9 PM UPSC Current Affairs brief 16th Jan, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Impact of Taiwan’s stability- Chip-Maker Taiwan’s Electorate Has Rebuffed Beijing

Source: The post impact of Taiwan’s stability has been created, based on the article “ Chip-maker Taiwan’s electorate has rebuffed Beijing” published in “Live mints” on 16th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

News: This article explains Taiwan’s importance in Asia’s geopolitics and global technology due to its semiconductor industry.

Taiwan recent elections

In Taiwan’s recent elections, the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) secured a significant victory, with Vice President Lai Ching-te winning the presidency. This election marked the third consecutive win for the DPP in the presidential race.

Despite success at the presidential level, the party faced a setback as it lost its narrow legislative majority. This loss is pivotal as it limits President Lai’s capacity to advance policies towards Taiwan’s independence from mainland China.

Economic and Political History of Taiwan

Taiwan was under Japanese rule from 1895 to 1945, during which it saw significant development.

Post World War II, Taiwan came under the control of the Kuomintang (KMT), the then ruling party of mainland China.

The KMT’s takeover led to resentment among native Taiwanese due to asset expropriation.

A major event was the brutal suppression of the Taiwanese nationalist uprising on 28 February 1947 by the KMT.

After losing the Chinese civil war in 1949, the KMT, led by Chiang Kai-shek, fled to Taiwan with approximately 2 million people.

The KMT established a dictatorship but focused on economic development, particularly in electronics and technology.

Morris Chang, a key figure, was recruited to run the Industrial Technology Research Institute and helped establish TSMC, now the world’s largest semiconductor maker.

Recent Relationship of Taiwan With China?

Taiwan’s relationship with China has been marked by significant political and ideological differences. The Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) in Taiwan advocates for independence, contrasting with China’s claim over Taiwan.

Historically, the Kuomintang (KMT) agreed with China on the “One China” policy, but with different interpretations.

For information on China-Taiwan relation read here

Taiwan Strategy in Global Tech

1. Taiwan dominates the semiconductor market, producing over 60% of the world’s semiconductors, and making more than 90% of the world’s most sophisticated semiconductors. These chips are essential for a wide range of products, including laptops, smartphones, satellites, cars, and various electrical appliances.
2. Beyond semiconductors, Taiwan’s influence extends to electronics, where Taiwanese-owned companies like Foxconn and Pegatron are major players in Chinese electronics exports, assembling products in China using components made in Taiwan.

What is the impact of Taiwan’s stability on India?

Technology: Taiwanese companies are integral to India’s ambition in technology. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) and United Microelectronics Corporation (UMC) are central to India’s efforts to develop modern semiconductor capacity.

Manufacturing: Major Apple suppliers such as Foxconn and Pegatron, both Taiwanese firms, are vital to India’s manufacturing sector. Their involvement is crucial for India’s goal to attract global supply chains.

Geopolitical Stance: A stable Taiwan Strait is beneficial for India. An autonomous Taiwan aligns with New Delhi’s interests. Stability in Taiwan helps ensure the smooth operation of technology and manufacturing collaborations between the two nations.

For information on India and Taiwan relations read here
Question for practice:

Examine Taiwan’s significance to India in terms of technology, manufacturing, and geopolitics

Relations between India and Maldives In 2024 – Don’t overreact

Source: This post on India-Maldives Relations has been created based on the article “Express View on India-Maldives relations: Don’t overreact” published in “Indian Express” on 16^th January 2024.

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

News: The article discusses the recent developments in India-Maldives ties, especially Maldives’ insistence of the removal of Indian troops from Maldives.

A detailed article on India-Maldives relations can be read here.

What are The Recent Developments in India-Maldives Ties?

Since the election of Mohamed Muizzu as president, Maldives has been moving away from India and closer to China, as visible in the recent China-Maldives joint statement.

Maldives has proposed the removal of Indian troops by March 15.

For more on this, read here.

What are the Factors Affecting which Relation of India and Maldivian?

1) Internal Politics of Maldives: The withdrawal of Indian troops was an election promise by the current political leadership. It is not a strategic concern as India reportedly has less than 90 soldiers in Maldives.

2) Big-Brother Syndrome: Militarily, economically and strategically, India has a huge impact on its neighbors.

3) India’s Internal Politics: Some aspects of India’s internal politics, such as an expansionist rhetoric, religion, illegal migration, social media jingoism and calls for boycotting a smaller neighbor – may lead to an anti-India sentiment.

4) Geopolitics: Smaller countries like Maldives usually try to use the rivalries among greater powers (India and China) to their own advantage.

Why is Maldives Anti-India Stance Problematic?

It does not consider Maldives’ geography and convergent interests with India.

For instance, Maldives is only 700 km from the Indian coast and over 6,000 km from China. India was the first to help Maldives during the tsunami in 2004 and the drinking water crisis in 2014.

How Should India React To These Developments?

Delhi must continue to engage with the political leadership of Maldives as well as its people. As External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said – It can’t be guaranteed that every country will support or agree with India every time. Hence, as the regional power, it should not overreact to Maldives’ concerns.

Question for practice:

China’s growing influence in India’s neighbourhood is a threat to India’s aspirations as a strong regional power. Explain in the context of India-Maldives relations.

Effectiveness of IBC, 2016 – A Performance Appraisal of IBC

Source: The post effectiveness of IBC, 2016 has been created, based on the article “A performance appraisal of IBC” published in “Business standard” on 16th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Polity – Government Policies and Interventions for Development in various sectors and Issues arising out of their Design and Implementation.

News: The article discusses the effectiveness of India’s Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016. It evaluates how well the IBC resolves financial distress in companies, improves bank balance sheets, and benefits the economy, despite some challenges in efficiency and asset value realization.

What is Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC)?

The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code was enacted in 2016, and it replaced all the existing laws with a uniform procedure to resolve insolvency and bankruptcy disputes. The code aimed to address the issue of Non-performing Assets (NPAs) and debt defaults.

For mor information on IBC read here

What is The Impact of The IBC on Banks and Economy?

Reduction in Non-Performing Assets (NPAs): The IBC helped decrease the NPA rate of banks significantly, from a peak of 14.8% in September 2018 to a low of 3.2% by September 2023.

Increase in Bank Profits: Banks experienced a remarkable turnaround, recording a historic profit of €2.63 trillion in 2022-23, compared to a loss in 2017-18.

Improvement in Corporate Balance Sheets: Post-IBC, firms showed enhanced performance with more robust balance sheets, better leverage management, and an improved interest coverage ratio exceeding 3.5.

Enhancement in Corporate Governance: There was a notable improvement in corporate governance, indicated by a reduction in related party transactions, as identified in a study post-IBC.

Global Ranking Improvement: India’s ranking in global insolvency resolution improved drastically, moving from 136th to 52nd within the first three years of the IBC’s implementation.

What Are The Concerns Related to IBC?

Inefficient Time Management: The resolution processes under IBC are prolonged, averaging 867 days, far exceeding the intended 180 days.

Gap in Asset Value Maximization: Resolutions are realizing only 86% of the fair value of the companies, indicating a shortfall in achieving the desired value maximization.

High Incidence of Liquidation: The IBC results in more liquidations than rescues, particularly impacting companies that were already sick or defunct at the time of entering the process. Most companies going into liquidation were already sick or defunct, having assets valued at about 5% of their claims.

Methodological Issues in Appraisal: Some appraisals of the IBC’s performance use flawed methodologies, like focusing solely on recovery rates, which overlook other important factors like realizations from equity holdings or the resolution of guarantors.

How to Improve Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code

To improve the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), stakeholders like the government, adjudicating authority, debtors, creditors, and professionals should play their roles more effectively. This does not require legislative changes but rather better implementation and adherence to the IBC’s processes, particularly in ensuring time-bound resolutions and maximizing the value of stressed assets.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the impact and effectiveness of India’s IBC in improving the economy, considering NPAs, bank profits, corporate balance sheets.

Challenges Between India and Iran Bilateral Ties – Iran, also ran

Source: This post on the Challenges of India-Iran Bilateral Ties has been created based on the article “Iran, also ran: Jaishankar’s visit is useful” published in “Times of India” on 16^th January 2024.

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

News: The article discusses the challenges in India-Iran Bilateral Ties in context of Foreign Minister S Jaishankar’s recent Iran visit.

Foreign Minister Jaishankar’s recent meetings with the Iranian leadership indicate a willingness to revive India-Iran ties.

Challenges in India-Iran Bilateral Ties?

