Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (13-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Economy: About nano DAP replacing the conventional granular version |
| Semicon 2.0 policy in news |
| Environment and Ecology: 40% Amazon rainforest unprotected: significance for climate change |
| International Relations: Third edition of INDUS-X Summit concludes |
| Polity and Governance: Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation passed |
| ‘Rangeen Machhli’ App launched |
About nano DAP replacing the conventional granular version
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy
Context Potential Replacement of Granular DAP by Nano DAP in Punja
Why in News
- The question of whether nano DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate) can effectively replace granular DAP in Punjab’s agriculture is a complex one.
Overview
- Punjab, a major agricultural hub in India, requires approximately 5.50 lakh tonnes of DAP annually, primarily for the Rabi season crops like wheat, potatoes, and horticulture products.
- However, given the dependency on imported DAP, unreliable supply chains, and rising costs, nano DAP, developed by Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Ltd (IFFCO), is being considered as an alternative.
Differences Between Granular DAP and Nano DAP
Granular DAP
- Form: Granular DAP is a solid, pellet-like fertiliser.
- Composition: It contains a high concentration of nitrogen (18%) and phosphorous (46%), essential for plant growth.
- Usage: For crops like wheat, a farmer typically needs one 50 kg bag (Rs 1,350) per acre. For crops like potatoes, 2.5 to 3 bags per acre are required.
- Cost and Supply Chain Issues: A significant portion of the granular DAP used in India is imported, which makes the supply unpredictable. Shortfalls in the market have caused price hikes and shortages during peak demand seasons, leading to uncertainty for farmers.
Nano DAP
- Form: Nano DAP is a liquid fertiliser.
- Composition: It is formulated using nano-sized particles that are more easily absorbed by plants. This increases the efficiency of nutrient delivery to crops.
- Usage: A 500 ml bottle of nano DAP (Rs 600) is enough to cover one acre of land. The application method and dosage are significantly reduced compared to granular DAP.
- Cost: Nano DAP is more affordable on a per-acre basis due to its lower transportation, handling, and storage costs, given its liquid form and smaller volume requirements.
Advantages of Nano DAP
Cost-Effectiveness
- Nano DAP can potentially reduce input costs for farmers. While a 50 kg bag of granular DAP is required for an acre of wheat, only a 500 ml bottle of nano DAP is sufficient. This price difference (Rs 600 vs Rs 1,350 for granular DAP) makes nano DAP a cheaper option for farmers.
Logistical Efficiency
- Being a liquid, nano DAP is easier to transport and store. This simplifies logistics, reducing costs related to transportation and storage for both farmers and the government.
Reduction in Subsidy Burden
- India’s government spends heavily on fertiliser subsidies (estimated at Rs 1.88 lakh crore in FY 2024). By promoting indigenously produced nano fertilisers like nano DAP, India aims to cut down on imported fertilisers, thus reducing the subsidy burden.
- India uses approximately 10.5-11.5 million tonnes of DAP annually, but domestic production is limited to 4-5 million tonnes, necessitating large imports. Nano DAP can reduce this reliance on imports, easing the subsidy load.
Environmental Benefits
- Nano DAP is expected to result in lower nutrient wastage. Since it is absorbed more efficiently by plants, less of the fertiliser is lost to runoff or leaching into the soil, which could also reduce environmental damage and pollution from excessive fertiliser use.
Concerns Raised by Punjab Agricultural University (PAU)
Despite these advantages, there are significant concerns about the effectiveness of nano DAP, especially raised by the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), which has conducted field trials to assess its performance.
Decrease in Wheat Yield
- PAU’s field experiments on wheat, conducted according to IFFCO’s guidelines, showed a substantial decrease in yield when nano DAP was used in place of granular DAP. The crops were observed to have shorter plant heights and generally poorer growth compared to those treated with conventional granular DAP.
Similar Concerns with Nano Urea
- PAU also observed similar results with another nano fertiliser developed by IFFCO: nano urea. After two years of trials, PAU scientists found that the use of nano urea resulted in lower yields in both rice and wheat crops compared to traditional fertilisers.
Publication of Results
- PAU published its findings in its monthly journal in January 2024, stating that the conventional urea and DAP fertilisers should not be replaced until further field experiments are completed. The university urged more caution before large-scale adoption of these nano fertilisers.
