PIB Summary- 12th November, 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

First Ever Space Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’ hosted by Defence Space Agency begins in New Delhi

Context

India’s first space war-game exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, aims to bolster national security by addressing threats to space-based assets.

The exercise will enhance operational resilience and foster technological advancements through collaboration with defence and space agencies.

Overview of Exercise Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

• Objective: To simulate and address growing threats to and from space-based assets and services essential for national security.
• Duration: Conducted over three days from 11 – 13 November 2024.
• Organised by: Defence Space Agency under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.

Key Features

• Strategic Importance: Aims to secure India’s national objectives in space by enhancing understanding of space-based assets and services.
• Focus Areas:
  • Assess operational dependency on space resources.
  • Identify vulnerabilities and potential disruptions to space services.

Participation

• Stakeholders: Includes units from the Defence Space Agency, Army, Navy, Air Force, and specialist branches under Integrated Defence Staff such as Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command.
• Collaboration: Participation from key space and defence agencies like ISRO and DRDO, fostering innovation and advancements in space defence technology.

Expected Outcomes

• Enhanced Preparedness: Promotes resilience in space operations.
• Technological Advancements: Encourages development of cutting-edge technology and systems.

Scientists discover a new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species of Dicliptera in the Northern Western Ghats of India

Context

The discovery of Dicliptera polymorpha, a fire-resilient, dual-blooming plant species in the Western Ghats, highlights the region’s unique biodiversity.This species’ adaptation to grassland fires underscores the ecological importance and conservation needs of such sensitive habitats.

Overview of Dicliptera Polymorpha

• Discovery Location: Found in the Talegaon-Dabhade grasslands, northern Western Ghats.
• Taxonomy: Belongs to the genus Dicliptera and is a unique Indian species within this genus.

Key Features

• Fire Resilience: Exhibits a pyrophytic (fire-adaptive) nature, capable of surviving and blooming after grassland fires.
• Dual-Blooming Pattern: Blooms twice a year:
  • First bloom: Post-monsoon from November to March or April.
  • Second bloom: Triggered by fires in May and June.

Unique Characteristics

• Inflorescence Structure: Features spicate inflorescences, a structure rare among Indian species but found in related African species.
• Morphology: Named for its diverse traits, with dwarf flowering shoots emerging from woody rootstocks after fires.

Conservation Implications

• Thrives in open grasslands exposed to drought and fires.
• Highlights the importance of balanced fire management to prevent habitat degradation and support grassland biodiversity.

India’s Political Stability Boosts Apparel Appeal

Context

India’s apparel sector is gaining traction as a preferred sourcing hub for U.S. buyers, primarily due to its political stability, skilled workforce, and government support.A recent U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC) report highlights India’s competitive edge over countries facing instability.India’s robust cotton production and vertically integrated industry add to its appeal.

Political Stability as a Key Factor

• India’s political stability has enhanced its reputation as a reliable apparel sourcing hub.
• U.S. buyers are shifting to India due to risks associated with political instability in other regions, ensuring more consistent production and delivery.

Market Share Growth in U.S. Apparel Imports (2013-2023)

• India’s share of U.S. apparel imports has risen from 4% in 2013 to 5.8% in 2023, reflecting increased confidence in Indian-made garments.
• India’s stable political climate makes it an attractive choice for high-value and time-sensitive orders.

Strengths in Apparel Production

• India’s vertically integrated textile industry covers all production stages, from cotton farming to garment manufacturing, ensuring reliability.
• India’s skilled labour force, particularly in garment finishing, strengthens its position in high-value apparel.
• Government initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme support India’s growth in global apparel demand.
• India’s cotton production advantage enhances its competitiveness in cotton-based apparel exports.

Comparative Advantage over Other Suppliers

• In 2023, India’s apparel exports to the U.S. were $4.6 billion, positioning it as the fourth-largest supplier.
• However the apparel industry currently faces challenges like rising labour costs and limited production of man-made fibre garments.

India’s apparel sector is positioned for continued growth due to its stable political environment and strong production capabilities.