Current Affairs – November 08, 2024

{GS2 – IR – India-Pakistan} Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• Context (TH): India seeks review and modification of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT).

Indus Waters Treaty: A success

• Diplomatic Success: Rare example of successful transboundary water cooperation despite conflicts.
• India’s Concession: Grants 80% water to Pakistan, shows India’s cooperative upper riparian state role.
• Regional Stability: Maintained even amid heightened tensions (2001, 2008 and Uri/Pulwama incidents).

Reasons Behind India’s Demand for Treaty Modification

• Demographic and Environmental Pressures: Rapid population growth and climate change have intensified water needs, prompting India to seek treaty updates for sustainability.
• Clean Energy Goals: India’s focus on hydropower aligns with its climate and emission targets, highlighting the need for greater flexibility in river usage.
• Cross-Border Tensions: Ongoing terrorism in Jammu & Kashmir hampers cooperation and impacts India’s ability to utilise its river resources fully.
• Developmental Projects: India’s compliant “run-of-the-river” hydropower projects (ex. Ratle HEP) face Pakistani objections, exposing treaty limitations in addressing modern developmental needs.

Disputes and Legal Proceedings

• Hydropower Project (HEP) Disputes: Kishanganga on Jhelum and Ratle on Chenab.
  • Pakistan’s Action: Sought arbitration via the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) after initially suggesting a Neutral Expert.
  • India’s Position: Opposed PCA’s jurisdiction under the IWT, opting not to participate in proceedings.
• World Bank Intervention: Suspended dual processes (Neutral Expert and PCA) to encourage bilateral talks. Later, in 2022, both were reactivated at Pakistan’s request, despite India’s objections.

Divergent Perspectives and Challenges

• Riparian Interests: India (Upper Riparian) prioritises resource optimisation for development, while Pakistan (Lower Riparian) emphasises uninterrupted downstream flow for its water security.
• Environmental Gaps: The treaty lacks provisions to address modern climate challenges, such as changing glacial reserves and affecting consistent river flows.

Pakistan’s concerns

• Water Scarcity Concerns: Fears potential reduction in downstream flow due to India’s projects.
• Flow Maintenance: Emphasizes uninterrupted downstream flow maintenance, as upheld by the 2013 PCA ruling.
• “Water Terrorism”: Alleges India manipulates water resources politically, despite IWT compliance.

Proposed Modifications and Suggestions

• Equitable and Reasonable Utilisation (ERU): Following the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention, ERU principles could address climate change and water scarcity issues.
• Transboundary Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA): EIA protocols could ensure due diligence for HEP affecting shared waters, following the 2010 International Court of Justice precedent.
• Potential for Joint Projects: Article VII.1c of IWT allows collaborative engineering projects, potentially enabling joint responses to river variability.
• Enhanced Cooperative Mechanisms: Implementing MoUs and cooperative frameworks within IWT’s structure could improve dispute resolution and collaborative water management.

Significance of the Revision

• India’s call for treaty revision reflects evolving regional needs and could address both nations’ contemporary environmental, security, and developmental priorities.
• Revisiting it allows South Asia to promote sustainable resource-sharing and bolster regional stability.

Implications of Unilateral Withdrawal by India

• Regional Instability: Increased risks of conflict in a nuclear-armed region.
• Impact on Third-Party States: Potential spillover effects on China and Afghanistan.
• India’s Global Standing: Unilateral treaty withdrawal may affect India’s international reputation.

Path to a Sustainable and Cooperative Indus Waters Treaty (IWT)

• Incorporate Environmental Flows (EF): Align with global norms (e.g., Brisbane Declaration) to ensure the ecological health of rivers, supporting both biodiversity and sustainable water use.
• Climate Adaptation Provisions: Integrate clauses for adaptability to climate change, accounting for unpredictable water flow shifts and enhancing resilience to extreme weather impacts on water resources.
• Global Treaty Standards: Update the treaty to align with international frameworks, such as the 1997 UN Watercourses Convention, to address modern water-sharing and environmental standards.
• Optimizing India’s Allocation: Enable India to fully utilise its allocation rights over Western rivers, supporting development needs in Punjab and Rajasthan.
• Diplomatic Leverage: India could consider suspending PIC meetings to prompt serious re-negotiations.

