2023 06 09
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- USA’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
GS Paper 3:
- Lessons from Thailand on Tourism
- Reviving rubber industry
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
- M. Emperumal Naidu
- Manoj Misra
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Cyclone Biparjoy
- Homo naledi
- Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)
- 5th State Food Safety Index
- Respiratory Syncytial Virus
- Genetic Diversity
Mapping
- Northern Sea Route (NSR)
- Spain
USA’s Indo-Pacific Strategy
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: The geopolitical turmoil in Asia as a result of China’s rise will be a crucial background for the Indian PM’s discussions with the US President, as he travels to the US for a state visit.
US-China conflict:
- The 20th edition of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore highlighted the deepening tensions between the US and China.
- Since its inception in 2002, the SLD has become the premium forum where defence ministers of Asia gather to publicly articulate their positions on regional security.
USA’s Indo-Pacific strategy:
- Despite the continuing crises in the Middle East and a major war in Europe, Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed that the Indo-Pacific remains the highest priority.
- Removing the Asian fear by explicitly challenging China’s claim to regional hegemony has been at the core of the US Indo-Pacific strategy.
USA approach towards China:
- National actions include measures for control of technology exports to China and growing military support for Taiwan.
- The US is mobilising a broad-based coalition to balance China. For example, it has drawn (the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) into the grand regional coalition.
- On the other hand, the US is resuming high-level talks on confidence-building measures to prevent the tensions from escalating.
China’s position:
- China is unwilling to accept the US terms of engagement and sees USA’s persistent call for high-level dialogue as a trap.
- China criticises the resurgent “cold war mentality” and demands that “mutual respect should prevail over bullying and hegemony”.
Where do Asian countries stand?
- China has been grabbing disputed territories from its neighbours and it is the US that is offering help to defend territorial sovereignty in Asia.
- Many Asian nations have stepped up political and military engagement [Quad, AUKUS, trilateral coordination with Seoul and Tokyo, a local quad (Australia, Japan, Philippines)] with the US despite Chinese warnings.
- Yet, there is a reluctance in the region to jeopardise the deep economic relationship with Beijing and a deliberate effort to avoid politically offending China.
India and Japan in USA’s Strategy to Contain China:
- Japan: The US has been encouraging Japan too –
- Raise its military capabilities,
- Modernising the military alliance with South Korea,
- Revitalising military partnership with Manila and
- Enhancing security cooperation with Indonesia.
- India: Building a stronger strategic partnership with India has been a high priority for the Biden administration.
- The shared interests in stabilising the Asian balance of power are objective realities demanding a solid India-US defence partnership.
- Currently, both are in talks for a significant elevation of bilateral defence cooperation, including technology transfers and joint defence industrial production.
Conclusion:
- The USA’s recent approach towards China is seen as an attempt to reverse the dominant perception that China’s domination of Asia is inevitable and America’s retreat is irreversible.
- It is trying to build a ‘New Asia’, where a US-led coalition will be the real hegemon.
Insta Links:
India, America and the China Challenge
Mains Links:
“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC 2021)
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, 9 June CA, Asian balance of power, AUKUS, GS 2, New Asia, Quad, Today's Article, Today’s article, US-China-India relations
Lessons from Thailand on Tourism
GS Paper 3
Syllabus: Economy – Tourism
Source: LM
Context: Thailand is known for its tourism. This article highlights lessons that can be incorporated by India to boost its tourism sector.
Initiatives by Thailand:
- Introducing visa-free travel for G20 countries and Southeast Asian neighbours, as Thailand does, to attract more foreign tourists.
- Thailand’s ability to respond quickly to changes in the tourism industry, as demonstrated by their decision to eliminate the Thailand Pass requirement, boosted tourist arrivals.
Statistics of Tourism in India:
- Attracted only 11 million tourists in 2019.
- India’s Tourism is ranked 10th position in terms of its contribution to World GDP (Gross Domestic Product) in the World Travel and Tourism Council’s report in 2019.
