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  • Black Sea Grain Initiative to resume soon: Turkey

    black sea

    Central Idea

    • The Black Sea grain deal lapsed on July 17. Turkey now seeks to resume the treaty.
    • Russia though had not agreed to renew the deal, citing unmet promises and difficulties in its own agricultural exports due to Western sanctions.

    Black Sea Grain Initiative

    • The Initiative eased Russia’s naval blockade and saw the reopening of three key Ukrainian ports.
    • The UN and Turkey brokered the deal in July 2022, allowing cargo ships to travel between Ukrainian ports and undergo inspections to ensure they were not carrying arms.
    • The deal has been extended twice but is set to expire on July 17, 2023.
    • The agreement created procedures to safely export grain from certain ports to attempt to address the 2022 food crisis.
    • It provides a safe maritime humanitarian corridor for Ukrainian exports (particularly for food grains) from three of its key ports: Chornomorsk, Odesa and Yuzhny/Pivdennyi in the Black Sea.

    Outcomes of this deal

    • Approximately 9.8 million tonnes of grains have been shipped so far since the deal was brokered as per International Grains Council (IGC) Projections.
      • The IGC is an intergovernmental organization established in 1949. Its primary purpose is to promote cooperation and consultation on grains trade and related aspects globally.
      • India is an exporting member of the IGC.
    • The initiative has also been credited for having made a huge difference in the global cost of living crisis.

    Why was this deal launched?

    • Ukraine’s Role: Ukraine is a significant exporter of food grains, including wheat and corn, and contributes to the UN’s food aid programs.
    • Impact of Russian Invasion: Russia’s invasion and blockade of Ukrainian ports raised concerns about food security and soaring prices globally.

    Russia’s Opposition and Reasons

    • Claims of Unmet Promises: Russia argues that promises made under the deal have not been fulfilled, affecting its own agricultural exports and fertilizers due to Western sanctions.
    • Obstacles to Agricultural Exports: Russia faces challenges with payment platforms, insurance, shipping, and logistics, even though there are no direct restrictions on its agricultural products.
    • Frustration and Goodwill: Russian President expressed frustration and stated that Russia has shown goodwill in extending the deal but feels enough is enough.
    • Shift in Grain Destinations: Russia claims the deal was meant to ensure global food security, but Ukraine has mainly exported to high- and middle-income countries, while the UN notes that food prices have cooled down, benefiting poorer nations.

    Impact on Grain Exports and Production

    • Russian Wheat Export Dominance: Russia remains the world’s top wheat exporter, primarily targeting the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia.
    • Ukraine’s Declining Shipments: Ukraine’s grain shipments are projected to more than halve, with production at an 11-year low.
    • Shifting Markets: Ukraine’s grain markets have shifted from Asia and North Africa to Europe, driven by ease of shipment, causing a glut of Ukrainian grain and protests from farmers in Eastern European countries.

    International Grains Council

    • The International Grains Council (IGC) is an intergovernmental organization that oversees the Grains Trade Convention and aims to promote cooperation in the global grain trade. Established in 1949 as the International Wheat Council, it was renamed in 1995 to reflect its expanded scope.
    • India is a member of the International Grains Council (IGC), which is the intergovernmental organization that oversees the global grains trade.

    Back2Basics: Black Sea

    • Black Sea is bound by Ukraine to the north and northwest, Russia and Georgia to the east, Turkey to the south, and Bulgaria and Romania to the west.
    • It links to the Sea of Marmara through the Bosphorus and then to the Aegean through the Dardanelles.

    Significance of Black Sea for Russia

    • Black Sea has traditionally been Russia’s warm water gateway to Europe.
    • For Russia, the Black Sea is both a stepping stone to the Mediterranean.
    • It acts as a strategic buffer between NATO and itself.
    • It showcases the Russian power in the Mediterranean and to secure the economic gateway to key markets in southern Europe.
    • Russia has been making efforts to gain complete control over the Black Sea since the Crimean crisis of 2014.

  • Ecocide Laws: Protecting Nature and Addressing Limitations

    ecocide

    Central Idea

    • Mexico’s ‘Maya train’ project has generated controversy due to its scale and environmental impact.
    • The project aims to connect tourists to historic Maya sites across a 1,525 km route, with a cost of $20 billion.
    • Critics have dubbed it a “megaproject of death” for its threats to the Yucatan peninsula’s environment, Indigenous communities, and cave systems, leading to accusations of ecocide and ethnocide.

