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Green Roofs

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According to recent research, green roofs treated with mycorrhizal fungi foster a more diverse soil community that is more likely to support long-term green roof sustainability.

About Green Roofs:

  • Green roofs, also known as ‘vegetated roofs’ or ‘living roofs’ — are ballasted roofs consisting of a waterproofing membrane, growing medium (soil), and vegetation (plants) overlying a traditional roof. 
  • The layers of green roof systems must, like any roof, accommodate drainage, and stormwater management, and protect the building from the elements with a waterproof membrane.
  • But they also must create a growing area and potentially provide support, irrigation, and root protection barriers while staying as light as possible.
  • Two types of green roofs exist: intensive and extensive.
  • Intensive green roofs are essentially elevated parks. They can sustain shrubs, trees, walkways and benches with their complex structural support, irrigation, drainage, and root protection layers. 
  • Extensive green roofs are relatively light. They support hearty native ground cover that requires little maintenance. Extensive green roofs usually exist solely for their environmental benefits and don’t function as accessible rooftop gardens.
  • Benefits:
  • Green roofs last longer than conventional roofs, reduce energy costswith natural insulation, create peaceful retreats for people and animals, and absorb stormwater, potentially lessening the need for complex and expensive drainage systems.
  • On a wider scale, green roofs improve air quality and help reduce the Urban Heat Island Effect, a condition in which city and suburban developments absorb and trap heat.


Bluetongue disease

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China has banned the direct and indirect import of ruminants and its related products from Iraq due to an outbreak of bluetongue disease.

About Bluetongue disease (BT):

  • It is a non-contagious, viral disease affecting domestic and wild ruminants (primarily sheep and including cattle, goats, buffalo, antelope, deer, elk and camels).
  • It is transmitted by insects, particularly biting midges of the Culicoides species.
  • The virus which causes BT is identified as a member of the Reoviridae family.
  • Twenty-four (24) different serotypes have been identified and the ability of each strain to cause disease varies considerably.
  • Symptoms: The severity of the disease varies among different species with symptoms being most severe in sheep resulting in deaths, weight loss and disruption in wool growth.
  • Geographical distribution
  • It has a significant global distribution in regions where the insect vector is present, including Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and several islands in the tropics and subtropics.
  • The virus is maintained in areas where the climate will allow biting midges to survive over winter.
  • Transmission and spread
  • The insect vector is the key to the transmission of the BT virus between animals.
  • Vectors are infected with BT virus after ingesting blood from infected animals.
  • Without the vector, the disease cannot spread from animal to animal.
  • BT virus transmission can occur throughout the year, particularly during rainy periods.


Volt Typhoon

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The United States government recently shut down a major China-backed hacking group dubbed “Volt Typhoon” that attacked hundreds of routers and had been working to compromise U.S. cyber infrastructure.

About Volt Typhoon:

  • It is a state-sponsored hacking group based in China that has been active since at least 2021. 
  • The group typically focuses on espionage and information gathering. 
  • It has targeted critical infrastructure organisations in the US, including Guam. 
  • To achieve their objective, the threat actor puts a strong emphasis on stealth, relying almost exclusively on living-off-the-land techniquesand hands-on-keyboard activity. 
  • The recurring attack pattern of the Volt Typhoon begins with initial access via exploitation of public-facing devices or services.
  • Volt Typhoon employs the comparatively uncommon practice of leveraging preinstalled utilities for most of their victim interactions.
  • Compromised small office/home office (SOHO) devices are used by the attackers to proxy communications to and from the affected networks.
  • They issue commands via the command line to (1) collect data, including credentials from local and network systems: (2) put the data into an archive file to stage it for exfiltration: and then (3) use the stolen valid credentials to maintain persistence. 
  • Volt Typhoon was a particularly quiet operator that hid its traffic by routing it through hacked network equipment, like home routers, and carefully expunging evidence of intrusions from the victim’s logs.
  • This combination of behaviours makes detection especially difficult, as defenders must be able to differentiate between attacker activities and those of power users or administrative staff. 


One Stop Centre Scheme

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Recently, the Union Minister for Women and Child Development said that One Stop Centres to help women who have faced violence have been established in over 700 districts across the country.

About One Stop Centre scheme:

  • It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme formulated under the Union Ministry of Women and Child Development (MWCD).
  • Objectives:
  • To provide integrated support and assistance to women affected by violence, both in private and public spaces under one roof.
  • To facilitate immediate, emergency and non-emergency access to a range of services including medical, legal, psychological and counselling support under one roof to fight against any forms of violence against women.
  • Target group
  • It supports all women including girls below 18 years of age affected by violence, irrespective of caste, class, religion, region, sexual orientation or marital status.
  • For girls below 18 years of age, institutions and authorities established under the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 linked with the OSC
  • Funding: The Scheme will be funded through the Nirbhaya Fund. The Central Government will provide 100% financial assistance under the Scheme.
  • Administration: The day-to-day implementation and administrative matters would be the responsibility of the District Collector/District Magistrate.
  • The OSC will facilitate access to- Emergency Response and Rescue Services, Medical assistance, assistance to women in lodging FIR/ NCR/DIR, psycho-social support/counselling, legal aid and counselling, shelter and a Video Conferencing Facility.


Payments Bank

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The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently imposed restrictions on Paytm Payments Bank Ltd (PPBL), following a system audit report and subsequent compliance validation report of external auditors.

