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  • Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024: Key Highlights

    In the news-

    • The Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were recently published in the Gazette of India, making crucial changes in the Indian patent regime.

    Context:

     

    2023 emerged as a landmark year for intellectual property rights (IPR) in India, reflecting the nation’s commitment to innovation and creativity.

     

    • 1 Lakh Patents filed: The Indian Patent Office has achieved a significant milestone this year by granting over 1 lakh patents in a year for the first time.
    • Sector-wise Breakdown: The highest number of patents, 47,993, were granted in the electrical and related field of invention, followed by mechanical (37,714), chemical sciences (12,028) and Biotech (3,576) categories.

    Key Amendments Introduced:

    • Revised Timeline for Request for Examination: The period for submitting a Request for Examination (RFE) in a patent application has been shortened from 48 months to 31 months from the earliest priority date.
    • Streamlined Applications: Patent applicants now need to furnish details of corresponding applications solely twice using Form 3.
    • Introduction of ‘Certificate of Inventorship’: This new provision acknowledges the contributions of inventors to patented innovations.
    • Reduction in Advance Renewal Fees: A discount of 10% on renewal fees is offered if paid electronically in advance for a minimum of four years.
    • Decreased Frequency of Patent Working Statements: The requirement to file statements of working patents has been reduced from annually to once every three financial years.
    • Enhanced Authority of Controller: The Controller is now empowered to extend specified periods and excuse delays for up to six months.
    • Amendments to Opposition Procedures: Adjustments have been made to the time frames for submitting recommendations by an Opposition Board and the response period for applicants in both pre-grant and post-grant opposition procedures.

    What are Patents?

    • A patent is a legal right granted by a government to an inventor or assignee, giving them exclusive rights to an invention for a limited period.
    • It provides the inventor with the right to exclude others from making, using, selling, or importing the patented invention without their permission.
    • In essence, a patent acts as a form of intellectual property protection for inventions, allowing inventors to control and commercialize their creations.
    • Patents are territorial rights. In general, the exclusive rights are only applicable in the country or region in which a patent has been filed and granted.

    Indian Patent Regime: A Backgrounder

    • Indian patents are governed by the Indian Patent Act of 1970.
    • India has gradually aligned itself with international regimes pertaining to intellectual property rights.
    • In 1995, India became a party to the Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement following its membership to the World Trade Organisation on January 1, 1995.
    • An interesting point is that the original Indian Patents Act did NOT grant patent protection to pharmaceutical products to ensure that medicines were available at a low price.
    • Patent protection of pharmaceuticals were re-introduced after the 2005 amendment to comply with TRIPS.

    Filing a Patent: Key Terms

    • Patentable Subject Matter: Under the Indian Patents Act, inventions related to products, processes, methods, and applications in all fields of technology are patentable, provided they are novel, involve an inventive step, and are capable of industrial application.
    • Patent Office: The Indian Patent Office, under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), administers the patent system in India. It operates through four branches located in Kolkata, Mumbai, Delhi, and Chennai, with the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks overseeing patent-related matters.
    • 20-Year Validity: Patent protection is granted for a limited period, generally 20 years from the filing date of the application.

    Various Agreements

    India is also a signatory to several IPR-related conventions, including-

    1. Berne Convention (1886) The Berne Convention for the Protection of Literary and Artistic Works, established in 1886, is an international treaty governing copyright.
    2. Budapest Treaty (1977): It aims to facilitate the international recognition of patents relating to microorganisms by providing a centralized deposit system for the storage and distribution of biological materials.
    3. Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property (1883): It aims to harmonize and standardize the protection of industrial property, including patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and trade secrets, among its member countries.
    4. Patent Cooperation Treaty (1970): It is an international treaty administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) to simplify the process of filing patent applications in multiple countries by providing a unified procedure for filing an international patent application.

    Back2Basics:

    Patents Copyright Trade Secrets
    Legal Basis Patents Act, 1970 Copyright Act, 1957 Common law, contracts
    Duration of Protection 20 years Author’s lifetime + 60 years Indefinite
    Nature of Protection Inventions, processes, methods Literary, artistic, musical works Confidential information
    Criteria for Protection Novelty, Inventiveness Originality, Fixation Confidentiality
    Registration Requirement Required Optional (automatic) None (advisable)
    Scope of Protection Technical aspects Expression of ideas Unauthorized use or disclosure
    Enforcement Mechanism Civil litigation Civil and criminal actions Civil litigation
    International Protection Patent protection can be sought internationally through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and other international agreements Copyright protection is recognized internationally through the Berne Convention and other treaties Protection of trade secrets can vary internationally and may depend on the laws and regulations of individual countries
    Examples Inventions, software Books, music, software Formulas, processes

     

    PYQ:

     

    2013: Bringing out the circumstances in 2005 which forced an amendment to section 3(d) in Indian Patent Law, 1970, discuss how it has been utilized by the Supreme Court in its judgement in rejecting Novartis’ patent application for ‘Glivec’. Discuss briefly the pros and cons of the decision. (200 words)

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

  • India pursues Lowering Cost of Cross Border Remittances at WTO

    What is the news-

    • India is strongly pursuing its proposal for lowering the cost of cross-border remittances, which it presented at the WTO’s 13th Ministerial Conference in Abu Dhabi last month.
    • It has now requested the WTO’s general council (GC) to initiate a work program to make recommendations for reducing remittance costs.

