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Type: Prelims Only

  • Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reaches 31-month high

    pmi manager

    Central Idea

    • Surge in PMI to 31-month high: The S&P Global India Manufacturing PMI soared to 58.7 in May, the highest level in 31 months.

     

    Service Sector

    The service sector, also known as the tertiary sector, includes a wide range of economic activities that are focused on providing intangible goods and services to customers.

    Some examples of activities that fall under the service sector include:

    1. Hospitality and tourism: This includes activities such as hotels, restaurants, travel agencies, and tour operators.
    2. Retail and wholesale trade: This includes businesses that buy and sell goods, such as supermarkets, department stores, and online retailers.
    3. Financial services: This includes banks, insurance companies, and investment firms.
    4. Professional and business services: This includes activities such as legal services, accounting, consulting, and advertising.
    5. Information and communication technology: This includes activities such as software development, telecommunications, and data processing.
    6. Healthcare and social assistance: This includes activities such as hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and social services.
    7. Education and training: This includes activities such as schools, colleges, universities, and vocational training.
    8. Transportation and logistics: This includes activities such as shipping, warehousing, and distribution.

    Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI)

    • PMI is an indicator of business activity — both in the manufacturing and services sectors.
    • The S&P Global India Services PMI is compiled by S&P Global from responses to questionnaires sent to a panel of around 400 service sector companies.
    • It is a survey-based measure that asks the respondents about changes in their perception of some key business variables from the month before.
    • It is calculated separately for the manufacturing and services sectors and then a composite index is constructed.

    How is the PMI derived?

    • The PMI is derived from a series of qualitative questions.
    • Executives from a reasonably big sample, running into hundreds of firms, are asked whether key indicators such as output, new orders, business expectations and employment were stronger than the month before and are asked to rate them.

    How does one read the PMI?

    • A figure above 50 denotes expansion in business activity. Anything below 50 denotes contraction.
    • Higher the difference from this mid-point greater the expansion or contraction. The rate of expansion can also be judged by comparing the PMI with that of the previous month data.
    • If the figure is higher than the previous month’s then the economy is expanding at a faster rate. If it is lower than the previous month then it is growing at a lower rate.

    Key insights of recent trend

    • Fastest factory order growth: Factory orders rose at the fastest pace since January 2021.
    • Unprecedented accumulation of inputs: Producers accumulated inputs at an unprecedented pace due to lower costs.
    • Improvement in operating conditions: The index reflects a substantial improvement in operating conditions, with a significant increase from 57.2 in April.
    • Strong growth in order books and exports: Order books grew for the 23rd consecutive month, supported by a rise in export deals.
    • Highest output levels in 28 months: Output levels reached the highest point in 28 months.
    • Increased hiring: Pressure on capacities led firms to increase hiring, reaching a six-month high.

    Reasons behind this rise

    • Rise in selling prices: Producers raised selling prices at a solid and quicker rate in May, the highest in a year.
    • Mild input costs but adjusted charges: Input costs remained historically mild, but producers adjusted their charges due to sustained cost increases and a supportive demand environment.
    • Improved business confidence: Business confidence about growth improved, reaching a five-month high.
    • Public faith in economy: Factors such as publicity and demand resilience contributed to the optimistic outlook.

     

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  • In news: SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

    Central Idea

    • Ruixiang Zhang, an Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, USA, is set to receive the prestigious 2023 SASTRA Ramanujan Prize for his exceptional contributions to the field of mathematics.

    SASTRA Ramanujan Prize

    Establishment Recognizes outstanding contributions to mathematics
    Inspiration Named in honor of mathematician Srinivasa Ramanujan
    Awarded by Shanmugha Arts, Science, Technology & Research Academy (SASTRA), Kumbakonam, India
    Objective Acknowledges and encourages exceptional achievements in mathematics
    Recipient Criteria Awarded to mathematicians under 32 for significant contributions to mathematics
    Selection Process Based on mathematical work, research contributions, and impact
    Previous Recipients Annual recognition of mathematicians in various mathematical branches
    International Recognition Prominent recognition within the mathematics community
    Award Presentation Presented at an award ceremony, includes a cash prize of $10,000
    Encouragement for Young Math Encourages young mathematicians to pursue research
    Committee Composed of eminent mathematicians and experts from various foreign universities
    Significance Promotes mathematical research and honors exceptional achievements
    Prestigious Award Highly regarded in the field of mathematics

     

  • Dawn of Passkeys: A Password-Free Future

    passkey

    Central Idea

    • In 1961, MIT computer science professor Fernando Corbato introduced the world to digital passwords, an innovation designed for research purposes. Little did he know the profound societal impact his creation would eventually wield.

