05-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

GENOME MAPPING OF CHANDIPURA VIRUS

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY– SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Gujarat Biotechnology Research Centre (GBRC) recently mapped the genome of the Chandipura vesiculovirus (CHPV), a virus causing severe encephalitis and brain swelling cases in Gujarat. The mapping provides insights into the virus’s behaviour, mutations, and its impact on public health.

What is CHPV?

• CHPV causes encephalitis, leading to severe symptoms like fever, headache, convulsions, and coma.
• It mainly affects children under 15 and can be transmitted by sandflies, ticks, and Aedes aegypti mosquitoes, which also spread dengue and chikungunya.
• The virus has a high mortality rate, with fatality rates reaching 75% in previous outbreaks.

Importance of Genome Mapping

• Genome mapping determines the location of genes on an organism’s chromosomes.
• For viruses like CHPV, mapping reveals origins, genetic structure, mutations, and aids in developing diagnostic tools, vaccines, and treatments.
• Understanding the genetic sequence helps track virus evolution and informs public health responses.

Chandipura Virus Infection:

Family and Related Viruses:CHPV belongs to the Rhabdoviridae  family, which also includes the lyssavirus responsible for rabies.Vectors and Transmission:

• Transmitted by sandflies (e.g., Phlebotomine sandflies, Phlebotomus papatasi) and mosquitoes like Aedes aegypti (also a vector for dengue).
• Resides in the salivary glands of these insects and is transmitted through bites to humans and animals.

Pathogenesis:

• Affects the central nervous system, causing encephalitis (brain inflammation).
• Rapid progression can lead to severe symptoms within hours, including organ involvement.

Symptoms:

• Initial flu-like symptoms: acute fever, body ache, headache.
• Progression to altered sensorium, seizures, encephalitis.
• May cause respiratory distress, bleeding tendencies, or anemia.
• Rapid progression can result in mortality within 24-48 hours, particularly in children.

Affected Population:

• Mainly affects children below 15 years of age.

Treatment:

• No specific antiviral therapy or vaccine available; treatment is limited to symptomatic management.

Affected Regions in India:

• First isolated in 1965 in Maharashtra during dengue/chikungunya investigations.
• Major outbreaks in 2003-04 in Maharashtra, northern Gujarat, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Endemic to central India, where sandfly and mosquito populations are high

Conclusion

Genome mapping of CHPV is crucial for understanding its behavior, guiding preventive measures, and preparing public health strategies to manage outbreaks, especially among vulnerable populations like children.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about Chandipura virus:
2. It is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes.
3. It is endemic to the Indian subcontinent.
4. A vaccine is currently available for Chandipura virus infection.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. 3 only
4. 2 and 3

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

Chandipura virus is primarily transmitted through mosquitoes, particularly the Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus species.

While Chandipura virus has been reported in India, it is not endemic to the Indian subcontinent. Cases have been reported in other regions as well, including Africa and Southeast Asia.

As of now, there is no vaccine available for Chandipura virus infection. Research is ongoing to develop a vaccine, but as of 2024, there is no approved vaccine for this virus.

HIMACHAL PRADESH RAISES MARRIAGEABLE AGE FOR WOMEN

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Himachal Pradesh recently made headlines for its decision to raise the minimum marriageable age for women from 18 to 21 years. This amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006 aims to address issues related to early marriage and its adverse effects on women’s health and education.

Key Provisions of the Bill

• Redefinition of “Child”: The Bill removes the distinction between male and female children, defining a child as anyone who has not completed 21 years of age.
• Extension of Annulment Period: The Bill extends the time period within which a marriage can be annulled from two years to five years for both men and women.
• Precedence Over Other Laws: The Bill ensures that its provisions take precedence over all other existing laws.

Rationale for Raising the Marriageable Age

• Prevention of Early Pregnancies: Early marriage often leads to early pregnancies, which can have serious health consequences for young women.
• Promotion of Education: Raising the marriageable age allows girls to complete their education and pursue higher opportunities.
• Empowerment of Women: This measure is seen as a step towards empowering women and ensuring their overall well-being.

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MARRIAGEABLE AGE FOR WOMEN IN INDIA

British Intervention: The British colonial government recognized the harmful effects of child marriage and sought to introduce reforms.

