27-May-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

THE SPECTRE OF NUCLEAR CONFLICT, ONCE AGAIN 

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

In the aftermath of major wars and conflicts, it is common to question whether ruling elites had the foresight and preparedness to prevent these crises.  

As some nations today engage in sabre-rattling and threaten the use of nuclear weapons, these questions become increasingly pertinent.  

Leaders’ rhetoric and statements often contain hidden meanings that need careful analysis to understand the true nature of global threats. This scrutiny is essential for timely and effective international responses to prevent potential catastrophic outcomes. 

Aftermath of Major Conflicts 

• Historical Oversight: Post-conflict analysis often questions whether leaders failed to foresee and prepare for conflicts. 
• Current Concerns: Today, threats of war and nuclear weapons necessitate scrutiny of global rhetoric and hidden meanings in leaders’ statements. 

Statements by Leaders 

• Emmanuel Macron: French President warns of nuclear annihilation, highlighting the Ukraine war and Russian threats as significant risks to European security. 
• Vladimir Putin: Russian President asserts nuclear readiness and revokes ratification of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), claiming a need to balance power with the U.S. 

U.S.-India Nuclear Deal 

• Historical Context: The 2005-08 deal marked a significant shift, overcoming India’s non-participation in the NPT and CTBT. 
• Deal Provisions: India separated its nuclear program into civilian and military sectors, agreed to export controls, and a moratorium on testing, while the U.S. amended laws and facilitated India’s integration into the global nuclear regime. 

Impact and Insights 

• Enhanced Relations: The deal fostered closer India-U.S. ties, advancing technology, economic, and defence cooperation. 
• Key Takeaway: Overcoming psychological barriers and disbelief between nations can lead to significant diplomatic and strategic advancements. 

Main Points: 

• Ended a 3-decade pause on US nuclear trade with India. 

• Allowed India access to civilian nuclear technology and fuel. 
• Required India to separate its civilian and military nuclear programs and place civilian facilities under International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) safeguards. 

Impacts: 

• Increased India’s capacity for clean energy production. 
• Strengthened US-India relations. 
• Paved the way for India’s membership in export control groups. 

India’s Nuclear Policy 

India’s nuclear policy is centred around deterrence and disarmament. Here are some key aspects: 

• No First Use (NFU): India commits to not using nuclear weapons first in a conflict, even against another nuclear state. 
• Credible Minimum Deterrence: India aims to maintain a minimum number of nuclear weapons to deter a potential attack. 
• Civilian Control: India’s nuclear arsenal is under strict civilian control through the Nuclear Command Authority (NCA). 
• Non-use against Non-Nuclear States: India pledges not to use nuclear weapons against countries that don’t possess them. However, it reserves the option to retaliate with nuclear weapons if attacked with biological or chemical weapons. 
• Disarmament Commitment: India advocates for global, verifiable, and non-discriminatory nuclear disarmament. 

Additional Points: 

• India has not signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) as it views the treaty as discriminatory. 
• India has conducted several nuclear tests, with the last one being in 1998. 
• The policy is debated, with some arguing for a more robust deterrent and others for a stronger commitment to disarmament. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Consider the following statements about the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT):

1. Only non-nuclear weapon states are required to forego development of nuclear weapons under the NPT. 

1. Both NPT and CTBT have entered into force. 

1. India has signed and ratified both NPT and CTBT. 

Which of the following statements is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. None of these 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION 

NPT categorizes countries as Nuclear Weapon States (NWS) and Non-Nuclear Weapon States (NNWS). NNWS are prohibited from developing nuclear weapons, while NWS have certain restrictions on proliferation but are not banned from developing them further. 

CTBT has not yet entered into force because some key countries, including India, have not ratified it. NPT, on the other hand, has been in effect since 1970. 

India has not signed or ratified CTBT, citing security concerns. India is a signatory to NPT but not a party to the treaty due to its discriminatory nature. 

