Current Affairs 26 October 2024

CONTENTS

1. India Boosts Space Start-ups with Rs 1,000-Crore VC Fund
2. 16th BRICS Summit: India and China Reach Agreement on Border Disengagement
3. India Introduces Localized Weather Forecasting for Gram Panchayats
4. Innovative Ultrasound Technique Developed for Non-Invasive Cancer Detection
5. Indian Council for Cultural Relations
6. Scurvy

India Boosts Space Start-ups with Rs 1,000-Crore VC Fund

Context:

The Union Cabinet has approved a significant initiative, setting up a Rs 1,000-crore venture capital fund under the aegis of IN-SPACe. This fund is designed to support approximately 40 space start-ups over the next five years, aiming to catalyze private investment and spur innovation in India’s expanding space sector.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Supporting India’s Emerging Space Entrepreneurs
2. Overview of IN-SPACe and Its Venture Capital Fund Proposal
3. Significance and Impact of the VC Fund

Supporting India’s Emerging Space Entrepreneurs

Key Initiatives to Foster Growth

• Pre-Incubation Entrepreneurship (PIE) Development Program: Launched by IN-SPACe, this program aims to shepherd startups from concept to prototype.
• Financial and Regulatory Support:
  • Tax Incentives: Startups benefit from GST exemptions on satellite launches and income tax relief for R&D expenditures.
  • Funding Programs: The Startup India Seed Fund, DRDO’s Technology Development Fund, and Atal Innovation Mission provide essential financial backing.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • GIFT City: Positioned as a global hub for space technology in Gujarat, offering significant regulatory and infrastructural advantages.
• Collaborative Efforts:
  • AWS Space Accelerator: A partnership with ISRO and IN-SPACe offering mentorship and credits to 24 startups.
• Incubation and Mentorship:
  • Space Technology Incubation Centre (STIC): Provides access to state-of-the-art labs, funding, and expert guidance.

Challenges Confronting Space Startups

• Funding Hurdles: Early-stage funding is scarce, and access to significant government grants can be opaque and challenging.
• Infrastructure Access: Difficulties in accessing testing facilities and standardized technology-sharing platforms are prevalent.
• Insurance and Legal Barriers: The lack of affordable public liability insurance and subpar IP protection standards pose significant financial and operational risks.
• Export Restrictions: Stringent export laws restrict global expansion opportunities for startups.

Future Outlook and Opportunities

• Emerging Trends: Innovations like space tourism, asteroid mining, and the integration of AI and ML technologies are poised to transform the sector.
• Role of Startups: Essential to the future of space exploration and commercial activities, including missions like Gaganyaan, NISAR, and Chandrayaan-4.
• Policy and Investment Needs: The introduction of a deep tech startup policy and sustained strategic investments are vital for sustained growth.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Creating a supportive ecosystem is crucial for fostering technological innovation and securing India’s position as a leader in space technology.

Overview of IN-SPACe and Its Venture Capital Fund Proposal

Introduction to IN-SPACe

• Launched as part of the 4th ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan’ stimulus in 2020 by the Union Finance Minister, IN-SPACe (Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center) operates as an autonomous entity.
• This body serves as a single-window, independent agency tasked with authorizing, promoting, and supervising the space activities of private, non-governmental entities (NGEs).
• To date, IN-SPACe has established 45 Memorandums of Understanding with various NGEs to bolster their participation in space-related endeavors.

Venture Capital Fund Proposal by IN-SPACe

• IN-SPACe has proposed the creation of a Rs. 1000 crore VC fund aimed at nurturing the growth of India’s burgeoning space economy, currently worth $8.4 billion and projected to expand to $44 billion by 2033.
• The fund addresses the urgent requirement for risk capital, filling a gap left by traditional financial institutions reluctant to back high-tech space startups.
• With 250 emerging space startups across India, this fund is crucial for sustaining their development and curbing talent migration abroad.

