The Union Cabinet has approved the “Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme” to support cutting-edge research and development in biotechnology.
About Bio-RIDE Scheme
Details
Objective
To support cutting-edge research, bio-entrepreneurship, and bio-manufacturing in biotechnology.
Total Outlay
₹9,197 crore for the 15th Finance Commission period (2021-22 to 2025-26).
Components
Merges Biotechnology Research and Development (R&D) and Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED).
Introduces Bio-manufacturing and Bio-foundry as new components.
Key Aims
Fostering Innovation: Promote bio-entrepreneurship and strengthen India’s position in biotechnology.
Bridging Gaps: Accelerate research and product development.
Implementation Focus
Promoting Bio-Entrepreneurship: Seed funding, incubation, mentorship for startups.
Advancing Innovation: Grants for research in synthetic biology, bio-pharma, and bio-plastics.
Focus Areas
Extramural Funding for research in agriculture, healthcare, bioenergy, and environmental sustainability.
Nurturing human resources in biotechnology.
Industry-Academia Collaboration
Synergies between academic institutions and industry to accelerate commercialization of bio-based products.
Significance
Enhances bio-innovation and supports sustainable development.
Contributes to achieving green goals and global leadership in biotechnology.
PYQ:
[2019] Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the
(a) Department of Science and Technology
(b) Ministry of Labour and Employment
(c) NITI Aayog
(d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship
Q). ‘India is an age-old friend of Sri Lanka.’ Discuss India’s role in the recent crisis in Sri Lanka in the light of the preceding statement. (UPSC CSE 2022) Q). In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (UPSC CSE 2013)
Mentor’s Comment: The preference for leftist and rightist ideologies in global geopolitics is influenced by a variety of factors, each reflecting distinct political, economic, and social dynamics. In times of economic distress, leftist ideologies often resonate with populations facing inequality and poverty. They advocate for social welfare programs, wealth redistribution, and increased government intervention in the economy to address systemic issues.
The recent presidential elections in Sri Lanka, held on September 21, 2024, marked a significant turning point in the country’s political landscape. Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the leftist National People’s Power (NPP) coalition and chief of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP), emerged victorious, signaling a departure from the traditional political parties that have dominated Sri Lankan politics for decades.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
There are some significant political developments following the recent ninth presidential election held on September 21, 2024.
It marks the first time in Sri Lanka’s history that a presidential election required a second round of counting to determine the winner.
This change reflects a significant shift in the electoral landscape since the introduction of the executive presidency in 1978.
What does leftist victory signify for Sri Lanka’s political landscape?
Political Paradigm Shift: Dissanayake’s leadership marks the first time a president with a pronounced leftist ideology has taken office, indicating a potential shift towards more state intervention in the economy. It signals a rejection of the traditional parties that have dominated Sri Lankan politics for decades.
Public Sentiment and Economic Crisis: Dissanayake’s campaign focused on anti-corruption and economic reform, resonating with voters who blame corruption for the nation’s economic collapse.
Geopolitical Implications: The new administration’s leftist leanings may influence Sri Lanka’s foreign relations, particularly its ties with China and India, as Dissanayake is perceived as potentially favoring China.
What are the future Governance challenges?
Need for Parliamentary Majority: Although elected president, Dissanayake faces the challenge of securing a parliamentary majority to implement his policies effectively.
Balancing Act: He must navigate between leftist ideals and the need for foreign investment and cooperation, particularly with entities like the IMF, which has provided crucial financial support.
Addressing Tamil Aspirations: Engaging with the Tamil minority and addressing their calls for greater autonomy will be critical for national unity and stability.
Systemic Change: the Leftist party has promised to address systemic corruption and may seek to abolish or reform the executive presidency, reflecting a desire for democratic renewal.
