Telecommunications (Digital Bharat Nidhi) Rules, 2024 Notified

• DBN Established: Rules notified to operationalize the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) under the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
• Purpose: Funds telecom projects in underserved areas, replacing the old Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF).
• Funding Process: Money goes first to the Consolidated Fund of India; later credited to DBN with parliamentary approval.
• Key Provisions:
  • Telecom for underserved areas, support for startups, and green tech.
  • Open sharing of DBN networks.
  • Fund allocation via bidding and co-funding for R&D.

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Recent Study Highlights Faster Upward Growth of Cities Leading to High-Rise Structures

• Taller Buildings Impact: Though they save space, high-rise buildings strain infrastructure and affect local climates.
• Building Height Regulation: Determined by Floor Area Ratio (FAR), as per Model Building Bye-Laws, 2016.
• Reasons for Upward Growth:
  • Economic growth and mixed-use structures.
  • Urbanization increase (2 billion more from 1990-2020).
  • Advancements in construction technology (elevators, heating/cooling systems).
• Challenges:
  • Population density impacts public resources and energy.
  • Urban Heat Island effect alters local climates.
  • High costs for disaster-resilient buildings and social divide.
  • Issues in disaster relief and waste management.

 

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Cabinet Approves Seven Major Schemes for Farmers’ Welfare

• Total Outlay: ₹14,235 Crore for 7 key schemes.
• Digital Agriculture Mission: Based on Digital Public Infrastructure.
• Crop Science: Focus on research, plant genetics, and crop improvement.
• Agricultural Education: Aligns with NEP 2020, uses AI, big data, and natural farming.
• Livestock Health & Production: Focus on animal health, dairy, and genetic management.
• Horticulture Development: Covers a range of crops from tropical to arid.
• Krishi Vigyan Kendra: Strengthening of agricultural knowledge centers.
• Natural Resource Management: Sustainable practices in resource management.

 

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Cabinet Approves New Semiconductor Unit Under India Semiconductor Mission

• New Unit Details: Approved in Sanand, Gujarat, with a capacity of 60 lakh chips per day.
• Expansion Plans: Additional units in Dholera, Gujarat, and Morigaon, Assam, targeting a cumulative capacity of 7 crore chips per day.
• Focus on Semiconductor Manufacturing:
  • Import Dependency: High reliance on imports for semiconductors, essential for various technologies.
  • Rising Demand: India’s electronic device consumption is increasing, with imports surpassing exports (US$ 0.33 billion exports vs. US$ 4.65 billion imports in 2019).
  • Global Supply Chain Shifts: Pandemic disruptions prompting producers to diversify away from China, with 70% of manufacturing concentrated in a few countries.
• India Semiconductor Mission (ISM):
  • Nodal Agency: Operates under Digital India Corporation for semiconductor and display manufacturing initiatives.
  • Program Funding: Approved outlay of ₹76,000 crore for ecosystem development, offering financial support through various schemes, including:
    • Design Linked Incentive (DLI) Scheme
    • Semiconductor and Display Fab establishment schemes
    • Compound Semiconductors and Sensors Fab initiatives.

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WHO Releases “South-East Asia Regional Status Report on Road Safety”

• Global Context: The South-East Asia Region accounts for 28% of global road traffic deaths, totaling approximately 330,222 fatalities.
• India’s Road Traffic Deaths (2021):
  • Estimated deaths: 216,618 (+2.1% change since 2010).
  • Reported deaths: 153,972.
  • Two- and three-wheeler riders make up 45.1% of fatalities.
  • Death rate: 15.4 per 100,000 people, higher than the global rate of 15.
• Road Safety Issues in South-East Asia:
  • Fragmented Efforts: Lack of a leading agency with expertise and resources.
  • Infrastructure Quality: Insufficient budget allocations and road safety audits.
  • Additional Challenges: Non-compliance with vehicle standards and inadequate emergency care.
• Report Recommendations:
  • Integrate road safety into urban planning and environmental policies.
  • Align road design with International Road Assessment Programme standards.
  • Implement time-bound targets and strengthen post-crash care.
• Road Safety Measures in India:
  • National Road Safety Policy (2010): Focus on safer infrastructure and data databases.
  • Motor Vehicle (Amendment) Act, 2019: Introduces accident funds and cashless treatment during emergencies.
  • Integrated Road Accident Database: Initiative to enhance accident data collection.
  • Additional Measures: Road safety audits and establishment of the National Road Safety Council.

