India’s Space Start-up Ecosystem
Why in the news?
The Union Cabinet has sanctioned a Rs 1,000-crore venture capital fund aimed at supporting 30-35 space start-ups over the next five years, intending to stimulate private investment and innovation within India’s space sector.
What is Venture Capital Fund?
Venture capital is a type of investment funding provided to start-ups and emerging companies in exchange for equity or ownership stakes. Learn more about venture capital and venture debt below.
Venture Capital (VC)
- Venture capital (VC) is a form of private equity funding that venture capital firms or funds offer to start-ups, early-stage, and emerging companies with significant growth potential, either based on their revenue growth or expansion in staff.
- These companies receive funding from venture capital firms in return for equity or ownership shares in the business.
- Large entities, including pension funds, university endowments, and affluent individuals, typically serve as the main investors in venture capital firms.
Focus on Commercialization and Early-Stage Support
- The fund will support start-ups that have developed a working concept but need financial help to scale commercially.
- Early-stage investment is essential to increase the success rates of these companies, providing timely funding to boost their growth.
- Investment sizes will vary between Rs 10 and Rs 60 crore, depending on the start-up’s growth phase, potential, and its contributions to national space capabilities.
Enhancing India’s Global Space Market Position
- This initiative aligns with India’s goal to expand its share in the global space market, with a potential growth from the current USD 8.4 billion to USD 44 billion.
- Following the liberalization of India’s space sector in 2020, over 250 space start-ups have been launched, with numbers expected to rise with the support of this venture fund.
- This move will also create thousands of jobs, develop supply chains, and advance technical and manufacturing capabilities in the space sector.
Driving Innovation and Economic Impact
- The fund will foster innovations in satellite and launch vehicle technology, broaden space applications, and further space sector reforms, placing India’s space ecosystem among the leading global space nations.
Structured, Regulated, and Managed Funding
- The venture fund follows an alternative investment fund structure regulated by SEBI, ensuring a professional management approach.
- An initial deployment of Rs 150 crore is planned for the first year, with incremental increases over time.
- This approach is expected to support start-up growth and attract investors, taking a major step toward strengthening India’s space start-up ecosystem.
Great Indian Bustard Conservation
Why in the news?
India Achieves Milestone in Great Indian Bustard Conservation with First Chick Born through Artificial Insemination.
The Sudasari Great Indian Bustard Breeding Centre Milestone
The Sudasari Great Indian Bustard (GIB) Breeding Centre in Rajasthan marked a notable achievement with the successful birth of a GIB chick through artificial insemination, signaling progress in conservation efforts for this critically endangered species, whose wild population numbers fewer than 150, primarily in Rajasthan.
Analysis of News:
What is the Great Indian Bustard?
- Overview: The Great Indian Bustard (Ardeotis nigriceps), Rajasthan’s state bird, is India’s most critically endangered bird.
- Ecological Role: It serves as a flagship species for grassland health, indicating the overall ecological status of its habitat.
- Distribution: Primarily found in Rajasthan and Gujarat, with small populations in Maharashtra, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
Protection Status
- IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Convention on Migratory Species (CMS): Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Learning from Global Efforts
- Adapted Techniques: The artificial insemination method used for GIBs was adapted from the International Fund for Houbara Conservation in Abu Dhabi, where similar techniques have proven effective.
- Training for Indian Conservationists: Researchers from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) trained in these techniques to enhance conservation efforts for the GIB.
Threats to GIB Population and Habitat
- Predation and Habitat Loss: The GIB population is under threat from egg predation, habitat loss due to human activities, and high mortality from collisions with power lines.
- Power Line Collisions: A 2020 WII study found approximately 84,000 birds, including GIBs, die annually due to power lines, largely because GIBs have limited frontal vision.
- Supreme Court Mandate: In 2021, the Supreme Court ordered power lines to be placed underground in GIB habitats, although practical challenges remain under evaluation.
Conservation Initiatives and Future Challenges
- Breeding Programme: Launched in 2019, this initiative aims to release captively bred GIBs into the wild, though experts note that establishing a self-sustaining population may take up to 25 years.
- Importance of Habitat Protection: Habitat conservation is crucial, as the GIB’s nesting behavior makes it vulnerable to threats.
