Weekly Current Affairs (1st August to 7th August 2023) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) Overview

Background: The Draft National Deep Tech Startup Policy (NDTSP) has been unveiled for public feedback by the National Consortium and Working Group under the guidance of the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council.
Key Emphases:

• The strategic design of the Draft NDTSP aims to ignite innovation, drive economic expansion, and advance societal progress by effectively harnessing innovations stemming from deep tech research.
• The primary objective of this policy is to tackle the obstacles faced by deep tech startups by implementing well-defined policy measures to cultivate an enabling environment.
• Formulated by the National Consortium and Working Group established by the Prime Minister’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PMSTIAC).
• Expresses the government's dissatisfaction with international agreements that have, in its view, disadvantaged India's manufacturing and developmental capabilities.
• Advocates for a multifaceted strategy to safeguard Indian interests, stressing the necessity for a synchronized and all-encompassing endeavor to strategically engage with international partners and global organizations in bolstering the Indian Deep Tech Ecosystem.
• Suggests resource-intensive policy tactics to draw in global talent, including extending networking opportunities to international deep tech startups and experts keen on relocating and contributing to the local innovation landscape.
• Complementary to and synergistic with the existing Startup India policies, initiatives, and schemes, the policy fosters an environment conducive to the growth of deep tech startups, catering to their distinct and intricate challenges.

Methanol-Based Hydrogen Production Advancement

Background: A groundbreaking technique has been developed by researchers to generate hydrogen from methanol using a catalytic reaction performed at normal atmospheric conditions.
Key Notables:

• Hydrogen is renowned for being one of the most environmentally-friendly energy sources, readily attainable from non-digestible biomass or bio-derived alcohols.
• Diverse methodologies exist for hydrogen generation, with the cost hinging on the ecological soundness and energy efficiency of the production procedure.
• Notably, hydrogen can be sourced from water and methane, prevalent elements on Earth. However, extracting pure hydrogen from these sources demands substantial energy, often involving methods such as natural gas reforming, electrolysis, and water-splitting reactions.
• Methanol presents itself as a promising contender for hydrogen acquisition due to its high hydrogen content of 12.6% by weight and its efficient conversion into H2 and CO2 as final outputs.
• Researchers have successfully pioneered a novel pathway for deriving hydrogen from methanol using a catalytic process performed under regular environmental conditions.
• This technique establishes a sustainable and environmentally-conscious approach for the creation of critically important hydrogen fuel.

Amendment to Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Bill, 2023

Background: The Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has been approved by the Lok Sabha.
Key Features:

• The bill introduces the establishment of the National Capital Civil Services Authority (NCCSA), comprising the Chief Minister, Chief Secretary of Delhi, and Principal Home Secretary of Delhi.
• The NCCSA is tasked with providing recommendations to the Lieutenant Governor (LG) concerning the transfer, appointment, and disciplinary aspects of officials.
• The bill bestows upon the LG the authority to exercise exclusive discretion over various matters, including those endorsed by the National Capital Civil Services Authority. This encompasses decisions relating to the summoning, prorogation, and dissolution of the Delhi Legislative Assembly.
• It endows department secretaries with the ability to apprise the LG, Chief Minister, and Chief Secretary about any subject that could potentially lead to disagreements between the Delhi Government and the Central Government.

Contractual Dispute Resolution Initiative

Background: The Government of India has introduced the Vivad se Vishwas-II scheme to address contractual disputes involving government entities and government-operated enterprises.
Key Features:

• The Vivad se Vishwas-II Scheme was introduced as part of the Union Budget for the fiscal year 2023-24.
• Its primary objective is to expedite the resolution of contractual disputes between the government and private entities, streamline the backlog of legal cases, and enhance the ease of conducting business.
• The scheme's scope encompasses all domestic contractual disputes in which either the Government of India or an entity under its jurisdiction is a party.
• It applies to cases with court orders issued by or before 30 April 2023, and arbitral orders given on or before 30 January 2023.
• For court orders issued on or before 30 April 2023, the settlement sum offered to the contractor will amount to a maximum of 85% of the net sum awarded or upheld by the court. In the case of arbitral orders issued on or before 1 January 2023, the settlement amount will be up to 65% of the net sum awarded.
• Eligible claims will exclusively undergo processing through the government e-marketplace.

The Vivad se Vishwas-II scheme stands as a proactive approach by the Government of India to efficiently handle and find resolutions for contractual disputes, fostering a more favorable environment for business activities.

