Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – Care (09-07-2025)
Telecom and Digital Inclusion in India
https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/peering-into-indias-digital-divide/article69789013.ece
UPSC Relevance: GS-2 Polity and Governance
Context: Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom, 2025
Why in News
The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom, 2025 (80th round of NSSO) highlights persistent digital divides in ownership, usage, and digital skills among Indian youth.
Introduction
- Digital connectivity has emerged as the cornerstone of modern citizenship, socio-economic empowerment, and access to government services.
- The Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom, 2025 (80th Round of NSSO), conducted during January–March 2025, offers crucial insights into the status of digital access, ownership, usage patterns, and digital literacy among Indian youth (15–29 years).
- The report goes beyond connectivity to explore how meaningfully people engage with digital tools, emphasizing that true inclusion lies not in access alone, but in empowerment.
Mobile Phone Usage: Universal, Yet Unequal
Key Findings:
- Mobile usage among youth is nearly universal at 97.1%, up from 94% (2022–23).
- However, mobile ownership is only 73.4%, with rural (69.3%) trailing urban (82%) by 13 percentage points.
- Gender gap is starker: 63% of women own phones versus 83.3% of men.
Implications:
- The gender ownership gap restricts autonomy, privacy, and independent decision-making.
- Shared phone use reinforces patriarchal dependencies, particularly in rural India.
- Ownership = agency: One’s ability to use educational apps, digital wallets, or telemedicine depends on owning a device.
Policy Pointer: Government schemes like PMGDISHA, Digital Saksharta Abhiyan, and mobile subsidies for women in SHGs must be scaled with a gender-sensitive focus.
Internet Usage: Growth with Divergence
Key Findings:
- Internet usage among youth is high — 92.7% rural, 95.7% urban.
- Young women’s usage surged from 77.1% (2022–23) to 91.3% (2025).
- However, usage remains largely entertainment-focused:
- 30.4% of users use it only for entertainment.
- 81.8% of urban youth use it for both news and entertainment.
- 36% of female users use it primarily for entertainment vs 26% males.
Implications:
- High usage ≠ productive engagement.
- Gendered patterns reflect sociocultural norms limiting access to empowering content.
Policy Pointer:
🡪 Need for targeted digital literacy that encourages educational, financial, health, and governance use, especially among women.
Gaps in ICT Skills: The Creation Divide
Key Findings:
- 85.1% of youth can send messages with attachments.
- But only:
- 32.2% can create presentations.
- 22.9% can use word processors.
- 64.7% can use emails (men: 70.6%; women: 58.3%).
Implications:
- Most youth are digitally active, but not digitally productive.
- The ability to consume content is widespread, but content creation, office software use, or documentation remains limited.
Policy Pointer:
🡪 Integrate digital skill development into school curriculums and Skill India programs with gender and rural focus.
Digital Financial Literacy: UPI’s Rise, But Beyond?
Key Findings:
- 68.7% youth reported ability to do online banking.
- However:
- Only 57.5% of women (vs 79.3% men) are financially literate.
- Only 18.8% use both UPI and Net banking (rural: 13.8%, urban: 27%).
Implications:
- UPI’s success in financial inclusion is evident.
- However, multi-modal financial fluency is weak, especially in rural and female populations.
Policy Pointer: Digital literacy programs must go beyond UPI to include net banking, cybersecurity, online budgeting, and access to digital credit.
Cybercrime Awareness: An Overlooked Civic Skill
Key Findings:
- Only 26.9% can file a cybercrime complaint.
- Women (21.7%) and rural (20.8%) lag behind men (31.7%) and urban (39.3%).
Implications:
- Digital engagement without awareness of digital rights leaves users vulnerable.
- A digitally aware citizen must know how to seek redressal online.
Policy Pointer: Launch cyber awareness campaigns via school curricula, SHGs, and community radio platforms, especially in rural areas.
