Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (11-12-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity: PM POSHAN scheme: Centre to bear additional cost in FY2024-25 due to inflation |
| Economy: India Skills Report 2025: Kerala ranked among top States for employability in India |
| Awards: Ecologist Madhav Gadgil gets U.N.’s highest environmental honour |
| Science and Technology: New ONOS scheme to triple those with access to top journals |
| Indian researchers develop AI-based platform to identify age-defying molecules rapidly |
| International Relations: Navigating defence alliances: A look at India’s military ties with US and Russia |
PM POSHAN scheme: Centre to bear additional cost in FY2024-25 due to inflation
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and governance
Context: PM POSHAN Scheme (formerly the Mid-Day Meal Scheme)
Why in News
- The Centre will bear an additional burden of ₹425.62 crore related to PM POSHAN scheme for FY 2024-25 due to a 13.7% enhancement in material costs, accounting for inflation over two financial years (2022-23 and 2023-24).
Key Features
- Increased Material Costs:
- The Centre will bear an additional burden of ₹425.62 crore for FY 2024-25 due to a 13.7% enhancement in material costs, accounting for inflation over two financial years (2022-23 and 2023-24).
- The material cost for primary and Balvatika classes has been increased from ₹5.45 to ₹6.19 per meal and for upper primary classes from ₹8.17 to ₹9.29 per meal, effective December 1, 2024.
- Foodgrains and Transportation Costs:
- The Centre continues to provide 26 lakh MT of foodgrains annually through the Food Corporation of India (FCI), bearing 100% of the cost, which includes ₹9,000 crore for subsidies and transportation.
- Impact of Inflation Data:
- Inflation adjustments are based on the Consumer Price Index – Rural Labourers (CPI-RL), with data collected from 600 villages across 20 states.
- The CPI-RL index serves as a benchmark for calculating food price changes within the PM POSHAN basket.
- State Contributions:
- States and Union Territories (UTs) can contribute beyond the minimum rates prescribed, and some already augment meals with additional nutrition.
Significance of the PM POSHAN Scheme:
- Nutritional Security:
- The scheme provides essential nutrients, including pulses, vegetables, and oil, to children:
- Balvatika and Primary Students: 20g pulses, 50g vegetables, 5g oil per meal.
- Upper Primary Students: 30g pulses, 50g vegetables, 7g oil per meal.
- These meals address hidden hunger and improve children’s health outcomes.
- The scheme provides essential nutrients, including pulses, vegetables, and oil, to children:
- Educational Outcomes:
- The scheme reduces dropouts by incentivizing school attendance through daily meals, ensuring children stay in classrooms.
- Inflation Mitigation:
- Adjusting costs to account for inflation ensures the scheme remains functional and effective despite rising food prices.
Challenges and Way Forward:
- Challenges:
- Inflationary pressures may strain future funding.
- Variations in state-level contributions could create disparities in meal quality and nutrition.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen Monitoring: Implement robust systems to ensure effective implementation and accountability.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage private sector participation to improve meal quality and expand coverage.
- Community Involvement: Engage local communities in meal preparation and feedback mechanisms for continuous improvement.
The PM POSHAN Scheme remains a cornerstone of India’s efforts to combat child hunger and promote educational equity, with the recent cost adjustments highlighting the Centre’s commitment to adapting to economic challenges for the welfare of children.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the PM POSHAN Scheme:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only
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Q. With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013 consider the following statements: (2018)
1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised grains. 2. The eldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a take-home ration of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 1 and 3 (d) 3 only Ans- b |
| Answer – 1 – A
Explanation –
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India Skills Report 2025: Kerala ranked among top States for employability in India
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3– Economy, Skill training
Context: India Skills Report 2025
Why in News
- Kerala’s performance in the India Skills Report 2025 underscores its progressive strategies in education, skill development, and workplace inclusivity, setting benchmarks for other Indian states to emulate.
Key Highlights of the report
- Employability Rankings:
- Kerala is ranked fifth in India for employability, with an impressive employability rate of 71%.
- Other top-ranked states include Maharashtra, Delhi, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
- Kerala is also a preferred employment destination, alongside Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Youth and Female Employability:
- In the 22–25 age group, Kerala achieved an employability rate of 87.47%.
- For experienced professionals aged 26–29, Kerala ranked highest with 68.82%.
- Kerala is the third-ranked state for female employability, showcasing the success of workplace inclusivity initiatives.
- Skill Development and Preferences:
- Kerala leads in proficiency in English (59.72%) and exhibits strong numerical aptitude (58.90%).
- Digital skills are growing, with 37.34% of the workforce demonstrating readiness for tech-driven job markets.
- High preference for internships, with 96.05% of respondents expressing interest, reflects a culture of skill acquisition.
- Key Partner:
- The Additional Skill Acquisition Programme (ASAP) Kerala was the State partner for the study.
Strengths of Kerala in Employability
- Talent Pool: Kerala’s strong educational infrastructure contributes to high employability among youth and professionals.
- Workplace Inclusivity: Initiatives promoting diversity and inclusion attract female job aspirants, furthering the State’s reputation as a progressive employment hub.
- Proficiency in Core Skills: High aptitude in English, numeracy, and digital skills highlights the readiness of Kerala’s workforce for competitive markets.
Implications for Policy and Economy
- Skill Development Focus:
- Kerala’s continued investment in skill acquisition programs like ASAP strengthens the employability of its workforce.
- Enhancing digital proficiency is key to preparing the state for emerging technology-driven industries.
- Role Model for Inclusivity:
- Workplace inclusivity policies in Kerala can serve as a model for other states to improve female participation in the workforce.
- Economic Impact:
- High employability rates position Kerala as an attractive destination for industries seeking skilled labor, boosting local and national economic growth.
Way Forward
- Expanding Digital Skills: Increasing training programs in advanced digital technologies like AI, ML, and cybersecurity.
- Enhancing Internships: Building structured internship programs in partnership with industries to bridge the gap between academia and employment.
- Targeting Female Workforce: Further fostering gender-inclusive policies to attract and retain female talent in diverse sectors.
Kerala’s performance in the India Skills Report 2025 underscores its progressive strategies in education, skill development, and workplace inclusivity, setting benchmarks for other Indian states to emulate.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||
Q2. Consider the following pairs related to the findings of the India Skills Report 2025:
Which of the pairs given above are correctly matched? A) 1 and 2 only
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Q. Consider the following statements:
Human capital formation as a concept is better explained in terms of a process, which enables (2018) 1. individuals of a country to accumulate more capital. 2. increasing the knowledge, skill levels and capacities of the people of the country. 3. accumulation of tangible wealth. 4. accumulation of intangible wealth.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 4 (d) 1, 3 and 4 Answer- C
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| Answer 2– A
Explanation –
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Ecologist Madhav Gadgil gets U.N.’s highest environmental honour
Source: The Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Ecology and Environment, Awards and Honours
Context: Madhav Gadgil is the only Indian recipient of this year’s prestigious Champions of the Earth award.
Why in News
- Madhav Gadgil has received the Champions of the Earth award, the United Nations’ highest environmental honor, for his significant contributions to the preservation of the Western Ghats, a global biodiversity hotspot.
Key Highlights
- Contributions to Western Ghats Ecology:
- Chaired the Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (WGEEP), tasked with assessing the impact of population pressure, climate change, and development on the ecologically fragile region.
- Proposed classifying the Western Ghats into three Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ 1, 2, and 3) based on environmental sensitivity.
- Recommended bans on activities like mining, quarrying, thermal and hydropower projects in ESZ 1 to protect the region’s ecology.
- Challenges and Opposition:
- WGEEP’s 2011 recommendations faced strong resistance from State governments, industries, and some local communities.
- Despite opposition, Gadgil stood firm, prioritizing environmental integrity over political or industrial pressures.
- Legacy and Continued Efforts:
- UNESCO declared the Western Ghats a World Heritage Site in 2012.
- Subsequent panels, such as the Kasturirangan Committee and a 2022 expert group, worked to refine and implement ecological protection measures.
- Gadgil remains an advocate for transparency and people’s awareness in environmental governance.
Significance of Madhav Gadgil’s Work
- Environmental Advocacy:
- Gadgil’s unwavering commitment to honesty and ecological conservation underscores the critical need for science-driven policymaking in sustainable development.
- His focus on public engagement and awareness highlights the role of informed citizens in resisting environmental degradation.
- Balancing Development and Conservation:
- His recommendations serve as a blueprint for balancing economic growth with ecological sustainability in one of India’s most biodiverse regions.
- Global Recognition for Indian Ecologists:
- The UN award not only celebrates Gadgil’s work but also puts a spotlight on India’s efforts in biodiversity conservation on the global stage.
