GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The 16th BRICS Summit concluded with the adoption of the ‘Kazan Declaration’, a comprehensive document outlining key areas of cooperation and the bloc's unified stance on global issues.

Key Outcomes of the Kazan Declaration

Under the theme "Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security", the Kazan Declaration emphasised the importance of BRICS solidarity and strategic partnerships. The leaders pledged their commitment to fostering peace, ensuring a fairer international order, and promoting sustainable development. The key-outcomes are as follow:

• Geopolitical Concerns
  • Diplomatic Resolutions for International Conflicts: The summit highlighted the critical need for peaceful resolutions to international conflicts through diplomacy. The declaration underscored the importance of adhering to the United Nations Charter, particularly in relation to the ongoing Ukraine conflict. Leaders expressed appreciation for mediation efforts aimed at facilitating dialogue and resolving the conflict peacefully.
  • Concerns Over Palestine: The situation in Palestine was a focal point of concern, with the declaration noting the severe humanitarian crisis in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The BRICS leaders voiced their grave apprehension regarding the escalation of violence in Gaza and the West Bank, calling for immediate measures to alleviate the situation.
  • Middle East Crisis: The declaration also addressed the escalating humanitarian crisis in the Middle East, particularly in Southern Lebanon. Leaders condemned the civilian casualties and damage to infrastructure resulting from military actions, urging for a cessation of hostilities.
• Global Governance and Multilateralism
  • Role of the G20: The importance of the G20 in global decision-making processes was emphasized. The leaders recognized the necessity for the G20 to function effectively, advocating for a consensus-driven approach focused on achieving tangible outcomes.
  • Reform of Financial Architecture: The BRICS nations reiterated their commitment to reforming the international financial architecture to enhance global governance. They called for a more agile and representative multilateral system capable of addressing financial challenges, stressing the need for reforms that promote inclusive growth.
  • Innovative Financial Practices: The declaration encouraged the exploration of new financial practices, highlighting the BRICS Interbank Cooperation Mechanism (ICM) as a means to facilitate innovative financial solutions. The leaders reaffirmed their support for a robust International Monetary Fund (IMF), emphasizing the need for a quota-based and adequately resourced financial safety net.

• Economic Cooperation and Local Currencies
  • Strengthening Trade in Local Currencies: A significant aspect of the summit was the agreement to enhance trade and financial settlements in local currencies. The declaration welcomed initiatives aimed at utilizing local currencies for BRICS financial transactions and establishing independent cross-border settlement infrastructures.
  • BRICS Grain Exchange: The leaders endorsed the initiative to create a BRICS Grain Exchange, which would facilitate commodities trading within the bloc. This move is seen as a step towards greater economic integration among member nations.
  • Expansion of BRICS: Recognizing the growing interest from nations in the Global South, the leaders established a BRICS Partner Country category. New members, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, are welcomed to join the bloc, indicating a commitment to expanding BRICS influence and partnerships.
• Pandemic Preparedness and Environmental Conservation
  • Health Initiatives: The summit highlighted the necessity of strengthening health systems through collaborative efforts. Leaders supported initiatives related to vaccine research and development, early warning systems for infectious diseases, and the establishment of a BRICS TB Research Network.
  • Addressing Antimicrobial Resistance: The Kazan Declaration acknowledged the threat posed by antimicrobial resistance (AMR), welcoming the outcomes of the UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR.
  • Conservation of Big Cats: India's initiative for an International Big Cats Alliance received recognition, with BRICS countries pledging to collaborate on the conservation of endangered species. This highlights the bloc’s commitment to environmental sustainability.

In a big victory for states, the Supreme Court (SC), in an 8:1 majority, upheld the states’ right to regulate taxes on industrial alcohol, overruling a 1990 judgment.

Background of the Case (Issue Before the Court)

• The core of the dispute arises from two “overlapping” entries in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution, which lays down the division of lawmaking powers between the Centre and the states.
• The case revolves around the interpretation of Entry 8 of List II (State List) and Entry 52 of the Union List in the Constitution.
  • Entry 8 of List II (State List) gives states the power to regulate “the production, manufacture, possession, transport, purchase and sale of intoxicating liquors”
  • Entry 52 of List I (Union List) allows the Centre to regulate industries as a whole to the extent “declared by Parliament by law to be expedient in public interest”.
• Centre VS States Arguments
  • Centre: As alcohol and other products of fermentation industries that deal with non-potable (non-drinkable) alcohol are included in the Industries (Development and Regulation) Act, 1961. The Centre argued that it “occupied the field” when it comes to industrial alcohol, and that states could not regulate the subject.
  • States: States, on the other hand, argued that industrial alcohol can be misused to produce consumable alcohol illegally, which required them to enact legislation.
• The Supreme Court needed to address whether "industrial alcohol" or denatured spirits could be classified under the term "intoxicating liquor," thus allowing states to regulate and tax it.
• The controversy traces back to a 1990 Supreme Court judgment in Synthetics & Chemicals vs. State of Uttar Pradesh, which limited the definition of "intoxicating liquor" to potable alcohol, ruling that states could not tax industrial alcohol.
• The current case revisited this ruling, with the Supreme Court considering its implications on state powers and public health concerns.