    Understanding Ecocide

    • Ecocide, derived from Greek and Latin, means “killing one’s home” or “environment.”
    • It encompasses actions like port expansions damaging marine life, deforestation, illegal sand-mining, and polluting rivers.
    • Several countries, including Mexico, are considering ecocide legislation, with calls to elevate it to an international crime akin to genocide.
    • There is no universally accepted legal definition of ecocide.
    • A proposed definition states it as “unlawful or wanton acts committed with knowledge of causing substantial, severe, and either widespread or long-term environmental damage.

    Historical Context

    • Biologist Arthur Galston in 1970 linked environmental destruction with genocide during the Vietnam War’s Agent Orange use.
    • British lawyer Polly Higgins advocated for ecocide as an international crime in 2010.
    • The Rome Statute of the ICC deals with four major crimes but only holds perpetrators accountable for intentional wartime environmental damage.

    Importance of Ecocide as a Crime

    • Ecocide is a crime in 11 countries, with 27 others considering similar laws.
    • The European Parliament voted unanimously to include ecocide in law.
    • Ecocide laws provide a crucial legal instrument to protect the environment.
    • They can hold individuals in corporate leadership accountable and promote ethical investment practices.
    • These laws could offer justice to low- and middle-income countries disproportionately affected by climate change.

    Limitations and Concerns

    • Some argue that ecocide definitions are ambiguous, setting a low threshold for implicating entities.
    • The concept might unintentionally suggest it’s acceptable to destroy the environment for human benefit.
    • Proving ecocide may be challenging, especially for transnational crimes involving corporations.
    • The ICC’s limited jurisdiction, inability to hold corporate entities liable, and uneven track record in securing convictions are concerns.

    India’s Stance

    • India has recognized the legal personhood of nature in some judgments.
    • Some Indian judgments have used the term ‘ecocide,’ but it hasn’t fully materialized in law.
    • India’s legislative framework includes various environmental laws, which need consolidation and streamlining.
    • The National Green Tribunal lacks jurisdiction over certain critical environmental matters.
    • Addressing issues of liability and compensation remains a challenge, as seen in cases like the Bhopal gas disaster and CAMPA fund misuse.
    • India should align its environmental laws with the concept of ecocide.

    Conclusion

    • Ecocide laws are crucial for protecting the environment and holding perpetrators accountable.
    • However, challenges in defining, proving, and enforcing ecocide must be addressed.
    • India needs to update its environmental laws to incorporate ecocide principles, promoting a more comprehensive approach to environmental protection.

  • UPI-CBDC Interoperability: Advancing Retail Digital Rupee Adoption

    upi-cbdc

    Central Idea

    • The convergence of Unified Payments Interface (UPI) Quick Response (QR) codes with Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) applications is set to revolutionize digital transactions in India.
    • This strategic integration enables users of the retail digital rupee to seamlessly transact using UPI QR codes, making transactions convenient for both customers and merchants.

    Understanding Interoperability

    • Interoperability refers to the technical compatibility that allows different payment systems to function together.
    • It empowers various payment systems to process transactions across platforms, contributing to efficiency, innovation, and adoption for end-users.

    UPI QR Code-CBDC Interoperability: Explained

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is driving this interoperability between UPI and CBDC as part of its ongoing pilot project for the retail digital rupee (e₹-R).

    • Initially, e₹-R users required a specific QR code for transactions.
    • With UPI-CBDC interoperability, any UPI QR code becomes compatible with CBDC apps.
    • The digital rupee, issued by RBI, is a tokenized digital version of the rupee stored in a digital wallet linked to a savings bank account.
    • UPI, directly linked to a user’s account, can now transact seamlessly with CBDC.

    Benefits for Customers and Merchants

    The convergence of UPI and CBDC yields several advantages:

    • Customers can use a single QR code for various transactions, eliminating the need for multiple platforms.
    • Daily essentials like groceries and medicines can be purchased using any UPI QR code.
    • Merchants can accept CBDC payments without creating separate QR codes.
    • Transactions are streamlined and efficient, enhancing the user experience.