Implication on India:
• Economic Impact: Sri Lanka’s share in India’s total exports has declined from 2.16% in FY15 to just 1.3% in FY22. India relies heavily on the port of Colombo for global trade, with approximately 60% of India’s transhipment cargo handled by the port. • Strategic Implications: India sees the crisis as an opportunity to counter China’s influence in Sri Lanka, which has been a concern due to Sri Lanka’s proximity to China. India has provided $4 billion in financing facilities to Sri Lanka. • Strengthening Bilateral Relations: Although India’s support during the crisis has generated goodwill, underlying anti-India sentiment and the need for Sri Lanka to balance relations with multiple major economies pose challenges to deeper engagement. • Refugee Influx: India has witnessed a large influx of ethnic Tamil community refugees from Sri Lanka during past political or social crises.
How will this address the ongoing economic crisis?
Renegotiation of IMF Terms: The leftist leadershave committed to renegotiating the austerity measures imposed by the IMF.
Further, they alsohave plans to adjust taxation policies, including raising the personal income tax exemption threshold and removing VAT on essential goods.
Production-Based Economy: The present government envisions transforming into a production-based economy. This shift aims to reduce reliance on imports and enhance local production capabilities.
Bilateral Debt Agreements: Sri Lanka inherits a complex debt situation but aims to seek better terms for existing agreements with international creditors, including China and India. Hence they will prioritize negotiations that enhance fiscal sustainability while addressing public needs.
Opportunities for India:
Tea Exports: Amid the decline in Sri Lanka’s tea production, India is well-positioned to capture markets significantly in countries that import orthodox tea, such as Iran, Turkey, Iraq, China, and Canada.
Textile Exports: Indian apparel exporters are receiving orders from the UK and Latin American countries where Indian textiles had very little or no presence before the crisis.
Conclusion: As the first leftist candidate to be elected president, he faces the daunting challenge of steering the nation through its worst economic crisis while navigating complex geopolitical dynamics and entrenched political interests.
The village of Seiyhama in Nagaland hosted the 3rd edition of the Naga King Chilli Festival, celebrating the importance of the Naga king chilli, one of the world’s hottest chillies.
About Naga King Chilli
The Naga King Chilli, also known as Raja Mircha or Bhut Jolokia, is one of the world’s hottest chillies, with heat levels exceeding 1 million Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
It is primarily grown in the Northeast Indian states of Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, and Arunachal Pradesh.
In 2006, it was certified by the Guinness World Records as the hottest chilli in the world, a title it held for several years.
In 2008, it received a GI tag, recognizing its unique origin and significance in the global spice market.
The chilli has a heat range of 800,000 to 1,041,427 SHU, making it significantly hotter than common chillies like the jalapeño, which has a SHU of 2,500 to 8,000.
Benefits offered:
Rich in capsaicin, it is known for its pain-relieving properties and potential health benefits, such as boosting metabolism, promoting heart health, and relieving pain and inflammation.
Traditionally, the chilli has been used to preserve food in Nagaland’s hot, humid climate, helping to extend the shelf life of food and reduce waste.
Cultivation:
The chilli is grown in bamboo groves using ancient cultivation methods.
Farming begins in December or January, with peak harvests in August and September.
Approximately 150 households in Seiyhama village, Nagaland, cultivate the Naga King Chilli, with the annual harvest reaching 14,000 kg, valued at ₹70 lakh.
PYQ:
[2015] Which of the following has/have been accorded ‘Geographical Indication’ status?
1. Banaras Brocades and Sarees
2. Rajasthani Daal-Bati-Churma
3. Tirupathi Laddu
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
A new sustainable pheromone dispenser has been developed through a collaborative research project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR).
What is the Pest-Control Pheromone Dispenser?
Details
What is it?
A device designed to release pheromones that alter the behaviour of pests, primarily used in agriculture to control infestations and prevent crop damage.
Developed By
A collaborative project by scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, and ICAR–National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR–NBAIR), India.
How it Works
Releases synthetic pheromones that mimic natural insect signals.
Attracts pests to traps or disrupts mating cycles, preventing infestations.
Technology
Uses mesoporous silica matrix technology for controlled release.
Ensures consistent pheromone release, independent of external factors like temperature.
Benefits
Cost-effective: Fewer replacements of pheromones reduce overall costs.
