Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (16-07-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Polity and Governance: ICAR to launch ‘one scientist, one product’ scheme |
| Science and Technology: Stealth frigates from Russia to be delivered in September 2024, February 2025 |
| International Relations: India and Russia have doubled rupee-rouble payments in 2024 |
| India should identify body to promote digital public infra in Global South: G20 task force |
| Environment and Ecology: Indian leopard suspected to have decreased by 24.5% over last 3 generations: IUCN |
| Important Days: World Youth Skills Day 2024: theme, history, significance |
ICAR to Launch ‘One scientist, One product’ scheme
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance, GS 3– Science and Technology
Context: One Scientist-One Product Programme
Why in News
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) will launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme to improve research in the field of agriculture and animal husbandry.
Launch of ‘One Scientist-One Product’ Programme
- The Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) is set to launch its ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme on July 16.
- This initiative aims to enhance research in agriculture and animal husbandry by assigning each scientist the task of developing a unique product, technology, model, concept, or publication.
Release of Crop Varieties
- As part of its 96th foundation day celebrations, ICAR will announce the release of 323 varieties of 56 crops.
- These include cereals, oilseeds, forage crops, and sugarcane.
- Notably, 289 of these varieties are climate-resilient, and 27 are bio-fortified varieties.
Five-Year Plan and Targets
- ICAR has outlined a comprehensive five-year plan for the ‘One Scientist-One Product’ programme.
- Each year, scientists will identify their projects, which will be monitored at both institute and headquarters levels every three and six months, respectively.
Focus Areas and Priorities
- ICAR is prioritizing the establishment of seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses varieties.
- Additionally, the institution aims to develop 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within 100 days as part of the Centre’s immediate action plan.
Production Achievements
- The deployment of breeder seeds has significantly expanded the cultivation of bio-fortified varieties across various crops, covering approximately 16 million hectares during 2023-24.
- Climate-resilient technologies have also contributed to increased agricultural production, even in adverse climatic conditions.
Implementation
- Target Setting: Each year, scientists are tasked with identifying a product, technology, model, concept, or publication that they will develop or contribute to.
- Monitoring Mechanism: The progress of these projects is monitored rigorously, with evaluations conducted at the institute level every three months and at the ICAR headquarters every six months. This structured monitoring ensures accountability and progress tracking.
- Long-term Plan: The scheme is designed to span five years, indicating a strategic commitment to sustained innovation and research advancement in agriculture and allied sectors.
Priorities and Focus Areas
- In its initial phases, the scheme prioritizes the establishment of seed hubs for high-yielding oilseeds and pulses varieties.
- This reflects ICAR’s strategic focus on enhancing crop productivity and diversity through targeted research and development efforts.
Impact and Future Plans
- ICAR plans to expand the scheme’s impact by developing 100 new seed varieties and 100 farm technologies within a short span of 100 days as part of an immediate action plan.
- This rapid initiative underscores ICAR’s proactive approach to addressing agricultural challenges and fostering sustainable growth.
Future Plans and Launch
- ICAR plans to request Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s participation to inaugurate these initiatives by mid-September, underscoring their commitment to advancing agricultural research and productivity in India.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q. Consider the following statements regarding the ‘One Scientist-One Product’ scheme launched by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Answer. c |
| Answer 1 A
Explanation
|
Stealth frigates from Russia to be delivered in September 2024, February 2025
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Science and Technology)
Context: Stealth frigates from Russia
Why in News
- After a series of delays, two stealth frigates under construction in Russia for the Indian Navy are set to be delivered soon.
Key Highlights
- India is set to receive two stealth frigates under construction in Russia, with the first ship, Tushil, ready for delivery by September and the second, Tamal, expected by February 2025.
- This marks significant progress following delays caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and western sanctions on Russia.
Agreement and Contracts
- In October 2016, India and Russia signed an Inter-Governmental Agreement for the procurement of four stealth frigates.
- This agreement stipulated that two ships would be directly imported, while the other two would be manufactured by Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL) in India.
- Direct Purchase: A $1-billion deal was signed for the direct purchase of two frigates.
- Local Manufacturing: In November 2018, GSL signed a $500 million deal with Rosobor on export of Russia for material, design, and specialist assistance to locally manufacture the two frigates.
- The Indian Defence Ministry and GSL formalized this with a contract in January 2019.
Delays and Resumption of Work
- The project faced multiple delays:
- COVID-19 Pandemic: Initially delayed the construction.
- War in Ukraine and Sanctions: Further compounded the delays due to disruptions in the supply chain and operational challenges faced by Russia.
Delivery Schedule
- Tushil: The first ship is ready for acceptance by the Indian Navy and is scheduled for delivery by September 2024.
- Tamal: The second ship is expected to be delivered by February 2025.
Manufacturing in India
- GSL is responsible for manufacturing two of the frigates locally:
- First Ship: Scheduled for delivery in 2026.
- Second Ship: Expected to be delivered six months after the first.
- Progress at GSL is on track, with the launch of the first ship into the water expected in the next couple of months.
Technical Details
- All four frigates are powered by engines from Zorya-Mashproekt of Ukraine.
- The basic structures of the two frigates being constructed in Russia were purchased by India and are now being completed at the Yantar shipyard.
- The Indian Navy already operates six of these stealth frigates, each weighing around 4,000 tonnes.
- The addition of the new frigates will enhance the Navy’s operational capabilities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements about the stealth frigates project:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. Which one of the following is the best description of ‘INS Astradharini’, that was in the news recently? (2016)
(a) Amphibious warfare ship (b) Nuclear-powered submarine (c) Torpedo launch and recovery vessel (d) Nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Ans: (c) |
| Answer 2- D
Explanation
|
India and Russia have doubled rupee-rouble payments in 2024
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS2- International Relations
Context: India and Russia Economic Relations
Why in News
- India and Russia have doubled their payments in national currencies (rupee-rouble) since last year despite sanctions by the U.S. and European Union.
Key Highlights
- India and Russia have significantly increased their use of national currencies (rupee-rouble) for bilateral trade payments, despite sanctions imposed by the U.S. and European Union.
- This development is primarily managed by Russia’s largest state-controlled bank, Sberbank, which handles the majority of payments for Indian exports to Russia.
- The Rupee-Rouble trade arrangement is an alternative payment mechanism to settle dues in rupees instead of Dollars or Euros.
- The idea was first conceived in 1953 under the Indo-Soviet trade agreement.
What is the Rupee-Rouble mechanism?
- Under Article VI of the Indo-Soviet agreement:
- All payments between India and the then Soviet Republic USSR may be made in Indian Rupees.
- For this purpose, the State Bank of the U.S.S.R. will maintain one or more accounts with one or more commercial banks in India authorised to deal in foreign exchange. In addition, the State Bank of the USSR will, if that Bank considers necessary, maintain another account with the Reserve Bank of India.
- All commercial transactions to be financed in Rupees will take place through the commercial bank accounts while the account with the Reserve Bank of India will be used only for replenishing the balances with the commercial banks when necessary
- Payments made to and by Indian residents and USSR residents will be done only in those specified accounts by debiting/crediting.
- The accounts will be replenished by (a) by transfer of funds from another account of the State Bank of the USSR with another commercial bank or with the Reserve Bank of India; or (b) by the sale of Sterling to the bank concerned.
- The payments covered:
- Commercial transactions and covering insurance, freight, port charges, storage and forwarding expenses and bunkering
- Distribution of films
- Technical assistance
- Tours of commercial or cultural nature
- Maintenance of Embassy of India in the USSR and of the Embassy and the Trade Representation of the U.S.S.R. in India
- Other non-commercial payments agreed between Reserve Bank of India and the State Bank of the USSR
Surge in Rupee-Rouble Transactions
- Doubling of Payments: Payments in national currencies between India and Russia have doubled since last year.
- Impact of Sanctions: The surge occurs despite sanctions imposed by the U.S. and European Union following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
- Role of Sberbank: Sberbank, a major handler of payments for Indian exports to Russia, reports a significant increase in the volume of payments and number of transactions in the first half of 2024.
Economic Cooperation and Trade Targets
Prime Minister’s Visit: Prime Minister’s recent visit to Moscow has strengthened economic ties, with economists and Indian businessmen anticipating further increases in rupee-rouble transactions.
Trade Target: A target of $100 billion in trade by 2030 was set by Modi and Russian President Vladimir Putin. However, this target is likely to be achieved earlier as bilateral trade for 2023-24 already stands at around $65 billion, with $60 billion being Russian exports to India, mainly in energy.
Strategic Economic Cooperation
-
- Joint Leaders’ Statement: A statement issued on enhancing economic cooperation outlines nine specific areas to facilitate trade, investment, and remittances between India and Russia.
- Free Trade Agreement: The statement also includes a call to conclude a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) at the earliest, which includes Russia, Belarus, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Impact of Sanctions and Opportunities for Indian Businesses
- Advantage to China: Chinese businesses have capitalized on the sanctions, filling the vacuum left by Western companies and achieving bilateral trade of $240 billion with Russia.
- Opportunity for Indian Businesses: Indian businessmen in Russia, particularly in the metallurgical and pharmaceutical sectors, urge the Indian government to act swiftly to seize market opportunities.
- Indian companies are encouraged to fill the void left by Western brands and leverage the banking arrangements that have cleared a $30 billion backlog in rupee transactions.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following Statements with reference to Rupee-Rouble trade arrangement:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
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 Ans: B |
| Answer 3– B
Explanation –
|
India should identify body to promote digital public infra in Global South: G20 task force
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2– International Relations
Context: Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure’ by ‘India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure for Economic Transformation, Financial Inclusion and Development’
Why in News
- The final ‘Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure’ by ‘India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure for Economic Transformation, Financial Inclusion and Development’ released.
Recognition of India’s Leadership in DPI Sector
- A G20 task-force recognizes India as a leader in the Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) sector.
- It emphasizes India’s potential to expand its leadership role globally, particularly in the Global South, by ensuring broader accessibility to digital solutions.
Recommendations for Harnessing DPI Ecosystem
- The task-force suggests establishing a global-standard body to harness DPI across regions, especially in Global South countries.
- This body would focus on policy formulation, strategy implementation, and setting technical standards, leveraging expertise from various sectors.
Initiatives for Globalizing UPI Payment Rails
- Efforts led by the Reserve Bank of India and NPCI’s international arm aim to globalize the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) payment system.
- Agreements have been executed with over 20 payment partners across 30 countries, demonstrating India’s initiative in expanding digital financial infrastructure globally.
Integration of AI with DPI
- The report underscores the potential of integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with DPIs to enhance capabilities.
- It emphasizes ethical considerations such as data privacy, algorithmic transparency, and bias mitigation in AI deployment within DPI frameworks.
Promotion of Open Source and AI Innovation
- Encouragement for open-source software and AI models within DPI frameworks aims to foster innovation and scalability.
- The approach includes publishing open datasets, creating reusable AI toolkits, and promoting open models to drive market innovation while ensuring privacy and ethical standards.
Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)
-
- Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) refers to a foundational digital framework that enables the delivery of essential public services and facilitates economic activities through digital means.
- It serves as the backbone for digital governance, enabling efficient service delivery, financial inclusion, and economic development.
- India has been recognized as a leader in the DPI sector, focusing on expanding its role globally, especially in the Global South.
- Efforts include promoting global standards, policy formulation, and technical expertise to ensure DPI’s widespread adoption and effectiveness.
- Integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) with DPI enhances its capabilities but requires careful consideration of ethical use, including privacy preservation, bias mitigation, and algorithmic transparency.
- These principles are crucial for building trust and confidence in AI-enabled services within DPI frameworks.
Conclusion
- The DPI-focused initiatives highlighted in the report underscore India’s strategic efforts to leverage digital infrastructure for economic transformation, financial inclusion, and global development, aligning with G20 objectives.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following statements about G-20: (2023)
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: C |
| Answer 4 A
Explanation
|
Indian leopard suspected to have decreased by 24.5% over last 3 generations: IUCN
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Indian leopard Population
Why in news
- The Indian leopard (Panthera pardus fusca) is suspected to have declined 24.5 per cent over the last three generations, according to the latest assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
Population Decline Assessment
- The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) has assessed the Indian Leopard as Near Threatened under Criterion A2cd.
- This designation is based on a suspected population decline of 24.5% over the last three generations.
- The decline is attributed to range loss and exploitation pressures such as poaching.
Range and Habitat
- While the known range of the Indian Leopard subspecies has increased, this expansion is likely due to more intensive surveys in previously unstudied wild and suburban environments.
- However, comprehensive data on population size and trends across its entire range remains inadequate.
Threats
- Poaching: Approximately four leopards per week have been poached for illegal wildlife trade over the past decade, posing a significant threat to the population.
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: Conflict with humans remains a major threat to Indian Leopards, impacting their conservation status negatively.
- Decline in Prey Base: Reductions in wild prey species are adversely affecting leopard numbers in certain regions, indicating potential future declines.
Conservation Challenges
- The IUCN notes that while leopard numbers are monitored in India’s tiger landscapes, trends in non-Tiger States and non-forested habitats are less understood, suggesting possible population declines in these areas.
General Decline Trends
- Range Declines: Across various regions, leopard populations have declined substantially (>30%) over the last three generations. This decline is attributed to habitat fragmentation, forest clearing, and prey reduction due to the bushmeat trade.
- Regional Extinctions: The leopard has disappeared entirely from certain regions in North Africa, highlighting severe conservation challenges.
Conservation Efforts and Successes
- Caucasus and Russian Far East: Conservation efforts have led to stable or increasing leopard populations in these regions. This success is attributed to improved survey methods, expanded protected areas, and intensive conservation efforts.
- Other Regions: Efforts in the Java and Caucasus regions have identified subpopulations and expanded ranges, indicating positive conservation outcomes in specific areas.
Subspecies Conservation Status
- Critically Endangered: Subspecies like the Indochinese leopard, Arabian leopard, and North China Leopard face severe threats and are categorized as Critically Endangered due to their declining populations.
- Endangered: The Persian leopard and Javan leopard subspecies are assessed as Endangered, reflecting significant conservation concerns.
- Vulnerable: The African leopard and Sri Lankan leopard are categorized as Vulnerable due to ongoing threats and population declines.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Leopard conservation:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. Consider the following: (2012)
Which of the above are naturally found in India? (a) 1, 2 and 3 only (b) 1, 3 and 4 only (c) 2 and 4 only (d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4 B
Explanation
Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
World Youth Skills Day 2024: theme, history, significance
Source: Economic Times
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 Polity and Governance
Context: World Youth Skills Day
Why in News
- World Youth Skills Day highlights the importance of equipping young people with skills for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
World Youth Skills Day
- The World Youth Skills Day, observed on July 15 annually, promotes the development and empowerment of young people worldwide by focusing on skills development and employment.
- This initiative, designated by the United Nations General Assembly in November 2014, emphasizes the significance of equipping youth with necessary skills to tackle unemployment and underemployment.
World Youth Skills Day 2024: The Role of Skills in Youth Empowerment
- World Youth Skills Day emphasizes the significance of equipping young people with skills that are crucial for employment, decent work, and entrepreneurship.
- It calls upon governments, educational institutions, employers, and organizations to invest in training, education, and initiatives aimed at enhancing the skills of youth.
- This investment aims to integrate youth more effectively into the workforce, fostering their personal development and economic empowerment.
- The observance underscores the pivotal role of skills development in achieving sustainable development goals.
World Youth Skills Day 2024: Theme, Celebrations, and Activities
- Theme: “Youth Skills for Peace and Development”
- This year’s theme highlights the role of youth in peacebuilding and conflict resolution, emphasizing how skills development contributes to both peace and sustainable development.
Celebrations and Activities
- Skill Development Workshops and Training Programs: Various workshops and training programs are organized to provide practical learning opportunities in different fields. These initiatives aim to equip youth with relevant skills and enhance their employability.
- Career Fairs and Networking Events: Career fairs connect young people with potential employers and provide platforms for networking. These events facilitate job placements and internships, bridging the gap between education and employment.
- Skill Competitions: Competitions are held to showcase talent and creativity among youth across various disciplines. These events encourage innovation and excellence in skill development.
- Awareness Campaigns: Public awareness campaigns raise understanding about the importance of skill development for sustainable development. These campaigns advocate for policies and initiatives that support youth empowerment through education and training.
Impact and Goals
- World Youth Skills Day serves as a platform for advocacy, policy discussions, and collaborative efforts aimed at creating a supportive environment for young people.
- The goal is to foster economic growth, social inclusion, and sustainable development through enhanced vocational training, education, and apprenticeships.
- By investing in youth skills, stakeholders aim to secure a prosperous future for society by bridging the gap between education and employment opportunities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements regarding World Youth Skills Day 2024:
Statement I: The theme of World Youth Skills Day 2024 is “Youth Skills for Peace and Development,” emphasizing the role of youth in promoting peace and resolving conflicts through skills development. Statement II: Activities on World Youth Skills Day include skill development workshops, career fairs, and awareness campaigns aimed at enhancing youth employability and fostering economic growth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
|
Q. With reference to Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana, consider the following statements: (2018)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct ? (a) 1 and 3 only (b) 2 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans- c |
| Answer 5 – B
Explanation
|