24-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

THE ROAD TO 2047 FOR INDIAN AGRICULTURE

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

As India approaches its centennial year of independence in 2047, achieving the goal of becoming a developed nation requires significant advancements in various sectors, particularly in agriculture. Transforming Indian agriculture is crucial for improving productivity, ensuring environmental sustainability, and supporting the nation’s socio-economic development.

Key Areas of Transformation:

Sustainable Practices:

Modern Techniques: Adopting precision farming, genetically modified (GM) crops, and advanced irrigation methods like drip and sprinkler systems is essential. The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) has played a vital role, covering 78 lakh hectares and promoting efficient water use with an allocation of ₹93,068 crore for 2021-26.

Agricultural Challenges:

Climate Change and Land Degradation:

• India’s agriculture faces challenges such as climate change, land degradation, and limited market access.
• The Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), launched in 2016, provides financial assistance for crop losses, benefiting over 49.5 crore farmers with claims exceeding ₹1.45 lakh crore.

Market Access:

• The Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM), launched in 2016, integrates markets through a digital platform.
• By September 2023, 1,361 mandis had joined, benefiting 1.76 million farmers and recording trade worth ₹2.88 lakh crore.

Structural Imbalance in Agriculture:

• Workforce vs. GDP Contribution: Although agriculture employs nearly 46% of the workforce, it contributes only about 18% to GDP. With agriculture’s GDP share potentially shrinking to 7%-8% by 2047, yet employing over 30% of the workforce, significant structural changes are necessary.
• Current Growth Trends: The overall GDP growth of 7.6% in 2023-24 contrasts with the sluggish 0.7% growth in agri-GDP, highlighting the need for a more robust agricultural growth strategy.

Population and Food Demand:

• Rising Population: India’s population is projected to reach 1.5 billion by 2030 and 1.59 billion by 2040, increasing the demand for food by 2.85% annually. The varying demand for food commodities will require strategic planning to ensure food security.

Government Initiatives:

Farmer Support:

• PM-KISAN: Launched in 2019, this scheme provides ₹6,000 annually to farmers, benefiting over 11.8 crore farmers.
• Soil Health Card (SHC): Over 23 crore SHCs have been distributed to optimize soil nutrient use and improve agricultural productivity.

Agriculture Infrastructure:

• Infrastructure Fund: The Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, with a ₹1 lakh crore facility, supports post-harvest infrastructure development. Over 38,326 projects have been sanctioned, creating employment and improving farmer incomes.

Strategic Planning for 2047:

• Future Demand: Total food grain demand by 2047-48 is projected to range from 402 to 437 million tonnes, with production likely to exceed demand by 10%-13% under a Business-As-Usual scenario.
• Investment in Research and Innovation: Significant investments in agricultural research, infrastructure, and policy support are crucial for sustainable development.

Conclusion:

India’s journey to 2047 presents both challenges and opportunities for agriculture. By embracing sustainable practices, leveraging technological innovations, and implementing strategic initiatives, India can ensure food security, enhance farmer incomes, and achieve inclusive growth.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following measures is NOT directly aimed at addressing the structural imbalances in Indian agriculture as outlined for the journey to 2047?
2. Implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY) to promote efficient water use.
3. Expansion of the Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM) to integrate markets digitally.
4. Introduction of the Soil Health Card (SHC) scheme to optimize soil nutrient use.
5. The establishment of the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to support post-harvest infrastructure development.

ANSWER – C

‘NOT ALL INSULTS CAN BE RULED AS OFFENCES UNDER SC/ST LAW’

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

The Supreme Court, in a recent judgment, clarified the application of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, particularly concerning insults or intimidatory comments directed at SC/ST individuals. The decision provides clarity on what constitutes an offence under this law.

Key Points:

Context of the Judgment:

• A case involving Shajan Skaria, editor and publisher of a YouTube channel, accused of making derogatory remarks against Kerala MLA P.V. Sreenijin, a Scheduled Caste member, was brought before the court.

