India Maldives Relations

Source: TH

Why in News?

The Maldives has recently found itself in the midst of diplomatic turmoil, raising questions about its relations with India through undiplomatic remarks, military positioning, and the scrapping of crucial agreements.

• Maldives has also signed new deals with China, further complicating the geopolitical landscape.

What are the Major Points Related to India and Maldives Relations?

• Historical Ties: The diplomatic and political relationship between India and the Maldives dates back to 1965 when the British relinquished control of the islands.
  • Since the democratic transition in 2008, India has invested years in building deep relationships with various stakeholders in the Maldives, including political, military, business, and civil society figures.

• Maldives' Significance for India:
  • Strategic Location: Located south of India, the Maldives holds immense strategic importance in the Indian Ocean, acting as a gateway to the Arabian Sea and beyond.
    • This allows India to monitor maritime traffic and enhance regional security.
  • Cultural Link: India and Maldives share a deep cultural and historical connection dating back centuries.
    • Until the first half of the 12^th century, Buddhism was the principal religion in the Maldivian islands.
      • There is an inscription of Vajrayana Buddhism, that had existed in the Maldives in ancient times.
  • Regional Stability: A stable and prosperous Maldives aligns with India's "Neighbourhood First" policy, promoting peace and security in the Indian Ocean region.
• India’s Significance for Maldives:
  • Essential Supplies: India is a crucial supplier of everyday essentials, including rice, spices, fruits, vegetables, and medicines.
    • India also aids in building Maldivian infrastructure by providing materials like cement and rock boulders.
  • Education: India serves as the primary education provider for Maldivian students who pursue higher education in Indian institutions, including scholarships for deserving students.
  • Disaster Assistance: India has been a consistent source of aid during crises, such as tsunamis and drinking water shortages.
    • The provision of essential items and support during the Covid-19 pandemic showcases India's role as a reliable partner.
  • Security Provider: India has a history of providing security assistance, intervening during a coup attempt in 1988 through Operation Cactus and conducting joint naval exercises for the protection of the Maldives.
    • Joint Exercises include- “Ekuverin”, “Dosti” and “Ekatha”.
  • India's Dominance in Maldives Tourism: Indian tourists have become the leading source market for the Maldives since the Covid-19 pandemic. In 2023, they accounted for a significant 11.2% of total tourist arrivals, amounting to 18.42 lakh visitors.

What are the Major Challenges Related to India Maldives Relations?

• India-Out Campaign: In recent years, Maldivian politics has witnessed a campaign centered on an "India Out" platform, branding Indian presence as a threat to Maldivian sovereignty.
  • Key campaign points include the demand for the withdrawal of Indian military personnel.
  • Current Maldives’ President has set a deadline of 15^th March, 2024, for the withdrawal of Indian troops.
• Tourism Strain: The tourism scenario in the Maldives has gained significant focus due to a diplomatic dispute arising from disparaging comments directed at the Indian Prime Minister after his promotional visit to the Lakshadweep islands.
  • Consequently, a boycott Maldives trend has been floating social media as a response to the controversy.
• China’s Rising Influence in Maldives: Chinese is becoming increasingly visible in the Maldives. The Maldives' proximity to key shipping lanes and India makes it strategically important for China, potentially fueling its interest in deeper engagement.
  • It has caused unease in India and could lead to a regional geopolitical contest.

Conclusion

• The Maldives government taking swift action by suspending ministers reflects an effort to manage the crisis. Therefore, both countries should engage in regular diplomatic dialogue to rebuild trust. Cooperating on shared concerns, addressing grievances and emphasizing the long-standing ties that have benefited both nations can pave the way for a diplomatic resolution.

Lentil Production India

Source: IE

Why in News?

As per the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, India is set to become the world’s largest producer of lentils (masoor) during the 2023-24 crop year on account of higher acreage.