About Payments Bank:

  • A payments bank is like any other bank but operates on a smaller scalewithout involving any credit risk. 
  • It was set up based on the recommendations of the Nachiket Mor Committee.
  • Objective: To advance financial inclusion by offering banking and financial services to the unbanked and underbanked areas, helping the migrant labour force, low-income households, small entrepreneurs, etc.
  • It is registered as a public limited company under the Companies Act 2013 and licensed under Section 22 of the Banking Regulation Act 1949.
  • It is governed by a host of legislation, such as the Banking Regulation Act, 1949; RBI Act, 1934; Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999, etc.
  • Features:
  • They are differentiated, and not universal banks.
  • These operate on a smaller scale.
  • The minimum paid-up equity capital for payments banks shall be 100 crores.
  • The minimum initial contribution of the promoter to the Payment Bank to the paid-up equity capital shall be at least 40% for the first five years from the commencement of its business.
  • Activities that can be performed:
  • It can take deposits up to Rs. 2,00,000. It can accept demand depositsin the form of savings and current accounts.
  • The money received as depositscan be invested in secure government securities only in the form of a Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR). This must amount to 75% of the demand deposit balance.
  • The remaining 25% is to be placed as time deposits with other scheduled commercial banks.
  • It can offer remittance services, mobile payments/transfers/purchases, and other banking services like ATM/debit cards, net banking, and third-party fund transfers.
  • It can become a banking correspondent (BC) of another bank for credit and other services which it cannot offer.
  • Activities that can be performed:
  • It cannot issue loans and credit cards.
  • It cannot accept time deposits or NRI deposits.
  • It cannot set up subsidiaries to undertake non-banking financial activities.


eROSITA

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Recently, the German eROSITA consortium has released the data for its share of the first all-sky survey by the soft X-ray imaging telescope.

About eROSITA:

  • The eROSITA (extended ROentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array) is a wide-field X-ray telescope on board the Russian-German “Spectrum-Roentgen-Gamma” (SRG) observatory.
  • It was developed under the leadership of the Max-Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics in Germany (DE).
  • It is a sensitive X-ray telescope capable of delivering deep, sharp images over very large areas of the sky.
  • The eROSITA telescope consists of seven identical Wolter-1 mirror modules.
  • SRG was successfully launched from Baikonur on July 13 2019, and placed in a halo orbit around the L2 point.
  • Functions
  • It has been performing an all-sky survey, in which the whole celestial sphere is mapped once every six months. Eight such all-sky charts are planned until December 2023.
  • It is also expected to yield a sample of several million Active Galactic Nuclei, providing a unique view of the evolution of supermassive black holes within the emerging cosmic structure.
  • The survey will also provide new insights into a wide range of astrophysical phenomena, including accreting binaries, active stars and diffuse emission within the Galaxy, as well as solar system bodies that emit X-rays via the charge exchange process.


Black-crowned Night Heron

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A ringed juvenile black-crowned night heron, which landed recently at a local pond in Imphal and died later, was banded at the Weishan Bird Banding Station in China’s Beijing.

About Black-crowned Night Heron:

  • It is a medium-sized heron with a stocky build.
  • Scientific Name: Nycticorax nycticorax
  • Distribution: It is found across North America, as well as locally in Central America and the Caribbean.
  • Habitat: Most colonies of black-crowned night herons are associated with large wetlands. They inhabit a variety of wetland habitats, such as swamps, streams, rivers, marshes, mud flats, and the edges of lakes.
  • Features:
  • It has a stocky body with a comparatively short neck and legs.
  • It has a black crown, a grey body, and bright, red eyes. 
  • Females and males look alike, but females are a little smaller.
  • They are social at all times of the year, frequently associating with other species of herons.
  • It is a migrating species.
  • Diet: It is an opportunistic feeder. Its diet consists mainly of fish, though it is frequently rounded out by other items such as leeches, earthworms, and aquatic and terrestrial insects.
  • Conservation Status:
  • IUCN Red List: Least Concern

Key Facts about Herons:

  • These are any of about 60 species of long-legged wading birds.
  • These are classified in the family Ardeidae (order Ciconiiformes) and generally include several species usually called egrets.
  • The Ardeidae also include the bitterns (subfamily Botaurinae).
  • These are widely distributed over the world but are most common in the tropics.
  • They usually feed while wading quietly in the shallow waters of pools, marshes, and swamps, catching frogs, fishes, and other aquatic animals.
  • They nest in rough platforms of sticks constructed in bushes or trees near water; the nests usually are grouped in colonies called heronries.


Sphaerotheca varshaabhu

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Researchers from various national and international organisations have identified and documented a previously unknown species of frog which has been thriving amidst the urban landscape of Bengaluru.

About Sphaerotheca varshaabhu:

  • It is a new frog species.
  • Sphaerotheca Varshaabhu, meaning a genus of frog which welcomes rain, has been attributed to its behaviour of coming out of burrows during the early showers.
  • The newly unearthed amphibian exhibits distinctive characteristics that set it apart from known frog species.
  • It has adapted to its urban surroundings displaying behaviours and physical attributes that help it navigate challenges posed by urbanisation.
  • The team utilised advanced genetic analysis, morphological studies and bioacoustics to confirm the distinctiveness of this newly discovered amphibian.

Key facts about amphibians

  • They are extremely sensitive to changes in the environment and can give scientists valuable insight into how an ecosystem is functioning.
  • Amphibians, like frogs, toads and salamanders, are known as indicator species.
  • They are both predators and prey; many other animals are affected by them.


Martand Sun Temple

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Some people forced their way into the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)-protected Martand Sun temple recently.

About Martand Sun Temple:

  • It is a Hindu temple located near the city of Anantnag in the Kashmir Valley of Jammu and Kashmir.
  • It is dedicated to the Sun God. Martand is another Sanskrit synonym for Surya.
  • It was built by King Lalitaditya Muktapida around the 8th Century CE. Lalitaditya Muktapida was the third ruler of the Karkota Dynasty. 
  • Features:
  • It has a unique architecture where the local Kashmiri style is blended with the architectural styles of Gupta, Chinese, Gandhara, Roman, and Greek.
  • The temple is located on top of a plateau and has been constructed entirely out of stone.
  • It stands in the middle of a large courtyard with 86 fluted columns. The courtyard is connected to the main shrine, where Sun God’s idol was installed. 
  • The construction of the main shrine was such that during most of the days’ time, especially during sunrise and sunset, the rays would directly fall on the idol. 
  • The central shrine, or vimana, stands tall at around 60 feet. It features intricate carvings and sculptures that depict various Hindu gods and goddesses. 
  • There are 84 smaller shrines around the main Sun Temple. They are lined along the perimeter of the complex. 
  • The temple is believed to have been demolished by Sultan Sikandar Shah Miri, who ruled Kashmir from 1389 to 1413.


