UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 19th September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

India wants ‘review & modification’ of Indus Waters Treaty

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

India has issued a new formal notice to Pakistan requesting the "review and modification" of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT), following a similar request made in January 2023. This recent notice, sent under Article XII (3) of the IWT, is significant as it indicates India's intention to potentially revoke and renegotiate the 64-year-old treaty. Article XII (3) allows for modifications to the treaty through a duly ratified agreement between the two governments.

India demands modification of IWT

• The Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) is a water-distribution agreement between India and Pakistan, facilitated by the World Bank.
• Under the treaty, India is allocated the rivers Ravi, Sutlej, and Beas, while Pakistan receives the rivers Sindh, Jhelum, and Chenab.
• India is obligated to allow the waters from the western rivers to flow, with certain consumptive uses permitted.
• Approximately 80% of the total water from the six-river Indus system is allocated to Pakistan, with India receiving only 19.48%.
• India is allowed to construct storage facilities on the western rivers up to a capacity of 3.6 million acre-feet, which has not yet been realized.
• The treaty allows for run-of-the-river projects on the western rivers, provided they adhere to specific design and operational criteria.
• India must inform Pakistan in advance, including providing design details, for any new project undertaken.

Dispute redressal mechanism under the Treaty

• Article IX establishes a dispute resolution mechanism with three levels to address disagreements regarding projects on the Indus waters.
• First level: Either party must notify the other about planned projects on the Indus River, providing all required information.
• This initial discussion occurs within the framework of the Permanent Indus Commission (PIC), responsible for implementing and managing the treaty's objectives.
• If the PIC cannot resolve the issue, it escalates to the second level.
• Second level: In this stage, the World Bank appoints a neutral expert to mediate the differences.
• If the neutral expert fails to resolve the issue, it escalates to the third level.
• Third level: The matter is referred to a Court of Arbitration (CoA), with its chair appointed by the World Bank.

About the news

• India's notice cites significant and unforeseen changes in circumstances as a basis for requesting a review of the IWT.
• Among the reasons mentioned is the impact of ongoing cross-border terrorism, which India believes necessitates a reassessment of the treaty's obligations.
• The notice emphasizes the need for a re-evaluation due to fundamental changes affecting the treaty's framework.
• India had previously notified Pakistan in January 2023 about amending the 1960 treaty.

Reasons behind India’s demand to renegotiate the treaty

• The latest notification to Pakistan emphasizes "fundamental and unforeseen changes in circumstances" that warrant a reassessment of the IWT.
• Key concerns include shifts in population demographics, environmental factors, and the need for clean energy initiatives to achieve emission reduction targets.
• Additionally, the impact of cross-border terrorism is highlighted as a critical factor influencing the need for renegotiation.
• The situation is further complicated by controversies surrounding two Indian hydropower projects in Jammu & Kashmir—Kishanganga and Ratle—which Pakistan claims violate the IWT.
• These projects are classified as "run-of-the-river" and are designed to generate electricity without obstructing the natural flow of the rivers.

Reason behind the notice in January 2023

• India's January 2023 notice to Pakistan regarding the IWT followed Islamabad's objections to two Indian hydropower projects.
• Initially, Pakistan sought the involvement of a "Neutral Expert" to address its concerns but later proposed the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) for resolution.
• India opposed this approach, arguing that it violated the treaty's sequential dispute resolution process, which starts with the Indus Commissioners, moves to a Neutral Expert, and only then to the PCA if necessary.
• In 2016, the World Bank paused both processes, urging the two nations to resolve the matter through dialogue.
• Despite India's initiatives, Pakistan did not engage in discussions from 2017 to 2022.
• In 2022, the World Bank decided to resume both the Neutral Expert and PCA processes, leading to India's January 2023 notice, the first of its kind in over 60 years.

