UPSC DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS (10TH OCTOBER, 2024)

Concerns Over Increasing weaponization of Trade

Syllabus: GS2/ International Relations

Context

• The External Affairs Minister of India, S. Jaishankar highlighted that rising globalization along with trade weaponization has  resulted in job losses and dissatisfaction in many societies.

What is trade weaponization?

• Trade weaponization refers to the strategic use of trade policies and economic measures by countries to exert political or economic pressure on others. 
• Instead of trade being purely an economic activity aimed at mutual benefit, it becomes a tool of influence, coercion, or retaliation.

Tools of trade weaponization

• Tariffs and Sanctions: Countries impose tariffs or sanctions on imports from a particular country to hurt its economy.
  • Example: US-China trade war
• Export Controls: Restrictions on exports of critical technologies or materials to a nation.
  • In 2020, the US government started imposing stricter export controls on China to limit its access to advanced semiconductor technology. 
• Supply Chain Disruptions: Manipulating supply chains for critical goods, like rare earth metals or energy resources, to gain leverage in political disputes.
• Currency Manipulation: It boosts a nation’s export competitiveness while hurting the importing country’s economy.

Challenges of trade weaponization

• Increased Uncertainty: The imposition of tariffs and sanctions creates uncertainty in international markets, making it difficult for businesses to plan for the future.
• Loss of Export Markets: Retaliatory tariffs restrict access to key export markets, negatively affecting domestic industries that rely on international sales.
• Strained Diplomatic Relations: Trade weaponization leads to heightened tensions between nations, complicating diplomatic relations.
• Erosion of Multilateralism: The rise of unilateral trade measures undermines established international trade norms and institutions, such as the World Trade Organization (WTO), leading to a fragmented global trading system.
• Disproportionate Effects: Protectionist measures disproportionately affect low-income workers and communities, leading to job losses in industries exposed to international competition.

Steps taken against trade weaponization

• Regional Trade Agreements: Countries are forming or revitalizing regional trade agreements (RTAs) to enhance cooperation and reduce reliance on major economies.
  • Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP),
  • Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) etc.
• Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) to diversify and stabilize global supply chains of Critical Minerals.
• Reform of the WTO: Ongoing discussions to reform the World Trade Organization (WTO) aim to enhance its dispute resolution mechanisms and address the challenges posed by unilateral trade actions.
• Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF): It serves as a countermeasure to economic coercion by countries that use trade as a tool of influence, promoting a more equitable and rules-based trading system.

Concluding remarks

• The challenges arising from the weaponization of trade are complex and multifaceted, affecting not only national economies but also the global trading system and international relations.
• There is further need for encouraging transparency, enhanced communication, and conflict resolution mechanisms to promote a stable and equitable international trading system.

World Mental Health Day

Syllabus: GS2/ Health

Context

• World Mental Health Day is observed annually on October 10.
  • It was first initiated in 1992 by the World Federation for Mental Health (WFMH). 
  • This global observance aims to raise awareness about mental health issues and mobilize efforts in support of mental health care worldwide.

About

• India is currently witnessing a surge in mental health disorders. 
• According to The Lancet Psychiatry Commission, over 197 million people suffer from conditions such as depression, anxiety and substance abuse. 
• Economic growth has created new opportunities, but it has also intensified societal pressures and personal expectations. 
• As India’s developmental aspirations rise, mental well-being is often overlooked, fuelling a crisis driven by materialism and a growing disconnect from community and self-awareness.

Causes of Mental Illness

• Exposure to unfavorable social, economic, geopolitical and environmental circumstances – including poverty, violence, inequality and environmental deprivation.
• Over the past few years, the pandemic-led lockdowns and the uncertainties associated with them have had a detrimental effect on mental well-being
• Early adverse life experiences, such as trauma or a history of abuse (for example, child abuse, sexual assault, witnessing violence, etc.)
• Use of alcohol or drugs, having feelings of loneliness or isolation, etc.
• Family Dynamics: Dysfunctional family relationships and lack of support systems can negatively impact mental health.
• The growing focus on consumerism, particularly in urban areas, has fostered a culture where luxury and conspicuous goods define status. This leads to feelings of inadequacy, stress and social comparison. 
  • The endless quest for affluence disconnects individuals from the essential elements of a meaningful life trapping them in a cycle of dissatisfaction.

