9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – August 19th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

A ‘fab’ way to conduct India-Japan tech diplomacy

Source: The post is based on the article “A ‘fab’ way to conduct India-Japan tech diplomacy” published in The Hindu on 19^th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 2 – International Relations

Relevance: India and Japan agreement on semiconductor technology

News: In July 2023, India and Japan reached an agreement to cooperate on semiconductor technology.

What is the agreement about?

The collaboration aims to establish a stronger supply chain for semiconductors and jointly develop the semiconductor ecosystem.

The partnership will focus on five areas: 1) semiconductor design, 2) manufacturing, 3) equipment research, 4) establishing resilience in the semiconductor supply chain, and 5) talent development.

The partnership encourages sharing technical knowledge, research, and innovation between Indian and Japanese semiconductor industries, keeping Japan and India at the forefront of semiconductor progress.

The partnership aims for technology transfer, semiconductor research collaboration, and reciprocal trade. It also prioritizes human resource development through skill exchange programs, workshops, and training.

What measures have been taken by both countries in promoting semiconductor technology?

Both countries support semiconductor manufacturing and research through their policies. India’s “Make in India” and Japan’s “Society 5.0” share self-reliance and innovation-driven growth goals.

Both countries value semiconductors for innovation, growth, and security.

Japan leads in chip production, while India’s IT sector is growing with increasing demand for semiconductors. This provides a solid foundation for their partnership.

Must Read: On the India and Japan relationship and challenges from geopolitical issues

What is the significance of this partnership?

Tackling Technological Challenges: India-Japan partnership holds a key role in shaping the global semiconductor landscape. Their collaboration addresses evolving tech challenges like miniaturization, AI, and quantum computing.

Diversification: In January 2023, Japan and the Netherlands joined the U.S. to restrict chip material exports to China, affecting Japanese chip firms. Thus, the India collaboration becomes vital for Japan in diversifying the semiconductor industry.

Supply Chain Challenges: Geopolitical tensions and supply chain issues underscore the need for diverse semiconductor supply chains and global cooperation.

Hence, collaborative research efforts help in pooling resources to tackle complex semiconductor challenges, driving innovation and solutions.

Unity Among Indo-Pacific Partners: This partnership comes after a recent US-India technological alliance which supports the development of interconnected semiconductor ecosystems.

Hence, bilateral agreements with India by the US and Japan showcase unity among Indo-Pacific partners in critical technology, reflecting shared geostrategic and security interests.

What can be the way ahead?

The agreements demonstrate Quad countries’ trust in India, highlighting India’s semiconductor growth.

Hence, agreement between India and Japan holds significance as it would combine Japan’s tech skill and India’s innovation, fostering advanced electronics, connectivity, and shared technology progress.

Mediation Bill: An incomplete settlement

Source– The post is based on the article “Mediation Bill: An incomplete settlement” published in “The Indian Express” on 18th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Polity.

Relevance: Important BIlls and Acts

News– On August 1, the Mediation Bill, 2021 was passed by the Rajya Sabha.

What are some positive aspects of the Bill?

The Bill has reduced the mediation period from 180 to 90 days. It has transformed the pre-litigation mediation from obligatory to voluntary. It was also highly necessary, considering that voluntariness constitutes an essential principle of mediation.

The support for the validation and implementation of settlement agreements stemming from mediation is the right step. It aligns seamlessly with the United Nations Convention on International Settlement Agreements Resulting from Mediation.

What are the concerning aspects of the Bill?

There are limited grounds listed in the Bill to challenge the enforcement of a settlement agreement and a period of 90 days is given to raise the challenge. It needs a relook.

A settlement agreement is essentially a contract between the parties. Sometimes, grounds for challenging are detected at a later stage.

There are also some technical flaws. Clause 8 of the Bill entitles a party to move the Court, before the commencement or during mediation, for interim relief, only in “exceptional circumstances”.

The phrase “exceptional circumstances” is lacking in definition within the Bill. It also deviates from the established norms of seeking interim relief in civil courts.

Moreover, there is no remedy of appeal available against an order passed under this proposed section. Even our arbitration regime provides an appellate recourse.

The Bill introduces the concepts of “online” and “community” mediation. A recent Niti Aayog report reveals that only 55% of India have access to the internet and only 27% possess compatible devices.

