18 November 2024 Daily Current Affairs

1. Power Transaction From Nepal to Bangladesh Through Indian Grid

Context: India, Nepal, and Bangladesh achieved a historic milestone by inaugurating the first trilateral power transaction through the Indian grid. This marks a significant step toward establishing an integrated South Asian power market.

 Key Highlights:

1. Agreement Details:
   • A power sales agreement was signed in October 2024 among:
     • NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) – India.
     • Nepal Electricity Authority – Nepal.
     • Bangladesh Power Development Board – Bangladesh.
2. Power Export:

1. Nepal will export up to 40 MW of power to Bangladesh using India’s power grid.
2. This is the first trilateral power transaction facilitated through India’s grid.
3. Expected Impact:

1. Enhances sub-regional connectivity in the energy sector.
2. Strengthens cooperation and mutual benefits among the three nations.
3. Promotes energy security and economic integration in South Asia.

India’s Role in Regional Energy Trade:

1. Ambitions:
   • India aims to be a regional energy hub, trading electricity and refined petroleum products across South Asia.
   • Plans to supply LNG to Sri Lanka and work on an undersea electricity transmission line.
2. Current Power Trading:

1. Conducted through bilateral agreements under the 2014 SAARC Framework Agreement for Energy Cooperation.
2. Since 2021, the Indian Energy Exchange (IEX) has facilitated power trading with Nepal.
3. Policy Enhancements:

1. 2023 Guidelines for electricity import/export ensure grid reliability and promote regional energy cooperation.
2. Market coupling introduced for spot power trading to enhance efficiency.
3. Key Agencies: NTPC Vidyut Vyapar Nigam (NVVN) and PTC India are the nodal agencies for cross-border power trading.

Global Energy Integration Initiatives:

1. OSOWOG Initiative (One Sun, One World, One Grid):
   • Aims to create a transnational mega grid to facilitate renewable energy trade from Southeast Asia to Europe via the Middle East.
   • Enhances access to low-cost renewable energy for participating nations.
2. Collaborations: India is working with Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Singapore to develop OSOWOG infrastructure.

Significance of the Trilateral Power Transaction:

1. Strengthens Regional Integration: Fosters cooperation among India, Nepal, and Bangladesh in achieving sustainable energy goals.
2. Enhances Energy Security: Reduces dependency on non-renewable energy sources and builds resilience.
3. Promotes Economic Growth: Facilitates efficient energy sharing, reducing costs and enhancing regional development.
4. Advances Sustainable Development: Contributes to renewable energy adoption and reduces carbon footprints in the region.

This initiative underscores India’s growing leadership in advancing regional energy cooperation and sustainable development in South Asia

2. ‘PPP plus PPP’ Model for Diabetes Management

 Context: India faces a severe diabetes crisis, with over 212 million individuals affected, representing a substantial share of the global burden. To address this public health challenge, the “PPP plus PPP” model was introduced on World Diabetes Day (14th November) as a collaborative framework integrating domestic and international partnerships.

 What is the ‘PPP plus PPP’ Model?

The model is designed to address diabetes holistically by combining:

1. Domestic Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs):
   • Affordable Insulin Production: Collaborations with pharmaceutical companies to manufacture low-cost recombinant insulin.
   • Awareness Campaigns: Engaging private hospitals and NGOs for large-scale awareness drives and diabetes screenings.
   • Healthcare Infrastructure: Setting up diabetes clinics in rural and semi-urban areas to improve access to care.
2. International Collaborations (PPP):

1. Partnerships with Global Organizations: Working with entities like the WHO and International Diabetes Federation to improve care protocols.
2. Advanced Technologies: Utilizing AI and machine learning for predictive analytics and personalized treatments.
3. Investment in Research: Attracting international funding for research and large-scale diabetes interventions.