Headlines of the Day 01-02-2024

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PIB, The Hindu, Indian Express, Mint, AIR

Headline Source Syllabus Key points to know
5 new Ramsar sites  PIB GS3-Environment – What are Ramsar sites?
– Key facts related to Ramsar sites in India
ED arrested Hemant Soren  The Hindu GS2-Polity and Governance – What is the Directorate of Enforcement (ED)?
– Its functions
Korean peninsula  The Hindu GS2-International Relations – What has led to the current aggravation of ties between North and South Korea? 
– How is it affecting regional security and major power rivalries?
16th Finance Commission The Hindu GS2-Polity and Governance – What is the significance of the Finance Commission?
– Key facts related to the 16th Finance Commission
Payments Bank Mint GS3-Economy – What is a Payments Bank?
– How is it different from the Traditional Banks?
Antarctic penguins  IE GS3-Environment – Key facts related to the Antarctic penguins


Kurukshetra Summary : January 2024

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Kurukshetra Summary : January 2024

Chapter 1. Redefining Rural Landscapes: Startups Paving the Way for Inclusive Development

  • India is the 3rd largest startup ecosystem globally with over 1 lakh registered startups (DPIIT data).
  • Startup culture is expanding beyond urban hubs, contributing to decentralisation and inclusivity where startups are leveraging technology to bridge the rural-urban divide.

Government Schemes for Rural Startups:

  • Atal Community Innovation Centres (ACIC): Launched under the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) in 2020, it aims to create community innovation centres for rural entrepreneurs. 14 ACICs established till now, supporting 200+ community-based startups.
  • Startup Village Entrepreneurship Programme (SVEP): Implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development, it is a sub-scheme under DAY-NRLM to support the rural people to set up enterprises at the village level in non-agricultural sectors.
  • Skill India Mission: Implemented by the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, it aims to skill development through various schemes like Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY) and National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS). 70.5% of PMKVY 2.0 beneficiaries have received placement after the programme.
  • ASPIRE (Scheme by Ministry of MSME): It aims to provide training and incubation support to agro-rural entrepreneurs through Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs). 61 Livelihood Business Incubators (LBIs) are functional in the country training more than 50,000 people.

Rural Startup Landscape:

  • Over 65% of the total population in India resides in rural areas, presenting a significant market. 
  • Role of Digitization: India has one of the cheapest data rates globally. Internet penetration and data accessibility are driving growth in startups catering to rural needs.
  • Rural India presents a large market for startups, especially in sectors like agritech, food processing, ed-tech, skill development, e-commerce, health tech, renewable energy, handicrafts and traditional arts, and fintech.

Types of Rural Startups:

  • Urban-based founders with rural solutions: Entrepreneurs from urban areas addressing unique challenges faced by rural communities. It involves bridging the gap between urban and rural lifestyles by introducing technology-driven initiatives in agriculture, healthcare, education, etc. 
  • Rural-based founders with rural solutions: Develop solutions based on their firsthand knowledge of local needs and traditions, like agricultural innovations or craft preservation.
  • Self-Help Groups (SHGs): Collective community enterprises focused on income generation and development through activities like handicrafts or micro-enterprises.
  • Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs): Local enterprises catering to specific demands of rural markets and contributing to employment and economic growth.

Challenges for Rural Startups:

  • Connectivity Issues: Limited connectivity with urban suppliers impacting operational efficiency due to delays, increased costs, and logistical complexities.
  • Access to Financing: Difficulty in securing reliable and affordable financing for rural startups.
  • Lack of Support System: Absence of mentorship, networking opportunities, and incubation centres hindering growth.
  • Difficulty in Finding Early Adopters: Limited communication channels, lower income and lower digital penetration pose challenges in identifying early adopters.
  • Limited Funding Mechanism: Funding for startups is concentrated mainly in major urban centres, leaving rural startups with limited access to capital.

Conclusion:

  • The migration of startups from rural to urban areas is inevitable but establishing an enabling innovation ecosystem in rural areas is crucial.
  • Fostering an environment supporting the growth of startups, particularly in rural areas, is imperative for achieving the USD 10 Trillion milestone by 2030.

Chapter 2. Reform, Perform & Transform through Agri-Startups

  • India has been ranked the third-largest unicorn hub globally, with a total of 90 unicorns, behind the United States of America and China.
  • Agriculture contributes around 18% to India’s GDP and 55% of the population relies directly on agriculture for their livelihood.
  • The agricultural sector has witnessed steady growth in recent years, and the rise of startups has prompted young entrepreneurs to leave traditional roles to establish their own ventures.
  • Technologies like hybrid seeds, Artificial Intelligence, geo-tagging, big data analytics, mobile apps, and farm management can be applied at every stage of the agricultural process to enhance productivity and increase farm incomes.

Government Reforms Facilitating Startups:

  • Make in India (2014): It aims to position India as a global design and manufacturing hub. Startup India (2016): 19-point action plan to boost innovation, funding support, and industry-academia partnerships. It has led to a notable increase in the establishment of new companies showcasing innovative ideas across various sectors.
  • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): It has been catalysing the development of innovation hubs, addressing grand challenges, nurturing startups, and promoting self-employment in technology-driven sectors.
  • NewGen Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development Centre (NewGen IEDC): It promotes knowledge-based and technology-driven startups by supporting up to 20 new projects annually within educational institutions by providing one-time financial aid of Rs. 25 lakh.
  • Innovation & Agri-Entrepreneurship Program (2018-19): It aims to increase farmers’ income by promoting innovation.

Rising Proliferation of Agri-Startups

  • Over the past few years, a wave of agritech startups has surfaced in India, aiming to resolve issues such as marketing linkage, supply chain, use of outdated equipment, insufficient infrastructure, and limited access to diverse markets for farmers.