    Why discuss this?

    • Passwords have become nearly synonymous with cybersecurity in the 21st century, albeit with an unsavory connotation.
    • Despite efforts to promote robust password practices, “password” and “123456” continue to dominate the list of common passwords, underscoring the pervasive vulnerability of most accounts.

    Passkeys: Need for Change

    • Ineffectiveness of Passwords: The prevailing authentication method, based on passwords, falls short in ensuring adequate security.
    • Big Tech Solution: In response to this predicament, major tech companies propose a solution – passkeys.

    Understanding Passkeys

    • Web Authentication Standard: Passkeys are a security feature built on the WebAuthentication (WebAuthn) standard.
    • Public-Key Cryptography: Passkeys employ public-key cryptography, a potent technique employing a public key (server-side) and a private key (user-side).
    • Authentication Process: When users log in, a challenge is sent to their device, which utilizes the private key to solve it and respond. The server then validates the response with the public key, all without storing any secrets, enhancing security.

    Getting Started with Passkeys

    • Wide Compatibility: Leading tech companies, including Microsoft, Google, and Apple, have collaborated to make passkeys accessible to most recent phones and PCs.
    • Operating Systems: Passkeys are available on iOS 16+, iPadOS 16+, macOS Ventura, Android 9+, Windows 10, and Windows 11.
    • Web Browsers: Passkeys are supported on popular browsers like Chrome, Edge, Safari, and Firefox.

    Creating and Using Passkeys

    • Account Requirement: Users need an account with a provider supporting passkeys, such as Microsoft, Google, or Apple.
    • Activation Process: To enable passkeys, sign in to a compatible app or website, activate the passkey option, and obtain a unique passkey linked to your account and device.
    • Usage: Passkeys can be used with biometrics (e.g., Touch ID, Face ID), QR codes, or device verification.

    Future of Passwords

    • Inevitable Evolution: While passkeys offer notable advantages over traditional passwords in terms of security and user-friendliness, they still face challenges related to compatibility and user adoption.
    • Industry Push: Notably, Google, Apple, and Microsoft are driving the passkey agenda strongly, suggesting that passwords may eventually become obsolete.

    Conclusion

    • A Security Evolution: The emergence of passkeys as an alternative to traditional passwords marks a significant shift in the realm of cybersecurity.
    • Ongoing Transition: As passkeys gain momentum and garner support from tech giants, they may gradually pave the way for a password-free future, promising enhanced security and user convenience in the digital realm.

  • Lesser-Known Facets of Bhagat Singh’s Life

    bhagat singh

    Central Idea

    • Bhagat Singh, born on September 28, 1907, in the village of Banga (now in Faisalabad, Pakistan), is celebrated as a charismatic revolutionary who sacrificed his life for the cause of Indian independence at the young age of 23.

    Five Lesser-Known Aspects of Bhagat Singh’s Life

    [1] A Family of Progressive Freedom Fighters

    • Anti-Colonial Roots: Bhagat Singh’s father, Kishan, and uncle, Ajit, were actively involved in anti-British activities. Kishan faced imprisonment in 1910 for disseminating seditious literature, while Ajit was deported to Mandalay in 1907 for his inflammatory speeches against the Punjab Colonisation Bill. Both played significant roles in the freedom struggle, influencing Bhagat Singh’s upbringing in an anti-colonial environment.
    • Dissent within the Family: Despite the family’s strong anti-British stance, Bhagat Singh publicly criticized his father for submitting a mercy plea to the Viceroy when he and other revolutionaries faced the gallows, revealing his unwavering commitment to the revolutionary cause.

