Current Affairs 18 June 2024

CONTENTS

1. Climate Change and the Silk Road
2. India’s Rise as a Strategic Intellectual Hub
3. Path to Peace Summit in Switzerland
4. Truenat Diagnostic Test Recognized at World Health Assembly
5. SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024
6. The Impact of Electromagnets in Modern Life

 Climate Change and the Silk Road

Context:

A recent study by Chinese scientists published in the journal Science Bulletin found that the main route of the ancient Silk Road shifted northward due to climate change. The study provides a valuable case study for examining the relationship between climate change and the spatial evolution of human societies.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is the Silk Road?
2. Historical Significance of the Silk Route
3. End of the Silk Route and Modern Revival Efforts
4. The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

What is the Silk Road?

• Definition: The Silk Road was an extensive network of trade routes linking the Atlantic seaboard of Europe with the Pacific coast of Asia, spanning over 1,500 years.
• Naming: It was named after the prosperous silk trade that originated in China.
• Other Goods: In addition to silk, it was used to transport items like spices, gold, and precious stones.
• Key Cities: This route passed through significant cities and kingdoms such as Samarkand, Babylon, and Constantinople.

Historical Background:

• Establishment: The Silk Road has a history of over 1,500 years, tracing back to the 2nd century BCE when connections between Europe and China were established.
• Diplomatic Missions: In the 2nd century BCE, Emperor Wu of the Chinese Han Dynasty sent diplomat Zhang Qian to the “Western Regions” (Xinjiang and beyond), which led to the gradual formation of the Tarim Basin route.
• Zhang Qian’s Role: Zhang Qian is regarded as the “Father of the Silk Road” for his pioneering efforts.
• Caravan Routes: Caravans traveling from China’s capital Xian used the Tarim Basin route, which was bordered by the Tianshan, Kunlun, and Pamir mountains and included the Takla Makan Desert within the basin.
• Trade Path: After navigating the Tarim Basin, caravans moved west towards the Levant (modern-day Syria, Jordan, the Holy Land, and Lebanon) and Anatolia, where goods were transferred to ships in Mediterranean ports for further transport to Western Europe.
• Cultural Exchange: The Silk Road enabled the exchange of goods, people, ideas, religions, and even diseases between the far ends of Eurasia, playing a crucial role in the cultural and economic interactions between Europe and Asia.

Route Shifts:

• Original Route: The initial main route of the Silk Road circled the Tarim Basin, situated between the Tianshan Mountains to the north and the Kunlun Mountains to the south. Merchants selected this route to avoid the harsh desert conditions of the Tarim Basin.

Route Changes (420–850 CE):

• New Route: During 420–850 CE, caravans stopped using the traditional route around the Tarim Basin.
• Northern Slopes Route: Instead, they began using the northern slopes of the Tianshan Mountains (in the Junggar Basin in modern-day Xinjiang), historically known as Dzungaria.
• “New Northern” Route: This new route eventually completely replaced the Tarim Basin route.

Consequences of the New Route:

• Cultural Development: Encouraged the development of the Turco-Sogdian cultural sphere.
• Trade Facilitation: Improved communication and trade between Chinese dynasties and nomadic empires in Central and West Asia, such as the Khazar Empire.
• Enhanced Connectivity: Enhanced communication and trade across Eurasia, connecting the Pacific and Atlantic regions.

Historical Significance of the Silk Route:

• Main Trade Route: The Silk Road was the primary trade route, facilitating the exchange of luxury goods like silk, spices, precious metals, and gemstones between regions such as China, India, Persia, Arabia, and the Mediterranean.
• Economic Impact: This trade route generated substantial wealth and prosperity, contributing to the economic growth and development of societies along the route.
• Cultural Exchange: The Silk Route enabled the exchange of cultural, artistic, and religious ideas between the East and the West, promoting the spread of Buddhism, Christianity, Islam, and other beliefs. It also facilitated the transfer of technologies, agricultural practices, and artistic traditions.
• Cultural Blending: This interaction led to the blending of cultures, languages, and knowledge, enriching cultural heritage and fostering a more interconnected world.
• Strategic Importance: The Silk Route was a vital network of trade routes, providing power and influence to empires that controlled it. Securing this route led to the establishment of military outposts, fortifications, and diplomatic relationships.
• Geopolitical Influence: The competition for control over the Silk Road shaped Eurasia’s geopolitical landscape, influencing the rise and fall of civilizations for centuries.
• Technological Exchange: The Silk Route facilitated the exchange of technological innovations such as the compass, gunpowder, and printing between East and West.
• Transportation Advancements: It also encouraged the development of advanced transportation methods, including camel caravans and maritime shipping.
• Modern Impact: The Silk Route continues to influence modern trade and cultural exchanges. Initiatives like the Belt and Road Initiative underscore its importance in contemporary economic and geopolitical contexts.