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President Approves Constitution of the 23rd Law Commission

• Term: September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.
• Mandate: Review and recommend legal reforms for the Indian legal system.
• Composition: Full-time chairperson, four members, and additional ex-officio and part-time members.
• Terms of Reference (ToR):
  • Review and repeal obsolete laws.
  • Examine laws affecting the poor and conduct socio-economic audits.
  • Improve judicial administration for timely case disposal.
  • Propose reforms to enhance implementation of Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSPs).
  • Strengthen gender equality laws and address legal anomalies.
  • Assess globalization’s impact on food security and recommend protections for marginalized groups.
• Law Commission of India (LCI): A non-statutory body focused on legal reforms, established in 1834.

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India’s First Indigenous Combat Unmanned Aircraft FWD 200B Takes Flight

• Launch: Successful flight of India’s first indigenous Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV), FWD 200B, by Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA).
• Significance: Marks a step towards self-reliance in defence technology and indigenization.
• Key Features:
  • Type: Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) UCAV.
  • Weight: Maximum take-off weight of 102 kg, payload capacity of 30 kg.
  • Combat Capabilities: Equipped with optical surveillance and missile-like weapons.
  • Performance:
    • Cruise altitude: 12,000 feet (up to 15,000 feet).
    • Cruise speed: 152 km/h; maximum speed: 250 km/h.
    • Endurance: 7 hours; range: 800 km.
  • Runway Requirement: Operates from airstrips as short as 300 meters.
• Defence Indigenization Initiatives:
  • Policies promoting domestic production, such as Defence Production and Export Promotion Policy and Make in India.
  • Strategic partnerships with global OEMs and enhanced FDI limits.
  • Corporatization of the Ordnance Factory Board and development of Defence Industrial Corridors.
• Recent Developments:
  • Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) granted Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for 10 capital acquisition proposals, focusing on indigenous procurement.
  • Proposals include Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCVs) and Dornier-228 aircraft, emphasizing advanced capabilities.

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Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) Launches Vishvasya Blockchain Technology Stack

• Launch: Introduction of Vishvasya, a Blockchain-as-a-Service (BaaS) offering by MeitY.
• Blockchain Overview: A distributed ledger technology enabling secure recording of transactions and asset tracking across networks.
• Vishvasya Features:
  • Supports permissioned blockchain applications with a geographically distributed infrastructure.
  • Part of the National Blockchain Framework aimed at various sectors like health, agriculture, education, and finance.
  • Addresses adoption challenges for infrastructure providers and smart contract developers.
  • Includes rapid end-to-end application development, security-audited blockchain containers, and guidelines for security audits.
  • Operates across three data centers located in Hyderabad, Pune, and Bhubaneswar.
• Additional Initiatives:
  • NBFLite: A lightweight blockchain sandbox for startups and academia for rapid application prototyping and research.
  • Praamaanik: A blockchain solution for verifying the origin of mobile applications.
  • National Blockchain Portal: A platform for broader access to blockchain resources and information.

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First-Ever International Legally Binding Treaty on AI Signed by Countries like US, UK

• Objective: To mitigate threats posed by AI to human rights, democracy, and the rule of law.
• Treaty Name: Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy and Rule of Law, drafted by the Council of Europe.
• Distinction: Separate from the EU AI Act; ensures AI lifecycle activities align with human rights and democratic principles.

Major Provisions

• Risk-Based Approach: Bans AI systems posing risks incompatible with human rights.
• Coverage: Applies to both public and private sectors globally.
• Global Diversity: Allows parties to regulate the private sector directly or through alternative measures.
• Exemptions: Excludes national security, defense, and R&D activities.

Impact of AI

• Human Lives: Predictive capabilities may lead to stereotypes and privacy concerns.
• Democracy: Biometric surveillance could hinder open political discourse.
• Rule of Law: Increased AI accessibility for elites may compromise equality before the law.

 

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New Treatment for Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)

• Approved Regimen: BPaLM (Bedaquiline, Pretomanid, Linezolid, Moxifloxacin)
  • Duration: Reduces treatment from 20 months to 6 months.
  • Goal: Support India’s aim to end TB by 2025.

Types of Drug-Resistant TB:

1. MDR-TB: Resistant to Isoniazid and Rifampicin.
2. XDR-TB: Resistant to Isoniazid, Rifampicin, fluoroquinolone, and one injectable drug.
3. TDR-TB: Resistant to all first- and second-line drugs.

