UPSC Daily Current Affairs – 23rd July 2024 – Edukemy

Today’s daily current affairs briefing for UPSC aspirants explores the latest developments relevant to the upcoming civil services examination. Our focus today includes a critical analysis of recent policy changes, international affairs, and national developments, all of which play a pivotal role in shaping India’s socio-political and economic landscape. Stay informed and stay ahead in your UPSC preparations with our daily current affairs updates, as we provide you with concise, well-researched insights to help you connect the dots between contemporary events and the broader canvas of the civil services syllabus. 

ICJ’s Observation about Israel’s Occupation of West Bank and East Jerusalem 

Tags: GS-2, IR – Bilateral Groupings & Agreements-  International measures- ICJ 

Why in the News? 

• The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently declared that Israel’s occupation of the West Bank and East Jerusalem violates international law. 
• The ICJ emphasised that Israel’s presence in these Palestinian territories should cease as soon as possible.  
• Israel has occupied these areas since the Six-Day War in 1967, prior to which they were under Jordanian control. 

International Court of Justice (ICJ): 

• About: 
  • The ICJ is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations (UN). 
  • It was established in June 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations and began its work in April 1946. 
  • The seat of the Court is at the Peace Palace in The Hague (Netherlands). 
  • It is the only one of the six principal organs of the UN that is not located in New York City. 
  • English and French are the ICJ’s official languages. 
• Role: 
  • To settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States. 
  • To give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorised United Nations organs and specialised agencies. 
• Judges: 
  • The ICJ has 15 judges who are elected to nine-year terms by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, which vote simultaneously but separately. 
  • The president and vice-president of the court are elected for three-year terms by secret ballot. Judges are eligible for re-election. 
• Members and Jurisdiction: 
  • All members of the UN are automatically parties to the ICJ statute. However, this does not automatically give the ICJ jurisdiction over disputes involving them. 
  • The ICJ gets jurisdiction only if both parties consent to it. 
  • The judgement of the ICJ is final and technically binding on the parties to a case. 
  • There is no provision for appeal. Judgments can at most be subject to interpretation or, upon the discovery of a new fact, revision. 
  • The ICJ has no way to ensure compliance with its orders; its authority is derived from the willingness of countries to abide by them. 

Meaning of Occupation in International Law: 

• The most widely accepted definition of occupation comes from Article 42 of the Hague Convention (IV) respecting the Laws and Customs of War on Land and its annex, 1907. 
• It states that a “territory is considered occupied when it is actually placed under the authority of the hostile army.” 
• An occupation must be temporary and cannot involve transferring sovereignty to the occupying power. 
• Once a territory is seized, the occupying power has obligations towards the inhabitants, as outlined in the 1907 Hague regulations and the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949. 
• These obligations include providing food and medical care to the population and prohibit transferring civilian populations and using or threatening force. 

ICJ’s Opinion on Israel’s Occupation: 

• Background: 
  • In December 2022, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution seeking the ICJ’s advisory opinion on the “legal consequences arising from the policies and practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem.” 
  • This request came well before Israel’s assault on Gaza following the Hamas attacks of October 7, 2023. 
  • The recent opinion of ICJ came against this backdrop. It should be noted that the ICJ’s opinion is not binding or enforceable. 

Opinion Rendered by the ICJ: 