As for community mediation, the Bill makes it mandatory to have a panel of three mediators. This requirement is unnecessary and impacts the flexibility that mediation brings.

Government is the biggest litigant in the country. Limiting the government’s willingness to engage in mediation processes solely to “commercial disputes” contradicts the intent behind the legislation.

Way forward-

The standing committee has recommended that government-related disputes be included in the Bill. The Bill provided a golden opportunity to the government to change that perception.

This will inspire confidence amongst all stakeholders and help in reducing the pendency of backlog.

Mediation should be promoted as a preferred and voluntary mode of securing justice. The Bill is prescriptive.The regular individual will now need additional guidance and support to attain justice.

For online mediation, there is a need to scale the bandwidth accessibility to remote parts of the country. Setting up legal aid or access to justice clinics with adequate IT infrastructure could address this issue.

The custody question

Source– The post is based on the article “The custody question” published in “The Indian Express” on 19th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Polity.

Relevance: Important BIlls and Acts

News– The central government has introduced three Bills in the Lok Sabha to reform criminal law: The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 to replace the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 to replace the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 to replace the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

What are some positive changes introduced by Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023?

The entire lifecycle of a new case, starting from the first information report will now be documented online using digital recordkeeping.

This transition will greatly enhance the security of case records and enable faster access when needed.

When searches are conducted in our residences and items are seized, these actions must be accompanied by mandatory video recording. It safeguards against the planting of evidence and can be utilised by the defence to contest alleged seizures.

The Protection Code also includes the concept of a “zero FIR.” This type of FIR is filed when a police station receives a complaint about an alleged offence that falls under the jurisdiction of another police station.

In this scenario, the original police station initiates the FIR and subsequently transfers it to the appropriate police station for further investigation.

What are the concerning aspects of the bill?

Protection Code allows trials in absentia under specific circumstances. This occurs when the judge is convinced that the physical presence of the accused in court is unnecessary or when the accused persistently disrupts the court proceedings.

The broad discretion granted to judges in determining the presence of the accused opens the door to potential misuse of this provision.

Protection Code authorises magistrates to approve extended periods of detention in police custody. It surpasses the current 15-day limit and extends up to 90 days.

This prolonged detention up to 90 days is applicable to offenses punishable by death, life imprisonment, or imprisonment for a minimum of 10 years.

The Protection Code allows individuals to be held in police custody for a maximum of 60 days. It is for “other offences” that carry shorter prison sentences than those outlined for the 90-day detainment offences.

Prolonged detention is detrimental to fundamental rights such as the right to life, health and a fair trial.

Ninety days of uninterrupted police custody would make any accused highly susceptible to coercion and intimidation.

The power of an acronym

Source: The post is based on the article “The power of an acronym” published in “Business standard” on 19th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

News: In this article author discusses the evolution and relevance of the BRICS group, highlighting its inconsistencies and China’s increasing influence, and questions India’s position given its differing interests and relationships compared to other BRICS nations.

About evolution of  BRICS.

Origin: Coined by Goldman Sachs, representing Brazil, Russia, India, and China as future dominant economies.

Performance: China and India thrived, entering top five economies. Russia and Brazil lagged; Russia isn’t in the top 10 anymore.

Addition of South Africa: Diluted the initial economic focus, as its economy is much smaller.

Initiatives by BRICS:

BRICS nations hold regular summits to discuss collaboration.

One significant achievement is the “BRICS bank”, established to support development projects, though its impact has been limited.

Proposals were made for a dedicated data cable to ensure secure communication, but progress has been slow.

New currency arrangements were discussed to challenge the dominance of the dollar, but haven’t been implemented.

What is the relevance of BRICS in today’s world?

Economic Clout: China and India are now among the top five economies, highlighting BRICS’ economic significance.

Alternative Voice: BRICS is seen as a potential counter to Western-dominated global structures.

Developmental Initiatives: The establishment of the “BRICS bank” aims to support developmental projects.

Diplomatic Platform: Over 40 developing countries have shown interest in joining, suggesting its growing diplomatic importance.

How is China influencing BRICS?

Push for Expansion: China is advocating for an increase in BRICS membership. They’re keen to have more countries join, extending the group’s reach.

Diplomatic Strategy: With limited regional allies like North Korea, Cambodia, and Myanmar, China sees BRICS as a way to gain broader diplomatic support.

