AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (11^th July 2024)

Message from Moscow: India-Russia relationship is not in terminal decline

GS 2: International Relations: India-Russia 

Why is it in the news?

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s successful visit to Russia has reaffirmed India’s ability to maintain a delicate geopolitical balance, ensuring stability with a crucial partner.
• The visit was marked by warm exchanges between Modi and President Vladimir Putin, highlighting shared political visions, expanding economic and scientific cooperation, and agreements aimed at increasing trade turnover to $100 billion by 2030.
• Despite pressures to decouple from Russia due to the Ukraine conflict, India’s continued strong ties with Moscow emphasize its commitment to a multi-polar world.

More about the news

• On Ukraine, Modi made notable statements, condemning the death of innocent children and advocating for a peaceful resolution through dialogue and diplomacy. The visit resulted in the Kremlin agreeing to discharge all Indians in the Russian armed forces and assist their return home. The joint statement also called for resolving the Ukraine conflict based on international law and the UN Charter, laying a potential foundation for future negotiations between Moscow and Kyiv.
• Discussions between Modi and Putin likely included Moscow’s growing closeness with Beijing and its stance on India-China ties. Although the specifics of these discussions remain private, Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov’s recent comments suggest no change in Russia’s neutral position on India-China border issues. Conversely, Putin would have sought reassurance that India’s growing relationship with the US would not negatively impact Indo-Russian relations.
• Trade was a significant focus, with bilateral trade growing exponentially from $10 billion before February 2022 to $65.7 billion in the last financial year, largely due to discounted Russian oil purchases. However, this growth has led to payment issues and a significant trade imbalance in Russia’s favor. To address these challenges, India and Russia are reviving the Rupee-Rouble payment mechanism and exploring new areas for Indian exports, such as agriculture and automobiles. Efforts are also being intensified on connectivity projects like the International North-South Transport Corridor and the Chennai-Vladivostok maritime route.
• Military cooperation was also discussed, with plans to address interruptions in military spares and delays in weapon deliveries through the establishment of production units in India under the ‘Make in India’ initiative. This approach aims to make the bilateral defense relationship more resilient amidst current geopolitical realities.

Conclusion

• Contrary to some commentators’ suggestions, the India-Russia relationship is not in terminal decline.
• The Modi-Putin dialogue indicates ongoing efforts to strengthen and adapt bilateral ties to current global conditions. Both leaders understand that the future stability of Indo-Russian relations will depend on deepening mutual involvement in each other’s national development projects.

Additional Information

• Russia and India have agreed to establish a system for settling trade in their national currencies, following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Moscow.

In regular breaches of 1.5 Degree Celsius Paris Pact target warnings for a warmer world

GS 3: Environment and Biodiversity- Climate Change

Why is it in the news?

• The recent temporary breaches of the 1.5-degree Celsius target over the past two years serve as critical warnings to prepare for a warmer world and enhance adaptation mechanisms.
• According to the latest bulletin from the European Union’s Copernicus Climate Change Service, the average global temperature between July 2023 and June 2024 was the highest on record. This agency, a key source of climate data for the World Meteorological Organisation, revealed that the planet was 1.64 degrees Celsius hotter in the past 12 months compared to the fossil fuel era.
• Although this finding does not mean an immediate failure of the Paris Climate Pact’s 1.5 degrees threshold—measured in decadal averages—it underscores a continuing shift in global temperatures. Despite the onset of La Nina potentially offering temporary relief, the persistent increase in temperatures indicates the urgent need for robust adaptation strategies.

More about the news

• Historically, climate policymaking has primarily focused on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and limiting warming. However, mitigation targets have often been inadequate, and there has been no global consensus on the equitable distribution of the decarbonization burden.
• It is increasingly clear that even slight increases in global warming intensify and increase the frequency of extreme weather events.
• The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)’s 2022 Synthesis Report highlighted that resilience measures are often small-scale, reactive, and incremental, primarily addressing near-term risks. The report emphasized the need to weather-proof agriculture, secure livelihoods, protect vulnerable populations from rising sea levels and rivers, and strengthen healthcare systems.
• In 2021, a study by the New Delhi-based Council for Energy, Environment, and Water revealed that more than 80 percent of India’s population is vulnerable to climate disasters, with most regions possessing low adaptive capacities.
• Although India has a climate adaptation plan, the annual toll from landslides, floods, and heat waves highlights the need for substantial improvements to protect the vulnerable.
• Despite advancements, India’s weather reporting systems struggle to keep pace with climate-related complexities. Even major cities like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru find it challenging to cope with extreme rainfall events. Like many parts of the world, India’s climate adaptation efforts have been largely top-down.
• Policymakers must recognize that while climate change is a global issue, effective solutions must also address local needs and contexts.