• On Prolonged Occupation: 
  • International law does not set a specific time limit for an occupation, so the legal status of an occupation cannot be determined by its duration. 
  • The legality of an occupation is affected by the occupying power’s “policies and practices and the manner in which they are implemented and applied on the ground.” 
• On Settlement Policy: 
  • ICJ examined Israel’s settlement policy in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 1967 and found it violated international law. 
  • The court highlighted several issues: 
    • The settlement policy and military measures have forced Palestinians to leave occupied territories, violating Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. 
    • The policy breaches Articles 46, 52, and 55 of the Hague regulations by expanding settlements through land confiscation, thus failing to protect private property, civilian objects, and the natural environment. 
    • The policy violates Article 43 of the Hague regulations, as Israel applies its own laws to settlements and East Jerusalem, disregarding existing local laws. 
    • The policy led to violence by Israeli settlers and security forces against Palestinians, which Israel failed to prevent or punish, creating a coercive environment against Palestinians. 
• On Annexation of Palestinian Territories: 
  • The ICJ stated that annexation is the permanent control over an occupied territory. 
  • It found that Israel’s policies and practices in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are intended to be indefinite and create irreversible effects. 
  • These policies include the maintenance and expansion of settlements, exploitation of Palestinian natural resources, proclaiming Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, and applying Israeli domestic law in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. 
  • The ICJ concluded that these actions violate the prohibition of the use of force in international relations, affecting the legality of Israel’s occupation. 
• On Discriminatory Legislation and Measures: 
  • The court found that Israel’s legislation in the occupied territories results in systemic discrimination against Palestinians based on race, religion, or ethnic origin. 
  • This violates the International Covenants on Economic, Social, and Cultural Rights 1954 and Civil and Political Rights 1954, as well as the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 1965 (ICERD). 
  • The court observed that Israel’s policies maintain near-complete separation between settlers and Palestinians, violating Article 3 of ICERD, which obligates the eradication of apartheid and racial segregation practices. 
• On Self-Determination: 
  • The ICJ determined that Israel’s occupation has violated Palestinians’ right to self-determination. 
  • It noted that the prolonged deprivation of this right undermines Palestinians’ ability to exercise it in the future, contravening fundamental principles of international law. 
• On Future Course of Action: 
  • The ICJ stated that Israel is under the obligation to: 
  • Immediately end its illegal occupation. 
  • Cease new settlement activities and evacuate settlers from the occupied territories. 
  • Make reparation to all affected people for the damage caused. 
  • The court said that other states should not recognize the occupied territories as part of Israel and refrain from providing aid or assistance to Israel in maintaining this occupation. 

Source: IE 

Female Employment to Counter Unemployment 

Tags: GS-2, Social Justice- Issues Related to Women– Employment- Issues Relating to Development 

Why in the news? 

• The India Employment Report (IER) 2024 highlighted an increase in the unemployment rate from a little over 2% in 2000 and 2012 to 5.8% in 2019. 
• Although the unemployment rate slightly reduced to 4.1% in 2022, time-related underemployment remained high at 7.5%.  
• Enhancing the female labour force participation rate (LFPR) could significantly improve overall family income and welfare, especially in rural India. 

Unemployment Trends and Labour Force Participation: 

• The LFPR fell sharply from 61.6% in 2000 to 49.8% in 2018 but partially recovered to 55.2% by 2022. However, this recovery masks significant gender disparities. 
• Female Labour Force Participation: 
  • Rural India: Increased from 24.6% in 2018 to 36.6% in 2022. 
  • Urban India: Rose modestly by around 3.5% from 20.4% in 2018. 
• Male Labour Force Participation: 
  • Showed only marginal improvement in rural areas and stagnated in urban settings. 
  • Despite the positive trend, female LFPR in India remains low compared to the global average of 53.4% in 2019 and has declined from 38.9% in 2000 to 23.3% in 2018. 

Gendered Employment Choices and Challenges: 

• Unpaid Family Labor and Gender Imbalance 
  • In 2022, 36.5% of women worked as unpaid family labourers compared to just 9.3% of men. 
  • This disparity is more pronounced in rural areas: 31.4% for women vs. 8.1% for men. 
  • Unpaid family labour does not contribute to formal economic metrics or provide financial independence, limiting women’s economic mobility and perpetuating dependency and undervaluation of their work. 

