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Bangladesh's Political Upheaval and Its Impact on India

Source: TH

Why in News?

The resignation of Sheikh Hasina as Prime Minister of Bangladesh marks a significant turning point in South Asian geopolitics. As she fled the country amid protests and sought refuge in India, the stability of Bangladesh and its relationship with India have come into question.

• This upheaval could have far-reaching consequences not only for the region but also for India's national security.

What is the Current Situation in Bangladesh?

• Protests and Unrest: Bangladesh has been engulfed in protests over job quota issues fueled by authoritarian policies and suppression of opposition, leading to significant unrest, the largest seen since Sheikh Hasina's tenure began in 2008.
• Economic Challenges: Sheikh Hasina’s departure raises concerns about the country's economic recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic, which has already been strained by rising inflation and currency depreciation.
• Political Landscape: The Bangladesh Army is set to form an interim government, emphasising the fluidity of the situation. The potential return of radical Islamist forces could threaten Bangladesh’s secular governance.
• Disruption in Export Flow: Bangladesh's textile sector, which significantly contributes to its export revenue, is facing major disruptions. The ongoing unrest has led to a breakdown in supply chains, affecting the movement of consignments and production schedules.
  • Bangladesh is a major player in the global clothing industry, accounting for 7.9% of global trade in clothing. The country's USD 45 billion garment sector, which employs over four million workers, represents more than 85% of its merchandise exports.
    • The country has a significant market share in the European Union, the UK and the US, with a 10% share in the US market.
  • International buyers are reassessing their supply sources due to the uncertainty in Bangladesh. This could result in a shift of orders to alternative markets, including India.
  • India stands to gain substantially if it captures a portion of the displaced orders from Bangladesh. Industry experts estimate that India could see an additional USD 300-400 million in monthly business if 10-11% of Bangladesh’s textile exports are redirected to Indian hubs such as Tiruppur.

How does the Political Instability in Bangladesh Affect India?

• Loss of a Trusted Ally: India has lost a key partner in Sheikh Hasina, who has been instrumental in countering terrorism and strengthening bilateral relations.
  • Hasina's leadership enabled India to work closely with Bangladesh on security matters, a relationship now in jeopardy as political dynamics shift.
    • India-Bangladesh bilateral trade reached USD 13 billion in FY 2023–24, making Bangladesh India’s largest trade partner in the subcontinent. Duty-free access was provided on most tariff lines under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA) agreement under Hasina’s administration.
  • India's support for her administration has now become a liability as her unpopularity and controversial governance might impact India's regional standing.
• Western Scrutiny and Potential Backlash: India’s backing of Hasina has created friction with Western allies, specifically the US who have criticised her undemocratic practices. Balancing international relations while supporting a now-unpopular leader poses challenges for India.
  • With Hasina's unpopularity growing, India may face backlash from Bangladeshi citizens who view India as an ally of the ousted leader. The situation could strain India-Bangladesh relations.

What Challenges Lie Ahead for India in Engaging with a New Regime?

