Tag: international relations upsc current affairs

1. Sulphur-Cleaning Device in Coal Plants Not Necessary Why in News? A government-appointed panel headed by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) has suggested that Flue Gas Desulphurization (FGD) systems may not be needed in all coal-fired thermal power plants (TPPs). This comes despite a 2015 MoEFCC mandate requiring these devices to curb sulphur dioxide (SO₂)emissions. Key Points: • FGD Role: FGD systems reduce SO₂ emissions from flue gases in coal plants. • Current Situation: 92% of India’s 600 coal-based plants still don’t have FGDs. • Panel’s Justification: SO₂ levels in most Indian cities are within the permissible National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS). • Study Support: The recommendation is based on studies by NEERI, IITM, and IIT Delhi, which show SO₂ levels are within limits in 10–20 major cities. • Cost Factor: Installing FGDs increases capital costs and may lead to higher electricity tariffs. • Environmental Concern: Critics argue that SO₂, a contributor to acid rain and respiratory issues, can still pose a risk, especially in industrial zones. Timeline: • 2015: MoEFCC mandates emission norms including FGD installation in TPPs. • 2024: PSA-led expert panel recommends selective (not universal) implementation. Recent Developments & Improvements: • Expert committee reassesses the need for FGDs. • Data-driven evaluation of air quality trends used for policy suggestions. • Increased debate on balancing environmental goals with economic feasibility. UPSC Quick Facts: • FGD (Flue Gas Desulphurization): Captures SO₂ from exhaust gas in coal plants. • SO₂ Effects: Causes acid rain, PM2.5 formation, and respiratory issues. • Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981: Legal basis for air quality regulation. • NAAQS: Set by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) under the Air Act. • Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA): Advises the PM on scientific and technology policy. 2. Election Commission Launches Real-Time Voter Turnout System Why in News? The Election Commission of India (ECI) has launched a tech-driven system that allows real-time updates on voter turnout during elections. This step is aimed at improving transparency and addressing concerns about inconsistencies in earlier turnout figures. Key Points: • New System: Polling officers now upload voter turnout data every 2 hours using a mobile app or messaging services. • Manual Input: No sensor or automatic tools; officers input data via smartphone, SMS, or web interface. • Transparency Goal: Designed to ensure trust and reduce misinformation related to polling data. • Old System Flaws: Previous system relied on delayed, manual compilation—often leading to disputed figures. • Remote Area Support: The system includes offline and syncing capabilities for use in low-connectivity zones. Timeline: • May 2024: System used in Lok Sabha elections. • June 2025: Becomes part of ECINET – ECI’s internal digital network. Recent Developments & Improvements: • App-based digital reporting improves timeliness. • Reduces gap between preliminary and final turnout data. • Addresses allegations of turnout data mismatch raised by opposition parties. UPSC Quick Facts: • Article 324: Empowers ECI to supervise elections in India. • Election Commission of India: A constitutional body under Part XV of the Constitution. • ECINET: ECI’s secure internal data and communication network. • Voter Turnout: A critical indicator of democratic participation. • Use of Technology in Elections: Builds credibility, enhances transparency (e.g., EVMs, VVPAT, cVIGIL app). Bacteria Found at Rajgir Hot Spring Lake Shows Antimicrobial Activity Why in News? Scientists from Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Tamil Nadu, have discovered new antimicrobial compounds from thermophilic bacteria found in the Rajgir hot springs, Nalanda district, Bihar. The discovery is significant in the fight against Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR)—a growing global health concern. Key Points: • Discovery: Researchers isolated Actinobacteria (especially Thermus aquaticus) from Rajgir’s hot springs, identifying Diethyl phthalate as a compound with strong antimicrobial properties. • Hot Spring Ecosystem: Rajgir hot springs range from 25°C to 80°C. These extreme environments host thermophiles, or “heat-loving” bacteria, known for their unique biochemical traits. • Antimicrobial Testing: The extracted compound showed antimicrobial activity against major pathogens like: • E. coli, S. aureus, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Listeria monocytogenes. • Techniques Used: • DNA extraction • 16S rRNA gene sequencing • Culturing and bioactivity testing of isolated strains • Therapeutic Potential: The isolated compound may be used in future antibiotic development and even has shown preliminary relevance against COVID-19-related microbes. Timeline: • 2024–25: VIT conducted the research and shared findings recently. • Traditional Belief: Rajgir hot springs have been known for healing properties in Ayurveda for centuries. Recent Developments & Improvements: • Advanced Genomic Techniques: Use of molecular sequencing and bioinformatics for compound discovery. • Bioprospecting in Extreme Environments: Renewed scientific interest in unconventional ecosystems like hot springs for drug discovery. • Focus on AMR: As AMR becomes a global threat, natural sources are being re-examined for potential new antimicrobials. UPSC Quick Facts: • Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): • Listed by WHO as one of the top 10 global health threats. • Causes ~5 million deaths globally per year (WHO 2023 data). • India has a National Action Plan on AMR (2017–2021), under revision for next phase. • Rajgir Hot Springs: • Located in Nalanda district, Bihar. • Famous for religious and therapeutic significance. • Contains a mix of sulfur, fluoride, and other minerals—suitable for thermophilic microbes. • Thermus aquaticus: • A thermophilic bacterium from which Taq Polymerase (used in PCR) was originally isolated. • Known for heat-resistant enzymes used in biotech and medicine. • Actinobacteria: • Found in soil, water, and extreme habitats. • Source of over 60% of naturally derived antibiotics (e.g., streptomycin, tetracycline). • Bioprospecting: • The exploration of biodiversity for commercially valuable genetic and biochemical resources. • A key tool in drug discovery, enzyme production, and biotechnology. • Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT): • A leading private institute in India, known for innovative research in biotech and environmental sciences. A Ban, a Split Verdict, and a Health Concern Why in News? India imposed a ban on crude palm oil imports from Malaysia due to diplomatic tensions, raising concerns about adulteration in mustard oil with palm oil containing erucic acid, a potential health hazard. The “split verdict” points to differing views on palm oil blending and safety. Key Points: • Geopolitical Trigger: India’s import ban followed Malaysia’s comments on Kashmir and CAA, showing how trade policy can react to foreign diplomacy. • Adulteration Issues: • Blending of mustard oil with palm oil is being done for economic reasons. • Palm oil (especially unrefined) can contain erucic acid, which in high amounts may harm heart health. • Sold as “blended mustard oil,” it raises food safety concerns. • Health Risk - Erucic Acid: • A monounsaturated fatty acid linked to myocardial lipidosis in animal studies. • Human health impact is still uncertain; hence, precautionary principle is applied. • Policy Challenge: • The central government allowed oil blending on July 25, 2024, which is now being reconsidered. • Enforcement of FSSAI norms and preventing mislabeling/adulteration remain key concerns. • Economic Shift: • India reduced imports from Malaysia and pivoted to Indonesia, impacting the global palm oil market. Timeline: • July 2024: GOI permitted oil blending. • Late 2024 to Early 2025: Rising concerns and policy scrutiny over palm oil safety and trade ties. Recent Developments: • FSSAI and state bodies increasing inspections and testing. • Public health and consumer groups demanding clearer labeling on edible oils. • Heightened diplomatic awareness of trade retaliation. UPSC Quick Facts: • Palm Oil: India imports ~9 million tonnes annually, mostly from Southeast Asia. • Erucic Acid: EU limit – 5%; India’s permissible levels vary. • FSSAI: Statutory body under Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, established under FSS Act, 2006. • Geopolitics of Trade: Diplomacy-driven trade decisions (e.g., India-Malaysia palm oil, US-China tariffs). • Precautionary Principle: Act to prevent risk even if scientific evidence is incomplete. 5. Why International Students Matter to the U.S. Why in News? The article highlights how international students, especially from India and China, bolster the U.S. economy, research ecosystem, and soft power, even as restrictive immigration policies threaten to reduce their numbers. Key Points: • Economic Contribution: • International students contribute ~$41 billion annually. • They support over 4.5 lakh jobs across the education, housing, and retail sectors. • Academic & R&D Value: • Many students pursue STEM fields and participate in university-led research. • A large portion of tech startups and innovations in the U.S. have international student founders. • Soft Power & Diplomacy: • Foreign students become cultural ambassadors. • Long-term goodwill influences bilateral relations and enhances U.S. soft power. • OPT & Employment: • Optional Practical Training (OPT) allows students to gain work experience after graduation. • Especially relevant in STEM, where an extension is granted. • Challenges: • Visa delays, rhetoric, and policies have led to a decline in enrollment in recent years. • Concerns over national security and economic protectionism are deterring talent. Timeline: • 2018–2021: Decline in new student enrollment due to visa restrictions and COVID-19. • 2023–2024: Modest recovery in international admissions, driven by global demand. Recent Developments: • Policy debates on balancing national security vs. openness. • Academic institutions lobbying for easier visa access. • Increased global competition from Canada, UK, Australia in attracting talent. UPSC Quick Facts: • STEM: Key area of study and innovation; high employability. • Soft Power: Coined by Joseph Nye; U.S. education is a major soft power tool. • OPT: F-1 visa holders can work 12 months; STEM OPT offers a 24-month extension. • Brain Gain: For host countries like the U.S., it refers to acquiring skilled foreign talent. • Immigration Policy: Affects everything from innovation pipelines to diplomatic ties. Act North: India’s Renewed Focus on the North-East About The “Act North” initiative represents India’s strategic pivot towards the North-Eastern Region (NER), aiming at deeper political integration, robust infrastructure development, and enhanced cultural assimilation. It goes beyond the earlier “Look East” and “Act East” policies by focusing inward to bridge the developmental divide between the North-East and the rest of India. Key Points • Strategic Shift: The term “Act North” signals India’s internal policy reorientation toward the North-East, emphasizing national integration and inclusive growth. • Political Outreach: The BJP has made strong inroads, with active ground-level engagement and repeated visits by ministers and senior leaders. • Infrastructure Development: Investments in roads, railways, and air connectivity have surged, aiming to connect remote areas with mainstream markets. • Cultural Integration: Promotion of indigenous cultures within the Indian identity framework helps foster belonging and reduce alienation. • Resource Allocation: Greater central budgetary allocations and project prioritization for the region. • Challenges: Persisting issues like inter-state border disputes, migration-linked demographic anxieties, and insurgency hotspots. Timeline • Post-2014: Policy gains traction following a change in central government. • 2020s: Continued infrastructure and administrative outreach. Recent Developments • Union Ministers frequently visiting NE states. • High-priority projects like the Trans-Arunachal Highway and Bogibeel Bridge completed or underway. • Border dispute resolutions initiated between Assam and Mizoram. Quick Facts • NER States: Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Tripura. • Sixth Schedule: Grants autonomy to tribal areas in select NE states. • Act East Policy: Focuses on external relations with Southeast Asia, while “Act North” focuses on internal development. • Insurgency Mitigation: Peace accords like the Bodo and NLFT accords have been signed. India’s Energy Vision: Strategy for Independence by 2047 About India’s energy roadmap is designed to achieve energy independence by 2047, the centenary of its independence. The strategy includes diversification, self-reliance in hydrocarbons, renewable energy expansion, and efficiency improvements. Key Points • Vision 2047: Aims for full energy autonomy, reducing import dependency. • Four Pillars: • Diversification: Reduce fossil fuel dominance, increase renewables and gas share. • Domestic Production: Revamp exploration and simplify business norms in oil & gas. • Alternate Fuels: Expand use of biofuels, green hydrogen, solar, and wind. • Efficiency & Conservation: Promote efficient appliances, energy audits, and behavioral change. • Strategic Moves: • Natural gas share to reach 15% of energy mix by 2030. • E20 ethanol blending by 2025. • National Green Hydrogen Mission. • Boost in solar and wind capacities. Timeline • 2025: E20 ethanol blending goal. • 2030: Gas share to rise to 15%. • 2047: Target year for complete energy independence. Recent Developments • Launch of Green Hydrogen Mission. • Record-breaking renewable energy installations. • Expansion of city gas distribution networks and LNG terminals. Quick Facts • Energy Security: Affordable and uninterrupted energy access. • ISA (International Solar Alliance): Led by India to promote solar globally. • Ethanol Blending: Environmentally friendly fuel mix (E20 = 20% ethanol). • Strategic Reserves: India maintains crude oil stockpiles for emergencies. • Green Hydrogen: Zero-emission fuel created using renewables. 