9-February-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

‘INDIA’S KALADAN PROJECT IN MYANMAR IN LIMBO AS REBELS CONTROL KEY TOWN’

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

Why in news: India’s ambitious Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project (KMTTP), designed to enhance connectivity with Southeast Asia, faces a substantial setback as a crucial town in Myanmar, Paletwa, falls under the control of the rebel Arakan Army (AA).

                       

Paletwa Conflict Dynamics:

• Chin and Arakan Dynamics: The capture of Paletwa has intensified tensions between the Chin and Arakan ethnic groups, with historical claims adding complexity.
• Inter-Ethnic Solidarity: Ethnic Armed Organizations’ (EAOs) solidarity is crucial against the military, but achieving inter-ethnic compromise is challenging.
• Impact on Kaladan Project: Paletwa’s strategic significance poses challenges for the Kaladan project, vital for addressing India’s geo-economic and geopolitical concerns in Northeast India.

Challenges and Implications for India:

• Project Implementation Hurdles: Delays in the Kaladan project stem from terrain, coordination issues, instability, and security concerns.
• Local Engagement: Understanding local attitudes and interests, especially in Mizoram and Chin State, is crucial for project success and fostering economic activity.
• China’s Role: The Arakan Army’s affiliation with the Three Brotherhood alliance, reportedly backed by China, raises concerns about Beijing’s interference in India’s connectivity projects.

China’s Economic Presence:

• Strategic Alliances: The Three Brotherhood alliance aims to protect Chinese investments in Myanmar, potentially impacting India’s interests.
• Reported Support: Reports suggest Chinese funding and military aid to the Arakan Army, posing challenges for India’s regional influence.
• Infrastructure Projects: China’s initiatives, including pipelines and a deep-sea port, expand its economic foothold along Myanmar’s coast, affecting regional dynamics.

Conclusion:

India faces scrutiny over its external engagements’ impact on regional conflicts, emphasizing the need for humanitarian aid and collaboration with ethnic organizations to navigate complex border dynamics responsibly. Balancing strategic interests while fostering regional stability remains paramount for India’s engagement in Myanmar’s evolving geopolitical landscape.

 

Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project:

A joint initiative by India and Myanmar to establish a multi-modal transport system for cargo shipping from Indian eastern ports to Myanmar and the North-Eastern part of India through Myanmar.

Agreement and Framework:

·       The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), Govt. of India, and the Govt. of Myanmar signed a Framework Agreement in April 2008 to facilitate project implementation.

Connectivity and Economic Development:

• Connects Sittwe Port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border, promoting economic development in North-Eastern Indian states by opening a sea route for products.
• Provides a strategic link to the North-East, relieving pressure on the Siliguri Corridor.

Political and Strategic Significance:

• A project of political and strategic importance executed through India’s grant assistance to Myanmar.
• Enhances economic, commercial, and strategic interests of both nations, contributing to Myanmar’s economic integration with India.

Project Development Consultant:

• The Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) serves as the Project Development Consultant (PDC) appointed by the MEA in 2009 for the implementation of the Port & Inland Water Transport (IWT) components.

 

HATE SPEECH, MANIPUR ISSUE RAISED DURING ZERO HOUR

TOPIC – (GS3) INTERNAL SECURITY: SOURCE- THE HINDU

Why in news: Congress chief whip Kodikunnil Suresh demanded a “White Paper” on ethnic violence, stricter laws against hate speech in Manipur highlighting threats faced by Christian missionaries and priests.

About Hate Speech:

• Hate speech involves words intended to generate hatred towards a specific group based on factors like community, religion, or race, potentially leading to violence.

Root Causes of Hate Speech:

• Individuals propagate hate speech due to ingrained stereotypes, perceiving certain groups as inferior.
• Stubborn adherence to a particular ideology, without promoting peaceful co-existence, contributes to hate speech.

Determining Hate Speech:

• The context of speech plays a crucial role in identifying hate speech.
• Courts consider the impact of words from the perspective of reasonable, strong-minded individuals.

