9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – July 15th, 2023

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Delhi’s relationship with Yamuna river and how it evolved over time

Source- The post is based on the article “Delhi’s relationship with Yamuna river and how it evolved over time” published in “The Indian Express” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS1- Modern History. GS1- Geography

Relevance- Historical and geographical aspects related to river Yamuna

News- Recently, the water level in Yamuna in Delhi rose to 208.66 metres. It caused Delhi’s worst flooding on record.

What is the history of forts built around river Yamuna?

Salimgarh Fort, constructed in 1546 by Salim Shah Suri stands on a riverine island. He was the son of Shershah Suri. The Red Fort was built in 1648 on the western bank of a branch of the Yamuna River.

In a painting from “Reminiscences of Imperial Delhi” by Mazhar Ali Khan, commissioned by colonial administrator Charles Metcalfe, the two forts are depicted connected by a bridge. This bridge was constructed by the order of Bahadur Shah Zafar.

Shah Jahan’s original city boasted 14 gates. It included the “water gate” known as Khizri Darwaza, which provided direct access to the river.

Of these gates, only Delhi Gate, Kashmere Gate, Ajmeri Gate, Turkman Gate, and Nigambodh Gate have survived.

Other gates, such as Lahori Darwaza, Kabuli Darwaza, Lal Darwaza, and Khizri Darwaza, are no longer extant.

Shah Jahan himself first arrived at the completed Red Fort by way of the Yamuna River and entered through the water gate.

When it was inaugurated, Shah Jahan entered the Red Fort through the Khizri Darwaza. A moonlight celebration took place.

It was through this Khizri Darwaza that Bahadur Shah Zafar departed on the night of September 17, 1857, following the fall of Delhi.

How river Yamuna played an important role in relation to the fort?

Its presence was a significant factor in selecting the fort’s location, as it served as both a natural barrier and a source of water for the growing population.

Within the fort, a system of water channels was established, which relied on water sourced from the Yamuna.

Initially, the Yamuna River served as a defence for the Red Fort. However, the course of the river gradually shifted away from the fort during the reign of Muhammad Shah ‘Rangila’.

When Britishers decided to relocate the capital of the British Raj to Delhi, the Coronation Park area was initially proposed as the site.

However, during the monsoon season of 1911, this area experienced flooding. As a result, the decision was made to establish the capital at Raisina Hill.

What is the reason behind changing course of river Yamuna?

One of the factors believed to contribute to this phenomenon is the movement of the Indian Tectonic Plate.

The Indian Plate has been steadily shifting northward. It is resulting in the rising of the Himalayas. This movement is considered a significant reason for the eastward shift of the Yamuna River’s course.

Additionally, rivers in the alluvial plains of North India are more prone to changes in their paths. The alluvial terrain in these areas is soft and easily influenced by shifting river courses.

In some places, Ganga river courses since 1786 have changed direction by up to 34 km. For instance, in Badaun, the river has relocated approximately 10 km from its previous position.

GS PAPER - 2

Problematic – on EU resolution on Manipur violence

Source– The post is based on the article “Problematic” published in “The Hindu” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS2-International relations. GS3- Security

Relevance: Internal security matters of India and its international implications

News- Recently, the EU parliament has passed a resolution on Manipur violence.

What are issues with the EU parliament resolution?

The EU Parliament resolution has framed the problem in Manipur on religious grounds. It is portrayed as a Hindus versus Christians issue.

The fight between the Hindu-majority Meitei community and the Christian denominated Kuki-Zo community has led to vandalising of churches and temples. It has given way to this understanding.

Why is India ‘s response to the EU resolution an overreaction?

India wants greater economic integration. It promotes itself as the representative of a nation committed to democratic, liberal and plural values and the rule of law. It cannot dismiss scrutiny by like-minded nations.

India’s dismissal of the EU Parliament’s resolution on the violence in Manipur shows colonial mindset.