Household Connectivity: High Mobile Access, Fibre Still Low
Key Findings:
- Smartphone ownership: 82.1% rural, 91.3% urban.
- Internet access at home: 83.3% rural, 91.6% urban.
- Only 7.2% households have fibre connectivity (urban: 14%, rural: 3.2%).
Implications:
- Mobile networks dominate rural access (99%).
- Heavy dependence on mobile data hampers consistent, high-speed access needed for advanced digital engagement (e.g., online learning).
Policy Pointer: Strengthen BharatNet, develop community WiFi hubs, and offer public digital libraries in gram panchayats.
The Rural-Female Double Divide
- Rural + Female youth consistently score the lowest on:
- Mobile ownership
- Internet usage for productive purposes
- ICT skills
- Cybercrime awareness
- Financial literacy
Implications:
- Without addressing this intersectional divide, digital India will remain digitally unequal.
Policy Pointer: Combine rural development and women empowerment policies with digital goals (e.g., provide mobile phones under NRLM + digital training modules).
Best Practices to Emulate
| Case Study | Initiative |
| Rajasthan’s Digital Sakhi Program | Trains rural women in digital and financial literacy to spread awareness in villages. |
| Kerala’s Akshaya Centers | Community e-centres providing digital access and skill training to rural citizens. |
| Digital SHG Entrepreneurship (UP) | SHG women trained to market products on WhatsApp, Facebook Marketplace, etc. |
Way Forward:
- Move from Access to Empowerment: Ensure youth are creators and not just consumers.
- Strengthen School Curricula: Digital tools must be integrated from middle school onwards.
- Design Gender-Inclusive Schemes: Ownership, privacy, and safety must be central.
- Promote Local Content and Vernacular Apps: Encourage deeper engagement via language inclusion.
- Leverage Youth Potential for Last-Mile Delivery: Use smartphones for governance services, grievance redressal, and skilling.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q1. With reference to the findings of the Comprehensive Modular Survey: Telecom, 2025, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which of the following is/are the aims/aims of the “Digital India” Plan of the Government of India? (2018)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 2 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b) |
| Answer 1- A
Explanation
|
Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS2 Polity and Governance
Why in News
The Union Cabinet has approved a ₹1-lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to boost private sector participation in basic research through the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
Introduction
- In July 2025, the Union Cabinet approved the ₹1-lakh crore Research Development and Innovation (RDI) scheme to significantly increase investment in India’s research ecosystem.
- This initiative aims to incentivise private sector participation in core and basic research, an area historically dominated by government funding.
- The scheme is to be implemented through the newly constituted Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), designed as a centralised institutional mechanism for research funding and coordination.
Objectives of the RDI Scheme
- Encourage private sector investment in both basic and applied research.
- Establish a dedicated fund within ANRF to provide low-interest loans for eligible R&D projects.
- Shift the current public-private funding ratio by increasing the share of private contribution to research.
- Strengthen India’s position in the global knowledge economy by fostering scientific innovation and domestic capability.
Key Features of the Scheme
- Total Budget: ₹1-lakh crore over a multi-year period.
- Fund Custodian: ANRF, acting under the aegis of the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
- Funding Nature: Primarily low-interest loans rather than grants.
- Eligibility: Only projects that have achieved Technology Readiness Level-4 (TRL-4) or above.
- Private Sector Role: Expected to contribute approximately 70% of the overall corpus of the ANRF.
About the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)
- The ANRF is envisioned as an independent institutional body with oversight from the Ministry of Science and Technology.
- Its primary function is to serve as a single-window clearance mechanism for research and development funding in universities and academic institutions.
- It also aims to streamline the often fragmented and bureaucratic research funding process in India.
- The foundation is expected to mobilise nearly 70% of its resources from private and non-government sources.
Significance of the Scheme
Promoting Private Sector Involvement
- The scheme is a significant step toward correcting the current imbalance in India’s R&D funding structure, where the government accounts for nearly 70% of expenditure.
