Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th October 2023) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

India, Iran, and Chabahar Port: Strengthening Strategic Partnerships and Trade Relations

Context: An in-depth exploration of the evolving dynamics between India and Iran, and the pivotal role played by the Chabahar Port in reshaping trade, strategic influence, and economic ties.

Significance of Chabahar Port for India

Gateway to Central Asia and Beyond

• Chabahar: Iran’s sole oceanic port located in Sistan and Baluchistan Province.
• Ports: Shahid Kalantari and Shahid Beheshti, the latter developed with India’s collaboration.

Progress on Chabahar Port Deal

• 2016 Agreement: India agreed to develop and operate Shahid Beheshti terminal for 10 years.
• Challenges: Disputes on clauses, especially jurisdiction for arbitration, delayed the final pact.
• Recent Developments: India and Iran narrowing gaps, considering arbitration in neutral locations like Dubai.

Significance of Chabahar Port

Alternative Trade Route

• Historical Dependency: Traditionally, India's access to Afghanistan and Central Asia relied on routes through Pakistan.
• Chabahar's Role: Offers an alternative, reducing dependence on Pakistan and enhancing regional trade.

Economic Benefits and Humanitarian Aid

• Economic Growth: Gateway to Central Asia fosters trade, investment, and job creation in India.
• Humanitarian Assistance: Vital entry point for aid, infrastructure support, and stability efforts in Afghanistan.

Strengthening Strategic Influence

• Geopolitical Position: Operating Chabahar Port strengthens India's strategic influence in the Indian Ocean region.

Status of Economic Ties Between India and Iran

Fluctuating Trade Relations

• Historical Trends: Significant fluctuations, especially in crude oil imports.
• Impact of Depleted Reserves: Iran’s rupee reserves depletion hampers imports of key Indian commodities.

Reviving Trade through Rupee-Rial Transactions

• Rupee-Rial Trade: Exploring trade in Indian Rupees (INR) and Iranian Rials (IRR) to bypass global currency limitations.
• Aligning with RBI Decision: India’s move resonates with allowing international trade invoicing and payments in INR.

Addressing Challenges and Seizing Opportunities

Future Prospects

• Enhanced Cooperation: Strengthening bilateral ties through strategic partnerships and economic collaborations.
• Global Relevance: India positioning itself as a key player in the region, promoting stability, trade, and regional development.

India’s Diplomatic Response

• Balanced Approach: Navigating global dynamics while safeguarding national interests.
• Strategic Alliances: Forging partnerships to ensure energy security and sustainable economic growth.

In conclusion, the evolving dynamics between India and Iran, epitomized by the progress at the Chabahar Port, signify a significant shift in regional trade and strategic influence. By addressing challenges and leveraging opportunities, both nations are poised to reshape the geopolitical landscape, fostering mutual growth, stability, and prosperity.

Metal Mining Pollution

Context: Recently, the University of Lincoln, the United Kingdom, has published a study, spotlighting the extensive ramifications of Metal Mining Pollution in rivers and Floodplains worldwide.

What is the Research Methodology of the Study?

• The research simulated contamination from both operational and decommissioned Metal Mining Sites, encompassing critical aspects such as tailings facilities designed for waste storage.
• The study meticulously evaluated hazardous substances including lead, zinc, copper, and arsenic.
• These elements, detrimental to both ecosystems and human health, tend to accumulate downstream from mining sites over prolonged durations.
• This underscores the lasting and far-reaching consequences of mining pollution.
• The research team, acknowledging data limitations in certain countries, considered the figures presented to be conservative estimates.
• This signifies the potential for the actual impact to be even more extensive, underlining the need for comprehensive and accurate data for a thorough assessment.

What are the Key Highlights of the Study?

Extent of Pollution Exposure:

• Pollution stemming from the continuous discharge of mining waste into rivers affects an astonishing number of people, nearly 50 times more than those immediately impacted by tailings Dam (embankment used to store byproducts of mining) Failures.

Population and Ecosystem Impact:

• The impacted floodplains due to the Mining Waste house a substantial population of about 23.48 million people, in addition to sustaining a significant livestock population of 5.72 million.
• Moreover, these regions cover an expansive area exceeding 65,000 square kilometers of irrigated land.

