GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Kuwait (first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years), India and Kuwait elevated their relationship to a "strategic partnership," focusing on key areas like trade, defence, and regional security.

Key Takeaways of the visit

• Strategic Partnership: India and Kuwait upgraded their bilateral ties to a strategic partnership, signaling enhanced cooperation in areas like trade, defence, security, infrastructure, and technology.
• Defence Cooperation: A key agreement was signed to institutionalize defence ties, including joint exercises, personnel exchanges, supply of defence equipment, and collaboration in research and development.
• MoUs Signed: Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:
  • Kuwait’s membership of International Solar Alliance (ISA)
  • Cooperation in the field of
  • Cultural Exchange Programme between India and Kuwait for the years 2025-2029.
  • Executive Programme between India and Kuwait on Cooperation in the field of Sports for 2025-2028 between the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, Government of India and Public Authority for Youth and Sports, Government of the State of Kuwait.
• Economic and Investment Focus: India invited Kuwaiti investors to explore opportunities in sectors like energy, pharmaceuticals, IT, and defence, with the aim to expand bilateral trade, which reached USD 10.47 billion in 2023-24.
  • Both sides also discussed expediting the India-GCC Free Trade Agreement.
• Regional Security: Both nations condemned terrorism in all forms, emphasizing the disruption of terrorism financing and dismantling terror infrastructure. They also stressed cooperation in regional stability, particularly in West Asia.
• Vision 2035: Modi expressed India’s commitment to support Kuwait’s "Vision 2035" development plan, which focuses on transforming the country’s economy.
• Award: The Amir of Kuwait honored Modi with the prestigious Order of Mubarak Al-Kabeer for his role in strengthening bilateral relations.

Impact:

• Strengthened Bilateral Ties: The strategic partnership between India and Kuwait will likely lead to more robust cooperation, not just in defence but also in economic and technological sectors.
• Increased Investment: The visit could lead to greater Kuwaiti investment in India, especially in the energy, defence, and pharmaceutical sectors, enhancing economic ties between the two nations.
• Enhanced Regional Stability: The focus on security and regional cooperation, particularly in countering terrorism, aligns India and Kuwait’s interests, strengthening their role in promoting peace and stability in West Asia.

The Union Government notified new Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024. These rules allow certain government agencies to intercept phone messages under specific conditions, replacing the older Indian Telegraph Rules, 1951 (Rule 419A). The new rules aim to regulate how interception orders are issued and implemented, particularly in emergency situations or in remote areas.

Key Takeaways

• These rules, framed under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replaced earlier Indian Telegraph Rules of 1951 concerning interception.
  • Interception refers to the act of secretly accessing and monitoring communication, such as phone calls, text messages, or emails, typically by a government or law enforcement agency, for specific purposes.
• Competent Authorities for Interception Orders: The Union Home Secretary and the State Home Department Secretary can order interception of phone messages. In unavoidable circumstances, a Joint Secretary from the Union Government can issue interception orders, though "unavoidable circumstances" are not clearly defined.
• Interception in Remote Areas or Operational Reasons: If it's difficult for the competent authority to issue an order due to remote locations or operational needs, the head or second senior most officer of the concerned agency at the central or state level (at least of IG Police rank) can issue an order.
  • Such orders must be confirmed by the competent authority within 7 days. If not confirmed, interception must cease, and the messages cannot be used for any purpose, including court evidence.
• Destruction of Interception Records: Agencies must destroy interception records after 6 months, unless they are needed for functional purposes or legal requirements (like court orders).
• Relaxation of Conditions: The previous requirement that interceptions could only happen in “emergent cases” has been relaxed. Now, agencies can act in situations where it is difficult for the competent authority to issue orders due to geographical or operational constraints.
• Changes in State-Level Interception Authorization: Earlier, there was no limit on the number of officers (IG rank) who could be authorized for interception at the state level. Now, only the head and second senior most officer can issue interception orders.
• Seven-Day Confirmation Requirement: If an interception order issued by an agency is not confirmed by the competent authority within 7 days, the interception will be considered invalid, and the messages will not be usable as evidence.

Key Differences from Previous Rules

• Relaxation on 'Emergent Cases': Earlier, interceptions were only allowed in "emergent cases". Now, interception is allowed even in situations where it is not feasible for the competent authority to issue orders in remote areas or for operational reasons.
• Limitation on Seniority of Officers: Under the older rules, multiple IG-level officers could be authorized at the state level for interception. The new rules limit this to the head and second senior most officer.
• Time Limit for Interception Confirmation: If an interception order is not confirmed within 7 days, it becomes invalid, and any messages intercepted cannot be used, unlike the previous rules, where such a time limit didn’t exist.