• The Child Marriage Restraint Act (1929), often referred to as the Sarda Act, was enacted by the British colonial government in India. It was one of the early attempts to address the issue of child marriage, particularly for girls.
• Sharia Act (1937): This Act allowed child marriages under Islamic law, exempting Muslims from the provisions of the Child Marriage Restraint Act.

Post-Independence India

• Amendments and Reforms: The Indian government continued its efforts to address child marriage after independence.
• Child Marriage Restraint Act Amendments: The Act was amended in 1949 to raise the minimum age of marriage for girls to 15 and again in 1978 to 18 for both girls and boys.
• Prohibition of Child Marriage Act (2006): This Act further strengthened the legal framework against child marriage, defining a child as anyone below the age of 18 and making child marriage a punishable offense.

Need for President’s Assent

• Since the Bill introduces a different minimum marriageable age for women than the existing central law, it is deemed inconsistent with the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006.
• Therefore, the President’s assent is required to ensure the validity of the State law.

Concerns and Criticisms

• Criminalization of Young Relationships: Some critics argue that raising the marriageable age could lead to the criminalization of young relationships, especially in cases of elopement.
• Impact on Rural Communities: The change might have a significant impact on rural communities where early marriages are common due to cultural and economic factors.
• Enforcement Challenges: Ensuring effective enforcement of the law could be a challenge, especially in remote areas.

Child Marriages in India:

Decline in Prevalence:

• Child marriage rates in India have declined from 47.4% in 2005-06 to 26.8% in 2015-16.
• In the past five years, it further reduced by 3.5 percentage points, reaching 23.3% in 2020-21 (NFHS-5 data).

Current Scenario:

• Despite the decline, 23.3% remains a significant figure in a country with a population of 141.2 crore.

States with Higher Prevalence:

• Eight states report child marriage rates above the national average.
• West Bengal, Bihar, and Tripura have the highest rates, with over 40% of women aged 20-24 married before 18.

States Showing Improvement:

• Madhya Pradesh reduced child marriages from 32.4% in 2015-16 to 23.1% in 2020-21.
• Rajasthan showed a reduction from 35.4% to 25.4% during the same period.
• Haryana has also reported a decline in child marriage rates.

Conclusion

The decision to raise the marriageable age for women in Himachal Pradesh is a significant step towards promoting gender equality and protecting the rights of young girls. While there are concerns and challenges to address, the overall aim of the measure is to improve the lives of women and ensure their well-being.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Sarda Act:
2. The Sarda Act was originally enacted in 1929 to curb child marriages in India.
3. The Act sets the minimum legal age of marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys.
4. The Sarda Act was renamed as the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2006.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1, 2, and 3

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Sarda Act, originally enacted in 1929, was the first law to curb child marriages in India.

The minimum age for marriage was initially set at 14 for girls and 18 for boys, which was later amended.

The Act was renamed the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act in 2006, setting the current legal age of marriage at 18 for girls and 21 for boys.

LATEST ILO STUDY LINKS AI TO DIP IN LABOUR INCOME

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The International Labour Organization (ILO) has released a concerning report highlighting the decline in labour income worldwide, primarily attributed to advancements in artificial intelligence (AI). This trend has significant implications for global inequality and economic development.

Key Findings of the ILO Report

• Stagnation of Labor Income Share: The labour income share, representing the portion of total income earned by workers, has remained stagnant or declined in recent years.
• Impact of AI: The ILO identifies AI as a major contributor to this decline, as automation and AI-driven technologies can replace human labour in certain tasks.
• Youth Unemployment: A large share of young people remains out of employment, education, or training (NEET), exacerbating the challenges faced by the labor market.
• Slow Progress on SDGs: The report also indicates slow progress on key Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly those related to decent work and economic growth.
• COVID-19 Pandemic: The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the decline in labor income, with nearly 40% of the reduction occurring during this period.

Policy Implications

• Equitable Distribution of Benefits: To mitigate the negative impacts of AI on inequality, the benefits of technological progress should be widely distributed.
• Strong Policy Response: Governments need to implement strong policies to address the challenges posed by AI and ensure a just transition to a more automated economy.
• Promotion of Decent Work: Policies should prioritize decent work, including freedom of association, collective bargaining, and effective labor administration.
• Investment in Education and Skills: Investing in education and skills development is crucial to equip workers for the changing labor market and mitigate the risks of job displacement.

