9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 11^th October, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Maldives President’s visit to India was aimed at improving relations

Source: The post the Maldives President’s visit to India was aimed at improving relations has been created, based on the article “First responder: India and Maldives let subtle diplomacy surpass muscular posturing” published in “The Hindu” on 11th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-International relations- India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context: The article discusses Maldives President Mohamed Muizzu’s first visit to India, aiming to improve relations after tensions from his “India Out” campaign. India has supported the Maldives financially, leading to renewed cooperation on tourism and infrastructure projects, highlighting their historic relationship.

For detailed information on India-Maldives Relations read Article 1, Article 2

What caused tensions between India and the Maldives?

1. Maldives:
2. President Mohamed Muizzu’s election campaign was built on the opposition’s “India Out” message, which contributed to tensions with India.
3. Maldivian ministers criticized Prime Minister Modi, which led to a “Boycott Maldives” campaign in India.
4. President Muizzu visited Turkey, China, and the UAE before India, breaking a tradition that leaders of friendly countries observe by visiting India first, adding to the strain.
5. India:
6. The “Boycott Maldives” campaign in India arose after criticism of Modi by Maldivian ministers.
7. India’s concerns were heightened by Maldives’ growing relationship with China, especially in defense and economic areas.

What steps were taken to smoothen relations?

1. Steps Taken by India to Smoothen Relations
2. India replaced the troops stationed in the Maldives since 2012 with technical personnel for aircraft maintenance, meeting President Muizzu’s request.
3. India extended financial support, including $100 million in SBI subscriptions of Maldivian T-bills, helping the Maldives avoid defaulting on debt.
4. India provided $400 million in support and facilitated a ₹3,000 crore currency swap arrangement to strengthen Male’s currency reserves.
5. India and Maldives discussed infrastructure projects, a Free Trade Agreement, and a maritime security partnership.
6. Steps Taken by the Maldives to Smoothen Relations
7. President Muizzu softened his earlier stance and dismissed ministers critical of Prime Minister Modi.
8. He advocated for Indian tourists to return and invited more Indian investments, signaling cooperation in tourism and employment sectors.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors that contributed to the tensions between India and the Maldives and the steps both countries took to improve their relations.

Causes of court delays in India

Source: The post causes of court delays in India has been created, based on the article “The gruelling course of litigation in India” published in “The Hindu” on 11th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary

Context: The article discusses court delays in India, highlighted by President Droupadi Murmu. It explains that these delays discourage people from seeking justice. The judiciary needs better case management, and all participants should be incentivized to improve efficiency and reduce delays in the legal process.

For detailed information on Issue of long judicial delays in India read this article here

What are the causes of court delays?

1. Fear of Lengthy Litigation: People hesitate to approach courts due to long, complicated processes, leading to “black coat syndrome,” similar to white coat hypertension.
2. Poor Case Management: Case Flow Management Rules were introduced, but their inconsistent implementation has limited impact on streamlining court schedules.
3. Judicial Pressures: District court judges face pressure from higher courts to meet disposal targets, leading to prioritization of specific cases and disruption of others.
4. Units System: Judges prioritize simpler cases to accumulate points, neglecting complex cases that require substantial judicial intervention, contributing to further delays.
5. Lawyers’ Strategic Decisions: Lawyers handle multiple cases, often seeking adjournments based on strategic factors, adding to scheduling issues.
6. Stay Orders: Obtaining a stay is seen as a victory in civil cases, reducing the urgency for case resolution, thus increasing the backlog.
7. Witness Scheduling Issues: Unpredictable court schedules discourage witnesses from appearing, causing trial delays.

What reforms are needed?

1. A holistic approach is necessary to address court scheduling.
2. Judges should be evaluated on managing complex cases, not just the number of cases disposed.
3. Lawyers need better scheduling systems to reduce adjournments. Litigants should be discouraged from using delay tactics through stay orders.
4. Witnesses should receive more predictable schedules and adequate compensation.
5. Technological solutions and data-driven approaches can improve case management.

