2023 07 26

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 2:

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019
National Commission for Women (NCW)

GS Paper 3:

Issues faced by gig workers in India
India’s ethanol push
FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031

Content for Mains Enrichment

‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign
S Phangnon Konyak

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

PM-WANI
T+0 settlement
WTO: Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies
Cells with bare minimum genes can still evolve as fast as normal cells
Hygroelectricity
Fluorochemicals
Silvopasture systems
Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines

Mapping

Argentina

The DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation

Source: IE

Context: The Union government withdrew the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019 from the Lok Sabha.

What is DNA technology?

DNA/Deoxyribonucleic acid is the genetic material of the cell and contains all of the instructions for cells to carry out their structure and function.
DNA technology is the study and manipulation of genetic material, which includes sequencing, analysis, and cutting-and-pasting of DNA.
Using this technology, scientists are able to manipulate DNA to study the biology of living organisms and to improve human life (treatment of diseases).
However, the technology can be abused through unauthorised access to databanks and unauthorised disclosure of information.

Background of the Bill:

First proposed in 2003 (by the Ministry of S&T), the Bill has gone through numerous changes, led by both the Department of Biotechnology and the Law Ministry, over the years.
In 2019, it was referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on S&T after being introduced in the Lok Sabha.
In 2021, the panel’s report was released, which highlighted that the Bill could be misused to target segments of society based on religion, caste or political views.

About the DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill:

It seeks to create a regulatory framework for obtaining, storing and testing DNA samples of human beings –
- Mainly for the purposes of criminal investigations, and
- With the objective of establishing the identity of a person.
The proposed law seeks to bring in a supervisory structure –
- To oversee practices (already used in criminal investigations, establishment of parentage, and search for missing people), and
- Frame guidelines and rules so that the DNA technology is not misused.
It also specifies –
- The circumstances under which a person can be asked to submit DNA samples,
- The purposes for which such requests can be made, and
- The exact procedure for handling, storing and accessing these samples.

The Bill proposes to set up institutional structures:

At the national level,
- DNA regulatory board: The board is proposed to be the main regulatory authority and would frame the rules and guidelines for DNA collection, testing and storage.
- DNA data bank: It would be the repository of all DNA samples collected from various people under specified rules.
Regional centres of the board as well as the data bank can be set up at the state level too.

Powers of the DNA regulatory board: The testing of DNA samples can be carried out only at laboratories that are authorised to do so by the regulatory board.

Objections against the Bill:

Three issues – whether DNA technology is foolproof, whether the provisions adequately address the possibility of abuse of DNA information, and whether the privacy of the individual is protected.
DNA information can be extremely revelatory and collecting and storing such intrusive information could lead to abuse and violation of a person’s privacy.

The government’s argument:

Nearly 60 countries have enacted similar legislation and all important matters related to privacy, confidentiality and data protection have been taken into account.
Very limited information is proposed to be stored in the indices, which can tell nothing about the individual and only act as a unique identifier.

Why is Bill withdrawn?

As per reports, most of the provisions of the Bill were broadly covered in the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act 2022 brought by the Ministry of Home Affairs.

Insta Links:

DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019

July 26, 2023 /25 July CA, 26 July 2023, DNA Technology (Use and Application) Regulation Bill 2019, GS 2, Today's Article, Today’s article

National Commission for Women (NCW)

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: Mechanisms, Laws, Institutions and Bodies constituted for the Protection and Betterment of these Vulnerable Sections

Source: IE

Context: The cases of molestation and rape of women in Manipur have brought the functioning of Women’s commissions in India into focus.

National Commission for Women (NCW):

It is a statutory body of the Government of India that was founded on January 31, 1992, by the National Commission for Women Act, 1990.
Its mandate is to:
- Review the Constitutional and Legal safeguards for women;
- Recommend remedial legislative measures;
- Facilitate redressal of grievances and
- Advise the Government on all policy matters affecting women.
Functions:
- Investigate and examine all issues concerning the protection provided to women under the Constitution and other legislation.
- Report on the effectiveness of those safeguards to the Central Government.
- Make recommendations in such reports for the effective application of those protections.
- Propose corrective legislative actions to address any flaws in laws.
- Investigate complaints and take suo moto action in cases involving the denial of women’s rights.

