GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

Tamil Nadu’s Water Resources Department (WRD) is seeking ?160 crore from Kamarajar Port in Ennore, Tamil Nadu, to remove invasive charru mussels (Mytella strigata) that have proliferated near the port from ship ballast water. These mussels are damaging marine ecosystems and disrupting fishing activities.

What is Ballast Water?

• Ships use ballast water to maintain stability by adjusting their immersion levels when cargo is added or removed. This water is taken in and pumped out at ports or during voyages.
• Historically, there were no controls on ballast water discharge, but it can carry harmful invasive species. Consequently, global regulations were established to control this practice.
• Invasive Species Problem: In India, scientists have recorded nearly 30 invasive species coming from ship ballast water. Among the most harmful in recent times is the charru mussel, Mytella Rigata.
  • It outcompetes native species in areas like Pulicat Lake in Tamil Nadu and Ashtamudi Lake in Kerala.

Global Regulations

• Ballast Water Management (BWM) Convention: The BMW Convention of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) came into force in 2017 to help prevent the spread of potentially harmful aquatic organisms and pathogens in ships’ ballast water.
  • Requirements: Ships must treat ballast water to remove or neutralize harmful organisms before discharging it.
  • 97 countries have signed on to the BWM as contracting states.
• Countries Leading in Regulation: Australia and New Zealand enforce strict checks on ballast water due to their ecologically sensitive environments (such as the Great Barrier Reef).

India’s Position

• India has not signed the BWM Convention, so there are no mandatory regulations for ballast water discharge at Indian ports.
• While other rules such as relating to discharge of oil apply in Indian ports, the discharge of ballast water brought in from other countries is not subject to checks or regulation.

Cotton and hybrid cotton seeds from India are listed by the U.S. Labor Department as products made using child or forced labor. To address this issue, the Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) have launched a new project to end child labour.

About the new initiative

• The joint project, Promoting Fundamental Principles and Rights at Work (FPRW), aims to improve labor conditions among cotton farmers by promoting fundamental labor rights.
• Focus Areas: The project will focus on freedom of association, collective bargaining, elimination of child and forced labor, abolition of discrimination, and ensuring a safe working environment.
• Scope: The initiative will impact around 6.5 million cotton farmers across 11 states in India.
• By upholding FPRW, cotton-growing communities can foster a more equitable, sustainable, and prosperous environment for all workers, leading to long-term benefits for individuals and families.
• The project also aims to promote social finance and financial inclusion/bank linkage for the farmers and agriculture workers and enhance their access to digital literacy programs of the government.

What is Child Labour?

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) defines child labour as work that deprives children of their childhood, potential, and dignity, and is harmful to their physical and mental development.
• Sustainable Development Goal 8.7 aims to end child labour by 2025.
• Where are these Child Labourers Deployed?

• Bonded Labour: Including child soldiers and trafficking.
• Industrial Labour: Brick kilns, carpet weaving, garment making, domestic service, food and refreshment services, agriculture, fisheries, and mining.
• Sexual Exploitation, Production of Child Pornography

How Child Labour Becomes a ‘Roadblock’ to India’s Human Capital Accumulation

• Deprivation of Rights: Robs children of their potential and dignity.
• Opportunity Costs: Impacts human capital development and the ability to develop resources.
• Vicious Cycle: Short-term income benefits lead to long-term poverty due to reduced human capital.
• Health Issues: Physical and psychological impacts from unsafe working conditions.
• Lack of Education and Skills: Results in poor-paying jobs and perpetuates poverty.
• Micro Level Impact: Poor health and education lead to low-paying jobs and a cycle of child labour in future generations.
• Macro Level Impact: Skills gap increases youth unemployment, affecting long-term economic growth.

The Calcutta High Court has recently ruled that employing contractual workers for quasi-judicial functions at the Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs, and Trade Marks (CGPDTM) is unlawful. This ruling could potentially undermine the validity of numerous patents and trademarks issued in the last two years. This issue arose because the Quality Council of India (QCI), an independent non-profit, had hired contractual staff for these roles, which are typically reserved for government or statutory officers.

Key-highlights of High Court Ruling:

• The court reviewed a trademark opposition order issued by a contractual Associate Manager of Trademarks. The court found that this order was invalid as the contractual worker did not have the authority to issue quasi-judicial decisions. The position was only meant for administrative roles.
• Implications: Orders issued by these contractual staff are considered "legally unenforceable," potentially affecting the legitimacy of patents and trademarks granted during their tenure.
• Legal Opinion:

• Union Law Ministry: In June 2024, the Union Law Ministry condemned this practice, declaring such orders “legally unenforceable” as they were made by “outsourced employees” in violation of the Trade Marks Act, 1999 (1999 Act).
• Government Action: The DPIIT has been instructed to end its MoU with the QCI and form a committee to review and revalidate decisions made by the contractual staff.

