Current Affairs 28 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Maritime Disputes in East Asia Intensify
2. World Tourism Day 2024: Celebrating Tourism and Peace
3. Global Support for India’s Fisheries Subsidies Proposals at WTO
4. Resolution of Land Dispute by Mao Council in Manipur
5. Infrasound
6. GlobE Network
7. Jivitputrika Festival

Maritime Disputes in East Asia Intensify

Context:

Maritime East Asia, including the East and South China Seas, has emerged as a critical zone of intensified geopolitical tensions. The region involves several nations disputing territorial claims, notably China’s assertive stance on the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, controlled by Japan, and expansive claims in the South China Sea, impacting Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei, the Philippines, and Indonesia. These disputes pose significant challenges to regional stability and international maritime norms.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Importance of the Seas to China
2. Significance of the Seas
3. China’s Actions in the Region
4. Rising Tensions with the Philippines
5. Regional Responses to China’s Maritime Assertiveness

Importance of the Seas to China

• Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity:
  • China views the East and South China Seas as vital to its sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security.
  • The 2019 Chinese Defence White Paper asserts that the South China Sea islands and Diaoyu Islands are integral parts of Chinese territory.
• National Security:
  • China uses its sovereign right to develop infrastructure and deploy defense mechanisms on the islands and reefs of the South China Sea.
  • It also conducts patrols in the waters around the Diaoyu Islands in the East China Sea, defending what it perceives as its rightful territory.
  • Neighboring countries, however, see these actions as offensive and provocative.

Significance of the Seas

• Maritime Trade:
  • Major maritime trade routes in East Asia pass through the East and South China Seas.
  • The Taiwan Strait is a critical choke point for global maritime trade.
• Undersea Cables:
  • These seas host undersea cables that are vital to the global digital economy.
• Natural Resources:
  • In 2023, 10 billion barrels of petroleum and 6.7 trillion cubic feet of liquefied natural gas passed through the South China Sea, making it a crucial energy transit route.
  • The seas also contain vast reserves of untapped oil and natural gas.

China’s Actions in the Region

• East China Sea:
  • China has aggressively pushed its territorial claims by constructing defense-related infrastructure, including ports, military bases, and artificial islands.
  • China has clashed with Japan over the Senkaku/Diaoyu Islands, resulting in multiple crises, including the arrest of a Chinese fishing boat captain in 2010 and Japan’s nationalization of the islands in 2012.
• South China Sea:
  • The South China Sea is a hotspot for Chinese naval power projection.
  • China’s Coast Guard and maritime militia have been involved in aggressive actions, such as harassing resupply missions, ramming vessels, and using water cannons in what are known as “grey zone” operations designed to change the status quo without initiating war.

Rising Tensions with the Philippines

• Disputes over EEZ:
  • Since 2022, tensions between China and the Philippines have escalated due to incidents in the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • China has repeatedly disrupted resupply missions to the Philippines’ BRP Sierra Madre, a grounded ship in the Second Thomas Shoal, leading to multiple confrontations.
• China’s Tactics:
  • Chinese Coast Guard ships are significantly larger than those of the Philippines, raising the risk of dangerous confrontations.
  • China aims to divide U.S. treaty allies in the region, including the Philippines.

China’s Naval Strategy

• Grey Zone Operations:
  • China uses aggressive but non-warlike tactics to push its claims, including ramming vessels and using military-grade lasers.
  • These operations are designed to avoid war but still alter the geopolitical balance in the region.
• Military Exercises:
  • In July 2024, China conducted joint naval exercises with Russia in the South China Sea, signaling its strength and international support.
• Legal Disputes:
  • Despite a 2016 ruling by the Permanent Court of Arbitration that invalidates China’s claims in the South China Sea, China continues to reject the ruling and assert its territorial ambitions.

Regional Responses to China’s Maritime Assertiveness

Strengthening Defence Capabilities

• Increased Defence Spending:
  • Countries across the Indo-Pacific are boosting their defence budgets in response to China’s growing power. For example, Japan aims to double its defence expenditure by 2027.
  • The Philippines has also been enhancing its defence capabilities, acquiring advanced weapons such as the anti-ship BrahMos missiles from India.

Addressing China’s Activities at Sea

• Philippines’ Pushback:
  • Under President Rodrigo Duterte (2016–2022), the Philippines aimed to reduce tensions with China. However, since 2022, under President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., the Philippines has adopted a more assertive stance, actively pushing back against China’s maritime actions.
  • There has been an increase in the frequency of incidents, as the Philippines has been documenting China’s activities and using social media for public diplomacy.
  • International journalists have been brought along for resupply missions in the West Philippine Sea, contributing to a battle of narratives and shaping global perceptions.

