GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Recently, widespread protests and riots erupted in New Caledonia, a French territory in the South Pacific, following the French parliament's decision to amend the electoral reform. This decision sparked outrage among the indigenous Kanak community, leading to tensions and unrest in the region.

Background (History of the Archipelago):

• New Caledonia, once inhabited primarily by Kanaks, became a French territory in 1853.
• Over time, increased migration from France led to a shift in demographics, with Kanaks becoming a minority.
• This demographic change, coupled with socio-economic disparities and political marginalization, fueled the emergence of an independence movement, represented by the FLNKS, in the 1960s.
• Tensions and Agreements:
  • Tensions between Kanaks and loyalists escalated in the 1980s, culminating in the signing of the Matignon agreements in 1988 and the Nouméa Accord in 1998.
  • These agreements aimed to transfer powers from Paris to local authorities and included provisions for three referendums to decide on the territory's independence.

What are the recent developments pertaining to Kanaks?

• Despite the referendums in 2018 and 2020 favoring continued ties with France, Kanaks continue to push for independence.
• The French parliament's decision to amend the electoral reform further marginalized the Kanak community, leading to their opposition and unrest in the region.
• Kanak Demands for Independence
  • Post-World War II, the Kanaks experienced socio-economic exploitation under what they term "settler colonialism."
  • Despite promises to address social inequalities and enhance political participation, Kanaks still face high poverty rates compared to non-Kanak residents.
  • The proposed electoral reforms are viewed as an attempt to stifle Kanak aspirations for independence.

Why Caledonia is important for France?

• For France, achieving peace in New Caledonia is crucial to safeguarding the interests of its overseas citizens and maintaining its reputation.
• Additionally, integration of New Caledonia aligns with France's Indo-Pacific strategy, where it seeks to assert itself as a key player.
• However, Kanak demands for independence pose a challenge to French ambitions in the region.

India participated in the recent Brics Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, marking the first meeting since the expansion of Brics in 2023. The expansion saw Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE joining Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa as full-fledged members. Russia assumed the chairmanship of Brics on January 1, 2024.

BRICS and its Expansion:

• Origins and Objectives: The term BRIC was coined in 2001, but formalized as a bloc in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, later joined by South Africa in 2010.
  • Initially an economic forum, BRICS aims to create a fairer international order and reform the multilateral system.
• Expansion Dynamics: After 13 years, BRICS expanded in 2023, admitting Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

Impact of Expansion:

• The BRICS group now comprises almost:
  • 46 per cent of the world's population (with China and India alone accounting for 86 per cent of BRICS)
  • 36 per cent of global GDP (of which China alone accounts for 65 per cent of BRICS)
  • 25 per cent of world trade, measured in terms of exports. 
• This enlargement added USD 2.6 trillion to the group's GDP, reaching USD 28.5 trillion collectively and covering 1% of global output.
• The expansion enhanced BRICS' economic and geostrategic reach, doubling its oil production capacity and accounting for 25% of global exports.
• It also strengthened control over rare earth minerals and projected significant GDP growth for new members by 2050.

Impact and Challenges of BRICS Expansion:

• Economic Influence: Despite BRICS' economic significance, G7 countries still dominate global GDP, accounting for 43.2%. However, forecasts suggest a shift in economic power towards BRICS, especially with the significant growth projected for new members like Egypt and Ethiopia.
• Geopolitical Significance: BRICS seeks to challenge the Western-centric global order by establishing institutions like the New Development Bank. While it aims to reduce dependence on Western-led institutions, challenges remain in implementing a common BRICS currency and dethroning the US dollar.
• Challenges and Limitations: BRICS faces challenges such as overreliance on China's economy, limiting leverage and equality within the group. Bilateral power dynamics between China and India pose complexities, with China's larger economy overshadowing India's influence within BRICS.

