India’s Deep Ocean Mission

Source: TH

Why in News?

India is gearing up for a historic Deep Ocean Mission to explore and harness the depths of the ocean, a frontier that remains largely uncharted and holds immense potential for scientific and economic benefits.

• Countries such as the U.S.A., Russia, China, France, and Japan have already achieved successful deep-ocean crewed missions.

What is the Deep Ocean Mission?

• About:
  • Deep Ocean Mission (DOM) is an ambitious initiative of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) which aims to develop technologies and capabilities for deep sea exploration.
    • Also, DOM is one of nine missions under the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
• Key Pillars of the Mission:
  • Technological Advancements for Deep-Sea Mining and Crewed Submersibles
  • Ocean Climate Change Advisory Services
  • Innovations for Deep-Sea Biodiversity Exploration and Conservation
  • Survey and Exploration of Deep-Ocean Minerals
  • Harvesting Energy and Freshwater from the Ocean
  • Establishment of an Advanced Marine Station for Ocean Biology
• Major Advancement in DOM Objectives:
  • Samudryaan and Matsya6000: As a part of DOM, India’s flagship deep ocean mission, Samudrayaan, was initiated in 2021 by the Minister of Earth Sciences.
    • With Samudrayaan, India is embarking on a groundbreaking crewed expedition to reach a depth of 6,000 m to the ocean bed in the Central Indian Ocean.
    • This historic journey will be accomplished by Matsya6000, a deep-ocean submersible designed to accommodate a crew of three members.
      • It is constructed from a titanium alloy, the sphere is engineered to withstand pressures of up to 6,000 bar.

• Varaha- India's Deep-Ocean Mining System: The National Institute of Ocean Technology, an autonomous institute under MoES has conducted successful deep-sea locomotion trials using 'Varaha,' an underwater mining system, at a depth of 5,270 meters in the central Indian Ocean.
  • These trials signified a pivotal moment in deep-sea resource exploration.

What are the Major Challenges in Deep Ocean Exploration?

• Oceanic Pressure Challenges: The high-pressure conditions in the deep ocean present a formidable challenge, exerting immense pressure on objects comparable to carrying a weight of about 10,000kg per square meter.
• Equipment Design and Functionality: The harsh conditions necessitate meticulously designed equipment made from robust materials. Electronics and instruments operate more efficiently in space or vacuum conditions, while poorly designed objects tend to collapse or explode underwater.
• Challenges of Landing: The soft and muddy surface of the ocean bed makes it exceptionally challenging for heavy vehicles to land or maneuver.
• Material Extraction and Power Demands: Extracting materials from the ocean floor requires significant power and energy to pump them to the surface.
  • Remotely operated vehicles are ineffective in the deep oceans due to the absence of electromagnetic wave propagation.
  • Visibility is limited, with natural light penetrating only a few tens of meters underwater, unlike space observations facilitated by telescopes.
• Other Compounded Challenges: Varied factors such as temperature variations, corrosion, salinity, and others further complicate deep-sea exploration, demanding comprehensive solutions.

Way Forward

• Biologically-Inspired Designs: Draw inspiration from nature, such as marine organisms, for innovative engineering solutions.
  • Biomimicry could lead to the development of structures and materials that are naturally suited to deep-sea conditions, offering increased resilience and adaptability.
• Energy Innovation: Develop sustainable power sources to support long-duration missions.
  • This could include advancements in energy harvesting technologies like ocean thermal energy conversion, utilizing temperature gradients in the ocean for power, or exploring the potential of tidal and wave energy.
• Multi-Sensor Integration: Integrate diverse sensor technologies to compensate for limited visibility.
  • This could involve combining sonar, lidar, and other imaging technologies to create a comprehensive picture of the deep-sea environment, allowing for better navigation and exploration.
• Environmental Impact Consideration: Ensuring that exploration initiatives are conducted with minimal impact on deep-sea ecosystems.
  • Establishing international regulations and policies that govern deep-sea exploration to ensure responsible and ethical practices, balancing scientific advancement with environmental conservation.