• Uncertain Political Environment: The nature of the new government, whether it is led by opposition parties or the military will significantly impact India’s strategic interests.
  • A new administration that is less friendly to India could re-energize anti-India militant groups, adding pressure to an already tense security situation along the borders.
  • The Hindu minority may face increased risks if Islamist extremism rises. India must navigate citizenship promises for Hindu refugees carefully to avoid regional tensions.
• Regional Geopolitics: The political instability in Bangladesh could provide an opportunity for China to expand its influence in the region.
  • India must be vigilant as Beijing might offer lucrative deals to the new regime, similar to how it has leveraged regime changes in Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
  • India will need to engage in strategic partnerships to ensure that extremist elements do not gain a foothold and that Bangladesh's economic stability is supported.
  • The turmoil in Bangladesh comes at a time when India faces challenges on multiple fronts, including tensions with Pakistan, instability in Myanmar, strained relations with Nepal, Taliban's seizure of power in Afghanistan, and the Maldives’ recent diplomatic tussle with India.
• Impact on Indian Investments: Indian businesses and investments in Bangladesh might face uncertainties due to the political upheaval. Disruptions in trade and payment delays could impact the profitability and stability of these investments.
  • The unrest will influence Indian-owned textile manufacturing units in Bangladesh. Around 25% of textile units in Bangladesh are owned by Indian companies. There is a likelihood that these units may shift their operations back to India due to the current instability.
  • As discussions around a potential free trade agreement (FTA) began in October 2023, hopes soared that it could boost Bangladesh’s exports to India by up to 297% and India’s exports by 172%.
    • However, the political instability raises doubts about the future of these negotiations and could disrupt existing trade flows.
• Infrastructure and Connectivity Concerns: Infrastructure and connectivity have been vital in strengthening Indo-Bangladesh relations. India has provided USD 8 billion in credit since 2016 for road, rail, and port projects, including the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and the Khulna-Mongla Port rail line.
  • However, current unrest threatens these crucial connections, potentially disrupting trade and access to India’s Northeast region, and jeopardising earlier agreements.
• Balancing Act: India must strike a balance between supporting democratic forces and managing relationships with regional powers.
  • The challenge will be to avoid getting entangled in internal disputes while maintaining a robust diplomatic presence in Bangladesh.

How Should India Approach Its Foreign Policy Moving Forward?

• Building New Alliances: India is maintaining a cautious approach, closely monitoring the situation in Bangladesh while adopting a "wait-and-watch" strategy. This involves assessing the developments and their potential impacts on regional stability.
  • Further, India should engage with various political factions in Bangladesh, to foster a more inclusive relationship. India must develop a flexible strategy that accommodates the evolving political landscape in Bangladesh.
  • Engaging with a broader spectrum of Bangladeshi society will be crucial to counteract any negative perceptions of India. India needs to move beyond the 1971 liberation narrative.
• Enhancing Security Measures: India should bolster its security measures along the border and in areas with significant Bangladeshi expatriate populations to address potential spillover effects and maintain stability.
• Digital Connectivity Corridor: Developing a digital connectivity corridor can enhance trade, technological exchange, and e-commerce.
  • Evaluate the feasibility of an FTA with Bangladesh in light of the new political climate.
• Geopolitical Manoeuvring: India must anticipate that Pakistan and China will seek to exploit the situation in Bangladesh to their advantage.
  • Collaborating with international partners, including the US, UK, and European nations, will be key to mitigating these risks.
  • India should work with Gulf partners like the UAE and Saudi Arabia to support Bangladesh’s economic stabilisation and counter extremist influences. This cooperation can help maintain regional stability and prevent Bangladesh from drifting away from its traditional allies.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. What are the repercussions of frequent political instability in India’s neighbouring countries? Evaluate the challenges in light of the recent political instability in Bangladesh.

Government Push For Infrastructure Projects

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, led by the Prime Minister has approved eight National High Speed Corridor projects under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Model.

• These projects are expected to create approximately 4.42 crore mandays of direct and indirect employment.

What are the Approved Eight National High Speed Corridor Projects?

Corridor Projects	Investment Models
Agra-Gwalior high-speed corridor Tharad-Deesa-Mehsana-Ahmedabad corridor Guwahati Ring Road	Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT)
Nashik Phata-Khed corridor	Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM)
Kharagpur-Moregram corridor Ayodhya Ring Road Raipur-Ranchi corridor	Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) Model
Kanpur Ring Road

What is the Government’s Road Map for Infrastructure Development?

