UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 March 2024

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

• India’s R&D Landscape: Funding, Challenges, and Initiatives

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Hyodol

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• World Monuments Fund Watch 2025

• Hyderabad Liberation Day

• UCC in Uttarakhand becomes law

• Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA)

• Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal

• United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME)

• EMPS scheme for electric mobility

• Devin AI

Sports

• KIRTI Program

Mapping

• Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

India’s R&D Landscape: Funding, Challenges, and Initiatives

#### GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source: TH

Context: India’s R&D funding landscape is undergoing significant transformation with the announcement of a ₹1 lakh crore corpus in the interim Budget for 2024-25, aimed at bolstering research and innovation.

What is Research and Development?

It refers to the systematic investigation and experimentation undertaken to discover new knowledge or create new products, processes, or services. R&D activities are essential for driving innovation, improving existing products, and staying competitive in various industries.

Status of India in the R&D landscape:

• Low R&D funding: China allocates 2.4% of its GDP to R&D, the US allocates 3.5%, while India’s allocation stands at only 0.64%.

• Growth in GERD: India’s Gross Expenditure on Research and Development (GERD) has shown significant growth, reaching over USD 17 billion in 2020-21, but it still lags behind major economies in terms of the percentage of GDP spent on R&D.

• Academic Talent Production: Despite lower R&D expenditure compared to other countries, India ranks third globally in producing PhDs and publications, reflecting a commitment to fostering intellectual capital and contributing to global research endeavours.

• Patent Grants: India ranks sixth globally in patent grants, showcasing an evolving innovation landscape and potential for further growth in intellectual property creation.

• Investment in Autonomous R&D: A significant portion of R&D funding is allocated to autonomous laboratories operated by the government, driving research and technology development with strategic implications.

• Government Sector Dominance: With 54% of total R&D investment allocated to the government sector, key scientific agencies like DRDO, Department of Space, ICAR, and Department of Atomic Energy benefit, enhancing strategic research and development initiatives.

• Provisions in Interim Budget 2024-25: The interim budget allocated a corpus of Rs. 1 lakh crore for long-term financing or refinancing in R&D, along with launching a new scheme to strengthen deep-tech technologies for defence purposes, promoting self-reliance (atmanirbharta).

Issues with India’s R&D landscape:

• Low R&D Investment as a Percentage of GDP: India’s GERD has grown significantly, but its R&D investment as a percentage of GDP remains low at 0.64%.

• Less Contribution by Private Sector: In India, the private sector contributed only about 36% in 2020-21 Vs economies like China, Japan, South Korea, and the U.S., where private industries typically contribute over 65% of R&D funding.

• Under-Utilisation of Allocated Funds: DBT used only 72% and DST used only 61% in 2022-23.

• Bureaucratic red tape and delays in procuring laboratory equipment impede research.

• State Governments Not Allocating Adequate Funds: The annual spending on research in most states is only 0.09% of the Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) on average, indicating a lack of emphasis on research at the state level.

• A weak patent system leads to concerns about inadequate protection of intellectual property.

• Insufficient capacity in the Indian Patent Office to handle patent examination demands.

• Lack of talent due to underdeveloped higher education institutions hampers private sector engagement.

• Limited collaboration between academia and industry inhibits innovation and commercialization.

Government Initiatives:

• Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Launched in 2016, this scheme aims to foster innovation by creating new programs and policies to support start-up development.

• Innovation of Science Pursuit for Inspire Research (INSPIRE): This scheme aims to attract talent to science and research at an early stage.

• One Week – One Lab Campaign: This aims to create awareness about CSIR-NPL’s technologies, provide solutions to societal problems, and develop scientific temperament among students.

• National Initiative for Developing and Harnessing Innovations (NIDHI): End-to-end plan for start-ups to double the number of incubators and start-ups within five years.

• National Start-up Awards: Recognizes outstanding start-ups and ecosystem enablers contributing to economic dynamism by stimulating innovation and competition.

• National Research Foundation:

Steps to Enhance R&D Funding:

Steps | Description

Encouraging Private Sector Collaboration | Provide incentives for private investment, including relaxation of foreign direct investments (FDIs), tax rebates, and clear regulatory roadmaps.

Increasing R&D Expenditure | Aim to spend at least 1-3% of GDP annually on R&D to have a meaningful impact on development

Ensuring Increased Role for HEIs in India | Recognize the importance of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in R&D and Strengthen academia’s research infrastructure

Investing in Deep Tech | Implement initiatives like the National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) and the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) Act to incentivize private sector engagement and safeguard intellectual property.

Mandating Proper Utilization of Allocated Funds | – Prioritize political commitment to R&D spending and build bureaucratic capacity for effective project evaluation and utilization.

Prioritizing Expenditure Through State Governments | Allocate expenditure to facilitate the transition of research from the lab bench to the factory floor, promoting innovation and high-quality advancements.

Creating an Enabling Regulatory Environment | Ensure a level playing field for all players in the R&D sector through clear regulatory frameworks.

Skill Development and Education | Invest in skill development and education initiatives to cultivate a skilled workforce that can support private sector growth.

Conclusion:

This commitment to R&D underscores the nation’s emphasis on research and development, as reflected in the rebranded slogan ‘Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan, Jai Vigyan, Jai Anusandhan’.

Insta Links:

• National Research Foundation (NRF)

• R&D ecosystem in India

Mains Links:

Scientific research in Indian universities is declining, because a career in science is not as attractive as our business operations, engineering or administration, and the universities are becoming consumer-oriented. Critically comment. (UPSC 2014)

Prelims Links:

Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the National Innovation Foundation-India (NIF)? (UPSC 2015)

• NIF is an autonomous body of the Department of Science and Technology under the Central Government.

• NIF is an initiative to strengthen the highly advanced scientific research in India’s premier scientific institutions in collaboration with highly advanced foreign scientific institutions.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

For outstanding contribution to which one of the following fields is the Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar Prize given? (UPSC 2009)

(a) Literature (b) Performing Arts (c) Science (d) Social Service

Ans: C

Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (UPSC 2019)

(a) Department of Science and Technology (b) Ministry of Labour and Employment (c) NITI Aayog (d) Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship

Ans: C

#### Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: IE

Context: South Korean company Hyodol has introduced an AI social robot priced at $1,800 to combat loneliness among seniors, particularly those with dementia.

Deployed by the South Korean government, these robots offer customized care, including conversation, music, reminders, and health monitoring features. They utilize advanced language processing and emotional AI systems to provide realistic engagement. However, concerns about data privacy and security remain regarding the extensive data collection by the robot.

Other such robots for elders are:

• ElliQ: AI-powered social robot designed to provide companionship, cognitive stimulation, and assistance with daily activities.

• CarePredict: Wearable AI device that monitors seniors’ activities, detects anomalies, and provides insights into their well-being.

• Cutii: French AI companion robot equipped with video conferencing, entertainment features, and reminders for medication and appointments.

• Zora: AI-powered humanoid robot used in elder care facilities to provide entertainment, assistance, and companionship to residents.

World Monuments Fund Watch 2025

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Conservationists plan to propose the Kazhuveli watershed region in Villupuram district, Tamil Nadu, for nomination to the World Monuments Fund Watch 2025 programme.

• This region, spanning 740 sq. km. from Gingee to Marakkanam and up to the Auroville plateau, features an ancient Eri (tank) network crucial for sustaining agricultural practices over millennia.

• The proposal aims to address the decline of this historic water management system and its cultural heritage.

The World Monuments Watch, launched in 1996, is a biennial program that highlights heritage sites globally nominated by individuals and community-based organizations. It is a program by the World Monuments Fund (WMF) that raises awareness about cultural heritage around the world that is threatened by conflict, vandalism, disaster, or neglect.

Hyderabad Liberation Day

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Central government has declared September 17 as ‘Hyderabad Liberation Day’ annually, commemorating the integration of Hyderabad into the Indian Union in 1948.

The announcement, made by the Ministry of Home Affairs through a gazette notification, honours the martyrs who liberated Hyderabad from Nizam’s rule during Operation Polo. This decision aims to instil patriotism.

Background:

In 1947, Hyderabad, the largest Princely State, encompassed present-day Telangana and parts of Karnataka and Maharashtra, ruled by the seventh Nizam, Mir Usman Ali. As India transitioned to independence, provinces were given the choice to join India, Pakistan, or remain independent. Despite efforts by Home Minister Sardar Patel to integrate Hyderabad into India, the Nizam declared it an independent nation. A Standstill Agreement was signed in November 1947, granting India control over foreign affairs, defence, and communications while leaving domestic affairs to the Nizam. However, internal dissent grew, with the Hyderabad State Congress and Communist-led peasant movements opposing the Nizam’s rule. The Nizam’s response was ruthless, employing the Razakars, a para-military force, to suppress dissent. In the face of escalating violence, the Union government initiated Operation Polo, deploying the army to integrate Hyderabad into India on September 13, 1948.

UCC in Uttarakhand becomes law

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Economic Times

Context: The Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill in Uttarakhand, passed by the state Assembly has received the President’s assent, making it law.

• It makes Uttarakhand the first state in India to adopt the UCC after Independence.

• The UCC aims to provide equal rights to all citizens, curb the oppression of women, and promote social equality.

For more about UCC in Uttrakhand: Click Here

Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Union Cabinet has given ex-post facto approval to the Inter-Governmental Framework Agreement (IGFA) signed on 13th February 2024 between India and the United Arab Emirates.

This agreement aims to enhance bilateral relations and strengthen cooperation in the Ports, Maritime, and Logistics sectors, focusing on the India-Middle East Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC). It outlines areas of collaboration and sets principles, guidelines, and agreements for joint investment and development in the IMEC, in line with respective countries’ regulations.

Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Prime Minister virtually launched the Pradhan Mantri Samajik Utthan evam Rozgar Adharit Jankalyan (PM-SURAJ) portal, aimed at providing credit support to entrepreneurs from disadvantaged sections of society.

• The portal serves as a one-stop point for applying and monitoring progress for loan and credit schemes implemented by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME)

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Child Mortality

Context: The United Nations Inter-agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) released a report indicating that in 2022, global child deaths before the age of five dropped below 5 million for the first time.

Key Findings:

• Despite this progress, an estimated 4.9 million children died, highlighting the need for further action to end preventable child deaths.

• Disparities in survival exist based on factors such as geographical location, socioeconomic status, and living in fragile and conflict-affected settings.

• Low-income countries and those in fragile situations face higher under-five mortality rates.

The United Nations Inter-Agency Group for Child Mortality Estimation (UN IGME) is a technical group that produces annual estimates of child and adolescent mortality. The UN IGME was formed in 2004 to share data on child mortality, improve methods for child mortality estimation, and report on progress towards child survival goals. The UN IGME includes representatives from UNICEF, WHO, the World Bank, and the United Nations Population Division.

EMPS scheme for electric mobility

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TOI

Context: The Electric Mobility Promotion Scheme 2024 (EMPS 2024) is introduced by the Ministry of Heavy Industries to boost the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in India, specifically targeting the electric two-wheeler and three-wheeler segments.

• EMPS 2024 offers subsidies or demand incentives for electric two-wheelers and three-wheelers, including registered electric rickshaws and carts, as well as L5 models.

• The L5 category includes electric three-wheelers with a maximum speed of over 25kmph and motor power exceeding 0.25kW.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Cognition, a start-up, has developed an AI named Devin, which claims to possess remarkable capabilities in handling coding projects independently.

Feature of Devin AI:

• Devin is said to be capable of writing complex code, identifying and correcting errors, and managing entire development projects, all without human intervention.

• Unlike previous AI coding assistants, such as OpenAI’s Copilot, Devin is designed to operate as a self-sufficient software engineer.

• Users can interact with Devin through a chat interface, providing instructions for tasks.

• The AI then plans, executes, tests, and updates the user in real time.

• Devin has demonstrated its prowess in various tasks, including deploying web apps, fine-tuning language models, and resolving real open-source software issues.

KIRTI Program

#### Sports

Source: PIB

Context: The Union Sports Minister inaugurated the Khelo India Rising Talent Identification (KIRTI) program in Chandigarh.

About KIRTI Programme:

About Programme | Description

Aimed at | It is a scouting and training programme for School children between nine and 18 years of age, under the Khelo India Scheme

Objectives | 1. To hunt talent nationwide; 2. To use sports to combat drug addiction and distractions from technology

Assessments | Aims to conduct 20 lakh assessments throughout the year through Talent Assessment Centers

Reach | Aims to reach every block in the country and connect with children interested in sports but lacking opportunities

Launch Details | Launched across 50 centres in India, assessing 50,000 applicants in the first phase across 10 sports including athletics, boxing, wrestling, hockey, football, and wrestling

Selection Methodology | Transparent selection process based on Information Technology with data analytics using Artificial Intelligence

About the Khelo India Scheme | It is a central sector scheme introduced by the Indian government in 2017 and serves as a dynamic platform to nurture sports talent and revive the sporting culture of India. It encompasses the:

Khelo India Youth Games (KIYG) (commenced 2018): Annual national competition for youngsters representing states

Khelo India University Games (KIUG) (commenced 2020): Showcases university students’ talent in sports

Khelo India Winter Games (Commenced 2020): Promotes winter sports in India

Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary

#### Mapping

Source: TH

Context: Assam Cabinet decides to de-notify Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, a prime rhino habitat, following a decision taken without prior Cabinet approval in 1998.

The move, unprecedented for any protected area in India, seeks to address land rights issues and involve local communities in conservation efforts. The decision faces scrutiny from conservationists and requires approval from the Supreme Court and the National Board for Wildlife for de-notification.

Previously, last year, the Supreme Court had issued notices to MoEF and the Assam govt. on plea against declaring an eco-sensitive zone around Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Eco-sensitive zones are areas surrounding parks and sanctuaries crucial for wildlife conservation. Mandated within 10 km, but can extend further for ecological corridors. It prohibits commercial mining, and polluting industries, regulates tree felling, and permits sustainable practices like organic farming and renewable energy use.

About Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary:

It is located in the flood plains of the Brahmaputra River in Assam and is known for having the highest density of one-horned rhinos (EN) in the world. It is often referred to as ‘Mini Kaziranga’ due to its similar landscape and vegetation. Approximately 72% of the sanctuary is covered by wet savannah dominated by Arundo donax and Saccharum, while the rest consists of water bodies.