Strengthening Alliances with the U.S.

• Trilateral Cooperation:
  • The Philippines, Japan, and South Korea, as treaty allies of the U.S., are strengthening their defence ties with the U.S. in response to China’s maritime assertiveness.
  • The U.S. and the Philippines have raised their cooperation in the South China Sea to “historic levels,” with enhanced collaboration in areas such as base access, joint training, and exercises.
  • Multilateral cooperation has expanded, particularly with Australia and Japan in what is termed “a complex multilateral maritime cooperative activity” or the ‘Squad’.
• U.S. Commitment:
  • According to U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin, the U.S.’ commitment to Japan’s security is “ironclad” and extends to the Senkaku Islands.
  • In 2024, the Defence Ministers of the U.S., Japan, and South Korea met for the first time to discuss security issues, unanimously opposing any attempts to alter the status quo in the Indo-Pacific.
  • The countries emphasized the importance of international law, including the freedom of navigation and overflight.

Concerns Regarding U.S. Leadership

• Despite bolstering alliances in the Indo-Pacific, concerns remain over the credibility of the U.S. due to its internal domestic issues.
• There is ongoing debate about whether U.S. engagement in East Asia helps balance Chinese power or escalates tensions in the region.

-Source: The Hindu

World Tourism Day 2024: Celebrating Tourism and Peace

Context:

The Ministry of Tourism marked World Tourism Day on September 27th, 2024, under the theme “Tourism and Peace.” This theme emphasizes the role of tourism in fostering global peace through the enhancement of cross-cultural interactions and understanding.

Relevance:

GS III: Inclusive Growth

Dimensions of the Article:

1. The Importance of World Tourism Day:
2. How Tourism Promotes Peace
3. India’s Travel and Tourism Industry: Outlook for the Future
4. Challenges Facing India’s Tourism Sector
5. India’s Tourism Strengths

The Importance of World Tourism Day:

• First Celebrated: In 1980, World Tourism Day was first commemorated by the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). Its purpose is to raise awareness about the societal, cultural, and economic benefits of tourism.
• Historical Significance: The day also marks the adoption of UNWTO’s statutes in 1975, leading to its official establishment five years later.
• Global Advocate: UNWTO promotes tourism as a key driver for economic growth, inclusive development, and environmental sustainability while helping advance global knowledge and tourism policies.
• Membership: UNWTO consists of 160 member nations, 6 associate members, 2 observers, and over 500 affiliate members.
• Location: The UNWTO is based in Madrid, Spain.
• Annual Themes: Each year, the day is celebrated with a theme, emphasizing the pivotal role tourism plays in different parts of the world.
• Host for 2024: In 2024, Georgia will host World Tourism Day, focusing on the theme “Tourism and Peace.”

Linking Tourism to Sustainable Development:

• The day emphasizes the role tourism can play in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in eradicating poverty and promoting sustainable resource management.
• Eco-tourism is highlighted as a key tool for supporting SDG 13 related to climate action.

How Tourism Promotes Peace:

• Cultural Exchange: Tourism fosters understanding and tolerance among different cultures, helping reduce prejudice.
• Economic Impact: Tourism accounts for 10% of global GDP, contributes 7% of global exports, and provides 1 in every 10 jobs globally. By generating jobs and enhancing local economies, tourism helps reduce poverty and inequality, key factors that often fuel conflicts.
• Environmental and Cultural Conservation: Responsible tourism helps conserve natural and cultural heritage, building community pride and mitigating resource-related tensions.
• Governance and Stability: A thriving tourism sector encourages governments to focus on peace-building policies and overall national stability.
• Empowerment and Engagement: The industry helps empower women and engages local communities.
• Tribal Home Stays Initiative: Under India’s Swadesh Darshan Program, the Tribal Home Stays initiative offers alternative livelihoods to tribal communities, tapping into their tourism potential while promoting social equity.
• Post-Conflict Recovery: Tourism can play a crucial role in rebuilding economies and promoting healing in post-conflict nations, as evidenced by Rwanda.
  • Rwanda’s Growth: The country saw its GDP grow by 8.4% in the first three quarters of 2022, following an 11% increase in 2021, driven largely by the revival of tourism, helping restore employment levels.