    Enhancing CBDC Adoption

    The UPI-CBDC interoperability leverages the widespread use of UPI to boost digital rupee adoption.

    • More than 70 mobile apps and 50 million merchants already accept UPI payments.
    • Integrating UPI with CBDC simplifies transactions, increasing the digital rupee’s utility.
    • Prominent banks like State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, and Axis Bank have introduced UPI interoperability on their digital rupee platforms.
    • This seamless integration is expected to transform the digital currency landscape, driving its acceptance and utilization.

    Conclusion

    • The UPI-CBDC interoperability marks a significant milestone in India’s digital payment ecosystem.
    • By merging the familiarity of UPI with the innovation of CBDC, the retail digital rupee becomes more accessible, user-friendly, and efficient.
    • This strategic integration is poised to accelerate the adoption of digital currencies, reshaping the way transactions are conducted in the country.

  • Hubble Constant to settle Universe Expansion Dispute

    hubble constant

    Central Idea

    • Researchers from India and the US have come up with a new way to answer a big question about the universe.
    • This question is about how fast the universe is getting bigger.

    Story of Our Universe

    • The universe began around 13.8 billion years ago with a massive explosion called the Big Bang.
    • As time passed, the universe kept getting bigger, with moments of speeding up and slowing down.
    • Scientists want to understand this expansion to figure out what’s happening in the universe.

    Hubble Constant: A Big Question

    • The Hubble constant is a special number that tells us how quickly the universe is expanding.
    • This number was first talked about by a scientist named Edwin Hubble in 1929.
    • But scientists today are still not sure about its value.

    Two Important Things to Measure

    To know the Hubble constant, we need to measure two things carefully:

    1. How far away things in space are from us.
    2. How fast these things are moving away from us because of the universe’s expansion.

    Old Ways vs. New Idea

    Until now, scientists used a few methods to measure the Hubble constant:

    • Looking at bright explosions in space called supernovae.
    • Using special light from the early universe.
    • Studying waves created by big crashes in space.

    But now, a fresh idea has been propounded by Indian researchers:

    • To measure using a thing called “gravitational lensing.”

    Gravitational Lensing: A New Approach

    • Gravitational lensing is like bending light using gravity. Imagine it like a magnifying glass in space.
    • This idea came from a long time ago but got better recently.
    • Scientists think they can use this lensing trick to measure the Hubble constant.
    • They want to look at waves from space collisions that get bent by gravity.
    • These bent waves could tell us about how fast the universe is expanding.

    The Big Idea: A Bridge between Time

    • This new idea is cool because it connects different times in the universe’s history.
    • It could give us a good answer about the Hubble constant.

    Challenges

    • While this idea is exciting, there are some challenges to solve:
      1. Making sure the signals are clear enough to measure.
      2. Using the new method to answer other questions too.
    • If this new way works, it could help us learn about things like dark matter and other universe stuff.

  • Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (2023-37)

    maritime

    Central Idea

    • The Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan (MIPP) 2023-37 was unveiled at the Naval Commanders Conference.
    • It signifies a forward-looking strategy aimed at fostering sustainable maritime architecture.

    About MIPP

    • Aligned with the overarching vision of the PM Gati Shakti project, this comprehensive plan was introduced by the Minister of State for Defence.
    • The plan’s objectives span over the next 15 years and strive to synergize the Navy’s infrastructure requirements in a dynamic and encompassing model.

    Features of the MIPP

    1. Synchronizing Infrastructure Needs:
    • The MIPP 2023-37 envisions an integrated approach to address the Navy’s infrastructure requirements.
    • It aims to harmonize naval infrastructure development over the next 15 years through a meticulously designed perspective plan.
    1. Compliance with Broader Policies:
    • The plan adheres to the broader policy directives of the PM Gati Shakti Project, Disaster Resilience, and Transition to Net Zero, among others.
    • Sustainability and compliance with national policy priorities are key principles underpinning the plan’s formulation.
    1. Modernization Efforts:
    • To accommodate technological advancements and promote self-reliance, the revised “IRS Rules and Regulations Handbook for Construction and Classification of Naval Combatants” was introduced.
    • This handbook reflects the naval shipbuilding industry’s growth and aligns with the philosophy of ‘AatmaNirbharta’ (self-reliance).
    1. Transformational Initiatives:
    • The release of the “Family Logbook for Defence Civilian Personnel of the Indian Navy” serves as a milestone in maintaining personal records efficiently.
    • The launch of the “Electronic Service Document Project” is poised to revolutionize HR record-keeping within the Navy.

