Current Affairs – January 18, 2025

{GS2 – Governance – Initiatives} Mission Mode Programs in India

• Context (BS): Mission Mode Programs (MMPs) have emerged as focused initiatives to achieve specific objectives within a defined timeframe.

Key Features of Mission Mode Programs

Key Insights from Mission Mode Programs

• Demonstration of State Capacity: These programs reflect India’s ability to deliver impactful results when prioritisation, resources, and expertise converge.
• Highlighting Systemic Deficiencies: Despite their success, MMPs reveal gaps in governance, including reliance on mission-specific approaches, while broader systemic inefficiencies remain unaddressed.
• Call for Comprehensive Reforms: The focus on mission mode must translate into long-term improvements in governance structures to ensure sustained and widespread impact.

Limitations of Mission Mode Programs

• Narrow Focus: These programs address specific issues, often neglecting systemic challenges like transparency, regulatory bottlenecks, and root causes of inefficiency.
• Sustainability Concerns: The temporary nature of such programs can result in short-term gains, with achievements often fading when political priorities shift.
• Resource Drain: By diverting top talent and resources, these programs may weaken capacity in other critical governance areas (e.g., Smart Cities Mission overshadowing broader rural development schemes like PURA and Rurban Mission).
• Regulatory Carve-outs: Like Special Economic Zones (SEZs), these programs bypass standard regulatory frameworks, leaving underlying governance issues unresolved.
• Leadership Dependency: Success often hinges on charismatic leaders or bureaucrats, making programs vulnerable to leadership changes.
• Inequitable Development: Focus on specific regions or sectors can exacerbate regional and societal inequalities, leaving underserved communities further behind.

Key Takeaways from Mission Mode Programs

• Streamline Regulatory Frameworks: Simplify bureaucratic procedures to reduce delays, enabling quicker implementation and enhancing overall efficiency.
• Institutional Capacity Building: Establish specialised institutions with clear mandates and autonomy to ensure focused execution and accountability.
• Scale Expertise Across Government: Promote capacity-building and skill development for government officials to replicate mission mode successes across all administrative levels.
• Enhanced Public-Private Collaboration: Foster partnerships with the private sector to leverage innovation, efficiency, and expertise in diverse sectors, ensuring better outcomes.
• Decentralisation and Autonomy: Empower local governments with greater decision-making authority and resources, facilitating improved service delivery and region-specific solutions.
• Data-Driven Decision-Making: Integrate technology, AI, and data analytics into policymaking processes to ensure evidence-based decisions and effective program monitoring.

Way Forward

• Institutional Strengthening: Develop and empower institutions to handle complex governance challenges efficiently.
• Policy Alignment: Ensure that regulatory frameworks are updated and aligned to create an environment conducive to innovation and public welfare.
• Capacity Building: Invest in continuous skill development and training to equip government officials with the knowledge and tools for modern governance.
• Inclusive Governance: Foster public participation in policy-making and programme implementation to ensure inclusivity and responsiveness to local needs.
• Long-Term Sustainability: Focus on creating policies that provide long-term solutions rather than temporary fixes, ensuring continued progress post-program.

{GS2 – MEITY – Laws} Draft Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules

• Context (TH): The Ministry of Electronics and IT released Draft DPDP Rules to implement the DPDP Act 2023, addressing data protection, localisation, and government exemptions.

Key Highlights of the Draft Rules

• Principles-Based Framework: Focuses on simplicity in notice and consent mechanisms.
• Industry-Specific Exemptions: Certain sectors, such as education, healthcare, and childcare, are exempt from verifying parental consent for specific data activities.
• Practicality Over Prescriptiveness: Aim to empower users without overwhelming or stifling innovation.

Data Localisation Mandate

• Extended Scope: Rules propose a government-appointed committee to determine which data cannot be exported, affecting major tech firms like Meta, Google, and Amazon.
• Sectoral Example: RBI’s payment data localisation mandate has set a precedent, and similar approaches could resolve cross-border data issues.
• Government Collaboration: A central committee will ensure smooth implementation of localisation while preventing ad hoc mandates from different government departments.
• Operational Challenges: Data localisation mandates pose difficulties for businesses in segmenting data and determining appropriate data centres, leading to increased operational costs.

Executive Overreach Concerns

• Government’s Power: Section 36 of the DPDP Act and Rule 22 allow the government to demand information from data fiduciaries for national security or sovereignty reasons.
• Risks of Misuse: This provision could enable surveillance and suppression of dissent.

Issues with the Draft Rules

• Regulatory Arbitrage Risk: Ambiguities between rules for significant data fiduciaries (SDFs) and smaller entities may lead to exploitation.
• Operational Challenges: Cross-border data flow regulations could disrupt business operations.
• User Request Misuse: Absence of provisions to verify user information requests or charge fees for excessive demands increases misuse risk.
• Govt Overreach: Lack of safeguards for accessing sensitive business data and protecting trade secrets.

Advantages of the Rules

• Flexibility for Different Sectors: Industry-specific exemptions provide flexibility, reducing the regulatory burden on certain sectors.
• Enhanced Data Protection Framework: Aims to offer stronger protection for personal data in India, addressing security concerns effectively.
• Simplified Compliance: Principles-based approach of these rules simplifies business compliance.

Importance of Compliance

• Business Continuity and Reputation: Non-compliance with data protection laws could result in significant financial losses.
• Data Protection as a Priority: Safeguarding personal data is critical for maintaining business reputation and compliance with regulations.

Way Ahead for India

• Adopt Targeted Data Localisation: Implement sector-specific localisation mandates like the RBI’s payment data rule to minimise disruption.
• Revamp Consent Mechanisms: Transition from notice-and-consent models to dynamic privacy frameworks suited to IoT, AI, and 5G.
• Ensure Clear Guidelines: Address ambiguities in user requests and government access to sensitive data.
• Balance Innovation and Protection: Create privacy frameworks that foster economic growth while safeguarding individual rights.
• Encourage Public Consultations: Engage stakeholders to refine rules, ensuring alignment with industry-specific needs and privacy goals.

{GS3 – IE – Industry} India’s Path to Leading Startup Ecosystem

• Context (IE): India’s startup ecosystem has become the third-largest globally, growing significantly in recent years, providing a foundation for its aspiration to become the world’s leading startup hub.

Current Status of India’s Startup Ecosystem

• Growth and Scale: Over 1.59 lakh startups recognised by DPIIT, with over 120 unicorns.
• Investment Landscape: In 2022, Indian startups attracted $25 billion in Venture Capital funding, with key sectors like SaaS and climate tech receiving significant investments.
• Government Support: Startup India, Digital India, and Atmanirbhar Bharat provide a favourable environment through tax exemptions, easier patent processing, and regulatory support.
• Regional Expansion: 50% of startups now emerge from Tier II and III cities. Tamil Nadu and Kerala show strong regional growth, contributing to job creation and tech talent development.

Challenges in India’s Startup Ecosystem

• Funding Constraints: The global economic slowdown and rising interest rates have restricted venture capital, affecting startup growth and leading to layoffs.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Complex tax structures and evolving regulations, such as data protection laws, create operational difficulties for startups.
• Scaling Issues: Many startups struggle with operational inefficiencies, market adaptability, and insufficient infrastructure for scaling.
• High Failure Rates: Over 90% of startups fail within five years due to poor product-market fit, financial mismanagement, and inability to meet consumer demands.
• Problem of Talent Retention: The competition for skilled workers in AI, machine learning, and cybersecurity makes talent retention challenging.

Way Ahead to Boost India’s Startup Ecosystem

• Policy Strengthening: Simplify startup registration, funding approvals, and intellectual property protection, with a focus on AI, deep tech, healthcare, and green tech.
• Domestic Investment: Encourage domestic investors, including pension and sovereign wealth funds, to support startup growth.
• Infrastructure Development: Establish tech parks and incubation centres and improve rural internet and logistics to enhance startup support.
• Inclusivity and Diversity: Support women entrepreneurship and ventures in rural sectors like agritech, edtech & health-tech through initiatives like the Women Entrepreneurship Platform (WEP) by NITI Aayog.
• Workforce Development: Promote STEM education, upskilling programs, and diversity initiatives to build a skilled and inclusive workforce.
• Fostering Innovation: Boost R&D, encourage risk-taking, and leverage domestic challenges for innovation opportunities, particularly in sustainability.

{GS3 – IE – Resources} Mumbai High Field Partnership

• Context (IE): ONGC partners with BP under a 10-year TSP contract to enhance Mumbai High’s production and revenue with BP as the Technical Service Provider (TSP).

Mumbai High Field

• India’s Largest Oil Field: Mumbai High, formerly Bombay High, is the largest oil field in India, located in the Arabian Sea, about 160 km west of Mumbai.
• Discovery and Production: Discovered in 1974; production began in 1976.
• Field Division: Two main blocks, Mumbai High North and Mumbai High South.
• Peak Output: 1989 marked peak production with 476,000 barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and 28 billion cubic meters (bcm) of natural gas.
• Current Levels: Output reduced to ~134,000 bpd of crude and 13 bcm of natural gas.
• Operator and Importance: Operated by ONGC, it is a cornerstone of India’s hydrocarbon production, significantly contributing to domestic energy supplies.
• Strategic Importance: Its offshore location and robust infrastructure make it a critical asset for India’s energy security.

Challenges in Mumbai High Field Operations

• Declining Production: Gradual reduction in hydrocarbon output for over three decades.
• Residual Reserves: Over 600 million barrels of oil and ~40 bcm of natural gas remain untapped.
• Low Domestic Production: India imports 85% of crude oil and 50% of natural gas.

Significance of BP-ONGC Partnership

• Hydrocarbon Production Growth: Crude oil will rise by 44%, natural gas by 89%, and total output will grow ~60%.
• Revenue Boost: ONGC will gain an additional $10.3 billion over the contract period.
• Government Earnings: $5 billion expected from levies, royalties, and cess contributions.

Also, refer to Distribution of Petroleum and Mineral Oil in India.

{GS3 – S&T – Cybersecurity} Central Cybercrime Suspect Registry

• Context (IE): India blocked fraudulent transactions worth Rs 1,800 crore in 90 days through the Central Cybercrime Suspect Registry under I4C, with RBI directing banks to adopt it for fraud prevention.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C)

• Establishment: Set up under the Ministry of Home Affairs, located in New Delhi.
• Coordinates efforts against cybercrime, collaborating with law enforcement and financial institutions.
• Focuses on R&D and prevention of cybercrimes, including misuse by extremist/ terrorist groups.

Central Suspect Registry under I4C

• Data Source: Based on the National Cybercrime Reporting Portal (NCRP) holds data on 1.4 million cybercriminals linked to financial frauds.
• Registry Access: Available to states, UTs, central investigation agencies, and financial institutions for better risk management.

Cyber Fraud Mitigation Centre (CFMC)

• Launch: Established at I4C with representatives of major banks, Financial Intermediaries, Payment Aggregators, Telecom Service Providers, IT Intermediaries, & States/UTs Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs).
• It will work together for immediate action and seamless cooperation to tackle online financial crimes.
• CFMC serves as an example of “Cooperative Federalism“ in law enforcement.

• Impact: Blocked 8.67 lakh mule accounts, 7 lakh SIM cards, and 1.4 lakh mobiles, demonstrating coordinated action across sectors.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Farming in Space

• Context (IE): ISRO’s successful experiment on germinating lobia seeds in space marks a milestone in space agriculture, part of the CROPS module.

  

  Source: NDTV

Need to Grow Plants in Space

• Sustainable Food Source: Space-grown plants provide nutrition on long-term missions, reducing reliance on limited pre-packaged food supplies.
• Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, plants release oxygen, crucial for maintaining breathable air in spacecraft.
• Recycling Systems: Plants can recycle CO₂ and organic waste, creating a closed-loop life support system.
• Mental Health: Caring for plants reduces stress & improves astronauts’ mental health during missions.

Methods of Growing Plants in Space

• Hydroponics: Plants grow in liquid solutions, receiving water and nutrients without soil. It is commonly used in space for its efficiency in water usage.
• Aeroponics: Plants are grown with roots suspended in air, using mist for nutrients. This reduces water and fertiliser usage and eliminates pesticides, making it efficient for space farming.
• Soil-like Media: This system simulates terrestrial soil by using materials such as highly porous clay pellets, retaining water and slowly releasing nutrients.
• Veggie System: The International Space Station’s space garden, known as Veggie, uses hydroponics to grow various plants in a small space.

Challenges in Growing Plants in Space

• Microgravity: Lack of gravity prevents roots from growing downward and complicates water and nutrient absorption, as water sticks to surfaces in microgravity.
• Radiation Exposure: High radiation levels in space can damage plant DNA and impede growth.
• Temperature Variations: Extreme temperature fluctuations in space, often hundreds of degrees, require special insulation for plants.
• Light Availability: In outer solar system missions, the lack of sunlight challenges photosynthesis, leading to oxygen consumption rather than production.

ISRO’s CROPS Experiment

• Design: The CROPS module functions like a mini greenhouse with Earth-like conditions in space.
• Growing Medium: Highly porous clay pellets are used, aiding water retention and nutrient release through slow-release fertilisers.
• Light Simulation: Eight LEDs (four warm, four cool) are used to mimic day-night cycles, with lights programmed to be on for 16 hours and off for 8 hours.
• Temperature & Atmosphere Control: The module’s temperature is maintained between 20–30°C, with Earth-like atmospheric conditions.
• Water Delivery: Water is injected into the soil-like medium via an electric valve operated from Earth.
• Results: Lobia seeds sprouted on fourth day & leaves appeared on fifth, signaling successful germination.

Ideal Plants for Space Farming

• Leafy Greens: Plants like lettuce, spinach, and kale are ideal as they grow quickly, require minimal space, and are rich in nutrients.
• Legumes: Beans & peas provide protein & can fix nitrogen; improve nutrient cycles in soil-like mediums.
• Root Vegetables: Radishes and carrots thrive in compact spaces, while wheat and rice are considered for long-term space sustenance.
• Fruits: Tomatoes and strawberries are suitable for space farming due to their size and nutritional value.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} Planet Parade Phenomenon

• Context (IE): A spectacular “planet parade” is currently visible in the night sky, with six planets forming a striking arc, providing a unique opportunity to understand planetary motions & celestial alignments.

What is a Planet Parade?

• A planet parade occurs when multiple planets are simultaneously visible in the night sky.
• It is an informal term, not a technical astronomical concept.
• Planets move differently across sky compared to stars & certain alignments make them visible at once.
• Common Occurrence: Planet parades are not rare but don’t occur annually.
• Past Event: The last was in May-June 2024, featuring all solar system planets in the morning sky.

Characteristics of the Current Planet Parade

• Visibility of the Planets: Venus, Saturn, Jupiter, & Mars have been visible to the naked eye since December 2024, with Mercury joining after February 20, 2025. Uranus and Neptune require telescopes.
• Formation of Arc: The planets form an arc due to the solar system’s plane.

  

Source: Starwalk

How to Observe It

• Optimal Conditions for Viewing: Clear skies, low light pollution & observing a few hours after sunset.
• Tools and Accessibility: Affordable telescopes, binoculars, and user-friendly stargazing apps enhance visibility and make celestial observation accessible to enthusiasts.

{Prelims – S&T – Defence} Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan

• Context (IE): On Army Day (15^th January 2025), the Defence Minister launched the Bharat Ranbhoomi Darshan website.

Key Features

• Purpose: To promote battlefield tourism at significant military sites across India’s borders.
• Part of Incredible India Campaign: Ministry of Tourism integrates the site into the ‘Incredible India’ initiative to highlight the nation’s historical military landmarks.
• Historical Narratives: Detailed accounts of military actions at each site.
• Interactive Tours: Virtual exploration of battlefields to provide immersive experiences.
• Visitor Guidance: Information on applying for permits, travel logistics, and local accommodations.

Featured Battlefields

• Galwan Valley (Ladakh): Site of the 2020 India-China border clashes.
• Doklam (2017): Location of the India-China standoff, a tri-junction between India, Bhutan, and China.
• Kargil (Dras, Ladakh): Known for the 1999 Kargil War.
• Siachen Base Camp (Ladakh): The world’s highest battlefield.
• Longewala (Rajasthan): Notable for the 1971 India-Pakistan war.
• Bum La and Kibithu (Arunachal Pradesh): Key locations in the easternmost border region with China.

Benefits and Impact

• Border Area Development: Boost socio-economic growth by promoting tourism in remote regions.
• Increased Connectivity: Helps improve infrastructure and regional accessibility.
• Educational Value: Provides an educational experience about India’s military history.

Also refer to Govt Initiatives for Promoting Tourism Sector.