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Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme and UCPMP 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Department of Pharmaceuticals (DoP), Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, announces the Revamped Pharmaceuticals Technology Upgradation Assistance Scheme (RPTUAS).

• It aims to upgrade the technological capabilities of the pharmaceutical industry in alignment with global standards.
• Additionally, the DoP released the Uniform Code for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices (UCPMP) 2024. The code aims to ensure responsible marketing practices and curb misleading promotional activities.

What are the Key Highlights of the RPTUAS?

• Objective:
  • The Department of Pharmaceuticals through RPTUAS aims to contribute to the growth of the pharmaceutical industry and ensure compliance with global manufacturing standards.
• Key Features:
  • Broadened Eligibility Criteria:
    • Expanded eligibility beyond Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to include any pharmaceutical manufacturing unit with a turnover of less than Rs 500 crores.
      • Preference remains for MSMEs, supporting smaller players in achieving high-quality manufacturing standards.
  • Flexible Financing Options:
    • Introduces subsidies on a reimbursement basis, offering more flexibility than the traditional credit-linked approach.
  • Comprehensive Support for Compliance:
    • Supports a wide range of technological upgrades in line with revised Schedule-M and World Health Organization (WHO)- Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) standards, including HVAC systems, testing laboratories, clean room facilities, etc.
  • Dynamic Incentive Structure:
    • Offers incentives based on turnover, ranging from 20%, 15%, and 10% of investment under eligible activities for turnovers less than Rs. 50.00 crore, Rs. 50.00 to less than Rs. 250.00 crore, and Rs. 250.00 to less than Rs. 500.00 crore, respectively.
  • State Government Scheme Integration:
    • Allows integration with state government schemes to provide additional top-up assistance.
  • Enhanced Verification Mechanism:
    • Implements a robust verification mechanism through a Project Management Agency to ensure transparency and accountability.

What are the Revised Schedule M and WHO-GMP Standards?

• The Union Health Ministry's notification in January 2024 introduced revisions to Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945, focusing on robust quality control measures for pharmaceutical and biopharmaceutical products.
  • Schedule M prescribes Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) for pharmaceutical products.
    • GMP was first incorporated in Schedule M of the Drugs and Cosmetics Rules, 1945 in the year 1988 and the last amendment was done in June 2005.
      • With the amendment, the words ‘Good Manufacturing Practices’ (GMP) have been replaced with ‘Good Manufacturing Practices and Requirements of Premises, Plant and Equipment for Pharmaceutical Products’.
• The revised Schedule M emphasizes adherence to GMP and incorporates requirements for premises, plant, and equipment. This ensures alignment with the World Health Organization (WHO) GMP Standards.
  • GMP is the mandatory standard that builds and brings quality into a product by way of control on materials, methods, machines, processes, personnel, facility/environment, etc.
• The updated Schedule M introduces a pharmaceutical quality system (PQS), quality risk management (QRM), product quality review (PQR), qualification and validation of equipment, and a computerised storage system for all drug products.

What are the Key Provisions of UCPMP 2024?

• Restrictions on Inducements:
  • Medical representatives are prohibited from using inducements to gain access to healthcare professionals.
• Prohibition of Payments and Gifts:
  • Companies are barred from offering cash, monetary grants, or pecuniary benefits to healthcare professionals or their family members.
  • Pharmaceutical companies are forbidden from giving gifts or any pecuniary advantages to individuals qualified to prescribe or supply drugs.
• Evidence-Based Claims:
  • Claims about a drug's usefulness must be supported by up-to-date evidence, and terms like "safe" and "new" must be used appropriately.
• Transparent CME Programs Only:
  • Pharmaceutical companies can only engage with healthcare professionals (HCPs) for Continuing Medical Education (CME) through well-defined, transparent, and verifiable guidelines.
• Strict Compliance:
  • The UCPMP will be circulated for strict compliance by all pharmaceutical companies and associations.
  • All associations must constitute an Ethics Committee for Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices.

