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  • India, Russia sign working plan to handle emergencies

    Why in the News?

    India and Russia signed the working plan of the Joint Russian-Indian Commission on Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026.

    Background of the Cooperation:

    • The meeting held in Moscow aimed to strategize the execution of previous agreements between India and Russia, including:
      • The Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for cooperation in the field of Emergency Management was signed in December 2010.
      • The regulation was established in 2013 to create the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
    • The first meeting of this commission was held in New Delhi in 2016.

    About the Joint Commission on the Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management for 2025-2026

    • It is an initiative aimed at enhancing collaboration between India and Russia in the area of disaster management and emergency response.
    • The plan covers a two-year period from 2025 to 2026 and focuses on several key areas:
      • Use of Space Monitoring Technologies: To improve risk forecasting and emergency response capabilities.
      • Exchange of Experiences: On responding to large-scale disasters to enhance preparedness and response strategies.
      • Training of Specialists: In fire and rescue operations to build a robust capacity for emergency management.
    • The next meeting is scheduled to be held in India in 2026 to facilitate cooperation and strategic planning in emergency management.

    About the Indo-Russian Joint Commission for Cooperation 

    • Established in 2013, it seeks to formalize and enhance cooperation between India and Russia in the prevention and elimination of emergency situations.
    • It was formed under the framework of the Inter-Governmental Agreement (IGA) for Cooperation in the Field of Emergency Management, signed in December 2010.
    • The commission serves as a platform for India and Russia to collaborate on various aspects of disaster management, including:
      • Prevention and Preparedness: Developing strategies and sharing expertise to prevent and prepare for potential disasters.
      • Response and Recovery: Coordinating efforts to respond to emergencies and support recovery efforts following disasters.
      • Capacity Building: Enhancing the skills and knowledge of personnel involved in emergency management through joint training programs and knowledge exchange.
    • It facilitates a structured approach to managing disasters by leveraging the strengths and resources of both countries.

  • Expansion of Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

    Why in the News?

    • The Union Cabinet has approved the expansion of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme.
      • It will now include financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs) to enhance their financial security and creditworthiness.

    About Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme:

    Details
    Launch  July 2020, Central Sector Scheme
    Nodal Ministry Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India
    Fund Allocation Rs. 1 lakh crore, with disbursements planned until 2025-26; interest subvention and credit guarantee assistance extended till 2032-33.
    Aim To mobilize medium to long-term debt financing for investment in viable projects relating to post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets, to enhance agricultural infrastructure in India.
    Key Features – Interest Subvention: 3% on loans up to Rs. 2 crore, with additional rate reductions for NABARD loans for PACS.
    – Credit Guarantees: Under the CGTMSE scheme for loans up to Rs. 2 crore.
    – Fund Usage: Supports up to 25 projects per beneficiary across different locations.
    Target Beneficiaries Farmers, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), entrepreneurs, startups, Self Help Groups, Agricultural Produce Market Committees, and federations.
    Management Managed through an online MIS platform with national, state, and district level monitoring committees for real-time monitoring and feedback.
    Lending Institutions Includes 24 commercial banks, 40 cooperative banks, and NABARD among others.
    Hassle-Free Process Supported by a user-friendly online portal to facilitate speedy loan sanctions.

     

    Key changes introduced: 

    Description
    Support for FPOs Includes financial support for Farmers’ Producers Organizations (FPOs) to improve financial security and creditworthiness.
    Broader Eligible Projects Expand the scope to cover more types of agricultural infrastructure projects.
    Community Farming Assets Allows the creation of community farming assets to enhance productivity and sustainability.
    Integrated Processing Projects Adds integrated primary and secondary processing projects as eligible activities; standalone secondary projects remain under MoFPI schemes.
    Alignment with PM-KUSUM Converges AIF with PM-KUSUM Component-A for joint development of agricultural infrastructure and clean energy solutions.
    Extended Credit Guarantee Extends credit guarantee coverage to FPOs through NABSanrakshan, in addition to CGTMSE, to boost investment confidence.

