Daily News Digest 8 Feb 2024

Table of content

• India-Myanmar Relations
• Law Commission of India
• Northern White Rhino(N)
• Subika painting style
• National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)
• Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme
• 390-year-old lamp post in Nalgonda unravels trade links of Telangana
• Green Propulsion System
• The National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation
• Nano DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)

India-Myanmar Relations

Why in news?

This article is based on the news “Myanmar’s civil war and India’s interests” Which was published in the Hindu.

What is the significance of Myanmar for India?

• Geo-strategic- Myanmar stands at the centre of the India-Southeast Asia geography. It sits at the intersection of India’s “Neighbourhood First” policy, “Act East” policy and serves as a land bridge to connect South Asia and Southeast Asia.
• Controlling insurgency in Northeast: Insurgents groups such as ISCN-K, ISCN-IM frequently cross the border into Myanmar to avoid repression therefore Myanmar is seen as a key partner in the fight to end insurgency in India's northeast.
• Countering China: Myanmar provides China with strategic influence in the Bay of Bengal, in the wider Indian Ocean region, therefore Myanmar is critical to its national security interests.
• Border security: Myanmar shares a land border with northeastern India (1,624km). This border is not only characterised by insurgencies, but also by delicate national sentiment. It serves as a buffer between India and China.
• Trade & Tourism: India’s Buddhist diplomacy would not only attract pilgrims from mainland Buddhist Southeast Asia (bolstering the tourist industry) but it could also build up India’s diplomatic reservoir of goodwill.

Area of Convergence

• Economic cooperation: India is the fourth largest trading partner of Myanmar. India-Myanmar bilateral trade may rise significantly, because both countries are negotiating rupee trade settlement mechanisms.
• Energy cooperation: Myanmar is the largest recipient of India's investment in the oil and gas sector in Southeast Asia. ONGC Videsh has been associated with the exploration and development of the Shwe project in Myanmar.
• Defense Cooperation: Defense cooperation has been a strong pillar of bilateral relations between the two countries. Both countries conduct a joint military exercise, called India – Myanmar Bilateral Military Exercise (IMBEX).
• Infrastructure & Connectivity: India has invested heavily in infrastructure projects in Myanmar like Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and the Trilateral Highway Project etc.
• Capacity Building: India has been offering avenues of capacity building to Myanmar under various schemes like Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC). Myanmar students have also availed scholarships to Indian universities under ICCR scholarships.

Area of divergence

• India’s Policy Paradox: India’s official policy on commitment to democracy in Myanmar is in contrast with its policy framed through the lens of its security concerns in north-east India and relations with China.
• Misuse of Free movement regime: The free movement regime has been used for unintentionally aiding illegal immigration, drug trafficking, and gun running.
• Refugee Crisis: The mass exodus of the Rohingyas from Myanmar to Bangladesh has caused ramifications in the two countries' bilateral relations. These illegal migrants pose grave security concerns for India.
• Drug Menace: Myanmar is used as a transit route to flood Indian markets with opium and other synthetic drugs.
• Chinese Investment: The Chinese investment in Myanmar upsetting India because it gives China overland access to the Indian Ocean via Myanmar which is detrimental for India.
• Delays in Regional Connectivity Projects: The ongoing civil war has delayed India’s key projects in Myanmar like the Kaladan Multimodal Connectivity project. These delays have the potential to widen the trust deficit between India and Myanmar.

Way forward

• Support for democracy and human rights: The best way for India to have a good relationship with Myanmar is if it supports the democracy movement. India should use its influence to open channels of dialogue between the Military junta and the pro-democratic forces.
• Balancing Act: Myanmar holds immense importance for India; therefore, India should coldly calculate that cooperation with the Myanmar junta is a better way to keep the relationship.
• Use of Regional Organisations: For greater collaboration, India should cooperate closely with the ASEAN nations for a peace plan for Myanmar.

Law Commission of India

Why in news? 

Recently, the 22nd Law Commission of India led by Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi has recommended that the offence of criminal defamation should be retained in the new criminal laws.

About New Ramsar Sites in India

• The Law Commission of India is a non-statutory body constituted by the Government of India from time to time. It works under the Ministry of Law.
• The first Law Commission was established during the British Raj era in 1834 by the Charter Act of 1833 and was chaired by Lord Macaulay.
• A retired Supreme Court judge or Chief Justice of a High Court head the Commission; the commission has four full-time members, including a member-secretary.
• The Law Commission undertakes research in law and review of existing laws in India for making reforms therein and enacting new legislations on a reference made to it by the Central Government or suo-motu.

Northern White Rhino(N)

Why in news? 

Recently, reproductive technologies like in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) and stem cell techniques have been employed to increase northern white rhino’s (NWR) population.