Labor-saving: Longer intervals between replacements lower labor requirements.
Environmentally friendly: Reduces chemical pesticide use, promoting sustainable agriculture.
Increased efficacy: Stable release rate ensures effective pest control over extended periods.
Scalability
Suitable for both small-scale farms and large industrial agricultural operations, making it highly scalable.
PYQ:
[2018] With reference to the Genetically Modified mustard (GM mustard) developed in India, consider the following statements:
1. GM mustard has the genes of a soil bacterium that give the plant the property of pest-resistance to a wide variety of pests.
2. GM mustard has the genes that allow the plant cross-pollination and hybridization.
3. GM mustard has been developed jointly by the IARI and Punjab Agricultural University.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
The Square Kilometer Array (SKA), the world’s largest radio telescope, has carried out its first observations, marking a major milestone.
About Square Kilometer Array (SKA) Project:
Details
Project Overview
SKA is a global project aimed at building the world’s largest radio telescope network to explore the universe, galaxies, dark matter, and extraterrestrial life.
Construction Phases
Two phases:
SKA-Mid in South Africa operates in higher frequency ranges.
SKA-Low in Australia operates in lower frequency ranges.
Phase 1 (SKA- Mid) began in December 2022. Full operations expected by 2029.
Headquarters
Jodrell Bank Observatory, UK
Site Locations
Telescope arrays in Australia (low-frequency) and South Africa (mid-frequency).
Design and Features
197 parabolic radio antennae in South Africa
131,072 low-frequency antennae in Australia
These are capable of detecting faint radio signals from vast distances.
Global Consortium
16 member countries, including Australia, South Africa, India, China, Japan, and several European nations.
India’s Role
India’s Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope (NCRA, TIFR) is a key partner
SKA India consortium (20+ institutions) involved in software, signal processing, and digital hardware development
Key Technologies
Advanced interferometer system using wave interference for data collection.
Scientific Objectives
Explore galaxies at the edge of the universe
Study the ‘Dark Ages’ and phenomena like dark matter and dark energy
Search for extraterrestrial life
Frequency Range
Operates between 50 MHz to 15.4 GHz
Global Collaboration
Key collaboration among India, Australia, South Africa, Italy, and other member nations for data generation, analysis, and installation of antennas.
PYQ:
[2022] Launched on 25th December, 2021, James Webb Space Telescope has been much in the news since then. What are its unique features which make it superior to its predecessor Space Telescopes? What are the key goals of this mission? What potential benefits does it hold for the human race?
[2015] In the context of modern scientific research, consider the following statements about ‘IceCube’, a particle detector located at South Pole, which was recently in the news:
1. It is the world’s largest neutrino detector, encompassing a cubic kilometre of ice.
2. It is a powerful telescope to search for dark matter
3. It is buried deep in the ice.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Q) Do you think BIMSTEC is a parallel organisation like the SAARC? Waht are the similarities and dissimilarities between the two? How are Indian foreign policy objectives realized by forming this new organisation? (UPSC CSE 2022)
Q) The Indian Diaspora has an important role to play in the South-East Asian country’s economy and society. Appraise the role of Indian Diaspora in South- East Asia in this context (UPSC CSE 2017)
Q) What problems were pertinent to the decolonization in the Malay Peninsula? (UPSC CSE 2017)
Mentor’s Comment: Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim’s recent visit to India highlighted the enduring legacy of Jawaharlal Nehru and India’s leadership role in shaping the Global South agenda. He praised India’s G20 Chairmanship and Voice of Global South Summits, emphasizing the importance of Nehru’s vision for a just and prosperous nation. Despite domestic criticism, Nehru’s reputation remains intact globally. Anwar’s references to historical Indian figures reflect shared cultural heritage and intellectual ties. The visit aimed to strengthen India-Malaysia relations and promote cooperation on global issues while acknowledging complexities surrounding minority rights and regional conflicts.
_
Let’s learn!
Why in the News?
