Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (11-07-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: Centre launches GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024) |
| Upper Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh |
| International Relations: India raises seafarer abandonment crisis at IMO; secures seat at council |
| India, Taiwan pact to facilitate trade of organic agricultural produce comes into force |
| Science and Technology: Kerala to hold International GenAI Conclave |
Centre launches GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2032206
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)
Why in News
- Recently, Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth launched the “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)” in Kolkata.
Launch of GAINS 2024 by Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth
- Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth launched the “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024)” in Kolkata.
- This scheme, initiated by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE), aims to foster innovation and technology development within the shipbuilding industry.
Objective of GAINS 2024
- The primary objective of GAINS 2024 is to address issues related to shipyards and promote technological advancements.
- By encouraging and enabling Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and start-ups, the scheme seeks to develop innovative solutions that can be integrated into the shipbuilding process.
- This aligns with the broader ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ initiatives promoted by the Government of India.
- The scheme is expected to enhance maritime security and air defense, thereby strengthening the country’s armed forces through technological advancements.
Strategic Importance:
- National Security: Strengthening the shipbuilding industry is crucial for enhancing India’s maritime security and defense capabilities.
- By fostering innovation, GAINS 2024 aims to ensure that the Indian Navy and Coast Guard have access to advanced and indigenous technologies.
- Economic Growth: The development of the shipbuilding industry can significantly contribute to economic growth, generating employment opportunities, and boosting related sectors.
Leadership and Commitment from GRSE
- The importance of adopting new technologies in the shipyard and conveyed his best wishes to Indian start-ups involved in the initiative was emphasized.
- GAINS 2024 will significantly contribute to the nation-building efforts.
Encouragement for MSMEs and Start-Ups
- GAINS 2024 stands out as a unique national scheme designed to motivate MSMEs and start-ups to develop innovative solutions for the ship design and construction industry.
- The scheme aims to leverage the vast ecosystem of these enterprises to tackle current and future challenges, aligning with the goals of achieving self-reliance (Atmanirbharta) in the defense sector.
Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE)
- Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) is one of India’s leading shipyards, renowned for its expertise in the design and construction of a wide range of vessels for the Indian Navy and other maritime organizations.
- Establishment: GRSE was established in 1884 as a small privately-owned company. It was later taken over by the Government of India in 1960.
- Public Sector Undertaking (PSU): Since its nationalization, GRSE has been functioning as a Public Sector Undertaking under the administrative control of the Ministry of Defence, Government of India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)
(a) Department of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Employment (c) NITI Aayog (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Answer: C |
| Answer 1 – 3
Explanation:
|
India raises seafarer abandonment crisis at IMO; secures seat at council
Source: Business Standard
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: International Maritime Organization (IMO)
Why in News
- India has urged for effective measures to address the issue of seafarer abandonment and to ensure the safety of the maritime workforce.
Representation at the 132nd IMO Council Session
- A high-level Indian delegation, led by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Secretary T K Ramachandaran, raised concerns at the 132nd session of the Council of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) in London.
India’s Commitment to Seafarers’ Issues
- India’s ongoing commitment to resolving seafarers’ issues was recognized, securing its position as one of the eight governments representing the IMO in the joint tripartite working group.
- As an elected member of the IMO Council, India emphasized the urgent issue of seafarer abandonment, noting that there are currently 44 active cases involving 292 Indian seafarers.
Proposal for SACE-SMarT
- India reiterated its proposal for the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT), which aims to address seafarers’ issues and the human element in maritime operations.
- Proposed members of this group include the Philippines, Thailand, Liberia, Panama, Greece, the US, and France.
Commitment to Maritime Safety and Security
- The Indian delegation also addressed concerns over disruptions in the Red Sea, Gulf of Aden, and adjoining areas, which have impacted shipping and trade logistics.
- The delegation highlighted two significant incidents where the Indian Navy successfully intervened to ensure the safety of crew members and handle piracy threats effectively.
About International Maritime Organisation
- The IMO is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN) that is responsible for regulating shipping and preventing marine pollution from ships.
- IMO was established in 1948 following a UN conference in Geneva and came into existence in 1958.