Indian politicians have expressed their concerns over attacks on Hindu temples in Australia and racial prejudice in the U.S. and anti-immigrant violence in Europe.

What are the factors responsible for violence in Manipur?

Violence was the result of erroneous order passed by a single judge Bench in the Manipur High Court. It includes Meiteis in the list of Scheduled Tribes in the State.

It led to discontent among the Naga community which is also predominantly Christian by denomination. But, the ethnic violence has been limited to actions by militants belonging to the Kuki-Zo and the Meitei communities. It was exacerbated by an ethnic polarisation.

Socio-economic variances in the “hill” and “valley” areas, has led to distrust. There was an inability of the government led by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh to manage the situation.

GS PAPER - 3

Back to the new-old: West wind, East wind, or the warnings of a storm?

Source: The post is based on the article “Back to the new-old: West wind, East wind, or the warnings of a storm?” published in Business Standard on 15^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Growth & Development, Industrial Policy

Relevance: concerns associated with protectionist measures adopted by countries against China.

News: India implemented economic reforms in 1991. It was influenced by the Reagan-Thatcher era, which focused on reduced governmental role in the economy.

What were the results of implementing the 1991 reforms?

The reforms of 1991 were driven by the principles of liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG).

The aim was to increase market orientation and stimulate economic growth, lower inflation, improve the trade balance, and ensure external economic viability. The reform was successful in achieving these objectives.

However, the reform has not been able to boost manufacturing.

What are the consequences of the failure of reforms in boosting the manufacturing sector?

It has resulted in a lack of quality jobs, increased inequality and made India vulnerable to China by depending on it for strategic material imports.

To reduce its vulnerability, India has adopted a more restrictive approach to trade by implementing tariff hikes, non-tariff barriers, and restrictions on Chinese products.

This has given re-birth of government-directed industrial investment through policy tools like Investment subsidies, production incentives, tariff protection, etc.

How is the situation of manufacturing in the US and in the Western countries?

The US and countries in the West have also faced similar outcomes due to their incapability in reviving the manufacturing sector.

Hence, to decrease their vulnerability to China, companies in the West have started investing in the US and establishing their plants.

The US has also imposed import barriers against Chinese goods and restricted the transfer of strategic technologies to China.

In response, China has imposed export bans on gallium and germanium, essential materials in the electronic, electric vehicle, and telecom sectors.

Further, governments in the West are allocating significant sums of money to avoid reliance on Chinese imports.

For instance, subsidies per electric vehicle in the US and Europe amount to around $7,500. Companies like General Electric, which had de-emphasised manufacturing, are getting back into the sector.

What can be the implications of the measures adopted by countries against China?

These policies raise concern over the possibility of trade wars. Tariff hikes could also result in increased product prices and contribute to inflation.

Although the talks have now shifted from decoupling from China towards de-risking and diversification, the risks remain over retaliatory actions and beggar-thy-neighbor subsidies from China.

This may lead to an increase in the government debt of the Western countries.

Must Read: De-risking, not decoupling: What’s this G7 strategy against China?

What can be the way ahead for India?

While de-risking and diversification are being taken up by other countries, India can focus on creating jobs in the manufacturing sector.

However, India has chosen to follow other countries, focusing only on import substitution rather than creating jobs.

Accelerating India’s energy transition

Source: The post is based on the article “Accelerating India’s energy transition” published in Business standard on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure (Energy)

News: In this article, the author discusses India’s heavy reliance on imported energy, its need for energy security, and how diversifying energy sources like increasing natural gas usage can help. A proposed five-pronged strategy for India’s gas policy is also highlighted.

About India current and future energy scenario

1. India heavily relies on imported energy, particularly oil and gas.
2. Over 50% of India’s energy needs are imported, posing economic and supply risks.
3. Renewable energy deployment has increased significantly in India.
4. Despite progress, India’s gas consumption is just 6-7%, below the global average of 25%.

5.Diversifying energy sources, including increasing natural gas use, is crucial for India’s future.