Court’s Interpretation:

• The Supreme Court held that not all insults or intimidatory actions against an SC/ST person automatically constitute an offence under the 1989 Act.
• For the Act to be applicable, the insult or intimidation must be intentionally directed at the victim due to their SC/ST identity.

Judgment’s Reasoning:

• The court noted that the intention behind the insult must be intricately linked to the caste identity of the victim.
• In Skaria’s case, the court found no evidence suggesting that the derogatory remarks were made solely because the victim belonged to a Scheduled Caste.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989, is a key legislation in India aimed at preventing discrimination and atrocities against members of the SC/ST communities. ·       The Act criminalizes various forms of abuse, violence, and harassment against these communities, ensuring protection and justice. ·       It includes provisions for stringent punishments, special courts for speedy trials, and relief measures for victims. ·       The Act also mandates that the intention behind an act of insult or intimidation must be linked to the victim’s caste or tribe for it to be considered an offense under this law.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court emphasized that the application of the SC/ST Act requires a clear connection between the insult and the victim’s caste identity, thus refining the understanding of what constitutes an offence under the Act.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements best reflects the Supreme Court’s recent interpretation of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989?
2. Any insult or intimidatory act against an SC/ST person automatically constitutes an offence under the Act.
3. The intention behind an insult or intimidation must be linked to the victim’s SC/ST identity for it to be considered an offence under the Act.
4. The SC/ST Act applies to all insults made by a non-SC/ST person towards an SC/ST individual, regardless of intent.
5. The Supreme Court ruled that the SC/ST Act does not apply to verbal insults.

ANSWER – B

CHANDRAYAAN-4: INDIA’S AMBITIOUS MOON SAMPLE RETURN MISSION

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

India’s space exploration efforts are set to take another giant leap with the Chandrayaan-4 mission, which aims to bring lunar rock and soil samples back to Earth by 2027.

Following the success of Chandrayaan-3, which marked a historic landing near the Moon’s South Pole, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has finalized the designs for Chandrayaan-4.

This complex mission will involve multiple modules and new technological capabilities, reflecting ISRO’s growing expertise in space exploration.

Key Features of Chandrayaan-4

Mission Overview:

• Five-Module Spacecraft: Chandrayaan-4 will consist of five distinct modules, surpassing the three modules of Chandrayaan-3, which included a propulsion module, a lander, and a rover.
• Sample Return Mission: The primary objective of Chandrayaan-4 is to collect lunar rock and soil samples and return them to Earth for detailed analysis. This will be India’s first sample return mission, marking a significant milestone in its space exploration endeavors.

Mission Details

Modules and Operations:

• Lunar Landing: The mission will see two modules detach from the main spacecraft once in lunar orbit. These modules will work in tandem to land on the Moon’s surface and collect samples.
• Sample Collection and Return: After gathering the samples, one module will lift off from the lunar surface and dock with the main spacecraft in orbit. The collected samples will then be transferred to a re-entry vehicle, which will return them to Earth.
• Docking Procedures: The mission involves two critical docking operations — one when the lunar modules rejoin the main spacecraft, and another when the samples are transferred to the Earth-bound re-entry vehicle. This marks ISRO’s first attempt at docking spacecraft, a complex maneuver requiring precise alignment and timing.

Technological Innovations

Hop Experiment:

• During the Chandrayaan-3 mission, ISRO successfully conducted a “hop experiment” where the lander lifted off from the lunar surface and landed a short distance away.
• This experiment demonstrated the feasibility of launching from the Moon’s surface, which is crucial for Chandrayaan-4.

Propulsion Module Success:

• Another significant achievement from the Chandrayaan-3 mission was bringing the propulsion module back to Earth’s orbit after delivering the lander-rover to the Moon.
• This capability is essential for the successful return of samples in Chandrayaan-4.