- Long-term Vision: Without the preservation and restoration of natural habitats, artificial insemination alone may not suffice to prevent the species’ decline.
Steps Being Taken to Conserve the GIB
- Species Recovery Programme
- The GIB is included in the species recovery programme under the Integrated Development of Wildlife Habitats by the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC).
- Firefly Bird Diverters
- Flaps installed on power lines act as reflectors, visible to GIBs from about 50 meters, allowing birds to avoid collisions.
- Artificial Hatching
- Since 2019, a conservation breeding programme has been underway, collecting eggs from the wild for artificial hatching.
- The first chick, “Uno,” hatched on June 21, 2019, followed by eight more in the same year, bringing the total number of GIBs at the two Rajasthan breeding centres to 29.
- National Bustard Recovery Plans
- Conservation agencies are currently implementing recovery plans to protect and increase GIB populations.
- Conservation Breeding Facility
- MoEFCC, Rajasthan’s government, and WII established a breeding facility in Jaisalmer’s Desert National Park in June 2019.
- Project Great Indian Bustard
- Launched by the Rajasthan government, this project includes constructing breeding enclosures and developing infrastructure to mitigate human impacts on GIB habitats.
India, Germany discussing military logistics support agreement: official
Why in the news?
Germany and India are finalising a logistics support agreement to enhance defence cooperation.
Analysis of the News
India and Germany are nearing the finalization of a logistics cooperation memorandum to strengthen collaboration between their armed forces.
- Maritime Security and Liaison Support: This arrangement aims to bolster maritime security efforts, including placing a liaison officer at the Indian Navy’s Information Fusion Centre in Gurugram.
- Joint Exercises and Defence Initiatives: The agreement will support joint exercises and could facilitate co-development and co-production in key defence areas.
- Focus Areas: Key areas of cooperation include underwater technology, cruise missiles, and drones.
- Maintenance Capabilities: Germany is interested in setting up repair and maintenance facilities for its naval vessels in India.
- Export Licenses: Since June 2023, Germany has issued multiple export licenses to deepen defence ties.
- Future Collaboration: Plans include signing a peacekeeping training agreement and exploring further avenues for defence cooperation.
What is a Logistics Support Agreement (LSA)?
- Overview: A Logistics Support Agreement (LSA) is an arrangement between two nations allowing mutual assistance with military supplies and services.
- Scope: This includes provisions for equipment, supplies, and services essential for joint operations and exercises.
India’s LSAs
- Partner Countries: India has signed LSAs with several countries, including the United States, France, Australia, Japan, Singapore, South Korea, and Russia.
- Purpose and Benefits: These agreements facilitate reciprocal access to military bases, fuel, and other logistical support, enhancing military cooperation and enabling joint operations with partner nations.
Trachoma
Why in the news?
India achieved a significant public health victory by eliminating trachoma as a health problem on October 8, 2024, marking a milestone in reducing its prevalence despite ongoing challenges.
What is Trachoma?
- Definition: Trachoma is a long-term infectious eye disease caused by the bacterium Chlamydia trachomatis.
- Affected Populations: It mainly impacts young children and women, particularly in regions lacking adequate hygiene, sanitation, and access to clean water.
- Symptoms and Severity: Symptoms include eye irritation, discharge, and swollen eyelids. In severe cases, it can cause blindness due to scarring on the inner eyelid.
Impact of Trachoma in India
- Prevalence and Economic Impact: In 2005, trachoma accounted for around 4% of all blindness cases in India.
- Economic Loss: The disease leads to an annual economic loss of between $2.9 to $5.3 billion due to decreased productivity from blindness and visual impairment.
- Transmission Factors: Poor living conditions and hygiene practices, especially in northern states like Gujarat, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, contribute to its spread.
Elimination of Trachoma in India
- Current Status: India has eliminated trachoma as a public health concern, with its prevalence reduced to 0.7%.
- WHO’s SAFE Strategy: The SAFE strategy—Surgery, Antibiotics, Facial cleanliness, and Environmental improvements—has been crucial in achieving this goal.
- Need for Continued Efforts: Despite this success, occasional cases may occur, so ongoing surveillance and health education are essential to sustain elimination and prevent a resurgence.