    [2] A Scholar and Writer

    • Prolific Writer: Bhagat Singh contributed to Urdu and Punjabi newspapers in Amritsar during the 1920s and authored pamphlets and ‘seditious’ literature condemning British colonial rule.
    • Eclectic Reading: His jail notebooks revealed his interests extended beyond politics, encompassing literature from renowned poets and writers, including Rabindranath Tagore, William Wordsworth, Wajid Ali Shah, Mirza Ghalib, and Iqbal.

    [3] An Atheist and Marxist with Anarchist Leanings

    • Religious Critique: Bhagat Singh was an avowed atheist who criticized religion in his essay ‘Why I am an Atheist’ (1930), rejecting the concept of one true religion. He viewed religious beliefs as divisive and demoralizing.
    • Inspirations: Bhagat Singh drew inspiration from Marxist thinkers such as Marx, Lenin, Trotsky, and Bakunin. In his final testament, ‘To Young Political Workers’ (1931), he advocated for “social reconstruction on new, i.e., Marxist, basis.” However, he did not fully align with orthodox Marxist views, particularly on authoritarianism.

    [4] Support from Jinnah

    • Jinnah’s Defense: While Mahatma Gandhi refrained from intervening in Bhagat Singh’s trial, MA Jinnah ardently defended him. Jinnah vehemently opposed a proposed Bill that would have allowed trials in absentia, delivering a compelling speech in the Central Assembly in 1929.
    • Successful Opposition: Jinnah’s staunch stance led to the foiling of the attempt to pass the law, but Bhagat Singh’s trial continued under dubious circumstances, resulting in his death sentence in 1930.

    [5] Jawaharlal Nehru’s Support

    • Nehru’s Critique: Jawaharlal Nehru criticized the British legal process and the injustice inflicted on Bhagat Singh. He admired Bhagat Singh’s courage and self-sacrifice.
    • Historic Visit: Nehru, along with other leaders like Subhash Chandra Bose, visited Bhagat Singh in prison. Despite their differences in methods, Nehru’s respect for Bhagat Singh remained unwavering.
    • Congress Resolution: After Bhagat Singh’s execution, Nehru moved an official resolution in a Congress session, condemning the execution and demanding commutation, even though the Congress officially rejected violence as a means of achieving independence.

  • Inside the Digital World of Cookies

    cookies

    Central Idea

    • In the online world, digital cookies hold a significant role, contributing to personalization and user convenience.
    • These unobtrusive lines of code, quietly stored on devices during website visits, shape the online experiences we encounter.

    Understanding How Cookies Work

    • Cookies as Digital Keys: Think of cookies as keys to an exclusive club. Just as a club bouncer recognizes regular patrons, cookies remember your login details on websites, eliminating the need for constant re-authentication.
    • Enhanced Online Shopping: Websites like Amazon leverage cookies to remember your past interactions, offering tailored product recommendations and an intimate shopping experience.
    • Persistent Shopping Carts: Online shopping carts, fueled by cookies, ensure your selections remain intact even after you leave the site, simplifying the checkout process.
    • Personalized Advertising: Platforms like Facebook and Google utilize cookies to track online behaviour, serving ads aligned with your preferences.

    Types of Cookies

    • Session Cookies: Temporary, session cookies function as post-it notes for websites, existing only in your computer’s memory during your browsing session.
    • Persistent Cookies: Comparable to bookmarks, persistent cookies remain on your device after your browsing session, retaining login information and preferences.
    • Secure Cookies: Sent over encrypted connections, secure cookies are employed for sensitive data like login credentials.
    • Third-Party Cookies: Originating from domains other than the visited site, third-party cookies serve tracking and advertising functions, offering both benefits and potential intrusiveness.

    Multifaceted Uses of Cookies

    • Digital ID Cards: Cookies facilitate user authentication, allowing websites to recognize and keep you logged in.
    • Personalization: They remember your preferences, such as language choices and website themes.
    • Persistent Shopping Carts: Items added online remain accessible upon your return.
    • Analytics Data: Cookies enable website owners to gather valuable data about user interactions for improvements and customization.
    • Targeted Advertising: Advertisers employ cookies to display ads aligning with your interests, enhancing online shopping experiences.

    Challenges Associated with Cookies

    • Privacy Concerns: Cookies can track online behaviour, occasionally infringing upon digital privacy.
    • Security Risks: Inadequately secured cookies may expose personal information to cybercriminals.
    • User Consent Era: Privacy regulations necessitate websites to seek user consent before deploying specific cookie types, resulting in pop-ups and prompts.
    • Third-Party Cookie Debates: Concerns about third-party cookies have led web browsers to limit their usage for user privacy protection.
    • Data Deluge: The multitude of cookies can potentially overwhelm your browser, causing a sluggish web experience.

    Conclusion

    • Complex yet Sweet: Cookies enhance online experiences but also bring privacy and security challenges. As the digital landscape evolves, so will the use and regulation of cookies.
    • Analogous to Real Cookies: Just like warm, gooey chocolate chip cookies, digital cookies add a personalized touch to your online adventures, even if they occasionally leave behind a few crumbs.

  • Dr. M.S. Swaminathan and the Green Revolution: A Transformative Legacy

    Dr. M.S. Swaminathan

    Central Idea

    • Dr. M.S. Swaminathan, the revered agricultural scientist renowned as the “Father of the Green Revolution” in India, passed away at the age of 98.
    • His legacy is deeply interwoven with India’s journey towards achieving food security.

    Who was Dr. M.S. Swaminathan?

    • Civil Services to Agriculture: Although Dr. Swaminathan initially cleared the civil services examination, his heart was set on agriculture. His fascination with farming led him to pivot his career towards agricultural research.
    • The Turning Point: Influenced by the Bengal famine of 1942-43, which he viewed as a consequence of British policies, Dr. Swaminathan chose to study agriculture, particularly genetics and breeding. This decision was instrumental in shaping India’s agricultural landscape.

    Timeline of Dr. M.S. Swaminathan’s remarkable life and contributions:

    Year Milestones
    1925 Born on August 7, 1925, in Kumbakonam, Madras Presidency.
    1940s Pursued higher education in zoology and later completed a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Science.
    1949-1954 Conducted research on combating potato crop parasites during a UNESCO fellowship and earned a PhD from the University of Cambridge.
    1954 Specialized in the genus Solanum and started researching fertilizers and high-yielding wheat varieties.
    1965-70 Collaborated with Dr. Norman Borlaug to develop high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties, pioneering the Green Revolution in India.
    1979-1982 Appointed as Director-General of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research and served in various government roles.
    1982 Became Director General of the International Rice Research Institute in the Philippines.
    1987 Awarded the first World Food Prize for his contributions to agriculture.
    2002 Elected as President of the Pugwash Conferences on science and world affairs.
    2004 Appointed as the chair of the National Commission on Farmers, which recommended significant reforms for Indian agriculture.
    2005 Joined the United Nations Millennium Project’s Hunger Task Force and developed targets to combat poverty and hunger.
    2007 Nominated to the Rajya Sabha and presented the Women Farmers’ Entitlements Bill.
    2013 onwards Continued involvement in various initiatives focused on nutrition, internet access, and agricultural institutes worldwide.

     

    Green Revolution: A Game-Changer

    • Revolutionary Change: Dr. Swaminathan’s pioneering work led to the introduction of high-yielding variety seeds, improved irrigation facilities, and fertilizers to farmers in regions like Punjab, Haryana, and western Uttar Pradesh. This transformative period marked the beginning of India’s Green Revolution.
    • Impact on Wheat Production: The Green Revolution witnessed a remarkable increase in wheat production. In 1947, India produced about 6 million tonnes of wheat annually, which soared to about 17 million tonnes between 1964 and 1968, significantly enhancing the nation’s self-sufficiency in food production.

    Swaminathan’s Contribution to the Green Revolution

    Semi-Dwarf Wheat Varieties Aimed to reduce wheat plant height, preventing lodging while maintaining grain yield.
    Collaboration with Norman Borlaug Collaborated with Norman Borlaug to incorporate dwarfing genes into spring wheat varieties suitable for India.
    The Wheat Revolution A collaborative effort starting in 1963, leading to high-yield semi-dwarf wheat varieties.
    Role of HYVs Focused on developing high-yielding varieties of wheat and rice, crucial for combating drought and famine.
    Yield Gap Reduction Targeted increasing productivity on existing farmland through HYVs, mitigating the threat of famine.
    Cytogenetics Expertise Contributions extended to studying chromosomes (cytogenetics), identifying traits like disease resistance.