A DOOR TO A HOUSING SCHEME, TRIBALS FIND HARD TO OPEN 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

India is home to numerous Adivasi groups, including 75 particularly vulnerable tribal groups (pvtgs), who live in remote and economically backward regions.  

Despite efforts, significant challenges in registration and implementation hinder the scheme’s effectiveness, underscoring the need for streamlined processes and better community engagement. 

Background on PVTGs 

• Adivasi Groups: India has many Adivasi groups, with 75 classified as Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs). 
• Population and Living Conditions: Around 14.6 lakh PVTG households live in remote, economically backward areas with low literacy rates. 
• Specific Regions: Specify the states and regions with the highest concentration of PVTGs (Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, etc.)  

• Ecological Adaptations: Briefly touch on how PVTGs have adapted their lifestyles to diverse ecological settings like forests, mountains, and deserts.  

Government Initiatives 

• Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission: Launched in 2023-24 to improve socio-economic conditions of PVTGs. 
• PM JANMAN: Launched in November 2023 with a budget of ₹24,000 crore to provide essential services like housing, water, and sanitation to PVTGs. 

Housing Scheme Challenges 

• Registration Issues: PVTGs and officials face challenges with the mobile app used for registering households under the PM JANMAN Housing scheme. 
• Jobcard Requirement: Having a jobcard is mandatory, but many PVTGs have been deleted from the MGNREGA jobcard list, making them ineligible. 

Data Mismatch Problems 

• Village List Discrepancies: Mismatch between villages listed in the app and MGNREGA system causes confusion. 
• Aadhaar and Non-PVTG Registrations: App issues with Aadhaar name requirements and non-PVTG registrations prompt need for local certification. 

Mobile App Issues 

• Complex Bank Selection: App has a cumbersome bank selection process, missing important options like India Post Payments Bank (IPPB). 
• Geo-Tagging Problems: Network issues cause difficulties with the geo-tagging feature. 

Recommendations 

• Streamlining Registration: Simplify the app and update it to include IPPB. 
• Reinstating Jobcards: Reinstate deleted jobcards to increase eligibility. 
• Community Engagement: Involve gram sabhas to improve scheme effectiveness. 

Cultural Significance: 

• Unique Heritage: Highlight the rich cultural heritage of PVTGs, including traditional languages, art forms, knowledge systems like ethnomedicine, and spiritual beliefs. 
• Threats to Culture: Mention the challenges PVTG cultures face due to modernization, displacement, and lack of documentation. 

Livelihood Challenges: 

• Traditional Practices: Explain how PVTGs traditionally depend on hunting-gathering, shifting cultivation, or pastoralism, and how these practices are affected by modern restrictions or environmental changes [2]. 
• Exploitation and Vulnerability: Highlight the vulnerability of PVTGs to exploitation by middlemen in the sale of minor forest produce or displacement due to development projects [2]. 

Looking Ahead: 

• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): Briefly connect PVTG development to the UN SDGs, highlighting the importance of goals like poverty reduction, quality education, and environmental sustainability for their well-being. 
• Role of NGOs: Acknowledge the role of Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) in working alongside PVTGs and advocating for their rights. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Consider the following statements about Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in India:

1. They are identified solely on the basis of their low population size. 

1. They primarily reside in the forest areas of Central India. 

1. The Pradhan Mantri PVTG Development Mission focuses on improving their access to basic amenities and livelihood opportunities. 

1. Their traditional knowledge systems are being increasingly integrated with wildlife conservation efforts. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 3 and 4 only 

1. 1, 3, and 4 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION 

PVTG identification considers factors like low population growth, remoteness, pre-agricultural practices, and extremely low literacy rates, not just population size. 

While some PVTGs reside in Central India, they are spread across 18 states and one Union Territory. 

The PM PVTG Development Mission aims to improve socio-economic conditions through better access to essential services and livelihood opportunities. 

Traditional PVTG knowledge about medicinal plants and sustainable resource management is valuable for conservation efforts. 

