In News:

Haryana has seen an overall fall in acreage under cotton cultivation to 4.76 lakh hectares (lh) this kharif season from 6.65 lh in 2023. This has been accompanied by an increase in the area under rice from 15.20 lh to an all-time-high of 16.44 lh in the state.

Key Details:

• The reduction in the cotton area — also reported in neighbouring Rajasthan (from 7.91 lh to 5.13 lh) and Punjab (2.14 lh to 1 lh) — has been attributed mainly to PBW infestation.
• In May-June this year, at the time of sowing, the price of kapas (raw unginned cotton) averaged Rs 6,700-6,800 per quintal in Haryana mandis. This was against the average Rs 11,100-11,200 per quintal two years ago.

Pink Bollworm (PBW) Infestation:

• Impact: The pink bollworm has devastated cotton yields by attacking the bolls, which affects the weight and quality of the cotton. This pest has been particularly damaging since its appearance in 2017-18 and has caused significant losses in Haryana, Rajasthan, and Punjab.
• Spread: PBW spreads through the air and infected crop residues, which harbor larvae and spread to future crops. This infestation has led to a dramatic decrease in cotton acreage.

The spread of pink bollworm

• The pink bollworm first appeared in north India during the 2017-18 season in a few districts in Haryana and Punjab, primarily cultivating Bt cotton, and spread to Rajasthan by 2021.
• PBW primarily spreads through the air. Residue of infected crops, often left by farmers on the field to be used as fuel, can also harbour PBW larvae which can then infect future crops. Infected cotton seeds are another reason behind the pest’s spread.

Economic Impacts:

• Price Decline: The price of kapas (raw cotton) has dropped from Rs 11,100-11,200 per quintal to Rs 6,700-6,800, significantly impacting farmers’ profitability.
• Farmer Losses: Farmers like Shyam Sundar have reported substantial losses due to low yields and poor quality, leading them to switch to more profitable and reliable crops like paddy and guar.

Transition to Paddy

Water Requirements:

• Challenges: Paddy requires much more water compared to cotton. Farmers need to flood their fields, which is challenging in regions where groundwater is saline or limited.
• Current Practices: Despite the increased water requirements, some farmers have transitioned to paddy due to its potentially better economic returns, especially when paddy prices are relatively high.

Monsoon and Irrigation:

• Weather Dependence: The monsoon this year has been favorable, allowing some farmers to successfully grow paddy. However, reliance on monsoon and supplementary irrigation from tubewells is not sustainable in the long term.

Government and Expert Perspectives

Government Incentives:

• Subsidies: The Haryana government is offering incentives for farmers switching to alternative crops and using water-saving techniques like direct seeding of paddy.
• Support: While there is support available, the effectiveness and reach of these measures are mixed, and some farmers have faced issues with insurance claims and financial aid.

Expert Opinions:

• Temporary Solution: Experts caution that while switching to paddy may be a temporary solution, it is not sustainable long-term due to water scarcity and environmental concerns.
• Environmental Impact: Paddy cultivation contributes to higher carbon and methane emissions, which adds to the environmental challenges in the region.

Economic and Industry Implications

Cotton Industry Concerns:

• Reduced Production: Lower cotton production affects the entire supply chain, from textile manufacturers to cottonseed oil and meal producers.
• Potential Recovery: There is hope that reduced PBW infestation this year may lead to a recovery in cotton yields, but the extent of this recovery remains uncertain.

In News:

The Registrar of Companies has imposed penalties on over two dozen Nidhi companies for breaches of the Companies Act, such as delayed financial filings and share allotment issues. Fines range from ?20,000 to ?12.5 lakh, with Sri Sathuragiri Nidhi receiving the highest penalty.

What is Nidhi Company?

A Nidhi Company is a unique NBFC regulated under the Companies Act, 2013, and the Nidhi Rules, 2014. Nidhi company signifies that these companies promote thrift and savings habits among their members by accepting deposits and providing loans. They primarily cater to their local communities and operate within a defined geographical area.

Requirements for Obtaining Nidhi Company Status:

Within One Year of Registration:

• Minimum Membership: A Nidhi company must have at least 200 members within one year of starting operations.
• Financial Strength: The company's net owned funds (equity share capital + free reserves - accumulated losses - intangible assets) must be ?10 lakh or more.
• Deposit Security: Unencumbered term deposits (deposits not pledged as security) must be at least 10% of the total outstanding deposits.
• Healthy Debt Ratio: The ratio of net owned funds to deposits should not exceed 1:20. This ensures the company has sufficient capital to back its deposit liabilities.

Compliance Filing:

If a Nidhi company meets all the above conditions within the first year, it must file form NDH-1 along with the prescribed fees within 90 days from the end of that financial year. The form needs to be certified by a practicing Chartered Accountant (CA), Company Secretary (CS), or Cost and Works Accountant (CWA).

Extension Option:

Companies that are unable to meet the requirements within the first year can apply for an extension of one additional financial year. To do so, they need to submit form NDH-2 to the Regional Director within 30 days from the end of the first financial year.

Strict Enforcement:

If a Nidhi company fails to meet the requirements even after the second financial year, it will be prohibited from accepting new deposits until it complies with the regulations. Additionally, it may face penalties for non-compliance.

Benefits of Nidhi Company Registration

Nidhi companies offer several advantages for entrepreneurs:

• Tax benefits: They can enjoy tax exemptions on their profits under certain conditions.
• Reduced regulatory burden: Compared to other NBFCs, Nidhi companies face less stringent regulations.
• Local focus: They cater to the specific financial needs of their communities, fostering local economic development.
• Enhanced credibility: Registration brings legitimacy and builds trust among members.

Eligibility for Nidhi Company Registration

For registration of Nidhi company, the following requirements must be met:

• Minimum members: A minimum of seven members are required at the time of incorporation.
• Minimum capital: The minimum paid-up capital must be Rs. 5 lakh.
• Business restrictions: Nidhi companies cannot undertake activities like issuing debentures or underwriting insurance.
• Profit distribution: They can only distribute a maximum of 20% of their net profit as dividend.

In News:

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, is set to launch a groundbreaking digital platform aimed at strengthening India’s startup ecosystem.

Key Details:

• The Bharat Startup Knowledge Access Registry (BHASKAR) initiative, under the Startup India program, is a platform designed to centralize, streamline, and enhance collaboration among key stakeholders within the entrepreneurial ecosystem, including startups, investors, mentors, service providers, and government bodies.
• This initiative aligns with the Government of India’s vision to transform India into a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship, reinforcing the country’s commitment to the startup movement.

Empowering Innovation Through a Centralized Platform

• India, home to over 1,46,000 DPIIT-recognized startups, has rapidly become one of the world’s most dynamic startup hubs. BHASKAR seeks to leverage this potential by providing an all-encompassing, one-stop digital platform that addresses the challenges faced by entrepreneurs and investors alike.
• By serving as a centralized registry, BHASKAR will enable seamless access to a wide array of resources, tools, and knowledge that will help fuel the entrepreneurial journey from ideation to execution.
• BHASKAR is designed to foster a conducive environment for networking, collaboration, and growth within the startup ecosystem.
• By providing personalized BHASKAR IDs for each stakeholder, the platform will facilitate easier interaction, enhance searchability, and allow for efficient discovery of relevant opportunities and partnerships.

Key Features of BHASKAR

• The primary goal of BHASKAR is to build the world’s largest digital registry for stakeholders within the startup ecosystem. To achieve this, the platform will offer several key features:
  • Networking and Collaboration: BHASKAR will bridge the gap between startups, investors, mentors, and other stakeholders, allowing for seamless interaction across sectors.
  • Providing Centralized Access to Resources: By consolidating resources, the platform will provide startups with immediate access to critical tools and knowledge, enabling faster decision-making and more efficient scaling.
  • Creating Personalized Identification: Every stakeholder will be assigned a unique BHASKAR ID, ensuring personalized interactions and tailored experiences across the platform.
  • Enhancing Discoverability: Through powerful search features, users can easily locate relevant resources, collaborators, and opportunities, ensuring faster decision-making and action.
  • Supporting India’s Global Brand: BHASKAR will serve as a vehicle for promoting India’s global reputation as a hub for innovation, making cross-border collaborations more accessible to startups and investors alike. 

Driving Forward India’s Startup Ecosystem

• The launch of BHASKAR marks a significant step forward in the government’s ongoing efforts to promote innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation. It will serve as a central hub where startups, investors, service providers, and government bodies can come together to collaborate, exchange ideas, and accelerate growth.
• By facilitating easy access to knowledge and resources, BHASKAR will help unlock the full potential of India’s startup ecosystem, driving the country’s emergence as a global leader in entrepreneurship. The platform will be pivotal in creating a more resilient, inclusive, and innovation-driven economy, laying the foundation for a prosperous future.

BHASKAR: Shaping the Future of India's Startups

As India’s startup ecosystem continues to grow, BHASKAR will play a critical role in enhancing the country’s global standing in entrepreneurship. By fostering a culture of collaboration, the platform will help startups overcome challenges and build innovative solutions that address the needs of tomorrow.

With the launch of BHASKAR, the Government of India is reinforcing its commitment to making India a leader in global innovation, entrepreneurship, and economic growth. 

In News:

Karnataka marked the 'International Day of Democracy' by forming a 'historic' 2,500-km-long human chain as a symbol of equality, unity, fraternity, and participative governance. The massive human chain, which according to the Karnataka government will be the "world's longest", is being formed across the state from Bidar to Chamarajanagar, covering all 31 districts.

Key Highlights:

• Democracy Day is an annual celebration observed on September 15.
• The United Nations General Assembly established this day in 2007 to emphasise the global significance of democracy. It serves as a reminder that democracy is not merely a fixed condition, but an ongoing pursuit. It calls for active engagement from international organizations, nation-states, civil society and people to pursue the democratic idea.

International Day of Democracy History

• The International Day of Democracy was accredited by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) on November 8, 2007, by passing a resolution entitled “Support by United Nations system of efforts of governments to promote and consolidate new or restored democracies.”
• September 15 was chosen to coincide with the anniversary of the Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Universal Declaration on Democracy, which was adopted in Geneva on September 15, 1997.
• This declaration outlines the tenets of democracy proclaiming that democracy is “a system of government based on the freely expressed will of the people to determine their own political, economic, social and cultural systems and their full participation, through free and fair periodic elections, in the composition of their representative government.”
• After the Universal Declaration on Democracy, Qatar spearheaded the campaign to observe an International Day of Democracy at the United Nations.
• The first-ever International Day of Democracy was held in 2008.

International Day of Democracy Significance

• The International Day of Democracy evaluates global democracy, emphasising that it requires commitment and engagement from the international community, the national state governments, civil societies and individuals.
• The day also reminds the nations of the need to uphold the principles of democracy such as the freedom of speech enshrined in Article 19 of the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

In News:

A new study finds that a trilobite species with exceptionally well-preserved fossils from upstate New York has an additional set of legs underneath its head.

Key details:

• The research, led by the American Museum of Natural History and Nanjing University in China, suggests that having a fifth pair of head appendages might be more widespread among trilobites than once thought.
• Published in the journal Palaeontology, the study helps researchers better understand how trilobite heads are segmented.

Trilobites

• Trilobites are a group of extinct arthropods whose living relatives include lobsters and spiders.
• Like other arthropods, the bodies of trilobites are made up of many segments, with the head region comprised of several fused segments.
• As with other parts of the trilobite body (the thorax and tail), these segments were associated with appendages, which ranged in function from sensing to feeding to locomotion.
• Trilobites are a group of extinct marine arthropods that first appeared around 521 million years ago, shortly after the beginning of the Cambrian period, living through the majority of the Palaeozoic Era, for nearly 300 million years. They died out at the end of the Permian, 251 million years ago, killed by the end Permian mass extinction event that removed over 90% of all species on Earth. They were very diverse for much of the Palaeozoic, and today trilobite fossils are found all over the world.
• The name 'trilobite' comes from the distinctive three-fold longitudinal division of the dorsal exoskeleton into a central axis, flanked on either side by lateral (pleural) areas.

Two ways

The segments in the trilobite head can be counted in two different ways: by looking at the grooves (called furrows) on the upper side of the trilobite fossil’s hard exoskeleton, or by counting the pairs of preserved antennae and legs on the underside of the fossil. The soft appendages of trilobites are rarely preserved, though, and when looking at the segments in the trilobite head, researchers regularly find a mismatch between these two methods.

In the new study, researchers examined newly recovered specimens of the exceptionally preserved trilobite Triarthrus eatoni from upstate New York. These fossils, known for the gold shine of the pyrite replacement preserving them, show an additional, previously undescribed leg underneath the head.

