Current Affairs 20 December, 2024

Daily Current Affairs

20 December, 2024

International Affairs

1. UN General Assembly

Context:

UN General Assembly Adopt CAH Treaty

Highlights:

• Text of proposed CAH treaty adopted by UN General Assembly (UNGA) on December 4, 2024.
• This is the beginning process of negotiation among states for CAH treaty.
• The adoption of the resolution is five years after submission of the draft text by International Law Commission to the sixth committee.

UN General Assembly

• Established
  • 1945
• President
  • Philémon Yang
• Main deliberative, policymaking, and representative organ.
• Powers, composition, functions, and procedures outlined in UN Charter.

Crimes Against Humanity (CAH)

 It approve the text of a proposed treaty on crimes against humanity (CAH). This resolution is the beginning of negotiations between states to finalize the treaty. more>>

3. What is H1B Visa?

H-1B non immigrant visa program allows U.S. employers to temporarily employ foreign workers in specialty occupations, defined by statute as occupations that require highly specialized knowledge and a bachelor’s or higher degree in the specific specialty, or its equivalent

National Affairs

1. Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre’s Polar Sundial

Context:

An unusual sundial designed by the Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) and put on display in the ‘Rocket Garden’ of its Space Museum at Thumba in Kerala is likely to find many takers in the days ahead.

Key Highlighhts:

• The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) has developed an extremely unique sundial in the ‘Rocket Garden’ of its Space Museum in Thumba, Kerala.
• The polar sundial, designed with analemmatic correction, does present the Indian Standard Time accurately along with the date.

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)

The Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) is a major space research centre of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), which mainly focused on rocket and space vehicles for India’s satellite programme. It is located in Thiruvananthapuram, in the Indian state of Kerala.

• Formed
  • 21 November, 1963

2.  Spot-Billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis)

Context:

A spot-billed pelican feeding its young one at the Uppalapadu Bird Sanctuary in Guntur district of Andhra Pradesh on Thursday.

The spot-billed pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) or gray pelican is a member of the pelican family.

• IUCN Status
  • Near-threatened
• It breeds from southern Iran east to Indonesia through southern Asia.

3. Biomedical Waste

Context:

The Southern Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Thursday directed the Kerala government and the Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) to remove in three days the biomedical and mixed solid waste dumped in villages of Tirunelveli district in Tamil Nadu.

What is Biomedical Waste?

Biomedical waste (BMW) is any waste that’s generated during the diagnosis, treatment, or immunization of humans or animals

4. Uttar Pradesh Assembly adjourned sine die

Adjournment sine die is a term used to describe when a legislative assembly or organizational board ends a meeting without setting a date to reconvene. The term comes from the Latin phrase sine die, which means “without a day”

5. How does PM Vidyalaxmi differ from other schemes?

PM Vidyalaxmi: A Central Sector Scheme for Meritorious Students

Introduction

• PM Vidyalaxmi, a Central Sector scheme, is approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
• The scheme aims to provide financial support to meritorious students, ensuring they can pursue higher studies.
• Launch Date
  • November 6, 2024.

Eligibility

• Students who enter 860 top Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) will be eligible for tuition fee and course-related charge loans, collateral-free and guarantor-free.
• The scheme will be opened up for the best QHEIs of the country as ranked by NIRF.
• The scheme is applicable to top-quality higher educational institutions as determined by the National Education Rankings (NIRF).
• Students with an annual family income of up to ₹8 lakhs and not eligible for benefits under any other government scholarship or interest subvention schemes will receive a 3% interest subvention for loans up to ₹10 lakh during the moratorium period.

Read more>>

6. PVTG sub-quota

Context:

About four years after the Centre introduced a sub-quota of 5% for the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in admissions to Eklavya Model Residential Schools for tribal students across the country.

What is Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs)?

Also Read: INDIAN ARMY LAUNCHES ‘EKLAVYA’ ONLINE DIGITAL PLATFORM FOR OFFICERS’ TRAINING

7. Indian Solar Panel Manufacturing

Context:

The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) has set a deadline of June ’26 for solar companies to use only India-made solar photovoltaic cells in their panels.

Key Highlights:

• ‘List-II’ refers to the list of solar cell manufacturers who are mainly dependent on China and Southeast Asia.
• Programs such as the ₹75,000 crore PM rooftop-solar program and PM Kusum programs should procure panels from indigenous companies empaneled by the MNRE.

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana

PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is a government scheme that aims to provide free electricity to households in India. It launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on February 15, 2024. The scheme facilitates, households will be provided with a subsidy to install solar panels on their roofs.

• Ministry
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Urja Surakshaevam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM) Scheme

The PM-KUSUM scheme provides Distribution Companies (DISCOMs) with a Procurement-Based Incentive (PBI) to buy solar or other renewable energy

• Launched in March 2019 to assist farmers in installing solar irrigation pumps and power plants.
• Goals:
  • Reduce diesel use in farming, increase farmers’ income.
• Ministry
  • The Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)

8. No impact of MFN status to India: Nestlé India

Nestlé India on Thursday said the suspension of the MFN (most favoured nation) clause granted to India by Switzerland will have ´no impact´ on the company.

What is MFN (most favoured nation) ?

Also Read: MFN treatment for India by Switzerland

9. Violation of SBO norms: LinkedIn appeals

Context:

LinkedIn has appealed against the order of the corporate affairs ministry that held it in violation of significant beneficial owner (SBO) norms and penalised Microsoft´s CEO Satya Nadella and LinkedIn´s chief Ryan Roslansky, among seven others.

significant beneficial owner (SBO)

Significant Beneficial Owner (SBO) norms are a set of rules that identify individuals who have ultimate beneficial ownership in a company in India. The rules were introduced by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs. 

10. Viability Gap Funding (VGF)

Context:

NITI Aayog Plan: VGF has now been recommended to provide up to 40 percent support for mega housing development projects close to the manufacturing units.

VGF stands for Viability Gap Funding, it is a scheme by the Government of India that provides financial support to infrastructure projects that are economically desirable but not commercially viable. The Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance administers the scheme.

NITI Aayog Plan

• The involvement of private developers in financing up to 40% of the total cost of a project excluding land. The 20% is by the Department of Economic Affairs, while 10% comes from the sponsoring nodal ministry.
• Affordable rental housing
  • This should include affordable rental housing as one of the sectors eligible under the VGF scheme.
• Retrofitting existing facilities
  • VGF should be utilized in improving the safety, capacity, and utility of already available worker accommodations.

11. PM POSHAN Shakti Nirman Program

Context:

The PM POSHAN Shakti Nirman Program receives its subsidies through underpaid labor, saving over half of the Centre’s annual budget for the scheme at Rs 7,400 crore. 90% of women workers are included.

Pradhan Mantri Poshan Shakti Nirman (PM Poshan) Yojana is a scheme to provide hot cooked meals to children in government as well as government aided schools.

• Ministry
  • Ministry of Education (MoE)
• Aim
  • Its aim is to improve the nutritional status of children as well as provide food security. Earlier it was known as National Scheme for Mid Day Meals in Schools (MDM).
• Launch
  • In September 2021, the government approved it under the name PM Poshan Yojana.

Scheme Benefits and Conditions

• Free supply of 100 gms of foodgrains per child per school, per day.
• Subsidy up to Rs 50 per quintal for grain transportation.
• Primary level food:
  • 450 calories and 12 grams of protein.
• Upper primary level food:
  • 700 calories and 20 grams of protein.
• Child must be an Indian citizen and studying in government or government-aided school.

12. Spinal Muscular Atrophy (SMA)

Context:

A 11-month-old child afflicted with a rare disease, spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)

About the Diseases:

• SMA is a genetic disorder that leads to progressive muscle weakness and atrophy.
• It is the degeneration of motor neurons within the spinal cord and brainstem controlling voluntary movements.
• Symptoms of SMA are as follows:
  • muscular weakness, feeding, breathing difficulties, and a curved spine.

13. The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT)

Context:

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) has refused to grant a stay to the broadcasters challenging the July 8 tariff regulation of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) concerning pay channels on DD Free Dish.

