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NBS Fertilisers: Govt Brings Non-Urea Fertilisers Under Price Control

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Why in News?

  • The Central government has brought di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), muriate of potash (MOP) and all other such fertilisers that receive nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) support under “reasonable pricing” controls.
  • NBS fertilisers – unlike urea, whose maximum retail price (MRP) is fixed by the government – are technically decontrolled.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • What is the NBS Scheme?
  • Decision Taken by the Central Govt w.r.t Non-Urea Fertilisers
  • How will Companies’ “Unreasonable Profit” be Assessed?
  • Significance of the New Guidelines of the DoF

What is the NBS Scheme?

  • Fertilisers are essentially food for crops, which need nutrients (Primary [N, P, K)], Secondary [S, calcium, magnesium] and Micro [iron, zinc, copper, manganese, boron, molybdenum]) for plant growth and grain yield.
  • Under the NBS scheme, introduced in April 2010, their MRPs are supposed to be market-determined and set by the individual companies selling them.
  • The government merely pays a fixed per-tonne subsidy on each of these fertilisers, linked to their nutrient content or specific percentage of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S).
  • Unlike the earlier product-specific subsidy regime, NBS was intended to promote balanced fertilisation by discouraging farmers from applying too much urea (46% N), DAP (46% P plus 18% N) and MOP (60% K).
    • These are fertilisers with high content of a single nutrient.
  • NBS was meant to encourage product innovation, as well as increased use of complex fertilisers (with lower amounts of N, P, K, and S) and single super phosphate – SSP (with just 16% P but 11% S).
  • However, urea consumption rose by over a third since 2009-10, worsening the nutrient imbalance and leading to the failure of NBS.

Decision Taken by the Central Govt w.r.t Non-Urea Fertilisers:

  • The Department of Fertilisers (DoF), Ministry of Chemicals & Fertilisers, has issued detailed guidelines for the evaluation of “reasonableness” of the MRPs for all non-urea fertilisers covered under NBS.
  • The guidelines, to be effective retrospectively from April 1, 2023, have prescribed maximum profit margins that will be allowed for fertiliser companies –
    • 8% for importers,
    • 10% for manufacturers and
    • 12% for integrated manufacturers (those producing finished fertilisers as well as intermediates such as phosphoric acid and ammonia).
  • Companies earning “unreasonable profit”, i.e. over and above the stipulated percentages, in a particular financial year (April-March) will have to refund the same to the DoF by October 10 of the following fiscal year.
  • If they don’t return the money within the said time limit, an interest @12% per annum on a pro-rata basis would be charged on the refund amount from the next day of the end of financial year.
  • The unreasonable profits would also get adjusted against subsequent fertiliser subsidy payments by the government.

How will Companies’ “Unreasonable Profit” be Assessed?

  • The guidelines have mandated fertiliser companies to “self-assess” unreasonable profits, based on the cost auditor’s report along with audited cost data approved by their board of directors.
  • This report and data have to be furnished to the DoF by October 10 of the following fiscal year.
  • The DoF will then scrutinise the “reasonability of MRPs”, as submitted by the companies, by 28th February for each completed previous financial year.
  • Following that, it will finalise a report on unreasonable profits earned (if any) and to be recovered from the companies.

Significance of the New Guidelines of the DoF:

  • Non-urea fertilisers are already under informal price control, which will definitely continue till the Lok Sabha elections are over.
  • The new guidelines impose indirect MRP controls on non-urea fertilisers by capping the profits that companies can earn from their sales.
    • These will be based on their “total cost of sales”, which would cover cost of production/ import, administrative overheads, selling and distribution overheads, and net interest and financing charges.
  • This means, the new guidelines basically extend the regime of detailed cost monitoring and price control currently applicable on urea to other fertilisers.


UGC’s Draft Guidelines Spark Outrage over ‘Dereservation’ in Faculty Recruitment

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Why in the News?

  • The Union government and the University Grants Commission (UGC) have clarified that faculty positions in universities reserved for SC, ST, OBC, and EWS candidates will not be opened to the general category.
  • This was done after academicians criticised the UGC’s draft guidelines which suggested the possibility of opening unfilled vacancies for SC, ST, OBC candidates to general candidates in “rare and exceptional cases”.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About UGC (Objective, Mandate)
  • News Summary (Draft Proposal, Current Scenario, etc.)

University Grants Commission (UGC)

  • The University Grants Commission of India is a statutory body under the provisions of UGC Act, 1956.
  • It is responsible for coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of higher education.
  • It provides recognition to universities in India, and disburses funds to such recognized universities and college.
  • Nodal Ministry: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education

Mandate of UGC

  • Promoting and coordinating university education.
  • Determining and maintaining standards of teaching, examination and research in universities.
  • Framing regulations on minimum standards of education.
  • Monitoring developments in the field of collegiate and university education; disbursing grants to the universities and colleges.
  • Serving as a vital link between the Union and State governments and institutions of higher learning.
  • Advising the Central and State governments on the measures necessary for the improvement of university education.