Resolving mismatch

By making comparisons with another trilobite species, the exceptionally preserved Olenoides serratusfrom the Burgess Shale in British Columbia, the researchers propose a model for how appendages were attached to the head in relation to the grooves in the exoskeleton.

This model resolves the apparent mismatch and indicates that the trilobite head included six segments: an anterior segment associated with the developmental origin of the eyes and five additional segments, associated with one pair of antennae and four pairs of walking legs, respectively.

In News:

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi approved the proposal of the Department of Rural Development for “Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana - IV (PMGSY-IV) during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29”.
• The financial assistance is to be provided for the construction of 62,500 Kms road for providing new connectivity to eligible 25,000 unconnected habitations and construction/upgradation of bridges on the new connectivity roads. Total outlay of this scheme will be Rs. 70,125 crore.

 Details of the Scheme:

The details of the approval given by the Cabinet are as follows:

• Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana -IV is launched for financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29. Total outlay of this scheme is Rs. 70,125 crore (Central Share of Rs. 49,087.50 crore and Sate Share of Rs. 21,037.50 crore).
• Under this scheme 25,000 unconnected habitations of population size 500+ in plains, 250+ in NE & Hill Sates/UTs, special category areas (Tribal Schedule V, Aspirational Districts/Blocks, Desert areas) and 100+ in LWE affected districts, as per Census 2011 will be covered.
• Under this scheme 62,500 Km of all-weather roads will be provided to unconnected habitations. Construction of required bridges along the alignment of the all-weather road will also be provided.

Benefits:

• 25,000 unconnected habitations will be provided all weather road connectivity.
• The all-weather roads will play the role of catalysts for the required socio-economic development and transformation of the remote rural areas. While connecting habitations, the nearby government educational, health, market, growth centers will be connected, as far as feasible, with the all-weather road for the benefit of the local people.
• The PMGSY -IV will incorporate international benchmarks and best practices under road constructions such as Cold Mix Technology and Waste Plastic, Panelled Cement concrete, Cell filled concrete, Full Depth Reclamation, use of construction waste and other wastes such as Fly Ash, Steel Slag, etc.
• PMGSY -IV road alignment planning will be undertaken through the PM Gati Shakti portal. The planning tool on PM Gati Shakti portal will also assist in DPR preparation.

Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)

• PMGSY is a central government scheme launched in 2000 to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.
• The scheme was originally a 100% centrally-sponsored initiative, but starting from the financial year 2015-16, the funding has been shared between the Central and State governments in a 60:40 ratio.

In News:

President Droupadi Murmu honored 15 exemplary nursing professionals with the National Florence Nightingale Awards 2024, recognizing their extraordinary healthcare service.

Key Details:

• The National Florence Nightingale Award was instituted by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India in the year 1973 as a mark of recognition for the meritorious services rendered by the nurses and nursing professionals to the society.
• A total of 15 awards are given in the category of registered auxiliary nurses and midwife, registered nurses and midwife and registered lady visitor, the statement said.
• The award is given to outstanding nursing personnel employed in central, states and Union territories and voluntary organisations.
• The nurse in her/his regular job in the hospital or community settings, educational or administrative setting is eligible for the national award.
• Each award consists of a Certificate of Merit, a cash award of ? 1,00,000 and a medal.

A Legacy of Florence Nightingale

• The National Florence Nightingale Awards, are named in honor of Florence Nightingale, the founder of modern nursing.
• Nightingale’s pioneering work during the Crimean War laid the foundation for professional nursing, and her relentless efforts in promoting hygiene and compassionate care revolutionized healthcare practices worldwide.
• In her honor, International Nurses Day is celebrated every year on May 12, her birthday.

In News:

Iran successfully launched its Chamran-1 research satellite into orbit, utilising the Qaem-100 rocket developed by the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.

Key Highlights:

• Satellite Details: Chamran-1, a research satellite, was designed and manufactured by Iranian engineers at Iran Electronics Industries (SAIran) in collaboration with the Aerospace Research Institute and private firms. It weighs approximately 60 kilograms.
• Launch Vehicle: The satellite was launched into orbit using the Ghaem-100, Iran's first three-stage solid-fuel space launch vehicle (SLV), developed by the Aerospace Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
• Mission Objectives: The primary mission of Chamran-1 is to test hardware and software systems for validating orbital maneuver technology. Additionally, it aims to assess the performance of cold gas propulsion subsystems and evaluate navigation and attitude control subsystems.
• Orbit Details: The satellite was placed into a 550-kilometer (341 miles) orbit above Earth.

What are Intercontinental ballistic missiles?

• Intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) are a type of ballistic missile with a range greater than 5,500 kilometers and are primarily designed to deliver nuclear warheads.
• They can carry conventional, chemical, and biological weapons, although the latter types have rarely been deployed on ICBMs.
• The United States, Russia, China, France, India, the United Kingdom, Israel, and North Korea are known to possess operational ICBMs, with Pakistan being the only nuclear-armed state that does not have them.

In News:

India has launched Operation Sadbhav to deliver crucial humanitarian aid to Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam, all of which have been devastated by Typhoon Yagi. This powerful storm, the most severe in Asia this year, has led to extensive flooding and widespread destruction across the affected countries.

Relief Efforts:

In response to the crisis, India has mobilized a significant amount of aid. The Indian naval ship INS Satpura has transported 10 tonnes of relief supplies, including dry rations, clothing, and medicines, to Myanmar. Concurrently, the Indian Air Force has dispatched a military transport aircraft with 35 tonnes of aid to Vietnam and an additional 10 tonnes to Laos. The aid includes essential items such as generators, water purification systems, hygiene kits, mosquito nets, blankets, and sleeping bags, which are crucial for addressing immediate needs during this emergency.

India's Proactive Approach:

Operation Sadbhav highlights India's proactive approach to humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, emphasizing its role as a leading responder in the region. This initiative reflects India's commitment to providing support to its neighboring countries in times of crisis and aligns with its broader 'Act East Policy,' which aims to strengthen relations with ASEAN member states through practical assistance and cooperation.

Strategic Importance:

The operation also underscores India's strategic goals of enhancing regional stability and reinforcing its position as a reliable partner in disaster management. By providing timely aid, India demonstrates its dedication to supporting regional stability and contributing to international humanitarian efforts.

Global Recognition and Cooperation:

India's response to Typhoon Yagi has received international acknowledgment for its effectiveness and promptness. The coordination of these relief efforts highlights the importance of global solidarity in addressing humanitarian crises and building resilience in disaster-affected regions.

Conclusion:

Operation Sadbhav is a clear demonstration of India's commitment to timely and substantial humanitarian assistance. It not only showcases India's proactive diplomacy but also strengthens its ties with ASEAN nations through meaningful cooperation in times of adversity. The ongoing relief efforts are a testament to India's role as a responsible global stakeholder in disaster response and recovery.

Aimed at identifying and apprehending people involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics, 'Operation Kawach' is a joint initiative launched by the Crime Branch in coordination with all district units of the Delhi Police.

In a major crackdown on the menace of drugs in the national capital, the Crime Branch of the Delhi Police conducted widespread raids, swooping down on over 100 locations across Delhi. Earlier, raids conducted during the intervening night of May 12 and 13 had led to the arrest of 31 drug offenders in 30 cases under the Narcotic-Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act 1985.

As many as 12 bootleggers were also arrested in six cases of the Excise Act. The operation also saw the seizure of 957.5 grams of heroin, 57.8 kilograms of marijuana and 782 bottles of illicit liquor.

What is Operation Kawach?

Aimed at identifying and apprehending people involved in the trafficking and distribution of narcotics, ‘Operation Kawach’ is a joint initiative launched by the Crime Branch in coordination with all district units of the Delhi Police. The initiative aims to combat the harmful influence of drug addiction on youth and children and underscores the authorities’ commitment to safeguarding the well-being of young individuals and curbing the distribution of illicit substances in educational settings.

Operation Kawach is primarily intended to save the youth from the menace of drugs. Although the focus is to take stringent action on the supply side, it is also appealed to society to create awareness and reduce the demand of drugs. The parents, teachers and the social reformers are specially requested to sensitise the youth about the grave consequences of drug addiction.

Operation Kawach: The story so far

According to the official, the joint operations, which utilised a variety of resources such as undercover officers, surveillance, canine support and intelligence gathering, targetted both street-level dealers and high-level traffickers and have both ‘top-to-bottom’ and ‘bottom-to-top’ approaches to effectively counter drug trafficking in the national capital.

In this year, Delhi Police has arrested 534 narco-offenders in 412 NDPS cases. Around 35 kg of heroin/smack, 15 kg of cocaine, 1,500 kg of ganja, 230 kg of opium, 10 kg of charas and 20 kg of poppy have been recovered during these operations.

In News:

In her recent speech at the National Conference of District Judiciary, President Droupadi Murmu introduced the concept of 'black coat syndrome' to address the persistent issue of case delays in Indian courts. This term is intended to reflect the anxiety and reluctance that people experience when dealing with the judicial system, similar to the 'white coat syndrome' seen in medical settings.

Current Challenges in India's Judicial System

1. Case Pendency: As of October 2023, there are over five crore cases pending across various levels of the judiciary in India. The current number of judges—20,580—falls short of effectively managing this caseload.
2. Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many courts lack essential infrastructure and modern technology. For example, as of September 2023, 19.7% of district courts did not have separate toilets for women.
3. Judicial Vacancies: There are notable vacancies in the judiciary. High courts have 347 unfilled positions out of a total of 1,114 sanctioned posts. Similarly, 5,300 out of 25,081 district judge positions are vacant.
4. Gender Representation: The Supreme Court has three female judges, making up 9.3% of its bench. High courts have 103 female judges, representing 13.42%, while the district judiciary has a more balanced representation with 36.33% female judges.

Ongoing Initiatives to Address Judicial Challenges

1. Technological Advancements:
   • e-SCR (Electronic Supreme Court Reports): Provides digital access to Supreme Court judgments.
   • Virtual Court System: Facilitates court proceedings through videoconferencing.
   • eCourts Portal: Serves as a comprehensive platform for interaction among litigants, advocates, government bodies, and the public.
   • National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG): Makes case statistics available at various levels for public and research use.
2. Legal Reforms and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR):
   • National Mission for Justice Delivery and Legal Reforms (2011): Focuses on improving justice access by tackling delays and arrears.
   • ADR Methods: Includes Lok Adalats, Gram Nyayalayas, and Online Dispute Resolution to expedite justice.
   • Commercial Courts Act 2015: Enforces pre-institution mediation for commercial disputes.
   • Fast Track Courts: Designed to speed up cases involving serious crimes, senior citizens, women, and children.

Strategies for Future Improvement

• Increasing Court Efficiency: The Chief Justice of India has stressed the need for courts to function beyond their current capacity of 71% to better align case disposal with new case inflows.
• Filling Judicial Positions: With 28% of district court positions vacant, a regularized recruitment schedule is suggested to address these gaps. Additionally, integrating judicial recruitment on a national scale is recommended to reduce regional biases.
• Enhancing Case Management: Establish District-Level Case Management Committees to better manage cases by reconstructing records and identifying priority cases. Encouraging pre-litigation dispute resolution can also help manage the case backlog.
• Adjusting Judicial Vacations: The 2003 Malimath Committee report proposed reducing vacation periods to help address the backlog of cases.
• Bridging Judiciary Gaps: Addressing the disparity between district courts and high courts is crucial to create a more cohesive and unified judicial system.

In News:

The Ministry of Women and Child Development recently earned the National Award for e-Governance 2024 (Gold) for its Poshan Tracker initiative, which has made significant strides in enhancing child health and nutrition.

About the Poshan Tracker Initiative

The Poshan Tracker initiative focuses on identifying and addressing growth-related issues in children aged 0-6 years. By using real-time monitoring and WHO growth charts, the program ensures that children receive optimal nutrition.

Key components of the initiative include:

• Role of Anganwadi Workers (AWWs): These workers are essential in assessing children's health and implementing necessary interventions when deviations from expected growth are observed.
• Technology Integration: The program employs advanced ICT tools and Growth Measuring Devices (GMD) at Anganwadi Centers (AWCs) to enable precise data collection and regular monitoring.
• Impact: Real-time growth monitoring through the Poshan Tracker has substantially improved child health outcomes in India, benefiting millions of children under the Mission Poshan 2.0 initiative.

Key Features of the Poshan Tracker App

• Comprehensive Overview: The app offers a complete view of Anganwadi Centre activities, including service deliveries and beneficiary management for pregnant women, lactating mothers, and children under six.
• Digitization and Automation: It replaces physical registers used by workers with digital records, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of their work.
• Smartphone Provision: Anganwadi workers have been provided with smartphones through the Government e-Market (GeM) to streamline service delivery.
• Technical Support: Each state has a designated nodal person to provide technical assistance and resolve issues related to the Poshan Tracker application.
• Service Accessibility: Migrant workers who registered in their original state can access services at the nearest Anganwadi in their current location.

