Current Affairs – November 12, 2024

{GS2 – IR – India-Canada} SDS Visa Program

Context (IE): Canada has discontinued its Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program for international students to address housing and resource issues.

Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented the visa program in 2018 to expedite study permit applications for international students from 14 countries, including India, China, Brazil.

Also refer India-Canada relations.

{GS2 – IR – India-China} India-China LAC Agreement

Context (TH): The recent agreement between India and China aims to resolve border issues that emerged from the 2020 transgressions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), focusing on disengagement, de-escalation, and reducing military tensions.

Key Aspects of India-China LAC Agreement

Patrolling Protocols: The agreement restores pre-2020 patrolling routes with regular monitoring to prevent misunderstandings and ensure adherence to established paths.
Disengagement Process: The phased disengagement in disputed areas like Demchok and Depsang aims to reduce confrontations, with new buffer zones at disengagement points to prevent future clashes.
Reduction of Military Presence: Troop deployment at contentious points will be gradually reduced, with regular reviews and satellite imaging ensuring compliance.
Patrolling Rights Restoration: Patrolling rights will be restored in areas like the Depsang Plains and Demchok, while regions such as Galwan Valley and Pangong Tso remain restricted, marking progress on addressing “legacy disputes” predating the 2020 tensions.

Implications for India-China Relations

De-escalation of Tensions: Reduced military presence lowers the risk of clashes and creates a more stable LAC environment, with buffer zones preventing accidental encounters.
Diplomatic Engagement Resumption: Successful implementation may revive high-level diplomatic channels, promoting cooperation in forums like BRICS and SCO.
Economic and Trade Opportunities: Normalization could restore flights, trade, and investment flows, signaling openness to renewing economic engagements.

Challenges in Implementing the Agreement

Absence of Clear Template: No detailed plan for disengagement, relying on satellite and ground inspections without clear protocols.
Disparities in Interpretation: India demands full disengagement, while China focuses on “progress,” reflecting differing strategic goals.
Historical Mistrust and Legacy Disputes: Long-standing disputes, especially in Depsang and Demchok, raise concerns over infrastructure buildup and strategic issues post-disengagement.

Theories on China’s Strategic Intentions

Territorial Assertion: China’s policy emphasizes “every inch of Chinese territory,” affecting its aggressive stance on disputed borders, including Taiwan and South China Sea.
Strategic Response to India-US Ties: China seeks to remind India of its continental security concerns vis-à-vis China, countering India’s close maritime partnership with the US.
Infrastructure Security Concerns: China’s response to India’s infrastructure upgrades along the LAC, such as road and bridge constructions, may have driven its actions at the LAC.
Reaction to J&K Reorganization: The timing of China’s moves in 2020 correlates with India’s reorganization of J&K, signaling concerns over India’s territorial claims in Aksai Chin.

Way Forward

Enhancing Transparency: Clear, transparent communication by governments on patrolling protocols and disengagement steps can build public trust and maintain transparency in the democratic process.
Revisiting Border Defense Cooperation: India and China may consider updating the 2013 Border Defense Cooperation Agreement to reflect new patrolling arrangements and de-escalation protocols.
Continuous Engagement and Trust-Building: Establishing regular dialogue could strengthen LAC stability and long-term peaceful coexistence, paving way for diplomatic normalization.

{GS2 – IR – India-US} Indian Firms on U.S. Blacklist

Context (TH): The U.S. recently sanctioned around 400 entities, including 19 Indian firms, over alleged ties to Russia’s defense and technological sectors, primarily for supplying dual-use technologies.

What Are Economic Sanctions?

Impact of Sanctions: Restrict trade, investment, and financial transactions, aiming to disrupt the target’s economic activities.
Types of Sanctions:
- Comprehensive: Broad restrictions against entire countries (e.g., U.S. embargo on Cuba).
- Targeted: Specific to entities or individuals (e.g., sanctions on Russian firms).

Enforcement Mechanisms: Imposed by individual countries (e.g., U.S. sanctions on Iran, North Korea, Russia) and international bodies like the UN and EU to address global concerns.

U.S. Executive Order (E.O. 14024) imposing Sanctions

Sanctions Purpose and Scope: Block assets of entities aiding Russia since 2021 targeting hundreds of firms across 20+ countries to limit Russia’s access to sensitive technologies.

India’s Response to Sanctions

Government Stance: India adheres only to UN-imposed sanctions, not unilateral ones from the U.S.
Position of Ministry of External Affairs: Companies are compliant with Indian laws.
Clarifications and Support: The government is liaising with U.S. officials to clarify issues and mitigate impacts on Indian firms.