International Labour Organization (ILO)

History and Structure

• Establishment: Founded in 1919 as part of the Treaty of Versailles.
• UN Affiliation: Became a specialized agency of the UN in 1946.
• Tripartite Structure: Unique among UN agencies, it brings together representatives of governments, employers, and workers.
• Membership: 187 member states, representing nearly all UN members.

Mission and Objectives

• Improving Labor Conditions: Promoting basic human rights, improving working conditions, and enhancing employment opportunities.
• International Labor Standards: Formulating and supervising international labor standards.
• Technical Cooperation: Providing technical assistance to countries to implement labor standards and policies.
• Training and Research: Conducting training, education, and research activities to support its mission.

Conclusion

The ILO’s report serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by AI and the need for urgent action to address the declining labor income share. By implementing appropriate policies and promoting equitable distribution of the benefits of technological progress, governments can help ensure a more inclusive and sustainable future for workers worldwide.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. The International Labour Organization (ILO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations (UN). Which of the following is not a core objective of the ILO?
   1. Promote the rights of workers
   2. Encourage full employment and income security
   3. Facilitate international trade agreements
   4. Provide social protection to workers

ANSWER – C

EXPLANATION:

The ILO advocates for decent work conditions, labor standards, and workers’ rights.

The ILO promotes policies aimed at achieving full employment, fair wages, and job security.

Ensuring social security and protection for workers, including in case of illness, injury, or unemployment, is one of the key goals of the ILO.

Facilitate international trade agreements is not an ILO objective. Trade agreements fall under the purview of organizations like the World Trade Organization (WTO).

FROM CRISIS TO CASCADE OF HOPE

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Cauvery River, which flows through Karnataka and Tamil Nadu, has long been a source of water-sharing disputes between the two states. In mid-2024, both states faced a potential water crisis due to insufficient rainfall. It highlights the role of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) and stresses the need for improved transparency and collaboration in water management.

Relief in Cauvery River Water Dispute

• In early July 2024, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu were on the verge of a water crisis due to low inflows in the Cauvery River.
• Mid-July rains significantly improved the situation, resulting in substantial water inflows and relieving the water stress for both states.

Water Realisation for Tamil Nadu

• By September 2, 2024, Tamil Nadu received 181 tmc ft of water from the Cauvery River, exceeding its annual requirement of 177.25 tmc ft due to a strong southwest monsoon.
• This was a stark contrast to 2023 when Tamil Nadu had received only 33.2 tmc ft by the same date.
• Over the past 30 years, Tamil Nadu received less than 100 tmc ft during the June-September period in 11 years, highlighting frequent water stress.

Importance of the Implementation Mechanism

• The CWMA and its supporting body, the Cauvery Water Regulation Committee (CWRC), play a crucial role in implementing the Tribunal’s final award on water sharing between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.
• During the 2023-24 water year, these bodies were tested in managing disputes between the states.
• The CWMA, unlike the earlier Cauvery River Authority led by the Prime Minister, operates under a full-time chairperson and includes officials from relevant states and Union government departments.

Recommendations for Improvement

• There is a need for greater transparency in the functioning of CWMA and CWRC, with quicker public dissemination of decisions and accurate information, especially during crises.
• To enhance the CWMA’s efficiency, addressing manpower shortages through Union Ministry of Jal Shakti intervention is necessary.
• The CWMA’s composition should include non-officials like farmers, environmentalists, and independent water experts to bring a multidisciplinary approach, addressing issues like climate change and environmental degradation.

Addressing Bengaluru’s Water Shortage

• The favourable water conditions present an opportunity to address Bengaluru’s drinking water shortage, which reached a critical level earlier this year.
• The Supreme Court’s 2018 judgement allocated 4.75 tmc ft of Cauvery water for Bengaluru, but Karnataka is pushing for the Mekedatu Balancing Reservoir-cum-Drinking Water Project, currently under review by the Central Water Commission.
• Given the trust deficit between Karnataka and Tamil Nadu over Mekedatu, the Union government could play a mediating role to facilitate the project, ensuring optimal utilisation of Cauvery’s water resources.

Conclusion

Timely rains have eased water concerns for Karnataka and Tamil Nadu despite a difficult start to the 2024-25 water year. Strengthening the functioning and transparency of institutions like the CWMA and pursuing projects like Mekedatu are vital for effective water management of the Cauvery River.