Response from IFFCO
- IFFCO has responded to PAU’s concerns by pointing out that other agricultural research bodies, including the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), are still conducting trials on nano DAP and nano urea.
- IFFCO claimed that these institutions have not yet reported any negative outcomes similar to those found by PAU.
- Additionally, IFFCO suggested that PAU might need to conduct further field trials and strictly follow IFFCO’s application recommendations, implying that the issues with reduced yields might be related to factors like improper application or insufficient optimization of the technology in PAU’s trials.
Viability of Nano DAP in Punjab
Advantages and Potential
- If proven effective, nano DAP could revolutionize fertiliser usage in Punjab and across India by reducing costs, logistics complexity, and dependence on imports. It could make farming more sustainable and economically viable for small farmers, who are often most affected by price fluctuations and supply issues related to granular DAP.
Challenges and Concerns
- The key challenge for nano DAP lies in its efficacy and crop performance. PAU’s results raise legitimate concerns about whether nano DAP can consistently replace granular DAP without negatively impacting yields. Reduced yields would be a significant drawback for Punjab’s farmers, who rely heavily on high productivity for staple crops like wheat.
- Until more conclusive and large-scale field trials are conducted, the risk of switching to nano DAP may be too high for many farmers, especially when their livelihoods depend on optimal crop yields. Therefore, the adoption of nano DAP will likely remain slow unless it can prove that it delivers equivalent or superior results in real-world farming conditions.
Next Steps for Adoption
- More comprehensive, long-term field trials are required to determine nano DAP’s effectiveness across a wider variety of crops, soil types, and climatic conditions.
- Collaboration between institutions like IFFCO, PAU, and ICAR will be essential to refine the guidelines for nano fertiliser usage, optimize the application process, and ensure that it meets the needs of India’s diverse agricultural landscape.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. With reference to the use of Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP) in Indian agriculture, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (A) 1 and 3 only |
Q. With reference to chemical fertilizers in India, consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 1– A
Explanation –
|
40% Amazon rainforest unprotected: significance for climate change
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Importance of Preserving the Amazon Rainforest
Why in News
- Scientists agree that preserving the Amazon rainforest is critical to combating global warming, but new data indicate huge swathes of the jungles that are vital to the world’s climate remain unprotected.
Overview
- The Amazon rainforest is crucial to global climate regulation due to its capacity to store vast amounts of carbon.
- By absorbing carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere, the rainforest acts as a “carbon sink,” mitigating the effects of global warming.
- However, new data shows that large portions of the Amazon, particularly in key regions that store the most carbon, remain unprotected.
- The report, published by Amazon Conservation, reveals that nearly 40% of the most critical areas of the Amazon rainforest, which are vital for curbing climate change, lack any government-protected status.
Areas of Concern
The area’s most at risk are located:
- Southwest Amazon: Particularly in Peru.
- Northeast Amazon: Parts of Brazil, French Guiana, and Suriname.
These regions are home to the biggest and densest trees, which means they hold significant amounts of carbon. Destroying these areas through deforestation or fire would release vast quantities of stored carbon into the atmosphere, accelerating global warming.
Current Protection Status
Amazon Conservation’s analysis shows:
- 61% of the peak carbon areas in the Amazon are protected, either as indigenous reserves or designated protected lands.
- The remaining 39% do not have any special protection status. In particular:
- Brazil, Suriname, and French Guiana protect only 51% of their peak carbon areas.
- Peru protects a larger proportion of its high-carbon areas, but many of its unprotected areas are earmarked for logging, which poses a serious threat.
How the Data Was Collected
The study used advanced technology to gather data:
- Satellite imaging by the company Planet, which utilized lasers to create a three-dimensional map of the forest.
- Machine-learning models were applied to analyze the data.
The study focused on aboveground vegetation, not considering underground carbon stored in roots and soil. Even with this limited scope, the findings are alarming, as they highlight the vast amounts of carbon stored in the Amazon’s canopy that could be lost if deforestation continues unchecked.
Why the Amazon is Crucial for Climate Change
- The Amazon contains approximately 71.5 billion tonnes of carbon, which is double the total global CO2 emissions for 2022.
- A study from Amazon Conservation indicated that the Amazon barely absorbed more carbon than it emitted during the decade leading up to 2022, which suggests that the balance is fragile.
