Current Affairs – November 19, 2024

{GS2 – IR – Groupings} India’s Commitment to Strengthening Ties with the Global South

• Context (TH | IE): Modi’s recent visits to Nigeria, Brazil, and Guyana highlight India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Global South, emphasizing its leadership role in promoting South-South cooperation and addressing common challenges.

Significance of India-Africa Relations in Strengthening Global South Commitment

• India’s Engagement in the Global South
• Historical Solidarity: India’s support for African liberation movements and post-independence development has built a strong foundation of trust and collaboration within the Global South.
• Economic Growth and Investment: India’s $100 billion bilateral trade with Africa and $27 billion investment in Nigeria bolster the economic voice of the Global South, promoting mutual growth.
• Strategic and Security Partnerships: The India-Nigeria strategic partnership, focused on defence cooperation and tackling common security challenges, reinforces solidarity within the Global South.
• Advocacy for Global Representation: India advocates for stronger African representation in global governance, particularly through reforms in UN, IMF, and World Bank, ensuring the Global South’s influence.
• Development Cooperation: India’s contributions to African infrastructure, healthcare, and agriculture through initiatives like $10 billion in credit lines demonstrate its long-term commitment to sustainable development in the Global South.
• Inclusive Global Governance: India has been advocating for food security, energy, health, and a fairer global governance framework through platforms like the G-20 and UN reforms.

Ways in which India Can Lead in the Global South

• Expanding Engagement: Strengthening India’s leadership requires consistent follow-through on the “Voice of the Global South” (VoGS) conference, with increased participation & strategic management.
• Leveraging Diplomatic Platforms: India’s leadership in G-20 and its push for African inclusion strengthens the Global South’s collective voice in shaping global governance and policy decisions.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: India’s leadership in clean energy, climate-resilient agriculture, and technology transfer provides scalable solutions that benefit the Global South.
• Flexible Diplomatic Strategies: India should adopt adaptable diplomatic strategies to engage effectively with the Global South, focusing on both bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
• Revitalizing Key Forums: India must prioritize the overdue India-Africa Forum Summit to reinvigorate ties with African nations and solidify its leadership role in shaping the future of the Global South.
• Enhancing Global Governance Role: Increasing participation in VoGS and integrating it with the G20 process will enhance India’s leadership in global governance.

{GS2 – IR – India-Africa} India-Africa Relations: A Catalyst for Global Change

• Context (TH | IE): India’s relationship with Africa has evolved significantly, with substantial investments, trade and strategic cooperation shaping the future of both regions.

Present Status of India-Africa Relations

• Cultural and Social Ties: India and Africa share deep cultural connections, including a significant Indian diaspora in Africa and visible Indian influence in African traditions, languages, and societies.
• Economic Cooperation: India’s investments in Africa reached $98 billion in 2023, signaling growing confidence in Africa’s economic potential. Bilateral trade surged to $100 billion, covering agriculture, manufacturing, technology, and services.
• Scalable Solutions: India’s expertise in cost-effective solutions like solar energy, eco-friendly housing, and sustainable agriculture supports Africa’s poverty alleviation and long-term development goals.
• Development Cooperation: India has provided long-term technical assistance in sectors like education, healthcare and agriculture, contributing significantly to Africa’s growth since independence.
• Infrastructure Projects: India has actively invested in infrastructure, healthcare, education and renewable energy projects across Africa, promoting mutual growth and economic development.

Challenges to India-Africa Relations

• Debt Crisis in Africa: Rising debt levels in sub-Saharan Africa pose a threat to economic stability, with many nations facing high debt distress, impacting future investments and partnerships.
• Competition from China: China’s debt-trap diplomacy in Africa challenges India’s role as a transparent, mutually beneficial partner.

