Current Affairs 30 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. Strategic Defense Agreements Between India and the U.S.
2. India’s Natural Rubber Shortage: Production Falls Short by 550,000 Tonnes
3. Himachal Pradesh Raises Minimum Marriage Age for Women to 21
4. Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program
5. Leptospirosis
6. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme
7. Qutb Shahi Tomb Complex

Strategic Defense Agreements Between India and the U.S.

Context:

India and the United States have recently solidified their defense cooperation by signing two significant agreements. The first is a non-binding Security of Supply Arrangement (SOSA), and the second is a Memorandum of Agreement for the Assignment of Liaison Officers. These pacts aim to enhance mutual support and streamline defense operations between the two nations.

Relevance:

GS II: International Relations

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA)
2. Memorandum of Understanding on Liaison Officers
3. Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement
4. Differences between SOSA and RDP
5. Evolution of India-US Relations
6. Challenges to India-US Relations

Security of Supplies Arrangement (SOSA)

• SOSA is an agreement between the US and India to prioritize each other’s goods and services for national defense, ensuring supply chain resilience during emergencies.
• It facilitates expedited deliveries between US defense contractors and India, based on mutual goodwill rather than legally binding commitments.
• The agreement is supported by the US’s Defense Priorities and Allocations System (DPAS), managed by the Department of Defense (DoD) and the Department of Commerce (DOC).

Memorandum of Understanding on Liaison Officers

• To enhance information-sharing between India and the US by establishing a system of Liaison Officers.
• Begins with India deploying an officer to the US Special Operations Command in Florida.
• Builds on previous defense cooperation agreements from 2013 and 2015, aiming to strengthen bilateral defense ties.

Reciprocal Defence Procurement (RDP) Agreement

• Currently under discussion and yet to be finalized.
• Designed to enhance the rationalization, standardization, interchangeability, and interoperability of defense equipment between the US, India, and other allied nations.
• Allows US companies to bypass certain procurement restrictions under India’s “Make in India” initiative, which could lead to establishing manufacturing bases in India and fostering closer collaboration with local firms.

Differences between SOSA and RDP

• SOSA: Focuses on maintaining the defense supply chain during crises without creating legally binding obligations.
• RDP: Aims to establish a legally binding framework that prioritizes defense orders to facilitate greater joint production and technological collaboration between the participating countries.

Evolution of India-US Relations:

• Cold War Era: India followed a non-alignment policy, whereas Pakistan was aligned with the US.
• Post-Cold War and Economic Liberalization: Relations improved significantly in the 1990s following India’s economic liberalization.
• Strategic Partnerships and Agreements: Key milestones include President Clinton’s visit in 2000, the Next Steps in Strategic Partnership in 2004, and the 2008 Civil Nuclear Agreement, which recognized India as a responsible nuclear power.
• Broadening Cooperation: Bilateral trade reached USD 118.28 billion in 2023-24. Collaborations have expanded into clean energy, digital economy, healthcare, AI, quantum computing, and 5G technologies.
• Space and Strategic Initiatives: Initiatives like the Artemis Accords and participation in the US Indo-Pacific strategy emphasize strategic cooperation.
• Geopolitical Alignment: The rise of China as a common strategic challenge has brought India and the US closer.

Challenges to India-US Relations:

• Domestic Policies and Human Rights: US concerns regarding the treatment of minorities in India, particularly in light of the Citizenship Amendment Act and the changes in Jammu and Kashmir’s status.
• Divergent Approaches to China: While both nations view China as a strategic threat, economic ties between India and China present conflicts of interest with the US.
• Trade Disputes and Protectionism: Ongoing disputes over trade, market access, and intellectual property rights hinder the achievement of a comprehensive trade deal.
• Historical Non-alignment Legacy: India’s historical tilt towards the Soviet Union during the Cold War still affects bilateral perceptions.
• Balancing Relations with Russia: India’s relationship with Russia, especially evident during the Russia-Ukraine conflict, poses a challenge in aligning fully with US geopolitical stances.