GS3/Science and Technology

4 Key Space Projects Receive the Go-Ahead from Cabinet

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Union Cabinet has sanctioned four significant space initiatives that the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is set to undertake soon. In total, over ₹22,750 crore has been allocated for the developmental expenses associated with these programmes, aligning with the Vision 2047 framework established by the space agency.

About the Chandrayaan-4 Mission:

• The Chandrayaan-4 will be India's 4th lunar mission, with a budget of ₹2,104.06 crore approved.
• It is scheduled for launch in 2027.
• The allocated budget covers the development of the spacecraft, two launches using the Launch Vehicle Mark-3 (LVM-3), support from external deep space networks, and special tests for design validation.
• Objectives include a remote mission aimed at retrieving rock samples from the Moon’s surface and returning them to Earth after a soft landing.
• This mission builds upon the success of Chandrayaan-3, which made India the first nation to land a probe on the lunar south pole.
• Significance includes advancing technologies for lunar docking, precision landings, sample collection, and safe return journeys, contributing to India's self-reliance in space technology and innovation.
• Ultimately, this mission is a stepping stone towards a planned Indian Moon landing by 2040.

About the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM):

• The VOM mission has a budget of ₹1,236 crore and aims for a launch in March 2028.
• This will be India's 2nd planetary mission, following the Mars Orbiter Mission launched in 2014.
• It involves deploying an orbital spacecraft to investigate Venus, focusing on its atmosphere and geology to gather data about its thick atmosphere.
• Understanding Venus provides insights into how different planetary environments evolve, as it once may have had Earth-like conditions before becoming inhospitable due to a runaway greenhouse effect.

About the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS):

• The BAS is the most ambitious project, with additional funding of ₹11,170 crore, following the Gaganyaan mission.
• The first module, named BAS-1, is targeted for launch in 2028, with completion aimed for 2035.
• This project seeks to establish an Indian space station orbiting 400 km above Earth, allowing astronauts to remain in orbit for 15-20 days.
• The space station, weighing 52 tonnes, will serve as a research platform for experiments in microgravity, astronomy, and Earth observation.

About the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV):

• An allocation of ₹8,240 crore has been approved for the NGLV, covering development costs, three developmental flights, essential facilities, programme management, and launch campaigns.
• The development timeline is set for 96 months, with the first launch expected within 84 months.
• The NGLV will be a new launch vehicle designed for high payload capacity, while being cost-effective, reusable, and commercially viable.
• This vehicle will significantly enhance payload capabilities, offering 1.5 times the current capacity at just 1.5 times the cost of LVM-3.
• It will also feature reusability and modular green propulsion systems, ensuring low-cost access to space.

GS2/Polity

Simultaneous Polls Roadmap

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

The Union Cabinet has greenlighted a proposal for conducting simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, and local government bodies, based on recommendations from the High Level Committee on One Nation, One Election, chaired by former President Ram Nath Kovind.

According to the government, the implementation will occur in two phases: the first phase will involve aligning the Lok Sabha and Assembly elections, followed by the local body elections, scheduled to be held within 100 days after the first phase.

History of Elections in India

• The inaugural general elections in independent India took place simultaneously for the Lok Sabha and Legislative Assemblies in 1951.
• The subsequent three election cycles also saw concurrent elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, with a few exceptions, including:
• In Kerala, a mid-term election occurred in 1960 due to premature Assembly dissolution.
• Nagaland and Pondicherry had Assembly formations only after the 1962 general elections.
• The last instance of near-simultaneous elections was in 1967.

Beginning of the End of Simultaneous Elections

• The fourth Lok Sabha was dissolved prematurely in 1971, marking a decline in simultaneous elections.
• The National Emergency declared in 1975 led to an extended Lok Sabha term, disrupting the concurrent election cycle.
• The dissolution of several State Assemblies following the 1977 Lok Sabha elections further complicated this cycle.

