UPSC: PM Vishwakarma Yojana, Minuteman III, Proba-3, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 2

PM Vishwakarma Yojana

News: A total of 25.8 million applications have been submitted under the PM Vishwakarma Yojana.
Overview:
Scheme Type: Central sector scheme under the Ministry of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSME).
Services Provided: Includes market linkage support, skill development training, and incentives for digital transactions tailored for artisans and craftspeople in selected traditional trades.
Duration: Implemented over five years, from FY 2023-24 to FY 2027-28.
Objective:
- - Revitalizing Traditional Skills: Aims to uphold the Guru-Shishya parampara, or family-based skill transmission, among artisans and craftspeople working with traditional tools and techniques.
  - Quality and Market Reach Enhancement: Focuses on raising the quality and expanding the market reach of products and services offered by artisans and craftspeople. Also targets the integration of the “Vishwakarma” community into domestic and international value chains.
Eligibility and Scope:
- - Beneficiaries: Available to artisans and craftsmen residing in both rural and urban areas across India.
  - Trades Covered: Supports 18 traditional crafts, including Boat Makers, Armourers, Blacksmiths, Hammer and Tool Kit Makers, among others.
  - Coverage Goal: Aims to support 5 lakh families in the first year and a total of 30 lakh families over the five-year period.
Key Benefits:
- - Access to Tooling Resources: Provides enhanced access to tooling facilities, thereby boosting productivity and efficiency for MSMEs.
  - Industry-Aligned Workforce: Offers training programs to develop skills that align with industry standards, creating manpower that is prepared for industry demands.
  - Support for Product and Process Innovation: Assists in the development of processes and products within relevant sectors to improve competitiveness.
  - Consulting and Job Work Services: Delivers specialized consultancy and job work services to address the unique requirements of various industries.

UPSC GS 3

IL-35-Mediated Immunotherapy

News: Researchers have discovered a specific protein IL-35 that protects the immune system by lowering particular immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, thereby reducing pancreatic cell infiltration, a key contributor in type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.
About IL-35 Protein:
Composition: IL-35 is a unique protein composed of IL-12α and IL-27β chains.
Role in Diabetes Protection: It plays a protective role against type 1 and autoimmune diabetes by influencing immune responses.
Function in Immune Regulation: IL-35 regulates the activation of macrophages, T-cell proteins, and regulatory B cells to balance immune reactions.
Action on Pancreatic Cells: It suppresses immune cells that target pancreatic beta cells, reducing their attack. Furthermore, IL-35 decreases certain immune cells that release inflammatory chemicals, which in turn helps lower pancreatic cell infiltration—one of the primary contributors to type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes.

What is Autoimmune Diabetes Mellitus?
- - Definition: Autoimmune diabetes mellitus, also known as type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), is an autoimmune disorder that specifically targets the pancreas.
  - Impact on Beta Cells: The disease causes an inflammatory process that damages insulin-producing pancreatic beta cells, leading to a chronic insulin shortage in individuals who are genetically predisposed.
  - Insulin Dependence: Due to this damage, affected individuals must rely on external insulin for life.
  - Complex Disease Factors: This disease involves both genetic predisposition and environmental influences, which together activate immune responses against beta cells.
  - Environmental Triggers: Suggested environmental risk factors include specific viruses, high birth weight, rapid infant weight gain, gut microbiota imbalance, and various dietary factors (e.g., vitamin D deficiency, omega-3 fatty acid deficiency, and high milk intake).
  - Lack of Preventive Treatments: Currently, there are no preventive or immunosuppressive therapies that can halt the progression of T1DM or prevent damage.

