9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 26th September, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Current State of India-US Relations

Source: The post Current State of India-US Relations has been created, based on the article “Sanjaya Baru writes: Is India-US partnership an uncertain love affair?” published in “Indian Express” on 26th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses how the India-US relationship has grown stronger over time, despite current challenges. It highlights issues like India’s NSA staying home, tensions with Khalistani activists, and the need for deeper conversations on key strategic issues beyond photo-ops.

For detailed information on India-U.S. relationship read Article 1, Article 2

What is the Current State of India-US Relations?

  1. India and the US share a stronger relationship now than in the past.
  2. Disagreements no longer disrupt their partnership. For example, despite challenges such as lawsuits involving Indian officials, the relationship remains stable.

Why Did the NSA Not Travel to the US?

  1. Ajit Kumar Doval, India’s National Security Advisor, did not accompany Prime Minister Modi to the US. This was unusual as it was the first time since the NSA position was established in 1998.
  2. Media reports suggest he stayed to monitor the situation in Jammu & Kashmir.
  3. However, his absence might also be due to avoiding potential embarrassment from a lawsuit filed in New York by Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun.

What Are the Challenges in the India-US Relations?

  1. Khalistani Activism: A lawsuit filed by Khalistani activist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun against Indian officials, including NSA Ajit Doval, created diplomatic tensions.
  2. US Handling of Sensitive Issues: US officials met Sikh activists before Modi-Biden talks, raising concerns about “transnational repression.”
  3. Differences in Strategic Views: Disagreements on defense equipment sales, trade policies, and emerging technologies persist.
  4. Diverging Foreign Policy Stances: India and the US differ on relations with Russia, China, and democracy in Bangladesh, complicating the strategic partnership.

What Should be Done?

  1. Deeper Strategic Conversations: Both nations must engage in meaningful discussions beyond photo-ops, similar to the honest dialogues of the 1990s.
  2. Clarify Strategic Interests: India and the US need to align on critical issues like defense sales and foreign policies, especially regarding Russia and China.
  3. Diplomatic Sensitivities: Avoid public embarrassments like the Khalistani lawsuit and address concerns with clear communication.
  4. Balance Domestic Politics: The Indian government should reconcile differences between official foreign policy and the narrative pushed by its supporters on social media.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges currently affecting India-US relations and what steps can be taken to strengthen their strategic partnership.

Issues with Climate Predictions

Source: The post Issues with Climate Predictions has been created, based on the article “How global warming affects forecasting” published in “The Hindu” on 26th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Environment

Context: The article discusses the extreme weather events of 2023-2024 linked to global warming. It highlights the challenges in predicting climate patterns, the uncertainties in current models, and the need for improvements in forecasting. Reliable predictions are crucial for effective disaster management and planning.

For detailed information on Weather Forecasting in India read this article here

What Has the Recent Warming Shown Us?

  1. The Earth’s temperature has likely risen beyond the 1.5º C mark compared to pre-industrial levels. This has led to a range of extreme weather events, including heatwaves, cyclones, floods, droughts, and wildfires.
  2. The unpredictability of these events highlights the challenges in current weather prediction capabilities.

What Are the Issues with Climate Predictions?

  1. Model Inaccuracy: Current climate models struggle to accurately reproduce natural climate patterns like monsoons. For example, they have not accurately predicted monsoon trends over the past fifty years and are considered unreliable for future predictions.
  2. Increased Complexity with Warming: As global temperatures rise, predicting natural phenomena like hurricanes, El Niño, and La Niña becomes more complex. The unexpected warming from events like the 2023 El Niño and underwater volcanic activity have made predictions more difficult.
  3. Variability and Unpredictability: The climate models often produce different outcomes even when configured the same way, which complicates understanding and predicting the climate’s response to ongoing warming.

How has the Indian monsoon been affected?

  1. The 2023 Indian monsoon was erratic, with some areas experiencing drought and others facing severe floods and landslides.
  2. Despite an El Niño event, the monsoon did not qualify as an El Niño drought, leaving researchers puzzled.
  3. 2024 is expected to be a monsoon-surplus year, but it cannot be classified as a typical La Niña monsoon.
  4. Predictions for a strong Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) have not materialized.
  5. The unpredictability of monsoon patterns, as seen in 2023-2024, reflects the challenges in current climate and weather models.