ETHANOL PUSH TURNS INDIA INTO CORN IMPORTER, SHAKING UP GLOBAL MARKET

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES

India’s increasing emphasis on corn-based ethanol, driven by higher procurement prices, has transformed it from a leading corn exporter into a net importer. This shift impacts local poultry industries, raises global corn prices, and triggers calls for policy changes to tackle rising feed costs and import duties.

Ethanol Shift and Import Dynamics

• India’s growing focus on corn-based ethanol has led to a shift from being Asia’s top corn exporter to a net importer for the first time in decades.
• The government raised the procurement price of corn-based ethanol in January to promote a transition from sugarcane-based ethanol, aiming to cut carbon emissions and maintain sugar supply stability.
• As a result, India is expected to become a permanent net importer of corn, thereby supporting global prices, which are currently near four-year lows.

Impact on Local Industries

• Rising feed costs due to high corn prices have affected local poultry producers, with domestic prices surpassing global benchmarks.
• Poultry producers are calling for the removal of import duties and a lift on the ban on genetically modified (GM) corn to expand their purchasing options.
• India’s corn exports are predicted to decline to 450,000 tons in 2024, while imports are projected to reach a record 1 million tons, mainly from Myanmar and Ukraine.

Supply and Demand Imbalance

• Ethanol distilleries’ demand for corn has surged after the government curtailed sugarcane usage due to drought, leading to a 5 million-ton shortage.
• Ethanol distilleries are expected to require 6 to 7 million tons of corn annually, a demand increasingly met through imports.

Ethanol

Ethanol is a clear, colourless, and flammable organic compound with a characteristic odour.

• Production: It is produced mainly through the fermentation of sugars by yeast, a process commonly used in alcoholic beverage production. It can also be synthesized through chemical processes like the hydration of ethylene.

Uses:

• Beverages: Ethanol is the type of alcohol found in drinks such as beer, wine, and spirits.
• Fuel: It serves as a biofuel and is often mixed with gasoline to produce ethanol-blended fuels.
• Industrial Solvent: Ethanol is widely used as a solvent in the production of pharmaceuticals, perfumes, and other products.
• Medical and Laboratory: It is used as an antiseptic, disinfectant, and preservative in various medical and laboratory applications.
• Chemical Feedstock: Ethanol acts as a feedstock in the production of various chemicals.

Ethanol Blending Program (EBP)The EBP is an initiative by the Government of India to promote the use of ethanol as a renewable and environment-friendly fuel in petrol.

• Objective: The program aims to reduce fuel imports, conserve foreign exchange, and add value to the sugar industry.

Targets:

• The goal of 10% ethanol blending set in the ‘Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India 2020-25’ was achieved for the Ethanol Supply Year (ESY) 2021-22.
• Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) have started selling E20 petrol (20% ethanol blended) across the country.
• The National Policy on Biofuels – 2018 targets 20% blending of ethanol in petrol by ESY 2025-26.
• Raw Materials: Ethanol is mainly produced from molasses, a by-product of the sugar industry, but can also be made from sugarcane juice, sugar, sugar syrup, and damaged food grains.
• Government Measures: To boost ethanol supply under the EBP, the government has set remunerative prices, simplified procurement procedures, waived excise duty, and provided financial assistance.
• Growth: Due to these policies, the ethanol supply to OMCs increased over 13 times from ESY 2013-14 to ESY 2022-23, with blending rates rising from 1.53% to the targeted 12%.

Economic Impact and Adjustments

• The rise in corn prices has raised poultry production costs, placing financial pressure on producers.
• To manage costs, some growers are replacing corn with cheaper feed alternatives.
• Farmers are responding to higher prices by expanding corn cultivation, with a 7% increase in the area under corn compared to the previous year.

Trade and Price Adjustments

• India’s demand has driven up corn prices in Myanmar, benefiting local farmers and exporters.
• Starch producers are utilizing India’s Advance License Scheme to import duty-free corn from Ukraine.
• Overall, India’s corn imports surged significantly in early 2024, while exports declined, underscoring the shift in trade dynamics.

SATELLITE- BASED HIGHWAY TOLL COLLECTION: HOW WILL IT WORK?

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has launched a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based software for real-time monitoring of wait times at highway toll plazas. This initiative, developed by Indian Highways Management Company Ltd (IHMCL) and promoted by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), will be piloted at 100 toll plazas selected based on congestion data.