6.A proposed sub-sea gas corridor could enhance India’s energy security.

What is the significance of energy security for India?

India’s economic health: The energy imports in India, especially oil and gas, consistently exceed 50%, according to estimates from the International Energy Agency. This high dependence on imported energy exposes the Indian economy to uncertainties like fluctuating international prices and supply disruptions. Energy security can therefore stabilize the Indian economy by reducing its vulnerability to these risks.

Foundation for superpower status: For India to become a superpower, energy independence is a key policy goal. Energy security, thus, is integral to India’s national security. It ensures self-reliance and reduces geopolitical risks associated with energy imports.

Energy security and renewable energy: Over the past two decades, India has made significant progress in deploying renewable energy. While renewable energy is a part of the energy security solution, India should not rely solely on it. Diversifying the energy mix with low-carbon intensity options, like natural gas, can further enhance energy security.

Energy security and gas policies: Currently, natural gas makes up only 6-7% of India’s total energy consumption, much lower than the global average of 25%. A revised policy approach towards gas, as suggested by a five-pronged strategy, can help increase this share, further strengthening India’s energy security.

India’s global commitments: Improving energy security aligns with India’s commitments under the Paris Accord, making it both an economic and moral imperative.

What is the proposed “Five-Pronged Strategy” for India’s gas policy?

First, India needs to switch to a production sharing contractual system. This can help bring in the much-needed risk capital and expertise to explore and develop our basins, especially for gas.

Second, a time-bound programme should be adopted to dismantle administered pricing controls. This will provide a transparent and market-driven signal to both producers and consumers, allowing market dynamics to dictate pricing.

Third, unbundling transportation and marketing in the natural gas sector is essential. It will allow consumers to benefit from a liberalised marketing environment and enhance security of supply.

Fourth, policy reforms are needed in the electricity markets to ensure the viability of gas-based power. Creating instruments like time-of-day pricing and non-linear pricing can allow markets to absorb more flexible gas-based power.

Fifth, the implementation of gas-based micro-grids should be promoted. These are efficient and environmentally responsible, while also decentralising policymaking.

Finally, the creation of a sub-sea gas corridor linking the Gulf region and India could enhance energy security and contribute to regional stability.

A water crisis In slow motion

Source: The post is based on the article “A water crisis In slow motion” published in “ Business standard” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster management

News: In this article, the author discusses the growing problem of urban water management in India, highlighting issues like rapid urbanization, deteriorating infrastructure, and loss of natural water bodies, which contribute to increased flood disasters.

Why is urban water management a growing concern in India?

Rapid urbanization adds pressure: Over 150 million people have migrated to Indian cities in the past 30 years. This escalates the demand for water in urban areas.

Infrastructure problems: Poor water treatment and sewage disposal capacities struggle to meet this high demand. Delhi and Bengaluru lose 40% and 29% of their water supply, respectively, due to leaks and theft.

Loss of Natural water bodies: Which essential for water supply and drainage, are being drained for construction, exacerbating flood risk.

Climate change: It exacerbates the problem, bringing extreme weather events that challenge already weak municipal infrastructure and urban planning.

Short-term financial priorities: Immediate financial benefits from projects like building construction are often prioritized over sustainable planning. This short-term focus, as seen in the construction of a mall on a drained lake, intensifies long-term flood risks.

Political priorities: Political decisions often favor actions that provide immediate popularity, potentially overlooking sustainable flood management strategies. This can contribute to the intensifying cycle of flood disasters.

What should be done?

Infrastructure improvement: Upgrade the water supply and sewage systems to reduce losses. For example, Delhi could aim to significantly reduce its 40% water loss due to leaks and pilferage.

Enhance water treatment: Improve water treatment and sewage disposal capacity to meet increased urban demand.

Preserve natural water bodies: Prevent draining of lakes, rivers, and canals for construction purposes. For instance, halt practices like the construction of malls on former lake sites in Bengaluru.