- However, there is ongoing debate among scientists about whether the Amazon has already turned into a carbon source, meaning it releases more carbon than it absorbs.
- This shift would have catastrophic consequences for global efforts to combat climate change.
Key Concerns:
- Carbon Sink vs. Carbon Source: If the Amazon becomes a net emitter of carbon due to deforestation, wildfires, and degradation, it could accelerate global warming and destabilize the global climate.
- Biodiversity Loss: In addition to its role in climate regulation, the Amazon is home to unparalleled biodiversity. Destroying these ecosystems would have irreversible consequences on wildlife and plant species.
Amazon Conservation’s Roadmap
The report from Amazon Conservation provides a crucial roadmap for conservation efforts:
- It identifies the regions with the highest carbon storage potential and emphasizes the need to prioritize these areas for protection.
- The data highlights the urgency of securing legal protection for regions that are currently vulnerable to deforestation and exploitation, especially as these are some of the most pristine parts of the Amazon.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. With reference to the Amazon rainforest and its role in combating climate change, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (A) 1, 2, and 4 only |
Q. Which one of the following pairs is correctly matched? (2013)
Geographical Feature Region (a) Abyssinian Plateau Arabia (b) Atlas Mountains North-Western Africa (c) Guiana Highlands South-Western Africa (d) Okavango Basin Patagonia Ans: (b) |
| Answer 2– A
Explanation –
|
Semicon 2.0 policy in new
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Economy
Context: Semicon 2.0 policy
Why in News
- The government has started working on the second phase of the semiconductor policy, Semicon 2.0, which is expected to be in place in 3-4 months
Overview of India’s Semiconductor Policy – Semicon 2.0
- India is in the process of advancing its semiconductor strategy with the introduction of Semicon 2.0, an upgraded version of the initial Semicon 1.0 policy.
- The goal is to further boost the domestic semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem and reduce reliance on imports.
- This initiative is driven by the global demand for semiconductors and the need for supply chain resilience in the face of growing geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions.
- Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on September 11, 2024, that the government is actively working on this second phase of the semiconductor policy, which is expected to be in place within 3-4 months.
Key Highlights of Semicon 2.0
- Expansion from Semicon 1.0:
The first phase of the semiconductor project is nearly complete, with five major projects worth ₹1.5 lakh crore already approved. Of these, construction is underway for two plants.- Semicon 2.0 aims to expand the policy’s scope by focusing not only on semiconductor fabs (fabrication plants) but also on the entire ecosystem.
- Focus Areas:
- Ecosystem Development: The government intends to attract ecosystem partners, including equipment manufacturers, chemicals, gases, and other specialised materials crucial to semiconductor production.
- Supply Chain Resilience: Semicon 2.0 will emphasize building a resilient supply chain by bringing in materials like specialised chemicals and gases. Over 250 chemicals and gases are required in semiconductor manufacturing, many of which need highly specialized handling and extreme purity levels, far exceeding industrial standards.
- State-Level Initiatives:
3-4 Indian states have attracted significant investments in semiconductor manufacturing, with one plant expected to come up in Uttar Pradesh soon. - New Proposals and Investments:
- The Minister mentioned several new proposals are in the pipeline for further semiconductor investments. One of the critical projects is the upgrade of the Mohali Semiconductor Lab, for which a plan is already in place, awaiting cabinet approval.
- A notable example is Maharashtra, which recently approved a ₹83,000 crore chip manufacturing project, a joint venture between Adani Group and Israel-based Tower Semiconductor. This project, though approved by the state, still awaits Central government approval under the Indian Semiconductor Mission for subsidies.
India’s Ambition in the Semiconductor Space
- India’s push toward building a robust semiconductor manufacturing ecosystem reflects the country’s goal to become a significant player in the global semiconductor supply chain.
- The Semicon 2.0 policy will aim to attract international and domestic companies, foster local innovation, and strengthen India’s position in the high-tech manufacturing sector.
- Additionally, it underscores India’s efforts to reduce dependency on imports and bring critical industries such as electronics, automotive, and defense under its domestic manufacturing umbrella.
Conclusion
- The Semicon 2.0 policy will be a comprehensive expansion of India’s semiconductor strategy, focusing not just on fab plants but also on creating a complete ecosystem with equipment, materials, and specialised chemicals.