Rise of Hate Speech on Social Media:

• Multiple platforms, especially social media, amplify hate speech, making it more prevalent and severe.
• Platforms like Facebook have been implicated in instances like the persecution of Rohingya Muslims.

Legal Perspective in India:

• Freedom of Speech and Expression is a fundamental right (Article 19(1)(a)), but not absolute (Article 19(2)).
• Hate speech infringes upon the right to free speech, necessitating restrictions.

Relevant Legal Provisions:

• Sections 153A, 153B, and 295A of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) address acts causing enmity, hatred, and outraging religious feelings.
• Sections 505(1) and 505(2) penalize content promoting ill-will between groups.
• Representation of People’s Act, 1951 includes provisions preventing hate speech in elections.

‘MINOR’ WATER POLLUTION OFFENCES TO BE DECRIMINALISED

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

Why in news: Water Amendment (Pollution and Prevention) Bill, 2024 is Passed by the Lok Sabha will bring significant changes to the Water (Pollution and Prevention) Act, 1974.

Key highlights:

Decriminalization of Minor Offences:

• Key change includes decriminalizing certain violations categorized as “minor,” replacing imprisonment penalties with fines ranging from ₹10,000 to ₹15 lakh.

Applicability and Scope:

• The amended bill applies to Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Union Territories.

Central Empowerment:

• Empowers the central government to:
• Frame rules for selecting chairpersons of State pollution control boards.
• Establish guidelines for State boards in granting, refusing, or canceling consent for industries and new operating processes.

Objectives:

• Aims to streamline enforcement and penalty mechanisms for water pollution offenses.
• Seeks to enhance efficiency in environmental governance by providing clear guidelines and standard procedures for pollution control boards at the state level.

Impact:

• Intended to foster better coordination between central and state authorities in tackling water pollution issues.
• Strives to create a more transparent and effective regulatory framework for environmental protection and pollution prevention.

KYASANUR FOREST DISEASE: THE ASSAULT OF THE TICK

TOPIC – (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: SOURCE- THE HINDU

Why in news: Two deaths reported in Karnataka due to KFD, a viral infection, since January 1, 2024. Over 560 deaths reported since its discovery in 1956 in Shivamogga district’s forests.

Spread and Transmission:

• First noticed in Kysanur Forest area, named after the region; also known as monkey fever.
• Monkeys act as hosts, and their deaths serve as warnings of KFD outbreaks.
• Spreads through ticks; primates and humans coming in contact with infective ticks contract the disease.

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

• Symptoms appear 3-8 days after tick bite, including fever, redness of eyes, severe headache, body pain.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms may follow, and severe cases may involve nose bleeding.
• Diagnosis through blood tests.

Geographical Spread:

• Initially confined to Shivamogga district; spread to Uttara Kannada (1972), Koppa, Chikkamagaluru (1980), Dakshina Kannada (1982), and other regions over the years.
• Cases reported in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Goa, and Maharashtra.

Preventive Measures:

• Forest department distributing DEPA oil (tick repellent) to families entering forests.
• Free treatment announced by the State Government for KFD patients.

Vaccine Development:

• Attempt to use a vaccine abandoned; ICMR in consultation with Indian Immunologicals for new vaccine development.

Ecological Factors:

• Virus activation linked to ecological changes in the Malnad region.

Historical Timeline:

• 1956: KFD first noticed in Shivamogga.
• 1971: Disease confined to Shivamogga.
• 1972: Detected in Uttara Kannada.
• 1980: Cases reported in Koppa, Chikkamagaluru.
• 1982: Found in Dakshina Kannada.
• 2012: Detected in Nilgiri district of Tamil Nadu.
• 2013–14: Cases in Wayanad and Malappuram, Kerala.
• 2015–16: Outbreak in North Goa district.
• 2016: Cases reported in Maharashtra.

Government Initiatives:

• Distribution of tick repellent for forest-goers.
• Free treatment for KFD patients announced by the State Government.

AJANTA & ELLORA NOW PART OF SWADESH DARSHAN SCHEME

TOPIC – (GS1) ART AND CULTURE: SOURCE- TIMES OF INDIA

Why in news: Ministry of Tourism included Ajanta and Ellora caves in Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar in its Swadesh Darshan Scheme II.

Ajanta and Ellora Caves:

• Located near Aurangabad in Maharashtra, these rock-cut caves are UNESCO World Heritage sites.
• Ajanta caves: 29 in number, built between 2nd century BC and 6th century AD, primarily Buddhist.
• Ellora caves: 34 in number, constructed between 6th and 11th centuries AD, featuring Buddhist, Hindu, and Jain structures.
• Ajanta: Used as Buddhist retreats with meditation cells, assembly halls, and stupas.
• Ellora: Reflects Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist influences with diverse sculptures and architectural marvels like the Kailash Temple.

Swadesh Darshan Scheme:

• Launched in 2015, 100% centrally funded scheme for sustainable tourism development.
• Aims to develop tourism infrastructure across India, providing financial assistance to states, UTs, and central agencies.
• Operation & Maintenance handled by respective State Government/UT Administration.

Swadesh Darshan 2.0 (SD2.0):

• Revamped version focusing on sustainable and responsible tourism development.
• Covers tourism infrastructure, services, human capital development, destination management, and promotion.
• Aims to increase private sector investment and PPP in tourism and hospitality, enhancing tourism assets’ operation and maintenance.

MXENE-COATED DEVICES CAN GUIDE MICROWAVES IN SPACE AND LIGHTEN PAYLOADS

TOPIC – (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: SOURCE- SCIENCE.ORG

Why in news: Researchers explore the use of MXene coatings to guide microwaves in space and reduce satellite payloads.

MXenes:

• Discovered in 2011, MXenes are ceramics forming a significant family of two-dimensional materials.
• Composed of carbides and nitrides of transition metals, like titanium, exhibiting good conductivity and volumetric capacitance.

Composition and Structure:

• Derived from a bulk crystal called MAX, with a general formula Mn+1XnTx.
• M represents an early transition metal, X is carbon and/or nitrogen, and T is a functional group (O, OH, F) on the MXene surface.
• Titanium carbide (Ti3C2Tx) is a widely used type of MXene.

Applications of MXenes:

• High conductivity and large surface area make MXenes suitable for various applications.
• Include energy storage (lithium-ion batteries, supercapacitors), electromagnetic interference shielding, catalysis, sensors, and water purification.

Transition Metals:

• Transition metals have valence electrons in two shells, possessing unique chemical bonding capabilities.
• Occupying the middle sections of the periodic table, they exhibit high melting points, densities, and act as catalysts.
• Notable transition metals include titanium, iron, nickel, and copper, with iron being the most abundant in Earth’s solid crust.

NO DISBURSAL DELAY OF PLI SOPS FOR WHITE GOODS: DPIIT

TOPIC – (GS3) ECONOMY: SOURCE- TIMES OF INDIA

Why in news: The Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for white goods, including Air Conditioners and LED Lights, aims to establish a comprehensive component ecosystem in India and integrate the country into global supply chains.

Notification and Implementation:

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) introduced the scheme in 2021.
• The initiative is pan-India, not restricted to specific locations, areas, or population segments.

Objectives of the Scheme:

• The primary objectives include providing financial incentives to stimulate domestic manufacturing, attracting significant investments, eliminating sectoral challenges, fostering economies of scale, promoting exports, building a robust component ecosystem, and generating employment.

Incentives Offered:

• Eligible companies stand to receive incentives ranging from 4-6% on incremental turnover over the base year (2019-20) for goods sold in India and exported globally.
• The incentive is applicable for a duration of five years.

Eligibility Criteria:

• Applicants must be Indian companies incorporated under the provisions of the Company Act, 2013.
• Eligibility is contingent upon meeting net incremental sales thresholds for eligible products and cumulative incremental investments.

Time Frame:

• The scheme is slated for implementation from FY 2021-22 to FY 2028-29.