• Focus on Public-Private Partnerships (PPP): Government has emphasised on project development through PPP investment models.
  • This model allows private players to assume investment risks and manage the construction and maintenance of highways.
• Amendments to Concession Agreements: Government has amended the Model Concession Agreement to make it more attractive for private investors, introducing liberal compensation, extended concession periods, and termination payments.
  • The earlier concession agreement system featured fixed compensation, short concession periods, low termination payments, and strict regulatory oversight, making it less appealing to private investors.
• Introduction of Construction Support: A new 'construction support' mechanism will enable the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to pay up to 40% of the total project cost in ten instalments based on physical progress, enhancing financial viability for private developers.
  • Earlier, NHAI only provided equity support, which led to cash flow challenges as developers had to rely heavily on their own funds before project completion.
• Economic Impact of High Speed Corridor Projects: The projects aim to boost regional economies, particularly in states like West Bengal and the North East, by improving connectivity and reducing transportation costs.
• Progress in Highway Construction in India:
  • The length of National Highways has increased from 0.91 lakh km in 2013-14 to 1.46 lakh km in 2024.
  • The average annual construction of National Highways has increased by about 2.4 times from about 4,000 km in 2004-14 to about 9,600 km in 2014-24.
  • The total capital investment in National Highways including private investment has increased by 6 times from Rs. 50,000 Crore in 2013-14 to about Rs. 3.1 Lakh Crore in 2023-24.
  • The government has adopted a corridor-based highway infrastructure development approach with a focus on consistent standards, user convenience, and logistics efficiency.

What are the Challenges to Infrastructure Development in India?

• Physical Infrastructure: The construction of physical infrastructure in India faces significant challenges including land acquisition, which often involves complicated resettlement and compensation issues.
  • Additionally, funding such large-scale projects is difficult due to limited government resources and private investment hindered by economic and regulatory obstacles.
  • Furthermore, there is a lack of technology and expertise required for executing complex infrastructure developments.
• Political and Regulatory Risk: It encompasses various approvals required across the project cycle, community opposition, changes to regulations, and breach of contract terms.
  • In India, denial of government payments against contractual agreements is perceived as likely to influence future investment decisions.
• Geographical Challenges: India's diverse topography, including mountains, rivers, and coastal regions, presents unique engineering challenges. Additionally, extreme weather conditions, such as cyclones and floods, can disrupt projects and increase costs.
• Corruption and Inefficiency: Bureaucratic red tape, corruption, and lack of transparency often lead to project delays, cost escalation, and suboptimal quality of projects.
• Policy Inconsistencies: Conflicting policies and regulations often create an uncertain environment for investors and developers, discouraging private participation.
• Digital Divide: India faces challenges in developing its digital infrastructure due to a significant digital divide, particularly in rural areas with limited access to technology and the internet.
  • The rise in technology usage also raises concerns regarding cybersecurity and privacy, necessitating robust regulations and infrastructure.
  • Additionally, the absence of standardisation and coordination among various stakeholders in the digital infrastructure sector can impede user experience and stifle growth and innovation.

What Steps can be Taken for Infrastructure Development in India?

• Investment in Social Infrastructure:
  • Investing in social infrastructure such as education, public health, and sanitation can enhance workforce productivity, reduce mortality and malnutrition, improve social mobility, and elevate quality of life.
    • These investments support a stronger, more inclusive economy and holistic development.
• Increased Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
  • The government can partner with the private sector to finance, design, construct, and operate infrastructure projects.
• Improved Project Planning and Implementation:
  • The government can streamline project planning and implementation processes to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.
• Implementation of Innovative Financing Solutions:
  • The government can explore innovative financing solutions, such as infrastructure bonds, to mobilise additional funds for infrastructure development.
• Encouraging Foreign Direct Investment (FDI):
  • The government can ease regulations and create a favorable environment for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in infrastructure development.
• Building Human Capital:
  • To advance infrastructure development, the government should focus on building human capital through investments in job training and apprenticeships, ensuring access to quality education, supporting infrastructure research and innovation, and fostering public-private partnerships. Key schemes to support these initiatives include Skill India, the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC), and the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY).
• Effective Regulation:
  • The government can establish and enforce effective regulations to ensure the quality and safety of infrastructure projects.
    • Regulations can establish standards for material quality and workmanship. They can also mandate safety requirements, including fire safety, evacuation plans, and accessibility standards, to ensure the safety of both the public and workers involved in the project.
    • Additionally, independent inspections and testing can help identify and address any issues before the infrastructure is put into use.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. What are the obstacles to infrastructure development in India and what actions can be taken to address this?

