Celebrating 10 Years of Swachh Bharat Mission

Swachh Bharat Diwas 2024

October 2, 2024, marks the completion of 10 years since the launch of one of the most significant mass movements for cleanliness—the Swachh Bharat Mission coinciding with the 155^th Gandhi Jayanti.

 Campaign Overview

• On August 15, 2014, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi delivered a powerful message from the ramparts of the Red Fort, calling for cleanliness to become a national priority and urging citizens to join in this mission. This led to the launch of the Swachh Bharat Mission on 2^nd October 2014, which embraced a ‘whole-of-government’ approach to make sanitation the responsibility of all. The nation united to create the world's largest movement for cleanliness
• Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) is a pivotal campaign under the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), officially launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2017. This campaign is a significant annual event aimed at mobilizing the citizens of India towards enhanced cleanliness and sanitation.
• The Swachhata Hi Seva campaign 2024, observed from 17 September to 1 October, is themed “Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskaar Swachhata,” culminating in the celebration of Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2 October. The campaign emphasizes three core objectives: transforming neglected areas with health and hygiene risks, encouraging active public participation in cleanliness activities, and improving the welfare of sanitation workers. The campaign aims to foster a cleaner, healthier India for all through these initiatives.

 Pillars of SHS 2024

Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs): A Cleanliness Target Unit (CTU) refers to severely neglected, high-risk areas like garbage points or dumpsites that pose significant environmental and health risks, often overlooked during routine cleanliness drives in various regions. The campaign aims to transform these target units in a time-bound manner, contributing to the broader goal of achieving overall cleanliness.

Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs: Single-window health and welfare camps for Safai Mitras for preventive health care treatment and linkages with various welfare schemes of Central and State Government

Swachhata Mein Jan Bhaagidari: Widespread engagement with citizens, communities, and organisations to raise awareness and trigger involvement through various activities.

Ecomark Rules notified by Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change

·        In alignment with the 'LiFE' (Lifestyle for Environment) Mission announced by Prime Minister Sh. Narendra Modi in 2021, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has notified the Ecomark Rules. It replaces the Ecomark scheme of 1991.

·        “Eco-labelling of products enables consumers to make informed purchase decisions as well as encourage manufacturers to transition to the production of environment-friendly products, leading to the promotion of green industries,” the notification said.

·        This move is in line with the principle of ‘LIFE (Lifestyle for Environment)’. It aims to promote lower energy consumption, resource efficiency and conservation, and circular economy, and to prevent misleading information on the environmental aspects of products.

·        The notification prescribed granting a special mark to a product that has a licence or a certificate of conformity with Indian Standards granted under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act and/or a mandate of the Quality Control Orders and that fulfils the criteria as prescribed in the rules.

·        These include products that reduce pollution by minimising or eliminating the generation of waste and environmental emissions; products that are recyclable or made from recycled material or both; products that reduce the use of non-renewable resources, including non-renewable energy sources and natural resources; and products that reduce the use of any material that has adverse impacts on the environment.

·        While developing criteria for the grant of ‘Ecomark’ to a product, the production process, including the source of raw material, will be considered.

·        Apart from this, the use of natural resources, environmental impact, the effects and extents of emissions or waste arising from the production process, the utilisation of waste and recycled materials, the suitability for recycling, and the use of non-hazardous substances in place of hazardous substances will also be considered.

·        An application for ‘Ecomark’ will be required to be made to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). After that, the Board will, either by itself or through a verifier, verify whether the product complies.

·        Once this is done, a report will be prepared. Once the Board is satisfied that the product meets the conditions mentioned in the guidelines, it may grant ‘Ecomark’. This mark will be valid for 3 years or until there is a change in criteria, whichever is earlier. The certificate can be renewed.

