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The National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) completed the first test of a solar-powered “High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Vehicle”.

National Aerospace Laboratories Successfully Conducts First Test Flight of Solar-Powered Pseudo Satellite Vehicle

• During the test flight conducted at the Challakere testing range in the Chitradurga district of Karnataka, a modified 23-kg prototype with a wing span of roughly 12 meters was in the air for approximately eight and a half hours.
• It reached a height of about 3 km above the ground.

About HAPS: High Altitude Pseudo Satellite Vehicle

• It is a new-age unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) that can hold a fixed position. 
• Operational height: HAPS operate in the stratosphere, closer to Earth than many satellites but further up than drones and conventional aircraft.
  • It can fly at altitudes of 18-20 km from the ground, almost double the heights attained by commercial airplanes.

Significance Of HAPS Technology

• HAPS Technology Development: HAPS is a developing technology. India’s successful test flight puts it among the few countries exploring this technology.
  • NASA has been using solar-powered engines for its Pathfinder series of aircraft for a long time.
  • China, South Korea, and the UK are some of the other countries where this development is taking place. 
  • Some private companies are also developing HAPS, even in India.
• Solar Power Sustainability: HAPS can stay aloft for extended periods due to its solar power generation capability. Offers satellite-like advantages of long-term aerial presence.

• Cost Efficiency: No need for space launch via rocket. Operating costs of HAPS are significantly lower than those of satellites orbiting at least 200 km above Earth.`
• Border Surveillance Requirement: High-altitude flying instruments are needed for continuous border monitoring. Particularly crucial during events like the Doklam standoff in 2017.
• Limitations of Current Surveillance Methods: Battery-powered UAVs have limited airtime and coverage. Satellites in low-earth orbits are not always observed constantly due to orbit movement.
• Benefits of HAPS: Useful in disaster situations. It can provide mobile communications in remote areas post-calamity when normal networks are damaged.

News Source: Indian Express

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12 nesting sites of Olive Ridley Turtles were identified in the Mangalore division of Karnataka after a gap of 29 years.

Olive Ridley Turtles Are Back On Mangaluru Beaches

• Karnataka has the distinction of being the only state on India’s western coast having an Olive Ridley rookery.
  • Kundapur and Byndoor beaches record around 200 nesting sites a year.
• The Turtles nested on the beaches of Sasihithlu and Tannerbavi in the Mangalore division of Karnataka after a gap of 29 years (since 1985).

Olive Ridley Turtle

• Scientific name: Lepidochelys olivacea
• Range: They are found in warm tropical waters of the Pacific, Atlantic and Indian oceans.

• Protection Status Of Olive Ridley Turtle

  • IUCN: Vulnerable
  • Wildlife( Protection) Act 1972: Schedule 1 CITES: Appendix I

• Olive Ridley Turtles Nesting Sites In India

  • Arribada beaches occur in, Odisha  (Gahirmatha, Devi River mouth, and Rushikulya) with an estimated +100,000 nests per year.
  • Andaman Islands, India, with more than 5,000 nests.
• Prey base: They are omnivorous and their prey base includes  algae, lobster, crabs, tunicates, jellyfish and mollusks.

• Threats To Olive Ridley Turtles

  • Bycatch in fishing gear, Climate change, Direct harvest of turtles and eggs, Loss and degradation of nesting and foraging habitat, Ocean pollution and marine debris, Predation of eggs and hatchlings by stray dogs in the daytime and foxes in the night time.

• Features Of Olive Ridley Turtles

• • They are the smallest sea-turtles on the earth but the most abundant in population
  • They generally arrive by night and leave by daybreak after laying eggs. The eggs hatch after a minimum of 10-12 days. 

News Source: DTE

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Recently, the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award, was conferred on former Prime Ministers PV Narasimha Rao and Chaudhary Charan Singh as well as agricultural scientist MS Swaminathan.

Bharat Ratna Awardees 2024 List

• This year’s tally of five awardees (including socialist leader Karpoori Thakur and former Deputy Prime Minister LK Advani), one more than the four announced in 1999, is the highest that has ever been announced in a single year. 
• Four of the five awards announced are posthumous. Mr. Advani is the only one who has been awarded in his lifetime.

Bharat Ratna 2024 To PV Narasimha Rao

• A Renowned Figure: PV Narasimha Rao was a freedom fighter, academician and literary figure. He held various important portfolios.
  • He was also the 9th Prime Minister of India (1991 to 1996).
  • He was also the first Prime Minister from southern India.
  • He was the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh from 1971-73.
• Literary Work: He published ‘SahasraPhan’; ‘Abala Jeevitam’, “Pan Lakshat Kon gheto”.
• Architect of India’s Economic Liberalisation: He sought to dismantle the restrictions imposed under the licence raj, reduce red tape and make Indian industries more competitive. 
  • Liberalisation & Re-integration: He had laid the foundation for trade liberalisation and the re-integration of the Indian economy with the global economy, especially East Asian economies.
    • This was a major shift from the inward orientation of the previous regimes to a new trajectory of globally integrated development.
    • It began in 1991 with an aim of making the economy more market and service oriented, and expanding the role of private and foreign investment.
• Foreign Policy: Among his bold moves in foreign policy were establishing diplomatic relations with Israel and reversing decades of frosty relations between India and the United States by bringing them together.
  • The Look East Policy of India was initiated during his tenure. 
  • He stabilized relations with China and Pakistan. 
  • He was also the Leader of the Special Non-aligned Mission that visited countries in West Asia in 1983, in an effort to resolve the Palestinian Liberation Organisation.
  • His role at the Conference of Foreign Ministers of Non-aligned Countries in February 1981 earned him wide appreciation. 
  • He has shown keen personal interest in international economic issues and personally led the Indian delegation to the Conference of the Group of 77 on ECDC at Caracas, in May 1981.
• Constitutional Reforms: The 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments Act empowering local bodies were enacted during his tenure.
• Security Achiever: He was fairly successful in controlling the separatist movements in Punjab and Kashmir.
  • His term also saw the destruction of the Babri Mosque in Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh, one of the worst Hindu-Muslim riots in the country since its independence.
• Chanakya of Indian Politics: For his ability to steer economic and political legislation through the parliament at a time when he headed a minority government.
• Nuclear Achievement: Atal Bihari Vajpayee called PV Narasimha Rao the ‘true father’ of India’s nuclear programme. 
  • According to Sitapati’s book, Rao was actively involved in the nuclear programme. 
• Legacy: He fostered a new era of economic development that laid a solid foundation for India’s future economic growth and prosperity.

