UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 April 2024

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically

GS Paper 2:

1 .India’s Strategic Focus: Centering Africa in the Global South Vision

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• GI Tags granted to 60 Products

• Atomic clocks

• First-ever Nuclear Energy Summit

• USSD-based call forwarding

• Genetic profiling of Captive Elephants

• H5N1 bird flu

Mapping

• Katchatheevu island

India’s Strategic Focus: Centering Africa in the Global South Vision

GS Paper-2

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: IE

Context: India’s relationship with African nations is crucial in its vision for the Global South, especially as it seeks to navigate a changing global landscape.

What is India’s Global South Vision?

India’s Global South Vision emphasizes fostering strategic partnerships with nations in the Southern Hemisphere, aiming for a more equitable and inclusive global order. It focuses on economic cooperation, multilateralism, and solidarity among developing countries to address common challenges and promote sustainable development.

Africa’s Importance for India’s Global South Vision:

• Economic Partnerships: India and Africa boast immense economic potential, with Indian investments exceeding $98 billion in 2023 and bilateral trade totalling $100 billion.

• Strategic Influence: Africa’s presence in global forums is pivotal for India’s vision of rule-based global governance, as demonstrated by India’s advocacy for the African Union in the G20 summit.

• Energy Security: Cooperation in the energy sector is crucial, with Africa possessing 30% of the world’s critical mineral reserves essential for India’s transition to a low-carbon future, particularly in solar panel and battery production.

Other aspects of India-Africa Relations:

Aspect | Details

Cultural | India’s relations with Africa are deeply rooted in cultural and civilizational ties, reflecting ideologies of “Vasudhaiva Kutumbkam” and “Ubuntu”

Political | India offers assistance in defence capabilities, promoting security cooperation and countering China’s military presence

India and Africa cooperate on global issues, advocating for the interests of developing countries and pursuing reforms in global governance institutions

Shared Vision | India views Africa as a foreign policy priority, offering support without conditionality or a hidden agenda.

Hamid Ansari has ives 4 imperatives for cooperation between India and Africa 1. Common historical experiences and cultural links. 2. Complementarities in strengths and capabilities. 3. A common approach in meeting developmental challenges. 4. Convergence of views of global matters.

PM Modi– The warmth and depth of the connections between Indian and African countries have been the pillars of India’s foreign policy, leading to a “strong emotional link“.

Development Assistance | India offers training and capacity-building programs through the ITEC program

India has worked with Japan to create the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC)

India has increased lending to Africa to counter China’s influence, including $32 billion in credit across 42 African countries over the past decade.

Health Collaboration | Indian pharmaceutical companies provide affordable generic medicines

India deploys medical teams and offers technical assistance to combat diseases like HIV/AIDS, malaria, and Ebola in African countries.

Defence Cooperation | India has signed MoUs with all African nations on the Indian Ocean Rim (IOR)

Hosts the India-Africa Defence Dialogue (IADD) at the defence ministers’ level

Conducts trilateral maritime exercises to enhance maritime cooperation with countries like Tanzania and Mozambique.

Technology and Digital Cooperation | India sets up a fibre-optic network for satellite connectivity, telemedicine, and tele-education in Africa under the Pan African e-Network Project

Introduces initiatives like e-VidyaBharti and e-ArogyaBharti (e-VBAB) to provide free tele-education and medical education to African students and healthcare professionals.

Education and Skill Development | Collaboration between Indian and African educational institutions enhances educational opportunities and skill development, facilitated by programs like ITEC.

Renewable Energy and Sustainability | Joint initiatives in renewable energy and sustainable development, such as the International Solar Alliance (ISA), combat climate change with the participation of 38 African member countries.

Peacekeeping and Diplomacy | India and Africa collaborate in global forums, advocating for peace, stability, and reforms in global institutions like the UN Security Council and the WTO

India led the proposal for including the African Union in the G20.

1.Common historical experiences and cultural links.

1.Complementarities in strengths and capabilities.

1.A common approach in meeting developmental challenges.

1.Convergence of views of global matters.

Challenges faced by African countries:

• Misgovernance: Poor governance, corruption, and lack of accountability e.g., countries like Ethiopia, Sudan, and the Central African Republic face insurgency, ethnic violence, and terrorism

• Unplanned Development: Rapid population growth, urbanization, and environmental degradation.