In News:

India recently celebrated the launch of its first reusable hybrid rocket, RHUMI-1, developed by the Tamil Nadu-based start-up Space Zone India in collaboration with the Martin Group. The launch took place on August 24, 2024, from Thiruvidandhai in Chennai. This innovative rocket was propelled into a suborbital trajectory using a mobile launcher, carrying three Cube Satellites and fifty Pico Satellites designed to gather data on global warming and climate change.

Key Features of RHUMI-1:

• Hybrid Propulsion System: RHUMI-1 utilizes a combination of solid and liquid propellants, which enhances efficiency and lowers operational costs.
• Adjustable Launch Angle: The rocket's engine allows for precise trajectory control with adjustable angles ranging from 0 to 120 degrees.
• Electrically Triggered Parachute System: Equipped with an advanced and eco-friendly descent mechanism, this system ensures safe recovery of rocket components, offering both cost-effectiveness and environmental benefits.
• Environmentally Friendly: RHUMI-1 is entirely free of pyrotechnics and TNT, underlining its commitment to sustainability.

Reusable Launch Vehicles (RLVs):

Reusable Launch Vehicles are spacecraft designed to be launched, recovered, and reused multiple times. They offer several advantages:

• Cost Savings: RLVs can be up to 65% cheaper than constructing a new rocket for every launch.
• Reduced Space Debris: By minimizing discarded rocket components, RLVs help reduce space debris.
• Increased Launch Frequency: Shorter turnaround times allow for more frequent use of the rocket.

Unlike traditional multi-stage rockets, where the first stage is discarded after fuel depletion, RLVs recover and reuse the first stage. After separation, the first stage returns to Earth using engines or parachutes for a controlled landing.

Background on Space Zone India and Recent Missions:

Space Zone India is an aero-technology company based in Chennai, focusing on providing cost-effective, long-term solutions in the space industry. They offer hands-on training in aerodynamic principles, satellite technology, drone technology, and rocket technology while raising awareness about careers in the space sector. In 2023, Space Zone India conducted the "Dr. A.P.J Abdul Kalam Students Satellite Launch Mission," involving over 2,500 students from various schools across India. This mission resulted in the creation of a student satellite launch vehicle capable of carrying a payload of 150 Pico Satellites for research experiments.

In News:

On August 1, 2024, the central government introduced the Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill in the Lok Sabha. This Bill, aimed at amending the existing Disaster Management Act of 2005, has been proposed in response to the increasing frequency of climate-induced disasters. However, the Bill’s provisions have raised concerns about further centralisation of disaster management processes, which may complicate and delay disaster response efforts.

Centralisation Concerns

The Bill continues the trend of centralising disaster management, a feature already prevalent in the 2005 Act. It grants statutory status to existing bodies like the National Crisis Management Committee (NCMC) and the High-Level Committee (HLC), potentially complicating the disaster response process. This centralised approach has previously led to delays, such as the late disbursement of funds to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, contrary to the Act's intended rapid response.

Proposed Changes

Strengthening NDMA and SDMAs: The Bill aims to bolster the role of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs) by having them prepare disaster management plans directly. It also introduces Urban Disaster Management Authorities (UDMAs) for state capitals and major cities, although these bodies may face challenges due to insufficient financial devolution.

Database and Staffing: The Bill mandates the creation of comprehensive disaster databases at national and state levels and allows the NDMA to appoint its own staff, subject to central government approval.

Issues with the Current Definition of ‘Disaster’

Heatwaves Exclusion: On July 25, 2024, the Minister of State for Science, Technology, and Earth Sciences announced that heatwaves will not be classified as a notified disaster under the Act. This decision aligns with the 15th Finance Commission’s view and maintains a restricted list of disasters eligible for assistance, which includes cyclones, droughts, earthquakes, and floods, but excludes climate-induced phenomena like heatwaves.

Inadequate Definition: The existing definition of "disaster" in the Act and the Bill remains narrow, failing to encompass climate-induced events such as heatwaves, which are increasingly recognized globally as significant disasters. Data from the India Meteorological Department shows a record number of heatwave days and related fatalities, highlighting the need for a broader disaster definition.

Critical Issues

Central-State Dynamics: The Bill’s centralisation raises questions about the balance of power between central and state governments. There are concerns that states will remain heavily dependent on central funds, complicating disaster management and response.

Lessons Unlearned: Despite being an update to the 2005 Act, the Bill appears to overlook past shortcomings, including delays in financial preparedness and response. A focus on cooperative federalism and effective disaster management should prioritize practical solutions over a central versus state blame game.

Future Directions: Addressing the challenges of climate-induced disasters and ensuring effective financial and operational preparedness requires revisiting and refining the disaster management framework. Emphasizing cooperative federalism and proactive disaster management strategies will be crucial in improving disaster resilience and response in the face of escalating climate risks.

In News:

The 22nd edition of the India-France bilateral naval exercise, VARUNA, took place in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2 to 4, 2024. This exercise highlights the strong maritime partnership between the Indian Navy and the French Navy, showcasing their commitment to enhancing interoperability and operational effectiveness.

Key Highlights:

1. Participating Vessels and Aircraft:
   • Indian Navy:
     • INS Tabar: A frontline stealth frigate commanded by Captain MR Harish.
     • Ship-borne Helicopter: Provided air support during the exercises.
     • LRMR Aircraft P-8I: An advanced long-range maritime reconnaissance aircraft.
   • French Navy:
     • FS Provence: A French naval ship participating in the exercise.
     • Submarine Suffren: A French attack submarine.
     • Aircraft F-20: Providing air support.
     • Atlantique 2: A French maritime patrol aircraft.
     • Fighters MB339: Multi-role fighter aircraft.
     • Helicopters NH90 and Dauphin: Providing additional aerial capabilities.
2. Exercise Activities:
   • Tactical Maneuvers: Advanced maneuvers showcasing the operational capabilities of both navies.
   • Anti-Submarine Warfare: Exercises designed to enhance capabilities in detecting and countering submarines.
   • FLYEX (Flight Exercises): Coordinated air operations involving various aircraft.
   • Air Defence Exercise: Training in defending against aerial threats.
   • Live Weapon Firings: Demonstrations of weapon systems in action.
   • PHOTO-EX (Photographic Exercise): Exercises designed for documenting and assessing naval operations.
   • Steam Past: A ceremonial maneuver showcasing the participating ships.
3. Significance of the Exercise:
   • Evolution of VARUNA: Since its inception in 2001, VARUNA has become a key component of the India-France naval relationship. The exercise has evolved to improve interoperability and share best practices between the two navies.
   • Strategic Importance: Conducting the exercise in the Mediterranean Sea reflects the Indian Navy's capability and commitment to operate far beyond the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It underscores the strategic depth and outreach of the Indian Navy.
   • Enhanced Interoperability: VARUNA demonstrates the mutual commitment of India and France to enhancing naval collaboration and operational effectiveness through joint exercises and shared experiences.
4. Future Outlook:
   • Commitment to Partnerships: The Indian Navy continues to prioritize building strong partnerships with like-minded navies worldwide. The VARUNA exercise is a testament to this ongoing commitment and the broader strategic goals of both India and France in strengthening maritime security and cooperation.

This bilateral exercise not only enhances the operational capabilities of both navies but also reinforces the strategic partnership between India and France in the maritime domain.

In News:

India is significantly ramping up its efforts to establish a semiconductor manufacturing industry, with plans to invest $15 billion in the second phase of its chipmaking incentive policy. This move aims to bolster the country's position in the global semiconductor supply chain, where it currently has minimal presence.

Key Points:

1. Government Funding and Projects:
   • Increased Investment: The Indian government is boosting its funding for chipmaking incentives to $15 billion, up from the $10 billion committed in the first phase.
   • Approved Projects: Four major semiconductor projects have been approved, totaling over Rs 1.48 lakh crore ($18 billion). This includes:
     • Tata and PSMC Fabrication Plant: India’s first commercial semiconductor fabrication plant, with an investment of more than Rs 91,000 crore ($11 billion), developed in partnership with Taiwan’s Powerchip Semiconductor Manufacturing Corporation (PSMC).
     • Assembly and Testing Plants (ATMP/OSAT): Three plants:
       • Micron Technology is building the first plant, approved in June 2023.
       • Tata is constructing an assembly plant in Assam.
       • C G Power and Industrial Solutions, in partnership with Japan’s Renesas Electronics, is developing the third plant.

2. Government Subsidies:
   • Capex Subsidies: The central government will provide nearly Rs 59,000 crore ($7 billion) in capital expenditure subsidies for these projects.
   • State Support: State governments are offering incentives such as discounted land and electricity rates.
3. Strategic Importance:
   • Economic and Strategic Impact: Semiconductor chips are critical to a wide range of industries, including defense, automotive, and consumer electronics. Developing domestic chipmaking capabilities is seen as essential for economic growth and strategic independence.
   • Global Competition: India is entering a highly competitive field dominated by Taiwan and the US. The US has a $50 billion chip incentive scheme, while the EU has a similar program. India’s efforts are part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on global chip supply chains and capitalize on geopolitical shifts.
4. Challenges and Realities:
   • Technology Barriers: The Tata-PSMC plant will not produce cutting-edge chips, as the technology for advanced nodes is currently beyond their reach. Manufacturing chips with smaller node sizes involves significant technological expertise and innovation, areas where leading companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) excel.
   • High Entry Barriers: The chipmaking industry has high entry barriers, and India’s new plants will face challenges in achieving technological and competitive parity with established global leaders.

India's push into semiconductor manufacturing represents a major step in its economic development and strategic planning, aiming to position itself as a significant player in the global tech landscape while addressing critical supply chain vulnerabilities.

In News:

• India and the Maldives held their first defence talks since India withdrew its military personnel early this year.

Significance of Talks:

• The dialogue is notable given recent tensions in bilateral relations. Relations soured after President Mohamed Muizzu's election on an "India Out" platform, leading to the withdrawal of Indian troops. The last defence cooperation dialogue was held in March 2023 under President Ibrahim Solih.

Discussion Topics:

• • Expediting ongoing defence cooperation projects.
  • Planning forthcoming bilateral military exercises.
  • Enhancing high-level exchanges and capability development.

Context of Tensions:

• • Mohamed Muizzu, who took office in November 2023, had called for the removal of Indian military personnel, a significant shift from the previous administration’s stance.
  • India agreed to withdraw 80 military personnel between March and May 2024. Indian technical personnel now operate key equipment like helicopters and a Dornier aircraft in the Maldives.

Recent Developments:

• • Maldives Foreign Minister Moosa Zameer visited India in May.
  • President Muizzu attended PM Narendra Modi’s swearing-in ceremony in June.
  • In August, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited the Maldives to reaffirm bilateral ties.

Historical Defence Cooperation:

• • India gifted a Dornier aircraft to the Maldives in 2020 and a patrol vessel in 2019.
  • India provided a coastal radar system last year and laid the foundation for the 'Ekatha Harbour' project, enhancing Maldivian Coast Guard capabilities.

Ongoing Projects:

• • Greater Male Connectivity Project (GMCP) - a $500 million initiative financed by India.
  • Building a new Coast Guard base at Uthuru Thilafalhu (UTF) atoll.
  • India’s grant for High Impact Community Development Projects (HICDPs).

Strategic Importance:

• • For Maldives: India is a key security partner and crisis responder, with historical assistance during emergencies (Operation Neer, Vaccine Maitri). Maldives seeks to restore Indian tourist numbers, vital for its economy.
  • For India: The Maldives is crucial to India's Neighbourhood First Policy and Vision SAGAR. Its strategic location between major Indian Ocean chokepoints makes it a vital partner for maritime security and countering China's influence.

Recent Changes:

• • The Muizzu government decided not to renew a 2019 MoU for hydrographic surveying with India, ending joint hydrographic surveys conducted under the pact.

Travel and Trade:

• • Both countries benefit from an open skies arrangement and visa-free access for tourism, medical, and business purposes

In News:

IMEC is an important initiative that can add to India's maritime security and faster movement of goods between Europe and Asia, said Union Minister of Commerce & Industry at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) India-Mediterranean Business Conclave 2024 in New Delhi.