Understanding Diabetes Mellitus (DM):

1. What is Diabetes: A chronic metabolic disorder where the body has elevated blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin production or resistance to insulin.
2. Types of Diabetes:
   • Type 1 Diabetes: Autoimmune destruction of insulin-producing cells in the pancreas.
   • Type 2 Diabetes: Commonly linked to obesity and inactivity; the body is insulin-resistant or insufficient in insulin production.
   • Gestational Diabetes: Occurs during pregnancy and usually resolves post-childbirth.
3. Symptoms:

1. Frequent urination
2. Increased thirst
3. Excessive hunger
4. Blurred vision
5. Fatigue

4.Complications:

1. Heart disease
2. Stroke
3. Kidney disease
4. Nerve damage, Retinopathy (eye damage)

Global and Indian Context:

• Global Prevalence: 830 million people worldwide are affected, with a significant portion in low- and middle-income countries.
• India’s Burden: 212 million people in India live with diabetes, highlighting the urgent need for action.
• WHO Target: Halt the rise of diabetes and obesity by 2025.

Insulin’s Role in Diabetes Management:

• Function: Insulin regulates blood sugar by enabling glucose from the bloodstream to enter cells for energy.
• In Diabetes:
  • Type 1: Insufficient insulin production.
  • Type 2: Ineffective response to insulin by the body’s cells.
• Result: High blood sugar levels lead to complications without proper management.

Government Initiatives to Combat Diabetes in India:

1. National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS): Focus on prevention, early detection, and management of diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
2. National Health Mission (NHM): Includes screening, diagnosis, treatment, and lifestyle promotion to prevent diabetes.
3. Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY): Financial coverage for diabetes-related treatments.
4. Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP): Provides affordable generic medicines, including insulin.
5. National Diabetes Control Program: Early detection, treatment, and prevention of diabetes.

Significance of the ‘PPP plus PPP’ Model:

• Enhanced Affordability: Low-cost insulin and treatments for widespread accessibility.
• Improved Access: Rural and semi-urban clinics bridge healthcare gaps.
• Global Expertise: Advanced analytics and investments bolster research and intervention strategies.
• Integrated Approach: Combines domestic efforts and international resources to combat diabetes effectively.

This innovative framework reflects India’s commitment to addressing its diabetes epidemic with a collaborative and comprehensive approach.

3. ‘Raising Ambition and Accelerating Delivery of Climate Finance’ Report

 Context: The report was unveiled at the 29th Conference of the Parties (CoP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). It outlines investment needs and strategies for addressing climate challenges under the Paris Agreement.

Key Findings of the Report:

Global Investment Needs:

• $6.3–6.7 trillion annually is needed globally by 2030 to address climate challenges.
• Emerging markets and developing countries (EMDCs) (excluding China) require $2.3–2.5 trillion annually.

Current Investment Trends:

• Climate finance is primarily concentrated in economies like India and Brazil.
• Non-traditional sources such as the voluntary carbon market, South-South Cooperation, and Special Drawing Rights (SDRs) play an increasingly important role in closing the financing gap.

Opportunities for Developing Nations:

• Declining costs of solar technology provide a unique advantage.
• China’s vast supply chains enhance access to clean energy infrastructure globally.

Recommendations for Climate Finance:

1. Integrated Approach

• Foster collaboration across public, private, and multilateral sectors.
• Develop sector-specific investment plans and co-create project pipelines for effective implementation.

2. Public Funding

• Address debt and fiscal constraints to improve funding availability.
• Enhance domestic resource mobilization using tools like carbon pricing.

3. Private Sector Participation

• Reduce the cost of capital to attract private investments.
• Expand access to concessional financing and leverage the carbon market.

4. Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs)

• MDBs should triple their lending capacity by 2030 to support the new Collective Quantified Goal on Climate Finance (NCQG).

Mechanisms to Facilitate Climate Finance:

1. Global Environment Facility (GEF): Established in 1991, GEF addresses global environmental issues, including climate change.

2. Green Climate Fund (GCF): Set up at COP 16 (Cancún Conference) in 2010, it supports mitigation and adaptation efforts in developing countries.