What Is the Future of Climate Predictions?

  1. There is hope for improving prediction models through advanced technologies and better data collection.
  2. However, the article suggests focusing on reliable short-term predictions rather than long-term projections due to the inherent uncertainties in predicting how various factors, like human activities and natural events, will interact in a warming world.

What can we learn from the recent warming?

  1. Threshold Exceeded: Earth’s average temperature likely surpassed the critical 1.5º C increase over pre-industrial levels, leading to various extreme weather events.
  2. Model Limitations: Current climate models struggle with accurate long-term predictions, particularly failing to reliably reproduce historical monsoon patterns.
  3. Need for Improved Prediction Methods: There is a pressing need to enhance models using advanced technologies to better predict and manage the effects of climate variability.

Question for practice:

Discuss the challenges faced by current climate models in accurately predicting weather patterns, as highlighted by the extreme weather events of 2023-2024.

Issue with China’s Export Restrictions

Source: The post issue with China’s export restrictions has been created, based on the article “China’s warning shots with minerals that run the world” published in “The Hindu” on 26th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses China’s decision to restrict exports of critical minerals like antimony, used in defense technologies. This move highlights China’s dominance in the global mineral supply chain, which poses security risks for countries like India, Japan, and the U.S.

For detailed information on China’s Export Restrictions read Article 1, Article 2

What is the Issue with China’s Export Restrictions?

  1. Export Restrictions on Antimony: China announced restrictions on antimony exports, effective from September 15, citing national security concerns. Antimony is vital in defense sectors for military equipment like missiles and nuclear weapons.
  2. Global Impact: China controls 60% of global rare earth production, 60% of critical minerals production, and 80% of processing. Its decisions can significantly affect countries reliant on these minerals, such as the U.S., Japan, and India.
  3. Past Examples: In 2010, China stopped exporting rare earths to Japan following a maritime incident, showcasing its willingness to use mineral exports as a political weapon.
  4. Recent Moves: In 2023, China restricted exports of gallium, germanium, and synthetic graphite after U.S. and Dutch export controls on semiconductor equipment, intensifying trade tensions.

How does China’s strategy affect the West?

  1. Restrictions on minerals like gallium, germanium, and graphite affect Western industries relying on these for technologies like solar cells, computer chips, and EV batteries.
  2. China’s curbs hinder the U.S.’s development of high-tech sectors, such as Virginia class submarines and F-35 fighter jets, which require rare earth elements.
  3. As U.S.-China ties worsen, China’s export controls will likely grow, further complicating Western supply chains and technological advancements.

How is India Affected?

  1. India is heavily reliant on importing critical minerals like lithium, nickel, cobalt, and copper, essential for its industries.
  2. In FY23, India spent around ₹34,000 crore on these mineral imports.
  3. China’s restrictions on minerals, such as antimony, increase India’s vulnerability, as China dominates the global supply chain.
  4. With India’s demand for critical minerals rising, import costs will likely grow, worsening its strategic dependence on China.
  5. The lack of alternative supply chains poses a risk, making India susceptible to geopolitical pressures.

Question for practice:

Examine how China’s export restrictions on critical minerals like antimony impact India’s strategic dependence and vulnerability in the global supply chain.

Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)

Source: The post Treaty on the Prohibition of nuclear weapons (TPNW) has been created, based on the article “Taking stock of global nuclear disarmament” published in “The Hindu” on 26th September is 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Context: The article discusses the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) and how its goal is total nuclear disarmament. It highlights global divisions on nuclear weapons and how the treaty’s success or failure could impact future nuclear policies.

For detailed information on Global Nuclear Order read this article here

What is the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW)?

  1. The TPNW is a global treaty that came into force in 2021, aimed at completely banning nuclear weapons.
  2. It prohibits countries from developing, testing, producing, stockpiling, transferring, using, or threatening to use nuclear weapons.
  3. The treaty goes beyond the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT), which focuses on controlling nuclear weapons spread but does not explicitly ban them.
  4. As of July 2024, 70 countries had ratified the TPNW, and 27 others had signed it, showing nearly 50% support from global states on nuclear disarmament.
  5. Nuclear powers, such as the U.S., Russia, and China, have not signed the treaty, rejecting its provisions during negotiation.
  6. Former NATO officials have urged their countries to join, suggesting nuclear weapons should be banned like chemical and biological weapons.
  7. The TPNW aims to reduce nuclear risks by stigmatizing nuclear possession and use.

For detailed information on Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) Treaty read this article here

What is India’s stance on the TPNW?

  1. India has not signed the TPNW, considering it contrary to its interests.
  2. India views the treaty as discriminatory, similar to its stance on the NPT.
  3. India supports disarmament but prefers balanced global frameworks.
  4. Despite staying out, India has not actively undermined the TPNW.
  5. India has benefited from the NPT’s efforts to curb nuclear weapons spread.

What challenges does the TPNW face?

  1. Lack of Participation from Nuclear States: Nuclear powers like the U.S., Russia, China, and India have not joined the TPNW. Their absence weakens the treaty’s global impact.
  2. Resistance from Allies of Nuclear States: Countries allied with nuclear states, such as NATO members, oppose the treaty, despite some former NATO leaders advocating for joining. As of July 2024, 70 states are parties, and 27 have signed but not ratified.
  3. No Enforcement Mechanism: The TPNW lacks a robust system to enforce compliance, making it hard to ensure disarmament.
  4. Nuclear Threats: Russia’s threats, North Korea’s tests, and Iran’s enrichment challenge the treaty’s disarmament goals. Global tensions complicate efforts to reduce nuclear risks.

What are the implications of the TPNW’s potential success?

  1. Delegitimization of Nuclear Weapons: If successful, the TPNW could render nuclear weapons as illegitimate as chemical and biological weapons.
  2. Norm Strengthening: Similar to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty, the TPNW could help strengthen the global norm against nuclear use.
  3. Support from NATO Leaders: Former NATO leaders, including two ex-Secretaries-General, urged their countries to consider joining the TPNW, showing significant backing.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW) faces in achieving its goal of total nuclear disarmament.

GS PAPER - 3

Contrasting trends in job growth and unemployment

Source: The post contrasting trends in job growth and unemployment has been created, based on the article “Jobs of the future require upskilling workers” published in “Indian Express” on 26th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Economy-employment

Context: The article discusses India’s employment challenges, including job growth, unemployment, skill gaps, and the impact of technology on jobs. It suggests reforms in education and industry to balance economic and job growth for future workforce absorption.

For detailed information on India’s Employment Crisis read Article 1, Article 2

What are the contrasting trends in job growth and unemployment?

  1. The RBI’s Capital, Labour, Energy Materials, Services (KLEMS) data shows a 6% increase in job growth for FY24, up from 3.2% in FY23.
  2. However, the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) data shows unemployment rising to 9.2% in June 2024 from 7% in May. The annual unemployment rate for FY24 is 8%.
  3. The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) survey shows urban unemployment decreased slightly from 6.8% to 6.7% between January-March 2023 and January-March 2024.

For detailed information on The conflicting reports on job creation in India read this article here

What are the India’s employment challenges?

  1. Job Creation Deficit: India needs to create 1.2 crore jobs yearly, but only 80–90 lakh jobs are generated annually, leaving a 30–40 lakh shortfall (Citigroup Research).
  2. Skill Gaps: India faces two key issues: imperfections in labour markets and skill gaps. Many job seekers lack proper training or skills, leading to gaps in the workforce. The demand for jobs in IT and migrant labour highlights the aspirational gap between job seekers’ expectations and available work.
  3. Technological Impact: AI and automation reduce employment elasticity, especially in middle management roles.

What Should be Done?

  1. Provide better training as both skill and aspirational gaps persist, especially in sectors like IT and manual labour.
  2. Focus on sectors like food processing and textiles that cater to the domestic market and absorb more labour.
  3. Promote sectors like pharmaceuticals and electronics that can improve international competitiveness and spur job growth.

Question for practice:

Discuss the contrasting trends in job growth and unemployment in India, and the challenges the country faces in addressing the job creation deficit, skill gaps, and the impact of technology on employment.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets

Source – This post on ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets is based on the article “DRDO & IIT Delhi develop ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets” published in PIB on 26th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, DRDO has developed Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets named Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat.