Key-takeaways from Supreme Court’s Ruling

• Definition of Intoxicating Liquor: The Supreme Court ruled that "industrial alcohol" falls within the meaning of "intoxicating liquor" under Entry 8 of List II of the Constitution. This broader interpretation allows states to regulate and tax industrial alcohol.
  • The definition of "intoxicating liquor" extends beyond just alcoholic beverages suitable for human consumption. It includes all types of alcohol that could pose risks to public health.
• The court stated, “Alcoholic liquor is defined by its ingredients, and ‘intoxicating’ is defined by its effects.” This emphasis on public health reinforces states’ obligations to prevent misuse of industrial alcohol.
• Overruling of Previous Judgment: The court overruled the earlier decision in Synthetics & Chemicals, asserting that the Entry 8 of List II cannot exclude raw materials used in producing intoxicating liquors. The Bench highlighted the necessity for states to enact regulations to prevent industrial alcohol from being misused as a consumable liquor.
• Legislative Powers: The ruling confirms that the subject of intoxicating liquors falls exclusively within state jurisdiction, allowing state legislatures to enact laws addressing the production, transport, and sale of industrial alcohol. This grants states greater autonomy to combat illegal consumption and regulate alcohol-related activities.
• The judgment empowers state governments to introduce more stringent regulations on industrial alcohol, potentially leading to changes in how it is produced, transported, and consumed. 

Union Government notified amendments to the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Rules, 2024, tightening the norms for getting a disability certificate. However, the National Platform for the Rights of the Disabled (NPRD) denounced them and called for their withdrawal.

Key Changes in the Amendments

The amendments were introduced in the wake of the controversy surrounding Puja Khedkar, a dismissed IAS probationer accused of falsifying her disability certificate.

• Broadly, the new norms have brought changes in the process of applications made to obtain Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards and the process of issuance of these cards.
  • The new norms also introduced colour-coded white, yellow and blue UDID cards signifying ascending levels of disability, with blue being the highest, for persons having disability at 80 per cent and above.
  • The UDID project initiated by Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilitiesaims at building a holistic end-to-end integrated system for Issuance of Universal ID & Disability Certificates for Person with Disabilities with their identification and disability details.
• Proof of Identity Requirements: Individuals applying for a disability certificate must now submit proof of identity, including a photo taken within the last six months and an Aadhaar card.
• Medical Authority Involvement: Only medical authorities are deemed competent to process applications for disability certificates. This restricts the involvement of other relevant bodies, potentially complicating the certification process.
• Extended Processing Time: The time required to process applications has been increased from one month to three months, potentially delaying access to necessary support and services for individuals with disabilities.
• Lapsed Applications: A new clause in Rule 18 allows applications to become inactive if not decided upon within two years, requiring applicants to reapply or reactivate their application, adding further bureaucratic hurdles.

Around 3.26 billion years ago, a massive meteorite struck Earth, causing catastrophic destruction. This meteorite was estimated to be 23 to 36 miles wide (37 to 58 km), making it 50 to 200 times the size of the asteroid that caused the dinosaurs' extinction. Despite the devastation, this event may have actually helped early life on our planet.

About

• The meteorite (named S2) was a type called a carbonaceous chondrite that is rich in carbon and also contains phosphorus.
• Its diameter was approximately 23-36 miles (37-58 km), making it about 50-200 times the mass of the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, aside from their bird descendants.
• It was the size of four Mount Everests.
• Before the S2 meteorite struck Earth, the planet was still young and looked different compared to today.
• It was mostly a water world with only a few landmasses sticking out of the sea, and life consisted of simple, single-celled microorganisms.
• The Impact: The meteorite was a carbonaceous chondrite, rich in carbon and phosphorus.
  • Immediate Effects: The impact was incredibly powerful, vaporizing the rock it hit and creating a cloud of dust that darkened the sky. This would have led to a tsunami and caused severe heating, with upper ocean layers starting to boil.
  • Destruction of Life: The initial aftermath would have wiped out many microorganisms that relied on sunlight, particularly those in shallow waters.
  • The colossal impact wiped T-Rex and Stegosaurus from the face of Earth and reshaped the course of evolution.

• Benefits: Despite the destruction, the impact delivered essential nutrients to the environment:
  • Nutrients Delivered: The meteorite brought phosphorus, a crucial nutrient for life, especially for the molecules that store and transmit genetic information.
  • Mixing of Waters: The tsunami mixed iron-rich deep waters with shallow waters, creating conditions favorable for microbial life, as iron provides energy for many microorganisms.

The Ministry of Panchayati Raj (MoPR), in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), is set to launch a landmark and a transformative initiative to provide Gram Panchayats with 5 days daily weather forecasting and provision to check hourly weather forecast – Gram Panchayat-Level Weather Forecasting.

About the initiative

• This initiative is aimed at empowering rural communities and enhancing disaster preparedness at the grassroots.
• It will directly benefit farmers and villagers across the country.
• As part of the Government’s 100 Days Agenda, this initiative strengthens grassroots governance and promotes sustainable agricultural practices, making rural populations more climate-resilient and better equipped to tackle environmental challenges.
• This is the first time that localized weather forecasts will be available at the Gram Panchayat level, supported by IMD’s expanded sensor coverage.
• The forecasts will be disseminated through the Ministry’s digital platforms: 
  • e-GramSwaraj, which enables efficient governance, project tracking, and resource management
  • Meri Panchayat app, which fosters community engagement by allowing citizens to interact with local representatives and report issues
  • Gram Manchitra, a spatial planning tool that provides geospatial insights for development projects

India is facing a staggering increase in cyber fraud, with projections from the Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) estimating potential losses of over Rs 1.2 lakh crore in the next year. This alarming figure highlights the escalating threat of cybercrime, particularly involving illicit transactions through mule bank accounts.

Key Findings

• Sources of Cyber Fraud
• • International Origins: A significant proportion of scams are traced back to China and Chinese-linked entities. Other origins include Cambodia and Myanmar, where scam operations often resemble call centers.
  • Domestic Scams: There are also scams run within India, where money is siphoned off after being transferred through multiple accounts.
  • Mule Bank Accounts: Mule bank accounts are financial accounts used to facilitate illegal transactions and money laundering. They play a critical role in enabling cybercriminals to execute scams while obscuring their identity.
    • Prevalence: Investigating agencies identify approximately 4,000 mule bank accounts daily, indicating the widespread nature of this issue.
• Economic Impact
• • Projected Losses: The financial impact of these scams could reach 0.7% of India’s GDP, threatening to cripple the economy.
  • Recent Data: From January to June 2023, reported losses from financial fraud amounted to Rs 11,269 crore, as documented through the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) cybercrime portal and helpline.

A deadly outbreak of E. coli (E. coli O157:H7 strain) in the US, linked to McDonald’s Quarter Pounder hamburgers has swept across 10 states, leaving one person dead and dozens hospitalised. 

About E.coli:

• coli is a bacterium found in the intestines of animals and in the environment, including water and food.
• People can get sick from coli poisoning when they consume contaminated foods or through contact with animals, the environment or other people who are infected.
• While many strains are harmless, some can lead to serious illness.
• coli O157:H7 strain produces a toxin that can result in severe diarrhoea, kidney failure, and other serious health issues. 
  • Severe cases can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication affecting the kidneys.
• Symptoms: Fever, stomach cramps, and bloody diarrhoea, and the incubation period for E. coli is relatively short, with symptoms appearing within a few days of infection.
• colican be contagious. It can spread from person to person, especially through improper hand hygiene after using the bathroom or changing diapers. 

The recent decision by the UK to transfer sovereignty of the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius represents a significant shift in international relations and maritime geopolitics. This development addresses long-standing colonial legacies while reshaping power dynamics in the Indian Ocean, impacting regional security and strategic interests.

Implications for Stakeholders

• Pressure from International Bodies: The UK’s decision was influenced by mounting pressure from the International Court of Justice (ICJ), the UN General Assembly, and countries like India, which has supported Mauritius' sovereignty claims. This move reflects a growing international consensus favoring Mauritius and underscores the UK's need to align with global sentiment.
• Strategic Control of Diego Garcia: While Mauritius gains sovereignty over the Chagos Islands, the US and UK retain control over the military base at Diego Garcia for the next 99 years. This strategic arrangement allows the US to maintain a crucial military foothold in the Indian Ocean, with implications for regional security dynamics, especially in the context of increasing Chinese naval activities.
• India’s Strategic Calculus: For India, access to Diego Garcia presents opportunities for enhanced military cooperation with the US and UK, vital for countering Chinese influence. However, this proximity to a key US military base raises concerns about India’s strategic autonomy and its relationships with non-Western partners, particularly in light of rising tensions in the Middle East.

Balancing Geopolitical Interests

• Impact on Strategic Autonomy: India has traditionally pursued a policy of strategic autonomy, balancing ties with various global powers. Closer military cooperation with the US, facilitated by access to Diego Garcia, may shift this balance, potentially undermining India’s ability to engage with non-Western partners like Russia and Iran.
• Concerns Over Regional Dynamics: The presence of US military assets in the Indian Ocean complicates India’s position amidst tensions between Israel and Iran. While India leans towards Israel, overt alignment with US policies could strain relations with Iran, highlighting the need for a careful diplomatic approach.
• Maritime Security Collaboration: India’s involvement in enhancing Mauritius’ maritime security capacity presents an opportunity to address threats like illegal fishing, particularly from China. Strengthening Mauritius’ security capabilities aligns with India’s interests in countering Chinese influence while maintaining a balanced regional presence.

Practice Question

Q. Analyze the implications of the UK’s transfer of sovereignty over the Chagos Archipelago to Mauritius on regional security and India’s strategic interests in the Indian Ocean. How should India navigate its relationships with global powers while maintaining its strategic autonomy?

The global supply chain is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by national security concerns and geopolitical tensions. Recent developments, including the U.S. proposed bans on certain vehicle technologies linked to China and an Israeli attack on communication systems, highlight the urgent need to re-evaluate supply chain strategies.

Shift from Efficiency to Resilience

• Historical Context: For decades, supply chains prioritized efficiency, utilizing a “just in time” model that emphasized cost-effective global sourcing, predominantly through Chinese manufacturing.
• Emerging Concerns: The U.S.-China rivalry and the COVID-19 pandemic prompted a shift towards “just in case” strategies, with nations recognizing the vulnerabilities tied to over-reliance on Chinese exports and the need for resilient supply chains.
• Impact on Policy: This evolution has led to broader discussions about security, evidenced by actions against Chinese telecom firms and heightened scrutiny of technology from adversarial nations.

National Security Focus

• S. Regulatory Changes: The U.S. proposed rules to ban imports of connected vehicle systems from China and Russia, citing national security risks, including espionage capabilities linked to vehicle connectivity.
• Israeli Security Incident: The recent Israeli attack, which resulted in significant casualties through the targeting of basic communication devices, underscored the potential vulnerabilities present in all technology sectors.
• Broader Implications: These events have intensified the discourse around supply chain security, revealing that even foundational technologies can pose significant risks if not adequately secured.

India’s Strategic Response

• Dual Approach: India must adopt a dual strategy that combines “just to be secure” and “just in case” methodologies to fortify its supply chains against external threats.
• Implementation of Trust Mechanisms: For critical technologies, India should implement a "trust but verify" approach, involving audits and compliance checks, while employing “zero trust” principles for technologies vital to national security.
• Diversification and Friendshoring: For less critical technologies, India can pursue diversification of vendors and friendshoring to mitigate risks associated with supply chain vulnerabilities.

Practice Question

Q. Critically analyze the implications of recent geopolitical developments on global supply chain strategies, focusing on the balance between efficiency, resilience, and security in the context of India's supply chain policy.

India is commemorating the 75th anniversary of the adoption of its Constitution on November 26, 1949. As the country reflects on its constitutional journey, there is a pressing need to focus on integrating constitutional education within higher education institutions to foster a better understanding of its values and implications for social transformation.

Importance of Constitutional Education

• Collective Consciousness: The Constitution serves as a foundation for building a collective consciousness among Indians. As India marks its 75th anniversary, promoting a shared understanding of constitutional values is vital for national integration and progressive nation-building.
• Framework for Identity: The Constitution nurtures an inclusive Indian identity, emphasizing rights and freedoms. It encourages the development of “constitutional patriotism,” where citizens identify with common national symbols and values, essential for fostering unity amidst diversity.
• Celebrating Diversity: With its provisions on equality and non-discrimination, the Constitution recognizes and promotes India’s rich diversity. Universities must focus on experiential learning, encouraging students to appreciate different cultures and perspectives to cultivate an informed citizenry.

Empowerment through the Constitution

• Social and Political Empowerment: The Constitution acts as a catalyst for social empowerment, notably through the abolition of untouchability in Article 17. It emphasizes that societal change is rooted in the values of liberty, equality, and fraternity, which universities can instill in students.
• Foundation for Social Justice: The theme of social justice is embedded in the Constitution, making it crucial for universities to promote these ideals. Transformative education can empower a new generation to actively engage in advancing social justice in society.
• Reimagining Higher Education: As India celebrates its constitutional legacy, higher education institutions must prioritize teaching constitutional values. This education will equip the youth to understand historical struggles and the vision of the Constitution's framers in shaping the Republic.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the role of higher education in promoting constitutional values among youth in India. How can universities contribute to social justice and national integration in the context of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution?