16 November 2024 Daily Current Affairs

1. Supreme Court Guidelines to Curb Illegal Demolitions

  Context: The Supreme Court of India recently issued comprehensive guidelines to curb the illegal demolition of homes and private properties, emphasizing due process and fundamental rights. This action comes in response to instances where demolitions have been used as punitive measures, particularly against individuals accused of crimes, raising significant concerns about human rights and legality.

Background:

• Prevalence of Demolitions: Several states, including Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Rajasthan, have resorted to demolishing properties of individuals accused of crimes, often citing encroachment or unauthorized construction.
• Concerns: These actions frequently bypass legal protocols, violating rights and principles of natural justice.

Concerns Regarding Illegal Demolitions:

1. Violation of Fundamental Rights: Article 21 of the Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty, which includes the right to shelter. Illegal demolitions infringe upon these rights.
2. Breach of Natural Justice: Affected individuals are often denied a fair hearing or adequate notice.
3. Erosion of Rule of Law: Arbitrary demolitions undermine legal systems and foster impunity.
4. Governance and Credibility: Such actions erode public trust in the government and damage its credibility.
5. Displacement and Hardship: Families face loss of shelter, livelihoods, and significant financial distress.
6. Social Unrest: These demolitions can lead to protests and unrest, destabilizing communities.

Key Guidelines Issued by the Supreme Court:

To ensure fairness and legality, the Supreme Court has outlined the following measures:

1. Mandatory 15-Day Notice: Authorities must provide a 15-day notice before proceeding with demolitions, allowing affected individuals to challenge the decision.
2. Adherence to Due Process: Clear reasons for demolition must be provided, and all actions must follow established legal protocols.
3. Legal Authorization: Demolitions require proper authorization, including court orders when applicable.
4. Protection of the Right to Shelter: No demolition should proceed solely based on accusations, upholding the right to shelter under Article 21.
5. Right to Challenge: Property owners and tenants may legally contest demolition orders during the notice period.
6. Accountability for Officials: Officials who carry out illegal demolitions may face:
   • Disciplinary actions.
   • Contempt of court charges.
   • Liability for compensation to the affected parties.

1. Personal Hearing: Authorities must provide affected parties a chance for a personal hearing before finalizing demolition orders.
2. Videography for Transparency: The entire demolition process must be recorded to ensure transparency and accountability.
3. Contempt and Restitution: Violations of these guidelines can result in contempt proceedings and restitution costs for the responsible officials.
4. 10.Exemptions: The guidelines do not apply to:

• Unauthorized structures in public spaces.
• Demolitions mandated by court orders.

Conclusion:

The Supreme Court’s guidelines represent a significant step toward safeguarding individual rights and ensuring accountability in government actions.

By emphasizing procedural fairness, personal hearings, and videography, the court aims to prevent arbitrary demolitions and uphold the rule of law. This decision also sets a precedent for state legislatures to align their laws and practices with these principles, reinforcing trust in governance and justice.

2. Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024

 
 Context: The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued detailed guidelines to curb misleading advertisements in the coaching sector, addressing concerns about false claims, exaggerated success rates, and unfair practices that mislead students and parents.

 Key Definitions:

1. Coaching: Academic support or activities providing education, guidance, or instruction, excluding counseling and creative pursuits like sports, dance, or theater.
2. Coaching Center: Any establishment offering coaching to more than 50 students.
3. Endorser: As defined in the Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisements and Endorsements, 2022, an individual who promotes a product or service.

Key Highlights of the Guidelines:

1. Regulation of Advertisements: Coaching institutes are prohibited from making the following false claims:
   • Exaggerated course success rates or faculty qualifications.
   • Assured admission, guaranteed high scores, or selection guarantees.
   • Misleading information about fees, refund policies, and infrastructure.

