Daily Current Affairs UPSC 2 February 2024

Digital Detox

• Karnataka Government collaborates with AIGDF and NIMHANS for Digital Detox Initiative.
• Digital Detox is a deliberate reduction of time spent on electronic devices.
• Initiative aims to promote responsible gaming and address mental health challenges.
• Awareness, personalized guidance, and community connection through workshops are part of the initiative.
• Overdependence on technology leads to mental health issues, decreased attention spans, and strained real-world connections.

Technology Development Fund (TDF)

• Green Propulsion System developed under TDF successfully demonstrated in space.
• Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd, a Bengaluru-based startup, received the project sanction.
• TDF is a flagship program of the Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO.
• Provides Grant-in-Aid for the development of defense and dual-use technologies in India.
• Aims to bridge the gap between the Armed Forces, research organizations, and the private sector.

Panel of Vice-Chairpersons in Rajya Sabha

• The Rajya Sabha Chairman has reconstituted the panel of Vice Chairpersons.
• The panel is constituted under Rule 8 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business in the Rajya Sabha.
• These rules are framed under Article 118 of the Constitution.
• Any member of the panel may preside over the Rajya Sabha in the absence of the Chairman and Deputy Chairman.
• The members of the panel hold office until a new panel is nominated
• When both the Chairman and Deputy Chairman positions are vacant, the duties of the Chairman's office are performed by a member appointed by the President.

Coal Mines Provident Fund Organization (CMPFO)

• The Union Minister of Coal and Mines launched a web portal called C-CARES for the CMPFO.
• C-CARES is a public service platform aimed at benefiting CMPF subscribers.
• The portal is developed by the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC), which is an R&D organization under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.
• CMPFO is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of Coal.
• Its purpose is to administer Provident Fund and Pension schemes for providing social security to workers in the coal sector.

Ministry of Education (MoE) - AICTE Investor Network

• The Ministry of Education has launched the MoE-AICTE Investor Network, which is jointly established by AICTE and MoE's Innovation Cell (MIC).
• The network aims to bring students, faculty, investors, and the market onto one platform to strengthen the culture of innovation and address the issue of start-up funding.
• It will provide crucial financial support, mentoring, and strategic guidance to early-stage student or faculty-led startups.

Deemed to be University

• Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) declared as a deemed to be University.
• Deemed to be University status given to higher education institutions that excel in a specific area of study.
• Declared under section 3 of UGC Act, 1956 on the advice of UGC.
• Deemed to be Universities enjoy academic status and privileges of a university.

Antyodya Anna Yojna (AAY)

• Extension of sugar subsidy for AAY families through PDS approved for 2 more years.
• AAY households are the poorest of the poor with specific inclusion parameters.
• PDS beneficiaries categorized as AAY households and Priority households under NFSA, 2013.
• AAY households entitled to 35 kg of foodgrains per month, while PHH individuals entitled to 5 kg per month.

Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

• Indian Coast Guard (ICG) celebrated its 48th raising day.
• Established in 1977 and works under the Ministry of Defence.
• Mandate includes safety and protection of artificial islands, assistance to fishermen in distress, preservation of marine environment, etc.
• HQ located in New Delhi and divided into five Coast Guard Regions.

Indonesia (Capital: Jakarta)

Indonesia's Political Features:

• Archipelago located in the Indian and Pacific oceans.
• Shares borders with Malaysia, Papua New Guinea, and East Timor.
• Maritime neighbors include Singapore, Philippines, Australia, and India.

Indonesia's Geographical Features:

• Five main islands: Sumatra, Java, Kalimantan, Sulawesi, and Papua.
• Positioned in the boundary zone of three major tectonic plates: Indian-Australian, Eurasian, and Pacific.
• Java Trench is the deepest point of the Indian Ocean.
• Highest peak is Puncak Jaya.

Union Cabinet approved Signing and ratification of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with United Arab Emirates (UAE)

• Union Cabinet approves signing and ratification of Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) with UAE.
• Treaty aims to increase foreign investments and Overseas Direct Investment (ODI) opportunities in India.
• Existing Bilateral Investment Protection Agreement with UAE will expire in September 2024.
• BIT provides reciprocal protection to investments by nationals and companies of one State in another State.
• Significance of BIT with UAE:

• • Growth and employment generation through increased investments in key sectors.
  • UAE is the 4th largest investor in India.
  • Mutual protection to investments in India and the UAE.
• India has signed BITs with 83 countries based on the Model BIT text of 1993.
• In 2015, India adopted a new Model BIT text due to an increase in international arbitration cases.
• Notices of termination of BITs based on the 1993 Model were issued to 77 countries.
• The 2015 Model text is used for (re)negotiations of BITs and investment chapters of FTAs/Economic Partnership Agreements.