About:

The Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT) is a body that settles disputes and appeals in the telecommunications sector of India. 

• Established under the TRAI Act 1997 in 2000.
• Jurisdiction includes matters related to telecommunication, broadcasting, information technology (Cyber), airport tariff, and Aadhaar.
• Jurisdiction expanded in 2004 and 2017 to include broadcasting, cyber, and airport tariff matters.
• Merged with Cyber Appellate Tribunal (CyAT) and Airports Economic Regulatory Authority Appellate Tribunal (AERAAT) in 2017.

Banking/Finance

1. SEBI Introduces Fund Deployment Timelines

Context:

SEBI mandates timelines for NFO fund deployment

Key Highlights:

• Introduces timelines for deploying funds raised through New Fund Offers by asset management companies.
• Relaxes regulatory framework in alignment of AMC employees’ interest with unit-holders.
• It is to improve operational flexibility, accountability, and investor trust.
• Fund managers have to invest the money collected during NFO within 30 days.

Also Read: What measures has Sebi introduced?

What is SEBI?

2. RBI State Finances Report

Key Highlights:

• The consolidated gross fiscal deficit of state governments was at 3% of GDP and a revenue deficit at 0.2% of GDP during 2022-23 and 2023-24.
• GFD was allocated at 3.2% of GDP in 2024-25.
• Capital expenditure went up from 2.4% of GDP in 2021-22 to 2.8% in 2023-24 and has been budgeted for 3.1% of GDP in 2024-25.
  

RBI and it’s Monetary Policy

Comparing GVA and GDP

5. US, India Bond Yields Hit 20-Year Lows

The yields of US 10-year treasury bonds and Indian 10-year government securities have shrunk to almost 20-year minimum levels; they now impact foreign portfolio investors consistent with inflows to India’s government debt.

Government securities (G-Secs) are debt instruments issued by the government to raise funds for public expenditure. 

Treasury Bond

• Long-term debt security issued by the U.S. Department of the Treasury.
• Maturity:
  • 20-30 years, with a maximum of 30 years.
• Interest:
  • Coupons are paid semi-annually to the holder of the bond.

7. Foreign Exchange ( FX) Interventions

Context:

With rising pressure on the rupee and growing cost of foreign exchange ( FX) interventions, the opportunity for a rate cut by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is narrowing, with chances of a cut in February looking uncertain, said analysts.

What is foreign exchange ( FX) interventions?

• A monetary policy operation in which the central bank or government acquires or sells foreign currency in exchange for its currency.
• Its aim is to influence the exchange rate and trade policy.
• Controls the volatility of the exchange rate and maintains stability.
• Manages financial conditions that threaten macroeconomic stability.
• Counteracts a currency drop in order to prevent a crisis.
• Affects the rate at which the currency appreciates or depreciates.
• Reduces one-sided expectations about future value of the currency
• Works well if done publicly to increase visibility.

8. Economic Reconquest with Trump Administration

Context:

The world´s economic reckoning with the incoming Trump administration kicked off in earnest this week, with the US Federal Reserve flagging fewer rate cuts and other leading central banks signaling caution over future rate decisions.

Key Highlights:

• US Federal Reserve cuts the rateas inflation picks up and uncertainty about the tariffs and immigration curb policy.
• Norway keeps policy interest rate at a 16-year high, pointing to possible trade war.
• Sweden cuts key interest rate to 2.50% but is cautious about an early 2025 cut.
• European Central Bank and Bank of Canada slash interest rates and are expected to ease further in 2025.
• Crypto market enthusiasm for Trump’s bitcoin strategic reserve setback.

9. Function of RBI

Context:

RBI’s New Governor Caught Between Multiple Roles

Function of RBI

• Monetary Authority:
  • now a subject in the Monetary Policy Committee.
  • Regulator of Banks and NBFCs.
  • Owner of Deposit insurance institution.
  • Regulator for payment settlements of the financial stability regulator, formally shared with GoI and other financial sector statutory regulatory authorities.
• Formal Authority of Central Government:
  • Manager of Government Treasury and Debt Government Debt Market Regulator
  • Flow of foreign currencies places it as a regulator in addition, the largest player in foreign exchange.
  • First line of the issuing currency regulator which also runs its own currency press
  • The money market along with all derivatives except the ones controlled by the Sebi, the securities and Exchange board, to be regulated by it.
  • It runs its own company giving technology services employing total workforce of more than 800.

Read more>>

10. SME IPO mania

The IPO mania in the SME space reached a new high on Thursday. This made the IPO the most subscribed one in India’s capital market history, data from primary market analytics company Chittorgarh showed.

11. RBI has raised serious objections

Context:

The RBI has raised serious objections to several states announcing farm loan waivers, free power to agriculture and households, free transport, and cash transfers to women and youth.

Key Highlights:

• The red flag is amid schemes targeting women and unemployed youth, with each state seeking to outdo the other.
• The RBI argues that such spending will reduce funds for social and physical infrastructure, research, and development.
• The subsidies disbursed by the state have increased 2.5 times since 2018-19, with an amount exceeding Rs 4.7 lakh crore in the current fiscal year.

12. Unregulated Lending

• Objective of the Bill:
  • The BULA Bill (Banning of Unregulated Lending Activities) aims to classify unregulated lending as a cognizable, non-bailable offence with severe penalties, including imprisonment for up to 10 years.
• Definition of Unregulated Lending:
  • Unregulated lending is any form of lending that is not governed by a legal framework, carried out by individuals or entities not authorized by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) or other regulatory bodies.
• Penalties for Illegal Lending Practices:
  • Lenders are engaged in illegal practices (digital or traditional) may face:
    • Imprisonment from 2 to 7 years.
    • Fines ranging from Rs 2 lakh to Rs 1 crore.
  • Lenders using unlawful methods to harass borrowers or recover loans could face:
    • Imprisonment from 3 to 10 years and substantial fines.
• Role of the CBI:
  • The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) will handle investigations in cases involving:
    • Multi-state or multi-Union Territory cases.
    • Large transactions that significantly impact public interest.
• Regulation of Digital Lending:
  • The Bill seeks to address the growing concerns of digital lending, where consumers often do not know the actual lender, leading to unethical practices.
  • A central repository of regulated lenders will be established to promote ethical lending.
• Existing Legal Framework:
  • The Bill references 20 existing laws, including the RBI Act, Banking Regulation Act, and the State Money Lenders Act, which govern regulated lending activities.
  • The Centre will have the authority to amend these laws in consultation with regulators.
• Origin of the BULA Bill:
  • The Bill originated from the RBI’s Working Group on Digital Lending (2021), which recommended a specific law to curb unregulated lending.
  • The Digital Lending Guidelines issued by RBI in 2021 already aimed to curb unfair practices by regulated entities.
• Challenges in Digital Lending:
  • A major issue in digital lending is the lack of transparency, where unregulated entities camouflage as authorized lenders.
  • The Bill aims to regulate unfair practices and create a more ethical lending environment.

13. Sebi mandates timelines for nfo fund deployment

Context:

SEBI has introduced a 30-day timeline for fund managers to deploy capital raised via New Fund Offers (NFOs) in line with the scheme’s asset allocation.

Highlights:

• If the fund manager fails to deploy the funds within the specified 30-day period, investors can exit the scheme without any exit load.
• The new rules aim to incentivize AMCs to raise only the capital they can deploy within a reasonable timeframe.
• SEBI has mandated the disclosure of stress testing results for all mutual fund schemes to enhance transparency.
• The regulatory framework has been relaxed regarding the alignment of interests between AMC employees and unitholders, simplifying operations for mutual funds.
• Eased regulations include reduced minimum investment requirements, shorter lock-in periods for resigned employees, and simplified redemption policies.
• These measures are designed to improve operational flexibility, increase accountability, and foster greater trust among investors.

Economy

1. ‘India is highest tariff major economy’

U.S. Ambassador to India Eric Garcetti on Thursday said India is the “highest tariff” major economy in the world and New Delhi and Washington need to work together to lower tariffs to increase trade for making it “fair and equal”.

A tariff is a tax imposed by the government of a country or by a supranational union on imports or exports of goods. 

