9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 18th, 2023

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

On Inequality – Cumulatively ravaging effects of inequality

Source: The post on Inequality has been created on the article “Cumulatively ravaging effects of inequality” published in Indian Express on 18th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 Indian Society – Salient features of society

News: This article discusses various forms of inequality around the world, including economic, gender, caste, and cultural inequality. It highlights the need for fair leadership in politics and corporations to address these inequalities and improve our society.

What is Inequality?

Inequality is the state of not being equal, especially in terms of status, rights, and opportunities.

The various types of inequality are:

Gender Inequality: Involves unequal treatment or perceptions based on gender. Iceland’s Prime Minister’s involvement in a strike against the gender pay gap, despite Iceland’s reputation for gender equality, exemplifies this issue.

Caste Inequality: This is discrimination based on caste, particularly prevalent in India. Social reformers like B R Ambedkar have historically fought against this, advocating for the ‘annihilation’ of caste to achieve true political and economic reforms.

For information on caste inequality read here

Cultural Inequality: This refers to unequal opportunities and treatment in the cultural or creative sectors. An example is the recent Hollywood strike, where technicians, writers, and actors are protesting against a widening disparity in earnings and the threat of technology, showcasing the challenges faced by those not in the limelight.

Corporate Inequality: Seen in unfair practices within corporations. The incident of Qantas illegally sacking 1,700 workers and issues of disproportionate executive pay illustrate this form of inequality.

For more details on inequality read here

What are the issues with inequality?

Gender Inequality Consequences: Results in limited opportunities for women, such as lower pay for the same work and underrepresentation in leadership roles. It can also lead to increased incidents of gender-based violence and discrimination.

Impact of Caste Inequality: Hinders social and economic mobility, perpetuating poverty and limiting access to education and jobs for lower caste groups. It fosters social divisions and discrimination.

Cultural Inequality Effects: Creates disparities in recognition and rewards within the cultural sector, leading to a sense of insecurity among lesser-known artists and technicians. It can also limit the diversity of voices and creativity in cultural expressions.

Corporate Inequality Ramifications: Leads to worker dissatisfaction, strikes, and legal challenges. It can also result in a lack of trust in corporate leadership and a decrease in employee morale and productivity.

For more information on the issue with inequality read here

What should be done?

Reducing Cultural Disparities: Support equitable treatment and opportunities in cultural sectors, as shown by Hollywood workers’ strike for fair earnings and against the impact of technology.

Correcting Corporate Injustices: Practice more empathetic and understanding leadership in corporations, and ensure fair treatment of workers, as highlighted by the case of Qantas’s illegal worker sacking.

Tackling Gender Inequality: Follow examples like Iceland’s proactive steps, including strikes led by leaders, to address gender pay gaps and sexual violence.

For more information on Caste Inequality, read here.

Question for practice:

Examine the various strategies that can be implemented to address different forms of inequality.

GS PAPER - 2

On US-China Relations – Building the floor

Source: This post on US-China Relations has been created based on the article “Building the floor” published in The Hindu on 18th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

News: This article discusses the main outcomes of the recent US-China Summit. It also highlights future concerns in the relationship as well as the lesson it holds for the India-China relationship.

Read more about the recent US-China Summit and its Impact on India here.

What are the main takeaways from the recent US-China Summit?

  1. Stabilised US-China Relations: It has offered the promise of stabilising a relationship that has recently been declining rapidly leading to a growing concern in the world.
  2. Signing of Concrete Agreements: Agreements, including the restart of military-to-military direct dialogue and regarding issues involved with artificial intelligence, were signed.
  3. Established a Solid Ground: There is cautious optimism that this attempt at stabilisation has been built on more solid ground.
  4. Realisation of the Importance of Direct Engagement: Both countries have realised that high-level engagement and open channels are key to prevent competition from sliding into conflict.

What are the upcoming concerns regarding US-China relations?

  1. Taiwan Elections: On Taiwan, China has cautioned against interference, and the U.S. has said it is opposed to any change in the status quo.
  2. USA Elections: US election campaigns inevitably lead to heated arguments against China.
  3. Differing Perspectives on Future Relations: China has criticised USA’s framing of the relationship as being fundamentally competitive and has asked it to refrain from crossing the line on issues including Taiwan and export controls.

What is the lesson for India?

This Summit offers clear lessons for the India-China relationship, that engaging in dialogue is not a concession and can be crucial to building a solid ground for the ties.

