Ind-Aus Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement

For Prelims: India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement, Most Favoured Nation, Double taxation, Quad, Bilateral Investment Treaty 

For Mains: India-Australia Bilateral Relations and Economic Cooperation, India’s Trade Policy and International Agreements 

Source: PIB 

Why in News?

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (Ind-Aus ECTA) has completed two years, marking a period of significant growth in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.  

• Both countries aim to build on this success with strengthened collaboration and ambitious targets, including reaching AUD 100 billion in trade by 2030. 

What is the Ind-Aus ECTA? 

• About: The Ind-Aus ECTA is a landmark trade deal between India and Australia, signed in April 2022, and ratified by both nations in November 2022. 
  • The agreement aims to foster deeper economic integration and enhance trade relations by reducing tariffs, promoting services exchange, and boosting investment flows between the two countries. 
• Key Features of the Ind-Aus ECTA: 
  • Tariff Reductions: The agreement allows Australian businesses to export over 85% of goods to India tariff-free, with the figure rising to 90% by January 2026.  
    • Conversely, 96% of imports from India are now tariff-free, with this number increasing to 100% by 2026.  
    • This tariff liberalization is expected to benefit both nations by providing cheaper raw materials, enhancing global competitiveness, and reducing costs for consumers. 
  • Access to Key Markets: The ECTA secures preferential market access for India to Australia's fast-growing market, which has over 1.4 billion people. 
    • For Australia, the agreement offers opportunities in India's labor-intensive sectors, including gems and jewelry, textiles, leather, furniture, food, and agriculture. 
  • Services: The agreement includes commitments in 135 sub-sectors in services, benefiting industries like business services, communication, construction, and engineering.  
    • India's contribution includes market access to Australia in 103 sub-sectors and Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status in 31 sub-sectors. 
  • Pharmaceutical and IT Benefits: The agreement fast-tracks approval of medicines and eliminates double taxation in the IT sector, giving India’s IT companies a competitive edge and saving millions. 
  • Job Creation and Skill Exchange: The ECTA is expected to create 1 million jobs in India, with benefits for Indian yoga teachers, chefs, and 100,000 students through post-study work visas. This fosters skill exchange and employment opportunities in both countries. 
  • Geopolitical Importance: The ECTA strengthens India-Australia relations, deepening collaboration in strategic groups like the Quad,  Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) , and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative (SCRI), aligning economic and geopolitical interests. 

How Has Bilateral Trade Evolved Under Ind-Aus ECTA? 

• Trade Surge: Bilateral merchandise trade has more than doubled since the agreement came into effect. From USD 12.2 billion in 2020-21, trade surged to USD 26 billion in 2022-23.  
  • Trade momentum remains strong, with India’s exports to Australia growing by 14%. 
  • In the first eight months of 2024, total merchandise bilateral trade reached USD 16.3 billion, reflecting a robust trade partnership. 
• Export and Import Utilization: The preferential import data exchange between the two countries commenced in 2023, showcasing effective implementation.  
  • Export utilization stands at 79%, while import utilization is slightly higher at 84%. 
• Sectoral Growth: Key sectors such as textiles, chemicals, and agriculture have benefited significantly from the agreement.  
  • There has been diversification in exports, with new products like gold studded with diamonds and turbojets gaining prominence. 
• Raw Materials: India’s imports of raw materials such as metalliferous ores, cotton, and wood have fueled its industries, highlighting the complementary nature of the trade partnership. 

What is the Vision for the Future of India-Australia Economic Relations? 

• Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA): Building upon the success of the ECTA, the India-Australia Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) is now in progress.  
  • With 10 formal rounds and multiple inter-sessional discussions completed, CECA aims to advance the trade relationship even further. 
• Trade Target: Both nations have set an ambitious target to increase trade to AUD 100 billion by 2030. This goal demonstrates the shared commitment to deepening bilateral trade ties and fostering mutual prosperity. 
• Global Economic Impact: With a focus on deeper economic integration, India and Australia are poised to strengthen their partnership and contribute to a more resilient, dynamic global economy. 

Other Trade Agreements Between India and Australia 

• Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): Enforced in 1991 to prevent double taxation of income earned in both countries, reducing tax burdens and facilitating smoother business operations. 
• Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT): The 1994 BIT was terminated by India in 2017. Both nations are exploring a new investment treaty to safeguard and promote bilateral investments. 
• Sector-Specific Agreements: Multiple MoUs exist in areas like education, science and technology, defense, and agriculture, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange. 

