In News:

NITI Aayog released its first quarterly report, Trade Watch Quarterly (TWQ), on December 4, 2024, focusing on India's trade developments during Q1 FY2024 (April-June).

Overview:

• Purpose: The publication aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of India’s trade performance, highlighting key trends, challenges, and opportunities.
• Target: To leverage insights for evidence-based policy interventions and foster informed decision-making, contributing to sustainable growth in India’s trade.

Trade Performance Highlights (Q1 FY24):

• Total Trade: $576 billion (5.45% YoY growth).
  • Merchandise Exports: Growth was restrained due to declines in iron & steel, and pearls.
  • Imports: Driven by high-value goods, including aircraft, spacecraft, mineral fuels, and vegetable oils.
  • Services Exports: Displayed a surplus, particularly in IT services.
• Growth in Services Exports: A positive trend, rising by 10.09% YoY, particularly in IT services and business solutions.

Key Challenges for India’s Trade:

• Limited Success in China-Plus-One Strategy:Countries like Vietnam, Thailand, Malaysia have gained more from this strategy, benefitting from cheaper labor, simplified tax laws, and lower tariffs.
• CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism):Starting in 2026, CBAM will impose carbon taxes on imports like cement, steel, and fertilizers. India’s iron and steel industry could face significant risks due to this.
• Declining Share in Labor-Intensive Sectors:India’s global market share in labor-intensive sectors (e.g., textiles, leather) has declined despite a strong workforce.
• Geopolitical Instability (West Asia):
  • Oil price hikes could increase India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) and fuel inflation.
  • Declining agricultural exports to markets like Iran further add to the challenges.

Strategic Recommendations for Overcoming Challenges:

• Infrastructure Modernization:
  • Expansion of digital platforms like Trade Connect e-Platform to streamline processes and support exporters.
  • Strengthening logistics via the National Logistics Policy.
• Export Incentives:Continuation of schemes like RoDTEP (Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products) to maintain export competitiveness.
• Technological Integration:Leveraging digital trade to tap into high-growth sectors and foster innovation in trade.
• Strengthening FTAs (Free Trade Agreements):Focus on negotiating strategic FTAs with global partners (e.g., the UK and the EU) to reduce trade barriers and enhance global market access.

Geopolitical and Environmental Risks:

• U.S.-China Trade Tensions:Offers opportunities for India to diversify its supply chains, but also poses challenges in terms of overdependence on certain countries.
• Impact of CBAM:Risk to carbon-intensive Indian exports like steel and aluminium, which will face tariffs starting in 2026.

Sectoral Performance:

• Growing Sectors:
  • IT Services: India’s market share of IT services reached 10.2%, continuing to be a strong contributor.
  • Pharmaceuticals, Electrical Machinery, and Mineral Fuels: Significant contributors to export growth.
• Declining Sectors:Labor-Intensive Goods: Declines in global market share for textiles, pearls, and leather.

Pathway to $2 Trillion Exports by 2030:

• India's Export Aspirations:To achieve the target of $2 trillion in exports by 2030, India must address structural inefficiencies, diversify exports, and reduce trade barriers.
• Vision 2047:Aligning with India’s broader vision to become a developed nation, the report stresses the importance of strengthening trade, technology, and infrastructure to realize these ambitions.
• Trade's Role in Economic Growth:
  • Trade is vital to India’s economic trajectory, contributing significantly to GDP growth.
  • Through evidence-based policymaking, infrastructure modernization, and strategic global partnerships, India can achieve sustained growth in trade, leading to the realization of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

In News:

JNU scientists make big discovery that could change malaria, Covid-19 treatment.

Overview of the Discovery:

• Institution: Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), Special Centre for Molecular Medicine.
• Key Discovery: Identification of human protein Hsp70 as a critical factor in the spread of malaria and COVID-19.
• Research Collaboration: Involvement of Indian and Russian researchers.
• Outcome: Development of a small molecule inhibitor of Hsp70 that could act as a broad-spectrum treatment for multiple infections.

About Heat Shock Protein 70 (Hsp70):

• Definition: Hsp70 is a type of molecular chaperone protein.
• Function:
  • Helps other proteins fold into their proper shapes.
  • Prevents protein misfolding.
  • Regulates protein synthesis and protects proteins from stress.
  • Elevates during cellular stress to shield cells from damage.
• Role in Cellular Processes:
  • Prevents protein aggregation and assists in protein transport across membranes.
  • Plays a critical role in protein homeostasis and cell survival during stress conditions.

Hsp70's Role in Disease Spread:

• SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) Interaction:
  • Hsp70 interacts with the spike protein of SARS-CoV-2 and human ACE2 receptors.
  • Facilitates viral entry into human cells by stabilizing this interaction during fever (when Hsp70 levels rise).
• Malaria:Pathogens like malaria parasites rely on the host's machinery for survival, including Hsp70.

Research Findings and Implications:

• Published in: International Journal for Biological Macromolecules.
• Inhibition of Hsp70:
  • Targeting Hsp70 can disrupt viral replication.
  • In lab tests, Hsp70 inhibitor (PES-Cl) blocked SARS-CoV-2 replication at low doses.
• Potential for Broad-Spectrum Treatment:
  • Hsp70 could be a target for treating multiple infections, not limited to COVID-19 or malaria.
• Prevention of Drug Resistance:
  • Host-targeting antivirals are less prone to resistance as the virus cannot mutate the host protein (Hsp70).
  • This approach could be especially beneficial for combating rapidly evolving viruses like SARS-CoV-2 and its variants (e.g., Omicron).

Host-Targeting Approach vs. Traditional Drugs:

• Host-Targeting: Targets the host cell machinery (e.g., Hsp70) rather than the virus itself.
  • Reduces the likelihood of viral mutation-induced resistance.
• Traditional Drugs: Target the virus directly, which can lead to resistance, especially with rapidly mutating viruses.

Global Health and Pandemic Preparedness:

• Universal Tool for Infectious Diseases: The discovery could serve as a universal tool for managing infections during health emergencies.
• Collaboration and Importance: Highlights the significance of international collaboration in addressing global health challenges (e.g., Dr. Pramod Garg of AIIMS, Ph.D. scholar Prerna Joshi).
• Future Implications:Preparation for future pandemics, as the world must remain vigilant even post-COVID-19.

In News:

Recently released, World Bank’s "International Debt Report 2024" highlights a worsening debt crisis for developing nations, with 2023 marking the highest debt servicing levels in two decades, driven by rising interest rates and economic challenges.

Key Highlights:

Rising Debt Levels:

• Total external debt of low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) reached $8.8 trillion by the end of 2023, an 8% increase since 2020.
• For IDA-eligible countries (those receiving concessional loans from the World Bank), external debt rose by 18%, reaching $1.1 trillion.

Debt Servicing Costs:

• Developing nations paid a record $1.4 trillion in debt servicing costs (principal and interest) in 2023.
• Interest payments surged by 33%, totaling $406 billion, putting immense pressure on national budgets, especially in critical sectors like health, education, and environmental sustainability.

Interest Rate Increases:

• Interest rates on loans from official creditors doubled to 4% in 2023.
• Rates from private creditors rose to 6%, the highest in 15 years, exacerbating the financial burden on developing countries.

Impact on IDA-Eligible Countries:

• IDA countries faced severe financial strain, paying $96.2 billion in debt servicing, including $34.6 billion in record-high interest costs (four times higher than a decade ago).
• On average, 6% of their export earnings were allocated to debt payments, with some countries dedicating up to 38%.

Role of Creditors:

• Private creditors reduced lending, leading to more debt-servicing payments than new loans.
• In contrast, multilateral lenders like the World Bank provided additional support, with the World Bank contributing $28.1 billion.
• Multilateral institutions have emerged as crucial support systems, becoming "lenders of last resort" for poor economies.

Debt Data Transparency:

• Efforts to improve debt transparency led to nearly 70% of IDA-eligible economies publishing accessible public-debt data in 2023, a 20-point increase since 2020.
• Accurate debt data can reduce corruption and promote sustainable investment.

Global Financial Reforms:

• There is a growing call for global financial reforms to address the systemic challenges of developing nations facing rising debt burdens.
• Proposed measures include increased concessional financing, improved restructuring mechanisms, and the establishment of a Global Debt Authority for better debt management.

Impact on Climate and Development Goals:

• Debt servicing has become a larger financial burden than climate initiatives in many countries, with developing nations spending more on debt servicing than climate goals (2.4% of GDP vs. 2.1% for climate investments).
• To meet climate commitments under the Paris Agreement, climate investments would need to rise to 6.9% of GDP by 2030.