8. India-Australia Defence Ties: Independent & Strategic About India and Australia are deepening their bilateral defence cooperation, signaling a maturing relationship that is no longer solely shaped by U.S. interests but grounded in shared values, regional concerns, and strategic autonomy. Key Points • Strategic Convergence: Both nations seek a stable Indo-Pacific and counterbalance assertive regional powers like China. • Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (CSP): Covers defence, trade, minerals, and more. • Key Defence Cooperation Areas: • Joint Military Exercises: E.g., AUSINDEX, Malabar (Quad). • Logistics Support: Agreement to access each other’s military facilities. • Information Sharing: Maritime surveillance and intelligence cooperation. • Tech & R&D: Push for joint defence production and innovation. • Beyond the Quad: Bilateral relations are increasingly robust and self-sustained. • Economic Dimension: Collaboration in rare earths and critical mineral supply chains. Timeline • 2020: Relationship elevated to CSP. • 2022–2024: Surge in bilateral exercises and strategic dialogues. Recent Developments • Signing of Mutual Logistics Support Agreement (MLSA). • Focus on co-development in defence manufacturing. • Dialogue on cybersecurity and AI in defence tech. Quick Facts • Quad: India, USA, Japan, and Australia – a strategic forum for Indo-Pacific stability. • CSP: High-level partnership across political, economic, and strategic sectors. • Critical Minerals: Essential for electronics, EVs, and defence industries. • AUSINDEX: Bilateral naval exercise between India and Australia. • Indo-Pacific: Key maritime zone of strategic competition and cooperation. 9. Ladakh Gets New Policies on Quota and Domicile Status About: Following years of local demands for safeguarding Ladakh’s unique identity post its 2019 reorganisation as a Union Territory (UT), the Government of India has notified new reservation and domicile policies. These aim to ensure local representation in jobs and governance, while continuing discussions on broader constitutional safeguards. Key Points: • Union Territory Status (2019): Ladakh became a separate UT after bifurcation from Jammu and Kashmir under the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019. • New Domicile Rules: • A person must reside in Ladakh for 15 continuous years to qualify for domicile status. • This includes children of Central government employees posted in Ladakh since October 31, 2019. • Job Reservation Policy: • 80% of government jobs reserved for Ladakh domiciles. • This ensures job security for locals, preserving cultural and demographic identity. • Hill Council Reforms: • 33% reservation for women in Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Councils (LAHDC). • Encourages gender inclusivity in local governance. • Language Policy: • Five official languages: English, Hindi, Urdu, Bhoti, and Purgi—reflecting Ladakh’s linguistic diversity. • Local Concerns and Protests: • Civil society and youth groups demand statehood and Sixth Schedule protection. • Fears include unchecked land acquisition, job loss, and cultural dilution. • Reservation Cap and Legal Framework: • New policies amend the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation Act, 2004, capping total reservations at 50%, not including EWS quota. • Comparative Insight: • Similar quotas exist in other tribal-dominated states/UTs like: • Arunachal Pradesh: ~80% reservation. • Meghalaya: ~85% ST reservation. Timeline: Date Event 2019 Ladakh designated as a Union Territory. Jan 3, 2023 Central Committee formed to examine Ladakh’s constitutional demands. Oct 21, 2023 Centre resumes dialogue; hunger strikes are suspended. Dec 3, 2023 Talks held with Kargil and Leh leaders. Jan 15, 2025 Delhi meeting with stakeholders on policy progress. Mar 4, 2024 Talks collapse between govt. and Ladakhi groups. May 27, 2025 Govt. notifies new domicile and reservation policy. Nov 30, 2025 Activist Sonam Wangchuk begins fast demanding Sixth Schedule inclusion. Recent Developments/Improvements: • New policies have been officially notified for domicile status and government job reservation. • Continued central-local government engagement to address demands for autonomy and tribal protections. • Inclusion of gender representation in local councils (LAHDCs). • Civil society movements—especially led by Sonam Wangchuk—continue to shape the policy discourse. UPSC Quick Facts: Term Details Union Territory (UT) Centrally governed territory with limited legislative powers. Domicile Law Determines local residency status for job and educational benefits. Reservation Policy Quotas for various communities to ensure equitable representation. Sixth Schedule Constitutional provision (Article 244) for tribal autonomy in select states. LAHDC Local bodies in Leh and Kargil managing regional affairs with autonomy. Sonam Wangchuk Ladakhi innovator and activist advocating for Sixth Schedule protection.

Tag: international relations upsc current affairs

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