Implications for Policy and Governance
- Ecological Sensitivity:
- Delays in declaring the Western Ghats as an ecologically sensitive region reflect the tension between developmental priorities and environmental conservation.
- The pending notification underlines the need for cohesive action among the Union and State governments.
- Strengthening Public Engagement:
- Gadgil’s emphasis on awareness and accessibility of ecological data highlights the importance of involving communities in environmental decision-making processes.
- Global and Local Impacts:
- Recognitions like the Champions of the Earth award reinforce the importance of preserving biodiversity hotspots like the Western Ghats, which play a crucial role in global climate regulation and local ecological balance.
Way Forward
- Expedited Policy Implementation: Finalizing the pending ecologically sensitive area notification is critical to safeguarding the Western Ghats.
- Community Involvement: Enhance collaboration with local communities to address their concerns and build consensus for ecological preservation.
- Replication of Models: Use Gadgil’s work as a model for other biodiversity-rich regions facing similar challenges.
- Monitoring and Transparency: Establish robust mechanisms to monitor and publicly share the impacts of conservation and developmental activities in the Western Ghats.
- Madhav Gadgil’s recognition by the UN is a testament to the transformative power of ethical, science-based environmental advocacy in addressing global and local ecological challenges.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements about Madhav Gadgil and his contributions:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1, 2, and 4 only |
Q. In which of the following regions of India are you most likely to come across the `Great Indian Hornbill’ in its natural habitat? (2016)
(a) Sand deserts of northwest India (b) Higher Himalayas of Jammu and Kashmir (c) Salt marshes of western Gujarat (d) Western Ghats Answer: (d)
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| Answer 3– D
Explanation –
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New ONOS scheme to triple those with access to top journals
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: One-Nation-One-Subscription (ONOS) Scheme will expand research access
Why in News
- The One-Nation-One-Subscription scheme is a transformative step toward democratizing research access in India, with the potential to enhance academic and scientific excellence across diverse institutions.
Objective of the ONOS Scheme:
- Aims to triple the access to top research journals for students and faculty in India, especially those from State-affiliated colleges and underserved institutions.
- The scheme targets increased availability of 95% of published research in sciences and humanities.
Implementation Plan:
- Phase 1 (2025-2027): Access to be provided to government institutions and State-affiliated colleges starting January 1, 2025.
- A review in 2027 will determine the inclusion of private universities and colleges.
Financial Outlay:
- The expected expenditure for 2025-2027 is ₹6,000 crore, doubling the Centre’s current spend of ₹1,000-1,500 crore annually on journal subscriptions.
- Article Processing Charges (APC) Fund:
- ₹150 crore APC fund to subsidize costs for researchers publishing in open-access journals.
- APC charges for high-profile journals like Nature can reach up to ₹9.1 lakh, which is a barrier for many researchers.
Infrastructure and Coordination:
- The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) under the UGC will manage the scheme, covering over 6,300 institutions and benefiting nearly 8 crore students, faculty, and researchers.
- Users can register via their institutions and access research materials remotely.
Historical Context and Negotiations:
- The ONOS initiative has been in development since 2019.
- India initially collaborated with the European Union under “Plan S” to negotiate with publishers but later pursued independent negotiations.
Significance of the ONOS Scheme
- Democratizing Access to Research:
- Bridges the gap between privileged Centrally funded institutions and underserved State-affiliated colleges, enhancing equity in research access.
- Expands opportunities for students and researchers in smaller institutions to stay updated with global research developments.
- Boosting Research Output:
- Easier access to global research literature is expected to improve the quality and quantity of academic and scientific contributions in India.
- Promoting Open-Access Awareness:
- While the scheme does not fully address the challenges of APC costs, it raises awareness of the need for more affordable and credible open-access publishing.
- Strengthening India’s Knowledge Economy:
- By enhancing access to global knowledge repositories, the scheme can stimulate innovation and contribute to India’s aspirations as a global research hub.
Challenges and Limitations
- APC Costs:
- The high APC charges remain a significant barrier, limiting the ability of researchers to publish in high-visibility journals.
- Exclusion of Private Institutions:
- Private universities and colleges are excluded in the initial phase, leaving a substantial segment of researchers without access.
- Dependence on Non-Indian Publishers:
- The scheme does not explicitly promote Indian journals, potentially perpetuating reliance on foreign publishers for high-impact publications.