Power of LG to Nominate MCD Aldermen

Source: IE

Why in News?

The Supreme Court (SC) ruled that the Lieutenant Governor (LG) of Delhi can nominate “aldermen” to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) without needing advice from the Delhi Government’s Council of Ministers.

What did the Supreme Court Rule on the Nomination of MCD Aldermen?

• The SC ruled that Section 3 of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 (DMC Act) gives the Delhi LG the “explicit” power to nominate aldermen without any requirement to consult the Council of Ministers.
• The Supreme Court referred to the five-judge bench decision in Government of NCT of Delhi v. Union of India, 2023, to arrive at its decision.
  • In 2023, the apex court held that Parliament would have the power to legislate over subjects in the State List as well, when it comes to the NCT of Delhi.
  • In this case, it would involve enacting laws regarding 'local government,' which falls under the State List and pertains to the DMC Act, 1957.

What were the Issues in the Nomination of Aldermen?

• Constitutional Provision: Article 239AA of the Indian Constitution mandates that the Council of Ministers and the Chief Minister should “aid and advise” the L-G on matters within the Legislative Assembly’s power, except when the L-G must act in discretion as per the law.
  • The Delhi Legislative Assembly has the power to make laws on most subjects except for 'Public order,' 'Police,' and 'Land.'
• Aldermen Nomination: On 3rd January 2023, the Delhi LG nominated 10 aldermen under Section 3 of the DMC Act, 1957.
• Legal Challenge: The Delhi government challenged the nominations in the Supreme Court.
  • The Delhi government referenced the Supreme Court decision in Government of NCT of Delhi Vs. Union of India, 2018 which held that the LG must follow the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers for matters under the State and Concurrent lists.
• L-G’s Argument: The Delhi LG contended that the DMC Act, 1957 specifically grants him the power to nominate aldermen without requiring the Council of Ministers' advice.

What is the Position of Aldermen in MCD?

• About: Alderman refers to a member of a city council or municipal body.
  • It originally referred to elders of a clan or tribe and soon it became a term for king’s viceroys. Later, it denoted a more specific title “chief magistrate of a county,” having both civic and military duties.
  • Aldermen are expected to have special knowledge or experience in municipal administration who are meant to assist the house in taking decisions of public importance.
• Role of Aldermen: Under the Delhi Municipal Corporation (DMC) Act, 1957 Delhi is divided into 12 zones, each with a ‘Wards Committee’ comprising elected representatives and nominated aldermen.
• Nomination: The Delhi LG can nominate 10 aldermen who are at least 25 years old and have experience in municipal administration.
• Voting Rights: Aldermen do not vote in MCD meetings but are crucial in Wards Committees, where they can vote and stand for election to the MCD Standing Committee.
• Standing Committee: This committee, which includes aldermen, manages the MCD’s functions and is essential for decisions like contracts over Rs. 5 crore, budget revisions, and appointing officers.
  • Without aldermen, the Standing Committee cannot be formed, halting key MCD functions.

What is the Governance Model of Delhi?

