UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 3: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2024)
- Cabinet approves the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
- Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
-
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan
-
National Centre of Excellence for Animation
-
Bio-RIDE scheme
-
Bharatiya Antariksh Station
-
Pheromone dispenser
-
Neuralink’s Blindsight
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2024
GS Paper 3:
Cabinet approves the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA)
Syllabus: Agriculture
Source: PM India
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) schemes to ensure farmers get fair prices and stabilize consumer prices of essential goods.
The initiative, with a financial outlay of Rs. 35,000 crore until 2025-26, integrates schemes like the Price Support Scheme (PSS) and Price Stabilization Fund (PSF). It includes 100% procurement of certain crops, increased state procurement limits, and support for pulses, oilseeds, and perishable crops, aiming to reduce imports and protect consumers from price volatility.
About PM AASHA:
| Scheme Component | Description |
| Objective | Ensure remunerative prices for farmers through Minimum Support Price (MSP) assurance. Announced in 2018 budget. |
| Aim | Strengthen the procurement mechanism to improve farmers’ income. |
| Components | 1. Price Support Scheme (PSS) 2. Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) 3. Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS) |
| Price Support Scheme (PSS) | Central nodal agencies (NAFED, FCI) will procure pulses, oilseeds, and copra. 25% of marketable surplus will be procured. Government covers procurement costs and losses. |
| Price Deficiency Payment Scheme (PDPS) | State pays the difference between mandi prices and MSP for oilseeds. No physical procurement involved. Modeled on schemes from Madhya Pradesh and Haryana. |
| Private Procurement & Stockist Scheme (PPPS) | Piloted in select districts. Private agencies procure oilseeds at MSP in coordination with the government when prices fall below MSP. |
Issues with the Scheme:
- Limited procurement infrastructure benefits mainly wheat and rice.
- Only 6% of farmers sell produce at MSP (NSSO, 2013).
- Low MSP awareness: 24% of households aware of MSP for their crops (2017 study).
- MSP operations focus on a few states, leaving most crops under-procured.
- 79% of farmers dissatisfied with MSP due to payment delays, lack of infrastructure, long distances to centres, and delayed MSP announcements (NITI Aayog, 2016).
What is MSP?
The Minimum Support Price (MSP) is a minimum price for any crop at which the government purchases it from farmers, and is based on a calculation of at least one-and-a-half times the cost of production incurred by the farmers.
MSP does not have any legal basis but has been implemented since the 1960s with the following objectives:
- Ensuring food security in the country.
- Protection from price drop for farmers
- Incentivise desirable crop production
Importance of MSP:
- Safeguard against Price volatility: The system of MSP acts as a tool for the government to control sharp falls and rises in the prices of any crops
- Surety of minimum prices: The MSP is announced before the sowing season so that farmers can make an informed decision. Hence, supporting farmers from distress sales.
- Control crops short in supply: by offering more price support for these crops so that more and more farmers are tempted to grow these crops.
- Crop Diversification: MSP for crops promotes their diversification and curbs import-dependence and food inflation (e.g., there was a notable increase in the MSP of pulses and oilseeds in 2021 in order to incentivise its domestic production)
- Food security: The government can use these crops to be sold at government fair price shops at a price lower than the market rate to the below poverty line people at a lower price.
- Developmental schemes like PM-POSHAN, ICDS, Anganwadi Services Scheme, and TPDS rely on grains procured by FCI at MSP.
Mains Links:
What do you mean by Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? (UPSC 2019)
Prelims Links:
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
- In the case of all cereals, pulses and oil seeds, the procurement at Minimum Support Price (MSP) is unlimited in any State/UT of India.
- In the case of cereals and pulses, the MSP is fixed in any State/UT at a level to which the market price will never rise.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: D
Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission
Syllabus: Science and Technology: Space
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission, aimed at demonstrating technologies for returning to Earth after landing on the Moon and collecting lunar samples for analysis.
This mission follows Chandrayaan-3 and will help develop key technologies for a future Indian lunar landing by 2040. The project will be led by ISRO, with strong involvement from industry and academia, and is expected to be completed within 36 months. The mission supports India’s broader space vision, including plans for an Indian Space Station by 2035.
Historical overview of ISRO’s major programs – satellites, launch vehicles, and planetary exploration:
| Program | Key Achievements |
| Satellite Programs | |
| Aryabhata (1975) | Marked India’s entry into space era; conducted experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics. |
| Bhaskar-1 & Bhaskar-2 | Experimental remote-sensing satellites laying the groundwork for Indian Remote Sensing (IRS) Satellite system. |
| IRS-1A (1988) | Launched Earth Observation spacecraft aiding land-based applications like agriculture, forestry, etc. |
| INSAT Series | Initiated communication revolution, providing nationwide connectivity, broadcasting, meteorological info, etc. |
| IRNSS (NavIC) (2013) | Started for terrestrial, aerial, marine navigation, location-based services, etc. |
| Launch Vehicle Programs | |
| 1963 Nike Apache | Initial rocket launch; ‘sounding rocket’ experiment. |
| SLV-3 (1980) | India’s first launch vehicle; entry into space-faring nations. |
| PSLV | Reliable and versatile workhorse; enabled critical space missions. |
| GSLV | Addressed PSLV’s limitations; introduced cryogenic engines. |
| GSLV Mk-III | Heaviest launch vehicle; used for Chandrayaan-2 and Chandrayaan-3 missions. |
| Planetary Exploration | |
| Chandrayaan-1 (2008) | Detected water on the Moon; the fifth country to reach the lunar surface. |
| Mangalyaan (2013) | First interplanetary mission; reached Mars orbit, showcasing interplanetary technology. |
| Chandrayaan-2 (2019) | Aimed for lunar exploration but faced a setback with the lander’s soft landing. |
| Chandrayaan-3 (2023) | Achieved a successful soft landing on the Moon, contributing to India’s lunar capabilities. |
Significance of the Chandrayaan-4 mission for India:
- Technological Advancement: Demonstrates India’s capability to return safely from the Moon after landing.