• Past Judicial Criticisms: Previous judgments criticized the Patent and Trademark Office for issuing poorly reasoned or "mechanical" orders. Criticism included the use of "cut-and-paste" orders and lack of thoughtful consideration in patent and trademark decisions.
• Corruption and Procedural Issues:

• Corruption Allegations: Reports of bribery and compromised officials handling intellectual property cases have emerged.
• Congress MP's Allegations: Claims were made about the disruptive effects of employing contractual staff and the need for an independent inquiry into the handling of IP rights.

• Impact on Intellectual Property (IP) Management:

• Backlog and Strain: Validating past orders will likely increase the backlog of cases and put additional pressure on the IP system.
• Economic Impact: IP is crucial for a knowledge-based economy. The mishandling of IP cases could have significant negative effects on the country's economic growth.

India is preparing to celebrate its 78th Independence Day on August 15, 2024. This milestone commemorates the end of British colonial rule in 1947 and the beginning of India's journey as an independent nation. This year's theme, "Viksit Bharat" or "Developed India," reflects the government's goal of transforming India into a developed nation by 2047, aligning with the centenary (100 years) of independence.

Important Facts about India’s Independence Day

• Date: It was Lord Mountbatten, the last Viceroy and the first Governor-General of the country, who chose August 15 to declare India's independence. He was given the powers by the British Parliament to transfer the power to Indians by June 1948. However, he preponed it to August 15, 1947, to avoid bloodshed and riots, Business Insider India reported.
  • The date also commemorates the second anniversary of Japan surrendering to the Allied Forces.

Important Factors Leading to India’s Freedom

• Early Resistance and Reforms (Revolt of 1857): The Revolt of 1857, also known as Sepoy Mutiny, was India’s first major attempt to challenge British rule. It led to the dissolution of the East India Company's rule in India and shifted the powers of the Company to the British Crown, in 1858.
• Indian National Congress: The Indian National Congress was founded in 1885. It became the leading party alongside the Muslim League and led the nation in the Freedom
• Mahatma Gandhi’s Return in 1915 marked a new phase in the struggle with non-violent protests like the Champaran Satyagraha and Non-Cooperation Movement that galvanized nationwide support against British rule.
  • Lucknow Pact of 1916 The Lucknow pact was an agreement between Congress and the Muslim League. Muhammed Ali Jinnah made both the parties agree that they would put more pressure on the British so that they adopt a more liberal approach to letting Indians run their country.
  • Champaran Satyagraha (1917): Gandhi led an uprising of the farmers of Champaran, who were being forced to grow Indigo and were not even being compensated enough for it.
• Jallianwala Bagh Massacre of 1919 and the Non-Cooperation Movement of 1920 highlighted the brutal repression and united Indians against colonial rule.
  • Non-Cooperation Movement came to an end in 1922, when a protest at Chauri Chaura police station turned violent.
• Return of Subhash Chandra Bose: In 1921, Subhash Chandra Bose quit his high-paying ICS job in England to join India's struggle for Independence. Shortly after his return, he joined the Congress. He started a newspaper titled 'Swaraj'.
• The Purna Swaraj Declaration on January 26, 1930, and the Dandi March in 1930 represented a clear demand for full independence and resistance against British policies.
• Government of India Act of 1935: The Government of India Act and the creation of a new constitution laid the foundations for the events that would follow in the next decade and thereafter.
• Creation of the Indian National Army: The Indian National Army was formed from among the Indian prisoners of war with the aim of liberating India from British rule. In 1943, Subhash Chandra Bose visited Japan, where he rebuilt the INA. In October 1943, Bose formed a provisional government that had been recognised by the Axis Powers during the Second World War
• Quit India Movement of 1942: The All-India Congress Committee started this movement in their Bombay session on August 8, 1942. There was only one mission - to end British Rule in India. In addition, Gandhiji made a call to Do or Die in his Quit India speech that he delivered in Bombay.
• Partition of India and the Independence: In 1947, the Parliament of the UK passed the Indian Independence Act. As per the Act, British India would be divided into India and Pakistan. The Monarch gave its assent on July 18, 1947, and it came into effect on August 14-15 in Pakistan and India respectively.
  • On August 15, 1947, Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, hoisted the national flag at the Red Fort in Delhi.
  • The present Indian National Flagwas designed by Pingali Venkayya, an educationist and freedom fighter from Andhra Pradesh. The flag was adopted on July 22, 1947, during a meeting of the Constituent Assembly.

India is hosting its largest-ever multinational air exercise, Tarang Shakti. This exercise underscores India's growing role in global defense collaboration and its commitment to showcasing and enhancing its aerial capabilities on an international stage.

About the Exercise

• Exercise Tarang Shakti involves air forces from 10 countries, including Germany, France, and Spain, participating directly, while other nations observe.
• The first phase focuses on demonstrating aerial prowess with diverse fighter aircraft like Eurofighter Typhoons, French Rafales, and India’s LCA Tejas.
• The second phase will feature additional participants such as Australia, Bangladesh, the UAE, Singapore, the US, and Greece.
• Indian Air Force’s aerial assets: Rafale, Sukhoi, Mirage, Jaguar, Tejas, MiG-29, Prachand, Rudra attack helicopters, ALH Dhruv, C-130, IL-78, and AWACS systems.
• Significance and Objectives
  • Tarang Shakti aims to enhance communication and operational integration among participating air forces, improve individual and joint capabilities, and showcase India’s indigenous defense technologies.
  • It emphasizes real-time simulation, airborne networking, and the integration of sensor data to bolster situational awareness and collective effectiveness in aerial operations.

The government has launched Jiyo Parsi scheme Portal.

About the Portal

• The Portal would enable Parsis to apply online, check the status of their application and to receive financial assistance online through Direct Benefit Transfer mode.
• Web Portal for this unique scheme would enable more Parsi Couples to take advantage.
• Jiyo Parsi scheme
  • The Jiyo Parsi scheme is a Central Sector Scheme implemented by the Ministry of Minority Affairs.
  • Objective: to reverse the declining trend of Parsi population by adopting a scientific protocol and structured interventions and to stabilize their population.
  • The scheme provides financial assistance to the Parsi Couples for medical treatment under standard medical protocol and towards childcare and assistance to dependent elderly.

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has recently conducted a successful maiden flight test of the Long Range Glide Bomb (LRGB), named GAURAV. This test was carried out from the Su-30 MK-I aircraft of the Indian Air Force (IAF) off the coast of Odisha.

Key Details:

• GAURAV is a 1,000 kg class air-launched glide bomb designed to strike targets at long distances.
• Guidance System: The bomb uses a highly accurate hybrid navigation system that integrates Inertial Navigation System (INS) and Global Positioning System (GPS) data to guide itself towards the target.
• Development: The LRGB GAURAV has been developed indigenously by the Research Centre Imarat (RCI) in Hyderabad.

India has faced significant geopolitical challenges in its neighborhood since 2021, including coups, political upheavals, and changing alliances across South Asia. The recent shifts—such as the exit of friendly governments and the rise of less favorable ones—highlight the need for India to reassess its diplomatic strategies and regional engagement to mitigate the impact of such radical changes.

Need for Balanced Engagement

• Diplomatic Vigilance: India must maintain active and balanced diplomatic engagements with all political factions in its neighboring countries to avoid being caught off guard by sudden political shifts.
• Multi-Stakeholder Approach: Pragmatic engagement with all political entities, including opposition groups, ensures a more resilient foreign policy stance and prevents the perception of bias.
• Avoiding One-Sided Alliances: Historical instances show that reliance on one political side in neighboring countries can lead to vulnerabilities when power dynamics change.

Importance of Maintaining Reputation

• Support to Friends: India must avoid neglecting its allies, as seen in the case of Afghanistan and Sheikh Hasina. Showing support to former allies can help preserve trust and reliability.
• Avoiding Communal Bias: Policies perceived as communal or biased, like the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, can damage relationships with neighboring countries, regardless of their religious demographics.
• Demonstrating Commitment: India should show commitment to securing minorities within its own borders to strengthen its position when advocating for minority rights elsewhere.

Reinforcing Regional Leadership

• Countering External Influence: India must assert its position as a leading regional power amidst growing influence from global powers like China and the U.S., which can undermine its interests.
• Reviving Regional Mechanisms: Re-engaging with regional cooperation mechanisms like SAARC and BIMSTEC can enhance India’s influence and foster stability in the region.
• Addressing Core Issues: Focus on addressing joblessness and democratic backsliding in South Asia to prevent unrest and instability, reinforcing the importance of democratic governance and economic progress.

Mains Question

Q. Discuss the implications of recent geopolitical changes in South Asia for India's foreign policy. What lessons should India draw from these changes to strengthen its regional influence and diplomatic strategies?

The Indian government's recent emphasis on integrating market-oriented approaches into scientific research is evident through the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). This move signals a shift towards leveraging private sector investment in scientific research, potentially at the cost of public funding and support for basic science.

Shift Towards Market-Driven Research

• Policy Changes: The Indian government has encouraged laboratories and research centers to generate revenue through external sources, aligning research with market needs rather than relying solely on public funding.
• Corporatization of Science: The Dehradun Declaration and the establishment of the ANRF reflect a broader trend towards treating scientific research as a market commodity, with an emphasis on commercialization and patenting.
• Private Sector Dominance: The ANRF Act of 2023 anticipates that 72% of its ?50,000 crore funding will come from private sector investments, indicating a reduction in direct government support for research.

Implications for Basic Science

• Curiosity-Driven Research: The emphasis on marketability could undermine curiosity-driven scientific research, which is essential for foundational knowledge and understanding natural phenomena without immediate commercial applications.
• Public vs. Private Funding: Unlike market-driven research, basic science often requires substantial public funding to explore and understand fundamental scientific principles, which might not have immediate practical uses but are crucial for long-term knowledge growth.
• Global Comparison: India’s low public funding for research (0.6% to 0.7% of GDP) contrasts sharply with countries like South Korea, which invests about 2% to 3% of GDP, highlighting a significant gap in support for science.

Potential Risks and Considerations

• Erosion of Autonomy: Increasing private sector influence may compromise the financial and administrative autonomy of research institutions, affecting their ability to pursue unbiased scientific inquiry.
• Impact on Public Trust: A shift towards research driven by private interests could erode public trust in science if it appears that scientific agendas are increasingly dictated by commercial motivations.
• Need for Balanced Funding: To sustain robust scientific research, India must balance private investments with substantial public funding, ensuring that basic science continues to thrive alongside applied research.

Mains Question

Q. Critically analyze the implications of the market-oriented approach to scientific research as reflected in the establishment of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF). How might this shift impact the pursuit of basic science and public trust in scientific research in India?

The Great Nicobar Island's proposed transshipment port project has raised significant legal and environmental concerns. The project site, originally classified as CRZ-1A—a zone meant for the highest level of coastal protection—has seen changes in designation to facilitate large-scale construction. This shift has sparked controversy over regulatory compliance and environmental impact.

Environmental and Legal Issues

• CRZ-1A Designation: Galathea Bay, the site for the proposed port, was classified under CRZ-1A, which restricts large construction due to its ecological significance, including turtle nesting sites and coral reefs.
• Denotification of Sanctuary: The area, once designated as a wildlife sanctuary, was denotified in January 2021, ostensibly to clear the way for the port project despite ongoing environmental concerns.
• Controversial Clearance: Despite the known ecological value of the area, the Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) granted environmental clearance in November 2022, which was later contested in the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

Regulatory Maneuvers

• High-Powered Committee: The NGT appointed a High-Powered Committee (HPC) to review the environmental clearance, but the committee’s members included officials from agencies involved in the project’s approval, raising questions about impartiality.
• Ground Truthing Survey: A survey by the National Centre for Sustainable Coastal Management (NCSCM) reportedly concluded that the project area did not fall under CRZ-1A, contradicting previous assessments and allowing the port project to proceed.
• Reclassification of Land: Despite the continued presence of significant ecological features like coral colonies and nesting sites, the reclassification of the area from CRZ-1A to a less restrictive category effectively legitimizes the project’s construction.

Broader Implications

• Environmental Impact: The project’s approval amid ongoing ecological concerns threatens the region’s biodiversity and undermines conservation efforts for endangered species like the giant leatherback turtle.
• Regulatory Integrity: The shifting designations and approval processes suggest a troubling pattern of regulatory manipulation to favor commercial interests over environmental protection.
• Public Trust: Such maneuvers risk eroding public confidence in environmental governance and the effectiveness of regulatory frameworks intended to safeguard critical ecosystems.

Mains Question

Q. Evaluate the implications of recent regulatory changes and environmental clearance decisions regarding the transshipment port project in Great Nicobar Island. How do these developments affect environmental conservation and the integrity of regulatory processes in India?