1. India’s Support to US Sanctions on Iran: Bilateral ties deteriorated after India stopped Iranian oil imports following US exiting the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA) and imposing sanctions against Iran.
2. China’s Expanding Presence: China deepened its ties with Iran by signing a 25-year comprehensive cooperation agreement. Beijing has also been buying Iranian oil.
3. Changing Situation in Afghanistan: India relied on the working relationship between US and Iran to protect its Afghan strategic interests. However, souring of US-Iran ties and US withdrawal from Afghanistan has left India in a tight spot with respect to Afghanistan.
4. India’s Ties with Sunni Arab Countries and Israel: Simultaneously, India’s improving ties with Arab nations and Israel (such as platforms like I2U2) is a challenge due to Shia Iran’s hostility to these countries.
5. Geopolitical Balancing: India is caught between the Iran-Russia-China on one hand and the US-Israel-Arab partnership on the other hand. The Gaza conflict and the current situation with Houthi rebels in Yemen shows that the two groupings are still hostile.

What Should Be The Way Forward for Bilateral Relations?

Not Completely Abandoning Iran: According to the author, given the modernisation drive in Gulf Arab states, Israel’s economy and growing India-US strategic partnership, India’s interests lie with this grouping.
However, India should not completely isolate Iran. It should utilise the strategic need of Iran requiring India to balance China.

Focus on Connectivity: Cooperation regarding the Chabahar port and the International North-South Transport Corridor should be undertaken.

Question for practice:

What are the challenges in India-Iran Bilateral Ties? How should India tackle these challenges?

On Cervical Cancer – How Indian Women Can Avoid of Cervical Cancer

Source: This post on Cervical Cancer has been created based on the article “How Indian women can rid themselves of cervical cancer” published in “Indian Express” on 16^th January 2024.

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

News: The article discusses the causes, prevention and cure of cervical cancer. It highlights the steps taken by the government in this regard and suggests steps to augment cervical care in India.

Background:

The government is planning to include cervical cancer vaccine in the universal immunization program. The vaccination campaign targeted at girls in the 9-14 age group is likely to commence this year.

Read more on this here.

Reason of Cervical Cancer?

How Indian Women Can Avoid of Cervical Cancer? The main cause is the presence of high-risk type of Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection.

The risk of its progression to cancer also rises due to factors like; a) low socio-economic conditions; b) low immunity status; c) other genital infections; d. smoking.

Is Cervical Cancer Preventable And Curable?

Cervical cancer is both preventable and curable if detected early.

Prevention: Cervical cancer can be prevented through HPV vaccination of girls.
Cervical cancer has a long pre-invasive phase (from introduction of the virus to developing cancer) that lasts for 10–15 years. This gives a window of opportunity to detect and treat it.

Cure: When cervical cancer is detected and managed at an early stage, it is found to have over 93% cure rate.

What Factors Lead to High Mortality In The Case of Cervical Cancer in India?

1) Lack of Detection in the Early Stages: This is due to: a. Lack of awareness. b. Fear of cancer. c. Early symptoms of disease are not evident. d. Women not being screened.

2) Dropping out of Patients: People not completing their treatment post-screening.

WHO Strategy to Prevent Cervical Cancer?

It is along three pillars:

1. Widespread HPV vaccination.
2. Screening of women.
3. Early diagnosis and treatment of cervical pre-cancer and cancer.

What Has The government Done in This Regard?

1. Cancer screening by trained nurses in primary health centers.
2. Screening tools like visual screening tests and HPV tests are simple and easily available.
3. Evidence-based management algorithms are in place for guidance (methods that rely on the best available evidence to guide decision-making).

What More Needs to Be Done?

1. Raise Awareness: Awareness on the causes as well as prevention methods for cervical cancer, HPV vaccine (overcoming vaccine hesitancy), and regarding screening is needed.
2. Capacity Building: Capacity building for pre-cancer treatment, quality cancer treatment and palliative services (care for the terminally ill) and the entire health system is required.
3. Incorporating New Technologies: New developments like single dose HPV vaccination, self-sampling for HPV testing, use of AI for diagnosis and treatment should be incorporated.
4. Strengthening Health Insurance: Mechanisms to reduce the financial burden for care should be strengthened.
5. Cooperation with Civil Society: Strengthening of partnerships with NGOs working in communities, innovators developing new methods of testing, and public health professionals.
6. Collaborations and partnerships in the latest research is important.
7. Incorporating Best Practices: Adopting successful models in community outreach and care pathways.

Question for practice:

What are the steps taken by the government to prevent cervical cancer in India? What more needs to be done?

GS PAPER - 3

Challenges faced by the Indian Army- What India’s Army Chief needs to do in the face of two-front threats

Source: The post challenges faced by the Indian Army has been created, based on the article “What India’s Army Chief needs to do in the face of two-front threats” published in “Indian express” on 16th January 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- security- Security challenges and their management in border areas.

News: The article discusses the annual media briefing held by the Indian Army Chief on January 11. It covers India’s military strategic security issues, including border management, internal security challenges, and the Army’s modernization efforts. The focus is on General Manoj Pande’s recent briefing and his views on these topics.

What Are The Current Security Challenges Faced by The Indian Army?

In Manipur:

Decreased violence, but recovery of only 30% of 5,000 stolen small arms.

Persistent ethnic conflicts and potential for spreading instability.

At the Indo-Myanmar Border:

Volatile situation with infiltration challenges due to Free Movement Regime.

Smuggling of narcotics and contraband across the border.

Only 20 Assam Rifles units were available for border sealing.

Challenges in Jammu & Kashmir

Acknowledgment of tactical setbacks with 20 soldiers lost in recent ambushes.

Need for new approaches in the long-standing counter-insurgency campaign.

Northern Border with China

High operational preparedness required along the Line of Actual Control.

Ongoing efforts to return to the pre-2020 status with China.

Trust deficit leading to continuous robust military deployment.

How is The Indian Army addressing These challenges?

In Manipur, the Army collaborates with central and state agencies to restore stability, addressing the decrease in violence but facing the challenge of unrecovered stolen arms.

On the Indo-Myanmar border, the Army and Assam Rifles work together to manage security threats, despite the Free Movement Regime complicating border control.

In Jammu & Kashmir, the Army is adapting tactics and learning from recent setbacks, including 20 soldiers lost in ambushes.

Along the China border, the Army maintains a high operational readiness and robust deployment, focusing on returning to the pre-2020 status and managing the trust deficit.

What is The Way Forward?

Moving forward, the Indian Army should continue its efforts in current operations, especially in areas like Manipur, along the Indo-Myanmar border, Jammu & Kashmir and China border. Simultaneously, it is important to focus on integrating new technologies and preparing for climate change impacts. This dual approach of consolidating current strategies while embracing innovation and environmental considerations will be crucial for future readiness and effectiveness.

Question for practice:

Discuss the current security challenges faced by the Indian Army and the strategies they are implementing to address these challenges.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Multidimensional Poverty discussion Paper by NITI Aayog

Source-This post is based on the article “India’s multidimensional poverty rate down to 11.28% in 2022-23 from 29.17% in 2013-14” published in “The Indian Express” on 16th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, NITI Aayog has released a discussion paper ‘Multidimensional Poverty in India since 2005-06’.

What are the key findings of the NITI Aayog discussion paper?

Note: The discussion paper utilizes MPI data (MPI, 2023, released in July 2023) derived from the National Family Health Surveys (NFHS) conducted in 2015-16 and 2019-21, along with NFHS-3 data from 2005-06, to analyze long-term poverty trends. You can also say that it is an updated version of previously released Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index 2023.

1) India has registered a significant decline in multidimensional poverty in India from 29.17% in 2013-14 to 11.28% in 2022-23 (a reduction of 17.89 percentage points).
– In numbers about 24.82 crore people escaped multidimensional Poverty in last 9 years.

2) Uttar Pradesh topped the list with 5.94 crore people escaping poverty followed by Bihar and Madhya Pradesh.

3) The paper reveals a faster decline in the poverty headcount ratio from 2015-16 to 2019-21 (10.66% annual rate) compared to the period 2005-06 to 2015-16 (7.69% annual rate).

4) All 12 indicators of MPI have recorded significant improvement during the entire study period.

5) India is poised to achieve single-digit poverty rates by the year 2024.

6) India is likely to achieve Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 1.2 (reducing multidimensional poverty by at least half) much ahead of 2030.

What is National Multidimensional Poverty Index(MPI)?

1) The National MPI is a metric used to evaluate poverty in a country by considering multiple dimensions beyond income or consumption expenditure.

2) Indicators- The index is based on three equally weighted dimensions – health, education and standard of living – which in turn are represented by 12 indicators.
– However, the National MPI covers 12 indicators while global MPI covers 10 indicators.

3) Methodology– The National MPI by Niti Aayog uses the Alkire Foster methodology to assess the decline in poverty rates.