About ABHED Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets

Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat
Source: PIB
Aspects Description
About 1. The Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) and Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi have collaborated to develop Light Weight Bullet Proof Jackets called ABHED (Advanced Ballistics for High Energy Defeat).
2. These jackets were developed at the DRDO Industry Academia Centre of Excellence (DIA-CoE) at IIT Delhi.
Features 1. The jackets are made from polymers and indigenous boron carbide ceramic material.
2. The design is based on the characterisation of various materials at high strain rates, followed by appropriate modelling and simulation in collaboration with DRDO.
3. These modular-design jackets provide 360-degree protection with both front and rear armour plates.
4. The jackets have a minimum weight of 8.2 kg and 9.5 kg for different BIS levels.
5. The jackets meet the highest threat level standards and are lighter than the maximum weight limits specified in the General Staff Qualitative Requirement of the Indian Army.

UPSC Syllabus: Defence 

Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign

Source – This post on ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign is based on the article “Ministry Achieves Target of Planting 80 Crore Saplings Under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ Campaign” published in PIB on 26th September 2024.

Why in News?

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change has successfully met the target of planting 80 crore saplings under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.  The target, originally set for completion by September 2024, was achieved five days ahead of schedule.

About the Campaign

Ek ped maa ke naam campaign
Source: PIB

1. About: The campaign was initiated by the Prime Minister on World Environment Day, 5th June 2024.

2. Led by: Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change in collaboration with State Governments and Union Territories

2. Objective: The campaign encouraged citizens to plant a tree in honour of their mothers, promoting both ecological conservation and familial respect.

3. Aim: It aims to plant 80 Crore trees by September 2024 and **140 Crore trees** by March 2025.

4. Strategy: The campaign adopts a “Whole of Government” and “Whole of Society” strategy, involving citizens, communities, and local administrations in a collective effort to rejuvenate India’s green cover.

5. The campaign often involves the distribution of saplings, awareness drives, and events where participants plant trees in honor of their mothers.

6. It is part of a broader movement to integrate environmental consciousness with personal and cultural values.

7. The achievement was made possible through the collective efforts of various government agencies, village-level institutions, local communities, and stakeholders.

8. The campaign also focused on halting land degradation and restoring degraded land parcels through large-scale tree plantation efforts.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Asia Power Index

Source – This post on Asia Power Index is based on the article “India becomes 3rd Most Powerful Nation in Asia, Surpasses Japan in Asia Power Index” published in PIB on 26th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Asia Power Index was released by the Lowy Institute. India has secured the position as the third most powerful nation in Asia, overtaking Japan in the 2024 Asia Power Index.

This reflects India’s growing geopolitical influence, driven by its expanding economy, youthful population, and increasing diplomatic engagement.

About Asia Power Index

1. The Asia Power Index was established by the Lowy Institute in 2018.

2. It measures power dynamics across the Asia-Pacific, evaluating 27 countries.

3. The 2024 edition includes Timor-Leste and provides an in-depth analysis of power distribution across the region. It examines both material resources and the influence countries exert on the international stage.

4. Criteria of Power Measurement: The Asia Power Index uses eight key measures across two broad categories:

Criteria Sub-Criteria
Resource-Based Determinants Economic Capability: GDP at PPP, technological advancement, and global economic ties.
Military Capability: Defense spending, military strength, and power projection abilities.
Resilience: Institutional strength and capacity to withstand internal and external threats.
Future Resources: Projected economic, military, and demographic resources for 2035.
Influence-Based Determinants Economic Relationships: Leverage through trade, investment, and diplomacy.
Defense Networks: Strength of military alliances and partnerships.
Diplomatic Influence: Reach in multilateral forums and foreign policy ambition.
Cultural Influence: Ability to shape global opinion through media and culture.

UPSC Syllabus: Index and Reports

Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)

Source – This post on Mineral Security Finance Network (MSFN)  is based on the article “India joins US-led Mineral Security Network to secure critical minerals, fend off Chinese challenge” published in Indian Express on 26th September 2024.

Why in News?

India has joined the US-led initiative Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN). It aimed at securing supply chains for critical minerals. The announcement was made during the United Nations General Assembly on September 23, 2024.