Countering Western Influence:  China aims to use BRICS as a platform to challenge and break Western dominance in global affairs.

Engagement with Other Groups: BRICS has initiated talks with the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated group, furthering China’s influence within BRICS.

Potential Data Control: China’s involvement in the proposed BRICS data cable raises concerns about its ability to access and control communication, given its technological prowess.

Where does India stand?

Economic Performance: India has prospered, now ranking among the top five global economies.

Relationship with China: India has an adversarial relationship with China, blocking imports, investments, and market access for Chinese technologies.

Diplomatic Challenges: Many countries seeking BRICS membership, like Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, and UAE, pose diplomatic issues for India. Blocking them could strain relations.

Membership Criteria: India advocates for clear criteria for new BRICS members, highlighting the existing inconsistencies within the group.

Alignment with Western Nations: India is increasingly aligned with Europe and the US in defense, technology, and people movement, contrasting with China and Russia’s stances.

Political System: India’s political system is more open than China’s or Russia’s, potentially leading to differences in governance perspectives within BRICS.

GS PAPER - 3

Material consideration: On the LK-99 ‘superconductor’ episode

Source: The post is based on the article “Material consideration: On the LK-99 ‘superconductor’ episode” published in The Hindu on 19^th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Science and Technology

Relevance: confusions over a recent discovery – LK-99.

News: Recently, scientists found that the material called LK-99 is not a room-temperature and ambient-pressure superconductor.

What is LK-99?

LK-99 has been claimed by South Korean scientists as a superconductor at room temperature and atmospheric pressure. However, currently scientists have discarded their claims.

What are the reasons behind discarding LK-99 as a superconductor?

First, when superconductors get cold, they push away magnets, causing repulsion below their transition temperature. The South Korean video showed LK-99 partly repelling a magnet. However, independent researchers found that the material was an insulator whose impurities could be magnetized.

Second, the South Korean scientists saw less resistance in LK-99 around 104°C, which could mean it’s a superconductor. However, researchers found that this drop occurred due to the copper sulphide impurities present in the material.

Hence, as per the scientists, no formal confirmation aligns with the initial declaration that this material can conduct electricity without resistance in regular conditions.

Must Read: Beyond the hype: Independent verification is crucial on claims about material LK-99

What lies ahead?

The LK-99 case raises concerns over misunderstandings caused in the open science competition. However, this misunderstanding shouldn’t stop open collaboration.

Moreover, now, the burden lies on South Korean group to show evidence for their claim.

Where prices are hurting

Source– The post is based on the article “Where prices are hurting” published in “The Indian Express” on 19th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy

Relevance: Issues related to inflation

News– As the Reserve Bank of India has released its August monthly bulletin.

What are the inflation prospects of the country?

The inflation for July 2023 reached a 15-month peak of 7.44 percent. It indicates that the issue of inflation remains unresolved.

Supply chain pressures are gradually easing and wage growth is slower than anticipated. The conditions are becoming favorable for a reduction in core inflation.

Geopolitical tensions have increased the prices of agricultural commodities, metals, and energy. It has raised concerns about food and energy security and the potential impacts on core inflation.

This marks the third time when the retail inflation rate is higher than the upper boundary of the RBI’s medium-term inflation target range of 4+ /–2 percent in this calendar year.

What are the main revelations of the recently released RBI bulletin?

The inflation rate has risen, particularly for essential items like vegetables, cereals, pulses, milk, and dairy products. This increase in prices has impacted both retail and wholesale inflation levels.

In the month of July, India experienced a retail inflation rate of 7.44 percent, reaching its highest point in 15 months.

Among the 36 states and Union Territories, 15 of them registered a retail inflation rate surpassing the national rate of 7.44 percent in July. Additionally, 24 states and UTs had an inflation rate exceeding 6 percent.

The eastern regions and Jammu & Kashmir along with Ladakh exhibited better outcomes.

States in eastern and Northeastern India, excluding Manipur and Tripura, saw a retail inflation rate lower than 6 percent in July 2023.

Food and beverages observed a significant surge in inflation. It reached 10.57 percent in July compared to 4.63 percent in June.

The inflation rate for cereals and related products has remained in double digits for eleven consecutive months. It was 13.04 percent in July.