The Manipur State Commission for Women (MSCW):

Each state also has its own commission and MSCW was constituted in 2006 as a statutory body under the Manipur State Commission for Women Act, 2006.
It is mandated to safeguard the interests of women with a wide mandate that covers all aspects of women’s development.

Major Issues around the Working of Women Commission:

Financial assistance provided to the Commissions is extremely less to cater to its needs.
Their members are appointed by the government and therefore lack the independence to work without the influence of the government.
They lack concrete legislative power. For example, its reports are only recommendatory.

Implications of the above:

These commissions at the national and state levels have become toothless tigers, failing to prioritise field visits over paperwork.
Most of the commissions are afraid to criticise the governments.

Case of Manipur:

The NCW had received a large number of complaints about the violation of women’s rights in the state.
The NCW forwarded them to the state. The state police or its other wings probably ignored the forwards or did not have time to do justice to each of them.

Way ahead:

Commissions need to be strengthened (either by giving them Constitutional status or by amending their parent laws) so that they can concentrate on providing physical, emotional, legal and psychological aid to women in distress.
Advertising the posts of chairpersons and members of these commissions.
Genuinely interested and capable individuals would then be selected by a selection committee – consisting of LoP, judges from the SC, civil society organisations, etc.
A social audit of the performance of different commissions by competent external agencies on a regular basis would give citizens an idea of their actual work.
There is a need for an increase of awareness and enlightenment especially required mainly among women in rural areas that such a commission exists to address their rights.

Conclusion: Women’s commissions in India were set up with a lot of high expectations. However, a review of their work and responses to the issues of women is the immediate need of the hour to prevent incidents like Manipur.

Insta Links:

NCW issues memo on prevention of sexual harassment

Mains Links:

Is the National Commission for Women able to strategize and tackle the problems that women face at both public and private spheres? Give reasons in support of your answer. (UPSC 2017)

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, National Commission for Women (NCW), Today's Article

Issues faced by gig workers in India

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Indian Economy and related issues

Source: IE

Context: A parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of Labour and Employment (MoL&E) to formulate and implement welfare schemes for gig and platform workers and unorganised sector workers at the earliest.

Why?

Since such workers do not come under the purview of the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, appropriate/ specific welfare schemes for them need to be put in place by the government.

What is a gig economy?

It is a labour market that relies heavily on temporary and part-time positions filled by independent contractors and freelancers rather than full-time permanent employees.
Gig workers gain flexibility and independence but little or no job security.


Gig workers
Gig workers refer to workers outside of the traditional employer-employee relationship. There are two groups of gig workers.
Platform workers	Non-platform workers
When gig workers use online algorithmic matching platforms or apps to connect with customers, they are called platform workers.	Those who work outside of these platforms are non-platform workers, including construction workers and non-technology-based temporary workers.

Gig economy in India: According to the NITI Aayog estimates, nearly 23.5 million workers will be engaged in the gig economy by 2029.

Issues faced by gig workers:

Since the gig economy falls outside the scope of traditional, full-time employment, gig workers usually lack basic employment rights such as
- Minimum wages,
- Overtime pay,
- Medical leave, and
- A statutorily bound resolution of employer-employee disputes.
Gig workers display characteristics of both employees and independent contractors → as a result fall outside the ambit of statutory benefits under –
- the Minimum Wages Act 1948, EPF Act 1952 and the Payment of Bonus Act 196 (for employees)
- the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act 1970 (for contract labourers)

What is the proposed law for gig workers?

The Code on Social Security 2020, which has proposed social security schemes for gig workers and platform workers on matters relating to –
- life and disability cover,
- accident insurance,
- health and maternity benefits,
- old age protection, etc.
However, the Code is yet to come into force.

Other efforts:

A MoU has been signed between the MoL&E and the NLSIU (Bangalore) for assistance in framing a new scheme for the gig and platform workers as well as workers in the unorganised sector.

Concerns:

Out of the four new labour codes proposed, gig work finds reference only in the Code on Social Security.
- Hence, they cannot create legally recognised unions and access a national minimum wage that applies to all forms of employment.
- They also remain excluded from accessing the specialised redressal mechanism against their employers.
Gig workers are excluded from the category of ‘unorganised workers’ or ‘wage workers’.
They also do not have the right to collective bargaining – a fundamental principle of modern labour law.
All the above leads to the violation of their fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 21 and comes within the meaning of forced labour under Article 23.

Best practices:

The Rajasthan Platform-Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023: Rajasthan has become the first state in the country to pass a law for the welfare of lakhs of gig workers earning their livelihood through online platforms (Ola, Swiggy, etc).
Germany’s Temporary Employment Act provides for equal pay and equal treatment of gig workers.
Singapore has also proposed legislative changes to extend work injury insurance and pension coverage to such workers.

Conclusion: A specific scheme for such workers, as recommended by the Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles, and Skill Development may resolve the above concerns.

Insta Links:

Gig economy

Mains Links:

How globalization has led to the reduction of employment in the formal sector of the Indian economy? Is increased informalization detrimental to the development of the country? (UPSC 2016)

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, 26 July CA, Code on Social Security, Gig Economy, gig workers, GS 3, The Rajasthan Platform Based Gig Workers (Registration and Welfare) Act 2023, Today's Article, Today’s article

India’s ethanol push

GS Paper 3

Source: IE

Context: At a G20 Energy Ministers’ meeting, the Indian PM stated that India has rolled out 20% ethanol-blended petrol this year and aims to cover the entire country by 2025.

Ethanol:

Ethanol is basically 9% pure alcohol that can be blended with petrol.
It is different from the 94% rectified spirit (having applications in paints, and pharmaceuticals) and 96% extra neutral alcohol that goes to make potable liquor.

India’s ethanol production programme: It has come a long way in the past five years, both in terms of the quantities supplied by sugar mills/distilleries to oil marketing companies (OMCs) and the raw material used.

Raw material used:

What does it mean?

India’s ethanol programme is no longer reliant on a single feedstock or crop.
It has diversified only from molasses and cane to rice, maize and other grains as well.

Implications of diversification of feedstocks:

It will minimise supply fluctuations and price volatility on account of any one crop.
The incorporation of new feedstocks can create new demand for grains.
- For example, if UP (a major sugarcane grower) and Bihar (maize) could supply rice, barley and millets to distilleries, they can “fuel India” the way Punjab, Haryana or MP “feed India”.

How was this diversification made possible?

Differential pricing:
- Till 2017-18, the OMCs were paying a uniform price for ethanol produced from any feedstocks.
- From 2018-19, the government began fixing higher prices for ethanol produced from B-heavy molasses and whole sugarcane juice/syrup.
- This gave flexibility and incentive for mills/distilleries to use multiple feedstocks.
- This has given stimulus to ethanol production, which can be seen from its all-India average blending with petrol touching 75% in 2022-23, as against 1.6% in 2013-14.
Byproduct benefits:
- The liquid effluent (spent wash) generated during alcohol production in distilleries can pose serious environmental problems if discharged without proper treatment.
- The new molasses-based distilleries have MEE (multi-effect evaporator) units, where the spent wash is concentrated to about 60% solids.
- The concentrated wash is used as a boiler fuel along with bagasse (the fibre remaining after crushing sugarcane).

While the ethanol program has numerous benefits, there are also some concerns. Increased demand for grains for ethanol production may impact food supply and prices. Additionally, distilleries’ liquid effluent can pose environmental challenges, but advancements such as multi-effect evaporator units have enabled the utilization of spent wash as boiler fuel and the production of fertilizer and animal feed as by-products.

Conclusion:

Overall, the ethanol program holds promise for reducing dependence on fossil fuels, promoting sustainable practices, and providing opportunities for farmers and industries.

Insta links:

India pitching for enhanced development of Biofuels

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Biofuels, Ethanol Blending, Today's Article

FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Environment and Conservation

Source: FAO

Context: At a time when the world is reeling under challenges like hunger, COVID-19, ecosystem degradation and inequalities, the presentation of the FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031 is timely.

How?

The Strategy rests on the vision of climate-resilient agriculture to transform agri-food systems to be more efficient, inclusive, resilient and sustainable.

Why?

Sustainable and resilient agrifood systems provide a variety of solutions that respond to climate crisis challenges and contribute to restoring degraded natural and managed ecosystems.

FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022-2031:

Endorsed by the FAO Council, this Strategy is a response to the worldwide challenge of tackling the impacts of the climate crisis.
It aims to address a broad range of interlinked challenges, including –
- biodiversity loss,
- desertification,
- land and environmental degradation,
- the need for accessible, affordable renewable energy, and
- food and water security.

Implications: It will help countries implement their country-driven commitments and plans, including –

Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and
National Adaptation Plans (NAPs)
2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development

Conclusion: The new Strategy looks beyond only food production by considering crops and livestock, forests, fisheries and aquaculture in a holistic manner, as well as embracing the indispensable role of women, youth and Indigenous Peoples, as essential agents of change.

Related news: Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA)

Source: DTE

Context: The 19th regular session of the CGRFA was concluded recently at the FAO headquarters in Rome, Italy.

CGRFA of FAO: The commission is a scientific and technical intergovernmental body that provides policy guidance towards the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity and genetic resources specifically geared towards food and agriculture.

Outcome/ achievement CGRFA-19: The establishment of a technical working group on genetic resources of microorganisms and pollinators was one of the biggest achievements of the meeting.

Significance:

● Microorganisms (help in bioremediation and nutrient cycling in the soil) and pollinators (help in natural pest control and pollination of agricultural crops) are essential for food security.

● However, they have been largely neglected by the commission.

Insta Links:

Climate change and agriculture

Mains Links:

What measures should India take to weather-proof its food security in the face of climate change?

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, 26 July CA, Commission on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture (CGRFA), FAO Strategy on Climate Change 2022–2031, GS 3, Technical working group on genetic resources of microorganisms and pollinators, Today's Article, Today’s article

‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign

Content for Mains Enrichment

Source: TH

Context: The Union government has launched the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign as part of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebration of India’s 75 years of Independence.

The campaign aims to develop a garden called Amrit Vatika along the Kartavya Path in Delhi using soil collected from different parts of the country in August.

The campaign includes events at the panchayat, village, block, urban local body, state, and national levels. The agenda involves installing a memorial plaque bearing the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice, including freedom fighters and defence personnel. People will take a solemn pledge at the memorial site to reaffirm their commitment to the country.

Use: The example of the campaign can be used in questions related to national integration, values of patriotism etc.

July 26, 2023 /'Meri Maati Mera Desh' campaign, 26 July 2023, Today's Article

S Phangnon Konyak

Source: IE

BJP’s S Phangnon Konyak has made history by becoming the first woman Member of Parliament (MP) from Nagaland to preside over Rajya Sabha. She was appointed to the panel of vice-chairpersons, becoming the first woman ever to hold this position in Rajya Sabha. Konyak was also the first woman to be elected to Rajya Sabha from Nagaland in April 2022 and the second woman from the state to be elected to either the House of Parliament or the state assembly.

Use: Her example can be used to show the values of gender equality, inclusivity, respect, responsible leadership, and service.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, S Phangnon Konyak, Today's Article

PM-WANI

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Digital India programme has three main vision areas: digital connectivity, software and services on demand, and digital empowerment of citizens. To achieve this, the creation of inter-operable public Wi-Fi hotspots called PM-WANI (Wi-Fi Access Network Interface) was proposed to provide affordable internet access to the common people, especially in rural and underserved areas.

PM-WANI allows the last-mile distribution of broadband through Public Data Offices (PDOs) offering sachet-sized packages of internet for as low as Rs 5 to 10.
This framework offers a business opportunity for aggregators (PDOAs) without additional licensing fees, fostering the growth of local nano-entrepreneurs who establish Wi-Fi hotspots and offer internet access to other users.
It offers an affordable and reliable solution for underserved areas, benefiting ISPs and Telcos by expanding their customer base.

To learn more about PMWANI click here

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Government program and policies, GS2, PM- WANI, schemes, Today's Article, Wi-fi hotspot pouches

WTO: Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ET

Context: Trade experts and civil society members are urging India not to ratify the fisheries subsidies agreement recently agreed upon by the World Trade Organization (WTO) members.

What is the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement at WTO?

The fisheries subsidies agreement agreed upon by the WTO prohibits subsidies for Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing and overfished stocks. It also restricts subsidies for fishing on the high seas, outside the jurisdiction of coastal countries and Regional Fisheries Management Organizations.

Transition Period: Developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are granted a two-year transition period under Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) and are not obligated to implement disciplines during this period.

Exemptions:

The agreement allows subsidies for vessels or operators not engaged in IUU fishing and permits subsidies to rebuild overfished stocks to a sustainable level.

Advantages for India:

For India, the agreement is seen as crucial to combat large-scale IUU fishing that impacts coastal communities’ livelihoods and depletes fisheries resources.

Concerns:


Concerns for India	Description
1. Impact on Livelihoods	Reduction in subsidies may negatively affect small-scale and traditional fishers’ livelihoods and income.

2. Competitiveness	Indian fishing industries may face challenges competing with heavily subsidized fishing operations from other nations.

3. Resource Access	Restrictions on subsidies for fishing in certain areas may limit Indian fishing vessels’ access to high-seas fishing grounds, affecting their ability to catch valuable fish stocks.


4. Impact on the Fishing Industry	The agreement may lead to increased operational costs for the fishing industry, impacting its overall competitiveness.

5. Market Disruptions	Reduced subsidies for certain fishing practices may lead to market disruptions and changing dynamics in the industry.

6. Negotiation Leverage	India’s bargaining power in international fishing negotiations may be affected by the new agreement’s provisions.
7. Unequal for India	Concerns have been raised that the agreement is unequal and does not address the overfishing and overcapacity issues adequately

India’s stand

India, being a low fisheries subsidizer with a sustainable approach, emphasizes that advanced fishing nations that have historically provided substantial subsidies and contributed to fish stock depletion should bear more responsibility based on the ‘polluter pay principle’ and ‘common but differentiated responsibilities.’

Suggestions:

Experts have suggested India initiate talks for a comprehensive agreement that addresses industrial fishing nations’ disciplines related to overcapacity and overfishing.

India has not yet ratified the agreement.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Fisheries Subsidies Agreement, Today's Article, WTO

Fluorochemicals

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Phys.org

Context: Researchers at the University of Oxford have achieved a groundbreaking breakthrough by developing a new technique to produce fluorochemicals without using hazardous hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas.

What are Fluorochemicals and how are they produced?

Fluorochemicals are essential chemical compounds used in various industries, including polymers, agrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and lithium-ion batteries. They are known for their unique properties, including high thermal stability and resistance to chemicals.

Traditionally, fluorochemicals are produced through an energy-intensive process involving the use of hazardous hydrogen fluoride (HF) gas. HF is generated by reacting a crystalline mineral called fluorspar (CaF2) with sulfuric acid under harsh conditions. This process has safety risks and environmental consequences due to HF spills.

What is the New Method?

Inspired by the natural biomineralization process that forms teeth and bones, researchers successfully activated solid-state calcium fluoride (CaF2) through a mechanochemical process. This innovative method, named Fluoromix, allows for the direct synthesis of over 50 different fluorochemicals from CaF2 with impressive yields of up to 98%.

Significance: The new approach has the potential to enhance safety and environmental impact, streamline the supply chain, and reduce energy demands in the rapidly expanding global fluorochemical industry.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Fluorochemicals, Today's Article

Cells with bare minimum genes can still evolve as fast as normal cells

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Researchers from Indiana University conducted an experiment using a synthetically designed minimal cell containing only essential genes for survival to understand how such a cell would evolve under evolutionary forces.

They used a synthetic version of Mycoplasma mycoides, a microbe commonly found in the guts of goats and cattle, creating a stripped-down minimal cell (JCVI-syn3.B) with only 493 genes.
Despite the minimal cell’s reduced fitness and sickness due to genome minimization, the researchers found that it could evolve as fast as a normal cell.

The minimal cells evolved differently from non-minimal cells, and the study shed light on microbial evolution and the potential of synthetic organisms in synthetic biology applications. The findings show that even organisms with minimal genomes can evolve and adapt effectively, providing valuable insights into evolutionary processes.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Cells with bare minimum genes can still evolve as fast as normal cells, SCIENCE, SG3, Today's Article

Hygroelectricity

Source: BBC

Context: Researchers are exploring the concept of hygroelectricity, which involves harvesting electricity from humid air.

Methods of generating hygroelectricity:

Using tiny protein nanowires produced by bacteria to trap water molecules and create electrical charges, potentially providing usable electricity to power miniature computers or sensors.
Another method involves passing humid air between two pieces of metal, inducing a charge as the moist air flows over them.

Advantages: Versatility, sustainable.

Disadvantages: Scale up of technology.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, GS3, Hygroelectricity, TECHNOLOGY, Today's Article

Silvopasture systems

Source: DTE

What are Silvopasture systems?

They are a sustainable land management approach that combines trees, livestock grazing, and forage production on the same land, providing ecological and economic benefits.

Advantages:

Improved local climate resilience: Creating favourable Microclimates
Can play a vital role in reversing deforestation trends caused by increased demand for pasture.
Silvopasture acts as a natural carbon sink, reducing carbon dioxide emissions significantly
It regulates local climatic conditions, buffering against temperature and wind extremes, providing a favourable environment for livestock, thus improving animal welfare
Enhancing soil quality

Significance: Transitioning to more silvopasture systems by Indian farmers can help address the threats of climate change and land degradation, offering a promising solution for resilient agricultural landscapes in the face of deteriorating natural resources and forests.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Silvopasture systems, Today's Article

Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines

Source: TH

Context: India is set to procure three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines, with the contract expected to be finalized by the end of 2024 (under Indian Navy’s project 75)

More about the News:

The first submarine delivery is likely to take place around 2031.
The new submarines will have higher indigenous content and will be equipped with the DRDO-developed Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system, enhancing their endurance.

This move aims to bolster the Indian Navy’s submarine fleet, which currently consists of 16 conventional submarines and is expected to deplete over the next decade due to ageing vessels.

Project-75

The Indian Navy’s Project 75 involves the construction of six Scorpene-Class attack submarines. These conventional-powered submarines, weighing 1,500 tonnes and capable of diving up to 300 meters, are being manufactured by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL) (Mumbai) with technology support from France’s Naval Group.

The first submarine in the series, INS Kalvari, was commissioned in 2017
Second submarine INS Khanderi in 2019
The third one is INS Karanj in 2021
The fourth one is INS Vela in 2021
Fifth one, INS Vagir, in January 2023
A sixth submarine, Vagsheer, is undergoing trial phases and is expected to be delivered to the Navy in early 2024.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Project 75, Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines, Today's Article

Argentina

Mapping

Source: PIB

India and Argentina have agreed to foster the bilateral exchange of young researchers and startups, particularly in the fields of biotechnology and agriculture. Bilateral trade between India and Argentina reached a historic peak of over USD 6 billion in 2022, with India as the 4th largest trading partner of Argentina. I

Argentina is the second-largest country in South America after Brazil. Argentina is bordered by the Andes Mountains and Chile to the west. To the east of the Andes, the interior of the country is flat, fertile grassland called the Pampas. The eastern border of the country is the Atlantic Ocean. Bolivia is to the northwest and Paraguay is to the north.

July 26, 2023 /26 July 2023, Argentina, Today's Article