{GS2 – IR – India-US} Trump 2.0: A New Era For India-US Relations

• Context (IE): Donald Trump’s victory in securing a second term as President, “Trump 2.0,” signals a shift in US-India relations with renewed emphasis on the ‘America First’ agenda.

Global Implications of Trump 2.0

• Domestic Landscape: Expected to strengthen Republican Party control, advancing his radical agenda, his focus on domestic issues like immigration, inflation, and trade wars may overshadow international priorities, promoting a more isolationist foreign policy.
• US Foreign Policy and Global Security
  • Ukraine and Russia: Trump’s stance on the Ukraine conflict will likely harden. He has promised to end Russia’s war within 24 hours but could face challenges in delivering peace in the region.
  • China and the Indo-Pacific: Trump is expected to continue his hardline approach toward China, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. The Quad (India, Japan, Australia, and the US) could see increased importance in countering China’s growing influence.
• Relations with Allies and Global Alliances: Trump’s scepticism towards NATO could weaken transatlantic alliances and may undermine US credibility with allies, prompting a reassessment of foreign policy.
• Middle East & Israel: Trump’s foreign policy may embolden Israel, escalating tensions in Gaza & Lebanon while focusing on sanctions & covert actions against Iran instead of direct military confrontation.
• Trade Wars and Global Economy: Trump’s trade policies could reignite tensions with China and the EU, destabilising supply chains, requiring emerging economies to navigate these challenges for growth.
• Climate & Energy Policy Shifts: Trump’s withdrawal from climate agreements, particularly the Paris deal, could hinder sustainability efforts and challenge the balance of climate action & economic growth.

Impact on India

• Strategic Alignment: India and the US may deepen ties in defence and security, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, as both countries counter China’s regional influence.
• Economic Opportunities:
  • Trump’s “America First” policy aligns with India’s “Make in India“, creating economic opportunities.
  • Potential for revived trade negotiations and Free Trade Agreement in his second term.
  • Trump’s pro-business stance could boost collaboration in sectors like technology and pharmaceuticals, though protectionist trade policies may challenge Indian exports.
• Energy Benefits: Trump’s support for fossil fuels could lower global oil prices, reducing India’s import costs but possibly hampering climate action alignment.

Possible challenges

• Trade Tensions: Potential tariff hikes and unpredictable trade policies may strain India’s IT, pharmaceutical, and textile exports to the US.
• Immigration Restrictions: Stricter immigration laws and tighter H-1B visa policies could impact Indian professionals, especially in the tech sector.
• Climate Policy Gaps: India may face challenges with Trump’s climate scepticism as it seeks global cooperation on sustainable development.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Elderly} Addressing Ageing Population

• Context (TH): Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu raised concerns about ageing populations, sparking debate on pro-natalist policies as a solution.

National and Regional Population Growth Context

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Dropped to 1.9 in 2021, below the replacement rate of 2.1; signals slowing population growth.
• Population Momentum: India’s population will grow until 2070 since many women are still in reproductive age.
• Regional Divide: Southern states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala) show slower growth and higher life expectancy, while northern states (Bihar, Uttar Pradesh) have higher fertility rates and slower ageing.
• Age Statistics (2021): National elderly average is 10.1%; Kerala and Tamil Nadu have higher proportions at 16.5% and 13.7%, respectively.
• Projected Growth (2036): Tamil Nadu’s elderly share will reach 20.8%, Kerala’s 22.8%, and Bihar’s will grow more slowly from 7.7% to 11%.

Challenges of an Ageing Population

• Workforce & Dependency: The growing elderly population strains the workforce and raises dependency ratios. Longitudinal Ageing Study of India (LASI) reveal that India’s elderly dependency ratio is rising sharply, especially in states with lower birth rates.
• Healthcare Demand: The ageing population increases the demand for healthcare services, especially for non-communicable diseases.
• Federal Representation Impact: States with slower growth may face representation disparities unless policies consider demographic performance over population count.

Are Pro-Natalist Policies the Solution?

• International Examples: Countries like Hungary, Poland, and Sweden offer incentives like maternity leave and tax breaks for larger families.
• Challenges in India: High living costs, childcare expenses, and career impacts deter young couples from having more children.
• Social Impact: Financial incentives alone may not work without addressing high child-rearing costs and job impacts for women.

Recommended Approach for Population Policies

• Silver economy: Investment in tech-based jobs for older adults to address ageing population needs. Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment has developed the Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity (SACRED) portal for such needs.
• Comprehensive care: Like Kerala’s “Vayoraksha” project for addressing the grievances and issues faced by the Senior Citizens during crisis.
• Care Workforce: Train caregivers for elderly support, boosting employment & meeting social care needs.
• Strengthen NPHCE to enhance accessible and affordable healthcare services for the ageing population.

{GS3 – Agri – Food Security} Svalbard Global Seed Vault

• Context (TH): Ten thousand new seeds arrived at the Svalbard seed vault, marking the largest deposits in its 16-year history.

About Svalbard Global Seed Vault

• Location: Situated in Svalbard, an Arctic Archipelago belonging to Norway.
• Purpose: Acts as the world’s main backup for seeds, safeguarding global crop diversity against crises. It is known as the “doomsday” vault but is designed for both emergencies and routine conservation.
• It houses over 1 million plus varieties of food crops from around 80 countries. It stores duplicate seeds from gene banks worldwide, acting as a no-cost backup.
• Ownership: Managed by the Nordic Genetic Resources Centre under a U.N. treaty. Only depositors can access their seeds, ensuring confidentiality and control over each sample. Depositors remain the owners of their seeds, using the vault as a secure backup without forfeiting rights.
• International Support: Backed by a global network, including the United Nations and organisations that promoted the Green Revolution. It was awarded World Food Prize for its contribution to food security.

Unique Features of the Vault

Source: Howitworks

• Storage: 0° Fahrenheit (-18°C) inside three rock chambers, which use natural freezing for stability. It is over 100 meters inside a sandstone mountain to protect against extreme weather and sea-level rise risks.
• Environmental Advantage: Svalbard’s permafrost and low temperatures offer cost-effective natural refrigeration even in case of power loss.
• Limited Access: Chambers are only opened three times a year to ensure minimal exposure.

{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} International Day for PEEWAC

• Context (IE): November 6th is observed as International Day for Preventing the Exploitation of Environment in War & Armed Conflict (PEEWAC).

• It was started by UNGA in 2001 to raise awareness about the environmental impacts of war.

Key Focus Areas

• Environmental Protection During Conflict: Highlights the importance of safeguarding ecosystems in war zones, underscoring that protecting the environment is as vital as saving human lives.
• Building Peace through Environmental Sustainability: This approach emphasises peacebuilding efforts that integrate environmental stewardship as a foundation for sustainable post-conflict recovery.
• Global Cooperation: Calls for international dialogue and collaboration to create strategies that minimise environmental harm during armed conflicts.
• Strengthening Legal Protections: Advocates for enforcing international laws, such as the Geneva Conventions, which restrict warfare tactics that cause severe environmental destruction.

Environmental Impact of Wars

• Habitat and Infrastructural Loss: Explosions, military manoeuvres, and the construction of bases destroy natural habitats, leading to the loss of plant and animal life.
• Soil Contamination: The use of chemical weapons, landmines, and unexploded ordnance contaminates the soil, making it infertile and dangerous.
• Water Pollution: Oil spills, chemical spills, and the destruction of water treatment facilities pollute rivers, lakes, and groundwater sources.
• Carbon Emissions: Military activities and burning fossil fuels for transportation and machinery contribute to greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change.
• Gender-specific Health Vulnerabilities: UN Women and WHO reports show that women in conflict zones face higher rates of communicable diseases and other health risks compared to men.

{GS3 – IE – Employment} Paradox of Stagnant Rural Wages

• Context (IE): India’s GDP has grown recently, but rural wages remain unchanged. Labour Bureau data shows that daily wage rates for agricultural and non-agricultural jobs have followed varied trends.