    Challenges and Ethical Commitments

    • Unintended Consequences: Despite its successes, the Green Revolution faced criticism for benefiting prosperous farmers and causing ecological issues.
    • Dr. Swaminathan’s Advocacy: As the head of the National Commission on Farmers, he advocated for fair Minimum Support Prices for farmers and highlighted concerns related to soil fertility, pesticide use, and water management.

    Legacy and Recognition

    International Accolades – Ramon Magsaysay Award in 1971

    – Albert Einstein World Science Award in 1986

    – UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize in 1994

    – UNESCO Gandhi Gold Medal in 1999

    – Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development in 1999

    – Franklin D. Roosevelt Four Freedoms Award in 2000

    – First World Food Prize Laureate in 1987.
    National Awards (India) – Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award

    – Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development
    Civilian Awards (India) – Padma Shri in 1967

    – Padma Bhushan in 1972

    – Padma Vibhushan in 1989
    Honorary Doctorates – Received over 80 honorary doctorates from universities worldwide
    Civilian Awards (Other Nations) – Honored with civilian awards from nations like the Philippines, France, Cambodia, China
    Fellowships in Scientific Academies – Elected as a fellow in several scientific academies in Russia, Sweden, United States, United Kingdom, Italy, China, Bangladesh

    Back2Basics: Key Terms Explained

    • Hexaploid Wheat: Also known as “bread wheat,” hexaploid wheat contains six sets of chromosomes and is a globally cultivated cereal crop.
    • Carbon Fixation: The process by which crops capture carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and convert it into organic compounds, primarily through photosynthesis.
    • C3 and C4 Pathways: Photosynthetic pathways used by plants for carbon fixation, with C4 being more efficient.
    • C4 Rice Plant: A type of rice that employs the C4 photosynthetic pathway, which Dr. Swaminathan worked on during his tenure at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI).

  • India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) Widens: Implications and Outlook

    Central Idea

    • Data released by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) reveals that India’s Current Account Deficit (CAD) expanded significantly to $9.2 billion, equivalent to 1.1% of GDP, during the April-June quarter.
    • This represents a substantial increase from the preceding three months when it stood at $1.3 billion, or 0.2% of GDP.
    • Contrasting with the year-earlier quarter of fiscal 2022-23, where the CAD was $17.9 billion (2.1% of GDP), the current scenario reflects evolving economic dynamics.

    What is Current Account Deficit (CAD)?

    • A current account is a key component of balance of payments, which is the account of transactions or exchanges made between entities in a country and the rest of the world.
    • This includes a nation’s net trade in products and services, its net earnings on cross border investments including interest and dividends, and its net transfer payments such as remittances and foreign aid.
    • A CAD arises when the value of goods and services imported exceeds the value of exports, while the trade balance refers to the net balance of export and import of goods or merchandise trade.

    Components of Current Account

    Current Account Deficit (CAD) =  Trade Deficit + Net Income + Net Transfers

    (1) Trade Deficit

    • Trade Deficit = Imports – Exports
    • A Country is said to have a trade deficit when it imports more goods and services than it exports.
    • Trade deficit is an economic measure of a negative balance of trade in which a country’s imports exceeds its exports.
    • A trade deficit represents an outflow of domestic currency to foreign markets.

    (2) Net Income

    • Net Income = Income Earned by MNCs from their investments in India.
    • When foreign investment income exceeds the savings of the country’s residents, then the country has net income deficit.
    • This foreign investment can help a country’s economy grow. But if foreign investors worry they won’t get a return in a reasonable amount of time, they will cut off funding.
    • Net income is measured by the following things:
    1. Payments made to foreigners in the form of dividends of domestic stocks.
    2. Interest payments on bonds.
    3. Wages paid to foreigners working in the country.

    (3) Net Transfers

    • In Net Transfers, foreign residents send back money to their home countries. It also includes government grants to foreigners.
    • It Includes Remittances, Gifts, Donation etc

    How does Current Account Transaction takes place?