How the Monitoring System Works

• The GIS-based software provides real-time data on various metrics such as toll plaza name, location, queue lengths, wait times, and vehicle speeds.
• The system also offers traffic condition analyses on hourly, daily, weekly, and monthly bases.
• Commuters can use this data to avoid congested lanes, improving overall traffic management.

Satellite-Based Tolling System

• MoRTH is also developing a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-based tolling system, set to replace the existing FASTag system in the future.
• The GNSS-based toll system will facilitate distance-based tolling, where users pay only for the distance travelled.
• Initially, this satellite-based tolling will operate alongside FASTag and will automate toll payments without requiring boom barriers.

Benefits to Users

• The satellite-based toll system is expected to expedite toll passage, reducing the delays associated with current FASTag operations, which can take up to a minute per vehicle.
• This system aims to minimize queues and enhance traffic flow at toll plazas.
• Since its introduction in 2015, FASTag has accounted for over 98% of toll payments as of March 2024.

ABOUT FASTAG AND GAGAN

FASTag:

• FASTag is a device that uses Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology to make toll payments directly while the vehicle is in motion.
• The RFID tag is affixed to the vehicle’s windscreen, enabling toll payments to be deducted directly from the linked account.
• FASTag is operated by the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) under the supervision of MoRTH.

GAGAN:

• GPS Aided GEO Augmented Navigation (GAGAN) is an initiative by the Indian Government to provide Satellite-based Navigation Services in India.
• GAGAN enhances the accuracy of GNSS receivers through reference signals.
• Developed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), GAGAN is a regional Satellite-Based Augmentation System (SBAS).
• The system aids in accurate aircraft landings over Indian airspace and adjoining areas, and it is applicable to safety-to-life civil operations.

GAGAN is interoperable with other international SBAS systems.

This comprehensive approach by MoRTH to incorporate real-time monitoring and satellite-based tolling represents a significant step towards modernizing India’s tolling system and improving road transport efficiency.

Conclusion:

The GIS-based toll monitoring and satellite-based tolling systems modernize India’s infrastructure, reducing congestion, fuel consumption, and carbon emissions, promoting sustainability. These innovations enhance toll revenue collection, reduce operational costs, and improve traffic flow, supporting economic growth. By embracing advanced technology, India moves towards a future of efficient and environmentally-friendly transport infrastructure, balancing development with sustainability.

EXEMPTED EXPORT-ORIENTED GREEN HYDROGEN PROJECTS FROM SOLAR MODULE SHORTLIST TO LOWER COSTS: MNRE SEC

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has exempted export-oriented green hydrogen projects from its domestic solar module mandate to reduce costs and enhance global competitiveness. This exemption allows the use of cheaper imported solar modules, lowering green hydrogen production costs.

What is the National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM)?

• Launched in January 2023 by the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy (MNRE), aiming to produce 5 million tonnes per annum of Green Hydrogen by 2030.
• Includes the Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition (SIGHT) programme, providing incentives for manufacturing electrolysers and green ammonia production.
• Initiatives include dedicated portals and guidelines for green hydrogen use in industries like steel, transport, and shipping.
• Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters have been set up to promote green hydrogen innovation in India.

Importance of Cost Reduction:

• Lowering green hydrogen costs is essential to compete with cheaper, carbon-intensive grey hydrogen.
• Reducing production costs will expand global demand and boost India’s green hydrogen exports.

Solar Modules and Cost Impact:

• Imported solar modules cost 9.1 cents per watt (June 2024), while domestic ones are about twice as expensive at 18 cents per watt, significantly impacting green hydrogen costs.

Green Hydrogen Production Targets:

• India targets 5 million metric tons of green hydrogen annually by 2030, with 7.5 million metric tons of projects announced so far.

Additional Incentives and Measures:

• SIGHT Program allocated Rs 17,490 crore for green hydrogen and electrolyser manufacturing.
• Rs 400 crore invested in R&D with multiple project proposals in review.
• Green hydrogen projects receive exemptions from prior environmental clearance and 25-year transmission charges waivers.
• 73 standards for green hydrogen production have been approved by regulatory bodies.