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Minuteman III

News: The US defence forces have conducted a test launch of a Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM), a move that underscored ongoing strategic defence readiness.
About Minuteman III Missile:
Designation and Purpose: The LGM-30G Minuteman III is an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) developed by the United States.
Designation Meaning: “L” indicates silo-launched, “G” stands for surface attack, and “M” signifies a guided missile according to the U.S. Department of Defense classification.
Operational History: First deployed in the early 1970s, it remains the sole land-based ICBM in the U.S. nuclear triad.
Developer: Originally designed and manufactured by Boeing.
Service Extension: Though initially intended for a decade of service, the missile has undergone upgrades and will stay in use until its successor, the Ground-Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD), is ready in 2029.
Advanced Capabilities: It was the first U.S. missile to feature multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).
Current Inventory: Approximately 440 Minuteman III missiles are currently in the U.S. arsenal.

Features:
- - Structure and Fuel: The Minuteman III is a three-stage, solid-fuel missile.
  - Dimensions: It measures 18.2 meters in length, has a diameter of 1.85 meters, and a launch weight of 34,467 kg.
  - Speed and Range: Capable of reaching speeds around 15,000 mph (Mach 23 or 24,000 kph) at burnout, making it hypersonic.
  - Range: It has a maximum range of 13,000 kilometers.
  - Payload Capacity: Initially designed to carry up to three re-entry vehicles, it now carries a single nuclear warhead due to arms control agreements between the United States and Russia.
Deployment and Reliability:
- - Hardened Silos: The missiles are dispersed across hardened silos connected by fortified cables to an underground launch control center.
  - Launch and Testing Reliability: With a rapid launch time, nearly 100 percent testing reliability, and airborne backup launch controllers, it ensures robust retaliatory capabilities.

Vitamin D

News: Vitamin D is important to our overall health, and now scientists have made some notable discoveries about how deficiency early in life can trigger problems with the body’s immune system.
About Vitamin D:
Overview: Vitamin D, also known as calciferol, is a fat-soluble vitamin found naturally in certain foods, fortified in others, and available as a dietary supplement.
Synthesis from Sunlight:
- - It is produced within the body when ultraviolet (UV) rays from sunlight hit the skin, prompting vitamin D synthesis.
  - During sunny periods, vitamin D is stored in body fat and released when sunlight exposure is limited.
Natural Food Sources: Some foods that naturally contain vitamin D include egg yolks, liver, and saltwater fish.
Importance of Vitamin D:
- - Role in Calcium Absorption: Vitamin D supports calcium absorption in the intestines, helping to maintain balanced levels of calcium and phosphorus in the blood, essential for strong bones and teeth.
  - Without adequate vitamin D, bones may become thin, fragile, or deformed.
  - Support for Bodily Systems: It also plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the nervous, musculoskeletal, and immune systems.
Vitamin D Deficiency:
- - Impact on Bone Health: Insufficient vitamin D levels can lead to bone-related diseases like osteoporosis (where bones weaken and are prone to fractures) and rickets.
  - Consequences of Deficiency: Chronic or severe vitamin D deficiency reduces the absorption of calcium and phosphorus, leading to hypocalcemia (low calcium in the blood).
  - This, in turn, may cause secondary hyperparathyroidism, where the parathyroid glands become overactive in an attempt to normalize blood calcium levels.
  - Severe cases of hypocalcemia and hyperparathyroidism can result in symptoms such as muscle weakness, cramps, fatigue, and depression.

Proba-3

News: India will launch the European Union’s solar observatory satellite Proba-3 in December 2024.
About Proba-3 Mission:
Overview: The Proba-3 mission, led by the European Space Agency (ESA), is the agency’s pioneering mission dedicated to achieving precision formation flying.
This innovative mission aims to demonstrate how two satellites can fly in precise formation to create an artificial eclipse, thereby uncovering new views of the Sun’s faint corona.