- IMO has 175 Member States and three Associate Members, and its headquarters are in London, United Kingdom.
Structure of IMO:
- IMO is governed by an assembly of members, which meets every two years, and a council of 40 members, which is elected by the assembly for a two-year period.
- The Assembly is the highest Governing Body of the IMO.
- The IMO Council, being the executive organ, is responsible for supervising the organization’s work, especially in maritime safety and pollution prevention.
- IMO’s work is conducted through five committees and several subcommittees, which develop and adopt international conventions, codes, resolutions, and guidelines.
India and IMO
- India maintains to be in Category B of IMO Council, highlighting its consistent commitment to maritime affairs.
- India’s Vision 2030 aims to enhance representation at IMO by appointing permanent representatives at IMO London.
- The Amrit Kaal Vision 2047 outlines goals to strengthen India’s global maritime presence.
- Initiatives include establishing a dedicated IMO cell, appointing a permanent representative at IMO headquarters, and implementing the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC) Master Plan.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following Statements with regards to International Maritime Organization:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
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: (d) |
| Answer 2– D
Explanation:
|
Upper Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project.
Why in News
- Two anti-dam activists from Arunachal Pradesh were detained, ahead of Union Power Minister’s visit to the proposed Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project.
The Upper Siang Project Overview
- The Upper Siang project is a proposed 11,000 megawatt hydropower project on the Siang River in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
- This project aims to utilize the significant hydropower potential of the Siang River, which originates near Mount Kailash in Tibet, where it is known as the Tsangpo.
- The river flows over 1,000 km eastward before entering Arunachal Pradesh and later becoming the Brahmaputra River in Assam.
Development History
- In 2017, the government proposed consolidating the planned 5,500 MW Siang Upper Stage-I and 3,750 MW Siang Upper Stage-II hydropower projects into a single, more powerful project — the Upper Siang project.
- The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is set to build this project, which will feature a 300-meter-high dam, the largest in the subcontinent when completed.
Strategic Importance of the Upper Siang Project
- The Upper Siang project’s installed capacity is approximately 60% of the combined 18,326 MW capacity of the 29 hydroelectric projects in the Siang River basin, as reported by the Central Electrical Authority in November 2022.
- This highlights the project’s significant contribution to the region’s hydropower generation.
- Beyond its hydropower potential, the Upper Siang project is strategically important for India, especially considering China’s hydropower developments on the Tsangpo.
- China plans to build a 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet’s Medog county, near the Arunachal Pradesh border.
- This super dam’s capacity is nearly three times that of the Three Gorges Dam on the Yangtze River, the largest hydropower station globally.
- The Upper Siang project is expected to act as a reservoir, mitigating the impact of any reduced water flow due to the Chinese dam, thereby ensuring water security for India.
Public Outreach and CSR Package
- Authorities are launching a massive public outreach campaign in the Upper Siang district to garner support for the project.
CSR Initiatives
- The NHPC has approved a Rs 325 crore Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) package to implement livelihood schemes and develop health, education, and sports infrastructure.
- Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) for these activities are being signed.
Environmental Social concerns
- Three anti-dam organizations—Siang Indigenous Farmers Forum (SIFF), Dibang Resistance, and North East Human Rights—planned to present a memorandum to Union Power Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, expressing concerns about the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project’s environmental and social impacts.
- They argue that Arunachal Pradesh already has numerous dams and that the proposed mega dam on the Siang River threatens delicate ecosystems, wildlife habitats, and biodiversity.
- The memorandum also highlights the displacement of communities, particularly over 300 villages of the Adi tribe, including the Upper Siang district headquarters, Yingkiong.
- The activists emphasize the cultural and livelihood dependency of the tribal people on these rivers.
- SIFF activist Gegong Jijong, from one of the potentially impacted villages, expressed concerns about the lack of alternative places to go if their villages are submerged.
Activists’ Concerns
- Activists are wary of framing the project in terms of national interest.
- They are particularly concerned about a provision in the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act of the previous year, which exempts the diversion of forest land for strategic projects within 100 km of India’s borders from requiring clearance.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Which of the following statements about the Upper Siang Multipurpose Storage Project in Arunachal Pradesh is/are correct?
