21 December 2024 : Daily Current Affairs
1. New undersea cables to boost India’s digital connectivity
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 5)
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Expansion of India’s Undersea Cable Network
- India is enhancing its undersea cable network with two new systems, the India Asia Xpress (IAX) and the India Europe Xpress (IEX), set to launch in the next three months.
- The IAX connects Chennai and Mumbai with Singapore, Thailand, and Malaysia, while the IEX links these cities to France, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and Djibouti.
- These cables, over 15,000 kilometers in total length, are owned by Reliance Jio with investment from China Mobile.
Strategic Importance of New Cable Systems
- The expansion reflects India’s growing data traffic and geopolitical ambitions.
- The systems strengthen India’s defense strategy, ensuring resilience against physical damage and cyberattacks.
- India’s leadership in maritime cable networks is emerging, with focus areas including the Bay of Bengal and the South China Sea.
Impact of Cable Disruptions
- In March, disruptions to three submarine cables connecting India to West Asia and Europe affected traffic but alternate routes minimized impact.
- Domestic data centers played a key role in maintaining essential Internet services.
Connectivity in Northeast India
- Plans by Bangladesh to sell bandwidth to India’s Northeast were recently put on hold but had limited impact.
- Connectivity needs are met through fiber lines on Power Grid Corporation transmission infrastructure, offering “hundreds of gigabits” per second.
| Emergence of India as a as a strong maritime cable network player |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of India’s growing undersea cable network in strengthening its digital infrastructure and strategic maritime ambitions. Highlight challenges related to cable security and resilience. (150 Words /10 marks) |
2. When roads turn
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 10)
| Topic: GS3 – Infrastructure |
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Rising Road Accidents and Fatalities
- Statistics: Road accidents in India have been increasing year-on-year. In 2023, over 150,000 fatalities were recorded, with two-wheelers contributing to 50% of the total accidents.
- Primary Causes: Speeding, poor road designs, inadequate traffic management, and non-compliance with safety norms are major factors.
Contributing Factors
- Road Infrastructure Issues: Faulty road geometry (sharp curves, narrow lanes, and poor visibility) exacerbates the risk of accidents, particularly in hilly or monsoon-prone regions.
- Night-Time Driving: A significant portion of accidents occurs during night-time due to higher speeds, fatigue, and alcohol consumption by drivers.
- Inexperienced Drivers: The rise in young, inexperienced drivers, coupled with poor driving tests, leads to unsafe driving behaviors and accidents.
Vulnerable Road Users
- Pedestrians and Cyclists: The majority of road accident victims are vulnerable users like pedestrians, cyclists, and two-wheeler riders. This group accounts for nearly 69% of fatalities.
- Inadequate Safety Features in Vehicles: Poor safety features in vehicles, particularly older models and two-wheelers, result in higher injury rates during accidents.
Challenges in Emergency Response
- Golden Hour Delays: Delays in medical intervention, such as timely first aid and reaching hospitals within the “golden hour,” significantly increase the chances of fatalities.
- Limited Trauma Care Infrastructure: There is a lack of adequate trauma care facilities across the country, especially in rural or remote areas.
The Way Forward
- Improving Road Design: Upgrading road designs to meet safety standards, focusing on visibility, smooth traffic flow, and effective drainage systems, particularly in accident-prone areas.
- Revamping Driver Training: Implementing more comprehensive driver training programs that focus on defensive driving skills, speed control, and hazard awareness.
- Strict Enforcement of Traffic Rules: Increasing enforcement of traffic laws, including strict penalties for speeding, alcohol consumption, and driving without helmets or seatbelts.
- Enhanced Emergency Services: Developing better emergency response systems, ensuring that medical assistance is available immediately after accidents.
- Awareness Campaigns: Running continuous road safety awareness programs targeting all road users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.
| Practice Question: Despite various initiatives, India continues to grapple with a high number of road accidents. Analyze the underlying causes of this persistent challenge and suggest comprehensive measures to improve road safety in the country. (250 Words /15 marks) |
3. Strengthening Ties: Sri Lanka’s President AKD Reaffirms Security Assurances and Developmental Cooperation with India
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)
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Analysis of News:
Assurances on Security and Regional Stability
- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake (AKD) assured India that Sri Lanka would not permit its territory to be used for activities detrimental to India’s security.
- This commitment, seen as a clear signal to China, reassures New Delhi amid concerns over Chinese vessels in Sri Lankan waters.
- However, the joint statement avoided direct mentions of the contentious Tamil minority issues, reflecting AKD’s reluctance to implement the 13th Amendment or address alleged war crimes.
Balancing Confidence and Sovereignty
- Emboldened by a strong electoral mandate, AKD approached the bilateral talks with greater confidence.
- This was evident in his focus on unity and sustainable development over New Delhi’s insistence on Tamil reconciliation.
- Domestically, his anti-corruption drive strengthens his position, reinforcing a “Clean Sri Lanka” image as he navigates challenges with major powers.
Strengthening Economic and Developmental Ties
- The joint statement emphasized mutual benefits in bilateral cooperation. Key projects include renewable energy initiatives, housing projects, and digital connectivity advancements such as Aadhaar and UPI integration.
- Collaborative efforts to develop energy hubs in Trincomalee and offshore wind power highlight a focus on sustainable economic recovery in Sri Lanka.
Enhancing Physical and Defence Connectivity
- Both nations prioritized enhancing physical connectivity with initiatives like passenger ferry services and port rehabilitation.
- Defence cooperation was also a focal point, with discussions on joint exercises, maritime surveillance, and platform-sharing to bolster Sri Lanka’s security capabilities.
- India emphasized the significance of maritime and cyber security through the Colombo Security Conclave mechanism.
A Partnership for Stability and Growth
- Despite a change in Sri Lanka’s leadership, the fundamental priorities between New Delhi and Colombo remain consistent.
- While India seeks to safeguard its strategic interests, Sri Lanka aims for stability and economic recovery, making this partnership essential for both nations in the years ahead.
| What are India’s concerns with Sri-Lanka? |
| 1. Rising Chinese Footprint- China is spreading its tentacles in Sri Lanka by bagging the project to develop an airport in capital Colombo. India remains concerned due to lack of a level playing field for economic projects in Sri Lanka, with the Sri Lankan government at times openly siding with the Chinese. 2. India’s security concerns- The regular movement of Chinese naval vessels, particularly submarines and the so-called research ships, is a matter of grave security concern to India. 3. Safeguarding India’s strategic interests- The environmental groups, which are an important part of the NPP, have demanded the scrapping of the Adani group backed renewable energy project. India is concerned about protecting its strategic interest in the island nation, especially after giving millions of rupees in aid and loan to Sri Lanka. 4. Exclusion of minority groups- India is concerned regarding the exclusion of Tamils and Muslims from the governance structure of the newly formed government. 5. Fishing disputes- Despite reaching an agreement 47 years ago through the 1974 Indo-Lanka Maritime Boundary Agreement, India and Sri Lanka have not yet resolved their maritime disputes, like Katchatheevu Island dispute. Indian fishermen continue to cross the maritime border into Sri Lanka in the Palk Strait, resulting in encounters with the Sri Lankan Navy, leading to tensions and assaults. 6. Tamil issue- There is concern regarding Sri Lanka’s lack of measurable progress in fulfilling its commitment to finding a political solution to the Tamil issue. The Tamil community in Sri Lanka has been demanding the implementation of the 13th Amendment that provides for devolution of power to it. |
| PYQ: In respect of India — Sri Lanka relations, discuss how domestic factors influence foreign policy. (200 words/10m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2013) |
| Practice Question: Examine the key outcomes of Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s visit to India and analyze their implications for India-Sri Lanka bilateral relations. (150 words/10 m) |
4. Integrated Action Essential to Tackle Climate, Biodiversity, and Hunger: IPBES Report
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)
| Topic: GS3 – Environment |
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Analysis of News:
Interlinked Global Challenges: Climate, Biodiversity, and Hunger
- The latest report by the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) underscores the intricate connections between major global challenges: climate change, biodiversity loss, hunger, water scarcity, and health risks.
- Addressing these issues in isolation is ineffective and often counterproductive.
- Current economic activities significantly harm biodiversity, ecosystems, and health, with unaccounted adverse costs estimated at $10-25 trillion annually.
IPBES: Role and Contributions
- IPBES, akin to the IPCC but focused on biodiversity, consolidates scientific knowledge to inform global environmental agreements.
- Established in 2012, its assessments, such as the 2019 report on biodiversity threats, have shaped international frameworks like the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- This agreement aims to protect and restore 30% of ecosystems by 2030, highlighting IPBES’s impact on shaping actionable global targets.
Key Insights from the Nexus Report
- The IPBES Nexus Report identifies over 70 synergistic response measures addressing multiple challenges.
- Examples include restoring carbon-rich ecosystems, promoting sustainable diets, and implementing nature-based solutions.
- However, the report warns against actions that inadvertently harm other areas, such as increasing food production at biodiversity’s expense.
- Harmonizing responses is vital to ensure sustainable and inclusive benefits across sectors.
Economic Impacts of Biodiversity Decline
- The report stresses the economic value of biodiversity, with over half of global GDP dependent on nature.
- Biodiversity loss, currently at 2-6% per decade, poses significant risks to productivity and economic stability.
- Simultaneously, existing systems incentivize harmful practices. Transforming these systems could generate $10 trillion in business opportunities and 400 million jobs by 2030 through nature-positive models.
The Call for Transformative Change
- A parallel report, the Transformative Change Report, advocates for a paradigm shift in human-nature relationships, emphasizing equity, justice, inclusion, and adaptive learning.
- Immediate action is necessary to avoid escalating costs, with benefits including enhanced ecosystems and sustainable economic growth.
- A fundamental realignment of priorities is essential to halt and reverse ecological decline.
| Practice Question: Discuss the interlinkages between climate change, biodiversity loss, and food insecurity as highlighted by the IPBES Nexus Report. How can synergistic approaches help address these interconnected challenges effectively? (150 words/10 m) |
5. JAM(Jan Dhan, Aadhar, Mobile)TRINITY and digital revolution: A Decade of Financial Inclusion, Transparency and Corruption Free India
(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2086611®=3&lang=1 )
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JAM Trinity:
- The JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan Yojana, Aadhar, and Mobile) is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing financial inclusion and empowering citizens across India.
- This triad of schemes has revolutionized the country’s banking and welfare ecosystem, ensuring direct benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
| Key Components of the JAM Trinity |
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Importance and Impact
- Financial Inclusion:
- India’s largest financial inclusion program, covering over 54 crore citizens.
- Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) eliminate intermediaries, ensuring welfare schemes reach beneficiaries faster and more accurately.
- Increased Transparency and Curbing Corruption:
- 10 crore fake beneficiaries removed, preventing ₹2.75 lakh crore from being misappropriated.
- Digital payments via UPI reached ₹200 lakh crore in FY 2023-24, positioning India as a global leader in digital financial inclusion.
Challenges and Bottlenecks
- Technological Barriers:
- Despite significant progress, some rural areas still face challenges in accessing mobile and internet infrastructure.
- Digital Literacy:
- Low digital literacy in certain regions limits full participation in the JAM Trinity ecosystem.
- Data Privacy Concerns:
- With widespread data collection through Aadhar and mobile, concerns regarding data security and privacy persist.
Way Forward
- Expand Digital Infrastructure:
- Further investment in internet and mobile network infrastructure, especially in rural areas, is essential to bridge the digital divide.
- Enhance Digital Literacy:
- Government initiatives to promote digital literacy among marginalized populations can ensure wider participation in financial inclusion programs.
- Strengthen Data Protection Laws:
- Strengthening regulations around data privacy and security to maintain public trust in the system.
Conclusion
- The JAM Trinity has been instrumental in revolutionizing India’s financial and welfare systems, ensuring that benefits reach the most vulnerable.
- Continued efforts to address technological gaps and promote digital literacy will further strengthen the system’s effectiveness.
| PYQ: How have digital initiatives in India contributed to the functioning of the educational system in the country? Elaborate your answer. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-1 2020) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the role of the JAM Trinity in enhancing financial inclusion and transparency in India. What are the challenges it faces, and how can these be addressed to further empower marginalized populations? (250 Words /15 marks) |
Prelims Facts
1. Assam bird sanctuary records 72% decline in bird species count
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 2)
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Analysis of the news:
- A study on avian diversity at the Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary (BBBS) in Assam reveals a 72% decline in bird species over 27 years.
- The study conducted by researchers – recorded 47 species during 2022-2024, compared to 167 species in 1997.
- A 2011 survey identified 133 species, while a 2017-2018 survey recorded 120 species, along with diverse macrophytes, fish, and aquatic ferns.
- Decline since 2018 is attributed to overfishing, excessive aquatic plant harvesting, poaching, and agricultural activities near the wetland.
- Birds poached include lesser whistling duck, eastern spotted dove, and yellow-footed green pigeon.
- Conservation issues include habitat degradation, disruption of food chains, declining migratory populations, and slowed nutrient cycles.
- Assam hosts about 950 bird species, including 17 endemics, with 55 Important Bird and Biodiversity Areas supporting its avian population.
2. World Bank approves loan of $800 million to develop A.P. capital city Amaravati
(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)
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Analysis of the news:
- The World Bank approved an $800 million loan for the Amaravati Integrated Urban Development Programme (AIUDP) in Andhra Pradesh.
- AIUDP aims to establish Amaravati as a climate-resilient, well-managed capital city focused on growth and job creation.
- The programme emphasizes improving the lives of current and future residents, particularly the most vulnerable.
- Andhra Pradesh’s masterplan envisions a 217 sq. km area accommodating 3.50 million people by 2050.
- The World Bank and Asian Development Bank are jointly supporting the first phase of development.
- The project seeks to mobilize private investments in affordable housing and enterprises to create quality jobs.
- The loan has a 29-year maturity with a six-year grace period and is payable in Japanese Yen.
- This initiative aligns with India’s goal of building sustainable and livable cities as growth hubs.
3. Murder Hornets
(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 12)
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Analysis of News:
Threat of the Northern Giant Hornet
- The Northern giant hornet, dubbed the “murder hornet,” posed a severe threat to pollinators, especially honeybees, and agriculture.
- These invasive hornets could decimate entire beehives within 90 minutes by entering a “slaughter phase,” where they killed bees by decapitation and used the brood to feed their young.
- Known for their large size, potent venom, and ability to sting multiple times, the hornets also posed a danger to humans, killing 42 people in China in 2013.
Efforts for Eradication in the US
- The hornet was first detected in Washington state in 2019. Federal, state, and international agencies collaborated to locate and eliminate nests.
- Entomologists employed innovative techniques, such as attaching radio tags to live hornets to trace them to their nests.
- Once located, nests were neutralized using foam, plastic wraps, vacuuming, and carbon dioxide.
- Public participation, including setting traps at residences, played a key role in this successful eradication effort.
Significance and Caution Ahead
- The eradication of the Northern giant hornet in the US is a significant victory for pollinator protection, safeguarding agriculture, ecosystems, and associated industries.
- However, experts warn that eradication does not guarantee the hornet’s permanent absence, and vigilance is essential to prevent its reintroduction.
For more such UPSC-related Current Affairs, Check Out –20 December 2024: Daily Current Affairs