Issue of Lack of Psychiatrists in India

• The World Health Organization’s guidelines state that there should be at least three practising psychiatrists per one lakh population. 
• As per the latest National Mental Health Survey (NMHS), which was conducted between 2015 and 2016, India has only 0.75 psychiatrists per 1 lakh population. 

• Among the BRICS nations, India is one of the two countries with the lowest number of psychiatrists per capita; the other is Ethiopia.
• Keeping aside factors such as attrition and unemployment, it would take India about 27 years to meet the WHO-recommended goal. 
  • If India wants to achieve this mark earlier, it requires policy intervention with adequate incentives to increase supply.  

Government of India Initiatives 

• National Mental Health Programme (NMHP): Launched in 1982, this program aims to improve mental health services through community-based approaches, enhance mental health care at primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, and raise awareness.
• Mental Healthcare Act, 2017: The act decriminalised suicide attempts in India and also included WHO guidelines in the categorisation of mental illnesses.
  • The most significant provision in the act was “advanced directives”, which allowed individuals with mental illnesses to decide the course of their treatment. 
  • It also restricted the use of electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), and banned its use on minors, finally introducing measures to tackle stigma in Indian society.

• Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2017: The Act acknowledges mental illness as a disability and seeks to enhance the Rights and Entitlements of the Disabled.
• Manodarpan Initiative: An initiative under Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyan, aims to provide psycho-social support to students for their mental health and well-being.
• Kiran Helpline: The helpline is a step towards suicide prevention, and can help with support and crisis management.
• National Tele-Mental Health Programme: Launched in 2022, this initiative aims to provide mental health services through telemedicine, expanding access to care, especially in underserved and remote areas.
• For the first time ever, the Economic Survey 2023-24 talked about mental health, its significance and implications on policy recommendations.
  • It emphasizes the need for effective implementation to accelerate progress in mental healthcare, addressing existing gaps to ensure maximum impact.

Way Forward

• There is a need for an urgent and well-resourced whole-of-society approach to protect, promote and care for the mental health of people.
  • Killing the deep stigma surrounding mental health issues which prevents patients from seeking timely treatment. 
• Making mental health an integral part of the public health programme to help screen and identify high-risk groups and strengthen mental health interventions like counselling services. 
• Special emphasis on schools: Pay special attention to groups that are highly vulnerable to mental health issues such as children facing domestic or sexual violence.
• Collective action, community as solutions: To address this crisis, we must shift focus from individual success to collective well-being.

• Addressing India’s mental health crisis requires rethinking what it means to live a good life. 
• We must challenge the materialistic notion of success and refocus on mental, emotional, and social well-being. 

Need of Battery Storage for a Renewables-Heavy Electricity Grid

Syllabus: GS3/ Energy and Infrastructure

Context

• According to a report by the Central Electricity Authority (CEA), around 34 gigawatts (GW) or 136 gigawatts per hour (GWh) of battery energy storage systems is expected to be installed in India by 2030.

Background

• India is targeting to have half of its electric power capacity come from renewables by 2030 and energy storage is key in maintaining grid flexibility during surplus and deficit power generation.
• Traditional energy sources offer consistent output, but renewable energy’s variability can cause a 3-5% error in dispatches. 
• For India’s planned 500 GW capacity by 2030, a 3% error could cut 15 GW, destabilizing the grid.

Ancillary Services

• In absence of infrastructure that can store electricity in large amounts, it must be produced and used simultaneously.
• Ancillary services provide quick, real-time adjustments to balance supply and demand of power. There are three kinds of ancillary services;
  • Primary services respond to fluctuations in real-time (less than a second), making them most relevant in addressing imbalances in renewables-heavy grids. They can only be provided via hydroelectricity, and battery storage (more on that later).
  • Secondary services respond to fluctuations within 10-15 minutes. These comprise gas-based capacities.
  • Tertiary services take about 20-30 minutes to respond, and comprise thermal power plants, including the coal-fired plants that remain in use in India.

Need for Battery Storage

• Renewables make up roughly 10% of India’s energy portfolio at the moment. As India’s grid becomes more renewables-heavy, deployment of Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) is necessary. 
• BESS  is the fastest in responding to grid contingencies, and can transition from standby to full power in under a second. 
• It can provide essential services such as frequency control, voltage regulation, congestion relief, peak shaving, power smoothing, and peak capacity support, making it an invaluable asset in the modern grid.

Challenges

• Raw Material Scarcity: India lacks sufficient reserves of critical materials like lithium, cobalt, and nickel, essential for battery manufacturing. 
• Energy Density and Lifespan: Current battery technologies may not meet the energy density requirements for long-term storage or withstand prolonged cycling without significant degradation, impacting overall efficiency.
• Regulatory Hurdles: Lack of clear regulatory frameworks and incentives for BESS deployment slows down its adoption, making it harder to integrate into the existing grid.

Way Ahead

• The government announced a Viability Gap Funding scheme, allocating INR 3,760 crore to develop 4,000 MWh of battery storage systems.
• Partnering with industry leaders and start-ups to co-develop and commercialize advanced energy storage technologies will be key to driving innovation and scaling solutions.
• Also developing efficient and scalable battery recycling facilities will help recover valuable materials and reduce the environmental impact of battery waste, supporting a circular economy.

Global wildlife population fell 73% : Living Planet Report 

Syllabus : GS3/Environment 

In News

• The World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Living Planet Report 2024 reveals a catastrophic 73% decline in monitored wildlife populations over the past 50 years (1970-2020)

The Living Planet Report

•  WWF’s flagship publication, released every two years
• It  is a comprehensive study of trends in global biodiversity and the health of the planet.

Key Findings 

• The Living Planet Index (LPI) tracks trends in nearly 35,000 populations of 5,495 species.
• Freshwater populations experienced the steepest decline at 85%, followed by terrestrial (69%) and marine (56%).
• Regions wise : It highlights significant declines in monitored wildlife populations across different regions:
  • Latin America and the Caribbean: 95% decline
  • Africa: 76% decline
  • Asia-Pacific: 60% decline
  • North America: 39% decline
  • Europe and Central Asia: 35% decline
• Some populations have stabilized or increased due to conservation efforts, such as:
  • Mountain gorillas increased by about 3% per year in East Africa (2010-2016).
  • Bison populations rose from 0 to 6,800 in central Europe (1970-2020).
• Primary Threats: The main threats to wildlife include:
  • Habitat loss and degradation
  • Overharvesting (mainly from the global food system)
  • Invasive species
  • Disease
  • Climate change

Impact 

•  Significant drops in wildlife threaten ecosystem health and can lead to irreversible changes, pushing nature towards dangerous tipping points (e.g., decimated forests, destroyed rainforests, and coral reefs).
• Declines in wildlife populations signal increased extinction risks and ecosystem health issues.

Recommendations:

• WWF leaders emphasize the need for immediate action to prevent further declines, highlighting that compromised nature is more vulnerable to climate change.
• Develop and implement ambitious national nature and climate plans.
• Reduce overconsumption of food and energy equitably.
• Increase public and private investments aligned with sustainability goals.
• Eliminate activities negatively impacting biodiversity and redirect funding toward positive initiatives.

The Nobel Prizes for 2024 in Chemistry

Syllabus: GS3/Science

Context

• The Nobel Prizes for 2024 in Chemistry was awarded to David Baker “for computational protein design” along with Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper “for protein structure prediction”.

About

• Proteins are large, complex molecules that play many critical roles in the body.
  • They are made up of smaller units called amino acids, which are linked together in long chains. 
  • There are 20 different types of amino acids, and the specific sequence in which they are arranged determines the protein’s structure and function.
• In 2003, David Baker, a professor at the University of Washington, succeeded in using these blocks to design a new protein that was unlike any other protein.
  • Since then, his research group has produced one imaginative protein creation after another.
• In 2020, Demis Hassabis and John Jumper developed an AI model called AlphaFold2, as part of Google’s DeepMind project, that was able to predict the structure of virtually all the 200 million proteins that researchers have identified.
• Significance: It allows us to better understand how life functions, including why some diseases develop, how antibiotic resistance occurs or why some microbes can decompose plastic.