Water body restoration: Undertake desilting of canals and rivers, similar to the river cleanups in Europe and the US that took over 20 years but ultimately improved water flow and quality.

Control pollution: Implement strict regulations to stop untreated sewage and industrial effluent from entering water bodies.

Mandatory water harvesting: Make water harvesting systems that can recharge falling water tables mandatory across the country.

Long-term planning: Prioritize sustainable long-term planning over short-term financial gains. Politicians should focus on initiatives with lasting environmental benefits, even if results are not immediate.

Climate change adaptation: Implement strategies to adapt to climate change, such as building resilience against extreme weather events to prevent urban flooding.

Discoms still an area of darkness

Source: The post is based on the article “ Discoms still an area of darkness ” published in “ Business standard” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Infrastructure ( Energy)

News: The revenues of electricity distribution companies (Discoms) in India have declined over a 12-year period, from 75% of total revenues in FY10 to 71% in FY22. This is despite government interventions to improve financial and operational efficiencies.

What are reasons for decline in the revenues of Indian Discoms?

Reduced consumer payment: According to a study by Prabhat Barnwal and Nicholas Ryan, the revenues collected from bill-paying consumers have declined from 75% of total revenues in FY10 to 71% in FY22.

Free or subsidized power: To cater to lower-income groups, several states are providing free or subsidized power. This has led to lesser revenue collection from consumers.

Less incentive for loss reduction: Power Finance Corporation data notes that there is little incentive for discoms to reduce losses as their primary focus is ensuring power supply across their grid.

What are the impacts of decline in the revenues of Indian Discoms?

Increased government subsidies: As consumer revenues decline, discoms have become heavily reliant on government subsidies and grants. This lead to a lack of financial discipline. For example, profits reported by two of Rajasthan’s discoms in FY22 were largely due to state subsidies and grants from the Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojana (UDAY).

Pressure on industrial sector: The shortfall in consumer payments is often compensated by increasing the price of electricity for the industrial sector. This increases operational costs for industries.

Potential for service instability: With lower revenues, discoms face challenges in managing their operating expenses, servicing debts, and investing in infrastructure. This can potentially affect the quality and reliability of power supply.

Economic sustainability: The continuous decline in revenues and dependence on government support questions the fiscal sustainability of the power sector in the long run.

What are possible solutions for improving the finances of Discoms?

Open Access: Introduce competition among discoms. Allow consumers to choose their power provider, similar to the telecom sector.

Smart Metering: Implement smart meters across the country. As of June 2023, only 3% of consumers have a smart meter, but installation is increasing in states like Bihar, Assam, and Haryana.

Time-of-Day Metering: Encourage consumers to use power during non-peak hours by offering lower bills, thus balancing demand and reducing costs.

Reform measures: Implement various reform measures including fuel & power purchase adjustment surcharge (FPPAS) rules and ensure timely recovery of Government dues to improve the financial health of discoms.

Roiling resurgence – on inflaion level

Source: The post is based on the article “Roiling resurgence” published in “The Hindu” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Indian economy

News: In this article, the author is discussing the recent rise in inflation in India, particularly in food prices, driven by factors such as erratic monsoon rains and lower crop sowing. They emphasize the need for policymakers to control prices to support economic recovery.

About the current inflation scenario

1.The recent Consumer Price Index (CPI) data shows a rise in inflation with June’s CPI reaching a three-month high of 4.81%.

2.Food prices are leading this surge, especially in the food and beverages sector, which makes up almost 46% of the CPI’s weight.

3.Specifically, cereals witnessed a 12.7% price gain, eggs rose by 7%, dairy by 8.56%, pulses by 10.5%, and spices by a sharp 19%.

4.Vegetable prices, though still in the disinflation zone, rose significantly in June, with tomatoes increasing by 64% from May.

5.Despite inflation being at 7.01% in June 2022, current trends indicate a resurgence in price pressures.

6.Erratic monsoon rains and lower sowing of the kharif crop could potentially lead to further inflationary pressures.

