India's 1975 Emergency and its Impact    
India's Renewable Energy Landscape    
Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024    
Samagra Shiksha Scheme    
PM SHRI Scheme    
Exercise Eastern Bridge    

1.    India's 1975 Emergency and its Impact
Context:
•    Prime Minister of India recently paid homage to those who resisted the National Emergency of 1975.
•    June 25, 2024, marked the 49th anniversary of this Emergency.

What is an Emergency?
•    Emergency refers to a legal mechanism within a country's constitution enabling swift government action during

extraordinary crises like war, rebellion, or national instability.
•    In India, these provisions are outlined from Article 352 to 360 of the Constitution under Part XVIII.
Types of Emergencies in India:
1.    National Emergency (Article 352):
o    Declared during war, external aggression, or armed rebellion.
o    Fundamental rights, except those in Articles 20 and 21, are suspended.
o    Requires Parliamentary approval within one month and is subject to special majority renewal every six months.
o    Judicial review allowed after the
44th Amendment.
2.    State Emergency (President’s Rule – Article 356):
o    Imposed when a state's constitutional machinery breaks down.
o    Subject to judicial review after the
S.R. Bommai case.
3.    Financial Emergency (Article 360):
o    Proclaimed when the country’s financial stability is threatened.
o    Never declared in India to date.
Emergency Proclaimed in India:
•    Three times:
1.    Indo-China War (1962).
2.    Indo-Pak War (1971).
3.    Internal Disturbance (1975-1977)
– most controversial.
Impacts of the 1975 National Emergency:
•    Constitutional Changes:
o    39th Amendment (1975): Exempted disputes involving top leaders (like the PM) from judicial scrutiny.
 
o    42nd Amendment (1976): Expanded the central government's powers and restricted state autonomy.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following Articles of the Indian Constitution pertains to the declaration of a National Emergency? A) Article 360
B)    Article 356
C)    Article 352
D)    Article 365 Answer: C) Article 352 Mains Question:
Discuss the constitutional provisions related to Emergency in India. Analyze the impact of the 1975 Emergency on Indian democracy and civil liberties.

2.    India's Renewable Energy Landscape
Current Status and Growth
•    India’s renewable capacity has grown from 35 GW in 2014 to 174.53 GW in
2023.

•    India ranks 4th globally in installed renewable energy capacity, wind power, and solar power.
•    Breakdown of installed capacity (as of December 2023):
o    Wind: 44.73 GW

o    Solar: 73.31 GW
o    Biomass/Cogeneration: 10.2 GW
o    Small Hydro: 4.98 GW
o    Waste to Energy: 0.58 GW
o    Large Hydro: 46.88 GW India's Renewable Energy Targets
•    Target: Achieve 500 GW of non-fossil fuel-based energy by 2030.
•    Net-Zero Emissions: India aims for net- zero emissions by 2070.
•    Investment: A plan involving ₹2.44 lakh crore for renewable energy expansion.
Key Initiatives
•    Budget 2024-25: Allocated ₹10,000 crore for solar power grid expansion and viability gap funding for offshore wind energy.
•    Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana: Aims to install solar power systems in 1 crore households.
•    Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Enhances domestic solar manufacturing, targeting 48 GW capacity in 3 years.
•    National Green Hydrogen Mission: Focuses on green hydrogen to boost employment and reduce fossil fuel reliance.
•    PM KUSUM Scheme: Promotes energy security for farmers and targets 40% non- fossil fuel power by 2030.
•    Green Energy Corridors: Aims to establish transmission systems for renewable energy.
•    Electric Vehicle (EV) Push: Supports the EV30@30 campaign, targeting 30% new vehicle sales to be electric by 2030.
Challenges
1.    High Initial Costs: 
o    The installation cost for solar ($2,000/kW) is double that of gas- fired plants ($1,000/kW).
2.    Inadequate Infrastructure:
o    Current infrastructure is designed for fossil fuel plants, limiting renewable energy integration.
3.    Energy Storage Issues:
o    Lack of affordable power storage limits renewable energy use, as generation doesn't always match peak demand.
4.    Geographical Disparities:
o    Investment in renewables is concentrated in developed countries and China, with less investment in emerging economies.
5.    Technical and Knowledge Barriers:
o    Regular maintenance and skilled technicians are needed for solar and wind energy systems.
o    Public reluctance due to a lack of awareness about renewable technologies.
6.    Environmental Concerns:
o    Large-scale solar parks can disrupt ecosystems, particularly in deserts and natural systems.