    Facts/Terms for UPSC Prelims

    • PM Gati Shakti Project: A government initiative aimed at enhancing infrastructure connectivity and development across various sectors, contributing to economic growth and national development.
    • Indian Register for Shipping (IRS): An organization responsible for ship classification and certification in India, ensuring that ships comply with international standards for safety and environmental performance.
    • Blue Economy: Economic activities related to oceans and water bodies, including fisheries, aquaculture, tourism, and shipping, which contribute significantly to a nation’s economy.
    • Geoeconomics: The study of how economic factors and policies influence international relations and geopolitics.
    • Geopolitics: The study of political and territorial issues influenced by geographical factors and international power dynamics.

    Conclusion

    • The Maritime Infrastructure Perspective Plan 2023-37 stands as a blueprint for India’s maritime progress, exemplifying the commitment to self-reliance, sustainability, and modernization.
    • With a focus on comprehensive development and adherence to national policies, the plan charts a course towards a stronger, more resilient naval infrastructure.
    • It aligns with the evolving security landscape and the broader objectives of the nation.

  • From Meluha to India: The Journey of Names

    india bharat meluha

    Central Idea

    • India, with its rich heritage, has borne various names throughout its history, each encapsulating a distinct facet of its identity.
    • The process of naming this diverse land has sparked debates, controversies, and reflections on its collective consciousness.

    Historical Evolution of Names

    1. Meluha (Third Millennium BCE):
    • The ancient Mesopotamian texts referenced ‘Meluha’ to denote the Indus Valley Civilization, highlighting India’s antiquity and interactions with ancient civilizations.
    • ‘Meluha’ is believed to have been used to describe the Indus Valley Civilization in texts from the third millennium BCE.
    1. Bharata (Ancient Times to Modern Era):
    • Rooted in Puranic literature and the Mahabharata, ‘Bharata’ resonates with religious and socio-cultural connotations.
    • Associated with a supraregional and subcontinental territory where Brahmanical society prevailed.
    • Evident during the freedom struggle through slogans like ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’.
    • ‘Bharata’ was derived from the mythological founders of the race, and its popularity during modern times is also due to its usage during the freedom movement.
    1. Aryavarta, Jambudvipa, Nabhivarsa (Ancient Vedic Period):
    • ‘Aryavarta’ referred to the land between the Himalayas and Vindhya ranges, where the Indo-Aryans resided.
    • ‘Jambudvipa’ and ‘Nabhivarsa’ were also used in Vedic texts and Jain literature to signify the subcontinent, emphasizing different cultural contexts.
    1. Hindustan (7th Century BCE):
    • Originated during Persian occupation, ‘Hindustan’ referred to the lower Indus basin.
    • ‘Hind’ in Persian meant ‘Sindhu’ (Indus river), leading to its application to the region beyond Indus.
    • The Persian suffix ‘stan’ (land) was added to form ‘Hindustan’.
    1. India (Ancient to Colonial Era):
    • The Greeks transliterated ‘Hind’ as ‘Indus’, establishing ‘India’ as a name for the region.
    • Colonial usage solidified ‘India’ as a political and geographical term, signifying the subcontinent under British rule.
    • ‘India’ was adopted due to its Graeco-Roman associations, history of use in Europe, and bureaucratic usage such as the Survey of India.

    Constitutional Deliberations (1947-1949)

    • The Constituent Assembly engaged in heated debates over the nation’s official name.
    • Jawaharlal Nehru noted the significance of ‘Hindustan’, ‘Bharat’, and ‘India’.
    • Nehru’s book “The Discovery of India” captured the coexistence of these names in the collective consciousness.
    • The Constitution retained ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’, reflecting diverse visions of the nation.
    • The first Article of the Constitution reads, “India, that is Bharat, shall be a Union of states.”

    Fact for Prelims

    • In the ancient Indian text, Vishnu Purana, the name ‘Bharat’ finds mention as the landmass that lies north of the ocean and south of snow mountains. It states:

    Uttaraṃ yatsamudrasya himādreścaiva dakṣiṇam

    varṣaṃ tadbhārataṃ nāma bhāratī yatra santatiḥ

    • This shloka means: “The country (Varsam) that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bharatam; there live the descendants of Bharata.

