Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (10-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: Four agreements signed between Indian, UAE entities in energy sector |
| Science and Technology: What is assistive technology and how is it helping para-athletes? |
| CDS releases joint doctrine for amphibious operations |
| Art and Culture: Tulu script added to Unicode Standard |
Four agreements signed between Indian, UAE entities in energy sector
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: India and the United Arab Emirates pacts
Why in News
- India and the United Arab Emirates inked four major pacts that will facilitate crude oil storage, long-term supply of LNG and cooperation in the civil nuclear energy sector.
Overview
- India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) recently signed four major agreements aimed at strengthening their strategic partnership, particularly in the energy sector, civil nuclear cooperation, and other advanced areas like artificial intelligence and green hydrogen.
- This occurred during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, where both leaders emphasized the need to explore untapped potential in their bilateral relations.
Key Agreements and Focus Areas
- Crude Oil Storage and LNG Supply:
- LNG Supply: Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) signed an agreement for the long-term supply of one million metric tonnes of liquefied natural gas (LNG) annually to India. This is the third such LNG deal with ADNOC in just over a year, as both IOCL and GAIL signed similar agreements in 2023.
- Crude Oil Storage: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Ltd (ISPRL) to explore additional crude storage opportunities in India. This builds on ADNOC’s existing storage agreement at ISPRL’s Mangalore Cavern, which has been in place since 2018.
- Nuclear Energy Cooperation:
- The Emirates Nuclear Energy Company (ENEC) and Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd (NPCIL) signed a pact to enhance cooperation in nuclear power plant operations, the sourcing of nuclear materials, and investment opportunities in the civil nuclear domain. This agreement reflects a deepening collaboration in civil nuclear energy between India and the UAE.
- Production Concession in Abu Dhabi:
- Urja Bharat, a joint venture of IOCL and Bharat PetroResources Ltd, signed a production concession agreement for Abu Dhabi’s onshore Block One with ADNOC. This marks the first instance of an Indian company being granted such a concession in the UAE, allowing Urja Bharat to contribute to India’s energy security by bringing crude oil to India.
- Food Parks Development:
- The Gujarat government signed an agreement with the Abu Dhabi Developmental Holding Company to develop food parks in India. One site in Gundanpara, Ahmedabad, is set to commence in 2025, aiming to enhance food processing and security.
Broader Strategic Discussions and Agreements
- Economic Partnership and Investments: The leaders discussed the success of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) signed in 2022, which has bolstered trade and economic ties. They also highlighted the importance of the Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT), which recently came into effect, and agreed to deepen cooperation in various sectors.
- Virtual Trade Corridor: A soft launch of the India-UAE virtual trade corridor is planned, further enhancing bilateral trade.
Symbolic Gestures
- The visit also featured symbolic acts that underscored the deep historical ties between India and the UAE. The Crown Prince paid tribute to Mahatma Gandhi by planting a sapling at Rajghat, continuing a tradition upheld by his father and grandfather during previous visits.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Which of the following statements is true about the recent agreements between India and the UAE?
Which of the statements is/are correct? A) Only 1 |
Q. Which of the following is not a member of ‘Gulf Cooperation Council’? (2016)
(a) Iran Ans: (a) |
| Answer 1 – A
Explanation –
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What is assistive technology and how is it helping para athletes?
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Science and Technology
Context: Understanding Assistive Technology and Its Impact on Para-Athletics
Why in News
- India’s remarkable run at the Paralympic Games has been attributed to several factors — athlete classification, wider array of sports, bigger qualifying contingent, the Centre’s TOPS (Target Olympic Podium Scheme) and the use of assistive technology for Paralympians.
What is assistive technology?
- Products and their related systems (mechanical or electronic) which aid any individual’s functioning with respect to his cognition, hearing, mobility, vision, communication are defined as ‘assistive technology’, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
- Assistive technology is used mainly by old people, children and adults with disabilities and people with long-term health issues such as diabetes, dementia. Sometimes assistive technology is temporarily used by people recuperating from an accident or illness.
- These products help assist people in bettering their health, well-being and inclusion of participation in their family, community, sports and all areas of society.
- Common examples of assistive are hearing aids, wheelchairs, therapeutic footwear which are used by people for general use.
- Sportspersons use assistive technologies like modified racing bicycles, release brace in archery, running blades, modified wheelchairs to name a few.
How does assistive technology help Paralympians?
- In Paralympic Games (as of 2024), there are 22 sports in which 4000 athletes are competing in 549 medal events.
- Some sort of assistive technology is used in all of these sports, with the most being used in Para Archery, Para Athletics, Para Badminton, Para Judo, Para powerlifting, shooting para sport, para swimming, Para table tennis, Para cycling, Para Canoe.
- Apart from assistive technology, classification of athletes helps in determining their eligibility to compete in the sport and group them based on the extent of their impairments apart from gender or weight.