Debt Relief Initiatives:

• Programs like the Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) Initiative and the Multilateral Debt Relief Initiative (MDRI) provide debt relief to the world’s poorest nations, helping them meet Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• For instance, Somalia saved $4.5 billion in debt service after completing the HIPC program in December 2023.

Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR):

• The GSDR brings together debtor nations and creditors (both official and private) to improve debt sustainability and address restructuring challenges.
• Co-chaired by the IMF, World Bank, and G20, the forum aims to find coordinated solutions for sovereign debt issues.

In News:

The recent negotiations for a global treaty aimed at curbing plastic pollution, held in Busan, South Korea, concluded without reaching a legally binding agreement. This marked the fifth round of discussions since the United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) initiated the process in March 2022, with the goal of finalizing a treaty by the end of 2024. The failure to adopt a treaty was primarily due to disagreements over production cap goals and the elimination of specific plastic chemicals and products.

Key Points of Dispute

• Production Cap Goals: A coalition of over 100 countries, including many from Africa, Latin America, and the European Union, pushed for clear production cap goals in the treaty. They argued that such measures are essential for effective regulation of plastic pollution.
• Opposition from Oil-Producing Nations: Conversely, a group of “like-minded countries” such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Russia, and Iran opposed these provisions. They contended that regulating production cuts exceeded the original mandate set by UNEA and could lead to trade restrictions disguised as environmental measures. India and China aligned with this coalition, emphasizing their concerns regarding economic impacts.

Draft Treaty Highlights

Despite the failure to finalize an agreement, discussions produced a draft text that included both consensus points and contentious issues:

• Consensus Points:

• Proposals for banning open dumping and burning of plastics.
• Definitions for various plastic types were suggested but lacked clarity on contentious terms like microplastics.

• Contentious Issues:

• • The draft did not adequately address definitions for microplastics or recycling standards.
  • References to single-use plastics were included but faced pushback from certain nations.

India’s Position

India articulated its stance focusing on several key areas:

• Development Rights: Emphasized the need for recognizing varying responsibilities among countries in managing plastic pollution while considering their developmental rights.
• Technical and Financial Support: Advocated for provisions ensuring technical assistance and financial support for developing nations to manage plastic waste effectively.
• Opposition to Production Caps: India opposed any articles that would impose caps on polymer production, arguing that such measures were not directly linked to reducing plastic pollution.

Future Steps

The negotiations will continue with plans to reconvene in 2025. In the meantime, global plastic production is projected to rise significantly, potentially tripling by 2050 if no urgent action is taken. The ongoing dialogue will need to address both environmental concerns and developmental needs to create a balanced approach toward managing plastic pollution globally.

Global Context and Initiatives

The need for a global treaty is underscored by alarming statistics:

• Over 462 million tons of plastic are produced annually, with a significant portion contributing to pollution.
• Microplastics have infiltrated ecosystems worldwide, affecting biodiversity and human health.

Countries like Rwanda and Austria have implemented successful measures to reduce plastic waste, serving as models for global efforts. Initiatives such as the UNDP Plastic Waste Management Program in India aim to enhance waste management practices while addressing environmental impacts.

In News:

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), under the NITI Aayog and the Office of Science & Innovation, at the Embassy of Sweden, in partnership with Nordic collaborators - Innovation Norway, Innovation Centre Denmark, and Business Finland, announced the successful conclusion of SheSTEM 2024.

Key Highlights:

• Objective: To inspire youth, especially women, to explore careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) and promote innovative solutions for sustainability.
• Theme: Focus on Battery Technology and Energy Storage Systems (BEST), part of the India-Nordic BEST project, aimed at fostering sustainability through advanced energy solutions.

Key Features of the Challenge:

• Target Audience: Students from grades 6–12 across India.
• Participation: Over 1,000 submissions showcasing innovative energy storage solutions.
• Format: Students presented prototypes or concepts via a 2-minute video format.
• Focus Areas: Sustainability, energy storage, and innovative solutions to global challenges.

Significance of SheSTEM 2024:

• Youth Empowerment: Provides a platform for young innovators to showcase their ideas and contribute to global sustainability.
• Global Impact: Encourages collaboration between India and Nordic countries in academia, business, and government to explore energy storage and sustainable technologies.
• Women in STEM: Highlights the importance of gender inclusivity in STEM fields, particularly in sustainability and technology.

Key Facts about AIM (Atal Innovation Mission):

• Established: 2016 by NITI Aayog to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across India.
• Core Functions:
  • Promote Entrepreneurship: Financial support, mentorship, and nurturing innovative startups.
  • Promote Innovation: Creating platforms for idea generation and collaboration.
• Key Programs: Atal Tinkering Labs, Atal Incubation Centres, Atal New India Challenges, and Mentor India.
• Monitoring: Systematic monitoring of initiatives using real-time MIS systems and dashboards.

In News:

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has begun hearings on a landmark climate change case, seeking an advisory opinion on the obligations of countries under international law regarding climate change.
• The case stems from a UN General Assembly (UNGA) resolution initiated by Vanuatu in March 2023, co-sponsored by 132 countries.

Background:

• Vanuatu, a small island nation, faces existential threats from rising sea levels.
• The resolution was passed to clarify climate obligations in light of international laws, including the UNFCCC, Paris Agreement, and other legal instruments like the UN Convention on the Law of the Seas, and the Universal Declaration on Human Rights.

Global Impact of the Case:

• The outcome of the case could influence global climate governance, particularly in the context of climate negotiations.
• It may broaden the legal basis for climate obligations and underscore the legal consequences for non-compliance.

India’s Position:

• India has voiced concerns about the judicial process being the best approach to tackle climate issues, advocating for diplomatic efforts.
• India is scheduled to make its submission on December 5, highlighting its preference for a collaborative, non-top-down approach in climate discussions.

Implications for Developed and Developing Countries:

• The case highlights the historical responsibility of developed countries for climate change due to their higher emissions.
• The ICJ's advisory opinion could reinforce the argument that developed countries' obligations extend beyond the UNFCCC and Paris Agreement, incorporating broader international legal frameworks.

Climate Litigation and Precedent:

• The ICJ ruling could set a precedent for climate litigation, potentially influencing over 2,600 ongoing climate lawsuits globally.
• Notable rulings include the European Court of Human Rights, which held Switzerland accountable for failing to meet emissions targets, and India's Supreme Court recognizing the right to be free from adverse climate impacts in 2023.

Record Participation and Importance of the Case:

• The ICJ has received over 90 written submissions, with 97 countries and 12 international organizations participating in the hearings.
• The case is significant for the growing number of climate-related lawsuits and the evolving nature of international climate law.

Future Prospects:

• The ICJ’s advisory opinion, though non-binding, could significantly impact future climate negotiations, particularly in terms of responsibility sharing and climate finance.
• The outcome could also influence calls for compensation for climate damages, especially from vulnerable states like small island nations.

In News:

Forty years after the Bhopal disaster on December 2-3, 1984, several hundred tonnes of toxic waste still remain around the ill-fated Union Carbide plant.

Overview of the incident:

The 1984 Bhopal disaster, one of the world’s worst industrial accidents, was caused by the release of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas, which was a key component in the production of pesticides at the Union Carbide India Limited (UCIL) plant. However, the toxic legacy of the disaster extends far beyond MIC, with a range of other harmful substances lingering in the environment. These include:

• Methyl Isocyanate (MIC):Primary toxic agent: MIC is a highly toxic, volatile compound. Exposure can cause severe respiratory distress, eye irritation, pulmonary edema, and even death.
• Heavy Metals:The site of the plant is contaminated with various heavy metals, including:
  • Mercury: Known to accumulate in the body and affect the nervous system, kidneys, and liver. Even small doses over time can lead to chronic health problems.
  • Chromium: Exposure to high levels of chromium, particularly hexavalent chromium, is associated with lung cancer and damage to the respiratory system.
  • Lead: A potent neurotoxin, lead can cause developmental delays, memory problems, and damage to the kidneys.
  • Nickel: Can cause respiratory and lung cancers when inhaled in significant quantities.
  • Copper: High levels of copper exposure can damage the liver and kidneys.
• Organic Compounds:Several organic chemicals were found at the site, including:
  • Hexachlorobutadiene: A suspected carcinogen that can cause liver damage, kidney damage, and neurological issues upon exposure.
  • Chloroform (Trichloromethane): Known for its effects on the central nervous system, exposure can lead to dizziness, loss of consciousness, and even death at high concentrations. It is also a possible carcinogen.
  • Carbon Tetrachloride: A potent liver toxin, exposure can result in liver damage, cancer, and nervous system toxicity.
  • Trichlorobenzene: These compounds are volatile and can spread through air and water, accumulating in fatty tissues and causing damage to organs like the liver and kidneys.
• Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):Some of the contaminants, particularly the organic compounds, are classified as persistent organic pollutants, which do not degrade easily in the environment. These can lead to:
  • Cancer: Several of these compounds are carcinogenic.
  • Neurological damage: Prolonged exposure can affect both the central and peripheral nervous systems.
  • Reproductive and developmental disorders: Exposure has been linked to adverse effects on fertility and developmental health in humans.
• Environmental and Long-term Health Effects:
  • Even decades later, contamination continues to affect the health of people living around the site, with high rates of cancers, birth defects, respiratory diseases, and other health issues. Water sources in the region remain unsafe due to heavy contamination with toxic chemicals. Persistent organic pollutants have been identified in local communities, indicating that the contamination continues to spread.

