9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 21^st September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

India demanding a renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

Source: The post India demanding a renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) has been created, based on the article “Staunch the breach: India and Pakistan need to drop hard line stances on the Indus Waters Treaty” published in “The Hindu” on 21st September is 2024

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

Context: The article discusses India’s demand to renegotiate the 1960 Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan. Disputes over projects like Kishenganga and Ratle have strained the process, with Pakistan resisting talks. The treaty’s future is now uncertain due to these tensions.

For detailed information on Indus Water Treaty read this article here

Why is India demanding a renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)?

1. Four notices from India: India has escalated its demand for renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), issuing four notices to Pakistan since January 2023.
2. Need for renegotiation: India argues the 1960 treaty needs updating to address new issues like climate change and the demand for renewable energy and hydropower projects.
3. Disputes over Kishenganga and Ratle projects: The current disputes have centered around the Kishenganga and Ratle hydropower projects, which Pakistan escalated to international arbitration in 2016.
4. World Bank’s role in dispute resolution: The World Bank allowed two parallel dispute resolution processes— a neutral expert review and a Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) hearing.
5. Tensions over dispute mechanisms: Pakistan rejected the neutral expert’s process, while India boycotted the PCA hearings at The Hague.
6. Past resolution examples: The treaty successfully resolved previous disputes, such as the Baglihar Dam project in 2007 and India’s dispute with Pakistan over the Neelum project in 2013. However, the current mechanism is now facing gridlock.

How has the treaty affected India-Pakistan relations?

1. The treaty used to be a model for cooperation, but since 2016, it mirrors the breakdown of the India-Pakistan relationship.

2. There is no political engagement, trade has stopped, and even the 2021 ceasefire agreement is under threat.
3. Indian Prime Minister Modi’s statement, “blood and water cannot flow together” after the 2016 Uri attack, highlights this growing tension.

What is the future of the treaty?

The future of the Indus Waters Treaty is in doubt. India has stopped meetings of the Permanent Indus Commission until Pakistan agrees to renegotiation. There is hope that talks may resume at the SCO Heads of Government meeting in October 2024. The treaty must address new issues like climate change to remain relevant.

Question for practice:

Discuss why India is demanding a renegotiation of the Indus Waters Treaty with Pakistan.

Courts are prioritizing Article 21’s protection of life and liberty

Source: The post courts are prioritizing Article 21’s protection of life and liberty has been created, based on the article “With recent decisions, Supreme Court has deepened constitutional idea of personal liberty” published in “Indian Express” on 21st September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Polity- Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Context: The article discusses recent Supreme Court decisions that emphasize the importance of personal liberty and the right to bail. It highlights how courts are prioritizing Article 21’s protection of life and liberty over restrictive laws like UAPA and PMLA.

For detailed information on Significance of due process of law read this article here

What was the historical debate in the Constituent Assembly about Article 21?

1. K. M. Munshi, in the debate of the Constituent Assembly, argued that due process should protect life and liberty.
2. He believed that these rights should not depend solely on ordinary laws.
3. He received support from others like K T Shah, Bakshi Tek Chand, and Purnima Banerji.
4. This debate was crucial for shaping the right to life and personal liberty in the Constitution.

How are courts prioritizing Article 21’s protection of life and liberty over restrictive laws like UAPA and PMLA?

1. The Supreme Court, in July, ruled that under strict laws like UAPA, a prolonged trial cannot justify keeping an accused in custody indefinitely.
2. In this case, Justices J B Pardiwala and Ujjal Bhuyan invoked Article 21 to affirm that life and liberty are sacrosanct, stating that no law can sanction permanent detention without trial.
3. Similarly, in a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan declared that the right to life and liberty is a higher constitutional right than statutory provisions.
4. Both decisions emphasized that due process and personal liberty cannot be overruled by strict bail provisions.
5. This judicial trend revives the pro-bail principle, asserting that bail should be the rule, not the exception.

Question for practice:

Examine how recent Supreme Court rulings have reinforced the protection of life and liberty under Article 21, particularly in cases involving restrictive laws like UAPA and PMLA.

GS PAPER - 3

Impact of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut on emerging economies

Source: The post Impact of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cut on emerging economies has been created, based on the article “Pivot to watch: The U.S. Fed’s rate reduction could spell relief for developing economies” published in “The Hindu” on 21st September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Economy

Context: The article discusses the U.S. Federal Reserve cutting interest rates for the first time in four years. This aims to maintain a strong labor market and reduce inflation. The move is expected to impact emerging economies, especially in Africa and Latin America.