End of the Silk Route and Modern Revival Efforts:

• Closure: The original Silk Route came to an end in 1453 when the Ottoman Empire blocked trade with the West, leading to the separation of Eastern and Western trade routes. Subsequently, more efficient sea routes were discovered for East-West trade.
• Revival Initiative: In 2013, China launched the “One Belt, One Road” (OBOR) initiative, also known as the Belt and Road Initiative, to revive the Silk Route.
• Connectivity Goals: This initiative aims to improve connectivity with over 60 countries across Asia, Europe, and East Africa, reviving the spirit of the ancient Silk Road.

The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)

• The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a comprehensive development strategy launched in 2013 with the goal of enhancing global connectivity and cooperation.
• Initially named ‘One Belt, One Road,’ it was later rebranded as the BRI to emphasize inclusivity and openness rather than Chinese dominance.

Components of BRI:

• The BRI consists of two primary components:
  • Silk Road Economic Belt: This focuses on improving overland transportation routes, infrastructure, and trade links across Eurasia.
  • Maritime Silk Road: Emphasizes maritime connections, including ports, shipping routes, and maritime infrastructure projects, extending from the South China Sea through Indo-China, Southeast Asia, the Indian Ocean, and reaching Africa and Europe.

Objective:

• The primary objective of the BRI is to enhance international connectivity by improving infrastructure, trade, and economic cooperation.
• It encompasses a wide range of projects, including the development of railways, ports, highways, and energy infrastructure.

Geographic Corridors:

• The land-based Silk Road Economic Belt includes six key development corridors:
  • China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
  • New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor
  • China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor
  • China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor
  • China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor
  • China-Myanmar Economic Corridor

Economic Impact:

• Participation in the BRI has led to increased trade and investments with China for the involved countries.
• Trade with BRI partners experienced an annual growth rate of 6.4%, reaching USD 19.1 trillion between 2013 and 2022.

-Source: The Hindu

India’s Rise as a Strategic Intellectual Hub

Context:

In recent years, India’s transformation from a back-office service provider to a strategic intellectual hub for Multinational Corporations (MNCs) has been driven by the rise of Global Capability Centers (GCCs). GCCs are offshore units established by MNCs to perform strategic functions using specialized talent, cost advantages, and operational efficiencies in different locations worldwide.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Economic Shifts in India Attributed to the Growth of GCCs
2. Understanding Global Capability Centers (GCCs)
3. Current Status and Benefits of GCCs
4. Impact on Local Economies

Key Economic Shifts in India Attributed to the Growth of GCCs

• Initial Focus: During the 1990s and 2000s, India’s global economic role was largely centered around back-office operations such as telemarketing and data entry.
• Expansion: India’s economic activities have now expanded to include complex functions like research and development (R&D), analytics, artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), robotic process automation, and product development, establishing India as a critical player in global innovation.
• Education and Skills Development: The increasing demand for skilled professionals from Global Capability Centers (GCCs) is transforming India’s education and training systems.
• STEM Emphasis: Educational institutions are increasingly focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) fields, as well as critical thinking and problem-solving skills, to meet the requirements of GCCs.
• Innovation Hubs: GCCs are evolving from mere task replicators to innovation centers for their parent companies, fostering a culture of research and development in India and leading to new technologies and solutions.
• Knowledge Transfer: Multinational Corporations (MNCs) are transferring valuable knowledge to the Indian workforce, further bolstering India’s position in the knowledge economy.
• Job Creation: GCCs are generating high-paying jobs across various sectors beyond traditional IT services, attracting a wide range of talent including engineers, data scientists, and financial analysts.
• Living Standards: This growth is improving career prospects and living standards for skilled professionals in India.
• Technological Investment: The presence of GCCs is driving investment in cutting-edge technologies such as AI, cloud computing, and big data analytics, positioning India as a leader in the global IT services market.
• Global Recognition: The rise of GCCs is showcasing India’s capabilities on the international stage, attracting more foreign investment due to India’s recognized talent and cost-efficiency advantages.