     

    PYQ:

    [2015] With reference to ‘National Investment and Infrastructure Fund’, which of the following statements is/are correct?

    1. It is an organ of NITI Aayog.

    2. It has a corpus of 4,00,000 crore at present.

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 only

    (c) Both 1 and 2

    (d) Neither 1 nor 2

  •  An either-or approach won’t help quell food inflation 

    Why in the News?

    The recently released Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) data reveals that food inflation, particularly from pulses, vegetables, and cereals, is rising faster than the overall CPI inflation.

    • The Consumer Price Index-Combined (CPI-C) is the index used to calculate headline inflation in India. It is calculated and published monthly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

    Key Highlights of the CPI-C Data:

    • On Current Inflation Rates: The general CPI inflation stands at 3.54%, while food inflation is notably higher at 5.06%, driven by increases in prices of pulses, vegetables, and cereals.
    • On Inflation Dynamics in the Past: Over the past decade, food inflation has contributed to the overall volatility of prices. In 52 of the 124 months analyzed, food inflation exceeded the general CPI rate, indicating a significant and fluctuating impact on overall inflation.
    • Expectations by the report: The RBI has highlighted that food inflation significantly influences inflationary expectations, which remain unanchored, often exceeding actual inflation rates.

    (*Note: These data don’t include income taxes or investment items like stocks, bonds, and life insurance.)

    Recently impact of good Monsoon on Food Production and Inflation: 

    • Increased Sowing Due to Robust Monsoon: India has reported a significant increase in the sowing of paddy and pulses, with paddy sowing up by 16% to 39 million hectares and pulses by 7% to 12 million hectares as of August 23, 2024, driven by a strong monsoon.
    • Potential Impact on Food Inflation: Despite concerns over rising food inflation, the expanded cultivation area for staple crops like rice and pulses could positively impact the agriculture sector and support government efforts to enhance farm productivity.

    Present Situation of Inflation in the Agri-Food Sector

    • Volatility in Food Prices: Food inflation has been volatile, with instances of both high and low inflation. For example, food inflation was above 6% in 52 out of 124 months, while it was below 2% in 20 months, including periods of negative inflation.
    • Supply-Side Factors: The disparities between food and retail inflation can be attributed to supply-side issues such as monsoon variability, crop failures, and government policies like minimum support prices (MSPs). Excess demand for specific food categories, such as oils and fats, has also contributed to higher inflation.
    • Regional Disparities: Rural CPI inflation is higher (5.43%) compared to urban CPI (4.11%), reflecting the impact of agricultural conditions and market dynamics on rural households.

    How Can the Gap Between Farmer and Consumer Be Reduced?

    • Market-Driven Pricing: The government should reconsider its intervention in agricultural markets through MSPs, allowing market forces to determine food prices. This could help reduce production distortions and improve price signals for farmers.
    • Enhancing Agricultural Productivity: Government expenditure should focus on increasing agricultural productivity through better technology and irrigation practices, which can lead to more stable food supplies and prices.
    • Reducing Middlemen: Implementing measures to eliminate middlemen in the supply chain can help narrow the gap between what farmers receive and what consumers pay.
    • Infrastructure Development: Improving infrastructure for storage and transportation can help reduce food wastage and ensure that food products reach consumers efficiently, further stabilizing prices.

    Conclusion: Need to encourage the adoption of advanced agricultural technologies and sustainable farming practices to boost productivity and reduce the impact of supply-side disruptions, ensuring more consistent food supplies and stable prices.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q Do you agree with the view that steady GDP growth and low inflation have left the Indian economy in good shape? Give reasons in support of your arguments.  (UPSC IAS/2017)

  •  Advancing equity, from COVID-19 to Mpox  

    Why in the News?

