Current Affairs – October 16, 2024

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} Nile Basin Cooperative Framework

• Context (TH): Water-sharing agreement for the Nile River basin was formally confirmed by the African Union after South Sudan joined the treaty to ensure fair and sustainable use of the Nile water.
• Signatory Nations: South Sudan, Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania ratified. Kenya joined but yet to ratify, Congo abstained, and Egypt & Sudan refused to sign.
• 

• Ethiopia’s $4 billion Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD) on the Blue Nile has increased tensions because Egypt fears that if Ethiopia doesn’t resolve its concerns, it may cut off water supplies essential for drinking water and irrigation downstream.

Read More About River Nile.

{GS2 – IR – India-Canada} India-Canada Relations **

• Context (IE|TH|IE): India and Canada share a rich history of diplomatic and economic cooperation, but the recent assassination of a Khalistani separatist in Canada has triggered an extraordinary dispute.

Historical Ties

• Colonial Connections: Both countries were part of the British Empire, forming early links.
• Freedom Struggle: Many Indian migrants, especially Sikhs, settled in Canada during the freedom struggle. The “Swadesh Sevak Home” in Vancouver mobilised support for India’s fight against British rule.
• Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1947 after India’s independence.
• Diaspora and Migration: Canada hosts a significant Indian population, especially from Punjab, strengthening people-to-people ties.
• Commonwealth: Both nations are part of the Commonwealth, promoting cooperation.

Current Issues

• Nijjar Assassination Allegations: Canadian PM accused Indian intelligence agents of involvement in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a prominent pro-Khalistan activist residing in Canada.
• Diplomatic Fallout: India strongly denied the assassination allegations, resulting in both nations expelling multiple senior diplomats, escalating into a major diplomatic crisis.
• Visa Suspension: In retaliation, India suspended the issuance of new visas for Canadian nationals, while Canada simultaneously withdrew crucial consular services from key Indian cities.

Areas of Cooperation

• Trade and Investment: Bilateral trade stood at $8.4 billion in 2024. India imports natural resources from Canada while exporting textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services.
• Energy: Canada supplies uranium to India for its nuclear energy programs.
• Education: Over 300,000 Indian students study in Canada, a top destination for higher education.
• Technology and Innovation: India and Canada collaborate on innovation, especially in the IT and AI sectors, with initiatives like the Canada-India Joint Science and Technology Cooperation Agreement.
• Environment and Climate Change: Both countries participate in global climate agreements like the Paris Agreement, aiming to combat climate change through technology exchange.
• Agriculture: Canada exports lentils and pulses to India, while both nations work on agricultural research.

Significance of Relations

• Economic Potential: The Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA), which is currently stalled, can further enhance strong trade links.
• Strategic Interests: As democracies, both nations support multilateralism and align on global platforms like the G20, G7, and the UN.
• Cultural Ties: The Indian diaspora in Canada, especially in Punjab-origin communities, is crucial in shaping bilateral relations.
• Geopolitical Leverage: Strengthening India-Canada relations helps India secure allies within the broader global north, particularly in strategic forums like the Five Eyes alliance, where Canada plays a role.
• Technology and Innovation Partnership: With Canada being a leader in sectors like AI and clean energy, deeper cooperation with India can drive growth in India’s technology sector.

Challenges

• Khalistan Movement: The rise of pro-Khalistan sentiment in Canada is a major irritant for India, which perceives it as a threat to national security. E.g. Glorification of Indian PM Indira Gandhi’s assassination.
• Diplomatic Tensions: Ongoing investigations and mutual accusations have led to a breakdown in trust between the two countries.
• Economic Disruption: The suspension of trade talks and visa services is affecting business and people-to-people connections.
• Diaspora Politics: Canada’s domestic politics and the involvement of Sikh communities in shaping foreign policy have added complexity to relations.
• Security Concerns: India’s concerns over Canada’s perceived support for extremist groups.