Key Provisions of Model BIT, 2015

• "Enterprise" based definition of investment.
• National Treatment: Similar treatment as domestic investors.
• Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): Voluntary incorporation of internationally recognized standards.
• Settlement of Disputes: Exhaust local remedies before commencing international arbitration.

Union Cabinet approves extension of Animal Husbandry Infrastructure Development Fund (AHIDF) till 2025-26

• Extension and inclusion of new eligible entities and investment sphere under the AHIDF scheme.
• AHIDF was launched in 2020-21 under the Prime Minister’s Atma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan stimulus package for three years.
• The scheme aims to incentivize investments in dairy processing, meat processing, and value-addition infrastructure.
• It has now also included Animal Feed Plant, breed multiplication farm, Animal Waste to Wealth Management, etc.
• Scheme type: Central Sector Scheme.
• Implementation agency: Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying.
• Eligible entities: Individual entrepreneurs, private companies, Farmer Producer Organization (FPOs), Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and Section 8 companies (non-profit organizations) under Companies Act, 2013.
• Dairy Cooperatives are now also included under the scheme.
• Loan facility: Government provides 3% interest subvention for 8 years (including 2 years of moratorium) for loans up to 90% by scheduled banks, NABARD, NDDB, etc.
• Credit guarantee: Provides credit guarantee to MSMEs and Dairy Cooperatives up to 25% of the credit borrowed from the Credit Guarantee Fund (CGF), managed by NABARD.

Achievements

Achievements in the Dairy, Meat, and Animal Feed Sector:

• Increased processing capacity by 2-4% since launch.
• Approximately 15 lakh farmers have benefited from the scheme.
• Promotion of entrepreneurship and employment generation.

US approved sale of 31 Predator drones to India

• The US Defense Security Cooperation Agency notified the US Congress about the possible military sale of MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones and related equipment to the Government of India.
• MQ-9B SkyGuardian drones are powered aerial vehicles that can fly autonomously or be piloted remotely and can carry lethal or nonlethal payloads.
• These drones are designed to fly over the horizon via satellite for over 30 hours and safely integrate into civil airspace, enabling joint forces and civil authorities to deliver real-time situational awareness.
• They integrate advanced maritime intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) capabilities and enable real-time search and patrol above and below the ocean's surface.
• The significance of drone technology in defense includes strategic benefits such as intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) for decision-making and tactical advantages like precision strikes with minimal collateral damage and improved coordination and logistics in challenging terrain.
• Challenges associated with drones include the complex airspace management framework in India, the impact of adverse weather conditions, and the potential misuse for breaching privacy and safety.

Drone Technology for Defense in India

• LAKSHYA and NISHANT: Unmanned Aerial Systems developed by DRDO.
• Black Kite, Golden Hawk, and Pushpak: Micro & Mini UAVs developed by DRDO.
• DRDO NETRA: Light-weight, autonomous UAV for surveillance and reconnaissance operations.
• DRDO Rustom: Medium Altitude Long Endurance UAV developed for Armed forces.
• Counter-drone system: Developed by DRDO.

Interim Budget 2024-25 Proposes a Corpus of 1 Lakh Crore to Boost Sunrise Technologies

• Interim Budget 2024-25 proposes a corpus of 1 lakh crore to boost sunrise technologies.
• Corpus will be established with a fifty-year interest-free loan.
• It will provide long-term financing or refinancing with long tenors.
• It will encourage the private sector to scale up research and innovation.
• India's R&D spending as a percentage of GDP is lower than other countries.
• It will enable high-quality services at affordable prices for all.
• Sunrise technologies include emerging technologies with immense potential.
• Opportunities of sunrise technologies include healthcare, agriculture, finance, manufacturing, logistics, and more.
• Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology has taken major steps in implementing AI, blockchain, and IoT.
• A new scheme has been announced for strengthening deep-tech technologies for defense purposes and promoting self-reliance.

key Sunrise Technologies

1. Artificial Intelligence (AI):

• AI refers to the simulation of human intelligence in machines that are programmed to think and learn like humans.
• It involves the development of computer systems capable of performing tasks that typically require human intelligence, such as speech recognition, decision-making, and problem-solving.
• AI has applications in various industries, including healthcare, finance, transportation, and customer service.

