InstaLinks : help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions ina your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically
Table of Contents:
GS Paper 2:
- 10 Years of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
GS Paper 4:
- Example of Ethics (Isreal: Indian superwomen, Copyright issues against AI)
Content for Mains Enrichment
- Use of Local Community for Wildlife Conservation
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- 69TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS
- Ethics committee of Lok Sabha
- Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry or ‘APAAR’ card
- Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023
- Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance or RISUG
- Use of Artificial Intelligence in Space and Historical Studies
- India’s Goal of landing man on the moon
Mapping
- India-Sri Lanka ferry service
10 Years of Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)
GS Paper 2
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: TH
Context: The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), led by Chinese President Xi Jinping, marked its 10th anniversary.
What is the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)?
The Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is a global infrastructure development strategy launched by China in 2013. It aims to invest in over 150 countries and international organizations, creating road, rail, and sea routes for trade and connectivity. The initiative, often referred to as “One Belt One Road” (OBOR), is a key part of China’s foreign policy and has been compared to the American Marshall Plan.
Objective of BRI:
The BRI is seen as a way for China to transition to a global power and reshape the global economic order. It further aims to enhance global connectivity through infrastructure development and economic cooperation.
BRI includes various infrastructure projects like ports, railways, roads, and power stations. It is set to be completed by 2049, coinciding with the centennial of the People’s Republic of China. The initiative includes two principal components: the Silk Road Economic Belt and the Maritime Silk Road.
Geographic Corridors for BRI Development:
- China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)
- New Eurasian Land Bridge Economic Corridor
- China-Indochina Peninsula Economic Corridor
- China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor
- China-Central Asia-West Asia Economic Corridor
- China-Myanmar Economic Corridor (Initially, BRI involved the BCIM Economic Corridor, but India’s opposition to the CPEC led to its withdrawal from BRI and later BCIM was replaced by the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor)
India’s Objection to BRI:
India opposes the BRI due to sovereignty and transparency concerns. It boycotted BRI summits in 2017 and 2019 and hasn’t endorsed BRI joint statements by the SCO. The main objection is the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passing through the Gilgit Baltistan region of India, which India claims.
Benefits of BRI for China and Other Countries:
| Benefit | Description |
| Enhanced trade and economic influence | BRI expands China’s trade networks and bolsters its role in global economic affairs. |
| Countries participating in the BRI have witnessed growth in trade and investments with China, leading to preferential treatment and policy benefits. | |
| Outlet for excess capacity | BRI projects provide markets for Chinese industries, particularly in construction. |
| Geopolitical and strategic influence | BRI increases China’s influence in participating countries and on the world stage. |
| Currency internationalization | Promotes the use of the Chinese yuan (RMB) in international trade and finance. |
| Energy security | BRI projects secure access to crucial energy resources for China. |
| Technological innovation and knowledge sharing | BRI facilitates technology transfer and knowledge exchange between China and its partners. |
| Examples | Pakistan: China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) |
| Kenya: Standard Gauge Railway project | |
| Greece: The Piraeus Port project has turned Greece into a major transport hub, increasing trade and creating jobs. | |
| Laos: The China-Laos Railway | |
| Sri Lanka: Hambantota Port | |
| Egypt: Suez Canal Economic Zone |
Concerns Related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI):
| Concern | Description |
| Sovereignty concern | India and other countries express sovereignty concerns over BRI projects like the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). |
| Strategic concern | India is worried about the strategic implications of BRI, including the impact on its maritime capabilities and regional influence. |
| Lack of Transparency | Concerns have arisen due to the lack of transparency in BRI projects, particularly related to debt and loan conditions. |
| BRI infrastructure project has encountered major implementation problems, such as corruption scandals, labour violations, environmental hazards, and public protests. | |
| Project Monopoly concern | Chinese state-owned enterprises dominate BRI investments, limiting competition and opportunities for other companies. |
| Economic Viability | The lack of competition and high interest rates on loans have raised concerns about corruption and economic viability. |
| Delays in Project | Some BRI projects face delays and challenges, leading to questions about the feasibility and impact of China’s ambitious strategy. |
| Debt Trap | China is criticized for practising “debt-trap diplomacy,” where it lends money to countries like Sri Lanka and Zambia, who struggle to repay, leading to China acquiring strategic assets or political concessions. |
| Multilateral Governance | Unlike initiatives like the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the BRI lacks a centralized governing structure, making it difficult to address issues collectively. |
| Political Tensions | Geopolitical rivalries and disputes have affected BRI project implementation, potentially undermining progress. |
| Environmental Concerns | BRI infrastructure projects have faced criticism for their environmental and social impacts, requiring sustainable development. |