Way Forward to Strengthen India-Africa Relations

• Strengthening Economic Ties: Expanding trade and investment will foster closer ties and promote cooperation within the Global South.
• Debt Crisis Management: India can promote alternative financing models such as debt restructuring, to avoid long-term economic instability in Africa.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: Africa’s geopolitical landscape is evolving, requiring India to manage complex relationships with diverse African nations while balancing its global ambitions and regional influence.
• Addressing Climate Change: India should collaborate with African nations to promote sustainability and combat climate change for shared long-term benefits.
• Promoting Sustainable Development: Continued focus on clean technology climate-resilient agriculture, and infrastructure will ensure long-term economic and environmental sustainability.
• Fostering Strategic Alliances: Strengthening partnerships between Indian and African businesses will drive innovation, create jobs, and stimulate growth.
• Shared Development Goals: Strategic alliances should focus on technology transfer, capacity-building, and inclusive development to foster mutual prosperity.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health} Jeddah Commitments on AMR

• Context (DTE): The Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, with the adoption of the Jeddah Commitments (Non-legally binding instrument).

Key Initiatives in Jeddah Commitments

• New Hubs: Introduction of the AMR ‘One Health’ Learning Hub and a regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub in Saudi Arabia to improve access to essential antimicrobials and diagnostics.
• Independent Panel on AMR by 2025: Formation of an independent panel to avoid duplication of ongoing efforts in combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
• Biotech Bridge Initiative: Creation of a ‘biotech bridge’ to boost research, development, and innovation in addressing global AMR threats.
• National AMR Coordinating Mechanism: Implementation of mechanisms to ensure sustainable financing and monitoring of National Action Plans (NAPs) on AMR.
• WHO‘s Global Action Plan: Emphasise the WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) to tackle challenges such as limited diagnostic capacity, workforce shortages, and inadequate information systems.
• Support for Quadripartite Organisations (FAO, WHO, WOAH, UNEP): Collaborative efforts to achieve the 2030 goals of the UN General Assembly’s Political Declaration on AMR.

Initiatives to Combat AMR

Global Initiatives

• GLASS: WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System.
• ReAct: Action on Antibiotic Resistance.
• Global Action Plan: WHO’s strategy to combat antimicrobial resistance.

Indian Initiatives

• National Program on AMR Containment (12th FYP): Aimed at curbing AMR in India.
• Red Line Campaign: Educating the public on the responsible use of antibiotics.
• National AMR Surveillance Network : A network of state medical college labs for AMR surveillance.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Struggle to Eliminate Fossil Fuel Subsidies

• Context (TH): Despite the global consensus on addressing climate change, fossil fuel subsidies remain a significant challenge for governments, as they continue to make fossil fuels cheaper and encourage their use, undermining climate goals.

Global Scope of Fossil Fuel Subsidies

• OECD Estimates: Around US$1.5 trillion annually (2022).
• IMF Estimates: Around US$7 trillion annually, factoring in environmental costs.
• Global Variation: Iran, Libya, and Venezuela offer fuel at very low prices due to heavy subsidies, while Hong Kong and the Netherlands counteract subsidies with high taxes on fossil fuels.

Benefits of Eliminating Fossil Fuel Subsidies

• Environmental Impact: Phasing out subsidies can reduce fossil fuel consumption, thereby lowering greenhouse gas emissions and combating climate change.
• Market Efficiency: Allowing energy prices to reflect true costs could encourage the shift toward cleaner, more sustainable energy sources.
• Revenue Generation: Governments can redirect funds from subsidies into renewable energy projects and social welfare programs.

Global Initiatives to Address Fossil Fuel Subsidies

• G20 Commitment (2009): Leaders vowed to phase out inefficient subsidies to combat wasteful consumption and reduce carbon emissions.
• New Zealand formed Friends of Fossil Fuel Subsidy Reform (2010): Support the commitments of G7, G20, and APEC leaders to build political consensus around inefficient fossil fuel subsidy reduction.
• Despite Commitments: Global progress has been slow, with subsidies reaching record levels in recent years due to crises like the Russia-Ukraine war.