    The recent declaration of Mpox (formerly monkeypox) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) by the WHO highlights several critical lessons learned from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    Major Learnings from the COVID-19 Pandemic

    • Vaccine Manufacturing Capabilities: The COVID-19 pandemic exposed significant gaps in vaccine manufacturing capabilities, particularly in the Global South. This inadequacy was exacerbated by limited technology transfers and a lack of know-how to produce vaccines developed in high-income countries.
      • The current response to the Mpox outbreak reflects similar challenges, emphasizing the need for robust local manufacturing capabilities to ensure equitable access to vaccines.
    • Global Cooperation: The pandemic underscored the necessity of international collaboration in health emergencies. The WHO’s declaration of Mpox as a PHEIC aims to foster this cooperation, encouraging countries and organizations to share information and resources to combat the outbreak.
    • Equity in Health Responses: The recent amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR) include equity as a core principle, which is crucial for ensuring that all countries, particularly those in lower-middle-income regions, have access to essential medical products during emergencies.

    Recent Initiatives by India’s Drug Regulatory Agency:

    • On August 7, 2024, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) decided that drugs already approved in developed countries like the U.S. and those in the EU can be used during pandemics in India without needing to go through clinical trials here.
    • This regulatory change is expected to expedite the availability of critical vaccines like MVA-BN (Jynneos) in India, facilitating faster access to vaccines necessary to combat the Mpox outbreak.

    What could be the more improved solution for it?

    • Scaling Up Production: The demand for pox vaccines is anticipated to surge, with estimates by AfricaCDC, suggesting that 10 million doses are needed to control the outbreak. However, only 0.21 million doses are currently available.
      • Indian manufacturers, such as the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech, have the potential to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine using established processes and supply chains.
    • Comprehensive Technology Transfer: Effective technology transfer involves sharing not only the vaccine but also the necessary biological resources, manufacturing know-how, and patents. This is essential to enable lower-middle-income countries to produce vaccines independently, reducing reliance on high-income countries.
    • Collaborative Negotiations: The Indian government, in collaboration with international organizations like WHO and Gavi, should negotiate with Bavarian Nordic for technology transfer to technology transfer for developing the vaccine.

    Way forward: 

    • Strengthen Local Manufacturing: Encourage Indian manufacturers like the Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech to rapidly scale up production of the MVA-BN vaccine, ensuring timely and sufficient supply to meet both domestic and global demand during the mpox outbreak.
    • Facilitate Technology Transfer: The Indian government should lead collaborative efforts with international organizations to secure comprehensive technology transfers, enabling domestic production of vaccines and reducing dependency on high-income countries.

    Mains PYQ:

    Q COVID-19 pandemic has caused unprecedented devastation worldwide. However, technological advancements are being availed readily to win over the crisis. Give an account of how technology was sought to aid the management of the pandemic.  (UPSC IAS/2016)

  • Chile’s Atacama Salt Flat sinking due to Lithium Mining

    Why in the News?

    • A recent study published in journal IEEE Transactions on Geoscience and Remote Sensing has found that Chile’s Atacama salt flat (Salar de Atacama) is sinking at a rate of 1 to 2 centimetres per year due to lithium brine extraction.
      • Lithium brine extraction involves pumping salt-rich water to the surface and letting it evaporate in ponds to collect lithium.

    About Salar de Atacama  

    • The Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources worldwide.
    • Argentina boasts more than half of the world’s total lithium resources.
    • It holds the distinction of having the 2nd-largest lithium resources, the 3rd-largest lithium reserves, and the 4th-largest lithium production in the world.
    • It is a part of the Lithium Triangle comprising of Uyuni (Bolivia) and Hombre Muerto (Argentina).

    Key Findings of the Study:

    • Researchers analyzed satellite data from 2020 to 2023 to observe deformations in the Earth’s crust in the salt flat.
    • The area experiencing subsidence measures approximately 8 km north to south and 5 km east to west.
    • The study indicates that subsidence occurs because the rate of lithium brine pumping is faster than the recharge rate of aquifers, leading to the ground sinking.

    What is Lithium?