- The new phase, expected to be implemented within a few months, reflects India’s commitment to becoming a global hub for semiconductor manufacturing and innovation.
What is a Semiconductor?
- Semiconductor: Semiconductors possess electrical conductivity properties intermediate between conductors and insulators, which can be modified by introducing dopants.
- Semiconductor chips, transistors, fabrication technology, and wafers are interdependent components essential for electronic device functionality.
- Transistors serving as the building blocks of semiconductor chips fabricated on wafers using specific technologies, enabling the creation of complex devices powering modern technology.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. With reference to India’s upcoming Semicon 2.0 policy, consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which one of the following laser types is used in a laser printer? (2008)
(a) Dye laser Ans: (c) |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation
|
Third edition of INDUS-X Summit concludes in California
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2054372
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: INDUS-X Summit 2024
Why in News
- The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit concluded in the United States, marking a progress in the advancement of a joint defence innovation ecosystem in India and the USA.
Overview
- The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit was held in the United States on 9-10 September 2024, marking a significant milestone in advancing the joint defence innovation ecosystem between India and the United States.
- The summit was organized by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) in collaboration with Stanford University.
- This summit highlighted growing cooperation in defence innovation, the development of next-generation technologies, and strengthening strategic partnerships.
Key Highlights of the INDUS-X Summit 2024
- Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
An important outcome of the summit was the signing of an MoU between Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX), a body under India’s Ministry of Defence, and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU), a part of the U.S. Department of Defense. - This agreement aims to increase collaboration in defence innovation, enabling industry partnerships, fostering research, and promoting investment in cutting-edge technologies.
New Challenges and Initiatives:
- A new challenge under the INDUS-X initiative was announced to encourage innovation in next-generation defence technologies.
- The summit also saw the release of the INDUS-X Impact Report, which details the progress made under the initiative, as well as the launch of the official INDUS-X webpage on both the iDEX and DIU websites.
- Platform for Startups and MSMEs:
The summit serves as a platform for startups and Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their technologies. This enables dialogue between defence experts, startups, investors, and policymakers on future technology trends, funding for defence innovations, and strengthening defence supply chains.
- Platform for Startups and MSMEs:
Discussions and Advisory Forums:
- The summit included critical discussions on capacity building for startups, funding opportunities, and strengthening defence supply chains.
- The Senior Advisory Group and Senior Leaders Forum, advisory forums under INDUS-X, played a pivotal role in these discussions, bringing together experts from defence industries, investment firms, academia, think tanks, and accelerators from both nations.
- Commitment to Defence Technology Collaboration:
Amit Satija, Joint Secretary (Defence Industries Promotion) from India’s Ministry of Defence, led the Indian delegation and emphasized that the third edition of the INDUS-X Summit reaffirmed the commitment of both India and the United States to advancing defence technology through innovation and strategic collaboration.
INDUS-X: A Growing Defence Innovation Platform
- The INDUS-X initiative was launched during the Indian Prime Minister’s state visit to the U.S. in June 2023.
- It is steered by iDEX and DIU on behalf of their respective governments. Since its inception, INDUS-X has achieved significant milestones, establishing a strong bilateral defence innovation ecosystem.
- This initiative focuses on integrating cutting-edge technologies and defence innovations through joint collaborations between the public and private sectors of both nations.
Conclusion
- The INDUS-X Summit 2024 has reinforced the India-U.S. strategic defence partnership, focusing on building a robust innovation ecosystem in defence.
- The success of this initiative reflects the commitment of both nations to fostering technological innovation, promoting startups, and enhancing defence capabilities through global cooperation.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? (A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. In which one of the following groups are all the four countries members of G20? (2020)
(a) Argentina, Mexico, South Africa and Turkey (b) Australia, Canada, Malaysia and New Zealand (c) Brazil, Iran, Saudi Arabia and Vietnam (d) Indonesia, Japan, Singapore and South Korea Ans: (a) |
| Answer 4 A
Explanation
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Delhi Declaration on Civil Aviation passed
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2054335
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- International Relations
Context: Delhi Declaration.
Why in news
- The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation concluded with the adoption of Delhi Declaration.
Overview of the Conference
- The 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation took place from September 11-12, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.
- This high-profile event was organized by the Ministry of Civil Aviation of India in collaboration with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).
