4-March-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

WHAT IS GREY ZONE WARFARE, MENTIONED BY INDIA’S CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF RECENTLY?

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Grey zone warfare refers to a type of informal conflict that falls between outright war and peaceful coexistence. In this form of warfare, tactics such as economic actions, cyberattacks, and disinformation campaigns are utilized to gain strategic advantages without engaging in direct military confrontation.

Key Points:

Historical Context:

• Grey zone warfare traces its roots back to the Cold War era when the United States and the Soviet Union engaged in intense rivalry.
• Given the nuclear capabilities of both superpowers, direct conflict was considered too risky, leading to the adoption of tactics operating in the grey zone.
• Parties with limited resources or power utilized grey zone tactics to gain advantages over technically superior adversaries.

Examples of Grey Zone Warfare: Chinese Actions:

• Recent actions by China in the South China Sea illustrate grey zone tactics.
• China’s expansive territorial claims in the region have led to confrontations with neighbouring countries like the Philippines.
• Chinese maritime militia and coast guard activities near disputed reefs have sparked tensions, aiming to assert control without escalating to direct conflict.
• Similarly, Chinese military activities near Taiwan aim to pressure the island nation without triggering full-scale confrontation.

Grey Zone Tactics of Other Nations:

• The United States has also employed grey zone tactics, including economic sanctions and maritime reconnaissance activities.
• These measures are part of broader strategies to influence and pressure adversaries without resorting to overt military actions.

Risks and Implications:

• Grey zone warfare blurs the lines between peace and conflict, making it challenging for nations to respond effectively.
• Operating in this ambiguous space may provoke unintended military reprisals and escalate tensions between nations.

Conclusion:

Understanding and effectively addressing the challenges posed by grey zone warfare necessitate nuanced strategies beyond traditional conflict resolution approaches. Nations must remain vigilant and develop adaptive responses to navigate the complexities of this evolving form of warfare, ensuring stability and security in an increasingly uncertain geopolitical landscape.

WHY THAILAND’S NOW-REPLACED WTO AMBASSADOR QUESTIONED INDIA’S AGRICULTURE SUBSIDIES, WHAT INDIA ARGUED

TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Thailand’s recent diplomatic move to replace its Ambassador to the World Trade Organisation (WTO) has sparked attention due to objections raised by India over her comments concerning India’s Public Stockholding (PSH) program. The former Thai ambassador, Pimchanok Vonkorpon Pitfield, faced criticism for her remarks on India’s rice procurement program, leading to her replacement.

Key Points:

Thailand’s Concerns and WTO’s Norms:

• Thailand, part of the Cairns Group, consistently raised concerns at the WTO about India’s PSH program.
• Their argument centres on how India’s program distorts global food prices and negatively affects the food security of other nations.
• Trade distortion issues arise when domestic support measures exceed the deminimis limit set by the WTO’s Agreement on Agriculture.

Questioning India’s Rice Subsidies:

• India’s rice subsidies have faced scrutiny at the WTO for surpassing the permitted deminimis limit.
• India defends its subsidies, stating that the WTO’s calculation method overestimates the subsidy by using fixed and outdated prices.
• India is pushing for changes in the calculation method during WTO negotiations on agriculture.

India’s Argument and Demand at WTO:

• India, along with developing nations, seeks a permanent solution for public stockholding of food grains at the WTO.
• This solution would offer India more flexibility in providing farm support.
• India argues that its subsidies are much lower compared to developed countries like the US and EU.

Financial Outlay and Approval:

• The Union Cabinet approved the National Quantum Mission (NQM) with a total outlay of Rs. 6003.65 Crore for eight years.
• The Mission Governing Board’s recent approval to invite pre-proposals for technology hubs underscores the mission’s importance.

Conclusion:

The replacement of Thailand’s Ambassador to the WTO sheds light on diplomatic tensions linked to India’s PSH program. As India defends its agricultural subsidies within WTO norms, the ongoing debate over trade distortions and the quest for a permanent solution for public stockholding continues the international stage.

PM MODI TO LAUNCH PROJECTS WORTH OVER RS 62K CRORE IN TELANGANA, VISIT TN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s attendance at the core loading of India’s indigenous 500 Mwe Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR) in Kalpakkam marks a significant milestone in India’s nuclear power program.

Key Points:

Prototype Fast Breeder Reactor (PFBR):

• Developed by BHAVINI, the PFBR represents a crucial advancement in India’s nuclear power program.
• Core loading involves the installation of control, blanket, and fuel sub-assemblies to facilitate power generation.
• PFBR is designed to promote self-sufficiency in fuel supply through a closed fuel cycle.

Advantages of PFBR:

• The sodium cooled PFBR produces more fuel than it consumes, contributing to self-sufficiency and sustainability.
• Advanced safety features and minimized nuclear waste make Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) a safe and clean energy source.
• PFBR marks progress towards thorium utilization in the third stage of India’s nuclear power program.

Thorium Utilization in India’s Nuclear Program:

• India possesses abundant thorium reserves, making it crucial for long-term energy security.
• With limited uranium resources, thorium serves as a viable alternative for sustainable nuclear power.
• Thorium plays a key role in the third stage of India’s nuclear program, focusing on advanced nuclear technologies and closed fuel cycles.

Fast Breeder Reactors (FBRs) and Their Role:

• FBRs produce more fissile material than they consume, crucial for sustaining nuclear fission chain reactions.
• Key differences from thermal reactors include the use of fast neutrons, higher fuel efficiency, and reduced long-lived radioactive waste.
• FBRs are integral to utilizing thorium as fuel, contributing to self-sufficiency and reducing dependency on imported uranium.

MOUNTAINS OF PLASTIC ARE CHOKING THE HIMALAYAN STATES

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Plastic pollution has become an omnipresent issue, reaching from the highest mountain peaks to the deepest ocean trenches and even finding its way into human organs. The formation of microplastics, resulting from improper plastic disposal, is a growing concern with far-reaching consequences for biodiversity, freshwater sources, and human health.

Key Points:

Microplastics Formation and Regional Impact:

• Improper disposal causes large plastic pieces to degrade, forming harmful microplastics.
• In the Himalayan region, microplastics are found in mountains, rivers, lakes, and streams, affecting major water bodies like the Indus, Ganges, and Brahmaputra.
• Microplastics can get trapped in glaciers, releasing into rivers during snow melting, posing threats to aquatic ecosystems.

Causes of Plastic Pollution:

• Rapid and unplanned urbanization, coupled with changing consumption patterns, contributes to the plastic waste crisis.
• The rise in tourism exacerbates plastic pollution in environmentally sensitive areas, impacting ecosystems and biodiversity.

Current Situation and Initiatives:

• The National Green Tribunal has taken action against waste dumping in eco-sensitive areas in Himachal Pradesh.
• States like Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, and Mizoram have implemented laws and initiatives to curb plastic use.
• Reports highlight plastic waste in crucial areas, including Ramsar sites and rivers like Nambul in Manipur.

Plastic Overshoot Day and Recycling Discrepancy:

• India reached its plastic overshoot day on January 6, 2023, indicating a gap in waste management capacities.
• The mismanaged waste index reveals a significant disparity between waste management capacity and plastic consumption.
• Despite claims, only 12% of plastic waste is recycled, while 20% is incinerated, highlighting a recycling discrepancy.

Legal Framework and Challenges:

• Regulatory frameworks like Solid Waste Management Rules (SWM) 2016, Plastic Waste Management (PWM) Rules 2016, and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) 2022 guide waste management.
• Hill areas’ specific needs are not adequately recognized, posing challenges to effective waste management.

Role of Local Bodies and Waste Management:

• Local bodies play a vital role in waste management from collection to disposal.
• Limited devolution of power to local bodies hampers waste management efforts.

Recommendations and Way Forward:

• Resource allocation should consider the unique ecological sensitivity of the Himalayan region.
• Empower local bodies, include traditional institutions, and create necessary infrastructure for effective waste management.
• Sustained public education campaigns are needed for waste segregation and management.
• Geographical considerations, like higher operational costs, should be factored into Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in mountainous regions.

Data Gaps and Convergence:

• Address data gaps related to waste generation and quality in the Indian Himalayan Region.
• Converge existing schemes like Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), MG-NREGA, and Finance Commission grants for creating infrastructure.
• Leverage philanthropic contributions through the Swachh Bharat Kosh Trust for waste management.

NHAVA SHEVA PORT

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Customs officials recently seized a dual-use consignment on a Karachi-bound ship at Nhava Sheva port, suspecting its potential use for Pakistan’s nuclear programs.

About Nhava Sheva Port:

• Located to the east of Mumbai, Nhava Sheva Port, also known as Jawaharlal Nehru Port, is a crucial port handling nearly half of India’s imports and exports.
• Established in 1989, it was intended to alleviate congestion at the Port of Mumbai, initially featuring single terminals for bulk and container cargos.
• The port has expanded significantly and now boasts five privately-operated terminals for containerized cargo and a dedicated facility for handling bulk liquid cargo.
• Nhava Sheva Port shares a common entry channel with the Port of Mumbai, spanning 21 kilometers at a depth of 10.1 to 11 meters.
• Recognized globally, it is ranked among the top 30 container ports in terms of size and capacity, playing a pivotal role in India’s maritime trade.

SMALL ISLAND DEVELOPING STATES

TOPIC: (GS3) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

The UN Secretary-General emphasizes the crucial need for increased funding to support Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in facing the challenges of climate change.

About Small Island Developing States (SIDS):

• SIDS consist of 39 States and 18 Associate Members facing unique social, economic, and environmental vulnerabilities.
• They are located in three geographical regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS).
• Recognized as a special case in 1992, SIDS are highly vulnerable due to low economic diversification, dependence on tourism and remittances, income flow fluctuations, raw material price volatility, and debt stress.
• The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) controlled by SIDS is, on average, 28 times their land mass, highlighting their reliance on ocean resources.

UN Programmes of Action in Support of SIDS:

Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA):

• Enacted in 1994, BPoA prescribed specific actions for sustainable development, supported by the Barbados Declaration.

Mauritius Strategy (2005):

• Adopted to address gaps in implementing BPoA, ensuring comprehensive development for SIDS.

SAMOA Pathway (2014):

• Recognizes climate change and sea-level rise impacts, addressing challenges in economic development, food security, disaster risk reduction, and ocean management for SIDS.

INS JATAYU

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: PIB

Indian Navy will commission Naval Detachment Minicoy as INS Jatayu on 06 Mar 2024, with the Chief of the Naval Staff in attendance.

About INS Jatayu:

• Second Naval base in Lakshadweep after INS Dweeprakshak in Kavaratti.
• Strengthens Indian Navy’s presence in Lakshadweep, enhancing operational surveillance and reach while fostering capacity building and comprehensive development.

Key Facts about Minicoy Island:

• Southernmost island of Lakshadweep, strategically located on vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs).
• Naval Detachment Minicoy, operational since the early 1980s, is under the command of Naval Officer-in-Charge (Lakshadweep).

Significance of Naval Detachment:

• Establishment of an independent Naval unit with necessary infrastructure enhances Indian Navy’s operational capability in the islands.
• Augments operational reach, facilitating Anti-Piracy and Anti-Narcotics Operations in the Western Arabian Sea.
• Strengthens Indian Navy’s role as the first responder in the region and improves connectivity with the mainland.