Question for practice:

The dynamics of bilateral ties between USA and China will have an important impact on the world in general, and India in particular. Explain.

On The Myanmar Crisis – How resistance forces in Myanmar pose a serious threat to the junta

Source: The post on the Myanmar crisis has been created on the article “How resistance forces in Myanmar pose a serious threat to the junta” published in Indian Express on 18th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – India and its neighbourhood- relations.

News: The article discusses the intense conflict in Myanmar’s Chin State, near India’s border, leading to many Myanmarese nationals fleeing into India. Ethnic and civilian armed groups are challenging Myanmar’s military government, which took power in 2021. This conflict is causing regional instability and affecting India, especially in states bordering Myanmar.

For more information on India-Myanmar Relations, read here.

What is the Current Situation in Myanmar?

Before 2020, Myanmar saw a transition to partial civilian rule with Aung San Suu Kyi’s National League for Democracy (NLD) winning in 2015, and tensions over the Rohingya crisis.

The situation in Myanmar with the recent developments, the timeline from 2020 onwards is as follows:

2020 (November): The NLD wins the general elections, which the military disputes as fraudulent.

2021 (February): Military coup ousts the NLD government. Aung San Suu Kyi and other leaders are detained, sparking widespread protests and a violent military crackdown.

Late 2021 to 2022: Various ethnic armed organizations (EAOs) and People’s Defence Forces (PDFs) intensify their resistance against the military regime, resulting in escalating conflicts across the country.

2023 (October 27): The conflict intensifies with the Three Brotherhood Alliance (comprising of the Myanmar National Democratic Alliance Army (MNDAA), Ta’ang National Liberation Army, and the Arakan Army) launching Operation 1027 in Shan State, causing significant territorial losses for the military.

Late 2023: The resistance forces capture key areas, including Rikhawdar near the Indian border, leading to a refugee influx into Mizoram, India. This reflects a significant shift, as the military struggles to maintain control and faces unprecedented coordination among rebel groups.

What threats does Operation 1027 pose to the military government?

Strategic Territory Loss: Operation 1027 resulted in rebels taking over more than 100 military outposts, significantly weakening the military’s control. This includes capturing Chinshwehaw, a crucial trade point on the China-Myanmar border, threatening a major revenue source for the junta.

Unprecedented Coordination: This operation marks the first time since the coup that rebel groups have coordinated so effectively, posing a major challenge to the military government.

Chinese Factor: Indirect support or tacit approval from China for the rebels adds to the junta’s challenges, given China’s influence in the region.

Military Morale Decline: The Myanmar military is experiencing a significant drop in morale, with entire battalions surrendering without a fight. This is compounded by internal pressure on the military leadership, including high-level purges ordered by the commander-in-chief.

What is the impact of the Myanmar crisis on India?

Refugee Influx: The crisis has led to around 5,000 refugees from Myanmar entering Mizoram, India, creating a humanitarian challenge.

Border Security Concerns: Ongoing conflicts near the India-Myanmar border have raised concerns regarding border security and stability in Indian border states. These concerns encompass issues such as cross-border movement of militants, illegal drug trade, and arms trafficking.

Implications for India’s Act East Policy: strategic projects like IMT trilateral highway play a crucial role in improving India’s connectivity with ASEAN states.

Diplomatic Challenges: India is facing a diplomatic challenge, trying to balance its response to the military coup in Myanmar while protecting its own strategic interests in the region.

Regional Stability: The conflict poses a threat to the overall stability of the region, impacting India’s Northeastern states and their socio-economic conditions.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impact of the Myanmar crisis on India’s regional stability and security.

On India-West Asia Relations – Why peace in West Asia matters to India

Source: This post on India-West Asia Relations has been created on the article “Ram Madhav writes: Why peace in West Asia matters to India” published in Indian Express on 18th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: The article discusses India’s focus on maintaining peace in West Asia, an important region for India’s energy needs and trade. It highlights India’s historical and recent diplomatic efforts in the region, including strengthening ties with various countries and supporting a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine.

West Asian Region:

How Have India’s Relations with West Asia Evolved?

Historical Links: Ancient trade between the Indus Valley Civilization and Dilmun (modern Bahrain) and the Mesopotamian Civilisation, and the inclusion of Punjab in the Persian Empire (6th BC), signify early connections.

Post-Independence Foundations: India’s relations with West Asia after its independence, marked by strong ties with leaders like Egypt’s Gamal Abdel Nasser. These early connections were rooted in shared interests and political movements like the Non-Aligned Movement.

Challenges from Pakistan’s Influence: India faced hurdles in enhancing ties due to Pakistan’s proactive politics in the region. This influence often led to complications, as some West Asian countries were suspected of supporting Islamic fundamentalism in India.

India’s foreign policy towards West Asia, since (2014):

Look West Policy- Aims to fulfill national interests without entangling in regional Arab politics.

Economic Agreements- Like the recent India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

Strategic Investments- For instance, Saudi Arabia’s investment in India’s Jio platform.

Regional Cooperation- Participation in forums like the India-Arab Cooperation Forum and cooperation with the Organization for Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

De-Hyphenation Policy- This policy allowed India to engage with conflicting parties independently, such as separate visits to Israel and Palestine, showcasing a balanced and autonomous diplomatic approach.

What are India’s Major Achievements in West Asia?

Strategic and Counter-Terrorism Cooperation: Enhanced cooperation in strategic and counter-terrorism areas is evident. In 2018, the UAE extradited Farooq Takla, a wanted terrorist and aide to Dawood Ibrahim, to India.

De-Hyphenation Policy Success: India’s de-hyphenation policy, separating its relations with Israel and Palestine, allowed for independent engagement with both and showcased a balanced approach in foreign policy.

Recognition at the Organisation of Islamic Countries: India’s growing influence was acknowledged when it was invited as the Guest of Honour at the Organisation of Islamic Countries summit in 2019, a significant diplomatic achievement given past challenges.

Part of I2U2: India actively participates in the I2U2 group, alongside Israel, UAE, and USA, focusing on collaborative projects in food security and clean energy. This cooperation significantly influences West Asia by promoting regional stability, economic growth, and sustainable development.

Why is Peace in West Asia Important for India?

Critical Energy Supplier: West Asia is crucial for India’s energy requirements, being the primary supplier of crude oil and natural gas. This makes the region’s stability directly influential on India’s energy security.

Largest Trading Partner: With a trade volume of $150 billion, West Asia stands as India’s largest trade partner. The UAE and Saudi Arabia alone account for $90 billion and $50 billion, respectively.

Strategic and Maritime Security: The prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict threatens to destabilize West Asia, potentially impacting India’s strategic interests in the region. Additionally, peace in West Asia is crucial for India’s control of Indian Ocean maritime routes, a key aspect of its geopolitical strategy.

Indian Diaspora: Approximately 8-9 million Indians reside in West Asia, with countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE hosting large Indian communities.

Question for practice:

Examine India’s evolving relations with West Asia and its significance for India’s foreign policy and national interests.

GS PAPER - 3

On Deepfake Regulation – Quick redress key weapon in battle against deepfakes

Source: This post on Deepfake Regulation has been created based on the article “Quick redress key weapon in battle against deepfakes” published in The Hindu on 18th November 2023.

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

News: This article discusses challenges posed by deepfakes and the techniques law enforcement agencies employ in tracking them down. It also suggests important provisions for a future legal framework to regulate Deepfakes.

A detailed article on Deepfakes can be read here.

What are Deepfakes?

Deepfakes are fake content in the form of videos, pictures and audio which are created using powerful artificial intelligence tools.

The technology involves modifying or creating images and videos using a machine learning technique called generative adversarial network (GAN). This AI-driven software detects and learns the subject’s movements and facial expressions from the source material and then duplicates these in another video or image.

How can Deepfakes be tracked?

Deepfake videos can be detected using technical analysis. This includes:

IP address Tracking: It involves tracking the unique identifying number assigned to every device connected to the internet.

Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT): The process of gathering and analyzing information from public sources to answer a specific question.

Metadata Analysis: Metadata is data that describes other data. It can help identify factors such as when a file was created, and where or when a document was last modified.

Facial Recognition Technique: It can analyze discrepancies in facial features or movement inconsistencies that deviate from natural human behavior or structures.

Content Recognition Algorithms: They can detect irregularities in audiovisual elements such as unnatural alterations, discrepancies in facial expressions, or anomalies in contextual details.

What provisions should be included in a special legal framework dealing with Deepfakes?

