National Film Awards    
New ISRO Chairman S. Somanath    
Krishi-DSS: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Through Technology    
India's Role in South Asia: From Crisis to Cooperation    

1.    National Film Awards
Objective:
•    Purpose: The National Film Awards aim to honor the best films, artists, and technicians across India, promoting the development of Indian art and culture.
Administration:
•    Administered by: The India Directorate of Film Festivals under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has managed the ceremony since 1973.
•    Ministry's Role: The I&B Ministry oversees mass communication media like radio, television, films, press, and traditional modes of communication.
Origin:
•    First Presented: The National Film Awards were first introduced in 1954 and have two main categories: Feature Film and Non-Feature Film.
Notable Firsts:
•    Best Actress: Nargis for her role in Raat Aur Din.
•    Best Actor: Uttam Kumar for Antony Firingee and Chiriyakhana.
Jury:
•    Composition: Juries are appointed by the Directorate of Film Festivals, comprising experts distinguished in cinema, arts, and humanities.
Eligibility of Films:
•    Certification Requirement: To qualify, a film must be certified by the Central Board of Film Certification between January 1 and December 31 of the award year.
 

•    Jury’s Role: The Feature Film jury decides if a film qualifies as a feature or non- feature film.
•     Restrictions: Certain films are ineligible based on specific rules.
Legacy and Awards:
•    Dadasaheb Phalke Award: This prestigious award is presented for lifetime achievement in Indian cinema, named after the "Father of Indian Cinema," Dadasaheb Phalke.
•    First Recipient: Devika Rani was the first to receive this honor.
Award Categories:
•    Swarna Kamal (Golden Lotus) Awards: Includes six feature film categories, two non-feature film categories, and best writing on cinema.
o    Awards: Best Feature Film, Best Director, Best Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment, Best Debut Film of a Director, Best Children’s Film, Best Animated Film.
•    Rajat Kamal (Silver Lotus) Awards: Covers acting, technical awards, and special categories.
o    Awards: Best Actor/Actress, Best Playback Singer, Best Lyrics, Best Screenplay, and the Nargis Dutt Award for the Best Feature Film on National Integration.
Prelims Question
Question: Who was the first actor to win the Best Actress Award at the National Film Awards?
A)    Smita Patil
B)    Shabana Azmi
C)    Devika Rani
D)    Nargis
Answer: D) Nargis
Mains Question
Question: Discuss the role of the National Film Awards in promoting Indian cinema and its cultural impact. How have these awards contributed to the recognition and development of regional cinema in India?

2.     New ISRO Chairman S. Somanath
Why in News:
•    Appointment: S. Somanath, a prominent rocket scientist, has been appointed as the Chairman of the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Space Secretary.
Major Contributions of Dr. Somanath:
•    PSLV and GSLV Mk-III Development: He has played a significant role in the development of the Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV) and the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mk-III (GSLV Mk- III).
•    Project Director: Joined the GSLV Mk-III project in 2003 and served as Project Director from 2010 to 2014.
•    Expertise: Dr. Somanath is recognized for his expertise in the system engineering of launch vehicles.
•    Indigenous Cryogenic Stages: Contributed to the development of indigenous cryogenic stages for the GSLV.
Key Points:
About ISRO:
•    Establishment: ISRO is India’s leading space exploration agency, established in 1969 and headquartered in Bengaluru.
•    Objective: It was formed to develop and utilize space technology for national development and to pursue planetary exploration and space science research.
•    Predecessor: ISRO replaced INCOSPAR (Indian National Committee for Space Research), established in 1962 by Pt.

Jawaharlal Nehru and Vikram Sarabhai, who is considered one of the founding fathers of the Indian space program.
Achievements of ISRO:
•    First Satellite: Launched India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, on 19th April 1975 with the help of the Soviet Union.
•    Rohini Satellite: Successfully launched Rohini in 1980, the first satellite placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, SLV-3.
•    Development of PSLV and GSLV: ISRO developed PSLV for polar orbits and GSLV for geostationary orbits, both achieving numerous successful launches.
•    Notable Missions:
o    Chandrayaan-1: India's first lunar orbiter.
o    Mars Orbiter Mission (Mangalyaan-1): Made India the fourth country to reach Martian orbit.
o    ASTROSAT: India’s space observatory.
•    Chandrayaan-2: Launched on 22nd July 2019, it was India’s second lunar exploration mission.
Major ISRO Achievements of 2021:
•    Amazonia-1: Launched by PSLV-C51, marking the first dedicated mission for New Space India Ltd (NSIL), ISRO’s commercial arm. The satellite aids in monitoring deforestation in the Amazon and analyzing diversified agriculture in Brazil.
•    SDSAT (Satish Dhawan Satellite): A nano satellite aimed at studying radiation levels and demonstrating long-range communication technologies.
Upcoming Missions:
•    Gaganyaan Mission: India’s maiden human spaceflight mission, scheduled for 2023.
•    Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Expected launch in the third quarter of 2022.
•    Three Earth Observation Satellites (EOSs):