3. New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG): Under negotiation, NCQG aims to set post-2025 financial targets for supporting developing nations’ climate actions.

Conclusion:

The report underscores the urgency of scaling up climate finance to achieve the goals of the Paris Agreement. With declining technology costs and emerging innovative financial mechanisms, developing nations have a significant opportunity to lead the global climate transition.

Collaboration among governments, private investors, and international organizations is critical to mobilizing resources, enhancing resilience, and achieving sustainable climate act

4. BSNL Launches India’s First Direct-to-Device (D2D) Satellite Connectivity

Context: Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) has launched India’s first Direct-to-Device (D2D) satellite connectivity, a landmark in making satellite communications available to everyday consumers. Previously, such technology was primarily used for military and emergency purposes.

What is Direct-to-Device Satellite Technology?

• Satellites as Space Cell Towers: Unlike traditional mobile connectivity that relies on ground-based towers, D2D technology uses satellites in orbit to transmit signals directly to devices on Earth.
• Non-Terrestrial Network (NTN): This system enables seamless two-way communication between devices and satellites.
• BSNL Technology:
  • Utilizes Viasat’s Geostationary L-band satellites, located 36,000 km above the Earth.
  • Eliminates reliance on terrestrial cell towers, making it ideal for remote coverage.

Global Counterparts:

Other initiatives using D2D technology include AST SpaceMobile, Lynk Global, Constellation Global, and SpaceX-Starlink.

Significance of D2D Satellite Connectivity:

1. Reliable Connectivity: Offers uninterrupted internet access regardless of weather conditions.
2. High-Speed Internet in Remote Areas: Ensures wider coverage, even in areas where cellular or Wi-Fi networks are unavailable.
3. Supporting UPI Payments: Enables digital transactions in rural and underserved regions, bridging the digital divide.
4. Emergency Services: Provides essential communication for SOS messaging and emergency calls, crucial for adventurers, travelers, and during disasters.

Challenges in Implementation:

1. Latency: Reducing delays for real-time applications like voice calls and video streaming is a key challenge.
2. Regulatory Hurdles: Cross-border communications may encounter regulatory issues in multiple jurisdictions.
3. Spectrum Allocation: Ensuring sufficient bandwidth for smooth satellite-to-ground communication.
4. Device Compatibility: Adapting technology for diverse smartphones and operating systems.
5. Propagation Challenges: Overcoming signal loss and interference in varied environmental conditions.

Conclusion:

BSNL’s D2D satellite connectivity initiative is a transformative step toward digital inclusivity in India. By extending high-speed internet and reliable connectivity to remote and underserved areas, it supports critical functions like digital payments, emergency communication, and economic development. However, addressing technological and regulatory challenges is crucial for its widespread adoption and success.

5. Exercise Poorvi Prahar: Enhancing India’s Military Preparedness

Context: The Indian Army, in collaboration with the Navy and Air Force, is conducting Exercise Poorvi Prahar, a high-intensity tri-service military drill in the forward areas of Arunachal Pradesh. This exercise underscores India’s focus on strengthening inter-service coordination and improving operational readiness in strategically significant regions.

Key Highlights of Exercise Poorvi Prahar:

1. Objective and Scope

• Designed to sharpen the combat effectiveness of the Armed Forces in conducting Integrated Joint Operations.
• Aims to tackle the challenges posed by mountainous terrains and ensure seamless inter-service coordination across all domains.

2. Cutting-Edge Technology Integration

• Showcasing Technological Prowess: Features advanced military platforms and systems, reflecting India’s progress in modern warfare technology.
• State-of-the-Art Systems Deployed:
  • Swarm Drones: Enable coordinated operations.
  • First Person View (FPV) Drones: Enhance reconnaissance and tactical planning.
  • Loitering Munitions: Ensure precision strikes, boosting operational flexibility.
• Artificial Intelligence and Satellite Connectivity:
  • Systems powered by AI-driven analytics ensure real-time information sharing and faster decision-making.

3. Empasis on Inter-Service Collaboration

• Development of a Common Operating Picture (COP):
  • A joint control structure optimizes coordination among the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Provides real-time situational awareness, enabling faster response times during operations.
• Integration Across Domains:
  • Ensures smooth multi-domain operations, reinforcing India’s strategic capabilities in land, air, and sea warfare.

Significance of Exercise Poorvi Prahar: 

1. Bolstering National Security

• Enhances India’s ability to deter threats in the North-East region through advanced operational preparedness.

2. Preparing for Future Warfare

• Emphasizes the absorption of next-generation technologies, ensuring readiness for evolving military challenges.

3. Strengthening Joint Operations

• Promotes inter-service coordination, ensuring effective collaboration in high-stakes combat scenarios.

Conclusion:

Exercise Poorvi Prahar is a testament to India’s commitment to modernizing its defence forces and enhancing strategic deterrence capabilities. By leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering seamless inter-service collaboration, the Indian Armed Forces are well-prepared to address emerging challenges and secure the nation’s strategic interests.

6. Punjab and Haryana Dispute Over New Assembly Building in Chandigarh

 Context: The long-standing conflict between Punjab and Haryana over the shared capital, Chandigarh, has reignited due to Haryana’s proposal to build a new Assembly building in the Union Territory.

Background of the Dispute:

1. Chandigarh as Shared Capital:
   • Since the 1966 bifurcation of Punjab under the Punjab Reorganization Act, Chandigarh has served as the shared capital of Punjab and Haryana.
   • It is directly administered by the Central Government as a Union Territory.
2. Recent Development:

1. The Central Government reportedly allocated 10 acres in Chandigarh for Haryana’s Assembly building.
2. Punjab has strongly opposed this decision, asserting its constitutional and historical rights over Chandigarh.
3. Haryana’s Stand: Haryana asserts its legal right to Chandigarh as part of the 1966 bifurcation agreement and has urged Punjab to avoid politicizing the issue.

Chandigarh: A Union Territory with Dual Role

1. Union Territory Governance:
   • Chandigarh is governed under Article 239 of the Indian Constitution, placing it under Central administration.
   • The Governor of Punjab also serves as the Administrator of Chandigarh, linking it administratively to Punjab.
2. Punjab’s Claim:

1. Chandigarh was originally developed as Punjab’s capital after Partition in 1947.
2. Punjab argues its exclusive claim, citing constitutional and historical precedents.
3. Haryana’s Claim:

1. Haryana retains its right to share Chandigarh as per the 1966 agreement.
2. It also operates its legislative and administrative functions from the city.

Associated Issue: Sutlej-Yamuna Link (SYL) Canal Controversy:

1. SYL Canal Overview:
   • The 214-km-long canal is meant to share Ravi and Beas river waters between Punjab and Haryana.
   • Haryana has completed its portion, but Punjab has stalled construction for over three decades.
2. Water Sharing Dispute:

1. Punjab opposes diverting water to Haryana, citing ecological concerns and water scarcity.
2. Haryana seeks its rightful share as agreed during the bifurcation.
3. Legal Framework:
4. While water resources fall under the State List, the Parliament has authority over inter-state rivers under the Union List.

Rivers Involved:

1. Sutlej River:
   • Origin: Lake La’nga, Tibet.
   • Flows through Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, and forms part of the India-Pakistan border.
   • Tributaries: Beas, Ravi, Chenab, Jhelum.
2. Yamuna River:

1. Origin: Yamunotri Glacier, Uttarakhand.
2. Confluence with Ganges at Sangam in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
3. Major Tributaries: Chambal, Sindh, Betwa, Ken.

Conclusion:

The dual disputes over Chandigarh’s administrative control and the SYL canal underscore the complexity of inter-state issues post-bifurcation. Resolution requires:

• Collaborative dialogue between Punjab, Haryana, and the Central Government.
• A balanced approach to address resource sharing, constitutional rights, and administrative needs