About Minerals Security Finance Network (MSFN)

1. About: MSFN stems from the Minerals Security Partnership (MSP) established by the US in 2022. India was inducted into MSP in June 2023.

2. Aim: MSFN aims to reduce the global reliance on countries like China, particularly for rare earth minerals, which are critical for various technologies.

3. Objective: The initiative seeks collaboration between Development Finance Institutions (DFIs) and Export Credit Agencies (ECAs) from participating nations, alongside the private sector, to create synergies and increase production capacity for critical minerals.

4. Focus: MSP is primarily focused on minerals like cobalt, nickel, lithium, and the 17 rare earth elements (REs), essential for electric vehicle batteries and high-end electronics.

The global demand for critical minerals is increasing due to the clean energy transition. MSFN focuses on ensuring resilient supply chains for these minerals.

5. China holds a dominant position in the rare earth minerals market, particularly in heavy rare earth elements (HREEs) like dysprosium and terbium. Currently, India relies heavily on imports of these elements from China.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Seva Se Seekhen Program

Source – This post on Seva Se Seekhen Program is based on the article “Seva Se Seekhen Program Empowering Youth and Fostering Culture of Compassion and Service in Community” published in PIB on 26th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Department of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports launched the “Seva Se Seekhen” program under the MY Bharat initiative.

About Seva Se Seekhen Program

Seva Se Seekhen Program
Source: PIB

1. About: The “Seva Se Seekhen” program was launched on September 17, 2024. The program encourages youth to engage in meaningful community work and promotes a culture of social responsibility.

2. Launched by: Department of Youth Affairs under the MY Bharat initiative.

3. Aim: The program aims to engage India’s youth in hands-on learning experiences while providing critical assistance to hospital patients across the country.

The initiative also aims to boost the utilization of PM-JAY services, improving healthcare accessibility for underprivileged communities.

4. Focus: It focuses on fostering a culture of service (seva), empowering young volunteers to contribute to the nation’s healthcare system.

5. 304 Experiential Learning Programs and 2,649 volunteering opportunities have been created. As of now, 1732 volunteers are actively working across 319 hospitals in 24 states and union territories.

6. Leading States and Volunteer Contributions: Gujarat leads the program, with 273 volunteers deployed in 33 hospitals. Other states with strong participation include Rajasthan, Haryana, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Volunteers are playing a vital role in critical healthcare services across these regions.

About Mera Yuva Bharat (MY Bharat)

Aspects  Description 
About It is an autonomous body launched by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on National Unity Day, October 31st, 2023.
Aim To be a technology-driven facilitator for youth development, helping young people contribute towards a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).
Focus The platform focuses on empowering youth and providing equitable opportunities for leadership, innovation, and community engagement.
Vision 1. Focus on empowering youth by providing opportunities to help them realize their aspirations.
2. Engage youth to contribute to the development of India by 2047.
3. Ensure equitable access for all youth across India to participate in national development programs.
4.  Build a digital and physical (phygital) platform to connect youth with programs, mentors, and their local communities.
Objectives 1. Leadership Development: Build leadership skills through experiential learning, moving from isolated physical activities to skills-based programs.
2. Youth as Social Innovators: Invest in youth to make them leaders and innovators in their communities, encouraging them to address local issues with constructive solutions.
3. Alignment with Community Needs: Align youth aspirations with local community needs, creating a two-way communication system to connect youth with government programs.
4. Convergence of Existing Programs: Integrate various government programs for youth by acting as a one-stop shop, facilitating collaboration between ministries, stakeholders, and young citizens.
5. Centralized Youth Database: Develop a centralized platform to track youth engagement nationwide.
6. Phygital Ecosystem: Create a “Phygital” ecosystem that blends community action with digital platforms to enhance accessibility and engagement.
Key Features of MY Bharat 1. Beneficiaries are youth in the age group of 10-19 years, while the platform benefits youth aged 15-29 years as per the National Youth Policy.
2. It is a combination of physical and digital initiatives allows for broad engagement through both online tools and community activities.
3. It is designed to connect the youth with government programs, leadership initiatives, and mentor-led skill-building opportunities.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes

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