- In developed countries, private corporations are the primary drivers of research funding.
- The RDI scheme aims to emulate that model by encouraging Indian industries to participate in foundational research.
Strategic Innovation Push
- The scheme aligns with India’s ambition to transition from an innovation laggard to a global technology leader.
- It is designed to retain scientific talent within the country and reduce dependence on imported technologies by encouraging indigenous innovation.
International Benchmarking
- The use of the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) framework, which originated from NASA, aligns India’s research ecosystem with global standards.
- It introduces an element of stage-wise progress measurement in innovation.
Critical Analysis: Challenges and Limitations
Restrictive Eligibility Norms
- A major concern is the decision to restrict funding eligibility to projects that have reached TRL-4.
- This mid-level threshold potentially excludes early-stage research (TRL 1–3), which is often foundational for breakthrough innovations.
- For instance, inventions such as the internet or GPS originated from basic, uncertain research investments, often without immediate commercial applicability.
Loan-Based Funding Structure
- While loans may be suitable for projects nearing commercialisation, the emphasis on low-interest loans over grants could deter participation from start-ups, academic institutions, and small enterprises.
- The private sector may be unwilling to take on debt for research activities with unpredictable outcomes.
Weak Domestic Manufacturing Ecosystem
- India lacks the robust, high-quality manufacturing infrastructure necessary to translate scientific ideas into commercially viable products.
- Without parallel investment in manufacturing skills and infrastructure, research outputs may remain unutilised or outsourced.
Past Precedents of Limited Success
- Previous attempts to build a strong research ecosystem have often fallen short due to excessive bureaucracy, weak academia-industry linkages, and fragmented funding sources.
- These systemic flaws must be addressed for the new scheme to succeed.
Brain Drain and Talent Retention
- India continues to lose talented scientists and researchers to developed countries due to better opportunities and infrastructure abroad. Merely increasing funding without improving the academic and institutional environment will not reverse this trend.
Comparative Perspective: India and Global R&D Ecosystems
- Previous India significantly lags behind leading economies in both R&D intensity and private participation. Structural changes are essential to catch up.
Way Forward
- Widen Eligibility: Include TRL 1–3 to support discovery science and high-risk innovations.
- Hybrid Funding Approach: Blend grants, equity, and loans based on project stage and risk profile.
- Manufacturing Integration: Invest in advanced manufacturing capacity to absorb research outcomes.
- Institutional Reforms in ANRF: Ensure transparency, autonomy, and merit-based fund allocation.
- Global Talent Strategy: Create a conducive environment for researchers with world-class labs, incentives, and academic freedom.
- Strengthen Academia-Industry Collaboration: Build sector-specific R&D clusters to enable better knowledge transfer.
Conclusion
The RDI scheme and the ANRF represent a major policy innovation in India’s science and technology landscape. However, the scheme’s success will depend not just on budgetary support, but on structural reforms in funding design, institutional capacity, and industry participation. To truly become a knowledge superpower, India must embrace a culture of scientific risk-taking and systemic investment in research infrastructure.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
Q2. With reference to the Cotton Bales (Quality Control) Order, 2023, recently in news, consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only |
Q. With reference to India’s Five-Year Plans, which of the following statements is/are correct? 2019
1. From the Second Five-Year Plan, there was a determined thrust towards substitution of and capital good industries. 2. The Fourth Five-Year Plan adopted the objective of correcting the earlier trend of increased concentration of wealth and economic power. 3. In the Fifth Five-Year Plan, for the first time, the financial sector was included as an integral part of the Plan. Select the correct answer using the code given below: Ans: (a) |
| Answer 2- B
Explanation
|
Women-Led MSMEs in India: Opportunities and Persistent Barriers
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Economy
Why in News
Women-led MSMEs in India face a high credit gap and low financial inclusion despite comprising 20% of MSMEs and holding 64% of PMMY loan accounts.