• The Wage Rate Index reveals fluctuations in wage growth across different sectors, highlighting uneven progress in income for rural workers.

Current State of Rural Wages in India

• Economic Growth vs. Wages: Despite India’s economy and farm sector growing at an annual rate of 4.6% and 4.2% (2019-2023), rural wages have not increased proportionally.
• Nominal Wages: From April 2019 to August 2024, rural wages grew at an average of 5.2% in nominal terms. Agricultural wages grew slightly higher at 5.8%.
• Real Wages: Adjusted for inflation, show an overall decline of -0.4% for rural workers, with agricultural wages barely increasing by 0.2%. Inflation has outpaced wage growth, reducing purchasing power.
• Recent Trends (2023-24): From April to August 2023, agricultural wage growth was 5.7% nominally but only 0.7% after inflation adjustment.

Reasons for Stagnant Rural Wages

• Higher Female Workforce Participation: The female Labour Force Participation Rate rose from 26.4% (2018-19) to 47.6% (2023-24). More people seeking work means wages are less likely to rise.
• Low Agricultural Productivity: Adding more workers doesn’t always increase productivity in rural agriculture, limiting wage growth.
• Technology in Agriculture: Machines like threshers and harvesters reduce the need for manual labour, which limits rural job creation and wage increases.
• Lower Demand for Non-Agricultural Labor: Industries that often hire rural workers, like FMCG and small manufacturing, are experiencing slower growth and profit margins.
• Limited Non-Farm Job Opportunities: Small-scale industries, which could create jobs outside farming, remain underdeveloped due to a lack of support and financing.
• Weak Wage Guarantee Programs: Programs like MGNREGA are hampered by delayed payments and budget constraints, reducing their impact on rural wages.
• Inflation: Essential goods and fuel costs are rising faster than wages, eroding rural workers’ real income.
• Impact of Climate Change: Weather events like droughts and floods reduce farmers’ income, making it harder for landowners to offer higher wages.

Implications of Stagnant Rural Wages

• Reduced Demand: With lower spending power in rural areas, demand for goods and services is limited, affecting small and medium businesses and slowing economic growth.
• Financial Strain: High inflation and low wages push rural families into debt cycles of informal lenders.
• Underemployment: Rural workers often return to compulsive farming with fewer non-farm job options.
• Gender Pay Gap: Wage stagnation affects both men & women, but women earning less are hit harder.
• Forced Migration: Limited rural jobs force people to move to cities, straining city resources.
• Lower Human Capital: Low wages make it harder for rural families to afford education, healthcare, and nutrition, affecting long-term development.

Solutions to Address Rural Wage Stagnation

• Strengthen Income Support Programs: Increase payments in schemes like PM-KISAN and expand food distribution programs to ease financial pressures.
• Periodic Wage Adjustments: Regularly adjust rural wages for inflation to help workers keep up with the rising cost of living.
• Reduce Gender Pay Gap: Implement programs like Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana (Rs 1,500/month for low-income families) to support women and low-income households.
• Promote Rural Non-Farm Employment: Encourage labour-intensive industries like textiles, food processing, and tourism to provide job opportunities. Schemes like MGNREGA can help to support job stability during seasonal unemployment.
• Agricultural Modernisation: Improve productivity with better technology, irrigation, and quality seeds to increase income and wages in farming.

{GS3 – IE – Institutions} Pharmexcil

• Context (TH): The Pharmaceuticals Export Promotion Council of India (Pharmexcil) has asked Indian drug makers to express their willingness to supply IV fluids to the U.S. (facing shortage).

About Pharmexcil

• It is the authorised agency of the GOI to promote pharmaceutical exports from India.
• It was set up under the provisions of Foreign Trade Policy by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Products and services falling under Pharmexcil: Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (API), Finished Dosage Forms (FDF), Surgicals, Nutraceuticals, Clinical Trials & Consultancy, Regulatory Services
• Headquarter: Hyderabad.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} RNA Editing

• Context (TH): Wave Life Sciences pioneers RNA editing for genetic conditions.

