DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 27th August 2024

 Syllabus

• Mains: GS-3

Context: India’s goal of becoming a developed nation by 2047 hinges on transforming its agricultural sector through sustainable practices, technological innovations, and strategic government initiatives.

Background: –

• A key factor in achieving the goal of developed nation status by 2047 is a sixfold increase in per capita Gross National Income (GNI).

What is agriculture?

• Agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising animals to produce food, fiber, and other products essential for human life. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including: Crop Cultivation, Animal Husbandry, Horticulture, Agroforestry, Aquaculture.

Agriculture sector of India:

• India is one of the major players in the agriculture sector worldwide and it is the primary source of livelihood for ~43% of India’s population.
• India has the world’s largest cattle herd (buffaloes), the largest area planted for wheat, rice, and cotton, and is the largest producer of milk, pulses, and spices in the world.
• It is the second-largest producer of fruit, vegetables, tea, farmed fish, cotton, sugarcane, wheat, rice, cotton, and sugar.

Contribution of Agriculral Sector to Indian Economy (Data from the Economic Survey 2023-24) :

• GDP Contribution: The agriculture sector contributed approximately 7% to India’s Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices in FY 2024.
• Growth Rate: The sector recorded an average annual growth rate of 18% over the past five years. However, in FY 2024, the growth rate slowed to 1.4% due to delayed and poor monsoons.
• Employment: Agriculture provides livelihood support to about 3% of the population.
• Exports: India recorded agricultural exports worth $50.2 billion, marking a 20% increase from the previous year.

Challenges Facing Indian Agriculture:

• Fragmented Landholdings: Around 89.4% of agricultural households own less than two hectares of land, leading to inefficiencies and low productivity.
• Climate Change: Erratic monsoon patterns and rising temperatures disrupt crop yields and farming schedules.
• Water Scarcity: Over-exploitation of groundwater and inadequate irrigation infrastructure limit productivity.
• Market Inefficiencies: Lack of access to well-developed markets and fair pricing affects farmers. Middlemen and complex supply chains lead to price gaps.
• Inadequate Storage and Transportation: Poor storage infrastructure and transportation networks result in significant post-harvest losses.
• Limited Access to Credit and Insurance: Small farmers struggle to access affordable credit and crop insurance.
• Soil Degradation: Overuse of chemical fertilizers and inadequate soil conservation practices lead to soil degradation.

Government Initiatives:

• Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Provides financial assistance to farmers in case of crop loss due to natural calamities.
• Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN): Offers direct income support to farmers, providing ₹6,000 annually to over 11.8 crore farmers.
• Soil Health Card (SHC) Scheme: Aims to improve soil health by providing farmers with information on nutrient status and recommendations for soil amendments.
• Agriculture Infrastructure Fund: Supports the development of infrastructure for post-harvest management.
• Electronic National Agriculture Market (eNAM): Integrates markets through an electronic platform, enhancing market access for farmers.
• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on enhancing agricultural productivity, especially in rainfed areas, through integrated farming, water use efficiency, and soil health management.

Source: National Council of Applied Economic Research

 Syllabus

• Mains: GS-3

Context: The Union Cabinet has recently approved the BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) to boost biotechnology manufacturing in India.

Background: –

• The BioE3 Policy aims to address critical societal challenges and seize opportunities in the biotechnology sector. This initiative aims to revolutionize the biotech sector, similar to the IT boom of the 1990s.

BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment)

• The BioE3 Policy (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) is a transformative initiative by the Indian government aimed at leveraging biotechnology to drive economic growth, environmental sustainability, and job creation.

Key Features:

• High-Performance Biomanufacturing: Focuses on producing products through advanced biotechnological processes, including medicines, materials, and bio-based products for agriculture and industry.
• Strategic Thematic Sectors: The policy covers six thematic areas:
• Bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and enzymes
• Smart proteins and functional foods
• Precision biotherapeutics
• Climate-resilient agriculture
• Carbon capture and utilization
• Marine and space research
• Innovation and R&D: Promotes innovation-driven research and development (R&D) and entrepreneurship across these sectors.
• Capacity Building: Supports the creation of internships for students and fellowships for graduate and post-graduate research.
• Sustainable Growth: Prioritizes regenerative bioeconomy models of green growth, promoting a circular bioeconomy to address climate change and environmental sustainability.

Expected Impacts:

• Economic Growth: By fostering innovation in biotechnology, the policy aims to drive economic growth through the development of new products, technologies, and processes that can be commercialized.
• Job Creation: Establishing biomanufacturing and bio-AI hubs is expected to create substantial employment opportunities.
• Environmental Benefits: The focus on sustainable practices and the circular bioeconomy will help mitigate climate change and promote environmental conservation.
• Global Competitiveness: The policy aims to position India as a global leader in biotechnology, enhancing its competitiveness in the international market.
• Health and Agriculture: Advancements in precision biotherapeutics and climate-resilient agriculture will improve healthcare outcomes and agricultural productivity.