• Preference for Traditional Occupations: 
  • Women often opt for traditional, home-based occupations due to their flexibility and compatibility with household responsibilities. These roles, however, typically offer lower income. 
  • The lack of alternative opportunities forces many women to remain in these traditional roles, further aggravated by limited access to capital and restrictive social norms in urban areas. 

Emerging Trends in Female Labour Force Participation: 

• Positive Shifts: 
  • From 2018 to 2022, female LFPR in rural India increased from 24.6% to 36.6%. 
  • This rise indicates a growing recognition of women’s potential as active contributors to the economy. 
• Challenges: 
  • Overall female LFPR remains low compared to the global average and has historically declined. 
  • The rise in rural LFPR could be attributed to targeted employment schemes, improvements in local economic conditions, and increased awareness of women’s rights and opportunities. 

Case Studies and Field Observations: 

• Upper Gangetic Plains of Uttarakhand and UP 
  • The type of irrigation infrastructure significantly influenced women’s employment opportunities and decision-making abilities. 
  • Women’s involvement in agricultural work increased with the expansion of less dominant irrigation sources like canal irrigation, enhancing their decision-making capabilities and economic standing. 

• West Bengal’s Minor Irrigation Projects and Kolkata Slums Study 
  • Water resource development had a transformative impact on women’s employment and family welfare. 
  • Women initiated various economic activities, significantly improving their economic status and reducing migration. 
  • Women’s workforce participation proved critical during the COVID-19 pandemic, enhancing economic resilience and reducing vulnerability. 

Strategies for Female Employment Generation: 

• Empowering Self-Help Groups (SHGs) 
  • Collectivising women under SHGs and federations can provide training in new skills and link women directly to markets for better economic returns. 
  • Example: Kutch Mahila Vikas Sangathan (KMVS) supports women in traditional occupations through such collectivisation. 
• Encouraging Women to Enter Male-Dominated Workspaces 
  • Empowering women through employment outside their homes can enhance their agency and meet strategic gender needs. 
  • Generating new employment opportunities in underexplored areas is essential. 
• Formal Employment Opportunities and Female Entrepreneurship: 
  • Developing new job opportunities catering to women’s skills and preferences, expanding vocational training programs, and supporting sectors with high potential for female employment. 
  • Providing women with access to capital, training, and mentorship to help them start and grow their businesses. 
  • Initiatives like microfinance programs and business development support can empower women to become entrepreneurs. 

Conclusion 

The rising female LFPR in India, particularly in rural areas, presents a promising avenue for addressing unemployment and underemployment. By focusing on creating appropriate employment opportunities, improving working conditions, and empowering women through collectivisation and market access are crucialIndia can enhance overall employment, family income, and women’s position in society, driving forward both economic and social development. 

Prelims:  

Q:1 Which of the following gives ‘Global Gender Gap Index’ ranking to the countries of the world? (2017) 

1. World Economic Forum  
2. UN Human Rights Council  
3. UN Women  
4. World Health Organization 

Ans: (A)  

Mains: 

Q1 Though women in post-independent India have excelled in various fields, the social attitude towards women and the feminist movement has been patriarchal.” Apart from women’s education and women empowerment schemes, what interventions can help change this milieu? (2021)  

Q2  Women empowerment in India needs gender budgeting. What are the requirements and status of gender budgeting in the Indian context? (2016)  

Source: TH 

Govt. Considers Rs 50,000 Crore Scheme for Agricultural Reforms 

Tags: GS-3, Economy- Agricultural Reforms 

Why in the News? 

• The Central Government is contemplating a new scheme with an outlay of Rs 50,000 crore to encourage states to implement agricultural reforms. 