Initiatives to Promote Sustainable Agriculture

Source: PIB

Why in News?

In a significant stride towards revolutionising the agricultural sector and promoting sustainable farming practices, the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers and Union Minister for Rural Development jointly inaugurated four key initiatives in New Delhi.

• These initiatives, including the Revamped Soil Health Card Portal & Mobile Application, School Soil Health Programme, Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP), and CFQCTI Portal for Fertilizer Sample Testing, hold the promise of transforming the agricultural landscape of the country.

What are the Inaugurated Initiatives for Soil Health Management?

• Revamped Soil Health Card Portal and Mobile Application:
  • The Soil Health Card portal has been revamped and a mobile application has been introduced for soil sample collection and testing. The portal includes a registry of soil labs with real-time status and geo-coordinates mapping.
  • It also provides real-time data on soil sample collection, lab testing, and Soil Health Card generation.
  • The new portal features a centralised dashboard at national, state, and district levels, as well as Geographic Information System (GIS) analytics.
  • The portal also includes features such as fertilizer management, a nutrient dashboard, and heat maps of nutrients.
  • The initiative allows for real-time monitoring of progress, automatic capture of geo-coordinates during sample collection, and registration of plot details.
• School Soil Health Programme:
  • The Department of Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare (DA&FW) in collaboration with the Department of School Education and Literacy, initiated a pilot project. This project involved the establishment of 20 soil laboratories in rural Kendriya and Navodaya Vidyalaya schools.
    • Study modules and training were provided to students and teachers. A mobile application was customised for the school program, and the portal has a dedicated section for the program to document all student activities.
    • Under this program school students will collect soil samples, and test them in school labs, and create Soil Health Cards.
      • Students educate farmers on Soil Health Card recommendations, fostering critical thinking and practical learning.
    • The Soil Lab Programme also aims to instil a sense of responsibility and respect for the environment in students, teaching them about sustainable agriculture and the impact of human activities on soil health.
  • Now, this programme has been scaled up in 1000 schools. Kendriya Vidyalaya, Navodaya Vidyalaya and Eklavya Model Schools have been taken under this programme.
    • The DA&FW, in collaboration with the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), will set up soil labs in these schools.
• Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme (KSCP):
  • A MoU between the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmer Welfare and the Ministry of Rural Development initiated the KSCP, which aims to transform rural India through the empowerment of Krishi Sakhi.
    • The programme includes a Krishi Sakhis Training Programme to certify 70,000 Krishi Sakhis as "Para-Extension Workers."
    • Krishi Sakhis are practising farmers and trained para-extension professionals. They serve as farmers' friends, guiding Natural Farming and Soil Health Management.
    • Krishi Sakhis play a pivotal role in implementing various schemes such as the National Mission of Natural Farming (NMNF) and the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY).
    • Certified Krishi Sakhis act as para-extension workers, facilitating awareness creation and capacity building among farmers.
    • They serve as a link between farmers, Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), and the Agriculture and Allied Departments.
    • Krishi Sakhis receive training in agroecology, natural resource management, crop diversity, and health and nutritional security.
    • They conduct awareness generation meetings on topics such as natural farming and soil health management.
    • The programme has trained close to 3500 Krishi Sakhis and is being implemented in 13 states, contributing to sustainable agriculture and rural development.
    • Krishi Sakhis serve as catalysts for transformation, nurturing sustainable agriculture and reshaping rural India.
• CFQCTI Portal:
  • The Central Fertilizer Quality Control and Training Institutes’ (CFQCTI’s) portal introduces facilities for sample collection and testing, ensuring quality control in fertilizer management.
  • The portal facilitates the generation of OTP for sample verification, automatic allocation to labs, and issuance of analysis reports, streamlining the process of quality assessment.

What Impact Do These Initiatives Envisage?