Pulses have experienced inflation of over 5 percent for the last four months. It has escalated to double digits since June.

After contracting for eight months, vegetable prices surged to 37.34 percent in July.

How rising inflation is impacting households?

The upward trajectory of food prices is expected to place additional strain on household budgets.

A recent Crisil report highlighted that the cost of preparing a “thali” meal at home increased significantly for the third consecutive month in July, primarily due to the price of tomatoes.

Climate crisis has hit home

Source: The post is based on the article “Climate crisis has hit home” published in “The Hindustan Times” on 19th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Disaster and disaster management.

News: In this article, the author discusses the severe climate changes in India, leading to disasters such as landslides and floods, and the impact on agriculture and living conditions. The author also emphasizes the need for policy changes and a stronger political will to address the environmental and climate crisis.

About the  2023 climate crisis in India.

1. Severe Weather Events:

Devastating landslides in Himachal Pradesh resulted in 70 deaths.

Uttarakhand faced extreme weather, leading to 13 casualties.

Shimla, a popular tourist destination, severely impacted with 11 deaths in a temple.

2. Erratic Monsoon Patterns:

The monsoon in India showed inconsistent behaviors. June had a 65% rainfall deficit, but by July’s end, it changed to a 4.8% surplus. By August 18, a 6% deficit was recorded.

What are the three distinct dimensions of the climate crisis in India?

Three Distinct Dimensions of the Expanding Crisis in India:

1. Uncontrolled Development in Himalayan States:

The Himalayan states face risks due to unchecked development.

Thousands of lives are endangered.

The Union government hasn’t shown intentions to revisit development models.

Two controversial environmental laws prioritize business and national security over environment.

2. Changes in Weather Impacting Livelihoods:

Altered weather affects crop patterns and food security.

Quality of living is compromised.

Anomalies in rainfall patterns are intensifying.

Policymakers must adjust policies to the changing climate.

3. Need for Social and Political Will:

Addressing the crisis requires strong political commitment.

The environment currently lacks priority in the political arena.

What should be done?

Revisit Development Models: Rethink unchecked development in Himalayan states.

Strengthen Environmental Policies: Balance business and national security with environmental needs.

Adjust to Rainfall Anomalies: Incorporate changing weather patterns into policies.

Upgrade Infrastructure: Ensure it adapts to the changing climate.

Prioritize the Environment Politically: Recognize its importance in the electoral arena.

Foster Political Will: Address environmental challenges with urgency.

Engage the Public: Generate social will to push for environment-centric policies.

Express View on RBI studies: Carrying hope

Source: The post is based on the article “Express View on RBI studies: Carrying hope” published in “The Indian Express” on 19th August 2023.

Syllabus: GS3- Indian economy

News: The National Statistical Office will soon release GDP growth estimates for the first quarter (April-June). The RBI predicts an 8% growth. Despite global slowdowns and a drop in exports, India’s economy shows positive signs like increased private consumption and investment. However, some sectors, like auto sales, are weak.

What are the major outcomes of the RBI’s State of the Economy report?

RBI’s State of the Economy Report Outcomes:

1. GDP Growth Prediction:

The RBI expects 8% economic growth for April-June.

2. Global Recovery Status:

The global economic recovery is slowing down.

3. Export Situation:

Exports decreased by around 16% in July.

Merchandise exports were at a nine-month low of $32.25 billion.

4. Positive Economic Indicators:

Private consumption and investment activity might balance the decline in exports.

E-way bill volumes showed strong growth.

FMCG sales increased.

Cargo at major ports and railway freight traffic rose in July.

Steel and cement consumption went up.

5. Areas of Economic Concern:

Automobile sales, excluding three-wheelers, are low.

More households/individuals are seeking MGNREGA work than last year.

Non-oil imports decreased, indicating weak domestic demand.

Uncertainty about how much investment will increase.

6. Investment Intention Study:

In 2022-23, plans for 982 projects with Rs 3.5 lakh crore were made.

In 2021-22, it was 791 projects worth Rs 1.96 lakh crore.

60% of these projects, funded by banks and institutions, are in infrastructure.

Major areas: power, roads, bridges, SEZs, biotech, and IT parks.

Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Odisha, Maharashtra, and Karnataka have more than half the project cost.

7. Future Investment Cycle:

Strong bank and corporate balance sheets suggest a good future for investment.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

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