Current Affairs – July 25, 2024

{GS1 – A&C – Religion} Lingayats

Context (IE): Panchamasali Lingayats, a sub-caste of Karnataka’s Lingayat community, are seeking reservations under the OBC quota.

Lingayats are followers of Basavanna, a 12th-century philosopher-saint.
They reject the caste system and Vedic rituals and worship only one God, Linga (Shiva).
Despite officially being classified as Hindu sub-caste ‘Veerashaiva Lingayats, they have distanced themselves from Hindu Veerashaivas because the latter support the Vedas and the caste system.

Basavanna (Basavesvara)

Basavesvara was an Indian philosopher, poet, and social reformer who founded the Lingayat sect. He led a radical anti-caste movement that rejected orthodox ritualistic Hindu practices.
His teachings were based on the principles of Arivu (true knowledge), Achara (right conduct), and Anubhava (divine experience), integrating bhakti (devotion), jnana (knowledge), and kriya (action) in a well-balanced manner.

Read more > OBC Reservation

{GS2 – MoYAS – Initiatives} KIRTI Program

Context (PIB): The Ministry of Youth Affairs, & Sports and Labour & Employment inaugurated Phase 2 of Khelo India Rising Talent Identification Program (KIRTI Program).

It is a part of the key Khelo India initiative under the Ministry.
Objective: To build a culture of sports among school-goers aged 9 to 18 years so that India can win medals at global competitions.
It will create an integrated ICT-based platform for talent identification to ensure mass participation and excellence in sports.

{GS3 – Agri – Crops} Maize Revolution

Context (IE): Maize production in India has more than tripled over the last two decades, making it a private sector-driven green revolution success story. It has tripled from 11.5 million tonnes in 2000 to over 35 million in 2024, with the average yield increasing from 1.8 tonnes to 3.3 tonnes per hectare.

Maize

It is a rainfed kharif crop grown in semi-arid regions where rice and wheat production are not possible.
Rainfall: Not more than 100 cm of rainfall.
Temperature: 21°C to 27°C.
Ideal Soils: Old alluvial and well-drained fertile loams free from coarse materials and rich in nitrogen.
Major producing states: Karnataka > Madhya Pradesh > Maharashtra
Major producing countries: USA > China > Brazil
India is the 5th largest producer of Maize.

Recent Developments

Development of Waxy Maize Hybrid

The Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) developed a high-yield (7.3 tonnes per hectare) maize variety with high amylopectin starch content (93.9%).
- Higher recoverable starch from waxy maize helps to produce more ethanol than normal maize.
- High amylopectin causes softness and ensures better grinding of the grains.

International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center’s (CIMMYT) Double Haploid Facility

It produces genetically pure inbred maize lines with high yields.
It improves the efficiency of maize breeding by enabling the production of completely uniform lines that are tolerant to drought, heat, and waterlogging, efficient in nutrient use, and resistant to pests/diseases.

Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI)

It is a premier agricultural research and education institution in India, located in New Delhi, established in 1905 by the British government.
It is popularly known as the “Pusa Institute” and is considered the “Mother of All Agricultural Institutions” in India.

Read more > Green Revolution

Maize (Corn) Ethanol: A Sustainable Option

Maize ethanol is a renewable biofuel produced from corn (maize) as a substitute for gasoline in vehicles.
Its production involves fermenting corn starch into ethanol, which is then distilled and blended with gasoline.

Read more > Ethanol Blending

Advantages

Renewable: Maize offers a long-term solution compared to fossil fuels.
Reduced Emissions: Carbon dioxide absorption during growth can lower GHG emissions.
Energy Security: Maize stover utilisation minimises waste and promotes domestic biofuel production.
Rural Development: Increased demand for maize can boost farmer income and support rural growth.
R&D: Research on high-starch varieties and efficient processes can further improve sustainability.