India’s Travel and Tourism Industry: Outlook for the Future

• Global Ranking: India ranks 39th in the World Economic Forum’s Travel and Tourism Development Index 2024, with its strength derived from its rich natural, cultural, and non-leisure resources, which serve purposes beyond just leisure travel.
• Economic Contribution: According to the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC), India’s tourism sector contributed USD 199.6 billion to its economy in 2022.
• Foreign Direct Investment: The total FDI inflow in the hospitality and tourism sectors reached USD 17.2 billion from April 2000 to March 2024, constituting 2.54% of all FDI across sectors.
• Growth in Domestic Tourism: Domestic Tourist Visits (DTV) in 2023 surged to 250 crore, almost doubling from 128 crore in 2014.
• Growth Projections: The tourism industry in India is projected to expand at an annual rate of 7.1%.
• Vision for the Future: The Indian government aims to generate USD 56 billion in foreign exchange and create 140 million jobs in tourism by 2030, focusing on areas like cruise tourism, ecotourism, and adventure tourism.
• Visitor Spending: Domestic tourist spending grew by 20.4% in 2022, while international tourist spending rose by 81.9%.
• Foreign Tourist Arrivals (FTAs): FTAs reached 9.24 million in 2023, up from 6.43 million in 2022, with the US, Bangladesh, and the UK being the top sources of tourists. FTAs are forecasted to hit 30.5 million by 2028.

Challenges Facing India’s Tourism Sector:

• Safety Concerns: Reports of crime, such as theft and assault, have led to safety concerns, particularly for women travelers, creating a negative perception.
• Security Issues: These safety issues can deter tourists from visiting certain areas, affecting India’s reputation as a tourist-friendly destination.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Many tourist spots, particularly in remote areas like the Northeast, lack critical infrastructure, including reliable air, rail, and road connectivity, limiting accessibility for both domestic and international travelers.
• Lack of Trained Personnel: The tourism sector faces a shortage of trained manpower, including multilingual guides, which affects the quality of services and experiences for international visitors.
• Sustainability Challenges: Unregulated tourism in ecologically sensitive regions like the Himalayas has led to issues such as resource depletion, soil erosion, and habitat destruction, which put strain on local ecosystems.
• Environmental Threats: Iconic tourist sites, like the Taj Mahal, suffer from pollution, and climate change brings additional risks such as natural disasters, further threatening tourism infrastructure and heritage sites

India’s Tourism Strengths

• Cultural and Historical Richness: India is a diverse nation with a rich tapestry of languages, religions, and customs. It is home to renowned UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Taj Mahal, Hampi, and Jaipur’s forts, which draw history and culture enthusiasts.
• Adventure Opportunities in the Himalayas: India encompasses 70% of the Himalayan range, offering ample adventure sports and trekking possibilities.
• Vast Coastline: With a coastline stretching 7,000 km, India offers abundant opportunities for water sports and beach tourism, covering both hot and cold deserts.
• Ecotourism Potential: The country’s extensive forest cover plays a key role in fostering ecotourism.
• Biodiversity Hotspots: India’s rich biodiversity is reflected in its diverse flora and fauna, with well-known national parks such as Jim Corbett and Kaziranga.
• Adventure Tourism Hub: With activities like trekking, river rafting, paragliding, and wildlife safaris, India is becoming a top choice for adventure tourism.
• Affordable Travel Costs: Compared to many Western nations, India offers lower travel costs, making it an attractive option for tourists from various income brackets.
• Warm Hospitality: The Indian tradition of “Atithi Devo Bhava” (Guest is God) ensures that visitors receive warm and welcoming hospitality.
• Engaged Locals: Locals are eager to share their rich cultural heritage, making tourists’ experiences more enriching.
• Culinary Diversity: The country offers a wide variety of culinary experiences, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. India’s famous street food offers authentic flavors for food lovers.
• Improving Infrastructure: India is actively enhancing its tourism infrastructure through expansions in airports, improvements in railways, and developments in highways under projects like Bharatmala.
• Focus on Hospitality and Skill Development: Investments in hospitality and skill development programs aim to raise service standards and meet the needs of increasing tourist numbers.

-Source: The Hindu

Global Support for India’s Fisheries Subsidies Proposals at WTO

Context:

India’s initiative to establish regulations on fisheries subsidies at the World Trade Organization (WTO) has received significant support from numerous developing nations and least developed countries (LDCs). These proposals aim to tackle the issues of overcapacity and overfishing by regulating the subsidies that often exacerbate these problems. Currently, efforts are being made to finalize the second phase of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA), which focuses on promoting sustainable fishing practices. This global collaboration highlights a commitment to more responsible fishing practices that could lead to long-term ecological and economic benefits.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA)
2. India’s Stand on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA)
3. Way Forward

Overview of the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA)

• Prohibition of Subsidies: The agreement restricts subsidies for Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) fishing as well as fishing activities targeting overexploited fish stocks.
• High Seas Fishing Ban: It also bans subsidies for fishing activities on the high seas, which fall outside the territorial waters of coastal nations and the jurisdiction of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations.