Way Forward

• Regular high-level meetings through foreign ministers or bilateral summits can help rebuild trust. A third-party mediator could facilitate discussions to resolve the controversy.
• Enhancing Trade: Resuming the Early Progress Trade Agreement (EPTA) talks and focusing on sectors like clean energy and digital technologies could boost bilateral trade.
• Addressing Security Concerns: Canada can cooperate more closely with Indian intelligence agencies to address India’s concerns about pro-Khalistan groups. Joint counter-terrorism efforts could be initiated.
• Multilateral Engagement: Collaborating in international forums like the G20 and UN to focus on global challenges like climate change, terrorism, and trade regulations will strengthen ties. For example, India and Canada collaborated in the WTO on trade disputes.
• Diaspora as a Bridge: The Indian diaspora in Canada can lead initiatives in cultural diplomacy, fostering business partnerships, and soft power exchange to mitigate negative perceptions.
• Environmental collaboration on renewable energy projects and technology transfer. E.g. International Solar Alliance and sharing clean energy technologies like green hydrogen.

{GS2 – MoMEA – Initiatives} e-Migrate Portal v2.0

• Context (ET): The Ministry of External Affairs launched the revamped eMigrate v2.0 web portal and mobile app to promote safe and legal migration for Indian workers.

About e-Migrate Portal v2.0

• Objective: Safe, transparent, and inclusive migration for Indian workers abroad.
• Digilocker Integration: Ensures paperless processing for essential documents like passports and employment contracts, making the process smoother.
• Partnership with Common Service Centres: It will expand immigration services to rural areas in local languages, enhancing accessibility.
• 24×7 Helpline Support: A multilingual helpline operates round the clock, assisting migrant workers with real-time solutions in multiple languages. especially for the Gulf regions.
• Social Security Framework: Through partnerships with the State Bank of India, migrants gain access to expanded social security coverage through insurance schemes and zero-fee digital payment options.
• Job Opportunities: The platform also supports job-seekers by offering a one-stop marketplace for overseas employment opportunities.

Read More > E-Migrate Portal.

Laws and Regulatory Framework for Indian Overseas Workers

• Pravasi Bhartiya Sahayata Kendra (PBSK): Assists Indian workers abroad, including toll-free helplines and 24×7 support through Indian missions.
• Dedicated Labour/Community Welfare Wings: Indian missions in countries with a large population of Indian workers have dedicated labour and community welfare wings.
• Insurance for Overseas Workers: The Indian government provides insurance coverage of up to $12,000 for overseas workers. Certified recruitment agents are also obligated to assist and rescue workers in case of any issues.
• Emigration Act of 1983: It provides the legal framework for Indian workers emigrating for temporary employment abroad. It establishes the rights and protection of Indian workers overseas. It mandates that recruitment agents must be registered and certified by the MEA & Protector General of Emigrants.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Global Hunger Index (GHI) – 2024

• Context (TH): India is ranked 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 Global Hunger Index (GHI), falling into the “serious” category for hunger levels.

Key Findings of GHI-2024

• GHI score for the world is 18.3, considered moderate, slightly down from 18.8 in 2016.
• Achieving Zero Hunger by 2030 seems unlikely, with 42 countries still facing severe or alarming hunger.
• Wars in Gaza and Sudan have caused severe food crises. Somalia, Yemen, Chad, and Madagascar have the highest 2024 GHI scores. Burundi and South Sudan are also provisionally designated as alarming.
• India’s performance is concerning compared to South Asian neighbours like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which are in the “moderate” category.
• India is grouped with countries like Pakistan and Afghanistan, which face severe hunger issues.
• Alarming statistics for India include:
  • 35.5% of children under five are stunted.
  • 13.7% of the population is undernourished
  • 18.7% of children under five suffer from wasting.
  • 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday.

Read More > Government of India’s Initiatives to Address Hunger.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Issues} Precision Medicine and Biobank

• Context (TH): India’s push for precision medicine is facing a significant hurdle due to the lack of comprehensive biobank regulations.