1. Truthful Representation: Institutes must honestly depict the quality of their services, including infrastructure, resources, and facilities.
2. Integration with National Consumer Helpline (NCH): All coaching centers must register with the NCH to facilitate students’ complaints against misleading practices or advertisements.
3. Fair Use of Testimonials: Institutes cannot use candidates’ photos, names, or testimonials without their explicit consent post-selection.
4. Addressing False Urgency: Practices like overstating demand or claiming limited availability of seats are prohibited to prevent undue pressure on students.
5. Enforcement Mechanism: Violations of these guidelines are treated as breaches under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, subject to penalties and stringent actions by the CCPA.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019:

• Replaced the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 and widened its scope to protect consumers against false claims and unfair practices.
• Key Provisions:
  • Addresses misleading advertisements and false claims regarding goods or services.
  • Empowers consumers to seek redressal through new rules and stricter enforcement mechanisms.

Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA):

• Established under Section 10 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, to protect consumers’ rights as a class.
• Functions and Powers:
  1. Investigate consumer rights violations.
  2. Recall unsafe goods/services.
  3. Discontinue unfair trade practices and misleading ads.
  4. Penalize offenders, including endorsers and publishers of deceptive advertisements.

Conclusion: The new guidelines are a significant step toward safeguarding students from deceptive practices in the coaching sector. By ensuring truthful representation, addressing unfair trade practices, and penalizing violations, the guidelines aim to foster trust and transparency in the sector while upholding students’ rights as consumers.

3. RBI Releases List of  Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024

   Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has retained State Bank of India (SBI), HDFC Bank, and ICICI Bank as Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs) for 2024. The classification and bucket structures remain unchanged from 2023.

SBI and ICICI were first designated D-SIBs in 2015 and 2016, respectively, while HDFC Bank joined the list in 2017.

About Domestic Systemically Important Banks (D-SIBs):

• Definition: D-SIBs are banks deemed “Too Big to Fail” due to their size, interconnectedness, and complexity, meaning their failure could pose significant risks to the financial system.
• Annual Assessment: RBI updates the D-SIB classification annually under its 2014 framework.
• CET1 Requirements: Banks are categorized into five buckets based on their risk profiles, requiring progressively higher Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1) capital surcharges.

Key Components of D-SIB Classification:

1. Evaluation Criteria:
   • Banks above 2% of GDP in size are assessed for systemic importance.
   • Banks crossing the threshold are designated as D-SIBs and assigned to buckets with corresponding CET1 requirements.
2. Bucket Structure:

1. Bucket 1: Lowest CET1 surcharge.
2. Bucket 5: Highest CET1 surcharge.
3. Foreign Banks in India:
4. Global Systemically Important Banks (G-SIBs) identified by the Financial Stability Board are required to maintain CET1 in India proportional to their Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs) in the country.
5. Key Metrics:

1. Common Equity Tier 1 (CET1): Represents the bank’s core capital, such as common shares and retained earnings, excluding intangible assets.
2. Risk Weighted Assets (RWAs): Measures the capital required to cover potential losses from assets, assigning higher weights to riskier assets like loans and derivatives.

Benefits of D-SIB Classification:

1. Enhanced Stability: Ensures large banks maintain higher capital reserves to withstand financial downturns, safeguarding depositors and public confidence.
2. Systemic Safeguards: Promotes strong risk management practices, reducing the risk of systemic disruptions caused by the failure of major banks.
3. Proactive Preparedness: RBI’s framework enables preemptive adjustments to capital requirements, improving resilience against future economic shocks.

Challenges:

1. Moral Hazard: The “Too Big to Fail” label may lead to riskier behavior, as D-SIBs expect government support during crises, reducing market discipline.
2. Competitive Distortions: Smaller banks may struggle to compete with D-SIBs that benefit from enhanced investor confidence and market advantages.
3. Increased Costs: Higher capital requirements can raise operational costs, potentially impacting profitability and competitiveness.

Conclusion and Way Forward:

The D-SIB classification is crucial for ensuring financial stability, protecting the economy, and maintaining public confidence in India’s banking system.

• Future Expansion: As the economy grows, the framework may include more banks, enhancing systemic resilience.
• Balanced Regulation: It is essential to mitigate challenges such as moral hazards and ensure equitable competition while promoting robust risk management among D-SIBs.

By fostering proactive regulation, India’s D-SIBs will continue to support the country’s economic growth and financial stability.

4. Corals in Crisis: IUCN Finds Nearly Half of Coral Species at Risk of Extinction

Context: The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), during the ongoing COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, released an alarming report revealing that 44% of reef-building coral species are now at risk of extinction. This marks a significant increase from 33% in 2008, underscoring the escalating threats to coral ecosystems.

Key Findings:

1. Increased Risk of Extinction:
   • Nearly half of coral species are at risk, reflecting the deteriorating health of coral ecosystems globally.
   • The findings are based on data from the Global Coral Reef Monitoring Network and the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
2. Threatened Coral Species:
3. Of 892 assessed coral species:
   • 15% (56 species) are vulnerable.
   • 67% (251 species) are endangered.
   • 9% (33 species) are critically endangered, including species like:
     • Staghorn coral (Acropora cervicornis).
     • Elkhorn coral (Acropora palmata).

Major Threats to Corals:

1. Primary Threat: Climate Change
   • Rising sea temperatures lead to frequent and severe coral bleaching events.
   • Ocean acidification compromises coral growth and resilience.
2. Other Human-Induced Threats

1. Pollution: Agricultural runoff, industrial waste, and marine debris.
2. Diseases exacerbated by environmental changes.
3. Unsustainable fishing practices, including destructive methods like blast fishing.

Impacts of Coral Decline:

1. Biodiversity Loss
   • Coral reefs support 25% of marine species, including fish, crustaceans, and mollusks.
   • Their degradation disrupts the balance of marine ecosystems.
2. Economic and Social Impact

1. 500 million people globally depend on coral reefs for food, income, and coastal protection.
2. Coral reefs contribute approximately $375 billion annually through:
   • Tourism: A vital source of revenue for tropical regions.
   • Fisheries: Supporting livelihoods and food security.
   • Coastal Protection: Shielding communities from storms and floods.
3. Increased Vulnerability: Coastal areas face heightened risks from rising sea levels, storms, and erosion due to reef degradation.

Broader Biodiversity Crisis:

37% of sharks and rays.

Coral decline reflects a global biodiversity emergency, with 46,300 species worldwide classified as threatened, including:

• 41% of amphibians.
• 37% of sharks and rays.
• 34% of conifers.
• 26% of mammals.

Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR):

Overview: The GFCR, launched in 2020, is a public-private partnership to support coral reef conservation and sustainable management globally.

Objectives:

1. Coral Reef Protection: Strengthen resilience against climate change and human-induced threats.
2. Sustainable Development: Support eco-friendly activities like eco-tourism and sustainable fisheries.
3. Innovative Financing: Mobilize investments to close the $12 billion funding gap (only $30 million secured so far).
4. Climate Resilience: Enhance reef and community adaptation to sea-level rise and extreme weather events.

Key Features:

• Blended Finance: Combines grants, loans, and private investments to maximize funding impact.
• High-Priority Regions: Focuses on threatened areas like the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and the Pacific Islands.
• “Reef-Positive” Projects: Incentivizes sustainable practices and restoration initiatives.

Future Steps and Opportunities:

1. Research and Adaptation: Urgent studies are needed to explore corals’ potential to adapt to warming oceans, though evidence suggests limited capacity.
2. 2025 UN Ocean Conference
   • Scheduled from June 9-13, 2025, in Nice, France, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica.
   • Key themes include marine biodiversity, sustainable fisheries, and climate impacts on oceans.
   • Objectives:
     • Strengthen global cooperation to address ocean degradation.
     • Promote sustainable management and conservation of marine ecosystems.
     • Mobilize partnerships among governments, private sectors, and civil society.
3. Increased Funding and Policy Support

1. Governments and private sectors must boost contributions to initiatives like the GFCR.
2. Policy frameworks should prioritize coral conservation and integrate it into broader climate and biodiversity goals.

