DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 28th September 2024

 Syllabus

• Prelims – NATIONAL

Context: Recently, Vizhinjam International Seaport received MSC Claude Girardet, the biggest vessel to berth at an Indian port.

Background: –

• Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan hailed the anchoring of the ultra large vessel as a step towards the state’s development. He said the state will witness a major development boost as cargo traffic though Vizhinjam Port, located near the international shipping line, becomes active.

About Vizhinjam port

• The Vizhinjam International Seaport, located near Thiruvananthapuram in Kerala, is a strategically important deep-water multipurpose seaport developed by the Adani Group in partnership with the Government of Kerala.
• It aims to position India as a significant player in global maritime trade and relieve the nation’s dependency on foreign transshipment hubs such as Colombo, Singapore, and Dubai.
• Public-Private Partnership: Developed under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model on a Design, Build, Finance, Operate, and Transfer (DBFOT) basis.
• The Adani Group signed a 40-year agreement with the state government in 2015 to design, develop, finance, and operate the port. The Adani Group will have the sole right to operate the port for the first 40 years, and for an additional 20 years if they build the second phase of the project at their own expense.

Key Features of Vizhinjam International Seaport:

• Proximity to International Shipping Routes: Located close to the major international shipping routes in the Indian Ocean, Vizhinjam is ideal for transshipment, reducing logistical costs for Indian trade.
• Natural Depth: The port has a natural draft of 20 meters, allowing it to accommodate mega container vessels (over 18,000 TEUs) without expensive dredging.
• Geopolitical Importance: Its location is critical for India’s maritime security and trade dominance in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
• Boost to Transshipment: Vizhinjam is expected to serve as a transshipment hub, enabling large container ships to offload cargo to smaller vessels for further distribution, reducing India’s reliance on foreign ports like Colombo for transshipment services.
• Job Creation and Regional Development: The project will generate employment opportunities boosting local and regional economies.
• Support to Blue Economy: The port will also contribute to India’s larger Blue Economy initiatives by fostering maritime trade, tourism, and fisheries in the coastal region of Kerala.

Source: New Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – INTERNATIONAL

Context: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer joined the leaders of the United States and France in backing India’s bid for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Background: –

• Besides permanent representation for India, Africa, Brazil, Japan and Germany, the UK also made a pitch for more seats for elected members of the Security Council.

About United Nations Security Council (UNSC)

• The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is one of the six principal organs of the United Nations (UN), tasked with ensuring international peace and security.
• It holds significant authority under the UN Charter, including the power to impose sanctions, authorize military action, and enforce binding resolutions on member states.

Key Features of the UNSC:

Composition:

• Permanent Members (P5): The UNSC consists of five permanent members with veto power — the United States, United Kingdom, Russia, China, and France.
• Non-permanent Members: In addition to the P5, the UNSC has 10 non-permanent members elected for two-year terms. These seats are distributed among the various regions of the world:
  • 5 seats for Africa and Asia
  • 2 seats for Latin America and the Caribbean
  • 2 seats for Western Europe and other states
  • 1 seat for Eastern Europe

Functions and Powers:

• Maintaining International Peace and Security: The UNSC has the primary responsibility for preventing conflict, resolving international disputes, and authorizing peacekeeping operations.
• Sanctions and Military Action: The Council can impose economic sanctions, arms embargoes, and authorize the use of force if diplomacy fails.
• Peacekeeping Operations: The UNSC authorizes and oversees UN peacekeeping missions in conflict zones.
• Conflict Mediation: It works to mediate disputes between countries and encourages diplomatic negotiations to prevent or end conflicts.

Decision-Making:

• Voting System: Decisions on substantive matters require 9 out of 15 votes from UNSC members, but no decision can pass if a permanent member exercises its veto power.
• Resolutions: UNSC resolutions are binding on all UN member states, giving the Council a unique authority compared to other UN bodies like the General Assembly.