• RNA editing refers to changing the sequence of RNA after transcription, either by adding nucleotides, taking them away, or substituting one for another. It allows scientists to fix mistakes in the mRNA after the cell synthesises it but before it reads it to make the proteins.
• Scientists use guide RNA (gRNA) to direct ADAR to the specific part of the mRNA that needs editing, ensuring precise corrections.

Challenges of RNA Editing

• Transient nature: RNA editing is transient, meaning individuals must be treated repeatedly to sustain the therapy’s effects.
• Limited carrying capacity: Current methods to deliver the gRNA-ADAR complex use lipid nanoparticles with limited carrying capacity. This means they can’t transport large molecules very well.
• Specificity: ADARs can perform adenosine-inosine changes in both targeted and non-targeted parts of mRNA or skip the targeted parts altogether.

RNA v. DNA editing

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes)

• Context (DTE): Successful birthing by the cloned black-footed ferret.

• Belongs to the weasel family and is the only ferret that is native to North America.

Credits: Nature

• Behaviour: Except for during the breeding season, the black-footed ferret is a solitary animal. It is mostly nocturnal and spends most of its time underground.
• Diet: Carnivores; Eats prairie dogs, mice, ground squirrels, or other small animals.
• Conservation Status: IUCN: Endangered | CITES: Appendix I

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Okinawicius tekdi

• Context (TOI): New spider species, Okinawicius tekdi (tekdi=Hill in Marathi), was discovered in Pune.

Characteristics of Spiders

• Eight Legs: One of the most defining characteristics.
• Diverse Hunting Techniques: While many spin webs, some hunt actively without webs.
• Global Presence: Found on every continent except Antarctica.
• Medical Relevance: Certain species can be venomous to humans, but most are harmless and beneficial for controlling insect populations.
• Their Silk can be used for webs, egg sacs, nests & even as a means of transportation through ballooning.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Vampire Bats

• Context (TH): Vampire bats rely on social relationships to support their unique blood diets.

About Vampire Bats

• Vampire bats are the only mammals known to survive solely on a blood diet. They are native to the warmer humid tropical and subtropical regions of Latin America, including Central & South America.
• Specialized heat sensors in their snouts allow them to locate the best spot for their prey to feed. Their saliva contains an anticoagulant to keep the blood flowing while they feed.
• They are adept runners, able to move quickly on the ground to approach prey.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern

  

  Credits: Natgeo,IUCN

Unique Behavioural aspects

• Reciprocity and Tracking: Bats track who has shared food with them in the past, reciprocating with those who have been helpful previously.
• Testing Relationships: New relationships begin with low-cost actions, like allogrooming (cleaning and maintaining another’s fur) and small food-sharing acts, mirroring how humans initiate friendships.
• Passive Social Distancing: Sick bats often exhibit reduced social behaviours, such as decreased grooming and time spent with others. These behaviours are part of a broader immune response.

Human-Bat Conflicts and Management

• Impact on Livestock: In areas with abundant livestock, vampire bats frequently feed on these animals, which has led to significant economic issues due to rabies transmission.

• Traditional Culling Methods: Farmers have used culling campaigns with Vampiricide (a mixture of petroleum jelly and poison) applied to bat fur to control populations.
• Vaccinations: Recent strategies include vaccinating livestock against rabies or directly vaccinating bats. One approach involves using genetically modified herpes viruses to spread immunity among bats.

{Prelims – In News} UP new rules for DGP Appointment

• Context (IE): UP government framed new rules for appointing the state’s Director General under the Indian Police Act of 1861.

• The new rules are in reaction to a contempt notice from the SC following multiple petitions challenging the appointment of temporary police chiefs and honouring the Prakash Singh case directions.
• As per new rules, UP’s DGP would be appointed by selection committee headed by a retired HC judge.
• Eligible candidates must have six months of service remaining on the date of creation of the vacancy.
• The rules reduce the role of the Centre in the DGP’s appointment in the state.
• It has fixed the minimum tenure of the DGP office at two years.

Read in detail about the Appointment of State Director General of Police.