Significance of the Study:

• The provides a groundbreaking predictive model to assess the far-reaching offsite and downstream impacts of mining on ecosystems and human health.
• It offers a critical tool for governments, environmental regulators, the mining industry, and local communities to make informed decisions, emphasizing the necessity to prioritize environmental sustainability.
• This research is paramount in guiding the global transition to green energy while mitigating the ecological footprint of mining, particularly in the modern era where sustainable mining practices are increasingly prioritized.

Call for Action:

• The study concluded by advocating for enhanced global data collection and monitoring systems to better comprehend the ecological and health impacts of the metal mining industry.
• This highlights the need for a more comprehensive understanding to address the associated hazards effectively.

What is Metal Mining Pollution?

About:

• Metal mining pollution refers to the contamination and environmental degradation caused by the extraction and processing of Metallic Ores to obtain valuable metals.
• It involves various activities associated with mining, including exploration, extraction, transportation, processing, and waste disposal.
• These processes often release harmful substances into the air, water, and soil, leading to adverse effects on ecosystems, human health, and wildlife.

Sources of Metal Mining Pollution:

• Tailings: Tailings are finely ground rock particles left over after the valuable metals have been extracted from the ore. These tailings often contain hazardous elements like mercury, arsenic, lead, cadmium, and other toxic substances that can contaminate nearby water sources and soil.
• Acid Mine Drainage (AMD): AMD occurs when sulfide minerals in the mined rocks are exposed to air and water, leading to the production of sulfuric acid.
  • This acid can contaminate rivers, streams, and groundwater, posing a significant threat to aquatic life and ecosystems.
• Airborne Pollution: Dust and particulate matter generated during mining operations can become airborne, spreading pollutants such as heavy metals and other harmful compounds. Inhalation of these pollutants can pose health risks to both miners and nearby communities.
• Chemical Usage: Chemicals such as cyanide and sulfuric acid are often used in metal extraction processes. Accidental spills or inadequate containment of these chemicals can result in contamination of soil and water, causing serious environmental damage.

How can Metal Mining Pollution be Addressed?

Stringent Regulations and Compliance:

• Implement and enforce strict environmental regulations and standards that govern metal mining operations.
• These regulations should cover waste disposal, emissions, water management, and reclamation to ensure compliance and minimize pollution.

Advanced Waste Management:

• Encourage the use of modern tailings storage facilities and waste disposal methods that minimize the risk of pollution. Employ strategies to prevent tailings dam failures, such as proper design, monitoring, and periodic assessments.

Responsible Chemical Usage:

• Promote the responsible and controlled use of chemicals in mining processes. Alternative, less toxic chemicals should be explored and utilized to reduce the environmental impact.

Water Management and Treatment:

• Implement effective water management strategies to control and treat water discharged from mining operations. Employ water treatment technologies to remove harmful substances before releasing water into the environment.

Mine Reclamation and Rehabilitation:

• Make mine reclamation and rehabilitation an integral part of mining operations. Restore mined areas to their natural state, promoting ecosystem recovery and biodiversity.

Uterus Transplantation

Context: Recently, the United Kingdom's first uterus transplant was conducted, providing new hope for women facing reproductive challenges.

• India is one of a few countries to have had a successful uterine transplant; others include Turkey, Sweden, and the U.S.
• Doctors now aim to reduce the surgery cost, currently at Rs 15-17 lakh in India, and develop a bioengineered artificial uterus to simplify transplants and eliminate live donors for ethical organ transplantation.

What is a Uterus Transplant?

About:

• Unlike heart or liver transplants, uterus transplants aren’t life-saving transplants. Instead, they are more like limb or skin transplants – which improve the quality of individuals’ lives.
• Uterus transplants can help women who lack a uterus fulfill their reproductive needs.
• The first live birth after a uterus transplant occurred in Sweden in 2014, marking a breakthrough in treating uterine factor infertility.