7.Policymakers must therefore tighten control over prices to support economic recovery.

What are the reasons for the rising inflation?

1.Rising food prices are a major cause of inflation, with the food and beverages group’s inflation reaching 4.63%.

2.Specific food items like cereals and spices saw significant price increases, at 12.7% and 19% respectively.

3.Even vegetable prices, despite being in the disinflation zone, witnessed a sharp rise in June.

4.Core inflation (excluding food and fuel) remains steady but high at 5.16%.

5.Agricultural trends such as erratic monsoons and lower kharif sowing have resulted in potential crop output uncertainties, which may further fuel inflation.

What is the impact of agricultural trends on inflation?

Impact of monsoon trends on inflation: Erratic monsoon trends are causing uncertainties in the agricultural sector. These uncertainties may disrupt crop outputs, leading to price increases and thus influencing inflation rates.

Impact of sowing trends on inflation: As of July 7, overall kharif sowing was 8.7% lower than the previous year. This shortfall, especially a 24% drop in rice sowing and a 26% drop in pulses, could reduce crop availability, pushing prices and consequently inflation upwards.

Impact of oilseeds deficiency on inflation: With oilseeds reflecting a 14% deficiency compared to 2022 levels, there’s a potential risk for inflation increase due to higher cooking oil prices.

How to prevent disruptions by flood and extreme weather events

Source– The post is based on the article “How to prevent disruptions by flood and extreme weather events” published in “The Indian Express” on 15th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Disaster management

News-. North-western India and Delhi are facing floods.

Why is there a need for focussed attention on extreme weather events?

Global warming is increasing. If cities are warmed beyond 2 degrees, climatic-impact drivers like extreme rain and heat will increase in intensity. Frequency and intensity of extreme weather will also increase.

The IPCC has shown that this could grow exponentially. It can be much faster than the capacity of our current governance, planning and infrastructure systems.

Massive future disruptions across urban India like flooding, water scarcity and heat waves will increase.

Why are climate impacts and risks like flooding felt intensely in our cities?

One-third of our people and two-third of our economic output is concentrated in densely built-up areas. There is poor water, sanitation, drainage and wastewater infrastructure.

Irrational land use and planning systems exacerbate these challenges and amplify the vulnerability of people who are forced to live in informal settlements and slums.

Cities in sensitive regions along the coast, rivers and hills face even worse impacts, due to higher exposure and locational vulnerability.

What is the way forward for flood management in cities?

Ensuring drainage exists and works: A monsoon audit is done by civic bodies ahead of the season. It ensures that storm water drains, tanks and lakes exist and work properly, and are not choked by construction debris, silt, garbage or blocked by encroachments.

Planning throughout the year and adequate financial and human resources is needed for it, which is not prioritised by civic bodies.

The medium-term solution is the integration of drainage, water supply and wastewater systems to store the intense rain that may come over a short period.

Drainage systems should have enough capacity to deal with the greater intensity of rain caused by changing climate.

Improving roads: The rapid expansion of urban areas has outpaced the development of drainage systems. It has led to many roads functioning as stormwater drains.

It is necessary to enhance the construction and repair practices of city roads to mitigate local flooding.

Currently, when a tar road is repaired, new layers of tar are added. Over time, this leads to an elevated road level compared to the surrounding areas, buildings, and drains. Consequently, these areas and drainage systems become overwhelmed during heavy rainfall.

The situation worsens due to construction of flyovers, underpasses, and sometimes metro lines. It disrupts the existing drainage infrastructure, resulting in significant traffic congestion following floods.

This issue requires effective coordination and infrastructure planning among all relevant agencies.

Greening cities and using blue-green-grey infrastructure: As urban areas expand into concrete landscapes, the capacity for water percolation and flow decreases.

Preserving and safeguarding urban forests, wetlands, rivers, and lakes are crucial in addressing climate change-induced flooding, water scarcity.

