theIASHub | 05 May, 2025 | 4
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Genome-Edited Rice: Recently, India achieved a monumental milestone in agricultural science by becoming the first country in the world to develop genome-edited rice varieties. The new varieties, DRR Rice 100 (Kamla) and Pusa DST Rice 1, are set to revolutionize rice cultivation by boosting production, enhancing climate adaptability, and conserving water.
o 20% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
o Savings of 7,500 million cubic meters of irrigation water.
o Improved resilience to climate stresses, including drought and salinity.
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•DRR Rice 100 (Kamla): Developed by ICAR-IIRR, Hyderabad. oBased on Samba Mahsuri (BPT 5204). oHigh yield, earlier maturation (20 days), water and fertilizer savings, and reduced methane emissions. oStronger stalks and similar rice quality to Samba Mahsuri. |
•Pusa DST Rice 1: Developed by ICAR-IARI, New Delhi. oBased on MTU 1010. oYield increase by 9.66% to 30.4% in saline and alkaline soils. |
Stratospheric Airship Platform : The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) achieved a significant milestone with the successful maiden flight-trial of its Stratospheric Airship Platform.
Highlights: A high-altitude airship equipped with an instrumental payload ascended to approximately 17 km into the stratosphereo The flight lasted 62 minutes during which critical onboard systems were tested: Envelope pressure control and emergency deflation mechanisms
o Onboard sensor data will be analysed to: Develop advanced simulation models to aid future long-duration stratospheric missions.The airship was successfully recovered for further technical examination.
o Enhances India’s Intelligence, Surveillance , Reconnaissance and earth observation capabilities.
o Positions India among nations with advanced indigenous high-altitude technologies.
Tissue culture : Tissue culture propagation has emerged as a promising solution for teak (Tectona grandis), a highly valued tropical hardwood known for its strength, durability, and wide range of applications.
o Asia holds over 95% of the world's teak resources, with India managing 35% of the planted teak forests. Madhya Pradesh and Maharashtra have the largest natural teak forests in India.
o In plants, this process, also known as micropropagation, involves culturing seeds, organs, explants, tissues, cells, or protoplasts on a chemically defined nutrient medium under sterile and controlled conditions of light, temperature, and humidity.
o Minimizes the risk of transmitting diseases, pests, and pathogens during plant movement.
o Facilitates the storage and conservation of genetic material to protect native plant species.
Agriphotovoltaics (APVs):The concept of agriphotovoltaics (APVs), the dual use of land for both agriculture and solar power generation, offers a transformative approach to addressing India’s twin challenges of energy demand and agrarian distress.
o Dual-use: Farmers can generate income from both agriculture (crop cultivation) and solar energy generation.
o Microclimatic benefits: APVs help improve microclimatic conditions, reduce heat stress on crops, and reduce evapotranspiration losses.
o Especially useful in arid or semi-arid zones, where water conservation is critical.
o Cost of APVs: APV systems are approximately 11% more expensive than standard solar plants.
o Viability: The financial feasibility of APVs heavily depends on attractive Feed-in Tariffs (FiTs).
o Current FiT: Rs 3.04/unit, offering a 15-year payback period.
o Suggested FiT (based on thermal averages): Rs 4.52/unit, offering a 4-year payback period.
o FiT Revision: Revising the FiT is critical for scaling up APVs and attracting private investment in the sector.
Public Investment Fund (PIF): India is exploring significant tax breaks for Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund (PIF) to encourage its proposed $100 billion investment in India's infrastructure and energy sectors.
o Tax Benefits: India might give PIF a 10-year tax holiday, which would help PIF avoid taxes on things like dividends, interest, and long-term capital gains (LTCGs) related to investments in infrastructure.
o Income Tax Act Provisions:
- Section 10(23FE): This section already provides tax exemptions for sovereign wealth funds like PIF on investments in infrastructure assets.
- Section 80IA: Could give PIF a tax holiday for up to 10 years on profits from infrastructure projects.
o Comparison with Other Funds: The proposed tax treatment for PIF might be similar to what was given to the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority (ADIA), which also enjoys special tax exemptions in India.
o PIF's Current Investments: PIF, which has assets of $925 billion, has invested in India before, such as $1.5 billion in Jio Platforms and $1.3 billion in Reliance Retail. They are interested in expanding into energy, infrastructure, technology, and healthcare.
o High-Level Task Force (HLTF): Established in 2024, the HLTF aims to increase investment between India and Saudi Arabia. They are working to remove tax-related barriers to make investments smoother.
ECINET : Recently, the Election Commission of India (ECI) announced plans to launch a new digital platform called ECINET.
o User Experience: Designed with a user-friendly interface and easy access for both voters and officials.
o Enhanced Accessibility: Accessible on desktops and smartphones for easy access to electoral data and services.
o Accurate Data Handling: Data entry will be authorized by EC officials, ensuring accuracy and resolving conflicts with primary statutory data.
o Cybersecurity: Rigorous trials ensure secure data protection and election integrity.
o Voter Confidence: ECINET aims to address concerns over voter roll manipulation, identity duplication, and data discrepancies, increasing public trust.
o Efficiency: The platform will benefit nearly 100 crore electors and 10.5 lakh officials, streamlining the electoral process and simplifying access by eliminating the need for multiple apps.
o Improved Data Accuracy: Authorized officials will handle data, minimizing errors and discrepancies, and enhancing transparency to boost trust in the electoral system.
Arctic Circle India Forum : Recently, at the Arctic Circle India Forum, India highlighted its balanced and strategic approach to global affairs, including talks on Arctic Ocean.
o About: The India Forum is co-hosted by Arctic Circle and the Observer Research Foundation (ORF), in collaboration with the Ministry of External Affairs and the Ministry of Earth Sciences of India.
- It offers a unique opportunity to align India’s Arctic policy with regional and global interests.
- The discussion could pave the way for appointing a ‘Polar Ambassador’, strengthening India’s Arctic representation.
o Theme: The Polar Order: The Arctic and Asia | Science – Geopolitics – Climate – Busines
o Arctic Shipping & Economic Opportunities: Melting ice is opening Arctic sea routes, sparking discussions on sustainable trade, marine conservation, and resource-based economic prospects
o Geopolitical Dimensions: India advocates for Arctic peace and cooperation, reflecting its strategic autonomy and balanced diplomatic stance amid global tensions.
Campi Flegrei: Recently, Scientists observed cyclical episodes of unrest, marked by land uplift, seismic activity, and rumbling sounds caused by underground fluid pressure at Campi Flegrei.
o It differs from traditional volcanoes like Mount Vesuvius, as it is not a single volcano but a volcanic system spread across a large caldera.
o The caldera, or volcanic depression, spans approximately 12–15 km in diameter and was created due to a massive eruption around 39,000 years ago.
Abdali Missile: Pakistan recently claimed that it has conducted a ‘successful’ training launch of the Abdali Weapon System.
o Designed for tactical battlefield use and can deliver both conventional and nuclear warheads.
o Range: 450 kilometers, doubling the previously reported operational range of 180–200 km.
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