     

    Contemporary Reflections

    1. Identity and Pride (2023):
    • Recent developments suggest a potential change in India’s official name to ‘Republic of Bharat’.
    • Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma hinted at the change, signaling a reset in India’s central identification.
    • Political leaders and citizens expressed opinions on the potential change, invoking sentiments of national pride.
    1. Symbolism and Debate:
    • The change of name is interpreted as a move to reflect India’s ancient identity and cultural heritage.
    • Congress leader Jairam Ramesh discussed the implications of the change on national identity and opposition alliances.
    • Shashi Tharoor, a former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, highlighted the significance of both ‘India’ and ‘Bharat’.
    1. Constitutional and Historical Context:
    • Article 1 of the Indian Constitution declares ‘India, that is Bharat’ as a ‘Union of States’.
    • Some leaders emphasized the importance of preserving the brand value associated with the name ‘India’.
    • The historical roots of ‘Bharat’ as described in ancient texts and its constitutional adoption were highlighted.
    1. ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ Coexistence:
    • Both ‘Bharat’ and ‘India’ have been used interchangeably, signifying the country’s diverse identity.
    • The official names ‘Bharat Ganarajya’ (in Hindi) and ‘Republic of India’ (in English) are present on Indian passports.
    • The names reflect the continuity of historical legacy and modern nation-building.

    Conclusion

    • The journey of India’s names mirrors its complex identity, blending history, culture, and politics.
    • As India continues to evolve, its names continue to encapsulate its essence, fostering a deep connection with its past and an ever-evolving future.
    • Each name is a testament to India’s rich tapestry of history, culture, and collective consciousness.

  • UPI QR Code-Central Bank Digital Currency interoperability: How does it work and how do customers benefit?

    interoperability

    What’s the news?

    • The fusion of UPI and CBDC is an essential component of the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) ongoing pilot project aimed at propelling the retail digital rupee.

    Central idea

    • Banks are boosting digital rupee (e₹-R) adoption by integrating UPI QR codes with CBDC or e₹ apps. Users can now scan any UPI QR code for transactions, while merchants can accept digital rupee payments using their existing UPI QR codes.

    Definition- Interoperability

    • Interoperability, as defined by the RBI, is the technical compatibility that enables a payment system to operate harmoniously with other payment systems.
    • This fosters the seamless execution, clearance, and settlement of payment transactions across diverse systems.
    • The synergy between payment systems contributes to fostering adoption, coexistence, innovation, and efficiency for end-users.

    Understanding QR Codes

    • A Quick Response (QR) code is a pattern of black squares arranged in a grid on a white background, interpretable by imaging devices like cameras. It carries information about the attached item.
    • This versatile tool provides an alternative contactless payment channel, allowing merchants to directly receive payments into their bank accounts.

    What is a Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC)?

    • CBDC is a legal tender issued by the central bank in digital form. Like rupee notes or coins, which are in physical form.
    • Simply put, it’s just like rupee (₹) notes but in digital form (e₹). You can also exchange e₹ for physical currency notes.
    • However, unlike fiat currency that’s usually stored in banks and hence their liability, CBDC is a liability on the RBI’s balance sheet. That’s why you don’t necessarily need to have a bank account to own a digital rupee.

    What is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI)?

    • UPI is India’s mobile-based fast payment system, which enables customers to make round-the-clock payments instantly using a virtual payment address (VPA) created by the customer.
    • It eliminates the risk of the remitter sharing bank account details with the remitter.
    • UPI supports both Person-to-Person (P2P) and Person-to-Merchant (P2M) payments, and it also enables a user to send or receive money.

    The interoperability between UPI and CBDC

    • The interoperability between UPI and CBDC introduces the concept of UPI QR code-CBDC interoperability. This entails the compatibility of all UPI QR codes with CBDC applications.
    • In the pilot phase of the retail digital rupee, e₹-R users had to scan a specific QR code for transactions. However, with UPI-CBDC interoperability, transactions can now be initiated using a single QR code.
    • The digital rupee, a tokenized digital variant of the rupee, is issued by the RBI as CBDC. The e₹ is stored within a digital wallet linked to a customer’s existing savings bank account, while the UPI directly connects to the customer’s account.