Potential Impact on Indian Sectors

Impact on Defense Sector: Minimal effect, with most sanctioned firms not heavily involved in defense; limited contributions from RRG Engineering with DRDO.
Impact on Trade and Technology: Firms resell Western electronics to Russia, but restricted items like microelectronics can be sourced locally within India.

Measures India Could Take

Sanction-proof Mechanisms: Strengthen banking structures and use bilateral currency trade to reduce reliance on U.S. financial systems.
Company Sensitization: Sensitize companies about U.S. compliance expectations to avoid violations.

Will Trump’s Administration Make a Difference?

Trump’s Stance: Known for a softer stance on Russia, Trump’s return could imply leniency towards Russia.
Congress Influence: Bipartisan moves like CAATSA (Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act) could still limit presidential power, with Congress holding a strong anti-Russia stance.

{GS3 – Envi – Wetlands} Hokersar Wetland

Context (DTE): Rainfall deficiency impacts the arrival of migratory birds in Kashmir’s Hokersar wetland.

About Hokersar Wetland

Location: Srinagar, J&K. Also known as the ‘Queen Wetland of Kashmir‘.
It was first designated a conservation reserve under the J&K Wildlife (Protection) Act of 1978.
In 2005, it was recognised as a wetland of international importance under the Ramsar Convention. It also falls under India’s National Wetlands Conservation Programme.
It is a natural perennial wetland contiguous to the Jhelum basin. It gets water from the Doodhganga River (Tributary of Jhelum). It is also the largest bird reserve in the Kashmir Valley.
It is the only site with remaining reedbeds of Kashmir and a pathway for 68 waterfowl species, including little cormorants, common shelduck, large egrets and great crested grebe.

A reedbed is a natural habitat typically found in wetlands. It also plays an important role in water purification and flood management by filtering out pollutants and absorb excess water.

{GS3 – S&T – AI} AI and Sustainable Development for Indian Cities

Context (IE): As India rapidly urbanizes, adding 270 million new city dwellers over the next two decades, Artificial Intelligence (AI) systems offer solutions for sustainable city management, aiming to fulfill the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Role of AI in Urban Sustainability

Data Collection and Coordination: AI systems streamline data gathering from diverse sources, reducing manual efforts and enabling real-time, high-quality data for better decision-making.
AI-based Predictive and Simulation Models: Forecast long-term impacts of zoning changes and urban planning, offering insights into economic, environmental and developmental outcomes.
Affordable Housing: AI can optimize land use and predict housing demands, making affordable housing planning more efficient and responsive.
Support for Public Transport: AI systems enhance last-mile connectivity by integrating data across modes of transportation, making public transport seamless and more attractive.
Waste Management: AI systems can enhance waste sorting, route planning for collection, and recycling processes, reducing urban waste impact.
Healthcare Access: AI-powered analytics can identify healthcare gaps, improve resource allocation, and optimize emergency response, especially in underserved areas.
Air Quality Monitoring: AI can analyze pollution data in real time, helping cities implement timely interventions to maintain cleaner air.

Global Case Studies of cities using AI in Urban Planning

Singapore: Uses AI for traffic management, public service monitoring, and smart energy management to boost urban sustainability.
Barcelona: Leverages AI to optimize transport, waste management, and air quality for a sustainable, citizen-focused smart city.

GoI Initiatives: Centers for AI in Urban Sustainability

National AI Centers for Sustainability: Three centers established in 2023-24 focus on agriculture, health, and urban sustainability, with a budget of ₹990 crore, fostering AI development to “Make AI in India and Make AI work for India.”
Airawat Consortium: As the National AI Hub for Sustainable Cities led by IIT Kanpur, Airawat is the national research center for integrating AI with urban sustainability and focuses on energy efficiency, transit planning and local governance innovations.

Airawat’s Core Projects and Focus Areas

Energy Distribution Networks: AI models optimize energy networks, reduce losses, and support efficient energy distribution for a sustainable urban future.
Multimodal Transit Planning: Open-source AI platforms will enable streamlined multimodal transit solutions, reducing congestion and improving urban mobility.
Digital Twin for Local Governance: Creation of a digital twin for city functions enhances municipal management, making governance responsive to real-time data.
Air and Water Quality Management: Low-cost, AI-driven systems for monitoring air and water quality support local interventions and promote healthier urban environments.

Industrial Partnerships and Collaborations

Adani Industries: Supports AI integration for efficient energy distribution within urban settings, crucial for reducing carbon footprints.
Tata Consultancy Services: Collaborates on urban metabolism models to assess the impact of land-use changes on sustainability factors like flood risk and air quality.
eGovernance Foundation: Co-develops advanced urban governance tools, including the DIGIT platform, in line with Airawat’s objectives for modernized city management.
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs: Provides oversight to ensure Airawat’s projects align with national urban sustainability goals.

Challenges and India’s Strategic Vision

Rapid Urbanization vs. Sustainability: India aims to achieve sustainable wealth growth before facing demographic challenges, balancing rapid economic growth with ecological preservation.
Path to Vishwaguru: India’s sustainable development efforts are envisioned as a global model, aspiring to re-establish Bharat as a global leader in sustainable and inclusive growth.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Biofilm Barriers

Context (TH): Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a method to break down ‘biofilm barriers’ by using cow’s gut enzymes to aid the entry of drugs.

What Are Biofilms?

Biofilms are thick, protective layers bacteria produce to shield themselves from external threats. These structures are matrix-like and contain sugars, proteins, fats, and DNA.
These barriers prevent drugs from reaching bacteria effectively and contribute to bacterial resistance, making infections harder to treat.
The biofilms produced by Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) bacterium are particularly tough due to polysaccharides. It is often found in hospitals, where it causes infections.

Cow’s Gut Enzymes

The cow’s gut, particularly its largest stomach compartment called the rumen, contains microbial enzymes that break down complex polysaccharides like cellulose.
The IISc team artificially synthesised the GH-B2 enzyme in the lab. GH-B2 effectively degraded biofilms in all strains, proving its potential to weaken bacterial defences across multiple serotypes.

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

Context (PIB): India’s Defence Space Agency (DSA) initiated “Antariksha Abhyas – 2024“, the country’s first dedicated military exercise focused on space-based warfare and defence.

It aims to integrate space capabilities into military operations, establishing space as a critical component of India’s defence apparatus.

Objectives

Space-Based Threats and Challenges: It addresses the growing threats to India’s space assets and the operational challenges posed by adversarial actions in the space domain.
Understanding Operational Dependency: It seeks to provide insights into the operational dependency on the space segment.
Identification of Vulnerabilities: The exercise seeks to discover potential vulnerabilities in military operations that rely on space support by simulating denial or disruptions of space-based services.

Defence Space Agency (DSA)

It is an integrated tri-services agency of the Indian Armed Forces headquartered in Bengaluru.
The agency is tasked with operating India’s space-warfare and Satellite Intelligence assets.
It will be under an Air Vice Marshal-rank officer and will gradually take over the space-related capabilities of the three forces.

Integrated Defence Staff

It was established in October 2001 under the Ministry of Defence, following the Kargil Operations, also known as ‘Operation Vijay.’
The primary objective is to promote synergy among the three armed services and align them with the Ministry of Defence.
It includes representatives from the Army, Navy, and Air Force, along with personnel from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and DRDO.

Read More < Indian Space Policy, 2023

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Nanomaterial Coating

Context (PIB): Scientists have developed a biodegradable, hydrophobic nanocoating material that can slow the release of chemical fertilisers, boosting their efficiency and promoting sustainable agriculture.

This innovation aims to improve nutrient use efficiency, reduce fertiliser doses, and mitigate environmental impacts associated with excessive chemical fertiliser use.
Developed by the Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST), Mohali.

Mechanism of the Nanocoating

Hydrophobic Properties: By adjusting the hydrophobicity of the coating, researchers can control the release rate of nutrients to match the specific growth phases of crops.
Stable Coordination Bonds: The coating employs anionic clay as a reinforcement, forming stable coordination bonds that enhance mechanical stability and prevent premature nutrient release.
3D Nanostructure Advantage: The 3D structure of the natural polymers in the coating, including self-assembling amyloid fibrils, provides durability, biodegradability, and efficient nutrient encapsulation.

Source: PIB

Key Benefits of the Nanocoated Fertiliser

Reduced Fertiliser Doses: The controlled-release system reduces the amount of fertiliser required without compromising crop yield.
Yield Enhancement: Studies show that the nanocoated fertiliser improves the yield of staple crops like rice and wheat, providing higher output from lower input.
Environmental Benefits: This technology reduces pollution by minimising fertiliser leaching, interacting with soil and water systems, and preserving soil health.
Life Cycle Assessment: The biodegradable nature of the coating ensures that no harmful residues are left in the soil.
Cost-Effective Solution: Reducing fertiliser doses directly benefits farmers by lowering input costs.

Institute of Nano Science and Technology (INST)

It is an autonomous institution established in 2013 under the Department of Science and Technology.
It was established under the umbrella of Nano Mission to boost research and development in the field of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology in India.
The aim is to generate processes, technologies and devices directed towards national priorities especially in sectors like Agriculture, defence, healthcare, energy, environment and water.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Comb Jellies

Context (IE): A newly discovered marine invertebrate species, comb jellies (ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi) can revert to younger versions of itself, breaking the traditional cycle of birth, ageing, and death.