    Why discuss this?

     

    • In 2023, India witnessed the highest remittance inflows globally, amounting to USD 125 billion.
    • Lowering the costs of remittances would primarily benefit low and middle-income countries, which accounted for 78% of remittances flow in 2023, according to estimates.
    • India’s draft proposal at MC13 highlighted that the global average cost for sending remittances remained high at 6.18%, more than twice the SDG target.

     What is Cost of Remittances?

    • Remittances are financial transfers sent by migrant workers to their families or relatives in their home countries.
    • The cost of remittances refers to the expenses incurred by individuals or businesses when sending money from one location to another, typically across international borders.
    • The cost components of cross-border payments can include:
    1. Bank fees,
    2. Intermediary fees,
    3. Compliance fees,
    4. Operational costs, and
    5. FX (foreign exchange) rate margin
    • Innovative technologies like DeFi payment rails are emerging to reduce the total cost of payments for cross-border transactions.

    About World Trade Organization (WTO)

    Details
    Establishment 1995, replacing GATT
    Objective To regulate international trade
    Headquarters Geneva, Switzerland
    Members
    • 164
    • India is a Founding Member.
    Objectives
    • Formulate rules for trade
    • Negotiate further liberalization
    • Settle disputes
    • Assist developing countries
    • Cooperate with major economic institutions
    Principles
    • Non-Discrimination
    • Most Favored Nation
    • National Treatment
    • Reciprocity
    • Predictability through Binding Commitments
    • Transparency
    • Encourage Development and Reforms
    Important Trade Agreements
    • Agreement on Agriculture (AoA),
    • Agreement on TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights),
    • Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS),
    • Agreement on Technical Barriers to Trade (TBT),
    • Agreement on Trade-Related Investment Measures (TRIMS),
    • General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS) etc.
    WTO Agreement on Agriculture (AoA)
    • Negotiated during Uruguay Round (1995)
    • Aims to reform trade in agriculture
    • Allows support for rural economies with fewer trade “distortions”
    • Focuses on improving market access, reducing subsidies, and eliminating export subsidies

    Subsidies Types:

    1. Green Box – No distortion in trade
    2. Amber Box – Can distort production and trade (subject to limits)
    3. Blue Box – Subsidies linked to production-limiting programs
    Most Favoured Nation Clause
    • Ensures non-discriminatory trade
    • Prevents discrimination among trade partners
    • First clause in GATT
    • Special trade statuses extended to all WTO members

     

    PYQ:

    Q.The terms ‘Agreement on Agriculture’, ‘Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures’ and Peace Clause’ appear in the news frequently in the context of the affairs of the: (2015)

    1. Food and Agriculture Organization
    2. United Nations Framework Conference on Climate Change
    3. World Trade Organization
    4. United Nations Environment Programme

     

    Q.Which of the following constitute Capital Account? (2013)

    1. Foreign Loans
    2. Foreign Direct Investment
    3. Private Remittances
    4. Portfolio Investment

    Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

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

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements:

    1. India is the highest recipient of remittances globally.
    2. UAE is the largest source of remittances to India.
    3. The current cost of remittances meets the SDG target.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • NABARD to launch ₹1000-crore Blended Fund for Agri-Startups

    What is the news –

    • The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) is set to launch a ₹1,000-crore fund to bolster technology-driven agri-startups and rural enterprises.
    • NABARD has already established a ₹750-crore fund, which will be followed by another ₹1,000 crore, to support startups in this regard.

    What are Agri-Startups?

    • Agri-startups are entrepreneurial ventures focused on innovating and revolutionizing various aspects of agriculture and allied sectors.
    • These startups leverage technology, data, and modern farming practices to address challenges in the agricultural value chain and promote sustainable farming practices.
    • They offer a wide range of products and services aimed at improving productivity, efficiency, and profitability for farmers, as well as enhancing food quality and safety for consumers.

    Key areas of innovation in agri-startups include:

    1. Precision Agriculture: Utilizing data-driven technologies such as IoT, drones, and satellite imagery for precision farming, soil health monitoring, crop monitoring, and yield optimization.
    2. Agritech Solutions: Developing innovative technologies and tools for pest and disease management, water management, greenhouse farming, and hydroponics.
    3. Farm Management Software: Providing digital platforms and mobile applications for farm management, crop planning, inventory management, and market intelligence.
    4. Agri-Marketing Platforms: Connecting farmers directly with buyers, retailers, and consumers through online marketplaces, e-commerce platforms, and farm-to-fork initiatives.
    5. Supply Chain Management: Streamlining logistics, transportation, and warehousing operations to reduce post-harvest losses, improve market access, and ensure traceability and transparency in the supply chain.
    6. Food Processing: Developing value-added products, food processing technologies, and packaging solutions to enhance the shelf life, nutritional value, and marketability of agricultural produce.

