8-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

NO LOCAL BODY MEMBERS IN J&K FROM TOMORROW

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness the expiration of the five-year term of nearly 30,000 local representatives, including those from municipal bodies and panchayats. As a result, there will be a temporary absence of electoral representation at the grassroots level. The upcoming elections are delayed due to the Union government’s decision to conduct a delimitation exercise before initiating the electoral process.

Key Points:

• Absence of Local Body Members: The tenure of approximately 30,000 local representatives is ending, leaving no elected representation at the grassroots level for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
• No Assembly Representation Since 2018: Since 2018, there has been no Assembly representation for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. The region has been under Central rule since June 2018.
• Delimitation Exercise: The Union government has decided to conduct a delimitation exercise before the next elections. The Panchayati Raj Department has directed officials to submit proposals for redrawing municipal ward and panch constituency boundaries urgently.
• Disbursal of Funds Ending: The disbursal of ₹25-lakh funds allocated to each panchayat will cease after the expiration of the representatives’ terms on January 10, 2023.
• Reduced Representation: After January 10, there will only be a few Members of Parliament and District Development Councils representing Jammu and Kashmir electorally. The region has been without a legislative assembly since 2018.
• Union Home Minister’s Statement: Union Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated that a decision on restoring statehood to Jammu and Kashmir will be made after Assembly elections are held.
• Supreme Court’s Directive: The Supreme Court has directed the Election Commission of India to conduct Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir by September 30, 2024.

Conclusion:

The impending expiration of the local body members’ term highlights the transitional phase in Jammu and Kashmir’s political landscape. The delay in elections due to the delimitation exercise raises questions about the continuity of democratic representation at the grassroots level. The region awaits the restoration of statehood and the resumption of a fully functional democratic framework.

 TAMIL NADU TO TAP INTO SEMICONDUCTOR, ELECTRONICS SECTOR

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Tamil Nadu is set to make significant strides in the semiconductor and electronics sector with the unveiling of its ‘Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy 2024’ at the Global Investors Meet (GIM). The state government aims to account for 40% of India’s electronics exports and create a robust ecosystem for semiconductor manufacturing.

Key Points:

Policy Objectives:

• The policy focuses on attracting anchor investments in semiconductor and advanced electronics manufacturing while cultivating a skilled talent pool exceeding two lakh individuals by 2030.

Semiconductor Design Ecosystem:

• Incentives, funding, and industry-academia collaboration are pivotal for creating a semiconductor design ecosystem in the state.
• The policy’s validity extends for three years from the date of notification.

Incentives for Eligible Companies:

• Global research and design entities engaged in semiconductor design, electronic product development, and manufacturing software are eligible for incentives.
• Semiconductor manufacturing units meeting specified criteria will receive capital subsidy, training incentives, product testing and prototyping benefits, and land cost incentives.

Applicability and Thresholds:

• The structured incentives apply to new and expansion projects with investments commencing from January 1, 2024.
• Companies need to meet a minimum investment threshold of ₹200 crore and generate 150 jobs for the initial investment.
• Additional investments of ₹50 crore require the creation of 35 jobs. A minimum 20% in-house value addition commitment is mandatory.

Implementation and Facilitation:

• The implementation of the policy will be facilitated by Guidance Tamil Nadu, the state’s investment promotion agency.
• Disbursement of incentives will be handled by the State Industries Promotion Corporation of Tamil Nadu Ltd. (SIPCOT). A single-window portal will streamline clearances, licenses, and approvals.

Skilled Talent Pool:

• Tamil Nadu, housing leading semiconductor design companies, boasts a rich talent pool with over 100 academic institutions offering relevant courses.
• Approximately 1,13,000 youths graduate from diploma and polytechnic institutions annually, supported by 494 Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs).

Conclusion:

Tamil Nadu’s Semiconductor and Advanced Electronics Policy 2024 marks a strategic initiative to position the state as a key player in India’s electronics exports. By fostering innovation, collaboration, and offering attractive incentives, Tamil Nadu aims to become a hub for semiconductor design and advanced electronics manufacturing, contributing significantly to the nation’s technological landscape.

IIT-DELHI TEAM MAKES FIRST HI-RES LANDSLIDE RISK MAP FOR INDIA

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

IIT Delhi has achieved a significant milestone by creating the ‘Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map,’ a pioneering endeavor on a national scale. This comprehensive map, offering high-resolution insights, aims to address the critical issue of landslides in India and serve as a valuable tool for risk assessment and resource allocation.