Prelims Question:
Which of the following is part of India's renewable energy installed capacity?
1.    Wind Power
2.    Solar Power
3.    Biomass
4.    Large Hydro
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1, 2, and 3 only
C)    1, 2, 3, and 4
D)    2, 3, and 4 only

Answer: C) 1, 2, 3, and 4
Mains Question:
Discuss India's progress in renewable energy and the challenges faced in achieving its renewable energy targets. What steps can be taken to overcome these challenges?

3.    Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar 2024
News Highlight:
•    The Indian government has announced the first-ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) awardees in 2024.
•    The awards will be presented on 23rd August, which is also the first National Space Day, celebrating the success of Chandrayaan-3’s moon landing.
Prelims Facts about Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar:

About RVP:
•    The Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) is a set of prestigious awards recognizing significant achievements in science, technology, and innovation by individuals of Indian origin (including Persons of Indian Origin - PIO), both in India and abroad.
•    The awards aim to honour impactful research, innovation, or discovery that benefits Indian society.
•    The RVP was established in 2024 and replaces the previous Shanti Swarup 
Bhatnagar Prize, creating a more inclusive recognition system.
•    The awards are announced on 11th May (National Technology Day) each year, with the ceremony taking place on National Space Day.
Award Categories:
1.    Vigyan Ratna (VR):
o    For lifetime achievements in any field of science and technology.
o    Up to 3 awards are given each year.
o    Eligibility: Distinguished scientists and technologists with notable careers.
2.    Vigyan Shri (VS):
o    For distinguished contributions in any field of science and technology.
o    Up to 25 awards are given each year.
o    Eligibility: Individuals with significant achievements in scientific or technological domains.
3.    Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB):
o    For young scientists under 45 years who have made exceptional contributions.
o    Up to 25 awards are given each year.
o    Eligibility: Young scientists with exceptional research or innovation.
4.    Vigyan Team (VT):
o    For collaborative contributions by a team of three or more scientists.
o    Up to 3 team awards are given.
o    Eligibility: Teams with outstanding achievements in science and technology.

Award Benefits:
•    Awardees receive a Sanad (Certificate)
signed by the President of India.
•    A brochure with the citation and a photograph of the awardees is released on the ceremony day.
•    Posthumous awards are handed over to the next of kin.
2024 Awardees:
1.    Vigyan Ratna:
o    G. Padmanabhan: Recognized for his lifetime achievements in biological sciences, particularly for his work on malaria parasites. Former director of Indian Institute of Science, recipient of Padma Shri and Padma Bhushan.
2.    Vigyan Team:
o    Chandrayaan-3 Team: Awarded for the successful mission of landing India’s spacecraft on the Moon in 2023, marking a landmark in India's space exploration.
3.    Vigyan Shri:
o    Annapurni Subramaniam: Recognized for work on the formation and evolution of star clusters and galaxies.
o    Jayant Bhalchandra Udgaonkar: Contributions to biology.
o    Naba Kumar Mondal: Known for research in particle physics.
4.    Vigyan Yuva:
o    Vivek Polshettiwar: Research on
carbon capture technologies.
o    Urbasi Sinha: Work in quantum research.
o    Roxy Mathew Koll: Expertise in
climate science.

Prelims Question: 
With reference to the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP), consider the following statements:
1.    The awards recognize contributions only from individuals working in India.
2.    The Vigyan Ratna is awarded for lifetime achievements in science and technology.
3.    The Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) is awarded to young scientists under the age of 45.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 2 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar in promoting scientific achievements in India. How does it enhance recognition for Indian-origin scientists both domestically and globally? (250 words)

4.    Samagra Shiksha Scheme
About the Scheme:
•    Objective: To deliver inclusive, equitable, and affordable education from pre-school to class XII, promoting holistic development.
•    Integrated Scheme: Combines the earlier Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE) programs for a unified approach.
•    Coverage: Supports over 1.16 million schools, 156 million students, and 5.7 million teachers from Government and Aided schools.