Way Forward
- Expanding Access to Private Institutions:
- Future reviews should prioritize the inclusion of private colleges and universities to maximize the scheme’s reach.
- Promoting Indian Journals:
- Develop policies to support Indian open-access journals to reduce dependency on foreign publishers.
- Reducing APC Costs:
- Engage in sustained negotiations with publishers to bring down APC charges or increase discounts for Indian researchers.
- Enhancing Awareness and Training:
- Educate researchers about open-access publishing and the effective use of research resources available through ONOS.
- The One-Nation-One-Subscription scheme is a transformative step toward democratizing research access in India, with the potential to enhance academic and scientific excellence across diverse institutions. However, addressing its current limitations will be crucial to fully realize its potential.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the One-Nation-One-Subscription (ONOS) scheme:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 3 only |
Q. In the context of digital technologies for entertainment, consider the following statements(2019)
1. In Augmented Reality (AR), a simulated environment is created and the physical world is completely shut out. 2. In Virtual Reality (VR), images generated from a computer are projected onto real-life objects or surroundings. 3. AR allows individuals to be present in the world and improves the experience using the camera of smart-phone or PC. 4. VR closes the world, and transposes an individual, providing complete immersion experience. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 and 4 (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 4 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4- C
Explanation
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Indian researchers develop AI-based platform to identify age-defying molecules rapidly
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: The quest for longevity has been a long-standing pursuit in medicine.
Why in News
- A research team from Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Delhi, has developed AgeXtend, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based platform to accelerate the identification of compounds with geroprotective (anti-ageing) properties.
Key Concepts
- AI in Healthy Ageing:
- The AgeXtend platform can predict and identify age-defying compounds while also explaining their mechanisms of action.
- It has screened over 1.1 billion compounds, uncovering promising candidates validated on yeast, worms (C. elegans), and human cell models.
- Scientific Validation:
- The findings have been published in the prestigious journal Nature Aging, highlighting its credibility in the scientific community.
- Open Source and Industry Collaboration:
- The research team has made AgeXtend’s code and data open-source for researchers and students while offering paid access for companies.
- Collaboration with pharmaceutical companies is underway to further investigate viable compounds.
Key Features of AgeXtend:
- AI-Powered Prediction:
- Uses machine learning to analyze molecular structures and predict their geroprotective potential.
- Distinguishes itself by explaining why specific molecules are identified as anti-ageing.
- Comprehensive Screening:
- Largest study in the field, scanning 1.2 billion molecules from diverse sources, including commercial drugs, Chinese medicine, ayurveda, and FDA-approved compounds.
- Validated Results:
- Successfully identified known anti-ageing molecules like metformin and taurine, demonstrating the platform’s accuracy and reliability.
- Guiding Research:
- Acts as a “GPS” for researchers, narrowing the vast chemical space to actionable targets, thus reducing the time and resources required for discovery.
Significance of the Development:
- Revolutionizing Drug Discovery:
- Accelerates the identification of viable age-defying molecules, which traditionally require years of research.
- Opens new avenues for targeted drug development in the field of healthy ageing.
- Interdisciplinary Innovation:
- Combines computational biology, AI, and pharmacology, showcasing the transformative role of AI in life sciences.
- Accessible Science:
- By making the tool open-source, the research democratizes access to cutting-edge technology, fostering innovation across academic and industry settings.
- Commercial Potential:
- Collaboration with pharma companies could lead to the development of novel drugs for promoting longevity and tackling age-related diseases.
Challenges and Way Forward:
- Challenges:
- Validation of identified compounds requires extensive clinical trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
- Bridging the gap between AI predictions and real-world pharmaceutical applications may face technical and regulatory hurdles.
- Way Forward:
- Strengthen Collaborations: Partner with global pharmaceutical firms to expedite the development of validated anti-ageing drugs.
- Expand AI Capabilities: Incorporate advanced algorithms to further refine predictions and identify more nuanced geroprotective properties.
- Focus on Accessibility: Enhance efforts to integrate the platform into academic research globally.
The development of AgeXtend signifies a transformative leap in healthy ageing research, utilizing AI to uncover potential age-defying molecules with unprecedented efficiency. This innovation not only reinforces India’s position in cutting-edge biomedical research but also opens pathways for new treatments that could redefine health and longevity.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Which of the following statements about the AI-based platform AgeXtend developed by IIIT-Delhi is/are correct?
A) 1 and 2 only
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Q. With the present state of development, Artificial Intelligence an effectively do which of the following? (2020)
1. Bring down electricity consumption in industrial units. 2. Create meaningful short stories and songs. 3. Disease diagnosis. 4. Text-to-Speech Conversion. 5. Wireless transmission of electrical energy. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1, 2, 3 and 5 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2, 4 and 5 only (d) 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Ans: (d) |
| Answer 5- A
Explanation
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Navigating defence alliances: A look at India’s military ties with US and Russia
Source: The India Today
UPSC Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: India’s defence strategy involves balancing relationships with US and Russia while advancing indigenous capabilities
Why in News
- India maintains strategic defence partnerships with both the United States and Russia, reflecting its non-aligned stance and pursuit of diversified procurement.
Key Highlights
- Defence Minister’s Visit to Russia:
- Highlights India’s enduring military partnership with Moscow, built on decades of trust and collaboration.
- Growing Ties with the US:
- Recent procurement of advanced platforms like the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones signals India’s alignment with the US on strategic needs, especially in the Indo-Pacific.
- Balancing Partnerships:
- India’s defence procurement from the US and Russia illustrates contrasting priorities—high-tech capabilities from the US versus legacy systems and joint ventures with Russia.
India’s Defence Ties with the US:
- Key Developments:
- Defence ties gained momentum post-2005 Civil Nuclear Agreement.
- Agreements like LEMOA, COMCASA, and BECA enhanced operational and intelligence-sharing capabilities.
- Major Acquisitions:
- High-tech platforms like C-17 Globemaster III, C-130J Hercules, Apache, and Chinook helicopters.
- Maritime assets like P-8I Poseidon and MH-60 Romeo helicopters for naval surveillance.
- Strategic purchases like the MQ-9B Sea Guardian drones.
- Challenges:
- Limited technology transfer due to restrictive US export laws like ITAR.
- High procurement costs and strict compliance standards under Foreign Military Sales (FMS) programs.
- Geopolitical hurdles like CAATSA sanctions due to India’s S-400 purchase from Russia.
India’s Defence Ties with Russia:
- Key Developments:
- Russia has been India’s largest defence supplier since the Cold War, with approximately 60-70% of India’s arsenal sourced from Moscow.
- Strong history of joint ventures and technology transfer.
- Major Acquisitions:
- Legacy platforms like MiG-29, Su-30MKI, T-90 tanks, and Kilo-class submarines.
- Strategic systems like the S-400 Triumf air defence system.
- Successful joint ventures like the BrahMos cruise missile and AK-203 Assault Rifle production.
- Advantages:
- Cost-effective equipment with flexible payment terms.
- Greater openness to technology transfer and co-development.
- Challenges:
- Sanctions on Russia complicate logistics and payments.
- Recent Russian ties with China and Pakistan raise concerns.
Comparative Analysis:
| Aspect | US | Russia |
| Technology Transfer | Limited due to restrictive laws | More open, supports joint ventures |
| Cost | High-cost cutting-edge systems | Cost-effective and adaptable |
| Strategic Focus | Indo-Pacific and counter-China | Legacy systems and Cold War trust |
| Sanctions Impact | CAATSA compliance issues | Global sanctions complicate logistics |
India’s Strategy:
- Diversification: Growing procurement from the US reduces over-dependence on Russia.
- Balancing Alliances: Leveraging US partnerships for strategic needs and Russia for legacy systems.
- Indigenization: Focus on Make in India and building indigenous capabilities to reduce reliance on imports.
- Geopolitical Navigation: Managing relations with both powers amid complex global dynamics.
India’s defence alliances with the US and Russia underscore its balanced approach to procurement, driven by strategic, technological, and cost considerations. This dual partnership highlights India’s adaptability in navigating evolving global power dynamics while safeguarding its national security interests.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q6. Question: Assertion (A): India is diversifying its defence procurement by increasing ties with the United States while maintaining its longstanding partnership with Russia.
Reason (R): The United States provides high-tech equipment for strategic needs in the Indo-Pacific, while Russia supplies cost-effective legacy systems and supports joint ventures. Options: A) Both A and R are true, and R is the correct explanation of A.
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Q. Recently, India signed a deal known as ‘Action Plan for Prioritization and Implementation of Cooperation Areas in the Nuclear Field’ with which of the following countries? (2019)
a) Japan b) Russia c) The United Kingdom d) The United States of America Answer: (b)
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| Answer 6- A
Explanation
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