[Newsbits] 28+29.11.2023 – Boita Bandana, Project 15B, Raas Mahotsav, Astrosat & more

Santhosh Kumar 29/11/2023

newsbits mindmap notes

Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children

29/11/2023 / Children

Anganwadi Protocol for Divyang Children mind map
Launched by Government of India
Date of Launch
November 28, 2023
Venue
Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi
Key Figures
Union Minister for Women and Child Development
Smriti Zubin Irani
Minister of State
Dr. Munjpara Mahendrabhai, MWCD and Ayush
Secretaries
Shri Indevar Pandey, Secretary, MoWCD
Shri Rajesh Aggarwal, Secretary, DEPwD
Dr. K K Tripathy, Economic Advisor, MoHFW
National Outreach Programme
Aim
Strengthen Divyang children’s access to well-being
Attendees
Senior officers from MoWCD, MoHFW, DEPwD
State WCD Officers, CDPOs, Lady Supervisors
Anganwadi and ASHA workers
Experts from NIMHANS and other key organizations
Protocol Features
Training for Anganwadi Workers
Focus Areas
Tracking children with disabilities
Awareness spreading
Early identification
Screening
Inclusion in community events
Empowering families
Referral support
Via ASHA/ANM & RBSK teams
Steps Under Protocol
Step 1: Screening for early disability signs
Step 2: Inclusion in community events, empowering families
Step 3: Referral support
Aligned with Vision
Swasth Suposhit Bharat in Amrit Kaal
Social Model for Divyangjan inclusive care
Key Components
Educational and nutritional needs
Provision of Swavlamban Cards
Data Tracking
On Poshan tracker
Convergence with Ministries
MoHFW, DoSEL, DePwD, etc.
Capacity Building
Rs. 300 crore allocation
AWWs specialized training
For identification, referral, inclusion
Community Role
Awareness and sensitization at grassroots
Affordable divyang child-care
Outreach for parents
Building awareness about interventions
Panel Discussion
Title
"Strategies for Early Identification, Screening and Inclusion at the Anganwadi Centre"
Participants
Experts like Dr. Geeta Chopra, Mr. Nipun Malhotra, Dr. Shekhar Seshadri
Focus
Addressing risks and systemic challenges of disability
Experience Sharing
By Anganwadi workers from various regions
Aim
Inspire collective responsibility for Divyang children
Contextual Programs and Policies
Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi
Part of
Mission Saksham Anganwadi and Poshan 2.0
Focus
Improving nutritional status
Target Beneficiaries
Children under 6 years
Adolescent Girls, Pregnant Women, Lactating Mothers
Launched by
Prime Minister on March 8, 2018
Approaches
Play-based and activity-based learning
Special support for Divyang children
National Education Policy 2020
Integration of Divyang students
Into mainstream schools
National Curriculum Framework for Foundational Stage 2022
Recommendations
Addressing developmental delays and disability
Advice on signs and symptoms
Draft National Policy For Persons with Disabilities (Divyangjan) 2021
Estimation
One-third of disabilities preventable
Early Detection
Crucial for prevention and adequate addressing
Significance and Impact
Early Intervention
Preventing disabilities from worsening
Importance of first three years
For motor control, cognitive, mental development
Inclusion
Celebrating differences
Nurturing environment for Divyang children
Statistics
2.2% people disabled in India (Census 2011)
3 crore adjusted to current population
1 crore UDID cards issued
Future Goals
Every child as part of country’s growth
Anganwadi workers as key to endeavor

2023 Booker Prize

29/11/2023 / Awards & Honors

2023 Booker Prize mind map
About Award
Annual Literary Award
Best English-Language Novel
Published in
United Kingdom or Ireland
2023 Winner
Paul Lynch
Novel
Prophet Song
Award Ceremony
Date
November 26, 2023
Location
Old Billingsgate, London
Prize Amount
£50,000
Publisher
Oneworld Publications
Publication Date
August 24, 2023
Novel Details
Fifth Novel by Paul Lynch
Story Overview
Mother's struggle
Dystopian Ireland
Tyrannical Government
Main Characters
Eilish Stack
Scientist and mother-of-four
Facing Ireland’s secret police
Larry
Senior trade unionist
Disappeared at a rally
Themes
Family protection
Societal collapse
Tyranny and control
Style
No paragraph breaks
Breathless, claustrophobic atmosphere
Notable Aspects
Haunting ending
Emotional storytelling
Exploration of free will and liberty