Ecosystem Supporting Agri-Tech Startups:

  • Incubators/Accelerators: a-IDEA, AGRI UDAAN, Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship (CIIE), International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) and Agri-Tech Startup Accelerator are a few important accelerators and incubators supporting the agri-tech sector in India.
  • Government Support in Union Budget 2023: Increased allocations for rural infrastructure, development of agriculture, and allied sectors. Integration of rural markets with e-Nam and broadening Minimum Support Price for comprehensive coverage of agricultural commodities.
  • Agri-Startups Impacting Supply Chain and Market Linkage: Addressing challenges in India’s supply-driven agriculture. Companies like Sabziwala, MeraKisan, and Dehaat successfully aggregated horticulture products.

Conclusion:

  • The Indian Government, through initiatives like “Startup India,” actively supports the vibrant startup ecosystem, particularly in the agriculture sector. 
  • Agri-tech startups are integrating technology to transform market linkages and supply chains, contributing to the overall growth and sustainability of the agricultural sector. 
  • The comprehensive network of institutions is vital for converting agri-startup intentions into profitable enterprises.

Chapter 3. Redefining the Food Processing Sector through Startups

  • The food processing sector acts as a vital link between agriculture and industries, reducing wastage and ensuring value addition. This diversification and commercialisation of agriculture generates incremental employment and income for farmers. 
  • It’s one of the fastest growing sectors in India, having grown at 10.3% from 2015–16 to 2020–21, compared to the overall manufacturing sector’s 5.1% growth.

Startups: Sunrise and Inclusive Growth

  • The food processing sector is a “sunrise sector” in India with tremendous entrepreneurial potential. Startups can play a crucial role in driving innovation and revitalizing supply chains.
  • Role of Women: Women entrepreneurs make up a significant portion of the food processing sector. According to the Ministry of Food Processing Industries’ Annual Report (2022–23), 25% of workers in the unincorporated non-agricultural enterprises of the sector are women.
  • Initiatives like the Self-Reliant Fund for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) have provided equity support to growth-oriented startups. 

Meeting Challenges through Focused Attention:

  • Startups in India face major challenges related to Availability, Accessibility, Affordability, and Awareness (the 4 “A”s).

Challenges for Startups in the Food Processing Industry

Government initiatives:

  • Make in India: Food processing is a priority sector under this initiative.
  • Various schemes: Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana, Formalisation of Micro Processing Enterprises, Production Linked Incentive Scheme, Agri-Infra Fund, etc., all promote the food processing sector.

Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises

Image source: Kurukshetra Magazine

  • Foreign Direct Investment: 100% FDI under automatic route is allowed. The sector has attracted Rs. 50,000 crore of FDI in the last nine years.

Promoting Startups:

  • Fund of Funds scheme: Providing capital for early, seed, and growth stages of startups.
  • Credit guarantee scheme for loans taken by startups.
  • Fast-tracked patent applications and disposal for startups.
  • Tax benefits and extended incorporation periods to bolster resilience.
  • Agriculture Accelerator Fund: Encouraging agri-startups by young rural entrepreneurs.
  • Government agencies like the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) facilitate exports and collaborations with other countries. The share of processed foods in exports has risen from 13% in 2014 to 23% in 2023.

Conclusion:

  • Technological advancements and changing consumer preferences could drive the growth of startups in the food processing sector.
  • Startups across the value chain have the potential and dynamism to bring transformational changes in the economy.

Chapter 4. Startups as the Engine of Growth for North-East India

Overview of India’s Startup Landscape:

  • India’s startup ecosystem has witnessed remarkable growth, emerging as the third-largest globally with over 1.12 lakh startups across 763 districts.
  • The startup movement is crucial for capitalizing on new opportunities, creating wealth, and generating jobs, especially considering the demographic dividends.

Transformation in Entrepreneurship:

  • The last decade has seen a surge in entrepreneurship in India, driven by innovative solutions and technology.
  • Policy reforms have played a pivotal role, fostering a shift from a job-seeking mindset to a culture of job creators.

Startups and India’s Economic Ambitions:

  • Startups are integral to India’s ambition to become the third-largest economy globally.
  • The ecosystem has expanded beyond traditional hubs, with 49% of startups emerging from Tier 2 & 3 cities.

Diversity in Startups and Sectors:

  • Startups in India are solving problems across 56 sectors, showcasing diversity beyond the conventional IT services.
  • Cities like Hyderabad, Pune, and Chennai have become startup hubs, with entrepreneurs from smaller towns contributing scalable opportunities.

Startups in North-East India:

  • The entrepreneurial ecosystem in North-East India is evolving, albeit not at the same pace as metropolitan areas.
  • Each state in the region has implemented its startup policies, with Assam and Manipur leading the startup ecosystems.

Sectors Dominating North-Eastern Startups:

  • Startups in North-East India primarily focus on sectors such as agriculture, handloom, textiles, tourism, IT & ITES, retail, health, education, waste management, and renewables.
  • Agriculture and allied activities hold the majority, followed by ITES, handloom & textiles, and education.

Challenges Faced by North-Eastern Startups:

  • Common challenges include limited access to funding, lack of skilled manpower, limited mentorship support, and the need for professional services.
  • The region faces unique challenges compared to more mature startup ecosystems in metropolitan areas.

Incubators and Funding Initiatives:

  • The North-East region has around thirty incubators, with 80% hosted in academic institutions.
  • While there are funds like the North-East Venture Fund (NEVF), a small percentage of startups are fit for accessing venture capital funding.

Challenges in Scalability and Innovation:

  • A significant number of startups in North-East India are ‘me-too’ ventures, posing challenges for scalability.
  • Mentorship and technical guidance are identified gaps in the ecosystem, hindering the growth of innovative startups.

Possible Way Ahead for North-East Startups:

  • Emphasis on integrating design thinking, creative capacity building, and collaborative problem-solving for startups.
  • Structured support needed for funding, documentation, and creating a vibrant and inclusive community of entrepreneurs.

Empowering North-East Startups:

  • Building a wide pipeline of innovative, entrepreneurially skilled youth is crucial.
  • Evolving outcome-oriented sustainable incubation modes that support competitive businesses, even without venture funding.