Criticisms and Calls for Reform:

• Permanent Membership and Veto Power: The concentration of power in the hands of the P5, especially their veto power, has often led to criticism of the UNSC’s structure. Critics argue that this arrangement is outdated, given the geopolitical realities of the 21st century.
• Lack of Representation: Many countries, including India, Japan, Germany, and Brazil (G4 nations), advocate for permanent membership reform to reflect the global distribution of power and increase representation from Africa, Latin America, and Asia.
• Stalled Decision-Making: The use of the veto by permanent members, particularly in cases of geopolitical rivalry (such as between the US and Russia/China), has paralyzed the Council on crucial global issues, including the Syrian civil war and the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
• Inadequate Response to New Threats: The UNSC’s inability to adequately address non-traditional security threats, such as climate change, pandemics, and cyber warfare, has led to calls for it to expand its focus beyond traditional military conflicts.
• India and the UNSC: India has been elected as a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times (most recently for 2021-2022). During its tenure, India has actively pushed for multilateralism, counter-terrorism initiatives, and comprehensive reform of the UNSC.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: Indian Army is looking at extending range of the Pinaka rockets.

Background:

• Building on the lessons from the Ukraine war and the offensive in Gaza by Israel, Indian Army is going for extended range rockets, which have proven to be decisive, and indigenising and diversifying vendor base to build resilient supply chains as well as going for futuristic ammunition.

About Pinaka rocket system

• Pinaka Rockets are an indigenously developed multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system, designed and produced by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) of India.
• It plays a significant role in the country’s defense capabilities, particularly in artillery warfare.
• The Pinaka system is designed to target a variety of military objectives, such as enemy troop concentrations, artillery batteries, logistics support, and communication centers.

Key Features :

• Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL):Pinaka is an all-weather, artillery multi-barrel rocket system.
• Accuracy and Guidance:
  • Initially, the Pinaka system was unguided. However, the Pinaka Guided Rocket variant incorporates navigation, guidance, and control kits, which enhance accuracy.
  • The guided Pinaka can strike targets with an accuracy of ±10 meters over a range of 75 km, significantly improving its effectiveness in precision strikes.
• Mobility and Rapid Deployment:
  • The Pinaka system is mounted on a Tata truck or Ashok Leyland 8×8 chassis, making it mobile and easily deployable in different terrains, including high-altitude regions.
  • It is capable of firing a salvo of 72 rockets in 44 seconds, providing heavy firepower in a short period.
• Warhead Options:
  • Pinaka rockets can be equipped with various types of warheads, including high-explosive fragmentation, incendiary, anti-tank, and anti-personnel warheads, making it versatile for different types of operations.
• Automation and Battlefield Management:
  • Pinaka is integrated with automated fire control systems and can be connected to an artillery command and control system, enabling coordinated and efficient firepower in the battlefield.
• Usage in Combat:
  • The Pinaka system has been used effectively in combat, notably during the Kargil War (1999), where it played a key role in neutralizing enemy positions in mountainous terrain.
  • It continues to be a key component in the Indian Army’s artillery regiments, enhancing India’s defensive and offensive capabilities.

Source: The Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims – INTERNATIONAL
• 

Context: Finland will place a key NATO base less than 200 kilometers from its eastern border with Russia.

Background: –

• Finland, which shares a 1,340-kilometer border with Russia, became a NATO member last year, dropping decades of military non-alignment after Moscow’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

About Finland

• Finland, officially known as the Republic of Finland, is a Nordic country located in northern Europe.
• Geography
  • Location: Northern Europe, bordered by Sweden to the west, Russia to the east, Norway to the north, and the Gulf of Finland to the south.  Its area includes the autonomous territory of Åland, an archipelago at the entrance to the Gulf of Bothnia.
  • Area: Approximately 338,145 square kilometers (130,559 square miles).
  • About one-third of the territory of Finland lies north of the Arctic Circle.
• Landscape: Known for its vast forests, which cover about 75% of the country, and its numerous lakes, with over 188,000 lakes.
• Population: Around 5.6 million people (2024 estimate).
• Capital: Helsinki, which is also the largest city.
• EU Membership: Finland is a member of the European Union.
• Currency: Euro (€).
• Main Exports: Machinery, electronics, paper products, and chemicals.
• Economic Status: Known for its high standard of living and advanced welfare state. Finland aims to be carbon neutral by 2032.
• Happiest Country: Often ranked as the happiest country in the world.
• Education: Renowned for its high-quality education system.

Source: Moscow Times

 Syllabus

• Prelims – INTERNATIONAL

Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Wednesday officially approved a $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF) for Pakistan.

