NATIONAL
India Becomes Second-Largest Mobile Phone Producer Globally At the end of
India's rise to the second-largest mobile phone producer globally is a noteworthy achievement, and here's a breakdown of the key factors contributing to this success:
- Reduced Import Dependence: India significantly decreased its reliance on imported mobile phones. In 2014, 78% of phones were imported, but by 2024, that number dropped to just 3%. This indicates a massive shift towards domestic production.
- Growth in Domestic Manufacturing: The mobile phone sector in India witnessed a substantial rise in manufacturing capabilities. This can be attributed to factors like:
- Government Initiatives: Policies like the Phased Manufacturing Program (PMP), Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, and the "Make in India" initiative likely played a significant role in attracting investments and promoting domestic production.
- Rise of Manufacturing Giants: Leading global manufacturers like Samsung, Apple, Xiaomi, and others setting up production units in India further bolstered domestic production.
- Increased Self-Sufficiency: India achieved 97% self-sufficiency in mobile phone production by 2024, signifying a remarkable transformation from being heavily import-dependent.
Overall Impact:
- Economic Growth: This shift towards domestic manufacturing likely contributed to India's economic growth by creating jobs, boosting local businesses, and potentially attracting further investment in the sector.
- Technological Advancements: Increased domestic production can foster advancements in related technological fields and create a more skilled workforce in the long run.
INTERNATIONAL
World's First Large-Scale Tropical Seaweed Farm Launched
This passage highlights a significant development in sustainable ocean resource utilization:
- Groundbreaking Project: Sea6 Energy, a frontrunner in the Blue Economy, has launched the world's first large-scale mechanized tropical seaweed farm in Indonesia.
- Large Scale: Spanning one square kilometer, this farm signifies a crucial step towards commercially viable large-scale seaweed cultivation.
- Sustainable Applications: Seaweed from this farm holds promise for various industrial uses, promoting a shift towards renewable and eco-friendly products.
- Investment and Collaboration: Sea6 Energy has secured substantial international funding (nearly USD $30 million) for this project, demonstrating investor confidence in its potential.
- Sustainable Practices: Automation and mechanization are implemented to ensure efficient and eco-friendly seaweed production.
Potential Impact:
- Environmental Benefits: Large-scale seaweed cultivation can contribute to CO2 sequestration, potentially aiding in mitigating climate change.
- Economic Growth: This project has the potential to create job opportunities and contribute to the economic development of coastal communities.
- Renewable Products: Seaweed is a versatile resource with potential applications in biofuels, bioplastics, and other bio-based products, promoting a shift away from fossil fuel dependence.
ECONOMY
Coal Sector Achieves Highest Growth of 10.2 % among Eight Core Industries in January 2024
This passage highlights the significant growth of India's coal sector in January 2024:
- Top Performer: The coal industry achieved the highest growth (10.2%) among eight key industrial sectors (coal, cement, steel, etc.) in January 2024.
- Index Rise: The coal industry index reached 218.9 points, exceeding the previous year's January record.
- Production Surge: Coal production in January 2024 witnessed a remarkable 10.2% increase compared to the same period last year, reaching 99.73 million tonnes.
- Impact on Overall Industry: This growth significantly contributed to the 3.6% rise in the Combined Index of Eight Core Industries.
- Consistent Performance: The coal sector has shown sustained double-digit growth for the past seven months, exceeding the overall growth of the eight core industries in the past two years.
Reasons for Growth:
- Increased Demand: The surge in coal production is likely driven by a rise in demand from the energy and manufacturing sectors.
Policy and Initiatives:
- The passage credits the Ministry of Coal's efforts and proactive initiatives for this achievement.
- These efforts are aligned with the "Atmanirbhar Bharat" (Self-reliant India) vision, promoting self-sufficiency and energy security.
Also Read: Top 10 Quiz Questions on General Knowledge of Oscars
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SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
UGC Introduces SheRNI, Helping Female Scientists And Faculty Connect
The University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET) Centre unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, known as the ‘She Research Network in India’ (SheRNI).
Key Points:
- Goal: SheRNI aims to address the underrepresentation of women in science by promoting equal opportunities and visibility for female scientists and researchers.
- Strategies:
- Networking Platform: SheRNI connects women in diverse scientific fields, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Mentorship: This platform can potentially connect experienced researchers with aspiring scientists, providing valuable guidance.
- Challenging Stereotypes: SheRNI serves as a role model, inspiring future generations of women to pursue careers in science.
- Recognition: By showcasing the achievements of women scientists, SheRNI encourages more women to enter research fields.
Overall Impact:
- Gender Equality: SheRNI promotes equal opportunities for women in science, contributing towards a more balanced scientific workforce.
- Scientific Advancement: Increased participation of women in research can lead to a wider range of perspectives and potentially contribute to significant scientific breakthroughs.
- Societal Development: Empowering women in science fosters a more inclusive scientific community and societal progress as a whole.
SPORTS
Devendra Jhajharia Elected New President of Paralympic Committee of India
Devendra Jhajharia, a two-time Paralympic gold medalist, has been elected as the new President of the Paralympic Committee of India (PCI).
- Accomplished Athlete: Jhajharia is a two-time Paralympic gold medalist in javelin throw (F46 category), having won at the 2004 Athens and 2016 Rio Paralympics.
- Unopposed Election: He was the sole candidate nominated for the PCI president position and secured the role along with all other new office bearers who were also elected unopposed.
- Successor to Deepa Malik: Jhajharia takes over from Deepa Malik, another renowned para-athlete who previously held the President position.
This development signifies:
- Leadership Transition: The PCI ushers in a new era under the leadership of a celebrated athlete.
- Continued Focus on Paralympic Sports: Jhajharia's background as a prominent Paralympic figure suggests a potential focus on development and support for Paralympic sports in India.
It's important to note that the passage doesn't explicitly mention Jhajharia's specific plans or goals for the PCI.
Here are some additional points to consider:
- Jhajharia's experience as a Paralympian can potentially provide valuable insights into the challenges faced by athletes and the areas requiring improvement within the Paralympic sporting ecosystem in India.
- His leadership might influence the implementation of initiatives aimed at enhancing athlete training, infrastructure development, and creating a wider talent pool for Paralympic sports.
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