• Promotion of Sustainable Agricultural Practices:
  • These initiatives aim to promote sustainable agricultural practices, such as organic farming, to ensure long-term environmental and economic benefits.
• Enhancement of Farmer Livelihoods:
  • By addressing concerns related to soil health, fertilizer quality, and agricultural sustainability, these initiatives seek to enhance farmer livelihoods and improve their economic well-being.
• Credibility of Organic Farming:
  • Efforts to enhance the credibility of organic farming through initiatives like the Soil Health Card Portal and Krishi Sakhi Convergence Programme are expected to boost confidence in organic products and encourage their adoption.
• Quality and Efficacy of Fertilizers:
  • Initiatives to address concerns related to the quality and efficacy of fertilizers, as seen in the CFQCTI Portal, aim to safeguard the interests of farmers by ensuring the use of reliable inputs.

What are the Concerns Regarding Soil Health in India?

• Soil and water are fundamental resources for sustenance, with over 95% of food originating from them.
  • The symbiotic connection between soil and water is crucial for agricultural systems and for achieving the United Nations Agenda 2030.
  • Current climatic changes and human activities are exerting excessive pressure on soil and water resources.
• In India, around 50% of the country's net sown area is rainfed, contributing to 40% of total food production.
• Soil health in India faces challenges such as low nutrient levels, with an average soil organic carbon (SOC) of around 0.54%.
• Land degradation is a significant issue, with about 30% of the total geographical area affected, leading to deficiencies in plant nutrients and impacting nutrition intake among the population.
• Nutrient depletions and deficiencies, along with inappropriate fertiliser application, result in declining productivity.
  • Sustainable food production requires practices like adequate replenishment of nutrients, tailored fertiliser applications based on soil analyses, and increasing organic content in soil.
• India loses an estimated 3 billion tonnes of soil annually due to water and wind erosion.

Unemployment in India

Source: MOSPI

Why in News?

According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS), conducted by the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO), in 2023, India’s unemployment rate has dropped significantly, marking the lowest in the past three years.

• The PLFS gives estimates of Key employment and unemployment Indicators like, the Labour Force Participation Rates (LFPR), Worker Population Ratio (WPR), Unemployment Rate (UR), etc and the Activity Status- ‘Usual Status’ and ‘Current Weekly Status’.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• India’s Unemployment Rate:
  • India’s unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 and above has dropped to 3.1% in 2023, marking the lowest in the past three years.
    • The unemployment rate was at 3.6% in 2022 and 4.2% in 2021.
  • There is a decline in the unemployment rate among females to 3% in 2023 from 3.3% in 2022 and 3.4% in 2021.
    • Similarly, for males, it decreased to 3.2% in 2023 from 3.7% in 2022 and 4.5% in 2021.
• Recovery in Employment Scenario:
  • There is a recovery in the employment scenario post the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, with increased economic activity after the lifting of lockdowns by the Centre and states.
• Urban and Rural Unemployment:
  • Urban areas witnessed a reduction to 5.2% in 2023 from 5.9% in 2022 and 6.5% in 2021, while rural areas experienced a decrease to 2.4% in 2023 from 2.8% in 2022 and 3.3% in 2021.
  • The LFPR in Current Weekly Status (CWS) for individuals aged 15 and above in urban areas rose to 56.2% in 2023, showing an upward trajectory from 52.8% in 2022 and 51.8% in 2021.
• Economic Growth:
  • This positive employment data comes on the heels of recent reports indicating India’s economic growth surging to 8.4% in the third quarter of 2023-24.
  • Sectors such as manufacturing, mining & quarrying, and construction played a pivotal role in driving this growth, as per data released by the NSO.
  • The NSO’s second advance estimate pegs India's growth at 7.6% for the entire fiscal year 2023-24, surpassing the initial projection of 7.3% released in January 2024.

What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey?

• About:
  • The National Statistics Office (NSO) is conducting PLFS to produce annual statistics of employment and unemployment characteristics for both rural and urban areas, along with quarterly estimates for urban areas.
    • The first annual report based on the data collected in PLFS during July 2017- June 2018 was published in May 2019.
• Objective of PLFS:
  • To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
  • To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.