Key Details:

• Corridors:
  • East Corridor: Connects India to the Gulf.
  • Northern Corridor: Links the Gulf to Europe.
• Components:
  • Railroad: Provides a reliable and cost-effective cross-border ship-to-rail transit network.
  • Ship-to-Rail Networks: Integrates road, sea, and rail transport routes.
  • Road Transport: Complements the overall transport infrastructure.
• Expected Benefits:
  • Increased Efficiency: Enhances transit efficiency and reduces costs.
  • Economic Unity: Promotes economic integration and job creation.
  • Environmental Impact: Lowers greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Transformative Integration: Connects Asia, Europe, and the Middle East.
• Additional Features:
  • Infrastructure: Includes laying cables for electricity and digital connectivity, and pipes for clean hydrogen export.
• Implementation:
  • MoU Commitments: Participants will collaboratively address technical design, financing, legal, and regulatory aspects.
  • Action Plan: A meeting is planned within 60 days to develop an action plan with specific timetables.

Geoeconomic Perspective

1. Economic Integration and Interdependence:
   • Prosperity Through Integration: IMEC aims to foster trade and investment among India, the Middle East, and Europe, potentially leading to mutual prosperity and regional stability.
   • Building Bridges: Aligns with the liberal international order by promoting economic interdependence to reduce tensions and create shared interests.
   • Support from Major Powers: Backed by the US, Europe, and India, signaling a strong commitment to economic ties and regional stability.
2. Economic Potential:
   • Infrastructure and Trade Routes: Enhances infrastructure and trade routes, boosting economic activity, trade volumes, and investment opportunities.
   • Regional Development: Promotes job creation and development in economically disadvantaged areas along the corridor.

Geopolitical Perspective

1. Strategic Rivalry with China:
   • Countering the BRI: IMEC is seen as a strategic counterbalance to China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), offering an alternative aligned with US, European, and Indian interests.
   • Regional Influence: Aims to limit China’s influence in the Middle East and South Asia by establishing a competing corridor.
2. Geopolitical Alliances:
   • Aligning Interests: Involves strategic partnerships among the US, Europe, and India, reflecting concerns about China’s global strategy and shifting power dynamics.
   • Rivalry and Competition: The IMEC could be viewed as a global positioning move, responding to China’s growing influence and securing strategic interests.

Reasons for Joining the IMEC

1. Economic Enhancement:
   • Boosts Indo-Gulf Relations: Enhances trade and economic ties with the Arab Gulf, addressing infrastructure gaps.
   • Regional Connectivity: Links India with key partners like Israel and Jordan, boosting economic opportunities.
2. Strategic Trade Routes:
   • Alternative Routes: Complements existing routes like Chabahar Port and INSTC, connecting India to southern Eurasia.
   • Bypassing Choke Points: Offers a shorter route to Eastern Mediterranean and Western Europe, avoiding strategic choke points.
3. Energy and Trade Opportunities:
   • Access to Resources: Provides potential access to Eastern Mediterranean gas fields.
   • Trade Bloc Connectivity: Links India with the EU and GCC, opening up growth opportunities.
4. Geopolitical Aspirations:
   • Global Power Ambitions: Supports India’s goal to enhance global influence and integrate with eastern and western neighbors.
   • Economic Growth: Leverages economic integration to support development and influence.
5. Infrastructure Development:
   • Economic Integration: Facilitates infrastructure creation for increased trade volumes and regional stability.

In News:

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has launched e-Sankhyiki portal with the objective to establish a comprehensive data management and sharing system for ease of dissemination of official statistics in the country.

Key Highlights:

• Launched on National Statistics Day 2024, the e-Sankhyiki portal is designed to create a comprehensive system for managing and sharing data, facilitating the easy dissemination of official statistics across the country.
• The portal is also accessible at - https://esankhyiki.mospi.gov.in. It aims to provide timely and valuable data inputs for policymakers, researchers, and the general public. 
• It provides time series data for key macroeconomic indicators, with features for filtering and visualising the data. Users can also download customised datasets and visualisations and access them through APIs, enhancing the data's reusability.
• It consists of two modules viz. Data Catalogue and Macro Indicators. 
  • Data Catalogue Module:
    • This module catalogues the Ministry’s major data assets, simplifying users' access. It enables searching within datasets and tables, downloading relevant data, and enhancing its value and reusability. 
    • The Data Catalogue includes seven core data products: 
      • Consumer Price Index
      • Index of Industrial Production
      • National Accounts Statistics
      • Periodic Labour Force Survey
      • Annual Survey of Industries
      • Household Consumption Expenditure Survey
      • Multiple Indicator Survey. 
    • It currently hosts over 2,300 datasets, each accompanied by specific metadata and visualisations for user convenience.
  • Macro Indicators module:
    • This module provides time series data on key macro indicators, featuring tools for filtering and visualising data.
    • It allows users to download custom datasets, generate visualisations, and share data through APIs, promoting greater reusability. The initial phase of this module covering data from the past decade includes four major MoSPI products:
      • National Accounts Statistics
      • Consumer Price Index
      • Index of Industrial Production
      • Annual Survey of Industries
    • The portal currently features over 1.7 million records, providing access to extensive vital data.

Government Initiatives for Safe Data Dissemination

• In response to the rapid data expansion, the Government of India has instituted robust data safety measures. These include storing data in the cloud facilities provided by the National Informatics Centre (NIC), conducting comprehensive security audits of applications, and implementing Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) technology for domain protection. 
• Additionally, the government has focused on vulnerability assessments and ensured compliance with guidelines issued by organisations such as NIC and the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In).
• In addition , CERT-In under the Ministry of Electronics and Information technology (MeitY) also undertakes various activities like issuance of advisories and guidelines for cyber/information security, conduct of sensitization programmes/trainings/workshops, operating Cyber Threat exchange platform & Cyber Swachhta Kendra, formulation of a Cyber Crisis Management Plan, setting up of National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) and empanelment of security auditing organisations etc. for data safety.

In News:

Union Minister of State for Women and Child Development, launched the Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024 in Dhar district of Madhya Pradesh on 1st September,2024.

Key Highlights:

• As part of the 7th Rashtriya POSHAN Maah, awareness programs are being organized at various levels.
• Under the ICDS (Integrated Child Development Services) Project, complementary feeding activities were conducted at Anganwadi Centres (AWC) Paduck Bagicha, South Andaman.
• Also, at AWC, Champin Nancowrie, Nicobar district (Andaman & Nicobar) under the ICDS Tribal initiative, local food items and nutrition sources were displayed.
• These efforts aim to further the Prime Minister's vision of a ‘Suposhit Bharat’ by conducting diverse large-scale activities, harnessing the potential of Gram Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies.

Rashtriya Poshan Maah:

• The programme is annually celebrated in the month of September, with a different theme each year, primarily focusing on addressing malnutrition by ensuring convergence of various nutrition-related schemes and programmes.
• The objective of the Poshan Maah is to ensure community mobilisation and bolster people’s participation for addressing malnutrition amongst young children, and women and to ensure health and nutrition for everyone.

Poshan Abhiyaan:

• POSHAN Abhiyan (Prime Minister's Overarching Scheme For Holistic Nourishment) focuses on advancing nutritional outcomes for children under six years, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• To cultivate widespread awareness about nutrition at each stage of life, it is celebrated annually as Poshan Maah (1st—30th September) and Poshan Pakhwada (fortnight of March).
• POSHAN Abhiyan (National Nutrition Month) aims to strengthen efforts to end hunger and malnutrition.
• It focuses to improving the nutritional outcomes among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers by focusing on prenatal care, diet, and optimal breastfeeding.
• The Ministry of Women and Child Development plans month-long activities under Poshan Maah, focusing on issues such as the hygiene and sanitation, anaemia prevention, maternal and infant health, among others.
• There are outreach programmes, identification drives, camps, and fairs with a special focus on pregnant and lactating women, children below six years, and adolescent girls in order to realise the vision of ‘Swasth Bharat’.

In News:

• Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launches 2nd Cohort of Startup Accelerators of MeitY for Product Innovation, Development and Growth (SAMRIDH).

About SAMRIDH Scheme:

• SAMRIDH is a flagship programme of MeitY for startups acceleration under National Policy on Software Products – 2019.
• The SAMRIDH programme, launched in August 2021 aims to support 300 software product startups with outlay of ?99 crore over a period of 4 years.
• SAMRIDH is being implemented through potential and established accelerators across India which provide services like making products market fit, business plan, investor connect and international expansion to startups plus matching funding upto ?40 lakh by MeitY.
• The scheme is being implemented by MeitY Start-up Hub (MSH), Digital India Corporation (DIC).
• In the first round of cohort, 22 Accelerators spread across 12 states are supporting 175 startups, selected through a multilevel screening process.
• Major Objective:
  • The SAMRIDH scheme aims to support existing and upcoming Accelerators to select and accelerate potential IT-based startups to scale.
  • Among others, the program focuses on accelerating the startups by providing customer connect, investors connect and connect to international markets
• Eligibility of Accelerator:
  • Should be a registered Section-8/Society, [Not-for-Profit Company (eligible to hold equity)] having operations in India.
  • The Accelerator and the team are recommended to have more than 3 years of startup experience and should have supported more than 50 start-ups of which at least 10 startups should have received investment from external Investors
  • The Accelerator should have an experience of running startup program cohorts with activities listed as desirable under SAMRIDH program.

In News:

• Recently, the Union agriculture minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched two initiatives — a fund aimed at boosting farm-sector startups, and a single-window portal to process investments — as part of a slew of measures being taken by Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in its third term to bolster the farm economy.

Key Details:

• AgriSure is a ?750-crore fund established to support agricultural startups.
• Krishi Nivesh Nidhi is a portal designed to expedite the clearance of project proposals.
• Both initiatives aim to enhance farm incomes.

Awards for Credit Disbursal:

• Scheduled banks were recognized for their credit disbursals under the government’s agriculture infrastructure fund.
• First prize: State Bank of India (SBI).
• Second prize: HDFC Bank.
• Third prize: Canara Bank.

Significance of Agriculture Sector:

• Agriculture contributes 16% to India’s GDP.
• Farmers play a crucial role as both producers and consumers in the economy.

PM Modi’s Strategy to Double Farmers’ Incomes:

• The strategy includes:
  • Increasing output.
  • Reducing input costs.
  • Ensuring profitable prices.
  • Promoting crop diversification.
  • Supporting natural farming.
  • Enhancing value addition to crops.

Details of AgriSure Fund:

• Blended capital fund with a total corpus of ?750 crore:
• ?250 crore each from the Department of Agriculture and NABARD.
• ?250 crore to be raised from financial institutions.
• Managed by NabVentures, a subsidiary of NABARD.
• Provides both equity and debt support to startups and agripreneurs.
• Focuses on high-risk, high-impact activities within the agriculture value chain.

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund:

• Mobilized projects worth ?78,000 crore with ?45,000 crore in financing so far.
• Expanded areas of coverage approved by the Union Cabinet on August 28.
• Aims to create durable farm assets, such as warehouses and processing plants.
• Can be used by agricultural produce marketing committees (APMCs) for market facility improvements.

Funding and Loan Details:

• Part of the ?20-lakh crore stimulus package introduced during the Covid-19 pandemic.
• Total funding of ?1 lakh crore over four years:
  • ?10,000 crore for 2020-21.
  • ?30,000 crore each for the subsequent three financial years.
• Provides medium-to-long term debt financing for rural projects.
• Interest subvention of 3% per annum on loans up to ?2 crore for seven years, with the government covering part of the interest.

In News:

The Ministry of Labour & Employment (MoLE) stated in a latest update that in the short span of three years since its launch, eShram has registered more than 30 crore unorganised workers, showcasing its rapid and widespread adoption among the unorganised workers.

Key Highlights:

• The Government envisages to establishing the eShram portal as a "One-Stop-Solution" for Country’s unorganised workers.
• During Budget speech 2024-25 it has been announced that, A comprehensive integration of eShram portal with other portals will facilitate such One-Stop-Solution.
• This initiative aims to facilitate access of various social security schemes being implemented by different Ministries/ Departments to unorganised workers through the eShram portal.
• As part of the eShram - One Stop Solution project, Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoLE) has been working to integrate major schemes like Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB-PMJAY), Pradhan Mantri Street Vendors Atmanirbhar Nidhi (PM-SVANidhi), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin (PMAY-G), Ration Card scheme etc. for the benefit of the unorganised workers.

What is e-Shram and its purpose?

• e-Shram is a comprehensive National Database of Unorganised Workers (NDUW) launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Its primary purpose is to facilitate delivery of welfare benefits and social security measures to unorganised sector workers across the country.
• The platform aims to register and provide identity cards to unorganised workers, enabling them to access various government schemes, benefits, and services more efficiently.

Who are unorganised workers?

Any worker who is a home-based worker, self-employed worker or a wage worker working in the unorganised sector and not a member of ESIC or EPFO, is called an unorganised worker.

What is unorganised sector?

Unorganised sector comprises of establishment/ units which are engaged in the production/ sale of goods/ services and employs less than 10 workers. These units are not covered under ESIC & EPFO.

What is UAN?

