Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 12th July 2024

Classical Language Status : In News

The Central Government recently decided to tweak the criteria for giving classical language status.

• The current criteria evolved by the government to determine the declaration of a language as a classical language are
• It should have high antiquity in its early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years.
• A body of ancient literature or texts that is considered a valuable heritage by generations of speakers.
• The literary tradition should be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• The said language and literature should be distinct from its modern format; there may also be a discontinuity between the classical language and its later forms or its offshoots.
• Once a language is notified as a classical language, the Education Ministry provides certain benefits to promote it, which include two major annual international awards for scholars of eminence in the said languages.
• Apart from this, a centre of excellence for studies in the classical language is set up, and the University Grants Commission is requested to create a certain number of Professional Chairs in Central universities for the languages that get the classical tag.

Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory:

Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory is executing India’s scientific deep drilling programme in Karad, Maharashtra.

• Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra, is a specialised institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences mandated to execute India’s sole scientific deep-drilling programme.
• Under BGRL, the aim is to drill the earth’s crust to a depth of 6 km and conduct studies to help expand the understanding of reservoir-triggered earthquakes in the Koyna-Warna region of Maharashtra.
• This region has been experiencing frequent earthquakes since the Shivaji Sagar Lake, or the Koyna Dam, was impounded in 1962.
• BGRL’s 3-km-deep pilot borehole in Koyna is complete; the Ministry of Earth Sciences is committed to reaching a depth of 6 km.
• It employs a unique drilling strategy—a hybrid of mud rotary drilling and air hammering.
• Scientifically drilled boreholes can be a hub of direct, unique in situ experiments and observations and monitor a region’s fault lines and seismic behaviour.
• They also provide exact and fundamental knowledge of the composition of the earth’s crust, structure, and processes, and help validate models based on surface studies.
• Thus, it can inform a range of societal problems related to geohazards and geo-resources.

Stinger Missile:

NATO recently signed a nearly $700 million contract to have member countries produce more Stinger missiles.

• The FIM-92 Stinger is a man-portable surface-to-air missile system (MANPADS) that was designed and manufactured by the American Defense Industry.
• The system entered into service with the U.S. Army in 1981.
• Used currently by the S. armed forces and 29 other countries, it is manufactured by Raytheon Missile Systems and under license by EADS in Germany.
• It was designed to provide air defense capabilities to the United States and allied troops when forward deployed and thus eliminate the immediate need for air support should an enemy aircraft threaten the troops.
• The missile is 1.52 m long and 70 mm in diameter, with 10 cm fins.
• It is lightweight.
• The missile and its launcher weigh about 15 kilograms. The launcher is reusable.
• It can be carried and fired by troops or mounted to a vehicle and used as a short-range defense against aircraft.
• It uses a passive infrared seeker. The infrared seeker can lock on to the heat the target is producing.
• It is a “fire-and-forget” weapon, meaning it requires no input from the gunner once it’s fired.
• It can hit targets flying as high as 11,500 feet (3,500 meters), and has a range of about 5 miles (8 kilometers).

World Population Day 2024 : Theme

World Population Day aims to raise awareness about global population issues and their impact on society.

• World Population Day (WPD) is observed on July 11 every year.
• It highlights the importance of addressing population-related concerns such as reproductive health, family planning, gender equality and sustainable development.
• It provides a platform for governments, organizations, and individuals to engage in discussions and take action.
• WPD 2024 Theme: “Leave no one behind; count everyone.”

History:

• WPD was established by the United Nations (UN) and first observed in 1989, with participation from over 90 countries.
• The idea was inspired by the world population reaching five billion on July 11, 1987, prompting Dr. KC Zachariah, a senior demographer at the World Bank, to suggest marking the occasion as World Population Day.

GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme:

Raksha Rajya Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth launched “GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme (GAINS 2024) of Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Limited (GRSE) in Kolkata.

• GRSE Accelerated Innovation Nurturing Scheme is an innovative scheme which seeks solutions to the problems related to the shipyards and promotes technology development using the start-ups created and nurtured in the country.
• It encourages and enables MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions for further technological advancement.
• It will give a new dimension to the future of Indian defence and with technological advancements and dedication it will enhance the strength of our armed forces and enhance maritime security.
• It is a unique national scheme to encourage and enable MSMEs and Start-Ups to develop innovative solutions that GRSE may incorporate for further technological advancement.
• The aim is to leverage the vast eco-system of MSMEs and Start-Ups to address present and emerging challenges in the ship design and construction industry, while achieving the objectives of Atmanirbharta.
• This initiative is in keeping with the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Start-up India’ policies of the Government of India.

National Gopal Ratna Award:

Nominations for the National Gopal Ratna Award for the year 2024 will be opened from the 15th of July.

