UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 8th September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

Over 85% of Indian Districts Exposed to Extreme Climate Events

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

More than 85% of districts in India are exposed to extreme climate events such as floods, droughts, and cyclones, according to a new study.

India’s Vulnerability to Climate Extremes:

• India is experiencing a concerning increase in climate extremes, with over 85% of its districts vulnerable to various events like floods, droughts, cyclones, and heatwaves.
• A recent study conducted by IPE-Global and ESRI-India reveals that about 45% of districts are witnessing significant changes in climate patterns, with areas historically affected by floods now facing droughts and vice versa.
• This report underscores the urgent need for climate action in light of these growing challenges.

Escalating Climate Extremes:

• The study utilized a pentad-decadal analysis covering 50 years (from 1973 to 2023) to identify nonlinear trends in climate patterns at the district level.
• Key findings include:
  • A two-fold increase in drought events, both agricultural and meteorological.
  • A fourfold increase in cyclone occurrences.
  • A notable rise in flood frequency, especially in eastern, northeastern, and southern India.
• Overall, the frequency and intensity of climate extremes in India have surged by four times in recent decades, with the last decade alone showing a fivefold increase.

Changing Risk Landscape:

• The climate risk landscape in India is rapidly evolving, with more than 60% of districts in states like Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Assam facing multiple extreme climate events simultaneously.
• Factors such as rising greenhouse gas emissions, unplanned urbanization, and unsustainable human activities are worsening these hazards.
• The report warns that India's population is increasingly exposed to these extremes, with projections indicating that by 2036, over 1.47 billion Indians will face severe climate risks.
• This reality makes hyper-granular risk assessments critical to protect the economy, particularly in sectors like agriculture and infrastructure.

Land Use & Environmental Changes:

• The study highlights a significant 65% change in land-use and land-cover patterns across climate hotspots.
• Microclimatic shifts driven by factors such as deforestation, mangrove destruction, and unplanned land use are further aggravating the severity of these climate events.

Swapping Trend:

• A significant finding is the swapping trend observed in more than 45% of Indian districts, where areas that previously experienced frequent floods, such as Srikakulam, Cuttack, and Guntur, are now facing drought conditions, and vice versa.
• States in the southern region, including Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, are particularly witnessing an increase in drought occurrences.

Leveraging Technology for Resilience:

• The study emphasizes the importance of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology in enhancing climate resilience.
• GIS, with its advanced spatial analysis tools, can integrate a variety of data sources to offer a geographical perspective on climate risks.
• Solutions such as the Climate Risk Observatory (CRO) can assist stakeholders in understanding sector-specific impacts, promoting better planning and adaptation strategies.
• The report also advocates for the establishment of an Infrastructure Climate Fund (ICF) to support ongoing investments in climate-resilient infrastructure, with an emphasis on risk management and community-led climate actions.

Conclusion:

• India's climate crisis is a multifaceted issue that demands immediate, localized solutions.
• The study by IPE-Global and ESRI stresses the importance of detailed risk assessments at the local level.
• It also recommends the creation of climate resilience funds and a focus on both adaptation and mitigation strategies.
• With adequate investments and collaboration, India has the potential to lead global efforts in climate resilience, transforming risks into opportunities for a sustainable future.

GS3/Economy

India overtakes China as most attractive emerging market for investing

Source: Business Today

Why in news?

India has surpassed China in the MSCI Emerging Markets (EM) Investable Market Index (IMI) for the first time, becoming the largest country by weight. However, China still remains ahead in the MSCI Emerging Market Standard Index. The MSCI Emerging Markets Investable Market Index (IMI) encompasses large, mid, and small-cap representation across 24 Emerging Markets (EM) countries. With 3,355 constituents, this index represents nearly 99% of the free float-adjusted market capitalization in each country.

Why India Remains Favorite Emerging Markets Growth Story for Investors?

Background

• Over the past decade, India has transformed from being a "fragile 5" economy to the fifth-largest economy globally.
• This growth is attributed to consistent development efforts, structural reforms, and anti-corruption initiatives.
• India's stock market has grown by 46% in the last three years, significantly outperforming global equities, which saw a 20% increase, and emerging market equities, which declined by 13%. Only the U.S. stock market has shown similar performance.
• This remarkable growth has attracted global attention, leading investors to wonder if they have missed their chance to invest.
• The mixed narratives in the media—some praising India's growth potential and others warning about its rapid market rise—add complexity to investment decisions.

What’s driving the Indian market?

• Labor Force: India's labor market presents significant opportunities for manufacturing growth.
  • According to Bloomberg, over 48 million medium-skilled workers from China and developed countries are expected to retire between 2020 and 2040, while India is projected to gain over 38 million such workers.
• Capital Investment: With numerous infrastructure projects in progress and an anticipated investment of $1.7 trillion by 2030, India is well-positioned to benefit from these inflows.
  • This opportunity arises as global manufacturers look to diversify their supply chains amid rising geopolitical tensions.
• Economic Growth and Fiscal Prudence: The government’s emphasis on economic growth through increased infrastructure spending supports rapid development.
  • India's commitment to reducing deficits, as highlighted in budget statements, enhances its attractiveness for investors.
• Political Stability: Political stability has significantly contributed to India's growth, boosting investor confidence in recent years.
  • India has also gained from global investors' negative perceptions of China.
• Productivity and Reforms: Favorable conditions in labor and capital support growth; however, sustainable progress hinges on productivity improvements through reforms.
  • Key focus areas include enhancing education and skills training to aid workers in transitioning from primary to secondary industries.
  • Currently, over 40% of India's workforce is still engaged in primary industries, nearly twice the proportion found in China.
• Urbanization: Urbanization needs to be improved (36% in India vs. 64% in China) to better accommodate rural workers.
• Regulatory Environment: Reducing bureaucratic obstacles and providing incentives for manufacturing have attracted business investments, which are vital for ongoing growth.

Challenges Ahead

• Inflation: Rising inflation poses a short-term risk, potentially leading to tighter monetary policies, higher interest rates, declining asset prices, and currency depreciation in India.
• Geopolitical Tensions: Conflicts like the Russia-Ukraine war and instability in the Middle East introduce challenges such as trade disruptions and migration issues.
• Environmental Concerns: Global warming and climate change threaten agricultural productivity, biodiversity, and infrastructure, impacting investments in India.

Attention from Global Investors

• India's increasing weight in the MSCI EM index signals growing interest from global investors, which is particularly advantageous for the country.
• As India becomes the largest component of the MSCI EM IMI index, it is set to attract more foreign portfolio investment.
• India is evolving from being a mere tracking error in global portfolios to a significant investment destination that cannot be overlooked.
• This shift may compel global funds to acquire Indian exchange-traded funds (ETFs) or invest directly in Indian stocks.
• More foreign participation in the Indian market is anticipated in the months ahead.

A Cautionary Note

• While an increase in index weight is generally positive, it may also indicate market exuberance, sometimes leading to underperformance, as historically observed with China.
• Although India's context is different, it is prudent to exercise caution based on historical patterns.
• The uptick in India's index weight likely reflects stronger economic fundamentals, including a larger free float and rising earnings, both of which are encouraging signs.

GS2/International Relations

India-GCC Foreign Ministers' Meeting

Source: The Tribune

Why in news?

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Saudi Arabia's capital, Riyadh, to attend the First India-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Foreign Ministers' Meeting.

Introduction

• The Gulf region is India's immediate neighborhood, separated only by the Arabian Sea.
• The GCC has become a significant trading partner for India and holds considerable potential as an investment partner.

Geostrategic:

• The GCC countries are strategically located across the Persian Gulf, a crucial maritime route for global trade. India and the GCC share mutual interests in fostering political stability and security in the region.

Political Dialogue

• The inaugural India-GCC Political Dialogue took place on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in 2003.
• India and the GCC signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on consultation mechanisms in September 2022, establishing a framework for annual dialogues between the External Affairs Minister and the GCC-Troika.
• This framework includes the Secretary-General of the GCC, the Foreign Minister of the current GCC presidency, and the Foreign Minister of the country that will assume the next presidency, along with other senior officials.