- During 2019, the contribution of travel & tourism to GDP was 6.8% of the total economy.
- In FY20, the tourism sector in India accounted for 39 million jobs, which was 8.0% of the total employment in the country.By 2029, it is expected to account for about 53 million jobs.
Examples from Thailand:
- The presence of street food options in a luxurious shopping mall, where tourists can order using QR codes and receive VAT refunds. The affordability of the food contrasts with the expensive fashion brands available upstairs.
- Increasing vegan and vegetarian options to attract more Indian tourists.
| Importance of ‘Tourism’ in India | Challenges to the Growth of Tourism in India |
| Generates Income and Employment | Inadequate infrastructure (roads, water, hotels, etc.) |
| Boosts the service sector | Safety and security concerns for tourists |
| Contributes to foreign exchange earnings | Lack of skilled manpower |
| Helps in preserving national heritage and environment | Absence of basic amenities at tourist places |
| Renews cultural pride | Seasonality in tourism |
| Puts India on the global map of tourism and initiates cultural exchange | Non-acceptance of international cards at small outlets |
| Facilitates cultural diplomacy and people-to-people connect |
Indian Initiatives to Boost Tourism:
| Tourism Development Schemes/Initiatives | Description |
| Swadesh Darshan Scheme | Provides Central Financial Assistance (CFA) for infrastructure development of theme-based circuits |
| Circuits | North-East India Circuit, Buddhist Circuit, Himalayan Circuit, Coastal Circuit, Krishna Circuit, Desert Circuit, Tribal Circuit, Eco Circuit, Wildlife Circuit, Rural Circuit, Spiritual Circuit, Ramayana Circuit, and Heritage Circuit |
| PRASHAD Scheme | Undertakes integrated development of pilgrimage destinations, including employment generation |
| Adopt a Heritage Project | Entrusts heritage and tourist sites to private and public sector companies for development |
| Paryatan Parv | Encourage Indians to visit tourist destinations |
Insta Links:
Schemes under the Ministry of Tourism
Mains Link:
Evaluate the policies and schemes that are being used to promote tourism in India amidst the impact of covid-19 pandemic.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Today's Article
Reviving rubber industry
GS3/ GS1 Paper
Syllabus: Agriculture/ Geography
Source: BBC
Context: India’s rubber industry is facing challenges as production falls behind growing demand.
About Rubber:
Status of the Rubber Industry:
- History: The first rubber plantations in India were set up in 1895 on the hill slopes of Kerala. However, rubber cultivation on a commercial scale was introduced in 1902.
- Distribution: Kerala (the largest producer of natural rubber in India); Tamil Nadu; Karnataka; Tripura, Assam, Andaman and Nicobar, Goa etc are some other rubber-producing States.
- Natural rubber is preferred over synthetic rubberdue to its high tensile strength and vibration-dampening properties, along with tear resistance. This makes it important for the construction and automobile industries.
Key issues faced by the rubber industry in India:
| Issue | Examples |
| Falling rubber prices | Prices have plunged from a peak of 540 cents/kg in 2011 to 130 cents/kg in recent years, discouraging rubber producers and leading to the abandonment of plantations. |
| High labour costs | Labour-intensive activities like tapping rubber trees require skilled workers, but paying for labour amid falling prices has made rubber plantations financially unattractive. |
| Import competition | Imports of rubber, usually available at lower prices than the domestic market, drive down prices and further discourage domestic production. |
| Production-consumption gap | The demand for natural rubber in India, primarily driven by the tire industry, has surged, creating a significant gap between production and consumption. |
| Climate change | Changing weather conditions, influenced by climate change, pose challenges to rubber farming, particularly in traditional cultivation areas like Kerala. |
| Lack of technological adoption | Limited adoption of technological advancements in the industry hinders productivity and competitiveness. |
| Land conversion and fragmentation | Instead of finding ways to increase production, some rubber plantations are being sold or converted for other purposes, leading to the fragmentation of rubber holdings. |
Government’s initiatives in the Rubber sector:
- Rubber Plantation Development Scheme: To support the development of rubber plantations by providing financial assistance to farmers
- Rubber Group Planting Scheme: Financial incentive by the government to form rubber farmer groups and societies.
