9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – January 5th, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

On the recent SC Ruling in the Adani Issue

Source: This post on the recent SC Ruling in the Adani Issue has been created based on the article “The apex court has endorsed regulatory independence” published in “Live Mint” on 5^th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Indian Polity – Statutory, regulatory and various quasi-judicial bodies.

News: The article discusses the observations of the SC in the recent Adani issue. It also highlights the positive implications of this judgment on the regulatory and business lanscape in India.

Background:

In its recent decision on the Adani Group probe in the wake of Hindenburg Report allegations, the Supreme Court (SC) upheld trust in the regulatory system under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI). It emphasized SEBI’s commitment to financial transparency and market integrity.

What were the observations of the SC?

1. The SC confirmed the inadequacy of relying on newspaper articles or reports from third-party organizations to challenge an investigation conducted by a specialized regulator like SEBI.
2. The court highlighted that such reports may serve as initial inputs for SEBI or an expert committee, but they cannot be considered conclusive evidence of any shortcomings in SEBI’s probe.
3. The SC’s stance highlights the importance of recognizing SEBI’s authority and competence.
4. The SC also directed SEBI to scrutinize any inappropriate action by Hindenburg (a US-based short-seller).

What are the positive implications of this judgment?

1. On the Regulatory Framework: This validation of SEBI’s role sends a positive signal to investors, underscoring the existence of a robust regulatory framework.
2. On the Business Environment: This judgement marks progress towards a fair and transparent business environment, instilling investor confidence and preserving the integrity of Indian financial markets.
3. Dispelling Misconceptions regarding SEBI’s Functioning: SEBI’s collaboration with industry stakeholders should not be regarded as a weakness in regulatory supervision. It reflects the regulators’ commitment to understanding industry dynamics, fostering innovation and ensuring a resilient and adaptive regulatory framework.
4. On Businesses: It will serve to shield India’s industrial conglomerates from unfair attacks by lobbies within the country and abroad.

What should be the way forward for regulators in light of the SC’s Judgment?

1. Regulators must encourage information exchange among themselves.
2. They should research the world’s latest market mechanisms and supervisory tools.
3. They should promote compliance and disclosure.
4. They should leverage their independence to set global benchmarks for regulation and supervision.
5. They must ensure that the financial landscape is characterized by transparency, accountability and strict adherence to regulatory standards.

According to the author, the SC judgement is good for broad market stability and bolsters the interests of minority shareholders who rely on SEBI’s supervision of stock markets.

Question for practice:

What are the implications of the recent SC judgment in the Adani issue on the business and regulatory landscape of India. Discuss with reference to the working of SEBI.

On Higher Education

Source: This post has been created based on the article “Is higher education out of touch with the skill requirements in the job market?” published in “The Hindu” on 5^th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Social Justice – Issues relating to Education.

News: The article discusses the status of graduate unemployment in India. It also highlights the structural problems with the Higher Education sector.

What is the status of graduate unemployment in India?

Unemployment Rate: In 2012, the unemployment rate among graduates was 20%; it has now increased to 34% in 2021. Among postgraduates, it used to be 18% in 2012; it has now doubled to nearly 37%.

Employability: Some reports state that fewer than half of India’s graduates were employable in 2021.

Status of Women: India’s female labour force participation is among the lowest in the world.

What are the problems with the education system leading to unemployment?

The problem with the education system is structural. It includes:

1. Deteriorating Quality of Higher Education: The rise in the number of private colleges, industrial training institutes (ITIs) and polytechnic colleges has led to a lowering of quality. The governments and the University Grants Commission did not have the capacity to regulate these colleges.
2. Lack of Access to Higher Education: A vast majority of the country’s youth don’t get higher education. Higher education enrolment rates are still about 27% (18-23 year olds).
3. Impact of Online Learning: There were learning deficiencies, which affected students’ abilities to acquire knowledge and become employable.

Apart from the above, other issues leading to unemployment includes:

4. Lack of Job Creation in the Economy: Unemployment is also because the economy is not creating enough jobs.
5. Sector-wise Issues in the Economy: Agriculture has not become high tech, so graduates are not likely to join it. Jobs, such as delivery boys, are not preferred jobs for educated people. In the services sector, the jobs being created require high knowledge.

What are the structural problems with the Higher Education sector?

Higher education institutions create new knowledge, and it leads to the development of new technologies. This leads to the possibilities of new businesses, innovation, entrepreneurship, and start-ups. However, it is constrained by the following issues:

1. Low R&D Expenditure: India’s R&D expenditure is only 0.7% of GDP. In Korea, it is 4%.
2. Lack of Participation of the Private Sector in R&D: Globally, the private corporate sector accounts for about 70% of total R&D expenditure. In India, the public sector accounts for some 70% of total R&D expenditure.
3. Lack of Research Funding to Universities: A very small proportion of public funding goes towards research within universities in India, unlike other countries.
   Most of it goes towards the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research, Indian Council of Medical Research, etc. This is problematic because these institutions don’t translate their research into usable products/processes.
4. Foreign Ownership of Research: Indian researchers are absorbed in MNCs. There are 800 MNCs which have their global research hubs in India. The value of that research goes abroad.
5. Equity Issues: There is a larger issue of social equity. Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Muslims are underrepresented in higher education.
6. Issues with the National Education Policy (NEP): It has not led to substantive change in the education system.
   For instance, there is an emphasis on autonomy of higher education, however imposing the Central University Entrance Test on colleges was against that ideal, leading to confusion.

What should be done?

Converting Research into Products: Creating institutions that convert patents or research scientific research papers into products and processes.

Increasing Funding: Universities must be funded more, and private industry will have to play a role in this.

Vocational Training: Divert students at the end of Class 10 and Class 12 away from higher education towards ITIs and vocational training can increase employability.

Question for practice:

What are the structural problems with the Higher Education sector in India? Suggest steps to reform the same.

Civil society under siege in India

Source: This post has been created based on the article “Civil society under siege in India” published in “The Hindu” on 5^th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 Governance – The role of NGOs, SHGs, various groups and associations, donors, charities, institutional and other stakeholders.

News: The article discusses the recent attacks on civil society in India. It also highlights the instruments being used to attack civil society.

What is civil society?

Civil society refers to a wide variety of communities and groups such as non-governmental organizations (NGOs), labor unions, indigenous groups, charitable organizations, faith-based organizations, professional associations, and foundations that function outside of government to provide support and advocacy for certain people or issues in society.

A free civic space regulated under constitutionally guaranteed principles is the essence of democracy. India is lucky to have a diverse and vibrant civil society.

However, according to the author, the anti-communal and progressive civic space is under attack by the state.

What is the status of attacks on civil society?

According to the author, civil societies in India are under varied degree of attacks:

1. Highly attacked organisations: These include organisations that actively fight against communalism. This has led to them running out of funds and their leaders sent to prison or being charged.
   This includes organisations such as Citizens for Justice and Peace (CJP), Amnesty India, Oxfam, Centre for Equity Studies and Lawyers Collective.
2. Moderately attacked institutions: This has led to some organisations almost closing their operations. They have been attacked, for example, for having connections with Adivasi rights movements impacting mining interests.
   They include the Centre for Policy Research (CPR) and anti-communal NGOs such as ANHAD.
3. Low-level attacks: These include Institutions that are generally not active in the anti-communal area but pursuing significant human rights causes.
   For instance, organisations such as Navsarjan, which is a leader in Dalit rights, and Save The Children’s work on child rights.

What are the instruments being used to attack civil society?

1. Legal Charges: They have been attacked with charges that may lead to penal consequences such as imprisonment on charges of money laundering. This is done through:
2. Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002: The 2019 amendments enabled the Department of Revenue to work with a broader definition of proceeds of crime. This has resulted in attacks on NGOs by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
3. Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010: The FCRA was made stringent in 2010 and in 2020. This has been used to take away the right of NGOs to access foreign funds from 18,000 organisations between 2015 and 2022.
   Under the FCRA, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) too is empowered to investigate NGOs and their personnel with lethal impact.
4. Restrictions on Domestic funding: The 2020 amendments to the Income-Tax Act provisions on tax exemptions for NGOs and donors have now made renewals of 12A and 80G certificates mandatory every 5 years.
   Also, donor data (including their PAN card numbers) must be made available to the Ministry of Finance. This can enable the state to intimidate these domestic donors.
5. Income-Tax Surveys: It is a way of collecting data that can be used to file more cases either by the CBI or the Tax Department.