S-400 Missile and Project Kusha

Source: LM

Why in News?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) to strengthen its defence capabilities has deployed three S-400 Triumf air defence missile squadrons along the borders with China and Pakistan.

• India in 2018-19 signed a contract with Russia for five S-400 missile squadrons. Three have arrived, and the remaining two are delayed due to Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• In another development, the Indian Defence Acquisition Council recently cleared the procurement of the Indian Long Range Surface Air Missile(LRSAM) system under Project Kusha.

What is the S-400 Triumf Missiles System?

• About:
  • The S-400 Triumf is a mobile, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system developed by Russia, capable of intercepting and destroying various aerial targets, such as aircraft, drones, cruise missiles, and ballistic missiles.
  • The S-400 has a range of up to 400 km, at an altitude of up to 30 km and can engage up to 36 targets simultaneously, with four different types of missiles.
    • It is the most dangerous operationally deployed modern long-range SAM (MLR SAM) in the world, considered much ahead of the US-developed Terminal High Altitude Area Defense system (THAAD).

• Importance for India:
  • India decided to procure the S-400 missiles to enhance its air defence capabilities and deterrence posture against China and Pakistan, which have been modernizing and expanding their air forces and missile arsenals.
    • India faces a two-front threat from China and Pakistan, which have been involved in several border disputes and conflicts with India over the years.
  • India’s acquisition is crucial to counter the growing presence and influence of China in the Indian Ocean Region, where China has been building ports, bases, and infrastructure projects.
    • India also wants to maintain its strategic autonomy and diversify its defence partners, amid the uncertainty and volatility of the global order.

What is Project Kusha?

• Project Kusha led by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is an ambitious defence initiative by India aimed at developing its long-range air defence system by 2028-29.
  • Long-range air defence systems will be capable of detecting and destroying enemy projectiles and armour, including cruise missiles, stealth fighter jets, and drones at long range.
  • It will consist of three types of interceptor missiles, with ranges of 150 km, 250 km, and 350 km, and advanced long-range surveillance and fire control radars.
• Project Kusha is expected to rival the effectiveness of the renowned S-400 system of Russia and the Iron Dome system of Israel.

Adaptation Gap Report, 2023

Source: IE

Why in News?

As per the latest edition of Adaptation Gap Report, 2023 released by UN Environment Programme, developing countries, together, need at least USD 215 billion every year this decade to carry out meaningful adaptation work. In 2021, just about USD 21 billion went to developing countries for adaptation projects, which was down about 15% from the previous years.

• This year’s report focuses on adaptation finance, or the availability of money to carry out the adaptation projects.

What are the Key Highlights of the Adaptation Gap Report, 2023?

• Adaptation Finance Gap:
  • The adaptation finance gap – the difference between estimated adaptation financing needs and costs and finance flows - has grown over the past.
  • The adaptation gap is likely 10-18 times as great as current international adaptation finance flows — at least 50% higher than previous range estimates.
  • The current adaptation finance gap is now estimated at USD 194-366 billion per year.
• Gender Equality in Financing:
  • Of the international public finance for adaptation that is also tagged with gender equality as a principal objective, only 2% is assessed as gender-responsive, with a further 24% considered gender-specific or integrative.
• Seven Ways to Increase Financing:
  • Private Financing:
    • Domestic expenditure and private finance are potentially important sources of adaptation finance where domestic budgets are likely to be a large source of funding for adaptation in many developing countries, ranging from 0.2 % to over 5 % of government budgets.
      • There is also fragmented evidence of increasing private-sector adaptation interventions all over the world and in most sectors such as water, food and agriculture; transport and infrastructure; tourism.
  • Internal Investments:
    • ‘Internal Investments’ by large companies, financial institutions’ provision of finance for activities that contribute to adaptation, and companies ’provision of adaptation goods and services are much needed.
      • Also the options of Corporate Social Responsibility can be explored in India for achieving climate financing and adaptation goals.
  • Reform of Global Financial Architecture:
    • Report calls for a reform of global financial architecture, to ensure greater and easier access to finance for climate-related purposes from multilateral agencies the World Bank or the International Monetary Fund (IMF) after it has become evident that current levels of international financial flows for fighting climate change are highly inadequate.