FACTS IN NEWS

National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

Syllabus :GS 1/Culture 

In News

• The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.

About National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC)

• It is being constructed at Lothal, Gujarat, a site of historical significance linked to the Indus Valley Civilization. The project is under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Its primary objective is to showcase the maritime heritage of India from ancient to modern times, utilizing an edutainment approach and incorporating the latest technology
• Importance: The NMHC is set to become the world’s largest maritime museum complex, positioning it as a key international tourist destination.
• The project aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision to showcase India’s 4,500-year maritime heritage, initiated by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
  • It is a part of the Sagarmala Programme, a flagship initiative by the Government of India aimed at promoting port-led development and enhancing the efficiency of logistics in the country.
  • Employment generation.

Sahara Desert

Syllabus: GS1/ Geography

Context

• The Sahara Desert in southeastern Morocco has experienced a rare deluge of rainfall, transforming it into a blue lagoon.

About Sahara

• Location: It stretches from the Red Sea in the east and the Mediterranean in the north to the Atlantic Ocean in the west, where the landscape gradually changes from desert to coastal plains.
  • To the south it is bounded by the Sahel, a belt of semi-arid tropical savanna.
• It stretches across countries, including Algeria, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, Chad, and Tunisia. 
• Mountains:  Ahaggar Mountains, Tibesti Mountains, Aïr Mountains.
• Human Inhabitants: It is home to nomadic groups like the Tuareg and Berbers.
• Flora: Date palms, tamarisk, and acacia trees.
• Fauna: Gazelles, Addax (antelope), Saharan silver ant etc.

EVM Battery Functionality

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

In News

The Congress party has raised concerns about the Haryana Assembly election results, questioning the integrity of Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs).

About

• The ECI has not officially responded to the allegations but stated that no complaints about EVM batteries were received during polling.
• Legal challenges to EVMs have consistently failed, and the Supreme Court recently upheld the use of EVMs, rejecting calls for a return to paper ballots.

EVM Battery Functionality:

• EVMs operate on alkaline batteries, with the control unit (CU) typically having a power pack of 7.5 or 8 volts and the Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) unit at 22.5 volts.
• Battery levels are monitored and displayed as “High”, “Medium”, “Low”, and “Change Battery.”
  • A new battery generally lasts throughout the election and counting process.
• Battery Change Procedure:Batteries are checked and installed before elections, with political party representatives allowed to observe.
  • In case of low battery during polling, a replacement occurs in the presence of polling agents and sector officers.

Indian Institute of Skills (IIS)

Syllabus: GS2/Governance

In News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated various development projects in Maharashtra worth over Rs 7600 crore via video conference.

Indian Institute of Skills (IIS):

• IIS was launched in Mumbai to enhance the employability of Indian youth for national and global opportunities.
• It was established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) between the Ministry of Skill Development and Tata Trusts.
• It aims to prepare an industry-ready workforce for Industry 4.0.
  • Initially offers six specialized courses, including Advanced Industrial Automation and Electric Vehicle Battery Specialist.
• Key Training Areas: Focuses on factory automation, digital manufacturing, mechatronics, artificial intelligence, data analytics, and additive manufacturing.
• Importance  :It is aimed at creating a skilled, resilient workforce to drive economic growth and prosperity.
  • IIS is pivotal for India’s vision as the “Skill Capital of the World.”

Forex Reserves Hit All-Time High of $704.89 Billion

Syllabus: GS3/ Economy

Context

• India’s forex reserves reached a record high of $704.89 billion as of September 27, marking a $12.5 billion increase.

About

• Foreign Exchange Reserves are assets held by a country’s central bank in foreign currencies. These reserves include;
  • Foreign Currencies: A reserve of foreign currencies, including US dollars, euros, yen, etc.
  • Special Drawing Rights (SDRs): These are international reserve assets allocated by the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
  • Reserve Position in the IMF: This is the amount a country can access in the IMF without conditions.
  • Gold Reserves
• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is the custodian of the Foreign exchange reserves in India.

Purposes of Foreign Exchange Reserves

• Stabilizing Currency: Reserves help stabilize the national currency by managing exchange rate volatility. 
• Supporting Imports and Debt: Reserves are used to pay for essential imports or service external debt.
• Confidence in Economy: Large reserves provide confidence to foreign investors regarding a country’s economic stability.
• Balance of Payments: These reserves help manage any deficits in a country’s balance of payments.

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs)

Syllabus: GS3/Economy

Context

• Reserve Bank of India (RBI) governor Shaktikanta Das warned of action against those non-banking financial companies (NBFCs) who are pursuing unsustainable practices to push growth.

Non-banking financial companies (NBFCs)

• It is a company registered under the Companies Act, 1956 engaged in the business of loans and advances, acquisition of shares/stocks/bonds/ debentures/securities issued by Government or local authority or other marketable securities.
• They are financial institutions that offer various banking services but do not have a banking license. 
• Generally, these institutions are not allowed to take traditional demand deposits—readily available funds, such as those in checking or savings accounts—from the public.
• The functions of the NBFCs are managed by both the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Reserve Bank of India.

What is the difference between banks & NBFCs?

• NBFCs lend and make investments and hence their activities are akin to that of banks; however there are a few differences as given below:
  • NBFC cannot accept demand deposits;
  • NBFCs do not form part of the payment and settlement system and cannot issue cheques drawn on itself;
  • Deposit insurance facility of Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation is not available to depositors of NBFCs, unlike in case of banks.

Digital Arrest

Syllabus: GS3/ Internal Security

Context

• Fraudsters in Indore duped a 65-year-old woman of ₹46 lakh through a five-day fake interrogation, in a case of ‘digital arrest.’

What is Digital Arrest?

• Digital Arrest is a form of cyber fraud where scammers impersonate law enforcement officers through audio or video calls, falsely accusing individuals of crimes or legal violations. 
• The fraudsters use fabricated legal documents and confine victims to their homes by threatening arrest unless a payment is made. 

The Legality of Digital Arrests in India

• Arrests in India require physical detention by recognized law enforcement officials under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 or under the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS). 
• The law only provides for service of the summons and the proceedings in an electronic mode. 

Measures taken by government

• The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) blocked over 1,000 Skype IDs linked to fraud, collaborating with Microsoft, and provided technical support to state/UT police for investigations.

• The National Cyber Coordination Centre (NCCC) monitors cyber threats and facilitates timely information sharing to enable proactive, preventive, and protective actions by entities.
• Chakshu Facility: It is a feature on the Sanchar Saathi portal that encourages citizens to proactively report suspected fraudulent communications received via call, SMS, or WhatsApp.

CCS clears deals for 31 MQ-9B drones and Nuclear Submarines

Syllabus: GS3/Defence

Context

• The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) approved the purchase of 31 MQ-9B High Altitude Long Endurance (HALE) Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAV) from General Atomics of the U.S. as well indigenous construction of two Nuclear Attack Submarines (SSN).

About

• Nuclear Attack Submarines: India has already indigenously manufactured nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarines (SSBN) and the SSN project will be a follow-on to that.
  • The submarines are likely to be built at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam and will involve private sector firms.
  • The SSNs are a critical requirement for the Navy which give unlimited endurance to perform a variety of tasks. 
• The MQ-9Bs, to be assembled in India, will enhance the ISR (intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance) capabilities of India’s armed forces.
  • They can also carry out precision strikes on strategic targets in mountains and the maritime domain during long-endurance missions.

MALABAR- 2024

Syllabus :GS 3/Defence

Context

• The maritime exercise Malabar 2024, the most comprehensive version of all editions so far, commenced at Visakhapatnam, India.

About: Exercise Malabar

• The Malabar series of exercises began as an annual bilateral naval exercise between India and the United States in 1992. 
• However, it has evolved into a key multilateral event aimed at enhancing interoperability, fostering mutual understanding, and addressing shared maritime challenges in the Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific region.
• Japan joined the naval exercises in 2015 and Australia rejoined the exercise in 2020 after having last participated in 2007.