Current Affairs 22 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. India and Malaysia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership
2. Voice of the Global South Summit
3. India’s Ethanol Blending Initiative Faces Challenges
4. CBI Authorized for Polygraph Test in Kolkata Medical College Case
5. Discovery of Liquid Water on Mars
6. Teesta-V Hydropower Station
7. Shiveluch Volcano

India and Malaysia Elevate Ties to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Context:

India and Malaysia have recently advanced their bilateral relations by upgrading to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. This significant enhancement in their diplomatic ties occurred during the visit of the Malaysian Prime Minister to India. The discussions held between the leaders of both nations have paved the way for deeper cooperation, emphasizing a renewed commitment to mutual interests and strategic collaboration. This partnership marks a pivotal development in strengthening the ties between the two countries, promising a future of increased collaboration in various sectors.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Key Outcomes from the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Visit to India
2. Highlights of India-Malaysia Relations

Key Outcomes from the Malaysian Prime Minister’s Visit to India

• Upgraded Strategic Partnership: The existing Enhanced Strategic Partnership from 2015 was upgraded to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
• Trade Achievements: Bilateral trade hit a record of USD 19.5 billion, highlighting strong economic ties and expanding trade relations.
• Investment Encouragements: There was a push for further investments in sectors like fintech, energy, digital technologies, and startups to boost economic cooperation.
• ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA): Commitment to support and expedite AITIGA’s review to enhance its effectiveness and the supply chain between India and ASEAN by 2025.
• Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs): Multiple MoUs were signed to enhance cooperation in:
  • Worker management between the two countries.
  • Ayurveda and traditional medicine, including the establishment of an Ayurveda Chair at Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman.
  • Digital fields such as cybersecurity, AI, quantum computing, and digital public infrastructure, including integration of India’s UPI with Malaysia’s PayNet.
• Cultural and Tourism Initiatives:
  • Promotions to enhance cultural exchange and heritage preservation.
  • Easier travel facilitation between the two countries, highlighting Malaysia’s designation of 2026 as Visit Malaysia Year.
• Defense and Security Collaboration: Increased cooperation through regular exchanges, joint exercises, and a focus on expanding defense industry capabilities.
• Counter-Terrorism Efforts: Joint commitment to combat terrorism and its ties with transnational organized crime.
• Education and Training: Malaysia received 100 seats under India’s ITEC Programme for fields like cybersecurity and AI.
• ASEAN Relations: Support for Malaysia’s role in ASEAN and upcoming chairmanship in 2025, including efforts to join BRICS.
• UN Collaboration: Support for India’s bid for permanent membership in a reformed UN Security Council.
• Sustainable Energy and Climate Initiatives: Collaboration on sustainable energy and climate change mitigation, including Malaysia’s participation in the International Big Cat Alliance.
• Global Climate Commitments: Recognition of India’s leadership through the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

Highlights of India-Malaysia Relations:

• Historical Connections: Rooted in history, the ties between India and Malaysia date back to the times of the Chola Empire between the 9th and 13th centuries. This era was marked by the establishment of vital maritime trade routes from South India to the Malay Peninsula.
• Chola Dynasty Influence: Notable emperors such as Rajaraja Chola I and Rajendra Chola I expanded their realm to include regions of modern-day Malaysia, influencing its cultural and historical landscape.
• Trade Relations: Currently, Malaysia ranks as India’s 13th most significant trade partner, notably within the top ten in ASEAN. Major exports to Malaysia include mineral fuels and metals, while imports feature palm oil and electronic components.
• Economic Agreements: The Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) has been in effect since 2011, enhancing trade and investment flows.
• Currency Exchange: As of July 2022, transactions between the two nations can be conducted in Indian Rupees, thanks to facilitation by the India International Bank of Malaysia.
• ASEAN Collaboration: The ASEAN-India Business Summit in 2023 marked 30 years of progressive engagement, highlighting strong ties between India, Malaysia, and other ASEAN members.
• Defense and Security: The foundational 1993 Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation has fostered joint military projects and operations, with recent expansions during Defense Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit in 2023.
• Military Exercises: Joint military exercises like Harimau Shakti, Samudra Lakshmana, and Udara Shakti have bolstered military relations between the nations.
• Cultural and Community Ties: Malaysia is home to the second-largest community of Persons of Indian Origin globally, with a vibrant mix of Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, and Punjabi speakers.
• Cultural Projects and Immigration Concerns: While there are concerns over immigration and labor issues, cultural projects like the Indian Cultural Centre in Kuala Lumpur (renamed after Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose) promote Indian arts and language.
• Cultural Influence: The epic Ramayana resonates deeply within Malaysian culture, influencing local adaptations and artistic expressions.
• Shared Heritage Sites: The Sri Veera Hanuman Temple in Malaysia stands as a significant symbol of shared Indo-Malaysian heritage.

