Topics

1. Scorpene Class submarine for the Navy
2. IMD launches Heat Index
3. NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index
4. Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023
5. 8^th Schedule of the Indian Constitution

Topic 1: Scorpene Class submarine for Navy

Introduction

• The Scorpene class submarine is a diesel-electric attack submarine designed by Naval Group (formerly DCNS) in France.
• The Scorpene class is designed to be a multi-role submarine capable of carrying out a variety of missions, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering.
• Equipped with a formidable arsenal, capable of unleashing a vast array of torpedoes and missiles.
• Possessing an array of sophisticated surveillance and intelligence-gathering mechanisms.
• Their cutting-edge SONAR suite and sensor array bestow them with exceptional operational capabilities.
• They can attain a surface speed of 11 knots (20 km/h) and a submerged speed of 20 knots (37 km/h).

• It uses diesel electric propulsion systems.

• The propulsion system seamlessly switches between diesel for surface operations and electric for underwater navigation.

It can operate for approx. 50 days, without refuelling, after that they need to come on surface to recharge batteries.

Scorpene Submarine vs Nuclear Submarine

Project 75I Submarine

• Project 75I is a military acquisition initiative of the Indian Navy, aimed at procuring six diesel-electric attack submarines with advanced capabilities such as air-independent propulsion (AIP), land-attack cruise missiles and anti-ship missiles.
• Project 75I is a follow-on of Project 75, which is based on the Kalvari class (Scorpene-class) submarines that India acquired from France.
• Project 75I is part of a 30-year submarine building plan that was approved by the Indian government in 1999, which envisages the construction of 24 submarines by 2030, including 18 conventional and six nuclear-powered submarines.
• Project 75I intends to boost the indigenous design and construction capability of submarines in India, in addition to bringing in the latest submarine design and technologies from foreign partners.
• Project 75I is expected to cost around ₹43,000 crore (equivalent to ₹480 billion or US$6.0 billion in 2023).

Topic 2: IMD launches Heat Index

Context

The Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has introduced the Heat Index on an experimental basis in India through the India Meteorological Department (IMD).

The Heat Index aims to provide guidance regarding the apparent temperatures caused by the combination of temperature and humidity, leading to discomfort for people.

By implementing color-coded indicators, the Heat Index helps in identifying the varying levels of heat impact and discomfort in different regions.

IMD Heat Index:

• The newly introduced Heat Index in India is designed to offer general guidance for areas where the combination of high temperature and humidity results in elevated apparent temperatures, causing discomfort and potential health risks to individuals.

• The Heat Index calculation closely follows an equation used by the National Weather Service, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the USA.

• It takes into account the influence of humidity on high temperatures, providing a “feel-like” temperature for humans, indicating the level of discomfort they might experience.

Color Codes for Experimental Heat Index:

To facilitate easy understanding and communication, the Heat Index is represented using distinct color codes, each signifying different levels of heat impact and associated discomfort:

1. Green: Indicates temperatures below 35°C.
2. Yellow: Represents a temperature range of 36-45°C.
3. Orange: Denotes a temperature range of 46-55°C.
4. Red: Signifies temperatures above 55°C.

Mitigating Heat Impact in India:

• As part of the experimental implementation, the Heat Index is currently being utilized across India, including states like Andhra Pradesh.
• In collaboration with local agencies such as the Indian Institute of Public Health (IIPH), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is implementing the Heat Index project for cities like Bhubaneshwar and Ahmedabad.

By leveraging the Heat Action Plan, authorities aim to raise awareness about the potential risks associated with extreme heat and take proactive measures to protect vulnerable communities.

The implementation of the Heat Index and associated mitigation strategies is a step towards building resilience and safeguarding public health during periods of high temperatures and humidity.

Topic 3: NITI Aayog’s Export Preparedness Index

Context

• Tamil Nadu has emerged as the most export-competitive state in India, securing the top spot in the Export Preparedness Index 2022 by Niti Aayog.

Export Preparedness Index (EPI)

• EPI is a comprehensive tool aimed at gauging the export readiness of India’s states and union territories (UTs).
• The index analyses various parameters, enabling the identification of strengths and weaknesses in each region and offering valuable insights for effective policy formulation.

EPI focuses on four pillars:

1. Policy:This pillar evaluates the effectiveness of a state’s trade policy, providing strategic direction for both exports and imports.
2. Business Ecosystem:The efficiency of a business ecosystem is crucial for attracting investments and fostering an enabling infrastructure for startups and entrepreneurship.
3. Export Ecosystem:This pillar assesses the business environment specific to exports, determining the level of support and facilitation provided to exporters.
4. Export Performance:The sole output-based parameter, this pillar examines the reach of export footprints in states and UTs, measuring their actual export achievements.

10 Sub-pillars include: Export Promotion Policy; Institutional Framework; Business Environment; Infrastructure; Transport Connectivity; Export Infrastructure; Trade Support; R&D Infrastructure; Export Diversification; and Growth Orientation.