Current Status

• Since the premature dissolutions of the Lok Sabha in 1998 and 1999, only four State Assemblies have held elections alongside Lok Sabha elections in the past two decades.
• Currently, there are at least two rounds of Assembly elections conducted annually.

Steps Needed After the Approval from the Union Cabinet

• Implementing the One Nation, One Election initiative requires the passage of two Constitutional Amendment Bills by Parliament, necessitating broad consensus among various political parties.
• The government might refer these bills to a parliamentary committee, which would include opposition members, to garner consensus.
• To integrate local bodies into the simultaneous election framework, at least half of the states must ratify the Constitutional amendment.
• Despite the BJP ruling in over a dozen states, the forthcoming Assembly elections in Haryana, Maharashtra, and Jharkhand could influence the political landscape.

Changes Needed in the Constitution

• The transition to a system of simultaneous elections mandates two Constitutional Amendment Bills.
• First Amendment Bill:
  • This bill requires a 'special majority' in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, which entails:
  • At least half of the total membership of both houses must be in favor.
  • Two-thirds of the members present and voting must approve the amendment.
• Second Amendment Bill:
  • This bill seeks to synchronize local body elections with the simultaneous elections and must meet the same conditions as the first bill, in addition to:
  • Ratification by at least half of the state legislatures, as local government falls under the State List, allowing states to legislate on these matters.

What Will Happen If These Bills Are Passed by Parliament?

• As per the Kovind Committee's roadmap:
  • Implementation will commence with the President issuing a notification during the first Lok Sabha session post a general election, which will activate Article 82A from the first Constitutional Amendment Bill, marking the "appointed date".
  • Article 82A will be introduced to facilitate the transition to simultaneous elections.
  • Any state Assemblies elected after this "appointed date" will be dissolved once the Lok Sabha’s term concludes.
  • Some state Assemblies may dissolve before the completion of their five-year terms to synchronize with Lok Sabha elections.
• Mid-Term Elections:
  • If a state Assembly or Lok Sabha is dissolved prematurely, a mid-term election will be conducted.
  • The newly elected body will serve only until the next scheduled simultaneous elections, a period referred to as the "unexpired term".
• Election Commission Role:
  • If the Election Commission of India (ECI) determines that a state Assembly election cannot be held simultaneously, it can recommend a postponement.
  • Nonetheless, future elections will still be conducted simultaneously.
• Single Electoral Roll:
  • The ECI will develop a unified electoral roll for all elections, including Lok Sabha, state Assemblies, municipalities, and panchayats, in conjunction with State Election Commissions.
  • This amendment also requires ratification by at least half of the states.

GS3/Environment

India could generate up to 9.2 lakh TWH from its Blue Renewable Energy Sources

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Researchers at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) in Hyderabad have developed the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas. This atlas identifies potential sites along India’s coastline that can generate energy from blue renewable sources such as tidal waves and currents.

About INCOIS:

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) is an autonomous institution established in 1999 under the Ministry of Earth Sciences. It operates as a part of the Earth System Science Organization (ESSO).

The main objective of INCOIS is to provide ocean-related data, information, and advisory services to various sectors, including society, industry, government, and the scientific community.

Activities of INCOIS Include

• Continuous monitoring and warning services for coastal populations regarding tsunamis, storm surges, and high waves.
• Daily advisories for fishermen to help them locate areas rich in fish, optimizing their fuel and time consumption.
• Issuance of short-term (3-7 days) Ocean State Forecasts, which include information on waves, currents, and sea surface temperatures.
• Deployment and maintenance of various Ocean Observing Systems in the Indian Ocean to gather data on different oceanic parameters, helping to understand oceanic processes and predict changes.

Blue Renewable Energy Sources:

Blue Renewable Energy Sources are sustainable energy forms derived from the ocean's natural forces, which include tidal waves, ocean currents, and thermal gradients. These sources harness the vast energy potential of the sea to generate electricity without producing greenhouse gas emissions, presenting a clean and eco-friendly alternative to fossil fuels.