Precision Medicine

• Precision medicine, also called personalised medicine, tailors disease treatment and prevention strategies based on individual variability in genes, environment, and lifestyle. It contrasts with the “one-size-fits-all” model, focusing on specific groups of people rather than the average patient.
• Key Role: Precision medicine gained momentum after the Human Genome Project and has become essential in treating cancers, chronic diseases, and cardiovascular and immune disorders.
• Emerging Technologies: New advancements like gene editing, mRNA therapeutics, and organ-on-chip technology improve treatment precision by targeting specific genetic mutations.

Source: Reprocell

Precision Medicine in India

• Market Growth: India’s precision medicine market is growing rapidly, with a projected Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16%, and it is expected to surpass $5 billion by 2030.
• Contribution to Bioeconomy: Precision medicine accounts for 36% of India’s bioeconomy, particularly in areas like cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and biologics.
• BioE3 Policy: ‘Biotechnology for Economy, Environment & Employment’ policy promotes the development of precision therapeutics and advanced biomanufacturing techniques for medicines & materials.
• Recent Developments: In 2023, India’s Central Drugs Standard Control Organization approved NexCAR19, a domestically developed CAR-T cell therapy, which modifies T cells to attack cancer cells.

Role of Biobanks in Precision Medicine

• Biobanks store biological samples (e.g., blood, DNA, tissues) along with genetic data, which are crucial for research in precision medicine.
• Need for Diversity: Large, diverse biobank collections are essential for ensuring that precision medicine benefits a wide range of populations, not just a select few.
• India’s Biobank Initiatives: India has 19 registered biobanks, and major projects like Genome India, Phenome India, and Paediatric Rare Genetic Disorders are gathering genetic data on a large scale.

  

  Source: Nature

Biobank Regulations: India vs. International Standards

• Global Standards: Countries like the U.K., U.S., Japan, and China have established comprehensive biobank regulations covering informed consent, privacy, and data protection.
• India’s Regulatory Gap: India lacks a consistent framework for biobank regulation, which can lead to issues with public trust and limit progress in precision medicine.

Key Challenges in India’s Biobank Regulation

• Lack of Legal Safeguards: India has no specific law protecting individuals’ rights concerning how their biological samples are used, ensuring data privacy, or securing informed consent.
• Incomplete Informed Consent: Participants often agree to share their samples without fully understanding how their data will be used or by whom.
• No Central Oversight: India lacks a central regulatory authority to monitor biobank operations, leading to ethical breaches like unauthorised sharing or misuse of samples.
• Risk of Foreign Exploitation: Without proper regulation, foreign pharmaceutical companies can access Indian biological samples, potentially leading to loss of ownership and profits from research outcomes.

Way Forward

• Strengthen Public Trust:
  • Implement strong protections for data and privacy.
  • Set up regulatory oversight by an expert committee to build confidence in sharing samples.
  • This will create a solid foundation for future research.
• India’s Global Aspirations: Pharmaceuticals can be a tool for soft diplomacy. To achieve this, India must align its biobank regulations with global standards.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Bishnoi Community and Blackbuck Case

• Context (IT|DTE): Salman Khan’s 1998 blackbuck poaching case still haunts him, with gangster Lawrence Bishnoi threatening his life.

About the Bishnoi Community

Historical Background

• Founder: Guru Jambheshwar, also known as Jambhoji, founded it in Rajasthan in 1485.
• Meaning of Bishnoi: The name “Bishnoi” is derived from the words “Bis” (meaning twenty) and “Noi” (meaning nine). These represent the 29 principles laid down by Jambhoji, which focus on devotion to God, preservation of nature, and ethical living.
• Spiritual Beliefs: Blackbucks are revered as reincarnations of Guru Jambheshwar, making their protection a matter of faith and spirituality for the Bishnois.
• Cultural Practices: Bishnoi women are known for nurturing and even breastfeeding orphaned blackbuck fawns, showcasing their deep commitment to wildlife conservation.
• States: These dwell in the western Thar desert and northern states of India, such as Rajasthan, Haryana, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, and Gujarat.
• Languages: Marwari, Bagri, Hindi, Haryanvi, and Punjabi, but they share a common faith and culture.