Source: IE

About Comb Jellies

It is also known as Ctenophora or sea walnut. The study revealed that adult comb jellies can regress and reach a larval stage when subjected to extreme stress.
Comb jellies are not the only species capable of reverse ageing. Immortal jellyfish has also been observed to undergo reverse biological development.
Its thin skin stretches over a body that’s more than 95% water (no bones or shells to weigh it down).
Bioluminescence (the property of a living organism to emit light) is well-marked in Comb jelles.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Dicliptera polymorpha

Context (PIB): A new species named Dicliptera polymorpha has been discovered in the Western Ghats.

Characteristics of Dicliptera polymorpha

Fire-resilient: Pyrophytic habit (a woody plant with unusual resistance to fire because of exceptionally thick bark).
Dual-blooming: It blooms twice a year, first post-monsoon (early November) and then to March or April, while the second flowering phase is in May and June is triggered by grassland fires.
It has a taxonomically unique spicate inflorescence (complete flower head) structure (only known Indian species with such features). Survives extreme climatic conditions like summer droughts and frequent fires.

Source: DST

India’s Carbon Credit Mechanism

Context (TH): The COP-29, held in Baku, Azerbaijan center discussions on climate finance, focusing on carbon credits & global divide between developed & developing countries regarding climate obligations.

India’s Carbon Credit Mechanisms

India’s National Mandates

Updated NDCs (2023): Emphasize creating a domestic carbon market to meet India’s climate commitments under the Paris Agreement.
Energy Conservation Act (2022): Legally mandates the establishment of the Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS) to align with climate goals.
Economic Synergy: Aims to integrate climate objectives with economy for sustainable development.

Voluntary Carbon Market and CCTS

Green Credit Programme (GCP): India’s voluntary carbon market, operationalized under the GCP, encourages tree plantation and environmental activities.
Carbon Credit Trading Scheme (CCTS): Supports both mandatory and voluntary carbon credit transactions to meet emission reduction targets.

Advantages of India’s Carbon Credit Framework

Climate Goals and Economic Growth: Facilitates India’s climate commitments while supporting sustainable development.
Domestic and Global Investments: The robust carbon credit mechanism has the potential to attract domestic and global investors by ensuring the integrity and credibility of the market.
International Recognition: Aligning with global frameworks enhances India’s role in international carbon markets.

Challenges in India’s Carbon Credit Mechanism

Integrity and Credibility Issues

Greenwashing Risk: Concerns over inflated claims, especially in sectors like forestry, with the potential for unreliable carbon credits.
Additionality: Ensuring carbon reductions exceed the business-as-usual baseline to make credits genuine and impactful.

Additionality: Additionality refers to ensuring that emissions reductions are above the baseline scenario (business-as-usual), making the reductions “real” and impactful.

Implementation Barriers

Transparency and Verification: Challenges in establishing transparent tracking systems and third-party audits for verifying carbon credit authenticity.
High Costs: Establishing robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems may incur high costs, deterring smaller projects.

Measures to Strengthen India’s Carbon Credit Framework

Address Cost Barriers: Reduce the financial burden of establishing monitoring systems, making it easier for smaller projects to participate.
Focus on Market Integrity: Implement the Voluntary Carbon Markets Integrity Initiative (VCMI) to enhance market credibility, despite high implementation costs.
Enforce Stronger Verification Protocols: Implement strict protocols to ensure carbon credits reflect actual emissions reductions, minimizing the risk of greenwashing.
Create a National Registry: Establish a centralized registry to track carbon credits, ensuring proper accounting and reducing the risk of double-counting.
Third-Party Independent Audits: Involve independent auditors to verify projects’ additionality and permanence, ensuring credits are legitimate and impactful.
Adopt International Best Practices: IETA (e.g., International Emissions Trading Association) or Gold Standard to ensure high-quality carbon credits and attract international investment.
Align with Paris Agreement (Article 6): Ensure India’s carbon credit system is in line with Article 6.2 of the Paris Agreement, enabling participation in international carbon trading.
Avoid Double-Counting: Implement mechanisms to prevent double-counting of carbon credits, safeguarding the integrity of global emissions reduction efforts.
Centralized Project Disclosures: Create a platform to disclose comprehensive project details, including reduction techniques, benchmarks, and third-party verification reports, ensuring transparency.
Upholding Carbon Credit Integrity: Ensures that emissions reductions are genuine and additional to regular activity (i.e., additionality).
Monitor Real-Time Carbon Credit Transactions: Implement real-time tracking systems to ensure the accuracy and transparency of carbon credit exchanges and their environmental impacts.