Bharat Ratna 2024 Chaudhary Charan Singh

• A Renowned Figure: Chaudhary Charan Singh was an Indian politician and a freedom fighter. He served as the 5th Prime Minister of India and 5th Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh.
  • He served as the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh twice.
  • He followed Mahatma Gandhi in the non-violent struggle for independence. In 1930, he was sent to jail for 12 years by the British for contravention of the salt laws. 
  • He was jailed in November 1940 for the Individual Satyagraha Movement.
• A Staunch Advocate for Farmers’ Rights: He is best remembered as a champion of farmers’ rights, welfare and interests. 
  • He was instrumental in implementing several pioneering initiatives for agriculture reforms and farmer prosperity such as:
    • Formulation and finalization of the Debt Redemption Bill 1939, which brought great relief to rural debtors.
    • Bringing about the Land Holding Act, 1960 that aimed at lowering the ceiling on land holdings to make it uniform throughout the State, etc.
• Literary Works: He was the author of several books and pamphlets, including Abolition of Zamindari, Co-operative Farming X-rayed, India’s Poverty and its Solution, Peasant Proprietorship or Land to the Workers and Prevention of Division of Holdings Below a Certain Minimum.
• Achievements: His dedicated efforts for ensuring fair prices, timely loan waivers, and income security for farmers earned him widespread popularity.
  • Kisan Diwas: It is observed across the country to celebrate his birth anniversary.
  • The Amausi Airport in Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh was renamed Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport after him, and the university of Meerut in Uttar Pradesh, India, was also named Chaudhary Charan Singh University in his honor.
• Legacy: He was the chief architect of land reforms in Uttar Pradesh.

Bharat Ratna 2024 To MS Swaminathan

• A Renowned Agricultural Scientist: MS Swaminathan is known as the Father of India’s Green Revolution.
• Agricultural Transformation: In the 1960s, he implemented new technology and innovations in agriculture that transformed India’s food security situation. 
  • He introduced high-yielding seeds, modern irrigation techniques, and optimal use of fertilizers, which led to a remarkable increase in crop productivity and making India self-sufficient in food production.
    • He invited Dr. Norman Borlaug to India after learning about his newly developed Mexican dwarf wheat variety. 
• Welfare of Farmers: He advocated for farmers welfare, emphasizing fair prices for agricultural produce and sustainable farming practices.
  • The Swaminathan Report covers key recommendations and findings related to farmer competitiveness, productivity of agriculture, irrigation, employment, food security, credit and insurance.
• Minimum Support Prices (MSP): He emphasized that MSP should at least be 50% more than average production costs, and continues to be a primary demand of farm unions across India. 
  • MSP is the price at which the government purchases crops directly from farmers.
• Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Act 2001: He had a significant contribution in developing the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Right Act 2001.
• Sustainable Agriculture: He dedicated his life to agricultural advancement by promoting environmentally sustainable practices.
  • He made significant contributions in ecotechnology-based bio-villages and contemporary information and communication-based Village Knowledge Centres.
  • He promoted the idea of an “evergreen revolution”.
    • A continuous improvement in agricultural productivity without harming the environment.
  • He emphasized the importance of preserving biodiversity, protecting the environment and promoting organic farming practices.
  • He established the M. S. Swaminathan Research Foundation (MSSRF) in 1988 to promote sustainable agriculture and rural development.
    • MSSRF focuses specifically on tribal and rural communities with a pro-poor, pro-women and pro-nature approach.
• Agricultural Heritage Site: He had a significant role in the global recognition of the “Gulf of Mannar Marine Biosphere (Go MMB)” and Kerala’s Kuttanad known for ‘traditional cultivation of paddy below sea-level’ as a globally important agricultural heritage site.
• Achievements: Member of Parliament in Rajya Sabha from 2007 to 2013.
  • International Awards: Ramon Magsaysay Award for Community Leadership (1971), Albert Einstein World Science Award (1986), World Food Prize (1987), UNEP Sasakawa Environment Prize (1994), Franklin D Roosevelt Four Freedoms Medal (2000) and Mahatma Gandhi Prize of UNESCO (2000) 
  • National Awards: S.S. Bhatnagar Award (1961), Padma Shri (1967), Padma Bhushan (1972),  Padma Vibhushan (1989), Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament and Development (2000)  and Lal Bahadur Shastri National Award (2007).
• Legacy: He helped modernize Indian agriculture, an innovator and mentor and encouraged future generations.
  • The Bharat Ratna award posthumously honors his vision of an ‘Evergreen Revolution,’ aiming for sustainable productivity without ecological harm, and cements his status as a true champion of India’s agrarian landscape.