Core Principles

• Environmental Protection: Bishnoi prohibits tree felling and advocates for wildlife protection. Its residents follow strict vegetarianism and avoid killing animals, reflecting its deep reverence for nature.
• Social Welfare: Promote honesty, purity, and compassion in personal conduct. Encourage respect for women, support for the needy, and maintenance of cleanliness.
• Spiritual Practice: Focus on daily worship of Lord Vishnu. Encourage detachment from materialism and renunciation of worldly desires.

Contribution to Environmental Conservation

• Legendary Sacrifice: In 1730, the Bishnoi community made a monumental sacrifice known as the Khejarli Massacre. Amrita Devi and 363 Bishnois sacrificed their lives while trying to protect Khejri trees from being cut down by the king’s men, showcasing their unwavering commitment to nature.
• Wildlife Protection: The Bishnois are famous for protecting endangered species, such as the blackbuck, chinkara, and other local wildlife. Their villages often serve as sanctuaries for these animals.
• The Community also joined the Chipko movement of 1973-74, joining hands with other villagers to hug trees and prevent them from being felled by contractors for timber.
• They have received awards such as the Indira Gandhi Paryavaran Puraskar (1987), the United Nations Environment Programme Global 500 Roll of Honour (1992), and the Mahatma Gandhi Award for Non-violence (2006).

{GS3 – Envi – Hazardous Waste} Draft Liquid Waste Management Rules 2024

• Context (DTE|TH): The gazette draft rules by the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) signify a pivotal advancement in India’s Liquid Waste Management (LWM) system.

Key Features of the LWM Rules

• Structured Framework: The rules mandate the treatment and reuse of wastewater from various sources, including households, industries, and public institutions, focusing on sustainable practices.
• Targets for Reuse: 20% reuse for bulk water consumers (industries, institutions, large housing societies) by 2027-28. Increase to 50% by 2030-31.
• Extended User Responsibility (EUR): Bulk water users are accountable for proper wastewater treatment.
• Compliance Monitoring: Monthly reporting to State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) and a centralised online portal for tracking treatment volumes and sludge management.

Challenges in Implementation

• Infrastructure Disparities: Larger cities may comply more easily than smaller towns, which often lack necessary resources. The aggressive timeline may hinder equitable compliance across regions.
• Public Resistance to using treated water necessitates significant public awareness campaigns.
• Technological Constraints: Smaller treatment plants may lack the technology to treat sewage sludge to safe standards, risking public health if improperly managed.
• Financial Viability: Industries may find it economically challenging to establish treatment facilities under the EUR framework. The draft rules do not outline financial support mechanisms for local governments.
• Overlapping Frameworks: Conflicting reuse targets across various national missions (e.g., Swachh Bharat Mission, AMRUT, NMCG) can lead to confusion in policy implementation.
• Capacity Constraints: The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and SPCBs may lack the capacity to monitor compliance and enforce regulations effectively.

Opportunities for Improvement

• Circular Economy Principles: Guidelines for sewage sludge management align with circular economy principles, converting waste into resources.
• Decentralized Treatment: Promote local wastewater treatment systems to reduce the burden on centralised facilities. E.g. Kerala’s Decentralized Wastewater Management Program.
• Potential for Enhanced R&D: Encouraging research in efficient wastewater treatment technologies can bolster India’s capabilities in managing liquid waste.
• Public Engagement and Education: Fostering community awareness about the benefits of treated water can shift public perception and increase acceptance. E.g. Bangalore’s Water Literacy Campaign.
• Smart Technology Integration: Utilize IoT and smart technologies for real-time monitoring of wastewater treatment processes. E.g. Navi Mumbai’s Smart Water Management.