- The conference marked the 80th anniversary of ICAO and featured delegates from 29 countries, along with 8 international organizations, including ICAO.
Adoption of Delhi Declaration:
- The conference concluded with the adoption of the Delhi Declaration, a significant framework aimed at enhancing regional cooperation, addressing emerging challenges, and promoting sustainable growth in the civil aviation sector.
- The Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, announced the unanimous passing of this declaration, which underscores the commitment to advancing civil aviation in the Asia Pacific region.
Technological and Infrastructural Advancements:
- Prime Minister Modi highlighted the advancements made by India in the aviation sector over the past decade. He emphasized India’s transition from being aviation-exclusive to aviation-inclusive, showcasing the country’s progress in connecting people, culture, and prosperity through aviation.
- A key initiative discussed was the proposal to create an ‘International Buddhist Circuit,’ connecting holy places related to Lord Buddha across Asia. This would enhance the civil aviation sector and benefit travelers and related economies.
Focus on Inclusivity and Sustainability:
- The conference spotlighted India’s commitment to inclusivity and sustainability. Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu mentioned the ‘Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam’ campaign, which involved planting 80,000 saplings to commemorate ICAO’s 80 years.
- The goal of having 350-400 airports by 2047 was emphasized, positioning India as a key player in global aviation.
Key Presentations and Discussions:
- Discussions at the conference focused on future technology trends, capacity building of startups, funding opportunities for defence innovations, and strengthening defence supply chains.
- ICAO presented on the establishment of the Pacific Small Island Developing States Liaison Office, aimed at supporting smaller nations in addressing aviation challenges.
Commemoration of ICAO’s 80th Anniversary:
- The conference included a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of ICAO and the Chicago Convention, which has played a crucial role in shaping international aviation standards.
What is the ICAO?
- It is a specialized agency of the United Nations that was created in 1944 to promote safe, secure, and efficient air transportation around the world.
- ICAO develops international standards and recommended practices for aviation, including regulations for air navigation, communication, and airport operations.
- It also works to address global aviation issues, such as air traffic management, aviation security, and environmental protection.
- It is headquartered in Montreal, Canada.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the 2nd Asia Pacific Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation held in New Delhi:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only |
Q. Consider the following: 2022
Indians a member of which of the above?
Ans: d |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
|
‘Rangeen Machhli’ App launched
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2054284
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- -Polity and Governance
Context: ‘Rangeen Machhli’ App
Why in news
- The “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app launched by Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh, at ICAR-Central Institute of Freshwater Aquaculture (ICAR-CIFA), Bhubaneswar.
Key Features of the “Rangeen Machhli” Mobile App
- Multilingual Support: The app provides information in eight Indian languages, making it accessible to a diverse audience. This feature aims to cater to users across different regions and linguistic backgrounds.
- Popular Ornamental Fish Species: The app offers detailed descriptions and care guidelines for a wide range of ornamental fish species, which can benefit hobbyists and fish farmers alike.
- Care, Breeding, and Maintenance: Users can access extensive information on how to care for and breed ornamental fish, including best practices for maintaining aquariums.
Find Aquarium Shops:
- This feature includes a dynamic directory of aquarium shops that can be updated by shop owners.
- It helps users locate nearby shops, promoting local businesses and providing reliable sources for ornamental fish and related products.
Educational Modules:
- Basics of Aquarium Care: Covers fundamental topics such as types of aquariums, fish species, water filtration, lighting, feeding, and daily maintenance. This module is aimed at newcomers to the hobby.
- Ornamental Aquaculture: Focuses on more advanced topics, including the breeding and rearing of different ornamental fish, making it useful for more experienced users.
Significance of the App
- Sector Development: The app is part of a broader initiative to develop the ornamental fisheries sector, which has potential for economic growth and job creation.
- Promotion of Hobby: By providing valuable resources and guidance, the app encourages the growth of aquarium hobbies across the country.
- Accessibility and Connectivity: The multilingual support and shop locator feature make the app an accessible tool for a wide range of users, from hobbyists to industry professionals.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Regarding the “Rangeen Machhli” mobile app, which of the following statements is/are true?
Choose the correct statement(s): A) 1, 2 and 3 only |
Q. With reference to digital payments, consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans- a |
| Answer 6 A
Explanation
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