What are Climate Financing Concerns for Developing Countries?

• Limited Capacity of Developing Countries:
  • Adaptation is vital for saving lives, livelihoods, and ecosystems, particularly in developing and vulnerable countries with limited resilience, as there is no immediate solution to halt the ongoing effects of climate change. These adaptation measures require adequate climate financing.
• Feasibility of Adaptation Measures by Developing Countries:
  • Countries take various adaptation measures based on their specific needs which include reinforcing coastlines, constructing seawalls in island nations, experimenting with heat-resistant crops, building climate-resilient infrastructure, securing water sources, and similar efforts to help local populations better cope with rising temperatures and their consequences.
    • But these adaptive measures impose financial obligations beyond the budgetary reach of governments.
• Lack of Proactiveness on Part of Developed Countries:
  • Developed countries, as per international climate agreements, are obligated to offer financial support and technology to assist developing countries in adapting to climate change.
    • Developed countries have failed to channelise requisite funds despite various conventions and treaties.
• Requirement of Funds Far Outweighs the Availability of Funds:
  • Most of the developing countries have listed their adaptation requirements in their climate action plans, called Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which seek to document every country’s contribution to the global fight against climate change.

What are the Efforts Being Made by the Developed Countries?

• Target of USD 100 billion:
  • Developed countries had promised, way back in 2009, to mobilize at least USD 100 billion in climate finance every year from 2020 but even three years after the deadline, that amount has not been realized.
• UNFCCC Platform:
  • Efforts are being made to increase the finance flows, not just for adaptation, but for all other kinds of climate needs, together called climate finance through United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
    • But the need for climate finance has skyrocketed and is now assessed to be in trillions of dollars every year.
• Glasgow Climate Conference:
  • At the Glasgow climate conference in 2021, the developed countries had committed themselves to double the money for adaptation.
    • Separately, there is also an agreement that a new climate financing goal, over and above USD 100 billion every year, would be set by 2025.
• New Collective Quantified Goal:
  • The doubling of adaptation finance by 2025 and the new collective quantified goal for 2030 that is under deliberation will be instrumental in helping to close the climate finance gap with the help of developing countries.

What is Climate Financing?

• About:
  • It refers to local, national, or transnational financing—drawn from public, private and alternative sources of financing—that seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.
    • It seeks to support mitigation and adaptation actions that will address climate change.
• Common but Differentiated Responsibility and Respective Capabilities (CBDR):
  • The UNFCCC, Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement call for financial assistance from Parties with more financial resources (Developed Countries) to those that are less endowed and more vulnerable (Developing Countries).
    • This is in accordance with the principle of CBDR.
• Conference of Parties-26 (COP 26):
  • In UNFCC COP26, new financial pledges to support developing countries in achieving the global goal for adapting to the effects of climate change were made.
    • New rules for the international carbon trading mechanisms agreed at COP26 will support adaptation funding.
• Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), 2018:
  • Climate finance is critical to tackle the issues posed by climate change and achieve the goal of limiting the rise in the earth’s average temperature to below 2 degrees Celsius over pre-industrial levels, something the IPCC report 2018 has predicted.

World Food India 2023

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The second edition of 'World Food India 2023' was inaugurated recently in New Delhi, where the Prime Minister of India provided Seed Capital Assistance to over one lakh Self Help Group (SHG) members.

• The Ministry of Food Processing Industries launched the first edition of World Food India in 2017.

What is World Food India 2023?

• About:
  • World Food India 2023 is a gateway to the Indian food economy, facilitating partnerships between Indian and foreign investors.
  • It will be a one-of-a-kind gathering of manufacturers, producers, food processors, investors, policymakers, and organisations from across the global food ecosystem.
• Mascot:
  • MillInd (a probot) is the Mascot for World Food India 2023. 
• Focus Pillars:
  • Shree Anna (Millets): Leveraging India’s Super Food for the World
    • Millets can enhance food security, nutrition security, and sustainability in the face of global challenges such as climate change, population growth, and malnutrition.
    • The United Nations has declared 2023 as the International Year of Millets (IYM 2023).
  • Exponential Food Processing: Positioning India as the Global Hub
    • To achieve this vision, India intends to boost its enablers that can support and accelerate its food processing industry.
    • One of the key enablers is Financing Agri Food Value Chains and also Providing adequate and affordable credit to the food processing sector, especially to the micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

What is the Current Status of the Food Processing Sector?

• Sunrise Sector:
  • The Food Processing Sector received recognition,owing to the outcomes of World Food India, often referred to as the 'sunrise sector’.
  • In the past nine years, the sector has attracted foreign direct investments exceeding Rs 50,000 crores, thanks to the government's industry-friendly and farmer-centric policies. 
• Production Linked Incentive:
  • The progress made under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme in the food processing sector, has opened other dimensions.
    • Different ongoing projects under the Agri-Infra Fund, focusing on post-harvest infrastructure, with an investment exceeding Rs 50,000 crores, also hold massive potential for the sector.
    • Investments in processing infrastructure in the fisheries and animal husbandry sector, amounting to thousands of crores, are encouraged.
• Other Government Initiatives:
  • Creation of the Agri-Export Policy
  • Development of nationwide logistics and infrastructure
  • Establishment of district-level hubs
  • Expansion of Mega Food Parks
  • Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana
  • Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises Scheme

Population Survey in China

Why in news?

Recently, China has started polling 1.4 million people in a survey on population changes, as authorities struggle to incentivise people to have more children amid a declining birth rate and the first population drop in more than six decades.

• China is experiencing a declining birth rate and a population drop for the first time in over 60 years, with a decrease of approximately 850,000 people in 2022.
• The 2022 population decline is the first since 1961, which was the last year of China's Great Famine.

What Have Been China’s Policies for Population So Far?

• One Child Policy:
  • China embarked upon its one-child policy in 1980, when its government was concerned that the country’s growing population, which at the time was approaching one billion, would impede economic progress.
    • Chinese authorities have long hailed the policy as a success, claiming that it helped the country avert severe food and water shortages by preventing up to 40 crore people from being born.
  • It was a source of discontent, as the state used brutal tactics such as forced abortions and sterilisations.
  • It also met criticism and remained controversial for violating human rights, and for being unfair to the poor.
• Two Child Policy:
  • From 2016, the Government of China finally allowed two children per couple– a policy change that did little to arrest the rapid fall in population growth.
• Three Child Policy:
  • It was announced after China’s 2020 census data showed that the country’s rate of population growth is falling rapidly despite the 2016 relaxation.
  • The country’s fertility rate has dropped to 1.3, far below the replacement level of 2.1 required for a generation to have enough children to replace it.
  • The United Nations expects China’s population to begin declining after 2030, but some experts say this could happen as early as in the next one or two years.

What are the Concerns over the Falling Population in China?

• Decreased Labour:
  • When the young population in a country declines, it creates labour shortages, which have a major detrimental impact on the economy.
• Increased Social Spending:
  • More older people also means that demands for healthcare and pensions can soar, burdening the country’s social spending system further when fewer people are working and contributing to it.
• Critical for Developing Nations:
  • China faces a unique challenge of population decline as a middle-income country that relies on labor-intensive sectors, unlike rich countries ( like Japan and Germany) that can invest in capital and technology. This could reduce its economic growth and affect other developing countries like India.
  • The population decline could have various impacts on the world, such as slowing down the global economic growth and disrupting the supply chains that depend on China’s manufacturing and exports.
  • It could also create opportunities and challenges for other countries to fill the gap in the global labor market and consumer demand.