Understanding Global Capability Centers (GCCs)

• Definition: GCCs, also known as Global In-House Centers (GICs), are strategic outposts established by multinational corporations around the world.
• Function: These centers provide specialized capabilities including IT services, R&D, customer support, and various business functions within the global corporate framework.
• Examples:
  • General Electric (GE): Has a large GCC in Bangalore focused on R&D and engineering for aviation and healthcare.
  • Nestle: Established a GCC in Lausanne, Switzerland, dedicated to product development and innovation for food and beverage brands.

Current Status and Benefits of GCCs

• Market and Employment: In 2022-23, there were approximately 1,600 GCCs contributing to a USD 46 billion market and employing 1.7 million people.
• Growth Rate: Professional and consulting services within GCCs are growing rapidly, with a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 31% over the past four years, outpacing computer services (16% CAGR) and R&D services (13% CAGR).
• Operational Cost Savings: Establishing GCCs in countries with lower operational costs provides significant savings for MNCs.
• Strategic Functions: GCCs can manage specific functions, freeing up headquarters to focus on core strategies.
• Local Insights: GCCs provide insights into local markets, customer preferences, and regulatory environments, helping MNCs adapt their strategies for regional success.

Impact on Local Economies

• High-Skilled Jobs: GCCs create high-skilled jobs, boosting the local economy and knowledge base.
• Technology Adoption: They facilitate knowledge transfer and technology adoption within the host country.
• Foreign Investment: GCCs can act as catalysts for further foreign investment by showcasing the skilled workforce and favorable business environment in the host country.

-Source: The Hindu

Path to Peace Summit in Switzerland

Context:

The two-day Summit on Peace in Ukraine at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland concluded recently with hopes for an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. Out of the 100 attending delegations, 80 countries and four organizations supported the final joint communiqué from the Path To Peace Summit, which focused on finding ways to end the Russia-Ukraine war that has been ongoing since February 2022.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What is the Swiss Peace Summit?
2. Key Outcomes of the Swiss Peace Summit
3. India’s Stand at the Summit
4. Reasons for India’s Non-Signatory Position

What is the Swiss Peace Summit?

• Definition: The Swiss Peace Summit, also referred to as the Summit on Peace in Ukraine, is an international conference focused on addressing and resolving the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
• Location: Held at the Bürgenstock resort in Switzerland, it brings together representatives from various nations and organizations to promote peace initiatives.
• Goal: The primary aim is to facilitate dialogue and negotiations to end the war that has been ongoing since February 2022.
• Participants: The summit includes a diverse range of participants, including representatives from many countries, international organizations, and peace advocacy groups. In the recent summit, 80 countries and four organizations endorsed the final joint communiqué.

Key Outcomes of the Swiss Peace Summit:

• Joint Communiqué: A final joint communiqué was issued, supported by 80 countries and four organizations out of the 100 delegations present. This document outlines the consensus and recommendations for achieving peace between Russia and Ukraine.
• Territorial Integrity: The communiqué emphasized that the territorial integrity of Ukraine should be the foundation for any peace agreement.
• Key Themes:
  • Nuclear Safety: Any threat or use of nuclear weapons in the conflict is deemed unacceptable.
  • Food Security: Food security should not be weaponized, and Ukrainian agricultural products should be securely and freely available to interested third countries.
  • Prisoner Exchanges: All prisoners of war must be exchanged, and unlawfully displaced Ukrainian children and civilians must be returned to Ukraine.
• Commitment to Peace: Participants committed to ending the war through continued dialogue and diplomatic efforts.
• Humanitarian Aid: The importance of providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict was highlighted.
• International Cooperation: The summit fostered international cooperation and solidarity, with countries pledging to work together to promote peace and stability.

India’s Stand at the Summit:

• Participation: India joined the summit to explore ways towards a negotiated settlement.
• Representation: India was represented by the Secretary (West) in the Ministry of External Affairs, rather than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was invited by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. India’s strategic ties with Moscow and dependence on Russian defense supplies influenced this decision.
• Oil Purchases: Since the war began, India has been buying Russian oil at discounted prices to mitigate the impact of rising oil prices.
• Non-Signatory Decision: India chose not to sign the joint communiqué, stating that only mutually acceptable options can lead to lasting peace. India emphasized that enduring peace can only be achieved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Reasons for India’s Non-Signatory Position:

• Russia’s Absence: Russia, one of the key parties in the conflict, declined to attend the summit, making a lasting peace agreement difficult.
• Other Non-Signatories: Besides India, countries like Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Thailand, Indonesia, Mexico, and UAE also did not sign the final communiqué. Brazil, listed as an observer, did not feature as a signatory either.

-Source: Indian Express

Truenat Diagnostic Test Recognized at World Health Assembly

Context:

Recently, the Truenat, a rapid molecular diagnostic test for pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB and rifampicin-resistant TB, was hailed at the 77th World Health Assembly in Geneva.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Truenat
2. About Tuberculosis
3. India’s TB Elimination Target: Goals and Challenges
4. Efforts to Achieve TB Elimination Target of 2025 in India

Truenat:

• Description: Truenat is a portable, battery-powered device capable of delivering test results in less than an hour. It can test for over 40 diseases.
• Usage in India: It is widely used in over 7,000 primary and community health centers and around 1,500 private laboratories under the National TB Elimination Programme.
• Global Recognition: The World Health Assembly, the decision-making body of the WHO, has recognized India’s efforts in TB elimination, highlighting the use of Truenat machines and handheld X-ray devices as innovative models for global use.
• Handheld X-ray Devices: These are utilized in India’s TB program to diagnose TB in difficult operational settings.
• TB Statistics: According to the WHO, there are over 10 million new TB cases annually. India accounts for 27% of the global TB burden, with over 1,400 deaths daily.
• National Initiative: Under the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, India aims to eradicate TB by 2025.

About Tuberculosis

• TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious killer.
• Each day, over 4000 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease
• TB is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs.
• Transmission: TB is spread from person to person through the air. When people with TB cough, sneeze or spit, they propel the TB germs into the air.
• Symptoms: Cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
• Treatment: TB is a treatable and curable disease. It is treated with a standard 6 month course of 4 antimicrobial drugs that are provided with information, supervision and support to the patient by a health worker or trained volunteer.
• Anti-TB medicines have been used for decades and strains that are resistant to 1 or more of the medicines have been documented in every country surveyed.
• Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to isoniazid and rifampicin, the 2 most powerful, first-line anti-TB drugs. MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs.
• Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a more serious form of MDR-TB caused by bacteria that do not respond to the most effective second-line anti-TB drugs, often leaving patients without any further treatment options

India’s TB Elimination Target: Goals and Challenges

India has set an ambitious target of eliminating tuberculosis by 2025, five years ahead of the global sustainable development target of 2030. Here are the goals and challenges in achieving this target:

• Target Goals: India’s national strategic plan 2017-2025 aims to report no more than 44 new TB cases or 65 total cases per lakh population by 2025. The plan also aims to reduce TB mortality to 3 deaths per lakh population by 2025 and eliminate catastrophic costs for affected families.
• Current Incidence: The estimated TB incidence for 2021 stood at 210 per lakh population. However, achieving the target is a big task as the plan had envisaged an incidence of only 77 cases per lakh population by 2023.
• Mortality: The estimated TB mortality for the year 2020 stood at 37 per lakh population, which is higher than the 2025 target of 3 deaths per lakh population.
• Catastrophic Costs: The plan aims to reduce catastrophic costs for the affected family to zero. However, the report states that 7 to 32 per cent of those with drug-sensitive TB, and 68 per cent with drug-resistant TB experienced catastrophic costs.
• Challenges: India faces several challenges in achieving the TB elimination target, including inadequate funding, weak health infrastructure, low awareness, and poor treatment adherence.
• End TB Strategy: The goals are in line with the World Health Organisation’s End TB strategy that calls for an 80% reduction in the number of new cases, a 90% reduction in mortality, and zero catastrophic cost by 2030.

Efforts to Achieve TB Elimination Target of 2025 in India

• Active Case Finding: The government is actively looking for TB cases among vulnerable and co-morbid populations and screening for it at health and wellness centers.
• Notification System: A Ni-kshay portal has been established to track notified TB cases, and the private sector has been called upon to notify all TB cases.
• Improved Diagnostic Tests: The pandemic has led to improved access to more accurate molecular diagnostic tests like CB-NAAT and TureNat, with 4,760 molecular diagnostic machines covering all districts of the country. Additionally, 79 line probe assay laboratories and 96 liquid culture testing laboratories have been set up for the diagnosis of multi and extremely drug-resistant TB.
• Universal Drug Susceptibility Test: The government has implemented a universal drug susceptibility test, which determines antibiotic susceptibility for all newly diagnosed cases, ensuring patients are given effective treatment from the outset.
• Community Engagement Program: The government launched a community engagement program in which Ni-kshay mitras adopt TB patients and provide them with monthly nutritional support. So far, 71,460 Ni-kshay Mitras have adopted about 10 lakh TB patients under the program.