-Source: The Hindu

India’s Natural Rubber Shortage: Production Falls Short by 550,000 Tonnes

Context:

India is currently facing a substantial deficit in natural rubber production, which falls short of meeting the demand by about 550,000 tonnes.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Fundamental Insights About Rubber
2. Shortages and Challenges in Indian Rubber Industry
3. National Rubber Policy 2019
4. Strategies to Boost Rubber Production in India

Fundamental Insights About Rubber

• Rubber is a flexible material that changes shape under pressure but quickly returns to its original form once the pressure is removed.
• Rubber can be either natural, derived from latex found in certain plants, or synthetic, created through industrial processes using polymers like isoprene.

Natural and Synthetic Rubber

• Sources of Natural Rubber: Primarily obtained from the latex of rubber trees, it includes compounds such as proteins and alkaloids.
• Synthetic Rubber Creation: Manufactured through various chemical synthesis methods.

Rubber Production and Consumption in India

• Status: India ranks as the third-highest producer and fourth-largest consumer of natural rubber globally.
• Leading Producers: Kerala tops the production in India, followed by Tripura.

International Trade Dynamics

• Exports: During 2022-23, India exported 3,700 tonnes of natural rubber, mainly to the USA, Germany, UAE, UK, and Bangladesh.
• Imports: Significant imports of 528,677 tonnes were recorded, coming from countries like Indonesia, Thailand, China, South Korea, and Japan.

Growth Conditions for Natural Rubber

• Thrives in a tropical climate with temperatures between 20°-35°C.
• Best grown in loamy or laterite soils with excellent drainage, needing over 200 cm of rainfall annually.
• Production is labor-intensive, requiring a substantial workforce.

Shortages and Challenges in Indian Rubber Industry

• Production vs. Consumption: Despite a slight increase in production, consumption outpaces supply significantly.
• Industrial Usage: 70% of natural rubber is used by the tyre industry, stressing the supply further.
• Dependence on Imports: High reliance on imports due to inadequate domestic production, with major imports coming from Vietnam and Indonesia.
• Customs and Taxation: Imported natural rubber faces a 25% customs duty or Rs 30 per kg, with latex products for medical use attracting much lower duties, leading to an inverted duty structure.
• Supply Disruptions: Political and environmental issues in supplier countries like Bangladesh and local monsoon patterns significantly affect supply stability.

National Rubber Policy 2019

• Introduced by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry in 2019.
• Foundation of the Policy: Developed from both short-term and long-term strategies created by a dedicated Task Force to address challenges in the rubber sector.
• Main Elements: The policy encompasses initiatives for new plantations, support for rubber growers, enhancing processing and marketing, addressing labor shortages, and promoting both local and international trade. It also focuses on integrated efforts across different government levels, research initiatives, and considerations related to climate change and the carbon market.
• Execution: Managed by the Rubber Board under the Sustainable and Inclusive Development of Natural Rubber Sector framework, spanning from 2017-2018 to 2019-2020.
• Development Actions: Includes financial and technical support for planting, distribution of high-quality planting materials, establishment of support forums for growers, and comprehensive training and skill development programs.

Strategies to Boost Rubber Production in India

• Support Enhancement: Amplifying subsidies and financial aid for new plantings and replanting efforts.
• Training Improvement: Expanding educational programs to enhance cultivation methods and overall productivity.
• Research Investment: Increasing investment in research for developing high-yield and disease-resistant rubber strains, supported by government-backed institutions.
• Public-Private Partnerships: Encouraging cooperative investments between governmental bodies and the private sector for the development of rubber plantations and processing facilities.

-Source: Times of India

Himachal Pradesh Raises Minimum Marriage Age for Women to 21

Context:

The Himachal Pradesh Assembly recently approved an amendment to the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act through the Prohibition of Child Marriage (Himachal Pradesh Amendment) Bill, 2024. This amendment increases the legal minimum age for marriage of women from 18 to 21 years, aligning it with the existing law enacted by Parliament in 2006.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Himachal Pradesh’s Legislation to Increase Marriage Age
2. Debate on Raising Marriage Age for Girls in India
3. Challenges and Constitutional Implications

Himachal Pradesh’s Legislation to Increase Marriage Age

Key Aspects of the Himachal Pradesh Bill

• The bill modifies the existing Prohibition of Child Marriage Act by setting the minimum marriage age at 21 for both genders, removing any prior age distinctions.
• Defines individuals under 21 as children, which supersedes any other legal or traditional practices allowing earlier marriages.
• It expands the period during which an individual can file for annulment of a child marriage to five years after reaching adulthood, effectively allowing until the age of 23 for such actions.