  1. Clear Definitions: A legal framework for deepfake videos should include a clear definition of what exactly constitutes a deepfake.
  2. Prohibitions Against Misuse: Prohibition on certain uses of deepfake videos, such as using them to commit fraud, impersonate others, or interfere with elections.
  3. Timely Redressal: A significant challenge with Deepfakes lies in the rapid dissemination of these videos. Establishing an active watchdog mechanism is imperative since courts tend to operate at a slow pace.
  4. Involving Social Media Platforms: They should be required to take steps to detect and remove deepfake videos in a time bound manner.
  5. Legal Remedies: Victims of deepfake videos should also have the ability to seek legal recourse from the creators and distributors of the videos.
  6. Protection for Minors: Deepfakes may contribute to severe consequences, particularly when it involves minors who may be driven to take extreme measures.
  7. Protecting the Rights of the Artist: It is important to balance the rights of artists for fair use. General principles such as copyright and the right to privacy of the artist can be applied.

Question for practice:

Dealing with the growing menace of Deepfakes requires a multi-stakeholder approach. Elaborate.

On Opium Cultivation in India – Uncertain future in a sea of poppies

Source: This post on Opium Cultivation in India has been created based on the article “Uncertain future in a sea of poppies” published in The Hindu on 18th November 2023.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Agriculture – Major crops-cropping patterns in various parts of the country; Food processing and related industries in India.

News: This article discusses the importance and distribution of opium cultivation in India. It also highlights issues that have emerged out of a recent government decision to open it to private players.

What are the uses of the opium crop?

2 types of narcotic raw materials can be produced from opium poppy: opium gum (latex) and the concentrate of poppy straw (CPS).

Opium contains morphine, which is known to relieve chronic pain (analgesic). Besides, it is also grown as a source of edible seed and seed oil.

It is also used to produce opioids (a class of drugs made from opium) like heroin.

What is the geographic distribution of opium production in India?

In India, there are about 1 lakh farmers across 22 districts in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh with a licence to cultivate opium.

3 districts that border Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan — Mandsaur, Neemuch, and Chittorgarh, together account for 80% of India’s opium.

Opium cultivation is known as swabhiman ki kheti (agriculture of dignity) in the Mewar region. Some families have been doing this for as long as 200 years.

Source: The Hindu.

What are the issues with opium cultivation in India?

  1. Stagnant Procurement Rates: The procurement rate for opium hasn’t increased in many years.
  2. Rising Input Cost: The input cost has increased due to the rise in the price of fertilizers, labour costs, and pesticides.
  3. Risk of Crop Theft: Farmers have to be vigilant all the time.
  4. Highly Regulated: Because it is an addictive substance that can cause mental clouding and hallucinations, opium production is highly regulated in India.
  5. Competition from Private Players: Farmers have been agitated (due to a variety of reasons discussed below) due to a government decision to open up the sector to private players in 2021.

Why was a change in opium policy brought in?

In 2021-22, the Union government changed its opium policy, allowing private players to produce CPS from the opium poppy. According to the govt, the move will have following advantages:

  1. Boost the yield of alkaloids (organic compounds of plant origin which have pronounced physiological actions on humans): In CPS, poppy straw is washed 6-10 times in water and/or various acids and other chemicals. This leads to a high morphine concentration.
  2. Export Competitiveness: As other countries have already shifted to the CPS method, the demand for Indian opium (which is produced using lancing method) in global market is reducing. This policy provides an opportunity for India to regain its share.
  3. Better Drug Law Enforcement: It will also help in ensuring better drug law enforcement as it will reduce the illicit market for opium gum.
  4. Price Competitiveness: CPS is less labour-intensive compared to the method used by farmers currently. Thus, labour costs can be reduced.

What are the issues with the CPS system and entry of private players?

According to farmer’s organisations, these are the emerging issues:

National Security Issue: Farmers believe that private companies are likely to pose a threat to national security as the drug mafia can get access to alkaloids.

Costly Medicine: When opium production is handed over to private companies, life-saving medicines which are made using opium will become costly and poor patients will suffer.

Lack of Transparency: Farmers allege that there is no transparency in the CPS mechanism.

Lack of Consultations: The Centre brought this scheme during the lockdown without holding any meeting with the farmers.

Rise in Illegal Activities: Farmer leaders believe that instances of distressed farmers turning to illegal activities such as smuggling will increase if private players are allowed into the field.

Question for practice:

India’s attempts at augmenting its opium exports by opening up the sector to private players has led to various challenges emerging for the traditional farmers. Analyse.


Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day: 


Already Covered article  Who is afraid of air pollution? 
Link-Air pollution explained Pointwise  
Today’s 7 PM 
 Article- Proposed India-UK FTA, its politics, and why the UK may benefit more 
7 PM Article - India-UK FTA and India’s FTA 2.0 approach- Explained Pointwise

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

‘Kill Switch’ to eliminate Cancer Cells

Source– This post is based on the article “In major breakthrough, scientists discover ‘kill switch’ that can eliminate cancer cells” published in “Wion” on 14th November 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently scientists from UC Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, California discovered a ‘kill switch’ that triggers the death of cancer cells.

What is the ‘Kill Switch’?

1. Scientists have identified Kill Switch, as a protein on a receptor that can be designed to kill cancer cells.
2. Scientists have identified this protein on a receptor CD95 (CD95 receptors-also known as ‘fas’) .

What are the key findings of the discovery of kill switch?

1. Kill Switch reside on cell membranes.

2. Kill Switch can be designed to induce self-destruction in cancer cells when activated.

What is the Significance of this discovery?

1. Discovery is part of CAR T- cell therapy, involving the collection of T cells from the patient’s blood, genetic modification in a lab to produce chimeric antigen receptors (CARs), and then injecting the modified cells back into the patient’s body.

For more information on CAR T- cell therapy Read Here

2. The therapy has shown promising efficacy against liquid cancers like leukaemia.

3. Limitation– It has demonstrated limited success against solid tumours such as breast, lung, and bowel cancer.

4. Future– The research team is hopeful that the therapy can evolve to target solid cancers in the future. The identified epitope on CD95 receptors offers a potential therapeutic path to target ‘Fas’ in tumours.

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Somalia Floods

Source– This post is based on the article “Once-in-a-century flooding swamps Somalia after historic drought” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023.

Why in the News?

Somalia is facing severe flooding, triggered by heavy seasonal downpours, which have been exacerbated by El Nino and the Indian Ocean Dipole. The United Nations has labelled this as a ‘once-in-a-century event’.

What is El Nino?

Click Here to read

Where is Somalia and what are its features?

Somalia
Source- WorldAtlas
Aspect Details
What is it? It is a country situated in the Horn of Africa (large peninsula and geopolitical region in East Africa).
Surrounding borders The country is bordered by
1. Ethiopia to the west
2. Djibouti to the northwest
3. the Gulf of Aden to the north
4. The Indian Ocean to the east
5. Kenya to the southwest
Important Features 1. It has the longest coastline on Africa’s mainland.
2. It has been described as Africa’s most culturally homogeneous country.
3. Cal Madow is a mountain range in the northeastern part of the country (it features Somalia’s highest peak- Shimbiris).

NoteCountries called the Horn of Africa: SEED
S- Somalia , E- Ethiopia, E- Eritrea, D- Djibouti

UPSC Syllabus- Geography(Places in News)

Gender Disparity in Organ Transplants

Source– This post is based on the article “Four out of five organ recipients in country are men: NOTTO data” published in “The Indian Express” on 15th November 2023.

Why in the News?

The National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO) data which is collected between 1995- 2021 revealed a sharp gender disparity in organ transplants in India.

What is NOTTO?

Aspect Details
What is it? National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a National level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health.
Mandate It has been mandated as per the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.
Functions It functions as the apex centre for all Indian activities for procurement, distribution and registry of organs and tissue donation and transplantation in the country.

What does the data reveal?

Organ Transplant data
Source- The Indian Express

1. Sharp Gender Disparity– Data shows that between 1995 and 2021, out of the total 36,640 patients who underwent organ transplants, 29,695 were men and only 6,945 were women(Although studies show that the number of women donors is higher than men).

2. Types of organ transplants Kidney transplants are the most common, followed by liver, heart, and lung transplants.

3. States StatisticsDelhi topped the table in living donor transplants, while Tamil Nadu remained the leader in deceased donor transplants, where organs from brain-dead patients are used.

4. 2022 witnessed record number of organ transplants (16,041 procedures).

What are the different laws and programmes related to organ transplants in India?

1. Transplantation of Human Organs Act (THOA), 1994
Objective– It provides various regulations for the removal of human organs and their storage

2. National Organ Transplant Programme(NOTP)
Objective- It aims to improve access to life-transforming transplantation for needy citizens by promoting deceased organ donation.

