Prelims
IMD Red Alert for Fog
Context
- IMD issued Red Alert for dense to very dense fog over Uttar Pradesh.
- Similar fog conditions forecast across north and eastern India.
What is Fog
- Fog is a near-surface cloud of tiny water droplets or ice crystals.
- It reduces horizontal visibility below 1 kilometre due to light scattering.
- Fog forms close to the ground, unlike clouds at higher altitudes.
Types of Fog
- Radiation fog
- Forms on clear, calm nights due to rapid surface cooling.
- Common in winter plains and usually clears after sunrise.
- Valley fog
- Develops when cold air drains downslope and accumulates in valleys.
- Valley fog remains denser and longer-lasting than fog on flat terrain.
- Advection fog
- Forms when warm, moist air moves over colder surfaces.
- It can persist during daytime due to continuous horizontal air movement.
- Freezing fog
- Contains supercooled droplets freezing on contact with surfaces.
- It causes icy coatings, increasing hazards on roads and power lines.
- Evaporation or mixing fog
- Forms when evaporated moisture mixes with cooler air.
- Common over warm water bodies or during rainfall events.
- Upslope fog
- Occurs when moist air rises along slopes and cools adiabatically.
- It often blankets hilly and mountainous regions extensively.
- Hail fog
- Forms after hailstorms when melting hail cools moist air rapidly.
- It is usually shallow, patchy, and short-lived.
Formation Conditions
- Fog forms when air temperature reaches dew point or moisture increases.
- Key mechanisms include radiational cooling, advection, evaporation, or uplift.
- Calm winds, high humidity, long nights, and temperature inversions favour formation.
Impacts
- Severely reduces visibility, disrupting road, rail, and air transportation.
- Increases accident risks due to sudden visibility loss.
- Suppresses daytime warming, prolonging cold weather conditions.
- Traps pollutants near the surface, worsening air quality and smog.
Jiyo Parsi Scheme
Context
- A recent report by the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS) found the scheme largely successful.
- The scheme has effectively reached its intended Parsi population across India.
About the Jiyo Parsi Scheme
- A Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
- Launched in 2013–14 to address the declining Parsi population in India.
- Focuses on scientific, medical and social interventions to stabilise population trends.
- Targets one of India’s smallest and fastest-declining minority communities.
Objectives
- Arrest population decline of the Parsi community.
- Reverse negative demographic trends using structured and evidence-based approaches.
- Stabilise and gradually increase the Parsi population in India.
- Address fertility, health and social constraints affecting Parsi families.
Key Components of the Scheme
- Medical Component
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- Provides financial assistance for medical treatment under standard medical protocols.
- Supports treatment for infertility and related reproductive health issues.
- Health of the Community
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- Encourages Parsi couples to have more children through financial incentives.
- Assistance provided for care of dependent elderly family members.
- Financial support also covers childcare responsibilities, reducing family burden.
- Advocacy Component
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- Focuses on counselling and awareness-building for Parsi couples.
- Includes seminars, medical camps, outreach programmes and advocacy films.
- Uses publicity materials and social media platforms to reach eligible beneficiaries.
- Aims to address social hesitation, late marriages and infertility-related stigma.
Implementation Mechanism
- Implemented through State Governments in collaboration with Parsi institutions.
- Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) used for transparent fund disbursal.
- Biometric authentication and verification of beneficiaries conducted by States.
Significance
- Demonstrates a targeted demographic intervention for a vulnerable minority.
- Combines medical, social and behavioural strategies for population stabilisation.
- Serves as a model for community-specific population support programmes.
Gaganyaan Mission
Context: ISRO successfully completed qualification tests for drogue parachutes for Gaganyaan crew module deceleration system at TBRL’s Rail Track Rocket Sled facility in Chandigarh on December 18-19.
More in News:
- Tests conducted at Terminal Ballistics Research Laboratory (TBRL) using Rail Track Rocket Sled (RTRS) facility in Chandigarh; crucial for developing deceleration system for Gaganyaan mission crew module safety comprehensively.
- Drogue parachutes are crucial component of deceleration system, playing pivotal role in stabilizing crew module and reducing velocity to safe level during re-entry into Earth’s atmosphere from space.
About the Mission
- Objectives of Gaganyaan Mission
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- Demonstrate indigenous capability to undertake safe and reliable human space missions.
- Lay the foundation for a sustained Indian human space exploration programme.
- Enable microgravity scientific experiments during orbital flight.
- Strengthen collaboration among ISRO, research institutions, academia, and industry.
- Key Technologies Developed
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- Human-rated launch vehicle ensuring high safety and reliability standards.
- Habitable orbital module supporting crew survival in space.