• Dominance of Ruling Tribes: Ethnic and tribal conflicts and monopolization of power.

• Inter-Tribal Scrimmage: Frequent clashes over resources.

• Terrorism: Threats from Islamic extremism and global networks.

• Changing Climate: Vulnerability to climate change impacts.

• Runaway Food Inflation: High food prices affecting millions.

• External Interventions: Military interventions worsen situations.

• Return of Military Generals: Reemergence of military leadership.

• Competition and External Players: Various external actors, including China, Russia, the US, EU, Japan, Turkey, and UAE, are actively vying for influence in Africa, seeking market access, resources, and political power.

How can India help Africa?

Area | Strategies

Political Support | Use diplomatic influence to support peace, democracy, and development. Advocate for African interests in global forums. Foster regional cooperation through support for African Union initiatives such as such as the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA)

Economic Partnership | Enhance trade and investment ties. Provide market access and preferential tariffs. Offer Indian innovations and force multipliers

Promote India-Africa trade through the creation of an Africa Growth Fund (AGF) to enhance access to finance

Security Cooperation | Provide training, equipment, and intelligence to security forces. Contribute to peacekeeping missions. Collaborate in countering terrorism, piracy, and organized crime

Poverty and Hunger | Adapt Indian microfinance and agricultural practices to empower communities in Africa. Utilize South-South cooperation platforms for knowledge exchange

Health and Disease Burden | Provide affordable healthcare solutions using expertise in generic drug production and telemedicine. Joint research efforts on infectious and neglected tropical diseases

Inclusiveness of Global South | E.g., India advocated for AU’s full membership in G20 (accepted under India’s G20 Presidency)

Piracy and Terror | Conduct joint military exercises. Share information and capacity-building programs

Climate Action | Collaborate on projects to mitigate climate change impacts. Support initiatives like the Great Green Wall

UN Reforms | Advocate for equitable representation of Africa in international organizations, including the UN Security Council

Implementing the ‘Roadmap 2030’ | Form a team led by the MEA’s Secretary for Africa and a Deputy National Security Adviser. Following this roadmap will bolster India’s partnership with Africa, enhancing global stature.

The Roadmap 2030 is a set of policy recommendations that aims to deepen and diversify the relationship between India and Africa.

Several challenges have hindered the realization of India-Africa’s potential. One major obstacle is the lack of a comprehensive and focused African policy by India, which has led to a lack of strategic direction in its engagement with African countries.

Additionally, China’s dominant presence in Africa has raised concerns about India’s limited involvement and competition in the region. The disparity in investment between India and China, the impact of multilateral treaties on trade, and issues related to political instability and terrorism further complicate the relationship.

Conclusion

India’s robust ties with Africa present vast opportunities for economic, political, and social collaboration. Prioritizing engagement with African nations is crucial for India’s leadership in the Global South. Amid global transformations, the synergy between India and Africa promises a mutually beneficial and prosperous future.

In this regard, PM Modi has stated that “*Just as India and Africa fought colonialism together, we will work together for a just, representative and democratic global order that has a voice and a role for one-third of humanity that lives in Africa and Indi*a.”

Insta Links:

• India-Africa ties

Mains Link:

• How does India see its place in the economic space of rising natural resource-rich Africa? (UPSC 2014)

• Increasing interest of India in Africa has its pros and cons. Critically Examine. (UPSC 2015)

Prelims Link:

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)

• The India-Africa Summit

• held in 2015 was the third such Summit

• was actually initiated by Jawaharlal Nehru in 1951

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

GI Tags granted to 60 Products

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: Th

Context: Over 60 products from across India have received Geographical Indication (GI) tags, marking the largest batch of GI tags awarded at once.

Some of the Major products GI tagged are:

Region | Product | Description

Assam | Asharikandi Terracotta Craft | Asharikandi Terracotta Craft refers to a traditional craft form practised in the village of Asharikandi in Assam. It involves the creation of pottery and other decorative items using locally sourced terracotta clay.

Pani Meteka Craft | It refers to a type of traditional craft that involves weaving straw or reeds into decorative objects such as baskets, hats, and ornaments.

Sarthebari Metal Craft | Exquisite metalwork, particularly in brass and bell metal.

Jaapi (Bamboo Headgear) | Traditional Assamese hat made from bamboo and leaves.

Mishing Handloom Products | Textiles woven by the Mishing community

Bihudhol | Traditional drum used in Assam’s Bihu celebrations.

Bodo Dokhona | Traditional attire of Bodo women.

Bodo Eri Silk | Fabric made from the silk of Samia ricini, known as the fabric of peace

Bodo Jwmgra | A traditional scarf is part of Bodo culture.

Bodo Gamsa | The traditional dress worn by Bodo men.

Bodo Thorkha | Musical instruments are integral to Bodo culture.

Bodo Sifung | Long flute used in Bodo music.

Varanasi | Banaras Thandai | Traditional drink made with milk, nuts, seeds, and spices.

Banaras Tabla | Percussion instrument rooted in Banaras’ musical tradition.

Banaras Shehnai | Wind musical instrument synonymous with Banaras’ cultural ethos.

Banaras Lal Bharwamirch | A specific variety of stuffed red chilli is typical of Banaras.

Banaras Lal Peda | A sweet delicacy made from condensed milk, famous in Banaras.

Tripura | Pachra-Rignai | Traditional dress is worn by women in Tripura on special occasions.

Matabari Peda | Sweet preparation is unique to the Matabari area in Tripura.

Meghalaya | Garo Textile Weaving | Textiles woven by the Garo community, incorporating traditional motifs and techniques.

Lyrnai Pottery | Traditional pottery from the Lyrnai area, known for its distinctive style and utility (also called Black Pottery of Meghalaya)

Chubitchi | Alcoholic beverage.

About GI Tags:

A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation used on products with a specific geographical origin, indicating qualities or reputation linked to that origin. To date, around 635 products in India have been given the GI tag. The first GI tag in the country was given two decades ago to the famous Darjeeling tea.

Internationally recognized under the Paris Convention, GI is part of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), covered by the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, Madrid Agreement, and Lisbon Agreement.

In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999. Administered by the Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI), it identifies agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods, providing legal protection for 10 years (renewable). The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, oversees GI registration, offering protection against unauthorized use, promoting exports, and ensuring quality and distinctiveness.

Atomic clocks

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: LM

Context: India is deploying atomic clocks nationwide to synchronize all digital devices with Indian Standard Time, enhancing uniformity and national security.

About Atomic Clocks:

Topic | Information

Atomic Clock | An atomic clock is a highly accurate timekeeping device that combines a quartz crystal oscillator with an atom, typically caesium or hydrogen, to measure time precisely. It uses the consistent frequency of atoms to maintain accurate time, making it more stable than conventional quartz clocks.

It was Invented in 1955 by Louise Essen. It combines a quartz crystal oscillator with an atom for precise timekeeping.

Types of Atomic Clocks | Caesium and hydrogen maser atomic clocks

Hydrogen maser clocks are more accurate and used in scientific research.

Working | Quartz crystal oscillators are commonly used in modern clocks, vibrating at a precise frequency when voltage is applied. However, they become slightly slow every hour and require frequent adjustments.

Atomic clocks are like super accurate timekeepers. They use special atoms, usually caesium atoms, which vibrate at a very steady rate. By sending microwaves to these atoms, we can make them vibrate even more regularly. Then, we compare these vibrations with the vibrations of a quartz crystal in a regular clock. The most advanced atomic clocks lose just one second every 300 billion years.

Atomic Clocks in India | Council of Industrial and Scientific Research(CSIR)-National Physical Laboratories (NPL) New Delhi maintains Indian Standard Time with caesium and hydrogen maser clocks.

CSIR-NPL are now setting up new atomic clocks in Bhubaneswar, Jaipur, and Hyderabad, in addition to the existing ones in Faridabad and Ahmedabad. By June, these new clocks will be installed, and the government will require all device manufacturers to sync with Indian Standard Time.

Currently, timekeeping relies on satellites, but the government aims to connect all atomic clocks using optical cables for enhanced security.

Implementation | By the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and NPL. It will ensure “one nation, one time” by June this year.

Need for Indigenous Atomic Clocks | Ensures national security and independence in timekeeping.

During the Kargil War in 1999, the US turned off GPS for the Indian Army, causing location inaccuracies. This prompted India to develop its own precise clock.

At present, most software operating modules, such as Windows and Android, rely on US-based Network Time Protocol servers.