     About NABARD

     

    • NABARD was established on July 12, 1982, by an Act of Parliament to promote sustainable rural development and agricultural growth in India.
    • It operates as a statutory body under the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Act, 1934, with its headquarters located in Mumbai, Maharashtra.
    • It was established on the recommendation of the Sivaraman Committee and has its headquarters in Mumbai.
    • Its primary mission is to facilitate credit flow for promotion and development of agriculture, small-scale industries, cottage and village industries, handicrafts, and other rural crafts.
    • It is governed by a Board of Directors appointed by the GoI, with (1) representatives from the RBI, (2) central and state governments, and (3) experts in various fields related to rural development and finance.

     

    Functions of NABARD:

     

    1. Refinance Support: NABARD provides refinance facilities to banks and financial institutions for agricultural and rural development activities, including crop loans and rural infrastructure projects.
    2. Direct Lending: It extends direct loans to institutions for specific rural development projects, such as agricultural production, rural infrastructure development, and agri-processing units.
    3. Research and Training: NABARD promotes research and development in agriculture, supports capacity building and training programs for rural stakeholders, and facilitates technology transfer initiatives.
    4. Scheme Implementation: The organization administers government schemes and funds like Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), Watershed Development Fund (WDF) to finance rural infrastructure projects and watershed development activities.
    5. Credit Planning: NABARD collaborates with central and state governments, RBI, and other stakeholders to formulate credit policies and plans for agriculture and rural sectors.
    6. Financial Inclusion: It promotes financial inclusion by expanding banking services in rural areas, supporting SHGs, FPOs, and MFIs, and facilitating access to credit for rural communities.
    7. Priority Sector Lending: NABARD plays a crucial role in channelling credit to priority sectors such as agriculture, small-scale industries, and rural infrastructure, in alignment with the Reserve Bank of India’s priority sector lending guidelines.

     

    About the Blended Fund for Agri-Startups

    • In the budget for FY23, plans for a blended capital fund were announced for ‘Sunrise Sectors’ to finance startups for agriculture and rural enterprises.
    • The fund aims to support startups facing challenges in scaling up their operations due to limited access to equity and debt instruments.
    • It also seeks to foster new linkages in the rural ecosystem, both forward and backwards.

    Other Schemes for Agri-Startups in India

     

    1. Agriculture Accelerator Fund (2023): It was announced by Finance Minister in the union budget for 2023-24, as a significant initiative designed to support agritech startups and young entrepreneurs hailing from rural areas.
    2. Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Program (2018-19): To increase farmers’ income, GOI started this Program under the umbrella of Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (2007). Startups receive financial assistance at different stages, with Rs. 5.00 lakh at the idea/pre-seed stage and Rs. 25 lakh at the seed stage.

     

    PYQ:

    Q.Priority Sector Lending by banks in India constitutes the lending to: (2012)

    1. Agriculture
    2. Micro and small enterprises
    3. Weaker sections
    4. All of the above

  • [pib] NIXI and MeitY to unveil BhashaNet Portal  

    What is the news-

    • The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) is proud to announce the launch of the BhashaNet portal for the upcoming Universal Acceptance (UA) Day.
    Universal Acceptance is the principle that all domain names and email addresses should be treated equally, regardless of the characters used in them.

     What is BhashaNet Portal?

    • The Bhasha-Net Portal is a digital platform launched by NIXI, aimed at promoting Universal Acceptance (UA).
    • The portal specifically focuses on ensuring that individuals, regardless of the language or script they use, can fully participate in the digital world.
    • The portal is designed to provide resources, tools, and information to support the integration of diverse languages and scripts into online platforms, websites, and applications.

    Objectives:

    1. To provide a truly multilingual internet, where local language website name and local language email id, work everywhere seamlessly.
    2. To foster digital inclusivity by addressing linguistic barriers and promoting the use of local languages and scripts in digital communication.

    About National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI)

     

    • Established on June 19, 2003, the NIXI is a not-for-profit organization under the auspices of MeitY.
    • NIXI is dedicated to enhancing internet penetration and adoption in India by facilitating essential infrastructure and services.
    • It plays a crucial role in enabling the internet ecosystem to be accessible and utilized by the masses, thereby promoting digital empowerment and inclusion nationwide.