News Summary:

  • In December, 2023, the higher education regulator had shared draft guidelines on implementing the reservation policy in higher education institutions for public feedback by the end of January, 2024.
  • This draft is prepared by a four-member committee headed by the director of the Institute of Public Administration, Dr H S Rana.
  • Among the key recommendations of the committee, it proposed de-reservation of unfilled quota posts meant for teachers, officers, and employees of a university.
  • The committee suggested that there is a “general ban on de-reservation of reserved vacancies in case of direct recruitment”, in exceptional circumstances it can be done if the university can provide adequate justification for it.
  • The draft guidelines specify that proposals for de-reservation concerning job positions designated for Group A and Group B posts should be submitted to the Education Ministry.
    • Similarly, proposals for Group C and D posts should be forwarded to the Executive Council (the top decision-making body) of the university for special permission.
  • These proposals would have to provide information such as the designation, pay scale, name of the service, responsibilities, required qualifications, efforts made to fill the post, and why it cannot be allowed to remain vacant.
  • This led to criticism by sections of the academia.
  • The UGC chairman then clarified that is it just a draft and anything related to de-reservation will be taken out of it while making the final document.

What is the Current Position?

  • In the current scenario, reserved faculty positions are not converted to recruit general candidates.
  • While the Department of Personnel and Training (DoPT) permits de-reservation in exceptional circumstances exclusively for Group A posts, this provision has not been put into effect in universities.
  • Unfilled quota positions undergo re-advertisement, and universities organise special recruitment drives until suitable candidates are identified, without opening these positions to the general category.


Overhaul of cybersecurity framework

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Why in news?

  • As per the media reports, the government has drawn up a guiding policy called the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF) to help manage cybersecurity better.
  • The framework is based on existing legislations, policies and guidelines. It outlines implementable measure with clear articulation of roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity.

What’s in today’s article?

  • National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)
  • National Cybersecurity Coordinator (NCSC)
  • News Summary

National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC)

  • NCIIPC is a government organization that protects critical information infrastructure (CII) for the public. It was established in 2014 and is based in New Delhi.
  • The NCIIPC’s mission is to protect critical information infrastructure from unauthorized access, modification, use, disclosure, disruption, incapacitation, or destruction.
  • It also provides advice to reduce the vulnerabilities of critical information infrastructure from cyber terrorism, cyber warfare, and other threats.
  • The NCIIPC defines CII as computer resources whose incapacitation or destruction would have a debilitating impact on national security, economy, public health, or safety.

National Cybersecurity Coordinator (NCSC)

  • The NCSC provides guidance and support to state governments and private industry to help formulate policies.
  • They also provide guidance on internet governance, network management, and response strategies for cyberattacks.
  • It works under National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) and coordinates with different agencies at the national level for cyber security matters.

News Summary: Overhaul of cybersecurity framework

  • The government has drawn up the National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF), with clear articulation of roles and responsibilities for cybersecurity.

National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF)

  • Background
    • The NCRF was shared privately with companies and other government departments for consultation in May 2023, but is yet to be made public.
    • Apart from the main policy document, at least three supporting compendiums detailing global cybersecurity standards, products and solutions have also been formulated.
    • In June 2023, former National Cyber-Security Coordinator Lt. General Rajesh Pant had said that the NCRF will be released for the public soon.
  • About
    • NCRF is a framework that sets the standard for cybersecurity in India.
    • The NCRF can serve as a template for critical sector entities to develop their own governance and management systems for strong cyber-security systems.
      • The government has identified telecom, power, transportation, finance, strategic entities, government entities and health as critical sectors.
  • Institutions involved in framing the framework
    • The framework has been drawn up by the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC) with support from the National Cybersecurity Coordinator (NCSC).
  • Key highlights
    • Non-binding in nature
      • The NCRF is a guideline, meaning that its recommendations will not be binding.
    • Separate budget allocation
      • It recommends that enterprises allocate at least 10 per cent of their total IT budget towards cybersecurity.
      • Such allocation is to be mentioned under a separate budget head for monitoring by the top-level management / board of directors.
    • Evolution of ways to use machines to analyse data from different sources
      • The framework might suggest that national nodal agencies evolve platforms and processes for machine-processing of data from different entities.
      • This would help check if audits are done properly and rate auditors based on their performance.
    • Greater powers to the regulators
      • The NCRF might suggest that regulators overseeing critical sectors can:
        • set rules for information security;
        • define information security requirements to ensure proper audit.
    • Effective Information Security Management System (ISMS)
      • The regulators may also need to access sensitive data and deficiencies related to the operations in the critical sector.
      • Hence, they also would need to have an effective Information Security Management System (ISMS) instance.
    • Common but Differentiated Responsibility (CBDR)
      • The policy is based on a CBDR approach, recognising that different organisations have varying levels of cybersecurity needs and responsibilities.

Need for National Cybersecurity Reference Framework (NCRF)

  • Growing cyberattacks and lack of an overarching framework on cybersecurity
    • India faces a barrage of cybersecurity-related incidents which pose a major challenge to New Delhi’s national security imperatives.
      • E.g., A high-profile attack on the systems of AIIMS Delhi in 2022.
    • Many ministries feel hamstrung by the lack of an overarching framework on cybersecurity when they are formulating sector-specific legislations.
  • Emergence of threat actors backed by nation-states and organised cyber-criminal groups
    • In recent years many threat actors backed by nation-states and organised cyber-criminal groups have attempted to target Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) of the government and enterprises.
    • In addition, availability of cyber-attacks-as-service has reduced the entry threshold for new cyber criminals, thus increasing the exposure to individuals and organisations.
  • National Cybersecurity Policy of 2013 is still guiding the cybersecurity of the nation
    • The current guiding framework on cybersecurity for critical infrastructure in India comes from the National Cybersecurity Policy of 2013.
    • From 2013 till 2023, the world has changed as new threats and new cyber organisations have emerged calling for new strategies.


Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

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Recently, the military regimes in Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger announced their immediate withdrawal from the West African bloc ECOWAS.

About Economic Community of West African States:

  • It is also known as CEDEAO in French.
  • It is the regional group which was established in 1975 through the Lagos Treaty.
  • Mandate: Promoting economic integration among its members.
  • The vision of ECOWAS is the creation of a “borderless region” that is well-integrated and governed in accordance with the principles of democracy, rule of law and good governance.
  • Members: Benin, Cape Verde, Côte d’ Ivoire, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea Bissau, Liberia, Nigeria, Sierra Leone, Senegal and Togo.
  • ECOWAS’ larger aims are to have a single common currency and create a single, large trading bloc in areas of industry, transport, telecommunications, energy, financial issues, and social and cultural matters.
  • Along with the goals of economic cooperation, it has attempted to quell military conflicts in the region. 
  • It also operated a regional peacekeeping operation known as ECOMOG, led by Nigeria in the 1990s and early 2000s.
  • Headquarters: Abuja, Nigeria.


Sloth bear

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Karnataka has witnessed instances of human-sloth bear confrontations, raising concerns for both communities and wildlife enthusiasts.

About Sloth bear:

  • Scientific Name: Melursus ursinus
  • Sloth bears are one of the eight bear speciesfound across the world.
  • They are myrmecophagous, meaning, they find bugs and termites to be their most sought-after meal.
  • Habitat: They live in a variety of dry and moist forestsand in some tall grasslands, where boulders, scattered shrubs and trees provide shelter.
  • Appearance: They have long, shaggy dark brown or black fur and curved claws, which are the longest out of any of the bear species.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Vulnerable
    • Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1
  • Key to mitigate human-sloth bear confrontations: Enhancing habitat connectivity, minimising human-wildlife interaction zones, and implementing responsible waste management practices.
  • Sloth Bear Sanctuaries in India: Daroji Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Karnataka), Jessore Sloth Bear Sanctuary (Gujarat).


Exercise -Sada Tanseeq

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In a major boost of ties, the militaries of India and Saudi Arabia are conducting their first Joint Military Exercise named as Sada Tanseeq.

About Exercise Sada Tanseeq:

  • It is the inaugural edition of India-Saudi Arabia Joint Military Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’ commenced at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
  • The Exercise is scheduled to be conducted from 29th January to 10th February 2024.
  • Aim of the Exercise is to train troops of both sides for Joint Operations in Semi Desert terrain under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
  • The Exercise will enable both the sides to share their best practices in the tactics, techniques and procedures of conducting operations in sub-conventional domains.
  • It will facilitate developing interoperability, bonhomie and camaraderie between troops from both the sides.
  • The Exercise will involve Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Post, Cordon & Search Operation, House Intervention Drill, Reflex Shooting, Slithering and Sniper Firing. 
  • The Exercise will provide an opportunity to both the contingents to strengthen their bond. 


Laughing gull

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Recently, a laughing gull, a migratory bird from North America, has been sighted for the first time in the country at the Chittari estuary in Kasaragod district.

About Laughing gull:

  • The bird is known for its unique laughter-like calls which resemble human laughter.
  • Habitat: These are a coastal species and are only occasionally seen very far inland.
  • Distribution: These birds are mainly found on the Atlantic coast of North America, the Caribbean, and northern South America.
  • Diet: They are opportunistic carnivores and scavengers. They eat mainly fish, shellfish, crabs, molluscs, insects, bird eggs, and young birds.
  • Features
    • These are medium-sized gulls with fairly long wings and long legs that impart a graceful look when they are flying or walking. They have stout, fairly long bills.
    • They take 2-3 years to gain adult plumage.
  • Conservation Status
    • IUCN: Least Concern

What is an estuary?

