Daily Current Affairs : 21-August-2024

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in partnership with Australia’s CSIRO (Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation), has launched an exciting opportunity for start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in both India and Australia. This initiative, called the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator, aims to support businesses developing innovative solutions to address the challenges posed by climate change in agriculture.

Goals of the Program

The primary goal of this program is to enhance agricultural productivity and resilience through technology, helping farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change. With unpredictable weather patterns, soil degradation, and water scarcity becoming more common, it is vital to develop agricultural technologies that can help farmers sustain and increase crop yields.

Key objectives of the Climate Smart Agritech cohort include:

  • Supporting innovations that improve agricultural practices in the face of climate challenges.
  • Boosting productivity by developing technologies that are adaptable to changing climates.
  • Promoting resilience within the agricultural sector to ensure long-term sustainability.

Features of the RISE Accelerator

Launched in 2023, the RISE Accelerator is designed to help start-ups and MSMEs grow and expand into international markets. This initiative offers several resources and benefits to participating businesses, including:

  • Online and in-person sessions: These will provide entrepreneurs with the knowledge and skills they need to scale their businesses successfully.
  • Market insights: Participants will receive valuable data and research about market trends and opportunities, both in India and globally.
  • Coaching: Industry experts and mentors will provide guidance to help businesses refine their products and strategies.
  • Field trials: Participants will have the opportunity to test their innovations in real-world agricultural environments.

Why This Matters

This program is significant because it connects India and Australia, two countries with strong agricultural sectors, to address common challenges. By collaborating, businesses from both nations can share knowledge, access new markets, and develop technologies that can transform the agricultural landscape.

The RISE Accelerator represents a breakthrough in creating a more sustainable future for agriculture, helping businesses leverage technology to solve climate-related issues and boost agricultural productivity.

Important Points:

  • Partnership for Agritech: Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) and Australia’s CSIRO have launched the Climate Smart Agritech cohort under the India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator.
  • Target Audience: The program is open to start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in India and Australia.
  • Program Goal: To support businesses developing technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience in the face of climate change.
  • Key Program Objectives:
    • Support innovations that improve agricultural practices in response to climate challenges.
    • Boost agricultural productivity through adaptable technologies.
    • Promote long-term resilience and sustainability in the agricultural sector.
Features of the RISE Accelerator:
  • Launched in 2023 to help businesses expand internationally.
  • Resources and benefits for participants, including:
    • Online and in-person learning sessions.
    • Market insights about trends and opportunities in India and globally.
    • Coaching and mentorship from industry experts.
    • Field trials for testing innovations in real-world agricultural environments.
Importance of the Program:
  • India-Australia Collaboration: The program connects both countries to share knowledge and address common agricultural challenges.
  • Focus on Sustainability: Aims to create a sustainable agricultural future by helping businesses leverage technology to solve climate-related problems and increase productivity.

Why In News

The Atal Innovation Mission (AIM), in partnership with Australia’s CSIRO, has launched a call for applications from start-ups and MSMEs in India and Australia for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the India-Australia Rapid Innovation and Start-up Expansion (RISE) Accelerator. This initiative aims to foster cross-border collaboration and innovation in the agritech sector, supporting businesses to develop sustainable solutions that address the growing challenges of climate change in agriculture.

MCQs about India-Australia Collaboration for Climate Smart Agritech

  1. What is the primary objective of the Climate Smart Agritech cohort under the RISE Accelerator?
    A. To promote agricultural exports between India and Australia
    B. To develop technologies that improve agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change
    C. To organize agricultural trade fairs
    D. To help farmers sell their products internationally
    Correct Answer: B. To develop technologies that improve agricultural productivity and resilience to climate change
    Explanation: The program aims to support businesses in developing innovative technologies that enhance agricultural productivity and resilience, helping farmers adapt to the impacts of climate change.
  2. Who is eligible to apply for the Climate Smart Agritech cohort of the RISE Accelerator?
    A. Only large multinational companies
    B. Start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in India and Australia
    C. Government agricultural agencies
    D. Only universities and research institutions
    Correct Answer: B. Start-ups and MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) in India and Australia
    Explanation: The program is open to start-ups and MSMEs in both India and Australia, providing them with resources and support to scale their agritech innovations.
  3. Which of the following is not a feature of the RISE Accelerator?
    A. Online and in-person learning sessions
    B. Coaching and mentoring by industry experts
    C. Financial grants for new start-ups
    D. Market insights for global and local trends
    Correct Answer: C. Financial grants for new start-ups
    Explanation: While the RISE Accelerator offers coaching, market insights, and learning sessions, it does not mention providing direct financial grants for new start-ups in the provided essay.
  4. What is the significance of the collaboration between India and Australia in the Climate Smart Agritech initiative?
    A. It focuses on improving trade relations between the two countries.
    B. It helps address common agricultural challenges through knowledge sharing and market access.
    C. It promotes the use of traditional farming methods.
    D. It encourages the export of agricultural goods from Australia to India.
    Correct Answer: B. It helps address common agricultural challenges through knowledge sharing and market access.
    Explanation: The partnership between India and Australia aims to share knowledge, access new markets, and develop technologies to tackle shared agricultural challenges, especially those related to climate change.

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