UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 18th January 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Thiruvalluvar Day

Subject: History and Culture

Why in News?

Recently, the Prime Minister of India paid tributes to Saint Thiruvalluvar on Thiruvalluvar Day.

About Thiruvalluvar Day:

• It is usually observed either on January 15 or 16 in Tamil Nadu and is a part of Pongal celebrations.

About Thiruvalluvar:

• He was a poet and philosopher, is regarded as a cultural icon by Tamils.
• He is fondly referred to as Valluvar by Tamils.
• His most popular work is Thirukkural, a collection of couplets on ethics, politics, economy and love.
• Thiruvalluvar’s primary work Thirukkural contains 1330 couplets (kurals) that are divided into 133 sections of 10 couplets each.
• The text is divided into three parts with teachings on dharma, artha, and kama (virtue, wealth and love).
• Each section covers a wide range of topics and imparts moral, ethical, and practical guidance to the readers.
• The couplets are composed in a concise and poetic form, making them easily memorable and quotable.

Source: PIB

GS-II

Complex China-Taiwan Relations: A Historical Perspective

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Taiwan’s presidential election on January 13, which saw the victory of the ruling party candidate Lai Ching-te, carries significant implications not only for the island but also for global geopolitics.

• To understand the dynamics at play, it’s crucial to delve into the complex history and evolving relationship between China and Taiwan.

Taiwan Tension: A Historical Background

• Early Settlement: Taiwan’s first known settlers were Austronesian tribal people, believed to have migrated from southern China.
• Chinese Records: Chinese records from AD 239 mention Taiwan, forming part of China’s territorial claim.
• Qing Dynasty and Japan: Taiwan was administered by China’s Qing dynasty and later ceded to Japan after the First Sino-Japanese War.
• Post-World War II: After World War II, Taiwan was officially considered occupied by the Republic of China (ROC), with the consent of the US and UK.

Civil War and Exile

• Civil War: A civil war broke out in China, leading Chiang Kai-shek and his Kuomintang (KMT) government, along with supporters, to flee to Taiwan in 1949.
• Dictatorship Era: Chiang established a dictatorship that ruled Taiwan until the 1980s.
• Transition to Democracy: After Chiang’s death, Taiwan embarked on a transition to democracy, holding its first elections in 1996.

Status of Taiwan

• Disagreement: There is disagreement regarding Taiwan’s status.
• Independent Governance: Taiwan has its own constitution, democratically-elected leaders, and an armed forces.
• Decline in Recognition: Over time, the number of countries recognizing Taiwan as the ROC government has dwindled, largely due to diplomatic pressure from China.

Evolving Relations with China

• 1980s Improvement: Relations started improving in the 1980s as Taiwan relaxed rules on visits and investments in China.
• One Country, Two Systems: China proposed the “one country, two systems” option, which Taiwan rejected.
• Political Shift: The election of Chen Shui-bian in 2000 marked a shift, as he openly backed Taiwan “independence.”
• Anti-Secession Law: China passed an anti-secession law in 2005, threatening non-peaceful means against Taiwan.
• Cross-Strait Relations: Cross-strait relations soured under President Tsai Ing-wen, with China cutting off official communications due to her refusal to endorse a single Chinese nation concept.

US Involvement

• US-Taiwan Relations: The US officially recognizes Beijing but remains Taiwan’s significant international supporter.
• Defensive Commitment: The US is bound by law to provide Taiwan with defensive weapons, and President Joe Biden has stated a commitment to defending Taiwan militarily.
• Contested Issue: Taiwan remains a contentious issue in US-China relations, with Beijing condemning perceived US support for Taipei.
• Increased Tensions: China has intensified its “grey zone warfare” around Taiwan, sending fighter jets and conducting military drills in response to US-Taiwan exchanges.

Conclusion

• The results of Taiwan’s presidential election and the evolving China-Taiwan relationship have far-reaching implications for global politics.
• Balancing diplomatic recognition, territorial disputes, and US involvement, the delicate equilibrium in the Taiwan Strait will continue to shape the course of international relations in the Asia-Pacific region.

Source: The Hindu

Explained: India-UAE Relations

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

PM Modi recently highlighted the strength of India-UAE relations at the Vibrant Gujarat Summit 2024.

• Bilateral discussions were held with UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, who was the Chief Guest.