What is Unemployment?

• About:
  • Unemployment refers to the condition where individuals capable of working are actively seeking employment but are unable to secure suitable jobs.
  • An unemployed person is someone who is part of the labour force, and possesses the requisite skills but currently lacks gainful employment.
  • Basically, an unemployed person is someone of working age, jobless, able and available to work, and actively looking for a job.
• Measurement of Unemployment:
  • The unemployment in the country is commonly calculated using the formula:
    • Unemployment rate = [Number of Unemployed Workers / Total Labour Force] x 100.
      • Here, the ‘total labour force’ includes the employed and the unemployed. Those who are neither employed nor unemployed — students, for example— are not considered a part of the labour force.
• Types of Unemployment:
  • Structural Unemployment: Rooted in mismatches between the skills possessed by the workforce and the requirements of available positions, this form of unemployment highlights systemic issues within the labour market.
  • Cyclical Unemployment: Tied to economic cycles, this type escalates during economic downturns and diminishes during periods of expansion, showcasing the sensitivity of job availability to macroeconomic conditions.
  • Frictional Unemployment/Transitional Unemployment: Also called transitional unemployment, arising from the natural transition between jobs, this type reflects the temporary period individuals spend searching for new employment opportunities.
  • Underemployment: While not strictly unemployment, this concept pertains to individuals employed in positions that underutilize their skills or provide insufficient working hours, contributing to a sense of economic inefficiency.
  • Hidden Unemployment: Refers to individuals who are not actively seeking employment due to discouragement or other factors but could potentially enter the job market if conditions improve.
  • Disguised Unemployment: It arises because more labourers work in the factory/land than are required. Hence productivity i.e., production per unit of labour will be less.

What are the Major Causes of Unemployment in India?

• Population Size:
  • India’s substantial population amplifies the competition for employment opportunities, putting additional pressure on the job market.
  • Managing this demographic challenge necessitates a comprehensive approach to economic development and job creation.
• Skills Mismatch:
  • A predominant cause, where the skills possessed by the workforce may not align with the evolving demands of the job market. Addressing this issue requires initiatives focused on enhancing education and vocational training programs.
• Informal Sector Dynamics:
  • The prevalence of the informal sector introduces complexities in tracking and addressing unemployment. Efforts to formalise and regulate this sector can contribute to a more accurate representation of employment conditions.
• Policy Implementation Challenges:
  • Well-intentioned policies may face challenges in effective implementation, impacting their ability to generate employment. Streamlining policy execution and ensuring alignment with ground realities are imperative.
• Global Economic Factors:
  • Influences from the global economy, such as trade dynamics and geopolitical shifts, can impact India’s employment scenario. Crafting policies that enhance economic resilience to external factors is essential.

Way Forward

• Aligning education with the current market demands by updating curricula to impart relevant skills, emphasising vocational training, and promoting lifelong learning to enhance employability.
• Fostering a conducive environment for startups by providing financial incentives, reducing bureaucratic hurdles, and offering mentorship programs to encourage entrepreneurship.
• Formulating and implementing policies that promote job creation, including investment in infrastructure, industry-friendly regulations, and fiscal incentives for businesses generating employment.

Coral Bleaching in Great Barrier Reef

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recent aerial surveys conducted by Australian authorities confirm widespread coral bleaching across two-thirds of the Great Barrier Reef (GBR), signalling a dire threat exacerbated by climate change. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the impacts and protect this vital marine ecosystem.

What Factors are Contributing to the Coral Bleaching in GBR?

• Temperature Stress:
  • Warmer water temperatures can trigger coral bleaching, causing corals to expel the algae (zooxanthellae) living in their tissues and turn white.
    • Above-average sea surface temperatures over an extended period have led to significant heat stress on the reef, exacerbating the bleaching phenomenon.
  • Bleached coral isn't dead, but weakened and susceptible to starvation and disease. Persistent stress can lead to coral death.
• Climate Change Impact:
  • Rising ocean temperatures, exacerbated by climate change, increase coral susceptibility to stress and mortality, leading to widespread bleaching events globally due to El Niño conditions.
• Other Environmental Stressors:
  • Cold water temperatures, pollution, runoff, and extreme low tides can also induce coral bleaching, highlighting the multifaceted nature of this phenomenon.
• Algae Relationship:
  • Coral bleaching occurs when the symbiotic relationship between corals and algae is disrupted, impacting the corals' food source and making them vulnerable to disease.

What are the Implications of Coral Bleaching?

• Ecological Impact:
  • Coral reefs (also called Rainforest of seas) are vital ecosystems that support a diverse range of marine life. Coral bleaching can lead to the loss of habitat and biodiversity, affecting fish populations, marine plants, and other organisms that depend on coral reefs for survival.
• Economic Consequences:
  • Coral reefs are important for coastal protection, tourism, and fisheries. Coral reef ecosystems provide society with resources and services worth USD 375 billion per year. The degradation of coral reefs due to bleaching can have economic repercussions, impacting industries such as tourism and fishing, which rely on healthy reef ecosystems.
• Food Security:
  • Coral reefs provide food and livelihoods for millions of people worldwide. Coral bleaching threatens the availability of seafood and can disrupt the livelihoods of communities dependent on fishing and reef-related tourism.
• Climate Change Indicator:
  • Coral bleaching serves as a visible indicator of climate change impacts on marine ecosystems.
• Loss of Ecosystem Services:
  • Coral reefs provide essential ecosystem services, including shoreline protection, nutrient cycling, and carbon sequestration.
  • Bleaching diminishes the ability of reefs to provide these services, affecting the overall health of marine ecosystems and coastal communities.

Human-Animal Conflict

Source: IE

Why in News?

Amid repeated deaths from animal attacks and rising anger over them, Kerala has declared the Human-Animal Conflict as a state-specific disaster.

• This declaration signals a significant shift in how the government addresses this pressing issue, altering the responsibilities and authorities involved.

How State Handle Human-Animal Conflict as a State-Specific Disaster?

Aspect	Current Management	Proposed Change (State Specific Disaster)
Responsibility	Forest department under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.	State disaster management authority under the Disaster Management Act
Decision Making Authority	Chief Wildlife Warden	State Disaster Management Authority (Chief Minister at State Level)
District Level Authority	District Collector as the executive magistrate	District Collector as a Chairperson of District Disaster Management Authority
Intervention Capability	Limited by Wildlife Protection Act	Enhanced powers to take decisive actions under Disaster Management Act 2005
Judicial Oversight	Decisions may be questioned in court under wildlife laws	Limited judicial interference due to provisions of Disaster Management Act
Jurisdiction of Courts	Courts can entertain suits under relevant wildlife laws	Only the Supreme Court or High Court can entertain suits related to actions under Disaster Management Act, 2025 (Section 71).
Norms Override Capability	Limited under Wildlife Protection Act	Authority to override other norms, including wildlife laws, during the declared disaster period (Under Section 72)

• As per section 71 of the Disaster Management Act, no court (except the Supreme Court or a High Court) shall have jurisdiction to entertain any suit or proceeding in respect of anything done by relevant authorities in pursuance of any power conferred by this Act.
  • Section 72 of the Act says that the provisions of this Act will have an overriding effect on any other law during the specific period that a disaster has been declared.
• Other State-Specific Disasters:
  • In 2015, Odisha declared snakebite a state-specific disaster.
  • In 2020, Kerala declared Covid-19 as a state specific disaster.
    • Besides, heat waves, sunburn and sunstroke have been declared so in 2019, the phenomenon of soil piping in 2017, and lightning and coastal erosion in 2015.

What is Human-Animal Conflict?