• The country's lentil production is estimated to touch an all-time high of 1.6 million tonnes in the 2023-24 rabi season on higher acreage.
• According to official data, in the 2022-23 crop year, the country’s lentil production stood at 1.56 million tonnes.

What are Lentils?

• About:
  • Lentil is a bushy annual herbaceous plant of the legume family.
  • These are edible legumes, known for their lens-shaped, flat disced seed.
  • Lentil plants are typically short, and bear self-pollinated flowers.
  • Lentil grains are excellent sources of energy, carbohydrates, protein, fat, fibers, phosphorus, iron, zinc, carotene, vitamins, and antioxidants.
• Climatic Condition:
  • Lentil is primarily grown as a rainfed crop.
  • It requires cold temperature during its vegetative growth and warm temperature at the time of maturity.
  • Lentil is grown during rabi season.
• Soil Types:
  • Lentils can grow on various soil types, from sand to clay loam, growing best in deep sandy loam soils with moderate fertility.
  • A soil pH around 7 would be the best. Lentils do not tolerate flooding or water-logged conditions.
• Lentil Growing Region:
  • It is mainly cultivated in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand.
    • The Bundelkhand region of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh is considered as lentil bowl which contributes nearly 25% to the total lentil production in the country.
  • According to the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the world top lentil growers in 2022 were Canada, India, Australia, Turkey, and Russia.
    • Despite being the second largest producer of lentil, India has so far been relying on imports to meet its domestic requirements, buying mainly from Australia, Canada, Russia, Singapore, and Turkey.

What are Government Initiatives to Boost Pulses Production in India?

• Policy Support: The policy prescription for ensuring reasonable prices to the farmers largely centres around procuring the pulses by providing Minimum Support Prices (MSP) to the farmers through National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation of India (NAFED) and more recently through Small Farmers Agri Consortium (SFAC).
• National Food Security Mission (NFSM)-Pulses.
• ICAR's Role in Research and Variety Development
• Pradhan Mantri Annadata Aay SanraksHan Abhiyan (PM-AASHA) Scheme

Reforming Organ Transplantation

Source: IE

Why in News?

Recently, the Delhi High Court has recommended an optimal timeframe of 6-8 weeks for completing organ transplant processes involving living donors.

• High Court directed the government to establish specific timelines for all stages of organ donation applications in accordance with The Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues (THOT ) Act, 1994, and Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Rules, 2014 (THOT Rules).

What Does the THOT Act, 1994 Say?

• About:
  • The law governs the transplantation of human organs and tissues in India, including the donation of organs after death.
  • It lays down regulations governing healthcare providers and hospitals, and stipulates penalties for violations.
• Organ Donors and Recipients:
  • A transplant can be either from a pool of organs of deceased persons donated by their relatives or from a living person who is known to the recipient.
  • In most cases, the Act allows living donations from close relatives such as parents, siblings, children, spouses, grandparents, and grandchildren.
• Donations From Distant Relatives and Foreigners:
  • Altruistic donations from distant relatives, in-laws, or long-time friends are allowed after additional scrutiny to ensure there is no financial exchange.
  • Living donations from close relatives involving Indians or foreigners must be accompanied by documents establishing their identities, family trees, and pictures that prove the donor-recipient relationship.
    • Donors and recipients are also interviewed.
• Donations from Unrelated Persons:
  • Donations from unrelated persons require documents and photographic evidence to prove their long-term association or friendship with the recipient.
  • These are examined by an external committee to prevent illegal dealings.
• Fines and Punishments:
  • Offering to pay for organs or supplying them for payment; initiating, negotiating, or advertising such arrangements; looking for persons to supply organs; and abetting in preparing false documents can attract a jail term up to 10 years and a fine up to Rs 1 crore.
• Formation of NOTTO:
  • National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organization (NOTTO) is a National level organization set up under Directorate General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family.
    • This has been mandated as per the Transplantation of Human Organs (Amendment) Act 2011.
    • National Network division of NOTTO would function as apex centre for All India activities of coordination and networking for procurement and distribution of Organs and Tissues and registry of Organs and Tissues Donation and Transplantation in the country.