For detailed information on US Federal Reserve cut interest rates read this article here

Why did the Federal Reserve cut interest rates?

1. The Federal Reserve cut interest rates by half a percentage point, the first cut in over four years.
2. This aims to maintain strength in the labor market while reducing inflation to 2%.
3. Since early 2022, the Fed had raised rates to control the COVID-19-driven inflation surge.
4. Fed Chairman Jerome Powell emphasized that this recalibration will support moderate growth.
5. The rate cut comes with expectations of another quarter-point reduction in 2024.

How does the rate cut affect global economies?

1. Relief for Emerging Market Economies (EMEs): The U.S. Federal Reserve’s rate cut will ease pressure on EMEs, which had suffered from a strong U.S. dollar. As the dollar strengthened, EMEs faced increased debt service costs and inflationary pressures.
2. Benefit for Economies in Africa and Latin America: The rate cut is especially helpful for African and Latin American countries, where high borrowing costs had hampered public investment in infrastructure and services.
3. Increased Capital Flows: According to an IMF blog post, the Fed’s easing may encourage capital inflows into emerging and developing economies, boosting their financial stability.

What is the impact on India?

1. India’s Chief Economic Adviser V. Anantha Nageswaran welcomed the rate cut. However, he said it would only have a limited impact because investors have already been showing interest in India for years.
2. Despite this, India may still see more foreign portfolio investments in its debt markets.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the U.S. Federal Reserve’s interest rate cut impacts emerging market economies.

Boosting India’s Dairy Sector with White Revolution 2.0

Source: The post boosting India’s dairy sector with White Revolution 2.0 has been created, based on the article “A new White Revolution: Where India stands, where it aims to be” published in “Indian Express” on 21st September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Agriculture and allied sector

Context: The article discusses “White Revolution 2.0,” which aims to increase milk procurement by dairy cooperatives in India by 50% by 2028-29. The initiative focuses on expanding cooperatives, improving infrastructure, and empowering women, creating jobs in the dairy sector. Boosting India’s Dairy Sector with White Revolution 2.0

What is White Revolution 2.0?

White Revolution 2.0 is an initiative launched by the Indian government to boost milk procurement by dairy cooperatives by 50% over the next five years.

For detailed information on White Revolution 2.0 read this article here

What is the government’s plan for expansion?

1. The government, through the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB), plans to set up 56,000 new dairy cooperative societies and strengthen 46,000 existing ones over the next five years. 2. This expansion will primarily focus on states like Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, Rajasthan, and Andhra Pradesh.
2. A pilot project in Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, and Karnataka already showed promising results, with 79 new societies procuring 15,000 liters of milk daily from 2,500 farmers.
3. White Revolution 2.0 will be funded primarily through the National Programme for Dairy Development (NPDD) 2.0.
4. Financial assistance will be provided for setting up milk procurement systems, chilling facilities, and capacity-building initiatives. For example, Rs 40,000 will be provided to 1,000 Multipurpose Primary Agricultural Credit Cooperative Societies (MPACS) to improve dairy infrastructure.

What is the current state of milk production in India?

1. India is the largest milk producer globally, with production reaching 230.58 million tonnes in 2022-23, up from 17 million tonnes in 1951-52.
2. States like Punjab have higher yields, with exotic/crossbred animals producing 13.49 kg/day, compared to 6.30 kg/day in West Bengal.
3. The national per capita availability of milk is 459 grams/day, higher than the global average of 323 grams/day.
4. Uttar Pradesh (15.72%), Rajasthan (14.44%), and Madhya Pradesh (8.73%) are the top milk-producing states.
5. While 63% of milk is marketed, about two-thirds is sold in the unorganised sector.

What challenges does the dairy sector face?

1. Low Milk Procurement by Cooperatives: Dairy cooperatives procure only 10% of India’s total milk production, covering 22% of producer households. Most milk (around two-thirds) is handled by the unorganized sector.
2. Uneven Cooperative Coverage: Some states like Gujarat and Kerala have over 70% of villages covered, while others like West Bengal and Assam have less than 10% coverage.
3. Slowing Growth Rate: The annual growth rate of milk production declined from 6.47% in 2018-19 to 3.83% in 2022-23.
4. Low Animal Productivity: The average milk yield per animal is low, with exotic crossbred animals yielding 8.55 kg/day and indigenous animals yielding only 3.44 kg/day.
5. Infrastructure Gaps: Many areas lack proper milk procurement systems and chilling facilities, particularly in uncovered regions like Uttar Pradesh and Odisha.