For more information on National MPI Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Reports & Indices

India Meteorological Department Marks 150 years of serving the nation

Source-This post is based on the article “India Meteorological Department celebrates 150th Year of its establishment and service to the nation” published in “PIB” on 15th January 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) celebrated its 150th year of establishment and service to the nation.

Which significant services of the IMD were launched on this occasion?

Services	Details
Weather Analysis and Forecast Enabling System (WAFES)	1. It is a Web-GIS-based integrated Decision Support System (DSS) platform for visualizing meteorological observations and prediction models, thus facilitating decision-making regarding severe weather events. 2. It provides real-time information for various sectors such as Urban, Power, Hydrology, Health, Energy, Agriculture, Transport and Tourism under the ‘UPHHEATT‘ initiative.
Panchayat Mausam Seva Portal  for farmers	1. Developed by- India Meteorological Department, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Green Alert Mausam Sewa. 2. Purpose- This portal will deliver weather forecasts in English, Hindi, and 12 regional languages to every village by providing access to each panchayat head and panchayat secretary.
IMD’s Mobile App	1. It is an integrated GIS-based mobile app providing a range of weather services. 2. It supports 12 Indian languages for diverse users.
National Framework of Climate Services (NFCS)	1. It is a strategic initiative to establish a comprehensive and integrated system for delivering climate services and information. 2. Purpose- To offer crucial climate-related data and insights to diverse sectors such as agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water resource management.

What is India Meteorological Department (IMD)?

IMD or the India Meteorological Department was established in 1875. It is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting and seismology in India.

Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Kachchhi Kharek of Gujarat got GI tag

Source: This post is based on the article ” Kachchhi Kharek, indigenous dates of Kutch, become Gujarat’s 2nd fruit to get GI tag” published in “The Indian Express” on 13th January 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Kachchhi Kharek, the indigenous variety of dates of Kutch, has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a geographical indication (GI) tag.

What is Kachchhi Kharek?

It is the indigenous variety of dates of Kutch, Gujarat. The presence of dates in Kachchh (Kutch) is believed to be around 400–500 years old. It has become the second fruit of Gujarat to get a geographical indication (GI) tag, after Gir kesar mango.

Origin:

1. Date palm groves along the north-western border of India likely originated from seeds discarded by settlers visiting the Middle East for Haj and trade. 
2. Arab gardeners working in the palaces of former rulers in Kachchh(Kutch) may have also contributed to importing date seeds and offshoots from Arab countries.

Unique features: Unlike other countries, dates grown in Kutch are harvested at the khalal stage, as they can’t withstand moist weather. Kutch  is the only place around the world where fresh dates (Without wait for getting it dark or soft) are economically cultivated, marketed, and consumed. Whereas in other countries, growers wait to ripen it further till they become soft and dark brown or black in colour.

Note: The khalal stage occurs when fruits have matured, accumulated sucrose, turned red or yellow, but remain crisp.

As these are seedling propagated palms, each of them is a unique palm in itself, representing a vast range of diversity in characteristics.

Cultivation

Kutch is home to approximately two million date palms, with 1.7 million being seedling-origin palms of indigenous varieties.

The Kachchh area is accounting for more than 85 % of total dates palm cultivation in India.

What are Geographical Indications (GI) tag?

• A geographical indication or GI is used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• Geographical Indications are part of the intellectual property rights.
• Awarded by: Controller General of Patents, Designs and Trademarks (CGPDT) of India.
• Administered by: Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.
• Significance:
  • protect the authenticity and uniqueness of the products.
  • promote the economic and social development of the local communities that produce the products and preserve their traditional knowledge and skills.
  • enhance the market value and consumer demand of the products.

India-Argentina Agreement on Lithium Mines

Source: This post is based on the article “India Signs Agreement for Lithium Exploration & Mining Project in Argentina” published in “PIB” on 15 January 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, India signed an agreement to acquire five lithium brine blocks for exploration and development in Argentina.

What is this agreement?

1) Agreement Signed Between – India and Argentina

2) Enterprises involved – Khanij Bidesh India Ltd (KABIL) and Catamarca Minera Y Energética Sociedad Del Estado (CAMYEN)

3) Aim: Bringing sustainable development to the mining sector, ensuring a resilient and diversified supply chain for critical and strategic minerals essential for various industries.

What is the significance of the agreement?

1) This is the first-ever lithium exploration and mining project signed by a state-owned company.

2) By securing lithium blocks in Argentina, India will propel its quest for self-reliance in meeting clean energy demand. 