News Source: The Hindu

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The Supreme Court will hear a curative petition filed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI) against the multinational conglomerate GMR Group concerning the operational management of Nagpur’s Babasaheb Ambedkar International Airport. 

What Is A Curative Petition?

• Following the dismissal or utilization of a review petition, individuals can request the court to reevaluate and amend its decision, through a process known as a curative petition.

Origins and Procedure of Curative Petition

• Background: The concept of the curative petition evolved through the landmark case of Rupa Ashok Hurra Versus Ashok Hurra & another, [2002], where the Supreme Court of India deliberated on whether an aggrieved party could seek relief against the final judgment even after the dismissal of a review petition. 

• Objectives of Curative Petition

• • It is to avoid gross miscarriage of justice. 
  • And to prevent the abuse of the judicial process.

• Filing Requirements: In a curative petition,
  • the petitioner must explicitly state that the grounds were previously raised in the review petition, which was dismissed. 
  • Under Article 137 endorses the concept of curative petition. 
    • It provides that in the matter of rules and laws created under article 145,the Supreme Court has the superpower to review any judgment pronounced/ order passed by it. 
  • It must be filed within 30 days of the judgment or order.

Essential Conditions For Filing Curative Petition

• Post-Dismissal Filing: A curative petition is admissible subsequent to the dismissal of a review petition challenging the final conviction. 
• Breach of  Natural Justice: The petitioner must demonstrate that there was a violation of principles of natural justice, indicating a lack of opportunity to be heard by the court before the judgment was rendered. 
• Circulation to Senior Judges: The petition must initially be circulated to a Bench comprising the three most senior judges, along with the judges who sanctioned the concerned judgment if available. Only upon majority agreement for a hearing should it proceed before the same Bench. 
• Rarity of Filing: Filing a curative petition should be an exceptional rather than routine occurrence. 
• Appointment of Senior Counsel: During consideration of the petition, the Bench has the discretion to engage a senior counsel to provide assistance as an amicus curiae, or friend of the court. 
• Decision Process: Typically, the decision on the curative petition is made by the judges in chambers, unless there is a specific request for an open-court hearing.

How Is It Different From A Review Petition?

Conclusion: 

Generally, Supreme Court decisions are final and cannot be appealed within the court. The avenues like review and curative petitions exist for aggrieved parties to seek redressal to ensure impartiality in the judicial system and correct any potential misconceptions in Supreme Court judgments.

News Source : The Hindu

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Several Startups have recently obtained regulatory approval from RBI to operate as payment aggregators.

About Payment Aggregator (PA)

• Payment Aggregator is also known as a merchant aggregator, It is a third-party service provider that enables customers to make payments and businesses to accept payments by integrating it into their website or apps. 
  • It facilitates their clients to accept various payment methods such as debit cards, credit cards, cardless EMIs, UPI, bank transfers, e-wallets, and e-mandates.
• Incorporated under: Companies Act, 2013.
• Authorization from RBI: Non-bank payment aggregators or PAs required, because ‘handling funds’ is considered a part of the normal banking relationships for bank PAs.
• Examples: Razorpay, Enkash, Cashfree Payments etc

Key Features of Payment Aggregators

• Seamless Onboarding and Sub-Merchant Management 
• Secure Payment Processing
• Fraud Detection and Prevention
• Accepts  Multiple Payment Options
• Offers instant settlements, even during non-banking hours and holidays.
• Focuses on creating a user-friendly checkout process.
  

News Source : Business Standard

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Research at IIT Jodhpur has revealed that  Indians under report mental health concerns, despite their prevalence.

Self-Reporting of Mental Disorders in India Lower Than Actual Burden: IIT Jodhpur Study

• A 2017-2018 NSS survey in India found very few people reported having mental illnesses at less than 1%.
• This contrasts with the 2017 National Mental Health Survey (NMHS) by NIMHANS, which estimated 150 million Indians needing mental health treatment (around 15% of the population).

Key findings Of IIT Jodhpur Study On Mental Disorders in India

• Out-of-pocket expenditures: The average out-of-pocket expenditures for both hospitalization and outpatient care were significantly higher in the private sector than in the public sector.
• Impact of Poverty on Mental illness: Poverty and disability catalyzed by poor access to care and treatment significantly affects the quality of life of persons with mental illness as well as their families. 
• Role of Private Sector: The private sector emerged as a major provider of mental health services, accounting for 66.1% of outpatient care and 59.2% of inpatient care. 
• Increased burden on middle-aged individuals: Disability due to mental illness in this age group impacts their productivity which negatively affects their contribution to the  national economy. 
• Less Education and Few Jobs: People from poorer households with less education and fewer jobs were much more likely to have mental health problems, according to the survey. 

Implications Of Low Self-Reporting Rates of Mental Disorders in India

• False picture: Underestimates true prevalence, leading to insufficient resources and support.
• Barriers to care: Lack of awareness regarding the symptoms of mental illness and available treatment options may hinder individuals from acknowledging their need for mental healthcare.
• Public health impact: Untreated mental illness can increase the likelihood of individuals engaging in risky behaviors or causing harm to themselves or others. 
• Lost potential: The stigma associated with mental illness can result in discrimination and social isolation, further impacting individuals’ overall well-being and their ability to actively participate in society.

News Source: TheHindu

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The 7th session of the Indian Ocean Conference will be held at Perth, Australia.

Indian Ocean Conference 2024: Theme and Participants

• Theme: Towards a Stable and Sustainable Indian Ocean
• Participants: The Conference will feature Ministers from over 22 countries and senior officials from 16 countries and 6 multilateral organizations. 

Key Outcomes Of Indian Ocean Conference 2024

• Strategic upgradation: The IOC has now been upgraded to a  ‘track 1’ diplomacy from  a ‘track 1.5’.
  • Track 1 Diplomacy:  It is a kind of official diplomacy, where communication is directly between or among governments conducted by diplomats, heads of state, and other official authorities. 
• Proposed Inclusion: Over 60 percent of global container traffic and 70 percent of energy trade pass through the Indian Ocean region, therefore there is a need for the inclusion of economic angle in the future conferences by  bringing business leaders and economists together.
• Collective self-alliance: To keep open  the channels of consultations and to jointly address concerns and to  build reliable and resilient supply chains spread across a larger area.
• Developing lateral land-based connectivity:  There is a need to supplement and complement the maritime flows across the Indian Ocean Region by developing land based connectivity.
  • Projects like the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor and the India-Myanmar-Thailand Trilateral Highway can together be instrumental in  connecting the Pacific to the Atlantic.
• Restore seamlessness: A collaborative effort to develop a robust regional architecture example: on the lines of ASEAN and staying connected in inter-penetrative ways can ensure the goal of seamlessness  in the Indian Ocean region.

About Indian Ocean Conference 

• It is a  flagship consultative forum for countries in the Indian Ocean Region to discuss regional affairs.
• Organized by: It is an annual event being organised by the Ministry of External Affairs in association with the India Foundation since 2016
• Purpose: To bring on a common platform for the members of the Indian Ocean Region and principal maritime partners of the region to deliberate upon the prospects of regional cooperation for Security And Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

Indian Ocean Region

• The Indian Ocean region holds tremendous geopolitical, geo-economic, and geostrategic importance.
• Extent: IT extends from the eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of Australia including the Arab Gulf, East Africa, South Asia, East Asia to the Straits of Malacca and Southern Ocean Islands  encompassing  nearly 38 countries within it.
• Connectivity: The IOR serves as an Important transit route bridging  the gap between  East and the West through important choke points, such as the Straits of Malacca, Straits of Hormuz, Bab el Mandeb, and Ombai and Wetar Straits.

Challenges In Indian Ocean Region

• Threats to maritime traffic: Conflicts between regional players and their outcomes in the form of increasing instability through rising crimes like smuggling, piracy and terrorism pose a significant threat to maritime traffic in the region.
  • Example: Iran-backed Houthi rebels targeting shipping containers passing through the Red Sea and Arabian Sea with missiles.
• Challenges to international law: Disregard for International Laws like the UNCLOS by some countries raises concerns about freedom of navigation and overflights, and safeguarding of sovereignty and independence  
• Militarisation  of the IOR: The region is witnessing increasing presence of  warships and submarines with India, The U.S.A,  Australia, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and China all increasing their naval presence in the Indian Ocean significantly
  • Example: The presence of Chinese research vessels in Maldives 
• Debt trap: Smaller countries are increasingly falling prey to economic vulnerability by risking unsustainable debts, unviable projects and injudicious choices. Example: Hambantota port of Sri Lanka 
• Strategic competition: The Balance of Power Axis has shifted to the Indian Ocean Region with it being the playground for great power competition between the USA and China decreasing the space for maneuverability for littoral states in the region.
• China’s increasing Presence: Chinese moves in the region is shaking the strategic balance in the region with increasing Chinese maritime confrontations with other countries in the region and China also host a parallel Indian Ocean Region forum
  • Example: The South China Sea conflict.
• Climate crisis: The growing incidence of sea level rise and sinking of small Island states like  Maldives and Indonesia will create a population Refugee Crisis across the Region  

Significance of Indian Ocean Region For India

• Strategic location: India is located at the crossroads of the Indian Ocean with its strategic  positioning at the center of the Ocean, with over 7,500 kilometers of coastline.
• Trade: Indian Ocean accounts for  95 per cent of India’s trade by volume and 68 per cent of trade by value.
• Oil dependence: 80 per cent of India’s crude oil requirement of 3.28 million barrels per day is imported by sea and  overall dependence is 93%, considering the offshore oil production and petroleum exports.
  • India is also the fourth-largest importer of liquefied natural gas (LNG), with about 45 per cent coming by sea.
• Resource dependence: 
  • Fisheries:  India is the third largest fish-producing country, contributing 8 percent to the global fish production with the total share of  marine fish production of 4.12 Million Tonnes. It is also  among the top 5 fish exporting countries in the world.
  • Mineral resource extraction: India has the Exclusive Rights to explore the Central Indian Ocean Ridge granted by  the International Seabed Authority for deep seabed mining. This region is estimated to have massive reserves of manganese, as well as cobalt, nickel, and copper, lithium etc  important for driving Industrial Revolution 4.0
• Security: India has assumed the role of Net security provider in the IOR region with the Largest network of surveillance and vigilance operations in the Indian Ocean Region  preventing crimes such as  Smuggling, illegal fishing, and human trafficking, piracy, terrorism etc
  • Example: Indian coast guard diluting piracy attempts in the Red Sea
•  Humanitarian and Disaster relief role: India also is the First Responder in the Region during any crisis situation in the spirit of Neighbourhood First.  Example: Operation Raahat in Yemen or providing Fresh Drinking water to Maldives 
• Geo-strategic importance: To keep a check on the growing Chinese Expansionism by controlling the choke points in the Indian Ocean.

News Source: AIR

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Sovereign Gold Bonds 2023-24 (Series IV) will be opened for subscription from 12th-16th February, 2024. 

Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme

• Launched: By the Government of India (GOI) in November 2015, under the Gold Monetization Scheme. 
  • The SGBs are recognised as Government of India Stock under the Government Securities Act, 2006.
• Deals With In this scheme, RBI makes the issues open for subscription in tranches in consultation with GOI. 

Features of the Sovereign Gold Bond Scheme

• Minimum value: Sovereign Gold Bonds will be denominated in the multiples of a gram of gold with a minimum unit of 1 gram.
• Maximum limit: The maximum limit of gold prices that can be subscribed by an individual is 4 kg, 4 kg for a Hindu-Undivided Family and 20 kg for trusts and other similar entities. 
  • If the gold bonds are co-owned, the investment limit will be 4kg, which will only apply to the first applicant. 
• Interest rate: The interest for the gold bonds will be 2.50% per annum which is payable semi-annually on the nominal value. 
• Tenure: The bond’s tenure will be for 8 years with an exit option available in the 5th, 6th and 7th year on the dates of interest payment. 

About Sovereign Gold Bond (SGB)

• SGBs are government securities denominated in grams of gold. 
• They  fall under the category of Debt Funds and are substitutes for holding physical gold. 
• The Bond is issued by the Reserve Bank on behalf of the Government of India.
• Upon maturity, these bonds incur no tax on redemption. 
  • This makes them an attractive option for long-term investors. 
• Buying of SGBs: Through scheduled commercial banks (excluding small finance banks, payment banks, and regional rural banks), Stock Holding Corporation of India (SHCIL), Clearing Corporation of India (CCIL), designated post offices, National Stock Exchange of India, and Bombay Stock Exchange.
• Significance: Although SGBs may possess less liquidity than tangible gold assets, they have the advantage of being tradable on stock exchanges within two weeks from their date of issuance.

Advantages Of Sovereign Gold Bond

• These bonds can also be used as collateral for loans.
• The bond payment can be made with cash up to a maximum of Rs.20,000 or demand draft, cheque or through e-banking.
• These bonds are eligible to be converted into DEMAT form.
• Gold bonds are a form of security as they are issued in the form of the Government of India stock.
• Interest earned on the gold bonds is taxable as per the provisions of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Gold bonds eliminate the costs and risks of storage.

Disadvantages Of Sovereign Gold Bond

• Maturity: Many investors are discouraged by gold bonds because of the long maturity period of 8 years. 
• Capital Loss: The investment in SGB can result in a capital loss as the bond value is directly linked to the price of gold in the international markets.
  • As the price at which the bond is higher than the price at which you redeem it at maturity, you might end up at a loss.

News Source: PIB

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Chhattisgarh’s Ocher Studio is helping to preserve India’s 4,000-year-old craft – Dhokra Shilpkala.

Dhokra Art: Origin, Technique, Artistry and Designs

• The word “Dhokra” is believed to be derived from the Dhokra Damar tribes, the traditional metal smiths of Central India.
• Ancient Craft: It is a tradition that dates back over 4,000 years, hailed as one of the oldest known methods of metal casting.
• Origin of  Dhokra Sculpture: The origins can be traced back to the tribal communities residing in the regions of Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, West Bengal, and Odisha, where it evolved as an integral part of their cultural and religious practices. 
• Technique and Process: It Utilizes the lost-wax technique, or cire perdue, for metal casting. 
• Dhokra Shilpkala’s Unique Process:
  • Creation of a clay core as the base.
  • Beeswax is sculpted over the clay, forming intricate designs.
  • Wax model is encased in clay, then heated, allowing the wax to melt and drain out, leaving behind a cavity in the shape of the original sculpture.
  • Molten metal, typically a combination of brass and bronze, is poured into this cavity, filling the space left by the melted wax. 
  • After cooling and solidifying, the clay mold is broken away, revealing the final metal casting.

• Artistry and Designs: The beauty of Dhokra Shilpkala lies in rustic charm and organic motifs:
  • Inspiration drawn from nature, mythology, and daily life.
  • Motifs include animals, birds, deities, and tribal symbols.
  • Miniature figurines include jewelry, sculptures, and functional objects.
• Challenges: Urbanization and mechanized production techniques endanger the craft.
  • Diminishing skilled artisans and modern materials pose threats.
• Initiatives for Preservation: Efforts are underway to preserve and revive Dhokra Shilpkala at grassroot level by government initiatives, and NGO support. 
  • Further, artisan cooperatives and craft clusters provide resources and support. 

News Source: ET

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In her interim budget 2024-25 speech Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that the centre would reduce its fiscal deficit to 5.1% of GDP in 2024-25.

Govt Lowers Fiscal Deficit to 5.1% of GDP For FY25

• The finance minister set a fiscal deficit target of 4.5% of GDP for 2025-2026.
• Estimated Fiscal Deficit of 2024-2025: 5.1% of GDP. 

What Is Fiscal Deficit?

• Fiscal deficit refers to the shortfall in a government’s revenue when compared to its expenditure. 
• When a government’s expenditure exceeds its revenues, the government will have to borrow money or sell assets to fund the deficit.
• Fiscal Deficit= Total Expenditure- Total Receipts (excluding borrowings).