In News:

• Deal for 26 Rafale-M jets nearing completion, with final formalities expected to be completed by January 2025.
  • These jets are designed for naval operations and will be deployed on INS Vikrant and INS Vikramaditya.
  • Rafale-M Features: Multi-role, advanced avionics, AESA radar, and armaments like Meteor, MICA, SCALP, EXOCET.
• Three Scorpene Submarines: Additional three Scorpene-class submarines to be procured from France.
  • These are part of a repeat order to Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), with five of the earlier six already inducted into service.

Nuclear Capabilities:

• INS Arighaat: Successfully fired a Submarine-Launched Ballistic Missile (SLBM), marking a significant milestone for India's nuclear deterrence.
• Indigenous Nuclear Attack Submarine (SSN): India’s first indigenous SSN expected by 2036-37.

Strategic Maritime Engagement:

• Indian Ocean Region (IOR): Active monitoring of maritime activities, especially of China's PLA Navy and Chinese research vessels.
• Pakistan Navy Expansion: Acknowledged Pakistan’s efforts to become a 50-ship Navy, including the acquisition of 8 Chinese submarines. Indian Navy is adapting its plans to address this.

Nuclear Submarine Program (SSBN):

• INS Arihant: Conducted multiple deterrence patrols.
• INS Arighaat: Ongoing trials including the recent K4 SLBM test, with a range of 3,500 km.

Naval Vision 2047:

• Navy Chief released Vision 2047 document, outlining the future direction and growth of the Indian Navy.

Bilateral and Multilateral Engagements:

• Participation in various bilateral and multilateral exercises, including RIMPAC 2024 (Hawaii) and Russian Federation Navy’s Raising Day (St. Petersburg).

In News:

Recently, the Ratapani Wildlife Sanctuary in Madhya Pradesh was officially declared a Tiger Reserve, making it the 8th such reserve in the state. This declaration follows approval from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change through the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA).

Key Details:

• Core Area: 763.8 sq. km
• Buffer Area: 507.6 sq. km
• Total Area: 1,271.4 sq. km
• Ratapani Tiger Reserve is located in the Raisen and Sehore districts, within the Vindhya hills, and is home to approximately 90 tigers.
• It also forms a crucial part of Madhya Pradesh’s tiger habitat and serves as a migration corridor from the Satpura ranges.

Economic and Ecotourism Benefits:

• The designation will boost ecotourism, generating employment and improving livelihoods for local communities.
• Eco-development programs will support residents, providing new opportunities and addressing the balance between conservation and human interests.

Wildlife Conservation and Management:

• The reserve will focus on habitat management, wildlife protection, and community engagement.
• The core area has been recognized as a critical tiger habitat under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Efforts will include strengthening anti-poaching measures, improving surveillance, and enhancing prey base restoration.

Significance for Madhya Pradesh:

• This move places Madhya Pradesh as the "Tiger State of India", with significant conservation focus on the Ratapani and Madhav National Park (also in the process of becoming a tiger reserve).
• Madhya Pradesh now hosts 8 tiger reserves, contributing significantly to the country's overall tiger conservation efforts.

In News:

• India has climbed 11 positions to secure 49th rank in the Network Readiness Index (NRI) 2024, compared to 60th in NRI 2023.
• This improvement reflects India’s significant progress in the digital and telecommunication sectors.

NRI 2024 Overview:

• The NRI 2024 report assesses the network readiness of 133 economies based on four pillars: Technology, People, Governance, and Impact, using 54 variables.
• Published by the Portulans Institute, Washington DC.

India's Leading Indicators:

• Top rankings:
  • 1st Rank: ‘AI scientific publications’, ‘AI talent concentration’, and ‘ICT services exports’.
  • 2nd Rank: ‘FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions’, ‘Mobile broadband internet traffic’, and ‘International Internet bandwidth’.
  • 3rd Rank: ‘Domestic market scale’.
  • 4th Rank: ‘Annual investment in telecommunication services’.

Digital Progress:

• India has demonstrated remarkable digital transformation, especially in technological innovation and digital infrastructure.

Economic Grouping:

• India ranks 2nd in the lower-middle-income countries group, following Vietnam.

Telecommunication Achievements:

• Tele-density has increased from 75.2% to 84.69% in the past decade, with 119 crore wireless connections.
• Internet subscribers have surged from 25.1 crore to 94.4 crore, aided by Digital India initiatives and rural broadband expansion.
• 5G Launch: In 2022, India launched 5G services, significantly boosting global mobile broadband speed rankings from 118th to 15th.

Future Vision:

• India’s Bharat 6G Vision aims to position the country as a leader in future telecom technologies, backed by strong infrastructure and investments in emerging technologies.

Telecom Reforms:

• Spectrum management, ease of doing business, and consumer protection reforms have strengthened India’s telecom sector, contributing to its improved network readiness ranking.

In News:

The 14th Asia-Oceania Meteorological Satellite Users' Conference (AOMSUC-14)was held in New Delhi, India, hosted by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This annual event brings together meteorologists, earth scientists, and satellite data users to discuss advancements in satellite technology for weather and climate monitoring.

Key Facts:

• Objective:
  • Promote Satellite Observations: Highlight the importance of satellite data for meteorology and climatology.
  • Advance Remote Sensing Science: Foster advancements in satellite technology and its application in weather forecasting and climate monitoring.
  • Encourage Collaboration: Facilitate dialogue between satellite operators and users to enhance the use of satellite data across the Asia-Oceania region.
  • Discuss Future Plans: Update on the current status and future plans of international space programs.
  • Engage Young Scientists: Encourage the involvement of young researchers in satellite science and meteorology.
• Participants:
  • Around 150 participants from various countries, including key international space organizations like WMO, NASA, ESA, JAXA, and other meteorological and space entities.
  • The conference will feature oral presentations, poster sessions, panel discussions, and a training workshop focused on satellite data application.
• Significance of the Conference:
  • Regional Cooperation: AOMSUC promotes stronger cooperation between countries in the Asia-Oceania region, addressing shared challenges in meteorology and satellite data usage.
  • Improved Forecasting: Enhances satellite data utilization for more accurate weather forecasting, disaster prediction, and climate monitoring.
  • Disaster Risk Management: Strengthens early warning systems for extreme weather events, improving disaster preparedness and response.
  • Capacity Building: Offers training and workshops for local meteorologists, boosting the capacity of countries to use satellite data effectively for weather forecasting and climate services.
  • Data Sharing: Encourages collaboration in satellite data sharing, facilitating better access to meteorological data across national borders.
• History of AOMSUC:The first AOMSUC was held in Beijing, China in 2010. Since then, the conference has been held annually in various Asia-Oceania locations and has become a leading event for the meteorological community.

In News:

The Indian government is actively promoting the creation of digital identities for farmers through the KisanPehchaan Patra (Farmer ID). The initiative is an essential part of the Digital Agriculture Mission under the AgriStack initiative.

Key Details:

Objective:

• The main goal is to provide digital IDs linked to Aadhaar for farmers, capturing comprehensive agricultural data including land records, crop information, and ownership details.
• These digital identities are designed to enhance farmers' access to government schemes and digital agriculture services.

Farmer ID Creation Timeline:

• The government plans to create digital IDs for 11 crore farmers in phases:
  • 6 crore farmers in FY 2024-25.
  • 3 crore farmers in FY 2025-26.
  • 2 crore farmers in FY 2026-27.

AgriStack Initiative:

• The AgriStack initiative aims to build a Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector, which includes:
  • Farmers' Registry.
  • Geo-referenced village maps.
  • Crop Sown Registry.

Implementation Strategy:

• Camp-mode approach: States have been instructed to organize field-level camps to ensure faster and inclusive registration of farmers.
• Financial Incentives:
  • States will receive ?15,000 per camp for organizing these camps.
  • Additionally, ?10 per Farmer ID issued.
  • Funding is provided through the Pradhan Mantri KisanSamman Nidhi (PM-Kisan) scheme.

Benefits of Digital Farmer ID:

• Targeted Delivery of Benefits: Ensures subsidies and benefits reach legitimate farmers and eliminates duplication.
• Precision Agriculture: Supports data-driven policies for better crop planning, insurance, and market linkages.
• Financial Inclusion: Facilitates easy access to credit, loans, and crop insurance, empowering farmers financially.
• Better Monitoring: Helps in tracking the actual implementation of schemes and ensures that only eligible farmers benefit.

Progress in States:

• Advanced States: Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh have made significant progress in issuing digital Farmer IDs.
• Testing Phase: States like Assam, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha are still in the field-testing phase.
• Special Assistance Scheme: The Finance Ministry allocated ?5,000 crore in August 2024 to assist states in creating the Farmers' Registry, with funds available until March 2025.

Linkage with Land Records and Crop Data:

• The Farmer ID integrates with state land records and crop data, creating a dynamic and accurate database known as the Farmer’s Registry.
• This data helps in the development of better agricultural policies and decision-making.

Digital Agriculture Mission:

• The government approved a substantial outlay of ?2,817 crore for the Digital Agriculture Mission, which is intended to modernize agricultural practices and build robust digital infrastructure.
• The mission also includes the launch of the Digital Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), which will help in crop estimation and better resource allocation.

In News:

• India is working on a national policy to enhance female labour force participation (FLFP), focusing on creating a supportive care economy structure.
• The policy is being developed by an inter-ministerial team involving the Ministries of Skill Development, Labour, Rural Development, and Women and Child Development.
• Goal: To reduce barriers for women, especially related to caregiving responsibilities, and increase their participation in the workforce.

Key Focus Areas:

• Care Economy: Involves both paid and unpaid caregiving services, such as childcare, eldercare, domestic work, and health services.
• The policy aims to formalize care work, addressing its undervaluation and encouraging women's workforce participation.
• Proposes a core skilling package for caregivers, particularly for childcare in rural and informal sectors.
• Childcare Facilities: Targeting women working under schemes like MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme).

Current Challenges:

• Post-marriage employment drop: Women face a significant decline in workforce participation after marriage, often due to caregiving roles.
• In India, 53% of women are outside the labour force, mostly due to unpaid domestic work, unlike only 1.1% of men.
• The gender divide in caregiving is stark: Women spend over 5 hours daily on unpaid domestic work (81% of females), compared to 12.4% of males.

Key Initiatives:

• Palna Scheme: Provides daycare through Anganwadi-cum-Crèche facilities for working parents, benefiting children aged 6 months to 6 years. 1,000 crèches are operational.
• Women’s Employment Data:
  • In rural India, 36.6% of women participate in the workforce, compared to 23.8% in urban areas.
  • Post-marriage, female employment drops by 12 percentage points, even without children.
• Improving Female Labour Force Participation (FLFP): Key to India's growth, as matching women’s workforce participation with men could boost GDP by 27% (IMF).

Barriers to Women’s Workforce Inclusion:

• Unpaid Care Work: Women's disproportionate share of household duties limits paid employment opportunities.
• Cultural Norms: Gender expectations restrict women’s access to employment, especially in rural areas.
• Educational Barriers: Limited access to education for girls restricts skill development, lowering job prospects.
• Health & Safety Issues: Health challenges and safety concerns at workplaces hinder women's workforce participation.
• Lack of Supportive Policies: Absence of parental leave and flexible work arrangements for women, especially in the informal sector.

Government Initiatives for Women’s Employment:

• BetiBachaoBetiPadhao: Promotes girl child education and empowerment.
• National Education Policy (NEP): Ensures gender equity in education.
• Maternity Benefit (Amendment) Act, 2017: Extends paid maternity leave to 26 weeks and mandates crèche facilities in large establishments.
• Labour Codes (2019-2020): Codifies labor laws to provide a framework for improving women’s workplace safety and employment opportunities.

Global Examples & Inspiration:

• Japan’s Womenomics: Aimed at increasing female participation, Japan's womenomics reforms have grown women’s labour force participation from 64.9% to 75.2% (2013-2023).
• Flexible Work Models: Countries like Netherlands encourage part-time and remote work, offering flexibility to manage work-life balance.
• Sweden’s Investment in ECCE: Investing 1% of GDP in Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) has significantly reduced women’s workforce exclusion.

Way Forward:

• National Women’s Urban Employment Guarantee Act (WUEGA): Promotes gender-balanced work environments and childcare facilities at work sites.
• Flexible Work Options: Encouraging remote work, parental leave, and childcare support will empower more women to balance caregiving and employment.
• Investment in the Care Economy: To reduce the care burden on women, substantial investment in ECCE and related sectors is essential to increase women’s participation and economic independence.

In News:

Government of India and ADB sign $98 million loan to promote plant health management in India’s horticulture.

Key Highlights:

$98 Million Loan Agreement with ADB:

• India and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) signed a $98 million loan to enhance horticulture productivity and resilience.
• Objective: Improve farmers' access to certified, disease-free planting materials, which will increase crop yield, quality, and climate resilience.
• Focus Areas: The project aligns with India’s Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP), aiming to strengthen plant health management in horticulture.

Atmanirbhar Clean Plant Programme (CPP):

• Implemented under MIDH: The Clean Plant Programme is part of the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).
• Goal: To provide virus-free, high-quality planting materials to farmers, boosting horticultural crop yields and promoting climate-resilient varieties.
• Implementation Period: 2024-2030, with 50% financial support from ADB.
• Key Components:
  • Establishment of 9 Clean Plant Centers (CPCs) with state-of-the-art diagnostic, therapeutic, and tissue culture laboratories.
  • Certification Framework: Developing a regulatory framework under the Seeds Act 1966 to certify clean plants.
  • Support to Nurseries: Infrastructure development for large-scale nurseries.
• Significance: The programme strengthens India's self-reliance in horticulture and enhances adaptability to climate change impacts.

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):

• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Focus: Holistic development of the horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, mushrooms, spices, and more.
• Funding Pattern:
  • General States: 60% by Government of India (GoI), 40% by State Governments.
  • North-Eastern and Himalayan States: 90% by GoI.

Horticulture Sector at a Glance:

• Contribution to Agricultural GDP: Accounts for 33% of the gross value.
• Land Coverage: Occupies 18% of agricultural land in India.
• Global Standing: India is the second-largest producer of fruits and vegetables globally.
• Surpassing Food Grains: Horticulture production exceeds food grain production, occupying much less land (25.66 million hectares vs. 127.6 million hectares for food grains).

Key Benefits of the CPP:

• Climate Resilience: Promotes climate-resilient plant varieties and helps farmers adapt to climate change.
• Innovation: Encourages the use of advanced testing techniques and builds institutional capacity.
• Long-term Impact: Expected to improve sustainability, productivity, and the economic well-being of farmers.

Additional Horticulture Initiatives:

• CHAMAN (Horticulture Assessment using Geo-informatics): A programme to estimate area and production of horticultural crops using scientific methods.
• Kisan Rail Services: Facilitates transportation of perishable horticultural products like fruits and vegetables.
• Capital Investment Subsidy Scheme: By the National Horticulture Board to support the sector’s growth.

In News:

Centre clears scheme for development of 40 tourist destinations across 23 States at a cost of ?3,295 crore.

Key Details:

• Focus Areas: The scheme encourages the development of lesser-known destinations such as Bateshwar (Uttar Pradesh), Ponda (Goa), Gandikota (Andhra Pradesh), and Porbandar (Gujarat) to reduce overcrowding at popular sites.
• Implementation Timeline: Projects must be completed within two years, with funding released in stages until March 2026.
• Key Features:
  • Long-term interest-free loans for 50 years.
  • States responsible for project execution and maintenance, often through public-private partnerships (PPP).
  • The Ministry of Tourism will monitor progress, and 66% of the funds have already been released.
  • Emphasis on sustainability and boosting local economies by creating jobs through tourism.
  • States must provide land at no cost and ensure proper infrastructure like safety, connectivity, and utilities.

Selection Criteria for Projects:

• Consultation Process: Detailed regional consultations led to the selection of 40 projects from 87 proposals received by the Ministry of Tourism. West Bengal was the only state not submitting proposals.
• Evaluation Criteria: Projects were evaluated based on:
  • Connectivity, tourism potential, and ecosystem.
  • Financial viability and sustainability.
  • Impact on local economy and job creation.
• Funding Pattern:
  • A maximum of ?100 crore for each project, with higher funding considered for exceptional projects.
  • Total funding capped at ?250 crore per state, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

Importance of the Scheme:

• Economic Growth & Employment: Projects are designed to stimulate local economies, create employment, and promote sustainable tourism.
• Global Branding: The scheme aims to brand and market tourist destinations on a global scale.
• Tourism Infrastructure Growth: It aims to improve the entire tourism value chain, including transportation, accommodation, activities, and services.

Tourism Sector Overview:

• Current Status:
  • India ranks 39th among 119 countries in the Travel and Tourism Development Index (TTDI) 2024.
  • Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs) increased by 47.9% in 2023, with 9.52 million tourists.
  • Tourism contributed 5% to India’s GDP in 2022-23 and created 76.17 million direct and indirect jobs.
  • India earned ?2.3 lakh crore in foreign exchange in 2023 through tourism.
  • Projected revenue from tourism to exceed $59 billion by 2028.
• Initiatives for Promotion:
  • Swadesh Darshan Scheme: To develop theme-based circuits.
  • Dekho Apna Desh Initiative (2020): Promotes domestic tourism.
  • PRASHAD & HRIDAY Schemes: Focus on pilgrimage and heritage city development.

MGNREGA Job Card Deletions Issue:

• Context: A significant surge in deletions of job cards under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) raised concerns over transparency and workers’ rights.
• Reasons for Deletion:
  • Permanent migration, duplicate cards, forged documents, and refusal to work.
  • Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) implementation led to deletions for non-linked cards.
• Implications:
  • Violation of workers’ legal right to employment, especially when deletions were made without due process.
  • The "Not willing to work" designation undermines livelihood opportunities, especially in high unemployment rural areas.
• Recommendations for Reform:
  • Strengthening verification processes and ensuring deletions follow due procedure.
  • Empowering Gram Sabhas to review and approve deletions.
  • Regular audits and better grievance redressal mechanisms.

Other Government Initiatives in Tourism:

• National Mission on Pilgrimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual, Heritage Augmentation Drive (PRASHAD): For holistic and sustainable development of pilgrimage tourism.
• Incredible India & E-Visa Initiatives: To attract more foreign tourists.
• Regional Connectivity Scheme (UDAN): Enhances air connectivity to remote tourist destinations.
• National Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana (HRIDAY): Preserves and rejuvenates heritage sites.

In News:

• The 13th National Seed Congress (NSC), organized by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, concluded with significant discussions and outcomes focused on advancing India's seed sector.
• The theme for this year's congress, held in Varanasi, was "Innovating for a Sustainable Seed Ecosystem."

Key Highlights:

• Focus Areas:
  • Seed Technologies and Biofortification: Emphasis on high-nutrition seeds like iron and zinc-enriched rice and Vitamin A-rich crops to combat malnutrition.
  • Climate-Resilient Agriculture: Promoting practices like Direct Seeded Rice (DSR) and the development of stress-tolerant seed varieties to withstand climate change.
• Challenges in India’s Seed Ecosystem:
  • Seed Replacement Rate (SRR): SRR in India is around 15-20%, with 100% for hybrid seeds, pointing to the need for higher adoption of certified seeds.
  • Monoculture and Seed Market Monopoly: Issues like over-reliance on Bt cotton and domination by multinational companies (e.g., Bayer) in seed markets.
• Government Initiatives:
  • National Seed Corporation (NSC): Produces foundation and certified seeds for over 600 varieties.
  • Seed Village Programme (Beej Gram Yojana): Focus on improving the quality of farm-saved seeds.
  • National Seed Reserve: Ensures seed availability during climatic disruptions.
• Policy Discussions:
  • Proposed Seeds Bill: A new bill to regulate seed quality and promote sustainable practices.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations to improve seed production, accessibility, and quality.
• Outcomes:
  • Biofortified Seeds: Increased development and distribution of nutrient-rich seeds.
  • Climate-Resilient Seed Systems: Enhanced focus on developing crops that can withstand climate challenges.
  • Public-Private Partnerships: Strengthening collaborations in seed technology and policy reform.

In News:

A new report from the International Labour Organization (ILO) reveals that wage inequality has decreased in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000. Despite this positive trend, significant wage differentials persist worldwide.

Global Wage Inequality Trends:

• Wage inequality has decreased in about two-thirds of all countries since 2000.
• Average Annual Decrease in Wage Inequality:
  • Ranges from 0.5 to 1.7% globally, depending on the measure used.
  • More significant reductions have been observed in low-income countries, where the decrease has ranged from 3.2 to 9.6% over the past two decades.
• Wealthier Countries: Wage inequality has decreased at a slower pace:
  • Upper-middle-income countries: annual decrease of 0.3 to 1.3%.
  • High-income countries: annual decrease of 0.3 to 0.7%.

Global Real Wage Growth:

• Global real wages grew by 1.8% in 2023, with projections reaching 2.7% growth in 2024 (highest increase in over 15 years).
• This marks a recovery from the negative global wage growth of -0.9% in 2022 due to high inflation rates.

Regional Wage Growth:

• Emerging Economies: Saw stronger wage growth than advanced economies.
  • Emerging G20 economies: 1.8% growth in 2022 and 6.0% growth in 2023.
• Advanced Economies: Faced real wage declines.
  • G20 advanced economies: Declined by -2.8% in 2022 and -0.5% in 2023.
• Fastest Wage Growth: Observed in regions like Asia-Pacific, Central and Western Asia, and Eastern Europe.

Wage Inequality Persistence:

• Income Distribution: The lowest-paid 10% of workers earn just 0.5% of the global wage bill, while the highest-paid 10% earn nearly 38%.
• Wage Inequality in Low-Income Countries: Particularly high, with nearly 22% of wage workers classified as low-paid.
• Women and Informal Economy Workers: More likely to be among the lowest-paid workers, underscoring the need for targeted actions to close wage and employment gaps.

Non-Wage Workers:

• Globally, one in every three workers is a non-wage worker.
• In low- and middle-income countries, many workers are self-employed in the informal economy, which skews overall income inequality measures.
• Income inequality in these regions is higher when including self-employed workers, especially those in informal employment.

Policy Recommendations:

• Targeted Policies: To reduce wage inequality, countries need stronger wage policies and structural support for equitable growth.
• Focus Areas:
  • Promote productivity and decent work.
  • Formalization of the informal economy to help reduce income inequality.
• Inclusive Growth: The ILO emphasizes that national strategies should aim for inclusive economic growth to achieve fair wages and reduce wage gaps.

Key ILO recommendations include: 

• Setting wages through social dialogue: wages should be set and adjusted through collective bargaining or agreed minimum wage systems involving governments, workers and employers.
• Taking an informed approach: wage-setting should take into account both the needs of workers and their families and economic factors.
• Promoting equality, and equal opportunity of treatment and outcomes: wage policies should support gender equality, equity and non-discrimination.
• Using strong data: decisions should be based on reliable data and statistics.
• Addressing root causes of low pay: national policies should reflect each country’s specific context and address the causes of low pay such as informality, low productivity and the under-valuing of jobs in sectors such as the care economy.

In News:

ISRO received approval for its first Venus mission, Shukrayaan. The probe will undertake a detailed investigation of Venus, including its surface, atmosphere and geological structure.

Shukrayaan Mission (Venus Orbiter Mission):

• Launch Timeline: Scheduled for 2028.
• Objective: Investigate Venus to gather data on its surface, atmosphere, and geological structure.
• Scientific Focus: Study weather patterns, geological activities, and atmospheric composition (e.g., carbon dioxide and sulfuric acid clouds).
• Instrumentation: Equipped with synthetic aperture radar, infrared, and ultraviolet imaging devices to study Venus’s ionosphere.
• Significance: Offers global coverage of Venus, addressing gaps in previous missions' spatial coverage.
• Cost: Estimated at Rs 1,236 crore.
• Launch Vehicle: ISRO plans to use the LVM-3 (GSLV Mk III) rocket to launch the mission into an elliptical parking orbit (170 km x 36,000 km).
• Mission Data Processing: Data will be archived and disseminated through the Indian Space Science Data Center (ISSDC).

Chandrayaan 4 Mission:

• Collaborative Effort: Joint mission between India (ISRO) and Japan.
• Launch Objective: Land on the moon's south pole, with a focus on the region at 90°S (compared to previous missions at 69.3°S).
• Mission Details:
  • Includes a rover weighing 350 kg (12 times heavier than previous rover).
  • The rover will be equipped with advanced scientific tools for lunar exploration.
• Government Approval: Awaiting approval, with a target execution date of 2030.

Gaganyaan Mission (Human Spaceflight Program):

• Timeline: Unmanned flight in 2026, followed by a manned mission.
• Indian Space Station: Construction approved; to be completed by 2035, comprising five modules.
• Purpose: To serve as a transit facility for deep space exploration, including future lunar missions.

Mars Exploration Plans:

• Future Missions: Plans to send satellites to Mars and attempt a landing on the Martian surface.
• Significance: Demonstrates India’s growing ambitions in interplanetary exploration.

INSAT-4 Series of Satellites:

• Goal: Launch of new meteorological and oceanographic sensors to improve weather forecasts and disaster management.
• Technological Advancements: Need for India to catch up with global advancements in space-based sensors.

International Collaboration in Space:

• Chandrayaan 4: A collaboration between ISRO and Japan to explore the moon’s south pole, showcasing India's growing international cooperation in space exploration.

Strategic Importance of Shukrayaan:

• Contribution to Science: The mission’s global dataset will provide unique insights into Venus, enhancing the understanding of planetary atmospheres and geological processes.
• Potential for Discoveries: Research on Venus’s ionosphere and possible volcanic activity.

In News:

• The Indian Army launched the “Eklavya” online learning platformnmunder the leadership of General Upendra Dwivedi, Chief of the Army Staff (COAS).
• It is part of the Army’s “Decade of Transformation” initiative and aligns with the theme for 2024, “Year of Technology Absorption.”

Platform Development:

• Developed by the Army Training Command (ATC) and sponsored by the Army War College.
• Created at zero cost in collaboration with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute of Space Applications and Geoinformatics (BISAG-N), Gandhinagar.
• Hosted on the Army Data Network with scalable architecture to integrate various training establishments.

Key Features:

• Supports multiple courses from 17Category ‘A’ Training Establishments of the Army.
• Allows student officers to register for several courses simultaneously.
• Aims to decongest physical courses and integrate contemporary, application-focused content.

Categories of Courses:

• Pre-Course Preparatory Capsules: Online study material for physical courses, allowing focus on contemporary topics during offline training.
• Appointment-Specific Courses: Online courses for officers appointed to specialized roles (e.g., information warfare, financial planning, etc.), helping them gain domain-specific expertise before posting.
• Professional Development Suite: Includes courses on strategy, leadership, operational art, finance, emerging technologies, etc., focusing on holistic officer development.

Knowledge Highway:

• A searchable database featuring journals, research papers, and articles to support continuous professional education and development.

Impact:

• Promotes continuous professional military education.
• Enhances the efficiency and specialization of officers, particularly in emerging domains.
• Streamlines training processes and integrates modern technology in the Army’s educational system.

In News:

The gig economy market is expected to grow at a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 17 per cent to reach a gross volume of $455 billion by 2024, according to a white paper by the Forum for Progressive Gig Workers.

Key Sectors Supported by Gig Workers:

• E-commerce: Gig workers play a crucial role in driving growth in the e-commerce sector.
• Transportation and Delivery Services: These sectors are heavily dependent on gig workers for their operations and services.

Impact on Employment:

• Job Creation: The gig economy has the potential to create a significant number of jobs, especially in tier 2 and 3 cities, which are emerging as new growth hubs.
• Alternate Revenue Streams: Gig work provides diverse income opportunities for workers, especially for women, offering them a flexible mode of earning.

Contribution to GDP:

• The gig economy’s contribution is expected to add 1.25% to India’s GDP over time, highlighting its growing economic importance.

Technological Integration and Future Prospects:

• AI and Digital Innovation: Future growth is expected to be driven by the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), predictive analytics, and digital innovation, fostering sustainable and inclusive job opportunities.

Social and Economic Benefits:

• Women's Workforce Participation: The gig economy provides women with more earning opportunities and helps integrate them into the workforce.
• Welfare Initiatives: Platforms supporting gig workers are increasingly focusing on welfare initiatives, improving the overall working conditions in the sector.

Challenges and Opportunities:

• Challenges: The evolving dynamics between large companies and gig workers pose challenges in terms of worker rights and fair compensation.
• Opportunities: The growth of the gig economy presents opportunities for companies to innovate and create inclusive work environments, especially for underserved communities.

Future Developments:

• Formal Report: The Forum for Progressive Gig Workers plans to collaborate with global organizations to release a formal report with deeper insights and actionable recommendations for the future of gig work

In News:

• GMP was launched at COP29, on Energy Day, by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club.
• Aimed at accelerating industrial decarbonisation in heavy-emitting industries of emerging and developing economies (EMDEs).
• The platform addresses the annual funding gap of US$125 billion required to achieve net-zero emissions goals.

Key Highlights:

Support Mechanism:

• GMP operates as a support mechanism for the Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by UNIDO.
• Activities are supported by the interim secretariat of the OECD and the International Energy Agency (IEA).

Key Objectives:

• Match country-specific decarbonisation needs with global technical and financial resources.
• Facilitate the decarbonisation of energy and emissions-intensive industrial sectors, such as steel, cement, chemicals, and aluminium.
• Offer assistance in policy development, technology transfer, and investment facilitation to promote low-carbon industrial practices.

Global Participation:

• Countries like Germany, Chile, Uruguay, Turkey, Bangladesh, and Indonesia are actively involved.
• Non-state actors include UNIDO, World Bank, Climate Investment Funds (CIF), and GIZ, supporting the platform’s initiatives.

Funding Gap:

• Industrial decarbonisation requires an increase in investments from US$15 billion (current) to US$70 billion by 2030, and US$125 billion by 2050, especially for sectors like steel and cement.

Climate Club Work Programme (2025-26):

• The GMP is part of the Climate Club's new work programme for 2025-26, focusing on:
  • Advancing ambitious climate change mitigation policies.
  • Transforming industries through decarbonisation.
  • Boosting international climate cooperation.

Industrial Decarbonisation:

• Decarbonisation refers to reducing carbon dioxide (CO2) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from industrial activities.
• Key sectors for decarbonisation include petroleum refining, chemical manufacturing, iron and steel, cement production, and the food and beverage sector.

Support for EMDEs:

• The platform focuses on helping emerging and developing economies overcome challenges such as lack of resources, technology, and capacity to adopt cleaner industrial methods.
• Climate finance is crucial to pilot and scale low-carbon technologies in these regions.

Future Role of GMP:

• The GMP will play a critical role in incorporating industrial decarbonisation into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) for COP30.
• The platform aims to accelerate progress by connecting developing countries with finance, technology, and expertise to transition to low-emission industries.

In News:

The BioE3 Policy outlines guidelines and principles for enabling mechanisms for ‘Fostering High Performance Biomanufacturing’ in the country across diverse sectors. 

Key Highlights:

Primary Objective:

• Set a framework for the adoption of advanced technologies and innovative research to promote biomanufacturing in India.
• Focus on enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and quality in biomanufacturing.

Alignment with National Goals:

• Supports India’s vision of Green Growth (Union Budget 2023-24) and Lifestyle for Environment (LiFE), promoting sustainability.
• Aligns with India’s goal of achieving a Net-Zero carbon economy.
• Supports the Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry initiative announced in the Interim Budget 2024-25.

Key Objectives:

• Revolutionize biomanufacturing for better product quality and environmental sustainability.
• Accelerate the development and commercialization of bio-based, high-value products.
• Foster high-performance biomanufacturing across diverse sectors.

Achievements of Indian Bioeconomy (2014-2023):

• Contribution to GDP: Bioeconomy contributes 4.25% to India’s GDP of $3.55 trillion (as of Dec 2023).
• Growth of Bioeconomy: From $10 billion in 2014 to $151 billion in 2023, surpassing 2025 target.
• Increase in Biotech Startups: From 50 startups in 2014 to 8,531 startups in 2023.

Implementation Strategy:

• Establish BioEnablers including Bio-AI Intelligence Hubs, Biofoundries, and Biomanufacturing Hubs across India.
• Bio-AI Intelligence Hubs will support research and innovation using data-driven approaches and AI to develop technologies for bio-based products.
• Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs will provide infrastructure to scale up bio-based technology for commercial applications.

Focus on Human Resource Development:

• Bio-Enablers will offer training and internships to build a skilled workforce with interdisciplinary and technical skills required for biomanufacturing.

Sectoral Focus Areas:

• Based on consultations, six thematic sectors of national importance have been identified for implementation:
  • Bio-based chemicals and enzymes
  • Functional foods and smart proteins
  • Precision biotherapeutics
  • Climate-resilient agriculture
  • Carbon capture and utilization
  • Futuristic marine and space research
• Sectoral Expert Committees are addressing challenges and gaps identified for each of these sectors.

Government Support:

• The DBT-BIRAC (Department of Biotechnology and Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council) has called for proposals to establish Biofoundries and Biomanufacturing Hubs in academia and industry.
• These hubs will support innovation and commercialization of biomanufacturing technologies.

In News:

The Union Cabinet approved the launching of the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare.

Key Highlights

Objective & Focus:

• Launch of NMNF by the Union Cabinet to promote chemical-free farming in India.
• Aim to improve soil health, reduce input costs, and produce nutritious food.
• Support the shift to natural farming (NF), emphasizing local knowledge and agro-ecological principles.

Financial Allocation:

• Total Outlay: ?2481 crore (Government of India share ?1584 crore, State share ?897 crore) until FY 2025-26.

Key Features of NMNF:

• Coverage: Targeting 15,000 clusters in Gram Panchayats, covering 7.5 lakh hectares and impacting 1 crore farmers.
• Bio-Input Resource Centres (BRCs): 10,000 BRCs to supply ready-to-use natural farming inputs.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) and Agricultural Universities (AUs): Establishment of 2,000 model demonstration farms for hands-on training in natural farming techniques.
• Farmer Training: 18.75 lakh farmers to be trained in NF practices such as preparation of organic inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.
• Krishi Sakhis/CRPs: Deployment of 30,000 workers for farmer mobilization and awareness.

Implementation Strategy:

• Farmer Certification System: Providing easy, simple certification for marketing natural farming produce with dedicated branding.
• Monitoring: Real-time, geo-tagged monitoring of implementation through an online portal.
• Convergence with other government schemes and organizations for market linkages and support.

Natural Farming Practices:

• Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF): Promote sustainable farming by using local livestock and diverse crop systems.
• Benefits: Reduce dependence on external inputs like chemical fertilizers and pesticides, rejuvenate soil quality, and increase resilience to climate risks (e.g., drought, floods).
• Encourage biodiversity, and improve soil carbon content and water-use efficiency.

Targeted Areas and Farmer Support:

• Focus on areas where NF practices are already being followed or where farmer producer organizations (FPOs) or self-help groups (SHGs) are active.
• Training through model demonstration farms will focus on practical, location-specific NF techniques tailored to regional agro-ecologies.

Impact on Agriculture and Environment:

• Environmental Impact: Encourages sustainable farming by reducing chemical exposure, improving soil health, and promoting climate resilience.
• Farmer Well-being: By reducing input costs and promoting nutritious food, it aims to improve farmer incomes and family health.
• Contributing to the long-term health of the environment, ensuring a healthy Mother Earth for future generations.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Soil Nutrient Compromise: Concerns that some crops, like rice, might require chemical fertilizers (e.g., NPK) for optimal growth, which may not be sufficiently replaced by organic manure alone.
• The shift to natural farming requires significant awareness and training to ensure sustainable and productive yields.

Institutional Framework:

• Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare is the implementing body.
• Collaboration with KVKs, AUs, and farmer organizations ensures grassroots level support and knowledge dissemination.

In News:

• India reaffirms its commitment to inclusive growth and strengthening its intellectual property (IP) ecosystem.The signing of the treaty comes after nearly two decades of negotiations.

Key Highlights:

Purpose of the DLT:

• Aims to harmonize industrial design protection frameworks across multiple jurisdictions.
• Improves efficiency and accessibility of design registration processes.

Key Features of the DLT:

• Grace Period: A 12-month grace period after the first disclosure of the design, ensuring its validity for registration.
• Flexibility for Applicants: Provides relief measures such as relaxed deadlines, reinstatement of lost rights, and flexibility in adding priority claims.
• Simplified Processes: Includes simplified procedures for design renewals, assignment, and license recording.
• E-Filing Systems: Promotes the adoption of electronic filing systems and exchange of priority documents.

Benefits of DLT:

• Empowering SMEs and Startups: Helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and startups protect designs globally, enhancing competitiveness and market growth.
• Reduced Administrative Burden: Standardizes procedures, making the design protection process less complex, more predictable, and affordable.
• Support for Developing Countries: Offers technical assistance for implementation in developing and least-developed countries.

Significance for India:

• India’s rich heritage of design and craftsmanship underscores the importance of design protection for sustainable economic growth.
• Design registrations in India have surged, with a 120% increase in domestic filings over the last two years.

Supporting Programs:

• The treaty’s provisions align with India’s initiatives like Startup India and the Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP) Scheme to boost the protection and commercialization of designs for Indian innovators.

Broader Impact:

• DLT aims to integrate design protection with traditional knowledge and cultural expressions, further enhancing protection for India’s diverse creative sectors.

About WIPO:

• The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is a specialized UN agency established in 1967, promoting IP rights globally.
• India is a member of WIPO, which has 193 member countries.

Overview of Intellectual Property (IP):

• IP includes creations like inventions, industrial designs, literary and artistic works, symbols, and more, which are used in commerce.
• IP rights protect creators, allowing them to benefit from their work when commercially exploited.

In News:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission on its PSLV rocket to study the solar corona, the outermost and hottest part of the Sun’s atmosphere, from Sriharikota on December 4.

Key Highlights:

• Mission Objective:The mission will study the Sun’s outermost and hottest atmosphere, the solar corona. The mission will also demonstrate the first-ever precision formation flying with two satellites working in tandem.
• Satellite Formation:Proba-3 consists of two satellites that will fly together, maintaining a fixed formation to study the Sun's corona.

What is Proba-3?

• Proba-3 is a solar mission developed by ESA, with an estimated cost of 200 million euros. The mission involves launching two satellites that will separate after launch, but fly in precise formation. The satellites will create a solar coronagraph, which blocks the Sun’s bright light to observe the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost atmosphere.
• Orbit: Proba-3 will orbit in a highly elliptical path (600 x 60,530 km) with an orbital period of 19.7 hours.
• Mission Duration: The expected mission life is two years.

What will Proba-3 Study?

The Sun's corona is extremely hot (up to 2 million degrees Fahrenheit), making it difficult to observe with conventional instruments. However, studying the corona is essential because it generates space weather phenomena such as solar storms and solar winds, which can impact satellite communications, navigation systems, and power grids on Earth.

Proba-3 will use three main instruments for its mission:

• ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun):This coronagraph will observe the Sun’s outer and inner corona, similar to how the corona is visible during a solar eclipse. It features a 1.4-meter occulting disk to block the Sun’s light and facilitate close-up observations.
• DARA (Digital Absolute Radiometer):This instrument will measure the Sun’s total energy output (total solar irradiance).
• 3DEES (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer):It will study electron fluxes as they pass through Earth's radiation belts, providing valuable data on space weather.

Why is Proba-3 Unique?

• Proba-3 is designed to mimic a natural solar eclipse, allowing continuous study of the Sun’s corona. Typically, solar scientists observe the corona for only about 10 minutes during an eclipse, occurring around 1.5 times a year. Proba-3 will provide up to six hours of data per day, equivalent to 50 eclipse events annually.
• The two satellites will maintain a precise formation, with one acting as an occulting spacecraft to cast a shadow, while the other (the coronagraph) stays in the shadow and observes the Sun’s corona. They will be positioned 150 meters apart, maintaining their formation autonomously.
• This artificial eclipse will enable scientists to study the corona and its less-understood features more effectively.

In News:

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) declared the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards(NGRA); one of the highest National Awards in the field of livestock and dairy sector for the year 2024.

About the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA):

• Purpose:Recognize and encourage individuals, AI technicians, dairy cooperatives, and farmer organizations in the livestock and dairy sector.
• Categories:
  • Best Dairy Farmer (Indigenous Cattle/Buffalo Breeds)
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT)
  • Best Dairy Cooperative/Milk Producer Company (MPC)/Dairy Farmer Producer Organization

8915. Addition (2024):Special awards for North Eastern Region (NER) to promote dairy development in the area, with winners in all three categories.
10065061. and Prizes:

• Rs. 5 lakhs for 1st rank, Rs. 3 lakhs for 2nd rank, Rs. 2 lakhs for 3rd rank, and Rs. 2 lakhs for Special NER Award in the categories of Best Dairy Farmer and Best Dairy Cooperative/FPO/MPCs.
• For Best AIT, winners will receive a Certificate of Merit and a memento.

3794461255794. Process:Winners selected from 2,574 applications via an online portal (https://awards.gov.in).

• The livestock sector is crucial for India's economy, contributing significantly to agriculture and providing livelihood, especially for small and marginal farmers, women, and landless laborers.
• Indigenous breeds have immense genetic potential, but their population and performance have been declining. To address this, the Rashtriya Gokul Mission was launched under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development in 2014 to conserve and develop indigenous bovine breeds.

National Milk Day

• It is celebrated annually on November 26 in India to honor the significant contributions of milk and the dairy industry to the country's development.
• The day commemorates the birth anniversary of Dr VergheseKurien, the "Father of the White Revolution" in India, who played a pivotal role in transforming India into the largest producer of milk globally.
• National Milk Day was first celebrated on November 26, 2014, after the Indian Dairy Association (IDA), along with various dairy institutions across the country.

In News:

Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan launches the third edition of ‘Nayi Chetna – PahalBadlaav Ki’ a month-long national campaign against gender-based violence in New Delhi.

Key Highlights:

• Organized by: Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) under the Ministry of Rural Development.
• Led by: DAY-NRLM’s extensive Self-Help Group (SHG) network.
• Aim of the Campaign: Raise awareness and encourage grassroots-level action to combat gender-based violence.
• Campaign Slogan: “EkSaath, EkAwaaz, HinsaKeKhilaaf” (United Voice Against Violence).
• Approach:

• Adopts a "whole-of-government" approach with collaboration from 9 key ministries:

1. 1. Ministry of Women and Child Development
   2. Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
   3. Department of School Education and Literacy
   4. Ministry of Home Affairs
   5. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
   6. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment
   7. Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
   8. Ministry of Information and Broadcasting
   9. Department of Justice

• Key Objectives:

• Raise awareness about all forms of gender-based violence.
• Mobilize communities to demand accountability and action.
• Facilitate access to timely intervention and support systems.
• Empower local institutions to take action against violence.
• Goals for Nayi Chetna 3.0:

• Generate widespread awareness about gender-based violence.
• Foster collective action at the grassroots level.
• Drive convergence among government ministries and community stakeholders.
• Create a sustainable and informed movement for gender equality and women’s empowerment.

In News:

The Narasapur crochet lace craft, which has been a significant part of the cultural and economic fabric of the Godavari region in Andhra Pradesh, has recently been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag. The GI tag, registered by the Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) on March 1, 2024, acknowledges that this unique craft is geographically linked to the West Godavari and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Konaseema districts in the Godavari region.

Key Details:

• Historical Background:
  • The origins of the Narasapur crochet lace craft date back to 1844, when Macrae and his wife from Scotland introduced the lace-making technique to local women while they were associated with a Christian missionary in Dummugudem (now in Telangana).
  • Over time, the craft became a crucial part of the region’s heritage and survived significant historical events like the Indian famine of 1899 and the Great Depression of 1929.
• Craftsmanship:
  • The crochet lace is produced using thin threads and delicate crochet needles of varying sizes, resulting in intricate designs.
  • The products made include doilies, pillow covers, cushion covers, bedspreads, table runners, and tablecloths, among others. These items are often exported to international markets like the US, UK, and France.
• Economic and Social Impact:
  • The craft is predominantly carried out by women artisans, with over 15,000 women involved in its production. The GI tag is expected to revitalize the industry, especially after its stagnation due to the COVID-19 pandemic and competition from machine-made lace from China.
  • The craft is also an important part of the Alankriti Lace Manufacturing Mahila Mutual Aided Co-operative Societies’ Federation Limited, which supports local women artisans and has revived operations at the Alankriti Lace Park in Narasapur.
• GI Tag Benefits:
  • The Geographical Indication tag serves to protect the authenticity of the lace products, boost demand, and ensure better market recognition.
  • It provides legal protection to the traditional craft, preventing unauthorized use of the term "Narasapur lace" by others and promoting the region's cultural heritage and economic growth.
• Future Outlook:
  • With the GI tag, there is hope for increased demand for Narasapur lace products both in domestic and global markets, thus offering a fresh avenue for artisans to revive and sustain the craft.
  • Alankriti Federation and other stakeholders are optimistic that the GI tag will significantly revitalize the local economy and empower women in the region.

In News:

Palparescontrarius is a species of antlion that was recently spotted for the first time in Tamil Nadu, on the Madras Christian College (MCC) campus. It is notable for being a large-sized adult antlion that resembles a dragonfly but has distinct characteristics that separate it from dragonflies, such as its clubbed antennae and fluttering flight.

Key Features of Palparescontrarius:

• Appearance:
  • The adult Palparescontrarius is large and resembles a dragonfly in its general body structure.
  • It has lacy wings, long clubbed antennae, and a slender, grayish body.
  • Its wings are typically clear, although some species of antlions have spots on their wings.
• Flight and Behavior:
  • Unlike dragonflies, Palparescontrarius has a distinct fluttering flight.
  • It is a weak flier and can often be spotted at night near illuminated spots.
• Habitat and Lifestyle:
  • Like other antlions, Palparescontrarius is found in dry, sandy regions and is mostly active at night.
  • The larvae of this species are particularly known for their predatory behavior, as they trap ants and other small insects in cone-shaped pits they dig into the sand.
• Ecological Importance:
  • Antlions, including Palparescontrarius, are harmless to humans and beneficial to the environment because they feed on ants and other insects, thus helping to control pest populations.

In News:

Scientists at the Saha Institute of Nuclear Physics in Kolkatahave successfully engineered bacteria capable of solving mathematical problems, marking a major step forward in the field of synthetic biology and biocomputing. These engineered bacteria can function like artificial neural networks, performing tasks that were traditionally reserved for humans or conventional computers.

Key Highlights:

• Bacterial Computers:
  • The research team introduced genetic circuits into bacteria, turning them into computational units capable of tasks like determining whether a number is prime or identifying vowels in an alphabet.
  • These bacterial "computers" mimic artificial neural networks (ANNs), where each type of engineered bacterium (called a "bactoneuron") behaves like a node in a network, processing inputs to generate outputs.
• How it Works:
  • The bacteria's genetic circuits are activated by chemical inducers, which represent binary 0s and 1s (the fundamental language of computing). The presence or absence of certain chemicals determines whether a bacterium expresses a specific fluorescent protein, representing the binary states.
  • For example, when asked if a number between 0-9 is prime, the bacteria can express green fluorescent proteins (1) for "yes" or red fluorescent proteins (0) for "no", providing binary outputs that solve the problem.
• Complex Tasks:
  • The team advanced to more complex tasks, such as asking the bacterial computers whether adding a number (like 2 + 3) results in a prime number or if a number's square can be expressed as the sum of factorials.
  • In an even more complex test, the bacteria solved an optimization problem—calculating the maximum number of pieces a pie could be cut into with a given number of straight cuts. The bacteria’s fluorescent output represented binary numbers that were converted to decimal for the correct solution.
• Technical Details:
  • The researchers used Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacteria, engineered with transcriptional genetic circuits, which recognize specific DNA sequences and trigger the expression of proteins based on the presence of chemical inducers.
  • The system is similar to how ANNs work in traditional computing, where nodes (bactoneurons) take inputs, apply weights, and produce outputs based on activation functions.
• Implications and Future Prospects:
  • Synthetic Biology & Biomanufacturing: This breakthrough could revolutionize industries such as pharmaceuticals and biomanufacturing by enabling biocomputers that perform specific tasks in a biological environment, potentially reducing reliance on silicon-based computers.
  • Medical Applications: The ability of engineered bacteria to process data could lead to biocomputers capable of diagnosing diseases (such as cancer) at an early stage and even administering localized treatments.
  • Understanding Intelligence: Bagh and his team hope to explore the biochemical nature of intelligence, pondering how intelligence could emerge from simple, single-celled organisms.
• Groundbreaking Research:
  • The research, published in Nature Chemical Biology, has drawn significant attention in the synthetic biology community. Centre for Synthetic Biology highlighting the potential of bacteria programmed to solve complex problems.