Challenges:

• Social Stigma: Delays diagnosis.
• High Costs: Burdens patients.
• Comorbidities: Complicated by HIV and diabetes.

Initiatives:

• Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan: Enhances patient support.
• Ni-kshay Mitra: Provides diagnostics and nutritional support.
• Nikshay Poshan Yojana: Financial aid for patient nutrition.

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India’s First Teal Carbon Study at Keoladeo National Park

A recent study at Keoladeo National Park (KNP) highlights the potential of teal carbon in mitigating climate change by controlling anthropogenic pollution in wetlands.

Key Findings:

• Teal Carbon: Refers to carbon stored in non-tidal freshwater wetlands, including vegetation and microbial biomass. It differs from black and brown carbon, which are products of incomplete combustion and contribute to global warming.
• Methane Emissions: Elevated methane emissions can be reduced through the use of specialized biochar, a type of charcoal.

Significance of Teal Carbon:

• Enhances groundwater levels.
• Aids in flood mitigation and reduces urban heat islands.

About Keoladeo National Park:

• Designated a national park in 1982 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1985.
• Home to over 370 species of birds and various wildlife, including Siberian cranes.
• Listed on the Montreux Record in 1990 due to water shortage and unbalanced grazing.

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Two Anti-Submarine Warfare Shallow Watercrafts (ASW-SWC) Launched

The Indian Navy launched two new ASW-SWCs, INS MALPE and INS MULKI, enhancing its coastal anti-submarine capabilities.

Key Details

• Contract: Part of a deal with Cochin Shipyard for eight ASW-SWCs to replace the Abhay-class corvettes.
• Purpose: Designed for anti-submarine operations, low-intensity maritime tasks, and mine-laying.

ASW Capabilities

• Kamorta Class Ships: Stealthy warships with low underwater noise.
• Integrated ASW Defence: Partnerships for enhanced detection and protection.
• P-8I Aircraft & MH-60R Helicopters: Key assets for maritime surveillance.

Significance

• Maritime Security: Essential for safeguarding India’s coastline and countering external threats.
• Strategic Advantage: Strengthens naval presence and promotes self-reliance in defense.

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Four Agreements Signed Between India and UAE in Energy Sector

During the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi’s visit to India, four significant agreements were signed to enhance cooperation in the energy sector.

Key Agreements

1. Long-Term LNG Supply: An agreement between Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) and Indian Oil Corporation Limited to diversify LNG sources.
2. Production Concession Agreement: A deal between Urja Bharat and ADNOC for crude oil production from Abu Dhabi Onshore Block 1, supporting India’s energy security.
3. MoU for Crude Storage: An agreement for crude storage in India between ADNOC and India Strategic Petroleum Reserve Limited.
4. Nuclear Cooperation MoU: Enhanced cooperation in the operation and maintenance of nuclear power plants.

India-UAE Relations

• Strategic Partnership: Established in 2015, focusing on trade and investment.
• Trade Relations: UAE is India’s second-largest export destination, while India is the UAE’s second-largest trading partner.
• Foreign Direct Investment: UAE ranked as the 4th largest foreign investor in India in FY23.
• Indian Diaspora: Approximately 3.5 million Indians reside in the UAE, making up nearly 30% of the UAE’s population.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Both countries collaborate in forums like BRICS, I2U2, and UFI.
• Defense Ties: Joint participation in military exercises such as Desert Flag and Desert Cyclone.

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India, GCC Adopt Joint Action Plan

India and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) have launched a Joint Action Plan for 2024-2028 during their first Joint Ministerial Meeting.

Key Points

• Focus Areas: Health, trade, security, agriculture, food security, and culture.
• 3P Framework: Emphasizes People, Prosperity, and Progress to enhance collaboration.
• Humanitarian Concerns: India maintains a principled stance on the Gaza crisis.

About GCC

• Founded: 1981 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
• Purpose: Promote unity among member states.

India-GCC Relations

• Trade: Reached USD 161.59 billion in FY 2023-24.
• Diaspora: 8.9 million Indians in GCC, contributing significantly to remittances.
• Energy: GCC supplies 35% of India’s oil and 70% of its gas imports.

 

Blueprint for Action from REAIM Summit

Event: REAIM (Responsible AI in the Military Domain) Summit 2024, Seoul

Overview: A non-binding “Blueprint for Action” was announced to guide responsible AI use in the military.