INDIA RECORDS TRADE DEFICIT WITH 9 OF TOP 10 TRADING PARTNERS IN 2023-24 

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

In the fiscal year 2023-24, India experienced a trade deficit with nine of its top ten trading partners, including significant economies such as China, Russia, Singapore, and Korea. Official data indicates that while the trade gap with some countries widened, others saw a narrowing of this deficit. 

 Notably, China surpassed the U.S. as India’s largest trading partner, reflecting significant shifts in trade dynamics. Despite these deficits, India maintains trade surpluses with several nations, including the U.S. 

India’s Trade Deficit in 2023-24 

• Top Trading Partners: India recorded a trade deficit with nine of its top 10 trading partners, including China, Russia, Singapore, and Korea. 
• Deficit Increase: The trade deficit with China, Russia, Korea, and Hong Kong increased in 2023-24 compared to 2022-23. 

Specific Trade Deficit Figures 

• China: Trade deficit rose to $85 billion from $83.2 billion. 
• Russia: Trade deficit increased to $57.2 billion from $43 billion. 
• Korea: Trade deficit grew to $14.71 billion from $14.57 billion. 
• Hong Kong: Trade deficit expanded to $12.2 billion from $8.38 billion. 

Bilateral Trade and Surpluses 

• Largest Trading Partner: China became India’s largest trading partner with $118.4 billion in two-way commerce. 
• U.S. Trade: Bilateral trade with the U.S. was $118.28 billion. India has a trade surplus of $36.74 billion with the U.S. 
• Trade Surpluses: India also has trade surpluses with the U.K., Belgium, Italy, France, and Bangladesh. 
• Narrowed Deficit: India’s total trade deficit narrowed to $238.3 billion in 2023-24 from $264.9 billion in the previous fiscal year. 

Trade Agreements 

• Free Trade Agreements: India has free trade agreements with Singapore, the UAE, Korea, and Indonesia. 

Economic Implications 

• Currency Depreciation: A rising trade deficit can lead to currency depreciation as more foreign currency is needed for imports, making imports more expensive. 
• Expert Opinion: Economic think tank expert Ajay Srivastava notes that while a deficit is not always negative, especially if importing raw materials, it can pressure the domestic currency. 

What is a Trade Deficit? 

A trade deficit occurs when a country’s imports exceed its exports during a specific period 

Trade Deficit=Total Imports−Total Exports 

• For instance, if India imports goods worth $500 billion but only exports goods worth $300 billion, it has a trade deficit of $200 billion. 

How a Trade Deficit Can Lead to Currency Depreciation 

A trade deficit can impact a country’s currency value in the following ways: 

Increased Demand for Foreign Currency: 

• Import Payments: When a country imports more goods and services than it exports, it needs to pay for these imports using foreign currencies. 
• Currency Conversion: To pay for imports, domestic currency must be exchanged for foreign currencies, increasing the demand for the latter. 

Supply and Demand Dynamics: 

• Higher Demand for Foreign Currency: With increased imports, the demand for foreign currency rises. 
• Increased Supply of Domestic Currency: More of the domestic currency is exchanged in the international market. 

Depreciation Mechanism: 

• Value Reduction: As the supply of the domestic currency increases relative to the demand, its value decreases. 
• Exchange Rate Impact: A lower value of the domestic currency means it takes more units of it to buy a unit of a foreign currency, leading to depreciation. 

Consequences of Currency Depreciation 

More Expensive Imports: 

• Cost Increase: As the domestic currency depreciates, the cost of imports rises because more of the weaker currency is required to purchase the same amount of foreign goods. 
• Inflation: Increased import costs can lead to higher prices for goods and services, contributing to inflation. 

Trade Balance Effects: 

• Potential Trade Balance Improvement: A weaker domestic currency can make exports cheaper and more competitive internationally, potentially reducing the trade deficit over time. 
• Short-term Challenges: Initially, however, the country may struggle with higher costs for essential imports, especially if it relies heavily on foreign goods and services. 

