UPSC: FCRA, Adaptive Defence, Bio-Derived Foam, and More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 2

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010

News: The Central Government recently announced that any NGO involved in anti-developmental activities and forced religious conversions will face cancellation of their registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), 2010.
Overview:
- - The Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is a law enacted by the Indian Parliament to regulate the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions, especially financial donations, by certain entities, including NGOs.
  - Initially enacted in 1976, the Act was comprehensively revised in 2010 and falls under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

Definition of ‘Foreign Contribution’: Refers to any donation, transfer, or delivery made by a foreign source, including:
- - Any article, excluding personal gifts valued under one lakh rupees.
  - Any currency, whether foreign or Indian.
  - Any security, including foreign securities.
  - Contributions from persons who have received funds from a foreign source.
  - Interest accrued on foreign contributions in designated bank accounts.
Objectives of the Act:
- - The FCRA aims to prevent foreign entities from unduly influencing India’s electoral, social, political, economic, or religious matters, ensuring that foreign contributions do not harm public interests.
  - Contributions from Indian citizens residing abroad, such as NRIs, from personal savings through regular banking channels, are not considered foreign contributions under the Act.

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Eligibility for Receiving Foreign Contributions:
- - Conditions for Recipients:
  - Individuals or entities receiving foreign contributions must have a defined cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social program.
  - They must secure FCRA registration or obtain prior approval from the Central Government.
  - Eligible Entities: This includes:
  - Individuals.
  - Hindu Undivided Families.
  - Associations.
  - Companies registered under Section 8 of the Companies Act, 2013.
  - Contributions must be used exclusively for the purpose for which they were received, with administrative expenses limited to 20% of total foreign contributions received in a fiscal year.
  - Banking Requirements:
  - Every entity or person receiving foreign funds must open a dedicated bank account at the State Bank of India in Delhi to receive such contributions.
  - FCRA Registration Requirements:
Mandatory Registration for NGOs:
- - All associations, groups, or NGOs planning to receive foreign donations must register under FCRA.
  - Applicants must not be fictitious or ‘benami’ and should not have been prosecuted for promoting conversions by inducement or force.
  - Registration Validity and Renewal:
  - Registration is valid for five years, with the option for renewal if compliance with all norms is maintained.
  - Registered associations may utilize foreign funds for purposes that are social, educational, religious, economic, or cultural in nature.
Cancellation and Suspension of Registration:
- - Cancellation Grounds:
  - Registration can be revoked if an inquiry uncovers false statements in the application.
  - An NGO with cancelled registration cannot reapply for three years.
  - Suspension Authority:
  - The MHA can suspend registration for up to 180 days during an investigation and freeze the NGO’s funds during this period.
  - Right to Appeal:
  - All government orders under FCRA can be contested in the High Court.

Adaptive Defence

News: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has announced that the government is adopting a doctrine of “Adaptive Defence” to tackle security challenges in today’s fast-changing world.
About Adaptive Defence:
Definition: Adaptive defence is a dynamic military strategy in which a nation’s defence systems are continuously updated to counter emerging and unpredictable threats.
Proactive Preparedness: This approach prioritizes anticipating future challenges and preparing for them proactively, unlike traditional, reactive defence measures.
Emphasis on Innovation: The strategy highlights the need for innovation and flexibility, enabling military forces to respond rapidly to new threat types.
Key Features of Adaptive Defence:
- - Continuous Evolution: Defence strategies and mechanisms are regularly revised to keep pace with global changes and new forms of warfare.
  - Transnational Cooperation: Acknowledges that modern threats often transcend borders, thus necessitating international collaboration for effective solutions.
  - Shift in Mindset: Promotes a proactive defence culture focused on anticipating potential threats rather than reacting only to immediate dangers.
Importance of Adaptive Defence:
- - Response to Unpredictable Global Threats: With threats evolving, including cyberattacks, transnational terrorism, and biosecurity risks, adaptive defence helps nations stay prepared.
  - Countering Technological Advancements: As adversaries increasingly leverage advanced technologies, adaptive defence ensures preparedness against unconventional methods.
  - Strategic Imperative: In today’s fast-evolving global context, adaptive defence is vital for safeguarding national security.
Goals of Adaptive Defence:
- - Building Resilience: Reinforces defence systems to withstand volatile and uncertain conditions.
  - Encouraging Defence Innovation: Emphasizes the adoption of cutting-edge technologies and strategies to maintain an advanced security framework.
  - Ensuring Agility: Supports the development of a flexible defence structure that can adapt swiftly to emerging threats and changing geopolitical scenarios.
Implementation of Adaptive Defence in India:
- - Strategic Partnerships: India collaborates with international allies to exchange intelligence and develop shared strategies.
  - Technology Upgrades: Invests in modern defence technologies, such as artificial intelligence, cyber defence systems, and space capabilities.
  - Enhanced Training Programs: Military personnel are trained to adopt flexible and adaptive thinking skills, equipping them to respond to diverse scenarios effectively.