Introduction
- Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of India’s economy, contributing nearly 30% to the country’s GDP in 2024, with a government target to increase this to 35% in the current year.
- While the sector generates employment, drives innovation, and strengthens export competitiveness, it also holds untapped potential for promoting women’s entrepreneurship.
- Despite targeted schemes and financial inclusion programs, women-led MSMEs remain underrepresented and underserved in terms of credit access, investment, and turnover.
Women’s Participation in MSMEs: A Snapshot
- Women-owned enterprises make up 20% of all registered MSMEs in India.
- They contribute only 10% of the total turnover, despite receiving 11–15% of the total investment.
- The share of women employed in MSMEs also remains disproportionately low, reflecting systemic gender gaps in both ownership and employment.
- The data illustrates a mismatch between women’s ownership, investment received, and actual output — highlighting inefficiencies and barriers to growth.
The Credit Gap: A Gendered Challenge
- One of the most pressing concerns for women-led MSMEs is the limited access to formal credit.
- According to SIDBI, women face a credit gap of 35%, compared to a 20% gap faced by men.
- The credit gap refers to the difference between credit requested and credit disbursed.
- Nearly 26% of women entrepreneurs cite inadequate finance as the biggest challenge, followed closely by high market competition.
- This data further corroborates the gender disparity in financial access.
Performance under PM MUDRA Yojana (PMMY)
- The Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana, launched in 2015, aims to provide collateral-free loans to promote self-employment in the non-farm sector. It has become a key instrument for women entrepreneurs.
- 64% of all loan accounts (42.49 million) under PMMY are held by women (2024 data).
- However, women received only 41% of the sanctioned loan amount (₹2.25 lakh crore out of ₹5.41 lakh crore).
- This suggests a significant gap between account ownership and the actual loan disbursed, pointing to inefficiency and possible discrimination in fund allocation.
Informal Micro-Enterprises (IMEs): Untapped Potential
- Women are overrepresented in the informal sector, where legal documentation and collateral are often missing.
- To address this, the government launched the Udyam Assist Platform, allowing informal enterprises to be formally recognized and qualify for Priority Sector Lending (PSL).
- As of 2024, 1.86 crore IMEs were registered, with 70.5% owned by women.
- These women-led IMEs contributed 70.8% to employment generation within the informal segment.
- The data reflects the high share of women in IMEs — both in terms of ownership and employment.
Barriers Beyond Finance
Despite the schemes, structural and perceptual challenges continue to affect women’s access to formal credit:
- Lack of Financial Literacy: Many first-generation entrepreneurs in rural areas are unaware of government schemes.
- Banking Biases: Women are often perceived as risky borrowers due to lack of collateral or property ownership.
- Administrative Inefficiencies: Local banks and agencies offer little proactive support in helping women avail subsidies or complete documentation.
- Time Cost: As per IFC, a woman needs four visits to get a loan sanctioned compared to two visits for a man.
Policy Support and Liquidity Measures
- In 2024–25, the RBI cut the repo rate to 5.50% and reduced the CRR by 100 basis points, aiming to inject more liquidity into the system.
This policy move creates space for banks to extend more loans, particularly towards priority sectors like women-led MSMEs. - However, increased liquidity must be matched with targeted delivery mechanisms, especially for marginalized borrowers like women.
Way Forward: Policy Recommendations
Targeted Financial Inclusion
- Enhance the outreach and accessibility of schemes like PMMY, Stand-Up India, and CGTMSE with gender-specific targets.
- Expand priority sector lending mandates for women-led enterprises.
Credit Education and Literacy
- Launch localized financial literacy drives for rural women under Skill India and Digital India initiatives.
- Partner with SHGs, NGOs, and Panchayati Raj Institutions for deeper outreach.
Supportive Banking Infrastructure
- Incentivize banks to lend to first-generation women entrepreneurs.
- Introduce gender-sensitivity training for loan officers.
Formalization of IMEs
Link Udyam Assist Portal data with credit scoring to enable better risk assessment and funding access.