Integration and Collaboration:

  • Building leaders of incubators, expert mentors, consultants, lawyers, accountants, and technical experts.
  • Integrating information, infrastructure, and funding efforts across government agencies, private incubators, and funding institutions.

Leveraging ‘Aatmanirbharta’ for Growth:

  • Capitalizing on the Government of India’s focus on ‘Aatmanirbharta’ (self-reliance) is essential for startups in North-East India.
  • The ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative aligns with the spirit of innovation and entrepreneurship, offering opportunities for startups.

Global Opportunities for Indian Startups:

  • India’s economic growth, technological advancements, and youthful workforce create a promising backdrop for startups.
  • International collaboration and focus on sustainability align with global SDG priorities, offering opportunities for Indian startups.

North-East India as a Gateway:

  • North East India’s Act East Policy positions it as a gateway to Southeast Asia, providing startups with a strategic platform for success.

Conclusion:

  • The evolving startup ecosystem in North-East India holds significant potential for growth and innovation.
  • Addressing challenges, fostering mentorship, and leveraging government initiatives can empower startups to contribute to the region’s economic development.

Chapter 5. Supporting Women-led Startups

  • The Indian startup ecosystem is growing rapidly, with increasing participation of women entrepreneurs. 
  • The number of women-led startups has increased from 6,000 in 2017 to 80,000 in 2022 (a 1233% increase).
  •  The share of VC funding to women-led startups increased from 11% in 2017 to 20% in 2022. 
  • Women-led companies have performed 63% better than male-led companies in terms of Return On Investment in the last decade. 
  • Out of 105 startups turned unicorns in 2022, 17% were women-led startups.

Government Initiatives to Promote Women Entrepreneurship:

  • Fund of Funds for Startups scheme: 10% of the funds in the Fund of Funds for Startups scheme is reserved for women-led startups.
  • Virtual Incubation Programme for Women Entrepreneurs: Supported 20 women-led tech startups with pro-bono acceleration.
  • Webpage Dedicated to Women Entrepreneurs: Provides policy measures by Central and State Governments.
  • Awareness and Capacity-Building Workshops: Various workshops focusing on women entrepreneurs’ needs.
  • WING (Women in India’s Startup Ecosystem): Aims to support 7,500 women entrepreneurs annually through capacity development.

Challenges to Women-led startups

  • Women-owned startups face challenges in accessing credit due to collateral, creditworthiness, and perceptional biases.

Challenges to women led startups

Government Schemes for Supporting Women-led Startups:

  • Mudra Yojana for Women/Mahila Udhyami Yojana: Offers loans up to Rs 10 lakh without collateral for women entrepreneurs in non-corporate, non-farming, and non-agriculture-based businesses headed by women entrepreneurs.
  • Stand-Up India (SUI) Scheme: Facilitates bank loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore to at least one Scheduled Caste (SC) or Scheduled Tribe (ST) borrower and at least one woman borrower per bank branch for greenfield enterprises.
  • Special Schemes for Rural/Disadvantaged Women: This includes Skill Upgradation and Mahila Coir Yojana training programs aimed at the skill development of women artisans engaged in the coir industry.
  • Mahila Samridhi Yojana: A microfinance scheme for women from backward classes by the National Scheduled Castes Finance and Development Corporation (NSFDC) under the Ministry of Social Justice.
  • Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP): Hosts information, workshops, and campaigns for women entrepreneurs.
  • Nai Roshni Scheme: A leadership development program for women belonging to minority communities. 
  • Special Schemes of Public Sector Banks: Concessional financing options for women entrepreneurs. Examples include the State Bank of India (Stree Shakti Scheme), Punjab National Bank (PNB Mahila Udyami), and Central Bank of India (Cent Kalyani).

Way Forward:

  • According to the NITI Aayog report ‘Decoding Government Support to Women Entrepreneurs in India,’ the economic contribution of women in India accounts for 17% of the GDP. 
  • There is a need for more effective implementation of schemes to benefit female entrepreneurs and ensure equal access to all entrepreneurship support schemes. 
  • Additionally, there is a need for non-financial support such as technology upgrades and skill training, as well as more schemes supporting entrepreneurship in the digital economy. 
  • Women-owned enterprises can bring about demographic shifts and inspire future generations.


Economic Survey

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Recently, the Ministry of Finance released a report titled “Indian Economy – A Review” as Economic Survey was not be released at this time.

The report ‘Indian Economy – A Review’ gives the top highlights in the Indian economy from the past 10 years.

  • ES – A comprehensive annual report which displays the performance of the Indian economy in the past fiscal year.
  • Prepared by – Department of Economic Affairs, ministry of Finance.
  • Presented in – Parliament, normally on 31st January, a day before the presentation of the Budget.

The 1st Economic Survey of India was presented in 1950-51 as a part of the Union Budget. However, since 1964, it has been decoupled from the Budget presentation.

  • ES in 2024 – Since the Lok Sabha elections are due in April, only interim budget will be presented before it.
  • Thus, a complete budget and the Economic Survey will be presented only in July 2024, after the results are declared.
  • Presented by – The Chief Economic Advisor (CEA).
  • Features – It summarises the performance of government’s initiatives and provides an outlook of the prospects of the Indian economy in the short to medium term.
    • Part A – Major economic developments in the year as well as a broad review of the economy.
    • Part B – It covers specific topics such as social security, poverty, education, healthcare and human development.
  • Importance – It helps the government in analysing the performance of various sectors, identifying the major impediments to economic growth and in formulating economic strategies for the coming year.
  Economic Survey Union Budget
Content It deals with economic policies and demonstrates forthcoming economic plans. It deals with yearly expenditures and income.
Presented on 31st January on non-election years. 1st February on non-election years.
Presented by Chief Economic Advisor Union Finance Minister

 



Budget Session begins and suspension of Opposition MPs revoked

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Why in news?

  • On the eve of Parliament’s Budget Session, the suspension of 14 Opposition MPs — 11 from Rajya Sabha and three from Lok Sabha — was revoked.
  • This was done to enable them to attend the customary President’s address to both Houses of Parliament.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Parliamentary Sessions
  • Suspension of MPs
  • News Summary

Parliamentary Sessions

  • Constitutional provisions with respect to Parliamentary Sessions
    • Article 85 of the Indian Constitution states that the President can summon each House of Parliament to meet at a time and place of their choosing.
    • The President can also prorogue, or end, a parliamentary session, or dissolve the Lok Sabha.
  • Power to convene a session of Parliament
    • The Central government has the authority to call for a session.
    • The Cabinet Committee on Parliamentary Affairs (CCPA), which includes several Cabinet ministers, determines the date and number of sittings.
    • After finalising the session schedule, the President calls upon the Members of Parliament to convene for the upcoming session.
    • The MPs are informed about the number of sittings and other details about the tentative business of the House through the summons sent by the President.
  • Timetable
    • The Constitution doesn’t provide for a fixed number of sessions or days of sitting.
    • However, three sessions are typically held each calendar year — the Budget, Monsoon, and Winter sessions.
  • Current status
    • The longest, the Budget Session, starts towards the end of January, and concludes by the end of April or first week of May.
      • This session has a recess so that Parliamentary Committees can discuss the budgetary proposals.
    • The second session is the three-week Monsoon Session, which usually begins in July and finishes in August.
    • The parliamentary year ends with a three week-long Winter Session, which is held from November to December.

Suspension of MPs

  • It is the role and duty of the Presiding Officer — Speaker of Lok Sabha and Chairman of Rajya Sabha — to maintain order so that the House can function smoothly.
  • In order to ensure that proceedings are conducted in the proper manner, the Speaker/ Chairman is empowered to force a Member to withdraw from the House.

Rules under which the Presiding Officer/Chairman acts

  • For Lok Sabha
    • Rule Number 373 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business
      • It empowers presiding officers to direct an MP to withdraw from the House for any disorderly conduct.
      • This rule says that any Member so ordered to withdraw shall remain absent during the remainder of the day’s sitting.
    • Rules 374 and 374A– To deal with more recalcitrant Members.
      • Rule 374 empowers the Presiding officers to name the legislators if the MP continues disrupting the House even after repeated warnings.
      • After that, the House can move a motion to suspend the MP for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session
      • Rule 374A was incorporated in the Rule Book in December 2001.The intention was to circumvent the necessity of adopting a motion for suspension.
        • Under this rule, the Speaker can name an MP, who shall then automatically stand suspended for five days or the remaining part of the session.
  • For Rajya Sabha
    • Rule 255 of the Rule Book of Rajya Sabha
      • It empowers the Chairman of Rajya Sabha to direct any Member to withdraw immediately from the House for any disorderly conduct.
    • Rule 256
      • This rule empowers the Chairman to name the members who persistently disregards the authority of the Chair or abuses the rules of the Council.
      • After that, the House may adopt a motion suspending the Member for a period not exceeding the remainder of the session.
    • It should be noted that, unlike Lok Sabha (under rule 374A), Rajya Sabha can not suspend its members without passing a motion for the same.

News Summary: Budget Session begins and suspension of Opposition MPs revoked

  • The Budget session of Parliament, the last of the 17th Lok Sabha (LS), will begin with the President’s address to a joint sitting of both Houses on January 31.
  • 14 Opposition MPs, suspended during the last session and their cases referred to the Privileges Committees, will return to attend the Budget session.
    • A record 146 Opposition MPs, from both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, were suspended during the Winter Session.
    • They were suspended for disrupting proceedings to press their demand for a statement from Home Minister on the Parliament security breach on December 13.
    • While the other MPs were suspended for the remainder of the Winter Session, the suspension of 14 MPs was referred to the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha privileges committees.
  • The Chairs in the two Houses have agreed to the government’s request to revoke their suspensions.


The Report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India

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Why in News?

  • The Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change released the report on the Status of Snow Leopards in India during the National Board for Wildlife meeting held in New Delhi.
  • The report was released as part of the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program, which is the first-ever scientific exercise that reports Snow leopard population of 718 individuals in India.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • About the Snow Leopard
  • What is the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program?
  • Findings of the SPAI Program
  • Significance of the SPAI Program
  • Recommendations of the SPAI Program 

About the Snow Leopard:

  • The snow leopard is a Felidae (mammals in the order Carnivora) in the genus Panthera.
  • It is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List and is native to the mountain ranges of Central and South Asia.
  • Globally, snow leopards can be found in 12 countries covering a range of 18 lakh sq km with the largest share in the Tibetan plateau of China, followed by Mongolia and India.
    • Other countries include Russia, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.
  • In India, snow leopards can be largely found in the high altitude cold, arid and rugged terrains of Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • Snow leopards play a key role as a top predator, an indicator of the health of their high-altitude habitat, and an important indicator of the impacts of climate change on mountain environments.
  • If snow leopards thrive, so will countless other species and the largest freshwater reservoirs of the planet.
  • However, poaching, habitat loss, declines in natural prey species and retaliatory killings resulting from human-wildlife conflict are the main reasons this big cat is under threat.
  • According to the Global Snow Leopard & Ecosystem Protection Programme, the total snow leopard population in the world is roughly estimated at between 4,000 and 6,500. 

What is the Snow Leopard Population Assessment in India (SPAI) Program?

  • The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) is the National Coordinator for this exercise that was carried out with the support of all snow leopard range states and two conservation partners, the Nature Conservation Foundation, Mysuru and WWF-India.
  • The SPAI systematically covered over 70% of the potential snow leopard range in the country and the SPAI exercise was conducted from 2019 to 2023 using a meticulous two-step framework.
    • The first step involved evaluating Snow leopard spatial distribution, through an occupancy-based sampling approach in the potential distribution range.
    • In the second step, Snow leopard abundance was estimated using camera traps in each identified stratified region.

Findings of the SPAI Program:

  • India has an estimated 718 snow leopards in the wild, which are spread over two UTs and four states in the Himalayan Mountain range.
    • India may be home to one-sixth to one-ninth of the global population of these ‘Ghosts of the Mountains‘ as these majestic animals are often called because of their incredible natural camouflage.
  • The estimated population in different states are as follows: Ladakh (477), Uttarakhand (124), Himachal Pradesh (51), Arunachal Pradesh (36), Sikkim (21), and Jammu and Kashmir (9).

Significance of the SPAI Program:

  • Consistent monitoring is essential to ensuring Snow leopards’ long-term survival.
  • Until recent years, the snow leopard range in India was undefined due to a lack of extensive nationwide assessments for this vulnerable species.
  • Recent status surveys have significantly increased understanding, providing preliminary information for 80% of the range, compared to 56% in a previous estimate of 2016.
  • The data not only quantifies their numbers but unveils the narrative of coexistence between local communities and snow leopards.
  • These regular assessments will offer valuable insights for identifying challenges, addressing threats, and formulating effective conservation strategies.

Recommendations of the SPAI Program:

  • It mentions the need for establishing a dedicated Snow Leopard Cell at WII, with a primary focus on
    • Long-term population monitoring,
    • Supported by well-structured study designs and consistent field surveys.
  • States and UTs can consider adopting a periodic population estimation approach (every 4th year) in the Snow leopard range.


Corruption Index: India Ranks 93 among 180 Nations

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Why in the News?

  • According to a Transparency International report, India ranked 93 out of 180 countries on the Corruption Perceptions Index for 2023.

What’s in Today’s Article?

  • Corruption Perception Index (Objective, Scoring Method, Significance, etc.)
  • Corruption Perception Index 2023 (Rankings of the Countries)

Corruption Perception Index:

  • The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) is an index which ranks countries “by their perceived levels of public sector corruption, as determined by expert assessments and opinion surveys.”
  • The CPI generally defines corruption as an “abuse of entrusted power for private gain”.
  • It is the most widely used global corruption ranking in the world.
  • It measures how corrupt each country’s public sector is perceived to be, according to experts and business people.
  • The index is published annually by the non-governmental organisation Transparency International since 1995.

How are Country Scores Calculated?

  • Each country’s score is a combination of at least 3 data sources drawn from 13 different corruption surveys and assessments.
  • These data sources are collected by a variety of reputable institutions, including the World Bank and the World Economic Forum.
  • The CPI measures perception of corruption due to the difficulty of measuring absolute levels of corruption.
  • A country’s score is the perceived level of public sector corruption on a scale of 0-100, where 0 means highly corrupt and 100 means very clean.

Significance of the CPI Rankings:

  • The CPI is the leading measurement for public sector corruption worldwide.
  • Because it combines many different manifestations of corruption into one globally comparable indicator, it provides a more comprehensive picture of the situation in a particular country than each source taken separately.
  • The process for calculating the CPI is regularly reviewed to make sure it is as robust and coherent as possible.

Corruption Perception Index 2023:

  • The 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index shows that corruption is thriving across the world.
  • Over two-thirds of countries score below 50 out of 100, which strongly indicates that they have serious corruption problems. 
  • The global average is stuck at only 43, while the vast majority of countries have made no progress or declined in the last decade. 23 countries fell to their lowest scores to date this year.
  • Denmark (90), Finland (87)&New Zealand (85) are ranked top 3 countries in the rankings, respectively.
  • Every region is either stagnant in its overall corruption efforts or showing signs of decline.
    • While Western Europe and the European Union remains the top-scoring region, its regional average score dropped to 65 this year.
    • Sub-Saharan Africa maintains the lowest average at 33, with democracy and the rule of law under pressure.
    • The rest of the world remains stagnant with all other regions having averages under 50.
  • In 2023, India’s overall score was 39 which puts it at 93rd position out of 180 countries. India’s rank in 2022 was 85.
    • As per the report, India’s score shows fluctuations small enough that no firm conclusions can be drawn on any significant change.
  • In South Asia, both Pakistan (133) and Sri Lanka (115) grapple with their respective debt burdens and ensuing political instability, it said.
  • China (76) has made headlines with its aggressive anti-corruption crackdown by punishing more than 3.7 million public officials for corruption over the last decade.


Indian Stamp Bill 2023

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Why in news?

  • The Centre has proposed repealing the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 and bringing in a new law for the stamp duty regime in the country.
  • In this context, recently, the Ministry of Finance invited suggestions on the draft ‘Indian Stamp Bill, 2023’ from the public.

What’s in today’s article?

  • Stamp duty
  • Indian Stamp Bill 2023
  • Indian Stamp Act 1899

Stamp duty

  • About
    • A stamp duty is essentially a govt tax, which is levied to register documents, like an agreement or transaction paper between two or more parties, with the registrar.
  • Amount
    • Usually, the amount specified is fixed based on the document’s nature or is charged at a certain percentage of the agreement value stated in the document.
  • Levied on
    • Stamp duties can be levied on bills of exchange, cheques, promissory notes, bills of lading, letters of credit, policies of insurance, transfer of shares, debentures, proxies and receipts.
  • Valid evidence in a court of law
    • Stamp duties are accepted as valid evidence in a court of law.
  • Appropriation of stamp duties
    • Stamp duties are levied by the Centre but appropriated by the concerned states within their territories under Article 268 of the Constitution.

Indian Stamp Bill, 2023

  • About
    • The Indian Stamp Bill, 2023 is a draft bill prepared by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance.
    • The bill aims to replace the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 and align it with a modern stamp duty regime.
  • Need for new bill
    • Several provisions of the Indian Stamp Act, 1899 have now become redundant or inoperative.
      • For instance, there was a lack of provisions for digital e-stamping in the 1899 Act.
    • Also, in earlier act, there was lack of uniform legislation for all Indian states regarding stamp duties.
      • The 1899 Act extended to 30 states and Union Territories combined while six states followed their own stamp acts and rules.
  • Key features
    • In order to equip India for a seamless digital era, the bill includes provisions for digital e-stamping.
    • It defines an electronic stamp or e-stamp as an electronically generated impression denoting the payment of stamp duty by electronic means or otherwise.
    • There are also provisions for digital signatures.
      • Digital or electronic signature refers to the authentication of any electronic record by a subscriber through an electronic method or procedure.
    • The draft Bill also proposes to raise penalties.
      • It seeks to increase the maximum penalty amount from Rs 5,000 to Rs 25,000 for contravening any provisions of the law and impose Rs 1,000 per day for repeated offences.