    Four key services include-

    1.    Setting up Internet Exchange Points,

    2.    Managing the .IN Registry,

    3.    Promoting IPv4 and IPv6 address adoption through IRINN, and

    4.    Offering data center services under NIXI-CSC.

    Back2Basics:

    IPv4 IPv6
    Address Format 32-bit address format (e.g., 192.0.2.1) 128-bit address format (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
    Address Representation Decimal dotted notation (e.g., 192.0.2.1) Hexadecimal colon-hex notation (e.g., 2001:0db8:85a3:0000:0000:8a2e:0370:7334)
    Address Space Limited address space (~4.3 billion addresses) Vast address space (approximately 3.4×10^38 addresses)
    Header Length Fixed-length header (20 bytes) Variable-length header (40 bytes or more)
    Header Options Limited options Expanded options for quality of service, security, and mobility
    Broadcast Uses broadcast addresses for network discovery and ARP (Address Resolution Protocol) Uses multicast addressing for efficient communication
    Security Limited built-in security features Built-in IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) support for end-to-end encryption and authentication
    Adoption Status Widely deployed and used Increasing adoption but not yet fully ubiquitous

     

    PYQ:

    2011: What is “Virtual Private Network”?

    1. It is a private computer network of an organization where the remote users can transmit encrypted information through the server of the organization
    2. It is a computer network across a public internet that provides users access to their organization’s network while maintaining the security of the information transmitted
    3. It is a computer network in which users can access a shared pool of computing resources through a service provider
    4. None of the statements (A), (B) and (C) given above is a correct description of Virtual Private Network

  • [pib] GRID-INDIA is now a Miniratna Company

    What is the news-

    • Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA) reached a significant milestone as it was honored with the prestigious status of Miniratna Category-I Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) by the Ministry of Power.

    About Grid Controller of India Limited (GRID-INDIA)

    • Founding: Established in 2009, GRID-INDIA plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Indian Power System.
    • Mandate: GRID-INDIA is tasked with overseeing the seamless transfer of electric power within and across regions, facilitating transnational power exchanges, and ensuring reliability, economy, and sustainability in the power sector.
    • Regional Load Despatch Centres (RLDCs) and NLDC: GRID-INDIA comprises five RLDCs and the National Load Despatch Centre (NLDC), collectively managing the All India synchronous grid.
    • Functions: Managing one of the world’s largest and most intricate power systems, GRID-INDIA handles diverse challenges arising from the integration of power systems, rising energy demands, and the proliferation of Renewable Energy (RE) sources.

    What are Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

    • CPSEs are companies in which the central government holds a majority stake (usually more than 51%).
    • These enterprises operate across various sectors, including manufacturing, infrastructure, energy, telecommunications, and financial services.
    • CPSEs are governed by the Department of Public Enterprises (DPE) under the Ministry of Heavy Industries and Public Enterprises.

    Within the CPSEs, there are further classifications based on their financial performance, operational autonomy, and strategic importance:

    Maharatna Companies Navratna Companies Miniratna Companies
    Categories Single category Single category Two categories (Category-I and Category-II) based on the Autonomy
    Eligibility Criteria Annual turnover of ₹25,000 crore, net worth of ₹15,000 crore, and net profit of ₹5,000 crore over the last three years A composite score of at least 60% based on various parameters such as net profit, net worth, total manpower cost, cost of production, PBDIT (Profit Before Depreciation, Interest, and Taxes) to turnover ratio, and other operational and financial parameters. Satisfactory operational and financial performance, as per government guidelines
    Operational Autonomy High degree of operational autonomy and financial powers Moderate degree of operational autonomy and financial powers Limited operational autonomy and financial powers
    Investment Authority Authority to make strategic investments, undertake mergers and acquisitions, and form joint ventures or collaborations without seeking government approval Authority to undertake investment decisions, execute projects, and form joint ventures or subsidiaries within prescribed limits without seeking government approval Authority to make certain investment decisions, incur capital expenditure and undertake expansion projects within prescribed limits without seeking government approval
    Number of Companies Limited number of companies (currently 10 Maharatna companies) Limited number of companies (currently 14 Navratna companies) Larger number of companies (over 70 Miniratna companies)
    Examples Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), NTPC Limited Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL), Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (BPCL) Container Corporation of India (CONCOR), National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO), Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (POWERGRID)

     

    PYQ:

    2011: Why is the Government of India disinvesting its equity in the Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs)?

    1. The Government intends to use the revenue earned from the disinvestment mainly to pay back the external debt.
    2. The Government no longer intends to retain the management control of the CPSEs.

    Which of the statements given above is/ are correct?

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

  • In news: Tobacco Board  

    Why in the news?

    • The Tobacco Board has authorised a crop size of 100 million kg for Karnataka during the year 2024-25.

    Tobacco in Indian Economy

     

    • It is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop which can be grown on soils where other crops cannot be cultivated profitably.
    • In India, Tobacco crop is grown in an area of 0.45 M ha (0.27% of the net cultivated area) producing ~ 750 M kg of tobacco leaf.
    • India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively.
    • The production of flue-cured Virginia (FCV) tobacco is about 300 million kg from an area of 0.20 M ha while 450 M kg non-FCV tobacco is produced from an area of 0.25 M ha.
    • In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.