• About:
  • Human-animal conflict refers to situations where human activities, such as agriculture, infrastructure development, or resource extraction, come into conflict with wild animals, leading to negative outcomes for both humans and animals.
• Implications:
  • Economic Losses: Human-animal conflict can result in significant economic losses for people, especially farmers and livestock herders. Wild animals can destroy crops, damage infrastructure, and kill livestock, leading to financial hardship.
  • Threats to Human Safety: Wild animals can pose a threat to human safety, especially in areas where people and wildlife coexist. Attacks by large predators such as lions, tigers, and bears can result in serious injury or death.
  • Ecological Damage: Human-animal conflict can have a negative impact on the environment. For example, when humans kill predators, it can lead to an increase in prey populations, which can then cause ecological imbalances.
  • Conservation Challenges: Human-animal conflict can also pose a challenge to conservation efforts, as it can lead to negative perceptions of wildlife and make it difficult to implement conservation measures.
  • Psychological Impacts: Human-animal conflict can also have psychological impacts on people, especially those who have experienced attacks or property damage. It can lead to fear, anxiety, and trauma.

What Strategies Can be Implemented to Mitigate Human-Animal Conflict?

• Habitat Management:
  • Protecting and restoring natural habitats for wildlife can reduce their need to encroach on human settlements in search of food and shelter.
  • This can involve creating wildlife corridors, establishing protected areas, and implementing sustainable land-use practices.
• Crop Protection Measures:
  • Implementing techniques such as fencing, scare devices, and crop diversification can help protect crops from wildlife damage, reducing economic losses for farmers.
• Early Warning Systems:
  • Developing and deploying early warning systems, such as alerting communities about the presence of wildlife nearby, can help prevent human-wildlife conflicts and mitigate threats to human safety.
• Community Engagement and Education:
  • Educating local communities about coexisting with wildlife, raising awareness about the importance of conservation, and providing training in conflict resolution techniques can foster greater understanding and tolerance toward wild animals.
• Conflict Resolution Mechanisms:
  • Setting up conflict resolution mechanisms, such as wildlife conflict response teams or hotlines, can facilitate timely interventions and minimise conflicts between humans and animals.

What are the Government Measures to Tackle Human-Animal Conflict?

• The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: The act provides the legal framework for the activities, Prohibition of hunting, Protection and management of wildlife habitats, and establishment of protected areas etc.
• The Biological Diversity Act, 2002: India is a part of the United Nations Convention on Biological Diversity. It ensures that the Biological Diversity Act complements rather than contradicts existing laws concerning forests and wildlife.
• National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016): It focuses on strengthening and enhancing the protected area network, on the conservation of Endangered wildlife and their habitats, on controlling trade in wildlife products and on research, education, and training.
• Project Tiger: Project Tiger is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme, launched in 1973. It provides havens for tigers in the country’s national parks.
• Project Elephant: It is a centrally sponsored scheme and was launched in February 1992 for the protection of elephants, their habitats and corridors.
• National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): It lays down guidelines to be followed by different Ministries or Departments of Central Government for the purpose of integrating measures for disaster prevention or mitigation of its effects in their development plans and projects

India’s 5G Fighter Aircraft and LCA Tejas

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved a Rs 15,000 crore project to design and develop India's fifth-generation fighter multirole jet, the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA).

• In a related incident, a Court of Inquiry has been initiated to investigate the cause of an Indian Air Force Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas crash during an operational training sortie in Rajasthan.

What are the Fifth-generation Fighter Jets?