Only four countries—the United States of America, The United Kingdom, Japan and South Korea—have developed their atomic clocks

Indian Standard Time (IST) | Indian Standard Time (IST) was adopted on September 1, 1947, with only one-time zone for the whole country. It is calculated from 82.5 degrees East longitude, near Mirzapur (Allahabad, UP). IST is 5.5 hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT)

First-ever Nuclear Energy Summit

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IAEA

Context: World leaders from over 30 countries (including India) and the EU convened at the recently inaugurated Nuclear Energy Summit in Brussels, emphasizing nuclear power’s role in achieving energy security, climate goals, and sustainable development.

Key Takeaways from the Nuclear Energy Summit:

• Promotion of Nuclear Energy: The summit aimed to promote nuclear energy as a vital component of achieving low-carbon electricity production.

• Historic Inclusion in Global Stocktake: Following its inclusion in the Global Stocktake at COP28 in 2023, nuclear energy’s deployment was emphasized for accelerating its role in combating climate change. The Global Stocktake monitors the Paris Agreement’s (2014) progress and links national contributions to its goals. Its aim is to enhance climate ambition by evaluating collective efforts. Currently, nuclear energy is responsible for around 25 % of global low-carbon electricity production

• The Global Stocktake monitors the Paris Agreement’s (2014) progress and links national contributions to its goals. Its aim is to enhance climate ambition by evaluating collective efforts.

• Currently, nuclear energy is responsible for around 25 % of global low-carbon electricity production

• Atoms4NetZero Initiative: The Summit collaborates with IAEA’s ‘Atoms4NetZero’ program, aimed at supporting Member States’ efforts to utilize nuclear energy in achieving net zero emissions.

• Technological Advancements: Advances such as Fusion Energy, and Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with capacities of up to 300 MW(e) per unit, were highlighted as promising developments in nuclear technology.

• Challenges: Safety concerns post-Fukushima, vulnerability to cyber-attacks, and high upfront costs were acknowledged as challenges that need to be addressed for the wider adoption of nuclear energy.

• IAEA’s Role: The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), as the organizer, underscored its role in promoting safe, secure, and peaceful nuclear technologies worldwide.

Status of Nuclear Energy in India:

Nuclear energy contributes about 3% to India's electricity generation, with 23 reactors in operation, producing 7480 MW. There are at least ten more reactors that are under construction, and the capacity is supposed to triple to 22,480 MW by 2031-32. Most reactors are Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs). India's first 700 MWe PHWR unit, the Kakrapar Atomic Power Project (KAPP-3), started in 2021. The government plans to establish new plants like the one in Gorakhpur, Haryana. India is developing "Bhavni," its first indigenous thorium-based nuclear plant, utilizing Uranium-233. The experimental thorium plant "Kamini" is already operational in Kalpakkam

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About IAEA (founded: 1957; HQ: Vienna, Austria)

The IAEA promotes safe and peaceful nuclear technologies worldwide. It operates under the UN system and oversees nuclear inspections under the NPT. The Additional Protocol allows it to verify peaceful nuclear material use. India is a member.

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Genetic profiling of Captive Elephants

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Genetic profiling of captive elephants in Kerala is set to begin soon.

Details of the Initiative:

About | Description

What is Genetic Profiling? | Genetic profiling is the analysis of an organism’s DNA to determine specific genetic characteristics or variations. It involves examining the unique genetic makeup of an individual or group, providing insights into traits, ancestry, and potential health risks.

The objective of the initiative | Create a comprehensive database incorporating photographs, physical details, and genetic features of over 400 captive elephants in Kerala.

Implementation | By Wildlife Institute of India (WII); Assistant conservators (social forestry) will collect blood and dung samples, supported by forensic kits from WII.

Current Status | Captive elephants are elephants that are held in captivity by humans, typically for purposes such as work, tourism, or religious ceremonies. Kerala has 407 captive elephants, with about 25 elephant deaths annually.

National Perspective | Genetic profiling was completed in several states; data was accessible via the “Gaja Suchana” app for monitoring elephant transfers and welfare.

Regulatory Framework | Aligns with the Ministry’s efforts to regulate elephant transfers, following the Captive Elephant (Transfer or Transport) Rules, 2024.

Previous Efforts | Kerala Forest Department conducted DNA profiling of elephants in 2019, with support from the Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology.