Future Missions and Capabilities

• Chandrayaan-5: ISRO has also finalized designs for Chandrayaan-5, although specific objectives and timelines for this mission are yet to be disclosed.
• Docking Demonstration: Before the Chandrayaan-4 mission, ISRO plans to demonstrate docking capabilities with the upcoming Spadex mission. Docking, a critical part of Chandrayaan-4, involves aligning and joining two spacecraft moving at high speeds in orbit.

Scientific Importance

• Sample Analysis: While Chandrayaan-3 instruments studied lunar soil and rocks in situ, bringing samples back to Earth will allow scientists to analyze them with more sophisticated and sensitive instruments in laboratories.
• Collaborative Research: The samples returned by Chandrayaan-4 will be shared among various scientific laboratories across India, enabling extensive research and potentially leading to new discoveries about the Moon’s composition and history.

Conclusion

As ISRO moves closer to final government approval and continues to demonstrate critical technologies, Chandrayaan-4 will not only expand our understanding of the Moon but also showcase India’s growing expertise in space exploration. The mission is a testament to ISRO’s ambition and its contribution to global space research.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO’s Chandrayaan-4 mission:

1. Chandrayaan-4 is designed to bring rock and soil samples from the Moon back to Earth.
2. The mission will involve docking of spacecraft modules for the first time in ISRO’s history.
3. Chandrayaan-4 will be launched before the Chandrayaan-3 mission.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER – A

INDIA’S DIPLOMATIC EFFORTS IN THE RUSSIA-UKRAINE CONFLICT

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

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine marked a significant milestone in India’s foreign policy, being the first by an Indian leader since Ukraine’s independence in 1991.

This visit highlights India’s evolving role in global diplomacy, particularly in the context of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Key Developments During the Visit:

Historic Significance:

• Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ukraine was the first by an Indian Prime Minister since Ukraine gained independence in 1991.

Emphasis on Peace:

• PM Modi reiterated India’s commitment to peace and diplomacy, advocating for dialogue as the primary means to resolve the Russia-Ukraine conflict.

Humanitarian Agreements:

Four key agreements were signed, focusing on:

• Humanitarian aid from India for large-scale development projects in Ukraine.
• Cooperation in the agriculture and food sectors.
• Cultural exchange programs to strengthen bilateral ties.
• A pact on drug quality and regulatory standards.

Support for Sovereignty:

• PM Modi affirmed India’s respect for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations, emphasizing India’s neutral stance and commitment to peace from the onset of the conflict.

Ukraine’s Concerns:

• Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy raised issues regarding India’s ongoing purchase of Russian oil, highlighting its impact on Russia’s economy and the conflict.

India’s Potential Role in Mediating the Conflict:

• Diplomatic Engagement: India could leverage its neutral stance and strong diplomatic ties with both Russia and Ukraine to facilitate dialogue and promote peace talks.
• Humanitarian Aid: Expanding humanitarian assistance to affected regions could demonstrate India’s commitment to alleviating human suffering and build goodwill.
• International Platforms: India can utilize forums like the United Nations and BRICS to advocate for peaceful conflict resolution and support de-escalation efforts.
• Neutral Mediation: India could offer to host peace negotiations or act as a neutral intermediary to help bridge differences between Russia and Ukraine.
• Economic Influence: India’s growing economic power could be used to encourage incentives or adjustments in sanctions that might appeal to both conflicting parties.

Implications for India:

• Global Standing: Successfully mediating in the conflict could enhance India’s reputation as a responsible global player and elevate its status in international diplomacy.
• Strategic Partnerships: Strengthened ties with both Russia and Ukraine could lead to new opportunities in trade, defense, and technology sectors.
• Geopolitical Risks: India’s involvement in mediation could pose geopolitical risks, including possible repercussions from global powers with vested interests in the conflict.
• Domestic Challenges: Balancing relations with Russia and Ukraine may lead to domestic political challenges and public scrutiny.
• Economic Considerations: India’s deeper involvement might impact its trade relations or energy imports from Russia, requiring careful management of economic outcomes.