Products for the grant of ‘Ecomark’:

• Cosmetics: Skin powder, including that for infants; tooth powder and toothpaste; skin cream; hair oil; shampoo; soap; hair cream; nail polish; aftershave lotion; shaving cream; cosmetic pencil; lipstick; etc.
• Soaps and detergents
• Food items: Edible oils, tea, and coffee
• Electric/electronic goods: TV, fridge, food mixers, geysers; electrical/steam iron, toasters, coolers, fans, etc.
• Textiles

Geological Survey of India conducts Swachhata Hi Seva campaign at Shyok-Nubra valley in Ladakh

·        As part of the Government of India's Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative, the Geological Survey of India (GSI) conducted a successful Swachhata / cleanliness drive at the Geo-heritage Site “Land of Cold Desert, Shyok-Nubra valley” on 01-10-2024.

·        The breathtaking Ladakh region is renowned for its remote mountain beauty, rich culture, and stunning geological marvels. The Geoheritage Site “Land of Cold Desert, Shyok-Nubra Valley" of the UT: Ladakh has been recognized by the Geological Survey of India, Ministry of Mines, Government of India, for its exceptional geological significance.

·        Such geoheritage sites are treasure troves of geo-relics, phenomena, and geological structures that hold national and international interest.

·        Located at the confluence of the Shyok and Nubra rivers near Diskit, the Shyok-Nubra valley boasts unique geological features. The presence of sand dunes, reminiscent of Rajasthan's deserts, attracts tourists who can experience the thrill of double-hump camel rides.

·         At an altitude of 3048 m above mean sea level, these dunes are the largest in the Trans-Himalayan region. These sand dunes hold particular interest for geologists, indicating climatic variations in this high-altitude terrain.

·        Situated along the riverbanks, they offer valuable insights into Quaternary geological studies. The Shyok-Nubra valley also exposes an ophiolite rock bearing suture zone, immensely important for understanding the Himalayan evolution and journey of Indian tectonic plate.

India and Brazil to collaborate on SAF, leverage biofuel expertise to decarbonise aviation

·        India and Brazil, in a joint statement, emphasised increased cooperation to promote biofuels, including sharing regulatory and policy experience to create frameworks encouraging investment in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production.

·        The joint statement was issued after the meeting of India’s Minister of Petroleum & Natural Gas, H S Puri, with Brazil’s Minister of Mines & Energy, Alexandre Silveira. 

·        The sides noted that India and Brazil, as two leading biofuel producers, are well-positioned to collaborate on production and use of SAF by leveraging their existing ethanol and biodiesel production infrastructure, growing aviation market and vast feedstock potential, including their agricultural resources.

·        In the context of SAF, the sides noted that currently SAF remains the major mature and viable pathway to decarbonise the aviation sector. At the same time, SAF only accounts for 0.3 per cent of the current fuel use for aviation.

·        The sides recognised the role that India-Brazil partnership in SAF can play in deployment and development of the sector by leveraging and catalysing regional value chains to ramp up SAF production, trading, distribution and certification, which inter-alia will support enhancement of availability, affordability and reliability of the biofuel.

·        Both countries noted that the modes for such cooperation could include leveraging ethanol production from all sources.

·        “Promote technology exchange, joint research, and development initiatives, in order to optimise SAF production processes as well as share regulatory and policy experience, with a view to create frameworks that encourage investment in SAF production,” the joint statement said.

·        Cooperation in R&D to enhance the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) of production pathways and collaboration in multilateral forums, such as the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), to promote the development of SAF.

·        India and Brazil also discussed collaboration in deep and ultradeep explorations in the Indian offshore Acreages. The two sides also initiated a discussion on cooperation in the area of critical minerals and their value chains.

·        In the oil and gas sector, the sides recognised the trust reposed by Indian companies, which has resulted in Brazil being one of the largest destinations for investments by Indian oil and gas companies in the world.

·        The sides also reaffirmed their commitment to identifying  new possible mechanisms for increasing the presence of Indian companies in the country, including through new investment opportunities in producing assets. The sides, while recognising the complementarities in the trade sector, committed to identifying ways of enhancing the trade between the two countries, including through innovative mechanisms.