Transition Period for Developing Nations

• Special Treatment: Developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs) are granted a two-year transition period under Special and Differential Treatment (S&DT) provisions.
• Exemptions: During this period, these nations are not required to comply with the prohibitions under the agreement. No restrictions apply to providing subsidies for overfished stocks, provided they are used to help rebuild the stocks sustainably.

Exempted Areas and Ongoing Negotiations

• No Restrictions for Non-IUU Activities: There is no prohibition on subsidizing fishing vessels or operators, provided they do not engage in IUU activities.
• Phase Two Discussions: The second phase of negotiations for the agreement is still underway to resolve remaining issues.

Potential Benefits

• Impact on IUU Fishing: It aims to curtail large-scale IUU fishing, which significantly depletes fisheries resources in coastal nations like India, thereby protecting the livelihoods of local fishing communities.

Concerns Surrounding the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement

• Impact on Small Fishermen and Developing Nations:
  • Large-scale commercial fishing operations lead to stock depletion, making it harder for small-scale fishermen to sustain their catches.
• Unequal Subsidies: Large fishing corporations often benefit from substantial government subsidies, which small fishermen do not have access to, creating an uneven competitive field.
• Sustainability Exemption Loophole: The sustainability exemption allows advanced fishing nations with superior monitoring capabilities to continue receiving subsidies, disadvantaging smaller or poorer nations with fewer resources to fish sustainably.
• Global Overfishing Statistics: An estimated 37.7% of global fish stocks are overfished—a significant rise from 10% in 1974—highlighting the urgent need for effective global regulation.
• Subsidies Supporting Overfishing: Approximately USD 35 billion in subsidies is allocated to the fishing sector worldwide, with USD 22 billion of this funding contributing to practices that increase the capacity for unsustainable fishing activities.

India’s Stand on the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement (FSA)

Status of India’s Fisheries Sector

• Global Ranking: India is the third-largest fish producer globally, following China and Indonesia, accounting for 8% of the world’s total fish production.
• Production Figures: In the fiscal year 2022-23, India’s fish production reached approximately 17.54 million metric tons (MMT).
• WTO Submissions: India’s position at the WTO highlights critical gaps in the agreement, particularly concerning the perpetuation of unsustainable fishing practices by large industrial fishing nations.
• Fisheries Subsidies: Despite its large population, India is among the lowest fisheries subsidizers and has demonstrated a disciplined approach to sustainably managing its fisheries resources.
• Advocacy for Fair Practices: India supports the implementation of the “polluter pays principle” and “common but differentiated responsibilities.” This ensures that countries with significant subsidies and large-scale industrial fishing bear greater responsibilities in reducing harmful fishing practices.

Way Forward

• Balanced Approach in Negotiations: India emphasizes the need for a balanced approach at the WTO to address overcapacity and overfishing while protecting the interests of small-scale fishers, especially in developing nations like India.
• Coastal Communities’ Interests: The agreement should prioritize the concerns and needs of coastal communities, ensuring that their voices are central to the decision-making process.
• Opportunity for Growth: India stands to gain from the FSA, particularly in protecting small-scale fishers and local coastal communities that are severely impacted by overfishing.
• Global Leadership Role: India has the chance to lead the Global South by advocating for coastal nations suffering from the negative effects of foreign industrial fishing fleets.
• Commitment to Local Fishermen: India’s stance solidifies its commitment to ensuring the welfare of small-scale fishers and coastal communities that are adversely affected by overfishing and declining fish stocks.

-Source: The Hindu

Resolution of Land Dispute by Mao Council in Manipur

Context:

The Mao Council, the leading tribal authority of the Mao Nagas in Manipur, has officially endorsed the judgment and order issued by the Tenyimia People’s Organisation (TPO) Presidential Council. This acceptance resolves a longstanding traditional land dispute along the Nagaland-Manipur border, marking a significant step towards regional harmony and cooperation between the neighboring states.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

About Mao Nagas

• Indigenous Tribe: Mao Nagas are one of the indigenous tribes in Northeast India.
• Location: They are part of the Naga community and primarily reside in the northern region of Manipur, adjacent to southern Nagaland.

Language

• Their language is known as Mao, which is also the name of the land they inhabit.
• They refer to themselves as Ememei or Memei in their language.

Population and Settlement

• Based on the 2011 provisional census, the population of the Mao Naga community stands at 97,195.
• They live in compact, well-protected villages situated on hilltops and mountain ridges.

