FWD 200B

forumias.com/blog/fwd-200b

Source-This post on FWD 200B is based on the article “First indigenous bomber UAV unveiled in Bengaluru” published in “The
Indian Express” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

FWD-200B is India’s first indigenous bomber UAV. The development of FWD-200B demonstrates India’s move towards self-reliance in
defence technology.

About FWD 200B

Source: Zephyrnet

Aspects Description

About It is India’s first indigenous military grade bomber unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV).

Developed Flying Wedge Defence

by
Aim It aims to transform India into a global drone manufacturing and technology hub, bolster air defense capabilities, and
fortify national security.

Objective Its objective is to reduce India’s reliance on costly bomber unmanned aircraft imports and boost the Make in India
initiative

Features 1) It is classified as a MALE Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (medium-altitude, long-endurance).

2) This Unmanned Aerial System (UAS) is equipped with optical surveillance payloads and integrated with precision
air strike capabilities resembling missile-like weapons.
3) It boasts a payload capacity of 100 kgs.
4) It operates at a maximum speed of 200 knots (370 kmph) and can stay in the air for 12 to 20 hours straight.

Significance 1) The FWD-200B’s significance lies in its cost-efficiency and indigenous development.
2) It also marks a significant stride for India towards self-reliance in strategic defense equipment.
India VIX
forumias.com/blog/india-vix

Source-This post on India VIX is based on the article “India VIX jumps above 16.5 amid election-led volatility; experts advise caution on
leveraged positions” published in “Money Control” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

India VIX has risen above 16.5 due to volatility driven by elections. In this regard, experts have recommend exercising caution with
leveraged positions.

About India VIX

Source: Moneycontrol

Aspects Description

About India VIX 1. India VIX measures the implied volatility of Nifty 50 index options. It gauges the market’s anticipation of
volatility in the near term.
2. It reflects the expected annualized volatility of the index over the next 30 days.
3. India VIX index is also known as Fear index.
Significance of India 1. India VIX acts as a silent yet effective indicator for assessing the range play of the index.
VIX 2. By understanding India VIX, investors can gain insights into the expected movement of share prices.

Calculation The NSE calculates India VIX from the order book of NIFTY options.

Current Status As of the latest data available (May 3, 2024), India VIX indicates the expected market volatility over the next
30 calendar days

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy

CBSE emphasizing on promoting mother tongue in learning
forumias.com/blog/cbse-emphasizing-on-promoting-mother-tongue-in-learning

Source-This post on CBSE emphasizing on promoting mother tongue in learning is based on the article “Focus on mother tongue
from the early stages: CBSE” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has issued a circular instructing schools to prioritize educational material focusing
on learning in students’ mother tongues. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy, 2020, and the National Curriculum
Framework, 2022, which advocate for teaching and learning in local languages.

About the Initiative:

Source: The Hindu

a) CBSE has urged schools to utilize educational materials emphasizing learning in students’ mother tongues or regional languages.

b) The initiative is supported by the collaboration between the National Council for Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and the
Indian Institute of Languages.
c) They have developed 52 entry-level primers tailored to various mother tongues and local languages spoken across India. These
primers are available in languages such as Bhutia, Bodo, Garo, Khandeshi, Kinnauri, Kuki, Manipuri, Nepali, Sherpa, and Tulu. These
serve as basal readers for local languages and introduce numerals to children attending balvatikas and anganwadis.

d) Schools are encouraged to promote the use of these primers among teachers and students to foster strong language skills in their
native languages. The aim is to preserve linguistic diversity and promote multilingual education, as highlighted in national educational
documents.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance, schemes and programmes

Chloropicrin
forumias.com/blog/chloropicrin

Source-This post on Chloropicrin is based on the article “Chloropicrin: chemical weapon or pesticide?” published in “The Hindu” on
8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The U.S. State Department has accused Russia of using a chemical weapon- Chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces, which violates the
Chemical Weapons Convention.

About Chloropicrin

Aspects Description

About 1. Chloropicrin (Cl3CNO2) is a toxic organic compound.

2. It is listed as a banned choking agent by the Hague-based Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical
Weapons (OPCW).

Compounds involved 1. It is manufactured by a chemical reaction involving sodium hypochlorite (which in dilute form is called
in manufacture bleach) and nitromethane (a common industrial solvent).
2. It can also be made by combining chloroform with nitric acid, which yields chloropicrin and water.

Characteristics 1. It is a colourless to yellow oily liquid.

2. This chemical is an irritant, like a tear gas.
3. It has a strong, irritating odour and can enter the body through breathing, swallowing, or skin contact.

Uses of Chloropicrin Chloropicrin is used widely as a chemical compound for various purposes.
1. It serves as a fungicide, herbicide, insecticide, nematicide, and antimicrobial agent.
2. It has been used as a warfare agent during world war-I, but now it is no longer authorized for military
use.
Risk associated with it 1. Chloropicrin causes severe irritation to the eyes, skin, and respiratory and gastrointestinal tracts, with
potential effects including eye damage, burns in the mouth, esophagus, and stomach, shortness of breath,
nausea, dizziness, and bluish skin discolouration.
2. Severe exposure can lead to pulmonary edema, which may be fatal.
3. Chloropicrin is highly toxic and carcinogenic, and it may affect developmental or reproductive health
through chronic exposure.
SC directive on promoting products in media
forumias.com/blog/sc-directive-on-promoting-products-in-media

Source-This post on SC directive on promoting products in media is based on the article “Advertisers should submit self-
declarations before promoting products: SC” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The Supreme Court has mandated that advertisers must provide self-declarations to confirm the accuracy of their product claims before
advertising in the media, aiming to protect consumers from deceptive marketing.

This ruling was prompted by a case involving misleading advertisements by Patanjali Ayurved.

About the SC directive on promoting products in media

1. S.C directed the advertisers to submit self-declarations, affirming the accuracy of their product claims, before promoting them through
various media channels.

2. Implementation Plans:

a) To enforce this directive effectively, advertisers are mandated to adhere to the Cable TV Network Regulations Rules of 1994.

b) Advertiser must upload their self-declarations on the Information and Broadcasting Ministry’s ‘Broadcast Seva’ portal before airing ads
on TV channels. Copies of these declarations are also required to be provided to the broadcasters.

c) A similar portal for print advertisers will be established within a four-week timeframe.

3. Responsibility of Promoters: The Supreme Court has emphasized on the responsibility of social media influencers, celebrities, and
public figures endorsing products. They have been urged to possess sufficient knowledge about the products they promote and to
ensure that their endorsements are not contributing to deceptive advertising practices.

4. Enhanced Consumer Protection Measures:

a) Recognizing the importance of consumer empowerment, the Court has directed the Centre to establish a clear and accessible
procedure for filing complaints against misleading advertisements.
b) Consumers are entitled to be informed of the outcomes of their complaints, ensuring transparency and accountability.

5. Government Action: The Ministry of Health has been directed to furnish data regarding complaints received by the Food Safety and
Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) pertaining to misleading advertisements and misbranding of food and health products. This
transparency aims to bolster consumer trust and regulatory efficacy in the realm of product advertising and marketing.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

Global biofuel alliance
forumias.com/blog/global-biofuel-alliance

Source-This post on Global biofuel alliance is based on the article “Global biofuel alliance sets up three-pronged work plan” published
in “Business Standard” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has stated that the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) has initiated a work plan. This
plan concentrates on evaluating national contexts, formulating policy frameworks, and organizing biofuel workshops.

Source: The Indian Express

Aspects Description

About 1.The Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA) was launched on the sidelines of the 2023 G20 summit in New Delhi.
2. The Alliance is focused on securing the supply of biofuels, ensuring affordability and sustainable production of
biofuels.
 Aim It aims at facilitating international cooperation and intensifying the use of sustainable biofuels. It aims to facilitate
global biofuels trade and provide technical support for national biofuel programmes.

Membership 1.Member nation: It has been initiated by India, the United States, and Brazil. It has nine member countries: India,
the US, Brazil, Argentina, Bangladesh, Italy, Mauritius, South Africa, and the UAE.
2. Organisation members: The World Bank, Asian Development Bank, World Economic Forum, International Energy
Agency, International Energy Forum, International Renewable Energy Agency, and International Civil Aviation
Organization are among the organisations that have agreed to join the alliance.

Functions 1. The Global Biofuel Alliance aims to increase biofuel usage by:
a) Facilitating advancements in biofuel technology
b) Promoting the use of sustainable biofuels to address concerns about indirect land use change (ILUC),
c) Developing robust standards and certifications.
2. It will serve as a knowledge centre to enhance global cooperation and ensure the secure and affordable availability
of biofuels.

About Biofuel
1. About Biofuels: It refers to renewable fuels derived from biomass–from plants or agricultural, animal, domestic, and industrial
biowaste. Biofuels are significantly cleaner than the conventional fossil fuels.

2. Biofuel Potential: The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecasts a significant surge in biofuel production by 2050, projecting
growth of 3.5-5 times, driven by global Net-Zero targets. This presents a substantial opportunity for India.

3. India’s Contribution to Global Biofuel Procurement: In 2022, a record-breaking 171.2 billion liters of biofuels were procured
worldwide, with India accounting for a mere 2.7%, or 4.6 billion liters. India also maintains its position as the third-largest ethanol
producer globally, trailing only the United States (US) and Brazil.

UPSC Syllabus: International relation

How is the U.K. deporting migrants to Rwanda?
forumias.com/blog/how-is-the-u-k-deporting-migrants-to-rwanda

Source-This post on How is the U.K. deporting migrants to Rwanda? is based on the article “How is the U.K. deporting migrants to
Rwanda?” published in “The Hindu” on 8th May 2024.

Why in the News?

The UK is deporting asylum seekers to Rwanda under a new law. This new law aims to address undocumented migration.

What is happening?
1) The British authorities have initiated deportations of asylum seekers to Rwanda under a voluntary return scheme as per a new
immigration law.

2) The deportation scheme follows a deal struck between the UK and Rwanda in April 2022 to address issues related to undocumented
migration.

Reasons Behind the Deportations:

1) Immigration Law: The deportations are in accordance with a newly passed immigration law by the UK Parliament. This allows
authorities to remove “unauthorised” asylum seekers who arrived in UK since January 1, 2022.

2) Bilateral Agreement: The UK and Rwanda’s agreement aims to manage undocumented migration and provide solutions for asylum
seekers.

Legal and Social Implications:

The deportations to Rwanda under the voluntary returns scheme raise legal, social, and ethical considerations concerning refugee
rights, bilateral agreements, and international migration management.

1) Legal Challenges: The initial relocation policy faced legal challenges, leading to its declaration as unlawful by the UK Supreme
Court. This necessitated the establishment of a new agreement with Rwanda to ensure compliance with legal standards.
2) Safety Concerns: There are questions about the safety and rights of asylum seekers deported to Rwanda. There are also concerns
about human rights violations and the treatment of refugees in the country.

3) Development Funding: Rwanda receives development funding from the UK as part of the asylum plan. This raises questions about
the ethical implications of financial incentives in managing refugee populations.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relation