Bihar’s Call for Special Category Status

29/11/2023 / Decentralisation/Devolution of Powers & Finances, Federalism

Bihar’s Call for Special Category Status mind map
Bihar Cabinet Resolution
Date
November 2023
Chief Minister
Nitish Kumar
Objective
Seeking Special Category Status
Basis for Demand
Bihar Caste-based Survey, 2022
Indicated significant poverty
Special Category Status (SCS)
Introduction
Introduced in 1969
Based on Fifth Finance Commission recommendations
Initially for Jammu and Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland
Criteria for Granting SCS
Hilly and difficult terrain
Low population density
Sizeable tribal population
Strategic location along borders
Economic and infrastructural backwardness
Non-viable state finances
Difference from Special Status
Granted by National Development Council
Not enshrined in the Constitution
Focus on economic and financial aspects
Benefits of SCS
90% Central funding for schemes
Carrying forward unspent funds
Tax concessions
Excise, customs, income, corporate taxes
30% of total federal budget allocation
Debt reduction programs
Investment incentives
States with SCS
Assam, Nagaland, Himachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Sikkim, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Uttarakhand, Telangana
Historical Evolution
Gadgil Formula
Inclusion of more states over years
Bihar’s Justification for SCS
Economic Backwardness
Low per-capita GDP
High poverty rate
Impact of State Bifurcation
Industrial decline post-Jharkhand creation
Natural Challenges
Regular floods and droughts
Welfare Funding Need
Targeting ₹2.5 lakh crore for welfare measures
Lack of Resources
Absence of natural resources
Inadequate water supply for irrigation
Comparison with Other States
Andhra Pradesh, Odisha demands
Criteria Met
Meets most SCS criteria
Lacks hilly terrain
Raghuram Rajan Committee (2013)
Suggested multi-dimensional index for funding
Bihar in “least developed category”
Challenges and Perspectives
Central State Financial Relations
Impact on competitive federalism
Additional Economic Burden
Increased devolution from Centre
Alternative Solutions
Exploring funding models
Addressing socioeconomic issues

29/11/2023 / Festivals & Fairs

Boita Bandana mind map
Traditional Odia festival
Celebrated in Odisha, India
Also known as Danga Bhasa
Significance
Commemorates maritime heritage
Remembrance of Sadhabas
Ancient Odia mariner merchants
Voyages to Southeast Asia and Sri Lanka
Ritualistic homage to ancestors
Etymology
Boita
Means larger boats and ships
Linked to Kalinga's maritime trade
Bandana
Derived from Vandana (Sanskrit)
Implies worship with lighted lamp
Danga Bhasa
Means 'the floating of boats'
Historical context
Kalinga's maritime tradition
Powerful maritime power
Trade links with Southeast Asia and beyond
Regions included
Bali, Java, Sumatra, Borneo, Malaysia, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam (Champa region)
Era of voyages
3rd century BC
During Maurya empire's reign
Maritime routes
Utilized monsoon winds
Northeast monsoon
Southwest monsoon
Ocean currents for navigation
Rituals and practices
Celebrated on Kartik Purnima
Full moon day in Kartika (Odia calendar)
Assembling near water bodies
Rivers, ponds, tanks, sea shore
Floating miniature boats
Made of paper, banana bark, cork
Decorated with
Betel nut
Betel leaves
Flowers
Lit diyas (lamps)
Worship rituals
Symbolic gesture of sea voyage
Associated traditions
Bali Jatra
Major commemoration
Held at Gadagadia Ghata, Cuttack
On Mahanadi river banks
Ta'apoi folktale
Reflects anxieties of merchant families
Basis for Khudurukuni Osha festival
Practiced by unmarried girls
Fast in Bhadraba month
For brothers' and future husbands' well-being
Aa Ka Ma Bai phrase
Linked to offerings and blessings
Refers to sacred months of voyages
Asadha, Kartika, Magha, Baisakha
Recent events (2023)
Attended by President of India
Smt Droupadi Murmu
Location
Paradip Port, Odisha
Inauguration of new projects
Multi Model Logistic Park
New reservoir and water treatment plant
Modernizations
Signal stations with VTMIS
Vessel Traffic Management and Information System
Emphasis on port infrastructure
Strengthening for maritime safety