     About Tobacco Board 

    • The Tobacco Board was constituted as a Statutory Body on 1st January, 1976 under Section (4) of the Tobacco Board Act, 1975.
    • It operates under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
    • It is headquartered in Guntur, Andhra Pradesh.

    The primary objective of the Tobacco Board is-

    • To promote the orderly development of the tobacco industry in India, particularly in the states of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu, which are the major tobacco-growing regions in the country.

    Key Functions and Responsibilities  

    1. Regulation and Control: The Tobacco Board regulates the production, curing, grading, and marketing of Virginia tobacco, which includes Flue-Cured Virginia (FCV) and Burley tobacco varieties.
    2. Licensing and Registration: It monitors and issues licenses and registrations to tobacco growers, manufacturers, exporters, and dealers involved in various stages of the tobacco supply chain.
    3. Research and Development: It collaborates with agricultural research institutes, universities, and industry stakeholders to introduce new technologies, best practices, and crop varieties to enhance the productivity and profitability of tobacco farming.
    4. Market Promotion: It promotes Indian tobacco products in domestic and international markets through trade fairs, exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, and promotional campaigns.
    5. Price Stabilization: It intervenes in the market to stabilize prices, mitigate price fluctuations, and protect the interests of farmers against adverse market conditions.
    6. Quality Control and Grading: It operates grading centers and quality testing laboratories to assess the quality characteristics of tobacco and facilitate fair trade practices in the industry.

    PYQ:

    Q.With reference to the “Tea Board” in India, consider the following statements:

    1. The Tea Board is a statutory body.
    2. It is a regulatory body attached to the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
    3. The Tea Board’s Head Office is situated in Bengaluru.
    4. The Board has overseas offices at Dubai and Moscow.

    Which of the statements given above are correct? (2022)

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

     

    Practice MCQ:

    Consider the following statements regarding the cultivation of Tobacco in India:

    1. Tobacco is a drought tolerant, hardy and short duration crop.
    2. India is the 2nd largest producer and exporter after China and Brazil respectively
    3. In the global scenario, Indian tobacco accounts for 10% of the area and 9% of the total production.

    How many of the given statements is/are correct?

    1. One
    2. Two
    3. Three
    4. None

  • Insights from the WMO’s State of the Climate Report, 2023

    What is the news-

    • The World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) recent State of the Climate report highlights unprecedented climatic shifts, with numerous indicators reaching record levels.

    About World Meteorological Organization

    • It is an intergovernmental organization and a specialized agency of the UN for meteorology (weather and climate), operational hydrology and related geophysical sciences.
    • It was established in 1950 and is headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
    • It origin traces to the International Meteorological Organization (IMO), which was founded in 1873.
    • Currently it has a membership of 191 countries. India is also a member.

    Key Highlights of the State of the Climate Report, 2023

    [1] Greenhouse Gases (GHGs)

    • Record-High Concentrations: GHGs like carbon dioxide, methane, and nitrous oxide reached record levels in 2022, contributing to global warming. The concentration of GHGs observed in 2022 is the latest year for which consolidated global values are available (1984–2022).
    • Long-term Trend: The rise in GHG concentrations underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to mitigate their impact.

    [2] Surface Temperature

    • Historic Spike: Global surface temperatures in 2023 surged to 1.45 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, marking the highest recorded temperature. This temperature rise is attributed to the combined effects of rising GHG concentrations and the onset of El Nino in 2023.
    • El Nino Influence: The onset of El Nino exacerbated temperature extremes globally, amplifying the impacts of climate change.

    [3] Ocean Heat Content (OHC)

    • Unprecedented Heat: Ocean heat content reached its highest level in the observational record of 2023. The ocean heat content (OHC) refers to the total amount of heat the oceans store.
    • Long-term Trend: The continual increase in OHC underscores the ongoing challenge of ocean warming and its implications for marine ecosystems.

    [4] Marine Heat Waves (MHWs)

    • Widespread Occurrence: The global ocean experienced a significant increase in marine heatwave (MHW) coverage in 2023. The average daily marine heatwave coverage reached 32%, surpassing previous records set in 2016.
    • Duration and Intensity: Prolonged MHWs pose threats to marine biodiversity, ecosystems, and fisheries, highlighting the urgency of climate action.

    [5] Antarctic Sea-Ice Extent

    • Record Low: Antarctic sea-ice extent plummeted to 1.79 million km2 in February 2023, the lowest since satellite observations began in 1979. The extent remained below average throughout the year, signalling ongoing trends of sea-ice loss in the Antarctic region.
    • Persistent Decline: The continued decline in Antarctic sea-ice extent underscores the vulnerability of Polar Regions to climate change.