Steps Involved in a Uterus Transplant:

• The recipient undergoes thorough physical and mental health evaluations before the transplant.
• The donor's uterus, whether from a live or deceased donor, is rigorously examined for viability.
• Live donors undergo various tests, including gynaecological examinations and cancer screenings.
• The procedure doesn’t connect the uterus to the fallopian tubes, which ensures the ovum from the ovaries moves to the uterus – so the individual can’t become pregnant through natural means.
• Instead, doctors remove the recipient’s ova, create embryos using in vitro fertilization, and freeze them embryos (cryopreservation).
• Once the newly transplanted uterus is ‘ready’, the doctors implant the embryos in the uterus.
• Robot-assisted laparoscopy is used to precisely remove the donor's uterus, making the process less invasive.
• After the transplantation procedure, the vital uterine vasculature(the network of vessels connecting the heart to other organs and tissues in the body) and other important linkages are methodically re-established.

Post-Transplant Pregnancy:

Success is determined in three stages:

• Monitoring graft viability in the first three months.
• Assessing uterus function between six months to one year.
• Attempting pregnancy with in vitro fertilization, but with higher risks like rejection or complications.
• The final stage of success is a successful childbirth.
• Frequent check-ups are essential due to potential risks like rejection, abortion, low birth weight, and premature birth.

Considerations and Side Effects:

• Immunosuppressant drugs are necessary to prevent rejection but may cause side effects.
• Side effects include kidney and bone marrow toxicity and an increased risk of diabetes and cancer.
• For these concerns, the uterus must be removed after successful childbirth and regular follow-ups for at least a decade are recommended after childbirth.

Artificial Uteri

• Researchers, at the University of Gothenburg, are working on bioengineered uteri. These are created using stem cells taken from a woman's blood or bone marrow as a foundation for a 3D scaffold.
• Preliminary experiments with rats show promise.
• Artificial uteri could eliminate the need for live donors, addressing ethical concerns and reducing the potential risks to healthy donors.
• Artificial uteri could benefit women facing infertility issues as well as members of the LGBTQ+ community.
• However, trans-women recipients may still need additional procedures, like castration(removing the testicles of a male animal or human) and hormone ftherapy.
• Also, Ensuring consistent blood flow to support a developing fetus is a challenge in creating artificial uteri, as the male body lacks the necessary structures for uterine and fetal development.

Future Possibilities:

• Artificial uteri offer exciting possibilities for reproductive medicine but require further research and development before becoming a practical solution for human reproduction.

Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s Wagh Nakh

Context: In a significant stride towards preserving Maharashtra's rich historical legacy, the state's Cultural Affairs Ministry has joined hands with the Victoria and Albert Museum in London. This collaboration marks the return of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's legendary weapon, the 'Wagh Nakh,' translating to 'tiger claws.'

• This medieval dagger, a symbol of Shivaji's strategic brilliance, will be showcased in museums across the state, offering an immersive experience into the Maratha Empire's fascinating history.

What is the 'Wagh Nakh'?

The 'Wagh Nakh' is a distinctive medieval dagger adorned with four or five curved blades, ingeniously affixed to a glove or a bar. Designed for personal defense and stealth attacks, this fearsome weapon could slice through skin and flesh effortlessly.

Chhatrapati Shivaji's Defense with the 'Wagh Nakh':

• Shivaji's encounter with Afzal Khan, a Bijapur general, is etched in history. Prepared for any danger, Shivaji concealed the 'Wagh Nakh' and wore chainmail beneath his attire. When Khan attacked, Shivaji's swift strike with the 'Wagh Nakh' secured his victory, highlighting his tactical acumen and bravery.

Key Points Related to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj:

• Birth and Important Battles: Born on 19th February 1630, Shivaji Maharaj's life was marked by pivotal battles, including the Battle of Pratapgad (1659), Battle of Pavan Khind (1660), Sacking of Surat (1664), Battle of Purandar (1665), Battle of Sinhagad (1670), Battle of Kalyan (1682-83), and Battle of Sangamner (1679).
• Titles and Administration: Holding titles like Chhatrapati, Shivaji established a centralized administration with a council of eight ministers (Ashtapradhan). He divided his kingdom into provinces, each governed by a Deshpande or Patel. He revamped revenue administration, implementing the Ryotwari System, and closely monitored hereditary revenue officials. Military administration thrived under his leadership, with a well-organized army, navy, and key roles like Sar-i-Naubat and Qiladars.

Legacy and Celebration:

• Shivaji Maharaj's legacy lives on, celebrated annually on 19th February during Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti. His courage, warfare tactics, and administrative prowess continue to inspire generations, making him a revered figure in Indian history.

Conclusion

The return of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj's 'Wagh Nakh' serves as a beacon, illuminating Maharashtra's glorious past. This historical artifact, coupled with the tales of Shivaji's valor, provides a captivating glimpse into the Maratha Empire's golden era. As the weapon finds its home in Maharashtra's museums, it invites us to delve into the fascinating chapters of history, honoring the indomitable spirit of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.

Coral Reef Breakthrough

Context: The International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI), has launched the Coral Reef Breakthrough in partnership with the Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR) and the High-Level Climate Champions (HLCC).

• The Initiative was launched at the 37th ICRI General Meeting, 2023.

What is the Coral Reef Breakthrough?

• The Coral Reef Breakthrough is a science-based initiative with clear goals for the state and non-state actors to collectively conserve, protect, and restore coral reefs, safeguarding their vital contributions to humanity's future.
• The Coral Reef Breakthrough aims to secure the future of at least 125,000 km2 of shallow-water tropical coral reefs with investments of at least USD 12 billion to support the resilience of more than half a billion people globally by 2030.

The initiative is based on four action points:

• Mitigate local drivers of loss including land-based sources of pollution, destructive coastal development, and overfishing.
• Double the area of coral reefs under effective protection: Bolster resilience-based coral reef conservation efforts by aligning with and transcending global coastal protection targets including 30by30. 30 by 30 is a global initiative to protect at least 30% of the Earth's land and ocean area by 2030. It was proposed during the UNCCD Conference of Parties (COP15).
• Assist the development and implementation of innovative solutions at scale and climate-smart designs that support coral adaptation to impact 30% of degraded reefs by 2030.
• Secure investments of at least USD 12 billion by 2030 from public and private sources to conserve and restore these crucial ecosystems.

Meeting the targets of the Coral Breakthrough will be instrumental in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG14, Life Below Water.

International Coral Reef Initiative (ICRI)

• It is a global partnership between Nations and organizations that strives to preserve coral reefs and related ecosystems around the world.
• The Initiative was founded in 1994 by eight governments: Australia, France, Japan, Jamaica, the Philippines, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America.
• It was announced at the First Conference of the Parties of the Convention on Biological Diversity,1994.
• ICRI has 101 members, including 45 countries (India is one of them).

High-Level Climate Champions (HLCC)

• They are appointed by the United Nations to facilitate and enhance the engagement of non-state actors such as businesses, cities, regions, and investors in supporting the goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

Global Fund for Coral Reefs (GFCR)

• The GFCR is a blended finance instrument to mobilise action and resources to protect and restore coral reef ecosystems.
• It provides grant funding and private capital to support sustainable interventions to save coral reefs and the communities that rely on them.
• UN Agencies, nations, philanthropies, private investors and organisations have joined the Global Fund for Coral Reefs Coalition to deliver on ecological, social and economic resilience.

Monetary Policy Committee Decisions: RBI

Context: Recently, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its bimonthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Meeting has retained benchmark interest rates unchanged for the 4th time in a row.

• The MPC kept the policy Repo Rate Unchanged at 6.50%.

What are the Key Highlights of the MPC Meeting?

Repo Rate Unchanged:

• The RBI decided unanimously to keep the policy repo rate unchanged at 6.5% to balance economic growth and inflation control.

GDP Growth and Inflation:

• The RBI retained its real GDP (Gross Domestic Product) growth forecast for 2023-24 at 6.5% and the average CPI inflation forecast for the current fiscal year FY24 at 5.4%.
• However, the MPC raised its headline inflation projection for the second quarter to 6.4%.
• The RBI Governor stressed the commitment to the 4% inflation target and highlighted the importance of being prepared to take timely actions to prevent spillovers from food and fuel price shocks to underlying inflation trends.

Liquidity Management and Financial Stability:

• Liquidity in the system will be actively managed in line with the monetary policy stance.
• The RBI will undertake Open Market Operations (OMO) sales as necessary. Financial stability is essential for price stability and growth.