DISCOVERY OF A 2,492-CARAT DIAMOND IN BOTSWANA

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

A remarkable 2,492-carat diamond, the second-largest in history, was recently discovered in Botswana’s Karowe Diamond Mine, highlighting the country’s prominent role in the global diamond industry.

Key Points:

• Significant Discovery: The diamond, weighing 2,492 carats, is the second largest ever found, surpassed only by the 3,016-carat Cullinan Diamond discovered in South Africa in 1905.
• Advanced Technology: The diamond was detected using advanced X-ray technology, developed by Lucara Diamond Corp, which identifies diamonds based on their unique atomic structure.
• X-ray Detection: This technology uses X-rays to make diamonds emit a unique light, allowing them to be separated efficiently from other materials during mining.
• Presentation: The diamond was presented to Botswana’s President Mokgweetsi Masisi, underlining the country’s status as a leading global diamond producer.

JOINT CONSULTATIVE MACHINERY (JCM)

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: PIB

The Joint Consultative Machinery (JCM) is a platform established in 1966 to facilitate constructive dialogue between the Central Government and its employees, aiming for peaceful resolution of disputes.

Key Points:

Purpose:

• JCM was introduced to foster harmonious relations and ensure cooperation between the government (as an employer) and its employees.

Nature of the Scheme:

• It is a non-statutory arrangement, meaning it is not mandated by law but is based on mutual agreement between the staff side and the official side.

Coverage:

The JCM covers regular civil employees of the Central Government, with some exceptions:

• Class-I services
• Class-II services (excluding Central Secretariat Services and comparable services)
• Managerial or supervisory staff in industrial establishments earning above a certain pay grade
• Employees of Union Territories
• Police personnel

GONGRONEMA SASIDHARANII AND PAMPADUM SHOLA NATIONAL PARK

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

A new plant species named Gongronema sasidharanii has been discovered in the Pampadum Shola National Park, located in Idukki District, Kerala. This marks the first time the genus Gongronema has been reported from South India.

Key Points:

Gongronema Sasidharanii:

• The plant features smooth stems and small urn-shaped flowers that range from creamy white to purplish-green.
• Prior to this discovery, the genus Gongronema was only known to exist in parts of northeast India, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, and West Bengal.

Pampadum Shola National Park:

• Situated in the Southern Western Ghats, the park spans approximately 12 sq km in Idukki District, Kerala.
• The name “Pampadum Shola” translates to “the forest where the snake dances.”
• The terrain is characterized by undulating hillocks with altitudes ranging from 1600 to 2400 meters.
• The park has a misty and cloudy climate year-round, with heavy rainfall during the North-East monsoon.

Flora and Fauna:

• The park’s vegetation includes evergreen forests, moist deciduous forests, shola grasslands, and semi-evergreen forests.
• It is home to a diverse range of flora, including 22 species of trees, 74 species of herbs and shrubs, and 16 species of climbers.
• The fauna includes tigers, leopards, Nilgiri Tahr, spotted deer, and the Nilgiri marten, the only species of marten found in South India.
• Additionally, around 100 species of butterflies have been recorded in the park.

CREATE IN INDIA CHALLENGE – SEASON 1

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: PIB

The ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1’ is a significant initiative that launched 25 challenges to boost India’s creator economy, coinciding with the upcoming WAVES event in November.

Key Points:

Creator Economy:

• The creator economy involves the creation and distribution of digital content on platforms like YouTube, engaging a broad audience.
• This sector is rapidly growing, contributing significantly to India’s digital landscape.

WAVES Forum:

• WAVES is a platform designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and discussions within the Media and Entertainment (M&E) industry.
• The forum aims to drive India’s creator economy, position the country as a business-friendly investment destination, and adapt to emerging trends.

Significance:

• It seeks to amplify India’s presence as a global leader in the M&E industry.
• The initiative also encourages cross-cultural exchanges and the development of a skilled workforce, enhancing India’s creative and digital industries.