• Key Figures (2024-25):

  • Tax Receipts: ₹26.02 lakh crore
  • Total Revenue: ₹30.8 lakh crore
  • Total Expenditure: ₹47.66 lakh crore

• Distinction From National Debt:

• • The national debt is the total amount of money that the government of a country owes its lenders at a particular point in time.
  • Fiscal deficit is a component of national debt but represents annual shortfall.

How Does Government Fund Its Fiscal Deficit?

• Domestic Sources:

  • Issuing Govt Bonds: The govt sells bonds to individuals, institutions, and other investors, who essentially lend them money. The govt pays interest on these bonds until they mature.
  • Treasury Bills: These are short-term debt instruments issued by the government, typically maturing in less than a year. They are often used to manage cash flow fluctuations.
  • Borrowing from Central Banks: Central banks lend money directly to the govt. This causes inflationary consequences if not managed carefully.
    • The RBI purchases the bond through what are called “open market operations” by creating fresh money, which in turn can lead to a higher money supply.

• International Sources:

• • Issuing Sovereign Bonds: Similar to domestic bonds, they can sell bonds to international investors in foreign currencies.
  • Loans from International Organizations: International organizations like the World Bank of International Monetary Fund (IMF) can provide government loans under certain conditions.
  • Bilateral Loans: Governments can borrow from other countries directly depending on interest rates, maturity, and risk tolerance. 

What Lies Ahead?

• Fiscal Deficit Target: The government aims to reduce its fiscal deficit, which is the gap between its total revenue and total expenditure, to 5.1% of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the fiscal year 2024-25. This indicates a commitment to control spending and manage finances more efficiently.
• Revenue Sources: To fund its spending plans, particularly in boosting capital expenditure and other programs, the government intends to rely heavily on tax collections. It anticipates an increase of 11.5% in tax collections compared to the previous fiscal year.
• Expenditure Adjustments: The government plans to reduce expenditure on subsidies, specifically fertilizer and food subsidies. It has also projected a cut in expenditure on fertilizer subsidy, from ₹1.88 lakh crore in 2023-24 to ₹1.64 lakh crore in 2024-25.
• Balancing Act: While increasing taxes can bolster revenue, it may also dampen economic activity by reducing disposable income and consumption. Striking a balance between revenue generation and promoting economic growth is crucial.

Conclusion

Fiscal consolidation measures can involve tough policy choices and may have short-term economic costs including reduced public spending but it underscores the importance of structural reforms to enhance productivity and competitiveness.

Also Read: 

• Interim Budget 2024-2025
• Interim Budget 2024
• Union Budget 2024-25
• Interim Budget: Blue Economy 2.0

News Source: The Hindu

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This article is based on the news “PROMOTION OF STARTUPS IN AGRICULTURE SECTOR” which was published in the Pib. Dept of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is implementing the “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development” program.

• The objective of the program is to promote innovation and agri-entrepreneurship by providing financial and technical support for nurturing the startup ecosystem in the country.

What Is An Agriculture Startup?

• Companies that work in agriculture and related industries to leverage the benefits of technology to provide services in traditional agriculture are agriculture startups.
• These startups develop new technologies and products to improve the overall productivity in the agricultural sector. This can be done by increasing food production, improving farmer livelihoods, making agriculture more sustainable, etc.

Status of Agriculture Startup In India

• Agriculture Startups: As of April 2023, there are around 374 DPIIT-recognized startups in the agriculture industry spread across 490 districts.
  • Additionally, there are about 2207 DPIIT-recognized startups in the Agri-Tech industry spread across 360 districts, employing more than 18,000 people.
• Employment: They are employing around 38,000 people (Data as of 10th April 2023).
• Regional Breakdown: The highest number of recognized startups in agriculture is in Maharashtra which is around 459 (Data as of 17th April 2023).

Need For Agriculture Startups In India

• Harnessing the Potential: More than 55% of the rural population is involved in agriculture as their primary means of livelihood. Agri startups can harness the potential and bring better outcomes in GDP.
• Favorable Environment for Agriculture: India provides a fertile ground for increasing agricultural productivity. The monsoon-type climate suits Indian agriculture’s pattern of harvesting. Increasing agri startups can harness this potential and make agriculture more productive in the long run.

Significance Of Agriculture Startups

• Increasing Productivity: Startups can offer solutions like precision agriculture using sensors and data analysis, optimizing resource use, and boosting yields. 
  • For eg, agri startup DeHaat aims to help farmers boost crop yield using technology.
• Market Access:  Startups can offer platforms to farmers to directly connect with consumers, retailers, and processors. 
  • For eg, Ninjacart is connecting farmers directly to retailers, bypassing middlemen and ensuring better prices.
• Increasing Output: Agriculture contributes only 17%-18% of India’s GDP which can be increased with agriculture startups in the economy.
• Transparency: E-commerce platforms and direct-to-consumer models connect farmers directly to markets, fetching better prices and reducing inefficiencies in the supply chain.
• Empowering Women Farmers: Agri-startups often focus on providing training resources, and market linkages to women farmers, promoting their participation and agency in the sector.
• Promoting Sustainability: The impact of climate change is very frequent in India. Technologies like vertical farming, regenerative agriculture practices, and biofertilizers can reduce environmental impact and promote sustainability in the long run.
• Enhancing  Supply Chain: Logistics costs in very high in agriculture and farmers spend a lot of money on it. Startups can offer better logistics and cold storage solutions which will minimize post-harvest losses and improve access to wider markets.
  • For eg, Solaris Agritech develops solar-powered cold storage solutions to reduce post-harvest losses.