Background: –

• The EFF funding was conditional on Pakistan making sweeping tax reforms to widen its tax base. Additionally, the IMF mandated there be a balance in spending between Pakistan’s federal and provincial governments, with taxes being imposed on agriculture, and no new subsidies being introduced.

About International Monetary Fund (IMF)

• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) is a global organization established to promote international monetary cooperation, secure financial stability, facilitate international trade, promote high employment and sustainable economic growth, and reduce poverty around the world.

History and Purpose

• Founded: The IMF was established in 1944 at the Bretton Woods Conference and came into formal existence in 1945 with 29 member countries. Today, it has 190 member countries.
• Purpose: The IMF’s primary purpose is to ensure the stability of the international monetary system—the system of exchange rates and international payments that enables countries to transact with each other.

Key Functions

• Surveillance: The IMF monitors the global economy and the economies of its member countries. It provides regular assessments of global economic trends and advises member countries on economic policies.
• Financial Assistance: The IMF provides financial support to member countries facing balance of payments problems. This support helps countries stabilize their economies and restore growth.
• Technical Assistance and Training: The IMF offers technical assistance and training to help member countries strengthen their capacity to design and implement effective policies.

Governance and Structure

• Board of Governors: The highest decision-making body, consisting of one governor from each member country, usually the finance minister or central bank governor.
• Executive Board: Responsible for conducting the day-to-day business of the IMF. It consists of 24 directors representing member countries or groups of countries.
• Managing Director: The head of the IMF, appointed by the Executive Board for a renewable five-year term.

Funding and Resources

• The IMF’s financial resources come from its member countries, primarily through:
  • Quotas: Each member country contributes a certain amount of money (quota) based on its economic size. Quotas determine a country’s financial commitment to the IMF, voting power, and access to IMF financing.
  • Borrowing: The IMF can supplement its resources through borrowing from member countries and the international financial markets.

IMF’s Various Lending and Funding Types:

• Stand-By Arrangements (SBAs):
  • Purpose: The SBA is the IMF’s primary lending tool. It provides short- to medium-term financial assistance to countries facing temporary balance of payment problems.
  • Duration: Typically for a period of 12 to 24 months.
  • Conditionality: SBAs come with strict conditionality, requiring the country to undertake economic reforms to ensure economic stability and repay the loan.
• Extended Fund Facility (EFF):
  • Purpose: This facility provides longer-term assistance to countries with structural imbalances or more severe and prolonged balance of payments problems.
  • Duration: The duration is typically 3 to 4 years, with repayments made over 4.5 to 10 years.
  • Conditionality: Economic reforms under the EFF are more extensive, focusing on structural reforms to address deeper economic issues.
• Flexible Credit Line (FCL):
  • Purpose: The FCL is designed for countries with very strong economic fundamentals and policies. It provides immediate access to IMF resources without the need for policy conditionality.
  • Availability: Countries can access the FCL if they qualify based on a prequalification criterion (strong economic policies and track records).
  • Usage: This is meant for crisis prevention or management.
• Precautionary and Liquidity Line (PLL):
  • Purpose: The PLL is a flexible lending tool designed to meet the liquidity needs of countries with sound economic fundamentals that may be facing moderate balance of payments needs.
  • Availability: For countries that do not meet the high standards of the FCL but still maintain sound economic policies.
  • Duration: 6 months to 2 years.
  • Conditionality: Comes with lighter conditions than SBAs.
• Rapid Financing Instrument (RFI):
  • Purpose: The RFI provides rapid assistance to countries facing urgent balance of payment needs, often due to sudden shocks such as natural disasters, commodity price shocks, or conflict situations.
  • Conditionality: It has limited or no ex-ante conditionality, making it a quicker, short-term solution for emergencies.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2 & GS 3

Context: After a meeting with the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), the Chief Minister of Assam set the ball rolling for the implementation of recommendations of the Justice Biplab Sarma Committee regarding Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.

Background: –

• Notably, 15 key recommendations of the Justice Biplab Sarma Committee will not be implemented for the time being. These, CM Himanta said, will require Constitutional amendments.

Assam Accord:

• It was a Memorandum of Settlement between the Rajiv Gandhi-led union government and the leadership of the Assam Movement, primarily the All Assam Students’ Union (AASU), which was signed in 1985.
• The accord ended the six-year-long agitation in Assam against the entry of Bangladeshi migrants into the state.
• Clause 6 of the accord states that “Constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards, as may be appropriate, shall be provided to protect, preserve and promote the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.” It aims to address concerns regarding the state’s demographic and cultural integrity amidst the influx of migrants.

The main provisions of the Assam Accord included:

• Detection, deletion, and deportation of illegal immigrants who entered Assam after March 25, 1971.
• Safeguarding the political, social, and cultural rights of the Assamese people.
• Providing constitutional, legislative, and administrative safeguards to protect and preserve the cultural, social, and linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people.
• Accelerating the economic development of Assam.

Significance of the Assam Accord:

• It helped in bringing peace to Assam after years of unrest and protests.
• It ensured that illegal immigrants would have to leave the state, and the government would take steps to protect Assam’s culture, language, and heritage.
• It clearly defined who would be considered an Indian citizen in Assam which was crucial in ending the uncertainty around citizenship for many people living there.
• It is still relevant because the issue of immigration continues to be a big issue in Assam. Even today, the questions about who is a citizen and who is not are debated and discussed. The National Register of Citizens (NRC), which was updated in Assam in 2019, is a part of this ongoing issue.

Biplab Sarma Committee:

• It was formed by the Union Home Ministry in July 2019 to provide recommendations on implementing Clause 6 of the Assam Accord.
• It is a 14-member committee chaired by retired Assam High Court Justice Biplab Kumar Sarma.
• The committee submitted its final report in February 2020.

Key Recommendations made by the Biplab Sarma Committee:

• According to the definition provided by the Committee, Assamese People include:
  • Indigenous Tribals
  • Other Indigenous Communities of Assam
  • Indian citizens residing in Assam on or before January 1, 1951, and their descendants
  • Indigenous Assamese People
• It recommended reservations for “Assamese people” in Parliament, the state Assembly, local bodies, and jobs.
• The Assam government has accepted the 1951 cut-off date for the specific recommendations of the Justice Biplab Sarma Committee report.
• It recommended Special Revenue Circles as areas where only Assamese people can own and transfer land.
• It suggested a three-year program to grant land titles to Assamese people who have long occupied land without proper documentation.
• It recommended Char Areas Survey to treat newly formed chars as government land, prioritizing allocation to those affected by river erosion.
• It suggested retaining Assamese as the official state language per the 1960 Assam Official Language Act, with provisions for local languages in certain regions.
• It recommended issuing all state government acts, rules, and orders in both Assamese and English along with establishing an Autonomous Language Council to preserve and promote the indigenous languages of Assam.
• It recommended making Assamese a compulsory subject in all English medium schools up to Class VIII or Class X.
• It supported setting up an autonomous body to oversee the development of sattras and provide them with financial assistance.
• The autonomous councils of Assam’s Sixth Schedule Areas, including the Bodoland Territorial Council, the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council, and the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council, will decide whether to implement the 52 recommendations. These councils have certain legislative and judicial autonomy under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.

Source: Indian Express

Q1.) Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Vizhinjam International Seaport?

1. The Vizhinjam International Seaport is located in Kochi, Kerala.
2. The port is being developed under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model by the Adani Group.
3. The port is strategically positioned close to international shipping routes in the Indian Ocean, allowing it to function as a transshipment hub.
4. The port requires extensive dredging to accommodate large vessels due to its shallow natural depth.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Q2.) Which of the following statements regarding the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is/are correct?

1. The IMF was established at the Bretton Woods Conference in 1945 with 44 member countries.
2. Quotas determine a member country’s financial commitment, voting power, and access to IMF financing.
3. The IMF provides financial assistance only to developing countries facing balance of payments problems.
4. The Board of Governors is the highest decision-making body in the IMF.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 3 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Q3.) Which of the following statements regarding the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is/are correct?

1. The UNSC consists of 10 permanent members and 5 non-permanent members, with the permanent members holding veto power.
2. The UNSC has the authority to impose sanctions and authorize military action under the UN Charter.
3. The UNSC requires a two-thirds majority for passing resolutions, but a veto from any permanent member can block the resolution.
4. UNSC resolutions are binding on all United Nations member states.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 4 only
(c) 1, 3, and 4 only
(d) 2, 3, and 4 only

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  28th September 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – b