In News:

• Recently, the Operation Dronagiri, launched under the National Geospatial Policy 2022 by the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• Objective: It is a pilot project under India’s National Geospatial Policy 2022 aimed at showcasing the potential of geospatial technologies in sectors such as Agriculture, Livelihoods, and Logistics & Transport to improve quality of life and ease of doing business.
• Implementation:
  • The first phase will cover five states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
  • Sectors Targeted: The focus will be on demonstrating the integration of geospatial data to solve real-world challenges in agriculture, transportation, and livelihoods.

National Geospatial Policy 2022

• Context: The National Geospatial Policy 2022 is aimed at liberalizing geospatial data and enabling widespread access and use of geospatial technologies across various sectors of governance, business, and development.
• Goals:
  • Development of Geospatial Infrastructure: Promoting the creation of a robust infrastructure to make spatial data more accessible and usable.
  • Geospatial Skill Development: Focus on creating a workforce proficient in geospatial technologies.
  • Implementation of Standards: Establishing clear standards for geospatial data to ensure consistency and interoperability.

Role of Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

• Launch: Alongside Operation Dronagiri, the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) was also unveiled.
• Purpose: GDI is designed to facilitate seamless data sharing, access, and analysis of geospatial data.
  • Key Features:
    • Data Exchange: Enables smooth sharing of geospatial data for urban planning, disaster management, and environmental monitoring.
    • Privacy and Security: Built with advanced data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features to ensure secure data sharing.
    • Collaboration: It will promote collaboration among stakeholders, including government agencies, industry, and startups, to unlock actionable insights for decision-making.

Potential Applications of Geospatial Data

• Urban Planning: Assisting cities in designing efficient infrastructure.
• Disaster Management: Providing real-time data for better disaster response.
• Environmental Monitoring: Supporting initiatives for environmental protection and sustainability.
• Agriculture: Precision farming, crop monitoring, and improving supply chains.
• Logistics & Transport: Streamlining transportation networks, reducing traffic, and improving delivery systems.

Grand Challenge for Startups

• Objective: A Grand Challenge was announced as part of the initiative to support startups in developing Proofs of Concept (POCs) targeting specific problems in the focus sectors.
• Role of Startups: The challenge encourages innovation by early-stage and growth-stage startups in geospatial technology, offering mentorship, resources, and access to datasets.
• Geospatial Innovation Accelerators:
  • The Geospatial Innovation Accelerators (GIAs) at prestigious institutions like IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar will support this effort.
  • Mentorship and Resources: These accelerators will provide the necessary support for startups to turn their innovations into scalable solutions.

Key Stakeholders and Operational Arms

• Geospatial Innovation Cell (DST): Responsible for overseeing the project’s implementation and execution.
• Navavishkar I-Hub Foundation (IITTNiF): Will manage the operational activities of Operation Dronagiri.
• Partnering Institutions: GIAs at IIT Kanpur, IIT Bombay, IIM Calcutta, and IIT Ropar will be the operational arms.
• Private Sector Involvement: Significant involvement of private sector companies, including startups, is crucial to ensuring the success and scalability of the project.

Impact and Significance

• Socioeconomic Benefits: The integration of geospatial data into agriculture, transport, and logistics will improve efficiency, reduce costs, and boost economic activity in critical sectors.
• Geospatial Innovation: The initiative marks a significant step towards making India a global leader in geospatial technology and positioning the country as a hub for innovative solutions using geospatial data.
• Government Engagement: The project will involve various government departments and corporates in a public-private partnership (PPP) model, similar to the successful implementation of the UPI payment system.

In News:

Australia has come up with a new scheme that allows talented young people from India to work in the country for some time.

What is the MATES Scheme?

• Full Name: Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-professionals Scheme (MATES).
• Objective: To provide Indian university graduates and early-career professionals with an opportunity to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
• Establishment: The scheme is part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA) between Australia and India, signed on May 23, 2023.
• Launch Date: MATES will open for applicants in December 2024.

Eligibility Criteria

• Age: Applicants must be 30 years or younger at the time of application.
• Educational Qualifications: Must have graduated within the last two years from an eligible institution with a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields:
  • Renewable Energy
  • Mining
  • Engineering
  • Information Communications Technology (ICT)
  • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
  • Financial Technology (FinTech)
  • Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)
• English Proficiency: A minimum score of 6 overall in IELTS (or equivalent), with at least 5 in each module.
• Institutional Criteria: Graduates must be from the top 100 Indian universities as per the NIRF Ranking 2024 (e.g., Panjab University, Chandigarh University, Thapar Institute of Engineering, Lovely Professional University).
• Previous Participation: Applicants must not have previously participated in the MATES scheme.

Key Features of the MATES Scheme

• No Employer Sponsorship Required: Applicants are not required to have sponsorship from an Australian employer.
• Visa Duration: The visa allows a stay of up to 2 years in Australia, with multiple entries permitted.
• Dependents: Visa holders can bring dependents (spouse and children). Dependents will have work rights in Australia but will not count towards the annual cap.
• Visa Application Process:
  • The visa will be granted through a ballot system (random selection).
  • Application Fee: AUD 25.
  • Shortlisted candidates will proceed to further formalities.

Program Features

• Targeted Sectors: MATES focuses on key sectors such as renewable energy, mining, engineering, ICT, AI, FinTech, and AgriTech, aligning with Australia’s demand for skilled professionals in these areas.
• Pilot Program: Initially, the scheme will offer 3,000 places per year for primary applicants.
• Work Flexibility: While the visa does not require applicants to work in their nominated field, it is designed to help young professionals expand their skills and network in Australia’s key industries.

Additional Benefits

• Career Development: Participants will gain international work experience, expanding their professional network and skills.
• Cultural Exchange: The scheme also promotes cultural exchange between India and Australia, fostering stronger bilateral relations.
• Pathway for Future Opportunities: Participants may apply for further temporary or permanent residence in Australia, provided they meet the eligibility requirements.

Impact and Significance

• Bilateral Cooperation: The MMPA, under which MATES is established, enhances migration and mobility between India and Australia while addressing concerns related to illegal migration.
• Youth Empowerment: The scheme offers young professionals a platform to develop their careers internationally, particularly in sectors of global relevance like AI, FinTech, and renewable energy.
• Skill Development: MATES aims to bridge skill gaps in Australia by attracting Indian professionals to key sectors where expertise is in high demand.
• Global Talent Mobility: This scheme supports the global mobility of young talent and strengthens the India-Australia economic and educational partnership.

In News:

Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, has launched a nationwide appeal to strengthen the fight against doping in sports, urging athletes, coaches, and the entire sporting community to embrace the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India's ‘Know Your Medicine (KYM)’ app.

Introduction to KYM App

• Launch: The app was launched by Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, Union Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports, to combat doping in sports.
• Developer: National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India.
• Purpose: To prevent inadvertent doping by allowing athletes to check whether a medicine contains substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).

Key Features of the KYM App

• Medicine Verification: The app enables athletes to verify if any medicine or its ingredients contain banned substances listed by WADA.
• Image and Audio Search: Unique search features help users easily search for specific sport-related information.
• Customizable Search: Users can select their sport category and receive relevant, sport-specific information.
• User-Friendly: Designed for athletes, coaches, and sports professionals to quickly verify medicines and ensure clean competition.

Importance of KYM App

• Supporting Clean Sports: The app promotes a fair and ethical sporting culture by reducing the risk of inadvertent doping.
• Integrity of Sports: Helps athletes avoid penalties or bans due to accidental doping, maintaining the integrity of the competition.
• Accessible Information: Provides easy access to information regarding medicines that may contain banned substances, which is crucial for athletes' health and careers.

NADA India's Mission

• Anti-Doping Awareness: The KYM app is part of NADA India’s broader initiative to educate athletes and raise awareness about the dangers of doping.
• Goal: To promote dope-free sports and ensure that athletes and coaches are equipped with the tools needed for compliance with anti-doping regulations.

NADA India: Background and Functions

• Established: NADA India was set up in November 2005 under the Societies Registration Act, 1860.
• Mission: To serve as the independent Anti-Doping Organization for India, aiming to create a doping-free sporting environment.
• Key Functions:
  • Implementing Anti-Doping Code: Ensuring compliance with the World Anti-Doping Code among all sports organizations in India.
  • Dope Testing Program: Coordinating a national dope testing program with stakeholders across various sports.
  • Promoting Research and Education: Encouraging research on anti-doping and educating athletes on the importance of staying clean.
  • Adopting Best Practices: Ensuring the implementation of high-quality standards for anti-doping programs.