Question for practice:

Examine the causes of long judicial delays in India and the necessary reforms to address these delays.

GS PAPER - 3

Concerns about the Indian economy amid global uncertainties

Source: The post concerns about the Indian economy amid global uncertainties has been created, based on the article “Two big risks and two challenges for India” published in “Business Standards” on 11th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Economy-growth and development

Context: The article discusses concerns about the Indian economy amid global uncertainties. It highlights rising oil prices, geopolitical tensions, and challenges in foreign investment. It notes India’s efforts to attract FDI but warns of declining inflows and overvalued stocks affecting foreign institutional investments.

What is the outlook for India’s economic growth?

The Indian economy is expected to meet the Economic Survey’s growth forecast of 6.5-7% for FY25. However, global events could disrupt this forecast, especially with rising oil prices and geopolitical risks.

What are the major concerns about the global economy?

1. Rising Oil Prices: Brent crude oil is around $80 per barrel, a 16% increase from September’s low. A rise beyond $100 would be worrisome for global economic stability.
2. Geopolitical Tensions: The Ukraine war saw oil prices peak at $120 in June 2022, but “managed escalation” has helped maintain prices below $80 since July 2022. The Israel-Iran conflict, if escalated, poses a risk to the global economy.
3. Potential Trump Policies: A Trump victory could lead to disruptive policies like tax cuts, 60% tariffs on Chinese goods, and 20% tariffs on all imports, which may slow U.S. growth and cause global economic instability.

What is Managed Escalation?

1. “Managed escalation” is a strategy where conflict is gradually intensified without causing direct large-scale war.
2. NATO applied it in Ukraine, helping Ukraine fight Russia while avoiding NATO’s direct involvement.
3. Despite the Ukraine war, oil prices stayed below $100 per barrel after June 2022, showing the strategy’s effectiveness.
4. This doctrine has also been applied in Israel’s conflict with Hezbollah and Iran, limiting casualties.
5. The risk remains that miscalculations or deliberate actions could escalate conflicts beyond control, especially with recent Israeli successes against Hezbollah.

What are the economic challenges which is specific to India?

1. Declining FDI Inflows: Net FDI fell by $28 billion in 2023-24 compared to 2021-22. Gross inflows dropped from $85 billion in 2021-22 to $71 billion in 2023-24, raising concerns about India’s investment appeal.
2. Falling FII Investments: FIIs invested $44 billion in 2023-24, but investments dropped to $6.3 billion in the April-July period of FY25, partly due to overvalued Indian stocks and a shift to Chinese markets with lower valuations.

For more information on India’s Economic Growth and challenges read this article here

Conclusion

India’s economic stability is threatened by external factors like geopolitical risks, protectionism, and instability in Western banking, despite the country’s internal economic management efforts.

Question for practice:

Discuss how global uncertainties, such as rising oil prices and geopolitical tensions, impact India’s economic growth and foreign investment landscape.

Strategies to escape the middle-income trap

Source: The post strategies to escape the middle-income trap has been created, based on the article “Can India escape middle-income trap?” published in “The Hindu” on 11th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy and issues relating to growth.

Context: The article explains how some countries escaped the middle-income trap by using state intervention, especially in South Korea and Chile. It emphasizes the need for strong state policies in India while ensuring democracy and addressing economic challenges, including wage stagnation and manufacturing decline.

For detailed information on Middle-Income Trap read this article here

What is the middle-income trap?

1. The middle-income trap refers to economies experiencing slower growth as incomes rise.
2. The World Bank estimates stagnation when economies reach 11% of U.S. per capita income.
3. Over the past 34 years, only 34 middle-income economies have transitioned to high-income levels.
4. Middle-income economies have per capita incomes between $1,136 and $13,845.
5. Countries like South Korea and Chile broke the trap through state intervention.

What are the strategies to escape the middle-income trap?

1. 3i Approach: Focus on investment, infusion of global technology, and innovation. Countries that transitioned to high-income status applied these principles effectively.
2. State Intervention: South Korea’s government intervened heavily, directing private firms and supporting successful businesses with access to technology. Poorly performing firms were allowed to fail, promoting efficiency.
3. Export-driven Growth: South Korea relied on manufacturing exports, boosting its economy. Although this strategy is less feasible today due to slowing global export growth, it remains a key lesson.
4. Targeted Support: Chile’s government provided targeted support for its natural resource sectors, like the salmon industry, to foster economic growth.

For detailed information on Avoiding the Middle-Income Trap read this article here

What are the economic challenges facing India?

1. Wage stagnation: While India’s real GDP growth is estimated at 7%, wages have not kept pace. Nominal wages for regular workers grew by about 5% and for casual workers by 7%. With inflation around 5%, real wage growth remains minimal, limiting consumption demand.
2. Manufacturing stagnation: The manufacturing sector has not grown, and post-pandemic, employment has shifted back to agriculture and low-productivity sectors, reversing structural transformation.
3. Power of billionaires: India’s wealthy business elites are seen as close to the state, but they have not been investing at high levels, slowing growth.
4. Global export challenges: Export opportunities are limited due to global protectionism and slower demand in developed economies, which affects India’s export-led growth prospects.
5. Premature deindustrialization: Manufacturing has lost its role as a growth engine, and it remains uncertain if the service sector can effectively replace it.

What should be done by India to escape the middle-income trap?

1. Adopt the “3i” approach: India must focus on investment, infusion of global technologies, and innovation. These strategies were key to South Korea’s success, where businesses innovated and adopted new technologies to drive growth.
2. Adapt to global shifts: South Korea’s model of manufacturing exports may not be viable for India today, as global export growth has slowed. India needs to recognize these changes and find new approaches to growth while addressing the challenges in the manufacturing sector.
3. Maintain democratic values: Unlike South Korea and Chile’s non-democratic regimes, which suppressed labor movements, India must uphold its democratic principles. The state should intervene to promote growth but also ensure fairness, protect workers’ rights, and uphold the democratic ethos.

Question for practice:

Examine the economic challenges India faces in escaping the middle-income trap, and what steps the country should take to overcome them.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024

Source: This post on Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 has been created based on the article “AI to decipher, synthesise proteins: What the 2024 Chemistry Nobel was awarded for” published in Indian Express on 10^th October 2024.

Why in news?

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper. Baker was recognised for advancements in computational protein design. Hassabis and Jumper were honoured for breakthroughs in protein structure prediction.

What is their contribution?

1. David Baker’s Contribution: Baker’s team at the University of Washington developed methods for designing new proteins in 2003. David Baker developed computational methods to design entirely new proteins that do not exist in nature.

2. Baker’s synthetic proteins can be engineered to perform specific functions, such as breaking down non-biodegradable plastics or tackling disease-causing proteins.

3. This approach offers a more efficient alternative to natural evolutionary processes, which require multiple mutations and extensive time.

4. Demis Hassabis and John Jumper’s Contribution: Hassabis and Jumper were recognised for developing AlphaFold 2, an AI model that predicts protein structures.

About AlphaFold

1. AlphaFold relies on databases of known protein structures and amino acid sequences, using this data to train and improve predictive accuracy.

2. This tool marks a significant shift from traditional methods like x-ray crystallography, which are time-consuming and labor-intensive.

About Protein Structure

1. Proteins are essential molecules that play crucial roles in biological functions across all living organisms

2. It is composed of 20 amino acids. Proteins functions are determined by their specific sequences and folded structures.

3. Previous research demonstrated that amino acid sequences dictate protein structures, which in turn define their functions.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

National Sports Governance Bill, 2024

Source: The post on National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 is based on the article “Inviting Comments on Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024” published in “PIB” on 11th October 2024.

Why in the News?

The Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has released the Draft National Sports Governance Bill, 2024 for public review and feedback. This bill is intended to enhance sports governance in India, incorporating ethical practices, athlete welfare, and institutional standards.