Economic and Commercial Relations

The GCC region is diversifying beyond the energy sector into tourism, construction, and finance, opening up new opportunities for trade and investment for countries like India.

• During FY 2023-24, India-GCC bilateral trade reached USD 161.59 billion.
• India's exports amounted to USD 56.3 billion, while imports totaled USD 105.3 billion during the same period.
• India's economic ties with the GCC have consistently strengthened, particularly due to rising oil imports.
• These imports surged significantly in FY 2022, influenced by escalating oil prices amid the Russian-Ukrainian conflict and the resumption of demand after COVID-19 disruptions.

India-GCC Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

• In August 2004, India and the GCC signed a Framework Agreement aimed at enhancing and developing economic cooperation.
• The India-GCC FTA is currently under negotiation, which may gain momentum following the India-UAE FTA.

Energy Cooperation

The GCC countries collectively hold nearly half of the world’s oil reserves.

• The GCC supplies approximately 35% of India’s oil imports and 70% of its gas imports.
• India is in the process of executing the second phase of its Strategic Petroleum Reserve (SPR), with several GCC nations showing interest in collaboration.

Indian Diaspora and Remittances

• Recent statistics indicate that around 8.9 million Indian expatriates reside in GCC countries, constituting about 66% of non-resident Indians.
• According to the RBI Remittances Survey 2021, the share of remittances from the GCC in India's total inward remittances fell from over 50% in 2016-17 to about 30% in 2020-21.
• This still represents a significant portion of India’s overall inward remittances.

GS3/Economy

Banking Sector Struggling with Slower Growth

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

According to recent data from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the banking sector is facing challenges with a notable slowdown in deposit growth compared to credit growth in recent months. This increasing disparity between the deposits (funds customers place in banks for interest) and credit (amounts lent by banks to customers at interest) is leading to an asset-liability mismatch for banks.

Analysing the Weak Deposit Growth in the Banking Sector

• Higher credit-deposit gap: In the quarter ending June 2024, bank deposits grew by 11.7%, while bank credit saw a growth of 15%, indicating a widening credit-deposit gap. This increase has raised alarms for both the government and the RBI, prompting them to encourage banks to focus on attracting more deposits through innovative financial products.
• Major reasons for slower growth in deposits: A significant factor contributing to the slower deposit growth is the shift of household savings from banks to capital markets. Following the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a marked increase in retail activity in Indian capital markets, both through direct trading and indirect routes such as mutual funds.
• Facilitators of outflow from banks to capital markets: The growth of household investments in capital markets has been aided by higher returns, advanced digital infrastructure, and the widespread use of smartphones, which simplify the investment process. For instance, as reported in the Economic Survey 2023-24, the number of demat accounts surged from 11.45 crore in FY23 to 15.14 crore in FY24.
• Rise in retail participation: Retail participation has notably increased, especially through mutual funds. For example, the net assets under management (AuM) in the mutual fund sector grew by 6.23%, reaching an unprecedented Rs 64.97 lakh crore by July 31, 2024. Currently, the mutual fund sector has approximately 9.33 crore systematic investment plan (SIP) accounts, allowing consistent investments in various schemes.

Concerns Over Slowing Bank Deposits and Efforts to Boost Them Up

• Concerns: Even though bank deposits remain a major component of households' financial assets, their share is diminishing. This decline raises concerns that banks might increasingly depend on pricier funding sources, such as Certificates of Deposit (CDs), which could adversely affect their profitability. Moreover, the slower growth of deposits relative to credit may expose the banking system to potential liquidity issues.
• Efforts to boost bank deposits: In response to the credit demand, banks are exploring innovative strategies to enhance deposit mobilization. For instance, the State Bank of India (SBI) introduced the 'Amrit Vrishti' scheme, offering a 7.25% interest rate on deposits for a duration of 444 days. Similarly, Bank of Baroda launched the 'Monsoon Dhamaka' deposit scheme, which offers interest rates of 7.25% for 399 days and 7.15% for 333 days.
• Outlook: The current financial year is expected to see continued deposit challenges, despite banks' initiatives to strengthen their liability profiles. The Indian banking sector is striving to maintain a delicate balance between supporting robust loan growth and increasing interest rates on deposits, which may keep the overall cost of funds elevated for banks.