-Source: Indian Express

Voice of the Global South Summit

Context:

India hosted the 3rd Voice of Global South Summit on 17th August 2024, in virtual format, with the overarching theme, “An Empowered Global South for a Sustainable Future”. 123 countries participated in the 3rd  VOGSS. However, China and Pakistan were not invited.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Voice of the Global South Summit
2. Key Outcomes of the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit 2024
3. Understanding the Global South

Voice of the Global South Summit

• Launched by India, this initiative aims to unite nations from the Global South, providing a shared platform to discuss and align on various global issues.
• Rooted in the Indian ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, meaning “One Earth, One Family, One Future”, this initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision for collective progress and trust.
• Addressing urgent global issues such as the Covid pandemic, conflicts, financial instability, and environmental challenges, which disproportionately affect less developed nations.
• There’s a general oversight on the plights of these nations on global platforms, often overshadowed by wealthier states.
• Current international mechanisms are often inadequate in meeting the specific needs of these countries.
• The summit serves as a proactive medium for discussing and formulating solutions that consider the unique positions of these countries.

Key Outcomes of the 3rd Voice of the Global South Summit 2024

• Global Development Compact Proposal: Introduced by the Prime Minister of India, this proposal includes four strategic areas: trade enhancement, capacity building, technology exchange, and targeted financial aid.
• Financial Initiatives:
  • Trade Promotion Fund: Allocated $2.5 million to stimulate trade-related activities.
  • Capacity Building Fund: Set aside $1 million to enhance trade policies and negotiations.
• Health and Agriculture Initiatives: Efforts to distribute affordable generic medicines, enhance the training of drug regulators, and promote sustainable practices in agriculture such as natural farming.
• Global Governance and Institutional Reform: Emphasized the need for equitable global governance and reforming international institutions to prioritize and effectively address the issues of the Global South.
• Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): The summit highlighted a collective vision to fully achieve the SDGs and propel rapid development across the Global South, targeting substantial progress by 2030.
• Comprehensive Efforts: Focus on broad sectors including finance, health care, climate action, technological advancement, governance, energy solutions, trade dynamics, youth involvement, and digital transitions.

Understanding the Global South

• Emergence: Initially denoted countries excluded from industrialization.
• Ideological Divide: Shaped by Cold War conflicts between capitalist and communist nations.
• Encompassing Continents: Encompasses Asia, Africa, and South America.
• Economic Contrast: Opposite of ‘Global North’, marked by economic disparity.

Challenges Faced by the Global South

Geopolitical Shifts and Emerging Challenges

• Disruption Catalysts: Coronavirus pandemic and prolonged Ukraine-Russia War.
• Resulting Challenges: Food and energy supply security, technology transfer, energy transition, climate change impact.

Securing Supply Chain

• Supply Chain Concerns: Escalating energy costs and fertilizer prices.
• Necessity of Supply Chain Security: Reevaluating essential commodity distribution to ensure availability in the Global South.

Ensuring Adequate Energy Supply

• Energy Transition Hurdles: Sustainable energy transition entails technological and financial challenges.
• Disproportionate Impact: Global South nations most affected due to financial constraints.
• Sustainable Transition Imperative: Vital for socio-economic development across Global South nations.

Adapting to Climate Change

• Disproportionate Impact: Historical polluters from Global North, adverse climate change effects on Global South.
• Broader Climate Change Perspective: Need to consider climate change consequences holistically for Global South.

Advocating for Multilateralism

• Genuine Multilateralism Demand: Call for equitable representation in global governance institutions.
• UNSC Reform: Necessity to reform United Nations Security Council and other multilateral bodies for fair Global South representation.

India’s Role in the Global South

Historical Leadership and Global Influence

• Non-Aligned Movement: India’s historical leadership in the Non-Aligned Movement underscores its role in global politics.
• Economic and Geopolitical Clout: India’s growing economic and geopolitical influence drives its increased involvement in global geopolitics.
• G-20 Presidency: Assumes G-20 Presidency in 2022-23, reflecting its greater global role.

Leader of the Global South

• Voice of the Global South: As a leader of the Global South, India provides representation and a platform for the Global South Movement.
• Proactive Engagement: Active participation in international forums on climate change, energy transition, and normative issues.

Championing Global South’s Interests

• Alternative Narrative: India contributes to an alternative narrative in global geopolitics by voicing Global South concerns.
• Climate Summits: Protecting Global South interests in climate financing, emission norms, and historical polluter responsibility.

Global Energy Transition and Security

• Leading Energy Transition Discourses: Initiatives like International Solar Alliance and hydrogen-based fuel promotion.
• Energy Security Emphasis: Prime Minister Modi’s call for energy market stability at the G-20 Summit in 2022.

Democratizing International Relations and UN Reform

• Consistent Approach: India aligns with Global South demands for international relations democratization and United Nations reform.
• Leadership and Narrative Shift: India’s leadership reshapes global geopolitics and provides a new perspective.

-Source: The Hindu

India’s Ethanol Blending Initiative Faces Challenges

Context:

India is progressing towards its ambitious goal of blending 20% of petrol with ethanol by 2025-26, aiming to enhance energy security and reduce carbon emissions. However, this initiative is not without its challenges. Concerns persist regarding the fuel efficiency of existing vehicles when using blended fuel, which could potentially impact performance and maintenance.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBP)
2. Overview of Ethanol Production Expansion in India
3. Challenges Impacting India’s Ethanol Sector
4. Regional Variations in Ethanol Use and Policy

What is Ethanol fuel?

• Ethanol fuel is ethyl alcohol, the same type of alcohol found in alcoholic beverages, used as fuel.
• It is most often used as a motor fuel, mainly as a biofuel additive for gasoline.
• Ethanol is commonly made from biomass such as corn or sugarcane.
• Bioethanol is a form of renewable energy that can be produced from agricultural feedstocks.
• It can be made from very common crops such as hemp, sugarcane, potato, cassava and corn.
• There has been considerable debate about how useful bioethanol is in replacing gasoline.
• Concerns about its production and use relate to increased food prices due to the large amount of arable land required for crops, as well as the energy and pollution balance of the whole cycle of ethanol production, especially from corn.

Ethanol Blended Petrol Programme (EBP)

• Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) programme was launched in 2003- and this initiative is pursued aggressively in the last 4 to 5 years to reduce import dependence of crude oil as well as mitigate environmental pollution.
• The Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP) seeks to achieve blending of Ethanol with motor sprit with a view to reducing pollution, conserve foreign exchange and increase value addition in the sugar industry enabling them to clear cane price arrears of farmers.
• Although the Government of India decided to launch EBP programme in 2003 for supply of 5% ethanol blended Petrol, it later scaled up blending targets from 5% to 10% under the Ethanol Blending Programme (EBP).
• The Government of India has also advanced the target for 20% ethanol blending in petrol (also called E20) to 2025 from 2030.
• Currently, 8.5% of ethanol is blended with petrol in India.

Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025

• The central government has released an expert committee report on the Roadmap for Ethanol Blending in India by 2025 that proposes a gradual rollout of ethanol-blended fuel to achieve E10 fuel supply by April 2022 and phased rollout of E20 from April 2023 to April 2025.
• The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) had instituted an Expert Group to study the issues such as pricing of ethanol, matching pace of the automobile industry to manufacture vehicles with new engines with the supply of ethanol, pricing of such vehicles, fuel efficiency of different engines etc.

Advantages of Ethanol Blending

• Use of ethanol-blended petrol decreases emissions such as carbon monoxide (CO), hydrocarbons (HC) and nitrogen oxides (NOx).
• The unregulated carbonyl emissions, such as acetaldehyde emission were, however, higher with E10 and E20 compared to normal petrol. However, these emissions were relatively lower.
• Increased use of ethanol can help reduce the oil import bill. India’s net import cost stands at USD 551 billion in 2020-21. The E20 program can save the country USD 4 billion (Rs 30,000 crore) per annum.
• The oil companies procure ethanol from farmers that benefits the sugarcane farmers.
• Further, the government plans to encourage use of water-saving crops, such as maize, to produce ethanol, and production of ethanol from non-food feedstock.

Overview of Ethanol Production Expansion in India:

• Niti Aayog’s Plan: It has been projected that the production capacity for sugarcane-based distilleries is set to rise from 426 crore litres in 2021 to 760 crore litres by 2026, and grain-based distilleries are expected to increase capacity from 258 crore litres to 740 crore litres.
• Supportive Measures: The implementation of two interest subvention programs has significantly contributed to enhancing ethanol production capacities across the country.