What Do the THOT Rules, 2014 Say?

• Authorisation Committee:
  • Rule 7 of the 2014 Rules provides for the constitution of the Authorisation Committee and the nature of enquiry and evaluation conducted by it.
  • Rule 7(3) says the Committee must ensure there is no commercial transaction involved in cases where the donor and recipient are not near relatives.
    • Rule 7(5) says that if a recipient is in a critical condition and needs transplantation within a week, the hospital can be approached for an expedited evaluation.
• Living Donor Transplantations:
  • For living donor transplantations, Rule 10 describes the application process, which requires joint applications by the donor and recipient.
  • Rule 21 requires the Committee to personally interview applicants and determine their eligibility to donate.

What is the Authorisation Committee?

• About:
  • The Authorisation Committee oversees and approves organ transplant procedures involving donors and recipients who are not near relatives.
  • This approval is crucial, especially in cases where organs are donated for reasons of affection, attachment, or other special circumstances, to ensure ethical compliance and prevent illegal practices.
• Composition:
  • Section 9(4) of the Act,1994 says the “composition of the Authorisation Committee shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government from time to time”.
  • State government and Union Territories “shall constitute one or more Authorisation Committee consisting of such members as may be nominated by the State Government and the Union Territories.”
• Powers:
  • Under Section 9(5), the Committee is expected to conduct a thorough inquiry while reviewing applications for transplant approval.
  • A crucial aspect of the inquiry is to verify the authenticity of the donor and recipient, and ensure that the donation is not driven by commercial motives.
• Role of Parliament:
  • Section 24 of the Act allows the Centre to make rules, subject to parliamentary approval, for carrying out the various purposes of the Act.
    • These can relate to the manner and conditions under which a donor may authorise the removal of their organs before death.
    • Also how a brain-stem death is to be certified, or the steps to be taken to preserve human organs removed from anyone, etc.

What did the High Court Decide?

• Constitution of Authorisation Committees
  • The Act mandates state governments/Union Territories to form one or more authorisation committees, consisting of nominated members.
  • High Court underscores the necessity of it to maintain the integrity and effectiveness of organ transplantation protocols.
• Timelines for Living Donor Transplantation Application:
  • The high court stipulates that the timeline for processing living donor transplantation applications should not exceed a maximum of 10 days from the date of application.
  • Within a maximum of 14 days, the court mandates the verification of documents concerning the domicile status of the recipient and donor.
  • Any opportunity given to the donor or recipient to complete required documentation must be communicated within the prescribed timeline under the Rules.
• Scheduled Interviews and Family Meetings
  • After four to six weeks of receiving the application, interviews should be scheduled within two weeks.
  • The committee should conduct the interview, facilitate a family meeting, and convey the decision within this timeframe.
    • The court emphasizes that the entire process, from submission to decision, should ideally not exceed six to eight weeks.
• Recommendations to Government:
  • The high court calls for the judgment to be presented to the Secretary, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, ensuring the prescription of timelines for all steps in the consideration of organ donation applications, after consulting relevant stakeholders.

World Bank’s Global Economic Prospects Report

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the World Bank (WB) has released its Global Economic Prospects Report, which shows that the global economy may witness a poor performance by the end of 2024, the slowest half-decade of GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth in 30 years.

What are the Key Highlights of the Report?