-Source: The Hindu

SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024

Context:

SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024, released recently, finds that the world remains off course to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 7 for energy by 2030.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024
2. Highlights of the 2024 Report
3. Disparities and Challenges
4. India’s Progress

About SDG 7: Energy Progress Report 2024

• Introduction: Since its establishment in 2018, the Energy Progress Report has become the primary source of information for tracking progress toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7) of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
• Objective of SDG 7: The goal is to “ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.”
• Production: The report is produced annually by five custodian agencies:
  • International Energy Agency (IEA)
  • International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA)
  • United Nations Statistics Division (UNSD)
  • World Bank
  • World Health Organization (WHO)
• Content: The report summarizes global progress on energy access, efficiency, renewable energy, clean cooking, and international cooperation to advance SDG 7.

Highlights of the 2024 Report:

• Electricity Access: The number of people without electricity increased for the first time in over a decade, with 685 million people lacking access in 2022, up by 10 million from 2021, primarily due to rapid population growth in Sub-Saharan Africa.
• Clean Cooking: The world is off track to achieve universal access to clean cooking by 2030. Approximately 2.1 billion people still lack access to clean cooking fuels and technologies, mainly in Sub-Saharan Africa and Asia.
• Renewable Electricity: Renewable electricity consumption grew by more than 6% year-on-year in 2021, raising the share of renewables in global electricity consumption to 28.2%.
• Installed Capacity: The installed renewable energy-generating capacity per capita reached a new record in 2022 at 424 watts per capita globally.

Disparities and Challenges:

• Capacity Disparities: Developed countries have 3.7 times more installed capacity (1,073 watts per capita) compared to developing countries (293 watts per capita).
• Insufficient Efforts: Current efforts are insufficient to achieve SDG 7 on time.

India’s Progress:

• Advancements: Between 2010 and 2021, India, along with China and Indonesia, made significant advancements in modern renewable energy use.
• Renewable Energy Growth: India recorded one of the highest increases in the use of modern renewable energy, with the share of renewables in total final energy consumption (TFEC) rising by nearly 7 percentage points.
• International Support: India’s transition to renewable energy has been significantly supported by international financial assistance.
• Funding: In 2022, India received USD 627 million for 47 renewable energy projects, many of which were valued at less than USD 1 million. A substantial portion of this funding came from Germany and the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD).
• Transportation Sector: India’s role in renewable energy extends to the transportation sector, where it, along with the United States, Brazil, Europe, and China, accounts for 85% of renewable energy use.

-Source: The Hindu

The Impact of Electromagnets in Modern Life

Context:

Invented in 1824 by William Sturgeon, electromagnets are a fixture of modern life, appearing in loudspeakers, motors, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machines, maglev trains, and particle accelerators.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About Electromagnets:

• Definition: Electromagnets are devices that generate a magnetic field when an electric current flows through a coil of wire.
• Magnetic Field: The magnetic field is concentrated within the coil. The strength of this field can be adjusted by modifying the electric current. When the current stops, the magnetic field vanishes.
• Construction and Materials: Typically, electromagnets consist of a wire coil wrapped around a core made of ferromagnetic materials like iron. The core enhances the magnetic field’s strength by aligning its magnetic domains.
• Control: Electromagnets can be activated or deactivated by controlling the electric current.
• Power: They are more powerful than permanent magnets because the magnetic field can be intensified by the magnetic core.
• Applications: They are commonly used in various devices such as motors, generators, MRI machines, and magnetic separation equipment.
• Industrial Uses: Electromagnets are utilized in industries for lifting and moving heavy metal objects, sorting materials, and generating motion.
• Medical and Consumer Uses: They are also used in medical imaging and consumer devices like electric doorbells and card readers.
• Energy Requirement: Electromagnets need a continuous supply of electrical power to maintain their magnetic field. As a result, they are less energy-efficient compared to permanent magnets.

-Source: The Hindu