Problems Faced by the Agriculture Sector in India: 

• Access to Credit & Finance: 
  • Small farmers find it challenging to secure affordable loans, which limits their ability to purchase modern equipment, quality seeds, and fertilisers, thus affecting their productivity. 
• Small Landholdings: 
  • Many farmers own small, fragmented plots, making it difficult to utilise modern farming techniques and reducing overall productivity. 
• Outdated Farming Practices: 
  • A significant number of farmers still rely on traditional methods due to limited information and resistance to change, impeding the adoption of advanced techniques. 
• Water Scarcity & Irrigation: 
  • Agriculture’s reliance on monsoon rains makes it susceptible to droughts and inconsistent rainfall. 
  • Access to irrigation and effective water management is vital, particularly in regions with limited water resources. 
• Soil Degradation & Erosion: 
  • The use of chemical fertilisers and pesticides, combined with poor land use practices, degrades soil quality, leading to reduced fertility and productivity. 
• Inadequate Agricultural Infrastructure: 
  • The lack of storage facilities, cold chains, good rural roads, and market access results in post-harvest losses and higher production costs, limiting farmers’ ability to secure fair prices. 
• Market Volatility & Price Fluctuations: 
  • Farmers experience unstable prices due to weak market links and insufficient price information, making them vulnerable to exploitation and uncertain returns. 
• Climate Change & Natural Disasters: 
  • Unpredictable weather, climate change, and natural disasters such as floods and droughts cause crop losses and increase risks for farmers. 
• Limited Access to Technology & Research: 
  • Farmers have limited access to modern technologies and research, which hinders the adoption of innovative practices. They require better knowledge, training, and affordable technology solutions. 
• Lack of Farmers’ Empowerment: 
  • Farmers often lack representation in policy-making, leading to initiatives that may not effectively address their specific challenges. 

About NITI Aayog’s Proposal 

Proposal by NITI Aayog: Background 

• Nearly three years after repealing its three farm laws in November 2021, the Union government is planning a new scheme with a budget of Rs 50,000 crore to motivate states to implement agricultural reforms. 
• This initiative will provide central funding for states to enact reforms in agriculture marketing, contract farming, and land leasing. 
• NITI Aayog officials presented the idea for this scheme to the Prime Minister’s Office. 
• The presentation, titled “India’s Amrit Kaal: Mobilising the nation to sustain fast growth,” addressed various economic sectors. 
• Officials from the Ministry of Agriculture and NITI Aayog are discussing this scheme as part of their broader efforts to implement significant farm sector reforms during India’s ‘Amrit Kaal,’ spanning from 2022 to 2047. 

Various Reform Measures under Consideration 

• Other proposed reforms include passing the long-pending Seed Bill and increasing public investment in agriculture to 5% of Agriculture GVA (Gross Value Addition). 
• This proposal revisits an idea suggested by the 15th Finance Commission in its 2020-21 report, which recommended performance-based incentives for states that implement agricultural reforms. 
• States could receive financial rewards if they adopt the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Marketing Act (2017), the Model Agricultural Produce and Livestock Contract Farming Act (2018), and the Model Agricultural Land Leasing Act (2016). 
• The 15th Finance Commission believed these reforms were essential to liberalise agricultural markets, promote competition, and attract private sector investment. 
• However, after the central government passed the three farm laws in 2020, the Commission revised its recommendations. 
• The Commission’s 2021-26 report emphasised four key areas for performance-based incentives: 
  • Land lease reforms 
  • Sustainable water use in agriculture 
  • Export promotion 
  • Contributing to Atmanirbhar Bharat. 
• It had proposed Rs 45,000 crore for states undertaking agricultural reforms during this period. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims 

Q.1 In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (2021) 

1. The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme. 
2. The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France. 
3. The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 1 and 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d) 

Q.2 With reference to the provisions made under the National Food Security Act, 2013, consider the following statements: (2018) 

1. The families coming under the category of ‘below poverty line (BPL)’ only are eligible to receive subsidised food grains. 
2. The oldest woman in a household, of age 18 years or above, shall be the head of the household for the purpose of issuance of a ration card. 
3. Pregnant women and lactating mothers are entitled to a ‘take-home ration’ of 1600 calories per day during pregnancy and for six months thereafter. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 
2. 2 only 
3. 1 and 3 only  
4. 3 only 

Ans: (b) 

Mains 

Q.1 In what way could replacement of price subsidy with Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. (2015) 

Source: IE 

Patent Ecosystem in India 

Tags: GS – 3, Economy- Planning- Inclusive Growth- Mobilization of Resources- 2nd ARC 

Why in the news? 