  • An estuary is an area where a freshwater river or stream meets the ocean.
  • When freshwater and seawater combine, the water becomes brackish, or slightly salty.
  • Types of Estuaries
    • Coastal plain estuaries: These are created when sea levels rise and fill in an existing river valley.
    • Tectonic estuaries: It is formed due to the shifting together and rifting apart of the Earth’s crust.
    • Bar-built estuaries: When a lagoon or bay is protected from the ocean by a sandbar or barrier island, it is called a bar-built estuary.
    • Fjord estuaries: These are a type of estuary created by glaciers. Fjord estuaries occur when glaciers carve out a deep, steep valley.


Ratle Hydro Electric Project

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The government recently announced diversion of Chenab river water through diversion tunnels to expedite the 850-MW Ratle Hydro Electric Project in Jammu & Kashmir.

About Ratle Hydro Electric Project:

  • It is an 850 MW run-of-river hydroelectric power project being built on the Chenab River in the Kishtwar District of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • The project is being developed by Ratle Hydroelectric Power Corporation (RHPCL), which was formed as a joint venture (JV) between Jammu & Kashmir State Power Development Corporation (JKSPDC) and India’s state-owned National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).
  • The project comprises a 133-metre-tall and 194.8-meter-long concrete gravity dam, a diversion dam, and an underground powerhouse on the right bank of the river.

Key Facts about Chenab River:

  • It is a major river of India and Pakistan.
  • Origin: It is formed by the confluence of two streams, Chandra and Bhaga, at Tandi in the upper Himalayas in the Lahaul and Spiti Districts of Himachal Pradesh.
  • In its upper reaches, it is also known as the Chandrabhaga.
  • It is a tributary of the Indus River.
  • Course:
    • It flows west through Jammu and Kashmir union territory, between the steep cliffs of the Siwalik Range (south) and the Lesser Himalayas (north).
    • Turning southwest, it continues into Pakistan, descending from the uplands into the broad alluvial lowlands of Punjab province. 
    • After receiving the Jhelum River near Trimmu, the Chenab empties into the Sutlej River, a tributary of the Indus River.
  • Its total length is about 605 miles (974 km), and it feeds several irrigation canals. 
  • Tributaries: The tributaries of the Chenab River include Miyar Nalla, Sohal, Thirot, Bhut Nalla, Marusudar, and Lidrari.


Nitrogen hypoxia

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Recently, Alabama successfully executed a man who spent decades on death row using a new method called nitrogen hypoxia.

About Nitrogen hypoxia:

  • Hypoxia is a medical term for a state of insufficient oxygen in the body. 
  • Nitrogen hypoxia is a process where pure nitrogen gas, or nitrogen gas at concentrations high enough to be lethal, is inhaled to the point of causing asphyxiation.
  • It is a relatively new alternative to more common forms of capital punishment, like lethal injection and electrocution.
  • In this method of execution, a respirator mask is placed over the inmate’s face, and pure nitrogen is pumped into the person’s lungs instead of oxygen.
  • It leads to unconsciousness and then death from lack of oxygen.

Key facts about Nitrogen

  • It appears as a colourless odourless gas.
  • It makes up the major portion of the atmosphere.
  • It is important for plant growth and can be ‘fixed’ by lightning or added to soils in fertilisers.
  • It is important to the chemical industry. It is used to make fertilisers, nitric acid, nylon, dyes and explosives.
  • Nitrogen gas is also used to provide an unreactive atmosphere. It is used in this way to preserve foods and in the electronics industry during the production of transistors and diodes.
  • Large quantities of nitrogen are used in annealing stainless steel and other steel mill products. Annealing is a heat treatment that makes steel easier to work.
  • Liquid nitrogen is often used as a refrigerant. It is also used to rapidly freeze foods, helping them to maintain moisture, colour, flavour and texture.


Headlines of the Day 30-01-2024

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PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key points to know
Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’  PIB GS3-Defence – What is Exercise ‘SADA TANSEEQ’?
– Its significance
Ratle Project PIB GS1-Geography  – What are the key facts related to the Ratle Project and the Chenab River?
lab-grown fish IE  GS3-Science and Tech – What is lab-grown fish?
– Its advantages and disadvantages
Humboldt’s enigma The Hindu GS3-Environment   – What is Humboldt’s enigma and what does it mean for India? 
e-cigarettes The Hindu  GS2 Health / GS3 Science and Tech – What are e-cigarettes? Its advantages and disadvantages
– Laws related to it in India
INS Sumitra The Hindu GS3-Defence – What are the key facts related to INS Sumitra?
– Why is the region around the Red Sea under attack?
United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) IE IR – What is UNRWA, and why have Western countries paused its funding amid the Gaza war?
Parliamentary panel examining Bill on marriage age of women gets another extension The Hindu  GS2 Polity and Governance – What are the key provisions of the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Amendment) Bill, 2021?
Electric Vehicle Batteries The Hindu  GS3 Economy / GS3 Science and Tech – What are Electric Vehicle Batteries?
– Its significance 


India and France deepen ties

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Why in news?

  • French President Emmanuel Macron visited India as the Chief Guest for the 75th Republic Day celebrations.
  • During this visit, India and France made significant decisions with the primary focus on enhancing collaboration in the defence sector.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Indo-France Bilateral Relation
  • News Summary

Indo-France Bilateral Relations:

  • Since the establishment of diplomatic ties in 1948, India and France have enjoyed 75 years of close and friendly relations.
  • In 1998, India and France elevated their diplomatic relationship to Strategic Partnership which completed 25 years in January, 2023.
  • This Strategic Partnership, first for France outside the EU, has been instrumental in the comprehensive growth of India-France relationship.

Key Pillars of India-France Cooperation:

  • Defence Cooperation: The Agreement on Defence Cooperation signed in 2006 and renewed for another 10 years in 2016 gives the framework for all defence cooperation activities between India and France.
    • A DRDO office was opened in the Embassy in 2023 for strengthening technology cooperation.
    • The procurement of Rafale jets as part of India’s air power is a testament to the deep defence ties.
  • Space Cooperation: ISRO and the French Space Agency, CNES have been carrying on various joint research programmes and collaborating in satellite launches.
    • For example, on 22 June 2022, GSAT-24 communication satellite of New Space India Ltd (NSIL) was successfully launched on-board Ariane-5 from Kourou, French Guiana.
  • Civil Nuclear Cooperation: An agreement on civil nuclear cooperation was signed between India and France in 2008.
    • France is involved in the construction of the Jaitapur Nuclear Power Project. However, the progress here has been slow (the first pact was agreed in 2008).
    • The two sides have also agreed to establish a partnership on Small Modular Reactors (SMR) and Advanced Modular Reactors (AMR).
  • Economic Cooperation: They have important bilateral investments and trade and commercial cooperation, particularly in sectors involving IT corridors, smart-cities, railways, capital and trade exchanges, skill development, etc.
    • Bilateral trade reached an impressive $13.4 Bn in 2022-23, marking a significant 7.72% increase from the previous year.
    • France has emerged as the 11th largest investor in India, with FDI inflow of $10.5 Bn from April 2000 to March 2023.
  • Digital Cooperation: India-France Roadmap on Cyber security and Digital Technologies was one of the outcomes of the visit of the PM of India to France in 2019.
    • In July 2023, Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was launched from the Eiffel Tower, offering secure and convenient transactions for Indian visitors and NRIs.
  • Culture and Tourism Cooperation: There are many Indo-French cultural associations which organise various events across France.
    • For example, the Government of India organised ‘Namaste France’ cultural festival in several cities of France in 2016.
  • Marine and Maritime Cooperation: Indo-French Maritime Cooperation is based on the India-France Roadmap on Blue Economy and Ocean Governance adopted in 2022.
  • Community in France: The Indian community, including NRIs in mainland France number around 109,000, largely originating from French enclaves of Puducherry, Karaikal, Yanam, Mahe and Chandernagore. 

News Summary: India and France deepen ties

  • French President Emmanuel Macron was on a two-day State visit to India. He was also the Chief Guest for India’s Republic Day.
    • The 2nd Infantry Regiment of the French Foreign Legion also participated in this year’s Republic Day Parade.
  • This year, we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the India-France Strategic Partnership.
    • PM Modi was the Guest of Honour at the Bastille Day Parade held on 14 July 2023 in Paris.

Key outcomes of the visit

  • Roadmap for India-France Defence Industrial Partnership
    • The main goal of this roadmap is to find areas to work together on making military equipment.
    • This includes designing, developing, and producing things together, as well as creating supply chains for defence goods between the two countries.
    • It aims to foster collaboration in cutting-edge technologies, including robotics, artificial intelligence (AI), autonomous vehicles, platforms, and cyber defence.
    • The defence roadmap will cover both air and space technologies, maritime technology, including underwater domain awareness.
  • Defence-space partnership
    • The two sides also signed a new agreement for a defence-space partnership that will see them collaborate on space situational awareness.
  • Airbus-TATA chopper deal
    • Tata and Airbus Helicopters have entered into an industrial partnership for the production of H125 helicopters, fostering collaboration in the defence sector.
    • Two mega multi-billion-dollar defence deals in the pipeline between the two countries are currently in the cost negotiation phase. These are:
      • The 26 Rafale-M fighter jets for the Indian Navy’s aircraft carriers, and
      • Three additional Scorpene-class conventional submarines.
  • Cooperation in satellite launches
    • An MoU was sealed between New Space India Ltd and France’s Arianespace, signifying cooperation in satellite launches and advancing space exploration initiatives.
  • Introduction of the Young Professional Scheme
    • The scheme facilitates:
      • the exchange of individuals between 18-35 years of age, and
      • extension of visa validity to five years for Schengen visas for Indian students pursuing master’s degrees in France.
  • Other areas of cooperation
    • Both sides also agreed on cooperation in healthcare, which would include education, training and research, and the use of AI in healthcare.

Key announcements made during the visit

  • Year 2026 as the India France Year of Innovation.
  • Operationalization of UPI at Eiffel Tower.
  • Setting up of a Solar Academy in Senegal under the STAR-C program of International Solar Alliance (ISA).
    • STAR-C programme aims to boost solar power ecosystems in the poorest countries.
    • The initiative is run by ISA in partnership with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO).
  • Establishment of India’s Consulate in Marseille and French Bureau de France in Hyderabad


Sapinda Marriage

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Recently, Delhi High Court has reaffirmed the ban on sapinda marriages.

  • Sapindas – According to Section 3 of the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955 (HMA),
    • 2 persons are said to be sapindas of each other if 1 is a lineal ascendant of the other or if they have a common lineal ascendant.
  • Legality – HMA prohibits marriage between 2 Hindus if they are “sapindas” of each other unless the custom or usage governing each of them permits of a marriage between the 2.
  • On the mother’s side – An individual cannot marry their sibling, their parents, their grandparents, or an individual who shares this ancestry within 3 generations.
  • On the father’s side – The above (mother side) prohibition would extend up to their grandparents’ grandparent, and anyone who shares this ancestry within 5 generations.
  • Violation – Such marriages will be declared void and will be treated as though it never took place.
  • Exceptions – It allows such practices if the customs of each individual permits sapinda marriages.

The word ‘custom’, according to Section 3(a) of HMA means ‘a practice that has to be continuously and uniformly observed for a long time, and should have gained enough legitimacy among Hindus in a local area, tribe, group, or family, such that it has obtained the force of law’.

  • Issues – Petitioner argued that Section 5(v) which prohibits sapinda marriages unless there is an established custom violates the right to equality under Article 14 of the Constitution.

Status of Incest relationship around the world
  • European countries – In several countries, the laws on relationships that are considered incestuous are less stringent than in India.
    • In France, incest remains legal.
    • Portuguese law also does not criminalise incest.
  • United States – They are banned in all 50 states, but such relationships between consenting adults are allowed in New Jersey and Rhode Island.


Padma Awards 2024

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For the year 2024, the President has approved conferment of 132 Padma Awards including 2 duo cases (counted as one).

  • Instituted in – 1954, announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except during 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.

3 categories of Padma Awards
  • Padma Vibhushan – For exceptional and distinguished service.
  • Padma Bhushan – For distinguished service of a high order.
  • Padma Shri – For distinguished service.
  • Presented by – President of India, usually in March/April every year.
  • Eligibility – All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex but government servants including PSUs, except doctors and scientists, are not eligible for these Awards.
  • Awards – A Sanad (certificate) signed by the President, medallion and a small replica of the medallion, awardee names are also published in the Gazette of India on the ceremonial day.
  • Title – It does not amount to a title and cannot be used as a suffix or prefix to the awardees’ name
  • Number of awards – In a given year (excluding posthumous and to NRI/foreigners/OCIs), it should not be more than 120.
  • Fields covered – Art, social work, social service, Public Affairs, science & engineering, trade & industry, medicine, literature & education, civil service, sports and others fields that not covered.

It is normally not conferred posthumously but in highly deserving cases, the Government could consider giving an award posthumously.

  • A higher category of Padma award – Only where a period of at least 5 years has elapsed since the earlier Padma award but in highly deserving cases, a relaxation can be made by the Awards Committee.

Padma Awards Committee

  • Constituted by – Prime Minister of India every year
  • Headed by – Cabinet Secretary,
  • Members – It includes Home Secretary, Secretary to the President and 4 to 6 eminent persons.
  • Role – It considers the nominations and submits its recommendations to the Prime Minister and the President of India for approval.

Padma Vibhushan 2024
Name Field State/ Region
Ms. Vyjayantimala Bali Art Tamil Nadu
Shri Konidela Chiranjeevi Art Andhra Pradesh
Shri M Venkaiah Naidu Public Affairs Andhra Pradesh
Shri Bindeshwar Pathak
(Posthumous)		 Social Work Bihar
Ms. Padma Subrahmanyam Art Tamil Nadu

2024 list comprises 5 Padma Vibhushan, 17 Padma Bhushan and 110 Padma Shri Awards. It includes 30 women, 8 persons from the category of Foreigners / NRI / PIO / OCI and 9 posthumous awardees.



Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme

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Ahead of the interim Budget 2024, exporters have urged the government to allocate funds worth $3.88 billion for the Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme.

About Market Access Initiative (MAI) Scheme:

  • It is an export promotion scheme envisaged to act as a catalyst to promote India’s exports on a sustained basis. 
  • The scheme is formulated on focus product-focus country approach to evolve specific markets and specific products through market studies and surveys. 
  • Assistance would be provided to Export Promotion Organizations/Trade Promotion Organizations/National Level Institutions/ Research Institutions/Universities/Laboratories, Exporters etc., for the enhancement of exports through accessing new markets or through increasing their share in the existing markets.
  • Under the Scheme, the level of assistance for each eligible activities has been fixed.
  • The following activities will be eligible for financial assistance under the Scheme:
    • Marketing Projects Abroad
    • Capacity Building
    • Support for Statutory Compliances
    • Studies
    • Project Development
    • Developing Foreign Trade Facilitation web Portal
    • To support Cottage and handicrafts units
  • Eligible Agencies: Departments of Central Government and Organisation of Central/State Governments including
    • Indian Missions abroad
    • Export Promotion Councils
    • Registered trade promotion Organisation
    • Commodity Boards
    • Apex Trade Bodies recognized under Foreign Trade Policy of Govt of India
    • Recognized Industrial & Artisan Clusters
    • Individual Exporters (only for statutory compliance etc.)
    • National Level Institutions (e.g. Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), Indian Institutes of Management (IIMs), National Institute of design (NIDs), NIFT etc.)/ Research Institutions/Universities/ Recognized laboratories, etc.
  • The funding for each project will be on cost-sharing basis with the sharing pattern ranging from 65% to 50% at the minimum.
  • It is administered by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India, through the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT).


Quantum Computing

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Researchers have unveiled a novel approach that integrates quantum computing with the study of living organisms.

About Quantum Computing:

  • It is an area of computer science focused on the development of technologies based on the principles of quantum theory.
  • Quantum theory explains the behaviour of energy and material at the atomic and subatomic levels.
  • It is based on the principles of the superposition of matter and quantum entanglement and uses a different computation method from the traditional one.
  • Quantum computers have the capability to sift through huge numbers of possibilities and extract potential solutions to complex problems and challenges. 
  • How does it work?
    • Where classical computers store information as bits with either 0s or 1s, quantum computers use qubits.
    • While classical bits always represent either one or zero, a qubit can be in a superposition of one and zero simultaneously until its state is measured.
    • In addition, the states of multiple qubits can be entangled, meaning that they are linked quantum mechanically to each other. 
    • Qubits can be made by manipulating atoms, electrically charged atoms called ions, or electrons, or by nanoengineering so-called artificial atoms, such as circuits of superconducting qubits, using a printing method called lithography.

 What is Superposition and Entanglement?

  • They are two features of quantum physics on which quantum computing is based. 
  • They empower quantum computers to handle operations at speeds exponentially higher than conventional computers and with much less energy consumption.
  • Superposition:
    • A qubit places the quantum information that it contains into a state of superposition. 
    • This refers to a combination of all possible configurations of the qubit. 
    • Groups of qubits in superposition can create complex, multidimensional computational spaces. 
    • Complex problems can be represented in new ways in these spaces.
  • Entanglement:
    • Pairs of qubits can be made to become entangled. 
    • This means that the two qubits then exist in a single state.
    • In such a state, changing one qubit directly affects the other in a manner that’s predictable.
    • Quantum algorithms are designed to take advantage of this relationship to solve complex problems. 
    • While doubling the number of bits in a classical computer doubles its processing power, adding qubits results in an exponential upswing in computing power and ability.


Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs)

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World Neglected Tropical Diseases Day is observed every year on January 30.

About Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs):

  • NTDs are a diverse group of 20 conditions/diseases that are mainly prevalent in tropical areas, where they thrive among people living in impoverished communities. 
  • They are caused by a variety of pathogens (including viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, and toxins) and are associated with devastating health, social, and economic consequences.
  • These include Guinea worm, Chikungunya, Dengue, Kala Azar (Visceral Leishmaniasis), and Elephantiasis (Lymphatic Filariasis), among others, and India is home to about 12 NTDs. 
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that NTDs affect more than 1 billion people, while the number of people requiring NTD interventions (both preventive and curative) is 1.6 billion.
  • The epidemiology of NTDs is complex and often related to environmental conditions. Many of them are vector-borne, have animal reservoirs, and are associated with complex life cycles. All these factors make their public-health control challenging.
  • Global Initiative to end NTDs: The WHO’s new road map for 2021–2030 calls for three strategic shifts to end NTDs:
    • From measuring process to measuring impact.
    • From disease-specific planning and programming to collaborative work across sectors.
    • From externally driven agendas reliant on programmes that are country-owned and country-financed.


PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI)

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A total of ₹32.44 Crore has been released for Pre-matric Scholarships and ₹387.27 Crore for Post-Matric Scholarships to States/Union Territories (UTs) under the PM YASASVI scheme in 2023.

About PM Young Achievers Scholarship Award Scheme (PM YASASVI):

  • It is a scholarship scheme for Other Backward Class (OBCs), Economically Backward Class (EBC), and Denotified Nomadic Tribes (DNT) students.
  • Under this scheme, students can avail of Pre-Matric Scholarships from Classes 9 to 10 and Post-Matric Scholarships for their higher education at the post-matriculation or post-secondary level.
  • Exceptional students also have the opportunity to receive scholarships for top-tier schools and colleges.
  • Additionally, hostel facilities are provided for OBC students through a construction scheme. 
  • Eligibility:
    • Other Backward Class (OBC), Economically Backward Classes (EBC), and Denotified, Nomadic, and Semi-Nomadic Tribes (DNT)
    • Parents or guardians annual income is not more than Rs. 2.50 Lakhs.
    • Studying in a Top Class School in Class 9 or 11.
  • These scholarships shall be available for studies in India only and will be awarded by the Government of State/Union Territory to which the applicant actually belongs, i.e., permanently settled.
  • Entitlement: Upto Rs. 75,000 p.a. for Class 9/10, 1,25,000 p.a. for Class 11/12, covering the school tuition fee/hostel fee.
  • Implementing Agency: Department of Social Justice and Empowerment, Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.


Houthis

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Yemen’s Iran-aligned Houthis have stepped up their attacks on commercial vessels transiting the Red Sea.

About Houthis:

  • The Houthis, officially known as Ansar Allah (Partisans of God), are an armed religious and political movement in Yemen.
  • Houthis are Zaydi Shiites, or Zaydiyyah. Shiite Muslims are the minority community in the Islamic world, and Zaydis are a minority of Shiites, significantly different in doctrine and beliefs from the Shiites who dominate in Iran, Iraq, and elsewhere.
  • They are a minority in Yemen, which is predominantly Sunni Muslim, but they are a significant one, numbering in the hundreds of thousands and making up as much as a third of the overall population.
  • Its members advocate regional autonomy for Zaidis in northern Yemen.
  • They have been fighting Yemen’s Sunni-majority government since 2004. 
  • The Houthis took over the Yemeni capital Sanaa in September 2014 and seized control over much of north Yemen by 2016.
  • The Houthi movement began as an effort to maintain tribal autonomy in northern Yemen and protest Western influence in the Middle East.
  • Today, the Houthis seek a greater role in the Yemeni government and continue to advocate for Zaidi minority interests.
  • The movement is known for its virulently anti-American and anti-Semitic rhetoric.
  • Several of the group’s leaders have been designated as terrorists by the United States.


Hermit Crab

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The majority of terrestrial hermit crab species worldwide have used trash as shells, according to a recent study by experts.

About Hermit Crab:

  • Hermit crabs are small crustaceans that lack a shell and must “borrow” one from another animal. 
  • They use empty snail shells (e.g., whelk or periwinkle) or other hollow objects as a shelter for partial containment and protection of the body.
  • Habitat: Hermit crabs, worldwide in distribution, occur in sandy- or muddy-bottomed marine waters and occasionally on land and in trees. 
  • Features:
    • They can grow up to 6 inches long.
    • There are two pairs of antennae and five pairs of legs.
    • They are opportunistic scavengers, feeding on anything they can find.
    • They have tough pincers but a soft body, which they coil up inside their borrowed shell, using their hooked tail to help them to grip on. 
    • They molt (shed their skin) and change shells as they grow.
    • Despite their name, hermit crabs are social creatures and can live together in pairs or groups.
    • They can live for up to 10 years.


Armado

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The new Mahindra Armado recently made its first appearance at the Republic Day Parade.

About Armado:

  • It is India’s first Armoured Light Specialist Vehicle (ALSV).
  • It is a fully indigenous vehicle designed and built by the Mahindra Defence Systems (MDS) for the Indian armed forces.
  • It can be used in counter-terrorist and special forces operations. It can also be used by quick reaction teams, as a reconnaissance vehicle and for patrolling the borders.
  • Features:
    • It has a seating capacity of six passengers, including the driver, and can be configured to seat up to eight.
    • Above the standard 1,000 kg load capacity, the ASLV can carry another 400 kg.
    • It gets ballistic protection up to the B7 level and STANAG level-2. This means that its armour offers protection against armour-piercing rifles.
    • Also, the ASLV gets protection on all sides(front, side and rear) from ballistics and explosives.
    • Powering the 4-wheeler is a 3.2-litre multi-fuel diesel engine that generates 216 hp of maximum power.
    • Armado takes just 12 seconds to accelerate from 0 to 60 kmph, and runs at a speed of more than 120 kmph.
    • It also gets a self-cleaning-type exhaust scavenging and air filtration system for extreme dusty climate, like deserts.