Malaysian PM Anwar Ibrahim during his visit to India (August 19-21, 2024), praised India’s role in shaping the Global South agenda, highlighting its capacity for cooperation with the Global North and commending India’s G20 Chairmanship.
Enduring Legacy of Nehru •Struggle against Imperialism: Nehru was deeply concerned with the fight against European colonial powers, particularly in Asia. He believed newly independent nations should unite to resist imperialism and promote their sovereignty. •Asian Relations Conference: In 1947, Nehru organized the Asian Relations Conference in New Delhi, which aimed to foster solidarity among Asian countries and chart a collective path forward in the post-colonial era. •Non-Alignment Movement: Nehru championed the concept of non-alignment, advocating that newly independent states should not align with either the USA or the USSR during the Cold War. This approach allowed these nations to maintain their sovereignty and avoid being drawn into great power conflicts. •Bandung Conference: Nehru played a crucial role in this conference, where leaders from Asian and African nations gathered to promote economic and cultural cooperation while opposing colonialism. This conference laid the groundwork for the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), which sought to protect the interests of developing nations.
Historical overview of India-Malaysia Relations since Nehru:
Early Ties and Independence: India and Malaysia share historical ties dating back over a millennium, influenced by trade and cultural exchanges established during the Chola Empire (9th-13th centuries).
India established diplomatic relations with the Federation of Malaya in 1957, coinciding with Malaysia’s independence.
Strengthening Bonds in the 1960s: The relationship flourished in the 1960s due to the personal rapport between Indian PM J. Nehru and Malaysian PM T. Rahman. This era marked a significant phase of political, economic, and socio-cultural cooperation.
Enhanced Strategic Partnership: In 2015, during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit, India-Malaysia relations were elevated to an Enhanced Strategic Partnership, reflecting a commitment to deepen cooperation across various sectors.
High-Level Visits: Numerous high-level visits have nurtured ties, including visits by Indian Prime Ministers such as Indira Gandhi and Manmohan Singh, and Malaysian leaders like Mahathir Mohamad and Najib Razak.
Areas of Cooperation:
•Geopolitical Cooperation: Both countries are members of key international forums like the Commonwealth, NAM, and ASEAN, facilitating mutual cooperation on global issues. •Defense Ties: Since signing a defense cooperation memorandum in 1993, India and Malaysia have expanded military collaboration through joint exercises and training programs. •Economic Relations: Bilateral trade reached approximately USD 19.5 billion, with Malaysia being India’s 13th largest trading partner. Both nations engage in significant investment activities across various sectors. •Cultural and Diaspora Links: Malaysia hosts a large Indian diaspora (over 2.95 million), fostering cultural ties through institutions like the Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur.
Challenges and Complexities:
Political Dynamics: The relationship has faced challenges due to domestic political sentiments in Malaysia, particularly during Mahathir Mohamad’s tenure when he had to balance his Indian heritage with Malay nationalism.
Controversies: Issues such as the treatment of Indian expatriates in Malaysia have occasionally strained relations, but diplomatic efforts have often resolved these tensions.
Conclusion: India-Malaysia relations since post-independence, despite facing challenges, the bilateral relationship remains robust, characterized by ongoing cooperation in various sectors and mutual respect for each nation’s sovereignty and cultural diversity
The FATF placed India in the “regular follow-up” category for having an “effective” anti-money laundering and counter-terror financing system but highlighted the need for significant improvements in prosecuting such cases.
Key Highlights of the FATF Mutual Evaluation Report on India:
“Regular Follow-up” Category: India has been placed in the “regular follow-up” category, signifying that its system for combating money laundering and terror financing is effective.
Financial institutions need better risk profiling of customers, and the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registry needs improved monitoring for accurate ownership information.
Money Laundering Risks: The primary sources of money laundering in India come from fraud, cyber-enabled fraud, corruption, and drug trafficking.
Terror threats are mainly linked to Islamic State or al-Qaeda groups in Jammu and Kashmir.
Non-Profit Organisations (NPOs): India should strengthen measures to prevent abuse of the NPO sector for terror financing, and enhance outreach to NPOs at risk.
Improvements in Sanctions Framework: India needs to improve its targeted financial sanctions framework to ensure the timely freezing of funds and assets related to terror financing.
Domestic Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs): The report urged India to define domestic PEPs under its anti-money laundering laws and improve identification and risk-based measures related to them.
Delay in prosecution: The report noted delays in prosecution due to review petitions are still pending, which delays the resolution of cases under the PMLA.
Challenges faced by the Indian Government:
Prosecution and Conviction Delays: Despite an increase in investigations, the number of prosecutions and convictions remains low, with significant delays in concluding trials, especially under the PMLA.
Constitutionality Issues: Legal challenges to the constitutionality of the PMLA between 2014-2022 disrupted the momentum in terror financing and money laundering prosecutions.
Risk Profiling of Financial Customers: There is a need for better risk profiling of customers in financial institutions to address money laundering more effectively.
Inaccurate Ownership Information: Ensuring accurate owner information in the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) registry remains a challenge, especially concerning investments from tax havens.
Non-Profit Organisations: Ensuring that non-profits are not abused for terror financing requires better coordination and focused outreach by authorities.
Lack of Definition for Domestic PEPs: While India has defined foreign PEPs, the absence of a clear definition for domestic PEPs under PMLA creates a gap in the anti-money laundering framework.
Fast-Tracking Trials: The need to fast-track trials in money laundering and terror financing cases is recognized, but progress in addressing this challenge remains slow.
Way Forward:
Strengthen Legal and Institutional Framework: India should establish clear definitions for domestic Politically Exposed Persons (PEPs) under anti-money laundering laws and enhance targeted financial sanctions to ensure timely asset freezing.
Enhance Risk Management and Monitoring: Financial institutions should improve risk profiling and implement stricter Know Your Customer (KYC) processes, while the Ministry of Corporate Affairs should ensure accurate ownership data, especially for investments from tax havens.
Mains PYQ:
Q Discuss how emerging technologies and globalisation contribute to money laundering. Elaborate measures to tackle the problem of money laundering both at national and international levels. (UPSC IAS/2021)
The United States Federal Reserve, responsible for the country’s monetary policy, announced on Wednesday that it will lower its key interest rate, called the Federal Funds Rate, by 0.5%, or 50 basis points.
Why did the Fed cut interest rates?
The Federal Reserve cut the benchmark interest rate by 50 basis points to address rising unemployment concerns while inflation was stabilizing.
After a series of aggressive rate hikes to counter inflation that surged due to post-COVID recovery and the Russia-Ukraine war, inflation began to moderate, nearing the Fed’s target of 2%.
Rising unemployment data signaled that the restrictive monetary policy might harm the labor market, prompting the Fed to act.
Will the US economy achieve a soft landing?
Optimistic Projections: Despite earlier predictions that high inflation would lead to a recession, the Fed’s strategy may succeed in achieving a soft landing, reducing inflation without crashing the economy.
GDP Growth: The Summary of Economic Projections (SEP) estimates GDP growth to remain around 2% for the next few years, indicating a stable economy.
Unemployment: While the unemployment rate has risen slightly to 4.4%, it remains manageable, with expectations of improvement.
Risks: Potential policy shifts, especially related to the upcoming presidential election, could disrupt the economic outlook, particularly if trade tariffs are imposed.
How will India be affected?
Increased Foreign Investments: Lower US interest rates could encourage foreign investors to borrow in the US and invest in India through stocks, bonds, or foreign direct investment (FDI), benefiting capital inflow.
Rupee Strengthening: With falling US interest rates, the US dollar may weaken against the Indian rupee, potentially strengthening the rupee. This would negatively affect Indian exporters but benefit importers.
RBI’s Interest Rate Decisions: While the Fed’s rate cuts influence global markets, India’s central bank, the RBI, may not directly follow suit due to differing inflation targets and mandates. The RBI prioritizes inflation control and GDP growth over unemployment figures.
