9th October - AAJ KA QUALITY ENRICHMENT

QEP Pocket Notes

KEYWORDS

From regressive old India to resilient new India:
  • Meaning: It describes a positive narrative of India's transformation from a state of regression and stagnation in the past to a more dynamic and resilient future, marked by progress, adaptability, and the ability to thrive in the face of challenges.
  • Usage: It can be used in questions related to - India after independence, LPG reforms, green revolution and food security, political reforms (ECI), transition of India from fragile five to top five, Growth and sustainable development Etc.
Philosophy of ‘anekantavada’ or non-one-sidedness: 
  • Meaning: Anekantavada (a Jain philosophy) literally means "the doctrine of non-one-sidedness" or "many-sidedness." It encourages individuals to avoid simplistic, absolutist, or dogmatic viewpoints and instead acknowledge the various facets and perspectives of any given situation or truth.
  • Usage: It can be used in questions related to – Independent institutes like – Judiciary, ECI, CAG, CBI, etc., civil services and bureaucracy, Role of media Etc.
From research to impact:
  • Meaning: This conveys the idea of taking the results or findings of research endeavors and translating them into real-world, practical outcomes or effects.
  • Usage: It can be used in questions related to – Scientific developments and R&D, IPR regime, startups and entrepreneurship, govt. policies and schemes, Etc.
Creating prosperous, resilient and equitable (PRE) societies: 
  • Meaning: This covey a vision of holistic societal development. It implies the pursuit of economic well-being, the ability to withstand challenges, and a commitment to fairness and social justice. 
  • Usage: It can be used in questions related to - Society (poverty and inequality), sustainable development, inclusive growth, India as Atmanirbhar bharat and developed nation by 2047, Etc.

CASE STUDIES/ EXAMPLES

Monitoring pollution level at block level for better targeting:
  • Case: Bihar, Darbhanga and Bettiah District.
  • Step taken: A small device, only “a little bigger than a large-sized cellphone”, is installed across 510 block development offices across Bihar. The device, powered by a small solar panel, monitors air pollution in terms of particulate matter levels. It is a project that is being implemented by IIT Kanpur in collaboration with the governments of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.
  • Benefit: The data can help in effective air quality management.  If we have data from all blocks, we can analyse in what areas we need more effort.

KEY FACTS

Medical sector and manufacturing of medical devices in India:
  • As per Ministry of S&T:
  • India has emerged among the world's top five healthcare manufacturers.
  • Global share: India is set to become the global hub of medical technology and devices with the market size estimated to grow up to US$ 50 billion by 2050 from the present $11 Bn.
  • From a market share of 1.5%, India is expected to increase it to 10-12% over the next 25 years.
  • 100% FDI under the automatic route for both Greenfield & Brownfield setups and ‘Promotion of Medical Devices Parks’ scheme serve to catalyze research and manufacturing.
Agriculture and Horticulture sector in India:
  • Agriculture is also a major contributor with its share in country’s GDP has a long-term trend of around 18-20%.
  • Use of Agro textiles in horticulture: It leads to increase in farm productivity by 2-5 times, increase in crop intensity, reduction in water consumption by 30- 45%, reduction in fertilizer usage by 25- 30%, and higher harvest cycle per year.
  • Impact of climate change: There is an average farming production loss of 10-40% due to climate change, especially in the rain-fed areas.

PM/VP/PRESIDENT SPEECHES

Prime Minister’s speech:
  • On Technology: India is slowly correcting course, from a tentative player that sought permissions and exemptions to now building ownership stakes in the global technology ecosystem.

DEFINITION

Special Economic Zone (SEZ):  
  • Definition: A special economic zone (SEZ) is a geographical region that has economic laws that are more liberal than a country's domestic economic laws. SEZs typically offer competitive infrastructure, duty free exports, tax incentives, and other measures designed to make it easier to conduct business. 
  • In India, SEZs are a popular investment destination for many multinationals, particularly exporters.
Quantum dots: 
  • Definition: These are very tiny crystals and can be tuned to different colours. These are semiconducting particles just one-thousandth the width of a human hair. Quantum dots have found many applications in the industrial and medical sectors. 
  • The most common everyday use of quantum dots is probably in QLED (Quantum-dot Light Emitting Diode) televisions.

QUOTES

Quote on War: Only the dead have seen the end of the war”. –  George Santayana
  • Meaning: The quote reflects the idea that wars and conflicts can be prolonged and seemingly endless, and it suggests that only those who have died in the conflict have truly experienced its conclusion. 
  • This quote has been used to convey the enduring nature of human conflict and the toll it takes on those involved.
Quote on Mind and Power of Perspective: “The mind is its own place, and in it self can make a Heav’n of Hell, a Hell of Heav’n”. - John Milton
  • Meaning: The quote serves as a reflection on the power of perspective and the idea that our thoughts and perceptions play a significant role in how we experience the world around us. 
  • It underscores the importance of mental resilience and the capacity of the human mind to find solace or despair within itself, regardless of external circumstances.
QEP Pocket Notes