Additional Information:

About Paris Agreement on Climate Change:

• The Paris Agreement, adopted during UNFCCC COP21 in 2015, is a binding global treaty aiming to combat climate change by limiting global warming to well below 2°C above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to cap it at 1.5°C.
• It replaced the Kyoto Protocol and provides a framework for countries to collaborate on reducing greenhouse gas emissions, adapting to climate impacts, and supporting developing nations in their climate actions.
• Each country commits to regularly updating their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) every five years, detailing their plans for emissions reduction and climate resilience.

Practice MCQ:

• With reference to the Agreement at the UNFCCC Meeting in Paris in 2015, which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2016)

1. The Agreement was signed by all the member countries of the UN and it will go into effect in 2017.

2. The Agreement aims to limit the greenhouse gas emissions so that the rise in average global temperature by the end of this century does not exceed 2°C or even 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.

3. Developed countries acknowledged their historical responsibility in global warming and committed to donate $1000 billion a year from 2020 to help developing countries to cope with climate change.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

India’s mission to drill a 6-km deep hole in Koyna, Maharashtra 

GS 3: Science and Technology- Deep Drilling

Why is it in the news?

• Earthquakes remain one of the earth’s least understood phenomena, with no current means to predict their occurrence.
• Major quakes at tectonic plate boundaries, exceeding 7.5 on the Richter scale, lead to significant infrastructure damage and tsunamis. In contrast, minor earthquakes within plate interiors are unpredictable and can strike densely populated areas unexpectedly.
• Scientific deep drilling is crucial for advancing our understanding of these complex events. Countries like the U.S., Russia, and Germany initiated such projects in the 1990s. Recently, in 2023, China also launched its own deep-drilling mission, underscoring its importance in furthering earth sciences.

Scientific deep-drilling

About:

• Scientific deep-drilling excavates boreholes strategically to explore and analyze deeper layers of the Earth’s crust, offering insights into Earth’s history, geological processes, energy resources, and environmental changes.
• India’s Borehole Geophysics Research Laboratory (BGRL) in Karad, Maharashtra, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, focuses on studying reservoir-triggered earthquakes near the Koyna-Warna region.
• After drilling a pilot borehole to 3 km in Koyna, BGRL aims to deepen it to 6 km to advance scientific understanding and seismic monitoring.

Benefits:

• Deep-drilling missions are crucial for advancing our understanding of earthquakes, particularly in regions like Koyna, where seismic activity coincides with reservoir loading changes. These missions serve as geological observatories equipped with sensors to monitor fault lines and seismic events such as nucleation and rupture.
• Scientific deep drilling also provides vital data on the Earth’s crust composition and structure, validating models derived from surface studies. This knowledge enhances our grasp of geohazards, geo-resources, and improves earthquake risk management in India.
• Investing in deep drilling stimulates technological innovation in seismology and drilling technologies, positioning India to achieve self-reliance in advanced scientific instrumentation and data analytics.

Challenges:

• Scientific deep-drilling is essential for studying the Earth’s interior, offering direct, in situ measurements unmatched by other methods. However, it is highly complex and resource-intensive, facing challenges in the Earth’s harsh environment. For example, in Koyna, a 4-inch-wide core retrieved from 2,600 meters deep provided insights into deep-seated rock properties, crucial for understanding geological timelines and their impact on climate dynamics.
• Despite these challenges, deep-drilling is critical for expanding earth science research, particularly in understanding seismic activity and other geological processes essential for environmental and societal well-being.
• India’s commitment to deep-drilling demonstrates its dedication to advancing scientific knowledge despite formidable obstacles.

About the drilling technique at Koyna

• At Koyna, drilling operations use a hybrid technique combining mud rotary drilling and percussion drilling (air hammering), tailored to geological demands.