Because of the use of these instruments, the last ray of hope for India’s democracy, its civic space, is under serious threat.

Question for practice:

What are the instruments being used to attack civil society in India?

GS PAPER - 3

Self-reliance in India’s defense sector -Public versus private challenges

Source: The post self-reliance in India’s defense sector has been created, based on the article “Public versus private challenges” published in “Business Standard” on 5th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Science and technology-indigenisation of technology

News: The article outlines the Indian Ministry of Defence’s approval of over ₹1.42 trillion for purchasing DRDO-developed weapons systems. It discusses the role of private companies in increasing domestic defense production and the efforts to decrease dependency on imports.

What is the meaning of “Acceptance of Necessity” (AON)?

Acceptance of Necessity” (AON) is the initial approval given by the Ministry of Defence for the procurement of defense equipment. It marks the beginning of the detailed procurement process, including requests for information, proposals, evaluations, and final contract awarding. It’s essentially a green light from the MoD indicating that the procurement plan is necessary and can proceed through the acquisition procedure.

What does self-reliance in India’s defense sector entail?

Emphasis on Domestic Production: India is focusing more on DRDO-developed systems in its pursuit of self-reliance under the “Aatmanirbhar Bharat” initiative. Industry bodies report that 80-90% of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) relates to Indian companies.

Increased Private Sector Involvement: Private companies like Bharat Forge and Tata are gaining expertise and influence in defense by fulfilling production orders and partnering with DRDO on projects like the Advanced Towed Artillery Gun System.

Growth in Defense Exports: The private sector’s role in defense exports is expanding, with a notable increase in export figures to ₹16,000 crore this year, reflecting a substantial growth trajectory in the sector.

Reduction in Imports: The initiative aims to decrease dependency on foreign technology, though challenges remain in acquiring advanced capabilities domestically. The Ministry of Defence reported a reduction in defense imports from 46% to 36.7% since 2018-19.

What challenges does India’s defense sector face?

Lengthy Procurement Process: The defense acquisition involves multiple stages, often stretching over years, delaying the actual deployment of systems. Apart from this, the private sector’s involvement is challenged by bureaucratic delays and hesitance in adapting quickly to defense needs.

Technological Gaps: Despite increased domestic production, certain advanced technologies still need to be imported due to gaps in local capabilities, as seen with sophisticated platforms like the fifth-generation stealth fighter.

Way forward

To progress, India should continue enhancing its domestic defense capabilities, notably in technology, where private sector growth and exports are promising, as seen with companies like Bharat Forge. Simultaneously, balancing strategic foreign acquisitions is vital to address immediate needs and technology gaps, ensuring a robust and self-reliant defense sector.

Question for practice:

Discuss the role of private companies in increasing domestic defense production and reducing dependency on imports.

Reduction of import duties on EVs – Import concessions:

Source: The post reduction of import duties on EVs has been created, based on the article “Import concessions: Trade agreements should focus on overall gains” published in “Business standard” on 5th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3 – Indian economy- changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth.

News: The article discusses India’s proposal to lower import taxes on electric vehicles (EVs) to help secure a free-trade deal with the UK.

About India’s electric vehicles (EV) Market

India is the fourth-largest automobile market globally after China, the US, and Japan, valued at about $250 billion.

It’s anticipated to grow annually by more than 9% from 2022 to 2027.

In 2023, EV sales in India surged by 45%, indicating growing market potential.

However, fully assembled EVs priced above $40,000 face a 100% import duty, while those under $40,000 face a 70% duty. This is much higher than in countries like the US, France, Saudi Arabia, and China.

What are the implications of the reduction of import duties on EVs?

Positive Implications:

Attract Foreign Investment: Lower duties may entice companies like Tesla to set up manufacturing units in India.

Competitive Pricing: Increased competition could lead to better and cheaper EVs, benefiting consumers.

Global Integration: Lowering tariffs is vital for India’s participation in free trade agreements and attracting global players.

Negative Implications:

Local Industry Threat: Domestic manufacturers fear reduced duties will flood the market with imports, harming local industry and investment.

Sunrise Industry Risk: Lowering duties might deter investments in the domestic EV sector, considered a nascent yet promising industry.

What are the government initiatives to support the EV market?

Production-Linked Incentive Scheme: A scheme with an outlay of ₹25,938 crore aimed at boosting local manufacturing in the automotive sector, including EVs.

National Programme on Advanced Chemistry Cell: With an investment of ₹18,100 crore, it focuses on promoting advanced cell chemistry for batteries.

FAME Scheme: The Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles scheme (FAME 1,2 and 3) encourages the use of hybrid and electric vehicles through incentives.

For more information on FAME read Article1, Article2

Way forward

Balancing reduced duties and nurturing the local industry is crucial. With the right policies, lowering import duties could lead to a more competitive market, resulting in better and cheaper EVs, benefiting consumers and the industry.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential implications of India’s proposal to lower import taxes on electric vehicles (EVs).

issue with the Indian Science Congress: Dispiriting no-show

Source: The post issue with the Indian Science Congress has been created, based on the article “Express View on Indian Science Congress: Dispiriting no-show” published in “Indian express” on 5th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

News: The article discusses the decline of the Indian Science Congress, noting its loss of reputation and decreased participation from prominent scientists. It suggests that despite its issues, the Congress remains important for promoting science, and advocates for reform rather than cancellation.

About Indian Science Congress

The Indian Science Congress was started in 1914. It brings together scientists and researchers from the premier institutions, laboratories, science teachers and professors from colleges and universities.

For more information read here

What’s the issue with the Indian Science Congress?

Declining Reputation: The event is now largely avoided by the country’s leading scientific minds and institutions, diminishing its value and impact.

Lack of Serious Scientific Dialogue: There is minimal discussion on contemporary scientific issues, diluting the event’s significance.

Controversial Presentations: Recent Congresses have been more known for controversies than scientific progress, with instances of unqualified individuals dominating the stage.

Financial Troubles: The government withholding Rs 5 crore funding has further exacerbated its predicaments.

What should be done?

1. Implement stricter scrutiny of papers and presentations to ensure quality and relevance.
2. Actively involve respected scientists and research institutions in planning and participation.
3. Focus discussions on relevant and contemporary scientific issues.
4. Seek renewed support and possibly increased funding from the government by demonstrating improvements.
5. Advocate for reform and revitalization of the Congress instead of disbanding it.
6. Leverage initiatives like the National Research Foundation to build capacities within universities and colleges.

For information National Research Foundation read here

Question for practice

Evaluate the challenges faced by the Indian Science Congress and provide solutions for its revitalization.

Governance of AI technology – How AI is changing what sovereignty means

Source: The post governance of AI technology has been created, based on the article “How AI is changing what sovereignty means” published in “Indian express” on 5th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life.

News: The article highlights the imperative for ethical governance of AI technology, focusing on human rights amidst digital sovereignty, misinformation, and privacy challenges.

What is AI technology?

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is a way of making a computer, a computer-controlled robot, or software perform human-like tasks. The term was coined in 1956 by John McCarthy. It refers to the ability of machines to perform cognitive tasks like thinking, perceiving, learning, problem solving and decision making.

For more information on What is AI technology read here

What opportunities does AI technology provide?

Good Governance: Initiatives like the UN’s ethical AI framework aim for good governance and just development, stressing respect, diversity, and ecological sustainability.

Market Growth: The free market approach to AI, particularly in the U.S., has significantly fostered industry growth. For instance, the social media industry’s global prominence is projected by the Business Research Company to reach $454.37 billion by 2027.

Human Rights Focus: The EU’s model prioritizes a human rights-based approach, aiming for an equitable and human-centric digital economy. This showcases AI’s potential to align with and promote human dignity and rights.

Consumer Benefit: AI drives advancements in big data analytics and the Internet of Things, providing customized services and products to meet specific consumer needs and preferences.

What challenges are faced in the governance of AI technology?

Digital Sovereignty: The shift from territorial to digital sovereignty complicates international governance, leading to challenges in managing data and information across borders.

Misinformation and Privacy: AI’s capacity to manipulate information and erode privacy is a significant concern. The spread of disinformation and erosion of decisional privacy are key issues needing stringent governance.

Diverse Regulatory Approaches: The clash between different regulatory models, like the U.S.’s techno-optimistic model and China’s state-driven approach, creates a complex landscape for harmonizing AI governance globally.

Technological Control vs. Human Rights: Balancing technological advancement with human rights is a persistent challenge. The EU’s human rights-based approach highlights the difficulty in ensuring AI supports inclusive and sustainable development without infringing on personal freedoms and dignity.

For information on challenges in regulation of AI read here

What initiatives are being taken for the governance of AI technology?

UNICEF-led Initiatives: Establishing ethical guidelines for AI, focusing on human rights, diversity, and ecological sustainability, aiming for good governance globally.

US free market approach: Promoting a free digital model, allowing AI industries to grow under market forces, evidenced by significant industry growth.

EU human rights-based approach: Implementing a strategy that respects human rights as a precondition for inclusive and sustainable development, promoting a human-centric digital economy.

China state-driven regulatory model: Adopting a regulatory approach that combines political control with technological advancement, influencing developing nations and setting a distinct governance style.

For information on the status of regulation of AI in India and across the globe read here
Way forward

As AI continues to evolve, the challenge is to ensure its alignment with human values and rights. The global community needs to address the use of AI in warfare, misinformation, and surveillance, striving for a future where technology supports rather than undermines human dignity.

Question for practice:

Discuss the various approaches and initiatives taken for the governance of AI technology.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Square Kilometre Array (SKA) Project

Source- This post is based on the article “Square Kilometre Array project, world’s largest radio telescope, and India’s role in it” published in “Deccan Herald” on 3rd January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Union Cabinet has granted approval for the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, with a financial sanction of Rs 1,250 crore.

What is the Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project?

Specifications	Details
What is it?	1) This project is dedicated to the development of the world’s largest radio telescope. 2) The SKA project will consist of a group of radio telescopes operating out of South Africa and Australia in two frequency ranges and a Square Kilometre Array Observatory headquartered at UK.
Objective	Explore galaxies in the cosmos, intricately map visible galaxies, furnish detailed data on our galaxy’s evolution, seek signs of extraterrestrial life, and identify gravitational waves.
Participating Countries	Australia, Canada, China, India, Italy, New Zealand, South Africa, Sweden, the Netherlands, UK
India’s Role	1) India’s primary contribution to the SKA lies in the development and operation of the Telescope Manager element—the neural network or software orchestrating the telescope’s functions. 2) It has been built by Pune-based National Centre for Radio Astrophysics (NCRA) along with some other international institutes. 3) India is also making significant financial contributions to the project.
Construction Phases	The SKA will be constructed in two phases, with SKA1’s first phase construction commencing in December 2022 and operations expected to start by 2029.
Significance	It will offer profound insights into the initial stages of our galaxy’s evolution, and will actively explore the possibility of life beyond Earth.

What is its significance for India?

1) India as a full time member will gain preferential access to SKA facilities.

2) The SKA focuses on cutting-edge technologies in electronics, software, materials science, and computing. This initiative will provide valuable learning opportunities for scientists, academics, and private industries in India.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

RBI clarifies Framework for acceptance of Green Deposits

Source- This post is based on the article “Planning to invest in green deposits? RBI releases latest guidelines to explain key provisions” published in “Live mint” on 1st January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the RBI released updated guidelines to clarify key provisions related to the RBI’s Green Deposits Framework.

What are Green Deposits?

1) Green deposits are similar to regular bank deposits, with the key distinction being that banks commit to allocating the funds from these deposits to support environmentally friendly initiatives.

2) For instance, a bank might specify that green deposits will be directed towards financing projects such as renewable energy initiatives to combat climate change.

What are the updated RBI guidelines for the acceptance of Green Deposits within the framework?

1) RBI clarified that it is not mandatory for the financial institutions such as banks and non-banking financial corporations (NBFCs) to raise green deposits.

2) Green deposits can be invested in short-term liquid instruments, limited to a one-year maturity. However, this restriction applies until the funds are allocated to green activities or projects.

3) The framework applies to green deposits raised by banks from June 1, 2023, onward. Banks cannot secure green deposits after financing green activities/ projects.

4) Banks must pay interest on green deposits, with no restriction on premature withdrawal, subject to guidelines. Early withdrawal does not impact activities funded by green deposits, and there is no penalty for non-allocation to green projects.

5) Banks can provide overdraft facilities against green deposits, following guidelines outlined in the RBI circular dated April 19, 2022.

6) The framework permits green deposits to be denominated in Indian Rupees only.