    • While understanding the Current Account Deficit in detail, it is important to understand what the current account transactions are.
    • Current account transactions are transactions that require foreign currency.
    • Following transactions with from which component these transactions belong to :
    1. Component 1 : Payments connection with Foreign trade – Import & Export
    2. Component 2 : Interest on loans to other countries and Net income from investments in other countries
    3. Component 3 : Remittances for living expenses of parents, spouse and children residing abroad, and Expenses in connection with Foreign travel, Education and Medical care of parents, spouse and children

    What are the reasons for the current account deficit?

    deficit

    • Intensifying geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions leading to crude oil and commodity prices soaring globally have been exerting upward pressure on the import bill.
    • A rise in prices of coal, natural gas, fertilizers, and edible oils have added to the pressure on trade deficit.
    • However, with global demand picking up, merchandise exports have also been rising.

    How will a large CAD affect the economy?

    • A large CAD will result in the demand for foreign currency rising, thus leading to depreciation of the home currency.
    • Nations balance CAD by attracting capital inflows and running a surplus in capital accounts through increased foreign direct investments (FDI).
    • However, worsening CAD will put pressure on the inflow under the capital account.
    • Nevertheless, if an increase in the import bill is because of imports for technological upgradation it would help in long-term development.

  • Alzheimer’s Research: Mystery of Brain Cell Death

    brain cell

    Central Idea

    • Scientists have long sought medical treatments for Alzheimer’s disease but have faced limited success.
    • The approval of the drug Lecanemab by the US FDA in 2023 has brought renewed optimism, as it shows promise in slowing the progression of Alzheimer’s in its early stages.

    How brain cells die?

    • Revealing the Connection: Researchers from Belgium and UK have shed light on the connection between abnormal proteins (amyloid and tau) and a process called necroptosis, which leads to cell death.
    • Cell Death Mechanism: Necroptosis is a form of cell death typically triggered by immune responses to infection or inflammation, serving to eliminate damaged cells.
    • Inflammatory Response: The study suggests that in Alzheimer’s patients, amyloid protein entering brain neurons triggers inflammation and alters the internal chemistry of the cells. Amyloid forms plaques, while tau forms tangles.
    • MEG3 Molecule: When amyloid and tau processes occur simultaneously, brain cells produce a molecule called MEG3, which appears to be linked to cell death.
    • Blocking MEG3: The researchers experimented by blocking the MEG3 molecule and found that brain cells survived when this molecule was inhibited.
    • Experimental Approach: Human brain cells were transplanted into genetically modified mice that produced significant amyloid, allowing researchers to make these groundbreaking observations.

    Hope for Alzheimer’s Treatment

    • Historic Discovery: Researchers highlighted that this discovery marks the first time, after several decades of speculation, that scientists have found a plausible explanation for cell death in Alzheimer’s patients.
    • Path to New Medicines: Some are optimistic that their findings will pave the way for new medical treatments targeting Alzheimer’s.
    • Lecanemab’s Target: Lecanemab, a drug that specifically targets the amyloid protein, aligns with the potential to block the MEG3 molecule, offering the prospect of halting brain cell death in Alzheimer’s disease.

    Understanding Brain’s Complex Processes

    • Brain’s Enigma: The development of Alzheimer’s drugs has been hampered by a lack of understanding of the disease’s mechanisms within the brain.
    • Amyloid and Tau: Amyloid and tau proteins are known to accumulate in the brain of Alzheimer’s patients, but their precise roles and how they contribute to cell death remained unclear.

    Alzheimer’s Global Challenge

    • Widespread Impact: Approximately 55 million people worldwide are affected by various forms of dementia, with Alzheimer’s being one of the prominent diseases.
    • Disproportionate Burden: Two-thirds of dementia cases are found in developing countries, and with the aging global population, projections indicate that the number of dementia cases could reach 139 million by 2050, with China, India, Latin America, and Sub-Saharan Africa facing the greatest challenges.

  • Norman Borlaug Field Award to Indian Researcher

    Norman Borlaug

    Central Idea

    • Swati Nayak, a scientist at the International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) South Asia Regional Centre (ISARC), has been honoured with the Borlaug Field Award by the World Food Prize.
    • She is renowned for her groundbreaking research in developing climate-resilient and nutrition-rich rice varieties.

    Contributions of Dr. Swati Nayak

    Extensive Testing Organized over 10,000 tests, evaluating 500+ seed varieties.
    Climate Resilient Varieties Developed high-yield, biofortified, and nutritionally enhanced rice varieties.
    Small Holder Farmers’ Focus Innovated inbred rice varieties to benefit smallholders.
    Collaborative Efforts Collaborated with national and international organizations.
    Addressing Lifestyle Diseases Advocates for low glycemic index, micronutrient-enriched rice varieties.
    Supporting Better Quality Empowers farmers to produce high-quality seeds for better market positioning.
    Biofortified Foodgrains Promotes affordable bio-fortified rice as a nutritional solution.

     

    Who was Norman Borlaug (1914-2009)?

    Contributions Developed high-yielding, disease-resistant wheat varieties, “Father of the Green Revolution”
    Impact Saved over a billion people from hunger, significantly increased global wheat production
    Awards and Honors Nobel Peace Prize, Presidential Medal of Freedom, Congressional Gold Medal, Padma Vibhushan, and more
    Legacy Laid the foundation for modern agricultural practices, inspired efforts to address global food security

     

    About Borlaug Field Award

    Endowed by Rockefeller Foundation
    Presented by World Food Prize Foundation
    Purpose Recognize outstanding contributions in international agriculture and food production by individuals under 40.
    Award Amount $10,000
    Inspiration Honors Dr. Norman Borlaug’s dedication to fighting global hunger and poverty during his early career in Mexico.
    Establishment Year 2011

     

  • AFSPA Extension in Manipur: A Delicate Balancing Act

    afspa manipur

    Central Idea

    • The Manipur government has announced the extension of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) for another 6 months across the entire state.
    • However, it excludes 19 police stations in seven districts of the Imphal Valley.

    Why such move?

    • Gradual Withdrawal: Since 2022, AFSPA has been progressively withdrawn from the valley districts, primarily inhabited by the Meitei community.
    • Resurgence of Insurgent Groups: There has been a resurgence of insurgent groups, largely operating from Myanmar, advocating for Manipur’s secession from India.
    • Ethnic Violence: Ethnic violence between the Meitei and tribal Kuki communities has claimed at least 175 lives since May 3, making it the deadliest conflict in Manipur since 1999.

    AFSPA History in Manipur

    • Decades of AFSPA: AFSPA has been applicable in Manipur since 1981, impacting both the valley and hill districts.
    • Gradual Withdrawal: The Act’s provisions have been gradually withdrawn from the valley districts over the years, signifying evolving security dynamics.

    What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958?

    • Armed Forces Special Powers Act, to put it simply, gives armed forces the power to maintain public order in “disturbed areas.”
    • AFSPA gives armed forces the authority use force or even open fire after giving due warning if they feel a person is in contravention of the law.
    • The Act further provides that if “reasonable suspicion exists”, the armed forces can also arrest a person without a warrant; enter or search premises without a warrant; and ban the possession of firearms.

    A Backgrounder

    • The AFSPA, 1958 came into force in the context of insurgency in the North-eastern States decades ago.
    • It provides “special power” to the Armed Forces applies to the Army, the Air Force and the Central Paramilitary forces etc.
    • It has been long contested debate whether the “special powers” granted under AFSPA gives total immunity to the armed forces for any action taken by them.

    What are the Special Powers?

    • Power to use force: including opening fire, even to the extent of causing death if prohibitory orders banning assembly of five or more persons or carrying arms and weapons, etc are in force in the disturbed area;
    • Power to destroy structures: used as hide-outs, training camps, or as a place from which attacks are or likely to be launched, etc;
    • Power to arrest: without warrant and to use force for the purpose;
    • Power to enter and search premises: without a warrant to make arrest or recovery of hostages, arms and ammunition and stolen property etc.

    Who can declare/notify such areas?

    • The Central Government or the Governor of the State or administrator of the Union Territory can declare the whole or part of the State or Union Territory as a disturbed area.