UAN or Universal Account Number is a 12 digit number uniquely assigned to each unorganised worker after registration on e-Shram portal. UAN is a permanent number i.e., once assigned, it will remain unchanged for any worker.

In News:

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal of Kaynes Semicon Pvt Ltd to setup a semiconductor unit in Sanand, Gujarat, with an investment of Rs 3,300 crore.

Key Highlights:

• The proposed unit, under the India Semiconductor Mission (ISM), will produce nearly 60 lakh chips per day.
• The chips produced in this unit will cater to a wide variety of applications which include segments such as industrial, automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom and mobile phones, etc.
• The initiative aligns with India’s goal of developing indigenous semiconductor capabilities.
• As per the reports, India’s semiconductor market is projected to reach $64 billion by 2026, positioning the country as a major global semiconductor hub.
• The first indigenously-developed chip is set to arrive in the country by the end of this year.
• In March, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of three semiconductor projects worth Rs 1.25 lakh crore.
• Tata Electronics is setting up a semiconductor fab in Dholera, Gujarat and one semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam.
• CG Power is setting up one semiconductor unit in Sanand. These units will produce lakhs of direct and indirect jobs.
• These four units will bring an investment of almost Rs 1.5 Lakh crore. The cumulative capacity of these units is about 7 crore chips per day, according to the Ministry of Electronics & IT.
• The Programme for Development of Semiconductors and Display Manufacturing Ecosystem in India was notified in 2021 with a total outlay of Rs 76,000 crore.

About India Semiconductor Mission (ISM)

• It is a specialized and independent Business Division within the Digital India Corporation that aims to build a vibrant semiconductor and display ecosystem to enable India’s emergence as a global hub for electronics manufacturing and design.
• ISM has all the administrative and financial powers and is tasked with the responsibility of catalysing the India Semiconductor ecosystem in manufacturing, packaging, and design.
• ISM has an advisory board consisting of some of the leading global experts in the field of semiconductors.
• ISM has been working as a nodal agency for the schemes approved under the Semicon India Programme.

Semicon India Programme:

• Launched in 2021 with a total budget of Rs. 76,000 crore, the ISM is overseen by the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY), Government of India. This initiative is part of a broad effort to develop a sustainable semiconductor and display ecosystem within the country.
• The programme is designed to offer financial support to companies involved in semiconductor and display manufacturing and design. It also aims to foster the creation of domestic Intellectual Property (IP), and to promote and incentivize the Transfer of Technologies (ToT).
• Under this programme, four key schemes have been introduced:

1. Scheme for establishing Semiconductor Fabs in India.
2. Scheme for establishing Display Fabs in India.
3. Scheme for setting up Compound Semiconductors/Silicon Photonics/Sensors Fabs and Semiconductor Assembly, Testing, Marking, and Packaging (ATMP)/OSAT facilities in India.
4. Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme.

The Union Cabinet approved 'Mission Mausam,' a groundbreaking initiative with an investment of ?2,000 crore over the next two years. The mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), aims to significantly advance India's capabilities in atmospheric sciences and climate resilience.

Objectives and Key Focus Areas

Mission Mausam is designed to improve the accuracy and effectiveness of weather forecasting and climate management through several critical components:

1. Advanced Technology Deployment: The mission will focus on deploying next-generation radars and satellite systems equipped with advanced sensors. These technologies are crucial for enhancing weather surveillance and prediction accuracy.
2. Research and Development: A key objective of Mission Mausam is to bolster research and development in atmospheric sciences. This will include the development of enhanced Earth system models and advanced weather forecasting techniques.
3. GIS-Based Decision Support System: An automated decision support system based on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) will be developed to facilitate real-time data sharing and improve decision-making processes.

Institutional Framework and Implementation

The Ministry of Earth Sciences will oversee the implementation of Mission Mausam. The following institutions will play central roles in the mission:

• India Meteorological Department (IMD)
• Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology
• National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting

Additional support will come from other MoES bodies:

• Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services
• National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research
• National Institute of Ocean Technology

Sectoral Benefits

Mission Mausam is expected to bring significant improvements across various sectors:

1. Agriculture: Enhanced agromet forecasts will aid farmers in optimizing crop management and increasing resilience to climatic variability.
2. Disaster Management: Improved monitoring and early warning systems will enhance disaster preparedness and response, potentially reducing loss of life and property damage.
3. Defence: Accurate weather forecasting will support strategic planning and operational efficiency within the defence sector.
4. Energy and Water Resources: Better weather predictions will lead to more efficient management of energy and water resources.
5. Aviation: Safer aviation will be supported by more reliable weather information, reducing risks and improving travel safety.
6. Tourism: Sustainable tourism will benefit from accurate weather forecasting, contributing to safer and more enjoyable travel experiences.

Mission Mausam represents a significant investment in India’s ability to manage and mitigate the impacts of climate change and extreme weather events, ultimately aiming to enhance the resilience of communities and support sustainable development.

In the News:

The Prime Minister has announced the adoption of the Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation.

Overview:

The Delhi Declaration was unanimously accepted following the conclusion of the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference held in New Delhi. This Declaration provides a thorough framework designed to boost regional cooperation, tackle emerging challenges, and promote sustainable growth within the civil aviation sector across the Asia-Pacific region. The conference also marks the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

Key Announcements:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted significant achievements in Indian aviation, noting that women make up 15% of Indian pilots, a figure that surpasses the global average.
• A proposal for establishing an International Buddhist Circuit was introduced to enhance regional tourism and connectivity.
• India plans to build between 350 and 400 new airports by 2047, aiming to increase its global aviation presence.
• A Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office will be created to help smaller nations manage aviation-related issues.
• The ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign was launched, with a goal to plant 80,000 trees in honor of ICAO’s 80 years, emphasizing green aviation and sustainability in future initiatives.

Significance of the Delhi Declaration:

• It marks a significant advancement in enhancing regional cooperation in civil aviation within the rapidly growing Asia-Pacific region.
• The framework tackles crucial issues such as sustainability, green aviation, and safety, which are vital for the current aviation industry.
• Initiatives like the International Buddhist Circuit are in line with broader regional objectives to improve connectivity, tourism, and economic development throughout Asia.
• India aims to assert itself as a major global aviation player with its ambitious plan to construct 350-400 airports by 2047, thereby becoming a key contributor to aviation infrastructure development.

Civil Aviation Sector in India:

• India ranks as the third-largest domestic aviation market globally and is projected to become the third-largest overall by 2025.
• The sector is expanding through significant government programs such as the UDAN Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gati Shakti Plan, and NCAP 2016.
• With 136 operational airports and plans for an additional 100, the government is focused on modernizing infrastructure, improving regional connectivity, and promoting public-private partnerships for airport development.

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO):

• Established in 1947 by the Chicago Convention (1944).
• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
• Functions:
  1. Ensures the safety and efficiency of international air transport.
  2. Sets standards for aviation safety, security, and environmental performance.
  3. Encourages regional and international agreements to liberalize aviation markets.
  4. Promotes cooperation and dialogue among its 193 member states.
  5. Develops legal frameworks for aviation laws and standards.

In News:

Recently, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC) introduced the Saarthi app in partnership with Bhashini.

About the Saarthi App:

• The Saarthi app is a reference tool designed to help businesses create their own customized buyer-side applications.
• It facilitates network participants in developing buyer apps with multilingual capabilities. Initially, the app supports Hindi, English, Marathi, Bangla, and Tamil, with plans to expand to all 22 languages offered by Bhashini.
• The app features real-time translation, transliteration, and voice recognition, allowing businesses to broaden their market reach and attract customers from new regions.

What is Bhashini?

• Bhashini is India's AI-driven language translation platform. Its goal is to facilitate easy access to the internet and digital services in Indian languages, including through voice-based interactions, and to aid in the creation of content in these languages.
• The platform is designed to provide Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing (NLP) resources to Indian MSMEs, startups, and individual innovators. This support will help developers offer all Indians access to the internet and digital services in their native languages.
• Additionally, Bhashini features a ‘Bhasadaan’ section for crowdsourcing contributions and is available through Android and iOS apps.

In News:

• Indian Army contingent departed for the 5th edition of the India-Oman Joint Military Exercise AL NAJAH on September 12, 2024.

Key Details:

• Location: Rabkoot Training Area, Salalah, Oman.
• Frequency: Exercise AL NAJAH has been held biennially since 2015, alternating between India and Oman. Last edition was conducted at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• Indian Army Contingent:

• Size: 60 personnel
• Composition: Battalion of the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, along with personnel from other arms and services.

• Royal Army of Oman Contingent:

• Size: 60 personnel
• Composition: Troops of the Frontier Force.

• Objective:

• Enhance joint military capability for counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Focus on operations in a desert environment.

• Tactical Drills:

• Joint Planning
• Cordon and Search Operation
• Fighting in Built-Up Areas
• Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
• Counter Drone Operations
• Room Intervention

• Training Exercises:

• Combined field training exercises simulating real-world counter-terrorism missions.

• Outcomes Expected:

• Exchange of best practices in tactics, techniques, and procedures for joint operations.
• Foster interoperability, goodwill, and camaraderie between the two armies.
• Strengthen defense cooperation and enhance bilateral relations between India and Oman.

Why September 12 is Observed as Saragarhi Day:

• Historical Significance: The Battle of Saragarhi is considered one of the finest last stands in military history. On September 12, 1897, 21 soldiers of the 36th Sikh Regiment (now 4 Sikh) defended the fort against 8,000 Orakzai and Afridi tribal militants.
• 127th Anniversary: September 12 marks the 127th anniversary of this battle, which is now regarded as a legendary stand in global military history.
• The Battle: The 21 soldiers held the fort for seven hours despite being heavily outnumbered. They killed 200 militants and injured 600 before they were overwhelmed.
• Capt Amarinder Singh’s Account: In his book, he notes that the soldiers were aware of their certain death but chose to fight valiantly without surrendering, demonstrating unparalleled bravery.

What was Saragarhi and its Importance:

• Location and Role: Saragarhi was a communication tower between Fort Lockhart and Fort Gulistan in the North West Frontier Province (now Pakistan). It was crucial for linking these two forts, which housed a large number of British troops.
• Manning of Saragarhi: On that day, it was manned by only 21 soldiers from the 36th Sikh Regiment and a non-combatant, Daad, who performed odd jobs for the troops.

Details of the Battle:

• Initial Encounter: Around 9 am, the sentry spotted a large tribal army approaching, estimated between 8,000 and 15,000 strong.
• Communication: Sepoy Gurmukh Singh sent a Morse code message to Lt Col Houghton, requesting reinforcements. The response was to hold the position, as the supply route had been cut off.
• Challenges: The soldiers faced being outnumbered, limited ammunition (about 400 rounds per man), and communication issues. Sepoy Gurmukh Singh managed all heliograph communication tasks alone.

Key Figures:

• Havildar Ishar Singh: Leader of the defending troops, known for his bravery and independent nature. He was a respected and loved figure in his regiment.
• Sepoy Gurmukh Singh: The signalman who maintained communication during the battle, despite overwhelming challenges.
• Daad: The non-combatant who fought alongside the soldiers and killed five militants before being killed himself.

Recognition and Legacy:

• British Recognition: Queen Victoria awarded the 21 deceased soldiers the Indian Order of Merit (equivalent to the Victoria Cross), along with two ‘marabas’ (50 acres) and Rs 500 each.
• Current Observance: In 2017, the Punjab government declared September 12 as Saragarhi Day.
• Memorials: The Khyber Scouts regiment of the Pakistani army still mounts a guard at the Saragarhi memorial. The British built an obelisk with bricks from Saragarhi and commissioned gurdwaras at Amritsar and Ferozepur in honor of the martyrs. Shiromani Gurudwara Parbandhak Committee has named a hall after Saragarhi.
• Cultural Impact: The Battle of Saragarhi has inspired various media portrayals, including Akshay Kumar’s film Kesari.

The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit, held on September 9-10, 2024, in California, marked a significant advancement in the collaborative defence innovation ecosystem between India and the USA. Co-organized by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, the summit emphasized the deepening of defence cooperation through innovation, joint research, and investment.

Key Outcomes

A major highlight of the summit was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the US Department of Defense’s Defence Innovation Unit (DIU). This agreement aims to enhance collaboration in defence innovation. The summit also saw the release of the INDUS-X Impact Report and the launch of a dedicated webpage for the initiative on both iDEX and DIU platforms.

Technological Showcase and Expert Dialogue

The summit provided a platform for startups and MSMEs to present cutting-edge technologies. Additionally, two advisory forums—the Senior Advisory Group and the Senior Leaders Forum—facilitated in-depth discussions on future technology trends, defence supply chain resilience, and funding opportunities for defence innovation. The discussions included contributions from experts across the defence industry, investment sectors, academia, and think tanks from both countries.