Example of Trade Deficit and Depreciation 

• If India has a significant trade deficit with China, it needs more Chinese yuan to pay for its imports.  
• As India buys more yuan and sells more rupees, the value of the rupee decreases relative to the yuan.  
• This depreciation means Indian importers will have to spend more rupees to buy the same amount of Chinese goods, making imports more expensive and potentially worsening the trade deficit initially. 

Multiple Choice Question: 

1. Which of the following statements regarding trade deficit and balance of payments is correct?

1. A trade deficit occurs when a country’s exports exceed its imports over a specific period. 

1. The balance of payments includes only the current account, excluding the capital and financial accounts. 

1. Trade surplus is a potential consequence of a Currency depreciation 

1. A favourable balance of payments indicates that a country is importing more than it is exporting. 

ANSWER – C 

EXPLANATION: 

Currency depreciation is a potential consequence of a trade deficit, not a trade surplus. When a country imports more than it exports, it typically requires more foreign currency to finance those imports, leading to an increased demand for foreign currency and a decreased demand for the domestic currency. This can result in the depreciation of the domestic currency relative to foreign currencies.  

POKHRAN-II TESTING, KARGIL WAR, & 2002 GUJARAT RIOTS: HOW INDIA FLARED UNDER THE VAJPAYEE GOVT 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The BJP, led by Vajpayee, formed the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government in 1998. This coalition included 19 parties (e.g., TDP led by N. Chandrababu Naidu). 

To maintain the NDA’s stability, the BJP temporarily shelved its core agenda on the Ram temple, Article 370, and a Uniform Civil Code. 

• This strategic move helped them stay in power but caused friction within the BJP’s ideological base. 

Nuclear Power and a Peace Initiative (1998-1999) 

• In May 1998, India conducted five nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, sparking international condemnation but solidifying India’s status as a nuclear power. 
• Despite the tensions, Vajpayee initiated a peace process with Pakistan. This culminated in the historic Lahore Declaration in February 1999, where both nations pledged improved relations. 

War Clouds and a Hard-Earned Victory (1999) 

• Just months after the Lahore Declaration, Pakistan’s military incursion in Kargil, Kashmir, led to a full-blown war in May 1999. The conflict lasted for over two months, with over 500 Indian soldiers losing their lives. 
• India ultimately achieved victory in Kargil, but the war overshadowed the peace efforts and highlighted the fragility of India-Pakistan relations. 

Electoral Wins and Internal Strife (1999-2002) 

• The NDA, riding a wave of patriotism after the Kargil War, won the 1999 elections, albeit with a narrow majority (182 seats). 
• Despite the win, the NDA faced internal conflicts, with regional parties like AIADMK led by J. Jayalalithaa withdrawing support in 1999, leading to a brief period of minority government. 
• The BJP itself grappled with internal power struggles, with leaders like Kalyan Singh challenging Vajpayee’s authority. 

Challenges and Controversies (2000-2002) 

• The year 2000 saw the creation of three new states: Uttaranchal (later Uttarakhand), Jharkhand, and Chhattisgarh. 
• In a major corruption scandal in 2001, Bangaru Laxman, the BJP’s first Dalit president, was caught accepting a bribe. This dented the party’s image. 
• The horrific Gujarat riots of 2002, which claimed over 1000 lives, mostly Muslims, sparked national outrage and raised questions about the state government’s response led by Narendra Modi. 

Confident But Defeated: The End of an Era (2002-2004) 

• In 2002, the Delimitation Commission was formed to redraw parliamentary and assembly constituency boundaries based on the 2001 census. 
• Bolstered by a “feel-good” economic climate and the “India Shining” campaign, the BJP called for early elections in 2004, confident of a win. 
• However, the elections resulted in a surprise defeat for the BJP, marking the end of Vajpayee’s second term as Prime Minister. 

BRAIN-EATING AMOEBA 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

A 5-year-old girl in Kerala died from primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM), caused by the “brain-eating amoeba” Naegleria fowleri. 

• Naegleria fowleri is a free-living amoeba found in warm freshwater and soil worldwide. 
• It enters the body through the nose, often during activities like swimming, and travels to the brain, causing severe damage. 
• Early symptoms include headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, progressing to a stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, and coma. 
• PAM is highly fatal, with most patients dying within 1 to 18 days after symptoms begin, and typically within 5 days. 
• There is no effective treatment for PAM; doctors use a mix of drugs like amphotericin B, azithromycin, and fluconazole to attempt to control the infection. 
• This case highlights the rare yet deadly nature of PAM and the urgent need for effective treatments. 

THE EXPLOSIVE SUBSTANCES ACT, 1908 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

A chemical explosion in a factory in Thane, Maharashtra, resulted in the death of 11 people, highlighting serious safety issues. 

• The explosion was caused by reactive peroxide chemicals. 
• The accused individuals have been charged under the Explosives Act of 1884 and the Explosive Substances Act of 1908. 
• The Explosives Act of 1884, introduced by the British colonial government, regulates the manufacture, storage, possession, use, sale, import, and export of explosives. 
• This Act sets safety standards for handling, transporting, and storing explosives to prevent accidents. 

• The Explosive Substances Act of 1908 defines explosive substances and special category explosive substances, including compounds like RDX. 
• This Act outlines punishments for causing explosions likely to endanger life or property and penalties for attempts to cause explosions or possessing explosives with malicious intent. 
• Peroxide chemicals are organic compounds with a peroxide group, which consists of two oxygen atoms linked together (O−O). 
• The general structure for peroxides is R−O−O−R, where ‘R’ can be any element. 
• The O−O bond in peroxides is weak, making them very reactive and susceptible to changes from other chemicals. 
• Examples of peroxides include hydrogen peroxide and benzoyl peroxide. 
• Peroxides can be hazardous and can cause fires and explosions when exposed to heat, shock, or friction. 

CYCLONE REMAL 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: MINT 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has warned of a potential severe cyclonic storm named Cyclone Remal, expected to impact the coasts of West Bengal and Bangladesh. 

• Cyclone Remal is named by Oman and means ‘sand’ in Arabic. 
• It will be the first cyclone of the 2024 pre-monsoon season to hit the region. 

Cyclone Remal originates from the Bay of Bengal (BoB). 

Formation Factors: 

• A depression, characterized by low pressure and circulating winds, has formed over the central Bay of Bengal, leading to the cyclone’s development. 
• The Bay of Bengal’s water temperatures are 2–3°C warmer than average, providing energy for cyclones to form and intensify. 
• The Madden Julian Oscillation, a band of clouds and winds moving eastward, is currently south of the Bay of Bengal, aiding in the cyclone’s initiation due to its rotational winds. 

Potential Impact: 

• If the cyclone makes landfall on the Indian coast during high tide, it could partially damage the fragile Sundarbans ecosystem. 
• The shallow bathymetry and funnel-shaped geography of the northern Bay of Bengal could amplify the cyclone’s intensity, increasing the risk of storm surges and flooding. 

Historical Context: 

• The region has previously experienced devastating cyclones like Yaas (2021), Amphan (2020), Fani (2019), and Aila (2009), which caused significant damage. 
• State disaster management authorities and local communities are using lessons from past cyclones to better prepare and mitigate the potential impact of Cyclone Remal. 

COLOR-CODED WEATHER WARNINGS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued color-coded alerts for several districts in Kerala due to potential isolated heavy to very heavy rainfall. 

IMD uses color-coded weather warnings to inform people about severe or hazardous weather that could cause damage, disruption, or danger to life. 

The four color-coded warnings are: 

• Green: No warning. 
• Yellow: Be aware. 
• Orange/Amber: Be prepared. 
• Red: Take action. 

IMD was established in 1875 and is an agency under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. 

It is responsible for meteorological observations, weather forecasting, and seismology. 

IMD’s headquarters is in New Delhi. 

IMD is one of the six Regional Specialized Meteorological Centres of the World Meteorological Organization.