Concerns About the New Rules

• Lack of Accountability: While the new rules expand the conditions under which interception can occur, they do not provide sufficient accountability for misuse of interception powers. Specifically, there is no mention of punitive action if interception orders are misused, particularly in the 7-day window before they are confirmed by the competent authority.
• Relaxation of Safeguards: The removal of the “emergent cases” condition without additional safeguards has raised concerns that the new rules may allow more frequent and potentially unwarranted interception of messages, increasing the risk of privacy violations.
• Privacy Concerns: The broader conditions under which interceptions can occur raise concerns about the violation of privacy, particularly due to the lack of checks and balances regarding misuse of the powers.

A study on 432 convenience food products, including idli mixes, breakfast cereals, porridge mixes, beverage mixes, soup mixes, and extruded snacks (puffed foods), has revealed that most of these products are high in carbohydrates. The study also examined how nutrition information is displayed on food packaging.

Key Findings of the Study:

• High Carbohydrates: Most convenience food products were found to provide more than 70% of energy from carbohydrates. Beverage mixes had the highest carbohydrate content, ranging from 5g to 95g per 100g.
• Fat Content in Snacks: Extruded snacks (like puffed foods) had the highest fat content, with 3g per 100g of fat on average, and a high amount of saturated fat.
• Sugar and Sodium Levels: Beverage mixes were high in sugar, while soup mixes contained high levels of sodium but had poor protein and dietary fiber content.
• Healthy Food Claims: While some foods were classified as healthy or moderately healthy, the study showed that many foods with health claims (e.g., "whole grains") didn’t always include such ingredients in the list. This can mislead consumers.
• Nutritional Labeling: Many packaged foods didn’t clearly display nutritional information per serving size, even though the FSSAI (Food Safety and Standards Authority of India) requires it.
  • A clearer labeling system is needed to help consumers make healthier choices.

Issues with Current Food Labeling:

• Confusing Labels: The current system of labeling is not uniform across all products. Some foods don’t clearly mention if they are high in sugar, fat, or sodium. This makes it difficult for consumers to make informed decisions. Some products mislead consumers with claims like "contains whole grains" when the ingredient list doesn’t show them.
• Lack of Warning Labels: There is a call for more warning labels on the front of packages, particularly for foods high in fat, sugar, or sodium. This would help people with specific health conditions, like high blood pressure or diabetes, avoid harmful foods.

Impact on Health:

• Changing Diet Patterns: Indians are spending more on processed and packaged foods, contributing to a rise in non-communicable diseases (like diabetes, heart disease, etc.).
  • The Economic Survey highlighted that unhealthy diets contribute to 4% of India’s disease burden.
• Health Risks: Excess carbohydrates strain the pancreas, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes. Chemicals in processed foods are also linked to diseases like fatty liver.

The annual ceremonial procession carrying the 'Thanka Anki,' the sacred golden attire of Lord Ayyappa, began its journey to the Sabarimala temple from Aranmula. This event marks the start of the 'mandalam-makaravilakku' pilgrimage season, a significant period for devotees of Lord Ayyappa.

About

• The 'Thanka Anki' is a gold garment weighing 453 sovereigns, presented to Lord Ayyappa by the Travancore royal family in the 1970s.
• The sacred attire is kept at the Aranmula Parthasarathy temple and is transported to the Sabarimala temple every year during the pilgrimage season.
• The procession carries this precious attire in a grand ceremony that has become an essential part of the annual pilgrimage.
• During the Mandala Puja, the 'Thanka Anki' is placed on the idol of Lord Ayyappa.
  • Mandala Poojaat Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple is observed on 11th or 12th day during Dhanu Masam.
  • Mandala Pooja is the last day of 41 days long austerity observed by devotees of Lord Ayyappa. The fasting begins 41 days before Mandala Puja i.e. on the first day of Vrishchikam Masamaccording to Malayalam Calendar.
  • Mandala Puja is considered to be an important ritual which is observed at the Sabarimala Ayyappa Temple in Kerala.

Former Supreme Court Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed as chairperson of the Internal Justice Council (IJC) by the United Nations. He has been appointed for a 4-year tenure, which will end on 12 November 2028.

About

• The General Assembly of UN established the Internal Justice Council (IJC)as part of the new internal justice system in order to help ensure independence, professionalism and accountability in the administration of justice system of the United Nations.
• The IJC consists of five members: a staff representative, a management representative, and two distinguished external jurists, one nominated by the staff and one by management.
• The chair is a distinguished jurist chosen by consensus by the four other members.
• The IJC members are appointed by the Secretary-General.

The Union Government amended the Conduct of Election Rules, specifically changing Rule 93 (2) (a). This amendment limits the scope of public inspection of election documents. It effectively excludes electronic footage, such as CCTV recordings and videography of the polling process, from being open to public scrutiny.

Key Changes in the Amendment:

• Old Rule: The previous version of Rule 93 (2) (a) stated that "all other papers relating to the election shall be open to public inspection." This meant that any document related to the election could be accessed by the public.
• New Rule: The new version specifies that "all other papers as specified in these rules relating to the election shall be open to public inspection." This effectively limits the documents available for public inspection to those specifically mentioned in the rules, excluding electronic records like CCTV footage of the polling process.
• The amendment limits public inspection to only specified election documents, such as nomination forms, and excludes CCTV footage and electronic records from public view.
• While this change restricts access to video footage, it does not affect candidates who continue to have access to all election documents.

India's forest and tree cover has shown positive growth, according to the India State of Forest Report (ISFR) 2023, which highlights significant increases in forest area and carbon sequestration efforts.

Forest and Tree Cover Statistics:

• Total Forest and Tree Cover: As of 2023, India’s total forest and tree cover stands at 827,357 sq km, or 17% of the total geographical area, marking a net increase of 1,445 sq km from 2021.
• Forest Cover: The forest cover alone has grown from 713,789 sq km in 2021 to 715,343 sq km in 2023, now covering 76% of the geographical area.
• Tree Cover: India's tree cover increased by 1,289 sq km, reaching 41% of the total geographical area.
• Carbon Stock and Sequestration:
  • Carbon Sink: India has created an additional 29 billion tonnes of carbon sink compared to 2005 levels, contributing significantly to its climate goals.
  • Carbon Stock: The total carbon stock in India’s forests and tree cover in 2023 is estimated at 7,285.5 million tonnes, an increase of 5 million tonnes since 2021.
  • By 2030, India aims to increase its carbon stock to 71 billion tonnes through enhanced forest and tree cover as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
• Bamboo and Forest Cover Details: India’s bamboo-bearing area is now estimated at 154,670 sq km, marking a 5,227 sq km increase from 2021.
  • State-wise Performance:
    • Chhattisgarh (+684 sq km), Uttar Pradesh (+559 sq km), Odisha (+559 sq km), and Rajasthan (+394 sq km) saw the largest increases in combined forest and tree cover.
    • Mizoram, Gujarat, and Odisha recorded the highest gains in forest cover.
  • Forest Cover in Hill and Northeastern Regions:
    • Hill Districts: India’s hill districts have a total forest cover of 283,713 sq km, which constitutes 40% of the geographical area in these regions. The forest cover in these districts increased by 14 sq km.
    • Northeast Region: The northeastern region, which has a total forest and tree cover of 174,394.7 sq km (67% of the region's geographical area), saw a decrease of 3 sq km in forest cover.
  • Other Key Findings:
    • Mangrove Cover: India's total mangrove cover stands at 4,991.68 sq km, with a slight decrease of 43 sq km since 2021.
    • Western Ghats and Eastern States: An analysis of forest cover changes over the last decade shows an overall loss of 22 sq km in the Western Ghats and Eastern States Area (WGESA), despite gains in very dense forests.
  • While the overall area of very dense forests increased by 3,465.12 sq km, moderately dense and open forests saw a decline of 1,043.23 sq km and 2,480.11 sq km, respectively, over the past decade.

Tamil Nadu has requested the Government of India (GoI) to include the mumps vaccine in the Universal Immunisation Programme (UIP), following a significant rise in mumps cases across the state.

Need for Mumps Vaccine Inclusion:

• The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine only offers 78% protection against mumps, although offering 93% protection against measles and 97% protection against rubella.
• The Union Health Ministry excluded the vaccination in 2016, citing its limited efficacy and the belief that mumps would not become serious.
• According to the Tamil Nadu Journal of Public Health and Medical Research, mumps cases have been steadily increasing, with a sharp rise in 2024. The number of cases surged from 129 in 2022-23 to 1,091 in 2023-24.
• The Measles, Mumps, and Rubella (MMR) vaccine to the routine immunisation schedule, which currently covers 12 vaccine-preventable diseases under the UIP.
• Tamil Nadu's UIP currently includes vaccines for diseases such as tuberculosis, diphtheria, pertussis, hepatitis B, and measles (the Measles-Rubella vaccine was added in 2017). However, the mumps vaccine is not part of this programme, despite rising cases.

India is facing a slowdown in growth, with GDP growth figures showing a significant decline. From a growth rate of over 8% in mid-2023, India’s growth has dropped below 5.5% by the September 2024 quarter. While some see it as a temporary issue, others fear a more persistent trend, especially since consumption demand is subdued and private investment remains weak. However, experts suggest that India still has an opportunity to boost growth by focusing on increasing its export share, particularly in manufacturing.

Growth Slowdown and Economic Risks

• Declining Growth Rates: Official data shows that India’s growth has fallen in four out of the last five quarters, signaling a persistent slowdown. High-frequency indicators confirm that the drop in growth is not merely a temporary blip but a potential trend.
• Weak Consumption and Investment: There is subdued consumption demand, especially in urban India, while private investment remains low despite healthy corporate balance sheets. This lack of demand is compounded by government investment running into fiscal constraints.
• The Risk of Stagnation: If the current trend continues, India could face prolonged slow growth. As a poor country, such slowdowns are more painful than they would be for wealthier nations. India requires sustained rapid growth to achieve developed country status.

Export-Led Growth Strategy

• Export Opportunity for Growth: India’s share in global goods exports is much smaller than its share in global GDP, highlighting a major opportunity to increase export volumes. If India raises its export share by just 1 percentage point in the next five years, it could lead to a 50% increase in export volumes and add 1 percentage point to GDP growth annually.
• Attracting FDI in Manufacturing: There is a historic opportunity for India to attract Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) as multinational companies look to move out of China. India’s large population and strong growth prospects make it an attractive alternative for manufacturing, which could drive export growth.
• Unmet Potential in FDI and Exports: Despite efforts like the Production Linked Incentives (PLI) scheme, India has failed to tap into this opportunity. FDI in manufacturing remains low, and year-on-year growth in goods exports has been only 4.5%, suggesting a missed opportunity in increasing global export market share.

Policy Changes Needed for Growth

• Policy Certainty and Stability: To achieve export-led growth, India must ensure consistency in trade policies. This includes avoiding frequent changes in tariffs, bans, or protectionist measures that create uncertainty for investors.
• Re-liberalizing Trade and Exchange Rate Adjustments: A re-liberalization of India’s foreign trade regime is necessary. Additionally, exchange rates should be allowed to respond to market forces to enhance the competitiveness of Indian exports.
• Fostering Investment Confidence: A predictable policy environment is crucial for attracting both foreign and domestic investment. Long-term investments require macroeconomic stability and assurance of policy continuity to create confidence among investors.

Practice Question:

Q. India has a historic opportunity to boost its economic growth through an export-led strategy. Critically analyze the policy changes required to tap into this opportunity and the challenges India faces in achieving sustained economic growth.

The Indian Navy’s strategic focus in 2024 has been on enhancing its undersea warfare capabilities, highlighted by key developments in nuclear and conventional submarine programs, as well as niche technologies like unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs). The commissioning of INS Arighaat, the launch of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM), and the approval of Project-77 for nuclear-powered attack submarines have reinforced India’s naval strength in the Indo-Pacific. The Navy's efforts also focus on addressing challenges like budgetary issues and enhancing indigenous content in defense platforms.

Key Developments in Undersea Warfare

• INS Arighaat Commissioned: In August 2024, India’s second indigenous nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), INS Arighaat, was commissioned, adding to India’s nuclear triad. It is designed with advanced sonar and propulsion systems, and higher indigenous content than its predecessor, INS Arihant.
• Testing of K-4 SLBM: The successful testing of the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) from INS Arighaat, with a range of 3,500 km, enhances India's nuclear deterrent and places significant portions of China within striking range, bolstering India's regional security posture.
• Approval of Project-77 (P-77): The Cabinet Committee on Security cleared Project-77, allowing the construction of two nuclear-powered attack submarines (SSNs) at Rs. 40,000 crore, scheduled for delivery by 2036-37. These SSNs would complement India's SSBNs and make India the only non-P5 nation to operate both types.

Conventional Submarines and Strategic Importance

• Project-75 and Scorpene Submarines: The sixth Scorpene-class submarine, INS Vaghsheer, is set to be commissioned under Project-75, which has strengthened India's conventional submarine fleet. The Navy is also set to acquire three more such boats to replace decommissioned submarines and enhance operational capacity.
• Project-75(I) for AIP Submarines: Project-75(I), aimed at inducting air-independent propulsion (AIP) enabled submarines, involves bidders from Spain and Germany. These AIP-enabled submarines will have a significant increase in indigenous content, further strengthening India's undersea capabilities.
• Indigenous Content in Submarine Programs: India has committed to increasing indigenous content in its submarine programs, with follow-on Scorpene submarines expected to have 60% indigenous content, and the first AIP submarine under Project-75(I) likely to feature 45% indigenous content, with the goal of 60% by the sixth boat.

Challenges and Strategic Goals

• Budgetary and Delays in Modernization: The Navy faces challenges in modernizing its forces due to mismatches between planned acquisitions and budget allocations. Delays in procurement processes and long gestation periods for defense projects further hinder the effective enhancement of undersea capabilities.
• Focus on Strategic Enablers: The approval of 100-tonne unmanned underwater vehicles (UUVs), costing Rs. 2,500 crore, highlights India's focus on low-cost, high-return technologies for strategic maritime security. These UUVs will complement the Navy’s capabilities in addressing evolving threats.
• Cooperation with Strategic Partners: India is focused on enhancing maritime stability through cooperation with strategic partners and friendly nations, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region. This collaboration is aligned with India's vision of promoting a free, open, and inclusive maritime order under the SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) framework.

Practice Question:

Q. Evaluate the significance of India’s advancements in undersea warfare capabilities, including the commissioning of INS Arighaat, the development of nuclear and conventional submarines, and unmanned underwater vehicles, in strengthening its naval power and ensuring regional security in the Indo-Pacific.

COP29, held in Azerbaijan, has been criticized for its failure to deliver meaningful progress in combating climate change, particularly concerning global emissions reductions. Amid political transitions, especially with the potential return of the Trump administration, the world faces mounting pressure for countries like India to act on emissions peaking by 2025. Despite this pressure, India’s development needs complicate its energy transition, as it seeks to meet growing energy demands while mitigating climate impacts.

Global Climate Challenges

• Disappointing COP29 Outcome: COP29’s outcome was seen as inadequate in addressing the critical need for rapid emissions reductions. With global climate negotiations stuck, nature continues its shift towards a hotter planet.
• Energy Transition Deadlines: Developed countries target net-zero emissions by 2050, while China and India aim for 2060 and 2070, respectively. This sets a challenging framework for India’s energy demands and development needs.
• Pressure for Early Emissions Peaking: The global call for emissions peaking by 2025, led by the G-7 and major economies, puts pressure on India, which is yet to commit to such a deadline, while other nations like the EU and the US are already on track.

India’s Energy Transition Dilemma

• Electricity Demand Growth: India’s electricity consumption is only a third of the global average, requiring rapid growth in generation to meet future energy needs. This growth is necessary to avoid an energy deficit and maintain economic progress.
• Challenges of Transition Technologies: While renewable energy and nuclear power are key to the energy transition, India’s reliance on existing technologies like small modular reactors and hydrogen faces long timelines for commercialization and scalability.
• Cost and Land Constraints: Renewables, while emission-free, have higher costs due to storage and transmission, and demand excessive land use. Nuclear power offers a more cost-effective and land-efficient alternative but requires significant government support.

Financial and Political Implications

• Global Finance Shortfall: Developed countries have committed only $300 billion annually for climate finance by 2035, far below the $1.3 trillion demanded by developing nations like India. The uncertain political landscape, including the potential return of Trump, further complicates the future of this financial support.
• Carbon Trading Mechanism: COP29 finalized rules for carbon trading, allowing wealthier nations to offset emissions by purchasing carbon entitlements from developing countries. This poses a challenge for India if it cannot diversify to cleaner energy sources before its emissions peaking deadline.
• Need for Political Consensus: For India’s energy transition to succeed, a political consensus is necessary to ensure investments in generation assets and fair pricing mechanisms, as public and private sectors must collaborate to meet the looming energy demands.

Practice Question:

Q. Critically analyze the challenges faced by India in balancing its energy transition to net-zero emissions with its developmental needs, in light of global climate agreements and the rising pressure to peak emissions by 2025.