Role of the Private Sector in Maize Revolution

High-Yielding Hybrids: Private companies like Mahyco (Dekalb brand) and Nuziveedu Seeds invest heavily in R&D to develop these hybrids, which offer significantly higher yields.
Widespread Distribution Networks: Companies such as Kaveri Seeds have extensive distribution networks, ensuring farmers nationwide have access to high-quality maize.
Farmer Outreach and Education: Rasi Seeds and others conduct training programs to educate farmers on best practices for maize cultivation, enhancing crop management and seed utilisation.
Adoption of New Technologies: Private firms like Shriram Bioseed utilise Doubled Haploid (DH) technology to expedite inbred line development, accelerating the creation of improved hybrids.
Focus on Efficiency: Companies like Indo-American Hybrid Seeds implement cost-effective solutions across their supply chains, making advanced maize seeds more affordable and accessible to farmers.
Public-Private Partnerships: Many private companies collaborate with institutions like IARI to leverage research advancements.

Government Initiatives

Minimum Support Price (MSP) Scheme: Ensures a government-determined minimum price for maize, providing income security for farmers and encouraging cultivation.
National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Promotes crop diversification, including incentives for farmers to shift towards maize in suitable regions.
Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY): Focuses on expanding irrigation facilities such as canals and micro-irrigation projects, crucial for improving water availability for maize cultivation.
Subsidies on Seeds and Fertilizers: Includes schemes like Sub-Mission on Agricultural Seeds and targeted fertilizer subsidies, supporting farmers in purchasing certified maize seeds and fertilizers.
Kisan Credit Card Scheme: Facilitates easy access to credit at concessional interest rates, enabling farmers to invest in technologies and enhance maize production.
Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY): Provides crop insurance against natural calamities, including coverage for maize, safeguarding farmers from losses due to crop failures.
Biofuel Policies: Government policies promoting biofuel production create demand for maize as a feedstock, incentivizing farmers to increase maize cultivation in alignment with renewable energy goals.
High-Starch Varieties: Supported by government initiatives, research institutions like IARI are developing “waxy” maize varieties with higher starch content optimized for efficient ethanol production.

Challenges in maize production

Droughts and Erratic Rainfall: Maize, being water-intensive (500-800mm) suffers from reduced yields during droughts like Maharashtra’s 2019 drought.
Extreme Temperatures: Heatwaves stress maize plants, reducing pollination and yields. For example, North India’s 2023 heatwave likely affected maize production.
Uneven Water Distribution: Regions like Punjab have ample water, but Rajasthan faces scarcity, limiting maize cultivation.
Inefficient Irrigation: Traditional methods of wastewater, and the lack of modern technologies like sprinklers hampers efficient water use.
Fall Armyworm: Since 2018, this pest has damaged maize crops nationwide, with severe infestations reported in Karnataka in 2022.
Maize Lethal Necrosis Disease: Outbreaks like in Andhra Pradesh in 2020 threaten maize crops, causing stunted growth and yield losses.
Fertilizer Price: Rising prices, e.g., urea, strain small farmers financially, impacting maize cultivation.
Price Fluctuations: Sudden drops, like in 2021, deter farmers from planting maize.
Storage Facilities: The absence of proper storage leads to losses from spoilage and infestation, dissuading maize cultivation.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Climate Finance Taxonomy

Context (DTE): Recently, the Union Budget announced climate finance taxonomy to classify economic activities as sustainable investments to help investors in selecting projects that promote climate adaptation and mitigation.

South Africa, European Union, Colombia, South Korea, and Thailand have already issued green taxonomies to facilitate green investments.

Benefits

Set standards for classifying climate-related financial instruments like green bonds.
Aligns with India’s commitment to achieve a net-zero economy by 2070.
Establishes specific criteria for reducing green washing risks.
Addresses the issue of low green finance flows (3% of total FDI), partly due to unclear definitions of sustainable activities.
Leverages India’s climate-smart investment potential and expand its renewable energy sector.

Limitations

Lack of clear timelines for taxonomy announcements, carbon pricing mechanisms, and detailed strategies to mobilize climate finance for adaptation and mitigation in vulnerable communities.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Impacts of Heat Stress on Labour

Context (TH): Heat stress affects labour efficiency and productivity causing significant economic losses in Asia and Pacific regions. Workers are particularly vulnerable as they cannot cease working because of financial constraints.

There is a reduction of total working hours by 2.2% and global GDP by US$2,400 billion is projected in 2030 (ILO-2019).
2.41 billion workers worldwide are exposed to extreme heat (ILO-2024).

Impacts of Heat Stress

Physical effects: Heat stroke, heat cramps, cardiovascular disease, acute kidney injury, physical injury and risk for pregnancy-related complications..
Food security: Due to decline in available working hours and output among small-scale and subsistence farmers.
Gender disparity: By deteriorating working conditions for the numerous women engaged in subsistence agriculture.
Regional disparity: As its impact is not uniform across regions and genders.

Impact in India

Loss of working hours: Forecasted to a decrease of over 5% by 2030 (ILO-2024).
Heat waves: 160-200 million people may face deadly heat waves every year by 2030 (ILO-2024).
Job loss: Approximately 34 million people will lose job due to reduced productivity (ILO-2024). For example, a study in West Bengal showed that temperature increase of 1°C decreased the productivity of female brickmaking workers by 2%.
Health hazards: Especially on migrant workers who work in hazardous and physically demanding jobs.

Way Forward

Creating and implementing Heat Action Plans.
Strengthening adaptation and mitigation measures at the global, national, and workplace levels. For example, Telangana’s massive tree plantation drives will help to mitigate the urban heat island effect.
Improve the implementation of international labour standards related to occupational safety and create essential services and infrastructure for migrant workers.
Promote green jobs (like solar panel installer and recycling plant operator) to protect the environment and to provide employment opportunities.

{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} Uranium Levels in Drinking Water

Context (IE): A Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) study comes amid rising concerns about uranium concentrations.

The current Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) limit for uranium in drinking water is 30 µg/l (micrograms per litre), reduced from the previous Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB) limit of 60 µg/l.
Globally, standards vary by country (Finland-higher and Canada-lower limits).

Key Findings of the Study

The study concludes that up to 60 µg/l of uranium in drinking water is safe.
Adhering to the 30 µg/l limit provides no extra health benefits and increases purification costs compared to the previous 60 µg/l standard, making it counterproductive.
No evidence links low uranium (insoluble or soluble) levels in drinking water to cancer (supported by WHO studies) and there is no significant health difference between various maximum contamination levels (MCL) for uranium (USEPA).
Most drinking water samples in India have uranium levels below both the 30 µg/l and 60 µg/l standards.

Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC): BARC is a premier nuclear research facility conducting research in atomic energy and related fields.
Bureau of Indian Standards: BIS sets quality and safety standards for various products and services.
Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB): AERB regulates and ensures safety in nuclear and radiological activities.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Bharat 6G Vision

Context (PIB): Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) signs agreement with IIT Roorkee and IIT Mandi for “Development of ‘Cell-Free’ 6G Access Points” to enhance connectivity. The Project is in line with the ‘Bharat 6G vision’.

Cell-free access points

‘Cell-Free’ Massive MIMO (multiple-input and multiple-output) deploys several regional APs to serve many user devices. Many APs may support a single user.
This ensures ubiquitous connectivity to the users, eliminates dead zones, enhances signal strength, and significantly boosts data speeds, offering an exceptional user experience.

Bharat 6G Vision

It is a strategy created by the Technology Innovation Group on 6G (TIG-6G) under the Department of Telecommunications.
It envisages India to be a front-line contributor in designing, developing and deploying 6G technology by 2030 based on the principles of Affordability, Sustainability and Ubiquity.
Objective: To create and deploy 6G network technologies that provide secure, intelligent, and pervasive connectivity, enabling people worldwide to live better lives.
Goals: To position India as a global leader in 6G technology, to support indigenous 6G research and development, and to foster innovation and growth in the Indian telecom industry.

Major pillars of 6G Vision

Credits: dot.gov.in

Significance of the Vision

Provides for the requisite organisational and financial resources for 6G connectivity.
It attracts investments Owing to India’s large market size and favourable government policies.
6G standardisation
Help increase Patent Acquisition for 6G technology.
Recognition: Aligning with the International Telecommunication Union’s (ITU) vision will help improve India’s standing in the telecommunications industry.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

It is a UN-specialised agency for information and communication technologies (ICTs).
Members: 193 Member States and more than 1000 companies, universities and international and regional organisations.
Headquarters: Geneva, Switzerland, and regional offices on every continent.
ITU has been the oldest agency in the UN family since 1865.

{Prelims – Awards} PRAISE and SPARK Awards

Context (PIB): MoHUA’s “Utkrishtata ki Ore Badhte Kadam” event awards the top performers under the PM SVANidhi and DAY-NULM schemes.

It is awarded to States, urban local bodies, and lending institutions.

Performance Recognition for Access to Financial Inclusion and Street Vendor’s Empowerment (PRAISE) Awards

The best performing states in ‘loan performance’ are Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, and Punjab, while Canara Bank, SBI, and Bank of India were the top lending institutions.

Systematic Progressive Analytical Real Time Ranking (SPARK) Awards

In overall state performance, Kerala ranks first, followed by Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan, while Himachal Pradesh leads the Northeastern and hilly states category, followed by Tripura and Uttarakhand.

Deen Dayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Urban Livelihood Mission

Launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Poverty Alleviation, Government of India in 2013.
Objectives: To reduce urban poverty, promote self-employment, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for the urban poor.
It is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with funding shared between the Centre and States at a 75:25 ratio, and at a 90:10 ratio for North Eastern and Special Category States.

{Prelims – In News} Llama 3.1

Context (IE): Meta has released its ‘biggest and best’ AI model, Llama 3.1 405B

It’s an open-source AI model with advantages like quick adaptability to new domains, flexible transfer learning, strong few-shot learning abilities, and efficient use of resources.

Open-Source AI

It is an artificial intelligence technology accessible to commercial and non-commercial users under several open-source licenses.
It comes with datasets, ready-to-use interfaces, and prebuilt algorithms to help developers embark on their app development journey.

Read More > AI

{Prelims – PIN World – Africa} Liberia

Context (IE): A group of senators proposed relocating Monrovia, the capital of Liberia, due to recurring floods.

Located on the western coast of Africa.
Bordered by Sierra Leone to the northwest, Guinea to the north, Ivory Coast to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south and southwest.
Major Exports: Iron ore, rubber, timber, cocoa, and coffee

{Prelims – S&T – Defence} INS Brahmaputra

Context (IE): Recently, a fire caused severe damage to the naval frigate INS Brahmaputra.

It is India’s first indigenous Brahmaputra-class guided missile frigate, built by Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited in Kolkata and commissioned in 2000.
It is armed with surface-to-surface and surface-to-air missiles, torpedoes, anti-aircraft missiles, and naval guns and has a range of 4500 nautical miles.
It is used in close and medium-range anti-air, anti-surface, and anti-submarine warfare operations.

The INS Beas and INS Betwa are sister warships of the same class.

{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Triput Class Frigates

Context (PIB): The Hon’ble Governor of Goa launched the ‘Triput’ advanced frigate for the Indian Navy at Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL), Goa.

Triput is the first of two Advanced Frigates under construction by GSL.
The ship is designed for combat operations against enemy surface ships, submarines and aircraft.
Triput class ships are follow-on ships of the Teg and Talwar class ships acquired from Russia.
They are equipped with stealth features, advanced weapons & sensors, etc.

Credits: PIB

Frigates

They are agile and fast naval ships, smaller than destroyers but larger than corvettes.
They can perform a variety of tasks, including escorting larger ships, patrolling maritime regions, anti-submarine warfare (ASW) operations, surface warfare, and fleet defence from air and submarine attacks.