Challenges Impacting India’s Ethanol Sector:

• Focus on First-Generation Ethanol: Predominantly, ethanol in India is produced directly from food grains and sugarcane. Notably, sugarcane processing yields sugarcane juice and syrup, along with B-heavy and C-heavy molasses, with the latter being utilized for ethanol production.
• Shift in Crop Utilization: There has been a governmental push to reallocate resources from sugar production to boost ethanol output, using the first two byproducts of sugarcane.
• Agricultural Sustainability Concerns: The expansion of sugarcane cultivation for ethanol production is diverting essential irrigation resources away from food grain cultivation, raising sustainability issues. Moreover, to offset the limitation on sugarcane utilization, there has been an increased reliance on maize for ethanol production, leading to a significant rise in maize imports, which totaled $103 million from April to June 2024.
• Maize Cultivation Expansion: To achieve the set target of 20% ethanol blending, an additional 4.8 million hectares of maize cultivation will be necessary, which constitutes about half of the current cultivation area.
• Impact on Fuel Efficiency: It has been observed that the use of ethanol has reduced the fuel efficiency of vehicles not specifically adapted for ethanol usage by an average of 6%.

Regional Variations in Ethanol Use and Policy:

• Uniform Ethanol Pricing: Across India, the pricing of fuel ethanol remains uniform, whereas the pricing for Extra Neutral Alcohol (ENA), used in beverages and other applications, varies by state.
• State-Specific Approaches:
  • In Uttar Pradesh (UP), the state government reserves approximately 25% of its ethanol production for ENA, aligning closely with the central government’s ethanol objectives.
  • Conversely, in Tamil Nadu, the adoption of fuel ethanol is less pronounced due to the lucrative nature of the liquor market within the state.

-Source: The Hindu

CBI Authorized for Polygraph Test in Kolkata Medical College Case

Context:

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has recently received authorization to conduct a polygraph test on the primary suspect involved in the rape and murder of a postgraduate doctor at Kolkata Medical College. This measure is aimed at verifying the consistency of the suspect’s statements and detecting any possible deceit. The use of a polygraph test is part of a broader investigative effort to ascertain the truth and ensure justice in this high-profile case.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Polygraph Tests
2. Legal Considerations for Polygraph Tests in India
3. NHRC Guidelines on Conducting Polygraph Tests

Polygraph Tests

• A polygraph, commonly known as a lie detector test, monitors multiple physiological functions like blood pressure, heart rate, respiration, and skin conductivity while the subject answers a series of questions.
• The test operates under the premise that specific physiological reactions associated with lying are distinctly different from normal responses.
• The concept was initially explored by Cesare Lombroso, an Italian criminologist in the 19th century, who developed a device to measure blood pressure variations during suspect interrogations.

Comparison with Narco-Analysis

• Narco-Analysis Method: This technique involves administering sodium pentothal to the subject to induce a state that lowers their inhibitions, purportedly making them incapable of lying.
• Purpose: The induced state is believed to facilitate the extraction of honest information as it temporarily diminishes the subject’s control over their responses.

Reliability and Use

• Scientific Accuracy: Both polygraph and narco-analysis are not universally accepted as foolproof methods for determining truthfulness. Their reliability and accuracy remain subjects of debate within the scientific community.
• Application in Law Enforcement: Despite the controversy surrounding their accuracy, these methods are employed by investigative bodies as less coercive alternatives to harsher interrogation techniques to glean truth from suspects.

Legal Considerations for Polygraph Tests in India

• Constitutional Constraints: Polygraph tests, along with narco-analysis and brain mapping, when conducted without the consent of the individual, contravene Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution. This article safeguards individuals from being compelled to incriminate themselves.
• Consent Requirement: For these tests to align with constitutional mandates, voluntary consent from the individual is crucial. Without it, such tests infringe upon personal rights and liberties.
• Human Rights Concerns: There is considerable judicial scrutiny concerning these tests as they potentially impinge on the right to life and personal liberty as enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution due to their intrusive nature.

NHRC Guidelines on Conducting Polygraph Tests

• Voluntary Participation: Individuals must voluntarily consent to undergo polygraph tests, and they retain the right to decline.
• Informed Consent: The individual must be thoroughly briefed by law enforcement and legal counsel about the test’s intentions, methodologies, and potential legal ramifications.
• Documentation of Consent: Consent must be formally documented and validated by a Judicial Magistrate to ensure it meets legal standards.
• Legal Representation and Evidence: During legal proceedings, law enforcement is required to demonstrate that consent was freely given, with appropriate documentation prepared by legal representatives.
• Treatment of Statements: Any declarations made during the polygraph are considered general statements to the police and should not be interpreted as confessions.
• Judicial Evaluation: Judges assess the polygraph results by considering the context of the individual’s detention, the interrogation’s nature, and other relevant factors to ensure a fair evaluation.