1) In mud rotary drilling, a rotating steel rod with a diamond-embedded bit cuts rock, cooled and lubricated by drilling mud that also removes debris.

2) Air hammering, using compressed air, is employed for fractured rock or water zones. The versatile rig switches techniques to extract core samples crucial for studying fault zones and earthquake dynamics.

Challenges of drilling to 3 km

• Drilling to depths of 3 km, like at Koyna, faces significant challenges in scientific deep-drilling operations.
• Critical issues include the rig’s hook load capacity, crucial for supporting extended drilling rods and casing pipes down the borehole.
• Managing drilling mud circulation during geophysical well logging is also vital for accurate data collection and maintaining borehole integrity.
• The hybrid drilling technique requires careful adaptation based on geological conditions, using mud rotary drilling for intact cores and air hammering for rock chip collection.

Challenges of drilling to 6 km

• Upgraded Rig Capacities: As drilling depths increase from 3 km to 6 km, the entire rig must be upgraded with enhanced capacity, particularly the hook load capacity to handle heavier drilling rods, casing pipes, and equipment necessary for deeper operations.
• Complexities of Fractured Rocks: In the Koyna seismic zone, where drilling occurs, highly fractured rocks pose challenges. Navigating through these formations increases the risk of encountering obstacles like stuck drill rods or sensors, requiring careful extraction techniques.
• Troubleshooting Challenges: At greater depths, troubleshooting becomes more complex due to limited equipment access. Soft rock formations can lead to drilling mud losses and stability issues. Fault lines and fractures further complicate operations, potentially causing water ingress that halts drilling.
• Core Retrieval and Handling: Extracting cores, such as 4-inch-wide, 9-meter-long granite cores weighing up to 200 kg, from depths exceeding 3 km is technically demanding. Specialized lifting mechanisms and careful handling are crucial for safely bringing cores to the surface for detailed analysis.
• Steering and Control: Precise steering mechanisms are essential to maintain the borehole trajectory from the surface to 6 km depth. Drill motors, imaging tools, and monitoring devices allow real-time adjustments, ensuring the borehole avoids geological hazards and maximizes scientific data collection.

What have scientists found so far?

• Identification of 1.2-km thick, 65 million-year-old Deccan trap lava flows, underlying 2,500-2,700-million-year-old granitic basement rocks.
• Detailed downhole measurements revealing previously unknown physical and mechanical properties of rocks, chemical compositions of fluids and gases, temperature and stress regimes, and fracture orientations at depths reaching 3 km.
• High-resolution acoustic and micro-resistivity images of the borehole wall, showcasing fault-fracture zones and rock deformation features in unprecedented detail.
• Conducted hydraulic fracturing experiments to assess in-situ stress conditions, crucial for understanding seismic activity triggers.
• Discovery of meteoric water presence down to 3 km, suggesting deep percolation and circulation processes.
• Determination that the Koyna region is critically stressed, indicating susceptibility to small stress variations that could lead to frequent, small-magnitude earthquakes.

What next?

• Pilot data from Koyna will guide future efforts, requiring equipment and sensors capable of withstanding temperatures up to 110-130 degrees Celsius at 6 km depth.
• Koyna’s data spurs over 20 national research groups, exploring fault zone mechanics and extremophile microbes for industrial applications.
• International interest in Koyna’s core samples for carbon capture and storage research highlights its potential for climate change solutions.
• The Koyna initiative is pivotal for India’s deep-drilling pursuits, shaping future projects and advancing academic knowledge across disciplines.

Apple alerts users of being targeted by Pegasus-like spyware

GS 3: Internal Security- Cyber Crime

Why is it in the news?

• On July 10, 2024, Apple sent alerts to two individuals in India, informing them of being targeted by spyware similar to Pegasus.
• This type of spyware, as highlighted by Apple’s warning, allows attackers to potentially access sensitive information such as messages, photos, and even activate the microphone and camera on the affected devices in real-time.

More about the news

• Both recipients confirmed that their iPhones were updated, and they intend to undergo forensic examinations to assess the extent of the infiltration. While Apple’s alert did not explicitly attribute the attack to state-backed entities, it referenced Pegasus, which is known to be developed by NSO Group Technologies and sold exclusively to governments for surveillance purposes.
• This incident marks a resurgence in alerts related to Pegasus spyware in India, with the last documented cases reported in October 2023 involving journalists and activists.
• Despite previous alerts, the Indian government has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in using Pegasus, despite international scrutiny and allegations of targeting civil society organizations, opposition figures, journalists, and activists.

