21 November 2024 Daily Current Affairs

1. G20 Summit in Rio: Key Discussions on Trade, Climate, and Global Inclusion

 Context: The G20 Summit commenced at Rio de Janeiro’s Modern Art Museum, hosted by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. Key leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, US President Joe Biden, and China’s Xi Jinping, are addressing pressing global issues such as trade policies, climate action, and international security.

Prime Minister Modi also delivered a speech during the opening session on ‘Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty.’

About G20:

Overview:

The Group of 20 (G20), established in 1999, is a global forum comprising finance ministers and central bank governors from 19 countries and the European Union (EU).

• Elevated to Summit-Level: In 2008, the G20 became a forum for Heads of State/Government to address the global financial crisis.
• Role: Though it is not a legislative body, its agreements influence global policies on trade, development, and finance.

Members of G20:

• Countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
• Special Invitees: Organizations like the United Nations and the World Bank, along with guest nations, participate in the summit.

Aims/Objectives of G20:

1. Economic Stability: Foster global economic growth and financial stability.
2. Sustainable Development: Tackle climate change and promote inclusive development.
3. Crisis Management: Address global crises like financial instability and pandemics.
4. Global Collaboration: Strengthen multilateral cooperation on trade and innovation.
5. Inclusivity: Advocate for the needs of both advanced and emerging economies, particularly the Global South.

Achievements of G20:

• 2008 Financial Crisis: Prevented a deeper recession through coordinated responses.
• Paris Agreement (2015): Built consensus on climate change goals.
• COVID-19 Response: Launched the Debt Service Suspension Initiative (DSSI) and allocated $5 trillion to mitigate the pandemic’s economic impact.
• Digital Transformation (2023): India’s G20 presidency emphasized building digital public infrastructure to address the global digital divide.

Key Highlights of PM Modi’s Speech at G20 Summit:

Focus on SDGs:

• Acknowledged Brazil’s emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and concerns of the Global South.
• Highlighted continuity with India’s G20 theme: “One Earth, One Family, One Future.”

India’s Achievements in Poverty Alleviation and Food Security:

• 250 million people lifted out of poverty in the past decade.
• 800 million citizens receive free foodgrains under welfare schemes.
• 550 million individuals benefit from the world’s largest health insurance program.
• Advocated for a balanced approach of ‘Back to Basics and March to the Future.’

Global Contributions and Collaboration:

• Extended food security assistance to Africa and provided humanitarian aid to countries like Malawi, Zambia, and Zimbabwe.
• Welcomed Brazil’s proposal for a Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty.

Support for the Global South:Emphasized prioritizing food, fuel, and fertilizer security for developing nations impacted by global conflicts.

Women-Led Development and Nutrition: Highlighted initiatives fostering women-led development and nutrition security.

G20 Summit in Rio: Highlights

Contentious Ukraine War Discussions:

• Challenges in Joint Statement: Differences over the Ukraine war stalled consensus.
  • European leaders sought tougher language following recent Russian airstrikes.
  • The US announced lifting restrictions on Ukraine’s use of US-made weapons for strikes within Russia.

Brazil’s G20 Agenda:

• Brazil’s agenda focuses on:
  • Sustainable Development.
  • Taxing the super-rich to reduce inequality.
  • Reforming global financial institutions.

Climate and Energy Commitments:

• US Contributions:
  • Pledged funds to the World Bank’s International Development Association.
  • Launched a clean energy partnership with Brazil.
• China’s Initiatives:
  • Promoted the Belt & Road Initiative, though Brazil has opted not to join.

Trade Tensions:

• Fear of an escalating US-China trade war due to potential new tariffs.
• Efforts to introduce a tax on the super-rich met resistance, notably from Argentina.

Conclusion: The G20 Summit in Rio underscores the importance of global cooperation in addressing pressing challenges such as economic stability, climate change, and social inclusion. While differences over issues like the Ukraine war persist, collaborative efforts in trade, sustainable development, and poverty alleviation remain central to the summit’s agenda.

2. Should Fossil Fuels Be Regulated Like Nuclear Weapons?

Context: A growing coalition of governments and civil society organizations is advocating for a Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT). This treaty aims to phase out fossil fuels and ensure a just transition to renewable energy.

What is the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT)?

About the FF-NPT

• Launched in 2019, the FF-NPT builds on a concept first proposed in 2016.
• It proposes a legally binding framework to:
  • End fossil fuel extraction.
  • Gradually phase out existing production.
  • Promote a just transition to renewable energy sources.

Objective

Inspired by nuclear disarmament treaties, the FF-NPT addresses the escalating climate crisis by curbing fossil fuel production while ensuring equitable energy access worldwide.

Origins and Evolution:

• The treaty was conceptualized alongside the signing of the Paris Agreement in 2015.
• Endorsements include:
  • Former UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon.
  • Indigenous communities and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Recent Developments:

• COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan: Discussions expanded as 10 additional countries joined talks on the FF-NPT.
• Endorsed by 13 Pacific Island States, including Vanuatu and Tuvalu, and major fossil-fuel-producing nations like Colombia.
• Backed by financial institutions, including 25 members of the Global Alliance for Banking on Values.

Need and Significance of the FF-NPT:

1. Limitations of the Paris Agreement:
   • While significant, it does not directly regulate fossil fuel production.
2. Escalating Emissions:

1. Fossil fuel emissions in 2024 are projected to be 8% higher than in 2015.
2. Rising emissions are incompatible with the goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
3. Dire Warnings:

1. 2024 is predicted to be the hottest year on record.
2. Current policies could lead to 3°C warming, risking catastrophic outcomes for humanity.

Significance: The treaty complements the Paris Agreement by

• Supporting initiatives like the New Collective Quantified Goal to fund climate actions post-2025.
• Strengthening Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and Just Transition Work Programmes.

Understanding the FF-NPT Framework and Challenges:

Framework: 3 Core Pillars

1. Non-Proliferation: Stop the expansion of coal, oil, and gas production through international collaboration.
2. Fair Phase-Out: Wealthier, historically high-emission nations take the lead in reducing existing production.
3. Just Transition: Accelerate the adoption of renewable energy while ensuring no community, worker, or nation is left behind.

Challenges:

• Financial Hurdles: Developing nations lack resources to transition away from fossil fuels or manage climate change impacts.
• Global Cooperation: Ensuring equitable contributions from wealthier nations remains a contentious issue.

India’s Position and Way Ahead for FF-NPT:

India’s Position:

• While not a signatory, India is a major stakeholder in the global fossil fuel narrative: Emissions are projected to rise by 4.6% in 2024 (Global Carbon Project).
• Advocates suggest India could leverage the treaty to secure equitable outcomes for its energy transition needs.

Way Ahead:

1. Align the FF-NPT with the Paris Agreement’s goals to foster synergy between the two frameworks.
2. Mobilize funding mechanisms like the New Collective Quantified Goal to aid developing nations.

Conclusion:

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty (FF-NPT) presents a bold vision for addressing the climate crisis by regulating fossil fuel production akin to nuclear disarmament.

With increasing endorsements from governments, financial institutions, and vulnerable nations, the treaty highlights the need for:

• Global cooperation.
• Equitable solutions to balance development and sustainability.

However, significant financial and political challenges must be addressed to transform this vision into a legally binding reality.

3. World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): Ensuring Fair Play in Sports

Context: India is set to host a 4-day Global Learning and Development Framework (GLDF) Results Management Training in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) in New Delhi, showcasing its commitment to promoting clean sports.

What is the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)?

About WADA:

• Established in 1999, WADA is an international independent agency dedicated to fostering a global movement for doping-free sports.
• Its governance and funding are rooted in an equal partnership between the sports movement and governments worldwide.
• The agency’s mission is to develop, harmonize, and coordinate anti-doping rules and policies across all sports and countries.

Key Activities: WADA is involved in

• Scientific Research to advance anti-doping measures.
• Education to promote awareness about doping.
• Building anti-doping capacities globally.
• Monitoring the World Anti-Doping Code (Code), which unifies anti-doping regulations across sports and nations.

Formation of WADA:

Background

• In the summer of 1998, the cycling world faced a major doping scandal, prompting action.
• The International Olympic Committee (IOC) convened the First World Conference on Doping in Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, from February 2–4, 1999.
• This conference resulted in the Lausanne Declaration on Doping in Sport, calling for an independent international anti-doping agency.

Establishment:

• On November 10, 1999, WADA was founded in Lausanne, Switzerland, as a Swiss private law, not-for-profit foundation.
• It became operational for the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games to promote and coordinate anti-doping efforts internationally.

Location:

• Headquarters: Montreal, Canada.
• Official Seat: Lausanne, Switzerland.