Way forward:
Encourage Capital Inflows: India should take advantage of lower US interest rates by attracting foreign investments through improved ease of doing business, fostering growth in key sectors like infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing.
Maintain Monetary Stability: The RBI should carefully assess global trends but prioritize domestic conditions when adjusting interest rates, focusing on inflation control, financial stability, and sustained GDP growth.
Mains PYQ:
Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments. (UPSC IAS/2016)
The Ministry of Cooperation unveiled White Revolution 2.0, focusing on empowering women farmers and creating job opportunities in the dairy cooperative sector.
What is White Revolution 2.0?
Details
Objective
Transforming India’s dairy sector by empowering women farmers, increasing milk production, and modernizing dairy infrastructure.
Target
Increase procurement from the current 660 lakh litres per day to 1,000 lakh litres per day.
Funding
• Initial funding of ₹40,000 per Multi-Purpose Primary Agricultural Credit Society (PACS) by National Dairy Development Board.
• Total outlay of ₹70,125 crore with full government budgetary support.
Provisions and Features
1. Women Empowerment: Focus on empowering women in the dairy sector and strengthening women’s cooperatives.
2. Increase in Milk Procurement: Aims to raise procurement by 50% over the next five years.
3. Cooperative Infrastructure: 100,000 new and existing cooperative societies (district cooperative societies and Primary Agricultural Credit Societies) to be set up or enhanced.
4. RuPay Kisan Credit Cards: Nationwide rollout for dairy farmers, with micro-ATMs at cooperative societies.
5. Computerisation of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies: 67,930 Primary Agricultural Credit Societies will be computerised for better management.
Significance
1. Women Empowerment: Creates leadership opportunities for women in dairy, promoting gender equality.
2. Boost to Rural Economy: Strengthening cooperatives and milk procurement will improve rural livelihoods.
3. Improved Infrastructure: Modern technology, micro-ATMs, and computerisation will increase efficiency.
4. Job Creation: Expanding cooperatives and modern practices will generate jobs for 130 million farmers.
5. Malnutrition Reduction: Enhances dairy quality to combat malnutrition.
6. Cooperative Modernisation: Focus on Artificial Intelligence and advanced technologies.
7. Dairy Exports Boost: Improved production and quality to enhance India’s dairy exports.
PYQ:
[2017] Explain various types of revolutions, took place in Agriculture after Independence in India. How these revolutions have helped in poverty alleviation and food security in India?
This year, Kerala faced a sudden surge in Amoebic Meningoencephalitis cases, caused by free-living amoebae (FLA) found in freshwater ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Kerala also saw a diverse range of amoebic infections, caused by Naegleria fowleri, Vermamoeba vermiforis, and Acanthamoeba.
What is Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM)?
PAM is caused by the Naegleria fowleri, often referred to as the “brain-eating amoeba“. It destroys brain tissue, causing severe swelling and is fatal in most cases.
An amoeba is a type of cell or unicellular organism with the ability to alter its shape, primarily by extending and retracting pseudopods.
Higher temperatures of up to 115°F (46°C) are conducive to its growth and it can survive for short periods in warm environments.
The amoeba enters the body through the nose, typically during activities like swimming, and travels to the brain, causing severe damage.
According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most people with PAM die within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin. It usually leads to coma and death after 5 days.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Currently, there are no established effective treatments for PAM.
Diagnosis involves PCR tests of cerebrospinal fluid, though detection can be challenging due to the rarity of PAM.
Treatment followsCDC guidelines, including miltefosine, Azithromycin, and Amphotericin B, with miltefosine recently procured by the State Health Department from Germany.
Medical interventions typically involve a combination of drugs, including amphotericin B, azithromycin, fluconazole, rifampin, miltefosine, and dexamethasone.
![[21st September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: The stakes in Sri Lanka’s ninth Presidential election](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/21-SEP-1568x882.jpg)
![[20th September 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Acclamation for an Indian leadership that still endures](https://www.civilsdaily.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/09/20-SEP-1568x882.jpg)