• The 69th Amendment Act, 1991 inserted Article 239AA, which renamed the Union Territory of Delhi to National Capital Territory (NCT) to be administered by a LG who works on aid and advice of the Council of Ministers.
  • The 'aid and advice' rule applies only to matters where the Delhi Assembly has authority, covering subjects in the State and Concurrent Lists. It does not apply to public order, police and land.
• Also, Article 239AA, empowers the LG to refer a difference of opinion on ‘any matter’ with the Council of Ministers to the President.
• Judiciary’s Opinion on the Governance Model of Delhi: In the Government of NCT of Delhi Vs. Union of India, 2018, the Constitutional bench of the Supreme Court gave the following judgements.
  • Purposive Construction: The court invoked the rule of purposive construction to say that the objectives behind the 69th Amendment Act, 1991 shall guide the interpretation of Article 239AA.
    • It means that Article 239AA incorporates principles of federalism and democracy, giving Delhi a unique status compared to other Union Territories.
  • LG to Act on Aid and Advice: The Court declared that the LG is bound by the “aid and advice” of the Council of Ministers, noting that the Delhi Assembly also has the power to make laws over all subjects that figure in the Concurrent List, and all, except three excluded subjects (Public order, Police and Land) in the State List.
    • The LG ought to act on the “aid and advice” of the Council of Ministers, except when he refers a matter to the President for a final decision.
  • Any Matter is Not Every Matter: The Supreme Court ruled that the LG can only refer a matter to the President in exceptional cases, not for every disagreement with the Council of Ministers.
  • LG as Facilitator: LG shall act as a facilitator rather than acting as an adversary to the elected Council of Ministers.
  • New Delhi Cannot be Given Statehood: At the same time, the Court ruled that the National Capital Territory of Delhi cannot be granted the status of a State under the constitutional scheme.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court emphasised that Delhi's governance relies on constitutional trust and collaboration. The principle of subsidiarity requires strong local governments, so India should grant more power to city governments, following the example of global megacities like Jakarta, Seoul, London, and Paris.

Drishti Mains Question: Q. What are the key points of the 69th Constitutional Amendment Act and issues have caused conflicts between Delhi's elected representatives and the Lieutenant Governor? Elucidate.

Proposed Amendments in Waqf Act 1995

Source: BS

Why in News?

Parliament is set to introduce the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, to amend the Waqf Act, 1995 , with the goal of enhancing accountability and transparency in the functioning of Waqf boards.

• It seeks to remove certain provisions of the Waqf act, 1995 to reduce the Waqf Boards' unchecked power, which currently lets them declare any property as Waqf without necessary checks.

What are the Key Amendments in Waqf Act (Amendment Bill), 2024?

• Transparency: The Bill outlines around 40 amendments to the current Waqf Act, including that Waqf Boards will be required to undergo mandatory verification for all property claims, ensuring transparency
• Gender Diversity: Sections 9 and 14 of the Waqf Act, 1995 will be amended to modify the composition and functioning of the Waqf Board, including the addition of women representatives.
• Revised Verification Procedures: New verification procedures will be introduced for Waqf properties to address disputes and prevent misuse, with district magistrates potentially overseeing these properties.
• Limited Power: The amendments respond to concerns about the Waqf Boards’ unchecked powers, which have led to extensive land being claimed as Waqf, causing disputes and misuse claims.
  • For example, in September 2022, the Tamil Nadu Waqf Board claimed the entire Thiruchendurai village, which is predominantly Hindu.

Why Amendment to the Waqf Act, 1995 have been Criticised?

• Reduced Powers: It limits the authority of Waqf Boards, affecting their ability to manage Waqf properties.
• Minority Rights Concerns: Critics worry it might harm the interests of Muslim communities that use these properties for religious and charitable purposes.
• Increased Government Control: The involvement of district magistrates and more oversight could lead to excessive bureaucratic interference.
• Hampers Freedom of Religion: The involvement of district magistrates and other government officials in overseeing Waqf properties may be viewed as an encroachment on religious autonomy.
• Potential Disputes: New verification processes like involvement of district magistrates might create more disputes and complications.

What is Waqf Act, 1995?