- Classification is customised to the sport and grouped into ‘sport classes’ based on the activity limitation caused by their impairment.
Assistive Technology in Paralympic Sports
Assistive technology plays a crucial role in enabling para-athletes to compete effectively.
Para Archery:
- Release Braces: Used by athletes with impairments in both upper and lower body parts to aid in the release of arrows. For example, Sheetal Devi, a para archer without arms, uses a release brace with a compound bow equipped with mechanical pulleys and telescopic sights.
Para Athletics:
- Wheelchairs: Custom-designed for racing, made from lightweight materials like carbon fiber, with specific camber angles for stability. Gloves used for pushing are 3D-printed for a perfect fit.
- Running Blades: J-shaped prosthetics used in track events, made from carbon fiber, aiding in sprinting and jumping. South African runner Oscar Pistorius is a notable user.
- Assistive Devices for Visually Impaired Athletes: Eye-masks, rope tethers, and acoustic devices to aid in navigation and performance.
Para Badminton:
- Specialized Wheelchairs: Equipped with backrests and additional caster wheels for better mobility and stability during play.
Shooting Para Sport:
- Shooting Stands: Used to support rifles for athletes with upper or lower limb impairments. For example, Avani Lekhara, a wheelchair-bound shooter, has achieved significant success in rifle shooting events.
Para Swimming:
- Assistive Technologies: Includes blackout goggles for visually impaired athletes and ‘tappers’ to indicate turns and walls in the pool. Trischa Zorn-Hudson, a blind swimmer, is the most decorated Paralympic swimmer.
Para Powerlifting:
- Power Assist Suits: Introduced to aid staff in handling weights but not used by the athletes themselves.
The Need and Impact of Assistive Technologies
Global Access and Disparities:
- Access Issues: WHO’s Global Report on Assistive Technology (2022) highlights that access to assistive products is significantly lower in low-income countries compared to high-income countries. For instance, only 5-35% of individuals needing wheelchairs have access to them in some low-income regions.
Historical Development:
- Evolution of Assistive Technology: From the use of simple wheelchairs in the 1968 Paralympics to advanced technologies like running blades by the end of the 2000s, assistive technology has evolved significantly, improving performance and inclusion for para-athletes.
Recent Advances and Ethical Considerations:
- Innovations: Neuro-prosthetics and AI-driven classification systems are being developed to enhance performance and classification accuracy.
- Ethical Issues: The use of advanced technologies has led to debates over fairness, such as the case of Blake Leeper, whose prosthetics were deemed to give him a competitive edge.
The ‘Equipped for Equity’ Campaign
Purpose: Launched by WHO and the International Paralympic Committee (IPC), this campaign aims to:
- Reduce or eliminate taxes on assistive technology.
- Integrate assistive technology into primary health care.
- Ensure widespread access to assistive devices.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Which of the following is an example of assistive technology used in para-athletics?
A) Release brace in Para Archery B) Running blades in Para Athletics C) Specialized wheelchairs in Para Badminton D) Blackout goggles in Para Swimming Select the correct answer using the codes below: A) Only A and B |
Q. Which of the following is a most likely consequence of implementing the ‘Unified Payments Interface (UPI)’? (2017)
(a) Mobile wallets will not be necessary for online payments. Ans: (a) |
| Answer 2 D
Explanation
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CDS releases joint doctrine for amphibious operations
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Science and technology -Defence
Context: Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Why in News
- The recent release of the joint doctrine for amphibious operations by Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Anil Chauhan represents a significant development in India’s military strategy and operational capabilities.
Purpose and Importance:
- The joint doctrine for amphibious operations is designed to provide comprehensive guidance to military commanders on how to conduct amphibious operations in the modern, complex military environment.
- Amphibious operations involve the coordinated use of naval and land forces to project power onto a coastline or other coastal areas from the sea. This capability is vital for a range of military and strategic purposes.
Significance:
- This doctrine is crucial for enhancing India’s operational flexibility and capability in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR). It outlines procedures and strategies to conduct effective amphibious operations, which are essential for both wartime and peacetime scenarios.
- Amphibious operations are integral to multi-domain operations, which involve coordination across various domains of warfare, including land, sea, air, space, and cyberspace.
Historical Context:
- The release of this joint doctrine follows the earlier release of the joint doctrine for cyberspace operations earlier in the year. This indicates a broader effort to update and refine military doctrines to address contemporary challenges and enhance operational integration.
- The new amphibious doctrine represents a continuation of India’s focus on improving jointness and integration among the armed forces, which involves the collaboration of the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
Operational Impact:
- Indian Ocean Region (IOR): India’s strategic focus on the IOR necessitates robust amphibious capabilities to secure maritime interests, project power, and respond to regional threats or humanitarian needs.
- Jointness and Integration: The doctrine emphasizes the importance of seamless cooperation among different branches of the armed forces. Effective amphibious operations require synchronized efforts between naval units and land forces, showcasing the integration of capabilities and resources.