Key Points:

• National Scale Mapping: The initiative responds to the absence of a nationwide landslide susceptibility map in India, especially after devastating landslides during the northeast monsoon in 2023. The map covers the entire country, providing crucial data for identifying vulnerable areas.
• Data Collection and Factors: IIT Delhi’s team, led by Dr. Manabendra Saharia, collected data on known landslides and identified 16 factors influencing landslide susceptibility, including soil cover, tree density, proximity to roads, and mountains. This data collection involved challenging terrains, ensuring a comprehensive approach.
• Machine Learning Techniques: To analyze the extensive dataset, the researchers employed ensemble machine learning methods, combining multiple models to enhance accuracy. The models projected susceptibility in areas lacking landslide data, enabling a holistic assessment of the entire country.
• High-Resolution Map: The resulting ‘Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map’ offers high-resolution insights at a 100 sq. m parcel level across the nation. The map reveals susceptibility patterns, showcasing regions at risk, such as the Himalayan foothills, Assam-Meghalaya, and the Western Ghats.
• Publication and Recognition: The study, to be published in the journal Catena, has received acclaim for its contribution. Experts acknowledge the significance of mapping the entire country for landslide probabilities at a high resolution, providing valuable insights for policymakers.

Conclusion:

IIT Delhi’s achievement in creating the Indian Landslide Susceptibility Map is a pioneering step toward mitigating the impact of landslides in India. The high-resolution map not only identifies vulnerable regions but also sets the stage for the development of a Landslide Early Warning System. This initiative aligns with national efforts to enhance preparedness and address the challenges posed by natural disasters.

PANSPERMIA: LIFE FROM ONE WORLD TO THE NEXT

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

Panspermia, originating from ancient Greek philosophy, suggests life’s potential to travel as ‘seeds’ between planets.

                                     

• Proposed by Anaxagoras, the concept gained attention through scientific advances, demonstrating microorganisms’ resilience to interplanetary travel.
• Nineteenth-century researchers, like Svante Arrhenius, explored mechanisms such as radiation pressure for propulsion.
• Modern panspermia includes three stages: planetary escape, interplanetary transit, and landing on a new planet.
• While intriguing, panspermia remains speculative and doesn’t explain life’s origin, making it a fringe theory.
• Controversies, like the notion of ‘Oumuamua as an alien object engaged in panspermia, add complexity to its reception in the scientific community.

A NEW HIGH

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

On January 6, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully placed the Aditya-L1 spacecraft into orbit, marking a significant advancement in solar observation. Aditya-L1, stationed at the L1 Lagrange point, will study the sun’s various aspects over its anticipated five-year lifespan.

           

Aditya-L1 Mission Highlights:

• Observatory-Class Solar Mission: Aditya-L1 is equipped with seven instruments, including VELC for coronal studies, SUIT for ultraviolet imaging, and instruments to analyze solar flares, coronal mass ejections, solar wind, and plasma.
• L1 Lagrange Point: Positioned 1.5 million km from Earth in the Earth-Sun direction, the L1 Lagrange point allows Aditya-L1 to maintain a stable orbit with minimal fuel consumption.

Public Perception Challenges:

• Historical Solar Observation: Aditya-L1 builds upon India’s solar observation legacy, starting with the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory in 1901.
• Comparison with Global Telescopes: While Aditya-L1 and AstroSat represent significant achievements, comparisons with international telescopes like the James Webb Space Telescope can lead to unrealistic expectations.

Enhancing Public Outreach:

• Science Communication Efforts: ISRO should intensify efforts in public outreach, providing comprehensive information about specific missions through open days and regular updates.
• Managing Public Expectations: Educating the public about the specific objectives of each mission and the diversity of scientific instruments onboard will contribute to realistic expectations.

Conclusion:

While celebrating ISRO’s achievements, it is crucial to address public perception challenges. Enhancing public outreach, managing expectations, and providing accessible information will contribute to widespread appreciation of India’s space endeavors. ISRO’s commitment to transparency and education will strengthen its bond with the public and foster enthusiasm for future space missions.

 TRICHODERMA

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Scientists have introduced Tricholime, a novel granular lime-based biopesticide and fertilizer. Tricholime combines Trichoderma, a fungal biocontrol agent, with lime in a single product, simplifying application for farmers.

                              

• This innovation serves a dual purpose, acting as both a bio-pesticide and a bio-fertilizer in crop production.
• Lime contributes to controlling soil acidity, while Trichoderma aids in managing soil-borne diseases and enhancing plant growth, nutrient utilization, and resistance.
• The introduction of Tricholime presents an efficient and eco-friendly solution for farmers, addressing both pest-related challenges and soil health in crop cultivation.

POLITICALLY EXPOSED PERSONS (PEP)

GS 2 (POLITY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has revised the definition of Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) in its updated Know Your Customer (KYC) master direction to enhance clarity.

• PEPs now include individuals entrusted with significant public functions by foreign countries, encompassing heads of states/governments, senior politicians, government/judicial/military officers, state-owned corporation executives, and key political party officials.
• The Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommends additional due diligence measures for PEP clients, and the Prevention of Money-laundering (Maintenance of Records) Rules, 2005, also references PEPs, underlining their importance in preventing money laundering and ensuring financial integrity.