2. Quantum Computing:

• Quantum computing utilizes the principles of quantum mechanics to perform complex calculations at a much faster rate than traditional computers.
• It leverages quantum bits (qubits) that can exist in multiple states simultaneously, allowing for parallel processing and solving problems that are currently infeasible for classical computers.
• Quantum computing has the potential to revolutionize fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, optimization, and weather forecasting.

3. Robotics:

• Robotics involves the design, development, and use of robots to perform tasks autonomously or with minimal human intervention.
• Robots can be programmed to perform repetitive or dangerous tasks, assist in manufacturing processes, or provide assistance in healthcare and eldercare.
• Advancements in robotics technology have led to the development of humanoid robots, drones, and autonomous vehicles.

4. Blockchain Technology:

• Blockchain is a decentralized and distributed ledger technology that securely records and verifies transactions across multiple computers.
• It enables transparent and tamper-proof record-keeping, eliminating the need for intermediaries in various industries.
• Blockchain has applications in finance, supply chain management, healthcare, and voting systems, providing increased security, efficiency, and trust in transactions.

Supreme Court issues new Guidelines for Environmental Regulatory Bodies

• Supreme Court issues new guidelines for environmental regulatory bodies.
• Key highlights of the guidelines for environmental bodies.
• Central Empowered Committee (CEC).
• Union Cabinet extends Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for export of Apparel/Garments till March 2026.
• About RoSCTL.
• About Apparel/Garments (Textile) Sectors.

Supreme Court issues new guidelines for environmental regulatory bodies:

• SC issued guidelines to ensure effective functioning of environmental bodies to uphold Environmental Rule of Law.
• Environmental Rule of Law integrates essential elements of rule of law with environmental governance
• Court also approved notification of Central Empowered Committee (CEC) under Section 3(3) of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.

Key highlights of the guidelines for environmental bodies:

• Clearly lay down composition of bodies and service conditions of members.
• Certain and clear source of finances.
• Clear demarcation of mandate and role.
• Notify rules, regulations, and guidelines in regional languages, to the extent possible.
• Regular and systematic audit.
• Notify norms for public hearing, the process of decision making, etc.

Central Empowered Committee (CEC):

• Initially constituted as an ad hoc body through SC's order in TN Godavarman vs Union of India (1996).
• In September 2023, Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) notified CEC as a permanent statutory body under Environment (Protection) Act, 1986
• Functions: Monitor implementation of SC's orders on environmental issues.
• Jurisdiction: Whole of India.

Union Cabinet extends Scheme for Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) for export of Apparel/Garments till March 2026

• Extension of RoSCTL will help in enhancing export cost competitiveness of apparel/garments and made-ups sectors.
• It will help in achieving the target of taking Indian textile industry to $250 billion by 2030, including $100 billion exports.

About RoSCTL:

• Introduced by the Ministry of Textiles in 2019.
• It replaced the Rebate of State Levies (RoSL) Scheme.
• Objective: To compensate for the State and Central Taxes and Levies on export by rebate.
• Eligibility: Apparel/garments (under Chapter 61 and 62) and Made-ups (under Chapter 63) Central Excise Tariff Act, 1985.
• Implementing Agency: Department of Revenue (DoR) under Ministry of Finance.

About Apparel/Garments (Textile) Sectors:

• Contributes approximately 2.3% to the country's GDP, 13% to industrial production, and 12% to exports.
• India has a 4% share of the global trade in textiles and apparel.
• 5th largest producer of technical textiles in the world.
• India is one of the largest producers of cotton and jute in the world
• 2nd largest producer of silk in the world and 95% of the world's hand-woven fabric comes from India.

Other Important initiatives

• Market Access Initiatives (MAI) Scheme: A scheme aimed at promoting exports of textiles by providing financial assistance for market development activities.
• Amended Technology Upgradation Fund Scheme (ATUFS): A scheme that provides financial support for the modernization and upgradation of textile machinery and technology.
• SAMARTH (Scheme for Capacity Building in Textile Sector): A scheme focused on skill development and capacity building in the textile sector to enhance productivity and competitiveness.
• PM Mega Integrated Textile Region and Apparel (PM MITRA) Parks: A scheme to establish integrated textile parks that provide infrastructure and facilities for textile manufacturing and export.
• Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles: A scheme that provides financial incentives to textile manufacturers based on their production levels, with the aim of boosting domestic manufacturing and exports.
• National Technical Textiles Mission: A mission aimed at promoting the use of technical textiles in various sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, defense, and infrastructure.