- National Rubber Policy 2019: It includes provisions to support the natural rubber production sector and the entire rubber industry value chain.
- Sustainable and Inclusive Development of the Natural Rubber Sector (Implemented by the Rubber Board) for R&D in the rubber plantation.
- 100% Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Rubber Plantations allowed
Steps that can be taken to revive the rubber industry in India:
| Steps | Examples |
| Promote Research and Development | Establish dedicated research institutes and labs for rubber, focusing on developing new varieties, improving cultivation techniques, and addressing climate change challenges. |
| GM Rubber | Rubber Board research farm is growing the world’s first genetically modified (GM) rubber plants, tailored for the climatic conditions of Northeast India. |
| Encourage the Adoption of Technology | Promote the use of modern farming technologies, such as rubber-tapping machines and automation, to increase efficiency and reduce labour costs. |
| Enhance Financial Support and Subsidies | Provide financial assistance, subsidies, and loans to rubber farmers for plantation establishment, replantation, and adoption of modern cultivation practices. |
| Improve Infrastructure and Logistics | Establish rubber clusters and industrial parks to create a supportive ecosystem for rubber processing and value addition. |
| Focus on Skill Development | Collaborate with educational institutions and vocational training centres to offer specialized courses on rubber farming. |
| Strengthen Market Linkages | Encourage tie-ups between farmers and rubber-based industries, such as the tire manufacturing sector, to ensure a steady demand and fair prices |
| Promotion of Rubber in India’s North East | Four members of the ATMA in partnership with the Rubber Board have a plan to create 200,000 hectares of new rubber plantations in Northeast India and West Bengal. |
Conclusion:
By implementing these measures, the rubber industry can regain its strength, boost production, and create a sustainable and prosperous future for rubber farmers in India.
Insta Links:
Rubber plantations in Tripura affecting monkeys, vegetation, suggests paper
Mains Links
Enumerate the issues faced by the Rubber sector in India and suggest the measures required to revive it. (15M)
Prelims Links:
Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the code given below the Lists: ( UPSC 2008)
| List-I (Board) | List II (Headquarters) |
| A. Coffee Board | 1. Bengaluru |
| B. Rubber Board | 2. Guntur |
| C. Tea Board | 3. Kottayam |
| D. Tobacco Board | 4. Kolkata |
Code: A B C D
(a) 2 4 3 1
(b) 1 3 4 2
(c) 2 3 4 1
(d) 1 4 3 2
Ans: B
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Reviving rubber industry, Rubber, Today's Article
Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: TH
Dr M. Emperumal Naidu, a prominent doctor and figure in the freedom movement and the Vaikom temple street entry movement, played a significant role in advocating for social justice and temple entry for all in Vaikom. He was a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi and fought relentlessly for the rights of marginalized communities.
Dr Naidu’s contributions, along with other forgotten heroes from Kanniyakumari district, have been highlighted in a book published by the National Book Trust. He founded the Naidu Hospital in Kottar.
Usage: M. Emperumal Naidu embodied ethical values such as courage, social justice, empathy, and perseverance. Hist story can be highlighted in ethics/ Essay answers.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, CME, Dr. M. Emperumal Naidu, Today's Article
Manoj Misra
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Source: TH
Manoj Misra (a former Indian Forest Service officer), the defender of Yamuna and other rivers, passed away after battling Covid-19. As a forester, he dedicated himself to river protection and rejuvenation. His efforts led to significant legal and policy changes, including the Nirmal Yamuna Rejuvenation plan and drafting legislation for river regulation (E.g., River Regulation Zones). He advocated against destructive interventions on rivers and promoted the idea of river basins as units of developmental planning. Manoj was a vocal critic of projects like the Ken-Betwa river linking, Riverfront developments, and hydro-power projects in the Himalayas, and worked to raise awareness about their environmental impact.