• Background: The Waqf act was first passed by Parliament in 1954.
  • It was later repealed, and a new Waqf Act was passed in 1995, which gave more powers to Waqf Boards.
  • In 2013, the Act was further amended to grant the Waqf Board extensive powers to designate property as 'Waqf Property.'
• Waqf: It is the permanent dedication of movable or immovable properties for religious, pious or charitable purposes as recognised by Muslim law.
  • It implies the endowment of property, whether movable or immovable, tangible or intangible, to God by a Muslim, under the premise that the transfer will benefit the needy.
  • The proceeds from a Waqf typically fund educational institutions, graveyards, mosques and shelter homes.
  • Waqfs in India are regulated by the Waqf act, 1995.
• Management of Waqf:
  • A survey commissioner lists all properties declared as Waqf by conducting local investigations, summoning witnesses, and requisitioning public documents.
  • The Waqf is managed by a mutawali, who acts as a supervisor.
  • Unlike trusts established under the Indian Trusts Act, 1882, which can serve broader purposes and be dissolved by the board, Waqfs are specifically for religious and charitable uses and are intended to be perpetual.
  • Waqfs can be either public, serving charitable ends, or private, benefiting the property owner’s direct descendants.
  • To create a Waqf, one must be of sound mind and hold valid ownership of the property. Interestingly, the creator of a Waqf, known as the Waqif, does not have to be a Muslim, as long as they profess belief in Islamic principles.
• Waqf Board:
  • A Waqf board is a legal entity capable of acquiring, holding and transferring property. It can sue and be sued in court.
  • It administers Waqf properties, recovers lost properties and sanctions the transfer of immovable Waqf properties through sale, gift, mortgage, exchange, or lease, with at least two-thirds of the board members voting in favour of the transaction.
  • The Central Waqf Council (CWC), established in 1964, oversees and advises state level Waqf Boards across India.
• Waqf Properties: The Waqf board is said to be the third-largest landholder in India after the Railways and the Defence department.
  • Currently, there are 8,72,292 registered Waqf properties spread across 8 lakh acres. These properties generate Rs 200 crore in revenue.
  • Once a property is designated as a Waqf, it becomes non-transferable and is detained perpetually as a charitable act toward God, essentially transferring ownership to God.

Conclusion

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 enhances the management and transparency of waqf properties in India. By improving governance, accountability, and asset utilisation, it empowers waqf boards to ensure benefits reach intended communities. This amendment aims to preserve waqf integrity while promoting social welfare and economic development, potentially fostering greater trust and community engagement.

Drishti Mains Question Q. There seems to be fear of state encroachment in managing the affairs of the religious minorities. Do you agree? Discuss in the light of proposed amendments to the Waqf Act, 1995.

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Mains

Q. How is the Indian concept of secularism different from the western model of secularism? Discuss. (2018)

SIT Report on Tigers Deaths in MP

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, a Special Investigation Team (SIT) report on the deaths of 43 tigers in Madhya Pradesh in Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve and Shahdol Forest Circle between 2021 and 2023 has raised significant concerns regarding the effectiveness of wildlife protection measures in India.

• The report highlights serious lapses in investigations, insufficient evidence collection, and a lack of accountability among officials responsible for tiger conservation.

What are the Key Findings of the SIT Report?

• Inadequate Investigations: Insufficient probing into at least 10 cases of tiger deaths, with only two arrests for unnatural deaths. Authorities showed disinterest, leading to many missing body parts.
• Absence of Vital Evidence: Lacking mobile forensics and electric trip data in electrocution cases, and neglecting land ownership investigations relevant to poaching.
• Misclassification of Death Causes: Tendency to attribute deaths to infighting without proper investigation, potentially hiding poaching incidents.
• Post-Mortem Issues: Inadequate post-mortem procedures, with poor sample collection and documentation.
• Negligence in Treatment: Documented medical negligence, including failure to identify foreign objects during treatment, causing a tigress's death.

Evolution of Timekeeping Devices

Source: TH

Why in News?

Recently, researchers have made significant developments in nuclear clocks by developing a laser for thorium-229 nuclei stimulation and linking it with an optical clock.