How important is the dairy sector to India?

1. The dairy sector contributes 40% (Rs 11.16 lakh crore) of the total output from the agriculture, livestock, forestry, and fishing sector in 2022-23, surpassing cereals.
2. The sector provides livelihoods to over 8.5 crore people, the majority of whom are women, highlighting its role in women’s employment, empowerment, and the improvement of rural livelihoods.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by the dairy sector in India and how White Revolution 2.0 aims to address them.

The dangers of combining cyber and physical attacks

Source: The post the dangers of combining cyber and physical attacks has been created, based on the article “Pager attack in Lebanon: Can nations be allowed to cause violence and death using digital techniques?” published in “Indian Express” on 21st September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Security-cyber security

Context: The article discusses recent attacks in Lebanon where Hezbollah’s pagers and radios exploded, killing and injuring many. It highlights the dangers of combining cyber and physical attacks, the complexity of supply chains, and the urgent need for international regulations against such threats.

For detailed information on Cyber-attacks and Cyber Security in India read this article here

What Happened in the Attacks?

1. On September 17, Hezbollah’s pagers exploded across Lebanon, killing nine and injuring nearly 3,000 people, including fighters and Iran’s envoy to Beirut.
2. The following day, attacks targeted handheld radios, cellphones, and laptops, causing 20 deaths and over 450 injuries.
3. The pagers, sourced from Gold Apollo, and radios from Icom had explosives planted near their batteries, remotely triggered.
4. These attacks, suspected to be by Israeli agencies, echo Israel’s 2010 Stuxnet virus attack on Iran’s nuclear program.

What Are the Broader Implications?

1. Supply Chain Vulnerability: The attacks show how digital devices sourced globally can be compromised. For example, pagers from Taiwan’s Gold Apollo and radios from Japan’s Icom were used. The complex technology supply chain across countries increases risks of hidden sabotage.
2. Cyber-Physical Attacks: These incidents combine cyber and physical attacks, where remotely triggered explosives caused massive harm. They highlight a worrying trend in modern warfare that targets digital infrastructure.
3. Threat to Critical Infrastructure: Similar methods could be used to disrupt emergency services or essential infrastructure, causing chaos and loss of life.

What Are the International Responses?

1. UN-backed group finalized the draft UN Convention against Cybercrime in August this year, aiming to curb cyber attacks globally.
2. The convention emphasizes that nations should avoid launching cyber attacks and prevent their soil from being used for such activities.
3. This effort follows the 2021 UN report by the Group of Governmental Experts, calling for responsible behavior in cyberspace.

Question for practice:

Examine how the recent attacks in Lebanon highlight the vulnerabilities in global supply chains and the growing threat of cyber-physical attacks.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

How Starlink Satellites Are ‘Blinding’ Astronomers

Source- This post on How Starlink Satellites Are ‘Blinding’ Astronomers is based on the article “How Starlink satellites are ‘blinding’ astronomers” published in Indian Express on 21st September 2024.

Why in News?

A recent study found that astronomer’s work is being impeded by Elon Musk’s Starlink satellites.

How Starlink Satellites Are ‘Blinding’ Astronomers

1. Electromagnetic Radiation Interference: Starlink satellites emit unintended electromagnetic radiation (UEMR), which disrupts radio telescopes designed to detect radio waves from celestial objects.

2. Radio Astronomy Challenges: Radio telescopes are being “blinded” by the radio noise from Starlink satellites, similar to how bright light blinds human vision, saturating the radio telescopes’ detectors.

3. Impact of Satellites in View: The presence of a satellite in a telescope’s field of view can obscure faint signals, making it difficult to observe weaker celestial objects.

4. Increased Brightness of New Satellites: Second-generation Starlink satellites emit UEMR at levels 32 times brighter than first-generation satellites, worsening the interference problem.

5. Growing Number of Satellites: With the increasing number of satellites (potentially up to 100,000 by 2030), the interference for radio astronomers is expected to intensify.

6. Need for Regulations: Experts call for regulations on satellite operators to minimize UEMR, similar to how there are rules for ground-based electronic sources like cellphone towers.

Read more: Starlink project

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Lac Farming

Source- This post on Lac Farming is based on the article “President Droupadi Murmu bats for lac farming” published in The Hindu on 20th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu advocated for lac farming during the centenary celebration of the ICAR-National Institute of Secondary Agriculture (NISA) in Ranchi.