UPSC GS 3

HAWK Anti-aircraft Missile Systems

News: Taiwan’s Defence Minister recently stated that it is up to the United States to determine the future use of Taiwan’s decommissioned HAWK anti-aircraft missile systems.
General Description: The HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) MIM-23 is a ground-to-air missile system designed for low- to medium-altitude targets and is effective in all weather conditions.
Development and Purpose: Created by the American defense firm Raytheon, the HAWK missile was initially intended to target aircraft and later adapted to intercept missiles in flight.

Service History:
- - The HAWK missile system entered service in 1960 and has undergone significant upgrades to maintain its operational relevance over the decades.
  - The United States Army phased it out by 1994, replacing it with the more advanced MIM-104 Patriot system.
  - In 2002, it was retired entirely from U.S. service, with the U.S. Marine Corps, its last users, replacing it with the portable, IR-guided FIM-92 Stinger missile.
Global Usage: Despite being phased out in the U.S., the HAWK missile has been widely exported and remains in use across various nations, including several NATO members and countries in Asia and the Middle East.
Technical Features:
- - The HAWK system utilizes a Semi-Active-Radar-Homing (SARH) guidance system, enhancing its target engagement capabilities.
  - It is launched from the M192 towed triple-missile launcher and powered by a dual-thrust motor that includes a boost phase and a sustain phase.
  - The HAWK can simultaneously engage multiple targets, providing flexible defense across diverse weather conditions.
Limitations: While the HAWK remains functional, it is generally viewed as outdated compared to more advanced systems such as the Patriot missile defense system.

Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile

News: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) recently achieved a significant milestone with the first successful flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).
About Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile:
Launch Capability: LRLACM can be deployed from mobile, ground-based launchers as well as frontline ships using a universal vertical launch module, increasing its adaptability across platforms.

Maneuverability: The missile is designed to perform complex maneuvers at varying speeds and altitudes, enhancing both precision and operational flexibility.
Advanced Technology: Equipped with cutting-edge avionics and software, the LRLACM is optimized for high performance and reliability in diverse conditions.
Stealth Characteristics: Typically flying at subsonic speeds, the missile uses terrain-hugging flight paths, which make it more challenging to detect and intercept, giving it a strategic advantage for penetrating enemy defenses.
Development Partners:
- - Lead Developer: The missile was developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, with collaboration from multiple DRDO labs and Indian industries.
  - Development and Production: Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru served as key Development-Cum-Production Partners.
  - Approval: Recognized as a Mission Mode Project, the LRLACM was sanctioned by the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) through the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) procedure.
Significance: The successful test of LRLACM marks a significant achievement in India’s defense capabilities, particularly in enabling long-range precision strikes, which bolsters the nation’s strategic defense posture.

Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN)

News: Researchers from Australia and Germany have developed the first effective cure for toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), marking a significant advancement in medical treatment.
About the Cure:
- - Researchers discovered that the JAK-STAT signalling pathway, which plays a vital role in immune response, cell death, and tumor formation, is highly activated in TEN patients.
Treatment Approach:
- - By administering JAK inhibitors—drugs traditionally used to treat inflammatory conditions—researchers successfully treated seven TEN patients.

About Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (TEN):
Definition:TEN is a critical, life-threatening skin condition characterized by widespread skin cell death (necrosis) and detachment of the epidermis.
Causes:
- - Primarily triggered by adverse drug reactions, with common culprits including antibiotics (such as sulfonamides), anticonvulsants, NSAIDs, and allopurinol. In rare cases, infections or other factors may also induce TEN.
Symptoms:
- - Often begins with high fever and flu-like symptoms before the appearance of skin lesions.
  - Rapid formation of red, painful skin patches that progress into large blisters and peeling.
  - Extensive skin loss, potentially affecting more than 30% of body surface area, with involvement of mucous membranes in the mouth, eyes, and genitals.
Diagnosis:
- - Based on clinical presentation and patient history of recent medication. A skin biopsy may confirm the diagnosis by revealing epidermal necrosis.
Complications:
- - Fluid Loss and Electrolyte Imbalance: Resulting from extensive skin detachment.
  - Infection Risk: Increased susceptibility to infections, particularly sepsis, due to compromised skin barrier.
  - Long-Term Issues: Potential for scarring, pigmentation changes, and eye damage, including blindness.
Treatment:
- - Requires immediate hospitalization, often in an ICU or burn unit.
  - Discontinuation of any suspected medications, with supportive care for skin lesions, including fluid replenishment, pain relief, and wound care.
  - Immunosuppressive therapies, like intravenous immunoglobulins or corticosteroids, may be considered, although their effectiveness is debated.
Prognosis:
- - Mortality rates for TEN are high, particularly if diagnosis or treatment is delayed. The SCORTEN score is commonly used to assess prognosis based on various clinical indicators.
Prevention:
- - Genetic testing (e.g., HLA-B*1502 allele) may reduce the risk of TEN in vulnerable populations when prescribing specific medications, such as carbamazepine in Asian communities.

ASSET Platform

News: NITI Aayog, in collaboration with the ministry of power and the ministry of new and renewable energy, launched the ASSET platform (Accelerating Sustainable Solutions for Energy Transition) to support states in accelerating their green transition.
Definition: The Accelerating Sustainable State Energy Transition (ASSET) platform is a groundbreaking initiative aimed at driving India’s green energy shift across states. Its alignment with national sustainability goals makes it a critical component of India’s journey toward renewable energy adoption.
Initiators: Launched by NITI Aayog in collaboration with the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy.
Aim: ASSET seeks to address financial and logistical obstacles in renewable energy expansion by encouraging private-sector involvement and exploring innovative funding mechanisms to support sustained growth.
State Empowerment: The platform enables states to create and implement customized energy transition plans, supporting India’s broader objectives of economic development, sustainability, and energy security.
Focus Areas: Innovation and Investment: By prioritizing innovation and attracting investments, ASSET helps develop sustainable solutions essential for India’s green energy future.
Guidelines for Investment: ASSET contributes to a strong project pipeline by providing templates and guidelines that make projects more “bankable.” This approach facilitates private and public investments by establishing clear sustainability and value metrics.
Best Practices and Case Studies: ASSET promotes sharing of successful practices, case studies, and innovations among states, fostering a collaborative environment for learning from each other’s achievements and challenges.
High-Potential Sectors: ASSET emphasizes support in areas such as battery energy storage systems (BESS), green hydrogen, energy efficiency, e-mobility solutions, and offshore wind technologies.
Adoption of Emerging Technologies: The platform aids states in keeping pace with new advancements, streamlining the adoption of innovative solutions in these high-impact sectors.

WIPO 2024 Report

News: India’s patents and industrial design filings for Intellectual Property rights doubled between 2018 and 2023, taking the country to the sixth rank, according to the latest World Intellectual Property Organisation’s (WIPO) annual report.
Key Highlights:
India’s Leading Growth in Patent Applications: In 2023, India led the top 20 countries with a 15.7% growth rate in patent filings, marking the fifth consecutive year of double-digit increases.
Global Patent Ranking: India secured the sixth position globally with 64,480 patent applications, with over half (55.2%) from resident applicants—an unprecedented achievement for the country.
Significant Rise in Patent Grants: Patent grants saw a substantial increase of 149.4% compared to 2022, reflecting India’s rapidly advancing IP ecosystem.
Industrial Design Filings: Industrial design applications grew by 36.4%, driven by sectors such as Textiles and Accessories, Tools and Machines, and Health and Cosmetics, which accounted for nearly half of all design filings.
Long-Term IP Growth: Between 2018 and 2023, India’s patent and industrial design filings more than doubled, while trademark filings rose by 60%. India’s patent-to-GDP ratio climbed from 144 to 381 over the past decade, underscoring growth in intellectual property aligned with economic development.
High Trademark Filing Rankings: India ranked fourth globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1% increase in 2023. Nearly 90% of filings came from resident applicants, with key sectors being Health (21.9%), Agriculture (15.3%), and Clothing (12.8%).
Trademark Office Activity: India’s trademark office now has the second-largest number of active registrations worldwide, with over 3.2 million trademarks currently in force.
Global IP Trends: Globally, 3.55 million patent applications were filed in 2023, a 2.7% rise from the previous year, driven by strong contributions from Asia. China, the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and India were major contributors, with increasing resident filings reflecting a focus on local innovation.

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Bio-Derived Foam

News: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have created a biodegradable foam that holds the potential to revolutionize the packaging industry while addressing pressing environmental challenges.
About Bio-Derived Foam:
Sustainable Alternative: This bio-derived foam presents a more sustainable option compared to plastic materials commonly used in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG) packaging.

Composition: The foam is made from bio-based epoxy resins, derived from non-edible oils that are FDA-approved, and hardeners extracted from tea leaves.
Environmental Benefits: It provides industries with an eco-friendly alternative to traditional materials like expanded polystyrene (EPS) and polyurethane foam.
Chemical Innovation: The foam’s unique chemical structure incorporates dynamic covalent bonds that can break and reform in response to external stimuli. This feature allows the foam to be mechanically reprocessed or dissolved in eco-friendly solvents without losing its structural integrity.
Degradation: Unlike conventional packaging materials that remain in landfills for centuries, this bio-derived foam disintegrates within three hours when exposed to eco-friendly solvents at 80°C. It degrades safely in landfills without contaminating groundwater, making it a responsible option for waste management.
Significance:
- - Market Potential: The Indian foam market is valued at $7.9 billion and is expected to grow to $11.1 billion by 2032, as per a report from ‘Research and Markets.’
  - Environmental Impact: Currently, less than 1% of the 2.3 million tonnes of plastic foam produced annually is recycled. This innovation tackles a significant environmental issue by providing a biodegradable solution to plastic foam waste.