Reasons to Develop Green Hydrogen:

• Reducing Greenhouse Gas Emissions: Green hydrogen helps mitigate climate change by producing zero emissions from renewable sources.
• Energy Security and Independence: Green hydrogen reduces dependence on fossil fuels, enhancing energy security and reducing vulnerability to global price fluctuations.
• Creating New Industries and Jobs: The green hydrogen sector fosters job creation, especially in production, storage, and distribution, supporting global employment growth.
• Decarbonizing Hard-to-Decarbonize Sectors: Green hydrogen offers a sustainable alternative in sectors like heavy industry and aviation that are difficult to decarbonize.
• Technological Advancements: Development in green hydrogen drives innovation in production, storage, and infrastructure, promoting new technological breakthroughs.

Conclusion:

The exemption of export-oriented green hydrogen projects from the domestic solar module mandate is a strategic move toward making green hydrogen cost-effective and globally competitive. This initiative aligns with India’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and promoting renewable energy. By investing in green hydrogen, India can secure its energy future, drive economic growth, and create sustainable job opportunities.

DIGITAL AGRICULTURE MISSION

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: PIB

India’s Digital Agriculture Mission, approved on September 2, 2024, is set to revolutionize the agricultural sector with a substantial budget of Rs. 2,817 Crore. This initiative focuses on integrating digital technologies into agriculture to enhance efficiency, transparency, and service delivery for farmers.

Budget and Approval

• Launched by: Union Cabinet
• Date: September 2, 2024
• Total Budget: 2,817 Crore
• Central Government’s Share: 1,940 Crore

Objectives

• Transform Agriculture: Leverage digital technologies to modernize farming practices.
• Create Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI): Enhance services and systems centered around farmers.

Key Components

AgriStack

• Farmers’ Registry: Digital identity for farmers.
• Geo-referenced Village Maps: Detailed mapping of farming areas.
• Crop Sown Registry: Record of crops sown by farmers.
• Farmer ID: Digital ID similar to Aadhaar, integrating various farmer-related data.

Krishi Decision Support System (DSS)

• Integrates data from remote sensing on crops, soil, weather, and water resources.

Soil Profile Mapping

• Mapping at a 1:10,000 scale for 142 million hectares; 29 million hectares mapped to date.

Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES)

• Provides accurate yield estimates through crop-cutting experiments.

Implementation

• Pilot Projects: Conducted in six states: Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Haryana, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu.

Targets:

• Digital IDs for 11 crore farmers over three years.
• Nationwide Digital Crop Survey to cover all districts by 2025-26.

Benefits

• Reduced Paperwork: Less reliance on physical documentation and visits.
• Enhanced Efficiency: Improved transparency in government schemes and loan systems.
• Better Disaster Response: Accurate crop mapping aids in effective disaster management and insurance claims.
• Tailored Advisory Services: Personalized guidance for crop management and irrigation.

Conclusion:

The Digital Agriculture Mission is poised to transform service delivery, boost agricultural productivity, and foster sustainability in Indian farming practices.

VISHVASYA-BLOCKCHAIN TECHNOLOGY STACK: ENHANCING GOVERNANCE AND SERVICES

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: PIB

The Indian government has introduced the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack, a Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) platform aimed at improving transparency, security, and trust in public services. Developed by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Vishvasya offers a robust blockchain framework for various applications.

Key Features

• Secure Blockchain Infrastructure: Provides a permissioned, decentralized system hosted across multiple data centres.
• Smart Contracts and APIs: Supports automation of processes and integration with existing systems.
• Privacy Protections: Ensures secure and private execution of blockchain-based applications.

Potential Applications

• Citizen Services: Secure digital identities and verification processes.Tamper-proof records for services like land registration, healthcare, and education.
• Financial Services: Safe and transparent transactions in banking, insurance, and other financial operations. Reduces fraud and enhances financial system reliability.
• Supply Chain Management: Ensures traceability and verification of goods.Enhances accountability in sectors like agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and logistics.
• Governance: Promotes transparency and accountability in e-governance.

Blockchain Technology Basics

• Decentralized Ledger: Records transactions across multiple computers without a central authority.
• Peer-to-Peer Network: Eliminates intermediaries such as banks.
• Secure Transactions: Uses cryptographic techniques to protect data and ensure transaction integrity.
• Beyond Cryptocurrencies: Extends to applications in various sectors like supply chain management and healthcare.

The Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack aims to modernize service delivery, enhance security, and promote efficient governance through advanced blockchain technology.