• About:
  • Fifth-generation (5G) fighters are aircraft capable of operating in heavily contested combat zones, characterised by the presence of the most advanced air and ground threats, both current and anticipated.
  • 5G fighter jets have stealth capabilities and can cruise at supersonic speeds without engaging afterburners.
  • It stands out from fourth-generation (4G) peers due to its multi-spectral low-observable design, self-protection, radar jamming capabilities, and integrated avionics.
  • 5G jets are possessed by Russia (Sukhoi Su-57), China (Chengdu J-20), and the US (F-35).
• Need for India:
  • The IAF currently has around 30 fighter squadrons against the sanctioned strength of 42.
    • The squadrons of MiG-21s, MiG-29s, Jaguars, and Mirage 2000s are scheduled to be phased out by the middle of the next decade.
  • India must enhance its air defences against China and Pakistan, with China possessing 3,304 aircraft, while India and Pakistan have 2,296 and 1,434 aircraft, respectively.
  • India aims to enhance its self-sufficiency in defence, focusing on strengthening its air force and replacing ageing aircraft, albeit with the recognition that acquiring fighter jets and other equipment is a time-consuming process.
  • India is developing the Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA), with five prototypes to be collaboratively manufactured by ADA, HAL, and private industries, building on the success of the LCA Tejas.
    • Once it acquires these fifth-generation fighters, India will join a select group comprising the US, Russia, and China.

What are the Features of Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA)?

• Nodal Agency: The Aeronautical Development Agency (ADA) under the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) will be the nodal agency for executing the programme and designing the aircraft.
  • Manufactured By: State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Features:
  • Stealth: The 25-tonne twin-engine aircraft is set to surpass current Indian Air Force fighters in size, and will feature advanced stealth to outmatch global 5G stealth fighters.
  • Fuel and Weapon: The aircraft will have a large, concealed internal fuel tank of 6.5-tonne capacity, and an internal weapons bay for a range of weapons, including indigenous weapons.
  • Engine: The AMCA Mk1 will feature the US-built GE414 engine (90 kilo Newton class), while the more advanced AMCA Mk2 will use a more powerful 110 kN engine developed by DRDO’s-Gas Turbine Research Establishment (GTRE) in collaboration with a foreign defence major.
• Development Timeline: The ADA aims for the aircraft's first flight in 4-5 years, with full development expected to take around 10 years; five prototypes will precede HAL's manufacturing, involving the private industry.

What are the Features of Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas?

• About:
  • The Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) programme was started by the Government of India in 1984 when they established the ADA to manage the LCA programme.
    • It replaced the ageing Mig 21 fighter planes.
• Designed by:
  • ADA under the Department of Defence Research and Development.
• Manufactured by:
  • State-owned Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Features:
  • The lightest, smallest, and tailless multi-role supersonic fighter aircraft in its class.
  • Designed to carry a range of air-to-air, air-to-surface, precision-guided, weapons.
  • Air-to-air refueling capability.
  • Maximum payload capacity of 4000 kg.
  • It can attend the maximum speed of Mach 1.8.
  • The range of the aircraft is 3,000km
• Variants of Tejas:
  • Tejas Trainer: 2-seater operational conversion trainer for training air force pilots.
  • LCA Navy: Twin- and single-seat carrier-capable for the Indian Navy.
  • LCA Tejas Navy MK2: This is phase 2 of the LCA Navy variant.
  • LCA Tejas Mk-1A: This is an improvement over the LCA Tejas Mk1 with a higher thrust engine.

Connectome

Source: TH

The human brain, comprising billions of neurons, forms a complex network vital for our existence and cognition. Understanding this intricate network, known as the connectome, offers profound insights into brain function and neurological disorders.

• Connectome Concept represents a comprehensive map of neural connections, akin to a blueprint illustrating the electrical and chemical signals exchanged between neurons.
• A neuron consists of a cell body containing the nucleus, dendrites for receiving input, and an axon for sending messages, sometimes enveloped by a myelin sheath for faster signal transmission.
  • Neurons communicate through synapses, where dendrites receive chemical signals, convert them to electrical impulses, and transmit them through axons to other neurons.
• Despite the brain's complexity and data volume, the connectome simplifies scientists' understanding, facilitating advancements in neuroscience and neurological health research.
• Mapping the connectome aids in comprehending brain function and the impact of conditions like Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and Alzheimer's disease on neural processes.

Read more: Brainoware, Mysterious Cells in Human Brain

Italian Court Ruling Against Returning Sea Migrants

Source: TH

Italy's highest court, the Court of Cassation, ruled that it is illegal to return rescued sea migrants to Libya.