o    EOS-4 (Risat-1A) and EOS-6 (Oceansat-3) via PSLV.
o    EOS-2 (Microsat) to be launched using the Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV).
o    Scheduled for the first quarter of
2022.
•    Shukrayaan Mission: A planned mission to Venus.
•    Own Space Station: India aims to launch its own space station by 2030, joining the ranks of the US, Russia, and China.
Prelims Question:
Question: Which of the following was the first satellite to be successfully placed in orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle?
A)    Aryabhata
B)    Rohini
C)    Bhaskara
D)    INSAT-1A Answer: B) Rohini Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the significance of ISRO's development of indigenous cryogenic technology for the GSLV program. How has this impacted India's space capabilities and its position in global space exploration?

3.    Krishi-DSS: Enhancing Agricultural Productivity Through Technology
Context:
•    The recent launch of the Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS) by the Ministry of Agriculture integrates space technology with agriculture to improve crop management.
About Krishi-DSS:
•    Krishi-DSS is a satellite-based decision support system designed to assist farmers in optimizing crop management and productivity.
•    Objective: To provide farmers with real- time data and insights to make informed decisions on crop management, thereby enhancing productivity and resilience.

Key Features:
•    Real-Time Information: Offers up-to-date data on crop conditions, weather patterns, water resources, and soil health.
•    Geospatial Platform: Utilizes satellite imagery to monitor and predict crop health, identify risks, and suggest optimal crop practices.
•    Disaster Warnings: Provides early alerts for potential disasters such as pest infestations and extreme weather events, enabling proactive measures.
•    Crop Monitoring and Diversification: Supports crop mapping and encourages crop diversification to ensure sustainable agricultural practices.
Significance:
•    For Farmers:
o    Enhanced Crop Management: By offering precise data, Krishi-DSS helps farmers optimize resource use, reduce input costs, and increase yields.
o    Climate Resilience: Assists in adapting to climate variability, ensuring sustainable farming practices.
•    For Agriculture:
o    Integration of Space Technology: Promotes the use of advanced remote sensing and geospatial technologies in the agricultural sector.
o    Expanding Remote Sensing: Facilitates the use of satellite data for a broader range of crops beyond traditional staples like rice and wheat.
Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to the Krishi-Decision Support System (Krishi-DSS), consider the following statements:
1.    It provides real-time data on weather patterns, water resources, and soil health.
2.    Krishi-DSS is developed solely using indigenous satellite technologies without any foreign collaboration.

3.    The system includes a disaster warning feature for early alerts on pest attacks and extreme weather events.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 3 only
B)    2 only
C)    1 and 2 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 3 only
Mains Question:
Question: Examine the role of satellite-based systems like Krishi-DSS in transforming Indian agriculture. Discuss how such technological interventions can help mitigate the challenges posed by climate change and contribute to sustainable agricultural practices.

4.    India's Role in South Asia: From Crisis to Cooperation
Context:
•    The evolving geopolitical landscape in South Asia demands a strategic and pragmatic approach from India towards its neighboring countries.
•    Recent political upheavals, such as the resignation of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh and the subsequent interim governance by the Bangladesh Army, highlight the region's volatility.
•    India must support the democratic aspirations of its neighbors while maintaining strategic relationships, similar to its stance during Nepal's 2006 movement for multi-party democracy.
Reasons for Political and Economic Turmoil in India's Neighborhood:
•    Military Interference in Civilian Governance:
o    Countries like Pakistan, Myanmar, and Bangladesh have a history of military coups and interventions, leading to political instability and economic disruptions.
•    Economic Vulnerabilities and External Dependencies:

o    Examples include Sri Lanka's 2022 economic crisis, Bangladesh's dependence on the garment industry, and Pakistan's heavy external debt, with significant portions held by China.
•    Geopolitical Competitions and External Influences:
o    China's investments in South Asia, such as through the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) and the Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka, increase its influence and pose strategic challenges for India.
•    Climate Change and Environmental Challenges:
o    Countries like the Maldives, Bangladesh, and Nepal face significant threats from rising sea levels, floods, and retreating glaciers.
•    Legacy of Colonial Structures and Fragile Institutions:
o    Colonial-era borders, such as the Radcliffe Line, continue to cause disputes and instability, as seen in the ongoing India-Pakistan conflict over Kashmir.
•    Demographic Pressures and Socio- Economic Disparities:
o    High youth populations in countries like Pakistan and Nepal contribute to socio-economic pressures, including unemployment and potential attraction to extremist ideologies.
Challenges India Faces in its Neighborhood:
•    Pakistan:
o    Continued tensions over Kashmir, cross-border terrorism, and Pakistan's economic crisis, coupled with its close ties to China through CPEC.
•    Bangladesh:
o    Political upheaval, issues related to shared water resources like the Teesta River, illegal migration

•    Nepal:concerns, and potential impacts of military rule.

and plays a crucial role in national security and disaster management.
•    Federal Structure and Decentralization:

o    Frequent government changes, growing economic ties with China, and border disputes like the Kalapani issue.
•    Sri Lanka:
o    Recovery from economic crisis, ongoing issues related to the treatment of Tamil minorities, and the Katchatheevu island dispute.
•    Maldives:
o     Shift in foreign policy with a pro- China government, challenges to India's strategic interests in the Indian Ocean region.
•    Myanmar:
o    Military coup, civil unrest, Rohingya refugee crisis, and increasing Chinese influence.
•    Bhutan:
o    Efforts to diversify foreign relations and reduce economic dependence on India, with the unresolved Doklam issue remaining a concern.
•    Afghanistan:
o    The return of the Taliban, the risk to India's investments, and diminished strategic influence.
How India Has Remained Resilient:
•    Robust Constitutional Framework and Institutional Strength:
o    A comprehensive Constitution, independent judiciary, and effective Election Commission ensure democratic stability.
•    Vibrant Civil Society and Free Press:
o    Active civil society and a largely free press contribute to accountability and informed public discourse.
•    Apolitical Armed Forces and Civilian Control:
o    India's military respects civilian authority, with no history of coups,

o    India's federal system allows for regional autonomy and accommodates diverse cultural identities.
•    Political Alternation and Multiparty System:
o    Peaceful transfer of power through elections reflects the strength of India's democratic system.
•    Economic Liberalization and Middle Class Growth:
o    Economic reforms since 1991 have fostered a growing middle class, contributing to democratic stability.
•    Managing Divergent Interests and Separatist Tendencies:
o    India has successfully addressed regional aspirations and separatist movements through negotiation and political integration.
Measures to Enhance India's Relations with Neighbors:
•    Connectivity Initiatives:
o    Accelerate connectivity projects like the BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement and India-Myanmar- Thailand Trilateral Highway.
•    Economic Empowerment:
o    Transition from aid-centric approaches to trade and investment-focused strategies, establishing joint economic zones.
•    Cultural Confluence:
o    Expand initiatives like ICCR scholarships, promote cross- border tourism, and leverage cultural influence through Bollywood.
•    Disaster Diplomacy:
o    Lead in establishing a South Asian Disaster Response Force, utilizing
space technology for regional disaster management.
•    Multilateral Mediation:
o    Reinvigorate SAARC by focusing on climate change, public health, and education, encouraging Track II diplomacy and think tank collaborations.
Prelims Question:
Question: With reference to India's role in South Asia, consider the following statements:
1.     The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement aims to enhance connectivity between Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, and Nepal.
2.    India's cultural diplomacy includes initiatives like the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) scholarships.
3.    The South Asian Disaster Response Force is an existing regional initiative led by India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A)    1 and 2 only
B)    2 and 3 only
C)    1 and 3 only
D)    1, 2, and 3
Answer: A) 1 and 2 only
Mains Question:
Question: Discuss the strategic significance of India's approach towards its South Asian neighbors in the context of regional stability and cooperation. How can India leverage its historical ties, cultural influence, and economic power to foster peace and development in the region?