Indian Stamp Act, 1899

  • The Indian Stamp Act, 1899 is a fiscal or money-related statute that lays down the law relating to tax levied in the form of stamps on instruments recording transactions.
  • Section 2 of the Act says that an instrument refers to any document that creates, transfers, limits, extends, ends, or records a right or liability.
  • According to this Act, a “stamp” means any mark, seal, or endorsement made by a person authorized by the State Government.
  • This definition also covers adhesive or impressed stamps used to charge duty under this Act.
  • Section 3 of this Act prescribes that certain instruments or documents shall be chargeable with the amount indicated in Schedule 1 of the Act.
    • These include bills of exchange or promissory notes.


Alzheimer’s Disease

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As per a recent study, rare medical accidents can lead to the transmission of Alzheimer’s from one human to another.

About Alzheimer’s Disease:

  • It is a brain condition that causes a progressive decline in memory, thinking, learning, and organising skills.
  • It is the most common type of dementia, accounting for 60-80% of all dementia cases.
  • It involves parts of the brain that control thought, memory, and language.
  • It can seriously affect a person’s ability to carry out daily activities.
  • The condition usually affects people aged 65 years and over, with only 10% of cases occurring in people younger than this.
  • Cause: The exact cause of Alzheimer’s disease is not fully understood, but it is believed to be influenced by a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
  • Symptoms:
  • The early signs of the disease include forgetting recent events or conversations.
  • Over time, it progresses to serious memory problems and loss of the ability to perform everyday tasks.
  • Treatment: There’s no cure for Alzheimer’s, but certain medications and therapies can help manage symptoms

What is Dementia?

  • Dementia is not a specific disease but is rather a general term for the impaired ability to remember, think, or make decisions that interfere with everyday activities.
  • Alzheimer’s disease is the most common type of dementia. However, there are several other types of dementia, each with its own underlying causes. Some of the common types of dementia include Vascular Dementia, Lewy Body Dementia, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Mixed Dementia.
  • Though dementia mostly affects older adults, it is not a part of normal ageing.


New kangaroo lizard species

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Recently, scientists have discovered a new kangaroo lizard species from the Western Ghats.

About New kangaroo lizard species:

  • Researchers named the new, scaly reptiles after the Evolutionarily Distinct and Globally Endangered of Existence (EDGE) program through the Zoological Society of London.
  • The new species Agasthyagama edgeor the northern kangaroo lizard belongs to the Agamidae family.
  • A group of scientists discovered the new species from the southern Western Ghats at Kulamavu in Idukki.
  • The species is the second one of the Agasthyagama genus after A. beddomii or Indian kangaroo lizard that has been previously reported from Sivagiri hills in Tamil Nadu.
  • Features
  • A reduced fifth toe makes these reptiles poor climbers and hence do not climb trees like other lizards.
  • Instead, they are mostly terrestrial and found in areas with dense leaf litter cover.
  • They feed on small insects, this variety of kangaroo lizard runs fast and hides within dry leaves to evade predators.
  • It is known to have a maximum snout-vent length of 4.3 cm.


Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023

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India’s rank in the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023 has slipped to 93 out of 180 countries, with a score of 39.

About Corruption Perception Index (CPI):

  • It is an annual index released by Transparency International, a global civil society organisation.
  • Since its inception in 1995, the Corruption Perceptions Index has become the leading global indicator of public sector corruption.
  • The CPI ranks 180 countries and territories by their perceived levels of public sector corruption on a scale of zero (highly corrupt) to 100 (very clean).
  • It uses data from 13 external sources, including the World Bank, World Economic Forum, private risk and consulting companies, think tanks and others.
  • The scores reflect the views of experts and business people, not the public.
  • Highlights of CPI 2023:
  • CPI-2023 results show that most countries have made little to no progress in tackling public sector corruption.
  • CPI global average score remains unchanged at 43 for the twelfth year in a row.
  • Denmark topped the index for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Somalia was ranked last, other countries occupying the bottom spots included: Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan and Yemen.
  • India has tied with Maldives, Kazakhstan, and Lesotho to rank at 93 out of 180 countries. In 2022, India was ranked at 85.
  • Pakistan scored 29 with a rank of 133 and China, scored 42 occupying rank 76.


H-1B Visa

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The U.S. State Department recently launched a program to renew the much sought-after H-1B foreign work visas domestically.

About H-1B Visa:

  • It is a non-immigrant visathat allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise for a specified period.
  • A speciality occupation is one that requires the application of a body of highly specialised knowledge and the attainment of at least a bachelor’s degree or its equivalent.
  • The intent of the H-1B provisions is to help employers who cannot otherwise obtain needed business skills and abilities from the U.S. workforce by authorising the temporary employment of qualified individuals who are not otherwise authorised to work in the United States.
  • Occupations that qualify for the H-1B visa are typically in fields such as technology, finance, engineering, architecture, or more.
  • Eligibility: In order to be eligible for the H1B visa, you will need:
  • A valid job offer from a U.S. employer for a role that requires speciality knowledge
  • Proof of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in that field
  • The US employer must show that there is a lack of qualified U.S. applicants for the role.
  • Cap:
  • The annual H-1B visa limit is 85,000. There are 65,000 regular H-1B visas each year, and an additional 20,000 visas are reserved for applicants with advanced degrees. 
  • Some exceptions to the H-1B visa cap include people entering the U.S. to work in higher education or affiliated research/non-profit organisations.
  • Applicants are selected for adjudication via a lottery system.
  • Features:
  • The H-1B visa is valid for three yearsand can be extended one time for an additional three years. In general, the H-1B is valid for a maximum of six years.
  • There is no limit to the number of H1-B Visas that an individual can have in his or her lifetime.
  • H1-B holders can seek a Green Card or Lawful Permanent Residency for themselves and their families.
  • If the H1-B holder is changing jobs, he or she must reapply for a new visa.