Key Highlights:

• AI and International Security: AI applications must support international peace and security.
• Risk Awareness: Acknowledge potential risks like arms races and conflict escalation.
• Human Control: Essential for actions regarding nuclear weapons.
• Ethical Applications: AI should be human-centric and compliant with laws.
• Future Governance: Encourage inclusive discussions for responsible AI development and deployment.

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Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying Initiatives

The Ministry launched several initiatives at the 4th anniversary of the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) to transform the fisheries sector:

• National Fisheries Development Program Portal: A central hub for fisheries stakeholders, information, and services.
• Specialized Production Clusters: Three clusters focused on Pearl cultivation, Ornamental fisheries, and Seaweed cultivation.
• Drone Technology Pilot Project: Testing drone potential for fish transportation and monitoring inland fisheries.
• Mandapam Regional Centre: A Centre of Excellence for seaweed farming and research.
• Nucleus Breeding Centres: Enhancing seed quality for marine and inland species.
• Incubation Centres: Three centres in Hyderabad, Mumbai, and Kochi to support 100 fisheries start-ups.
• Priority Projects: Development of five Integrated Aqua parks and two World-Class Fish Markets in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.

About PMMSY

Launched to achieve sustainable development in India’s fisheries sector, aiming to increase fish production to 22 million metric tons, reduce post-harvest losses to about 10%, and double export earnings to Rs. 1 lakh crore by 2025.

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Union Cabinet Approves ‘Mission Mausam’

The Union Cabinet has approved ‘Mission Mausam’ with an outlay of ₹2,000 crore over two years to enhance India’s weather and climate science.

About ‘Mission Mausam’

• Focus Areas: Accurate weather data, including monsoon forecasts, air quality alerts, and extreme event warnings.
• Key Components:
  • Deployment of next-generation radars and satellite systems.
  • Implementation of high-performance supercomputers.
  • Creation of a GIS-based automated Decision Support System for real-time data.
• Implementing Agency: Managed by three institutes under the Ministry of Earth Sciences: India Meteorological Department, Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, and National Centre for Medium-Range Weather Forecasting.

Significance of ‘Mission Mausam’

• Benefits sectors like agriculture, disaster management, and aviation.
• Enhances stakeholder capacity to manage extreme weather and climate change.
• Sets a new benchmark for precise weather predictions.
• Improves data-driven decision-making in urban planning and transportation.

Other Initiatives for Weather Forecasting

• Monsoon Mission (2012): Improved monsoon forecasting systems.
• WINDS: Long-term, hyper-local weather data generation.
• Earth Observation Satellites: INSAT series launched from 2013 to 2024.
• Operational Systems: Pratyush and Mihir for weather forecasting since 2018.

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Union Cabinet Approves PM E-DRIVE Scheme

• Outlay: ₹10,900 crore for 2 years to promote electric mobility.
• Replaces: FAME program.
• Includes:
  • Demand incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks.
  • Public charging stations installation.
  • e-bus procurement through CESL.
• Goals:
  • Boost e-truck deployment and public transport.
  • Reduce environmental impact and improve air quality.
• Challenges: Coal dependency, underdeveloped charging infrastructure, and battery tech issues.

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Cabinet Approves ₹5 Lakh Health Cover for Senior Citizens

• Scheme: Approved under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.
• Beneficiaries: Approximately 6 crore senior citizens aged 70 and above.
• Coverage: ₹5 lakh annual family-based health cover.
• Additional Benefits: Current AB PM-JAY beneficiaries get an extra ₹5 lakh top-up.
• Access: Eligible seniors will receive a unique health card.
• Eligibility: Open to those with other public/private health insurances.
• Objective: Part of the larger goal for Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

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Port Blair Renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

• New Name: Port Blair now called Sri Vijaya Puram.
• Significance: Represents the victory of the Indian freedom movement.
• Historical Importance: Site where Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose unfurled the Tiranga; location of Cellular Jail.
• Cultural Shift: Renaming signifies a break from colonial legacy and acknowledges the strategic role of A&N Islands.
• Historical Context: Highlights the naval power of the Chola Empire, known for its strong navy and military conquests in Southeast Asia.
• Trade Impact: Facilitated trade with Southeast Asian countries and established key trading centers like Nagapattinam.

