Daily Current Affairs 04 August 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 04 August 2023 focuses on Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

Nano Fertilizers

Source: PIB
GS II: Agriculture

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. What are Nano Fertilisers?

Why in News?

Recently Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) has informed that trials were conducted at 20 selected locations in selected crops to study the effect of Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited  (IFFCO) nano-urea (liquid) used as foliar spray.

News in Brief

• According to the study, nano-urea is a viable alternative to conventional urea when used as a foliar spray for top-dressing.
• By applying nano-urea on the leaves along with the recommended amount of conventional urea at the plant’s base, the crop yield can increase by 3-8% compared to using traditional fertilizers.
• Although the Indian government is not directly involved in establishing Nano Urea Plants.
• IFFCO has set up three such plants in Kalol, Phulpur, and Aonla, which have a capacity of 17 crore bottles.

What are Nano Fertilisers?

• It is also known as nano fertilizers, are a type of nanotechnology-based agricultural input designed to improve
• These fertilizers utilize nanoparticles, which are particles at the nanoscale (usually between 1 and 100 nanometers in size), to deliver nutrients more effectively to plants.

How does Nano Fertilizer differ from traditional?

• Traditional fertilizers, such as urea, phosphates, and potash, have been essential for increasing crop yields and ensuring food security.
• However, their efficiency in nutrient uptake by plants is not always optimal.
• Many nutrients can be lost through leaching, runoff, or volatilization, leading to environmental pollution and wastage.
• Nano fertilizers aim to overcome these limitations by enhancing nutrient delivery and absorption.
• They can be engineered to have specific properties that enable targeted and controlled release of nutrients to plants.

Key characteristics of nano fertilizers

1. 1. Increased Surface Area: Nano-sized particles have a larger surface area compared to conventional fertilizers, which allows for better contact and interaction with plant roots.
   2. Controlled Release: It can be designed to release nutrients slowly and steadily, matching the crop’s nutrient requirements throughout its growth stages.
   3. Nutrient Protection: Nanoparticles can protect nutrients from environmental factors that lead to their degradation or loss.
   4. Enhanced Mobility: It can improve nutrient mobility within the soil, making them more available for plant uptake.
   5. Reduced Environmental Impact: By increasing nutrient use efficiency, nano fertilizers can potentially reduce the amount of excess nutrients released into the environment, thereby lowering the risk of pollution.

Challenges

• Despite the promising potential of nano fertilizers, their adoption and commercialization are still in the early stages.
• Several challenges and concerns related to their safety, environmental impact, and cost-effectiveness need to be addressed before their widespread use in agriculture.

Research and guidelines

• Regulatory agencies in various countries are working to establish guidelines and standards for the safe use of nanotechnology in agriculture, including nano fertilizers.
• Research is ongoing to understand their long-term effects on crops, soil, and the environment.
• It is essential to continue monitoring their performance and impact to ensure sustainable and safe agricultural practices.

Festival of Libraries 2023

Source: PIB
GS II: Human Resource; Prelims

Overview

1. About Festival of Libraries 2023 
2. National Mission on Libraries

Why in News?

Festival of Libraries 2023 to be Inaugurated by the President of India Smt. Droupadi Murmu.

About Festival of Libraries 2023

• The Festival of Libraries will showcase renowned libraries from around the world to spark discussions about modernizing and

  

  digitizing libraries in India.

• Its ultimate goal is to create policies that promote the development of Model Libraries at the village and community levels. Additionally, the festival will introduce a special ranking system for libraries across India to further encourage excellence and innovation in the library industry.
• This unique event is designed to engage and inspire participants from all aspects of the library ecosystem.
• Special sessions will focus on library schemes and collections, including National Missions on Libraries, Manuscripts, and Archives.
• There will be four theme-based drawing rooms, each featuring book-author sessions, digital displays, flip books and podcasts, the human library project, and the Indian Culture Portal.
• The Children’s Zone will have hands-on activities like Readathon, Build-a-Bookshelf, Treasure Hunt, Organize-Your-Home-Library, and more to promote reading habits and help children develop a relationship with books, reading, writing, and speaking.