2. Export Promotion Mega Meet

Context:

Export Promotion Mega Meet to be organized by Commerce Department in India for Six Key Product Sectors.

Highlights:

• Commerce department plans to hold a mega meeting in January to promote exports of six key products to 20 focused countries.
• Focused countries include US, Australia, France, China, Russia, UK, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Indonesia.
• • The focus sectors of engineering goods and electronics; chemicals and plastics; drugs and pharmaceuticals; agriculture and allied products and textiles.

3. Rupee breaches 85/$ for 1st time

The rupee breached the 85 level for the first time on Thursday as the dollar gained ground across most currencies in the wake of the US Federal Reserve indicating that there would be fewer rate cuts in future than expected.

Also Read: The Indian Rupee Fell

Agri Business

1. Farmer outfits reject Centre’s draft policy on agri marketing

Context:

Punjab Farmers’ Unions Call for AAP Government to Reject Draft National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing.

Key Highlights:

• The bill may revive controversial aspects of the three farm laws that the Union government repealed after protests by farmers.
• Farmers leaders are opposing this new policy as it would lead the country towards privatization with monopolistic tendencies.

Draft: National Policy Framework on Agricultural Marketing

Draft agri marketing policy framework riddled with gaps: ASHA

2. Andhra Pradesh’s Comprehensive Water Policy

Context:

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu has called a comprehensive water policy for the State of Andhra Pradesh that bifurcated a decade ago.

Key Highlights:

• It is pertinent for sub-national and national water security mainly because three reasons exist-
  The fulcrum of water governance in India resides within the States.
• Localized Water Resources Development:
  • Water resources development is very localized and territorialized for contextual reasons.
• Reformed Water Management in the Anthropocene:
  • The Anthropocene world as it stands demands a re-vision of the paradigms of water resources management and their practices.
• Mr. Naidu’s proposed comprehensive water policy based on traditional supply augmentation techniques are costly, remote, and increasingly impracticable for political considerations.
• The State’s top priority is shifting away from supply augmentation as many other states’ water policies often go awry due to institutional inertia.
• Institutional reforms, such as incorporating tried and tested institutional models such as an independent water resources regulatory authority, are necessary for Andhra Pradesh given its acute and politically sensitive regional imbalances.
• Forward Emerging Water Risks:
  • The policy must also address emerging risks like groundwater depletion, river pollution and water quality, and dam safety.
  • New threats which the policy would also have to consider include groundwater depletion, river pollution, water quality issues, and the safety of dams.

3. Farm sector set for ‘puncha’ crop cultivation

The main crop season is Puncha sown in October- November and harvested in February-March. This is the common summer paddy crop of Kerala, India.

• When it is grown
  • Puncha is sown in October-November and harvested in March-February.
• Where it is grown
  • This is the practice which is most evident in Kuttanad, a wet low-lying region in the state characterised by several streams, which has people below sea level.
• How it is grown
  • Farm owners are then through flood water dykes, bunds and then accessing water by rains during the rainy season and pump in water for irrigation
• Some other crops produced in Kerala
  • Kerala has three main rice growing seasons: Virippu (autumn), Mundakan (winter), and Puncha (summer)

4. India’s Forest Cover Loss

Highlights:

• India lost 2.3 million hectares of forest cover since the year 2000, the equivalent of 6% of the country’s tree cover.
• The National Green Tribunal noted that this loss was on account of all-round development initiatives and the adoption of “Compensatory Afforestation” policies.

The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

• A legislation that governs diversion of forest land for purposes other than forestry.
• CA was incorporated in the Forest (Conservation) Rules, 1981, which have been amended several times.
• CA involves new afforestation carried out as a compensation for diverted forest land and demands that non forest land be transferred to the state forest department.

Read more>>

6. Green Ammonia

Context:

NTPC Ltd, through subsidiary NTPC Green Energy, may look to participate in the SIGHT scheme to supply green ammonia.

What is Green Ammonia?

