Daily News Analysis Report: 5 November 2024

Namo Drone Didi Scheme

The Namo Drone Didi Scheme, also known as the Lakhpati Didi Scheme, is an initiative by the Indian government aimed at empowering women from Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by introducing them to drone technology. This scheme provides female SHG members with drones to facilitate agricultural tasks, such as spraying fertilizers and pesticides, thus increasing efficiency and reducing manual labor.

• Objective: The primary goal is to uplift women economically by enabling them to offer drone services in agriculture, thereby making them self-reliant.
• Budget: The government has allocated INR 1,261 crores for this scheme.
• Eligibility: Women SHG members with an annual family income of at least INR 1 lakh are eligible.
• Benefits: The government provides an 80% subsidy on drones, up to INR 8 lakh. Around 15,000 women will benefit from this initiative between 2023 and 2026.

Supreme Court Directions on Permanent Remission to Convicts

The Supreme Court has issued new directives to all states and union territories regarding the timely communication of decisions on remission applications submitted by convicts. The court emphasized that rejection orders must be communicated within one week and forwarded to District Legal Services Authorities to ensure that convicts receive legal aid if necessary.

• Key Points:
  • States must upload their remission policies online and make them accessible in prisons.
  • Rejection orders must include detailed reasons if applicable.
  • The court also directed states not to delay remission applications due to pending appeals.

Paradox of Stagnant Rural Wages in India

Despite India’s robust GDP growth, rural wages have remained stagnant, posing a significant challenge for inclusive economic development. While nominal wages have increased slightly, inflation has eroded real wages, leaving rural workers with diminished purchasing power.

• Factors Contributing to Wage Stagnation:
  • Capital-intensive growth has reduced demand for rural labor.
  • Inflation has outpaced wage growth.
  • Increased labor force participation, particularly among women, has created downward pressure on wages.

To address this issue, experts suggest diversifying rural employment opportunities and implementing effective inflation control measures.

Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

India’s Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) are transforming the nation’s logistics landscape by enhancing freight transport capacity and reducing costs. The Western and Eastern DFCs are already operational, with plans for additional corridors underway.

• Impact:
  • DFCs have contributed to a reduction in commodity prices by up to 0.5%.
  • They have also added significantly to Indian Railways’ revenue growth.

These corridors are expected to further boost India’s economic growth by improving supply chains and facilitating faster freight movement.

DANA Causes Flash Floods in Spain

Eastern Spain was hit by devastating flash floods caused by a DANA (Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos), a low-pressure weather system. The floods claimed over 200 lives and caused widespread destruction in Valencia and surrounding areas. Experts attribute the severity of the floods to climate change-induced alterations in weather patterns.

PM Vishwakarma Scheme

The Pradhan Mantri Vishwakarma Yojana continues its mission of supporting artisans and craftsmen across India. As of today, over 2.59 crore individuals have applied for benefits under the scheme, which offers collateral-free loans, skill training, and marketing support.

Aditya-L1 Mission

India’s Aditya-L1 mission has successfully completed its first halo orbit around the Sun-Earth Lagrangian point L1. This solar observatory mission aims to study solar activity and its impact on space weather

Connection Between Nickel Toxicity and Sterols

A recent study has uncovered a link between nickel toxicity and sterol biosynthesis in both fungal and mammalian cells. This discovery could lead to new treatments for nickel-related health issue.

International Solar Alliance (ISA)

The International Solar Alliance (ISA) has elected new office bearers for the 2024-2026 term. The organization continues its efforts to promote global solar energy adoption and address climate change through sustainable energy solutions.

Toy Train on Green Hydrogen

India is set to launch its first toy train powered by green hydrogen in Darjeeling. This initiative aligns with India’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and promoting clean energy alternatives.

6. Exercise VINBAX-2024

The fifth edition of Exercise VINBAX-2024 commenced at Ambala between India and Vietnam’s armed forces. This joint military exercise focuses on enhancing cooperation in peacekeeping operations under United Nations mandates.

• Scope: For the first time, personnel from both countries’ air forces are participating alongside their armies.
• Objective: To improve joint military capabilities in engineering tasks and humanitarian assistance10.

7. India-Algeria MoU on Defence Cooperation

India and Algeria have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on defense cooperation aimed at strengthening strategic ties between the two nations. This MoU will facilitate collaboration across various sectors, including defense production and military training.

• Significance: The agreement is part of India’s broader effort to enhance diplomatic relations with Algeria while promoting defense exports under the “Make in India” initiative