DefConnect 2024 (GS Paper 3, Science and Technology)
Why in news?
- Raksha Mantri recently launched Acing Development of Innovative Technologies with iDEX (ADITI) scheme to promote innovations in critical and strategic defence technologies, during DefConnect 2024 in New Delhi.
Key Highlights:
- Under the scheme, start-ups are eligible to receive grant-in-aid of up to Rs 25 crore for their research, development, and innovation endeavours in defence technology.
- The ADITI scheme worth Rs 750 crore for the period 2023-24 to 2025-26 falls under the iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence) framework of Department of Defence Production (DDP), Ministry of Defence.
- It aims to develop about 30 deep-tech critical and strategic technologies in the proposed timeframe.
- It also envisages to create a ‘Technology Watch Tool’ to bridge the gap between the expectations and requirements of the modern Armed Forces and the capabilities of the defence innovation ecosystem.
- In the first edition of ADITI, 17 challenges – Indian Army (3), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5) and Defence Space Agency (4) - have been launched.
Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC):
- The event also witnessed the launch of the 11th edition of Defence India Start-up Challenge (DISC), heralding a new chapter in the collaboration between the defence establishment and the start-up ecosystem.
- The DISC 11 introduces 22 problem statements - Indian Army (4), Indian Navy (5), Indian Air Force (5), Armoured Vehicles Nigam Limited (7) and Hindustan Shipyard Limited (1) - aimed at addressing critical defence challenges, inviting innovators to propose innovative solutions that can enhance the country’s defence capabilities and contribute to national security.
Way Forward:
- These initiatives are poised to accelerate India's journey towards becoming a global leader in defence technology and innovation, ensuring the nation's security and sovereignty in the years to come.
GI recognition for Narasapur crochet lace craft
(GS Paper 3, Economy)
Why in news?
- The famed Narasapur crochet lace craft has received the Geographical Indications (GI) tag, giving a new lease of life to the dying craft in the Godavari region of Andhra Pradesh.
Details:
- The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry registered the craft in the Geographical Indications Registry (GIR).
- It certified that the craft is geographically limited to 19 mandals in West Godavari and Dr. B.R.Ambedkar Konaseema districts in the Godavari region.
- Narsapur and Palacole are the major trade points for lace products in West Godavari district. In Konaseema region, Razole and Amalapuram are known for the craft.
Women-centric:
- Nearly 15,000 women are directly involved in the craft, producing three categories of products made of lace garments, home furnishings and accessories.
- An estimated 60% of the artisans involved in the craft are women.
- The State-run Alankriti Lace Park in Narasapur town resumed operations in May 2023 years after it was shut down.
Background:
- The craft's history dates back to 1844, when it was introduced by Macrae and his wife from Scotland.
- Over the years, it has survived famines and economic depressions, becoming a cultural staple in the Godavari region.
- Yet, the rise of machine-made lace products from China has severely impacted the traditional lace market, threatening the livelihoods of the artisans.
Way Forward:
- The GI tag is expected to not only bolster the craft's prestige but also stimulate demand for these handmade products on a global scale.