Rat-Hole Mining in Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse

29/11/2023 / Disasters & Management, Mining

Rat-Hole Mining in Uttarkashi Tunnel Collapse mind map
2023 Uttarakhand Tunnel Collapse
Date of Incident
November 12, 2023
Location
Silkyara-Barkot Tunnel
Uttarkashi District, Uttarakhand, India
Project Details
4.5km Under-Construction Tunnel
Part of Char Dham All-Weather Road Project
Workers Trapped
41 workers trapped
Duration of Trapping
17 days
Rescue Operation
Led by
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF)
State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
Border Roads Organisation (BRO)
National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL)
Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP)
Rescue Techniques
Sophisticated augur machines initially
Shift to Rat-hole mining
Deployment of 12 experts
Horizontal and Vertical drilling
Clearance of Debris
Successfully cleared
Pipes laid for worker extraction
Rat-Hole Mining
Definition
Coal Extraction Method
Techniques
Side-Cutting
Tunnels on hill slopes
Box-Cutting
Vertical rectangular pit
Horizontal drilling to coal seam
Dimensions
Narrow pits
Width around four feet
Equipment Used
Manual labor
Primitive tools like pickaxes, shovels
Expertise Required
Specialists in technique
Not typically rat-hole miners
Mining Process
Team Division
Specific tasks assigned
Drilling, collecting rubble, transport
Use of Specialist Tools
Slicing through metal barriers
Blower for oxygen/air circulation
Ban and Continuation
Banned in 2014 by NGT
Continues unregulated in Northeast India
Safety and Environmental Concerns
Lack of proper ventilation
Safety equipment absence
Structural support lacking
Accidents and fatalities
Impact on Northeast India
Child labor in Meghalaya
Past incidents of miner deaths
2018 flood trapping 15 miners
2021 flood trapping five miners

Critical and Strategic Minerals in India

29/11/2023 / Mining

Critical and Strategic Minerals in India mind map
Recent Developments
India's Critical Minerals Auction
First round on November 29, 2023
Online auction process
20 mineral blocks auctioned
Discovery of Lithium Deposits
In Jammu and Kashmir
5.9 million tonnes reserve
Amendments in Mining Rule
Entry of private miners
Critical Minerals
Definition
Essential for economic development and national security
Supply chain vulnerability concerns
Identified by India
List of 30 minerals
Antimony
Beryllium
Bismuth
Cobalt
Copper
Gallium
Germanium
Graphite
Hafnium
Indium
Lithium
Molybdenum
Niobium
Nickel
PGE (Platinum Group Elements)
Phosphorous
Potash
REE (Rare Earth Elements)
Rhenium
Silicon
Strontium
Tantalum
Tellurium
Tin
Titanium
Tungsten
Vanadium
Zirconium
Selenium
Cadmium
Strategic Considerations
Protect strategic sectors
Defense
Space
Telecommunications
High-tech electronics
Economic prosperity and sustainable growth
Net-zero emissions target by 2070
Clean energy technologies
Low carbon emission tech
Renewable energy
E-mobility
Aviation
Medicine
Advanced batteries
Geopolitical Concerns
Dependency on China
Supply chain dominance
Border standoff implications
India's Incremental Strategy
Setting up institutional structures
Policy frameworks domestically
Strengthen resilient critical mineral supply chains
Global Partnerships
Quad members
Australia
United States
Mineral-rich partners
Argentina
Chile
Bolivia
Joint Venture Company (KABIL)
National Aluminum Company Ltd. (NALCO)
Hindustan Copper Ltd. (HCL)
Mineral Exploration Company Ltd. (MECL)
Overseas mineral assets acquisition
U.S.-led Mineral Security Partnership (MSP)
Diversifying critical mineral supply chain
Investment in greenfield electric vehicle battery component factory
Future Recommendations
National Institute or Center of Excellence on critical minerals
Revisiting list of critical minerals every three years

Project 15B Stealth Guided Missile Destroyers (Visakhapatnam-Class)

29/11/2023 / Defence Technologies (Missiles; Submarines; etc)

Project 15B Stealth Guided Missile Destroyers (Visakhapatnam-Class) mind map
Recent Developments
INS Visakhapatnam
BrahMos Missile Test-Firing
January and February 2022
Presidential Fleet Review
February 2022
INS Mormugao
BrahMos Missile Test-Firing
May 2023
MRSAM Missile Test
May 2023
INS Imphal
crest of Yard 12706 (Imphal)
Nov 2023
Indian Navy (IN)
Role and significance
Frontline naval warfare
Enhancing maritime security
Previous class
Kolkata-Class (Project 15A)
Basis for Project 15B
Design and Construction
Warship Design Bureau (WDB)
Formerly Directorate of Naval Design
Designing IN's warships
Mazagon Dock Limited (MDL)
Shipbuilder
Under Make in India initiative
Derivative of Kolkata-Class
Similarities and upgrades
Design plans completed
Mid-2013
Incremental alterations
Minimizing development time and costs
Contract signing
28 January 2011
Estimated cost INR 29,643.74 crore
Features
Stealth and Resilience
Radar Cross-Section (RCS) minimization
Enhanced resilience design
Total Atmosphere Control System (TAC)
Operation in nuclear fallout regions
Nuclear, Biological, and Chemical (NBC) Warfare Protection
Air filtration through NBC filters
Indigenous Component Percentage
72% indigenously sourced components
Battle Damage Control Systems
Improved survivability
Crew Comfort
Ergonomically designed accommodations
Bridge layout
Different from Kolkata-Class
Helicopter Traversing System
Rail-less, for adverse weather conditions
Sonar Equipment Placement
At the bow, contrasting Kolkata-Class
Network-Centric Layout
Ship Data Network (SDN)
Automatic Power Management System (APMS)
Combat Management System (CMS)
Armament and Capabilities
Anti-Surface Warfare (ASuW)
BrahMos Anti-Ship Cruise Missiles
Speeds up to Mach 3
Anti-Air Warfare (AAW)
Barak 8ER Surface-to-Air Missiles
Extended range of about 150 km
Point Defense
AK-630M Close-In Weapon Systems (CIWS)
Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW)
Torpedo Launchers for heavyweight torpedoes
RBU-6000 Anti-Submarine Rocket Launchers
Aviation Facilities
Flight Deck and Hangar
Accommodating medium-sized helicopters
Rail-less Helicopter Traversing System
Defensive Systems
Kavach Anti-Missile Decoy Systems
Neutralizing short-range aerial threats
Radar and Sonar Systems
Primary Radar
IAI EL/M-2248 MF-STAR S-Band AESA Radar
Secondary Radar
Thales LW-08 (BEL RAWL-02) D-Band Radar
Sonar
BEL HUMSA-NG Active/Passive Sonar
BEL Nagin Active Towed Array Sonar
Electronic Warfare
DRDL Shakthi EW Suite
Electronic Support Measures (ESM)
Electronic Countermeasures (ECM)
Vessels in Class
INS Visakhapatnam
Commissioned on 21 November 2021
INS Mormugao
Commissioned on 18 December 2022
INS Imphal
Delivery in 2023
INS Surat
Commissioning scheduled for 2024

Geothermal Energy in India

29/11/2023 / New and Renewable Energy

Geothermal Energy in India mind map
Context
Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC)
Maiden geothermal field development project in Ladakh
Potential to generate 10 GW geothermal power
Geothermal energy
Definition
Natural heat from Earth's interior
Used for electricity generation and heating
Sources
Earth's crust
Magma layer
Radioactive material decay
Types of resources
Geopressurized zones
Hot-rock zones
Hydrothermal convection zones
Advantages
Renewable
Carbon-free
Independent from fuels
Available round the clock
Challenges
High initial investment
Location-specific
Need for technological advancements
Exploration risks
Independent Power Producer (IPP)
Concept
Private entity generating power
Sells to public grid or third parties
Financing models
Public-private partnership (PPP)
Independent Power Producer (IPP) schemes
Benefits
Increase in energy access
Economic productivity enhancement
Carbon emission reduction
Role in Geothermal Energy
Provide project financing
Invest in geothermal plants and drilling
Capacity building initiatives
Indian Context
Geothermal energy development
Exploration began in 1970
Geological Survey of India identified 350 locations
7 geothermal provinces identified
Puga valley in Ladakh most promising
10 GW power potential estimated
Government Initiatives
Capital subsidy up to 30% for industrial projects
MNRE (Ministry of New and Renewable Energy) incentives
Plans to generate 1000 MW by 2022
First geothermal power plant in Chhattisgarh (Tattapani field)
Major Indian companies
Tata Power
Investment in Geodynamics, Australia
Developing 240 MW unit in Indonesia
MoU with Gujarat government for geothermal plant
Thermax
Agreement with Maharashtra government
Joint venture with Reykjavik Geothermal, Iceland
GeoSyndicate
Major geothermal sites in India
Puga field
Chhumathang field
Manikaran field
Beas valley
Satluj and Spiti valley
Tapoban field, Chamoli
Tatapani field
Salbardi region
Anhoni-Samoni area
Unkeshwar
Godavari Graben
Andaman-Nicobar region
Damodar Valley basins
Western thermal province
Cambay geothermal region
Konkan geothermal provinces
Sohna thermal region
Tuwa and Chhabsar fields, Gujarat
Lasundra geothermal province
Industry Perspective
Need for government support
Technology and exploration funding
Policy framework
Economic Aspects
Cost range of $3-4 million per MW
Competitive power rates
Comparable to thermal coal
Lower than solar, wind, biomass
Global Presence
Geothermal electricity in 24 countries
Worldwide capacity of 10,715 MW