- Crew Escape System (CES) for in-flight emergency evacuation.
- Life Support System providing Earth-like conditions during the mission.
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- Human-Rated LVM3 Launch Vehicle
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- Uses a modified LVM3 (earlier GSLV Mk III) for crewed missions.
- Reconfigured as a human-rated launch vehicle with enhanced safety features.
- Employs a three-stage propulsion system: solid, liquid, and cryogenic stages.
- Integrates Crew Escape System and Orbital Module with the launch vehicle.
- Orbital Module (OM)
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- Orbits Earth and comprises Crew Module (CM) and Service Module (SM).
- Equipped with redundant avionics systems for mission reliability.
- Crew Module (CM)
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- Provides a habitable environment with life support and mission controls.
- Supports crew communication, navigation, guidance and avionics.
- Features double-walled structure with pressurised inner shell and TPS.
- Designed for safe atmospheric re-entry and splashdown recovery.
- Service Module (SM)
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- Supplies propulsion, power, thermal control and avionics support in orbit.
- Houses deployment mechanisms and remains unpressurised.
- Crew Escape System and Abort Missions
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- CES ensures astronaut safety during launch or ascent emergencies.
- Test Vehicle Abort Mission–1 (TV-D1) validated crew escape and separation.
- Demonstrated successful abort, escape and crew module recovery capability.
- Life Support and Crew Training
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- Life Support System ensures Earth-like atmosphere and emergency provisions.
- Astronaut Training Facility, Bengaluru supports comprehensive crew preparation.
- Training includes simulators, physical conditioning, aero-medical and survival training.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI)
Context: FSSAI stated eggs safe for consumption; claims linking eggs to cancer risk are misleading, scientifically unsupported, creating unnecessary public alarm; trace residues below the lab don’t violate safety standards.
More in News:
- FSSAI responded to reports and social media posts alleging presence of carcinogenic substances like nitrofuran metabolites (AOZ) in eggs; clarified nitrofurans strictly prohibited at all production stages under FSS Regulations 2011.
- Extraneous Maximum Residue Limit (EMRL) of 1.0 microgram per kilogram prescribed for nitrofuran metabolites solely for regulatory enforcement purposes; represents minimum detectable level by advanced laboratory methods, not permitted use indication.
- Detection of trace residues below EMRL does not constitute food safety violation nor imply any health risk; official emphasized distinction between detection capability and actual safety violation comprehensively for public understanding.
- FSSAI cited scientific evidence indicating no established causal link between trace-level dietary exposure to nitrofuran metabolites and cancer or adverse health outcomes in humans according to research studies.
About FSSAI
- Overview
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- Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is an autonomous statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- It was established under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, a comprehensive law on food regulation.
- The Act consolidated multiple food-related laws into a single science-based regulatory framework.
- FSSAI ensures the availability of safe, wholesome and hygienic food for human consumption.
- Mandate and Regulatory Role
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- FSSAI lays down science-based food standards for all food articles.
- It regulates manufacture, storage, distribution, sale and import of food across India.
- The authority oversees the entire food supply chain, from production to final consumption.
- Any entity selling or importing food in India must obtain an FSSAI licence.
Key Functions of FSSAI
- Standards Development
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- Frames standards for diverse food products to ensure safety, quality and uniformity.
- Updates regulations based on scientific evidence and risk assessment.
- Food Safety Management Systems
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- Issues guidelines to help food businesses implement effective food safety management practices.
- Promotes compliance with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and Good Hygiene Practices (GHP).
- Licensing and Registration
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- Regulates licensing and registration of food business operators nationwide.
- Ensures businesses meet statutory requirements before commencing operations.
- Surveillance and Monitoring
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- Conducts regular inspections, audits and sampling to check regulatory compliance.
- Monitors food safety violations and initiates enforcement actions when required.
- Consumer Awareness
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- Runs awareness campaigns on food safety, hygiene, nutrition and healthy diets.
- Encourages informed consumer choices and reporting of unsafe food practices.
- Food Import Regulation
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- FSSAI directly monitors compliance of food imports entering the country.
- Officers conduct food import controls at ports and border points.
- Selected food samples are tested in accredited laboratories for harmful ingredients.
- Laboratory Accreditation and Testing Network
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- FSSAI is responsible for accreditation of food testing laboratories across India.
- It has notified 14 referral laboratories for specialised food analysis.
- The network includes 72 State/UT laboratories supporting regulatory enforcement.
- Additionally, 112 NABL-approved commercial laboratories assist nationwide food testing.
UN Peacekeepers
Context
- UN Security Council condemned drone attacks on peacekeepers in South Kordofan, Sudan.