Leadership and Commitment

The Indian delegation was led by Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion), who underscored the commitment of both India and the USA to advancing defence technology through strategic collaboration. Since its launch in June 2023 during the Indian Prime Minister’s visit to the US, INDUS-X has achieved significant milestones, reinforcing its role in strengthening the US-India defence innovation partnership.

Indian Researchers Advance Neuromorphic Computing with Innovative Molecular Film

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have made a groundbreaking development in neuromorphic computing, creating an analog computing system that leverages molecular films. This new system can store and process data across 16,500 different states, a significant leap from conventional binary computing methods.

Understanding Neuromorphic Computing

Neuromorphic computing is an advanced computing paradigm designed to emulate the structure and function of the human brain. By using artificial neurons and synapses, this approach marks a departure from traditional binary computing, enabling systems to learn and adapt from their environments.

How Neuromorphic Computing Works

Neuromorphic computing relies on Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), which consist of millions of artificial neurons similar to those found in the human brain. These neurons communicate through electrical spikes or signals, following the principles of Spiking Neural Networks (SNNs). This setup allows the system to replicate the brain’s neuro-biological networks, performing tasks such as visual recognition and data interpretation with high efficiency.

Key Features of Neuromorphic Systems

1. Brain-Inspired Architecture: Neuromorphic systems mimic the brain's structure, particularly the neocortex, which is involved in higher cognitive functions like sensory perception and motor commands.
2. Spiking Neural Networks: These networks use spiking neurons that interact through electrical signals, mirroring the behavior of biological neurons. This design facilitates parallel processing and real-time learning.
3. Integrated Memory and Processing: Unlike traditional von Neumann architecture, which separates memory and processing functions, neuromorphic systems combine these functions, leading to improved computational efficiency.

Advantages of Neuromorphic Computing

• Enhanced Efficiency: Neuromorphic computing enables faster problem-solving, pattern recognition, and decision-making compared to conventional systems.
• Revolutionizing AI Hardware: It holds the potential to transform AI hardware, allowing for complex tasks, such as training Large Language Models (LLMs), to be performed on personal devices. This advancement addresses current limitations related to hardware resources and energy efficiency.
• Energy Efficiency: Current AI tools are confined to data centers due to their high energy demands. Neuromorphic computing could overcome these constraints by providing energy-efficient hardware solutions.

Integration with Molecular Films

Molecular films, ultrathin layers engineered with specific electrical and optical properties, are central to this new advancement. These films act as neuromorphic accelerators, enhancing data storage and processing capabilities. They simulate brain-like parallel processing, improving performance in tasks such as matrix multiplication.

The recent development involves a molecular film that supports 16,500 possible states, a significant advancement over traditional binary systems. This film uses molecular and ionic movements to represent memory states, mapped through precise electrical pulses, creating what can be described as a "molecular diary" of states.

Comparison with Traditional Computing

• Parallel Processing: Neuromorphic computers can handle multiple streams of information simultaneously, unlike traditional computers that process data sequentially.
• Energy Efficiency: These systems consume less power by computing only when relevant events occur, making them suitable for real-time data processing applications.
• Analog vs. Binary: Traditional binary computing operates with bits that are either 0 or 1, akin to a light switch being on or off. In contrast, analog computing involves continuous values, similar to a dimmer switch with varying brightness levels.

This breakthrough by IISc researchers signifies a major step forward in neuromorphic computing, potentially transforming the way we approach data processing and artificial intelligence.

Context: 

Celebrating Four Years of Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY)

The Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) has marked its fourth anniversary since its launch in 2020. This flagship scheme, managed by the Department of Fisheries under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying, aims to transform India’s fisheries sector into a vibrant and sustainable industry.

About PMMSY

The PMMSY is designed to invigorate the fisheries sector through a comprehensive approach that consolidates various existing schemes and initiatives. It operates as an umbrella scheme with two main components:

- Central Sector Scheme (CS)

- Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS)

The CSS component is divided into:

Non-Beneficiary Oriented Subcomponents:

   - Enhancement of Production and Productivity

   - Infrastructure and Post-Harvest Management

   - Fisheries Management and Regulatory Framework

Fisheries Sector Overview

India stands as the third-largest fish producer globally and the second-largest in aquaculture production. It is also the fourth-largest exporter of fish and fisheries products, experiencing a notable 26.73% growth in exports from FY 2021-22 to FY 2022-23. Andhra Pradesh leads the country in fish production, followed by West Bengal and Gujarat. The sector supports the livelihoods of over 30 million people.

The Department of Fisheries is spearheading the PMMSY to foster a "Blue Revolution" through sustainable and responsible development of the fisheries sector.

Challenges Facing the Fisheries Sector

1. Overfishing: Excessive fishing pressure threatens fish stocks and disrupts ecosystem balance.

2. Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing: Practices such as fishing without proper authorization and using banned gear undermine conservation efforts.

3. Lack of Infrastructure and Technology: Outdated technology and inadequate storage and transportation facilities result in post-harvest losses and reduced productivity.

4. Poor Fisheries Management: Inefficient regulation enforcement and lack of comprehensive data exacerbate overfishing and IUU fishing.

5. Pollution and Habitat Destruction: Industrial pollution and habitat destruction from activities like coastal reclamation impact marine and freshwater ecosystems.

6. Climate Change: Altered oceanic and freshwater environments affect fish distribution and reproductive cycles, disrupting fisheries ecosystems.

7. Socio-Economic Issues: Poverty and limited livelihood options increase the vulnerability of fishing communities.

Government Initiatives for Sector Growth

1. National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB): Established in 2006, the NFDB plans and promotes fisheries development, enhancing production and infrastructure.

2. Blue Revolution: Launched in 2015, this initiative focuses on sustainable development, modern technology adoption, and strengthening fisheries governance.

3. Sagarmala Programme: Also launched in 2015, it aims to boost port-led development and includes projects to develop fishing harbors and cold chain infrastructure.

4. National Fisheries Policy: Introduced in 2020, this policy provides a framework for sustainable fisheries development, focusing on responsible management and socio-economic improvements.

5. Fish Farmers Development Agencies (FFDAs): Established at the district level to provide technical guidance and support to fish farmers.

6. Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF): Created in 2018-19 with a fund of Rs 7,522.48 crore to address infrastructure needs, resulting in 121 approved projects.

7. Coastal Aquaculture Authority (CAA): Regulates coastal aquaculture to ensure sustainability and environmental conservation.

Way Forward

The fisheries sector in India holds immense potential due to its extensive coastline and water resources. Key measures to further enhance the sector include:

- Strengthening Monitoring and Enforcement: Combat IUU fishing with better monitoring and regulatory mechanisms.

- Supporting Sustainable Practices: Provide financial incentives for adopting modern technologies and sustainable practices.

- Protecting Aquatic Habitats: Ensure the conservation and restoration of vital habitats like mangroves and coral reefs.

- Improving Supply Chain Infrastructure: Develop better market linkages to ensure fair pricing and access to markets.

With these strategies, the PMMSY aims to drive the sustainable growth of India’s fisheries sector and bolster its contribution to the economy and livelihoods.

The Crucial Role of Helium in Space Missions and the Challenges It Presents

Two NASA astronauts aboard Boeing’s Starliner will extend their stay on the International Space Station (ISS) due to issues with the spacecraft’s propulsion system, which includes problematic helium leaks. Meanwhile, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn mission, which successfully launched on Tuesday, experienced delays due to similar helium-related issues with ground equipment.

The Importance of Helium in Spacecraft

Helium plays a critical role in space missions for several reasons. As an inert gas, it does not react with other substances or combust, which is crucial for maintaining the safety and stability of rocket systems. With an atomic number of 2, helium is the second lightest element after hydrogen. Its lightweight nature is essential for reducing the overall mass of rockets, which in turn minimizes fuel consumption and the need for more powerful (and costly) engines.

A key property of helium is its extremely low boiling point of –268.9 degrees Celsius. This allows it to remain in a gaseous state even in the super-cold environments where many rocket fuels are stored.

How Helium Is Utilized in Spacecraft

In spacecraft, helium is primarily used for:

1. Pressurizing Fuel Tanks: Helium ensures that fuel flows smoothly to the rocket’s engines. As fuel and oxidizer are consumed during launch, helium fills the empty space in the tanks, maintaining consistent pressure.
2. Cooling Systems: Helium is also used in cooling systems to manage the temperature of various components, preventing overheating and ensuring the proper functioning of the spacecraft.

Due to its non-reactive nature, helium can safely interact with the residual contents of the tanks without causing adverse reactions.

The Challenge of Helium Leaks

Despite its advantages, helium is prone to leakage. Its small atomic size and low molecular weight allow helium atoms to escape through even minor gaps or seals in storage tanks and fuel systems. This characteristic poses a significant challenge for space missions.

On Earth, helium leaks are easier to detect due to the gas’s rarity in the atmosphere. This makes helium a valuable tool for identifying potential faults in rocket or spacecraft fuel systems. The frequency of these leaks across various space missions, including those by ISRO and ESA, underscores a broader industry need for improved valve designs and more precise tightening mechanisms.

OpenAI Unveils New AI Model: Key Features and Implications

OpenAI has introduced its latest AI model, a significant advancement that aims to elevate the capabilities of artificial intelligence. This new model, part of the enigmatic ‘Project Strawberry,’ is designed to think more like a human when solving complex problems, offering a glimpse into the future of AI reasoning.

Introduction of OpenAI o1

The new OpenAI o1 model marks the beginning of a series of "reasoning" models intended to address intricate tasks in fields such as science, coding, and mathematics. This model, released as part of a preview in both ChatGPT and the API, represents a major leap forward in AI technology. OpenAI has announced that this is just the start, with regular updates and enhancements expected. Additionally, evaluations for the next model update, currently under development, are included in this release.

How It Works

The o1 model is designed to approach queries with a level of careful consideration similar to human problem-solving processes. It learns to tackle problems from various angles, verify its outputs, and improve through feedback. According to OpenAI, this model performs at a level comparable to PhD students in disciplines such as physics, chemistry, and biology. It is particularly adept in mathematics and coding, solving 83% of problems in a challenging math contest— a notable improvement from previous versions that only managed 13%. In coding, it has outperformed 89% of participants.

Sub-Models and Their Features

Alongside the main o1 model, OpenAI has also launched the o1-Mini. This version is a more cost-effective alternative, being 80% cheaper than the o1-preview. The o1-Mini is designed to offer fast and efficient reasoning, particularly beneficial for developers focused on coding tasks. 

Implications for Jobs and Research

The advanced problem-solving capabilities of the o1 model are expected to impact various job sectors, particularly those involving routine coding, data analysis, and mathematical modeling. While this could reduce the need for human intervention in some tasks, it may also create new roles in AI safety and maintenance. For researchers, the model offers a powerful tool for accelerating breakthroughs in fields like physics, chemistry, biology, and healthcare. Its ability to generate formulas and analyze large datasets positions it as a valuable asset for advancing scientific research.

Access and Usage

The OpenAI o1 model is now accessible to ChatGPT Plus and Team users. The o1-preview and o1-mini can be selected using the model picker, with weekly message limits set at 30 for o1-preview and 50 for o1-mini. This rollout marks a new era in AI capabilities, showcasing OpenAI’s commitment to pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence.

Key Points to Note 

1. Not Artificial General Intelligence (AGI): Despite its advanced capabilities, o1-preview is not a step towards AGI, which aims for AI systems to perform cognitive tasks as well as or better than humans. The o1 models, while more adept at reasoning, still fall short of human-level intelligence. 

2. Impact on Competition: While o1 gives OpenAI a temporary edge, it is expected to prompt competitors like Google, Meta, and others to accelerate their development of similar advanced models. These companies have the expertise to quickly develop models that could rival or surpass o1's capabilities. 

3. Unknowns About Model Operations: Details on how o1 operates remain limited. It combines various AI techniques, including "chain of thought" reasoning and reinforcement learning, but specifics about its training data and internal mechanisms are not fully disclosed. 

4. Cost Considerations: Using o1-preview comes at a higher cost compared to previous models. OpenAI charges $15 per million input tokens and $60 per million output tokens for corporate customers, compared to $5 and $15, respectively, for GPT-4o. The model’s complex reasoning requires more tokens, potentially making it more expensive to use. 

5. Chain of Thought Transparency: OpenAI has chosen not to reveal the chain of thought process used by o1, citing safety and competitive reasons. This decision may cause issues for enterprise customers who lack visibility into their usage and billing accuracy. 

6.  New Scaling Laws: OpenAI's o1 models reveal new "scaling laws" suggesting that longer inference times can improve accuracy. This could increase the computing power and costs required to run these models effectively. 