- Reduce documentation requirements for low-ticket loans under PMMY.
Monitoring and Evaluation
- Create a gender dashboard under MSME Ministry and NITI Aayog to track schemes’ real-time impact on women-led MSMEs.
Conclusion
- Women-led MSMEs, while integral to the national economic fabric, remain shackled by credit constraints, structural biases, and policy implementation gaps. With women forming the bulk of informal sector entrepreneurs, resolving these issues can unlock economic growth, enhance financial inclusion, and ensure equitable development.
- Bridging the gender credit gap is not only a matter of social justice, but also a macroeconomic imperative for a resilient and inclusive economy.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. With reference to women-led Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India, consider the following statements:
1. Women own around 20% of all registered MSMEs in India. 2. The credit gap for women entrepreneurs is significantly higher than that for men. 3. Women received over 60% of the total loan amount sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY) in 2024. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector? (2012)
Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’ Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d) |
| Answer 3- A
Explanation
|
India-Namibia relations and India-Africa cooperation
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/pm-modi-india-namibia-africa-significance-10114277/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Context: India-Namibia relations
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Namibia in July 2025 marks the first by an Indian PM in nearly three decades.
Introduction
- On July 9, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Namibia, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Namibia in nearly three decades.
- This visit is the final leg of his five-country outreach to the Global South, aimed at revitalizing India’s engagement with Africa through South-South Cooperation, strategic diplomacy, and developmental partnership.
Historical Background: Foundation of India-Namibia Friendship
India and Namibia share a deep anti-colonial legacy and a strong post-colonial solidarity.
India was the first country to raise the issue of Namibia’s independence at the UN General Assembly in 1946.
In 1986, the first SWAPO (South West Africa People’s Organisation) embassy was opened in New Delhi, reflecting India’s support for Namibia’s liberation movement.
India provided diplomatic, material, and military training assistance during Namibia’s anti-apartheid struggle.
After Namibia’s independence in 1990, India upgraded its mission to a High Commission, and Namibia reciprocated in 1994.
Sam Nujoma, Namibia’s founding president, visited India 11 times, emphasizing the depth of historical engagement.
Key Pillars of India-Namibia Bilateral Cooperation
1. Strategic Sectors and Resources
Namibia is resource-rich, with vast reserves of:
Uranium (3rd largest global producer),
Lithium, zinc, diamonds, and rare earth elements.
India has invested $800 million in Namibia, particularly in zinc and diamond processing.
Both countries are exploring partnerships in critical minerals and energy security.
2. Economic and Commercial Ties
Bilateral trade between April–Nov 2023 stood at $654 million, registering a 178% growth.
Major exports from India: pharmaceuticals, machinery, cereals.
Major imports from Namibia: mineral oil, precious stones.
3. Development Partnership
Under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program:
Namibia has received assistance in training defence personnel, diplomats, health professionals, and sportspersons.
India helped establish an ‘India Wing’ at Ongwediwa campus of the University of Namibia with a $12 million grant.
4. Health and Humanitarian Aid
30,000 Covishield vaccine doses were provided to Namibia in 2021.
India has regularly sent drought relief aid (rice and supplies) in 2017 and 2019.
5. Cheetah Diplomacy
In 2022, India signed an MoU with Namibia to translocate cheetahs, reintroducing the species in Indian ecosystems — the world’s first intercontinental carnivore translocation.
Geostrategic and Multilateral Cooperation
1. Global South Solidarity
India continues to champion South-South Cooperation, based on principles of mutual respect, capacity-building, and local ownership.
Namibia supported India’s bid for permanent membership in the UN Security Council.
2. Multilateral Platforms
India has ensured African Union’s permanent membership in G20 during its presidency.
Namibia is a participant in AFINDEX (Africa-India Field Training Exercise) and the India-Africa Defence Dialogue.
Both countries support the SAGAR initiative (Security and Growth for All in the Region) to maintain maritime peace and cooperation.