• For the first time, domestic patent applications in FY24 have surpassed those from foreign applicants, largely due to a surge in applications in fields like computer science, IT, pharmaceuticals, and chemicals.  

• However, foreign entities still hold a significant portion of the patents awarded in India, accounting for nearly two-thirds of all approved applications. 

What is a Patent? 

• Definition: A patent is an exclusive right granted by the government for an invention, which must be novel, non-obvious, useful, and patentable as per national law. 
• Purpose: It provides a technological solution to a technical challenge. 
• Duration: Legal protection is granted for 20 years from the date of filing. 
• Regulation: The Indian Patents Act 1970 specifies what is patentable. The Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trademarks (CGPDTM) oversees the patent system in India. 

Domestic Patent Applications in India: 

• Growth:  
  • The share of applications from residents increased from 34% in FY19 to 53% in FY24. 
• Challenges:  
  • Despite the rise in applications, approvals lag due to the quality of applications and the patent ecosystem.  
  • India has fewer patent examiners (597) compared to Germany (821) and the US (8,000). There are also procedural delays. 

Foreign Patents in India: 

• High Approval Rate:  
  • Patent approvals are skewed in favour of foreign entities, with global IT giants leading. Patents for non-resident entities stood at 76.46% in 2022. 
• Comparison:  
  • The approval rate for foreign patents in India is among the highest globally, with China at 12.87%. 
• Reasons:  
  • The gap reflects inefficiencies in India’s R&D capabilities and lower private investments.  
  • The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) facilitates foreign entities to file patents in multiple countries simultaneously. 

India’s R&D Spending and its Impact: 

• Stagnation:  
  • India’s R&D spending as a percentage of GDP has declined to 0.65% in 2022 from 0.83% in 2008, below the global average of 2.62%. 
• Impact:  
  • Low R&D spending results in reliance on imported machinery and foreign technicians.  
  • India faces a trade deficit with 8 out of its top 10 trade partners, with imports from China alone crossing $100 billion in FY24. 

Government Initiatives to Boost Intellectual Property (IP) Ecosystem: 

• Scheme for Startups Intellectual Property Protection (SIPP): Promotes and mentors new technologies among startups, providing access to high-quality IP services. 
• National Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) Policy: Launched in 2016, it aims to foster innovation and creativity in India. 
• Draft Model Guidelines for Academic Institutions: Establishes an efficient process for ownership control, assignment of IP rights, and revenue sharing. 
• National Intellectual Property Awareness Mission (NIPAM): Aims to educate 1 million students on intellectual property and its rights. 

Conclusion: 

The patent ecosystem in India is evolving, with domestic applications increasing. However, challenges remain in terms of approvals and R&D spending. Government initiatives aim to strengthen the IP ecosystem, fostering innovation and growth. 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims: 

Q1. What is/are the recent policy initiative(s)of Government of India to promote the growth of the manufacturing sector? (2012) 

1. Setting up of National Investment and Manufacturing Zones 
2. Providing the benefit of ‘single window clearance’ 
3. Establishing the Technology Acquisition and Development Fund 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 1 and 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: D 

Q2. With reference to the ‘National Intellectual Property Rights Policy’, consider the following statements: (2017) 

1. It reiterates India’s commitment to the Doha Development Agenda and the TRIPS Agreement. 
2. Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion is the nodal agency for regulating intellectual property rights in India. 