-Source: Economic Times

Discovery of Liquid Water on Mars

Context:

A recent study has revealed significant quantities of liquid water hidden beneath the rocky crust of Mars. This discovery is pivotal in enhancing our comprehension of Mars and opens up new possibilities for future exploration and the potential for life on the Red Planet.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Discovering Liquid Water on Mars:

• For the first time, researchers have detected liquid water on Mars, extending beyond the previously identified water ice at the poles.
• The findings were detailed in the article “Liquid water in the Martian mid-crust,” published by the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS), with contributions from the University of California team.

Importance of the Discovery:

• Enhancing Mars’ Water Cycle Knowledge: This discovery could revolutionize our understanding of the water cycle on Mars, shedding light on its climatic history, surface activities, and core composition.
• Potential for Life: The discovery of liquid water significantly increases the potential for habitable conditions on Mars, intensifying the pursuit for extraterrestrial life.

Research Methodology:

• Data Gathering: Data was collected by NASA’s InSight Lander from 2018 to 2022, which included over 1,300 recorded Marsquakes and meteorite impacts.
• Seismic Analysis: Researchers analyzed the speed of seismic waves with a geophysical model to pinpoint the presence of liquid water. 

Core Findings:

• Location of Water: A significant layer of water was located between 10 to 20 kilometers beneath the Martian surface.
• Historical Context: It’s believed that this water migrated from the surface billions of years ago when Mars had a warmer and more permeable crust, akin to Earth’s groundwater movements.
• Planetary Impact: If these findings are consistent across Mars, the trapped water in rock fractures could potentially fill a Martian ocean up to 1-2 kilometers deep.

Broader Implications:

• Life Sustenance Potential: The presence of liquid water might support life forms, similar to organisms in Earth’s extreme deep-sea environments.
• Colonization Challenges: The depth at which the water is located presents substantial hurdles for extraction, complicating future human settlement efforts on Mars.

-Source: The Hindu

Teesta-V Hydropower Station

Context:

A landslide damaged six houses and a building of the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) at the site of its Teesta-V hydropower station in Sikkim’s Gangtok district recently.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Teesta-V Hydropower Station:

• The Teesta-V is a significant hydropower station generating 510 MW, located in the Teesta River basin within the Gangtok district of Sikkim.
• The facility features an 88.6-meter tall and 176.5-meter long concrete gravity dam that manages a reservoir used for daily power peaking.
• Construction began in 1999, with the station becoming operational in 2008.
• The station is managed and owned by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC).

Teesta River

• The Teesta River traverses the regions of Sikkim and West Bengal in India before entering Rangpur in Bangladesh.
• It serves as a tributary to the Brahmaputra River.
• The river marks the boundary between Sikkim and West Bengal.
• River Course Details:
  • Originates near Chunthang in Sikkim, descending southwards through the Siwalik Hills near Darjiling.
  • Changes direction southeast towards the Sivok Khola pass, leading onto the West Bengal plains.
  • Historically, it flowed south to the upper Padma River but shifted east around 1787 to join the Jamuna River in the Rangpur area of Bangladesh.
  • The river spans approximately 309 kilometers and oversees a drainage area of around 12,540 square kilometers.
• Key Tributaries:
  • Left-bank: Includes Lachung Chhu, Chakung Chhu, Dik Chhu, Rani Khola, and Rangpo Chhu.
  • Right-bank: Comprises Zemu Chhu, Rangyong Chhu, and Rangit River.

-Source: The Hindu

Shiveluch Volcano

Context:

Shiveluch volcano in Russia erupted after a 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck off the eastern coast of the country recently.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Shiveluch Volcano:

• Shiveluch Volcano is situated approximately 280 miles from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky in the Kamchatka region of eastern Russia.
• It is categorized as a stratovolcano, characterized by its steep slopes and composed of layers of solidified ash, lava, and volcanic rock.
• Shiveluch is one of the largest volcanoes in Kamchatka, reaching a height of 3,283 meters (10,771 feet). It is known for its frequent activity, including roughly 60 major eruptions over the last 10,000 years, and has been in a state of continuous eruption since August 1999, with significant explosive episodes noted, such as in 2007.

Kamchatka Peninsula Insights:

• Located in the far eastern part of Russia, bordered by the Sea of Okhotsk to the west and the Pacific Ocean along with the Bering Sea to the east.
• The peninsula is a hotspot for geothermal activity, home to about 30 active volcanoes.
• It stretches about 1,200 km from north to south and is 480 km wide at its broadest point, covering an area of approximately 370,000 square kilometers—making it one of the world’s largest peninsulas.
• The region experiences harsh climates with long, cold winters and short, cool summers.
• The regional capital is Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, and the peninsula features the Kuril Island chain, extending close to Japan’s northern Hokkaido Island.

-Source: The Hindu