Himalayan Vulture's Remarkable Conservation Success

Background: The Himalayan vultures have not only endured the hot and humid climatic conditions but have also played a pivotal role in achieving India's first captive breeding triumph for Himalayan vultures at the Assam State Zoo in Guwahati.
Key Points:

• The Himalayan Griffon vulture, also known as the Himalayan Vulture, predominantly inhabits the elevated realms of the Himalayas and the Tibetan Plateau.
• Geographically, this species ranges from western China, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan in the west, extending through the Himalayan mountain expanse across India, Nepal, and Bhutan, and reaching central China and Mongolia in the east.
• These vultures possess the remarkable capability to soar at altitudes as high as 5,500 meters, facilitated by their expansive and robust wings.
• The Himalayan vulture's conservation status according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) is classified as Near Threatened, signaling the need for concerted preservation efforts.
• Within India, a total of nine vulture species can be found. Among these, six species are resident (white-rumped vulture, Indian vulture, slender-billed vulture, red-headed vulture, bearded vulture, and Egyptian vulture), while three species are migratory (cinereous vulture, griffon vulture, and Himalayan vulture).

The successful captive breeding initiative for the Himalayan vulture at the Assam State Zoo not only highlights the adaptability of these birds but also underscores the significance of preserving their habitats and populations for the larger ecosystem's well-being.

Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) and Eased Import Restrictions

Background: The Government of India recently lifted the import restrictions on laptops, all-in-one personal computers, and tablets categorized under HSN Code 8471, which will be implemented from November 1, 2023.
Key Aspects:

• The previously imposed restrictions were applicable to seven categories of electronic devices, covered under HSN Code 8471.
• The Harmonised System of Nomenclature (HSN) code serves as a classification system aimed at identifying products for taxation purposes.
• HSN Code 8471 is assigned to devices designed for data processing tasks.
• The intent behind curbing imports of these devices is to reduce dependence on foreign markets and foster the growth of local manufacturing capabilities.
• This measure will provide a direct impetus to the Center's Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for IT hardware.
• Among these devices, the highest imports were observed in the personal computers category, including laptops and palmtops. Import figures from China stood at $558.36 million in April-May, compared to $618.26 million in the corresponding period of the previous year. China accounts for approximately 70-80% of India's import share for personal computers and laptops.
• Individuals traveling abroad are allowed to bring one laptop, tablet, all-in-one personal computer, or ultra-small form factor computer in their baggage without facing import restrictions upon returning to India. This exemption is applicable to items purchased from e-commerce platforms and shipped through post or courier.

An exemption is also extended for up to 20 items per shipment, especially for research, testing, evaluation, repair, re-export, and product development. Imports under this provision are allowed on the condition that they are solely used for their designated purposes and not sold.

Introduction of the 'Rajmargyatra' App by NHAI

Background: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled the 'Rajmargyatra' app.
Key Features:

• 'Rajmargyatra' is a unified mobile application designed with a citizen-centric approach. Its primary purpose is to furnish travelers with comprehensive insights into Indian National Highways and to offer an efficient system for addressing complaints.
• The app's objective is to enhance the overall experience of highway users, ensuring a smoother and safer journey on the Indian National Highways.
• This app functions as a central hub of essential information for users of National Highways. It provides real-time weather updates, timely notifications, and details about nearby toll plazas and vital services, thus facilitating a seamless and secure travel experience.
• 'Rajmargyatra' also incorporates a built-in mechanism for addressing complaints and escalating issues. Users can easily report highway-related problems and attach geo-tagged videos or images for improved clarity. Additionally, users have the capability to monitor the status of their grievances, ensuring transparency in the resolution process.
• The app is integrated with various banking portals, allowing users to efficiently recharge their FASTags, access monthly passes, and avail other FASTag-related banking services, all within a single platform.

The 'Rajmargyatra' app stands as an innovative initiative by NHAI to provide highway users with crucial information and facilitate their journey while fostering a strong grievance redressal mechanism.

Discovery of Einstein Cross Phenomenon

Background: Astronomers have made an extraordinary find—a captivating instance of an "Einstein Cross," wherein light from the distant cosmos is divided and amplified by a foreground galaxy.
Key Points:

• This discovery centers around a foreground elliptical galaxy situated approximately 6 billion light-years away from Earth. This galaxy has intricately deformed and split a brilliant beam of light originating from a background galaxy situated around 11 billion light-years distant.
• This occurrence is exceptionally rare and promises to provide astronomers with unique insights into the universe's workings.
• The illuminating background light emanates from a quasar, which is a young galaxy hosting an immensely massive black hole at its core.
• Quasars exhibit a voracious appetite, consuming colossal amounts of matter and emitting radiation so intense that they outshine even the brightest stars by a trillionfold.
• Albert Einstein's theory of general relativity elucidates how substantial objects warp space-time, the fabric of the universe. This warping of space-time is responsible for gravity, explaining that it's not a hidden force but a consequence of the distortion created by matter and energy.
• Although light typically follows a straight trajectory, it deviates when traversing highly curved regions of space-time, producing a halo-like effect.
• In the present scenario, Earth, the lensing galaxy, and the quasar have aligned perfectly, leading to the replication of the quasar's light. This arrangement forms what's referred to as an "Einstein ring."

The Einstein Cross event not only showcases the magnificence of the cosmos but also serves as a valuable resource for scientists to further unravel the intricacies of space-time, gravitational interactions, and the universe's structure.

Extension of Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) under Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM)

Context: The National Health Authority (NHA) has declared the extension of the Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) within the framework of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission until December 31, 2023.

Key Features:

• The Digital Health Incentives Scheme (DHIS) was launched on January 1, 2023, as a fundamental element of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• The primary objective of this scheme is to further stimulate the utilization of digital health transactions across the nation within the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM).
• Under this initiative, health facilities that meet the eligibility criteria and digital solutions companies are eligible to earn financial incentives, potentially reaching up to Rs. 4 crore. The incentives are calculated based on the quantity of digital health records created and linked to the patients' Ayushman Bharat Health Account (ABHA) numbers.
• This incentive opportunity is accessible to health facilities such as hospitals and diagnostic laboratories, as well as Digital Solution Companies registered with the Health Facility Registry (HFR) of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission.
• The Digital Health Incentives Scheme has demonstrated its effectiveness as a crucial catalyst in fostering the adoption of digital health technologies and methodologies in the healthcare delivery landscape throughout the country.

The extension of the Digital Health Incentives Scheme signifies the commitment of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to continue promoting digital health transactions and innovative practices in the healthcare sector for the betterment of the population's well-being.

Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 Overview

Background: The Lok Sabha recently passed the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023.
Key Points:

• The Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 is designed to confer authoritative disciplinary and administrative powers upon the Commander-in-Chief and Officer-in-Command of Inter-Services Organisations (ISOs). These powers extend to the personnel serving within or attached to such organizations.
• The proposed bill aims to empower ISO commanders with the necessary tools to effectively manage command, control, and discipline matters within their respective organizations.
• According to the Ministry, the 'ISO Bill-2023' serves as an "enabling Act," intending to empower ISO commanders without altering the existing Service Acts, Rules, and Regulations that have stood the test of time and legal review for more than six decades.
• This bill is anticipated to foster greater integration and collaboration among the three branches of the Indian Armed Forces, enhancing joint operations and effectiveness.

The passage of the Inter-Services Organisation (Command, Control and Discipline) Bill, 2023 signifies a pivotal step towards streamlining command, control, and discipline within Inter-Services Organisations, promoting better coordination and efficiency across the military landscape.

Launch of the Study in India Portal

Background: The Study in India (SII) Portal was recently launched with the aim of reinstating India as a global education hub.
Key Features:

• The Study in India Portal is a dedicated website designed to offer comprehensive information about Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs).
• The website will showcase various academic programs, including undergraduate (UG), postgraduate (PG), and doctoral-level programs. It will also feature courses related to India's Knowledge System, such as Yoga, Ayurveda, and classical arts.
• Apart from academic programs, the portal will provide details about academic facilities, research support, and other relevant information. It will also allow students to apply to multiple institutes or courses of their preference.
• The portal will serve as an integrated solution for student registration and visa application processes.
• The overarching goal is to position India as a preferred destination for higher education, contributing to the growth of the nation's reputation as an educational hotspot.
• The Study in India initiative will play a pivotal role in establishing a robust global presence for the Indian education system.
• The presence of international students will not only benefit them but will also create advantages for domestic students by exposing them to a more globally interconnected world and better preparing them for the international job market.

The launch of the Study in India Portal reflects India's commitment to offering quality education to students worldwide and reinforcing its position as an attractive educational destination.