Which of the above statements is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 
2. 2 only 
3. Both 1 and 2 
4. Neither 1 nor 2 

Ans: (c) 

Q3. Consider the following statements: (2019) 

1. According to the Indian Patents Act, a biological process to create a seed can be patented in India. 
2. In India, there is no Intellectual Property Appellate Board. 
3. Plant varieties are not eligible to be patented in India. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 3 only 
2. 2 and 3 only 
3. 3 only 
4. 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (c) 

Mains: 

Q:1 How is the Government of India protecting traditional knowledge of medicine from patenting by pharmaceutical companies? (2019) 

Q:2 In a globalised world, Intellectual Property Rights assume significance and are a source of litigation. Broadly distinguish between the terms—Copyrights, Patents and Trade Secrets. (2014) 

Source: IE 

Rajasthan’s Tribal Communities Recognized for Global Challenges 

Tags: GS-2, IR- Global Institute – International issues – Tribal communities     

Why in the News? 

• Recently, a High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development was held under the auspices of the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).  
• The solutions offered by indigenous tribal communities in Rajasthan to global challenges and their role in policy execution were highlighted at this forum. 

U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC): 

• About: 
  • Established by the UN Charter in 1945, ECOSOC is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations. 
  • It is responsible for directing and coordinating economic, social, humanitarian, and cultural activities carried out by the UN. 
  • Decisions are made by a simple majority vote, with the presidency changing annually. 
• Members: 
  • ECOSOC comprises 54 members elected for three-year terms by the General Assembly. 
  • Four of the five permanent members of the Security Council are continuously re-elected due to their significant funding contributions to ECOSOC’s budget, the largest of any UN subsidiary body. 
• Functions: 
  • Coordinates the social and economic fields of the organisation, including 15 specialised agencies, five regional commissions, and eight functional commissions. 
  • Serves as a central forum for discussing international social and economic issues and formulating policy recommendations for member states and the UN system. 

Role of Rajasthan’s Tribal Communities in Tackling Global Challenges: 

• Background: 
  • The HLPF on Sustainable Development was held at the UN headquarters in New York, established by the outcome of the UN Conference on Sustainable Development (Rio+20) in 2012. 
  • It is the central platform for the follow-up and review of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and the SDGs. 
• Theme: 
  • “Reinforcing the 2030 agenda and eradicating poverty in times of multiple crises: The effective delivery of sustainable, resilient, and innovative solutions.” 
  • A ministerial declaration adopted at the forum called for renewed efforts to achieve the SDGs and acknowledged the role of indigenous communities in biodiversity and ecosystem solutions. 

Contributions of Rajasthan’s Tribal Communities: 

• Indigenous practices rooted in reverence for nature and community-centric approaches promote sustainability and resilience, essential for reinforcing the 2030 agenda amid crisis. 
• Indigenous solutions meet their needs and contribute to broader sustainability goals. 
• Events in southern Rajasthan focused on preserving indigenous seed varieties to link crop diversity with climate resilience. 
• The forum emphasised that global crises, including climate change and socio-economic issues, exacerbate challenges like economic inequality and environmental degradation. 
• Rajasthan’s tribal communities have adopted innovative approaches guided by sustainable and resilient solutions across environmental, social, cultural, and economic systems. 
• Practices based on principles of swaraj (sovereignty) have led to self-sufficiency, reduced external dependence, and improved agricultural practices. 
• Initiatives in seed sovereignty, soil sovereignty, food and nutrition sovereignty, water sovereignty, and cultural sovereignty have empowered tribal communities to overcome critical challenges collectively. 

Best Practices Highlighted: 

• Production of local seeds 
• Water conservation at the source 
• Use of animals in agriculture 
• Checking soil erosion through mixed cropping 
• Use of uncultivated food for nutritional security 
• These practices have helped tribal communities reduce market dependence and survive difficult phases, including the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020-21 

Source: TH 

National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM) 

Tags: GS-1, Art & Culture- Govt. Incentive  

Why in the news? 