    [6] Glacier Mass Balance

    • Unprecedented Loss: Glaciers worldwide experienced the largest annual loss of ice on record in 2022-2023. The annual mass balance, which measures the amount of mass gained or lost by glaciers, dropped to a new low of ‘–1.2 metre water equivalent’.
    • Regional Disparities: Glacial mass balance varied across regions, with North American and European glaciers particularly affected by ice loss.

    Significance of the report

    • The figures presented in the WMO report underscore the magnitude of climate change impacts on various Earth systems.
    • Urgent action is needed to address rising GHG emissions, mitigate temperature extremes, protect marine environments, and preserve critical cryospheric regions.

    PYQ:

    2018: “Momentum for Change: Climate Neutral Now” is an initiative launched by

    1. The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change
    2. The UNEP Secretariat
    3. The UNFCCC Secretariat
    4. The World Meteorological Organisation

  • PIB’s Fact Check Unit: Combating Misinformation in India

    Why in the news?

    • Weeks ahead of the election, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology on Wednesday notified the Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit (FCU) as the designated body to flag misinformation about Central government departments to social media platforms.

    Why PIB?

    • Under the GoI (Allocation of Business) Rules, 1961, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) is entrusted with the responsibility of disseminating information about government policies, schemes, and programs through various mediums of communication.
    • In fulfilling its role, the Ministry publicizes the policies, initiatives, schemes, and programs of the Government of India through press releases, press conferences, webinars, publication of books, etc.
    • To carry out this crucial function, the Ministry has several attached and subordinate offices, including the Press Information Bureau (PIB).

    What is Fact Check Unit (FCU)?

    • The Fact Check Unit’s mandate arises from the IT Rules, 2021, which stipulate that social media platforms risk losing legal liability protections if they fail to address notified misinformation promptly.
    • The unit verifies claims about government policies, regulations, announcements and measures.
    • Through an established rigorous fact-checking procedure, the PIB Fact Check Unit helps in dispelling myths, rumours and false claims, and provides accurate and reliable information to the public.

    Operational Framework

    • The FCU, led by senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), operates under the supervision of the Principal Director General of PIB.
    • Its mandate includes verifying claims related to government policies, regulations, and announcements through a rigorous fact-checking process.
    • The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB who functions as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.

    Fact-Check Mechanism

    • Query Handling: Users submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, which are processed as ‘Queries’ by the Unit.
    • Verification Process: Actionable Queries relevant to the Government of India undergo thorough verification using official sources and technological tools.
    • Publication of Fact Checks: Verified information is categorized as Fake, Misleading, or True, and published on the Unit’s social media platforms for public awareness.

    Categories of Fact-Checked Content

    1. Fake: Factually incorrect information intentionally or unintentionally disseminated to deceive or manipulate the audience.
    2. Misleading: Information presented with partial truths, selective facts, or distortion to mislead recipients.
    3. True: Information verified to be factually accurate after rigorous investigation.

    PYQ:

    2017: Democracy’s superior virtue lies in the fact that it calls into activity-

    1. The intelligence and character of ordinary men and women.
    2. The methods for strengthening executive leadership.
    3. A superior individual with dynamism and vision.
    4. A band of dedicated party workers.

     

    Practice MCQ:

    The centre has recently established the Fact Check Unit (FCU) as a designated body to flag misinformation in India. In this regard, consider the following statements:

    1. Establishment of FCU is mandated under the Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005.
    2. The FCU is led by an officer of the Indian Audit and Accounts Service (IAAS).

    Which of the given statements is/are correct?

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

     

  • [20 March 2024] The Hindu Op-ed: Ties that epitomize India’s neighborhood first policy

    PYQ Relevance:Mains: 

    Q) What is meant by Gujral doctrine? Does it have any relevance today? Discuss. (2013)

    Q) Analyze internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan borders including the Line of Control (LoC). Also, discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (2020)

    Prelims:

    Q) What is the importance of developing Chabahar Port by India? (2017)

    (a) India’s trade with African countries will enormously increase.
    (b) India’s relations with oil-producing Arab countries will be strengthened.
    (c) India will not depend on Pakistan for access to Afghanistan and Central Asia.
    (d) Pakistan will facilitate and protect the installation of a gas pipeline between Iraq and India.

    Note4Students: 

    Prelims: Constitutional Provisions for Women;

    Mains: Women Issues; Government Schemes and Initiatives for Minorities;

    Mentor comments: Since the recent infrastructure project – ‘Gelephu’, Bhutan has long known that there is no real threat to its sovereignty or identity from its southern flank. Hence, it has looked to India to help it grow, develop and prosper. India has lived up to this expectation. Over the past decade, India has demonstrated its unwavering support for its neighbouring nations during times of crisis. Whether responding to natural disasters, health emergencies, economic challenges, or providing support on the international stage, India has consistently been the first to offer assistance and will continue to do so. Furthermore, we have established sustained diplomatic outreach within India’s Neighborhood First Policy.

    Let’s learn. 