29/11/2023 / Festivals & Fairs

Raas Mahotsav mind map
Annual celebration
Location
Majuli, Assam
World's largest inhabited river island
Over River Brahmaputra
Rich in Vaishnavite monasteries (Satras)
Established by Srimanta Sankaradeva, 15th century
Centers of Vaishnavite religion
Art and cultural significance
Erosion challenges
Flooding of Brahmaputra
Himalayan glacial snow effects
Reduction in operational Satras (22 of 65 remain)
Date
November 2023
November 21st to 24th
Significance
Honors Lord Krishna
Life stages
Childhood in Vrindavan
Raas Lila with Gopis
Symbolizes
Spiritual connection
Individual and the Soul Supreme
Love and communal harmony
Assamese Neo-Vaishnavism central concept
Attracts
Devotees
Tourists
Cultural aspects
Performances
Dance
Drama
Bhaona (traditional drama form)
Ankiya Naat (one-act plays)
Keli Gopal by Sankaradeva
Raas Jhumura by Madhavadeva
Musical performances
Depiction
Over 100 characters on stage
Elements
Costumes
Mythological characters representation
Masks
Puppets
Celebration
Across 60+ pandals in Majuli
Satriya essence in Satras
2023 Observation
Financial support
From state government
Widespread participation
Devotees from various regions
Unique Satriya essence

29/11/2023 / Space

AstroSat mind map
Context
India's first multi-wavelength space observatory
Launched on September 28, 2015
Recent milestone
Detected 600th Gamma-ray Burst (GRB) as of November 2023
Each GRB indicates massive star death or neutron star merging
Mission Overview
Objective
Study cosmic sources across electromagnetic spectrum
Focus on high-energy processes in binary star systems and neutron stars
Development
Follow-up to Indian X-ray Astronomy Experiment (IXAE, 1996)
Approved by ISRO in 2004
Launch Details
From Satish Dhawan Space Centre
Using PSLV-C30 (XL) rocket
Placed into 650 km, 6° inclination orbit
Scientific Objectives
Core focus areas
Multi-wavelength monitoring of cosmic source intensity variations
X-ray sky monitoring for new transients
Hard X-ray and UV band sky surveys
Spectroscopic studies in broad range
Variability studies of X-ray sources
Specific studies
Periodic and non-periodic phenomena in X-ray binaries
Pulsations in X-ray pulsars
Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN) intensity variations
Time-lag studies in X-rays and UV/optical radiation
X-ray transients detection and study
Instruments and Capabilities
Payload Instruments
Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (UVIT)
Soft X-ray Telescope (SXT)
Large Area X-ray Proportional Counter (LAXPC)
Cadmium Zinc Telluride Imager (CZTI)
Scanning Sky Monitor (SSM)
Charged Particle Monitor (CPM)
Instrument Functions
Multi-wavelength imaging and spectroscopy
High-resolution imaging in ultraviolet and X-ray
Timing and spectral studies of X-ray sources
Polarization measurements in X-rays
Monitoring for transient X-ray events
Ground Support and Data Management
Command and Control
Managed by ISRO Telemetry, Tracking and Command Network (ISTRAC)
Based in Bangalore, India
Data Handling
Daily data gathering capacity of 420 gigabits
Data download during visible orbits over Bangalore
Major Achievements and Discoveries
Notable events detected
Supernova explosions forming black holes
Rare phenomena like blue stragglers
Coronal explosions on Proxima Centauri
X-ray polarisation variations in Crab Pulsar
Observation of galaxy clusters and rare X-ray outbursts
Detection of extreme-UV light from distant galaxies
Future Prospects
Continued observations and discoveries
Potential for new insights into cosmic phenomena

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