UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 8th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

The unchecked population growth of spotted deer (Chital) is causing issues on Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.

Background:

• Spotted deer were introduced to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands by the British in the early 1900s for hunting purposes.
• Due to the absence of large predators, the deer population multiplied rapidly, leading to an "invasive" problem for the authorities of the Union Territory.

About Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island:

• Formerly known as Ross Island, it has been officially renamed Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island.
• The island is located three kilometers east of Central Port Blair in the Andaman Islands.
• It falls under the South Andaman administrative district of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• The Andaman and Nicobar Islands hold a strategic position in the Indian Ocean, near important maritime routes and neighboring countries like Myanmar and Indonesia.
• The islands have a rich history, having been controlled by the Dutch and later the British, and briefly taken over by the Japanese during World War II.
• The Azad Hind government gained control of the islands in 1943, with Subhash Chandra Bose arriving in Port Blair later that year.
• To commemorate the historical significance of the islands and honor Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose, the island was renamed during the Prime Minister's visit in 2018.
• Other islands like Neil Island and Havelock Island were also renamed to Shaheed Dweep and Swaraj Dweep, respectively, as part of this tribute.
• All three islands are popular tourist destinations.

Source: Indian Express

Rakhigarhi

Why in News?

Recently, the NCERT made revisions to the history syllabus of Class 12 students, emphasizing the significance of Rakhigarhi in understanding the Harappan civilization.

Background

• The revisions provide a deeper insight into the historical context of the Harappan civilization, shedding light on their origins and societal structures.

About RAKHIGARHI

• Rakhigarhi, located in Hisar, Haryana, is one of the largest Harappan sites in the Indian subcontinent, belonging to the Indus Valley Civilization.
• Rakhigarhi is positioned in the plains of the Saraswati River, approximately 27 km from the seasonal Ghaggar river.
• The site demonstrates a continuum from the Harappan era to contemporary times, providing a glimpse into ancient urban life and culture.
• Extensive excavations at Rakhigarhi have traced its evolution from 6000 BC (Pre-Harappan phase) to 2500 BC.
• Researchers extracted DNA from skeletal remains found at Rakhigarhi to delve into the genetic history of the Harappans.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

AUKUS

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

The AUKUS security pact involves the United Kingdom, the United States of America, and Australia and was established in 2021.

• Its primary goal is to enhance the security and defense capabilities of each country, building upon their existing bilateral relations.

Key Pillars of AUKUS

• Pillar 1: Focuses on assisting Australia in acquiring its first conventionally armed, nuclear-powered submarines, known as SSN-AUKUS.
• Pillar 2: Emphasizes collaboration in eight advanced military domains, including artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, innovation, information sharing, cyber capabilities, undersea operations, hypersonic technologies, and electronic warfare.

Submarine Component

• The submarine component aims to provide Australia with nuclear-powered attack submarines based on a British design but incorporating American technology.
• Australia is set to possess a total of eight SSN-AUKUS submarines, making it the seventh nation globally to operate such vessels.
• The technology transfer does not involve arming the submarines with nuclear weapons, in compliance with Australia's adherence to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty.

Significance of AUKUS

• AUKUS will elevate Australia's defense capabilities, particularly in the maritime domain, and strengthen regional security.
• The partnership underscores the commitment to technological advancement and strategic cooperation among the member countries.

Source: The Hindu

Suvidha Portal

Why in News?

The Suvidha portal has been in the news as it received over 73,000 applications since the announcement of the Lok Sabha polls.

About Suvidha Portal

• The Suvidha Portal is a platform developed by the Election Commission of India (ECI) with the aim of ensuring a fair and transparent election process.
• It simplifies the process of requesting and responding to permissions and facilities from political parties and candidates during elections.
• Applications are handled transparently on a First in First Out basis, catering to a wide range of permission requests.
• Political parties and candidates can easily submit requests online or through offline options for various activities such as organizing rallies, setting up temporary party offices, canvassing, etc.
• The portal is backed by a strong IT infrastructure and is overseen by nodal officers from state departments.
• Additionally, it offers a mobile app for tracking request statuses in real-time.
• The permission data available on the portal aids in monitoring election expenditures, enhancing accountability and integrity in the electoral process.

Source: Times of India

India – Italy Relations

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet had  approved the Migration and Mobility Agreement between India and Italy last December.

Background:

• India and Italy share a long history dating back 2,000 years, with ties established through ancient civilizations and trade routes.
• Post-independence, political relations were formalized in 1947, leading to a consistent exchange of visits at various levels.