• On July 23, 2024, a PIB press release stated that the government, under the National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM), has taken an initiative to provide a comprehensive overview of the cultural heritage of 6.5 lakh villages across India. 

About NMCM: 

• Administering Body: 
  • The scheme is administered by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India. 
• Conceptualization: 
  • NMCM was conceptualised to develop a comprehensive database of artists, art forms, and other cultural resources.  
  • These resources are gathered from cultural organisations in the Ministry of Culture, other ministries, and states, and are compiled on a robust IT-enabled platform. 

Aims and Objectives: 

• Awareness Creation: 
  • To create awareness about the strengths of cultural heritage and its interface with development and cultural identity. 
• Cultural Mapping: 
  • To map 6.5 lakh villages along with their geographical, demographic profiles, and creative capitals. 
• National Registers: 
  • To create National Registers of Artists and Art practices. 
• Development of Digital Platforms: 
  • To develop a web portal and mobile app to function as a National Cultural WorkPlace (NCWP). 

Coverage: 

• The project aims to cover all inhabited villages in India as marked in the Census List, 2011, published by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India. 

Database Access: 

• The database can be accessed through the Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar Web Portal (mgmd.gov.in). 

Usage: 

• The database can be effectively used by any government ministry or other government organisation to safeguard and promote the cultures, traditions, art forms, and other cultural identities of the identified villages. 

Source: PIB 

PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana 

Tags: GS-2, Governance- govt policies and incentive  

Why in the news? 

• Recently, The government has issued operational guidelines for the implementation of incentives to DISCOMs under the PM-Surya Ghar-Muft Bijli Yojana. 

About PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana: 

• Scheme Launch: Introduced on February 15, 2024, the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana aims to provide free electricity to households in India. 
• Subsidy Provision: Households will receive a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs, covering up to 40% of the solar panel costs. 
• Beneficiary Target: The scheme is projected to benefit 1 crore households across the nation. 
• Government Savings: It is estimated to save the government Rs. 75,000 crore annually in electricity costs. 
• Financial Outlay: The scheme has a total financial outlay of Rs 75,021 crore and is scheduled for implementation until FY 2026-27. 

Eligibility Criteria: 

• Citizenship: The household must be an Indian citizen. 
• Property Ownership: The household must own a house with a roof suitable for installing solar panels. 
• Electricity Connection: The household must have a valid electricity connection. 
• No Previous Subsidy: The household must not have availed any other subsidy for solar panels. 

Role of DISCOMs: 

• State Implementation Agencies (SIAs): DISCOMs are designated as SIAs responsible for various facilitation measures, including ensuring the availability of net metres, conducting timely inspections, and commissioning installations. 
• Incentive Mechanism: DISCOMs will receive incentives based on their performance in installing additional grid-connected rooftop solar capacity beyond a predefined baseline level. 
• Financial Allocation for Incentives: The total financial outlay for the ‘Incentives to DISCOMs’ component is Rs 4,950 crore. 

Source: AIR 

MSME TEAM Initiative 

Tags: GS-3, Economy- Growth & Development- MSME 

Why in the news? 

• Recently, under the Central Sector Scheme “Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP)”, the Ministry of MSME launched “MSME Trade Enablement and Marketing Initiative” (MSME-TEAM Initiative). 

About MSME-TEAM Initiative: 

• Purpose: The MSME-TEAM Initiative is designed to support 5 lakh Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in joining the Open Network Digital Commerce (ONDC) platform by conducting awareness workshops that include hands-on assistance for onboarding. 
• Financial Assistance: This initiative aims to provide financial aid to Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) via Seller Network Participants for activities like catalogue preparation, account management, logistics, packaging material, and design. 
• Focus on Women-Owned MSEs: Out of the total 5 lakh MSEs to be supported, 2.5 lakh will be women-owned enterprises. 
• Geographical Outreach: While the initiative targets MSEs across the country, awareness workshops will be prioritised in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities and MSME clusters to ensure extensive reach, particularly among women and SC/ST-owned MSMEs. 
• Duration: As a sub-scheme, the MSME-TEAM Initiative will be active for three years, up to March 2027, although MSMEs can continue to onboard ONDC beyond this period. 