Usage: The example can be used in Environment/Essay/ Environmental Ethics questions.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Today's Article
Cyclone Biparjoy
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: A cyclonic storm, named Biparjoy, has developed in the Arabian Sea.
- ‘Biparjoy’ was suggested by Bangladesh and the word means ‘disaster’ or ‘calamity’ in Bengali.
About Cyclones:
A cyclone is a low-pressure system that forms over warm waters. Usually, a high temperature anywhere means the existence of low-pressure air, and a low temperature means high-pressure wind.
How are cyclones named?
The naming of cyclones is done by countries on a rotational basis, following certain existing guidelines.
- Worldwide, there are six regional specialised meteorological centres (RSMCs) and five regional Tropical Cyclone Warning Centres (TCWCs) mandated for issuing advisories and naming of tropical cyclones.
- IMD is one of the six RSMCs to provide tropical cyclone and storm surge advisories to 13 member countries under the WMO/Economic and Social Commission for Asia-Pacific (ESCAP) Panel including Bangladesh, India, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, cyclone, Disaster, geography, GS1, Today's Article
Homo naledi
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: IE
Context: Palaeoanthropologists have uncovered evidence that suggests that Homo naledi, an extinct human species, may have buried their dead and carved meaningful symbols in a cave.
- These behaviours were thought to be unique to our own species – Homo sapiens – and the Neanderthals.
The debate around burying the dead is based on differences between what scientists called mortuary behaviour and funerary behaviour.
- Mortuary behaviour is evident among chimps and elephants, for example, when they keep watch over a dead body or physically interact with it, expecting it to come back to life.
- Funerary behaviours, on the other hand, are social acts by creatures that are capable of complex thought and understand them to be separate from the rest of the natural world. They understand the significance of what death is.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Ancient History, GS1, Homo naledi, Today's Article
Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: ET
Context: The Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy have launched a National Mission called “Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)” in the power sector.
About MAHIR:
| Dimension | Description |
| MAHIR is a national initiative launched by the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, to identify and develop emerging technologies in the power sector, promoting indigenous research and innovation. | |
| Need of the Mission | Increasing demand for energy, the goal of achieving Net Zero emissions, and the desire to foster indigenous research and innovation in the power sector. |
| Funding Sources | Ministry of Power, Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, and Central Public Sector Enterprises (under both Ministries) |
| Mission Duration | 5 years (2023-24 to 2027-28) |
| Objective | Facilitate indigenous research, development, and demonstration of emerging technologies in the power sector |
| National Priorities | Achieving Net Zero emissions, promoting Make in India and Start-up India initiatives, contributing to SDGs |
| Key Areas for Research | Alternatives to Lithium-Ion storage batteries, modifying electric cookers/pans, green hydrogen, carbon capture, etc. |
| Approach | The Mission will follow the Technology Life Cycle approach, i.e. Idea to Product |
| Structure | Two-tier structure: Technical Scoping Committee (headed by Chairperson of Central Electricity Authority) and Apex Committee (headed by Union Minister for Power & New and Renewable Energy) |
| Collaboration Institutions | IITs, IIMs, NITs, IISERs, universities, public and private power sector start-ups, established industries |
| Mission’s Scope | Indigenous technology development, pilot projects for Indian startups, international collaboration, technology transfer |
| Secretarial Assistance | Central Power Research Institute (CPRI), Bengaluru |
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, MAHIR, Ministry of Power, Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research, Today's Article
Respiratory Syncytial Virus
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Economic Times
Context: European regulators have approved the region’s first vaccine for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes thousands of hospitalisations and deaths annually.
The shot, called Arexvy, is made by British drugmaker GSK and is designed to protect people aged 60 and over.
Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. The virus was first discovered in 1956.
- RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung) and pneumonia (infection of the lungs) in children younger than 1 year of age
The complex molecular structure of the virus and safety concerns with previous vaccine attempts was making difficult the vaccine.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Today's Article
Genetic Diversity
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: A study conducted by scientists from the CSIR-Centre for Cellular & Molecular Biology (CCMB) has revealed that genetic diversity decreases in species with larger body sizes and is higher in species where the mother cares for the offspring.
- The study focused on centipedes and found that they have higher genetic diversity compared to other arthropods like spiders and insects
Other findings of the study:
- Genetic diversity was found to be higher in the southern hemisphere: The findings suggest that historic climatic stability and low seasonality in southern latitudes may contribute to higher genetic diversity.
- Genetic diversity increased with the geographical distance between individuals, indicating limited gene flow between distant sites.
What is Genetic Diversity?
Genetic diversity refers to the variation in genetic information within a population or species. It is a fundamental component of biodiversity and plays a critical role in the survival, adaptability, and sustainability of species and ecosystems.
Explanation using an example:
In a population of butterflies, genetic diversity refers to the presence of various genetic variations that determine traits like wing colour and patterns. This diversity allows butterflies to adapt to different environments. If a disease affects butterflies with a specific wing colour, low genetic diversity can lead to population decline. However, high genetic diversity enables some butterflies to be resistant to the disease, ensuring population survival and recovery.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Genetic Diversity, Today's Article
5th State Food Safety Index
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: Union Ministry for Health and Family Welfare unveiled the 5th State Food Safety Index (SFSI) on World Food Safety Day, highlighting India’s commitment to food safety and innovation.
What is Food Safety?
Food safety refers to the practices and measures taken to ensure that food is safe for consumption.
Status of Food safety:
- Approximately 600 million people, nearly 1 in 10 worldwide, fall ill each year due to consuming contaminated food, resulting in 420,000 deaths annually
- Unsafe food leads to more than 200 diseases, including diarrhoea and cancers
- Children under five account for 40% of the foodborne disease burden
About the Report:
- Developed by: FSSAI (a statutory body under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare with a mandate to ensure public health at large)
- 1st State Food Safety Index was released in 2019
- The index is a benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs.
- The parameters include Human Resources and Institutional Data, Compliance, Food Testing – Infrastructure and Surveillance, Training & Capacity Building and Consumer Empowerment.
- Top performers in the 5th edition were Kerala (Large states), Goa (small state) and J&K (UTs).
Initiatives taken by FSSAI:
- Food Safety and Standards Regulations 2011(contains Licensing and Registration, Packaging and Labelling, and Advertising)
- Heart Attack Rewind (eliminating trans fat)
- FSSAI-CHIFSS (to promote collaborations between Industry, Scientific Community, and Academia for food safety);
- Eat Right India Movement
- Eat Right Awards
Other initiatives:
- National Health Policy 2017
- POSHAN Abhiyaan
- Anemia Mukt Bharat
- Swachh Bharat Mission.
- Eat Right Station Certification (by Railway Ministry)
- Food Safety Magic Box (do-it-yourself food testing kit for school students)
- Codex Alimentarius, or “Food Code” is a collection of standards, guidelines and codes of practice adopted by the Codex Alimentarius Commission.
About World Food Safety Day
It is observed every year on 7th June (facilitated by the WHO and FAO). It aims to raise awareness and encourage actions to prevent, detect, and manage foodborne risks. It was 1st observed in 2019. The theme this year is “Food standards save lives”
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, 5th State Food Safety Index, Food Safety, Today's Article, World Food Safety Day
Northern Sea Route (NSR)
Mapping
Source: BS
Russia has unveiled plans to invest 2 trillion rubles ($24 billion) in the development of its Northern Sea Route (NSR) over the next 13 years
About Northern Sea Route (NSR):
It connects the eastern and western parts of the Arctic Ocean. The NSR runs from the Barents Sea, near Russia’s border with Norway, to the Bering Strait between Siberia and Alaska. NSR is different from the Northwest Passage which is a series of possible shipping routes connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans through the Canadian Arctic. The entire route lies in Arctic waters and within Russia’s exclusive economic zone. It is one-third of the distance of the traditional route through the Suez Canal.
June 9, 2023 /09 June 2023, Northern Sea Route (NSR), russia, Today's Article