Governance Structure:

Foundation Board:

• The 42-member Foundation Board is WADA’s highest policy-making body.
• It comprises:
  • Representatives from the Olympic Movement (e.g., the IOC, National Olympic Committees, International Sports Federations, and athletes).
  • Representatives from governments of all five continents.

Executive Committee

• The 16-member Executive Committee (ExCo) manages the day-to-day operations of the agency.
• It oversees all WADA activities and the administration of its assets, as delegated by the Foundation Board.

WADA remains a cornerstone of fair play, ensuring athletes compete on a level playing field while promoting the integrity of sports globally.

4. Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan: Enhancing Disaster Response Capabilities

Context: The Indian Army recently conducted Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 on November 18-19, 2024, at Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat. This annual exercise focuses on enhancing disaster response coordination through multilateral collaboration.

What is Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan?

Introduction:

• Sanyukt Vimochan is a multilateral annual joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise.
• It is organized by the Konark Corps of the Southern Command of the Indian Army.
• The 2024 edition took place in Ahmedabad and Porbandar, focusing on managing disasters in coastal regions.

Key Events of Sanyukt Vimochan 2024:

Tabletop Exercise in Ahmedabad:

• The inaugural session featured a Tabletop Exercise themed around a simulated Cyclone in the Coastal Region of Gujarat.
• Attendees included representatives from:
  • National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
  • Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA).
  • Meteorological Department.
  • FICCI, alongside officials from the Indian Armed Forces.
• The focus was on identifying gaps in interagency coordination and strengthening disaster response strategies.

Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration in Porbandar:

• Held at Chowpatty Beach on November 19, 2024, this demonstration showcased collaborative disaster management in a simulated cyclone scenario.
• Participating agencies included:
  • Indian Army, Navy, Air Force, and Coast Guard.
  • National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
  • Various Central and State agencies.
• Key activities involved rapid logistics, effective response planning, and execution of coordinated disaster management strategies.

International Collaboration:

• 15 senior officials and representatives from nine friendly foreign countries, including nations from the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), Indian Ocean Region (IOR), and Southeast Asia, participated in the exercise.

Significance of Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan:

• Enhancing National Response: Strengthened India’s capacity to manage natural disasters efficiently.
• Promoting Global Dialogue: Contributed to international cooperation and shared best practices in Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR).
• Building Interagency Collaboration: Improved synergy among military and civilian agencies to ensure swift, coordinated disaster responses.

Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan 2024 underscored India’s commitment to preparedness, resilience, and global collaboration in managing humanitarian crises effectively.

5. India’s 56th Tiger Reserve: Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla in Chhattisgarh

Context:  In a significant move for wildlife conservation, the Indian government has officially notified the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh as the country’s 56th Tiger Reserve. This newly established reserve is set to become the third-largest tiger reserve in India.

Key Features of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve:

• Geographical Spread: The reserve spans several districts in Chhattisgarh, including Manendragarh-Chirmiri-Bharatpur, Korea, Surajpur, and Balrampur.
• Total Area: Encompassing a vast 2,829.38 sq. km, the reserve includes:
  • Core Tiger Habitat: 2,049.2 sq. km (Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary).
  • Buffer Zone: 780.15 sq. km.
• Ecological Connectivity: The reserve is part of an expansive landscape complex of nearly 4,500 sq. km, connected to the Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, and further linked to the Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in the west and Palamau Tiger Reserve in the east.

Historic Approval and Notification:

• The National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) granted final approval for the notification of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in October 2021. It was officially notified by the Government of Chhattisgarh, marking a crucial step in enhancing tiger conservation efforts in the region.
• Union Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, celebrated the milestone on X (formerly Twitter), stating: “Let the roars get louder! As India continues to touch new milestones in tiger conservation, we have notified Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla as the 56th tiger reserve.”

Biodiversity and Conservation Significance:

• Diverse Ecosystems: Located across the Chota Nagpur Plateau and the Baghelkhand Plateau, the reserve boasts a range of terrains including dense forests, streams, and rivers—essential habitats for the Bengal tiger and other species.
• Rich Biodiversity: The Zoological Survey of India has documented 753 species within the reserve, including:
  • 365 invertebrates (mainly insects).
  • 388 vertebrates, including 230 bird species and 55 mammal species, many of which are threatened.
• The reserve forms a critical habitat for the Bengal tiger and many other endangered species, making it an essential addition to India’s growing network of tiger reserves.

India’s Tiger Reserve Legacy:

India has made remarkable strides in tiger conservation through its Project Tiger initiative, which began in 1973. Here is a glimpse into the history of India’s tiger reserves:

• First Tiger Reserve: The first-ever tiger reserve, Jim Corbett Tiger Reserve, was established in Uttarakhand in 1973 as part of Project Tiger.
• Expansion of Tiger Reserves: Over the decades, the network of tiger reserves expanded significantly. India now boasts 56 tiger reserves, a vital part of the country’s conservation efforts for the Bengal tiger.
• Project Tiger: This initiative has played a pivotal role in the increase of tiger populations in the country, and today, India is home to nearly 70% of the world’s tiger population.

The addition of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve is a significant step towards ensuring a sustainable future for India’s wildlife, particularly tigers. The reserve will help further strengthen the tiger corridors and promote biodiversity conservation in the region.

Chhattisgarh’s Role in Tiger Conservation:

Boost to Conservation Efforts: With the addition of Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla, Chhattisgarh now hosts four tiger reserves, reinforcing the state’s commitment to tiger protection under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) and the Project Tiger initiative. 

6. Italy-India Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029: Strengthening Bilateral Ties

 Context: India and Italy unveiled a five-year Joint Strategic Action Plan that outlines an ambitious vision for their collaboration across key sectors such as defense, energy, trade, and technology. This plan is designed to deepen the bilateral partnership and create new opportunities for both nations in various strategic domains.

Key Highlights of the Joint Strategic Action Plan:

1. Economic Cooperation: A Focus on Growth and Sustainability

• Trade & Investment: Both countries have agreed to enhance cooperation in sectors like green technologies and pharmaceuticals. The Joint Commission for Economic Cooperation will drive this initiative, alongside a Working Group on Food Processing to boost trade in these critical industries.

2. Connectivity: Strengthening Global Trade Links

• India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEEC): A significant highlight of the plan, IMEEC aims to improve connectivity and trade between India, the Middle East, and Europe, positioning the two countries at the center of a transformative economic corridor.

3. Science and Technology: Advancing Innovation Together

• AI and Digitalization: India and Italy have committed to expanding cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI), digitalization, and other critical technologies. The 2025-2027 Executive Programme for Scientific & Technological Cooperation will lay the groundwork for this collaboration.
• Innovation & Incubation: A new Indo-Italian Innovation and Incubation Exchange Program has been introduced to foster greater academic and industrial partnerships, driving forward research and innovation.

4. Energy Transition: A Joint Commitment to Sustainability

• Tech Summits and Alliances: Both countries have agreed to organize Tech Summits and strengthen their alliances with global initiatives such as the Global Biofuels Alliance and the International Solar Alliance. This will further their shared commitment to clean energy and sustainable development.

5. Defense Cooperation: Enhancing Strategic Partnerships

• Defense Consultations: India and Italy will hold annual Joint Defense Consultative (JDC) meetings and Joint Staff Talks (JST) to improve coordination in defense matters.
• Defense Industrial Cooperation: A Defense Industrial Roadmap will be developed to foster collaboration in defense manufacturing, enhancing self-reliance and strategic capabilities.

A Look at India-Italy Bilateral Relations:

Political Ties: Long-standing Diplomatic Partnership:

• Diplomatic relations between India and Italy were officially established in 1947, setting the stage for deepening political and economic cooperation over the decades.

Economic Engagement: A Strong Trade Partnership:

• Italy is India’s 4th largest trading partner in the European Union. Bilateral trade reached over US$ 14.253 billion in the 2022-23 period, with the balance of trade favoring India, further underscoring the robust economic ties between the two nations.

Indian Diaspora in Italy: A Vital Link:

• The Indian diaspora in Italy is estimated to be around 2 lakh people, playing a key role in strengthening people-to-people connections and contributing to both countries’ cultural and economic landscapes.

Migration and Mobility: A New Agreement:

• A Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement was signed in 2023 between India and Italy to promote safe and legal migration, facilitating the movement of individuals between the two nations while ensuring their protection and rights.

Conclusion: A Future of Collaborative Growth

The Joint Strategic Action Plan 2025-2029 represents a significant leap in India-Italy relations, setting the stage for closer collaboration across multiple sectors. By focusing on economic growth, energy transition, technological advancements, and defense cooperation, both nations are poised to build a more sustainable and prosperous future together. This partnership is a clear reflection of the evolving global dynamics, where India and Italy continue to play pivotal roles in fostering international cooperation and growth.