Key types of blue renewable energy include:

• Tidal Energy: This type of energy is produced from the rise and fall of tides. Tidal energy systems utilize turbines positioned in tidal streams or barrages to generate electricity.
• Wave Energy: This energy captures the kinetic energy from surface waves using floating devices or underwater systems, converting wave motion into electrical power.
• Ocean Current Energy: This form of energy takes advantage of the continuous flow of ocean currents, turning underwater turbines to generate consistent and reliable electricity.
• Ocean Thermal Energy Conversion (OTEC): This method exploits the temperature differences between warm surface water and cold deep water to generate power, typically using a heat engine.

Blue renewable energy holds substantial potential for sustainable power generation, especially for coastal and island nations, offering a reliable and environmentally friendly energy solution.

India could generate up to 9.2 lakh TWH from its Blue Renewable Energy Sources - Summary

Researchers at the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) have introduced the Integrated Ocean Energy Atlas, the first of its kind. This atlas maps potential locations along India’s coastline for generating blue renewable energy from tidal waves, currents, and salinity gradients.

Covering India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) up to 220 km from the coast, the atlas suggests that the EEZ could yield approximately 9.2 lakh terawatt hours (TWh) of energy. It incorporates data collected over the past 20-30 years, providing assessments of energy potential with daily, monthly, and annual estimates. This information aids industries, policymakers, and researchers in planning and decision-making to harness blue energy.

The atlas also considers fishing zones, shipping routes, cyclone-prone areas, and eco-sensitive regions to guide infrastructure planning effectively.

It highlights key areas suitable for various energy sources, such as tidal waves in Gujarat and West Bengal, and salinity gradients in Andhra Pradesh and West Bengal. The Government of India is promoting the expansion of this assessment to other countries in the Indian Ocean for a comprehensive regional understanding.

GS1/Geography

Naga King Chilli

Source: DTE

Why in News?

Recently, Seiyhama village in Nagaland celebrated the third edition of the Naga king chilli festival.

About Naga King Chilli:

• Genus: It belongs to the genus Capsicum in the family Solanaceae.
• Other Names: It is commonly known as raja mircha, Bhoot Jolokia, and Ghost pepper.
• Heat Level: This spice is famous worldwide for its intense heat, which is over 1 million Scoville heat units (SHU).
• Ranking: It is considered one of the hottest chillies globally and is referred to as the king chilli, holding important cultural and economic significance for the Naga people.
• Geographical Indication: It received the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2008.
• Cultivation History: The farming of king chilli in Seiyhama has a long history. Farmers start looking for ideal farming areas in December or January, usually preferring large bamboo groves.
• Harvest Seasons: The main harvest time for king chilli is in August and September, with the final harvest occurring in November and December.
• Preservation Use: The king chilli has traditionally been used in Nagaland to preserve food due to the region’s hot and humid climate, which helps to extend the food's shelf life and minimize waste.

GS3/ Science and Technology

Venus Orbiter Mission

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the development of Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM). Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the development of Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM).

About:

• It is envisaged to orbit a scientific spacecraft in the orbit of planet Venus.
• Objectives: 
  • To better understand the Venusian surface and subsurface.
  • To study atmospheric processes and the influence of the Sun on the Venusian atmosphere.
  • To investigate the underlying causes of transformation of Venus, which is believed to have been once habitable and similar to Earth.
  • This understanding aids in comprehending the evolution of the sister planets, Venus and Earth.
• The Indian Venus mission is expected to answer some of the outstanding scientific questions resulting in various scientific outcomes.
• India Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will be responsible for the development of the spacecraft and its launch.
• The mission is expected to be accomplished during March 2028, utilizing available opportunities.
• The realization of the spacecraft and launch vehicle is through various industries.
• Funding: The total fund approved for the Venus Orbiter Mission (VOM) is Rs.1236 Cr, with Rs 824.00 Crore allocated for the spacecraft.
• The funding includes development and realization of the spacecraft, its specific payloads, technology elements, global ground station support costs for navigation, and the cost of the launch vehicle.
• Significance: Venus, the closest planet to Earth, formed under similar conditions, offers a unique opportunity to understand how planetary environments can evolve very differently.