What are the Challenges in India-Australia Trade? 

• Export Competitiveness: Despite complementary trade profiles, India’s competitiveness in Australia remains low compared to global markets. 
• Focus on Other Markets: India performs better in markets like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Sri Lanka but lags in geographically distant eastern markets like Australia. 
• Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) 32% of the NTBs India faces in Australia arise from Sanitary and Phyto-Sanitary (SPS)  measures, particularly affecting agricultural produce. 
  • The World Trade Organization (WTO)'s SPS Agreement ensures that traded products between WTO members do not spread pests and diseases, and that food products do not contain harmful substances or pathogens. 
• Absence of a Comprehensive FTA: Current agreements do not fully address issues like government procurement, digital trade, and rules of origin, leaving gaps in the trade framework. 
  • Australia’s upcoming federal elections in 2025 have slowed progress on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), delaying resolutions to trade challenges. 

Way Forward 

• Leveraging Partnerships: Deepen collaboration through strategic frameworks like the Quad, to bolster trade resilience. Enhance coordination on supply chain diversification to reduce dependency on single-source markets. 
• Finalization of  CECA: Expedite CECA negotiations to address gaps in government procurement, digital trade, rules of origin, and intellectual property for a more robust and inclusive trade framework. 
• Encourage Investment: Finalize a new Bilateral Investment Treaty (BIT) to protect investments and foster innovation. 
  • Tackle Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs) by addressing SPS measures through Mutual Recognition Agreements and simplify compliance for exports. 

Drishti Mains Question:

Assess the role of the Ind-Aus ECTA in enhancing India-Australia relations. How does this agreement align with India's strategic and economic priorities?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs): 

Q. Consider the following countries: (2018)

1. Australia 
2. Canada 
3. China 
4. India 
5. Japan 
6. USA 

Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN? 

(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 
(b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 
(c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 
(d) 2, 3, 4 and 6 

Ans: (c) 

• The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) has free trade agreements with six partners, namely the People’s Republic of China, Republic of Korea, Japan, India as well as Australia and New Zealand. 

Impact of Climate Change on Water and Energy Demand

For Prelims: Greenhouse Gases, International Energy Agency, Air Pollutants, Biofuel, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Bioenergy, United Nations Environment Programme, World Meteorological Organization, Desalination, Drip Irrigation, Wetlands.  

For Mains: Mitigating climate change impact on water scarcity, and energy demand. 

Source: DTE 

Why in News? 

The interplay between climate change, water availability and energy demand represents one of the most critical challenges in sustainable development. 

• Systemic solutions are required for integrated resource management as climate change rapidly affects both water and energy.  

How Climate Change Affects Energy Demand? 

• Increased Energy Demand: Global warming caused by greenhouse gas emissions leads to higher demand for cooling systems like air conditioners, especially in warmer regions. 
  • According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), climate change could increase global energy demand by 25% to 58% by 2050, driven largely by the need for cooling. 
• Seasonal Patterns: Besides cooling, some regions might experience increased heating demand due to extreme temperature fluctuations, creating uneven energy requirements globally. 
• Rising Temperatures: The surge in cooling demand due to global warming creates a feedback loop: increased energy production (mostly fossil-fuel-based) further accelerates climate change.  
  • It further leads to higher emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases. 
• Disruptions to Energy Supply: Declining snowpack and extended droughts reduce water availability for cooling power plants and hydropower. 
  • Industries like petroleum refining and biofuel production, which rely heavily on water, are affected by shortages. 
• Heat Effects: High temperatures reduce the carrying capacity of transmission lines. 
  • Wildfires, exacerbated by heat, destroy transmission networks and may start from faulty power lines. 

Note: IEA reports that fossil fuels account for approximately 80% of global energy generation.  

• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimates that fossil fuels are responsible for 73% of greenhouse gas emissions. 

How Climate Change Affects Water Resources? 

• Energy Production: Power plants require substantial water for cooling to operate efficiently, but this may be limited by water scarcity.  
  • Changes in streamflow (volume and timing) affect hydroelectric dams.  
  • A kilowatt-hour of electricity requires approximately 25 gallons of water from rivers or lakes. 
• Altered Precipitation Pattern: Global warming induced drought and reduced rainfall threaten water access for drinking, irrigation, and energy. 
  • Declining snowpack reduces water supplies in regions dependent on snowmelt. 
• Bioenergy and Agriculture: Growing crops for bioenergy, such as rapeseed, sunflower, soybean, palm, or castor oil, can place additional stress on water resources. 
  • Rising temperatures increase irrigation needs, potentially over longer distances, increasing energy consumption.  
• Energy-Intensive Water Management: Declining freshwater may require energy-intensive desalination to convert saltwater into drinking water and groundwater extraction.

Note: According to the World Resources Institute, by 2040, 33 countries will experience extreme water stress, with over 80% of their water resources withdrawn annually.  

• The United Nations Environment Programme anticipates a 30% increase in droughts by 2030, particularly in vulnerable areas. 
• The World Meteorological Organization reports a fivefold increase in climate-related disasters over the past 50 years, compounding global water stress. 

 

How to Manage Climate-Water-Energy Correlation? 

• Water-Efficient Technologies: Power plants can reduce water consumption by up to 90% through dry cooling systems with slight reduction in efficiency. 
  • A dry cooler uses air to cool fluids instead of water. 
• Regional Energy Strategy: High-resolution models integrate crop, water, and economic data to identify local resource constraints and develop regional energy-economic strategies that address specific needs at a local level. 
• Energy-Efficient Water Management: 
  • Conventional Treatment: Prioritising low-water-intensity (opposed to desalination) solutions like conventional water treatment and water-saving practices can help balance energy and water needs. 
  • Water-Efficient Practices: Efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation and wastewater treatment, can reduce energy consumption and water wastage. 
  • Water Recycling: Recycling greywater and industrial water can greatly reduce freshwater demand in agriculture and industry. 
• Maximise Renewable Energy: Decentralized systems like solar and wind use minimal water (less than 1% of the water used by fossil fuels), reducing competition and supporting sustainable energy. 
• Nature-Based Solutions (NbS): Restoring ecosystems such as wetlands, forests, and watersheds enhances water security and reduces energy demands associated with artificial water management systems. 
• Capacity Building: Building capacity to design, implement, and manage sustainable energy and water systems is key to long-term success. 

Conclusion 

The climate-water-energy correlation presents complex challenges that require integrated solutions. Prioritising water-efficient technologies, renewable energy, and sustainable management practices is essential to mitigating climate change impacts. Effective strategies, including nature-based solutions and capacity building, are crucial for achieving long-term sustainability and resilience in resource management. 

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the interlinkages between climate change, water availability, and energy demand. How can integrated resource management address these challenges?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. Which one of the following ancient towns is well known for its elaborate system of water harvesting and management by building a series of dams and channelizing water into connected reservoirs? (2021)

(a) Dholavira  

(b) Kalibangan 

(c) Rakhigarhi  

(d) Ropar 

Ans: (a)

Q. With reference to ‘Water Credit’, consider the following statements:

1. It puts microfinance tools to work in the water and sanitation sector.
2. It is a global initiative launched under the aegis of the World Health Organization and the World Bank.
3. It aims to enable the poor people to meet their water needs without depending on subsidies.

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

(a) 1 and 2 only 

(b) 2 and 3 only 

(c) 1 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (c)

Mains 

Q.1 What are the salient features of the Jal Shakti Abhiyan launched by the Government of India for water conservation and water security? (2020) 

Q.2 Suggest measures to improve water storage and irrigation system to make its judicious use under the depleting scenario. (2020)

Pegasus Spyware and Surveillance Concerns

For Prelims: Pegasus Spyware, Spyware, Zero-Day Vulnerability, Phishing, RTI, Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, Indian Telegraph Rules, 2007, IT Act, 2000, Interception Rules, 2009, Right to privacy, Article 21, KS Puttaswamy Case, 2017, Right to Freedom of Speech and Expression, Parliamentary Oversight, Articles 32 and 226, Supreme Court, Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, End-to-End Encryption.   

For Mains: Spyware and Privacy Concerns, Cyber Attacks.

Source: IE 

Why in News?

The Pegasus spyware has stirred controversy worldwide, including India, over its misuse for surveillance, raising serious privacy and fundamental rights concerns.  

• Recently, a US court ruled that Pegasus spyware violated the Computer Fraud and Abuse Act, 1986 by surveilling 1,400 WhatsApp users, including 300 from India. 

What is Pegasus Spyware? 

• About:  
  • Pegasus is a spyware developed by NSO Group, an Israeli cybersecurity firm founded in 2010. It is capable of hacking iOS and Android devices to extract data, record conversations, capture photos, and access app data.  
  • Spyware is a malicious software that secretly monitors and collects information from a device without the user's consent. 
• Features: 
  • Advanced Exploitation: It uses zero-day vulnerabilities to jailbreak iOS devices remotely while the Android version uses software like Framaroot for rooting devices. 
    • A zero-day vulnerability is an undiscovered security flaw in software with no available defense or patch. 
    • Rooting is the process of unlocking or jailbreaking a device, such as a smartphone or tablet to gain administrative control. 
  • Invisibility: It operates covertly, with no visible signs except for the browser closing after clicking a phishing link. 
• Pegasus Clients and Related Controversy:  
  • As per the NSO Group, the use of Pegasus is limited to governments around the world.  
  • Pegasus is controversial because, although meant to fight terrorism and crime, it has been used by governments to spy on journalists, opposition leaders, activists, and critics. 

How Pegasus was Used in India? 

• Pegasus Project: A global collaborative investigation reported that over 300 verified Indian mobile numbers were targeted using Pegasus spyware developed by the Israeli NSO Group. 
  • It targeted ministers, opposition leaders, journalists, lawyers, businessmen, scientists, rights activists, and government officials. 
• Amnesty International Research: Amnesty International’s Security Lab confirmed that Pegasus was used to target 37 phones, of which 10 belonged to Indians. 
• Bhima Koregaon Case: In 2019, Pegasus was allegedly used against lawyers and activists associated with the Bhima Koregaon case and Dalit rights movements in Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh. 
• RTI Response: In response to an RTI request in 2013, the Central Government disclosed issuing 7,500 to 9,000 telephone interception orders monthly.  
  • However, RTI requests for such information are now denied citing threats to national security and to the physical safety of persons. 
• WhatsApp Allegations: WhatsApp alleged that between April 2018 and May 2020, the NSO Group had reverse-engineered and decompiled its source code to create installation vectors (points of entry) named “Heaven”, “Eden” and, “Erised”—all part of a sophisticated hacking suite called “Hummingbird” that NSO Group sold to its government clients. 

What is India's Legal Framework for Surveillance and Data Protection? 

• Telecommunications Act, 2023: Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023 empowers the Centre or states to temporarily take control of telecom services or networks during public emergencies, disasters, or for public safety. 
  • However, Rule 419(A) of the Indian Telegraph Rules, 2007 mandates government authorization for lawful communication interception. 
• Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: Section 69 of the IT Act, 2000 and the Interception Rules, 2009 allow the government to monitor, intercept, or decrypt any information through a computer resource. 
• Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act, 2023: DPDP Act, 2023 is a comprehensive privacy and data protection law that includes provisions regarding consent, legitimate uses, breaches, data fiduciary and processor responsibilities, and individuals' rights over their data. 

What are the Concerns Surrounding Surveillance in India? 

• Impact on Fundamental Rights: Surveillance directly infringes on the right to privacy under Article 21 of the Constitution, as recognized in the KS Puttaswamy Case, 2017. 
  • The mere existence of surveillance systems to monitor citizens' activities discourages free speech under Article 19(1)(a). 
    • According to Article 19(1)(a), all citizens shall have the right to freedom of speech and expression which is subject to be curtailed under certain conditions but are frequently denied in the name of undermining sovereignty and integrity of India or public order. 
• Lack of Transparency: Surveillance is conducted covertly with no judicial or parliamentary oversight.  
  • The executive holds disproportionate power, undermining the principle of separation of powers enshrined in the Constitution. 
• Inability to Approach Court: Individuals subjected to surveillance are not able to approach courts or raise their complaints since they themselves are unaware of such surveillances. 
  • This undermines Articles 32 and 226, which empower citizens to seek remedies for the enforcement of their fundamental and other rights. 
• Executive Overreach: Reports of the surveillance of constitutional functionaries, such as sitting Supreme Court judges, highlight the absence of safeguards against executive overreach. 
• Suppressing Free Expression: The fear of surveillance stifles open discussions, creativity, and dissent, which are essential for a vibrant democracy. 

Way Forward  

• Judicial Oversight: It is critical to introduce judicial oversight for surveillance activities. Courts should be empowered to review whether surveillance is necessary, proportionate, and in line with constitutional rights. 
• Prevent Mass Surveillance: A proportionality test should be introduced, ensuring that the surveillance is only used when absolutely necessary and that less invasive alternatives are exhausted. 
• Limiting Spyware Use: Globally, strict guidelines are needed for cybersecurity and spyware exports like Pegasus to prevent misuse. End-to-end encryption and other security protocols must be prioritized to protect users' data from unauthorized surveillance.  

Drishti Mains Question: 

Discuss the surveillance laws in India. What reforms are needed to address the challenges posed by modern surveillance technologies like Pegasus?

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Question (PYQ) 

Prelims

Q. In India, under cyber insurance for individuals, which of the following benefits are generally covered, in addition to payment for the loss of funds and other benefits? (2020)

1. Cost of restoration of the computer system in case of malware disrupting access to one’s computer.
2. Cost of a new computer if some miscreant wilfully damages it, if proved so
3. Cost of hiring a specialized consultant to minimize the loss in case of cyber extortion
4. Cost of defence in the Court of Law if any third party files a suit

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1, 2 and 4 only 

(b) 1, 3 and 4 only 

(c) 2 and 3 only 

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 

Ans: (b)

Q. In India, it is legally mandatory for which of the following to report on cyber security incidents? (2017)

1. Service providers 2. Data centres
2. Body corporate

Select the correct answer using the code given below: 

(a) 1 only  

(b) 1 and 2 only 

(c) 3 only  

(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (d)

---

Mains

Q. What are the different elements of cyber security? Keeping in view the challenges in cyber security, examine the extent to which India has successfully developed a comprehensive National Cyber Security Strategy. (2022)

Deep State and Its Impacts

For Prelims: NGOs, WTO, Data Privacy, CBI, ED, National Investigation Agency, Freedom of Speech, Tax Haven, Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), NSA, Cybersecurity. 

For Mains: Role of deep state in security and integrity of India.

Source: HT

Why in News?

Recently, the controversy over an alleged transnational deep state to destabilize governments in different countries raises critical questions.  

What is a Deep State? 

• About: It refers to a shadowy hybrid network of governmental, corporate, and non-governmental elites who wield enormous power, control policymaking, undermine elected politicians, and thwart the interests of common people. 
  • Foreign governments selectively pursue promotion of democracy, human rights, and liberal values in certain countries based on their interests.  
• Background: It derives its name from the Turkish term "derin devlet", which literally translates to "deep state" in English. In Turkey, it refers to non-elected elements dominating the democratically elected government. 
  • In Pakistan, "deep state" refers to a government controlled by powerful military leaders. 
• Functioning of Deep State:  
  • Regime Change: Stephen Kinzer’s book, Overthrow, chronicled a “century of regime change” missions carried out by the US on multiple continents. E.g., the removal of Bangladesh's Sheikh Hasina regime is being blamed on the American deep state. 
  • Think Tanks: The use of think tanks, NGOs, and biased media create conditions for political changes favored by the governments. E..g, Colour revolutions in Georgia (2003), Ukraine (2004) and Kyrgyzstan (2005). 
    • Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan accused foreign powers of toppling his government. 
    • Colour revolutions organised unarmed public uprising aimed at discrediting and replacing a regime. 
  • Conflict and Wars: Defense companies, such as Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Boeing, and Northrop Grumman hugely benefit from supply of weapons, ammunition, and military technology. 
    • Corporates pursue their interest and plunge nations into wars only to increase demand for their weaponry. E.g., demand for weapons by Ukraine due to the Ukraine War. 
  • Economic Influence: Lobbying for market access and regulatory frameworks favorable to businesses of interested countries. E.g.,  
    • Pressurising countries at WTO trade negotiations to open their agricultural markets to imported products. 
    • After the Soviet Union's fall, former Soviet states and Latin American communist countries shifted from state-run economies into a free-market economy.  
      • However, it failed to generate desired results and resulted in shock therapy. 
      • Shock therapy is an economic theory that says that sudden, dramatic changes in national economic policy can turn a state-controlled economy into a free-market economy. 
  • Surveillance: Edward Snowden revealed that the US's National Security Agency (NSA) carried out surveillance in developing countries like in Asia and Africa. 
  • Media and Narrative: Reports of Western media outlets misrepresents certain issues in India (e.g., religious intolerance, Kashmir) to pressure the government on human rights. 
    • Amnesty International accused the Indian government of adopting discriminatory laws against religious minorities. 
  • Cyber Influence: Companies with influential market dominance like Google and Facebook influenced countries regulations on data privacy and taxation. 
  • Civil Society Movements: Funding civil society groups like Greenpeace India against India’s coal and energy projects in the name of human rights, or climate change, their alleged involvement in farmers’ movement. 
    • An Intelligence Bureau report has accused "foreign-funded" NGOs such as Greenpeace to have negatively impacted GDP growth by 2-3%. 
  • Damaging International Image: The countries with vested interest present Indian ethnic people in devil roles like villains in movies to frame a bad outlook. 
    • Countries also make unsubstantiated allegations against other countries. E.g., Canada alleging India’s role in killing of Khalistani terrorists. 

Allegation of Deep State of India  

• Pulitzer Prize winning journalist Steve Coll said that India has a form of deep state, mainly involving the Indian Foreign Service rather than intelligence agencies or the military. 
• Journalist Josy Joseph in his book The Silent Coup: A History of India's Deep State, argues that there is "a State within a State" that biases against the weaker sections of society.  
  • He also includes the National Investigation Agency (NIA) among the agencies allegedly running the deep state. 
• However, such allegations have been rejected by the government which believes in Panchsheel principles and Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam (The World Is One Family). 

How Deep State Influences Countries? 

• Political Philanthropy: People with huge financial resources use NGOs as a facade like Open Society Foundation (OSF) and advocate for “open societies,” meaning a push for regime changes.  
  • They openly criticized nations like India, Russia, China, Israel, and Hungary, accusing their leaders of fostering a narrative of totalitarian regimes. 
• Educational Initiatives: Many NGOs offer scholarships and fellowships that ensures that those in positions of influence—bureaucrats, journalists, and policymakers—are sympathetic to their causes like fake environmental activism to disrupt economic growth. 
• Interference in Domestic Politics: The anti-incumbent sentiment and criticism of a country's internal policies, particularly regarding freedom of speech, religious rights, and governance, have often been amplified by NGOs with vested interests.  
• Financial Leverage: Deep state also influences economic policies. They are involved in major financial events, like breaking the Bank of England and contributing to the Asian Financial Crisis, using financial leverage to destabilize economies.  
  • Hindenburg Research accused businesses in developing countries (India and China) of engaging in extensive accounting fraud, stock price manipulation, and exploiting tax havens to destabilise India's Stock market. E.g., Allegations against Adani group. 
  • Hindenburg also engaged in the practice of short-selling i.e., a strategy where the firm takes a position predicting the decline of a company's stock price for making profits.  

Way Forward

• Stronger Regulation: India needs to tighten oversight and enforce stringent regulations on foreign-funded NGOs through the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA).  
  • Nonprofit organizations (NPO) also need to share their receipt and payment accounts with the government along with the audited accounts. 
• National Security Awareness: Boost national security awareness to counter foreign attempts to influence domestic politics through think tanks, media, and civil society movements. 
  • NSA Ajit Doval emphasized the importance of a strong counter-narrative on social media to safeguard the morale of India's defense forces and uphold national integrity. 
• Indigenous Think Tanks: India should develop indigenous think tanks and media platforms to promote national interests and prevent external entities from monopolizing narratives. 
• Diplomatic Engagement: India should strengthen diplomatic ties with like-minded countries and organizations to build a network of allies and protect its political landscape from destabilizing efforts. 
• Data Sovereignty: Strengthening India's cybersecurity and controlling its digital spaces is key to mitigating foreign influence, especially from tech giants like Google and Facebook.

Drishti Mains Question:

How does the concept of the 'deep state' influence the political and economic landscape? Discuss the strategies countries can adopt to counter such influence.

Mains 

Q. Can Civil Society and Non-Governmental Organisations present an alternative model of public service delivery to benefit the common citizen? Discuss the challenges of this alternative model. (2021)

61st Raising Day of SSB

Source: PIB 

Why in News? 

Recently, the Union Home Minister attended the 61^st Raising Day function of Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) at Siliguri in West Bengal.   

• He lauded the role of SSB in protecting the Siliguri Corridor, gateway to Northeast and Sikkim and surrounded by three International borders. 

What is Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB)? 

• About: SSB is a part of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and guards India’s border with Nepal (1,751 km) and Bhutan (699 km).  
  • It is one of the seven paramilitary forces in India (Others 6: Assam Rifles, Border Security Force, Central Industrial Security Force, Central Reserve Police Force, Indo Tibetan Border Police and National Security Guard. 
• Formation: It was established as the Special Service Bureau in May 1963, in the aftermath of the Chinese aggression in 1962. 
  • It comes under the aegis of the Ministry of Home Affairs. 
• Recognition: SSB is the first central paramilitary force that included women in its ranks. 
  • In March 2004, SSB was awarded the President's Colours for its key role in national security. 
    • The  President's Colours is the highest honour that can be bestowed upon any military unit.  

 

What is Siliguri Corridor? 

• About: The Siliguri Corridor is a narrow stretch of land, approximately 60 km long and 17–22 km wide. It is referred to as the 'Chicken Neck' due to its narrow shape. 
• Location: Located between Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, it is the only land link between India and its northeastern states. 
  • It is located in West Bengal. 
• Importance: It plays a vital role in military logistics, offering key routes for road and railway networks that facilitate the movement of armed forces. 
  • Non-access to Siliguri Corridor, would isolate India’s northeastern region, severing supply lines and reinforcements. 

NAFLD is now called MASLD

Source: IE 

Why in News?  

The term Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) has been replaced by Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD), reflecting a shift towards recognising metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause rather than the absence of alcohol. 

• This change helps remove the stigma tied to alcohol use and better directs focus to underlying metabolic issues and abnormal cholesterol. 

What is Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease? 

• About: NAFLD is a condition where fat accumulates in the liver without alcohol involvement.  
  • It includes two types: nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). 
• Types of NAFLD 
  • NAFL: Characterized by fat buildup in the liver with minimal to no inflammation or damage.  
    • It typically doesn’t lead to liver complications but can cause liver enlargement and discomfort. 
  • NASH: This form includes both fat buildup and liver inflammation, which can lead to liver damage, fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue), and potentially cirrhosis, a condition that increases the risk of liver cancer. 
• Symptoms and Causes: NAFLD is often symptomless, but conditions like obesity, metabolic syndrome (a cluster of metabolic abnormalities), and type 2 diabetes increase its risk. 
• Diagnosis: NAFLD is diagnosed through medical history, physical exams, and tests such as blood tests, imaging, and liver biopsy to distinguish between NAFL and NASH. 
• Treatment: Weight loss is key to managing NAFLD, as it can reduce fat, inflammation, and liver fibrosis (a condition where the liver develops an excess of scar tissue, or collagen, due to chronic inflammation). 
• Prevention: A healthy diet and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent or manage NAFLD. Diet changes and weight loss are recommended for those affected. 

What Makes MASLD Different? 

• Focus on Metabolic Causes: MASLD highlights metabolic dysfunction as the primary cause, while NAFLD only indicated the absence of alcohol use. 
• Prevalence: MASLD affects 25% of people globally, with higher rates (50-70%) among those with obesity or type 2 diabetes. 
• MASLD Diagnosis: Non-Invasive Tests like FibroScan, MRI, ultrasound, and blood tests are used to diagnose MASLD. 
  • FibroScan is a non-invasive test that measures liver fat and stiffness, eliminating the need for a liver biopsy. 
• Prevention of MASLD: Avoid fast food, processed foods, and sugary items.  
  • A balanced diet of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins can help prevent MASLD.

Note: Hepatitis is liver inflammation, which can be acute or chronic. It can be caused by viral infections (A, B, C, D, E), alcohol use, toxins, medications, or autoimmune disorders where the immune system attacks the liver.

 

India’s Initiatives Related to Healthy Lifestyle 

• Eat Right Mela 
• Fit India Movement 
• Eat Right Station Certification 
• Mission Poshan 2.0 
• Mid-Day Meal Scheme 
• Poshan Vatikas 
• Anganwadi 
• Unified India Organic 

UPSC Civil Services Examination, Previous Year Questions (PYQs) 

Prelims: 

Q. Which one of the following statements is not correct? (2019)

(a) Hepatitis B virus is transmitted much like HIV. 
(b) Hepatitis B unlike Hepatitis C, does not have a vaccine. 
(c) Globally, the number of people infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses arc several times more than those infected with HIV. 
(d) Some of those infected with Hepatitis B and C viruses do not show the symptoms for many years. 

Ans: (b) 

Q. Which of the following diseases can be transmitted from one person to another through tattooing? (2013)

1. Chikungunya 
2. Hepatitis B 
3. HIV-AIDS 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

(a) 1 only 
(b) 2 and 3 only 
(c) 1 and 3 only 
(d) 1, 2 and 3 

Ans: (b)

Needle-Free Shock Syringe

Source: TH 

Researchers at Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have developed a shockwave-based, needle-free syringe that ensures painless drug delivery, reducing skin damage and the risk of infection. 

• The shock syringe uses high-energy shockwaves to deliver drugs through the skin without the need for needles, offering a painless alternative to traditional injections. 
  • A shockwave is a pressure wave that moves faster than sound through a medium like air, water, or solids. It forms when an object or force causes a rapid pressure change, traveling through the surrounding environment. 
  • The device consists of three sections: driver, driven, and drug holder, which create a shockwave-driven microjet for drug delivery. 
• The shock syringe is designed with a micro shock tube that uses pressurized nitrogen gas to create a microjet of liquid drug, which travels faster than sound to penetrate the skin. 
  • The shock syringe demonstrated effective delivery of drugs in rats, with deeper tissue penetration and minimal skin damage compared to regular needles. 
• The shock syringe could speed up immunization drives like Mission Indradhanush (MI) and reduce bloodborne disease risks from needle-stick injuries.  
  • It is cost-effective, designed for over 1000 uses with only nozzle replacements needed. 

Read more: Incovacc, Intranasal Covid-19 Vaccine 

Smart Classrooms Under the Smart Cities Mission

Source: TH 

A study by the Indian Institute of Management, Bangalore, revealed that the Smart Cities Mission (SCM) has improved education quality through smart classrooms. 

• Smart Cities Mission: It was launched in 2015 by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and aims to enhance infrastructure, quality of life, and sustainability in cities. 
  • The ‘SAAR’ (Smart Cities and Academia towards Action and Research) platform, launched in 2022, connects academia and government to document and research urban initiatives under the SCM. 
• SCM and Education: The IIM Bangalore study shows that smart classrooms under the SCM have increased enrolment by 22% across 19 cities from 2015-16 to 2023-24.  
  • 71 cities have implemented around 9,500 smart classrooms in around 2,400 government schools.  
    • Karnataka leads with 80 smart classroom projects, followed by Rajasthan (53), Tamil Nadu (23), and Delhi (12). West Bengal has only two projects. 
  • Teacher training has improved comfort with smart classrooms, especially in senior secondary schools. 

Read more: Smart Cities Mission

Siang Upper Multipurpose Project

Source: TOI 

Recently, India raised concerns over China's approval of the world's largest hydroelectric dam on the Brahmaputra, spurring the planning of India's Siang Upper Multipurpose Project. 

• About: 
  • It is located in the Upper Siang District, Arunachal Pradesh, near the Siang River (a major tributary of the Brahmaputra River). 
  • The Siang River, originating near Mount Kailash in Tibet as the Yarlung Tsangpo, flows eastward for over 1,000 km.  
    • It forms a horseshoe bend around Namcha Barwa peak before entering Arunachal Pradesh.  
      • In Assam, it merges with the Dibang and Lohit rivers to become the Brahmaputra. 
• Strategic Importance for India: 
  • Designed to counter the impact of China's hydroelectric projects on the Yarlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra), which could affect India's water security. 
  • Reduces the risk of downstream flooding, especially due to upstream water releases by China. 
  • The project will have an installed capacity of 11,000 MW, making it a significant source of hydroelectric power. 
  • Ensures year-round river flow, especially during lean seasons, improving water availability and supporting agriculture. 
  • However, many residents of the Adi tribe in Upper Siang and Siang districts fear losing their farmlands and homes due to the proposed project. 

Read More: China Builds New Dam in Tibet.

Excluding Settlements From Periyar Tiger Reserve

Source: TH 

Recently, a team has been constituted by the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL) to inspect Thattekad Bird Sanctuary and the Angel Valley and Pamba Valley settlements of Periyar Tiger Reserve. 

• Angel Valley and Pamba Valley Settlements (Periyar Tiger Reserve): 
  • Located in Kerala, near the Mookkenpetty causeway and Kanamala bridge, these settlements arose under the ‘Grow More Food’ initiative of 1947-48 (after World War II) for ex-servicemen and their descendants. 
  • The Periyar Tiger Reserve is renowned for its biodiversity, including Bengal Tigers, Indian Elephants, and diverse flora and was recognized in 2022 as India’s best-managed tiger reserve. 
  • Residents face hardships due to wildlife incursions and forest regulations, prompting protests and demands for de-notification of 5.02 sq km of inhabited areas. 
• Thattekad Bird Sanctuary: 
  • Situated near Kothamangalam on the Periyar River and is home to 280+ bird species. 
  • Established in 1983, it is named after Dr. Salim Ali (India's renowned ornithologist and bird conservationist), who deemed it the richest bird habitat in peninsular India. 
  • Proposed changes include excluding 897.25 ha of inhabited land and adding 1,016.94 ha of forest from the Munnar Division.  

Read More: Conserving Protected Areas in India