For more information on organ donation in india Click Here

UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation

National Technical Textiles Mission: India targets $40-bn in technical textiles

Source: The post is based on the article “National Technical Textiles Mission: India targets $40-bn in technical textiles” published in “The Hindu” on 18th November 2023

Why in the News?

According to the Ministry of Textiles’ Joint Secretary, India’s market for technical textiles could grow from the current $23 billion to $40 billion by 2030.

What are Technical Textiles?

Technical textiles are defined as textile materials and products used primarily for their technical performance and functional properties rather than their aesthetic or decorative characteristics.

Technical Textiles
Source: Ministry of Textiles

What is the National Technical Textiles Mission?

Specifications Details
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Textiles
Aim To position the country as a global leader in Technical Textiles
Duration  2020-21 till 2026
Components  1) Research, development and innovation of technical textiles.

2) Promotion and development of the market for technical textiles.

3) Export promotion of technical textiles.

4) Education, training and skill development.

Implementation 1) Mission Steering Group: It is chaired by the Union Minister of Textiles. It is empowered to approve all financial norms in respect of all schemes, components and programmes of the mission.

It will also approve all scientific and technological research projects under the mission.
2) Empowered Programme Committee: It is chaired by the Secretary, Ministry of Textiles. It will approve all projects (except research projects) within the financial limit of each programme as approved by the Mission Steering Group.
3) Committee on Technical Textiles on Research, Development & Innovation: It is chaired by Member (S&T), Niti Aayog. It will identify and recommend all research projects related to strategic sectors such as defence, paramilitary, security, space, and atomic energy to the Mission Steering Group for approval.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes in News

Technology Development Board and Small Industries Development Bank of India forge strategic alliance to boost MSMEs

Source: The post is based on the articleTechnology Development Board and Small Industries Development Bank of India forge strategic alliance to boost MSMEspublished in “PIB” on 18th November 2023

Why in the News?

Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) and the Technology Development Board (TDB) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to enable easier access to credit for MSMEs engaged in the development of indigenous or imported technology.

What is the Technology Development Board (TDB)? 

Specifications Details
Nodal Ministry Department of Science and Technology
Constituted in 1996
Type Statutory body established under Technology Development Board Act,1995
Aim To promote development and commercialization of indigenous technology and adaptation of imported technology for much wider application.
Composition 11 members with Secretary, Department of Science & Technology as Ex-officio Chairperson.
Financial Assistance The board provides equity capital or loans to industrial concerns and financial assistance to research and development institutions. The loans carry a simple interest rate of 5% per annum.

What is Global Innovation & Technology Alliance (GITA)?

Specifications  Details
What is it Not–for–profit Public Private Partnership (PPP) company
Established by Technology Development Board (TDB) and the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).
Purpose It encourages industrial investments in innovative technology solutions by:

1) Mapping technology gaps

2) Undertaking expert evaluation of technologies available across the globe,

3) Facilitating techno–strategic collaborative partnerships appropriate for Indian economy

4) Providing soft funding for technology development / acquisition / deployment.

UPSC Syllabus: Statutory Bodies in News

THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023

Source: The post is based on the article THE INDO-PACIFIC REGIONAL DIALOGUE 2023 published in“PIB” on 18th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023 (IPRD-2023) has concluded in New Delhi.

What is Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue(IPRD)?

Specifications Details
What is it It is an annual apex-level regional strategic dialogue of the Indian Navy
Organized by National Maritime Foundation (NMF) as the Indian Navy’s knowledge partner. 
Aim To review the current geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region and identify opportunities, dangers, and problems that are arising.
Theme for 2023 “Geopolitical Impacts upon Indo-Pacific Maritime Trade and Connectivity”

What are the key highlights from Indo-Pacific Regional Dialogue 2023?

During the dialogue, the former Chief of the Naval Staff has given a presentation on ‘Energy Potential and Maritime-Security Implications of new Offshore Gas Finds in and around the Mozambique Channel

Where is Mozambique Channel?

Mozambique Channel
Source: Wikipedia
Located in  Western Indian Ocean
Located between Madagascar and Mozambique 
Channel A warm current, the Mozambique Current flows in a southward direction in the channel.

UPSC Syllabus: Exercises in News

Patents: Prime Minister acknowledges highest ever number of patents granted so far in 2023-24

Source: The post is based on the articlePatents: Prime Minister acknowledges highest ever number of patents granted so far in 2023-24published in “PIB” on 18th November 2023

Why in the News?

The Prime Minister has acknowledged the highest ever number of patents granted so far in 2023-24.