Financial Structure and Deployment of the VC Fund

• Deployment Period: The fund is expected to be utilized over five years from its operational start, with annual allocations ranging between Rs. 150 – 250 crore based on the investment landscape and demand.
• Investment Criteria: Investments will vary from Rs. 10 – 60 Crore, dependent on the development phase of the startup, its growth potential, and its anticipated contribution to India’s space capabilities.
• Equity Ranges:
  • Growth stage: Rs. 10 Crore – 30 Crore
  • Late growth stage: Rs. 30 Crore – 60 Crore
  • Approximately 40 startups are expected to benefit from this funding.

Significance and Impact of the VC Fund

• Investor Confidence: The government-backed fund is intended to enhance investor trust, draw private investments, and underscore the government’s dedication to space sector reforms.
• Regulatory Framework: It will operate under SEBI as an Alternative Investment Fund, providing crucial early-stage equity to empower startups to attract further private equity.
• Strategic Objectives: The fund is strategically aimed to:
  • Inject capital into burgeoning space enterprises.
  • Retain companies within India to prevent offshoring.
  • Expand the national space economy and accelerate space technology development.
  • Enhance India’s position in the global space industry.
  • Support the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by fostering a dynamic innovation ecosystem, stimulating economic growth, and creating job opportunities.
  • Ensure the long-term sustainability of India’s space sector.

-Source: Indian Express

16th BRICS Summit: India and China Reach Agreement on Border Disengagement

Context:

During the 16th BRICS Summit held in Kazan, Russia, a significant development occurred on the sidelines involving India and China. The Prime Minister of India welcomed a breakthrough agreement with China for “complete disengagement and resolution” of the border issues that arose in 2020. This marks the first bilateral meeting between the nations since the tensions began, signaling a potential easing of relations.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Highlights of the BRICS+ Summit
2. What is BRICS?

Key Highlights of the BRICS+ Summit

Expansion and Global Influence

• New Member Participation: The summit marked the inclusion of new member countries, signaling a broadening influence and diversity within the BRICS+ framework. This expansion reflects the alliance’s growing role in global geopolitics and economics.

Strategic Discussions

• Multilateralism and Global Challenges: Leaders at the summit focused on reinforcing multilateral cooperation, combating terrorism, and fostering economic growth. These discussions underscored a collective commitment to addressing global challenges, including those pertinent to the Global South.

Kazan Declaration

• Unified Stance on International Conflicts:
  • Ukraine Conflict: The declaration called for a peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through dialogue and diplomacy, emphasizing mediation over military action.
  • West Asia Crisis: The leaders expressed deep concern about the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, urging for immediate de-escalation and protection of civilian lives.
  • Lebanon: There was a strong condemnation of the loss of civilian life and destruction caused by Israeli actions in Southern Lebanon.
• Critique of Western Sanctions: The summit criticized the negative impact of unilateral sanctions by the West, highlighting how these measures disrupt global economic stability and hinder the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Economic Initiatives

• BRICS Grain Exchange: Discussions included the creation of a BRICS Grain Exchange to facilitate better control and predictability over grain prices. This platform aims to expand into other agricultural sectors, enhancing food security and economic cooperation among member states.
• Financial Integration: There was a significant emphasis on enhancing financial integration within BRICS:
  • Trade in Local Currencies: Promoting trade in local currencies to reduce dependency on dominant global currencies.
  • Cross-border Payments: Enhancing mechanisms for smoother cross-border financial transactions.
  • UPI and Payment Systems: India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) was presented as a successful model of financial integration, and there were discussions about establishing a BRICS-led payment system as an alternative to SWIFT.

Environmental and Conservation Efforts

• Support for Big Cats Conservation: The summit supported ongoing efforts to preserve rare species, particularly big cats. The proposed International Big Cats Alliance led by India highlights a commitment to environmental conservation within the BRICS framework.

What is BRICS?

• BRICS is the international grouping of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
• This was set up as a move towards greater multi­polarity; hence the spread across three continents and both hemispheres.
• In terms of GDP, China occupies the second position; India the fifth; Brazil the ninth; Russia the 11th; and South Africa the 35th.
• In terms of growth rates, China grew at 6%; India at 4.5%, Russia 1.7%, Brazil 1.2% and South Africa 0.1%.
• BRICS does not exist in form of organization, but it is an annual summit between the supreme leaders of five nations.
• The Chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S.
• The BRICS seeks to deepen, broaden and intensify cooperation within the grouping and among the individual countries for more sustainable, equitable and mutually beneficial development.
• BRICS takes into consideration each member’s growth, development and poverty objectives to ensure relations are built on the respective country’s economic strengths and to avoid competition where possible.
• BRICS is emerging as a new and promising political-diplomatic entity with diverse objectives, far beyond the original objective of reforming global financial institutions.

-Source: The Hindu

India Introduces Localized Weather Forecasting for Gram Panchayats

Context:

The Government of India has launched a significant initiative to provide hourly five-day weather forecasts at the Gram Panchayat level. This move is designed to furnish rural communities with essential weather data, thereby improving agricultural activities and enhancing disaster preparedness across the country.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Importance and Challenges of Localized Weather Forecasting
2. Launch of Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level
3. Key Features of Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level Initiative
4. Significance of the Initiative
5. Conclusion

Importance and Challenges of Localized Weather Forecasting

Why Localized Forecasting Matters:

• Handling Weather Uncertainty: Localized weather forecasting is crucial for adapting to the unpredictable patterns of weather, especially with the increasing impact of climate change.
• Community Benefits: This type of forecasting provides specific data that can be incredibly valuable for small communities, helping them make informed decisions based on their specific weather conditions.

Facing the Forecasting Challenges:

• Limitations in Current Capabilities: Although there have been significant improvements in general weather forecasting, accurately predicting localized events such as cloudbursts remains a difficult task.
• Advancing Towards Hyper-local Forecasts: Forecasts are currently available at district and block levels. However, the IMD is working towards offering more detailed forecasts on a hyper-local scale, targeting areas as small as 1 km x 1 km, with some progress already seen in testing 3 km x 3 km grids.

Launch of Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level

New Initiative Overview:

• Collaborative Effort: A new project has been initiated by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department and the Ministry of Earth Sciences. This venture aims to bring high-level forecasting technology to the grassroots.

Goals of the Initiative:

• Empowering Rural India: The main objective is to provide rural areas with the tools and information they need to better handle climate-related challenges and prepare for natural disasters more effectively.
• Promoting Sustainability: The initiative also focuses on encouraging sustainable farming practices, which can greatly benefit from precise local weather forecasts.

Key Features of Weather Forecasting at the Gram Panchayat Level Initiative

Detailed Local Forecasts:

• The system will provide hourly updates on local weather conditions including temperature, wind speed and direction, cloud cover, rainfall, and relative humidity.
• Additionally, a five-day forecast will offer insights into minimum and maximum temperatures, rainfall probabilities, cloud coverage, and wind conditions.

Accessibility and Digital Platforms:

• Forecasts will be readily available through the e-GramSwaraj and Gram Manchitra portals, as well as the Meri Panchayat app. These platforms are designed to be accessible and provide essential weather information for rural decision-making.

Capacity Building for Local Leaders:

• The Ministry of Panchayati Raj is organizing workshops for over 200 local representatives. These sessions are aimed at equipping them with the necessary skills to utilize advanced weather forecasting tools effectively.

Significance of the Initiative

Empowering Farmers and Enhancing Rural Livelihoods:

• Agricultural Planning: Accurate weather forecasts will enable farmers to better plan and manage agricultural operations such as sowing, irrigating, and harvesting, aligning activities with optimal weather conditions.
• Micro Forecast Importance: Given the increasing unpredictability of weather due to climate change, micro-level forecasts are essential for effective agricultural and community planning in rural areas.

Strengthening Disaster Preparedness:

• Improving Resilience: The initiative is not only about providing weather data but also enhancing the capacity of rural communities to prepare for and respond to natural disasters, thus safeguarding livelihoods and promoting sustainability.

Conclusion

Transformative Impact on Rural Management:

• Community Empowerment: By introducing localized weather forecasting at the Gram Panchayat level, this initiative represents a significant advancement in empowering rural communities, improving agricultural outcomes, and bolstering disaster preparedness.
• Future Enhancements: As the India Meteorological Department continues to refine its forecasting capabilities, this initiative is poised to become a cornerstone in the strategy to adapt to and mitigate the impacts of climate change, ensuring that rural India is not only informed but also resilient.

-Source: Indian Express

Innovative Ultrasound Technique Developed for Non-Invasive Cancer Detection

Context:

Scientists have recently developed a groundbreaking ultrasound technique that serves as a less invasive and cost-effective alternative to traditional biopsies for cancer detection. This new method facilitates the release of biomarkers such as RNA, DNA, and proteins from tissue into the bloodstream, enhancing the ability to identify and diagnose cancer efficiently.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Cancer
2. What is the incidence of cancer and mortality in India currently?
3. Why are some cancers on the decline and others continue to rise?
4. Improvement in Cancer treatment

About Cancer

• Cancer is a widely feared disease that leads to many deaths globally, including in India where more than a million people suffer from it annually.
• The mechanisms behind the development, treatment and control of cancer have been extensively studied in the field of biology and medicine.
• In healthy individuals, cell growth and differentiation are tightly controlled, but in cancer, these regulatory mechanisms break down.
• Normal cells have a property called contact inhibition, which prevents them from growing uncontrollably when in contact with other cells.
• However, cancer cells appear to lose this property, leading to the uncontrolled growth and division of cells, resulting in tumors.

Types of Tumors

• Tumors are of two types:
  • Benign 
  • Malignant
• Benign tumors normally remain confined to their original location and do not spread to other parts of the body and cause little damage.
• The malignant tumors, on the other hand are a mass of proliferating cells called neoplastic or tumor cells. These cells grow very rapidly, invading and damaging the surrounding normal tissues.

Causes of Cancer

• Cancer is caused by the transformation of normal cells into cancerous neoplastic cells. This transformation can be triggered by physical, chemical or biological agents called carcinogens.
• These agents include ionizing radiations such as X-rays and gamma rays, non-ionizing radiations such as UV rays, and chemical carcinogens found in tobacco smoke.
• Cancer-causing viruses, known as oncogenic viruses, also have genes called viral oncogenes that can contribute to the development of cancer.
• Additionally, certain genes called cellular oncogenes or proto oncogenes in normal cells can be activated under certain conditions, resulting in the oncogenic transformation of cells.

What is the incidence of cancer and mortality in India currently?

• An estimated 14.6 lakh new cancer cases were detected in 2022, up from 14.2 lakh in 2021 and 13.9 lakh in 2020, as per data from the National Cancer Registry of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) presented in Parliament.
• Deaths due to cancer increased to an estimated 8.08 lakh in 2022 from 7.9 lakh in 2021 and 7.7 lakh in 2020. The incidence of all cancers is estimated to increase to 15.7 lakh by 2025, according to the data.
• One in nine Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime, according to an ICMR study using data from population-based cancer registries.
• One in 68 men will develop lung cancer and one in 29 women will develop breast cancer, according to the study.
• The incidence of cancer is higher among women — 103.6 per 100,000 in 2020 compared to 94.1 among men. Among men, the most common cancers were of the lung, mouth, prostate, tongue, and stomach; for women, they were breast, cervix, ovary, uterus, lung.

Why are some cancers on the decline and others continue to rise?

• The incidence of cervical cancer in India has decreased in the last 50 years from 45 to 10 per 100,000 population, while the incidence of breast cancer has risen, particularly in urban areas.
• This can be attributed to factors such as later marriages, having fewer children, better hygiene and vaccination for cervical cancer, and later age of marriage, having the first child at a later age, not breastfeeding, and a high protein diet for breast cancer.
• Unlike cervical cancer, which can be prevented with HPV vaccination, there is currently no specific intervention for breast cancer other than screening.
• Additionally, the incidence of tobacco-related cancers such as oral and oesophageal cancer is decreasing due to laws that have reduced smoking in public places.
• However, lung cancer remains a concern and is caused not only by smoking but also factors such as indoor fires and air pollution. The survival rate for lung cancer is low and it is often diagnosed in late stages.

Improvement in Cancer treatment

• The success rate for treating various types of cancer is increasing.
• For example, the cure rate for pancreatic cancer has doubled from 3% 50 years ago to 6%. Similarly, the cure rate for prostate cancer has gone from 60% to 100% and for breast cancer it has improved from 50% to 90% with newer treatments.
• However, to further reduce mortality, early diagnosis and prompt treatment are crucial.

-Source: Indian Express

Indian Council for Cultural Relations

Context:

The Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) recently held a conference of Buddhist monks and scholars in Colombo on bequeathing Pali the status of a classical language by the Indian government.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR)

• The ICCR is an autonomous organization under the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India.
• It was established in 1950 by Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, who was the first Education Minister of independent India.
•  The council is tasked with promoting Indian culture globally through its extensive network of cultural centers.

Core Objectives:

• ICCR plays a significant role in shaping and implementing policies related to India’s external cultural relations.
• It aims to enhance and fortify cultural relations and mutual understanding between India and other nations.
• The council facilitates cultural exchanges to promote Indian culture internationally and engage with other countries culturally.

Scholarship Programs:

• Extensive Scholarships: ICCR administers around 3,000 scholarships annually under 21 different schemes to foreign students from approximately 180 countries.
• Funding: Six of these scholarship schemes are directly funded by the ICCR, with others managed on behalf of the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Ayush.
• Academic Opportunities: These scholarships provide opportunities for international students to pursue a range of undergraduate to postdoctoral courses at premier universities and educational institutions across India.

Significance of ICCR

ICCR is instrumental in representing and spreading Indian culture on the global stage, facilitating academic and cultural exchanges that enrich both India and partnering countries. This engagement not only helps in cultural preservation but also in creating a global understanding and appreciation of diverse cultural heritages, fostering international goodwill and cooperation.

-Source: Indian Express

Scurvy

Context:

A once-common ailment from the 15th century, scurvy, is making an unexpected comeback in the 21st century.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Understanding Scurvy: A Vitamin C Deficiency Disease

• Scurvy has been recognized since the times of ancient Greeks and Egyptians, highlighting its long-standing impact on human health.
• The primary cause of scurvy is a significant lack of vitamin C, which is essential as humans cannot synthesize this nutrient internally.
• Sources of Vitamin C: Vitamin C is predominantly found in fruits and vegetables, and the disease often results from insufficient intake of these foods. Cooking can also reduce the vitamin C content in foods, exacerbating the deficiency.

Symptoms of Scurvy:

• Physical Manifestations: Common symptoms include anemia, exhaustion, spontaneous bleeding, limb pain, and swelling. Severe cases may involve gum ulceration and tooth loss.
• Potential Severity: If untreated, scurvy can lead to fatal outcomes, underscoring the necessity of adequate vitamin C intake.

Effective Treatment:

• Simple Cure: Scurvy can be effectively treated with oral or intravenous vitamin C supplements, quickly reversing the symptoms and restoring health.

The Crucial Role of Vitamin C in Human Health

Essential Functions:

• Tissue Repair and Growth: Vitamin C is vital for the growth, development, and repair of body tissues including skin, bones, and connective tissues.
• Vascular Health: It plays a critical role in the proper functioning of blood vessels.
• Dental Health: Maintaining the health of teeth and gums is another key function of vitamin C.
• Iron Absorption: It aids in the absorption of iron, essential for the production of red blood cells.

Antioxidant Benefits:

• Cell Protection: Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting cells against the damage caused by free radicals—molecules that result from normal cellular processes but can cause tissue damage if not regulated.

Conclusion:

Vitamin C’s widespread functions in the human body make it essential for overall health. Understanding its role can help prevent conditions like scurvy and promote a healthier, well-rounded diet. Ensuring sufficient intake of this vital nutrient, through diet or supplements, is key to preventing deficiency and maintaining good health.

-Source: Times of India