Impact and Significance

• Preventing Doping: The KYM app helps prevent inadvertent doping incidents by providing athletes with the necessary tools to check their medicines.
• Supporting Athletes: It provides athletes with a reliable way to avoid banned substances in over-the-counter medications, thus safeguarding their careers.
• National and International Compliance: Supports India’s commitment to complying with international anti-doping norms, contributing to a global effort to maintain fairness in sports.

In News:

The Delhi Police recently initiated Operation Kawach, arresting and detaining around 1,000 people in an attempt to crack down on various gangs and their operations in the wake of the recent incidents of shootings reported in the city.

Overview of Operation Kawach

• Objective: A crackdown on gang-related violence, drug trafficking, and other illegal activities like possession of firearms, banned drugs, and liquor.
• Agencies Involved:Delhi Police (Local Police, Special Cell, and Crime Branch)
• Duration: Initiated on November 12, 2024 (5 PM) and continued until November 13, 2024 (5 PM).

Key Details of the Operation

• Arrests and Detentions:
  • Around 1,000 people detained.
  • 486 people apprehended in Outer North Delhi (20% juveniles).
  • Arrests made in Dwarka, Southwest, and North Delhi.
• Key Gangs Targeted:
  • Associated with notorious gangs led by Lawrence Bishnoi, Neeraj Bawana, Kaushal Chaudhary, TilluTajpuria, Kala Jatheri, Manjeet Mahal, and Nandu gangs.
• Charges: Involvement in activities like:
  • Possession of illegal firearms.
  • Trafficking of liquor and banned drugs (NDPS Act).
  • Theft and other criminal activities.

Significance of Operation Kawach

• Public Safety: Aimed at dismantling organized crime networks to enhance safety and reduce violence in Delhi.
• Impact on Gangs: Directly targets high-profile criminals, including those involved in gang wars and drug trafficking.
• Strategic Law Enforcement: Strengthens law enforcement capabilities, working in coordination across multiple police units.

In News:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) retained the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs).

Overview of D-SIBs

• Definition: D-SIBs are banks that are 'Too Big to Fail' (TBTF) and their failure could significantly disrupt essential banking services, affecting the economy.
• RBI Classification: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has designated SBI, HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as D-SIBs.
• Bucketing System: These banks are classified into different buckets based on their systemic importance.

Importance of D-SIBs

• Systemic Importance: Banks are considered systemically important due to their:
  • Size
  • Cross-jurisdictional activities
  • Complexity
  • Interconnectedness with the economy
• Impact of Failure: Failure of a D-SIB could cause significant disruption in the banking system and economy, impacting services like payments, loans, etc.

Why D-SIBs are Created

• Risk of Disruption: The failure of a large bank can disrupt essential services and lead to a broader economic crisis.
• TBTF Perception: These banks are often perceived as Too Big to Fail, leading to an expectation of government support during crises. This creates moral hazard, encouraging riskier behavior.

Assessment and Selection of D-SIBs

• Two-Step Process:
  • Step 1: Selection of banks based on their size, complexity, and interconnectedness. Only banks with systemic importance are assessed (e.g., banks with assets > 2% of GDP).
  • Step 2: Calculation of systemic importance score based on a range of indicators. Banks above a certain threshold are classified as D-SIBs.
• Indicators: Size (measured by Basel III Leverage Ratio Exposure Measure), interconnectedness, substitutability, and complexity are key factors.

Bucket Allocation and Capital Requirements

• D-SIBs are assigned to five buckets based on their systemic importance score:
  • Bucket 1: Lowest capital surcharge (e.g., ICICI Bank).
  • Bucket 5: Highest capital surcharge.
• Additional Capital Requirements:
  • SBI: Additional 0.80% CET1 (Common Equity Tier 1) on Risk-Weighted Assets (RWAs).
  • HDFC Bank: Additional 0.40% CET1.
  • ICICI Bank: Additional 0.20% CET1.
  • The higher the bucket, the higher the capital surcharge.

Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs)

• Global List: Identified by the Financial Stability Board (FSB) based on data from the previous year.
• 2023 G-SIB List includes banks like JP Morgan Chase, Bank of America, HSBC, etc.
• Capital Requirement for G-SIBs in India: Foreign G-SIBs with branch presence in India must meet additional CET1 requirements, proportional to their operations in India.

Key Terms

• Risk-Weighted Assets (RWAs): These are used to calculate the minimum capital a bank must hold. It accounts for the risk level of a bank’s assets.
• Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1): The highest quality of capital a bank can hold, primarily made up of common stock, to absorb losses in times of distress.