National Mission on Libraries 

• The National Mission on Libraries (NML) is an initiative launched by the Government of India under the Ministry of Culture to modernize and revitalize libraries in the country.
• The mission was initiated to provide effective access to knowledge and information resources to all segments of society, preserve cultural heritage, and promote lifelong learning.
• The National Mission on Libraries is aligned with the broader goals of the National Knowledge Commission and the National Policy on Library and Information Systems (NPLIS).
• It recognizes the critical role that libraries play in knowledge dissemination, education, and cultural preservation.
• The mission has been instrumental in promoting the use of technology in libraries, establishing digital libraries, and providing e-learning facilities to students and researchers.
• It is a significant step towards making knowledge more accessible and inclusive for all citizens of India.

Objectives of the National Mission on Libraries

1. Modernization of Libraries: The mission aims to modernize and upgrade libraries by integrating information and communication technology, automation, and digitalization of library resources.
2. Strengthening Library Infrastructure: It focuses on strengthening the physical infrastructure of libraries, including the renovation and construction of library buildings and facilities.
3. Human Resource Development: The mission emphasizes capacity building and training of library professionals to enhance their skills in managing modern libraries and information services.
4. Digitization of Library Resources: NML aims to digitize rare and valuable manuscripts, documents, and other historical resources to preserve cultural heritage and make them accessible to a wider audience.
5. Outreach and Access: The mission aims to increase outreach and improve access to library services, especially in remote and underserved areas of the country.
6. Networking and Collaboration: It encourages networking and collaboration among various libraries and information centers to share resources and expertise.
7. Public Awareness: NML works towards raising public awareness about the importance of libraries and reading culture in society.
8. Policy Support: The mission provides policy support to various library initiatives and projects at the national and state levels.

Himalayan Vulture Bred In Captivity First Time In India

Source: The Hindu
GS III: Environmental Conseration

Overview

1. About Himalayan Vulture
2. How it helps

Why in News?

Researchers have recorded the first instance of captive breeding of the Himalayan vulture (Gyps himalayensis) in India at the Assam State Zoo, Guwahati.

About Himalayan Vulture

• The Himalayan Vulture, also known as the Himalayan Griffon Vulture or the Himalayan White-rumped Vulture, is a large bird of prey belonging to the Accipitridae family.
• It is a resident species found in the mountainous regions of the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
• The Himalayan vulture is a common winter migrant to the Indian plains, and a resident of the high Himalayas.

Details about the Himalayan Vulture

1. Scientific Name: Gyps himalayensis
2. Physical Description
   • The Himalayan Vulture is a large vulture with a wingspan ranging from 2.6 to 3.1 meters (8.5 to 10.2 feet) and a body length of about 94 to 104 centimeters (37 to 41 inches).
   • It has a predominantly white body with a distinct rufous or reddish-brown nape and upper wings.
   • The tail is white with a broad black band near the end.
   • The head is covered in white feathers with a dark eye patch, and the hooked beak is pale in color.
3. Habitat
   • The Himalayan Vulture is mainly found in high-altitude regions, particularly in the Himalayan mountain range.
   • It inhabits open, rocky areas, cliffs, and steep slopes, which provide ideal nesting sites and vantage points for spotting carrion to feed on.
4. Diet
   • As a scavenger, the Himalayan Vulture primarily feeds on carrion, which includes the carcasses of large mammals like domestic livestock, wild ungulates, and occasionally even human remains.
   • They play a vital ecological role in the ecosystem by cleaning up and recycling decaying organic matter.
5. Behavior
   • Himalayan Vultures are often seen soaring high in the sky on thermal currents, using their excellent vision to locate food.
   • They are highly social birds and are often seen in large groups at feeding sites.
6. Conservation Status
   • The Himalayan Vulture, like many other vulture species, has faced significant population declines due to several factors, including the use of the drug diclofenac in cattle, which is toxic to vultures when they consume the carcasses.
   • As a result, the species is listed as “Near Threatened” by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
7. Conservation Efforts
   • Conservation efforts have been undertaken to protect the Himalayan Vulture and its habitat.
   • Initiatives include banning the use of diclofenac in veterinary treatments and establishing vulture-safe zones where vultures can feed on uncontaminated carcasses.

Challenges

• The Himalayan Vulture is an iconic bird of prey with a vital ecological role in the Himalayan ecosystem.
• It faces significant conservation challenges, but ongoing efforts aim to secure its future and promote the conservation of these majestic birds.

Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023

Source: PIB
GS II: Governance; GS I: Natural Resources

Overview

1. About the Bill
2. Key Provisions
3. India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Why in News?

Recently, the Parliament passed the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023.

About the Bill

• The Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023 was introduced in Lok Sabha on July

  

  27, 2023.

• The Bill amends the Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Act, 2002. The Act regulates mining in maritime zones of India.
• The Act categorises offshore mining-related activities into
  1. reconnaissance, which involves a preliminary survey to locate mineral resources
  2. Exploration, which includes exploring, proving, or locating mineral deposits
  3. Production is the commercial activity of the extraction of minerals.

Key Provisions of Offshore Areas Mineral (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill 2023

• License
  • A composite license is introduced by the bill to give rights for both production and exploration.
  • The licensee will have three years to finish exploration as per the terms of the composite license.
  • Upon request of the licensee, this may be extended for an additional two years.
  • The licensee will be given one or more production licenses for the investigated area if mineral deposits have been confirmed.
  • Types are 
    1. Reconnaissance permit for reconnaissance
    2. Exploration license for exploration
    3. Production lease for undertaking mining.
• Area Coverage 
  • The largest exploration region that may be conducted under a single composite license is 30 minutes of latitude by 30 minutes of longitude.
  • A single composite license may cover a maximum region of 15 minutes latitude by 15 minutes longitude for production.
• Validity of Concession
  • A production lease may be awarded under the Act for up to 30 years.
  • Up to 20 further renewals are permitted.
  • A production lease and a production lease under a composite license will both have a 50-year term under the Bill’s provisions.
• Auction
  • A production lease and a composite license to private firms must be competitively bid for.
  • Applications for production leases made prior to the effective date of the Bill’s provisions are invalid.
  • An exploration license issued before the effective date of the Bill’s provisions will not be qualified to purchase a production lease on the explored area.
• Reserved Area Mining
  • The act allows the government to reserve offshore areas that are not held under any operating right.
  • Joint ventures of government companies will also be eligible, subject to certain conditions
    • Partners must be selected through a competitive process
    • Government company owns at least 74% of the paid-up share capital.
• Atomic minerals
  • The Bill further states that only the government or government-affiliated firms would be awarded exploration, production, and composite licenses for atomic minerals.
  • The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act of 1957 defines atomic minerals.
• Fine for Offenses
  • Bill raises penalties for a number of infractions.
  • For instance, violating the Act’s prohibition on engaging in any activity without a permit or license might result in a five-year jail sentence, a fine of up to Rs 50,000, or both.
  • According to the Bill, the penalties for this infraction will range from Rs 5 lakh to Rs 10 lakh.

India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ)

Two million square kilometers holds significant recoverable resources. GSI has delineate the resources of the following minerals in the offshore areas:

• 1,53,996 million tons of lime mud within the EEZ off Gujarat and Maharashtra coasts.
• 745 million tons of construction-grade sand off Kerala coast.
• 79 million tons of heavy mineral placers in the inner-shelf and mid-shelf off Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
• Phosphorite in the Eastern and Western continental margins.
• Polymetallic Ferromanganese (Fe-Mn) nodules and crusts in Andaman Sea and Lakshadweep Sea.

Great Nicobar Project

Source: The Hindu
GS III: Effects of liberalization on the economy, changes in industrial policy and their effects on industrial growth

Overview

1. About Great Nicobar Project
2. Environmental Impact of the Project

Why in News?

Great Nicobar Project may see 9.64 lakh trees felled to enable the construction of a trans-shipment port, an international airport, a 450 MVA gas and solar-based power plant in the Great Nicobar island.

About Great Nicobar Project

• The project received environmental permission from the central government in 2022, and it will be implemented over the course of the following 30 years in stages.
• According to a vision plan created by the NITI Aayog, the project is being led by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation (ANIIDCO).
• Great Nicobar Island is gearing up for an ambitious development project spanning an extensive land area of 16,610 hectares.
• This all-encompassing initiative will include a world-class international container transshipment terminal, a brand new greenfield international airport, township development, and a power plant that will run on a combination of gas and solar energy.
• According to a report by NITI Aayog, the proposed port will allow Great Nicobar to emerge as a significant player in cargo trans-shipment and actively participate in the global maritime economy.
• The island’s strategic location is equidistant from Colombo, Port Klang (Malaysia), and Singapore.
• It is situated in close proximity to the crucial East-West international shipping corridor.
• The development of Great Nicobar has been deemed critical for national security and the consolidation of the Indian Ocean Region since the 1970s.
• In recent years, the growing Chinese presence in the Indian Ocean has further underscored the urgency of this project.

Environmental Impact of the Project

Impact

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change stressed that the Great Nicobar Project would cause the cutting down of an estimated 9.64 lakh trees in the designated forest area.
• A potential reduction in the number of trees to be cut down might result from the preservation of 15% of the development area as green and open areas.
• A significant concern raised is the potential loss of biodiversity
• Safeguarding critical taxa and their habitats, including species such as Leatherback Turtles, Nicobar Megapodes, Coral Reefs, Saltwater Crocodiles, and Mangroves took priority.
• Project will impact the potential loss of carbon sequestration capacity impacting carbon emission.

Measures Taken

• To address the loss of biodiversity government agencies combined will prepare a Biodiversity conservation or management plan.
• Compensatory afforestation, which aims to mitigate the impact of tree felling.
• Haryana government has agreed to provide an area of 261.5 sq.km for Compensatory Afforestation, contributing to the restoration of green cover in the region.
• The development plan allocates 65.99 sq.km of the total proposed area for green development, where no tree felling is envisioned.

Provident fund data on formal employment in the country

Source: Hindu
GS III:  Indian Economy

Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Annual reports from the EPF Organizations
3. Effect on the middle class
4. Impacts of the COVID pandemic
5. Way forward

Why in News?

• Employees Provident Fund (EPF) records show net gains in contributions.
  • However, this contradicts ground reports in India of unemployment and job scarcity.

News in Brief

Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2023

Source: PRSIndia
GS II: Governance

Overview

1. Key Provision

Why in News?

The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 which attempts to regulate the legal profession through a single Act and intends to combat touts, was approved by the Rajya Sabha.

News in Brief

• The statement of goals and reasons for the law states that the amendment will assist in regulating the legal profession under a single Act, the Advocates Act of 1961.
• The legal profession any unlawful practices should be dealt with firmly.

Key Provision

• Illegal Practice
  • According to the Bill, every High Court, district judge, sessions judge, district magistrate, and revenue officer (under the level of a

    

    district collector) is allowed to create and publish lists of touts.

  • A tout is someone who
    • Either seeks to get or actually obtains the job of a legal practitioner in a legal company in exchange for any payment
    • Often visits locations such as the courthouses for civil or criminal cases, tax offices, or train stations in order to obtain such employment.
    • Any individual whose name is on the list of touts may be barred from the court’s grounds by the judge or the court.
• List of touts
  • Authorities with the authority to create and distribute the list of touts may direct subordinate courts to launch an investigation into the behavior of individuals who are allegedly or undoubtedly touts.
  • When such a person is established to be a tout, the authorities may add his name to the list of touts.
  • No one shall be placed on such a list without being given the chance to object and provide justification.
• Penalty
  • Anyone whose name appears on the list of touts and who engages in touting will be penalised
  • Penalty with up to three months in prison, a fine of up to Rs 500, or both.

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