GS3/Economy

NPS Vatsalya Scheme

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

Recently, the union Finance Minister officially launched the NPS Vatsalya scheme.

 About the NPS Vatsalya Scheme

• NPS Vatsalya is an extension of the existing National Pension Scheme (NPS) that specifically targets children.

Eligibility Criteria

• All minor citizens, meaning those under 18 years of age, are eligible.
• Both the child and the parent must be Indian citizens. All parties are required to follow Know Your Customer (KYC) guidelines.
• An account can be opened in the name of the minor and will be managed by a parent or guardian. The minor will be the beneficiary.
• The scheme can be initiated through different points of presence regulated by the Pension Fund Regulatory Authority of India (PFRDA), including major banks, India Post, Pension Funds, and online platforms like e-NPS.

Contributions

• Subscribers must make a minimum contribution of Rs 1000 per year, while there is no limit on the maximum contribution.
• The PFRDA offers several investment options. Subscribers can invest in government securities, corporate debt, and equity in varying amounts based on their risk tolerance and expected returns.
• When the minor reaches the age of majority, the plan can be easily converted into a regular NPS account.

Withdrawal Rules

• Partial withdrawals are permitted after three years of opening the NPS Vatsalya account. Up to 25%of the total amount can be withdrawn for specific reasons, such as:
  • Education
  • Medical treatment for certain illnesses
  • Disabilities over 75%
• Once the child turns 18, they can withdraw the entire amount up to Rs 2.5 lakh. If the amount exceeds this, 20% can be withdrawn, and the remaining 80% must be used to purchase an annuity in the NPS.
• In the event of the subscriber's death, the entire amount will be transferred to the nominee, typically the guardian. If the guardian also passes away, a new guardian must be appointed after completing a new KYC process.
• If both parents pass away, a legal guardian can manage the account without making further contributions until the child turns 18.

GS3/Science and Technology

Next Generation Launch Vehicle

Source: India Today

Why in News?

Recently, the Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister of India has approved the development of Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV).

About Next Generation Launch Vehicle:

The Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is an ambitious project aimed at significantly enhancing India's capacity for launching payloads into space. Here are the key features and details about the NGLV:

Enhanced Payload Capability

• The NGLV is designed to have a maximum payload capacity of 30 tonnes to Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which is three times the current capability of the LVM3.

Cost Efficiency and Reusability

• Despite its increased capacity, the NGLV is expected to be developed at a cost that is 1.5 times that of the LVM3. The vehicle will incorporate reusable technologies, which will contribute to lower costs and more sustainable access to space.

Modular Green Propulsion

• The NGLV will feature modular green propulsion systems, which are designed to be more environmentally friendly and efficient.

Industry Participation

• The development of the NGLV will involve maximal participation from the Indian industry. This includes early investment in manufacturing capacity, facilitating a smooth transition from development to operational phases.

Development Flights

• The NGLV will undergo three development flights(D1, D2, and D3) to demonstrate its capabilities. The entire development phase is targeted to be completed within 96 months (8 years).

Funding and Scope

• The project has a total approved funding of Rs. 8240.00 Crore, which covers development costs, the three developmental flights, establishment of essential facilities, program management, and launch campaign expenses.

Significance

• The NGLV is expected to play a crucial role in enabling various national and commercial missions, including human spaceflight missions to the Bharatiya Antariksh Station.
• It will also support lunar and inter-planetary exploration missions, as well as the deployment of communication and earth observation satellite constellations to LEO.
• The project aims to enhance the overall capability and capacity of the Indian space ecosystem, benefiting the entire space sector in the country.