5 Jan 2024

#GS2–#GS4: – 01. Blood is not for sale

For overcharging of blood, it was opined that blood is not for sale,it is only for supply and only processing cost may be charged by the blood centre
– The Drugs Controller Genral of India (DCGI) Rajeev Singh Raghuvanshi

#GS3: – 02. AI & Job Loss

A wider deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) technology by India Inc will likely make 15,000-20,000 jobs redundant this year, as a large number of coding profiles, system maintenance and support functions at junior levels get automated.
-Commentary in News

AI will be seamlessly woven into Windows from the system,to the silicon, to the hardware.
-Microsoft

#GS2: – 03. India-Nepal Relations

Discussions between India & Nepal focused on our overall bilateral ties,trade & economic relations, land, rail & air connectivity projects,cooperation in defence & security, agriculture, energy,power,water resources, disaster management, tourism, civil aviation,people-to-people & cultural Exchanges and development partnership.
– EAM S Jaishankar

#GS3: –  04. PLI Scheme

Our feeling is that it (the PLI scheme) has done Very well in several sectors,(while) there are other Sectors where PLIs are in gestation period. The government is not considering adding new sectors under the Production- Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme anytime soon, as the focus is on efficiently running the existing schemes.
-DPIIT secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh

Note :During 2020, PLI schemes across 14 key sectors were announced with an outlay of ₹ 1.97 trillion (over $ 26 billion) to enhance manufacturing capabilities. The 14 sectors enjoying the benefits of PLI schemes include telecommunication, white goods, textiles, medical devices manufacturing,automobiles,speciality steel, food products, high-efficiency solar PV modules, advanced chemistry cell batteries,drones, and pharma. The PLI schemes in tend to attract investments and cutting-edge tech a cross key sectors, ensure efficiency, and bring economies of size and scale in the manufacturing sector to make Indian companies and manufacturers globally competitive.

Key Terms/Issues : PLI Scheme

#GS2: – 05. Jamshedpur to be an Industrial Town?

Jamshedpur is expected to be declared an ‘industrial town’—a special area where concession in laws and other incentives are provided to private bodies to set up economic units.

The Tatas will get administrative Control of the city but then, this is nothing new. Tata Steel had been providing Municipal services in Jamshedpur for decades.

Tata Steel faced legal hurdles over operating civic infrastructure in the city.Activists, now, aren’t happy with the government’s decision. They believe it will perpetuate inequitable development. Even elected municipalities struggle to ensure equitable development. Infrastructure and services in certain pocket scan be superior to those in the rest of the city.

The only argument against classifying Jamshedpur as an industrial town is that it is not a small town but a sprawling city of nearly 1.7 million people.
– Founder of Artha School of Entrepreneurship TN Hari
Key Terms/Issues : Industrial Town, Inequitable Development

#GS2 : -06. Regulatory Independence

The Supreme Court’s verdict on the Adani-Hindenburg probe backs the robustness of our regulatory system,whose efforts to aid financial growth are not a sign of supervisory weakness. It has reinforced public trust in Indian institutions but appears based on the expectation that regulators will fulfil their assigned roles within the context of our fast-emerging economy’s needs.

The SC’s affirmation of trust underscores the imperative for Sebi and other financial Regulators to leverage their independence to set global benchmarks for regulation and supervision. In their pursuit of public attention,lobbies, cynics and others may persist with negative views even in the face of clearances and assurances from all relevant pillars of democracy, but we must remember that in the context of a rapidly growing economy like India’s,not all regulatory or market practices from Western or developed nations are applicable or necessary. Our home grown regulatory frameworks,with their rule-making sovereignty and responsiveness to matters of public interest, a realigned with the unique dynamics of a fast-emerging economy, and they do ensure effective oversight while fostering sustainable growth.
-Commentary in news

#GS3: – 07. Climate Action in India

India’s aggressive push for renewable power has resulted in renewable electricity costs becoming competitive with grid power, although India still has to make round-the-clock (RTC) power competitive. A differential market approach—with high paying customers such as industry and the commercial sector being targeted as beneficiaries of RTC power—can help move the needle quicker, giving a further boost to renewable power. The residential and agricultural sectors can possibly help deal with the intermittency of renewable power better through well-designed demand-response programmes, leading to more efficient consumption and a possible push for stand- alone renewable power.In addition to preparing the manufacturing/supply sectors for a low-carbon future, aggressive targets adopted by the government are also helping electricity markets mature and the country build capacities in related institutions, such as regulatory commissions.

From an international perspective, clear evidence of following a country appropriate carbon pathway could possibly provide an argument against externally-imposed ‘carbon taxes’ such as the EU’s Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism. Indian industry should adopt an aggressive approach to demanding an early comprehensive climate action plan.

Lastly, long-term goal clarity at the sectoral and sub-sectoral levels would empower Indian industry to factor in vulnerabilities Associated with supply chains—in particular international—and prepare for skilled man-power adjustments. The latter too is a long gestation adjustment that will involve partnerships with knowledge sectors. In the age of climate change, industry needs to recognize that we are all in this toge ther and must act in a concerted manner to mitigate responsibly and adapt inclusively.