•    Launch: Initiated by the Ministry of Education in 2018.

Key Features:
•    Funding Structure: A centrally sponsored scheme with a 60:40 split between the Centre and most states.
•    Focus Areas:
o    Access: Improved access to quality education for all students.
o    Quality: Enhanced learning outcomes and teaching practices.
o    Infrastructure: Better physical infrastructure for a conducive learning environment.
o    Equity: Special attention to gender equality and inclusion of marginalized groups.
o    Vocational Education: Integration of vocational education in secondary education.
Significance:

•    Aims to bridge gaps in school education, ensuring that all children receive quality education with a focus on inclusive and equitable learning.

Prelims Question:
With reference to the Samagra Shiksha Scheme, consider the following statements:
1.    The scheme merges Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), and Teacher Education (TE).
2.    It provides a 50:50 funding split between the Centre and all states.
3.    It covers schools from pre-primary to class XII.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 3 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Discuss how the Samagra Shiksha Scheme contributes to achieving the goals of inclusive and equitable education in India. How does it address the challenges in the Indian education system? (250 words)

5.    PM SHRI Scheme
Objective:
•    The PM SHRI Scheme is a centrally sponsored initiative aimed at establishing 14,500 schools that offer high-quality, inclusive education in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Key Features:
1.    Inclusivity & Holistic Development:

o    The scheme aims to create an inclusive, secure, and enriching environment for students, focusing on their cognitive and holistic development.
o    Schools will nurture 21st-century skills like critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration.

2.    Pedagogy:
o    Adopts an experiential and inquiry-driven teaching approach, making learning more flexible, enjoyable, and student-centric.
o    Incorporates play/toy-based learning in foundational years to promote early cognitive development.
3.    Infrastructure:
o    Schools will be equipped with labs, libraries, art rooms, and other essential facilities.
o    Green schools will focus on sustainability with water conservation, waste recycling, and energy-efficient infrastructure.
4.    Learning Outcomes & Assessment: 
o    Emphasis on achieving strong
learning outcomes in every grade.
o    Competency-based assessments

C)    2 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: B) 1 and 3 only

will measure conceptual        

understanding and the ability to apply knowledge to real-life situations.
o    A School Quality Assessment Framework (SQAF) will regularly evaluate performance.
5.    Duration & Funding:
o    The scheme spans from 2022-23 to 2026-27, with a total cost of
₹27,360 crore (central share of
₹18,128 crore).
o    After 2027, the responsibility for maintaining benchmarks will lie with States/UTs.
6.    Challenge Mode Selection:
o    Schools will be selected through a Challenge Mode, where they compete to meet specified criteria to become exemplar schools.

Prelims Question:
With reference to the PM SHRI Scheme, consider the following statements:
1.    The scheme is aimed at establishing 14,500 schools focused on enhancing both cognitive and holistic development.
2.    PM SHRI Schools will focus solely on academic outcomes and not on sustainable practices.
3.    The selection of schools under this scheme is done through a Challenge Mode.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    1 and 3 only

Mains Question:
Discuss the significance of the PM SHRI Scheme in transforming the school education system in India. How does it align with the vision of the National Education Policy 2020? (250 words)

6.    Exercise Eastern Bridge
•    The 7th edition of the bilateral air exercise between the Indian Air Force (IAF) and the Royal Oman Air Force will be conducted from 11th to 22nd September 2024 at Masirah, Oman.
•    The exercise includes complex aerial manoeuvres, air-to-air and air-to-ground operations, as well as logistical coordination.
•    The first edition of Exercise Eastern Bridge took place in 2009 at Thumrait, Oman.
India’s Other Military Exercises with Oman:
•    Naseem Al-Bahr: Conducted between the
Indian Navy and the Royal Navy of Oman.
•    AL Najah: Conducted between the Indian Army and the Royal Army of Oman.
Oman's Strategic Importance:
•    Oman’s location near the Strait of Hormuz, overseeing the Arabian Sea, enhances its significance as a key partner
for India in West Asia and the Indian Ocean Region.