• The court’s ruling is based on the principle of non-refoulement that forbids the forced return of people to countries where their lives or rights are at risk.
  • The court's ruling affirms Libya as unsafe for migrants, highlighting the risk of "inhuman and degrading treatment" in detention centres under coastguards and militias if returned.
• Italy’s top court ruling that it is illegal to return sea migrants to Libya aligns with Article 98 of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
  • This article obligates states to help anyone found at sea in danger of being lost and to rescue those in distress if they can do so without serious danger to their own ship or people.

Read more: UNCLOS Maritime Zones, Conflict in Libya

Karnataka Ban Harmful Food Colouring Agents

Source: TH

Recently, the Karnataka Government has announced a ban on the use of harmful colouring agents in popular food items like cotton candy and Gobi Manchurian.

• The ban targets Rodamine B in cotton candy and imposes restrictions on Tartrazine usage in Gobi Manchurian.
  • Rhodamine B is a chemical compound commonly employed in synthetic dyes for colouring silk, jute, leather, cotton, and wool, as well as in the cosmetics and plastics industries.
  • Tartrazine is a bright yellow azo dye that is more stable and a cheaper alternative to natural food dyes.
• According to the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), no colouring matter should be added to food unless permitted in the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulation, 2011.

Read more: Food Safety and Standards Authority of India

National Speed Breeding Crop Facility

Source: PIB

Recently, the Union Minister of Science & Technology, inaugurated the first-of-its-kind "National Speed Breeding Crop Facility" at the premier National Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute (NABI) in Mohali.

• The facility will be used to develop new varieties such as wheat, rice, soybean, pea, tomato, etc., by using a precisely controlled environment to achieve more than four generations of a crop per year.
• The facility will help agricultural and biotechnology researchers for improved crop varieties, plant breeders and farmers in adopting varieties of superior yield and nutritional traits.
• The facility will cater to all the States of India but it will especially be useful for the North Indian States like Punjab, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana and the UT of J&K.
• NABI is the first Agri-Food Biotechnology Institute, established in India on 18^th February 2010.
  • The NABI has significantly contributed to ‘Atal Jai Anusandhan Biotech (UNaTI) Mission, Poshan Abhiyan, and Biotech Kisan Hubs for Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana etc.

Read More: Technology in Indian Agriculture

Pritzker Architecture Prize 2024

Source: IE

Recently, Japanese architect Riken Yamamoto was declared the winner of the prestigious 2024 Pritzker Architecture Prize, often called the "Architecture Nobel". This award is the highest international honour in the field. Yamamoto is the ninth laureate from Japan.

• The prize was established by Jay A Pritzker and his wife Cindy in 1979 to honour living architects whose work demonstrates talent, vision, and commitment to humanity and the built environment.
• Riken Yamamoto's architectural vision prioritises family and community, with a focus on the visible and tangible aspects of architecture.
  • Yamamoto's designs often incorporate innovative concepts such as "relational living" and preserving natural landscapes, as seen in projects like Hotakubo Housing and the Yokosuka Museum of Art.
• Balkrishna Doshi, is the first Indian architect to win a Pritzker Prize (2018). His renowned work is the Aranya Low-Cost Housing Complex, located in the city of Indore.
  • The complex connects a community through a cluster of buildings stitched together by a network of courtyards and pathways.

Haiti

Source: TH

Recently, Haitian Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his intention to resign, once a transitional presidential council is created.

• About:
  • It is located between the Caribbean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean.
  • It occupies the western one-third of the island of Hispaniola, sharing a border with the Dominican Republic on the eastern side.
    • Haiti is also neighbored by Jamaica to the west and Cuba to the northwest.
  • Official Languages: French, Haitian Creole.
  • Major Mountain Ranges: Massif de la Selle, Massif du Nord.
  • It is the world’s first independent Black-led republic.
    • The nation underwent about two centuries of Spanish colonial rule and more than a century of French rule.