Key Facts about RAMP Scheme: 

• Assistance and Launch: The RAMP scheme is supported by the World Bank and was launched by the Ministry of MSME on July 30, 2022. 
• Objectives: 
  • Enhance market and credit access for MSMEs. 
  • Strengthen institutions and governance at central and state levels.
  • Improve center-state linkages and partnerships. 
  • Address delayed payment issues. 
  • Promote the greening of MSMEs. 
• National MSME Council: The Ministry has established the National MSME Council to act as an administrative and functional body for the RAMP Programme. 

Sub-Schemes under RAMP: 

• MSME GIFT Scheme: The MSME Green Investment and Financing for Transformation Scheme aims to help MSMEs adopt green technologies with interest subvention and credit guarantee support. 
• MSE SPICE Scheme: The MSE Scheme for Promotion and Investment in Circular Economy supports circular economy projects through credit subsidy, aiming to achieve zero emissions by 2070. 
• MSE ODR Scheme: The MSE Scheme on Online Dispute Resolution for Delayed Payments combines legal support with modern IT tools and Artificial Intelligence to address delayed payment issues for Micro and Small Enterprises. 

What is ONDC? 

• Network Design: ONDC is based on open protocols that enable local commerce across various segments like mobility, grocery, food delivery, hotel booking, and travel to be discovered and engaged by any network-enabled application. 
• Interoperability: ONDC consists of protocols and specifications that allow different e-commerce platforms to connect and interoperate. 
• Objectives: The platform aims to create new opportunities, curb digital monopolies, and support MSMEs and small traders by helping them get online. 
• DPIIT Initiative: ONDC is an initiative by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. 
• Democratisation of E-Commerce: ONDC seeks to move from a platform-centric model to an open-network, enabling sellers and buyers to transact digitally regardless of the platform or application used. 
• Data Utilisation: Through ONDC, merchants can save their data to build credit history and reach consumers. 

Source: PIB 

Streptococcus thermophilus 

Tags: GS-3, Science & Technology- Biotechnology  

Why in the news? 

• Recently, Scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in India discovered a new strain of lactic acid bacteria while investigating the genetic makeup of a different strain of S. thermophilus. 

About the S. thermophilus: 

• Characteristics: 
  • Gram-positive, non-motile, and non-sporulating bacteria. 
  • Capable of growing under both aerobic and anaerobic conditions. 
• Role as a Probiotic: 
  • Found in the digestive tract as a beneficial bacteria. 
  • Produces lactic acid by converting lactose into lactic acid. 
  • Assists in food breakdown, nutrient absorption, and combating harmful organisms. 
• Health Benefits: 
  • Enhances lactose digestion for lactose-intolerant individuals. 
  • Exhibits anti-inflammatory properties, potentially lowering the risk of inflammatory bowel disease. 
• Applications: 
  • Widely used in the production of fermented dairy products like yogurt. 
  • Incorporated in probiotic supplements for its health benefits. 

Discovery of MCC0200: 

• New Strain: 
  • A new strain of lactic acid bacteria discovered by scientists at the Agharkar Research Institute (ARI) in India. 
• Characteristics and Benefits: 
  • Thrives in the gut and adheres strongly to intestinal surfaces. 
  • Promotes gut health and immune function through mucosal surface adhesion. 
  • Possesses antioxidant properties that mitigate oxidative stress. 
  • Can assimilate cholesterol, potentially lowering serum cholesterol levels and reducing cardiovascular disease risk. 
• Applications: 
  • Shows promise as a probiotic candidate for use in food and pharmaceutical products due to its health-promoting properties 

Source: PIB 

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