    —

    Why in the News?

    According to recent observations, ‘Neighborhood Policy’  has continued to develop through dialogs and sentiments considering South Asian demography.

    Context:

    • Gelephu Project is near remote parts of West Bengal and Assam, and the success of this city will have positive socio-economic spillovers for these geographies as well. 
    • It will provide yet another example of the win-win cooperation between India and Bhutan on the lines of Neighborhood First Policy.

    About India’s ‘Neighborhood First’ policy: 

    • The South Asian region, which is home to eight countries, and the Indian Ocean region come under the broad geographic expanse of India’s neighborhood – the nations include Afghanistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, Maldives, Pakistan, Nepal, Myanmar, Tibetan (autonomous region of China) and Sri Lanka. 
    • The ‘Neighborhood First’ policy is a foreign policy initiative introduced by India in 2014 which aims to strengthen India’s relations with its immediate neighbours emphasizing on creating a peaceful, prosperous, and stable neighborhood.
    • Principles of ‘Neighborhood First’ policy
      • Sovereignty and territorial integrity
      • Mutual respect and sensitivity
      • Non-interference in internal affairs.
      • Shared prosperity
      • Connectivity for regional integration 
      • People-to-people exchanges
    Govt. of India initiatives to harmonize the relations in the neighborhood: Country-specific initiatives: 

    Bhutan:     India signed the Indo-Bhutan Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1949 and the Agreement on cooperation in Hydropower in 2006. India also provides financial support to Bhutan’s five-year plans. India is also part of the sub-regional grouping of the Bangladesh–Bhutan–India–Nepal (BBIN) network.

    Myanmar: India has also been assisting in various fields such as education, healthcare, disaster management, capacity-building     culture etc.Promoting connectivity initiatives such as the Kaladan multimodal transit transport project in Myanmar.

    Sri Lanka: India is assisting in implementing the ‘Unitary digital identity framework’. India has also been providing financial support in the face of the recent balance of payment crisis in Sri Lanka.

    Afghanistan: PM Narendra Modi went to visit Afghanistan in 2015 and inaugurated the Afghan Parliament, which was made with the help of India. He visited Afghanistan again in 2016 to inaugurate the Salma Dam in Herat. 

    Nepal: India signed the Treaty of Peace and Friendship in 1950. There are various agreements related to hydropower projects like the Arun hydropower project etc. PM Modi was the first Indian PM to visit Nepal after 17 years in 2014.

    Bangladesh: India has signed agreements relating to the sharing of river waters with Bangladesh.

    Maldives: Greater Male connectivity project by an Indian company to provide connectivity in Maldives, restoration of Addu atolls, etc.

    Other initiatives: 
    Development cooperation: Providing development assistance through various initiatives such as the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Program, the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), etc.
    Vaccine Maitri: India, through its vaccine diplomacy, extended help on priority to its neighbors during the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Leveraging Science and Technology: India successfully launched the first-ever South Asia Satellite (SAS) to boost communication and improve disaster links among its South Asian neighbors. 

    What are the challenges in India’s relations with its Neighbours?

    India’s relations with its neighbors have been marked by a range of challenges and issues over the years.

    • Terrorism and Illegal Immigration: India has been a victim of terrorism perpetrated by groups based in neighboring states, especially Pakistan and Bangladesh.
      • Example: Recent Assam and Tripura Issue (2024)
    • Border disputes: India has long-standing border disputes, particularly with China (Line of Actual Control) and Pakistan (Line of Control), which have led to military conflicts and tensions.
      • China Factor: India’s growing geopolitical and economic influence in the region has led to competition with China. This has led to tensions over issues such as borders, trade and investment.
        • Example: Recent Galwan Valley and border conflicts with Arunachal Pradesh (2023).
    • Water sharing: India shares rivers with several of its neighbors like Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Nepal, and water sharing has been a source of tension, which has led to disputes.
      • Example: Disputes over the Indus Water Treaty with Pakistan (the recent being on the Ravi water dispute).
    • Political instability: Several of India’s neighbors have experienced political instability and internal ethnic conflicts, which have had an impact on regional stability and security.
      • Example: Recent Manipur issue (2023).

    Way forward for strengthening India’s relations with its neighbors:

    • Economic cooperation: South Asia’s intra-regional trade is the lowest globally, constituting only 5% of the region’s total trade. By increasing trade, investment, and cross-border connectivity we can stand on weighted sides.
    • People-to-people exchanges: India can promote people-to-people exchanges by facilitating cultural, educational, and tourism exchanges.
    • Security cooperation: India can strengthen security cooperation with its neighbors to address common security challenges such as terrorism, cyber threats, and transnational crime. SAARC and BIMSTEC frameworks can play an important role in this.
    • Regional integration: India can support regional integration by participating actively in regional forums such as SAARC, BIMSTEC, and IORA.
    • Diplomatic outreach: India should engage in sustained diplomatic outreach to its neighbors to promote dialogue, resolve outstanding issues, and build mutual trust. 
    Some of the India’s Neighborhood Policies:

    Look East policy: Launched in 1991, it aimed to strengthen economic and political ties with countries in Southeast Asia.