India's Interests in BRICS:

• Policy Framework: India's approach to BRICS reflects its policy of "multi-alignment", akin to its historical stance of "non-alignment" during the East-West conflict. This allows India to engage with multiple geopolitical centers rather than aligning strictly with one.
• Counterweight to Russia and China: Within BRICS, India seeks to balance the influence of dominant powers like Russia and China. It aims to represent a counterweight to these nations, particularly in the context of global South politics, where India competes with China for influence among developing countries.
• Bridge Builder to the West: India's role in BRICS also involves acting as a bridge builder to the West. As a member of the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad), India collaborates closely with the USA, Japan, and Australia to counter China's growing influence in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Challenges and Considerations:
  • Diverging Interests: The diverse interests within BRICS, including conflicting agendas between commodity producers and importers like India and China, pose challenges to pursuing collective interests with joint capacities.
  • Conflict-Ridden Structure: BRICS expansion further complicates the group's dynamics, intensifying conflicts of interest among member states. India supported the accession of new members, particularly the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, but balancing these diverse interests remains a challenge.

On World Oceans Day (June 8), the focus often shifts to the Indian Ocean, one of the three major oceans, known for its rapid warming and significant influence on global climate patterns. This brief explores the unique characteristics of the Indian Ocean, its impact on weather phenomena, and its role in shaping human evolution.

Critical Importance of the Indian Ocean:

• The Indian Ocean plays a vital role in the earth's response to increasing greenhouse gases and global warming, making it essential to understand its dynamics.
• With its dramatic monsoon winds and rainfall patterns, the Indian Ocean sustains over a billion people by providing moisture for agriculture, fisheries, and energy production.
• Home to the Deadliest Storms:
  • The warm summer months in the Indian Ocean are characterized by the rapid warming of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal, leading to pre-monsoon cyclones.
  • While the North Indian Ocean doesn't generate as many cyclones as other oceans, their rapid intensification poses significant threats to coastal regions, making cyclones the deadliest storms by mortality.
• Unique Configuration and Circulation Patterns: Unlike other oceans, the Indian Ocean is bounded by the Asian landmass in the north and connected to the Pacific and Southern Oceans through oceanic tunnels.
  • These tunnels facilitate the exchange of water masses, heat, and nutrients, influencing the ocean's circulation, temperature, and salinity.

Impact of Global Warming:

• The Indian Ocean's warming rate is among the fastest globally, leading to heat waves, extreme rainfall, and marine heatwaves with detrimental effects on ecosystems and coastal communities.
• Changes in wind circulation patterns due to ocean warming also affect the heat absorption capacity of the Pacific Ocean, thereby influencing global climate dynamics.

Heat, a fundamental force present since the universe's inception, has profoundly impacted human history and modern technologies. From the steam-powered engines of the Industrial Revolution to contemporary concerns about global warming, heat's significance cannot be overstated.

What is Heat?

• Heat is a fundamental aspect of the universe, existing since its birth and intertwined with its eventual demise.
• At its core, heat is the average kinetic energy of particles within an object, influencing temperature changes when bodies at different temperatures interact.
• Applications of Heat:
  • Heat plays a pivotal role in various technologies, from steam-powered engines of the Industrial Revolution to modern-day thermal and nuclear power plants and air conditioning systems.
  • Heat can be converted into mechanical energy, driving engines like internal combustion engines (ICEs) and steam engines, or used to generate electricity in thermal power plants.
  • Heat's influence extends beyond technology, impacting areas like metallurgy, chemical reactions, and even meteorology.
  • Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems rely on heat transfer principles to regulate indoor temperatures, with increasing calls for equitable access to cooling in warmer regions.

What is heat’s relationship with work?

• Heat and work share the same physical dimensions, but not all heat can be converted into work efficiently due to energy losses.
• The concept of entropy is closely related to the loss of "useful heat," where energy is dissipated in processes like friction, reducing the system's ability to perform work effectively.

Implications of Heat in Climate Change:

• Mitigation Efforts: Researchers globally are working on alternative methods to produce heat energy without fossil fuel combustion, aiming to mitigate climate change. Efforts also focus on reducing emissions from existing technologies.
• Adaptation to Climate Change: In regions like India, heat waves are a significant concern. During heat waves, health and preventive measures become crucial. Long-term factors like living conditions and access to healthcare, as well as short-term strategies to mitigate heat accumulation, are essential for coping.
• Global Warming and Heat Dynamics: Global warming primarily stems from heat-related issues. Solar energy absorbed by the Earth is partially reflected, with the rest warming the atmosphere and ground. At night, the absorbed energy is released as infrared radiation. Greenhouse gases trap this radiation, converting it to kinetic energy and warming the atmosphere, hindering the Earth's cooling process.

The stability and dominance of the United States dollar (USD) in the global economy have been subjects of much debate and speculation since the Bretton Woods Conference in 1944. Despite numerous events (Nixon Shock, the rise of the euro, and China's economic ascent) and predictions of its downfall over the years, the USD continues to reign as the world's primary reserve currency.

What factors contribute to USD’s continued dominance?

• Strong economy: The U.S. economy's size, depth of capital markets, and trusted financial institutions contribute to the USD's continued dominance.
• Holding significant portion: Unlike previous reserve currencies, the USD occupies a unique position in international commerce, accounting for a significant portion of foreign reserve holdings and facilitating the majority of foreign exchange transactions worldwide.
• Trusted asset: Its stability and liquidity make it a trusted asset for countries and consumers globally.
• No significant alternative: While emerging technologies and multilateral financial arrangements may test the USD's supremacy, significant alternatives have yet to emerge.

Challenges to Dollar Dominance:

• Despite its resilience, the USD faces challenges from rival currencies and geopolitical tensions.
• Efforts to de-dollarize trade and investment, coupled with technological advancements, pose incremental threats to the USD's hegemony.
• While rivals and partners alike seek to challenge the USD's hegemony, significant barriers, including trust, liquidity, and infrastructure, limit the emergence of viable alternatives. However, evolving geopolitical dynamics and technological innovations may gradually erode the USD's dominance over time.

India's Pursuit of De-dollarisation: Economic Implications

• India, as a BRICS member, is challenging traditional financial systems through de-dollarisation efforts.
• Shift in Trade Dynamics: Increased trade in local currencies, like the Indian Rupee, grants India more control over monetary policy and shields it from external shocks.
• Monetary Policy Autonomy: Reduced reliance on the U.S. dollar empowers India to set independent monetary policies, enhancing economic stability.
• Enhanced Trade Relations: Trade in local currencies fosters stronger economic ties, streamlines transactions, and reduces costs.
• Strengthened Indian Rupee: De-dollarisation can lead to a stronger rupee, boosting purchasing power and reducing inflationary pressures.
• Economic Independence: By diversifying away from the dollar, India reduces vulnerability to U.S.-led sanctions, enhancing economic independence.

Przewalski horses, brought from Prague, took their first steps in the Kazakh steppe, their natural habitat. This is the beginning of a plan to release 40 of these endangered horses into the wild in Kazakhstan over the next five years.

About Kazakh Steppe

• The Kazakh Steppe, also known as the Great Plains of Central Asia, is a vast grassland region in northern Kazakhstan and adjacent parts of Russia.
  • Steppe is a plain without trees. It is a type of grassland biome. 
• It's characterized by vast, open expanses of grasslands with few trees, making it ideal for nomadic pastoralism.
• This steppe is one of the largest dry grassland areas in the world, covering an area of over 800,000 square kilometers.
• It has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters.
• It supports a variety of wildlife, including saiga antelopes, wild horses, and various bird species.
• Historically, it has been home to nomadic tribes such as the Kazakhs, who have relied on herding livestock for their livelihoods.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has approved the disbursal of the 17th installment of PM-Kisan Nidhi, benefiting approximately 9.3 crore farmers with an estimated distribution of around Rs 20,000 crore.

Overview of PM-KISAN Scheme:

• Started in: 2019
• Objective: to provide income support to all landholder farmer families across India.
• Under Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) Scheme, eligible farmer families receive a financial benefit of Rs. 6,000 per year, provided in three installments of Rs. 2,000 each.
• Implemented as a Central Sector Scheme, PM-KISAN receives 100% financial support from the Central government.
• The financial assistance is directly transferred to the beneficiaries' bank accounts.
• Implemented by: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare
• PM-KISAN Mobile App: Developed and designed by the National Informatics Centre in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology

Major schemes in Agriculture

ISRO's Aditya-L1 spacecraft, equipped with two remote sensing instruments - Solar Ultra Violet Imaging Telescope (SUIT) and Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), has captured recent solar activity.

Key-highlights:

• Aditya-L1 reached the Lagrangian point (L1) in January 2024, 127 days after its launch on in September 2023. L1 is approximately 1.5 million km from Earth, allowing continuous observation of the Sun.
• Remote Sensing Instruments: SUIT and VELC onboard Aditya-L1 have recorded dynamic activities of the Sun during May 2024.
• SUIT captures solar ultraviolet images, while VELC observes visible emission lines from the Sun.
• Solar Events Recorded: Several X-class and M-class flares, accompanied by Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs), were detected during May 2024, leading to significant geomagnetic storms.
• The active region AR13664 on the Sun erupted multiple X-class and M-class flares during May. These events caused major geomagnetic disturbances.

A recent study conducted by researchers from Singapore reveals alarming statistics regarding the health impacts of air pollution. The study using data for 40 years sheds light on the significant number of premature deaths worldwide attributed to man-made emissions and natural sources of pollution.

Key Findings:

• Between 1980 and 2020, approximately 135 million premature deaths globally were associated with exposure to particulate matter 2.5 (PM 2.5), tiny particles harmful to human health when inhaled.
• Diseases such as stroke, heart and lung disease, and cancer were responsible for premature deaths, highlighting the need for pollution mitigation strategies.
• Weather phenomena like El Nino and the Indian Ocean Dipole exacerbated the effects of pollution, leading to a 14% increase in premature deaths.
• Asia, particularly China and India, bore the highest burden of premature deaths attributable to PM 2.5 pollution, with over 98 million deaths recorded.
• Other countries such as Pakistan, Bangladesh, Indonesia, and Japan also experienced significant numbers of premature deaths ranging from 2 to 5 million people.
• Climate events like El Nino can elevate pollution levels, further contributing to premature deaths from PM 2.5 pollution.
• The World Health Organization highlights that ambient and household air pollution contribute to approximately 6.7 million premature deaths worldwide annually.

June 2024 marks a year since Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the United States, where strategic cooperation between India and the U.S. was emphasized. However, one year later, the pace of the relationship has not met expectations due to various internal and external factors.

Crests in the Relationship:

• Strengthening Ties Post-Pokhran: The relationship between India and the U.S. has witnessed significant growth since Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's speech in 1998, marking 25 years of improved relations post-Pokhran. Strategic dialogues have expanded across various sectors, including climate change, technology, and outer space.
• Enhanced Strategic Trust: The increasing strategic trust is evident in the conclusion of foundational agreements, military exercises, and growing coordination on maritime operations. Old issues (S.-India ties with Pakistan and concerns over J&K) have diminished.
• Bilateral Engagement Thriving: Despite challenges, bilateral engagement between India and the U.S. continues to thrive, with official-level dialogues ongoing.

The China Factor and Multilateral Cooperation:

• Quad Cooperation Hindered: Cooperation between India and the U.S. at the Quad faced logistical challenges. Planned visits by senior U.S. officials were also affected, impacting the review of the iCET initiative.
• Strained Diplomatic Relations: Diplomatic relations between India and the U.S. have faced strains, with tensions arising over comments on human rights and democracy. Differences in approaches to global conflicts (Russia's actions in Ukraine and Israel's actions in Gaza), have further complicated the relationship.
• Concerns Over 'Plots' and Security: The relationship faces challenges related to security and perceptions of India's involvement in alleged plots abroad, such as the attempted assassination of Khalistani separatist Gurpatwant Singh Pannun in New York.

Mains Question:

Q. Examine the recent developments in India-U.S. relations, highlighting both the positive strides and challenges encountered in the bilateral relationship. Assess the implications of these developments for regional and global geopolitics.

International climate change litigation reached a milestone, with the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) delivering an advisory opinion sought by the Commission of Small Island States on Climate Change and International Law (COSIS). The opinion clarifies specific obligations of parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) regarding climate change mitigation.

Key Elements of the Advisory Opinion:

• Identification of Specific Obligations: The ITLOS advisory opinion identified under Article 194(1) of the UNCLOS that parties have specific obligations to prevent, reduce, and control marine pollution from anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions (GHG).
• Importance of Carbon as a Pollutant: Carbon dioxide emissions contribute to the acidification of seawater and higher ocean temperatures, resulting in sea-level rise. This recognition bolsters efforts to address the impact of anthropogenic GHG emissions on marine environments.
• Collective Responsibility and Diligence Obligation: The advisory opinion underscores the principle of collective responsibility in addressing climate change, emphasizing necessary measures based on the best available science and international agreements like the Paris Climate Change Agreement.

Legal Implications and Challenges:

• Interpretation of Obligations: There are general obligations for states to reduce GHG emissions, there is no specificity regarding the methodology for assessing mitigation actions. This ambiguity presents challenges in determining the requisite level of action and adherence to international standards.
• Consideration of Means and Capabilities: The recognition that necessary measures must consider the means available to states and their capabilities, highlights the principle of equity in addressing climate change. It underscores the need for fair and balanced approaches.
• Political and Legal Authority: Despite lacking legal force, the advisory carries political weight as an authoritative judicial pronouncement. It serves as a guiding principle for states in navigating climate change mitigation efforts, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and adherence to established standards.

Mains Question:

Q. Examine the significance of the recent advisory opinion delivered by the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) regarding the obligations of parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) on climate change mitigation.

Recent media reports indicate progress towards the construction of a third aircraft carrier for the Indian Navy by Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), aiming to prevent the lapse of carrier-building expertise and addressing long-standing operational requirements.

Key Aspects of the Third Aircraft Carrier:

• Naval Imperatives and Historical Precedents: The decision to proceed with the construction of the Indigenous Aircraft Carrier-2 (IAC-2) reflects the Indian Navy's strategic imperative to maintain a robust fleet, recalling past lapses in submarine-building expertise. The initiative seeks to avoid a repeat of past mistakes, such as the dissipation of Mazagaon Dock Shipbuilder's capabilities, and instead ensure continuity in carrier-building capabilities.
• Operational Significance and Challenges: The IAC-2, an add-on to the Vikrant-class carriers, aims to fulfill the Navy's requirement for carrier presence on both seaboards and a reserve carrier. However, concerns linger regarding the project's substantial cost, estimated at $5-6 billion, and its operational effectiveness in the face of evolving anti-access/area denial (A2/AD) capabilities, particularly from China and Pakistan.
• Strategic Considerations and Alternative Approaches: Debates within the Indian Navy revolve around the strategic choice between pursuing a 'sea denial' strategy, primarily utilizing submarines, or investing in 'sea control' through carrier battle groups. Some voices question the prioritization of a new carrier over other critical naval assets, such as submarines and surface combatants.

Exploring Alternative Strategies and Upgrading Capabilities:

• Diversifying Military Capabilities: Alternative strategies include enhancing military capabilities in the Andaman and Nicobar archipelago to establish an A2/AD maritime 'exclusive zone,' deterring potential threats, including the Chinese navy. This approach offers a potentially cost-effective and resilient alternative to investing in additional aircraft carriers.
• Leveraging Existing Assets and Technological Advancements: Some advocate for maximizing the operational capabilities of existing assets, such as SEPECAT Jaguar IM/IS and Sukhoi Su-30MKI fighters, equipped with maritime strike capabilities and advanced radar systems. Additionally, the deployment of Su-30MKI squadrons armed with supersonic cruise missiles enhances the Indian Air Force's maritime surveillance and strike capabilities.
• Cost-Benefit Analysis and Strategic Prioritization: Military planners weigh the costs and benefits of aircraft carriers against alternative defense strategies and asset upgrades. The limited defense budget, coupled with competing demands from other branches of the military, underscores the need for strategic prioritization and resource optimization in addressing India's security challenges.

Mains Question:

Q. Evaluate the strategic significance of India's decision to proceed with the construction of a third aircraft carrier, considering operational imperatives, financial constraints, and evolving security threats in the region.