7) Deposits obtained within this framework fall under the protection of the Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation.

8) Given that the activities specified in the green deposits framework align with those outlined in sovereign green bonds, investments in sovereign green bonds are consequently included within the framework.

What are the RBI regulations on green deposits?

Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Indian Economy (Banking)

Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar 2023

Source– This post is based on the article “Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports announced ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ 2023” published in “PIB” on 4th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has declared the ‘Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar’ for 2023. The recipients will be honored by the President of India at a dedicated event held at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

What is the Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar?

1) The Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar is awarded to corporate entities (private and public sector), Sports Control Boards, NGOs, and sports bodies at the State and National levels that have actively contributed to the promotion and development of sports.

2) Introduced in 2009, the scheme was later revised in 2015.

3) As per the revised plan, this award is presented in four categories:
a. Identifying and nurturing budding/young talent.
b. Promoting sports through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).
c. Providing employment to sportspersons and implementing sports welfare measures.
d. Supporting Sports for Development.

4) The applications were invited online and sportspersons/coaches/entities were permitted to self-apply through a dedicated Online Portal.

What are the other National Sports Awards of India?

Awards	Details
Major Dhyan Chand Khel Ratna Award	1) Highest sporting honour of India. 2) The award recipients are honored for their exceptional performance in international sports events in the preceding four years.
The Arjuna Award	1) India’s second-highest sporting honor. 2) Recipients recognized for their outstanding performance in international and national sports events along with display of leadership, sportsmanship, and discipline.
The Dronacharya Award	Awarded for excellence in sports coaching.
The Major Dhyan Chand Award	It is a lifetime achievement award given to honour sportspersons for their contributions, both during their active sporting career and after retirement.
The Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Trophy (MAKA Trophy)	It is a rolling trophy awarded to the “overall top performing University in sports” over the preceding year.
Rashtriya Khel Protsahan Puruskar	Given to corporate entities, NGOs, sports bodies, etc for their contribution to the promotion and development of sports.

UPSC Syllabus- Miscellaneous

Wetland City Accreditation: MoEFCC nominates first 3 cities from India

Source- This post is based on the article “Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change submits proposals for Wetland City Accreditation under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands for cities of Indore, Bhopal and Udaipur” published in “PIB” on 4th January 2024.

Why in the News?

MoEF&CC has nominated Indore (Madhya Pradesh), Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh), and Udaipur (Rajasthan) for Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands.

What is Wetland City Accreditation (WCA) Scheme?

Specifications	Details
What is it?	It is a voluntary system under the Ramsar Convention to acknowledge cities that have taken exceptional measures to conserve and protect urban and peri-urban wetlands. It was introduced in 2015.
Aim	To enhance the conservation and sustainable utilization of urban and peri-urban wetlands, providing socio-economic benefits for local communities.
Accreditation criteria	The Operational Guidance for WCA of the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands encompasses six international criteria that a city must meet to qualify.
Significance for India	1) The WCA allows cities to gain international recognition for their efforts in protecting their wetlands. 2) It will also raise public awareness about urban wetland conservation. 3) Further, it will aid in nationwide implementation of Amrit Dharohar initiative by MoEF&CC.

Important wetlands of these three nominated cities:

Indore	Bhopal	Udaipur
The city has 2 Ramsar sites- Sirpur Lake and Yashwant Sagar.	Bhoj Wetland, a Ramsar Site	The city is surrounded by five major wetlands, namely, Pichola, Fateh Sagar, Rang Sagar, Swaroop Sagar, and Doodh Talai

UPSC Syllabus- Environment

PRERANA Program

Source- This post is based on the article “Ministry of Education launches PRERANA program” published in “PIB” on 4th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Education launched ‘Prerana: An Experiential Learning Program’ empowering participants with leadership qualities.

What is PRERANA program?

Specifications	Details
What is it?	It is a week-long residential program for selected students, combining heritage with innovation through experiential and inspirational learning, enhanced with cutting-edge technology.
Eligibility	Students of Class IX to XII from any recognised school of the country.
Selection process	1) Students can register on the portal by providing necessary details. 2) Alternatively, applicants can join the School/block-level selection on ‘Prerana Utsav‘ day, through activities aligned with Prerana’s ethos. 3) Two students (01 boy and 01 girl) will be selected for Prerana program from each district.
Features	1) A batch of 20 selected students (10 boys and 10 girls) will attend the program, every week from various parts of the country. 2) It will take place in a Vernacular School, founded in 1888, located in Vadnagar, Gujarat. PM Modi is an alumnus of this School. 3) Curriculum of Prerana School prepared by IIT Gandhi Nagar.
Activities under the Program	1) The daily schedule includes yoga, mindfulness, and meditation, followed by experiential learning, themed sessions, and hands-on activities. 2) Evenings feature visits to ancient sites, inspirational films, creative missions, talent shows, promoting holistic learning. 3) Students also participate in diverse activities, integrating indigenous knowledge, cutting-edge technologies, and insights from inspirational figures.
Significance	1) Participants will take Prerana’s ethos back to their communities, becoming catalysts for positive change and inspiring others. 2) It will incorporate the principles of the Indian education system and the value-based education philosophy, a cornerstone of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

UPSC Syllabus- Schemes & Programmes

10th century Kadamba Inscription found in Goa

Source– This post is based on the article “10th century Kadamba inscription written in Kannada and Sanskrit found in Goa” published in “The Hindu” on 4th January 2024.

Why in news?

Researchers engineer plant cells to produce drug for cancer

Sources: This post is based on the article “Researchers engineer plant cells to produce drug for cancer” published in “The Hindu” on 5 January 2024.

Why in News?

Researchers at the Indian Institutes of Technology Madras and Mandi have metabolically engineered plant cells to increase the production of anti-cancer drug camptothecin (CPT).

What was Done in the Research?

1) Camptothecin, an allopathic medicine, is produced using Nathapodytes nimmoniana, a native, endangered plant.
Note- The IUCN has red-listed this plant as in the past decade alone there has been a 20% decline in the plant’s population.

2) The Plant Cell Technology Lab of IIT Madras researchers have developed a genome-scale metabolic model for N. Nimmoniana plant cells using computational tools.

3) Researchers have grown cultures of the plant in the lab and extracted cells from the plant. These cells are then genetically engineered to augment the production of CPT.

4) In 2021, researchers at IIT Madras identified a microbe as a sustainable and highly productive alternative source for CPT.

What is the Significance of this Research?

1) It offers an alternative and sustainable source for Camptothecin, thereby contributing to the production of vital cancer-treating drugs.

2) The technology employed for model-based rational metabolic engineering of plant cells can also be adapted to enhance the production of many other high-value phytochemicals (chemicals produced from plants).

3) This will help to conserve natural resources and reduce dependency on nature.

What is Camptothecin (CPT)?

1) Camptothecin (CPT) is an important anti-cancer drug lead molecule for high-value drugs like Topotecan and Irinotecan.

2) It is extracted mainly from Camptotheca acuminata (native to Eastern Asia) and Nothapodytes nimmoniana (native to India).

3) The Chinese variety of the plant used to extract the cell is listed as critically endangered. There are only 4,000 of the species left. In India the plant is a native of western ghats and in the last decade there was a 20% decline in population.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Zosurabalpin: New antibiotic identified to target a drug-resistant bacterium

Source: This post is based on the article “New antibiotic identified to target a drug-resistant bacterium” published in “The Hindu” on 4 January 2024.

Why in news?

Researchers have identified a new class of antibiotics called ‘Zosurabalpin’ with the potential to tackle a drug-resistant bacterium, Acinetobacter baumannii.

What is Zosurabalpin?

1) Zosurabalpin is an antibody that is effective against CRAB (carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii)-induced pneumonia and sepsis in mouse models.

2) Scientists identified a tethered macrocyclic peptide (MCP) that selectively kills A. baumannii which was further optimised for efficacy and tolerability, resulting in zosurabalpin.

3) The antibiotic kills A. baumannii through a previously unknown mode of action. It inhibits the transport of the molecule lipopolysaccharide (LPS) by inhibiting a complex of proteins.

4) This complex was essential for transporting LPS to the bacterial surface to create the outer-membrane structure of Gram-negative bacteria. However, the blocking of the LPS transport results in an abnormal build-up of LPS in the cell which kills the bacterium.

5) The antibiotic demonstrated efficacy against over 100 clinically tested samples of CRAB in the laboratory.