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. Only 1 B. 1 and 2 C. 1 and 3 D. 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. With reference to India’s projects on connectivity, consider the following Statements: (2023)
How many of the above statements are correct? a) Only one b) Only two c) All three d) None Ans: d |
| Answer 3 B
Explanation
|
Kerala to hold International GenAI Conclave
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 (Science and Technology)
Context: The International Gen AI Conclave
Why in News
- The Government of Kerala is organizing the International Gen AI Conclave to focus on the burgeoning generative AI market in India.
Objectives
- The conclave aims to facilitate discussions among industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators on AI’s transformative potential, its societal impacts, and economic implications.
Themes
- Key themes include exploring AI’s role in Industry 4.0 readiness, fostering innovation, and catalyzing economic growth through generative AI technologies.
Partnership with IBM
- Kerala has partnered with IBM to position itself as a hub for Generative AI innovation.
- This partnership underscores the state’s commitment to leveraging transformative technologies for economic advancement.
- The initiative aims to showcase Kerala’s ecosystem for investment, infrastructure, workforce, and trade policies conducive to AI innovation and adoption.
Program Highlights
- The conclave will feature keynote addresses, panel discussions, and interactive sessions designed to foster learning, networking, and partnerships among attendees.
AI Adoption and State Initiatives
- The Kerala government sees AI adoption as integral to efficient service delivery and aims for inclusive and transparent governance through technological advancements.
- Kerala’s advancements in AI education and research will be highlighted, including courses in AI and Robotics offered by numerous institutions.
- The state also conducts a comprehensive program to train secondary school teachers in AI tools.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Which of the following best describes the focus of the International Gen AI Conclave recently organized by the Government of Kerala?
A. Discussing the impact of AI on global climate change. B. Exploring the potential of AI in space exploration missions. C. Facilitating discussions on generative AI’s market growth and transformative potential in India. D. Analyzing AI’s role in enhancing agricultural productivity in Kerala. |
Q. Consider the following: (2022)
Which of the above are built on top of open-source digital platforms?
Ans: d |
| Answer 4 C
Explanation
|
India, Taiwan pact to facilitate trade of organic agricultural produce comes into force
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
Why in News
- An agreement between India and Taiwan to facilitate trade in organically-produced goods, including tea and medicinal plants.
Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA)
- A Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) is a formal agreement between two or more countries or trading partners. It allows them to recognize and accept each other’s standards, regulations, and conformity assessment procedures for specific products or services.
- The MRA aims to facilitate the export of organic products between India and Taiwan by simplifying certification requirements.
- It eliminates the need for dual certifications, thereby reducing compliance costs for exporters and enhancing trade opportunities in the organic sector.
Implementation and Agencies Involved
- The MRA for organic products between India and Taiwan was implemented.
- The implementing agencies are:
- India: Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA)
- Taiwan: Agriculture and Food Agency
Scope and Coverage
- From India to Taiwan: Agricultural products produced and handled organically in accordance with India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) are recognized in Taiwan as organically-produced. These products can display the ‘India Organic’ logo.
- From Taiwan to India: Agricultural products produced and handled organically in accordance with Taiwan’s Organic Agriculture Promotion Act and accompanied by relevant documentation issued by an accredited certification body are recognized in India as organically-produced. These products can display the Taiwan Organic logo.
Benefits
- For Indian Exporters: Indian exporters of organic products such as rice, processed food, green/black and herbal tea, and medicinal plant products will benefit from reduced compliance costs and simplified export procedures.
- For Taiwanese Exporters: Taiwanese exporters of organic products to India will similarly benefit from streamlined certification processes and increased market access opportunities.
Impact on Trade
- The MRA is expected to boost bilateral trade in organic products between India and Taiwan by providing clarity and certainty in organic product certifications.
- It enhances consumer confidence and promotes transparency in the organic trade sector.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding the Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) between India and Taiwan on organic products:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following countries: (2018)
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? (a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 Ans: c |
| Answer 5 A
Explanation
|