    The Gujral Doctrine of 1996: It was a set of five principles to guide the conduct of foreign relations with India’s immediate neighbors.Non-reciprocity with neighbours.Territory should not be used against the interest of another country.Non-interference in internal affairs.Respect each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.Settle all disputes through peaceful bilateral negotiations. 

    Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), 1997: BIMSTEC was established as a regional organization comprising seven member states (Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Thailand) lying in the littoral and adjacent areas of the Bay of Bengal constituting a contiguous regional unity. 

    Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) of 1997: It is an intergovernmental organization that brings together countries bordering the Indian Ocean to promote regional cooperation and economic integration.

    https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/ties-that-epitomise-indias-neighbourhood-first-policy/article67969422.ece

    https://prsindia.org/policy/report-summaries/india-s-neighbourhood-first-policy

    https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2005229

  • Onward to Thorium

    Why in the News?

    Recently, at the start of March 2024, our 500-MWe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) began fuel-loading, marking the successful completion of commissioning trials and rectification of a range of first-of-its-kind equipment in the fast breeder reactor technology.

    Context:

    • Homi Bhabha’s spirit of self-reliance has enabled the autonomous pursuit of ‘Thorium Goals’.
    • His proposed three-stage strategy aims to develop critical nuclear technologies, starting with modest uranium resources, and achieve a large-scale thorium-based energy program.
    • The largest contributor to the climate change-related existential threat we face has created an immediate demand for large-scale deployment of nuclear power plants.
    • BHAVINI, Indira Gandhi Centre for Atomic Research (IGCAR), and the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) are responsible for building and operating the PFBR.

    What is the significance of thorium in making India energy self-sufficiency?

      • Meeting Energy Demand:
    • Boosting Domestic Market: 
        • Given the size of India’s population and its economy, its energy demands would lead to serious challenges to energy security.
        • For ‘Vikasit Bharat’, India needs around three-and-a-half times more energy, which can come only from nuclear energy, specifically thorium.
      • Reducing Imports:
        • India has been dependent on energy imports all along. Thorium presents us with a unique opportunity to become energy self-sufficient.
        • Renewable energy, including large hydropower projects, can, at best, meet current energy needs.
    • Building Global Perspective:
      • India’s long-term Energy security:
        • Looking towards India’s level of nuclear energy deployment will, the PFBR is expected to become operational, paving India into the second stage of its three-stage nuclear power programme.
        • It works as the gateway for meeting the country’s energy needs for a long time into the future, leveraging India’s vast thorium resources, which are the largest in the world.
      • Further, there is no other clean energy source available on the Indian landmass that can cope with India’s energy needs.

    Future Scope:

    • Transitioning to Better Fuel:
        • A high-assay, low-enriched uranium (LEU) and thorium fuel capable of delivering a seven-times larger fuel burn-up in the PHWR design is needed.
        • ANEEL fuel has been designed and will be available shortly. The ANEEL fuel concept could also bring the Advanced Heavy Water Reactor (AHWR300-LEU), a fully developed design immune to any severe accident-related anxiety, to reality.
    • Concurrent fuel Recycling Processes:
        • A Fast Reactor Fuel Cycle Facility (FRFCF) that would work alongside the PFBR is coming up.
        • Once a sizeable inventory of uranium-233 accumulates, we must bring in reactors specifically designed for thorium and the related fuel-cycle facilities, constituting the third stage of our nuclear power program.
    • Advancement in Fast Reactor Technology:
        • The rapid deployment of PHWRs based on imported uranium allows for the advancement of thorium utilization in PHWRs, facilitating the deployment of third-stage thorium reactor systems, reducing spent fuel inventory, and proliferation resistance, and enhancing safety and economy.
        • The fast reactor systems with faster growth based on inherently better breeding performance are needed.
        • More reactors on the PFBR model must be constructed to consolidate sodium-cooled fast reactor technology, a key feature of the second stage of the nuclear program.
    • High-temperature reactor:
      • Thorium utilization can be improved in high-temperature reactors to produce low-cost hydrogen with minimal carbon footprint.
      • Direct hydrogen production without electricity would make hydrogen production cheaper and less dependent on hydrogen electrolyzers.

    Conclusion: The beginning of fuel-loading in PFBR is a significant step that must be celebrated to motivate our scientists and prepare them for the bigger tasks ahead. Sustained encouragement backed up by a demanding but conducive framework around them is the need of the hour. One must move on the thorium path, though it has no parallel anywhere else in the world.

     

    Mains PYQ:

    1. With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC 2018)
    2. Give an account of the growth and development of nuclear science and technology in India. What is the advantage of a fast breeder reactor program in India? (UPSC 2017)