Reasons for Continued Subsidies

• Economic Impact: Fossil fuels affect nearly every sector of the economy, making price increases across industries inevitable and thus leading to widespread inflation and economic disruption.
• Political Considerations: Subsidies help maintain political support by keeping energy prices low, especially for low-income countries.
• Historical Roots: Some petroleum subsidies have existed since the Great Depression and many policies outlive their original purpose.

Challenges in Phasing Out Fossil Fuel Subsidies

• Public Opposition: Reducing subsidies often leads to higher energy costs, causing public unrest, particularly among low-income communities.
• Regressive Effects: Without careful design, subsidy removal can disproportionately affect low-income nations, increasing their energy expenditure.
• Economic Disruption: The immediate economic fallout from removing subsidies can be severe, affecting businesses and households alike.
• Social Unrest: Political pushback and protests are common, especially in energy-dependent economies.
• Short-Term Hardships: Consumers face higher energy bills, which could disproportionately impact the most vulnerable populations.
• Inflationary Pressure: Rising energy costs due to subsidy reductions have a ripple effect across goods and services, triggering inflation.

Way Forward to Phase Out Fossil Fuel Subsidies

• Design Subsidy Reform Carefully: Ensure that subsidy reductions are done in a way that protects vulnerable populations through targeted support.
• Smooth Sustainable Energy Transition: Gradual reforms to avoid sudden price shocks that may destabilize economies.
• Public Awareness: Increase public understanding of the long-term benefits of subsidy removal, such as cleaner energy and reduced climate risks.
• Diversify Energy Investments: Redirect subsidy funds into clean energy projects, creating alternative energy options and improving energy efficiency.
• International Cooperation: Countries need to collaborate on shared energy policies and reform strategies to ensure global efforts are aligned in tackling climate change.

{GS3 – Envi – RE} Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

• Context (IE | BBC ): At COP29, the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) gained momentum, with activists and countries urging regulation of fossil fuel production, inspired by the nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, to tackle climate change.

Need for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty

• Fossil Fuels as Climate Drivers: Major contributors to global emissions, rising 8% since the Paris Agreement (2015).
• Inadequate Action: Fossil fuels remain unregulated despite the Paris Agreement, with current policies risking a 3°C temperature rise by 2030.
• Rising Global Temperatures: 2024 has been the hottest year, highlighting the urgency for action.
• Inadequate Frameworks: The Paris Agreement lacks explicit measures on fossil fuel reduction, necessitating a focused treaty.

Core Features of the FF-NPT

• Non-Proliferation: Halting new exploration and production of coal, oil, and gas globally.
• Fair Phase-Out: Equitable reduction strategies for nations with historical responsibility for emissions.
• Just Transition: Ensure renewable energy adoption and economic diversification, leaving no worker or community behind.

Support So Far

• Global Endorsements: Backed by 13 Small Island Developing States, 70 sustainable banks and leaders like Ban Ki-Moon.
• Financial Institutional Backing: Supported by 25 sustainable banks under the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
• Regional Support: Colombia, a major coal exporter, endorsed the treaty in 2023.
• Momentum at COP29: 10 additional countries have joined discussions in 2024.

India’s Position

• Rising Emissions: India’s fossil fuel emissions are set to rise by 4.6% in 2024.
• Potential Benefits: From an equity and justice perspective, the treaty could help India achieve sustainable development goals while reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
• Engagement Gaps: India has yet to be extensively engaged in the FF-NPT initiative, with initial focus on smaller nations but holds potential for future inclusion.

Challenges and Limitations

• Financial Hurdles: Lack of climate finance hampers vulnerable nations’ ability to transition and protect against climate impacts.
• Global Resistance: Major fossil fuel-dependent economies like India and Indonesia hesitate to endorse, delaying treaty adoption.
• Policy Mismatches: Nations often approve new fossil fuel projects despite global commitments.
• Global Policy Gaps: Existing agreements (eg-Paris Accord) fail to address fossil fuel production directly.
• Implementation Difficulties: Enforcing legally binding measures poses practical challenges for nations.