Key Features of the Doctrine
Guidance and Strategy:
- The doctrine provides detailed guidelines for planning and executing amphibious operations. This includes tactical procedures, command and control structures, and coordination mechanisms among various military units.
- It addresses the challenges of modern warfare, including complex threat environments and the need for rapid response and adaptability.
Cohesion and Integration:
- The emphasis on jointness reflects a strategic priority for the Indian military, aiming to enhance operational efficiency and effectiveness through better integration of resources and capabilities across different services.
Multi-Domain Operations:
- By focusing on amphibious operations, the doctrine also supports broader multi-domain operational strategies. This holistic approach ensures that military forces can operate effectively across different domains and adapt to evolving threats and scenarios.
Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
- The Cabinet Committee on Security on 24th December 2019 took the historic decision to create the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to enhance the quality of Military Advice to Political Leadership through integration of Service inputs.
- This historic step aims to develop and foster expertise in defence matters for better and more informed decision making.
- The Chief of Defence Staff is the Permanent Chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee and acts as the Principal Military Adviser to Raksha Mantri on all tri-services matters so as to provide impartial advice to the political leadership.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the recent release of the joint doctrine for amphibious operations by the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) Only 1 |
Q. Department of Border Management is a department of which one of the following Union Ministries? (2008)
(a) Ministry of Defence (b) Ministry of Home Affairs (c) Ministry of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways (d) Ministry of Environment and Forests Ans: (b) |
| Answer 3 D
Explanation
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Tulu script added to Unicode Standard; makes communication across digital platforms easier
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS1 – Art and Culture
Context: Tulu script in Unicode 16
Why in news
- The Unicode Consortium has announced the inclusion of Tulu script in its latest version, Unicode 16.
Overview
- Tulu Script Inclusion: The Unicode Consortium recently announced the inclusion of the Tulu script in Unicode 16, which adds 80 characters to the Unicode Standard.
- This development marks a significant milestone for the Tulu-speaking community, as it enhances the script’s digital presence and usability.
Historical Background
- Early Efforts (2001): The journey toward Unicode inclusion began in 2001 when a Unicode Consortium member who had previously worked on the Kannada script also advocated for the Tulu script.
- Challenges: Initial efforts faced misunderstandings with the Tulu Academy in Mangaluru. Despite these challenges, groundwork was laid for future developments.
- Key Figures: Three Tulu experts, including S A Krishnaiah, a prominent Tulu scholar, were involved in the initial efforts to promote the Tulu script.
Milestones:
- Tulu Wikipedia (2014-2016): Efforts to create a Tulu Wikipedia gained momentum, leading to its launch on August 6, 2016.
- Tulu Academy Recognition (2017): The Tulu Academy acknowledged the need for Tulu Unicode and formed a committee to finalize the characters, with technical guidance.
Tulu-Tigalari Script:
- Finalization: After extensive correspondence and discussions, the Tulu script was officially added to Unicode under the name Tulu-Tigalari. The final Unicode version includes most characters from the Tulu Academy’s list, though there are some minor differences.
- Characters Added: The Unicode version includes Tulu digits and diacritic marks necessary for writing Sanskrit in the Tulu script.
Impact and Benefits
- Enhanced Presence: The inclusion of Tulu in Unicode will significantly impact digital communication for Tulu speakers, allowing them to use their native script across various digital platforms, including social media, websites, and messaging apps.
- Educational Materials: The availability of Tulu in Unicode will facilitate the creation of educational resources such as textbooks and online courses, supporting language learning and literacy.
Technological Advancements:
- Unicode-Encoded Fonts: Development of Unicode-encoded fonts, keyboard software, and converters will streamline the use of Tulu in digital communication.
- Global Recognition: Unicode inclusion gives Tulu global recognition, encouraging more software and application developers to support the script, thereby increasing its usability and visibility.
Tulu Language:
- Speakers: Over 1.8 million people worldwide speak Tulu, primarily in the coastal regions of Karnataka and Kerala, India, and among Tulu speakers in the Gulf countries and the United States.
- Relation to Kannada: Tulu is a Dravidian language related to Kannada and has a rich oral tradition. The Tulu script is similar to Malayalam and originated from the Grantha script.
Political and Cultural Advocacy:
- Constitutional Status: There is an ongoing effort to include Tulu in the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
- Academic Support: The Dravidian University at Kuppam, Andhra Pradesh, has a special Tulu chair to support the study and promotion of the Tulu language.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. The inclusion of the Tulu script in Unicode 16 represents a significant development for the Tulu-speaking community. Consider the following statements regarding this inclusion:
Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. In which of the following relief sculpture inscriptions is ‘Ranyo Ashoka’ (King Ashoka) mentioned along with the stone portrait of Ashoka? (2019)
(a) Kanganahalli (b) Sanchi (c) Shahbazagrhi (d) Sohgaura Ans: A |
| Answer 4 D
Explanation
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