What is Patent?

Patents
Source: PIB
Specifications Details
What is it A patent is an exclusive set of rights granted for an invention, which may be a product or process that provides a new way of doing something or offers a new technical solution to a problem.
Legal framework  Patent Act,1970
Term for Patent 20 years from the date of filing of application. 
Is Patent Protection valid worldwide No. Patent protection is a territorial right and therefore, it is effective only within the territory of India. 
Criteria of Patentability An invention is patentable subject matter if it meets the following criteria:

1) It should be novel.

2) It should have inventive step or it must be non-obvious.

3) It should be capable of Industrial application.

4) It should not attract the provisions of section 3 and 4 of the Patents Act 1970.

What is the current status of patents in India?

1) Patents granted in India: In 2023, the Indian patent office granted a record-high of 41,010 patents. This is a big jump from the 4,227 patents granted in the fiscal year 2013-14.

2) Growth in Indian Patent Applications: A report from the World Intellectual Property Organization highlighted a 31.6% surge in patent applications by Indians in 2022.

– This growth streak in patent applications from India has lasted for 11 years, making it a standout among the top 10 filing countries.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology

COP 28: India has a critical role in Dubai climate conference

Source: The post is based on the article “COP 28: India has a critical role in Dubai climate conference” published in “The Hindu” on 18th November 2023

Why in the News?

COP 28 is going to take place in Dubai, United Arab Emirates from 30 November until 12 December 2023.

What is COP?

COP
Source: Climatepartner.com

1) COP stands for Conference of Parties.

2) It is the apex decision-making body of the United Nations Climate Change Framework Convention (UNFCCC). 

3) COP happens every year, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.

4) Every COP is hosted in a different region based on a rotational schedule between the five United Nations regional groups: The African Group, the Asia-Pacific Group, the Eastern Europe Group, the Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC) and the Western European and Others Group (WEOG). 

5) The first conference (COP1) was held in 1995 in Berlin. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, COP26 which was to be held in 2020 was postponed until 2021.The COP 27 was held in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

Why is COP important?

1) The conference is an important platform for nations to discuss and reach a consensus on how to protect the world. 

2) The aim of these conferences is to compel world leaders to take actionable measures to prevent the global rise of temperatures above 1.5ºC.

Where is COP 28 going to be held?

Hosted by: United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Discussions at COP 28:

1) Figuring out the details of the loss and damage finance facility to help vulnerable communities deal with immediate climate impacts.

2) Working towards a global goal on finance that would help fund developing countries’ efforts in addressing climate change.

3) Accelerating shift to cleaner energy sources and ensuring fairness in the transition process.

4) Focusing on reducing the huge difference between current emissions and what’s needed for a sustainable future.

5) The first-ever global stocktake will conclude at COP 28.

Note: Global Stocktake is mentioned under Art 14 (1) of the Paris Agreement. It is a process for countries and stakeholders to see where they’re collectively making progress towards meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Change Agreement – and where they’re not.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

NEST Initiative: IGBC launches certification initiative ‘Nest’ to promote eco-friendly housing

Source: The post is based on the article “NEST Initiative: IGBC launches certification initiative ‘Nest’ to promote eco-friendly housing” published in “The Hindu” on 15th November 2023

Why in the News?

Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has launched Nest Initiative. It will also be organizing the annual Green Building Congress 2023 in Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

What is the Nest Initiative?

Specifications Details
Launched by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
Purpose It is a rating and certification initiative developed for residential units to build green homes.
Aim To encourage individual house owners and the residential sector to adopt green building measures in a big way.

It emphasizes on bringing down electricity consumption, water usage and creating a healthy living space.

What is Green Building Congress 2023?

Specifications  Details
Organized by Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)
Aim To provide a platform for the construction industry stakeholders in the country to create a sustainable building environment for achieving net zero carbon emission goals.
Partner State Tamil Nadu
Supporting Partner World Green Building Council
Theme Advancing Net Zero through decarbonization

What is the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC)?

Specifications Details
Formed in 2001
Part of  Confederation of Indian Industry (CII)
Aim To enable a sustainable built environment for all and facilitate India to be one of the global leaders in the sustainable built environment by 2025.
Services offered It offers a variety of services like developing new green building rating programmes, certification services and green building training programmes. 
Significance It is India’s premier body for green building certification and related services.
Headquarters Hyderabad

UPSC Syllabus: Environment/Policies

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