• National Gopal Ratna Award is awarded under the Rashtriya Gokul Mission (RGM).
• Since 2021 the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying has been conferring National Gopal Ratna Award every year.
• Objective is to encourage the Milk producing farmers, dairy cooperative societies/MPC/FPOs and Artificial Insemination Technicians (AITs).
• This year also National Gopal Ratna Award is given for the following categories:
  • Best Dairy farmer rearing Indigenous cattle/buffalo breeds
  • Best Dairy Cooperative Society (DCS)/ Milk Producer Company (MPC)/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization (FPO).
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT).
• From this year onward, the Department has incorporated a Special award for North Eastern Region (NER) States so as to encourage and boost the dairy development activities in North Eastern Region(NER).
• NGRA 2024 will consist of a Certificate of merit, a memento and a monetary prize in the first two categories i.e Best Dairy Farmer and Best DCS/FPO/MPCs.
• In the case of the Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) category, the National Gopal Ratna Award-2024 will consist of a Certificate of merit and a memento only. No cash prize will be provided in the Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) Category.

Groynes : Concrete Structures

Groynes are low-lying wood or concrete structures which are situated out to sea from the shore.

• They are designed to trap sediment, dissipate wave energy, and restrict the transfer of sediment away from the beach through longshore drift.
• Longshore drift is caused when prevailing winds blow waves across the shore at an angle that carries sediment along the beach.
• Groynes slow the process of erosion at the shore.
• They can also be permeable or impermeable, permeable groynes allow some sediment to pass through and some longshore drift to take place.
• However, impermeable groynes are solid and prevent the transfer of any sediment.
• They are very effective at protecting the coastline in the short-term as they are immediately effective as opposed to some longer-term soft engineering methods.
• However, they are often intrusive and can cause issues elsewhere in other areas along the coastline.

Global Energy Independence Day:

Global Energy Independence Day, celebrated globally on 10th July every year, marks a pivotal moment for countries striving to achieve energy self-sufficiency and sustainability.

• It is a call to action for individuals, businesses, and governments to recognize the importance of reducing dependence on non-renewable energy sources and transitioning to cleaner, more sustainable energy solutions.
• It has since become widely recognized worldwide and highlights the significance of energy autonomy and a variety of sustainable energy sources.
• The theme for the year 2024, “Energy Transition Now: Embrace the Future,” encapsulates the urgency and importance of adopting sustainable energy practices.
• With climate change accelerating and the demand for energy increasing, this day serves as a reminder of the critical need for innovation and commitment to sustainable energy.

12th India-UAE Joint Defence Cooperation Committee Meeting:

The 12th edition of the Joint Defence Cooperation Committee (JDCC) meeting between India and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was held in Abu Dhabi focusing on enhancing bilateral defence and security cooperation.

• The meeting covered a wide range of areas, including training, joint exercises, defence industrial cooperation, and R&D, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to strengthening the partnership.
• The India-UAE JDCC was established in 2006. Since then, 11 rounds have been held. India and UAE have seen steady growth in bilateral defence interaction.
• India-UAE Defence Collaboration:
  • Air Force: Trilateral Air Exercise on Humanitarian Assistance & Disaster Relief (HADR) in 2018.
  • Navy: Exercise “Gulf Star 1”, Zayed Talwar, and IDEX/NAVDEX.
  • The UAE is located on the Arabian Peninsula, bordering the Gulf of Oman and the Persian Gulf. It is bordered by Saudi Arabia to the south and west, and the Sultanate of Oman (southeast), while Qatar lies to the northwest
  • The UAE, along with Iran and Oman, shares a coastline with the Strait of Hormuz, making it one of the three countries bordering this strategic waterway.
  • The UAE is governed by a Federal Supreme Council and is made up of seven Emirates of: Abu Dhabi (largest emirate), Dubai, Ajman, Fujairah, Sharjah, Ras al-Khaimah, and Umm al-Qaiwain.

Zombie Startups:

Koo, the Indian social media platform that aimed to rival Twitter has shut down.This has brought the topic of zombie startups into limelight once again.

• Tech startups once blessed with huge fundings are transforming into “zombies”.
• Startups that raised a huge amount of money over the boom cycle but aren’t producing nearly enough revenue to justify the valuation are called ‘Zombie startups’.
• Zombie startups, also known as “walking dead” companies, are businesses that continue to operate despite being unprofitable or stagnant. A company might turn into a zombie because of multiple reasons:
• Zombie startups may have received initial funding but failed to secure follow-up investments.
• As a result, they struggle to grow and remain in a state of limbo.
• Some startups have flawed business models that prevent them from achieving sustainable growth.
• They may not address market needs or fail to adapt to changing conditions.
• Poor leadership, mismanagement, or lack of strategic vision can turn a promising startup into a zombie.
• Without effective decision-making, they drift without purpose.
• Economic downturns or industry-specific challenges can contribute to a startup’s zombification.
• When external factors hinder growth, companies may become zombies.