Social Structure

• The Mao Naga society follows a patriarchal system where lineage is traced through males.
• Like other Naga communities, they are divided into various clans (referred to as Opfuta), further divided into sub-clans.

Economy

• The Mao Nagas’ economy is agricultural, with rice being their staple food.
• They practice terraced rice cultivation (both dry and wet) passed down through generations.
• Cooperative efforts and mutual exchange systems (barter) play a significant role in their traditional economy.

Religion

• Before adopting Christianity, the Mao Nagas practiced a traditional religion called Opfupe Chüna-Chüno, which is regarded as the religion of their forefathers.
• They believed in a Supreme Being known as Iyi Koki Chüku Kapi Oramei, a benevolent God who protects and nurtures humans.
• Christianity is now the dominant religion among the Mao Nagas.

Festivals

• The Mao Nagas celebrate four major festivals:
  1. Chüthuni
  2. Chüjüni
  3. Saleni
  4. Onuni

-Source: The Hindu

Infrasound

Context:

The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO) is holding a workshop for scientists on using ‘infrasound’ in the coming months.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About Infrasound

• Definition: Infrasound refers to sound waves with very low frequencies, in contrast to more common ultrasound.
• Sources: It can be generated by a variety of phenomena, including:
  • Meteors
  • Storms
  • Auroras
  • Volcanoes
  • Earthquakes
  • Even nuclear explosions.
• Effects: Infrasonic waves can create minute changes in atmospheric pressure, which can be detected by instruments such as microbarometers.
• Travel Distance: These low-frequency sounds can travel over vast distances without significant loss of energy, making them effective for detecting distant nuclear explosions.
• Global Monitoring: The CTBTO’s International Monitoring System (IMS) uses infrasound to detect nuclear activities. It is the only global monitoring network of its kind, and when complete, it will consist of 60 array stations in 35 countries.

Applications of Infrasound

• Structural Monitoring:
  • Infrasound is employed to assess the structural health of buildings, dams, or bridges. It can detect internal stress, cracks, and defects in dense materials.
• Aerospace:
  • In the aerospace sector, low-frequency sound waves can provide data on rocket stress and aerodynamic instabilities during rocket launches or flight.
• Mining:
  • In mining, infrasound is useful for determining the integrity of mine shafts and assessing the success of dynamite blasts.
• Wildlife Tracking:
  • It has been used in wildlife tracking, particularly for monitoring the movements of animals such as whales.

-Source: Indian Express

GlobE Network

Context:

Recently, India was elected to the GlobE Network’s Steering Committee during the plenary session held in Beijing.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About GloBE Network:

• The Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GloBE Network).
• Initiative: An initiative of the G-20.
• Launch Date: Officially launched on June 3, 2021, at the UN General Assembly Special Session against Corruption.
• Membership:
  • Currently, 121 member countries are part of this network (including India), with 219 member authorities.
  • It provides a platform for countries to share best practices, criminal intelligence, and strategies to combat corruption.
• Steering Committee: Composed of:
  • One chair
  • One vice-chair
  • 13 members who guide the organization’s direction.
• India’s Involvement:
  • Key Indian agencies such as the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) are part of this network.
  • The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) acts as India’s central authority for the GloBE Network.
• Governing Body:
  • The Network is governed by its members and is supported by the United Nations Office against Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which provides secretariat services.
• India’s G-20 Presidency (2023):
  • During India’s presidency, two high-level principles for combating corruption were adopted, which emphasized leveraging the GloBE Network for these efforts.

-Source: The Hindu

Jivitputrika Festival

Context:

At least 46 people, including 37 children, drowned while taking holy dip in rivers and ponds in several Bihar districts during the ‘Jivitputrika’ festival, officials said recently.

Relevance:

GS I: Festivals

About Jivitputrika Festival

• Jivitputrika (Jitiya Vrat) is a Hindu festival predominantly celebrated in the northern and eastern regions of India, including Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand, and parts of Nepal.
• It is a festival where mothers observe fasting to pray for the health, longevity, and prosperity of their children.
• The festival spans three days, with the key ritual being a strict ‘nirjala’ fast, meaning that no water is consumed throughout the fast.
• The fast is a display of a mother’s devotion and love, done with the belief that it will bring divine blessings upon her children.
• The festival has its origins in Hindu mythology, specifically commemorating the story of King Jimutavahana, who sacrificed himself for the welfare of others.
• The festival begins with the ritual called Nahai-Khai, where mothers take a purifying bath and have a nourishing meal.
• The second day is marked by the intense fasting ritual, and the festival concludes on the third day with Paaran, where the fast is broken with a meal.

-Source: Indian Express