India vs China in Africa: Competing Models of Engagement
| Feature | India | China |
| Trade Volume (2023) | $100 billion | $200 billion |
| FDI Rank in Africa | 10th largest investor ($76 billion since 1996) | Largest bilateral trading partner |
| Key Focus | Capacity building, moral diplomacy, local ownership | Infrastructure financing, debt-financed mega projects |
| Concerns | Sustainable partnerships | Risk of debt trap diplomacy, control over strategic mines |
According to the Africa Center for Strategic Studies, China’s Africa policy creates dependencies aligned with its global ambitions. In Namibia, two major radioactive element mines are Chinese-controlled.
Significance of Modi’s Visit to Namibia
First visit by an Indian PM to Namibia since Atal Bihari Vajpayee in 1998.
Reaffirms India’s commitment to Africa beyond economic motives — aiming at a people-centric, development-driven partnership.
Strengthens India’s presence in southern Africa, balancing strategic partnerships vis-à-vis China.
Way Forward: Enhancing India-Namibia Relations
| Area | Opportunities |
| Energy & Minerals | Joint ventures for lithium, uranium, and rare earth processing |
| Trade Expansion | Diversify exports to cover green tech, agri-tech, health care |
| Education & Skill Dev. | Expand scholarships, e-Vidya Bharati, and digital education platforms |
| Cultural Diplomacy | Leverage common historical ties and soft power via cinema, yoga, cricket |
| Health & Climate | Build on vaccine diplomacy and assist in climate resilience |
Conclusion
India’s engagement with Namibia exemplifies its broader Africa strategy — rooted in history, moral diplomacy, and sustainable development. As the geopolitical focus shifts to the Global South, partnerships like these reflect a post-colonial, inclusive model of international cooperation. Prime Minister Modi’s visit is a timely reinforcement of India’s growing global stature, and a reaffirmation that Africa is not just on India’s map, but in its heart.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. With reference to India’s engagement with Namibia and Africa, consider the following statements:
1. India was the first country to raise the issue of Namibia’s independence at the United Nations. 2. India is currently the largest foreign investor in Namibia’s uranium mining sector. 3. Namibia was the first African country to sign an MoU with India for the translocation of cheetahs. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only |
Q. Consider the following statements 2022
1. Vietnam has been one of the fastest growing economies in the world in the recent years. 2. Vietnam is led by a multi-party political system. Vietnam’s economic growth is linked to its integration with global supply chains and focus on exports. 3. For a long time Vietnam’s low labour costs and stable exchange rates have attracted global manufacturers. 4. Vietnam has the most productive e-service sector in the Indo-Pacific region. Which of the statements given above are correct? A 2 and 4 only B 3 and 5 only C 1, 3 and 4 only D 1 and 2 only Ans: C |
| Answer – 4 – A
Explanation –
|
Brazil Confers Highest National Honour on PM Modi
Source: PIB
https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2143275
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 International Relations
Context: Highest National Honour of Brazil
Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Brazil’s highest civilian honour by President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva in recognition of India-Brazil strategic ties.
Introduction
- In a significant diplomatic gesture, the President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, conferred Brazil’s highest national honour — “The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross” — upon Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
- This award is a testament to the growing strategic partnership and mutual respect between two major democracies of the Global South: India and Brazil.
What is the Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross?
- Instituted: 1822, by Emperor Pedro I of Brazil.
- Purpose: To honour foreign nationals who have rendered significant service to Brazil or have contributed to strengthening bilateral ties.
- Nature: Brazil’s highest civilian honour for non-Brazilians.
- Symbolism: The Southern Cross is a prominent constellation visible in the Southern Hemisphere, representing Brazil’s national identity and global aspirations.
Significance of the Award to PM Narendra Modi
- Acknowledgement of Leadership: Recognizes PM Modi’s contributions in promoting India-Brazil bilateral ties.