Gold Loan under Bullet Repayment Scheme:

• The RBI announced doubling the lending limits for Gold Loans under the Bullet Repayment Scheme (BRS) for urban cooperative banks to Rs 4 lakh.
• It has been decided in respect of Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) who have met the overall target and sub-targets under the Priority Sector Lending (PSL) as on 31st March, 2023.
• A BRS is one where a borrower repays interest and the principal amount at the end of a loan tenure without worrying about repayment during the loan tenure.

Accommodative Stance:

• The RBI has focused on its stance of ‘withdrawal of accommodation’ until all risks to inflation dissipate.
• An Accommodative Stance means the central bank is prepared to expand the money supply to boost economic growth.
• Withdrawal of accommodation will mean reducing the money supply in the system which will rein in inflation further. .

What are the Reasons for Keeping Benchmark Rates Unchanged?

Resilient Economic Activity:

• The Indian economy has displayed resilience despite the uncertainties and challenges posed by various factors.
• This has led to the decision to maintain benchmark rates, reflecting confidence in the economy's ability to withstand potential shocks.

Previous Policy Repo Rate Hikes:

• The MPC considered the cumulative impact of previous policy repo rate hikes, totaling 250 basis points.
• Given the time needed for these rate hikes to fully work through the economy, the committee opted to hold the rates steady in the current meeting.
• The MPC acknowledged that the previous policy repo rate hikes are still in the process of influencing the economy.

Inflation Risk Management:

• The MPC remains committed to aligning inflation with the 4% target on a durable basis.
• And the existing policy stance is needed to achieve this objective without the need for an immediate rate change.
• The MPC expressed concerns about the potential recurrence of food price shocks affecting headline inflation.
• Keeping rates unchanged might be a precautionary measure to closely monitor the situation and be ready to act promptly in case inflationary pressures escalate.

What are the Concerns Flagged by the RBI in its MPC Meeting?

High Inflation:

• The RBI views high inflation as a major risk to both macroeconomic stability and sustainable growth.
• Despite declining core inflation (excluding food and fuel components), uncertainties cloud the overall inflation outlook.
• Factors such as reduced kharif sowing for essential crops, low reservoir levels, and fluctuations in global food and energy prices contribute to this uncertainty.

Geopolitical and Economic Risks:

• The RBI flagged various headwinds, including geopolitical tensions, geoeconomic fragmentation, volatility in global financial markets, and a global economic slowdown.
• These external factors pose risks to the economic outlook and require careful consideration.

Financial Stability and Surveillance:

• The RBI underscored the importance of financial stability, calling it fundamental to price stability and growth. The financial sector's robust balance sheet was acknowledged, but vigilance and strengthened internal surveillance mechanisms, especially concerning the rise in personal loans, were advised.

Note

• CRR: Cash Reserve Ratio, a percentage of Net Demand and Time Liabilities, banks must keep with the central bank (RBI) to control liquidity.
• Incremental CRR: Additional requirement imposed by RBI on banks' liabilities to manage excess liquidity and stabilize the economy.
• Repo Rate: It is the interest rate set by the RBI for short-term loans to commercial banks. It's a tool used to control inflation and stimulate economic growth.
• Inflation: It refers to the sustained increase in the general price level of goods and services in an economy over a period of time, leading to a decrease in the purchasing power of money.
• Headline Inflation: It is the total inflation for the period, comprising a basket of commodities.
• The food and fuel inflation form one of the components of headline inflation in India.
• Core Inflation: It excludes volatile goods from the basket of commodities tracking Headline Inflation. These volatile commodities mainly comprise food and beverages (including vegetables) and fuel and light (crude oil).
• Core inflation = Headline inflation – (Food and Fuel) inflation.
• Inflation Targeting: It is a monetary policy framework aimed at maintaining a specific target range for inflation.
• The Urjit Patel Committee recommended CPI (Consumer Price Index) over WPI (Wholesale Price Index) as a measure for inflation targeting.
• The current inflation target also aligns with the committee's recommendation to establish a target inflation rate of 4%, accompanied by an acceptable range of deviation of +/- 2%.
• The central government, in consultation with the RBI, sets an inflation target, and an upper and lower tolerance level for retail inflation.
• Liquidity refers to the ease with which an asset or security can be quickly bought or sold in the market without significantly affecting its price.
• It signifies the availability of cash or liquid assets to meet financial obligations or make investments. In simpler terms, liquidity is to get your money whenever you need it.