Advantages of the FF-NPT

• Global Equity: Focuses on fair transitions, benefiting vulnerable nations with minimal emissions contributions.
• Financial Realignment: Encourage investments in sustainable diversification and renewables, backed by institutions like the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.
• Support for Green Jobs: Facilitates economic stability through renewable energy-driven job creation.
• Environmental Protection: Directly addresses the root cause of global warming—fossil fuel production.
• Health and Equity: Reduces air pollution and ensures climate justice by aiding vulnerable nations and communities.

Way Forward

• Global Cooperation: Foster collaboration among major fossil fuel producers, smaller nations, and international organizations to ensure collective action for renewable energy transitions and treaty adoption.
• Engage Major Emitters: Include large fossil fuel-dependent countries like India and Indonesia in FF-NPT discussions to enhance global representation and commitment.
• Enhanced Climate Finance: Developed nations must meet funding obligations, especially under the New Collective Quantified Goal post-2025, to support vulnerable economies in transitioning from fossil fuels and mitigating climate impacts.
• Policy Integration: Align FF-NPT goals with existing global frameworks like Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and Just Transition Work Programmes to create a unified approach to climate action.
• Public Awareness and Civil Society Engagement: Strengthen grassroots initiatives to build political pressure, mobilize support, and ensure equitable global energy transitions.

{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} ‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative

• Context (PIB): The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) introduced the ‘One Day One Genome‘ initiative to harness India’s microbial potential.

• Aim: To highlight the unique bacterial species found in India and emphasise their critical roles in the environment, agriculture, and human health.
• Coordinated by: BRIC-National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG), an institute of the Department of Biotechnology.

Key Features of the ‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative

• Daily Genome Sequencing: Conducting daily sequencing of bacterial genomes to reveal and harness the vast microbial potential within India.
• Freely Accessible Data: Offering annotated bacterial genome data that is freely accessible to the public.
• Comprehensive Information: Providing detailed graphical summaries, infographics, and genome assembly/annotation information for each genome sequenced.
• Research Support: Enhancing research in environmental management, agricultural development, and human health through comprehensive genome data.
• Public and Scientific Engagement: Encouraging public and scientific community engagement to foster innovation and benefit society.

Read More > Genome India Project.

{GS3 – S&T – Space} GSAT-N2 Satellite

• Context (TH): India’s first collaboration with SpaceX’s GSAT-N2 satellite, was launched into orbit.

About GSAT-N2 Satellite

• It is a Ka-band high-throughput communication satellite of NewSpace India Limited (NSIL), the commercial arm of the ISRO. It is the second demand-driven satellite of NSIL.
• It will enhance broadband services and in-flight connectivity across the Indian region. The satellite offers pan-India coverage, including Andaman and Nicobar and Lakshadweep islands.
• The satellite carries a Sun Sensor, Earth Sensor, Inertial Reference Unit (IRU), and Star Sensor. It has a mission life of 14 years.

About SpaceX Falcon 9

• It is a reusable rocket that can transport payloads and crews into Earth’s orbit and beyond.
• It is the world’s first orbital-class reusable rocket. Reusability allows SpaceX to refly the most expensive parts of the rocket, which lowers the cost of space access.
• The Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket:
  • First stage: Also known as the booster stage, this stage has nine Merlin engines of liquid oxygen. It can re-enter the atmosphere and land vertically after separating from the second stage.
  • Second stage: This stage has a single Merlin engine.
• Starlink and Crew Dragon are the notable missions of Falcon 9.

Read More > Indian Space Policy, 2023

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Cloud Computing – Types, Applications & Challenges

• Context (TH): RBI plans to launch a pilot programme in 2025 offering local cloud data storage to financial firms at affordable prices.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing distributes computer services such as servers, storage, databases, networking, software, analytics, and intelligence through the Internet (“the cloud”) to enable quicker innovation, more flexible resource allocation, and cost savings.
• It eliminates the need for individuals and businesses to self-manage physical resources themselves, and only pay for what they use.

Source: Spiceworks

Types of Cloud Computing

• Categories: Deployment Models and Cloud Computing Services.