| Geostrategic Concerns | BRI projects will enhance China’s stature and undermine India’s influence over smaller South Asian countries and Indian Ocean littoral states. |
Alternatives to address concerns about BRI:
| Initiative | Description |
| B3W Initiative | Led by G7 countries, it aims to address the infrastructure deficit in developing and lower-income countries. |
| Blue Dot Network (BDN) | A multi-stakeholder initiative by the US, Japan, and Australia to promote high-quality standards for global infrastructure development. |
| India’s Efforts | India’s “IDEAS” plan: India’s counter to BRI, supported by Lines of Credit (LOCs) to countries in Asia, Africa, CIS, and Latin America. It includes initiatives like IMEC and INSTC. |
| India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) initiative during the recent G20 summit | |
| International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) for connecting India to the Middle East and Russia | |
| Global Gateway | Launched by the European Union to compete with BRI, focusing on various sectors, including climate change, digitalization, health, and education. |
| Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment (PGII) | A repackaged version of B3W. It is a G7 effort to fund infrastructure projects in developing nations. India supports it. |
Conclusion
China, in order to go ahead and protect its own interests, has put in place a network of investments which has led to several low- and middle-income countries in severe debt hence the global initiatives have provided a counter block for monopoly and taken steps to focus on more inclusive and sustainable development.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
Q1. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC 2018)
Q2. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
Belt and Road Initiative’ is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC 2016)
(a) African Union
(b) Brazil
(c) European Union
(d) China
Ans: D
Example of Ethics (Isreal: Indian superwomen, Copyright issues against AI)
GS Paper 4
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: TH
Example 1: Indian superwomen
Two women from Kerala, Sabitha and Meera Mohanan, working as caregivers for an elderly couple in Israel, became heroes during an attack by insurgents from the Hamas group. The Israeli Embassy in India hailed them as “Indian superwomen.” Sabitha described the harrowing incident when they locked themselves in a safety room for more than four hours while attackers rained bullets on the door.
Ethical Values are shown:
Sabitha and Meera demonstrated remarkable ethical values, including courage, selflessness, and dedication to protecting the elderly couple they were caring for during the attack. They risked their lives to ensure the safety of others and showed unwavering commitment to their duty
Example 2: Copyright issues against AI
Music publishers Universal Music, ABKCO, and Concord Publishing have filed a lawsuit against artificial intelligence company Anthropic, alleging the misuse of copyrighted song lyrics to train its chatbot Claude. The publishers claim that Anthropic violated their rights by using lyrics from over 500 songs without permission.
Ethical Issues:
The lawsuit against Anthropic raises ethical concerns about the use of copyrighted song lyrics without permission to train AI, potentially infringing on intellectual property rights and creative content ownership.
69TH NATIONAL FILM AWARDS
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The President of India presented the 69th National Film Awards in New Delhi.
- The National Film Awards were established in 1954 to encourage the production of films with high aesthetic and technical standards, and educational and cultural value.
- The awards were originally called “State Awards for Films”.
- Awards are given in three sections – Features, Non-Features and Best Writing on Cinema.
Some of the awards include:
- Dadasaheb Phalke Award: The highest award, given to recognize the contributions of film personalities to the development of Indian cinema
- Silver Lotus Award: Given for the best feature film on national integration
- Best Popular Film Providing Wholesome Entertainment
The Role of Cinema in Reflecting Society: They portray the struggles, triumphs, and challenges faced by individuals and communities. By depicting real-life issues on screen, cinema creates a space for viewers to engage with various perspectives, encouraging them to re-evaluate their own beliefs and biases.
Ethics committee of Lok Sabha
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: Lok Sabha Speaker has referred a “cash-for-query” complaint made by a BJP MP against a Trinamool Congress member to the Ethics Committee of the Lower House.
- The complaint is based on evidence from an advocate, which he claims shows the exchange of bribes between the accused and a businessman.
- He also pointed out that a significant number of recent parliamentary questions were focused on the Adani Group, a conglomerate she has accused of malpractices.
The Lok Sabha Ethics Committee examines complaints of unethical conduct by members of the Lok Sabha. The committee was established in 2000 by the late Speaker G M C Balayogi. It became a permanent part of the House in 2015. The committee was established in Rajya Sabha in 1997.
The committee’s functions include:
- Examining complaints of unethical conduct by members of the Lok Sabha
- Making recommendations
- Formulating a code of conduct for members
- Suggesting amendments or additions to the code of conduct
About Cash for Query Complaint:
A “cash-for-query” complaint is an accusation that someone took money in exchange for asking questions in Parliament.
For example, in 2005, 11 former MPs were put on trial for a “cash-for-query” scam. The sting showed them taking cash to raise questions in Parliament
Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry or ‘APAAR’ card
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TOI
Context: The Union Education Ministry has introduced the concept of ‘One Nation, One Student ID,‘ referred to as APAAR ID, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- The APAAR ID, which stands for ‘Automated Permanent Academic Account Registry,’ is a digital identification system for students in India.
Highlights:
- The APAAR ID is an education ecosystem registry system known as ‘EduLocker’ for students across all states in India.
- It will digitally store academic qualifications, credit scores, certificates, and other academic data for students from pre-primary to higher education.
- To enrol in the APAAR ID system, students must obtain their parent’s consent, and the states have been directed to initiate this process.
- The unique 12-digit APAAR ID will be used for admissions and other academic activities, making it convenient for students.
- Both new and existing users can register or log in using their mobile number, Aadhar Card, or ID and password.
This initiative aims to create a unified educational system, enhance security, and make academic data easily accessible for students.
Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) Standards and Specifications 2023
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: PIB
Context: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has unveiled an upgraded Advanced Traffic Management System (ATMS) with the aim of enhancing road safety and digital enforcement on National Highways and Expressways
| Key Features of the Initiative | Description |
| Video Incident Detection and Enforcement System (VIDES) | Replaces VIDS cameras, identifies 14 distinct traffic incidents – Alerts route patrol vehicles – Generates e-challans – Relays alerts to Variable Messaging Boards – Notifies nearby travellers via the ‘Rajmargyatra’ mobile app. |
| Comprehensive Camera Installation | Cameras every 10 km along National Highways – State-of-the-art Command and control Centres every 100 km – Integration of camera feeds – Integration of Vehicle Speed Detection System (VSDS) – Optimization of Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras. |
| Traffic Monitoring Camera System (TMCS) Upgrades | Cameras every 1 km on National Highways – Advanced capabilities include automated accident and stalled vehicle detection. |
| Collaboration with Traffic Agencies | Dedicated workstations for traffic police representatives in Command and control Centres – Facilitates real-time coordination and response through shared camera feeds. |
| Disaster Management and Information Sharing | Provides inputs for effective disaster management planning. – Offers online sharing of highway status and other important information for agencies and highway users. |
| Digital Highways and 5G Integration | Development of integrated utility corridors along National Highways for Optic Fibre Cables (OFC) infrastructure. – Use of OFC for communication with the Command & Control Centre. – Provisions for 5G-based communication as coverage expands. |
Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance or RISUG
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TOI
Context: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has successfully tested a long-lasting male contraceptive called “Reversible Inhibition of Sperm Under Guidance” (RISUG).
About RISUG:
- RISUG is a non-hormonal injectable male contraceptive that blocks the production of sperm by creating a physical barrier in the vas deferens, the tube that carries sperm.
- It begins to work within two months of injection and remains effective for up to a decade.
- The overall efficacy of RISUG in achieving azoospermia (absence of sperm) was 97.3%, and it was 99.02% effective in preventing pregnancy without any serious side effects.
This breakthrough in male contraception offers a safe, effective, and long-lasting option for family planning.
Use of Artificial Intelligence in Space and Historical Studies
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: Hindustan Times, WION
| Cases | Key Points |
| AI to read the ancient scroll | Recently, AI was used to read an ancient scroll damaged by the Vesuvius eruption |
| Called the Vesuvius Challenge – a competition for reading Herculaneum Papyri | |
| Scrolls contain Roman and Greek texts, well-preserved. | |
| Researchers read the word ‘porphyras’ (Purple) in ancient Greek using AI. | |
| AI in space exploration | Northwestern University-led team developed BTSbot for automated supernova discovery without any human involvement. |
| BTSbot is a machine-learning algorithm trained on 1.4 million images
It detected supernova SN2023tyk. |
India’s Goal of landing man on the moon
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Source: TH
Context: The Prime Minister has “directed” the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to achieve several significant milestones recently
| Key Space Exploration Goals | Description |
| Indigenous Space Station (Bharatiya Antariksha Station) by 2035 | India’s plan to establish its own space station by 2035. Build on the success of past space initiatives, including Chandrayaan-3 and Aditya L-1 missions. |
| Indian Landing on the Moon by 2040 | India’s goal is to land an Indian on the moon by 2040. |
| Interplanetary Missions | Encouragement to work on interplanetary missions. This includes creating a space vehicle to orbit Venus and another to land on Mars. |
| Department of Space (DoS) Roadmap for Moon Exploration | The DoS will formulate a roadmap for moon exploration. This includes a series of Chandrayaan missions, new launch vehicle development, launch pad construction, and human-centric laboratories. |
| Investment and Private Sector Contribution | Noting the need for substantial investments and contributions from the private sector to achieve these goals. |
India-Sri Lanka ferry service
Mapping
Source: IE
Context: The historic sea route between India and Sri Lanka has been revived with the launch of a passenger ferry service connecting Nagapattinam (India) and Kankesanthurai (Sri Lanka), approx. 110 Km distance, with the aim of strengthening bilateral relations, promoting tourism, and boosting local trade.
- Named ‘Cheriyapani,’ the service rekindles maritime links dating back to the early 1900s.
- Previously, Indo-Ceylon Express or Boat Mail used to run between Chennai and Colombo but was halted in 1982 due to the Sri Lankan civil war.
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