Government Initiative For Agriculture Startups In India

• Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana”(RKVY): To increase farmers’ income, GOI started the “Innovation and Agri-Entrepreneurship Development Programme” under the mentorship of “Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana”(RKVY).

• The RKVT-RAFTAAR program was introduced to support entrepreneurship in the Agri sector.
  • RKVT-RAFTAAR stands for Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana – Remunerative Approaches for Agriculture and Allied Sector Rejuvenation.
• NIDHI-PRAYAS: The Department of Science and Technology supports agri entrepreneurs under its NIDHI-PRAYAS scheme
  • Financial assistance of up to 10 lakhs is provided under this.
• Initiative by the Department of Biotechnology: It supports agribusiness bio incubators under its Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) wing.
  • The scheme aims to support those ideas which have an unmet need for funding and mentorship.
  • Financial assistance up to INR 50 lakhs for research projects with commercialization potential is provided under this scheme.
• “AgInvest 2020”: AgInvest 2020 has helped more than 150 start-ups with the help of 50+ investors. 
  • AgInvest 2020 focused on the food supply chain, farm-to-market, agri-fintech, water tech, grading and quality, soil health, and many more areas.

Challenges For Agriculture Startups

• Farm size vs Productivity: Indian farms are uneven and small as 70% of farms have less than 1 hectare consequential in notably low farm yields. Small and scattered landholdings impede scalability of technology
• Lack of mentorship: The budding entrepreneurs in agriculture sector also face problems of right mentors, who can support them in networking, finding resources and developing proper business plan.
• Lack of Seed Funds: Agri-startups coming from humble background need funding support at initial stage to validate their ideas and develop minimum viable product (MVP). 
  • Small and fixed ticket-size grant opportunities are of very limited use for many of the agri-startups
• Insufficient supply chain: The availability of resources like seed, and chemicals distribution depends on the efficient supply chain. So insufficient supply chain is a big challenge for start-ups.
• Lack of financing: Domestic subsidies and investment in policies hardly ever reach the farmers – end user.
• Climate change: The agricultural sector is susceptible to changing weather and climatic conditions. So there should be a quick adoption of technology to bear these unavoidable changes.

Way Forward To Indian Agriculture Startups

• Learning from Global Leaders: Lessons from Israel, China, and the US: To grow this sector, in the use of technology lessons from Israel, China, and the US can be taken to revolutionize agriculture practices in India.
• Harnessing Technological Innovation: The use of AI, IoT, Big Data Analytics, ICT applications, and technology for weather forecasting, etc should be used to show the potential of Indian agritech startups in transforming the country’s agriculture industry.
• Focus on Farmer-Centric Solutions: Develop technologies and business models that directly address the needs and challenges faced by farmers
• Public-Private Partnership: Collaborate with government agencies, research institutions, and NGOs to leverage expertise and resources for wider impact.

Conclusion

Agriculture startups are developing innovative solutions for various aspects of agriculture, including precision farming, supply chain management, and market linkages.  As the sector continues to grow, it has the potential to not only transform India’s agriculture sector but also create new employment opportunities and contribute towards the growth of the country’s economy.

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Context: 

This article is based on the news “Could Preamble have been amended without altering Constitution’s adoption date, SC asks” which was published in the Hindustan Times. The Supreme Court was hearing a pair of petitions that sought deletion of words secular and socialist from the Preamble of Indian Constitution.

Supreme Court Hears Petition On Deleting ‘Secular’, ‘Socialist’ From Preamble Of Indian Constitution

• Date of Adoption: Recently, the Supreme Court (SC) agreed to examine whether the words “socialist and secular” could have been inserted in the Preamble of Indian Constitution in 1976 even though the date of the adoption of the Constitution remained unaltered i.e. November 26, 1949.
• Possibility of Amending Preamble: The bench raised a query regarding the potential amendment of the Preamble. 
  • Can the Preamble be changed while keeping the other date intact? 

Preamble of Indian Constitution: Origin, Adoption, and Its Amendability 

• Origin: The Preamble of Constitution is based on the ‘Objectives Resolution’ introduced in 1946, drafted and moved by Jawahar Lal Nehru, and adopted by the Constituent Assembly.
• Introduction to Constitutional Principles: The preamble sets out the guiding purpose and principles of the Constitution. It is considered the master document of the Constitution.
• Adoption and Effective Date: Adopted on November 26, 1949, by the Constituent Assembly of India. Came into effect on January 26, 1950.

• Amendability of Preamble Of Indian Constitution

• • Berubari Union Case (1960): The Preamble of constitution is not a part of the Constitution.
  • Kesavananda Bharti Case (1973): The preamble is a part of the Constitution. A preamble is not a source of power nor a source of limitations. The preamble has a significant role to play in the interpretation of statutes and provisions of the Constitution.
  • LIC of India Case (1995): The Supreme Court has once again held that the Preamble is an integral part of the Constitution but is not directly enforceable in a court of justice in India.
• Amendment To Preamble: Introduced by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 during the Emergency. 
• • It added the words Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
  • Original Preamble: Sovereign Democratic Republic.
  • Amendment To Preamble: Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, Republic. It also changed “unity of the nation” to “unity and integrity of the nation”.

Arguments in Favor of Retaining  Socialist and Secular Words in Preamble Of Indian Constitution

• Reflecting Contemporary Values: Supporters argue that the addition of “Socialist” and “Secular” reflects the evolving values and aspirations of Indian society. 
  • They contend that the Preamble of Constitution should accurately represent the socio-political context of the nation.
• Enhancing Clarity and Relevance: Proponents suggest that the amendment clarifies the ideological stance of the Indian state, promoting transparency and relevance. 
  • They assert that including “Socialist and Secular” aligns the Preamble with contemporary understandings of governance and societal principles.
  • The official objective of the government in amending 1976 was to make explicit what was already provided in the Constitution.
• Constitutional Adaptability: Advocates emphasize the Constitution’s adaptability to changing circumstances through amendments. They argue that the Preamble should not remain static but evolve to address emerging challenges and aspirations.
  • According to the Supreme Court of India, the Preamble is part of the Constitution and can be amended under Article 368. However, the basic structure of the Preamble cannot be changed. 
  • In the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case, the Supreme Court established the doctrine of the “basic structure“ of the Constitution.
• Promoting Social Justice: Supporters of the amendment argue that “Socialist” underscores the commitment to social justice and equitable distribution of resources. They believe that acknowledging socialism in the Preamble of Constitution reaffirms the state’s obligation to address socioeconomic disparities.
  • For instance, in 2008, the Supreme Court rejected a plea demanding the removal of ‘socialist’. Then Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan had said that socialism hasn’t got any definite meaning. It gets different meanings at different times.
  • India follows democratic socialism that aims to end poverty, ignorance, disease and inequality of opportunity. This socialistic concept ought to be implemented in the true spirit of the Constitution according to the G.B. Pant University of Agriculture and Technology v. State of Uttar Pradesh.

• Securing Pluralistic Values: Some contend that adding “Secular” reaffirms India’s commitment to secularism and religious tolerance. This inclusion was aimed to promote unity among India’s diverse religious communities. 
  • The 42nd Amendment simply made the term “secular” explicit in the Constitution, but the underlying principle was already implicit in various provisions and the overall philosophy of the Constitution. Articles 25, 26, and 27 were specifically designed to promote secularism.
  • In a landmark judgement in the S.R. Bommai case (1994), the Supreme Court upheld that secularism is a ‘basic feature’ of the Constitution.
• Political Legitimacy: Supporters argue that the amendment was enacted through constitutional procedures, reflecting the will of the people’s elected representatives.
  • For instance, in the Minerva Mills case, the Supreme Court held that the 42nd amendment to the preamble of constitution was not only within the framework of the Constitution but also gave vitality to its philosophy. 

Arguments for Removal of Socialist and Secular Words from Preamble Of Indian Constitution

• Threat to Original Intent: Some argue that amending the Preamble dilutes the original intent of the Constitution’s framers. They contend that inserting new words alters the fundamental character envisioned by the founding fathers.
  • For instance, Vishnu Shankar Jain’s Petition: The original Constitution makers deliberately chose to keep these concepts out of the Preamble. 
    • On November 15, 1948, Professor KT Shah proposed adding the words “secular, federal and socialist nation”, but the Constituent Assembly (CA) rejected it after a lengthy discussion.
    • On November 25, 1948, a second amendment was introduced and discussed incorporating the word ”secular” in the draft Constitution. That, too, was rejected.
    • On December 3, 1948, a third attempt was made to include “secular” in Article 18 of the Constitution, which was also dismissed by the Constituent Assembly.
• Violation of Constitutional Principles: Adding “Socialist and Secular” may contradict other constitutional principles. They argue that imposing specific ideologies through the Preamble may infringe upon the Constitution’s commitment to pluralism and neutrality.
  • For instance, a joint petition by Balram Singh, Karunesh Shukla, and Pravesh Kumar’s in 2020 argues against the 1976 amendment as conflicting with constitutional tenets. They argued that it violates freedom of speech, expression (Article 19(1)(a)), and freedom of religion (Article 25).
    • The petition also challenged the insertion of the words “secular” and “socialist” in Section 29 A (5) of the Representation of People Act by an amendment in 1989. 
    • Plea seeks a declaration limiting ‘socialism’ and ‘secularism’ to the state’s sovereign functions and not applicable to citizens, political parties and social organisations.
• Political Tool: Opponents of the amendment raise concerns about the misuse of power to amend the constitution, potentially undermining the Constitution’s stability and integrity.
  • For instance, many principles affirming secularism and socialism were contained in the Constitution originally, such as in the Directive Principles of State Policy, fundamental rights that allow the freedom to profess and propagate one’s religion, etc. 
• Historical Context: There are arguments that the amendment may not align with the original principles of the Constitution.
  • Dr. B R Ambedkar’s rationale for omitting these terms was based on the belief that the principles of secularism and socialism were inherently ingrained in the constitution’s framework.
• Legal Implications: Scholars and legal experts raise question of whether such changes should be subject to the same rigorous process as amending other parts of the Constitution.
  • For instance, Subramanian Swamy’s Petition in 2020 argued that it was not possible for policymakers to vary, alter or repeal the Preamble since it was not equivalent to an ordinary statute. 
  • He claimed that the insertion was against the right to freedom of religion, and the concept of judicial review which formed an integral part of the basic structure of the Constitution.

Conclusion

Removing Socialist and Secular from Indian preamble upholds original constitutional intent. Whereas, retaining “Socialist” and “Secular” in the Preamble reflects contemporary values, enhances clarity, and promotes social justice. Thus, it is upto the Supreme Court, whether to retain or remove these word in the Preamble of the Constitution of India.

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