Key Points on India and Italy Relations:

• The Indian Prime Minister visited Italy for the first time in October 2021 to participate in the G20 Summit.
• In March 2023, the Italian Prime Minister visited India for the first time, attending the Raisina Dialogue.
• Italy ranks as India's 4th largest trading partner within the EU, with bilateral trade reaching US$ 14.25 billion in 2022-23.
• The India-Italy Military Cooperation Group (MCG) aims to enhance defense collaboration, with a recent defense cooperation agreement signed in 2023.
• The relationship was upgraded to a Strategic Partnership in March 2023, emphasizing mutual interests in the Indo-Pacific and the Mediterranean regions.
• Italy's support for India includes backing its entry into key international groups and initiatives like the Wassenaar Arrangement and the International Solar Alliance.

Concerns in India-Italy Relations:

• Despite historical ties, current trade and investment levels between India and Italy remain relatively low.
• Issues such as the Italian Mariners' case and the Agusta Westland helicopter scandal have posed challenges to the relationship in the past.
• The operationalization of the India-Italy-Japan trilateral partnership, initiated in 2021, has not yet materialized.

Future Prospects:

• Both countries can work towards strengthening trade ties, expanding investment opportunities, and fostering economic cooperation.
• A potential trade pact between India and the EU could benefit Italy and India significantly, enhancing bilateral trade relations.
• Collaboration on multilateral issues can be a focus, allowing both nations to influence global agendas together.
• Promoting cultural exchanges through food festivals can further deepen ties, showcasing culinary delights such as Italian pasta and Indian spices.

Source: MEA

GS-III

Demographic Dividend

Subject: Economics

Why in News? 

The World Bank cautioned that nations in South Asia are at risk of wasting their demographic dividend because job creation is not keeping pace with the growth in the working-age population.

Background

• Between 2000 and 2023, the working-age population grew by an average of 19 million per year in South Asia. However, the region added only 10 million jobs annually on average during this period.

About Demographic Dividend

• The United Nations Population Fund defines demographic dividend as the potential for economic growth resulting from changes in a population's age structure, especially when the working-age population outweighs the non-working-age population.
• Example: India's demographic dividend offers opportunities for economic growth due to increased economic activities from a larger working-age population and a smaller dependent population.

Features of India's Demographic Dividend

• Large and Growing Working-Age Population: India's working-age population (15-64 years old) has exceeded the dependent population since 2018.
• Uniqueness: India's demographic dividend timeframe spans five decades from 2005-06 to 2055-56, longer than any other country globally.
• Increasing Education Levels: Rising education levels in India are equipping the workforce with more skills and productivity.
• Increasing Gender Equality: Significant strides have been made towards gender equality in India, including higher education levels and greater workforce participation among women.

Source: Business Standard

Funding Winter

Subject: Economics

Why in News?

Investments from large foreign investors fell by as much as 80 per cent on average in 2023, amid the Indian startup ecosystem's so-called funding winter.

About Funding Winter:

• It denotes a period of market correction in capital inflow, reducing the likelihood of startups achieving higher valuations in the short to mid-term.
• Founders face challenges in raising funds and reaching lofty valuations.
• Investors tend to steer clear of firms lacking a clear path to profitability, necessitating a reassessment of the startup's value.

Effects:

• Start-ups adopt measures to preserve working capital in the absence of substantial investor funding.
• Activities like advertising, capital expenditures, and expansion projects are paused to enhance the firm's sustainability.
• Only essential expenses vital for the firm's survival are incurred, with a focus on eliminating unnecessary costs.
• Funding winter is a cyclical occurrence influenced by various factors hindering investment flow in the market.

Factors Affecting Funding Winter:

• Factors impacting the market at large, such as geopolitical tensions, monetary policies, and financial discrepancies, contribute to funding winters.
• Specific sectors may experience unique factors leading to funding challenges.

Duration and Unpredictability:

• The duration of a funding winter is uncertain, with varying lengths depending on the influencing factors.
• These periods can persist for extended durations, shaped by the complex interplay of multiple factors.

Source: Business Standard

Project Akashteer 

Why in News?

The Indian Army is introducing control and reporting systems under 'Project Akashteer' to enhance its air defence capabilities.

Background:

• 'Akashteer' brings a revolutionary change to air defence operations, equipping India's armed forces with advanced capabilities.

About Project Akashteer:

• 'Project Akashteer' is a significant endeavor aimed at boosting the air defence capabilities of the Indian Army.
• Developed by Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) as part of the 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiative.
• The project is focused on automating air defence control and reporting processes through digitalization.
• The system integrates radar and communication systems into a unified network, enhancing situational awareness and control.
• It facilitates rapid engagement of hostile targets, reduces the risk of fratricide, and ensures the safety of friendly aircraft in contested airspace.
• 'Akashteer' emphasizes mobility and resilience with vehicle-based and mobile control centers, ensuring operational capabilities in challenging communication environments.
• Expected to significantly improve the operational efficiency and integration of the Army's air defence mechanisms.
• The total cost of the project is approximately Rs 1,982 crore.

Source: Economic Times