Government to implement the component of "Nari Adalat" in a phased manner (GS Paper 2, Judiciary)
Why in news?
- Recently, the Minister of Women and Child Development, in a written reply discussed the implementation the component of ‘Nari Adalat’.
‘Mission Shakti’:
- The Government of India implements 'Mission Shakti', an integrated women empowerment programme as umbrella scheme for the safety, security and empowerment of women for implementation during the 15th Finance Commission period across the country aimed at strengthening interventions for women safety, security and empowerment.
- It seeks to realise the Government’s commitment for ‘women-led development’ by addressing issues affecting women on a life-cycle continuum basis and making them equal partners in nation-building through convergence and citizen-ownership.
- It also focuses on strategies for improving convergence across Ministries/ Departments and at different levels of governance.
Sub-schemes:
- ‘Mission Shakti’ comprises of two sub-schemes ‘Sambal’ and ‘Samarthya’ for safety and security of women and empowerment of women respectively.
- The schemes of One Stop Centres (OSC), Women Helplines (181-WHL), Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) and Nari Adalat are part of 'Sambal' sub- scheme; while the components of Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana (PMMVY), Palna, Shakti Sadan, Sakhi Niwas and Hub for Empowerment of Women are part of ‘Samarthya’ sub scheme.
Budget allocation:
- The total approved outlay of 'Mission Shakti' for the 15th Finance Commission period is Rs. 20,989 crore, with Central Share of Rs. 15,761 crore and State Share of Rs 5,228 crore.
- The budget allocation under Mission Shakti for the financial year 2023-24 is Rs. 3143.96 crore, out of which for ‘Sambal’ sub scheme, the budget provision is Rs 562.00 crore and actual expenditure as on 30.11.2023 is Rs. 140.33 crore.
- For ‘Samarthya’ sub scheme, the budget provision is Rs 2581.96 crore and actual expenditure as on 30.11.2023 is Rs 141.83 crore.
Nari Adalat:
- The Government has decided to implement the component of "Nari Adalat" in a phased manner under Mission Shakti. In the first phase, the State of Assam and the Union Territory (UT) of Jammu & Kashmir (J&K) have been selected by the Ministry to implement the component of Nari Adalat.
- In UT of J&K it is being implemented in two aspirational districts i.e. Kupwara and Baramulla selected by the UT.
- In the State of Assam it is being implemented in 7 blocks in 7 districts namely Barpeta, Goalpara, South SalmaraMankachar, Udalguri, Darrang, Morigaon, Kamrup.
- As per the cost norms prescribed under Mission Shakti guidelines and proposals received from both the State/ UT, 100% funds amounting to Rs. 21.60 lakh and Rs. 20.80 lakh have been released to Jammu & Kashmir and Assam respectively for implementation of Nari Adalat during FY 2023-24.
India's Spadex Mission
(GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has once again demonstrated its prowess in space exploration with the successful return of Chandrayaan-3's propulsion module to Earth's orbit.
- The propulsion module, initially tasked with transporting the Chandrayaan-3 lander to the Moon, showcased its versatility by returning to Earth orbit, thus proving ISRO's capability to not only reach the Moon but also to bring payloads back to Earth.
How are rocks brought from the Moon to Earth?
- Plans to return samples with Chandrayaan-4 or future Indian astronauts from the Moon will not be easy and will have to be divided into multiple steps. These include:-
- Soft landing and Sample Collection: This involves safely landing a spacecraft on the lunar surface and collecting samples for analysis.
- Lift-Off from the Moon: This step requires the spacecraft to launch from the lunar surface to re-enter lunar orbit.
- In-Orbit Docking with the Sample Return Module: This step involves the spacecraft, now with lunar samples, docking with a module in orbit for the journey back to Earth.
- Travelling back from the Moon towards Earth: This phase covers the return journey of the spacecraft from lunar orbit to Earth.
- Re-Entry and Touchdown: The final step is the re-entry of the spacecraft into Earth's atmosphere and a safe landing.
ISRO’s success:
- With Chandrayaan 3, ISRO successfully showcased its ability for soft landing, as seen with the Vikram lander on August 23, 2023. This step is critical for any mission involving surface exploration or sample collection.
- Then, on September 3, 2023, ISRO further demonstrated its capability to re-ignite engines on the lunar surface. This technology was tested during the short duration 'HOP' test of the Vikram Lander, proving crucial for the lift-off stage from the Moon.
- Chandrayaan 3's success in carrying out in-situ experiments on the lunar surface, including the use of a drill bit, highlights ISRO's capability in sample collection, an integral part of lunar exploration.
- ISRO's recent maneuver, using leftover fuel in a propulsion module to transition from lunar orbit to Earth-bound orbit, showcased the ability to bring a spacecraft back from the Moon to Earth.
- The 2007 SRE experiment, which involved bringing back a 550 kg SRE capsule from a 635 km polar orbit, demonstrated ISRO's readiness for re-entry into the Earth's atmosphere and safe touchdown.
ISRO's Spadex mission:
- With these four steps already in its arsenal, ISRO's Spadex mission is set to tackle the final and equally critical component: demonstrating in-orbit docking mechanisms.
- This is not just an essential step for the success of Chandrayaan 4 but is also vital for future missions, including India's aspirations for a manned space station and lunar exploration.
Docking maneuver:
- The core of Spadex involves the launching of two spacecraft, aptly named the Chaser and the Target, in an integrated form. This initial phase is just the beginning of a highly intricate space ballet.
- Once in orbit, these two spacecraft will part ways, only to engage in a sophisticated and autonomous docking procedure later.
- The successful execution of this docking maneuver will be a clear demonstration of ISRO's advanced capabilities in space navigation and robotics.
Strategic significance:
- This mission will be a strategic milestone for India, opening up new possibilities in space exploration. Mastering the technology for in-orbit docking is essential for more complex interplanetary missions, which could include manned missions or even deep space exploration.
- Furthermore, such technological prowess is key to enabling international collaborations in the space arena, positioning India as a desirable partner in future multinational space projects.
Way Forward:
- Spadex is emblematic of India's growing scientific and technological power. It is a mission that underlines the country's ambitious vision in space exploration.
