They are also known as hurricanes (Atlantic and Eastern Pacific) or typhoons (Western Pacific).

• Extratropical Cyclones: These cyclones develop in cooler waters at mid-latitudes. They are less intense than tropical cyclones but can still bring strong winds and heavy precipitation.

Impacts of Cyclones:

• Destructive Winds:  Cyclones can cause widespread damage due to powerful winds, tearing down trees, buildings, and power lines.

• Storm Surge: The low atmospheric pressure and strong winds can cause a rise in sea level along the coast, leading to devastating flooding.

• Heavy Rainfall: Cyclones often bring heavy rain, which can trigger flash floods and landslides.

Naming:

• Tropical cyclones are given names from predetermined lists maintained by regional organizations.

Interesting Fact:

• While cyclones bring destruction, they also play a vital role in regulating Earth's climate by transporting heat from the tropics towards the poles.

7.Barberton Greenstone Belt: is a fascinating geological treasure trove located on the eastern edge of the Kaapvaal Craton in South Africa. Here's a breakdown of its key features:

Age and Significance:

• It boasts some of the oldest exposed rocks on Earth, dating back over 3.6 billion years. This makes it a window into our planet's early history and formation.

• It's second only to the Isua Greenstone Belt in Western Greenland when it comes to hosting some of the earliest traces of life on Earth.

Composition and Landscape:

• The Barberton Greenstone Belt is a sequence of volcanic and sedimentary rocks, containing:

• Mafic to ultramafic lavas (molten rock rich in magnesium and iron)

• Metasedimentary rocks (sedimentary rocks altered by heat, pressure, or fluids)

• The Makhonjwa Mountains make up a significant portion of the Barberton Belt, showcasing these ancient rock formations.

Unique Rock Formations:

• The Barberton Greenstone Belt is famous for komatiites, an unusual type of ultramafic volcanic rock named after the Komati River that flows through the belt. These rocks are remnants of Earth's early mantle composition.

Scientific Importance:

• Studying the Barberton Greenstone Belt allows scientists to:

• Understand the formation of the early Earth's crust

• Explore the evolution of plate tectonics and early life forms

• Gain insights into volcanic activity and processes on a young Earth

World Heritage Status:

• In recognition of its exceptional geological value, the Barberton Greenstone Belt, along with the Makhonjwa Mountains, was inscribed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2008 under the name "Barberton Makhonjwa Mountains."

The Barberton Greenstone Belt is a remarkable testament to our planet's history. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era and provides valuable information for understanding the Earth's geological evolution.

8.Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator: The Agnibaan Sub Orbital Technology Demonstrator (SOrTeD), developed by Agnikul Cosmos, a private space startup based in Chennai, is making history in India's space exploration journey. Here's a breakdown of this exciting development:

Mission Goal:

• This mission serves as a test flight to validate the critical technologies needed for future orbital launches by Agnikul Cosmos.

Uniqueness:

• The Agnibaan SOrTeD is the world's first single-piece 3D-printed rocket engine named Agnilet to fly into space. This innovative technology eliminates the need for complex welds and joints, potentially reducing production time and costs.

Launch Details:

• The launch is scheduled for March 22, 2024 (tomorrow!), making it a significant milestone for the Indian private space sector.

• The launch will take place from India's first private launchpad, named ALP-01, located at the Satish Dhawan Space Centre, Sriharikota.

Technical Specifications (unofficial sources):

• The rocket will likely be around 18 meters tall and weigh approximately 14,000 kg.

• Agnibaan SOrTeD is a single-stage launch vehicle powered by the 6 kN semi-cryogenic Agnilet engine.

Trajectory:

• Unlike traditional sounding rockets launched from guide rails, Agnibaan SOrTeD will perform a vertical liftoff and follow a predetermined trajectory.

• During its flight, it will carry out a series of planned maneuvers to test the vehicle's control systems and overall performance.

Significance:

• A successful launch of the Agnibaan SOrTeD will be a major achievement for Agnikul Cosmos and a significant step forward for private space endeavors in India.

• The mission paves the way for future orbital launches by the company, potentially enabling them to deliver satellites into space.

• This development fosters innovation and competition in the Indian space sector, potentially leading to more affordable and efficient launch capabilities.

Overall, the Agnibaan SOrTeD mission is a remarkable feat of Indian engineering and a testament to the growing potential of the private space industry.

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