Objectives:

1. Promote Sports and Athlete Welfare: Establish frameworks for sports promotion and athlete welfare, while ensuring ethical practices in governance.

2. Institutional Capacity and Standards: Develop governance for sports federations aligned with global standards, Olympic principles, and ethical conduct.

3. Sports Dispute Resolution: Facilitate a unified and equitable system for resolving sports-related grievances and disputes.

 Key Features

1. Sports Regulatory Board of India: Central regulatory body for recognition and oversight of National Sports Federations (NSFs). Autonomy and flexibility in governing sports, with no rigid formula for NSF recognition.

2. Governance Structure for Sports Bodies: Alignment of Indian Olympic Association (IOA), Paralympic Committee of India (PCI), and NSF structures with international standards. Executive Committees limited to 15 members, with leadership open to qualified Indian citizens. Full-time salaried management encouraged, headed by a CEO. Compliance with Olympic, Paralympic, and relevant International Federation regulations.

3. Ethical and Governance Standards: Mandatory ethical governance standards through Ethics and Dispute Resolution Commissions.Transparency, integrity, and fairness enforced in administrative processes. Compliance with international best practices critical for hosting global sports events.

4. Athletes Commissions: Formation of Athletes Commissions within the NOC, NPC, and all NSFs. It provides athletes a voice in decision-making and policy formulation. Government support includes funding for these commissions.

5. Athlete Representation: 10% of voting members in General Bodies to be elected athletes of outstanding merit (SOMs), with gender representation. SOMs will also hold seats in Executive Committees to ensure athlete perspectives.

 6. Safe Sports Policy: A policy focused on athlete safety, especially for minors and women. It enforces the POSH Act, 2013, to prevent harassment and abuse in sports.

7. National Sports Promotion Organisations (NSPOs): Guidelines for recognising and regulating NSPOs, strengthening the role of NGOs and private organizations in sports.

8. Appellate Sports Tribunal: It was dedicated tribunal for resolving sports disputes, reducing reliance on civil courts. Single-window system for faster, more cost-effective dispute resolution.

9. Ad-hoc Normalisation Committees: In cases of non-compliance or suspension, the Board can establish ad-hoc committees to temporarily administer federations.

10. Global Anti-Doping and Ethical Compliance: It emphasis on ethical conduct and anti-doping compliance, with severe penalties for violations. It requires all bodies to adhere to the IOC Code of Ethics and local laws.

11. Public Accountability and Transparency: NOC, NPC, and NSFs will be subject to RTI Act requirements, excluding performance and medical data.

12. Inclusivity and Gender Representation: Mandatory 30% female representation in governing bodies, promoting gender equality in sports.

13. Sports Election Panel: IOA, PCI, and NSFs will use a Sports Election Panel to conduct fair elections, led by experienced electoral officers.

14. Restrictions on National Symbols: Only recognized sports bodies may use the Indian flag or national insignia. Unauthorized use could result in penalties of up to one year in prison, a fine of Rs 10 lakhs, or both.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

World Mental Health Day

Source: The post on World Mental Health Day is based on the article “Ministry of Health & Family Welfare celebrates World Mental Health Day and two years of Tele MANAS”  published in “PIB” on 11th October 2024.

Why in the News?

The Union Health Ministry celebrated the second anniversary of the *National Tele Mental Health Programme (Tele MANAS) on World Mental Health Day. This year’s theme is: “It is time to prioritize Mental Health at Workplace.”

 Key Launches and Features

Tele MANAS App & Video Call Facility: It provides support for mental health issues with resources on self-care, recognizing distress signals, and managing early signs of stress and anxiety.

The app includes interactive features like mind challenges, games, and mindfulness practices for enhanced user engagement. It offers free, confidential, 24×7 access to trained mental health professionals across India.

Video Consultation Feature:  An upgrade to the existing audio call facility, allowing mental health professionals to conduct brief physical or Mental State Examinations (MSE) during consultations. It has been initially launched in Karnataka, Jammu & Kashmir, and Tamil Nadu, with plans to expand nationwide.