INDO-PACIFIC ECONOMIC FRAMEWORK FOR PROSPERITY (IPEF)

India signed the US-led 14-member Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) bloc’s agreements on a clean and fair economy

• Agreement on clean economy intends to accelerate efforts of IPEF partners towards energy security, GHG emissions mitigation, developing innovative ways of reducing dependence on fossil fuel and promoting technical cooperation. Agreement on fair economy intends to create transparent and predictable business environment, which can spur greater trade and investment in member countries.

 Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF)

• The Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) is a strategic initiative led by the United States, launched in May 2022, to enhance economic cooperation and strengthen economic ties in the Indo-Pacific region.
• It is seen as a response to growing geopolitical competition in the region, especially concerning China’s influence, and aims to foster a rules-based economic order.

IPEF is based on four key pillars, each addressing critical aspects of economic growth and sustainability:

• Trade (connected economy):
• Focus on creating high-standard trade agreements, particularly in the areas of digital economy, labor standards, and trade facilitation.
• Prioritizes inclusive trade that benefits all member countries, with an emphasis on labor rights, transparency, and environmental sustainability.
• Supply Chain Resilience (Resilient Economy):
• Enhances the resilience and reliability of supply chains in the Indo-Pacific.
• Seeks to address supply chain vulnerabilities, ensuring critical goods flow smoothly across borders, even during crises.
• Clean Economy:
• Promotes cooperation on green energy, clean technology, and sustainable infrastructure development.
• Supports initiatives to address climate change by driving the adoption of renewable energy sources and building eco-friendly infrastructure.
• Fair Economy:
• Aims to foster fair and transparent tax systems.
• Seeks to combat corruption by enhancing anti-money laundering measures and promoting financial transparency across member nations.
• Member Countries:
• IPEF includes 14 member countries, representing a diverse group from across the Indo-Pacific region.They are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Fiji, India, Indonesia, Japan, Republic of Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, United States, and Vietnam.

INSV TARINI SAILS OUT FOR NAVIKA SAGAR PARIKRAMA II

Second Edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama - Circumnavigating the Globe flagged off at Ocean Sailing Node, INS Mandovi, Goa.

Navika Sagar Parikrama II covering more than 21,600 nautical miles (approx 40,000 km) will unfold in five legs with stop overs at four ports for replenishment and maintenance, as required. The broad contour of voyage will be as follows: -

          (a) Goa to Fremantle, Australia

          (b) Fremantle to Lyttleton, New Zealand

          (c) Lyttleton to Port Stanley, Falkland 

          (d) Port Stanley to Cape Town, S Africa

          (e) Cape Town to Goa

INSV Tarini, a 56 foot sailing vessel built by M/s Aquarius Shipyard Ltd was inducted in the Indian Navy on 18 Feb 17. The vessel has clocked more than 66,000 nautical miles (1,22,223 km) and participated in first edition of Navika Sagar Parikrama in 2017, trans-oceanic expedition from Goa to Rio, Goa to Port Louis and other significant expeditions. 

New artificial synaptic chip mimicking biological synapses to transform information technology

·        Scientists have created an artificial synaptic device that emulates the behaviour of biological synapses to transform information technology through more efficient computing models.

·        They have used two-dimensional electron gas in oxide heterostructures for integrating architecture inspired by the biological brain, also called neuromorphic architecture and logic operations on a single chip.

·        Modern computers inherently segregate memory and computation into independent physical units based on ’von Neumann computing’-- a system which is like a set of instructions that tells the computer how to handle information and perform tasks.

·        This requires separate units for reading and executing complex operations, and then returning the results to memory, which slows computing. This can create a "bottleneck,". Especially if the computer needs to handle a lot of instructions and data at the same time, it can get slowed down because everything has to travel along the same path.

·        On the other hand, a human brain is a sophisticated, dynamic, reconfigurable system with direct memory access, with neurons conducting the computational operations. Neuromorphic electronics, inspired by the intricate workings of the biological brain, offer the potential to transform information technology through more efficient computing models.

·        Scientists at the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali (Punjab), an autonomous institution of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India used a new approach that follows the working principal of human brains to overcome the challenges of ’von Neumann computing’.