3) It will also help in bringing in technical and operational experience for brine type lithium exploration, exploitation and extraction.

4) This agreement will also aid India’s objective to attain net-zero emissions by 2070 and establish itself as a manufacturing hub for electric vehicles.

What is the status of lithium in India?

1) India’s first major lithium reserve has been found in the Salal-Haimana area of Reasi District in Jammu and Kashmir. Some small reserves are also present in Karnataka. 

2) Currently, the country lithium demand is met through 100% import.

3) In the fiscal year 2023, India witnessed a surge in lithium imports, reaching around $3 billion (approximately ₹24,900 crore), reflecting a 58% rise compared to the figures in FY22.

4) Over 95 per cent of India’s lithium imports originate from China and Hong Kong.

Where are the world’s lithium reserves?

1) Worldwide Reserves – 89 million tonnes at the start of 2022

2) Mineable parts out of reserves – 22 million tonnes.

2) Half of the world’s lithium resources are concentrated in Latin America (mostly Bolivia, Chile, and Argentina), Australia, and China.

4) Argentina holds 20 per cent of the world’s 98 million tonnes of lithium resources, second only to Bolivia.

5) Argentina is also part of the “Lithium Triangle” along with Chile and Bolivia, which together hold more than half of the world’s total lithium resources.

Note: The Lithium Triangle is a region of the Andes that is rich in lithium reserves

Samavesha Project to be Launched by I-STEM

Source-This post is based on the article “I-STEM to launch Samavesha project on January 16 at IISc Bengaluru to connect researchers with labs and equipment” published in “The Hindu” on 12th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The I-STEM (Indian Science, Technology, and Engineering facilities Map) is launching the Samavesha project at IISc., Bengaluru.

What is the Samavesha project?

Specifications	Details
Aim	To promote research collaboration in India by improving access to facilities and laboratories.
Features	1.  It will link researchers with scientific institutes via an online portal. 2. The platform facilitates the connection of researchers and industries with institutions possessing the necessary equipment, allowing them to lease it for experiments. 3. The initiative seeks to reduce capital expenditure for researchers, industries, and startups, and avoid the duplication of resources at the national level.
Significance	It will provide access to cutting-edge research infrastructure for new-age researchers, startups, and industries nationwide, thereby facilitating innovation.

What is I-STEM?

1. It is a National Web portal for sharing R&D (Research and Development) facilities.

2. Launched in 2020

3. It is an initiative of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India under the aegis of Prime Minister Science, Technology and Innovation Advisory Council(PM-STIAC) mission.

For more information on I-STEM Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology

Himalayan Wolf

Source-This post is based on the article “The first-ever IUCN assessment of the Himalayan Wolf is out. And it is grim” published in “DownToEarth” on 12th January 2024.

Why in the News?

The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco) has been assessed for the first time on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.

About Himalayan Wolf

Specifications	Details
What is it?	It is a subspecies of the gray wolf found in the Himalayan region, spanning areas such as Nepal, India, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Conservation Status	IUCN: Vulnerable CITES: Appendix I Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule I
Distribution	1. The Himalayan wolf resides on the Tibetan Plateau in China, particularly in Gansu, Qinghai, Tibet, and western Sichuan provinces. 2. In Northern India, the Himalayan wolf is found in Ladakh and the Lahaul-Spiti region in northeastern Himachal Pradesh. Note- India is also home to the Indian/Common/Peninsular Wolf (Canis lupus pallipes) found in the plains and the Deccan Plateau.
Population	The assessment estimates that there are 2,275-3,792 mature individuals scattered throughout the Himalayan region, encompassing Nepal, India, and the Tibetan Plateau.
Threats	1. Illegal hunting for the illicit trade of its fur and body parts, including paws, tongues, heads, and other components. 2. Encroachment 3. Depletion of prey populations
Features	1. Himalayan wolves are smaller and more compact than other subspecies, characterized by shorter legs and snouts. 2. Well-adapted to the harsh mountainous terrain, they possess strong limbs and a stout body, enabling them to navigate and survive in challenging environments.

What measures are recommended in the assessment?

1. Ensuring the well-being of prey populations.
2. Enhancing livestock guarding techniques.
3. Addressing feral dog populations.
4. Implementing transboundary conservation initiatives.
5. Integrating the Himalayan Wolf into conservation programs for increased protection.

What is International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)?

Click here to read

UPSC Syllabus- Environment