Conclusion:

• BioE3 Policy will further strengthen Government’s initiatives such as ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy & ‘Lifestyle for Environment’ and will steer India on the path of accelerated ‘Green Growth’ by promoting ‘Circular Bioeconomy’.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Mains: GS-2

Context: Prime Minister Modi’s recent visit to Kyiv highlights India’s strategic balancing act in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This visit comes just six weeks after his trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Background:

• In Kyiv, Modi held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, emphasizing India’s call for diplomacy and dialogue to resolve the conflict. This move underscores India’s non-alignment policy, aiming to maintain strong relations with both Russia and Ukraine while advocating for peace and stability.

India Ukraine Relations

• India-Ukraine relations have evolved significantly since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1992.
• India recognized Ukraine as a sovereign nation in December 1991, shortly after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. Diplomatic relations were formally established in January 1992.

Key Areas of Cooperation:

• Economic and Trade Relations:
• Trade Volume: Bilateral trade has grown, with India being one of Ukraine’s largest trading partners in Asia. Key imports from Ukraine include chemicals and machinery, while India exports pharmaceuticals, tea, and spices.
• Agriculture: Ukraine has been a significant supplier of sunflower oil to India.
• Defence Cooperation:
• Military Equipment: Ukraine has been a crucial supplier of military technology and equipment to India. This includes the sale and maintenance of weapons and upgrades of existing systems.
• Recent Agreements: In 2021, Ukraine signed agreements worth $70 million with India for defence cooperation.
• Education:
• Indian Students: A large number of Indian students, particularly in the fields of medicine and engineering, study in Ukrainian universities.
• Cultural Exchange:
• Cultural Associations: There are numerous Ukrainian cultural associations in India promoting Indian culture, including dance and music.

Recent Developments

• Prime Minister Modi’s Visit: In August 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Ukraine, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country, since diplomatic relations were established between the two countries in the year 1992. This visit aimed to strengthen bilateral ties and included the signing of agreements in agriculture, humanitarian aid, and cultural cooperation.
• Strategic Autonomy: India’s approach to the Russia-Ukraine conflict has been to maintain strategic autonomy, advocating for peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy.

India’s Stand on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict

• India has maintained a neutral stance, emphasizing the need for dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the conflict. This approach reflects India’s broader foreign policy of non-alignment and strategic autonomy.

Source: PIB

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains: CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Indian government recently introduced the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), which marks a significant shift from the National Pension System (NPS) that was implemented in 2004.

Background: –

• This new scheme aims to balance fiscal responsibility with the need to provide adequate retirement benefits to government employees.

Unified Pension Scheme (UPS)

• The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is a new pension policy introduced by the Ministry of Finance.
• It aims to provide enhanced financial security for central government employees.
• The UPS is set to come into effect from April 1, 2025.
• This scheme aims to provide a more secure and predictable retirement for government employees, ensuring they have financial stability in their post-retirement years.

Key Features:

• Assured Pension: Employees with at least 25 years of service will receive a pension equivalent to 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement.
• Family Pension: In the event of an employee’s death, their family will receive a pension worth 60% of the employee’s last drawn pension.
• Minimum Pension: There is a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month.
• Lump-Sum Payment: Employees will receive a lump-sum payment at retirement, calculated as 1/10th of their last drawn monthly pay (including DA) for every six months of service completed.
• Inflation Protection: Both the assured pension and the family pension will be indexed to inflation, ensuring they rise with the cost of living.

Eligibility:

• Minimum Service: Employees must have completed at least 10 years of service to be eligible for the pension.
• Full Benefits: To receive the full benefits, employees need to have at least 25 years of service.

Benefits:

• Financial Security: Provides a predictable and stable income post-retirement.
• Family Support: Ensures financial support for the family in case of the employee’s demise.
• Inflation Adjustment: Keeps pace with the cost of living, protecting the purchasing power of retirees.

Difference from National Pension System (NPS):

• Pension Amount: UPS guarantees a fixed pension amount (50% of the average basic pay for 25 years of service), whereas NPS is market-linked and does not guarantee a fixed pension.
• Contributions: In NPS, contributions are invested in market-linked securities like equities, making the final pension amount dependent on market performance. UPS offers a defined benefit similar to the Old Pension Scheme (OPS) but with contributions from both employees and the government.
• Choice: Employees can choose between continuing with NPS or switching to UPS, but the choice, once made, is final.