7. Potential Risks: o1 models could enable powerful AI agents, but they also present risks. Instances of “reward hacking” and unintended actions suggest that companies must carefully manage these agents to avoid ethical, legal, or financial issues. 

8. Safety Assessments: OpenAI reports that o1 is generally safer than previous models, though it still poses a "medium risk" of assisting in biological attacks. This rating has raised concerns among AI safety and national security experts. 

9. Concerns About Persuasion and Deceptive Alignment: AI safety experts are wary of o1’s persuasive capabilities and the potential for “deceptive alignment,” where a model might deceive users to achieve hidden goals. These concerns highlight the ongoing challenges in ensuring AI safety and transparency. 

Overall, while the o1 models represent a significant leap forward in AI reasoning and problem-solving, they also introduce new complexities and risks that will need to be managed as they become more integrated into various applications.

In News:

The Commission for Scientific and Technical Terminology (CSTT) has recently unveiled a groundbreaking web portal, ‘shabd.education.gov.in,’ which is set to be a significant resource for technical terminology across all 22 official Indian languages. This initiative, supported by the Union Education Ministry, aims to consolidate and digitize scientific and technical terminologies, making them accessible to users in multiple languages.

Key Features of the Portal:

1. Central Repository: The website serves as a central repository for glossaries developed by CSTT and other institutions. It currently hosts 322 glossaries with approximately 2.2 million words, with a goal to expand to 450 glossaries.
2. Search Functionality: Users can search for technical terms using various criteria, including language, subject, type of dictionary, or specific language pairs. This comprehensive search capability allows for targeted and efficient access to information.
3. Feedback Mechanism: The portal enables users to provide feedback on the terminologies, helping to refine and update the database based on real-world use and expert input.
4. Expanding Technical Education: The launch of this platform supports the broader goal of enhancing technical education in Indian languages, which is crucial for fields like medicine and engineering.

Historical Context and Support:

• CSTT's Role: Established in 1961, CSTT is tasked with developing and defining scientific and technical terms in Hindi and other Indian languages. The commission also publishes textbooks, monographs, and journals, and organizes various academic events to promote standardized terminology.
• Process of Compilation: Terminologies are compiled through specialized committees for each subject area, with separate language committees ensuring the standardization of terms. The CSTT has been assisted by the National Translation Mission in this effort.

Impact and Usage:

• Since its launch in March 2024, the portal has seen significant engagement, with over 122,000 hits from both domestic and international users. This reflects the growing interest and need for accessible technical terminology in multiple languages.
• The portal is poised to play a crucial role in standardizing and disseminating technical knowledge across diverse linguistic communities in India, facilitating better understanding and education in various scientific and technical fields.

In News:

• The Union Cabinet has approved a major expansion of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY) to cover all senior citizens aged 70 years and above.
• This change allows anyone in this age group to be eligible for health insurance, regardless of their income level.
• This expansion aims to address the healthcare needs of the elderly, who often face higher medical expenses as they age.
• By lifting income restrictions, the government is ensuring that more senior citizens can benefit from much-needed health coverage, which will help ease the financial burden of healthcare.

How does the scheme work?

• The AB PM-JAY now covers an additional 6 crore individuals from 4.5 crore families, focusing on seniors aged 70 and above. Each senior citizen will be given a health card, allowing them easy access to healthcare services under the scheme.
• The scheme provides Rs 5 lakh coverage annually per family. If there are multiple senior citizens in the same family, this coverage is shared among them. The scheme is particularly beneficial for nuclear families, where the financial burden on elderly members can be more difficult to manage.

Key details of the scheme for senior citizens above 70

• Eligibility - All senior citizens aged 70 and above are eligible for Rs 5 lakh health coverage, regardless of income or social status.
• Top-up coverage - For families already enrolled in Ayushman Bharat, senior members will receive an extra Rs 5 lakh top-up, which is solely for their use.
• Private insurance - Senior citizens with private health insurance can still take advantage of the scheme without any conflict with their existing coverage.
• Public health schemes - Seniors who are part of other public health schemes like the Central Government Health Scheme (CGHS), Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), or Ayushman Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) will need to choose between their current insurance and the new Ayushman Bharat health coverage.
• New health cards - All eligible senior citizens will receive a separate health card, which will help them access the scheme’s benefits more efficiently.

Who pays for the coverage?

• The cost of this expanded coverage will be Rs 3,437 crore initially. State governments will bear 40% of the expenses, while the Centre will cover the remaining 60%. For states in hilly and northeastern regions, the Centre will fund 90% of the costs.
• As more senior citizens enrol, the costs may increase. Experts point out that covering elderly individuals often costs more than providing insurance for younger, economically weaker sections of society. However, the government is prepared to scale up the coverage based on demand.

Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY)

• AB PM-JAY launched in 2018, is a flagship program designed to offer affordable and accessible healthcare to millions of vulnerable families across India.
• The primary aim is to provide health insurance coverage up to ?5 lakhs per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
• The scheme currently supports 55 crore individuals from 12.34 crore families throughout the country.

In News:

The Union Cabinet recently approved a new scheme called PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) for the promotion of electric vehicles (EV) in India, replacing an earlier flagship scheme.

Key Highlights:

• The Ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) will implement the new scheme with a total outlay of Rs 10,900 crore over a period of two years.
• The PM E-DRIVE will replace Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles in India Phase II (FAME India Phase II).
• The new scheme offers subsidies/demand incentives worth Rs 3,679 crore to incentivise adoption of electric two-wheelers, electric three-wheelers, e-ambulances, e-trucks and other emerging EVs.
• The scheme will support 24.79 lakh electric two-wheelers, 3.16 lakh e-three wheelers, and 14,028 e-buses.
• For e-ambulances, a total of Rs 500 crore has been allocated. In addition, Rs 4,391 crore has been provided for the procurement of 14,028 e-buses by state transport units and public transport agencies.
• To implement this, demand aggregation will be done by Convenience Energy Services Limited (CESL) in nine cities with a population of more than 40 lakh — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Ahmedabad, Surat, Bengaluru, Pune, and Hyderabad. Intercity and interstate e-buses will also be supported in consultation with states.
• For availing benefits under the scheme, the ministry will introduce e-vouchers for EV buyers. At the time of purchase, the scheme portal will generate an Aadhaar authenticated e-voucher, which needs to be signed by the buyer and submitted to the dealer.
• Subsequently, the e-voucher will also be signed by the dealer and uploaded on the PM E-DRIVE portal. The signed e-voucher will be sent to the buyer and dealer via SMS, and will be essential for the OEM (original equipment manufacturer) to claim reimbursement of demand incentives under the scheme.
• The primary objective of the PM E-DRIVE scheme is to expedite the adoption of EVs by providing upfront incentives for their purchase, as well as by facilitating the establishment of essential charging infrastructure for EVs.

FAME India Phase II

Launched on April 1, 2019, with a budget of ?10,000 crores for three years. It is an extension of FAME India I, which began on April 1, 2015, with a ?895 crore budget.

Objectives:

• Promote the adoption of electric and hybrid vehicles.
• Provide upfront incentives for purchasing electric vehicles.
• Develop necessary charging infrastructure.
• Address environmental pollution and fuel security.

Focus Areas:

• Public transportation and shared transport.
• Incentives for electric buses through State/City Transport Corporations.
• For 3W and 4W vehicles, incentives are for public transport and commercial vehicles.
• For e-2Ws, focus is on private vehicles.

Targets:

• 10 lakh e-2Ws
• 5 lakh e-3Ws
• 55,000 e-4Ws
• 7,000 electric buses

Incentives:

• Applied to vehicles with advanced batteries, such as Lithium-ion and other new technologies.

Charging Infrastructure:

• 2,700 charging stations in metros, million-plus cities, smart cities, and hilly areas.
• Charging stations on major highways at 25 km intervals, on both sides of the road.

In News

• Scientists agree that preserving the Amazon rainforest is critical to combating global warming, but new data published recently, indicate huge swathes of the jungles that are vital to the world’s climate remain unprotected.
• Nearly 40% of the areas of the Amazon rainforest most critical to curbing climate change have not been granted special government protection, as either nature or indigenous reserves, according to an analysis by nonprofit Amazon Conservation.
• The areas lie in the far southwest of the Amazon in Peru and the far northeast in Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname, the data show.
• Those parts of the Amazon have the biggest, densest trees and the most continuous canopy cover. That means these areas hold the most carbon, which would be released into the atmosphere as climate-warming greenhouse gas if the jungle is destroyed by fire or logging.

What satellite data show

• Amazon Conservation analysed new data from the satellite imaging company Planet that used lasers to get a three-dimensional picture of the forest and combined it with machine-learning models.
• Only aboveground vegetation was considered, and not underground carbon in roots and soils.
• Amazon Conservation’s Monitoring of the Andean Amazon Project (MAAP)’s analysis shows that 61% of the peak carbon areas in the Amazon are protected as indigenous reserves or other protected lands, but the rest generally has no official designation.
• In Brazil, Suriname and French Guiana, only 51% of peak carbon areas are labeled for preservation. Peru protects a higher proportion of its critical areas, but some of the areas that have been left unprotected have been earmarked for logging.

Why the Amazon matters

• MAAP published an analysis last month showing that the Amazon contained 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon, roughly double the global carbon dioxide emissions for 2022. That analysis showed that the Amazon just barely absorbed more carbon than it released in the decade leading up to 2022, a positive signal for the world’s climate.
• But that remains an area of intense debate, with other studies showing the Amazon has flipped to become an emissions source.
• As the effects of anthropogenic climate change become more stark with each passing day, the Amazon becomes one of the most valuable assets for the planet’s health. Scientists say that if the Amazon becomes an emission source instead of a carbon sink — which absorbs carbon from the atmosphere — the impact on the planet may be cataclysmic.

In News:

Earlier this month, the Centre approved the transfer of 256 acres of salt pan land in Mumbai to the Dharavi Redevelopment Project Pvt Ltd (DRPPL), a joint venture between Adani Realty Group and the Maharashtra government, for building rental housing for slum dwellers.

What are salt pan lands?

• They comprise parcels of low-lying lands where seawater flows in at certain times, and leaves behind salt and other minerals. Along with Mumbai’s mangroves (also at risk due to development), this ecosystem is instrumental in protecting the city from flooding.
• According to the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) notification of 2011, the ecologically sensitive salt pans fall under CRZ-1B category, where no economic activity is allowed with the exception of salt extraction and natural gas exploration.
• In all, 5,378 acres of land in Mumbai have been designated as salt pan lands, approximately nine times the size of the Dharavi slum. About 31% of this land is located in residential and commercial belts, and roughly 480 acres are encroached upon, a 2014 study by the state government found. The same study found that about 1,672 acres of Mumbai’s more than 5,000 acres of salt pan lands are “developable”.
• Nationally, some 60,000 acres have been demarcated as salt pan lands, spread across Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Gujarat, and Karnataka. Andhra Pradesh (20,716 acres) boasts the largest expanse of such land, followed by Tamil Nadu (17,095 acres) and Maharashtra (12,662 acres).

Why are Mumbai’s salt pan lands at risk?

Development Pressure

• Land Scarcity: Mumbai faces severe land scarcity, with its burgeoning population and high demand for space. Salt pans, being some of the last undeveloped areas, are increasingly targeted for various projects.
• Development Plans: Multiple state governments have eyed salt pan lands for different uses.

Environmental Significance

• Flood Prevention: Salt pans are situated in low-lying areas that naturally collect rainwater and tidal flows, helping to mitigate flooding in Mumbai’s eastern suburbs. They act as natural buffers, absorbing excess water during heavy rains and high tides.
• Historical Context: During the July 2005 deluge, salt pans helped reduce the impact of flooding compared to other areas of Mumbai, highlighting their role in flood management.
• Ecosystems: Salt pans are home to various species of birds and insects and contribute to local biodiversity. The destruction of these lands could lead to loss of habitat and disruption of local ecosystems.

Risks of Development

• Flooding Concerns: Environmentalists argue that constructing on these low-lying areas will lead to increased flooding in areas like Vikhroli, Kanjurmarg, and Bhandup. This is because the land’s natural ability to absorb and manage water will be compromised.
• Quality of Life Issues: Relocating slum-dwellers to these areas raises concerns about their living conditions. Salt pans are prone to flooding, which could undermine the quality of life for new residents. The cost of making these lands habitable, including extensive land filling and waterproofing measures, could negate the benefits of affordable housing.
• Conflict with Climate Goals: There is a contradiction between Mumbai’s Climate Action Plan, which recognizes climate threats, and the push to develop areas critical for flood management.

In News:

Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the SEMICON 2024 conference on the outskirts of the national capital, advocating for increased investment in semiconductor manufacturing and resilient supply chains.