• Financial Incentives for Reuse: Provide subsidies and grants to encourage industries to adopt treated wastewater. E.g. Singapore’s NEWater initiative offers financial support.
• Standardized Regulations: Create a unified regulatory framework to align existing missions and streamline compliance. E.g. The European Union’s Water Framework Directive.

{Prelims – Bio – Diseases} Diphtheria

• Context (IE): The WHO team reached Rajasthan’s Deeg after the death of 7 children in a month.

About Diphtheria

• It is a bacterial disease; it affects children from newborns to 16 years of age. The bacteria most commonly infects the respiratory system.
• Transmission: Person to person, usually via respiratory droplets from sneezing or coughing. Some people may not develop disease manifestations but can transmit the bacteria to others.
• Symptoms: It can cause weakness, sore throat, mild fever and swollen glands in the neck. The bacteria produce a toxin that kills healthy tissues in the respiratory system and forms a thick, grey coating called “pseudomembrane.” If it enters the bloodstream, it can cause heart, nerve, and kidney damage.
• DPT Vaccine, part of the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP) can prevent diphtheria.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Indus River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica minor)

• Context (DTE): MoEFCC collaborated with the Wildlife Institute of India to assess dolphin populations.
• Locally known as Bhulan, it is the world’s most endangered freshwater dolphin species.
• Distribution: Found only in the lower Indus River system in Pakistan and India.  In India, they are found only in a small section of the Beas River in Punjab. It is the state aquatic animal of Punjab.

Credits: River Dolphins

• They have adapted to life in the muddy river and are functionally blind. They rely on echolocation to navigate, communicate and hunt prey, including prawns, catfish, and carp.
• They are a valuable indicator species indicating a thriving ecosystem with sufficient food & water.
• Status: IUCN: Endangered | WPA, 1972: Schedule I | CITES: Appendix I | CMS: Appendix II.

Also, read > Gangetic River Dolphin.

{Prelims – In News} Biopolymers

• Context (PIB): India’s first Demonstration Facility for Biopolymers was inaugurated in Pune.

• Biopolymers are natural polymers produced by the cells of living organisms. These polymers are biodegradable, making them an eco-friendly alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics

Applications of Biopolymers

• Packaging: Biopolymers like PLA are used for biodegradable packaging, reducing plastic waste.
• Medical: Biopolymers like chitosan and alginate are used in targeted drug delivery systems, and collagen and silk biopolymers are used to develop scaffolds for tissue regeneration.
• Agriculture: Biodegradable mulch films and controlled-release fertilisers minimise environmental harm.
• Textiles: Biodegradable fibres like silk and bacterial cellulose are used in eco-friendly textiles.

{Prelims – S&T – AI} AI Centres of Excellence in India

• Context (TH): Three Artificial Intelligence Centres of Excellence (CoEs) will be established.

Overview

• Purpose: To revolutionise healthcare delivery, strengthen food security, and address urban challenges through AI.
• Vision: “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India.”
• Leadership: Led by top educational institutions in consortium with industry partners and startups.
  • Healthcare: IIT Delhi and AIIMS
  • Agriculture: IIT Ropar
  • Sustainable Cities: IIT Kanpur

{Prelims – S&T – Space} Starship

• Context (IE): The fifth test flight of Starship was conducted.

• Starship is a two-stage heavy lift vehicle comprising a booster (called Super Heavy) and an upper section (the Starship spacecraft). It is nearly 120 metres tall, making it the largest rocket ever. They are fuelled with a mixture of icy-cold liquid methane and liquid oxygen fuel, known as methalox.
• It is expected to be able to carry up to 150 tonnes of payload to low-Earth orbit and at least 100 tonnes to the Moon and Mars.
• It is designed to be fully and rapidly reusable and capable of re-entering Earth’s atmosphere after a mission to land at the launch site.