States performance

• Export-Competitive State: Top Contenders: Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Gujarat (last year’s leader) followed closely, while Haryana claimed the fifth position.
• Coastal States’ Dominance: Coastal states dominated the top rankings, with four out of the top five positions occupied by them. Andhra Pradesh also secured the ninth spot.
• Gujarat- Leading Merchandise Exporter: Gujarat holds the top position as the leading merchandise exporter, accounting for one-third of India’s total merchandise exports.
• Top Five Exporting States: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh complete India’s top five exporters.
• Seven States’ Dominance: An impressive 75% of India’s total exports are contributed by just seven states.

Reasons for export boost

• Export Promotion Policies: The top-performing states have implemented export promotion policies at both state and district levels.
• Diversified Export Basket: These states have a diverse export basket, showcasing their global footprint.
• Promoting Unique Products: Successful states focus on promoting products unique to their region. Tamil Nadu and Karnataka lead in exporting geographical indication (GI) products.

India’s Export Performance

• Resilient Exports: Despite pandemic challenges and supply-side issues, India’s goods exports remained robust, reaching an all-time high of $447 billion in FY23.
• Target for FY24: The government refrained from setting a specific export target for FY24 due to global headwinds but may aim for $450 billion to $500 billion in goods exports.

Services Exports: Services exports amounted to $323 billion in FY23, bringing India’s overall exports to $770 billion.

Topic 4: Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023

Introduction

• The Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 is a legislative proposal introduced by the Union Information and Broadcasting Minister in the Rajya Sabha on July 20, 2023.
• The bill seeks to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952, which is the primary law governing the certification and exhibition of films in India.
• The bill aims to address the issues of piracy, classification and certification of films in line with the changing social and technological scenario.

Key Features

• The bill proposes to introduce harsher penalties for film piracy, which is defined as the unauthorized recording or transmission of films in any manner. The bill provides for imprisonment of up to three years or fine up to five per cent of the production cost of the film or both for anyone who engages in piracy.

• The bill also empowers the Central Government to revoke or suspend the certificate granted by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) to any film if it is found to violate any provision of the Cinematograph Act or any other law.

• The bill also proposes to revise the existing categories of film certification based on age groups instead of the current practice of rating them as “U” (unrestricted public exhibition), “A” (restricted to adult audiences), and “UA” (unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children below the age of 12). The bill seeks to add three new categories – “UA-7+” (unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children above the age of seven), “UA-13+” (unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children above the age of 13), and “UA-16+” (unrestricted public exhibition subject to parental guidance for children above the age of 16).

• The bill also seeks to bring uniformity in the classification and certification of films across platforms, such as theatres, television and online streaming services.

Significance

• The bill is expected to curb film piracy, which causes huge losses to the film industry and affects its growth and development.

• It also aims to protect the intellectual property rights of filmmakers and ensure fair remuneration for their work.

• The bill is also expected to provide more clarity and transparency in the process of film certification and ensure that films are exhibited in accordance with the contemporary standards and sensibilities of Indian society.

• It also aims to safeguard the artistic freedom and creative expression of filmmakers while respecting the rights and sentiments of the viewers.

• The bill is also expected to cater to the diverse preferences and choices of the audience by providing them with more options and information regarding the content and suitability of films for different age groups.

It also aims to harmonize the film certification norms with the global best practices and standards.

Topic 5:  8^th Schedule of Indian Constitution

Context:  Recenly The Supreme Court has stated that it lacks the authority to mandate the inclusion of Rajasthani as an official language in the Eighth Schedule of the Constitution.

The Eighth Schedule: Official Languages of the Republic of India

• The Eighth Schedule of the Constitution of India enlists the official languages of the country.
• It was established with the aim of providing representation on the Official Languages Commission and promoting Hindi and English as the official languages of the Union.

Constitutional Provisions – Articles 344(1) and 351

• The Constitution of India, under Article 344(1), mandates the appointment of a Commission by the President five years after the commencement of the Constitution.
• This commission is responsible for advising the President on the effective use of Hindi for official purposes by the Government of India.

Article 351 places the responsibility on the Union to promote and develop the Hindi language so that it becomes a medium of expression for India’s diverse cultural elements.

Languages Included in the Eighth Schedule

• The Eighth Schedule initially included 14 languages when the Constitution came into effect in 1950.

Over the years, more languages have been added to the list, and currently, there are 22 languages included in it.

Additions to the Eighth Schedule

The Eighth Schedule has seen several amendments over time, with new languages being added at different points:

1. 1967: Sindhi was added to the Eighth Schedule through the 21st Constitutional Amendment Act.

2. 1992: Konkani, Manipuri (Meitei), and Nepali were included in the Eighth Schedule through the 71st Constitutional Amendment Act.

3. 2003: Bodo, Dogri, Maithili, and Santali were added to the Eighth Schedule through the 92nd Constitutional Amendment Act.

4. 2011: The spelling of “Oriya” was changed to “Odia” through the 96th Constitutional Amendment Act.

Classical Languages

1. Tamil (declared in 2004)
2. Sanskrit (declared in 2005)
3. Kannada (declared in 2008)
4. Telugu (declared in 2008)
5. Malayalam (declared in 2013)
6. Odia (declared in 2014)