About Lac farming

1. Definition: Lac farming involves the cultivation of lac insects, primarily Kerria lacca on host trees. These insects secrete a resin which is harvested to produce lac, a natural resin used in various industries.

2. Importance for Tribal Communities: Lac is predominantly produced by tribal communities in India, providing a vital source of income. It is a key livelihood activity in states like Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and West Bengal.

3. Applications of Lac: Lac is widely used in pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food processing, and even in making varnishes and polishes. Its non-toxic and biodegradable properties make it valuable in diverse sectors.

4. Economic Potential: Lac farming has immense economic potential, with many farmers earning substantial profits from it. The rising demand in both domestic and international markets, especially in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries, underscores its significance.

5. Role of Secondary Agriculture: Lac farming falls under secondary agriculture, which includes value addition to primary agricultural products. It also promotes sustainable use of resources and increases farmer income by utilizing agricultural waste.

6. Challenges in Lac Farming: Key challenges include the need for improved quality, supply chain efficiency, and marketing strategies to enhance Indian lac’s competitiveness in the global market.

7. Government Support and Training: The government is offering training programs to help farmers enhance their lac farming techniques through institutions like ICAR-NISA. The government plans to train 5000 farmers annually aim to improve yields and income.

8. Need for Policy Support: The government also emphasized the need to recognize lac as an agricultural product so that farmers can benefit from various government schemes, including increasing the minimum support price (MSP).

9. Environmental Impact: Lac farming has a low environmental impact and contributes to sustainable agricultural practices by utilizing forest resources without causing deforestation.

10. Research and Technological Advancements: Institutions like NISA are working on automation, robotics, and AI-enabled equipment to advance lac farming practices, enhancing both productivity and quality.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Economy 

Global Cybersecurity Index 2024

Source- This post on Global Cybersecurity Index 2024 is based on the article “India Achieves Tier 1 Status in Global Cybersecurity Index 2024” published in PIB on 20th September 2024.

Why in News?

India has attained Tier 1 status in the Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024.

About Global Cybersecurity Index (GCI) 2024

1. Published by: International Telecommunication Union (ITU).

2. Evaluation Criteria: The GCI 2024 assessed national efforts based on five pillars: Legal, Technical, Organizational, Capacity Development and Cooperation.

3. Comprehensive Evaluation: The index used an extensive questionnaire with 83 questions, covering 20 indicators, 64 sub-indicators, and 28 micro-indicators to assess each country’s cybersecurity landscape.

4. The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) represented India in the GCI.

Key Achievements:

1.  India ranks among ‘role-modelling’ countries in cybersecurity with a score of 98.49 out of 100.

2.  India’s achievement places it at the top level of global cybersecurity rankings, reflecting its strong commitment to cyber resilience and secure digital infrastructure.

Government Initiatives Driving Success:

1. India has established robust frameworks for cybersecurity and cybercrime laws, ensuring the protection of critical digital infrastructure.

2.  Sector-specific Computer Incident Response Teams (CSIRTs) provide technical support and incident reporting across various industries, strengthening India’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

3. Education: The integration of cybersecurity into primary and secondary education curricula has been a cornerstone of India’s strategy to cultivate an informed digital citizenry.

4. Public Awareness Campaigns: Targeted initiatives have raised awareness about secure online practices across private industry, public institutions, civil society, and academia.

5. Capacity Building: The Government of India has provided incentives and grants to promote skill development, research, and innovation within the cybersecurity industry.

6. Global Partnerships: India has engaged in numerous bilateral and multilateral collaborations, further strengthening its capabilities in capacity building and information sharing on the global stage.

UPSC Syllabus: Index and reports 

Swachhata Hi Seva Campaign 2024

Source- This post on Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2024 is based on the article “‘Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) – 2024’” published in PIB on 20th September 2024.

Why in News?

Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2024 has been initiated. It will run from 17th September 2024 to 2nd October 2024.

About Swachhata Hi Seva (SHS) Campaign 2024

1. Theme of the campaign: Swabhav Swachhata, Sanskar Swachhata

2. Aim: To reignite collective action and citizen participation in cleanliness efforts across India.

3. Key Pillars of SHS 2024:

Pillars	Description
Cleanliness Target Units (CTUs) — Shramdaan Activities	1) Focus on transforming specific target units with time-bound cleaning activities. 2) Emphasis on overall cleanliness and sanitation efforts.
Swachhata Mein Jan Bhagidari — Public Participation, Awareness & Advocacy	1) Promote public involvement through participatory activities and awareness campaigns. 2) Encourage active engagement of citizens in cleanliness initiatives.
Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs	1) Provide preventive health check-ups for sanitation workers. 2) Ensure social security coverage for Safai Mitras as part of the campaign.