Source: Livemint

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains: SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) recently conducted a polygraph test on Sanjay Roy, the main suspect in the Kolkata doctor rape-murder case.

Background: –

• The test was carried out to evaluate his credibility during the ongoing investigation.

About polygraph test

• A polygraph test, commonly known as a lie detector test, is a method used to measure and record physiological responses that occur when a person is asked specific questions.

Purpose:

• The primary purpose of a polygraph test is to determine whether a person is being truthful or deceptive. It is used in various contexts, including:
• Criminal Investigations: To verify the truthfulness of suspects or witnesses.
• Employment Screening: Particularly in sensitive positions such as law enforcement or national security.
• Civil Matters: To resolve disputes or verify claims in non-criminal cases.

How It Works?

• Physiological Measurements: The test measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and skin conductivity.
• Questioning Techniques: Various questioning techniques are used, such as the Control Question Test (CQT), which compares responses to relevant questions with control questions.
• Analysis: Examiners analyze the physiological responses to infer whether the person is being truthful or deceptive.

Legal Context in India:

• The Supreme Court of India’s judgment in Selvi & Ors vs State of Karnataka & Anr (2010) outlines the legal framework for administering polygraph tests:
• Consent: Polygraph tests can only be conducted with the accused’s informed consent.
• Legal Counsel: The accused must have access to legal counsel and be fully informed about the test’s implications.
• Documentation: Consent must be documented before a judicial magistrate.
• Guidelines: The National Human Rights Commission’s guidelines for polygraph tests must be strictly followed.
• Admissibility: Information obtained through a voluntarily consented polygraph test can be admitted in court.

Effectiveness and Criticism:

• Despite their use, polygraph tests are often criticized for their reliability.
• Many experts argue that there is little evidence to support the accuracy of polygraph tests in detecting lies.
• Factors such as anxiety, medical conditions, or countermeasures can affect the results, making it difficult to distinguish between truthfulness and deception.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims: CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Union Cabinet recently approved the continuation of three umbrella schemes merged into a unified central sector scheme called “Vigyan Dhara” under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).

Background: –

• The merger of schemes is expected to improve fund utilization and synchronization among sub-schemes.

About Vigyan Dhara Scheme

• The Vigyan Dhara Scheme is a unified central sector scheme under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
• This scheme aims to bolster India’s scientific and technological capabilities with a significant outlay of ₹10,579.84 crore for the period from 2021 to 2026.
• It merges three umbrella schemes to streamline and enhance the efficiency of science and technology initiatives in India.

Sub schemes:

• Science and Technology (S&T) Institutional and Human Capacity Building: Focuses on strengthening institutions and building a critical human resource pool in the field of science and technology.
• Research and Development (R&D): Promotes research activities across various scientific domains, including basic research and translational research in areas like sustainable energy and water.
• Research and development component of the scheme will be aligned with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).
• ANRF has been established under ANRF Act, 2023 to seed, grow and promote R&D and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout India’s universities, colleges, research institutions, and R&D laboratories.
• Innovation, Technology Development, and Deployment: Encourages innovation and the practical application of new technologies, supporting industries and startups through targeted interventions.

Benefits:

• Efficiency: Improved fund utilization and synchronization among sub-schemes.
• Capacity Building: Enhanced institutional and human capacities in S&T.
• Research Enhancement: Promotion of research and innovation to strengthen the S&T ecosystem.
• Gender Parity: Focused interventions to increase women’s participation in S&T.
• Collaboration: Increased collaboration between academia, government, and industries.
• Vision 2047: Aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming for a developed India by 2047.

Source: India Today

Q1.) With reference to the Vigyan Dhara Scheme, consider the following statements:

1. The Vigyan Dhara Scheme is a unified central sector scheme under the Ministry of Education.
2. It focuses on strengthening institutions and building a critical human resource pool in the field of science and technology.
3. It aligns with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, aiming for a developed India by 2047.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q2.) Consider the following statements:

1. A polygraph test is a method used to measure and record physiological responses that occur when a person is asked specific questions.
2. The test measures physiological responses such as heart rate, blood pressure, respiration rate, and skin conductivity.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Q3.) With reference to the Unified Pension Scheme (UPS), consider the following statements:

1. The Unified Pension Scheme (UPS) is introduced by the Ministry of Finance.
2. It aims to provide enhanced financial security for central government employees.
3. Employees with at least 25 years of service will receive a pension equivalent to 50% of their average basic pay over the last 12 months before retirement.
4. There is a guaranteed minimum pension of ₹10,000 per month.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. Only three
4. All four

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  27th August 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  d

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c