- Six Bangladeshi peacekeepers serving with UNISFA were killed.
What is UN Peacekeeping
- UN Peacekeeping supports countries transitioning from conflict to peace.
- It stabilises volatile regions and assists political and peace processes.
- Missions operate with consent, impartiality, and limited use of force.
Evolution of UN Peacekeeping
- 1948: Began with unarmed observer missions like UNTSO.
- Early missions focused on ceasefire monitoring without enforcement authority.
- Cold War period limited scope due to major power rivalry.
- Post-1990s expansion followed rise of internal and civil conflicts.
- Missions became multidimensional, combining military, political, and humanitarian roles.
- Brahimi Report (2000) stressed clear mandates, rapid deployment, and civilian protection.
Core Functions
- Ceasefire monitoring to prevent relapse into hostilities.
- Protection of civilians, including authorised use of force when necessary.
- Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) of former combatants.
- Electoral assistance and support to governance institutions.
- Human rights monitoring and promotion of rule of law.
- Humanitarian facilitation, ensuring safe access for relief agencies.
India and UN Peacekeeping
- India is among the largest troop-contributing countries globally.
- Over 2,90,000 Indian personnel served in more than 50 UN missions.
- Around 5,000 Indian peacekeepers currently deployed in nine missions.
- Nearly 180 Indian personnel have sacrificed their lives for global peace.
- India’s participation reflects commitment to multilateralism and global stability.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)
Context
- Supreme Court ruled CSR must inherently include environment and ecology.
- Environmental CSR is a constitutional duty, not voluntary charity.
What is CSR
- CSR refers to corporate responsibility towards social, environmental, and ethical welfare.
- Integrates sustainability into business operations and stakeholder engagement.
Legal Basis
- Mandated under Companies Act, 2013, making India first to legislate CSR.
- Implemented through Section 135 of the Act.
Eligibility Criteria
- Applicable to companies meeting any one condition:
- Net worth ≥ ₹500 crore.
- Turnover ≥ ₹1,000 crore.
- Net profit ≥ ₹5 crore.
Mandatory Spending
- Companies must spend 2% of average net profits of last three years.
- Unspent amounts require disclosure and specified handling.
Key Institutional Features
- Mandatory CSR Committee at Board level.
- Committee formulates, implements, and monitors CSR policy.
- CSR activities must align with Schedule VII of Companies Act.
Permissible CSR Activities
- Education, health, nutrition, sanitation, rural development.
- Environmental protection, biodiversity conservation, climate action.
Supreme Court Interpretation
- Environmental protection forms core of CSR obligations.
- Linked CSR with Article 51A(g) – Fundamental Duty to protect environment.
- Ecology-related spending is constitutional responsibility, not optional goodwill.
Significance
- Promotes sustainable development alongside economic growth.
- Enhances corporate accountability to society.
- Bridges gap between constitutional values and corporate conduct.
Hainan Island
Context
- China has separated Hainan Island from mainland customs for independent processing.
- Step aims to support entry into a major trans-Pacific trade agreement.
- Objective is to develop Hainan as a Hong Kong–style commercial and trade hub.
Geographical Location
- Hainan is a tropical island located at the southernmost tip of China.
- Situated in the northeastern Beibu Gulf, south of mainland China.
- Separated from the mainland by the Qiongzhou (Hainan) Strait.
- Lies at the maritime intersection of Northeast Asia and Southeast Asia.
- Acts as a strategic gateway between the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
Physical Characteristics
- Covers a land area of about 35,400 square kilometres.
- It is the largest island administered by the People’s Republic of China.
- Island is oval-shaped, measuring around 260 km east–west.
- North–south width extends to about 210 km at the widest point.
- Geologically separated from mainland China during Miocene–Pliocene epochs.
- Rift formation occurred roughly 23 to 2.6 million years ago.
Administrative and Demographic Profile
- Hainan has a population of approximately 10 million people.
- Functions as a province-level administrative unit of China.
- Provincial capital is Haikou, popularly called the “Coconut City”.
- Economy is comparable to a mid-ranked country, per recent assessments.
Economic and Strategic Importance
- Known as the “Hawaii of China” due to tropical climate and tourism appeal.
- Designated as China’s largest Free Trade Port.
- Hosts the Boao Forum, an annual high-level political and economic meeting.
- Forum is often described as “Asia’s Davos”.
- Customs separation supports trade liberalisation, investment inflows, and logistics efficiency.
- Strengthens China’s ambition to integrate deeper into Indo-Pacific trade architecture.
Strategic Significance
- Enhances China’s maritime connectivity and economic diplomacy.
- Serves as a testing ground for advanced trade, customs, and regulatory reforms.