    Significance of Interoperability

    • Enhanced User Experience: Interoperability simplifies the payment process, allowing users to seamlessly make transactions using any UPI QR code. This eliminates the inconvenience of switching between multiple payment apps or systems, enhancing user satisfaction.
    • Accelerated Adoption of the Digital Rupee: Leveraging the popularity of UPI, interoperability promotes the adoption of the retail digital rupee. This aligns with the government’s objectives to drive digital currency usage and reduce reliance on physical cash.
    • Merchant-Friendly: Merchants benefit from this interoperability as it eliminates the need for them to manage a separate QR code for digital rupee payments. This lowers the entry barrier for merchants to accept digital currency, making it more accessible to a wider range of businesses.
    • Expanding Financial Inclusion: Interoperability has the potential to extend financial inclusion efforts, particularly in underserved regions. Users and merchants with limited exposure to digital payments can now participate more easily in the digital economy.
    • Efficiency and Cost Savings: For both users and merchants, interoperability reduces the operational costs associated with maintaining multiple payment platforms. It simplifies accounting and transaction management for businesses.

    How will it drive CBDC adoption?

    • Presently, UPI is a widely used payment method. The interoperability between UPI and CBDC is poised to accelerate the adoption of the digital rupee.
    • With over 70 mobile apps and 50 million merchants accepting UPI payments, the existing UPI ecosystem sets the stage for the retail digital rupee’s growth.
    • The RBI reported 1.3 million customers and 0.3 million merchants using e₹-R in July, with daily transactions ranging from 5,000 to 10,000.
    • Prominent banks, including State Bank of India, Bank of Baroda, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Yes Bank, Axis Bank, HDFC Bank, and IDFC First Bank, have introduced UPI interoperability on their digital rupee applications.

    interoperability

    Benefits for Users

    • Seamless Transactions: Users can effortlessly execute digital rupee transactions by scanning any UPI QR code, eliminating the need for multiple apps or QR codes for different transactions.
    • Wider Acceptance: Users are no longer restricted to specific QR codes; they can utilize their digital wallets linked to UPI for transactions at various merchants, increasing flexibility.
    • Financial Inclusion: Interoperability ensures that users, including those in remote areas, can easily access and use the digital rupee without specialized infrastructure or additional QR codes, promoting financial inclusion.
    • Reduced Transaction Costs: Users can avoid extra fees associated with using multiple payment platforms. Interoperability makes digital rupee transactions more cost-effective.
    • Streamlined Wallet Management: Users can consolidate their digital transactions within a single digital wallet, simplifying financial management.

    Benefits for Merchants

    • Ease of Adoption: Merchants can accept digital rupee payments without the complexity of creating and maintaining a separate QR code for CBDC, simplifying onboarding for businesses, including small retailers.
    • Expanded Customer Base: With interoperability, merchants can cater to a broader range of customers using digital rupees, regardless of whether customers possess a specific QR code.
    • Reduced Infrastructure Costs: Merchants save on expenses related to setting up and maintaining additional payment infrastructure, such as separate QR codes or payment terminals.
    • Efficient Settlement: The integration allows for efficient settlement of digital rupee payments, whether or not the merchant has a CBDC account. This ensures prompt and secure payment receipts for merchants.
    • Increased Sales: Simplified payment options often lead to smoother and quicker checkouts, potentially boosting customer satisfaction and increasing sales for merchants.

    Conclusion

    • The convergence of UPI and CBDC through interoperability marks a transformative phase in the realm of digital payments. With the fusion of two powerful platforms, the retail digital rupee is poised to gain widespread adoption, revolutionizing the landscape of digital transactions in India.

    Also read:

    India’s Central bank digital currency (CBDC) in detail

     

  • Progress track: Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

    Central Idea

    • The Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY) by the Central Government has outperformed its initial employment targets, proving its effectiveness in fostering job creation during the COVID-19 crisis.