China, aims to transform 30 of its megacities into “sponge cities”. It is focussing on green roofs to slow down runoff, urban forests to facilitate percolation and groundwater recharge, and wetlands to absorb and reuse a significant portion of their water resources.

The East Kolkata wetlands have served as an effective flood defence mechanism for over a century. It treats a substantial portion of the city’s sewage.

Practical nature-based blue-green-grey infrastructure initiatives like thai are important for climate adaptation for many cities in India.

Reducing flood vulnerability: India possesses the technological capabilities to conduct comprehensive mapping of all its cities and towns, utilising high-resolution satellite imagery and local topographical data to identify areas most susceptible to flooding.

However, the challenge lies in addressing the vulnerability of people residing along river banks, low-lying areas, and unstable slopes.

Significant progress has been made in terms of evacuation and protecting lives. But, a lot needs to be done for establishing genuine community-based resilience.

One area where notable improvements have been observed is in enhancing forecasting, early warning systems, and evacuation protocols in major cities.

The next step is to extend these measures to all at-risk locations. There is a need for strengthening critical services such as cell phones, power supply, and water infrastructure to ensure their resilience from extreme events.

It is essential to provide all urban residents with access to basic environmental services for safeguarding cities from floods. This includes ensuring reliable water supply, sanitation facilities, effective drainage systems, and proper management of solid waste.

Back to the new-old: West wind, East wind, or the warnings of a storm?

Source: The post is based on the article “Back to the new-old: West wind, East wind, or the warnings of a storm?” published in Business Standard on 15^th July 2023.

Syllabus: GS 3 – Growth & Development, Industrial Policy

Relevance: concerns associated with protectionist measures adopted by countries against China.

News: India implemented economic reforms in 1991. It was influenced by the Reagan-Thatcher era, which focused on reduced governmental role in the economy.

What were the results of implementing 1991 reforms?

The reforms of 1991 were driven by the principles of liberalization, privatization, and globalization (LPG).

The aim was to increase market orientation and stimulate economic growth, lower inflation, improve the trade balance, and ensure external economic viability. The reform was successful in achieving these objectives.

However, the reform has not been able to boost manufacturing.

What are the consequences of the failure of reforms in boosting the manufacturing sector?

It has resulted in a lack of quality jobs, increased inequality and made India vulnerable to China by depending on it for strategic material imports.

In order to reduce its vulnerability, India has adopted a more restrictive approach to trade by implementing tariff hikes, non-tariff barriers, and restrictions on Chinese products.

This has given re-birth of government-directed industrial investment through policy tools like Investment subsidies, production incentives, tariff protection, etc.

How is the situation of manufacturing in the US and in the Western countries?

The US and countries in the West have also faced similar outcomes due to their incapability in reviving the manufacturing sector.

Hence, to decrease their vulnerability to China, companies in the West have started investing in the US and establishing their plants.

The US has also imposed import barriers against Chinese goods and restricted the transfer of strategic technologies to China.

In response, China has imposed export bans on gallium and germanium, essential materials in the electronic, electric vehicle, and telecom sectors.

Further, governments in the West are allocating significant sums of money to avoid reliance on Chinese imports.

For instance, subsidies per electric vehicle in the US and Europe amount to around $7,500. Companies like General Electric, which had de-emphasised manufacturing, are getting back into the sector.

What can be the implications of the measures adopted by countries against China?

These policies raise concern over the possibility of trade wars. Tariff hikes could also result in increased product prices and contribute to inflation.

Although the talks have now shifted from decoupling from China towards de-risking and diversification, the risks still remain over retaliatory actions and beggar-thy-neighbour subsidies from China.

This may lead to an increase in the government debt of the Western countries.

Must Read: De-risking, not decoupling: What’s this G7 strategy against China?

What can be the way ahead for India?

While de-risking and diversification are being taken up by other countries, India can focus on creating jobs in the manufacturing sector.

However, India has chosen to follow other countries, focusing only on import substitution rather than creating jobs.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

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