Legislative Process and Constitutional Considerations

• Bill’s Objective: Aims to amend the national child marriage laws by setting a new standard age for marriage at 21, which currently contradicts the federal mandate of 18.
• Jurisdiction: As marriage falls under the Concurrent List, the legislation requires collaborative governance from both state and central authorities.
• Legal Hierarchy and Approval: In cases where state legislation conflicts with central laws, the state law is invalidated unless ratified by presidential consent per Articles 254(1) and 254(2) of the Constitution.
• Presidential Review: The bill, mirroring the procedural requirements seen in other significant legislative reforms like the Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code, must be forwarded to the President through the Governor of Himachal Pradesh for final approval.

Debate on Raising Marriage Age for Girls in India

Reasons for Raising the Marriage Age

• Educational and Career Benefits: Increasing the marriage age to 21 allows girls to complete their education and enhance career prospects.
• Health and Maturity: Older marriage age leads to safer pregnancies and better maternal health, as it allows women to reach physical and emotional maturity.
• Financial Independence: Delaying marriage provides women more time to develop essential skills and gain financial independence.
• Social and Emotional Readiness: Older marriage age prepares women better emotionally and economically.
• Reduction in Child Marriages: Aims to mitigate social issues like child marriage prevalent in parts of India, which often leads to domestic violence and educational deficits.
• Workforce Participation: Higher marriage age could potentially boost women’s participation in the workforce, promoting economic development.

Challenges and Constitutional Implications

• Age Discrepancy: The proposal aligns the marriage age for females with males at 21, conflicting with the legal majority age of 18, which might affect the rights and responsibilities of young adults.
• Legal Inconsistencies: There are inconsistencies with Supreme Court judgments affirming the right to marry as part of the right to life, raising questions about the appropriateness of the new age restriction between 18 and 21 years.
• Fundamental Rights Considerations: Any law restricting fundamental rights must have a justified public purpose, be directly connected to this purpose, and be the least restrictive means to achieve the intended goal.
• Implementation Challenges: Past efforts to curb underage marriages have seen limited success, questioning the effectiveness of raising the marriage age in combating child marriages.

-Source: Indian express

Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program

Context:

Auto manufacturers have agreed to offer discounts on commercial and passenger vehicles against a scrappage certificate of an old vehicle for a limited period of time. This scrappage discount will replace the discount customers were getting for exchanging their vehicles from car dealers.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP)
2. Incentives Provided Under V-VMP
3. Disincentives Provided Under V-VMP

Voluntary Vehicle-Fleet Modernization Program (V-VMP)

• The V-VMP aims to remove old and unfit vehicles from Indian roads by preventing their re-registration after they reach a certain age—20 years for cars and 15 years for commercial vehicles.

Recent Developments in V-VMP:

• Incentives for Vehicle Replacement: Automakers are offering discounts between 1.5% and 3%, or up to Rs 25,000, to encourage vehicle owners to scrap old vehicles and purchase new ones.
• Support from Commercial and Passenger Vehicle Sectors: There are incentives from commercial vehicle manufacturers for two years and from passenger vehicle manufacturers for one year, backed by a scrappage certificate.

Implementation Details:

• State Government Participation: Various state governments are actively involved, offering up to 30% discounts on road tax for vehicles that are bought as replacements for scrapped ones.
• Fitness Tests and Vehicle Scrapping:
  • Private vehicles require a fitness test after 15 years; if passed, registration can be renewed for another five years.
  • Commercial vehicles such as buses and trucks have different testing frequencies based on their age, with mandatory scrapping after 15 years of service.
  • Government vehicles over 15 years old are also mandated to be scrapped.
  • Vintage vehicles are exempt from this policy due to their infrequent use and maintenance status.

Benefits of the V-VMP:

• Environmental Impact: Estimated to reduce pollution significantly by scrapping approximately one crore vehicles, leading to a 15-20% reduction in vehicular emissions.
• Boost to Auto Industry: Expected to increase demand for newer, safer, and technologically advanced vehicles.
• Recycling and Economic Growth: The policy is likely to energize the recycling industry, creating jobs and enhancing waste and recycling management research and development.
• Safety and Efficiency Improvements: Promotes road and passenger safety and enhances fuel efficiency, particularly noting a 25% reduction in NOx emissions from upgraded BS VI compliant petrol engines.

Incentives Provided Under V-VMP

• Scrap Value Offer: The scrapping centers provide a scrap value approximately equal to 4-6% of the ex-showroom price of a new vehicle, encouraging owners to scrap old vehicles in exchange for a new purchase.
• Manufacturer Discounts: Auto manufacturers offer a 5% discount to consumers who show scrappage certificates when purchasing a new vehicle.
• Tax Concessions:
  • Up to 25% tax concession on motor vehicle taxes for non-transport vehicles.
  • Up to 15% tax concession for transport vehicles.
• Waiver of Registration Fees: New vehicle purchases following a scrappage will have registration fees waived, reducing overall costs.

Disincentives Provided Under V-VMP

• Increased Fees for Older Vehicles:
  • Commercial vehicles older than 15 years face higher charges for fitness tests and fitness certificates.
  • Private vehicles older than 15 years incur higher registration renewal fees.
• Green Cess: An environmental tax ranging from 10-15% is levied on older vehicles, aimed at discouraging the continued use of environmentally harmful vehicles.

-Source: The Hindu

Leptospirosis

Context:

In Kerala, the threat from the Nipah virus has recently subsided after a critical 42-day observation period without any new cases. However, the relief was short-lived as an outbreak of Leptospirosis, often referred to as “rat fever,” has emerged. This bacterial infection poses a new public health challenge, especially following the monsoon season, highlighting ongoing health management struggles in the region.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis:

• The disease is caused by pathogenic bacteria from the genus Leptospira, which are transmitted zoonotically from animals to humans.

Transmission and Reservoirs:

• Animal Reservoirs: Key carriers include rodents, cattle, pigs, and dogs, harboring the bacteria primarily in their kidneys and genital areas.
• Modes of Transmission: Human infection occurs via direct contact with infected animal urine or through environments contaminated with such urine (water, soil, or food).

Symptoms and Diagnosis:

• Symptom Range: Symptoms vary from mild, flu-like effects to severe conditions such as Weil’s syndrome, meningitis, and pulmonary hemorrhage.
• Incubation Period: Typically 7-10 days with symptoms like fever, headache, and jaundice.
• Diagnosis Challenges: The disease’s broad symptom range often mimics other illnesses, leading to frequent underdiagnosis.

Epidemiology:

• Prevalence: Most common in tropical and subtropical regions, particularly South-East Asia (India, Indonesia, Thailand, Sri Lanka) during rainy seasons.
• High-Risk Populations: Individuals frequently in contact with animals or contaminated environments, such as farmers, veterinarians, and sewer workers.

Prevention and Treatment:

• Preventive Measures: Includes controlling animal reservoirs, avoiding contact with contaminated areas, wearing protective clothing, and maintaining stringent sanitation practices.
• Vaccination: Available for animals (dogs, pigs, cattle) to reduce transmission, though it may not prevent the bacteria from persisting in kidneys.
• Treatment Protocol: Effective treatment with antibiotics such as penicillin G, doxycycline, and ceftriaxone.

-Source: Down To Earth

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme

Context:

The government recently expanded the scope of the Agricultural Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme to make it more attractive, as part of its objective to strengthen farm-related infrastructure facilities in the country.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme:
2. Characteristics of the AIF Scheme:

Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) Scheme:

• It is a Central Sector Scheme which was launched in 2020.
• Duration: From FY2020 to FY2032 (12 years)
• Purpose: To offer medium to long-term debt financing for viable projects focused on post-harvest management infrastructure and community farming assets. This includes interest subvention and financial support.

Eligibility:

• Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS)
• Marketing Cooperative Societies
• Farmer Producers Organizations (FPOs)
• Farmers
• Self Help Groups (SHG)
• Joint Liability Groups (JLG)
• Multipurpose Cooperative Societies
• Agri-entrepreneurs and Startups
• Central/State agency or Local Body sponsored Public-Private Partnership Projects

Exclusions:

• Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) are not eligible unless involved in PPP projects.

Financing and Support:

• Participating Financial Entities: Includes all scheduled commercial banks, cooperative banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, NBFCs, and the NCDC.
• Refinance Support: NABARD will provide need-based refinance support to eligible lending entities.

Characteristics of the AIF Scheme:

• Loan Limit and Interest Subsidy: Each loan under this facility is eligible for up to ₹2 crores with a 3% annual interest subsidy lasting up to seven years.
• Project Allocation: Entities in the private sector, including farmers, agricultural entrepreneurs, and startups, can manage up to 25 distinct projects nationwide, each qualifying for financial support up to the specified loan cap.
• Exclusions for Certain Groups: The 25-project limit does not extend to state agencies, cooperative societies, or any federations thereof, including those for Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and Self-Help Groups (SHGs).
• Project Cap in a Single Location: It’s permissible to undertake multiple projects within the same locality, maintaining an aggregate funding limit of ₹2 crores.
• Equity Contribution Requirement: Borrowers are required to fund at least 10% of the total project cost, notwithstanding the extent of capital subsidy provided.
• Repayment Flexibility: The repayment moratorium spans a minimum of six months to a maximum of two years, varying by case.

Special Provisions:

• Targeted Support: 24% of grants-in-aid are allocated specifically for SC/ST entrepreneurs (16% for SC and 8% for ST).
• Priority for Weaker Sections: Women and other weaker segments get priority in loan provision.
• Credit Guarantee: Coverage is available under the Credit Guarantee Fund Trust for Micro and Small Enterprises (CGTMSE) for loans up to ₹2 crores. The government covers the fee for this guarantee.

Aim of the Scheme:

• The scheme aims to bolster India’s agricultural infrastructure, thereby enhancing productivity and ensuring better returns for farmers while fostering a more structured and efficient agricultural sector.

-Source: Indian Express

Qutb Shahi Tomb Complex

Context:

After a decade-long restoration effort by the Telangana government’s Department of Heritage and Aga Khan Trust for Culture (AKTC) the Qutb Shahi Heritage Park was opened to the public.

Relevance:

GS I: History

Qutb Shahi Tomb Complex:

• Constructed by the Qutb Shahi dynasty, which governed from 1518 to 1687 AD, this site is situated in Ibrahim Bagh, Hyderabad.
• The complex comprises 30 architectural elements including tombs, mosques, and a mortuary bath dedicated to the Qutb Shahi rulers.
• Notable for being 500 years old, the site includes expansive mausoleums, idgah, graves, ritual mosques, a traditional hammam (bath), and baolis (stepwells).
• Architectural Significance:
  • The site exemplifies an Indo-Muslim dynastic necropolis.
  • Situated on an elevated platform, the tombs merge Persian, Pathan, and Hindu architectural influences, featuring grey granite and elaborate stucco decorations.
  • This unique necropolis is globally distinguished as the burial site of an entire dynasty, set within meticulously landscaped gardens adorned with detailed stonework.

Insights into the Qutb Shahi Dynasty:

• The Qutb Shahis were Muslim rulers of the Golconda kingdom, positioned in the southeastern Deccan region of India, which was one of the five successor states of the Bahmani Sultanate.
• Founded by Quli Qutb Shah, originally a Turkish administrator for the eastern provinces of the Bahmani realm.
• Spanning from 1518 to 1687, this period saw the establishment of Golconda as the initial capital by Qutb Shah after declaring sovereignty in 1518.
• Later, towards the late 17th century, Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah initiated the development of Hyderabad, which lies a short distance from the original capital.
• The territorial expanse of the kingdom included regions from the Godavari River in the north to the borders of Tamil Nadu in the south, extending west to Bijapur and east to the Bay of Bengal.

-Source: Indian Express