• The world has evolved from keeping time with the Sun and the moon to atoms and their nuclei.

How Timekeeping Devices Evolved Over History?

• Historical Timekeeping Devices:
  • Sundials: Ancient devices that indicated time by casting shadows from sunlight.
  • Water Clocks: Measured time through the gradual filling of a vessel with water.
  • Hourglasses: Used sand instead of water to measure time.
• Development of Mechanical Clocks:
  • Early Mechanical Clocks: Improved water clocks included additional tanks, gears, and pulleys.
  • Astrarium (Medieval Astronomical Clock): A sophisticated instrument to track celestial movements.
  • Pendulum Clock: Spring-driven clocks replaced weights with coiled springs.
• Modern Clocks:
  • Electric Clocks: Emerged in the 19th century, using batteries or electric motors instead of springs or weights.
  • Quartz Clocks: Use a quartz crystal that oscillates when electrically charged. These clocks are affordable and widespread, leading to the popularity of quartz watches and wall clocks.
• Atomic Clocks:
  • Operation: Use lasers and atoms of the same isotope to measure time. The frequency of radiation emitted when atoms transition between energy states defines the time.
    • India is setting up atomic clocks nationwide to make sure that the time on digital devices matches Indian Standard Time (IST), as part of the One-Nation, One-Time initiative.
  • Caesium Atomic Clocks: Utilize caesium-133 atoms and are highly accurate, maintaining the IST.
    • IST is a cesium atomic clock used at the National Physical Laboratory (NPL), New Delhi.
    • Council Of Scientific And Industrial Research–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR–NPL) maintains the IST.
  • Next-Generation Optical Clocks: Use atoms like strontium or ytterbium to achieve even greater precision of time.
• Future Developments in Timekeeping:
  • Nuclear Clocks: Focus on the nuclei of atoms for even higher precision. The emission frequency of these nuclear clocks is around 2,020 terahertz, indicating ultra-high precision.

How Clocks Evolved Over History In India?

• The development of clocks in Indian history reflects a rich blend of indigenous ingenuity and external influences.
• Ancient India utilised various timekeeping methods, such as water clocks (known as ghatika yantra) and sundials, which were used in temples and for daily activities.
  • Ancient Indians tracked time using the stars and planetary positions (Nakshatras) to accurately record significant events.
  • Timekeeping linked to planetary positions led to the development of astrology and exploring the influence of planets on human life.
  • Despite the advanced system, daily time was often measured in hours or pahars, and simple clock towers were sufficient for general public use.
• With the arrival of Islamic rulers, more advanced water clocks and astronomical instruments were introduced, blending with local traditions.
• The colonial period saw the introduction of mechanical clocks and pocket watches.

National Handloom Day

Source: PIB

Recently, the 10^th National Handloom Day was celebrated on 7^th August 2024. This day has been celebrated since 2015 and marks the launch of the Swadeshi Movement on 7^th August 1905, part of the independence struggle promoting domestic handloom products.

• Handloom fabrics are generally made with high quality natural fibres like cotton, linen, silk, and wool which are resilient and last for a long time.
  • Unique Handloom Products: Banarasi, Jamdani, Baluchari, Madhubani, Kosa, Ikkat, Patola, Tussar Silk, Maheshwari, Moirang Phee, Phulkari, Laheriya, Khandua and Tangaliya.
• Government Initiatives:
  • National Handloom Development Programme (NHDP): Supports handloom clusters with financial aid, marketing assistance, and awards. Plans to fund mega clusters with Rs. 30 crore for 10,000 looms.
  • Market Access Initiative (MAI): Promotes exports through market research, international marketing, and support for small industries. Effective until March 2026.
  • Raw Material Supply Scheme (RMSS): Provides subsidised yarn, improves dyeing facilities, and offers freight reimbursement and price subsidies to handloom weavers, effective until 2025-26.
• The Handloom Export Promotion Council (HPEC) is a not-for-profit agency under the Ministry of Textiles that aims to boost exports of handloom products such as fabrics, home furnishings, and carpets.