- People-to-People Tribute: Modi, in his remarks, dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, underscoring the collective achievement and democratic strength of the nation.
- Strengthening South-South Cooperation: Reflects India’s rising profile in the Global South and shared efforts with Brazil in shaping a multipolar world order.
India-Brazil Strategic Partnership: A Brief Overview
1. Establishment and Foundation
Strategic partnership formally launched during President Lula’s 2006 visit to India.
Driven by shared values of democracy, diversity, multilateralism, and inclusive development.
2. Bilateral Cooperation
Political: Regular high-level visits, BRICS cooperation, and support for each other’s global leadership aspirations (e.g., UNSC permanent membership).
Economic: Bilateral trade crossed $16 billion in 2023; focus sectors include agriculture, energy, pharma, defence, and space.
Cultural and Scientific: Cooperation in education, Ayurveda, digital innovation, space research (ISRO-AEB collaborations).
3. Multilateral Platforms
Active coordination in BRICS, IBSA, G20, BASIC, and UN forums.
Shared commitment to reform multilateral institutions and promote equitable global governance.
Diplomatic Significance of the Award
- Diplomatic Honour: Enhances India’s soft power and recognition in Latin America.
- Trust and Friendship: Reinforces President Lula’s personal rapport with PM Modi.
- Signal to Global South: Demonstrates the importance of horizontal partnerships among emerging powers.
Way Forward
- Enhance Economic Integration: Focus on trade liberalisation and investment through Mercosur-India trade agreements.
- Climate and Sustainable Development: Leverage Brazil’s biofuel expertise and India’s renewable energy drive for mutual gains.
- South-South Partnerships: Build inclusive development models through joint initiatives in Africa and Latin America.
- Defence and Space Cooperation: Deepen collaborations in strategic technologies and defence production.
Conclusion
The conferment of Brazil’s highest national honour upon PM Narendra Modi marks a high point in India-Brazil relations. It reflects not only a personal recognition of India’s leadership but also the shared ambition of both nations to shape a more inclusive, equitable, and cooperative global order. As two vibrant democracies, India and Brazil are poised to lead the Global South in the 21st century, with a focus on peace, sustainability, and mutual growth.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. Consider the following statements with reference to the “Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross”:
1. The Grand Collar of the National Order of the Southern Cross is Brazil’s highest civilian honour exclusively conferred upon foreign nationals. 2. The award was instituted by the Government of Brazil in 1947 as part of the post-World War II diplomatic recognition initiatives. 3. The award symbolizes the constellation visible only in the Northern Hemisphere, representing Brazil’s aspiration for global peace. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |
Q. With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: 2022
1. It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision. 2. It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year. 3. It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A 3 only B 1 and 3 only C 2 and 3 only D 1 and 2 only |
| Answer – 5 – A
Explanation –
|
Gene-Edited Japonica Rice for Enhanced Phosphate Uptake
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Science and Technology
Context: Gene-Edited Japonica Rice
Why in News?
Scientists at NIPGR used CRISPR-Cas9 to precisely edit a gene regulator in japonica rice, significantly improving phosphate uptake and yield even with minimal fertilizer input, without affecting seed quality.
Introduction
- Scientists at the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), Delhi, have made a significant breakthrough using CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing technology to develop japonica rice lines with enhanced phosphate uptake and transport, leading to higher yields even with reduced phosphate fertilizer input.
- This development holds promise for nutrient-deficient Indian soils and contributes towards reducing dependence on phosphate fertilizer imports.
Why Phosphorus is Critical for Agriculture
- Phosphorus (P) is a macronutrient essential for root development, flowering, and seed production in plants.
- Deficiency leads to stunted growth, reduced flowering, and lower yields.
- However, only 15–20% of applied phosphate fertilizers are absorbed by plants; the rest gets leached or forms insoluble complexes in soil.
- India imports around 4.5 million tonnes of Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) annually, leading to heavy forex burden and unsustainable practices.