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Rules Notified for GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection

• New Regulations: National Highways Fee Amendment Rules, 2024 notified by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
• Key Change: Incorporates GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) alongside existing methods like FASTag.
• User Fee Policy: Zero user fee for mechanical vehicles for the first 20 km of travel on National Highways, once daily (excludes National Permit vehicles).
• Exclusive Lane: Dedicated GNSS lane at fee plazas; non-OBU vehicles pay double toll.
• Future Transition: GNSS-based ETC aims to replace FASTag for toll collection.
• Technology Overview:
  • GNSS: Satellite-based imaging tracks vehicle position and calculates toll based on distance traveled.
  • Components: GNSS On-Board Unit (OBU) and Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras.
• Benefits: Reduces roadside tolling infrastructure needs and minimizes congestion.
• Comparison:
  • GNSS-based ETC: Satellite imaging and real-time toll calculation.
  • FASTags: Uses RFID with fixed toll rates.

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UNESCO Advocates Open Science Principles for AI

• Call to Action: UNESCO urges applying open science principles to address AI’s opaque nature.
• Open Science Defined: An inclusive approach to make scientific knowledge accessible and reusable.
• Core Values:
  • Quality: High-quality research respecting academic freedom.
  • Collective Benefit: Open science as a global public good.
  • Equity: Equal opportunities for researchers worldwide.
  • Diversity: Embracing various knowledge and practices.
• AI Threats to Open Science:
  • Reproducibility Crisis: Difficulty replicating AI experiments.
  • Interdisciplinary Barriers: Limited collaboration across fields.
  • Data Issues: Challenges with quality, volume, and bias.
  • Changing Incentives: Pressure to prioritize AI skills over scientific integrity.
• Solution: Emphasize transparency in applying open science principles to AI.

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DPIIT Launches BHASKAR Initiative for Startup Ecosystem

• Initiative: BHASKAR aims to centralize and enhance collaboration among startups, investors, and stakeholders.
• Objective: Create the world’s largest digital registry for the startup ecosystem under the Startup India program.
• Key Features:
  • Networking: Facilitates seamless interaction between startups and stakeholders.
  • Centralized Resources: Provides immediate access to tools and knowledge for faster decision-making.
  • Personalized Identification: Each user receives a unique BHASKAR ID for tailored interactions.
  • Enhanced Discoverability: Powerful search features to locate resources and opportunities quickly.
  • Global Branding: Promotes India’s reputation as a hub for innovation and cross-border collaborations.
• Startup Landscape: India is the 3rd largest startup ecosystem with over 146,000 DPIIT-recognized startups.
• Eligibility: Startups recognized for up to 10 years post-incorporation, with a turnover of less than ₹100 crore.
• Related Initiatives: Atal Incubation Centers, MAARG portal, and Fund of Funds for Startups (FFS) scheme.

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Organs-on-Chips (OoCs) Technology for Drug Development

• Advancement: New approach methods (NAMs) improve treatment development using 3D culture models.
• OoCs Technology: Simulates organ functions on chips using fluid channels for blood flow and nutrient transport.
• Advantages:
  • Reduces animal testing.
  • Offers more accurate biological responses.
• Applications:
  • Drug discovery and screening.
  • Precision medicine for personalized treatments.
  • Understanding disease mechanisms and cell interactions.
• Challenges:
  • Need for standardization and accepted protocols.
  • Difficulty in replicating human organ complexity.
• Promotional Steps:
  • Revised New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules permit OoCs in evaluations.
  • BioE3 policy aims to enhance precision therapeutics.

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Polaris Dawn Mission Achieves First Private Spacewalk

• Overview: Polaris Dawn, a private mission by Jared Isaacman and SpaceX, studies space radiation’s impact on health.
• Radiation Focus: The mission passed through high radiation areas, including the South Atlantic Anomaly and Van Allen Radiation Belt.
• Van Allen Belts: Two radiation zones around Earth, crucial for minimizing astronaut exposure during transit.
• South Atlantic Anomaly: A region with elevated radiation levels affecting spacecraft in Low Earth Orbit.
• Future Goals: NASA plans to send astronauts beyond the Van Allen Belts with Artemis missions, targeting the Moon and Mars.

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India Proposes First CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant in Pune

• Plant Overview: A 1.4 tons per day CO2-to-methanol plant will be established in Pune via Public-Private Partnership, backed by the Department of Science and Technology.
• Conversion Process: Captures CO2 emissions from industries, hydrogenates it with hydrogen to produce methanol, reducing greenhouse gases.
• Significance: Advances India’s Panchamrit declaration and supports domestic Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies.
• CCUS Explained: Involves capturing CO2 emissions and either utilizing or storing it to combat climate change.
• Benefits:
  • Decarbonizes sectors like cement and steel.
  • Promotes low-carbon hydrogen.
  • Helps achieve Net Zero targets.
• Challenges:
  • High carbon capture costs.
  • Limited CO2 storage capacity and infrastructure.

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Cabinet Approves PM-AASHA Continuation

• Overview: Merges Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilization Fund (PSF) for efficiency.
• Objective: Ensure fair prices for oilseeds, pulses, and copra.
• Financial Outlay: ₹35,000 crore until 2025-26.
• Key Components:
  • PSS: MSP for crops; no ceilings for Tur, Urad, and Masur.
  • PSF: Procures pulses above MSP via eSamridhi and eSamyukti.
  • PDPS: Oilseed coverage increased to 40%.
  • MIS: Direct payments for perishable crops; coverage raised to 25%.
• Benefits: Promotes crop diversification, stabilizes consumer prices, and improves farmers’ earnings.

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Union Cabinet Approves Bio-RIDE Scheme

• Objective: Boost India’s biotechnology sector and reach a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
• Nodal Department: Department of Biotechnology, Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Components:
  • R&D Support: Enhances human resources and biotech facilities.
  • Entrepreneurship Development: Focuses on PPPs and biotech parks.
  • Biomanufacturing: Promotes a Circular Bioeconomy.
• Funding: ₹9,197 crore (2021-22 to 2025-26).
• Significance: Encourages bio-entrepreneurship, innovation, and industry-academia collaboration.

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FDA Grants Breakthrough Device Status to Neuralink’s ‘Blindsight’

• Overview: Blindsight is an experimental implant aimed at restoring vision for those who are blind or visually impaired.
• Purpose: The breakthrough device status accelerates the development of innovative treatments for serious health conditions.
• Company: Neuralink, founded by Elon Musk in 2016, focuses on Brain-Computer Interfaces (BCIs) for healthcare.
• BCI Types:
  • Invasive: Implants directly into the brain (e.g., Neuralink’s device).
  • Non-Invasive: Sensors on the scalp.
  • Partially Invasive: Implanted inside the skull, with components outside the brain.
• Applications:
  • Medical: Restoring lost functions and aiding neurological disorders.
  • Mental Wellness: Real-time feedback on mental health.
  • Defense: Enhancing operational awareness.
  • Gaming: Creating immersive experiences.
• Challenges:
  • Cybersecurity: Risks of brain signal interception.
  • Ethics: Concerns about informed consent.
  • Safety: Potential for tissue damage and cognitive effects.

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Union Cabinet Approves National Centre of Excellence for AVGC-XR

• Objective: Establish NCoE for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR) to enhance India’s creative economy.
• Structure:
  • Formed as a Section 8 Company under the Companies Act.
  • Provisional name: Indian Institute for Immersive Creators (IIIC).
• Key Benefits:
  • Industry Growth: Animation sector projected to grow at 25%, valued at ₹46 billion (2023).
  • Job Creation: Anticipates 500,000 new jobs.
  • Technology Focus: Emphasis on VR, AR, MR, and 3D modeling.
  • Global Impact: Strengthens India’s soft power and attracts foreign investment.

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India and Uzbekistan Sign Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT)

• Purpose: The BIT aims to enhance economic cooperation and create a resilient investment environment between India and Uzbekistan, boosting investor confidence.
• About BIT:
  • A reciprocal agreement protecting investments by nationals and companies of one state in another.
  • India’s new Model BIT text (2015) replaces the 1993 version for negotiations.
• Key Features:
  • National Treatment: Equal treatment for foreign and domestic investors.
  • Expropriation Protection: Limits government takeover of foreign investments.
  • Dispute Settlement: Requires exhausting local remedies before international arbitration.
• India-Uzbekistan Relations:
  • Economic Ties: India is a top 10 trade partner (2023-24).
  • Defense Cooperation: Joint military exercises like “DUSTLIK.”
  • Multilateral Engagement: Collaboration in forums like the UN, G20, and BRICS.
  • Energy Security: Contract for uranium ore supplies.
  • Cultural Links: Approximately 14,000 Indians reside in Uzbekistan.

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Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) Completes Three Years

• Launched: 2021 by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Goal: Create a national digital health ecosystem for universal health coverage.
• Key Features:
  • ABHA ID: Over 67 crore unique health identifiers created.
  • Healthcare Professionals Registry: Over 4.7 lakh professionals registered.
  • Health Facility Registries: Over 3.3 lakh facilities registered.
• Initiatives:
  • Digital Health Incentive Scheme: Financial incentives for digital health adoption.
  • Microsites Initiative: Encourages private sector involvement.
  • Scan and Share: QR-code based OPD registration.

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Union Ministry Approves SPICED Scheme

• Scheme: SPICED (Sustainability in Spice Sector).
• Objective: Expand cardamom cultivation, boost productivity, promote exports, and enhance stakeholder skills.
• Key Components:
  • Improve productivity
  • Upgrade post-harvest quality
  • Market expansion and trade promotion
  • Technology interventions and capacity building
• Implementation: 2023-24 to 2025-26.

Cardamom Overview

• Small Cardamom: Grown in Western Ghats; ideal conditions include shady, loamy soil at 600-1500 m elevation.
• Large Cardamom: Found in Sub-Himalayan regions; thrives with 3000-3500 mm rainfall and temperatures of 6-30°C.

Spice Board India

• Established: 1987, responsible for spice export promotion.
• Headquarters: Cochin, Kerala.

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Prime Minister Attends Sixth Quad Leaders’ Summit in Wilmington

• Theme: Quad as a “force for global good”; adoption of the ‘Quad Wilmington Declaration’.

Key Announcements

• Health Security: Launch of ‘Quad Cancer Moonshot’ to combat cervical cancer in the Indo-Pacific.
• Quality Infrastructure: Introduction of ‘Quad Ports of the Future Partnership’ for sustainable port development.
• Semiconductors: Establishment of a ‘Semiconductor Supply Chains Contingency Network’ to enhance resilience.
• Climate and Clean Energy: Initiative to boost energy efficiency with high-efficiency cooling systems.
• Space: India’s creation of a space web portal for Mauritius for climate monitoring.
• Maritime Security:
  • Launch of ‘MAITRI’ for enhanced maritime domain awareness.
  • Announcement of ‘Quad-at-Sea Ship Observer Mission’ in 2025.

About Quad

• Members: Australia, India, Japan, and the US.
• Objective: Support an open, stable, and prosperous Indo-Pacific.
• Future Events: Quad Leaders’ Summit 2025 to be hosted by India.

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India, US Ink Pact for Semiconductor Fabrication Plant

• Overview: India’s first multi-material semiconductor fabrication plant, ‘Shakti,’ focusing on national security and advanced technologies.

Key Details

• Type: World’s first multi-material fab within the Quad.
• Technology Partnership: First collaboration between the US military and India in high-value technologies.
• Focus Areas: Advanced sensing, communications, and high-voltage power electronics.
• Support: Backed by the India Semiconductor Mission, Bharat Semi, 3rdiTech, and the U.S. Space Force.

Significance

• Strategic Shift: Transitions India from chip taker to maker, enhancing its role in the global semiconductor supply chain.
• Reduced Import Dependency: Aims to cut down the $1 billion annual semiconductor imports for national security.
• Strengthened Security Infrastructure: Addresses needs in telecommunications, railways, and green energy.
• R&D Collaboration: Enhances research linkages, such as the GlobalFoundries’ Kolkata Power Center.

About India Semiconductor Mission

• Goal: Develop a robust semiconductor and display ecosystem, positioning India as a global electronics manufacturing hub.
• Role: Acts as the nodal agency for the Semicon India Programme initiatives.

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AFSPA Extended in Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh

• Duration: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is extended for six months in designated ‘disturbed areas’ of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

Current Status

• Also in effect in Assam, Manipur, and parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

Key Points of AFSPA

• Purpose: Grants special powers to armed forces to assist civil authorities.
• Authority: Areas declared ‘disturbed’ by the Governor or Central Government.
• Powers:
  • Use of force against lawbreakers after warning.
  • Arrest without a warrant on reasonable suspicion.
  • Legal immunity for forces during operations.

Concerns

• Human Rights: Criticized for violating fundamental rights.
• International Law: Conflicts with human rights conventions.
• State Autonomy: Undermines state powers even in peace.

Suggested Reforms

• Repeal AFSPA: Replace with provisions from the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act.
• Local Governance: Strengthen grassroots community involvement.

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