• Ammonia is a noxious gas which serves as a precursor for almost all kinds of agricultural fertilizers.
• Production
  • Production of green ammonia means the making of ammonia that is 100% renewable and carbon-free.
  • Hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air can be used in the synthesizing of green ammonia.
  • One way of producing green ammonia is using hydrogen from water electrolysis and nitrogen separated from the air.
• Green ammonia production stands here for such a way that making ammonia is 100 % renewable and carbon-free.

Strategic Interventions in Green Hydrogen Transition Scheme (SIGHT)

• Financial Support for Green Hydrogen Production and Manufacturing of Electrolyser:
  • Assists in financing green hydrogen production and electrolysis.
• Ministry:
  • Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE)
• Pilot Projects:
  • Funding to promising emerging sectors, such as projects on green steel production, mobility, shipping, and biomass hydrogen making.
• Green Hydrogen Hubs:
  • Identify regions for large-scale hydrogen production and utilization.
• Policy framework:
  • Make a framework to establish the Green Hydrogen ecosystem.
• Standards and Regulations:
  • Develop a robust framework.
• Strategic Hydrogen Innovation Partnership:
  • Facilitate public-private R&D.
• Skill development:
  • Undertakes a coordinated program. Major financial measure under the National Green
• Hydrogen Mission is this:
  • an outlay of ₹17,490 crore up to FY 2029-30.

7. Ban on 7 Agri Commodities

Derivative Trading Grazes Seven Agricultural Products Into the Continued Ban

• The ban on derivatives trading on the above seven agricultural commodities has been extended up to January 31, 2025.
• The above commodities will include paddy (non-basmati), wheat, chana, mustard seed and its derivatives, soyabean and its derivatives, crude palm oil, and moong.
• The first ban was put in force in December 2021 and was renewed for another one-year extension until December 2024.
• The affected environment is that:
  • NCDEX is primarily focused on agricultural commodities and a derivative ecosystem has been formed here.

8. Farmers Shift to Complex Fertilisers

Context:

In addition to moving towards complex fertilisers from urea and Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), farmers in the current fiscal have also accepted the new prices of potash as sales of Muriate of Potash (MOP) have increased.

Farmers Shift to Complex Fertilisers

Key Highlights:

• Shift to Complex Fertilisers:
  • Farmers are increasingly moving from traditional fertilisers like urea and Di-ammonium phosphate (DAP) to more complex fertilisers.
• Increased Sales of MOP:
  • Muriate of Potash (MOP) sales have seen a significant rise, increasing by 28.6% to 14.25 lakh tonnes (lt) until November in the current fiscal year, compared to 11.08 lt in the previous year.
• Acceptance of New Potash Prices:
  • Farmers have accepted the new, higher prices of potash, with the rise in MOP sales reflecting this shift in fertiliser preference.

Muriate of Potash (MOP) is one of the most commonly used sources of potassium in agricultural fertilisers. It is a type of potash that contains potassium chloride (KCl), and it’s used to provide potassium (K), one of the three essential nutrients for plant growth, alongside nitrogen and phosphorus.

What is Diammonium Phosphate (DAP) Fertilizer?

9. Accuracy of Fertilizer Demand Estimate

• Panel’s Concerns:
  • The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers questioned the government’s accuracy in estimating fertiliser demand, pointing out discrepancies in the figures.
• Gap Between Consumption and Sales:
  • There was a significant gap between reported fertiliser sales and actual consumption during the rabi sowing season.
    • Urea: 18.36 lakh tonnes (lt)
    • DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate): 7.01 lakh tonnes (lt)
    • MOP (Muriate of Potash): 0.73 lakh tonnes (lt)
    • Complex Fertilisers: 4.51 lakh tonnes (lt)
• Government’s Claim vs Committee’s Findings:
  • While the government claimed there was adequate availability of fertilisers, the committee stated that procurement issues were preventing timely access for farmers.
• Recommendations to Improve Supply:
  • The committee urged the Department of Fertilizers to revisit its supply and distribution mechanism to ensure fertilisers reach all parts of the country in a timely manner, especially well before they need to be applied.
• Criticism of Urea Requirement Estimate:
  • The committee criticised the unrealistic estimation of urea demand, claiming the anticipated requirement of 80 lakh tonnes was too high. The estimate was based on a month-wise assessment that the committee considered inaccurate.
• Gaps in Input Acquisition and Demand Assessment:
  • The panel highlighted gaps in the assessment process, specifically the demand for imports versus indigenous production, suggesting that the government’s projections did not align with actual agricultural needs.

10. Ethanol

Context:

Sugar exports only after meeting ethanol needs said Govt

What is Ethanol?

It is obtained by feeding various raw materials or agricultural products through fermentation, and ethanol is used as a fuel. Ethanol is renewable fuel as it can be used in the pepping of gasoline, or it can work as an octane enhancer. This is also called grain alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or simply EtOH.
These are some applications of ethanol in agriculture:
Fuel-Ethanol

• This is a high-octane fuel, which could be used for automobiles. Having lower evaporative emissions, it is less flammable compared with gasoline.
• Economic development
  • Ethanol production is turning into an economic engine in India creating value from such agricultural commodities as corn and sugar beets.
• Feedstock
  • Under various feedstocks such as corn, sorghum, barley, sugar cane, sugar beets, crop residues, wood, and grasses, various feedstocks produce ethanol.
• Byproducts
  • Some byproducts include corn oil, protein feeds, and distillers dried grains (DDG). These are produced from processes of ethanol production. The last one is treated as part of animal feed.

11. World Economic Forum Report on Gender-Inclusive Agritech

• Challenges for Women Farmers:
  • Women farmers face challenges due to dual responsibilities of household work and farm work, which limits their productivity.
  • Social norms further restrict women’s access to resources, preventing them from fully benefiting from agricultural advancements.
• High Participation in Agriculture:
  • Women account for almost 50% of agricultural participation in India, especially in commercial value chains.
• Wage Gap and Limited Access:
  • Despite their significant participation, women receive only 60% of the wages compared to men.
  • Women also face restricted access to finance, training, and technology.
• Age Demographics:
  • Women agricultural workers are more likely to be between 15-45 years old, as compared to men, who are more likely to be over 45.
• 5Ps Strategy for Empowerment:
  • The report recommends a ‘5Ps’ strategy (Product, Price, Promotion, Place, and People) to better serve and empower women farmers.

The World Economic Forum (WEF) is an international non-governmental organization and think tank, based in Cologny, Canton of Geneva, Switzerland. It was founded on 24 January 1971 by German engineer Klaus Schwab.

Facts to Remember

1. India and France sign MoU National Museum

• India and France on Thursday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the development of the world’s largest Museum, at the historic North Block and South Block in the national capital.

2. Dhaka presses Adani to reopen power deal

• Bangladesh’s interim government has accused energy supplier Adani Power of breaching a multi-billion-dollar agreement and said it hopes to renegotiate the deal, which was awarded by the Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina when she was in power.

3. Malayalam actor Meena Ganesh passes away

•  Born at Kallekulangara in Palakkad to Tamil actor K.P. Keshavan, She act in more than 100 films.

4. Kannada lexicon work

• The eight-part seminal Kannada-Kannada dictionary published by Kannada Sahitya Parishat, work on which began before Independence, was last revised in 2001. Since then, the dictionary cell in the Parishat has been shut down.

5. Cricketer R Ashwin retires!!

• He played 106 Tests, picked up a whopping 537 wickets, including 37 five-wicket hauls, and amassed 3,503 runs.

6. Karnataka men claim first National badminton title

• Karnataka men performed well to beat fancied Railways while Haryana women had to work harder against Gujarat in the summit clashes.K. Murali Kumar

7. India qualifies for Rod Laver Junior Challenge World event

• The Indian team won the four singles through Aradhya Kshitij, Sohini Mohanty, Samarth Sahita and Rishitha Basireddy to ensure its qualification from the three-team competition.

8. US Imposes Sanctions on 4 Pak Entities for Role in Ballistic Missile Programme

• The outgoing Biden administration in the US has slapped sanctions on four Pakistani entities, including state-owned flagship aerospace and defence agency National Development Complex (NDC), on charges of contributing to Pakistan’s ballistic missile programme.