·        They utilized the two-dimensional electron gas (2DEG) within the EuO-KTaO3 (KTO) oxide heterostructure to develop a chip which exhibited neuromorphic properties as well as showed a large change in resistivity known as resistive switching behaviour.

·        Current is generated at EuO-KTaO3 interface due to shining of light and this persists even after the light is turned off (demonstrating high persistent photoconductivity) resulting in optoelectronic properties necessary for replicating cognitive functions such as sensory perception, learning, and memory.

·        The developed chip not only mimics the short- and long-term plasticity observed in biological synapses but also performs logic gate operations, significantly enhancing its versatility and potential for integration in advanced neuromorphic systems.

·        Supported by the DST’s Nanomission, and CSIRin the form of a sophisticated, custom-made instrument called a combinatorial pulsed laser deposition setup, Prof. Suvankar Chakraverty Professor at INST, Mohali (Punjab), haveproduced 2DEG at the interface composed of chemicals EuO and KTaO3acting as artificial synaptic device showing neuromorphic properties.The researchwas published in the journal ‘Applied Physics Letter’.

·        Neuromorphic design in oxide interfaces can facilitate more energy-efficient and quicker information processing, enhanced AI capabilities, and improved device miniaturisation. These systems may learn and change with time, resulting in more personalized and responsive technology. Furthermore, their resilience and fault tolerance make them perfect for important applications that will ultimately improve everyday life, including healthcare, education, and environmental sustainability.

Novel polymer nanocomposite creates base for road safety sensor for accident prone turnings

·        Researchers from Centre for Nano and Soft matter Sciences (CeNS), Bengluru have developed a polymer nanocomposite for pressure sensing and energy harvesting applications and used it to invent a prototype of a road safety sensor.

·        The prototype may be implanted in the movable ramp and secured to the road just 100 meters before acute and fatal turning points.

·        Thus, any vehicle approaching from the opposite side will see the signal on a screen and be alerted. 

·        This prototype works on the principle of piezoelectric effect so it can generate energy that can be stored and used further to power electronic gadgets as well.  

·        The novel polymer nanocomposite, from which the prototype has been crafted, has been made of transition metal dichalcogenide.

·        The scientists, Shri Ankur Verma, Dr. Arjun Hari Madhu, Dr. Subash Cherumannil Karumuthil synthesized vanadium disulfide (VS2) with a very high surface charge which has the capacity of improving the piezoelectric characteristics of polymers.

·        Polymer nanocomposite films were prepared by integrating these nanoparticles at various concentrations into a well-known piezoelectric polymer, poly (vinylidene difluoride) (PVDF).

·        Further they investigated how the surface charge of nanoparticles will affect the piezoelectric properties of polymer nanocomposite. In addition, a laboratory-scale demonstration of a road safety sensor and smart door was established, with the prototype as a pressure sensor.

·        This study is part of an ongoing project “Materials for self powered energy generating and pressure sensing devices” funded by Department of Science and Technology under INSPIRE –faculty fellowship programme.

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi pays tributes to freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma on his birth anniversary.

·        The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi remembered freedom fighter Shyamji Krishna Varma on his 95th birth anniversary today.

·        Shyamji Krishna Varma, a Gujarat-born freedom fighter played pivotal role in India’s struggle for Independence. Besides being a noted scholar in Sanskrit and other Indian languages, he founded the India House in London, which served as a leading centre of Indian nationalism outside India.

·        Shyamji Krishna Varma passed away in 1930. Modi highlighted Shyamji Krishna Varma’s unwavering spirit and dedication to the nation, emphasising that his legacy will continue to inspire generations. He said that Shyamji Krishna Varma’s revolutionary actions infused remarkable strength into the resolve for the country’s independence.

·        In 1905 he founded the India House and The Indian Sociologist, which rapidly developed as an organised meeting point for radical nationalists among Indian students in Britain at the time and one of the most prominent centres for revolutionary Indian nationalism outside India.

·        Krishna Varma moved to Paris in 1907, avoiding prosecution. The monthly Indian Sociologist became an outlet for nationalist ideas and through the Indian Home Rule Society, he criticised the British rule in India.