About

• White rhinos are the second-largest land mammal, and are a subspecies of the white rhino (Ceratotherium simum).
• They are known as the square-lipped rhinoceros, white rhinos have a square upper lip with almost no hair.
• The majority (98.8%) of the southern white rhinos are found in just four countries: South Africa, Namibia, Zimbabwe, and Kenya.
• The NWR population has declined dramatically due to poaching, habitat loss, civil war, and disease.
• They are listed as Near Threatened in the IUCN Red List Status. 

Gentoo penguins

Why in news

In a concerning development, the Scientific Committee on Antarctic Research (SCAR) has reported the first known cases of a deadly bird flu strain in gentoo penguins.

About Gentoo Penguins

• Gentoo Penguin (Pygoscelis papua), species of penguin characterized by a band of white feathers extending across the top of the head from just above each eye.
• Gentoo penguins (Pygoscelis papua) are renowned for their streamlined bodies and impressive swimming capabilities.
• They are exclusively found in the Southern Hemisphere between 45 and 65 degrees south latitude, around the Antarctic Peninsula and Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic Ocean.
• They are listed as least concern in the IUCN Red List Status
• Avian influenza, often referred to as bird flu, is a highly contagious viral infection that primarily affects birds, particularly wild birds and domestic poultry.

Subika painting style

Time to Read :🕑 5 Mins

Why in news?

Despite Manipur's vibrant cultural tapestry, invaluable art forms like Subika Paintings face imminent extinction due to neglect, threatening a unique treasure.

About Subika painting style

• The Subika painting style is intricately linked to the Meitei community’s cultural history.
  • Through its six surviving manuscripts — Subika, Subika Achouba, Subika Laishaba, Subika Choudit, Subika Cheithil and Thengrakhel Subika. 
• Although the royal chronicle, Cheitharol Kumbaba, doesn’t mention a specific founder, there is a possibility that this art form existed when the writing tradition was introduced in the state.
• Despite Manipur’s prominence in Raas leela and Nat Sangkritan, it lags behind in the field of visual arts. 
• The historical roots, evident in Subika paintings, reveal a once prominent position. 
• Experts estimate the use of Subika paintings since the 18th or 19th century.

National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

Time to Read :🕑 5 Mins

Why in news?

The NCGG, in partnership with the MEA, recently hosted a groundbreaking leadership program for senior African civil servants, focusing on public policy and governance.

About National Centre for Good Governance (NCGG)

• It was set up in 2014 by the Government of India as an apex–level autonomous institution under the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. 
• The Centre traces its origin to the National Institute of Administrative Research (NIAR), which was set up in 1995 by the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration (LBSNAA), the Government of India's topmost training institute for civil services. 
  • NIAR was subsequently rechristened and subsumed into NCGG.
• NCGG deals with a gamut of governance issues from local, state to national levels, across all sectors.
• It promote sharing and replication of innovative ideas and best practives in governance.
• It is a think tank for governance and policy reforms, cutting across administrative, social, economic, and financial spheres. 
• Governing Body: 
  • The affairs of the NCGG are managed under the overall superintendence and direction of the Governing Body, which is headed by the Cabinet Secretary. 
  • It has Secretaries of 9 ministries/ departments and 5 eminent persons viz. academicians, eminent administrators, specialists, eminent innovators, heads of reputed institutions as members. 

Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme

Time to Read :🕑 5 Mins

Why in news? 

In a comprehensive initiative, the Government of India aims to map and document every village participating in the Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme.

About Mera Gaon, Meri Dharohar (MGMD) Programme

• This National Mission on Cultural Mapping is conducted in coordination with Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) under the Ministry of Culture. 
• A web portal on MGMD has also been launched on 27th July, 2023. 
• The MGMD seeks to compile comprehensive information detailing the life, history, and ethos of Indian villages and to make the same available to virtual and real-time visitors. 
• Under the MGMD, information is collected under seven broad categories as given below-
  • Arts and Crafts Village
  • Ecologically Oriented Village
  • Scholastic Village linked with Textual and Scriptural Traditions of India
  • Epic Village linked with Ramayana, Mahabharata and/or Puranic legends and oral epics
  • Historical Village linked with Local and National History
  • Architectural Heritage Village

390-year-old lamp post in Nalgonda unravels trade links of Telangana

Why in news?

A newly-discovered Deepastambham (lamp post) on the edge of River Krishna in Nalgonda district casts a fresh light on trade ties in the region in early medieval times.

About new discovery

• Discovery location is 180 kilometres from Hyderabad which was ruled by the Qutb Shahi rulers at that time.
• The inscription was engraved by Madiraju Narasayya of Yidupulapāti and erected by Polinedu, son of Vali Munulayya.
• The 20-foot tall pillar with hollows for lamps and a multi-lingual inscription in Mudimanikyam village of Nalgonda in Telangana.
• While Dhwajasthambam (flag poles) are part of temple architecture, lamp posts are rare in the Deccan while they are common in temples in the west coast including Goa. 
• Based on the inscription engraved on the lamp post near the ruined Śiva temple, the pillar can be dated to June 1635 and it is written in Telugu mixed with Tamil language. 
  • It is dedicated to Kasi Viswanatha and because of its height, it would have served as a lighthouse on the riverine trade route.

Green Propulsion System

Why in news?

Recently, DRDO's green propulsion system, developed under the Technology Development Fund (TDF) scheme, demonstrated successful in-orbit functionality on a PSLV C-58 payload.

About Green Propulsion System

• It was developed by the Bengaluru-based start-up Bellatrix Aerospace Pvt Ltd.
• This innovative technology has resulted in a non-toxic and environment-friendly propulsion system for low orbit space.
• The system consists of indigenously-developed Propellant, Fill and Drain Valves, Latch Valve, Solenoid Valve, Catalyst Bed, Drive Electronics, etc. 
• It is ideal for space mission with high thrust requirements.
• The TDF is a flagship programme of the Ministry of Defence executed by DRDO under the ‘Make in India’ initiative for funding innovation in defence and aerospace, especially to start-ups and MSMEs.

The National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation

Time to Read :🕑 5 Mins

Why in news?

The National Conference on Promotion of Seaweed Cultivation was recently held in Gujarat's Kutch region at Koteshwar.

About Seaweed Cultivation

• Seaweed is the name given to the many species of marine algae and plants.These species grow in water bodies such as rivers, seas and oceans.
• Seaweed is full of vitamins, minerals & fibre. Many seaweeds contain anti-inflammatory & anti-microbial agents.
• Certain seaweeds possess powerful cancer-fighting agents. They are used in organic cosmetics & skin-care products.
• Seaweeds are abundant along the Tamil Nadu and Gujarat coasts and around Lakshadweep and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
• Red, green, brown algae are examples of seaweeds.

Nano DAP (Di-Ammonium Phosphate)

Time to Read :🕑 5 Mins

Why in news? 

India's Finance Minister announced in the interim budget the expansion of Nano DAP usage across various crops in all agro-climatic zones.

About Nano DAP

• Nano DAP (Liquid) is a novel Nano fertiliser notified under FCO (1985), Govt. of India on 2nd March 2023. Nano DAP (Liquid) is indigenous and non subsidised fertiliser. Nutrient use efficiency is more than 90 percent under optimum field conditions.
• Nano DAP is an efficient source of available nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P2O5) for all the crops and helps in correcting the Nitrogen & Phosphorus deficiencies in standing crops. 
• Nano DAP formulation contains Nitrogen (8.0% N w/v) and Phosphorus (16.0 % P2O5 w/v).
• Nano DAP (Liquid) has an advantage in terms of surface area to volume as its particle size is less than 100 Nanometre (nm).

Why Nano DAP?

• More pocket-friendly than its conventional counterpart. 
  • A 500 ml bottle of Nano DAP, equivalent to a 50-kg bag of conventional DAP, is priced at only Rs 600 (compared to Rs 1,350 for the bag). 
  • Since the government provides significant subsidies on DAP, the adoption of a more inexpensive fertiliser will likely be a significant relief to the government’s subsidy burden.
• For farmers: Nano DAP is also significantly more convenient. 
  • Simply put, 500 ml bottles are easier to transport, store, and use than 50kg bags. 
  • The fertiliser is sprayed on crops, with a 250-500 ml of DAP, dissolved in water, required per spray, per acre.
• Import burden: India currently imports significant quantities of fertiliser to meet domestic demand. The adoption of domestically-produced Nano DAP — produced in Kalol, Gujarat — is set to significantly reduce this import burden.

Concerns of NANO DAP

• Cost: Currently, Nano DAP is often more expensive than conventional fertilizers, raising concerns about accessibility for small-scale farmers.
• Long-term effects: The full understanding of nanoparticles' behavior in soil and their potential impact on soil health and beneficial organisms is still under investigation.
• Microplastic pollution: Concerns exist about potential microplastic pollution arising from the bio-polymers used in some Nano DAP formulations.
• Monitoring and control: Effective monitoring and control mechanisms are needed to track the long-term environmental and health impacts of Nano DAP usage.
• Addressing knowledge gaps: Further research is crucial to understand the long-term environmental and health implications of Nano DAP and optimize its formulations for safety and efficacy.

Conclusion:

Nano DAP offers exciting possibilities for sustainable agriculture, but careful consideration and research are necessary to address environmental, health, safety, and economic concerns before widespread adoption.