UN Report Warns of Rising Emissions
Why in the news?
- A recent UN report reveals that greenhouse gas emissions from China and India, two of the world’s largest emitters, increased by 5.2% and 6.1%, respectively, in 2023.
Analysis of News
Threats to Global Temperature Targets
- UN Emissions Gap Report Findings: The UN Environment Programme’s Emissions Gap Report warns that the 1.5°C global temperature rise target may soon become unattainable without immediate action.
- 2°C Threshold at Risk: Without significant emission cuts, even the 2°C threshold is under threat.
Current Climate Actions Fall Short
- Insufficient Reductions: Current climate measures, even with optimistic projections, may only reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by 10% by 2030 relative to 2019 levels.
- Necessary Reductions: To meet the 1.5°C goal, emissions need to be cut by 42% by 2030 and by 57% by 2035, requiring an annual reduction of at least 7.5%.
Financial Investment Needed for Emission Reductions
- Estimated Costs: The report calls for significant investment, suggesting US$ 200 per ton of CO₂ equivalent to close the emissions gap by 2030 and 2035.
- Projected Emission Reductions: With adequate funding, 31 billion tonnes of CO₂ equivalent could be eliminated annually by 2030, surpassing the 28 billion tonnes needed to reach the 1.5°C target.
Upcoming Climate Conference and Call for Urgent Action
- Climate Activists’ Concern: Activists stress that delays in policy action are leading to irreversible climate damage, with each emission pushing the planet closer to disaster.
- Annual Climate Conference: In three weeks, nations will gather at the climate conference in Baku to discuss expanding financial resources for urgent climate action.
Satellites tracking Cyclone Dana since October 20: ISRO
Why in the news?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has been utilising its satellites, EOS-06 and INSAT-3DR, to monitor Cyclone Dana as it approaches Odisha and West Bengal.
EOS-06
- Launch Date: November 26, 2022
- Type: Earth Observation Satellite (EOS) developed by ISRO
- Purpose: Built to monitor weather phenomena like cyclones, rainfall, and ocean winds.
- Key Features: Equipped with a Scatterometer sensor to measure ocean wind speed and direction.
- Significance: Strengthens India’s disaster management and environmental monitoring efforts.
- Orbit: Operates in a sun-synchronous orbit, enabling consistent observations.
INSAT-3DR
- Launch Date: September 8, 2016
- Type: Geostationary satellite focused on meteorology and search-and-rescue operations.
- Purpose: Provides real-time data for weather, climate, and disaster management.
- Significance: Improves weather forecasting and aids emergency response during natural disasters.
- Orbit: Positioned over the Indian subcontinent for continuous monitoring.
Cyclone Dana
- Formation: Cyclone Dana has developed over the east-central Bay of Bengal.
- Expected Landfall: Projected to hit between Bhitarkanika and Dhamra in Odisha on the night of October 24.
- Wind Speed and Rainfall: Expected wind speeds of 100-120 km/h, with heavy rainfall forecasted in coastal and northern Odisha.
Justice Sanjiv Khanna appointed next CJI
Why in the news?
Justice Sanjiv Khanna is set to become the 51st Chief Justice of India on November 11, 2024, succeeding Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud.
Appointment of Chief Justice of India
- Seniority Principle: The seniormost Judge of the Supreme Court is appointed as Chief Justice.
- Recommendation Process: The outgoing Chief Justice suggests the next Chief Justice to the Union Law Minister.
- Consultation on Fitness: If any concerns about suitability arise, consultation with other Judges is required.
- Final Approval: The Union Law Minister forwards the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who advises the President on the appointment.
Appointment of Supreme Court Judges
- Initiation by Chief Justice: The Chief Justice starts the proposal to fill vacancies.
- Collegium Consultation: Recommendations are made in collaboration with the four seniormost Judges in the collegium.
- Incoming Chief Justice Involvement: If the next Chief Justice is not in the collegium, they participate in the selection.
- Input from High Court Judge: The opinion of the seniormost Judge from the relevant High Court is considered.
- Documentation: Written views from the collegium and the relevant Judge are submitted to the Government.
- Final Approval: The Union Minister sends the recommendation to the Prime Minister, who advises the President on the appointment.