·        Varma, who became the first President of Bombay Arya Samaj, was an admirer of Dayanand Saraswati, and he inspired Veer Savarkar who was a member of India House in London. Verma also served as the Divan of a number of states in India.

Status of Classical Language

·        The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages.

·        Classical languages are regarded as the custodians of India’s ancient and profound cultural legacy, preserving the rich history, literature, and traditions of their respective communities.

·        By conferring this status, the government seeks to honor and protect the linguistic milestones of Bharat's diverse cultural landscape, ensuring that future generations can access and appreciate the deep historical roots of these languages.

·        This move not only reinforces the importance of linguistic diversity but also acknowledges the vital role these languages play in shaping the nation's cultural identity.

1. Why is a language declared as Classical?

·         The designation of a language as classical is intended to recognize its historical significance and its role as a guardian of Bharat’s rich cultural and intellectual heritage.

·        These languages have been essential in preserving and transmitting India's ancient knowledge systems, philosophies, and values across generations for thousands of years.

·        By recognizing these languages as classical, the government acknowledges their deep-rooted antiquity, vast literary traditions, and their invaluable contribution to the cultural fabric of the nation. This recognition highlights the significant cultural and linguistic contributions these languages have made to India’s heritage 

1. What are the criteria for declaring a language as classical?

 In 2004, the Government of India, for the first time, created a new category of languages known as Classical Languages. It set the following as criteria for the status of Classical Language: 

• High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years.
• A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generation of speakers.
• The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community. 

This criterion was revised in 2005 and 2024 based on the recommendations of Linguistic Experts Committees (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical Language. 

The criteria were revised in November 2005 as follows, and Sanskrit was declared a Classical Language:
           High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500-2000 years.

• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
• The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• The classical language and literature being distinct from modern, there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots. 

The criteria were revised in 2024 as follows:

• High antiquity of its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1500- 2000 years.
• A body of ancient literature/texts, which is considered a heritage by generations of speakers.
• Knowledge texts, especially prose texts in addition to poetry, epigraphical and inscriptional evidence.
• The Classical Languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots.

The 2024 Linguistic Expert Committee also recommended the following languages to be fulfilling revised criteria to be considered as a Classical Language: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali.

1. How many languages have been declared classical so far?

·         Six Indian languages namely Sanskrit, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, Malayalam and Odia were earlier  accorded the status of Classical Language. The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved to confer the status of Classical Language to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese and Bengali languages on October 03, 2024, thus bringing the total number of classical languages to 11.

·         The Ministry of Home Affairs initially granted the status to Tamil and Sanskrit, and the Ministry of Culture took over the responsibility for further implementations and future recognitions. The Ministry of Culture established the Linguistic Experts Committee (LEC) on November 1, 2004, to assess future proposals for the recognition of classical languages.

What is the impact of a language being declared classical?

• • The inclusion of languages as Classical Languages will create significant employment opportunities, especially in the academic and research sectors. Additionally, the preservation, documentation, and digitization of ancient texts in these languages will generate jobs in areas such as archiving, translation, publishing, and digital media.
  •  Recognizing the languages as classical encourage scholarly research, preservation, and the revitalization of ancient texts and knowledge systems, which are essential to India's intellectual and cultural identity. Furthermore, it instills a sense of pride and ownership among the speakers of these languages, promoting national integration and aligning with the broader vision of a self-reliant and culturally rooted India.
  •  In conclusion, the Union Cabinet's decision to confer Classical Language status to Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, and Bengali reflects a deep recognition of the invaluable role these languages have played in shaping India's cultural and intellectual heritage.
  • This step not only acknowledges their historical and literary significance but also underscores the government's commitment to preserving and promoting India's linguistic diversity.
  • The initiative is expected to foster academic and research opportunities, enhance global collaborations, and contribute to the nation’s cultural and economic growth.
  • By safeguarding these languages for future generations, the government is reinforcing a broader vision of cultural self-reliance and national integration, in line with the objectives of Atmanirbhar Bharat and a culturally rooted India.