    About Aatmanirbhar Bharat Rozgar Yojana (ABRY)

    Launch Introduced in November 2020
    Purpose As part of Atmanirbhar Bharat Package 3.0 to boost post-Covid-19 employment
    Government’s Contribution Subsidy for provident fund contributions in EPFO-registered organizations
    Coverage Up to 1000 employees: Both employee (12%) and employer (12%) contributions for two years

    Over 1000 employees: Employee (12%) contribution for two years
    Subsidy Disbursement Subsidy credited upfront to Aadhaar-linked EPFO accounts (UAN) of new employees
    Eligibility Criteria Establishments adding new employees compared to September 2020 reference base
    Target Beneficiaries Employees with monthly wages under Rs. 15,000 joining EPFO-registered establishments

    Individuals reemployed on or after October 1, 2020, who left jobs between March 1 and September 30, 2020

     Achievements and Numbers

    • The scheme, open for registrations until March 31, 2022, targeted around 7.18 million employees across India.
    • By July 31, 2023, ABRY had already exceeded its target, enrolling over 7.58 million new employees.
    • Benefiting 1,52,380 establishments with 60,44,155 new employees, the scheme disbursed benefits totaling Rs. 9,669.87 Crore.

  • Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) on DIKSHA Platform

    Central Idea

    • The National eGovernance Division (NeGD) plans to incorporate Personalised Adaptive Learning (PAL) into its existing Digital Infrastructure for Knowledge Sharing (DIKSHA) platform.
    • PAL offers individualized learning experiences based on students’ unique needs and abilities.

    DIKSHA 2.0 Portal

    • Diksha Portal was launched in 2017 to provide a digital platform to teachers giving them an opportunity to learn and train themselves and connect with the teacher community.
    • It serves as the National Digital Infrastructure for Teachers.
    • It aids teachers to learn and train themselves for which assessment resources will be available.
    • It houses digitized National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) textbooks, teaching videos, and practice questions.
    • It also has assistive technologies for learners with disabilities, but it’s a static content repository.

    Integration of PAL

    • NCERT seeks MeitY’s expertise in implementing PAL within DIKSHA.
    • PAL provides customized learning paths for each student based on their learning progress.
    • PAL can loop back students to basic concepts if they make mistakes, enhancing learning efficiency.

    Challenges and Implementations in States

    • PAL development involves categorizing and tagging content, potentially creating new material.
    • Chemistry, Mathematics, and Physics for Classes 9 to 12 are prioritized for PAL development.
    • Several states like Andhra Pradesh, Assam, and Haryana experimented with PAL, facing budget constraints.

  • HC allows Stem Cell Therapy for autistic kids

    stem cells

    Central Idea

    • The Delhi High Court granted permission for two children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) to undergo Stem Cell Therapy for their condition.
    • The court’s decision followed a challenge against the Ethics and Medical Registration Board’s (EMRB) recommendation against stem cell treatment for ASD.

    Understanding Stem Cells

    • Stem cells are the foundational cells that can differentiate into specialized cells with distinct functions.
    • Two main categories: pluripotent stem cells (can differentiate into various adult cells) and adult stem cells (tissue/organ-specific).
    • Pluripotent stem cells are found in embryos; reprogramming of adult cells leads to induced pluripotent stem cells.

    Stem Cells in Medicine

    • Stem cells’ regenerative properties make them valuable in regenerative medicine.
    • Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation treats conditions like leukaemia.
    • Challenges: Limited adult stem cells post-removal, focus on making them pluripotent.

    What is Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)?

    • ASD is a neurological and developmental disorder affecting communication, behaviour, and interactions.
    • Conventional therapies focus on symptom management, social skills training, behaviour analysis, and speech and occupational therapy.

    Potential of Stem Cell Therapy for ASD

    • Some experts suggest stem cells could enhance immune system regulation and neural connectivity in the brain.
    • Current clinical trials show mixed results; treatment is experimental, lacks sufficient data.
    • EMRB recommendations against stem cell therapy due to limited evidence, risks, side effects, and absence of established protocol.

    EMRB’s Concerns

    • EMRB’s recommendation stemmed from “predatory marketing” of stem cell therapy, giving false hope to parents about “curing” ASD.
    • The Delhi HC ruling doesn’t assess the general validity of stem cell therapy but permits ongoing treatment for specific cases.

    Conclusion

    • The court’s verdict allows continued stem cell therapy for ASD, acknowledging the ongoing uncertainty and potential of the treatment.
    • The decision underlines the need for further research and data to establish stem cell therapy’s efficacy and safety for treating autism.