India-UAE Relations: Historical Context

India-UAE relations have seen significant milestones:

• India-UAE CEPA: Effective since May 1, 2022, this agreement has slashed tariffs on over 80% of products, facilitating duty-free access for 90% of Indian exports to the UAE. Non-oil trade surged to $50 billion from May 2022 to April 2023, with a $100 billion target by 2030.
• IMEC: The UAE is vital to the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), offering an alternative to China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• I2U2 Group: Comprising India, UAE, Israel, and the U.S., this group promotes technological and private-sector cooperation in water, energy, and transportation.
• Rupee-Dirham Agreement: The Reserve Bank of India and the Central Bank of the UAE have established a framework for using local currencies in cross-border transactions, reducing dependence on the U.S. Dollar.
• Cultural Exchange: The UAE’s tolerance is evident with the construction of the BAPS Hindu Mandir in Abu Dhabi, the first temple of its kind.

Significance of India-UAE Relations

These relations hold immense strategic, political, economic, and cultural importance:

[A] Strategic Significance:

• Security Concerns: Amid conflicts in the Middle East, the India-UAE alliance enhances both nations’ security, including fighting piracy and terrorism.
• Energy Security: The UAE is India’s sixth-largest crude oil exporter, playing a key role in India’s Strategic Petroleum Reserves Program.

[B] Political Significance:

• Multilateral Reforms: The UAE supports India in various international platforms.
• Counterbalancing China’s Regional Dominance: India’s strengthened relations with the UAE help offset China’s growing presence in the region.
• Engagement with Regional Alliances: Enhanced India-UAE relations could pave the way for India’s membership in organizations like the OIC and a free trade agreement with the GCC.

[C] Economic Significance:

• Remittances: The UAE is a major source of remittance inflows to India.
• Trade and Investments: The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner, with substantial investments in various sectors.
• Access to the African Market: Relations with the UAE facilitate India’s entry into the African market.

[D] Cultural Significance:

• Safeguarding Indian Diaspora Interests: A robust relationship protects the interests of the large Indian expatriate community.
• Boosting India’s Soft Power: Positive relations enhance India’s soft power in the Middle East.

Challenges to India-UAE Relations

• Trade Restrictions: The UAE’s Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs), including SPS measures and TBT, have affected Indian exports, particularly in sectors like poultry and processed foods.
• Chinese Economic Influence: China’s “Cheque Book Diplomacy” overshadows Indian enterprises in the UAE.
• Kafala Labour System: Harsh conditions for immigrant laborers, passport confiscation, and delayed wages pose significant issues.
• Financial Aid to Pakistan: Concerns arise due to the UAE’s substantial financial assistance to Pakistan.
• Iran-Arab Dispute: Balancing ties with the UAE and Iran amid their conflict is a diplomatic challenge.

Way Forward

• Clarity in Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs): Establish transparent NTB practices for smoother trade relations.
• Comprehensive Strategic Dialogue: Initiate high-level dialogues to address strategic, defense, and political issues.
• Harmonization with UAE’s ‘Vision 2021’: Collaborate in emerging sectors to reinforce economic ties.
• Joint Ventures in Technology and Innovation: Encourage collaborations in cutting-edge technology.
• Healthcare Cooperation: Collaborate in healthcare research and public health initiatives.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Indian vulture

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

First in many years, a vulture was spotted in the skyline of Thane which has not been spotted over two decades in the city.

About Indian vulture:

• The Indian vulture (Gyps indicus) is an Old-World vulture native to Asia.
• They are also known as Indian long-billed vultures due to their comparatively longer beak. 
• It is a medium-sized and bulky scavenger feeding mostly on the carcasses of dead animals.
• Females of this species are smaller than males.
• Distribution: These are native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal.
• Habitat: They are usually found in savannas and other open habitats around villages, cities, and near cultivated areas.
• Threats: The Indian vulture has suffered a 97-99% population decrease due to poisoning caused by the veterinary drug This drug is toxic for vultures; it was given to working animals as it reduced joint pain and so kept them working for longer. 
• Conservation status
  • IUCN Red List: Critically Endangered

Source: The Hindu

Senna spectabilis

Subject: Environment 

Why in News?

The Forest Department of Tamil Nadu has cleared 356.50 hectares of invasive growth of Senna spectabilis that posed a threat to biodiversity conservation in Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR).

About Senna spectabilis:

• It is a species of the legume family.
• It is native to South and Central America and is grown as an ornamental plant as it has bright yellow flowers. 
• It was introduced as shade trees for coffee and firewood in the country; it soon became a threat to native tree species as its dense foliage prevented the growth of other indigenous trees and grass species.
• It is considered as Least Concern under the IUCN Red List.