Conclusion: Corals are a cornerstone of marine ecosystems and human livelihoods. The escalating threats to reef-building species demand urgent, coordinated action globally. Efforts such as the GFCR and the upcoming 2025 UN Ocean Conference present critical opportunities to reverse coral decline, safeguard biodiversity, and protect vulnerable coastal communities. Proactive measures, innovative financing, and global collaboration are essential to ensure a sustainable future for coral reefs.

5. Operation Dronagiri

 
 Context: The Ministry of Science and Technology has launched two key initiatives, Operation Dronagiri and the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI), under efforts to liberalize geospatial data and build geospatial infrastructure, skills, and knowledge in India.

Geospatial Data: An Overview:

• Definition: Information describing objects, events, or features linked to a specific location on or near the Earth’s surface.
• Examples: Satellite imagery, census data, and social media data.
• Significance:
  • Recognized as a critical national infrastructure and information resource.
  • Supports data-driven decision-making and fosters innovation in various sectors.

About Operation Dronagiri:

1. Purpose:
   • Demonstrate the potential of geospatial technologies and innovations to enhance the quality of life for citizens.
   • Simplify and improve the ease of doing business.
2. Key Features:

1. Part of the National Geospatial Policy 2022.
2. Implemented by the Geospatial Innovation Cell under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
3. First Phase Implementation:

1. Focus states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Assam, Andhra Pradesh, and Maharashtra.
2. Pilot projects to showcase applications in:
   • Agriculture: Precision farming, resource optimization.
   • Livelihoods: Enhancing job opportunities through geospatial planning.
   • Logistics and Transport: Route optimization, real-time tracking, and infrastructure management.

About Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI)

1. Objective:
   • Build an advanced interface to make spatial data accessible with robust data exchange protocols and privacy-preserving features.

1. Significance:

Data-Driven Decisions: Promotes evidence-based policymaking.

Seamless Data Sharing: Facilitates easy access to geospatial data.

1. Responsible Usage: Encourages ethical and privacy-compliant applications.

National Geospatial Policy 2022

1. Vision:
   • Position India as a global leader in the geospatial sector.
   • Develop a national geospatial framework.
   • Ensure easy availability of geospatial data for public and private use.
2. Institutional Framework:

1. Geospatial Data Promotion and Development Committee (GDPDC): Apex body for the geospatial sector.
2. Survey of India: Nodal agency for managing geospatial data.
3. Key Strategies:

1. National Digital Twin Strategy: Creating digital replicas of physical assets for real-time analysis.
2. Geospatial Knowledge Infrastructure: Establishing a robust knowledge ecosystem for the sector.

Expected Impact of the Initiatives

1. Economic Growth:
   • Catalyzing growth in agriculture, logistics, and other key sectors.
   • Enabling efficient resource allocation and management.
2. Enhanced Governance:
3. Improving transparency, public service delivery, and infrastructure planning.
4. Fostering Innovation:

1. Encouraging startups and enterprises to develop geospatial solutions.
2. Driving advancements in AI, IoT, and digital twin technologies.
3. Global Competitiveness: Positioning India as a hub for geospatial innovation and leadership in the global market.

Conclusion: Operation Dronagiri and the Integrated Geospatial Data Sharing Interface (GDI) signify a transformative step towards building a robust geospatial ecosystem in India. With the National Geospatial Policy 2022 as the guiding framework, these initiatives aim to harness the power of geospatial data for socioeconomic growth, governance, and innovation, cementing India’s position as a global leader in the sector.

6. Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF)

   Context: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched the ‘Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research’ (PAIR) program, aligned with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This initiative aims to enhance the research ecosystem in Indian universities by fostering collaboration between established and emerging institutions using a hub-and-spoke model.

About PAIR:

1. Hub-and-Spoke Model:
   • Hubs:
     • Institutions with high National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) scores.
     • Serve as mentors, guiding emerging institutions in research and innovation.
     • Provide access to their resources, expertise, and infrastructure.
   • Spokes:
     • Include Central and State Public Universities and select NITs and IIITs.
     • Will expand over time to include more institutions.
2. Purpose:

1. Transform research and innovation in Indian universities.
2. Foster collaboration, capacity-building, and resource-sharing.

Research Ecosystem in Indian Higher Education Institutions (HEIs):

Current Status (Based on 2024 EY Report):

1. Strengths:
   • World’s Third-Largest Higher Education System: After the U.S. and China.
   • Global Research Output:
     • India ranks 4th in research papers published between 2017 and 2022.
     • Significant contributions to global research quantity.
2. Challenges:

1. Quality of Research: Lower rankings in citations per document and Hirsch Index (H-index) compared to global peers.
2. Research Translation: Limited conversion of academic research into real-world applications and solutions.
3. Funding: Indian universities rely heavily on government funding, unlike global counterparts that receive substantial private sector investment.

1. Budgetary Constraints: India spends just 0.65% of GDP on R&D, compared to:
   • 4.8% in South Korea.
   • 3.4% in the U.S.
   • Lack of Incentives:
   • About ANRF:
   • Established: Under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023.
   • Role:
     • Strengthens India’s research ecosystem.
     • Bridges the gap between academic research and industry requirements.
     • Supports interdisciplinary and translational research.
   • Complementary Initiatives:
   • SERB-SURE (State University Research Excellence): Enhances research capabilities in state universities.
   • IMPRINT (Impacting Research Innovation and Technology): Focuses on technology-driven research to address national challenges.
   • Atal Innovation Mission (AIM): Encourages innovation and entrepreneurship through incubation centers and tinkering labs.
   • Significance of PAIR and ANRF
   • Building Research Capacity:
     • Strengthening emerging institutions through mentorship.
     • Improving access to cutting-edge resources and expertise.
   • Promoting Collaborative Research: Encouraging partnerships among institutions for shared innovation.
   • Improving Research Quality:
   • Addressing challenges like low citation impact and research relevance.
   • Creating incentives for impactful and high-quality research.
   • Boosting India’s Global Competitiveness: Supporting NEP 2020’s goal of making India a global leader in education and innovation.
   • Encouraging Industry Collaboration: Attracting private sector investments for sustainable research funding.
   • Conclusion: The PAIR initiative, alongside ANRF and complementary programs, has the potential to revolutionize India’s research ecosystem. By addressing key challenges in funding, quality, and collaboration, these initiatives aim to elevate India’s status as a hub for cutting-edge innovation and world-class research, fostering sustainable development and global leadership.

7. Ganga River Biodiversity Projects Approved

 Context: The Executive Committee of the National Mission on Clean Ganga (NMCG) has approved crucial biodiversity conservation projects aimed at preserving the Ganga River Basin ecosystem and its unique aquatic life, particularly focusing on endangered species.

 Key Projects Approved:

1. Environmental Flow Assessment:
   • Rivers Covered: Chambal, Son, Damodar, and Tons.
   • Aim: Assessing environmental flows to maintain ecological balance and river health.
2. Conservation of Endangered Turtles:

1. Region: Ganga Basin, Uttar Pradesh.
2. Focus: Rehabilitation of endangered turtle species and reintroduction of three critically threatened species.
3. Spatial Monitoring and Reporting Tool (SMART):

1. Location: National Chambal Sanctuary.
2. Purpose: Improving monitoring and management of aquatic biodiversity, especially for species like gharials and dolphins.
3. Advanced Rescue System for Ganges River Dolphins:

1. Objective: Development of a specialized rescue vehicle (Dolphin Ambulance) to protect and assist stranded dolphins.
2. Focus: Community awareness, capacity building, and training for dolphin conservation.

About Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica)

1. Habitat: Found in India’s Ganga-Brahmaputra-Barak river system, as well as rivers in Nepal and Bangladesh.
2. Characteristics:
   • A freshwater dolphin species, adapted to murky river waters.
   • Almost blind, relying on echolocation (ultrasonic sounds) to navigate and hunt.
3. Threats:

1. Entanglement in fishing gear and poaching (e.g., for oil).
2. Habitat destruction due to dams, irrigation projects, and pollution.
3. Contamination from industrial waste and pesticides.
4. Conservation Status:

1. Endangered (IUCN Red List).
2. Listed in Appendix I of CITES.
3. Included in Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

Conservation Initiatives for the Gangetic Dolphin:

1. National Aquatic Animal: Declared India’s National Aquatic Animal to raise awareness about its ecological importance.
2. Wildlife Habitat Scheme: Financial assistance provided under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme for Development of Wildlife Habitats for critically endangered species.
3. Project Dolphin: Aimed at conserving the Ganges river dolphins and restoring their riverine ecosystem.
4. Protected Areas: Important habitats, like the Vikramshila Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar (India’s only dolphin sanctuary), have been designated as protected areas to safeguard the species.

Significance of These Initiatives:

1. Enhanced River Health: Environmental flow assessments and conservation projects help maintain the ecological integrity of the river system.
2. Community Involvement: Training and awareness initiatives will empower local communities to contribute to biodiversity preservation.
3. Preservation of Endangered Species: Dedicated efforts for turtles, dolphins, and other species will help reduce extinction risks and improve biodiversity.
4. Strengthening Ganga Basin Conservation: These projects align with the Namami Gange Mission, promoting a sustainable approach to managing riverine ecosystems.

The initiatives demonstrate India’s commitment to sustainable river management and biodiversity conservation, aligning with global efforts to protect aquatic ecosystems and combat the threats of habitat destruction and species endangerment.

8. Know Your Medicine’ App

Context: The Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports has launched the ‘Know Your Medicine’ (KYM) app as part of a broader initiative by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India to combat doping in sports and promote fair play.

  About the KYM App:

• Purpose:
  1. Designed to raise awareness and educate athletes about doping and prohibited substances.
  2. Ensures athletes can make informed decisions regarding the medications they use.
• Key Features:
  1. Medicine Verification: Users can verify if a specific medicine or its ingredients contain substances prohibited by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA).
  2. Convenient Access:
     • Offers image and audio search functionalities.
     • Allows users to filter results by sport category for tailored information.
• User-Friendly Interface: Designed to make the process of accessing anti-doping information seamless and quick.
• Impact:
  • Encourages clean and ethical sportsmanship.
  • Reduces the risk of inadvertent doping due to lack of awareness.

About the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA):

• Establishment:
  • Formed in November 2005 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860.
  • Functions as the independent Anti-Doping Organization for India.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports.
• Primary Functions:
  • Anti-Doping Code Implementation: Ensures compliance with global anti-doping standards across all Indian sports organizations.
  • Dope Testing: Coordinates comprehensive dope-testing programs with all stakeholders.
  • Research & Education: Promotes anti-doping research and awareness to foster a culture of dope-free sports.
  • Adoption of Best Practices: Implements global best practices and quality systems for effective program execution.

Significance of KYM App:

1. Athlete Empowerment: Provides athletes with critical tools to stay informed and avoid accidental doping violations.
2. Promotes Integrity in Sports: Upholds fairness and ethical values in Indian sports by reducing doping risks.
3. Supports India’s Global Sporting Goals: Strengthens India’s commitment to clean sports, enhancing its reputation on the global stage.
4. Enhanced Accessibility: The innovative search features ensure information is accessible to athletes at all levels, including grassroots.

The KYM app is a step forward in NADA’s mission to create a dope-free sporting culture, ensuring that athletes, coaches, and support staff work together to uphold the spirit of fair competition

9. MATES Migration Scheme

The MATES Migration Scheme is an Australian initiative designed to strengthen bilateral ties with India by providing young, talented Indian professionals an opportunity to work in Australia for two years.

Key Features of MATES:

1. Purpose: Offers Indian university graduates and early-career professionals a chance to gain work experience in Australia.
2. Duration: Participants can live and work in Australia for up to two years, with multiple entry provisions.
3. Dependents: Participants can bring their spouse and dependent children, who will also have work rights.  Dependents will not count toward the annual cap.
4. Annual Cap: The program will initially provide 3,000 places for primary applicants per year.
5. Start Date: Applications will open in December this year as a pilot program.