Implications |

For Conservation: Enhances welfare and combats illegal transfers of captive elephants, offering systematic monitoring and management.

For Research and Policy: Provides insights into genetic diversity and health, informing future conservation strategies and policies.

USSD-based call forwarding

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: ET

Context: The Department of Telecom (DoT) has directed telecom operators to halt USSD-based call forwarding from April 15 due to misuse, requiring subscribers to activate it through alternative methods.

What is Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD)?

USSD is a protocol used in GSM networks for sending short text messages. It facilitates instant messaging without storing messages on the operator or subscriber’s device. USSD comes in two types: Pull (user-initiated) and Push (operator-initiated), using and # characters and numeric codes. Messages typically start with or # and end with #, with a maximum length of 182 characters. It’s commonly used for balance deduction notifications and checking IMEI numbers on mobile phones.

• g., Checking prepaid mobile balance: 141#; Checking IMEI number: #06#

What is USSD Call forwarding?

USSD call forwarding is a feature that allows mobile subscribers to redirect incoming calls to another phone number. It is typically initiated by dialling a specific USSD code on the phone, followed by the destination number. This service is commonly used for various purposes such as call diversion during busy periods or when unreachable.

Issues with USSD call forwarding include misuse for unwarranted activities, such as fraud and online crimes, leading to regulatory intervention

About GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications) network is a standard for mobile communication used by cellular devices worldwide. It allows users to make calls, send text messages, and access data services. GSM networks operate on specific frequency bands and use SIM cards to identify and authenticate users.

H5N1 bird flu

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: H5N1 bird flu, highly pathogenic since 2020, threatens birds and mammals globally. It’s infected birds in 80+ countries, leading to mass culling in poultry farms.

About H5N1 Bird Flu:

About | Description

Description | H5N1 is a highly infectious subtype of the influenza A virus, causing severe respiratory disease in birds (avian influenza or “bird flu”).

Classification | H5N1 is classified based on its surface proteins, hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N). There are 18 H subtypes and 11 N subtypes, e.g., A(H1N1) and A(H3N2).

Human Cases | Human cases of H5N1 occur sporadically, with difficulty in human-to-human transmission. The mortality rate is about 60% in infected individuals.

Origin and Circulation | Descended from a 1996 outbreak in China, the current strain emerged in Europe in 2020, spreading globally by late 2021 and reaching Antarctica in 2024.

Spread Factors | Scientists suggest climate change plays a role, in altering bird behaviour and facilitating virus spread.

Spread to People | Human infection typically results from close contact with infected birds or contaminated environments. Human-to-human transmission is rare.

Cause for Concern | While H5N1 poses a high mortality risk in humans, its limited human-to-human transmission reduces its pandemic potential. However, if the virus were to mutate for easy human transmission while remaining virulent, it could pose a serious public health threat.

Impact | Millions of poultry and wild birds have died, with the virus also infecting various mammalian species. Endangered bird species like California condors have been hit hard, and reports of infections in mammals raise concerns about viral spread and increased virulence. Marine mammals, including sea lions and dolphins, have suffered substantial mortality.

Katchatheevu island

Mapping

Source: TH

Aspect | Description

Location | Katchatheevu island, located in the narrow Palk Strait between India and Sri Lanka, lies approximately 20 kilometres from the Rameswaram coast of Tamil Nadu, India. |

1974 Agreement | The island’s transfer to Sri Lanka occurred following an agreement signed between then PM Indira Gandhi of India and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka in June 1974

The agreement also allowed Indian fishermen to fish around the island, dry their nets on it and permitted Indian pilgrims to visit the Catholic shrine located on the island

1976 Agreement | The 1976 agreement defined maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones for India and Sri Lanka. It also restricted fishing in each other’s waters without explicit permission from either country

Fishing Rights | Despite the transfer, traditional fishing activities by both Indian and Sri Lankan fisherfolk continued around Katchatheevu, regulated by a 1976 agreement requiring permission

Historical Significance | Katchatheevu has been historically significant, hosting St. Anthony’s Church, which conducts an annual festival attracting devotees from both India and Sri Lanka.

Legal Status | Despite calls for retrieval, the Indian government, through various statements, affirmed Katchatheevu’s status as belonging to Sri Lanka based on the 1974 and 1976 agreements