Deployment Models

• Public Cloud: Services are delivered over the Internet and accessible to authorised users. The cloud provider manages all hardware and software components. Examples include Amazon Web Services (AWS) and Microsoft Azure.
• Private Cloud: Exclusively used by a single organisation and runs on a private network. Access is limited to internal users and can be on-premises or hosted by third-party providers. E.g, VMware Cloud.
• Hybrid Cloud: Combines elements of both public and private clouds, allowing for on-premises storage of sensitive data while utilising the public cloud for less sensitive information.
• Multi-Cloud: Involves using services from multiple cloud providers within one architecture, offering various features and functions from different vendors.

Cloud Computing Services

Applications of Cloud Computing

• Media Streaming: Platforms like Netflix and Spotify host streaming services for video and music.
• Virtual Meetings: Services like Microsoft Teams host virtual meetings and conferences.
• Secure Storage: Cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive offer secure and easily accessible data storage from anywhere.
• Telemedicine: Cloud-based apps, like Teladoc, facilitate remote medical consultations and services.
• Online Marketplaces: E-commerce platforms use cloud computing to host and manage online stores.
• Public Records Management: Secure cloud databases, such as those used by the National Archives and Records Administration (NARA) in the US, manage public records.
• Device Management: Platforms like IBM Watson, manage and analyse IoT device data and operations.

Cloud Computing in India

• Growth in SaaS: India is the second-largest SaaS market after the US. Indian SaaS companies are projected to grow 20-25% annually, aiming for $35 billion in ARR by 2027.
• Hybrid Cloud Adoption: Increasing adoption of hybrid cloud models, combining private and public clouds for flexibility and cost optimisation.
• Data Centers Expansion: Investment by Indian companies like Reliance Jio and Bharti Airtel in building large-scale data centres for cloud and edge computing services.
• Healthcare Transformation: Pivotal during the COVID-19 pandemic, enabling telemedicine services and remote diagnostics.
• E-commerce Scalability: Platforms like Flipkart and Amazon India use cloud services to handle traffic spikes during festive seasons and sales.

Cloud Computing in Indian Governance

• E-Gram Panchayat: The ePanchayat initiative enhances internal govt operations in village Panchayats.
• DigiLocker: Public cloud-based storage for digitally verified documents. Over 57.13 million users and 4.27 billion issued documents.
• National Highway Authority of India (NHAI): Fully digital with a cloud-based, AI-powered big analytics platform. Cloud-based data lake with GIS tagging for easy retrieval of project data.
• Indian Railways on Cloud: The largest rail network in Asia and the second-largest worldwide. Cloud technology is implemented to manage railway data and reduce revenue loss.
• Kisan Suvidha: Portal to provide farmers with instant, relevant information on weather, market prices, and agricultural practices.
• eHospital: Cloud-based healthcare project for streamlined healthcare management. Unique identification number for patients, enabling access to medical history.
• National Initiatives: Supports initiatives like Swachh Bharat Mission, e-Hospital, National Scholarship, My-Gov, and e-Transport.
• Government e-Marketplace (GeM): Multi-cloud architecture ensuring scalability. It serves over 50,000 buyer organisations and has over 19 lakh products and 80,000 services listed.
• S3WaaS: SaaS-based service empowering dist administrators to create & deploy scalable websites easily.

Challenges of Cloud Computing

• Security: Concerns about data breaches, API exploitation, credential theft, authentication issues, and unclear practices by cloud providers handling sensitive data.
• Cost Unpredictability: Pay-as-you-go models and resource scaling can lead to unpredictable expenses, with additional charges from using multiple cloud services.
• Lack of Capability and Expertise: Finding qualified professionals to manage cloud technologies is challenging, and organisations struggle to keep up with rapid technological advancements.
• IT Governance: Limited control over cloud infrastructure complicates IT governance, risk management, compliance, and maintaining data quality.
• Compliance: Ensuring regulatory adherence when using third-party cloud storage is difficult, with the actual location of data playing a crucial role in compliance.
• Management of Multiple Clouds: Handling various cloud environments divides focus and resources, complicating overall management due to the distinct characteristics of each cloud.
• Building a Private Cloud: Developing and managing private or hybrid clouds is complex & demanding.
• Cloud Migration: Transferring data or applications to the cloud poses technical challenges and expenses, especially for large datasets.