Additional Information:

About Pegasus Spyware:

• Pegasus is an advanced spyware developed by Israel’s NSO Group, intended for use by governments to combat crime and terrorism but notorious for its invasive capabilities.
• It infiltrates smartphones through “zero-click” exploits, bypassing user consent to access emails, texts, calls, and camera functions.
• A zero-click exploit is a malicious software installation method that occurs without the device owner’s consent and does not require any action from the owner to initiate or complete the installation process.
• This spyware exploits vulnerabilities in popular apps like WhatsApp and iMessage, allowing it to operate covertly and remain difficult to detect or remove once installed.
• Pegasus has been implicated in surveillance of journalists, activists, and political figures globally, raising significant concerns about privacy infringement, compromising press freedom, and undermining national sovereignty.
• Despite controversies and accusations, NSO Group and its clients often deny responsibility for misuse, highlighting challenges in regulating such powerful surveillance technologies.

Practice MCQ:

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

1. Service providers

2. Data centres

3. 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

Answer: D

• The terms ‘WannaCry, Petya and EternalBlue’ sometimes mentioned in the news recently are related to: (UPSC 2018)

(a) Exoplanets

(b) Cryptocurrency

(c) Cyber attacks

(d) Mini satellites

Answer: C

• 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? (UPSC 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

Answer: B

Bihar’s first transgender sub-inspectors make history

GS 2: Miscellaneous

Why is it in the news?

• In a significant milestone, three individuals from Bihar’s transgender community have achieved history by qualifying as sub-inspectors through the Bihar Police Subordinate Services Commission (BPSSC) exam.

More about the news

• This breakthrough follows a 2021 Patna High Court directive mandating the recruitment of third genders into police services, with the State Home department committing to posting a sub-inspector and four constables from this category in each district.
• Over six lakh candidates participated in the preliminary exam held in December 2023, followed by the main exam in February 2024. The final results announced on July 9 listed 1,275 successful candidates, including 822 men, 450 women, and the three transpersons.

Note: The 2022 caste survey conducted in Bihar reported a transgender population of 825 (0.0006%), contrasting significantly with the 2011 census figure of 40,827 transgender individuals in the state.

Additional Information:

About Transgender:

• In the NALSA v. Union of India case (2014), the Supreme Court of India recognized transgender people as a ‘third gender’ and affirmed their right to self-identify their gender as male, female, or third-gender, ensuring equal application of fundamental rights under the Constitution of India.

• According to the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, a transgender person is someone whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned at birth.
• This definition encompasses individuals with intersex variations, those who are gender-queer, and people with socio-cultural identities such as kinnar, hijra, aaravani, and jogta.
• Notably, the 2011 Census marked the first time India included the transgender population, estimating that 4.8 million Indians identify as transgender.
• The National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP), established under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2019, safeguards transgender rights in India.
• It monitors the Act’s implementation, advises the government on enhancing transgender rights, and focuses on livelihood issues and societal acceptance.
• NCTP aims to promote social justice by integrating transgender individuals into families and society at large.
• It advocates for setting up transgender welfare boards in all states and ensuring access to housing, food, healthcare, and education for the transgender community.

Rights and Protections under the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act:

• Right to Residence: The Act guarantees transgender individuals the right to reside with their parents and immediate family members.
• Identity Certification: Transgender persons have the right to self-perceived gender identity and can obtain a certificate of identity from the District Magistrate’s office. They must update this certificate if they undergo a change in gender.
• Prohibition of Discrimination: The Act prohibits discrimination against transgender persons in key areas such as education, employment, healthcare, and other sectors.
• Legal Consequences: Offenses against transgender persons are punishable with imprisonment ranging from six months to two years, along with a fine.

Practice MCQ: (UPSC – 2020)

• In India, Legal Services Authorities provide free legal services to which of the following type of citizens?

1. Person with an annual income of less than Rs. 1,00,000

2. Transgender with an annual income of less than Rs. 2,00,000

3. Member of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income of less than Rs. 3,00,000

4. All Senior Citizens

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1 and 4 only

Answer: A

SC: Divorced Muslim women entitled to secular remedy

GS 2: Polity and Governance- Women related issues 

Why is it in the news?