• Slowest Half-Decade of GDP Growth in 30 Years:
  • The global economy is projected to experience the slowest half-decade of GDP growth in three decades, with a growth rate of 2.4% in 2024.
• Improved Outlook Compared to Previous Year:
  • The risk of a global Recession has receded, attributed to the strength of the US economy, resulting in a better global economic position than the previous year.
  • But mounting geopolitical tensions could create fresh near-term hazards for the world economy.
• Deteriorating Medium-Term Outlook for Developing Economies:
  • While the global economy is in a better place than a year ago, the medium-term outlook has worsened for many developing economies. Factors include slowing growth, sluggish Global Trade, and tight financial conditions.
• Challenges in Global Trade and Borrowing Costs:
  • Global trade growth in 2024 is expected to be only half the average in the decade preceding the Pandemic.
  • Borrowing costs for developing economies, especially those with low credit ratings, are expected to remain high.
• Global Growth:
  • Global growth is projected to slow for the third consecutive year, dropping from 2.6% in 2023 to 2.4% in 2024.
  • Developing economies are projected to grow just 3.9%, more than one percentage point below the average of the previous decade.
  • Low-income countries are projected to grow by 5.5%, lower than initially expected.
• Weak Near-Term Growth and High Debt Levels:
  • There will be weak near-term growth, particularly in developing countries, leading to high levels of Debt and limited access to food. That would obstruct progress on many global priorities.
• Recommendations:
  • There is a need for urgent action to accelerate investment and strengthen fiscal policy frameworks to avoid a wasted opportunity in the current decade.
  • The report advocates for a 'formidable' increase in investment by developing countries, approximately USD 2.4 trillion per year, to address climate change and achieve other key global development goals by 2030.
  • The developing economies need to implement comprehensive policy packages, including improvements to fiscal and monetary frameworks, expansion of cross-border trade and financial flows, betterment of the investment climate, and strengthening of institutional quality.

Shimla Development Plan 2041

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court has approved the Shimla Development Plan 2041 that is aimed at regulating construction activities in Himachal Pradesh’s capital city, terming it Sustainable.

What is the Shimla Development Plan 2041?

• About:
  • The draft Development Plan for the Shimla Planning Area 2041 was published in February 2022.
  • The development plan has been prepared by the Town and Country Planning Department of Himachal Pradesh under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) sub-scheme of the Government of India.
    • The plan is GIS (Geographic Information System)-based. It covers Shimla Municipal Corporation and its adjoining areas under the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977.
  • The plan states that “town planning does not come under the purview of NGT”.
• Background of Legal Battles:
  • The initial approval for the plan was granted by the previous state government in February 2022.
  • However, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) intervened and issued stay orders in May 2022, terming the plan illegal and in conflict with earlier orders passed in 2017.
    • The NGT’s 2017 verdict had prohibited construction on buildings above two floors and the attic floor in the Shimla planning area.
      • The NGT found the scheme violated the ban by allowing more floors and new constructions in restricted areas. The NGT warned of damage to law, environment and public safety if the state continued.
  • The state government appealed to the Supreme Court, and in May 2023, the Supreme Court directed the government to address objections to the draft development plan and issue a final plan within six weeks.

What is the Supreme Court’s Ruling?

• In January, 2024, the SC gave its approval to the Shimla Development Plan 2041, setting aside the previous orders of the NGT, stating that it was beyond the jurisdiction of the tribunal to direct the state government on how to formulate the development plan.
• The court mentioned that the NGT cannot dictate the state government's formulation of the plan but can scrutinize the plan on its merits.
• The court acknowledged that the 2041 development plan appears to be balanced and sustainable, but it emphasized that parties are still open to challenging specific aspects of the plan on their merits.

What is AMRUT?

• Launch: June 2015
• Concerned Ministry: Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
• Purpose:
  • To ensure that every household has access to a tap with the assured supply of water and a sewerage connection.
    • The Priority zone of the Mission is water supply followed by sewerage.
  • To increase the amenity value of cities by developing greenery and well maintained open spaces (e.g. parks).
  • To reduce pollution by switching to public transport or constructing facilities for non-motorized transport (e.g. walking and cycling).
• Components:
  • Capacity building, reform implementation, water supply, sewerage and septage management, storm water drainage, urban transport and development of green spaces and parks.
    • The reforms aim at improving delivery of citizen services, bringing down the cost of delivery, improving financial health, augmenting resources and enhancing transparency. It also includes replacement of street lights with LED lights.
• State Annual Action Plan (SAAP):
  • AMRUT has made states equal partners in planning and implementation of projects by approval of SAAP once a year by MoHUA and states have to give project sanctions and approval at their end, therefore actualisation of cooperative federalism.
• Supervision:
  • An Apex Committee (AC), chaired by the Secretary, MoHUA and comprising representatives of related Ministries and organisations supervises the Mission.

Heat-Tolerant Covid-19 Vaccine by IISc

Source: TH

Why in News?

A heat-tolerant vaccine developed by the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) researchers is said to be effective against all current strains of SARS-CoV-2 besides having the potential to be quickly adapted for future variants as well.

What are the Key Points Related to the Vaccine Developed by IISc?

• Background: According to IISc, while current vaccines are proven to be effective against most SARS-CoV-2 strains, their efficacy has declined due to rapid mutation by the virus.
• Antigen Selection: After analyzing various proteins found in the virus, the researchers selected two parts of SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein, the S2 subunit and the Receptor Binding Domain (RBD) for designing their vaccine candidate.
  • The S2 subunit is highly conserved. It mutates much less than the S1 subunit, which is the target of most current vaccines and the RBD can provoke a robust immune response.
  • A hybrid protein, RS2, was created by combining the selected components.
  • The researchers then tested the effects of the protein in both mice and hamster models. They found that the hybrid protein triggered a strong immune response.

• Characteristics of RS2 Antigen:
  • Adaptability to Variants: The RS2 antigen can be customized to incorporate the RBD region of any new SARS-CoV-2 variant including XBB.1.5 and JN.1 variants.
    • This adaptability addresses concerns related to the virus's rapid mutation.
  • Storage and Distribution: RS2 antigen can be stored at room temperature for a month without requiring cold storage.
  • Economic Advantage: Reduced production and distribution costs make it economically viable.

150 Years of India Meteorological Department

Source: IE

Why in News?

India Meteorological Department (IMD) with the mandate of providing public weather services will complete 150 years of presence on 15^th January, 2025.

• To mark this milestone, IMD plans a nationwide celebration in all sub-offices from January 15, 2024, to January 15, 2025.

What is India Meteorological Department (IMD)?

• About:
  • It is the National Meteorological Service of the country and the principal government agency in all matters relating to meteorology and allied subjects.
  • It is an agency of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India.
• Objectives:
  • To take meteorological observations and to provide current and forecast meteorological information for optimum operation of weather-sensitive activities like agriculture, irrigation, shipping, aviation, offshore oil explorations, etc.
  • To warn against severe weather phenomena like tropical cyclones, norwesters, duststorms, heavy rains and snow, cold and heat waves, etc., which cause destruction of life and property.
  • To provide meteorological statistics required for agriculture, water resource management, industries, oil exploration and other nation-building activities.
  • To conduct and promote research in meteorology and allied disciplines.

How has the IMD Evolved Over The Years?

• Historical Background:
  • In 1864, two devastating cyclones hit Kolkata and the Andhra coast, causing significant loss of life.
  • The severity of these calamities highlighted the absence of a system to monitor atmospheric parameters, leading to the establishment of the India Meteorological Department (IMD) in 1875.
• Evolution of IMD:
  • The IMD commenced its official operations with the appointment of just one individual, HF Blanford, an Englishman recognized as the Imperial Meteorological Reporter.
  • Under the leadership of Gilbert Walker, appointed as the head of IMD in 1903, significant progress was made in understanding monsoons.
    • Walker identified large-scale oscillations in atmospheric circulations, laying the foundation for modern comprehension of the El Niño phenomenon.
  • Over 150 years, IMD has grown into a massive organization with permanent observatories and automatic weather stations across the country.
• Advancements in Cyclone Forecasting:
  • The IMD experienced a pivotal moment in 1999 during the Odisha super cyclone, prompting significant investments in technology and manpower. Since then, cyclone-related casualties have notably decreased, attributed to IMD's effective forecasts.
  • IMD’s cyclone forecasts now serve not just India but the entire neighbourhood, with as many as 13 countries in the region operating their cyclone management systems using these forecasts.
• Diversified Roles :
  • Initially focused on weather forecasting, IMD now provides specialized services for elections, sporting events, space launches, and various sectors.
• Global Role and Recognition :
  • IMD's enhanced capabilities have led to its recognition as the Regional Climate Centre for South Asia.
  • IMD has partnered to contribute to the United Nations’ ‘Early Warning for All’ programme, for which 30 countries have been identified.

What are the Major Initiatives Related to Meteorology in India?

• National Monsoon Mission (NMM)
• Mausam App
• Doppler Weather Radars

Spacetime: Geometry of Universe

Spacetime is a mathematical model that combines the three dimensions of space and the dimension of time into a single entity.

• The universe at the largest scale looked different from the scale of human experience due to the universe’s geometry.
  • At the human scale, spacetime appears to be flat: a beam of light from a laser will travel in a straight line.
  • But at the largest scale, our spacetime may actually occupy a spherical space.
  • If you shine a powerful laser in front of you and wait for an incredibly long time, light from the laser could technically circle back to you.
• Albert Einstein’s special theory of relativity posited that if there are two observers A and B, each with a clock, such that A is moving (but not accelerating) faster than B, A’s clock will measure less time as having passed than B’s clock.

Read more: Einstein Was Right: Astronomers Confirm Key Theory of Relativity, Time Dilation in Early Universe

Argentina’s Inflation Surges Past 200%

Argentina's annual inflation rate sped past 211% in December,2023 as per official data released recently, hitting the highest level since the early 1990s, when the country was emerging from a period of hyperinflation, with food prices climbing particularly fast.

• Argentina's monthly inflation rate also hit 25.5% in the month, slightly below forecasts, after a sharp devaluation of the peso currency to get inflation under control.
• The inflation reading took Argentina past regional peer Venezuela,, where inflation cooled to an estimated 193% in 2023, following years of painful, out-of-control price rises.
• Hyperinflation is an extreme and rapid increase in the general price level of goods and services within an economy, often exceeding 50% per month.

Read More: Depreciation of Rupee, IMF Bailouts

Indian Air Force AN-32 (K-2743)

The debris from the Indian Air Force An-32 K-2743 aircraft was found near the Chennai coast, after it went missing over the Bay of Bengal in 2016.

• The National Institute of Ocean Technology which functions under the aegis of the Ministry of Earth Sciences, had recently deployed an Autonomous Underwater Vehicle (AUV) with deep sea exploration capability at the last known location of the missing An-32.
  • This search was conducted at a depth of 3400 m using multiple payloads, including a multi-beam Sound Navigation and Ranging (SONAR), synthetic aperture SONAR and high resolution photography. The search images were scrutinised and found to be conforming with an An-32 aircraft.
• The AN-32 is a Soviet-origin military transport aircraft that has been in service with Indian Air Force since 1984.

Read More: Deep Ocean Mission, Indian Fighter Jets

India Celebrates 76th Army Day and 8th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day

Army Day: Every year, 15^th January is commemorated as “Army Day” to remember the occasion when Field Marshal KM Cariappa took over the command of the Indian Army from the last British Commander-in-Chief in 1949.

The Armed Forces Veterans’ Day: It is celebrated on 14^th January every year as it was on this day in 1953 that the first Commander-in-Chief of the Indian Army Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who led the forces to victory in the 1947 war, formally retired from the Service.

Read More: Indian Army Enhancing Operational Preparedness