Eligibility Criteria:

1. Age Limit: Applicants must be 30 years or younger at the time of application.
2. Educational Qualification: Must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher in one of the following fields:
   • Renewable Energy
   • Mining
   • Engineering
   • Information Communications Technology (ICT)
   • Artificial Intelligence (AI)
   • Financial Technology (FinTech)
   • Agricultural Technology (AgriTech)

1. Recent Graduate: Graduation must be within two years from an eligible educational institution.
2. Language Proficiency: Must demonstrate proficient English language skills:
3. Overall IELTS score of at least 6, with a minimum of 5 in each module (or equivalent).

1. Institutional Eligibility: Graduates must come from institutions in the top 100 of India’s NIRF Rankings 2024.
2. No Previous Participation: Applicants must not have previously participated in MATES.

Background:

• Bilateral Framework:
  • MATES is part of the Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA), an agreement between India and Australia.
  • The MMPA promotes two-way migration and addresses illegal and irregular migration issues.

Visa Details:

1. Validity:
   • Visa holders have 12 months to make their first entry into Australia.
   • They can stay for 24 months from the date of their first entry.
2. Multiple Entries: Participants can enter and exit Australia multiple times during the visa period.

Significance of MATES:

1. Strengthens India-Australia Ties: Enhances mobility and collaboration between Indian and Australian professionals.
2. Focus on High-Demand Fields: Targets priority sectors like renewable energy, technology, and engineering.
3. Opportunities for Dependents: Allows families to relocate together with access to work opportunities.
4. Attracting Top Talent: Encourages graduates from India’s leading universities to explore international career prospects.

10. SVASTIK Initiative (Scientifically Validated Traditional Knowledge)

The SVASTIK Initiative is a national program launched by the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-National Institute of Science Communication and Policy Research (CSIR-NIScPR) to promote and scientifically validate India’s traditional knowledge systems.

Key Features of SVASTIK:

1. Objective:
   • Preserve and perpetuate India’s traditional knowledge by instilling scientific validation and fostering a culture of trust in these practices.
   • Encourage scientific temperament to verify traditions and boost public confidence in their efficacy.

1. Collaboration: Involves participation from research organizations, higher education institutions, experts, and NGOs.
2. Outreach:

1. Social media dissemination: Engages the public with content in 17 Indian languages.
2. SVASTIK publications: Authenticated stories that inspire young students to explore the intersection of science and traditional practices.
3. Scope:

1. Documentation and dissemination of scientifically validated traditional knowledge.
2. Engage society with inspiring stories to revive interest and pride in India’s ancient wisdom.
3. Significance:

1. Bridges the gap between traditional knowledge and modern scientific inquiry.
2. Promotes awareness, preservation, and scientific exploration of India’s rich cultural heritage.

What is CSIR?

The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) is India’s premier publicly funded research and development organization.

Key Highlights:

1. Purpose: Advancing scientific research in natural sciences and engineering for societal benefit.
2. Structure:
   • President: Prime Minister of India (Ex-officio).
   • Vice President: Union Minister of Science and Technology (Ex-officio).
   • Governing Body: Led by the Director-General and includes the Finance Secretary (Expenditure) and other appointed members with a three-year term.

1. Network: Comprises 37 national laboratories, 39 outreach centers, 1 innovation complex, and 3 units with a pan-India presence.
2. Headquarters: New Delhi.

Role of CSIR in SVASTIK: As the coordinating agency, CSIR-NIScPR plays a central role in:

• Validating traditional knowledge scientifically.
• Disseminating the findings to promote a broader understanding and appreciation of Indian heritage.

Importance of SVASTIK:

1. Preservation of Heritage: Safeguards traditional knowledge for future generations.
2. Cultural Pride: Reaffirms the value of Indian traditions in a modern scientific framework.
3. Global Recognition: Establishes India’s traditional practices as scientifically credible on the global stage.
4. Inspiring Youth: Encourages young minds to explore the intersection of science and tradition.