The Scientific Breakthrough
1. Targeting Phosphate Transporters in Rice
- Rice absorbs phosphate via two types of transporters:
- Root uptake transporters: absorb phosphate from the soil.
- Shoot transporters (OsPHO1;2): transfer phosphate from root to shoot.
- Researchers focused on enhancing OsPHO1;2 expression to create demand-driven phosphate uptake.
2. Role of Negative Regulator (OsWRKY6)
- A repressor protein, OsWRKY6, was found to bind to the promoter of OsPHO1;2, reducing its expression.
- Complete knock-out of OsWRKY6 increased transporter expression but led to poor plant growth—because the repressor also regulated other essential plant functions.
3. Precision Gene Editing: A Minimal Invasive Approach
- Scientists removed only the 30 base-pair binding site on the promoter where OsWRKY6 binds, without deleting the entire repressor gene.
- This retained essential functions of OsWRKY6 but lifted repression on OsPHO1;2, boosting phosphate transport and improving yield.
Key Outcomes
| Fertilizer Dose Used | Yield Improvement (Gene-edited lines vs Control) |
| 100% of recommended | 20% higher yield |
| 10% of recommended | 40% higher yield |
- Normal seed quality: No compromise in seed size, starch content, or dimensions.
- Improved root activity: Roots absorbed more phosphate, acting as a nutrient sink.
- Increased panicle number: Leading to greater grain output.
Off-target Events and Bio-Safety Assurance
1. Off-target Editing
- Concern: Unintended mutations at non-target locations.
- Resolution: In silico prediction tools used to identify top 10 possible off-target sites.
- No mutations found at these sites through molecular analysis.
- Only precisely edited lines are propagated.
2. Foreign DNA Removal
Issue: CRISPR components come from bacteria (e.g., Streptococcus pyogenes, Agrobacterium tumefaciens).
Solution: Mendelian segregation used to eliminate foreign DNA by selecting plants free of bacterial genes in the second generation (3:1 segregation ratio).
Significance for Indian Agriculture
- Fertilizer Efficiency: Plants can absorb more phosphate before it becomes insoluble, increasing fertilizer use efficiency.
- Sustainability: Reduced dependence on chemical fertilizers contributes to soil health and environmental sustainability.
- Yield Stability in Nutrient-deficient Soils: Can help in phosphorus-deficient regions like Eastern India (Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh).
- Reduced Import Dependency: India can reduce DAP imports, improving agricultural self-reliance.
Future Prospects and Challenges
Indica Rice Replication
Current work was done on japonica rice (Nipponbare) due to ease of genetic editing.
- Translating results to indica rice (used in Indian fields) is underway but time-consuming.
Regulatory & Public Concerns
- Concerns over intellectual property, biosafety, and off-target effects remain.
- Need for robust regulatory frameworks and public awareness.
Conclusion
This gene-editing innovation by NIPGR showcases how precise molecular techniques like CRISPR-Cas9 can solve major agronomic problems, like low phosphorus uptake, while ensuring sustainability and productivity. If successfully replicated in Indian indica rice varieties, it can revolutionize nutrient use efficiency and help achieve self-reliance in fertilizer usage, contributing to India’s agri-bioeconomy and food security.
CARE MCQ |
UPSC PYQ |
| Q6 With reference to recent advances in gene-editing research in rice by the National Institute of Plant Genome Research (NIPGR), consider the following statements:
1. Scientists deleted the repressor gene OsWRKY6 to increase phosphate uptake in rice. 2. Gene-edited rice lines showed a 40% increase in yield even with only 10% of the recommended phosphate fertilizer. 3. The gene-editing involved removal of a specific DNA-binding site without affecting other regulatory functions. 4. The research was carried out in Indian indica rice varieties which are widely cultivated in India. Which of the statements given above are correct? A. 1 and 4 only |
Q. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (2019)
(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing Ans: (a) |
| Answer – 6 – B
Explanation –
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