Call Handling Milestone: Since its inception, Tele MANAS has handled over 1.45 million calls, indicating a strong reach and utilization.

Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) initiative

1. The programme includes a network of 23 tele-mental health centres of excellence.

2. Aim: To provide free tele-mental health services all over the country round the clock, particularly catering to people in remote or under-served areas.

3. Initiated by: Union Ministry of Health & Family Welfare

4. Nodal Centre: NIMHANS

5. Technology support: International Institute of Information Technology-Bangalore (IIITB)

6. Functioning: A toll-free, 24/7 helpline number (14416) has been set up across the country allowing callers to select the language of choice for availing services. The calls would be routed to Tele-MANAS cells in the respective state and union territory.

7.The organizational framework of Tele MANAS: Tele-MANAS will be organised in a two-tier system; Tier 1 comprises state Tele MANAS cells which include trained counsellors and mental health specialists. Tier 2 will comprise specialists at District Mental Health Programme (DMHP)/Medical College resources for physical consultation and/or e-Sanjeevani for audio-visual consultation.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

India-ASEAN Digital Collaboration and Payment Linkages

Source: The post on CCS Approval for Major Defence Deals is based on the article “CCS clears deals for 31 MQ-9B drones and submarines” published in “The Hindu” on 10th October 2024. India-ASEAN Digital Collaboration and Payment Linkages

Why in the News?

India will share its expertise and experiences in utilizing digital public infrastructure (DPI), such as Aadhaar and the Unified Payments Interface, with ASEAN nations.

About India-ASEAN Digital Collaboration and Payment Linkages

1. Cross-Border Payment Systems: India and ASEAN to explore digital linkages between payment systems, fostering fintech collaboration.

2. Digital Public Infrastructure Sharing: India to share knowledge on Aadhaar and UPI, aiding sectors like education, healthcare, and climate change.

3.Strategic Partnership Strengthening: Both sides commit to regional peace, maritime security, and responsible AI development.

Bilateral Talks with Japan and New Zealand

India-Japan Cooperation: Modi and PM Shigeru Ishiba discuss technology, trade, defense, and cultural exchanges, strengthening their Special Strategic Partnership.

India-New Zealand Partnership: Modi and PM Christopher Luxon focus on economic cooperation, renewable energy, and education, reinforcing shared democratic values.

Regional Partnerships: Modi also met leaders from Australia, Malaysia, the EU, and the Philippines, underscoring India’s commitment to regional cooperation.

UPSC Syllabus: International relations

Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature

Source: The post on Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature is based on the article “South Korea’s Kang wins literature Nobel for her ‘intense prose’” published in “The Hindu” on 10th October 2024.

Why in the News?

The Swedish Academy awarded South Korean writer Han Kang the 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature for her “intense poetic prose” that addresses historical traumas and highlights human fragility. Han Kang Wins 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature

Themes and Literary Contributions

Exploration of Human Condition and Trauma: Han Kang’s works delve into themes like patriarchy, violence, grief, and historical injustices. Her poetic style brings these universal human struggles to the forefront.

 Impact and Legacy

Bridging Literature and History: Han Kang’s work often draws on Korean history, using precise imagery to connect past and present. Her narratives seek to transform trauma into art, revealing hidden chapters of Korea’s history.

Global Influence and Cultural Impact: Han’s Booker win boosted global interest in Korean literature, alongside the rise of Korean cinema and pop music. This has spurred a surge in translations of Korean literary works, broadening their reach.

Innovator in Contemporary Prose: Known for her unique exploration of the connection between body and soul, Han Kang’s experimental style and depth have positioned her as a significant figure in modern literature, using her prose to “speak the truth.”

UPSC Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Rapid Vegetation Increase in the Antarctic Peninsula

Source: The post on Rapid Vegetation Increase in the Antarctic Peninsula is based on the article “As green patch spreads in Antarctica, here’s what is worrying scientists” published in “Indian Express” on 11th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Satellite data analysis reveals that plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has grown 14 times over the past 35 years, driven by rising temperatures. Vegetation mainly mosses and lichen expanded from under 1 sq km in 1986 to nearly 12 sq km by 2021.