What Lessons can India Learn from Such A Demographic Shift in China?

• Avoid Stringent Measures:
  • Stringent population control measures have landed China in a human crisis that was inevitable. If coercive measures like a two-child limit are enforced, India’s situation could be worse.
• Women Empowerment:
  • The proven ways to lower the fertility rate are to give women the control over their fertility and ensure their greater empowerment through increased access to education, economic opportunities and healthcare.
  • As a matter of fact, China’s fertility reduction is only partly attributable to coercive policies, and is largely because of the sustained investments the country had made in education, health and job opportunities for women.
• Need to Stabilize Population:
  • India has done very well with its family planning measures and now it is at replacement level fertility of 2.1, which is desirable.
  • It needs to sustain population stabilization because in some States like Sikkim, Andhra Pradesh, Delhi, Kerala and Karnataka, the total fertility rate is way below replacement level, which means it can experience in 30-40 years what China is experiencing now.

Conclusion

• India has a chance to benefit from its young population (demographic dividend) until the 2040s, similar to how China did until 2015.
• But this opportunity depends on providing good job opportunities for the youth. Without those opportunities, India's demographic advantage could become a problem instead of a benefit.

Global Declaration for River Dolphins

Source: WWF

Why in News?

Recently, 11 Asian and South American countries signed a landmark deal in Bogota, Colombia to save the world’s six surviving species of river dolphins from extinction.

• This landmark deal signifies a ray of hope in combating the severe decline of river dolphin populations, which have dwindled by a staggering 73% since the 1980s.

What is the Global Declaration for River Dolphins?

• About:
  • The Global Declaration for River Dolphins aims to halt the decline of all river dolphin species and bolster the most vulnerable populations through concerted efforts.
    • It outlines measures such as eradicating gillnets, reducing pollution, expanding research initiatives, and creating protected areas to safeguard the remaining river dolphin species.
  • Countries that adopted the declaration include: Bangladesh, Bolivia, Brazil, Cambodia, Colombia, Ecuador, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Peru, and Venezuela.
    • There was also a representative from the regional government in Indonesia that has responsibility for the Mahakam river.
• Foundational Pillars:
  • The eight foundational pillars of the Global Declaration for River Dolphins comprise initiatives like establishing a network of protected areas, improving river dolphin site management, expanding research and monitoring efforts, engaging local communities and Indigenous Peoples, eradicating unsustainable fishing practices, enhancing water quality and quantity, promoting World River Dolphin Day (24^th October) to raise awareness, and augment resource allocation and partnerships.

What are the Key Facts Associated with River Dolphins?

• About:
  • River dolphins are a group of freshwater cetaceans that inhabit various river systems across Asia and South America.
  • The Six Surviving River Dolphin Species include: Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy, Tucuxi, and the Yangtze finless porpoise.
    • The Chinese river dolphin was deemed 'probably extinct' in 2007.
  • As per the IUCN Red list, Yangtze finless porpoise are classified as Critically Endangered.
    • Amazon, Ganges, Indus, Irrawaddy and Tucuxi are labeled as Endangered.

• Challenges Faced by River Dolphins:
  • River dolphins are threatened by diverse factors, including unsustainable fishing practices, hydropower dam construction, pollution from various industries, agriculture, and mining, as well as habitat loss.
  • Also, the recent tragic deaths of over 150 river dolphins in the drought-stricken Lake Tefe in the Amazon illustrate how climate change poses an increasingly severe threat to their survival.
• Successful Conservation Efforts:
  • Conservation efforts in populated river basins like the Indus and Yangtze have seen success.
    • For instance, the Indus river dolphin population in Pakistan doubled due to joint stakeholder action.
    • Additionally, the Yangtze finless porpoises witnessed a 23% increase in numbers owing to protective measures.
  • Moreover, the World Wildlife Fund's electronic pinger project saved 80 dolphins in Indonesia's Mahakam river from gill net entanglement.