Key facts about Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve:

• It is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
• It is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka) and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka). 
• Vegetation: It consists of southern tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and Riparian forests.
• Rivers: Some of the prominent rivers in the region include the Bhavani, Moyar, and Noyyal rivers.
• Tribal Communities: It is home to several indigenous tribal communities, including the Irula and Kurumba tribes.
• Flora: Common Species of trees and shrubs found are Albizia amara Chloroxylon swictenia, Gyrocarpus jacquini, Neem, Tamarind, Sandalwood, Randi dumetorum, Zizyphus and associates.
• Fauna: The major species are Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Spotted deer and Bonnet macaque.

Source: The Hindu

Qanat system

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Some of Africa’s dry areas face serious water shortages due to minimal rainfall. An ancient system of drawing water from aquifers, the “qanat system”, could help.

About Qanat system:

• It is an ancient type of water-supply system, developed and still used in arid regions of the world.
• It taps underground mountain water sources trapped in and beneath the upper reaches of alluvial fans and channels the water downhill through a series of gently sloping tunnels.
• The qanats have been used for centuries in arid and semi-arid parts of north Africa, the Middle East and Asia, where water supplies are limited.
• It’s known by a variety of names, “foggara” in north Africa, “falaj” in Oman and “qarez” in parts of Asia.
• Many old qanāts are still used in Iran and Afghanistan, chiefly for irrigation.
• It’s a system that’s managed by everyone and its benefits are shared.
• Some of the region’s qanat systems, like those in Iran, are protected under heritage status.
• Significance of the system
  • The qanat is sustainable as it works with gravity and no electricity is needed. It can even be used to create clean energy.
  • Water lost to evaporation is minimal in comparison to surface water supplies.
  • It can have a wide scale impact. Qanats are multiple kilometres long and once this water hits a floodplain, it can irrigate multiple hectares of land.
  • It fosters social cohesion. Many people, with different skills, are involved in maintaining the system.
  • The lifespan of the system extends beyond that of a deep water well, which is only about 20 years. Tunnels do not clog as easily as wells.
  • The quality of water coming from the mountains is much better than water on the plains. It’ll have lower salinity and be better for crops and people.

Source: Down to Earth

Did 250 million Indians exit Poverty?  

Subject: Economics

Why in News?

The recent paper by Niti Aayog has highlighted a significant reduction in ‘multidimensional poverty’ among Indians between 2013-14 and 2022-23, an achievement acknowledged by PM Modi.

• To comprehend this data accurately, it is essential to grasp the concept of multidimensional poverty and evaluate the methodology used.

Understanding Multidimensional Poverty

• Traditional Poverty Metrics: Poverty is commonly measured monetarily, based on income or expenditure thresholds.
• Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI): India employs a global MPI that assesses poverty by considering 12 life aspects beyond income. These aspects fall under categories like education, health, and living standards.
• Deprivation Assessment: Households are evaluated for deprivation across each of the 12 indicators. If they are deprived in several areas, they are labelled ‘multidimensionally poor’ (MDP).

Data Sources

• National Family Health Surveys (NFHS): Household-level data from NFHS serves as the raw material. Niti Aayog further processes this data to calculate MDP figures.
• NFHS Rounds: NFHS data is available for three rounds: 2005-06 (NFHS-3), 2015-16 (NFHS-4), and 2019-21 (NFHS-5).
• Share of MDP Indians: In 2005-06, it was 55%, which decreased to 25% in 2015-16. Assuming a consistent pace, the paper suggests it may have been 29% in 2013-14. Further extrapolation estimates it to be 11% by 2022-23.

Assessing the Assumptions

• Vague Starting Point: The choice of 2013-14 as a starting point may be open to interpretation and serves as a defining factor for evaluating nine years of Modi’s leadership.
• Uniform Pace Assumption: Assuming a uniform pace over such a long period can be challenging, as it may not account for variations in progress over different years.
• Neglecting Pandemic Impact: Extrapolating progress without considering the pandemic’s effects on data collection and welfare reversals may lead to inaccuracies.

Interpreting the Data

• Value of Indices: While indices like MPI offer a combined view of multiple indicators, they should not overshadow the importance of monetary poverty data.
• Not Equivalent to Poverty: Multidimensional poverty should not be equated with poverty itself, as they represent different aspects. It is essential to differentiate between the two.
• Selective Maths: The exercise of interpolation and extrapolation to align with a government’s tenure should be viewed critically and with consideration of potential limitations.

Conclusion

• The reduction in multidimensional poverty in India is a noteworthy achievement, as evidenced by NFHS data.
• However, it is crucial to approach such data with a nuanced understanding of the methodology, assumptions, and its implications.
• While multidimensional poverty indices provide valuable insights, they should complement, not replace, comprehensive poverty assessment methods.

Source: The Hindu