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President of India Receives Fiji's Highest Civilian Award

Source: IE

Recently, President Droupadi Murmu has been awarded the Companion of the Order of Fiji, the highest civilian honour from Fiji recognising the strong India-Fiji ties. This recognition comes during her historic visit to the island nation, marking the first time an Indian President has travelled to Fiji.

• The President of India acknowledged the contributions of the Indian diaspora, particularly the Girmitiya laborers, and emphasized the importance of overseas Indian communities.
  • The word 'girmitiya' is derived from 'girmit', meaning 'agreement'. Indian indentured labourers transported to places like Fiji and Mauritius were known as 'girmitiyas'.
  • Though girmitiyas were not technically slaves, they were subjected to "blackbirding" (deceiving or tricking people to work as slaves or poorly paid labourers).
• Fiji, a country and archipelago in the South Pacific Ocean. It surrounds the Koro Sea north of Auckland, New Zealand. It comprises over 300 islands, with only about 100 inhabited.
  • It is known as the "soft coral capital of the world," Fiji boasts over 4,000 square kilometres of vibrant coral reefs.
    • Sugarcane was a major economic driver for Fiji for many years.
  • Fiji is a parliamentary democracy, its population is a mix of Indigenous Fijians, Indians, Europeans, and other ethnicities. Fiji is home to the largest Hindu temple in the Southern Hemisphere, the Sri Siva Subramaniya Swami Temple.

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Google Faces Antitrust Complaints in the US and India

Source: IE

Recently, a US District Court has found Google guilty of monopolistic practices in search and text advertising, disrupting its longstanding dominance and is coinciding with India’s new digital competition law discussions.

• Google has invested over USD 26 billion annually to maintain its default search engine status on devices, with a substantial market share of 89.2% in general search services and 94.9% on mobile.
• In India, the Alliance of Digital India Foundation (ADIF) has filed a complaint with the Competition Commission of India (CCI) claiming Google’s dominance hinders competition and negatively impacts Indian businesses.
  • ADIF is an industry body for India's digital startups formed in 2020 to transform the Indian startup ecosystem into the top 3 globally by 2030.
  • ADIF is concerned that Google's Privacy Sandbox initiative, which removes third-party cookies from Chrome, could hinder non-Google Demand Side Platforms' effectiveness in digital advertising.
  • The development comes as India discusses a digital competition law, which could lead to increased compliance by large tech companies. It also comes amid antitrust scrutiny into Google by the CCI, after fining it in 2022 for "abusing its market dominant position" in Android-related categories.
• India is proposing the Digital Competition Bill, 2024, which aims to curb anti-competitive practices by setting presumptive norms and imposing heavy penalties.
  • The bill also addresses the role of Associate Digital Enterprises (ADEs) in regulating data use among group companies.

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Sri Lanka Tests IUDs Contraceptives on Monkeys

Source: TH

Sri Lanka is testing Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) on female toque macaques to control their population, estimated at around 3 million.

• An Intrauterine Device (IUDs) is a small contraceptive device that is put into the uterus (womb) to prevent pregnancy.
  • IUDs Types: The copper IUD and the hormonal IUD, sold under the brand names Mirena and Kyleena.
• This action follows the government's earlier decision to provide shotguns to farmers to address crop damage and to abandon a contentious plan to export monkeys to China.
• Experts doubt that contraception alone will effectively reduce monkey populations, emphasising that controlling monkey populations also requires banning the feeding of wild monkeys, as access to human food boosts their survival and reproduction.
• Toque Macaque (Macaca sinica) is a reddish-brown-coloured Old World monkey endemic to Sri Lanka.
  • IUCN Status: Endangered
  • They are mostly frugivorous (fruit eating), diurnal animals (active in daytime).

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