CO2 to CO Conversion Technology

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilisation (NCoE-CCU) at IIT Bombay has developed a new technology for converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) to carbon monoxide (CO).

• The technology is energy-efficient and can be used in the steel sector. It aligns with India’s goal for net-zero emissions by 2070.

How Does the CO₂ to CO Conversion Technology Work?

• Working Process:
  • The CO₂ to CO conversion technology operates through an electrocatalytic process.
  • Unlike traditional methods that require high temperatures (400-750 °C), and the presence of the equivalent amount of hydrogen, this process can operate at ambient temperatures (25-40 °C) in the presence of water, eliminating the need for high-temperature conditions.
    • The energy for this electrocatalysis reaction can be sourced directly from renewable energy, such as solar panels or windmills, ensuring a carbon-neutral operation. Making it highly energy-efficient process and environmentally friendly and sustainable.
• Significance for the Steel Industry:
  • CO is a crucial chemical in the steel industry, used in the conversion of iron ores to metallic iron in blast furnaces.
    • CO is a widely used chemical in the industry especially in the form of syn gas.
  • Traditionally, CO is produced through the partial oxidation of coke/coal, resulting in significant CO₂ emissions.
    • The new CO₂ to CO conversion technology presents an opportunity to establish a circular economy, reducing carbon footprint and associated costs in steel production.

Rapid Fire Current Affairs

India Flags Off First International Cruise Liner

Recently, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways flagged off the maiden voyage of the vessel Costa Serena, the first International Cruise Liner in India from Mumbai.

• The initiative aligns with the "Dekho Apna Desh" campaign, reflecting the government's emphasis on promoting tourism.
• The development of cruise and lighthouse tourism is part of the Sagarmala Programme, which aims to establish India as the premier cruise hub in the Asia Pacific region by 2030.
  • The goal is to increase the annual number of cruise passengers in India to 18 lakhs by 2030, up from the current figure of 4.72 lakhs.
• India plans to have 25 operational cruise terminals by 2047, with an estimated annual passenger count of 5 million.

Read more: Ganga Vilas Cruise

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ATL Marathon 2023-24

Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), a flagship initiative set up by the NITI Aayog, opened applications for the 'Atal Tinkering Lab(ATL) Marathon 2023-24,' a national-level innovation challenge in collaboration with the Ministry of Education, YuWaah and UNICEF.

• The 2023-24 ATL Marathon is themed around “India’s 75th Republic Day( 26^th January 2024)”, with several problem statements on which student teams can build projects like Space, Agriculture, Inclusivity, Disaster management, Mobility, Health, Education & Skill Development.
  • Students across India can participate and develop innovative solutions for community problems.
• Aims to create an ecosystem of innovation in schools and expose students to innovation.

Read more: Atal New India Challenge 2.0

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Inaugural AIESC Meeting

The inaugural Australia India Education and Skill Council (AIESC) meeting, hosted at IIT Gandhinagar, represents a pivotal moment in the bilateral education and skill development collaboration between Australia and India.

• Established in 2011 as the Australian India Education Council (AIEC), this bi-national body strategically guides the educational, training, and research partnerships between the two countries.
• By focusing on themes like shaping future workforces, bolstering institutional partnerships, and driving research impact through internationalization, the council seeks to pave the way for the future of education and skilling in both nations.

Read more: India-Australia Relations

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Neeraj Chopra Nominated for 2023 World Athlete of the Year Award

Neeraj Chopra, the Olympic and World Champion Javelin Thrower, stands among the 11 nominees for the 2023 Men's World Athlete of the Year award given by the World Athletics.

• The selection process involves a three-way voting system, incorporating votes from the World Athletics Council, the World Athletics Family, and the public.
  • While the council's vote carries 50% weight, the remaining 50% is divided equally between the World Athletics Family and public votes.

Read more: World Athletics