- Lunar Sample Collection: First mission to bring back samples from the Moon for scientific analysis.
- Foundation for Manned Missions: Lays groundwork for a future manned lunar mission by 2040.
- Indigenous Development: Enhances self-reliance in critical space technologies.
- Boost to Space Industry: Involves Indian industries, generating employment and technology spin-offs.
- Global Space Leadership: Strengthens India’s position among elite spacefaring nations.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019)
Prelims Links:
Q Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
- is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
- made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
- made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2024 GS Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan
Source: PMINDIA
Context: The Union Cabinet approved the Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan to uplift tribal communities in 63,000 tribal-majority villages and aspirational districts.
- The mission targets 5 crore tribal people by addressing gaps in social infrastructure, education, health, and livelihoods.
- Key goals include providing pucca houses, enhancing road and mobile connectivity, improving education and healthcare access, and promoting economic empowerment through skills training, livelihood support, and tribal marketing centers.
- Additionally, it includes innovative components like tribal home stays and support for Forest Right Act
The mission builds on the success of PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (2023), aiming for holistic tribal development through a federal cooperative approach.
National Centre of Excellence for Animation
Source: TH
Context: The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of a National Centre of Excellence (NCoE) for Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, Comics, and Extended Reality (AVGC-XR), named the Indian Institute for Immersive Creators (IIIC).
- This institution, modeled after IITs and IIMs, will be located in Mumbai and aims to position India as a global content hub.
- It will offer specialized training, foster research and development, and support startups in the AVGC-XR sector, enhancing India’s soft power and attracting foreign investments.
- The NCoE will focus on India’s IP creation, cultural content, and employment opportunities, contributing to the Atmanirbhar Bharat
Bio-RIDE scheme
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Cabinet approved the Biotechnology Research Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (Bio-RIDE) scheme, merging two existing Department of Biotechnology schemes.
- Bio-RIDE aims to foster innovation, bio-entrepreneurship, and sustainable biomanufacturing.
Key components of Bio-RIDE:
- Biotechnology Research & Development (R&D) – Supports cutting-edge research in fields like synthetic biology and bioenergy.
- Industrial & Entrepreneurship Development (I&ED) – Promotes bio-entrepreneurship through funding, incubation, and mentorship.
- Biomanufacturing and Biofoundry – Focuses on sustainable practices and circular bioeconomy to address healthcare, agriculture, and climate challenges.
The scheme encourages industry-academia collaboration, supports extramural funding for research, and aims to make India a global leader in biotechnology, contributing to the goal of a $300 billion bioeconomy by 2030.
Bharatiya Antariksh Station
Source: India Today
Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the development of the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS-1) as part of an expanded Gaganyaan programme, marking a significant leap in India’s space ambitions.
- The plan involves completing eight missions, including uncrewed ones, by December 2028, with BAS-1 expected to be operational by 2035.
- Additionally, the decision sets the groundwork for a crewed lunar mission by 2040.
Key highlights:
- Gaganyaan programme now includes eight missions.
- BAS-1 will focus on microgravity-based scientific research and technology development, generating opportunities in high-tech sectors.
- ISRO will lead the efforts, collaborating with industry and academia, to develop critical technologies for long-duration human space missions.
- The Cabinet also approved the Chandrayaan-4 mission and a Venus Orbiter mission.
Pheromone dispenser
Source: PIB
Context: Scientists from Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) and ICAR-National Bureau of Agricultural Insect Resources (ICAR-NBAIR) have developed a sustainable pheromone dispenser to aid farmers in controlling pests.
- This dispenser uses a mesoporous silica matrix, which ensures a stable, controlled release of pheromones, making it more efficient than existing models.
- The stable release rate reduces the need for frequent replacements, thereby lowering costs and labor.
- The dispenser’s effectiveness in field tests was comparable to commercial options, but with a reduced pheromone load.
Pheromones are chemical substances produced and released by animals (including insects and humans) that trigger a social or behavioral response in members of the same species.
They are often used for communication, such as signaling danger, marking territory, attracting mates, or coordinating social behaviors.
Neuralink’s Blindsight
Source: TOI
Context: Elon Musk’s brain-chip company, Neuralink, received the FDA’s “breakthrough device” designation for its Blindsight implant, designed to restore vision, even for individuals who have lost both eyes and their optic nerve.
- This designation accelerates the development and review process for medical devices that address life-threatening conditions.
- The Blindsight implant is part of Neuralink’s broader mission to restore neural functions.
- Neuralink has already implanted the device in a second patient, enabling them to play video games and design 3D objects.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 September 2024
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