• The Supreme Court dismissed an appeal by a Muslim man against a Telangana High Court ruling that allowed his ex-wife to seek maintenance under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC).
• The two-judge bench reaffirmed that a Muslim woman is entitled to maintenance from her husband under Section 125 of the CrPC, a secular law, even if they were divorced under religious personal law.
• Section 125 CrPC mandates that “any person having sufficient means” must maintain his wife or minor child if they cannot maintain themselves. The section clarifies that “wife” includes a divorced woman who has not remarried.

More about the news

• Petitioner Mohd Abdul Samad contested a 2017 family court order directing him to pay Rs 20,000 per month in maintenance to his ex-wife. The Telangana High Court upheld this ruling.
• The SC emphasized that Section 125 CrPC is rooted in the Constitution’s social justice principles and stated that maintenance is crucial for destitute and deprived women and aligns with Article 15(3) and Article 39(e) of the Constitution.
• Further, the ruling reiterated that maintenance under Section 125 CrPC exists alongside, not against, the provisions of the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 (MWPRD Act).

About Shah Bano Case (1985)

• In 1978, Shah Bano Begum sought maintenance from her husband under Section 125 CrPC for herself and her five children. Her husband, who divorced her via ‘irrevocable talaq,’ argued that he was only required to provide maintenance during the iddat period as per Muslim personal law.
• However, the Supreme Court upheld Shah Bano’s right to maintenance beyond the iddat period, asserting that Section 125 CrPC applies regardless of religion.
• The ruling led to significant controversy, and Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi’s government enacted the MWPRD Act in 1986, shifting maintenance responsibility post-iddat to the woman’s relatives or the State Wakf Board.
• Later, Shah Bano challenged the constitutionality of the MWPRD Act, arguing that it discriminated against Muslim women, violating their rights to equality and dignity.
• The Supreme Court creatively interpreted the Act, stating that a husband must make provisions for his ex-wife’s future needs within the iddat period, thereby extending the maintenance obligation beyond this period.

Additional Information:

Overview on Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986:

• The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Divorce) Act, 1986 was enacted to safeguard the rights of Muslim women who are divorced by or obtain divorce from their husbands.
• It ensures they receive a reasonable provision and maintenance during the iddat period, which is typically three months after divorce or the husband’s death before remarriage.
• The Act also addresses the payment of mahr (dower) and the return of properties given at marriage.
• It allows divorced couples to opt for the provisions of sections 125 to 128 of the CrPC, 1973 for maintenance, if agreed upon during the first hearing.
• Evolution:
• This Act was a response to the Mohd. Ahmad Khan vs. Shah Bano Begum, 1985.
• The Act’s constitutionality was affirmed by the Supreme Court in the 2001 Danial Latifi case, extending maintenance rights for Muslim women beyond the iddat period until remarriage.
• In 2009, the Shabana Bano case reiterated the applicability of CrPC Section 125 for maintenance, regardless of religion, reinforcing equal rights under Indian law.

• Article 15 Clause (3) in Constitution of India – It says, ‘Nothing in this article shall prevent the State from making any special provision for women and children’. For example, women workers can be given special maternity relief and free education for children.
• Article 39(e) in Constitution of India – It says that the health and strength of workers, men and women, and the tender age of children are not abused and that citizens are not forced by economic necessity to enter avocations unsuited to their age or strength.

About Section 125 of the CrPC:

• Section 125 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) empowers a Magistrate of the first class to order an individual with adequate means to provide a monthly allowance for the maintenance of:
• His wife, if she cannot support herself.
• His legitimate or illegitimate minor child, regardless of marital status, if unable to support itself.
• His legitimate or illegitimate adult child with physical or mental disabilities preventing self-support.
• His father or mother, if unable to support themselves.
• The Supreme Court’s ruling affirmed that Section 125 of the CrPC applies universally to all women, including divorced Muslim women, ensuring equal rights and upholding constitutional guarantees of equality and non-discrimination.

Mains practice question: {UPSC – 2023}

• Customs and traditions suppress reason leading to obscurantism. Do you agree? (250 words, 15 Marks)