5 August 2023 : PIB
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
5-August -2023
Daily Current Affairs For UPSC ,The PIB ( Press Information Bureau )
1. Nano Fertilizers.
Topic: GS3 – fertilisers
Context:
- Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) conducted trials at 20 locations in selected crops using IFFCO nano-urea (liquid) as foliar spray.
- The study showed that nano-urea can be used as a foliar spray for top-dressing, replacing conventional urea.
What are Nano Fertilizers?
- Nano fertilizers are a type of agricultural inputs that contain nanoparticles as active ingredients.
- These nanoparticles are designed to enhance nutrient uptake and improve nutrient efficiency in plants, resulting in better crop yields and reduced environmental impacts.
- They can be used as a replacement or supplement to conventional fertilizers, offering potential benefits such as improved nutrient release, controlled nutrient delivery, and reduced nutrient losses.
Advantages of Nano Fertilizers:
- Enhanced nutrient uptake and efficiency in plants.
- Improved nutrient release and controlled nutrient delivery.
- Increased crop yields and productivity.
- Reduced environmental pollution and nutrient losses.
- Reduced dependency on conventional fertilizers.
- Better targeted application, minimizing wastage.
- Potential for sustainable agriculture and resource conservation.
- Enhanced soil health and nutrient retention.
- Increased resistance to pests and diseases in crops.
- Promotes sustainable and eco-friendly agricultural practices.
Model question: Explain the concept of nano fertilizers and their role in sustainable agriculture? Provide potential benefits of using nano fertilizers in farming practices.”
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1945752
2. Commerce Secretary advocates innovative approach to diversify exports.
Topic: GS3 – Indian economy.
Context:
- Shri Sunil Barthwal, Secretary, Department of Commerce, highlighted the potential for expanding bilateral trade between India and Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) countries.
- Innovative approaches are needed to diversify trade exchanges, considering a re-globalized world and changing energy landscapes.
Potential for expanding bilateral trade between India and Latin American & Caribbean (LAC) countries:
- Access to a large and diverse market in Latin American & Caribbean countries.
- Complementary economies offering opportunities for trade in various sectors.
- Growing demand for Indian goods and services in the LAC region.
- Abundance of natural resources in LAC countries that can benefit India’s industries.
- Favorable trade agreements and economic partnerships between India and LAC nations.
- Potential for joint ventures and investments in various sectors.
- Cultural and historical ties fostering stronger trade relations.
- Opportunities for technology transfer and knowledge sharing.
- Mutual interest in sustainable development and climate-related initiatives.
Innovative approach to diversify exports:
- Developing niche products and services tailored to specific markets.
- Adopting digital technologies to expand e-commerce and reach global consumers.
- Creating strategic partnerships with local distributors and retailers.
- Exploring new export markets beyond traditional trading partners.
- Investing in research and development to improve product offerings.
- Leveraging trade shows and exhibitions to showcase products on an international stage.
- Implementing branding and marketing strategies to enhance product visibility.
- Offering customized solutions to meet the unique needs of different markets.
- Utilizing data analytics to identify emerging trends and consumer preferences.
- Engaging in capacity building and skill development to enhance competitiveness.
Challenges to diversification of exports for India:
- High dependence on a few key sectors for exports, leading to vulnerability in global market fluctuations.
- Limited access to certain markets due to trade barriers and protectionist policies.
- Strong competition from other countries with established export industries.
- Inadequate infrastructure and logistics, affecting export efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
- Complex regulatory and bureaucratic procedures hindering export processes.
- Currency fluctuations impacting export competitiveness.
- Lack of awareness about international market trends and consumer preferences.
- Insufficient emphasis on research and development for innovative products.
- Limited awareness and utilization of free trade agreements and preferential trade arrangements.
- Challenges in meeting international quality standards and certifications.
Model question: “Explain the significance of export diversification for India’s economy and international trade. Highlight one key government initiative aimed at promoting export diversification and its potential impact.”
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1945919
3. SELF-RELIANCE IN DEFENCE SECTOR
Topic: GS3 – defence production.
Significance of self-reliance in defence sector:
- Reduces dependency on foreign suppliers for critical defence equipment.
- Enhances national security and strategic autonomy.
- Strengthens the country’s defence capabilities and readiness.
- Boosts indigenous manufacturing and technological advancements.
- Creates a robust domestic defence industry and generates employment.
- Mitigates geopolitical risks and vulnerabilities in the global market.
- Improves cost-effectiveness in defence procurement and maintenance.
- Fosters innovation and research and development in the defence sector.
- Enables the country to respond quickly to evolving threats and challenges.
- Demonstrates sovereignty and national pride in defence capabilities.
Challenges to self-reliance in defence sector:
- Lack of advanced technology and expertise in certain critical areas.
- High initial capital investment for setting up indigenous manufacturing facilities.
- Lengthy development timelines for complex defence systems.
- Dependence on foreign collaborations and technology transfers for certain projects.
- Limited access to cutting-edge technologies due to export restrictions by other countries.
- Competition from established global defence manufacturers in the international market.
- Inadequate funding and budget constraints for research and development.
- Bureaucratic red tape and complex procurement
- Skilled workforce shortages in specialized defence technologies.
- Rapidly evolving and unpredictable defence requirements and threats.
Steps Taken by Indian government in this regard:
- Promulgation of Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP 2020) to promote indigenous sourcing and domestic manufacturing.
- Emphasis on ‘Buy Indigenously Designed Developed and Manufactured (IDDM)’ and ‘Buy (Indian)’ categories in capital acquisition.
- Implementation of ‘Make’ categories to involve Indian industrial eco-system, including the private sector, in self-reliant defence production.
- Introduction of Government funding for Make-I, Technology Development Fund (TDF), and Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) projects.
- Establishment of ‘Positive Indigenization Lists’ with an embargo on the import of certain defence equipment and platforms.
- Opening DRDO test facilities to industries for research and development
- Setting up two Defence Industrial Corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu to boost domestic defence manufacturing.
Way forward:
- Continuously invest in research and development to develop cutting-edge indigenous defence technologies.
- Strengthen collaboration between the government, private sector, and research institutions to foster innovation.
- Provide financial incentives and support to encourage domestic defence manufacturing.
- Facilitate technology transfer and partnerships with global defence companies for knowledge exchange.
- Streamline procurement processes and reduce bureaucratic hurdles for faster decision-making.
- Enhance skill development programs to create a skilled workforce in advanced defence technologies.
- Focus on export promotion to showcase India’s self-reliant defence capabilities in the global market.
- Encourage public-private partnerships (PPP) to leverage resources and expertise for large-scale projects.
- Foster a conducive ecosystem for startups and MSMEs to contribute to the defence sector.
Model question: Discuss the significance of self-reliance in the defence sector for India’s national security and strategic autonomy. Analyze the steps taken by the Indian government to promote indigenous manufacturing of technology-intensive defence equipment and weapons. What are the challenges faced in achieving complete self-reliance, and suggest potential measures to address them?”
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1945710
4. WOMEN IN DEFENCE FORCES.
Topic: GS3 – Indian economy.
Arguments for inclusion of women in defence forces:
- Ensures gender equality and women’s empowerment in all spheres of society.
- Expands the pool of talent and capabilities within the defence forces.
- Enhances diversity and brings varied perspectives and problem-solving approaches.
- Improves the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the defence forces.
- Fosters a more inclusive and progressive organizational culture.
- Encourages and inspires women to pursue careers in traditionally male-dominated fields.
- Demonstrates the commitment to equal opportunities and human rights.
- Helps break down gender stereotypes and societal barriers.
- Enables the defence forces to better engage with diverse communities during operations.
- Aligns with global trends of increasing women’s participation in armed forces.
Arguments against inclusion of women in defence forces:
- Physical differences may affect combat effectiveness in certain roles.
- Concerns about maintaining unit cohesion and morale in mixed-gender units.
- Potential challenges in providing separate facilities and accommodations in the field.
- Perception of women being more vulnerable to capture or violence as prisoners of war.
- Cost considerations for specialized training and accommodations for women.
- Concerns about the impact on family life and maternity leave during deployments.
- Risk of sexual harassment and misconduct in a male-dominated environment.
- Resistance from some traditional or conservative segments of society.
Steps taken by Indian government:
- Introduction of gender-neutral policies and rules regarding employability in the Indian Armed Forces.
- Granting Permanent Commission to women officers in 12 Arms & Services, along with Army Medical Corps, Army Dental Corps, and Military Nursing Service.
- Conducting special screening boards for affected women officers and considering them for Permanent Commission along with male counterparts in regular boards.
- Opening entry for women candidates in the National Defence Academy (NDA).
- Ensuring a gender-neutral environment and equal opportunities for women officers in all aspects of service.
Model question: “Explain the steps taken by the Indian government to promote gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of women officers. Discuss the significance of granting Permanent Commission to women officers and its impact on the overall efficiency and diversity of the armed forces.”
“Explain the steps taken by the Indian government to promote gender inclusivity in the Indian Armed Forces, with a particular emphasis on the inclusion of women officers. Discuss the significance of granting Permanent Commission to women officers and its impact on the overall efficiency and diversity of the armed forces.”
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1945707
5. TWENTY SECOND LAW COMMISSION.
Topic: GS2 – Indian polity.
Context:
- The 22nd Law Commission of India was constituted for a period of three years, effective from 21st February 2020.
- The term of the 22nd Law Commission has been extended until 31st August 2024.
- The composition of the 22nd Law Commission includes a full-time Chairperson, four full-time Members (including Member-Secretary), and up to five part-time Members.
- The Commission also includes the Secretary of the Department of Legal Affairs and the Secretary of the Legislative Department as ex officio Members.
About Law commission:
- The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body established by the Government of India.
- It is constituted to recommend legal reforms and amendments to existing laws.
- The Commission is appointed by the central government for a fixed term.
- Its primary function is to study and review existing laws, identify gaps, and suggest reforms to make the legal system more efficient and just.
- The Law Commission also examines specific legal issues and prepares reports for the government’s consideration.
- The recommendations of the Law Commission are advisory in nature, and the government can choose to accept or reject them.
- The Commission’s reports and recommendations contribute to the legislative process and legal policy formulation in India.
Some important recommendations by 22nd law commission:
- Recommendation on Section 124A of the IPC: The Commission recommended retaining Section 124A, but with certain safeguards to prevent its misuse.
- Recommendation on Uniform Civil Code: The Commission recommended that the government enact a Uniform Civil Code for all citizens of India, regardless of their religion.
- Recommendation on Reform of the Criminal Justice System: The Commission recommended a number of reforms to the criminal justice system, including:
- Speeding up the trial process
- Reducing the number of pre-trial detentions
- Improving the conditions in prisons
- Providing legal aid to the poor
- Recommendation on Reform of the Arbitration Law: The Commission recommended a number of reforms to the Arbitration Law, including:
- Making it easier to enforce arbitral awards
- Reducing the time and cost of arbitration
- Expanding the scope of arbitration.
Model question: Discuss the role and significance of the Law Commission of India in the process of legal reforms and policy-making. Analyze some key recommendations made by the 22nd Law Commission and their potential impact on improving the Indian legal system.
Source: https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=1945784
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