    • Lithium is an alkali metal, often referred to as ‘white gold’ due to its value and color.
    • It is a soft, silvery-white metal, and notably, it is the lightest metal on the periodic table.
    • It is typically found in various minerals like spodumene, petalite, and lepidolite, from which it is extracted and refined.
    • The leading producers of lithium are Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina.

    Effects of Lithium Mining on Environment:

    • Water Use: Lithium mining, especially from salt flats and brine pools, requires substantial water usage, which can deplete local water resources in arid areas.
    • Ecological Disruption: The extraction process can alter the chemical balance of the natural environment, affecting local flora and fauna.
    • Pollution: Mining and processing lithium can release harmful chemicals into the environment, impacting air and water quality.

    PYQ:

    [2008] Which one of the following pairs of metals constitutes the lightest metal and the heaviest metal, respectively?

    (a) Lithium and mercury

    (b) Lithium and osmium

    (c) Aluminium and osmium

    (d) Aluminium and mercury

  • MUDRA 2.0 Loans

    Why in the News?

    The Union Budget 2024 has sought to increase the loan limit under the MUDRA scheme signifying the potential launch of MUDRA 2.0.

    What is MUDRA 1.0?

    Details
    Launch
    • Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY)
    • Launched in 2015.
    Purpose To extend affordable credit to micro and small enterprises, bringing them into the formal financial system and funding the unfunded.
    Loan Providers Public Sector Banks (PSU Banks), Regional Rural Banks, Cooperative Banks, Private Sector Banks, Foreign Banks, Micro Finance Institutions (MFI), and Non-Banking Finance Companies (NBFC).
    Eligibility Indian citizens with a business plan for non-farm sector income-generating activities in manufacturing, processing, trading, or services, requiring less than ₹10 lakh.
    Types of Loans • Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000.
    • Kishor: Loans above ₹50,000 and up to ₹5 lakh.
    • Tarun: Loans above ₹5 lakh and up to ₹10 lakh.
    Subsidy
    • No direct subsidy;
    • Loans linked to Government schemes providing capital subsidies are eligible under PMMY.

    Achievements of MUDRA 1.0

    • Financial Inclusion: Disbursed over Rs 27.75 lakh crore to 47 crore small entrepreneurs, improving access to formal credit.
    • Support for Marginalized Groups: 69% of loans went to women, and 51% to SC/ST and OBC entrepreneurs, enhancing social equity and gender equality.
    • Job Creation: Helped create jobs and encouraged self-employment, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
    • Reduction in NPAs: Reduced non-performing assets (NPAs) from 3.61% in FY21 to 2.1% in FY24, showing better loan management.

    Challenges Faced by MUDRA 1.0

    • Unequal Loan Distribution: In 2021-22, the top 10 districts received Rs 26,000 crore, about the same as the bottom 318 districts, showing uneven credit distribution.
    • High NPAs in Early Categories: The Shishu (loans up to Rs 50,000) and Kishore (loans between Rs 50,001 and Rs 5 lakh) categories had NPAs above 4% from FY20 to FY22 due to a lack of business skills among early-stage entrepreneurs.
    • Low Financial Literacy: Only 27% of the population is financially literate, leading to poor loan management and higher defaults.
    • Monitoring and Credit Appraisal Issues: Increased lending led to challenges in maintaining quality credit appraisal processes and monitoring, resulting in some misuse of funds.

    What is MUDRA 2.0?

    • MUDRA 2.0 is the proposed next phase of the scheme, aiming to expand and enhance support for micro-entrepreneurs, especially in underserved regions.
    • Features of MUDRA 2.0:
      • Expanded Outreach: Establish new centers in rural and semi-urban areas to provide financial literacy, mentorship, and business support.
      • Enhanced Financial Literacy: Launch nationwide programs covering budgeting, savings, credit management, and digital literacy to help entrepreneurs manage their finances better.
      • Improved Credit Support: Introduce the Enhanced Credit Guarantee Scheme (ECGS) to reduce risks for banks and encourage more lending to small enterprises.
      • Stronger Monitoring: Implement a robust monitoring framework using data analytics to track loan disbursements, usage, and repayments in real-time, ensuring transparency and reducing misuse.

    PYQ:

    [2016] Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana is aimed at:

    (a) Bringing the small entrepreneurs into formal financial system.

    (b) Providing loans to poor farmers for cultivating particular crops.

    (c) Providing pension to old and destitute persons.

    (d) Funding the voluntary organizations involved in the promotion of skill development and employment generation.

  • What was the Great Moon Hoax of 1835?

    Why in the News?

    The Great Moon Hoax of 1835 is a series of fabricated news reports published by The New York Sun, an American newspaper, claiming that life had been discovered on the moon.

    What is the Great Moon Hoax of 1835?

    • The Great Moon Hoax was a series of newspaper articles falsely claiming that John Herschel, an astronomer, had discovered life on the moon.
    • The hoax was created and published by The New York Sun, a daily newspaper in New York City, starting on August 25, 1835.
    • It described various fantastical creatures, such as bat-winged humanoids (called Vespertilio-homo), unicorns, and upright beavers, along with detailed landscapes and other features of the moon.
    • These reports were entirely fictional and intended as satire.
    • However, they were widely believed by the public and reprinted in other newspapers.

    Why the Hoax was conceived?

    • To Mock Religious Influence on Science: It aimed to satirize the blend of religious beliefs with scientific claims, especially in astronomy.
    • Boost Readership: The hoax was a tactic to increase The New York Sun’s circulation from 8,000 copies a day.
    • Challenge Public Credulity: It highlighted how easily the public could be deceived by sensational stories without verifying their accuracy.

  • Simple Medical Tools of an OPD Visit

    Why in the News?

    • These medical tools—thermometers, stethoscopes, weighing scales, and sphygmomanometers—are essential for diagnosing and monitoring basic health parameters.
      • Each tool has its own function and specific way of operation, which helps healthcare professionals make informed decisions about patient care.

    Here is the list of tools used in a Doctor’s Diagnosis:

    Function Description and Working Principle
    Thermometer Measures body temperature.
    • Mercury Thermometer: Features a mercury-filled bulb and a glass capillary with numerical markings. Temperature changes cause the mercury to expand or contract, moving through the capillary to indicate temperature.
    • Digital Thermometer: Utilizes sensors like infrared or thermistors to detect temperature changes, which are then converted into digital readings.
    Stethoscope Listens to internal body sounds.
    • Acoustic Stethoscope: Comprises a diaphragm for high-frequency sounds and a bell for low-frequency sounds, connected by a tube to earpieces.
    • Electronic Stethoscope (Stethophone): Amplifies body sounds electronically and may include recording capabilities and additional diagnostics such as electrocardiograms. These devices transmit sound data to smartphones or other devices.
    Weighing Scale Measures body weight.
    • Spring Scale: Uses a spring under a plate; weight is measured by the degree of spring compression or extension. Requires calibration to account for local gravity variations.
    • Electronic Scale: Converts the mechanical force of weight into electrical signals using load cells or strain gauges, displayed as weight readings on a digital screen.
    Sphygmomanometer Measures blood pressure.
    • Manual Sphygmomanometer: Includes an inflatable cuff, linked to a mercury or aneroid manometer. Uses a stethoscope to detect blood flow sounds (Korotkov sounds) for determining systolic and diastolic pressures.
    • Electronic Sphygmomanometer: Uses oscillometric technology to sense pressure oscillations caused by arterial blood flow, automating blood pressure measurement. Easier for home use but may have accuracy issues in patients with certain cardiovascular conditions.

     

    PYQ:

    [2019] In the context of wearable technology, which of the following tasks is/are accomplished by wearable devices?

    1. Location identification of a person
    2. Sleep monitoring of a person
    3. Assisting the hearing-impaired person

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

    (a) 1 only

    (b) 2 and 3 only

    (c) 3 only

    (d) 1, 2 and 3

  • Tackling the frictions in cross-border payments  

    Why in the News?

    Despite being worth $181.9 trillion in 2022, cross-border payments still have inefficiencies prompting the G-20 to focus on improving them for economic growth.

    Present Status of the Global Cross-Border Payments Market

    • The cross-border payments market was valued at approximately $181.9 trillion in 2022 and is projected to reach $356.5 trillion by 2032, reflecting a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.3% from 2023 to 2032.
    • The growth is driven by increasing globalization, the rise of e-commerce, and technological innovations in the financial sector. The demand for faster, more secure, and transparent payment solutions is compelling banks and fintech companies to enhance their offerings.
    • The market includes various channels such as bank transfers, money transfer operators, and card payments, with a significant share coming from business-to-business (B2B) transactions.

    Difference Between Old and New Systems

     

    Cross-Border Payment 

    		 Features Challenges
    Old System Cross-border payments relied on manual processes involving letters of credit, checks, and extensive documentation. It faced challenges such as high transaction costs, slow processing times, and limited access due to regulatory burdens.
    New System Incorporates technological advancements such as blockchain, digital wallets, and instant payment systems.

    Example:  peer-to-peer transactions and interlinked payment infrastructures

    		 challenges around scalability, security, regulation and standardization.

    Challenges to Cross-Border Payments

    • High Costs: Transaction fees remain a significant barrier, with various financial institutions imposing different charges that complicate cost-effectiveness.
    • Low Speed: Processing times can vary greatly, often taking several days due to intermediary banks and regulatory checks, which can frustrate users seeking rapid transactions.
    • Limited Access: Many individuals and businesses still face obstacles in accessing cross-border payment services, particularly in underbanked regions.
    • Insufficient Transparency: Users often lack clarity regarding fees, processing times, and the overall transaction process, leading to mistrust and reluctance to engage in cross-border transactions.
    • Regulatory Compliance: Navigating diverse legal frameworks across jurisdictions complicates transactions, with anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorist financing (CFT) regulations adding layers of complexity.

    Way forward: 

    • Adoption of Emerging Technologies: Leveraging blockchain, digital currencies, and AI can streamline processes, reduce transaction costs, and enhance transparency, making cross-border payments faster and more accessible.
    • Regulatory Harmonization and Collaboration: Promoting global regulatory alignment and fostering collaboration between financial institutions and governments can simplify compliance, improve transaction efficiency, and broaden access to underbanked regions.

  • What is Sonoluminescence? 

    Why in the News?

    Recent studies have provided deeper insights into the mechanics of Sonoluminescence, particularly the conditions under which light is emitted from collapsing bubbles in liquids.

    What is Sonoluminescence?

    • Sonoluminescence is a phenomenon in which small gas bubbles in a liquid emit short bursts of light when exposed to intense sound waves.
    • The light is produced when the bubble undergoes rapid compression and expansion.
    • This is due to the alternating high- and low-pressure phases of the sound waves, causing the gas inside to heat up and emit light.
    • This phenomenon was discovered in 1934 by two German engineers while they were studying sonar technology, which uses sound waves to detect objects underwater.
    • They noticed that when a tiny bubble in a liquid was hit by strong sound waves, it emitted a brief flash of light.

    Mystery behind Sonoluminescence

    • Although the general mechanism is understood, the exact details of how the light is produced remain a mystery. 
    • Scientists are still exploring the precise processes that cause the gases inside the bubble to ionize and emit light at such high temperatures.

    Examples of Sonoluminescence

    • Controlled Experiments: In laboratory settings, scientists create sonoluminescence by trapping a bubble in a liquid and subjecting it to high-frequency sound waves.
    • Pistol Shrimp: When the shrimp (marine creature with a specialized claw) snaps its claw shut, it shoots out a jet of water that moves so fast it creates a low-pressure bubble. The bubble then collapses, producing a loud sound, intense heat, and sometimes a brief flash of light.