What are the observation?

Between 2016 and 2021, the greening rate increased by over 30%, marking a significant shift in the region’s landscape. This expansion suggests that climate change’s impact reaches even remote areas like Antarctica.

Warming Trends in Antarctica

Rapid Temperature Rise: Antarctica’s temperatures are rising more than twice as fast as the global average. The Antarctic Peninsula, specifically, has warmed almost 3°C since 1950, and experiences temperatures up to five times higher than the global average.

Extreme Heat Events: The continent has seen record-breaking heatwaves, such as the intense March 2022 heatwave, where East Antarctica was 39°C above normal. This July, parts of Antarctica experienced ground temperatures up to 28°C higher than average.

Environmental Implications of Increased Plant Growth

Threat of Invasive Species: New soil formation from organic matter could make the peninsula more habitable for non-native species, potentially introduced by eco-tourists or researchers. This could disrupt local ecosystems and threaten native flora and fauna.

Decreased Albedo Effect: The darker plant-covered surface absorbs more solar radiation, reducing the region’s ability to reflect sunlight. This phenomenon may further raise ground temperatures, potentially accelerating ice melt and impacting global sea levels.

Ice Mass Decline: Antarctica has lost 280% more ice in the 2000s and 2010s than in previous decades, exacerbated by rising temperatures. Reduced sea ice extent, recorded as the second smallest in 2024, may create wetter conditions conducive to further plant growth.

Future Warming Concerns: With continued greenhouse gas emissions, temperatures are expected to rise, likely facilitating more vegetation expansion and contributing to Antarctica’s transformation.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment 

PM Modi Unveils 10-Point Plan at the 2024 ASEAN-India Summit

Source: The post on PM Modi Unveils 10-Point Plan at the 2024 ASEAN-India Summit is based on the article “ASEAN Summit 2024: PM Modi unveils 10-point plan to strengthen India-ASEAN relations” published in “Indian Express” on 11th October 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, 21st ASEAN-India Summit was held in Vientiane, Laos. It mainly focus on strengthening India-ASEAN relations through dialogue and cooperation.

About 10-Point Plan for India-ASEAN Relations

1. ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025): India to contribute USD 5 million towards joint activities.

2. Celebration of a Decade of Act East Policy: Activities include Youth Summit, Start-up Festival, Hackathon, Music Festival, and Delhi Dialogue.

3. Women Scientists Conclave:  Organize the conclave under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.

4. Increased Scholarships for ASEAN Students: Double scholarships at Nalanda University and new scholarships at Agricultural Universities in India.

5. Review of Trade in Goods Agreement: Set for completion by 2025 to enhance trade relations.

6. Disaster Resilience: India to provide USD 5 million to support resilience initiatives.

7. Health Ministers’ Track: Initiate a new mechanism to enhance health resilience.

8. ASEAN-India Cyber Policy Dialogue: Establish regular dialogues to strengthen digital and cyber resilience.

9. Green Hydrogen Workshop:  Workshop to explore green hydrogen as a sustainable energy source.

10. ‘Plant a Tree for Mother’ Campaign: Invite ASEAN leaders to join the campaign for climate resilience.

Key Themes of Cooperation

Regional Security: Emphasis on maintaining peace, stability, maritime safety, and freedom of navigation in the Indo-Pacific.

Maritime Security: Commitment to peaceful resolutions in the South China Sea, with references to UNCLOS and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties.

Defense Cooperation: Focus areas include cybersecurity, counter-terrorism, and joint military exercises.

Digital Transformation and Emerging Technologies: Areas of Focus inncludes AI, Blockchain, IoT, Robotics, Quantum Computing, and 6-G Technology.Joint efforts in digital public infrastructure, fintech, and cybersecurity.

Trade Relations: India’s trade with ASEAN has nearly doubled in the past decade, surpassing USD 130 billion.

UPSC Syllabus: International relations