• Significance of Supply Chains: Emphasized the critical need for resilient supply chains, citing the COVID-19 pandemic as a stark reminder of their importance. The pandemic highlighted vulnerabilities in global supply chains, particularly affecting sectors dependent on chip imports from China.
• Investment in Semiconductors: Modi pitched India as a prime destination for semiconductor investments. He stressed that India aims to have an Indian-made chip in every global device and is committed to becoming a semiconductor powerhouse.
• India's Semiconductor Strategy:
  • Reformist Government: Modi highlighted India’s reformist policies and stable business environment as key attractions for semiconductor investments.
  • Growing Manufacturing Base: Expanding manufacturing infrastructure in India as a critical factor.
  • Aspirational Market: The evolving technology market in India is seen as a strong incentive for semiconductor production.
• Government Commitment: Modi announced that over ?1.5 lakh crore has already been committed to semiconductor manufacturing, with several projects currently in the pipeline.
• Semicon India 2024 Focus:
  • Event Goals: SEMICON India 2024 is a three-day conference designed to showcase India’s semiconductor strategies and policies, aiming to position the country as a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing.
  • Workforce Development: The government is developing a semiconductor workforce of 85,000 engineers, technicians, and R&D experts.
  • Market Growth: India’s semiconductor market, valued at $23.2 billion, is projected to reach $80.3 billion by 2028, with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17.10%.
• Importance of Semiconductors: Semiconductor chips as crucial for fulfilling the aspirations of millions and noted their role in India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI), which remained effective during the pandemic when other countries’ banking systems struggled.
• Event Participation: SEMICON India 2024 will feature over 250 exhibitors and 150 speakers, including top executives from global semiconductor companies, industry leaders, businesses, and experts from around the world.

According to the company, the eye drop PresVu is the first of its kind in India, and that Entod has “applied for a patent for this invention in terms of its formulation and the process”.

Mumbai-based Entod Pharmaceuticals has announced that the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) — the country’s apex drug regulator — has approved its new eye drop, which has been “specifically developed to reduce dependency on reading glasses for individuals affected by presbyopia.”

According to the company, the eye drop PresVu is the first of its kind in India, and that Entod has “applied for a patent for this invention in terms of its formulation and the process”.

What is presbyopia?

Presbyopia is an age-related condition in which the eyes gradually lose the ability to focus on nearby objects. People usually start to develop presbyopia at around the age of 40. According to doctors, spectacles are one of the most effective ways to manage the condition.

How does PresVu work?

• The active ingredient — chemical compounds in medicines that have an effect on the body — in PresVu is pilocarpine. The compound contracts the iris muscles, which control the size of the pupil and help humans see things clearly, thereby enabling one’s eyes to focus better on nearby objects, according to Entod Pharmaceuticals.
• The company also said that PresVu uses “advanced dynamic buffer technology” — essentially, a base solution — to adapt to the pH level (a scale used to measure how acidic or basic a substance is) of tears. This ensures that the eye drop has “consistent efficacy and safety for extended use, keeping in mind that such drops will be used for years at a stretch”.
• PresVu is a prescription-only medicine and, according to doctors, its impact is unlikely to last beyond four to six hours. It should not be used by people who have inflammation of the iris. Regular use of PresVu may lead to itching and redness, eyebrow pain, and muscle spasms in the eyes.

Is this a novel therapy?

• Although Entod’s claims make it seem that PresVu is a new therapy, pilocarpine, the main compound used in the eye drop, has been available in India for decades now.
• The United States Food and Drug Administration approved a pilocarpine eye drop for presbyopia in 2021.
• In India, the government decides on the ceiling price of pilocarpine in 4% and 2% concentrations. PresVu has pilocarpine in 1.25% concentration.

The bilateral relationship between India and the UAE has flourished in recent years, marked by deepening strategic ties and multifaceted collaboration. The recent visit of Abu Dhabi's Crown Prince to India highlights the growing importance of this partnership. The UAE is now India's second-largest export destination, third-largest trading partner, and fourth-largest investor. The Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), effective from May 2022, has been transformative, boosting total trade by nearly 15% and increasing non-oil trade by 20% in the 2023-24 period.

Significance of the UAE for India

• Economic Gateway: The UAE is a crucial entry point for India into the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. As India's third-largest trading partner, bilateral trade reached USD 84.5 billion in FY 2022-23. The CEPA, removing tariffs on 80% of Indian exports to the UAE, has led to a 5.8% increase in non-oil trade early in 2023 and is expected to elevate trade to USD 100 billion by 2030. The UAE’s strategic location and infrastructure make it an ideal hub for re-exporting Indian goods to Africa and Europe.
• Energy Security: The UAE is India's fourth-largest crude oil supplier, with oil imports surging by 81% in January 2024. The partnership extends to renewable energy projects, aligning with India's goal of 500 GW renewable energy capacity by 2030, underscoring the UAE's role in India's energy transition.
• Investment Catalyst: FDI from the UAE to India has increased more than threefold, reaching USD 3.35 billion from USD 1.03 billion in 2021-22. The UAE-India High-Level Joint Task Force on Investments has played a key role, with significant investments like the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority’s Rs 4,966.80 crore in Reliance Retail Ventures Limited.
• Strategic Partner: The UAE has become a vital strategic ally for India in counterterrorism and maritime security. The bilateral naval exercise "Zayed Talwar" in 2021 and India's access to the UAE’s Al Dhafra air base highlight the expanding defense cooperation between the two nations.
• Remittances and Soft Power: The 3.5 million-strong Indian diaspora in the UAE is a major source of remittances and cultural influence. In 2022, India received nearly USD 111 billion in global remittances, with the UAE as a significant contributor. The diaspora also strengthens cultural ties, as evidenced by the BAPS Hindu Temple in Abu Dhabi, symbolizing the UAE’s commitment to religious tolerance.
• Tech and Innovation Hub: The UAE-India partnership is increasingly focused on technology and innovation. The I2U2 group (India, Israel, UAE, USA) aims to enhance cooperation in clean energy and food security. The UAE’s USD 2 billion investment in food parks in India and the UAE-India Artificial Intelligence Bridge, launched in 2018, facilitate joint research and position both countries at the forefront of technological advancement.

Areas of Friction

• Labor Rights: Persistent labor rights issues for Indian workers in the UAE, including passport confiscation and wage theft, remain a concern.
• Geopolitical Tensions: India’s growing ties with Israel and the UAE’s normalization with Israel complicate the geopolitical landscape, potentially entangling India in regional rivalries, especially with Iran. The UAE’s increasing ties with China also add strategic complexity.
• Energy Transition: Both nations’ commitments to net-zero targets—India by 2070 and the UAE by 2050—pose challenges to their traditional hydrocarbon-based relationship.
• Trade Imbalance: Despite growing trade, India’s trade deficit with the UAE stood at USD 16.78 billion in FY 2022-23. While the CEPA aims to address this, diversifying trade beyond hydrocarbons remains a challenge.
• Maritime Security: Coordinating responses to maritime security threats while respecting strategic autonomy is challenging. The UAE’s expanding naval presence and India’s growing maritime footprint require careful coordination.

Enhancing Relations

• Digital Diplomacy: India could use its IT capabilities to develop digital platforms for collaboration, including a real-time trade portal and a joint innovation hub, and expand cross-border digital payments.
• Green Energy Corridor: Proposing an "India-UAE Green Energy Corridor" could align with both nations’ climate goals through joint investments and research in renewable energy.
• Skill Bridge Program: A "Skill Bridge Program" could upskill Indian workers for the UAE job market, focusing on emerging sectors like AI and sustainable technologies.
• StartUp Synergy Scheme: Developing a "StartUp Synergy Scheme" could foster collaboration between Indian and UAE startups through joint incubation programs and market access facilitation.
• Maritime Cooperation Blueprint: Creating a comprehensive "India-UAE Maritime Cooperation Blueprint" could enhance collaboration in maritime security, blue economy initiatives, and port development, including joint patrols and deep-sea ports.

Recently, a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched from Florida, carrying American billionaire Jared Isaacman and three other astronauts into orbit for the Polaris Dawn mission. This five-day mission marks a milestone as it aims to achieve the world’s first private spacewalk. Polaris Dawn is the inaugural flight of the Polaris Program, a collaborative effort between Isaacman and SpaceX, led by Elon Musk. The program's goal is to develop innovative technologies for future Mars missions.

What is a Spacewalk?

A spacewalk, or “extravehicular activity” (EVA), involves an astronaut conducting activities outside a spacecraft while in space. The concept of a spacewalk dates back to March 18, 1965, when Soviet cosmonaut Alexei Leonov performed the first EVA during the Space Race. Leonov's spacewalk lasted just 10 minutes.

Modern spacewalks typically occur outside the International Space Station (ISS) and can last between five and eight hours. Astronauts conduct spacewalks for various purposes, such as performing scientific experiments, testing new equipment, or repairing satellites and spacecraft.

During a spacewalk, astronauts wear specially designed spacesuits and use safety tethers to prevent floating away into space. These tethers have one end attached to the astronaut and the other secured to the spacecraft. An alternative safety device is the SAFER (Simplified Aid for EVA Rescue), a backpack with small jet thrusters controlled by a joystick, which helps astronauts maneuver in space.

Objectives of the Polaris Dawn Mission

The Polaris Dawn mission, utilizing SpaceX’s Dragon capsule, aims to reach an altitude of approximately 1,400 km from Earth. This altitude exceeds the previous record set by NASA’s Gemini XI mission in 1966, which reached 1,372 km. At this height, the mission will be deep within the Van Allen radiation belts, which start around 1,000 km altitude and are known for their high levels of radiation. The crew will study the effects of spaceflight and radiation on human health.

Following this high-altitude phase, the Dragon capsule will descend to a lower orbit to facilitate the spacewalk scheduled for the third day of the mission, Thursday. During the spacewalk, the capsule will be depressurized, and the hatch will open, exposing the interior to the vacuum of space. Only two crew members, Isaacman and Gillis, will exit the capsule, while Poteet and Menon will remain inside to manage safety tethers and monitor the mission’s status.

The primary objective of the spacewalk is to test SpaceX’s newly developed EVA spacesuits. These suits, designed specifically for this mission, feature built-in cameras and heads-up displays to provide real-time information about the suit's condition. They also incorporate advanced thermal management systems.

After the spacewalk, Isaacman and Gillis will return to the capsule, which will then be repressurized before resuming its mission activities.

Additional Mission Activities

Throughout the mission, the crew will conduct 40 scientific experiments. These include attempting to capture X-ray images using natural space radiation instead of traditional X-ray equipment. The mission will also test SpaceX’s Starlink satellite network for laser-based communication, allowing satellite-to-satellite communication without relying on ground-based infrastructure.

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant threat globally, with escalating concerns in India. AMR arises when microbes evolve into drug-resistant ‘superbugs’ due to the misuse or overuse of antibiotics. This phenomenon is exacerbated by the September 26 UN General Assembly High-Level Meeting on antimicrobial resistance, which highlighted the World Health Organization’s (WHO) recent guidance on antibiotic pollution from manufacturing.

AMR and the emergence of "superbugs" have far-reaching implications for healthcare systems, particularly affecting patients with multiple health conditions. According to a survey by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), AMR is on the rise across India, underscoring the urgency of addressing this issue.

What is Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)?

AMR occurs when pathogens gain the ability to survive and cause infections despite the presence of antimicrobial drugs. This resistance is a result of microbes evolving in response to inappropriate or excessive use of antibiotics. The proliferation of resistant strains can lead to the creation of 'superbugs' that are resistant to commonly prescribed antibiotics. These resistant pathogens can spread through hospitals, drinking water, and sewage systems, complicating the treatment of infections.

Why is AMR Increasing?

• Individual Practices: Many people in India take antibiotics without medical consultation, especially for viral infections like the flu, where antibiotics are ineffective. This misuse contributes to the development of resistance.
• Medical Practices: There is a need for improved education among doctors regarding the use of antibiotics. Broad-spectrum antibiotics, which target a wide range of infections, are more likely to induce resistance. A survey by the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) found that 71.9% of patients in hospitals were prescribed antibiotics, often not to treat existing infections but to prevent potential ones. This overprescription has diminished the efficacy of several antibiotics, such as Norfloxacin, and increased resistance to crucial antibiotics like carbapenems.
• Diagnostic Practices: Often, doctors prescribe antibiotics based on symptoms rather than diagnostic tests, leading to empirical treatments with broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is essential for doctors to use diagnostic tests to prescribe targeted antibiotics, minimizing unnecessary resistance development.
• Pharmaceutical Industry: The WHO’s recent guidelines on antibiotic pollution highlight the need for better management of wastewater and solid waste from antibiotic manufacturing facilities. Despite known high levels of antibiotic pollution, regulatory oversight remains limited.