GS 3/ Environment and Ecology

Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari Initiative

Source: The Print

Why in News?

The Prime Minister has launched the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative to enhance rainwater harvesting and ensure long-term water sustainability.

About

• About 24,800 rainwater harvesting systems are being built throughout the state to improve rainwater collection and promote sustainable water use.
• The ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ program aims to save water by focusing on community involvement and shared responsibility.
• This initiative uses a whole-of-society and whole-of-government strategy.

Rain Water Harvesting

• Rainwater harvesting is the process of collecting and storing rainwater that flows off surfaces like rooftops, parks, roads, and open areas.
• This runoff water can be either stored for later use or recharged back into the groundwater.
• A rainwater harvesting system includes several key components:
  • Catchment: The area from which water is captured and either stored or sent back into the ground.
  • Conveyance system: The pipes or channels that transport the collected water from the catchment to where it will be stored or recharged.
  • First flush: A mechanism that removes the initial rainfall, which may contain dirt and debris.
  • Filter: A device used to eliminate pollutants from the water.
  • Storage tanks or various recharge structures: Containers or systems used to hold the harvested water or to facilitate its return to the groundwater.

Significance

• Water Conservation: Collecting rainwater helps lessen the need for local water sources, aiding in the preservation of freshwater supplies.
• Reduced Stormwater Runoff: Gathering rainwater lowers the amount of runoff, which can help prevent soil erosion and reduce the chances of flooding.
• This practice also lessens the impact on nearby waterways and ecosystems.
• Groundwater Recharge: Certain systems are designed to let collected rainwater soak back into the ground, which helps replenish groundwater supplies and keeps the water table stable.
• Reduced Infrastructure Strain: By lowering the demand on city water systems, rainwater collection can ease pressure on existing water infrastructure, possibly postponing the need for expensive upgrades and expansions.
• Emergency Supply: In times of drought or natural disasters, having stored rainwater can be essential for meeting basic water needs.
• Sustainability: As climate change affects water availability, harvesting rainwater becomes more important as a sustainable method to cope with changes in rainfall and water supply.

Government Initiatives to Tackle Shortage of Water in India

• National Water Mission (NWM): The main goal of NWM is to save water, reduce waste, and ensure fair distribution of water across different sectors. 
  • It emphasizes improving water use efficiency, recharging groundwater, and developing water resources sustainably. 
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM): Started in 2019, JJM aims to provide piped water to every rural household by 2024. 
  •  The mission promotes local water management, encourages community involvement, and uses technology to ensure safe and sustainable water supply in rural areas. 
• Atal Bhujal Yojana (ABHY): Also launched in 2019, ABHY focuses on better management of groundwater and encourages sustainable use of groundwater in areas facing water shortages in India.
  •  It highlights the importance of community involvement, managing water demand, and implementing groundwater recharge practices. 
• Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Launched in 2015-16, this scheme aims to improve access to water for farming and increase the area of land that has reliable irrigation.
  •  It also seeks to enhance on-farm water use efficiency and promote sustainable water conservation methods. 
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): Started in 2015, AMRUT focuses on developing basic urban infrastructure in 500 selected cities.
  •  It covers sectors such as water supply, sewage and waste management, stormwater drainage, parks and green spaces, and non-motorized urban transport. 
• Namami Gange Programme: Launched in 2014, this program aims to restore the River Ganga and its tributaries by tackling pollution, promoting sustainable waste management, and restoring the river basin's ecological health.
• Interlinking of Rivers (ILR): The National Water Development Agency (NWDA) is responsible for the project of interlinking rivers as per the National Perspective Plan (NPP).
  •  The NPP has two main parts: the Himalayan Rivers Development Component and the Peninsular Rivers Development Component. 
  •  A total of 30 link projects have been identified under the NPP. 

Suggestions for Water Conservation

• Implementing effective water management methods, like rainwater harvesting and watershed management, can assist in replenishing water sources.
• Investing in water treatment systems and enhancing irrigation techniques can help cut down on waste and pollution.
• It is important to raise awareness about water conservation among the community and promote responsible water usage.
• Additionally, having policies that support sustainable water distribution and management is crucial for long-lasting solutions.
• Employing modern technologies, such as IoT, AI, and remote sensing, can help in measuring and managing water consumption more effectively.

GS3/ Environment and Ecology

India Tops Plastic Pollution Rankings

Source: DTE

Why in News?

According to a new study published in the journal Nature, India has secured the top spot as biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes (Mt) annually. 

Key highlights of the study

• The study describes plastic emissions as materials that have moved from a controlled or managed state to an uncontrolled state in the environment.
• Plastic pollution from India accounts for about one-fifth of all global plastic emissions.
• The rate at which waste is generated in India is around 0.12 kilograms per person each day.
• In 2020, global plastic waste emissions reached 52.1 million tonnes per year.
• In the Global North, littering is the main source of plastic emissions, while in the Global South, the biggest issue is uncollected waste.
• The second largest plastic polluter is Nigeria, with emissions of 3.5 million tonnes, followed closely by Indonesia at 3.4 million tonnes.
• The study also pointed out that high-income countries produce more plastic waste, but most of them have 100% collection coverage and controlled disposal methods.

Concerns of Plastic Pollution

• Plastics are difficult to get rid of because they take a long time to break down in nature.
• Plastics eventually break into tiny pieces called microplastics, which spread all over the world, reaching places like the deep Pacific Ocean and the tall Himalayas.
• BPA (Bisphenol A) is a chemical used to make plastics stronger. It can contaminate food and drinks, leading to issues with liver function, fetal development in pregnant women, and can affect the reproductive system and brain function.
• Since plastic is made from petroleum, it also adds to global warming. When plastic waste is burned, it releases harmful gases and carbon dioxide into the air.
• Plastic waste harms the beauty of tourist spots, which can reduce tourism income and lead to high costs for cleaning and maintaining these areas.

Reasons for India’s high plastic pollution 

• Insufficient waste management systems: According to data from 2019-20, 50% of the plastic waste in the country, totaling 34.7 lakh TPA, was not properly managed. This unprocessed waste leads to pollution of the air, water, and soil.
• Lack of reliable data: The Public Accounts Committee noted from the CAG audit findings in 2022 that several state pollution control boards (SPCBs) failed to provide information on plastic waste production for the years 2016-18. Additionally, there were discrepancies in the data that urban local bodies (ULBs) reported to the SPCBs.
• Inefficiencies in recycling: The current recycling system is mostly informal and lacks regulation, which results in low-quality recycled plastic and minimal benefits for the environment.

Global Efforts In Tackling Plastic Waste

• London Convention: This refers to the 1972 Convention on the Prevention of Marine Pollution by Dumping Wastes and Other Matter.
• Clean Seas Campaign: Launched by the United Nations Environment Programme in 2017, this campaign is the largest effort worldwide to raise awareness about plastic pollution and marine litter.
• Basel Convention: In 2019, this convention was updated to include plastic waste as a material that is regulated.
• The convention has three main sections related to plastic waste found in Annexes II, VIII, and IX.
• The changes regarding plastic waste made by the convention are now legally binding for 186 countries.

India’s Efforts In Tackling Plastic Waste

• Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): The Indian government has introduced EPR, which holds plastic manufacturers accountable for the waste their products create and ensures they manage and properly dispose of it.
• Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2022: This regulation bans the production, import, storage, distribution, sale, and use of plastic carry bags that are less than 120 microns thick.
• Swachh Bharat Abhiyan: This is a nationwide cleanliness initiative that focuses on collecting and disposing of plastic waste as part of its efforts to promote cleanliness.
• Plastic Parks: India has created specialized industrial areas known as Plastic Parks, which are dedicated to recycling and processing plastic waste effectively.
• Beach Clean-up Drives: The Indian government, along with various NGOs, has organized efforts to clean up beaches by collecting and disposing of plastic waste found in these areas.

Way Ahead

• To address plastic pollution, we need to change our behaviors and improve the systems in place for collecting, sorting, and recycling plastic waste.
• According to the UN Environment Assembly Resolution 5/14, the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) is tasked with creating a legally binding global treaty on plastics by the end of 2024.

GS3/Science and Technology

Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack

Source: Money Control

Why in News?

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) launched the Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack.

Blockchain Technology 

• Blockchain is a shared and unchangeable record that keeps track of transactions and assets within a business network.
• It saves information in a digital format, ensuring that transactions are secure.
• This technology is also referred to as Distributed Ledger Technology (DLT).
• Blockchain can convert and store various valuable items, including currency, in a digital way.
• Historical background: It was initially suggested in 1991 as a research idea, but it became widely used in 2009 with the creation of Bitcoin.
• Bitcoin is a type of digital money that is based on blockchain technology.
• Structure and Security: Blockchain consists of linked data blocks.
• Each block connects to the one before it, creating a chain.
• The design of blocks is intended to be secure and resistant to tampering or hacking.
• Properties of blockchain include its ability to maintain a secure and transparent record of transactions.

Applications

• Finance and Banking: Financial institutions are exploring the use of blockchain for various purposes such as:
  • Trade finance
  • Foreign exchange
  • Cross-border settlements
  • Securities
• In India, where many people do not have access to banking services, blockchain can be used to improve financial inclusion.
• Blockchain technology has led to the development of:
  • Cryptocurrencies
  • Decentralized finance applications
  • Non-fungible tokens (NFTs)
  • Smart contracts
• Governance and Public Services: The ability of blockchain to improve transparency and accountability in government operations is being actively investigated. Possible applications include:
  • Land record management
  • Voting systems
  • Identity verification
• Healthcare: In the healthcare sector, blockchain can:
  • Securely manage patient records
  • Ensure data integrity
  • Facilitate the safe sharing of medical information between institutions
• Transparent Elections: Blockchain can improve election processes by providing transparent and tamper-proof voting records.
• Supply Chain Management: Using blockchain, tracking products from their origin to their final destination becomes more reliable.
  • India's extensive supply chains can gain from improved transparency and traceability.

Challenges and Criticisms:

• Lack of Awareness: Even though there is a growing interest, blockchain technology is still in its early stages in India.
• Many sectors have not yet fully understood its possibilities.
• There are common misunderstandings, including the idea that blockchain will completely replace current systems.
• Scalability Concerns: One of the main issues with blockchain is its ability to scale effectively.
• Regulatory Uncertainty: Clear rules and regulations are necessary for blockchain to be widely accepted.
• India is making strides, but more clarity is needed in the regulations.
• Cybercrime: As more people start using cryptocurrencies, there has been an increase in scams and cybercrimes.
• The current regulations in India are still developing, making it hard for victims to recover their money and for authorities to deal with crypto-related crimes effectively.

Recent Steps 

• Vishvasya-Blockchain Technology Stack: This platform provides Blockchain-as-a-Service with a network that is spread across different locations, aimed at supporting various applications based on permissioned blockchains.
• National Blockchain Framework: The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) started the National Blockchain Framework (NBF) to create reliable digital platforms. The goal is to encourage research and development of applications that offer transparent, secure, and trusted digital services to citizens.
• NBFLite: MeitY introduced NBFLite, a lightweight blockchain platform known as Praamaanik. This innovative solution helps verify the origin of mobile apps and includes the National Blockchain Portal.
• Blockchain Sandbox for Startups and Academia: The NBFLite platform serves as a blockchain sandbox specifically designed for startups and academic institutions. It allows for quick development of applications, conducting research, and building capabilities.

Conclusion and Way Forward 

• Blockchain technology has great potential to change how governance works in India by making public services more transparent, efficient, and accountable.
• It can help create new industries and improve existing ones, such as enabling nano-payments and wealth redistribution.
• As blockchain networks expand, it is important to ensure that transactions are processed efficiently.
• Stakeholders should work to make India a global leader in blockchain technology and promote the developed solutions for worldwide use.
• This technology can be used to drive economic growth, social development, and digital empowerment in the country.