Mission Objective:
- - The primary goal is to produce an artificial eclipse by meticulously aligning two separate satellites.
  - This setup will enable scientists to observe the Sun’s corona, a region usually hidden due to the Sun’s intense brightness.
Satellite Configuration: Proba-3 comprises two compact satellites—a Coronagraph satellite and an Occulter satellite, which is shaped like the solar disc.
Working Mechanism:
- - Formation and Shadowing: The satellites will fly in a coordinated formation, with the Occulter positioned about 150 meters away to precisely cast a shadow over the Coronagraph’s telescope.
  - This configuration will block the Sun’s direct light, allowing the Coronagraph to capture images of the faint solar corona.
  - Imaging Capabilities: This setup will enable the Coronagraph to capture the corona in visible, ultraviolet, and polarized light for extended observation periods.
Scientific Goals:
- - Study of Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs): Proba-3 will offer valuable insights into the origins of CMEs, the solar eruptions that can disrupt satellites and power grids on Earth.
  - Solar Irradiance Measurement: The mission will also track changes in total solar irradiance, helping scientists understand fluctuations in the Sun’s energy output and its potential impacts on Earth’s climate.

VINBAX 2024

News: The 5th Edition of Vietnam Indian Bilateral Army Exercise “VINBAX 2024” commenced recently and is scheduled to be conducted from November 4 to 23 at Ambala and Chandimandir.
About Exercise VINBAX 2024:
Overview:
- - Exercise VINBAX 2024 is a bilateral military exercise between the Indian and Vietnamese armed forces.
  - This edition features expanded scope, marking the first-time inclusion of bi-service participation, with personnel from both the Army and Air Force of India and Vietnam.

Indian Army Representation: The Indian Army is represented by 47 personnel, primarily from a Regiment of the Corps of Engineers, along with members from various other arms and services.
Objective:
- - The primary aim of VINBAX-2024 is to boost joint military capabilities of both countries, focusing on the deployment and coordination of an Engineer Company and Medical Teams.
  - The exercise centers around training for engineering and medical tasks aligned with United Nations Peacekeeping Operations under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
Expanded Exercise Scope:
- - As a field training exercise, VINBAX-2024 includes a broader scope than previous iterations.
  - It aims to strengthen mutual trust and interoperability, enabling the exchange of best practices between the Indian Army and the Vietnam People’s Army.
Validation Exercise and Demonstrations: A 48-hour Validation Exercise, including Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) demonstrations, as well as an equipment display, is scheduled to evaluate the standards achieved by both contingents.
Cultural Exchange: The joint exercise also provides an opportunity for both sides to learn about each other’s social and cultural heritage, fostering camaraderie between the troops.

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Gravity Energy Storage

News: Gravity energy storage is emerging as a promising solution for managing the intermittency of renewable energy sources like solar and wind.
Technology Concept: This system stores energy by utilizing gravitational forces.
How Gravity Energy Storage Works:
- - Energy Storage Process: When there is excess energy generation, a heavy mass (such as concrete blocks, water, or compressed earth blocks) is lifted to store potential energy.
  - Energy Release Process: During times of high demand or low solar availability, the mass is allowed to descend, generating electricity as it releases the stored energy.
  - Comparison to Pumped-Hydro Systems: Gravity-based storage provides greater flexibility in site selection, as it does not rely on specific geographical features like pumped-hydro systems do.
  - Typical Setup: Often includes a large piston within a fluid-filled cylindrical chamber. Surplus electricity powers the piston to rise, converting electrical energy into stored gravitational energy. As demand rises, the piston descends, pushing water through a turbine to generate electricity.

Advantages of Gravity Energy Storage:
- - Longevity and Low Maintenance: Systems have long lifespans and require minimal upkeep, unlike batteries that lose efficiency over time.
  - Environmentally Friendly: Unlike chemical batteries, gravity-based systems avoid toxic chemical reactions, minimizing environmental impact and disposal challenges, contributing to sustainable energy solutions.
  - Cost Efficiency for Large-Scale Use: This technology can offer more economical energy storage, with lower levelized costs for larger installations.
  - Space and Environmental Suitability: Ideal for areas with limited space or environmental limitations that may hinder other storage systems.