{GS3 – S&T – Tech} Instrument Landing System (ILS)

• Context (IE): Dense smog disrupted flight operations at several airports in India due to poor visibility, highlighting gaps in pilot training for Category III Instrument Landing Systems (ILS).

Understanding CAT I/II/III Approaches in Aviation

• It represents different levels of precision instrument approaches based on visibility & decision height.
• CAT I: The basic form of ILS, requiring a decision height of at least 200 feet and a runway visual range of 550 meters or more.
• CAT II and CAT III: These offer lower minimums for visibility and decision height, with CAT III allowing for almost zero visibility landings in some cases.

About Instrument Landing System (ILS)

• Purpose of ILS: The ILS is a specific ground-based radio navigation system that provides pilots with accurate information about their aircraft’s glide path and alignment with the runway.
• Azimuth Guidance: ILS provides horizontal guidance (azimuth) to pilots. Azimuth refers to the horizontal angle between a reference direction (the runway) and a line to the aircraft.
• Vertical Descent Profile: ILS also provides the correct vertical descent profile, informing pilots whether the aircraft is too high or too low relative to the runway.

Components of the ILS

• Localiser (LOC): The LOC antennae, typically located at the far end of the runway, transmit two narrow intersecting beams that guide the aircraft horizontally to the runway centerline.
• Glideslope (GS): The GS antennae, usually located along the middle of the runway, transmit intersecting beams that provide the optimum vertical descent position.

Source: ScienceDirect

Categories of ILS

• Decision Height (DH) and Runway Visual Range (RVR): ILS approaches are categorised based on DH and RVR. DH is the lowest altitude a pilot can rely solely on ILS. The landing must be aborted if RVR is below a threshold at DH.
• CAT IIIB Operations: Currently, six Indian airports (Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Amritsar, Bengaluru, and Kolkata) are equipped to handle CAT IIIB operations.
• Global Standards: Unlike India, some international airports like New York’s John F. Kennedy Airport support CAT IIIC landings, which allow landings in zero visibility conditions.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} Eurasian Wryneck (Jynx torquilla)

• Context (TH): Eurasian Wryneck spotted at Nanjarayan Tank, a Ramsar site in Tamil Nadu.

Source: Birds of the world

• Eurasian Wryneck, also known as the northern wryneck (Jynx torquilla), belongs to the woodpecker family. These birds inhabit open countryside, woodland, and orchards.
• They primarily breed in temperate regions of Europe and Asia. Most populations are migratory, wintering in tropical Africa and southern Asia, from Iran to the Indian subcontinent.
• They have shorter and less dagger-like bills than those of other woodpeckers. It can turn their heads nearly 180 degrees, which is the origin of their English name.
• Their primary prey consists of ants and other insects found in decaying wood or on the ground.
• When disturbed at the nest, they exhibit a snake-like head twisting and hissing as a threat display. This unusual behaviour historically associated them with witchcraft, giving rise to the term “jinx.”
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.

{Prelims – Envi – Species} New Genus fish -‘Koima’

• Context (DTE): Scientists have recently described a new genus of freshwater fish, ‘Koima’, from India’s Western Ghats’ Cauvery basin.

Source: DTE

• Reclassification of Species: The fish species Mesonoemacheilus remadevii and Nemacheilus monilis have been reclassified under the new genus, now named Koima remadevii and Koima monilis.
• Characteristics: Small, bottom-dwelling freshwater fish utilised for dietary & ornamental purposes.
• Unique Feature: Its unique colour pattern distinguishes it, comprising a yellowish-brown ground colour and a single row of black spots along the lateral line.