4. The campaign will culminate on Swachh Bharat Diwas on 2nd October 2024, with a nationwide Shramdaan activity to honor Mahatma Gandhi’s legacy and promote cleanliness as a way of life.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

IndiaAI Innovation Challenge

Source- This post on IndiaAI Innovation Challenge is based on the article “IndiaAI Innovation Challenge launched to foster impactful AI Solutions inviting applications to build AI Solutions for critical sectors” published in PIB on 21st September 2024.

Why in News?

The IndiaAI Innovation Challenge has been launched to promote impactful AI solutions aimed at driving large-scale socio-economic transformation through the development, deployment, and adoption of AI applications in critical sectors.

About IndiaAI Innovation Challenge

1. This initiative is a part of the Applications Development Initiative within the IndiaAI Mission, which seeks to leverage AI for inclusive growth in India.

2. Organized by: IndiaAI Independent Business Division (IBD) under the Digital India Corporation (DIC) of the Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY)

3. It aligns with the Government of India’s vision to advance the use of AI for the country’s growth, strengthen India’s global leadership in AI, foster technological self-reliance, and ensure the ethical and responsible use of AI.

4. Goal: The goal is to foster the creation of AI solutions that address key challenges across multiple sectors, offering up to INR 1 Crore to winners, along with the opportunity to deploy their solutions on a national scale.

5. This challenge is open to Indian innovators, startups, non-profits, students, academic/R&D organizations, and companies.

6. The challenge focuses on the following key sectors:

1. Healthcare: This involves using AI to enhance diagnostics and patient care, early disease detection through AI-enhanced X-rays, improving ophthalmology outcomes, and strengthening vector-borne disease surveillance.

2. Improved Governance: The use of AI-driven language technologies will help improve public service accessibility and enhance grievance redressal systems.

3. Agriculture: AI-assisted crop advisory services, financial inclusion for farmers, and geospatial analytics will be utilized to improve food security.

4. Assistive Technology for Learning Disabilities: This includes early detection and support for specific learning disabilities, developing enhanced multimedia accessibility tools, and gamified learning solutions.

5. Climate Change & Disaster Management: AI-driven early warning systems and multi-hazard susceptibility mapping will be employed to address challenges in this area.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

Source- The post on International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) is based on the article “Ministry achieves 100 days target on the International Big Cat Alliance” published in the PIB on 21st August 2024.

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet approved India’s membership in the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) by ratifying the Framework Agreement on the establishment of the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA).

About International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA)

1.  The IBCA was launched on April 9, 2023, during the commemoration of 50 years of India’s Project Tiger.

2. Aim: It aimed at securing the future of big cats and their habitats.

3. Focus: The IBCA focuses on the conservation of seven big cats: Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Puma, Jaguar, and Cheetah. Out of these, five are found in India (Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Cheetah).

4. Headquarters: The Union Cabinet approved the establishment of the IBCA Headquarters in India.

5. Membership: So far, four countries, including India, Nicaragua, Eswatini, and Somalia, have become members of IBCA. Additionally, nine international organizations have partnered with the Alliance.

Objectives and Scope of IBCA

1. Global Multi-Country Coalition: IBCA is envisioned as a multi-country, multi-agency coalition involving 95 big cat range and non-range countries, along with conservation partners, scientific organizations, and businesses.

2. Centralized Conservation Platform: The IBCA aims to establish a common platform for sharing successful conservation practices, technical know-how, and financial resources to arrest the decline in big cat populations.

3. Gold Standard Conservation Practices: The IBCA focuses on disseminating gold-standard practices for big cat conservation and providing access to a central repository of knowledge.

4. Collaboration and Synergy: Through its collaborative platform, the IBCA will strengthen species-specific intergovernmental initiatives and transnational efforts on big cat protection.

5. Addressing Climate Challenges: The Alliance will also mitigate challenges from climate change by safeguarding big cat habitats, contributing to climate adaptation, water and food security, and the well-being of communities dependent on these ecosystems.

 India’s Role and Global Leadership

1.  India’s role as a founder member of IBCA demonstrates its leadership in the global conservation of big cats, solidifying its commitment to the long-term conservation agenda.

2. India’s involvement will foster cooperation among countries, promoting mutual benefits and a deeper understanding of big cat conservation worldwide.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment