[Mission 2024] INSIGHTS DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS + PIB SUMMARY 10 November 2023

GS Paper 1

 Syllabus: Modern India

 Source: TH

Context: The article discusses the bicentenary of Tamil indentured labourers’ arrival in Sri Lanka (in 1823) and reflects on the unexplored aspects of colonial history.

Who were Indentured Labourers?

Indentured labourers were people who were recruited from India and other British colonies to work on plantations and other projects in other parts of the empire as bonded labourers.

How did the concept of indentured labour begin?

In the 18th century, a wave of liberal humanism prompted the British to ban slavery in their colonies. However, to address the labour crisis that ensued, they introduced “indentured labour” as a form of bonded servitude. This system replaced slavery and led to a high demand for Indian workers on plantations and infrastructure projects across various British colonies, including the Caribbean, Fiji, Réunion, Malaysia, Singapore, and Sri Lanka.

Reasons for Taking Indian Indentured Labourers Abroad:

Circumstances Surrounding Indian Indentured Labor Migration

• Plantation Agriculture: Indian indentured labourers were primarily used for plantation agriculture, especially in tropical regions. They worked on sugarcane, tea, rubber, and other plantations in countries like Trinidad, Guyana, Fiji, and Malaysia.
• Mining and Infrastructure: In addition to plantations, Indian labourers were also employed in mining operations (e.g., gold and diamond mines in South Africa) and infrastructure development (e.g., building railways and roads).
• Harsh Conditions: Labourers faced harsh and often exploitative working conditions, including long hours, inadequate housing, and meagre wages. Many experienced physical and emotional hardships.
• End of Indenture: Indenture agreements typically had fixed terms, after which labourers were often offered the choice to return to India, settle in the host country, or continue their indenture.

Impact of Indian Indentured Labour History on Modern Relationships:

Conclusion:

The history of Indian indentured labourers continues to affect India’s relationships with the countries that received them. The legacy of indentured labour remains a part of the broader historical and cultural tapestry of these nations.

Insta links:

• Indians abroad: History, spread, remittances
• Bharat Ek Soch- India @ 75 – Indian Diaspora

Mains links:

‘Indian diaspora has a decisive role to play in the politics and economy of America and European Countries’. Comment with examples. (UPSC 2020)

GS Paper 2

 Syllabus: International Relations

Source: TH

 Context: Bhutan King’s visit to India commenced with his arrival in Assam. India and Bhutan’s focus on infrastructure and connectivity in recent talks signals a move toward bilateral regional initiatives.

Various dimensions of cooperation between India and Bhutan with examples:

New Initiatives Planned: India and Bhutan are jointly planning several development initiatives:

1. Rail Links: Ongoing discussions for rail connections between Kokrajhar (Assam) and Gelephu (Bhutan) and between Banarhat (West Bengal) and Samtse (Bhutan).
2. Infrastructure Upgrades: Checkpoints along the India-Bhutan border are being upgraded to facilitate smoother trade and movement.
3. Special Economic Zone: Bhutan plans to establish a Special Economic Zone at its southern border with Assam to drive growth and investment.
4. Airport Development: Proposal for a new airport at Gelephu to enhance accessibility and promote economic development.
5. Energy Integration: Planning an ‘energy exchange’ to share hydropower resources among Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka, fostering intra-regional growth.

Issues between the two countries:

• Border Dispute: Disputes over the exact demarcation of the border between the two countries.
• Hydropower Projects: Concerns in Bhutan over environmental and social impacts from the project. Also, Bhutan has sought greater revenue from these projects
• Trade Imbalance:Bhutan is heavily dependent on India for its imports.
• Cross-Border Movement: Bhutan has restricted the cross-border movement of Indian workers, citing concerns over the impact on Bhutan’s culture and society.
• Political Interference: Bhutan has accused India of interfering in its internal affairs, particularly during the 2013 elections.

Conclusion:

India-Bhutan relations have remained strong and friendly, characterized by a deep sense of

trust and understanding.  Both countries must enhance connectivity which is a central pillar of India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ and ‘Act East’ policies.

Inta Links

India-Bhutan

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: TH

 Context: Srinivasa Ramanujan’s college, the historical Government Arts College in Kumbakonam (Tamil Nadu), is undergoing a restoration project.

Srinivasa Ramanujan (1887–1920) was an Indian mathematician renowned for his extraordinary contributions to number theory, mathematical analysis, and continued fractions. He self-taught mathematics and gained recognition for his talent. Ramanujan’s work included groundbreaking results in mathematical analysis, infinite series, and elliptic functions.

Despite facing initial challenges, he collaborated with British mathematician G. H. Hardy at Cambridge University. National Mathematics Day is celebrated on Srinivasa Ramanujan’s birth anniversary (22^nd December)

 Values shown by him: Passion for Learning, Perseverance, Innate Genius, Collaboration, and Legacy of Discovery

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: The Kondaveedu Fort in Andhra Pradesh now hosts a cultural gallery showcasing its rich historical significance from the 13th to the 20th century

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

 Context: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced regulations facilitating the entry of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) into India, aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP).

Major features of UGC (Setting up and Operation of Campuses of Foreign Higher Educational Institutions (FHEIs) in India) Regulations, 2023

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

 Context: India’s Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC), 2017, has earned recognition from the International Energy Agency (IEA) as a “notable exception” among developing countries for its high energy efficiency standards.

About ECBC:

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) introduced the Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) in 2007 and updated it in 2017. Aimed at commercial buildings with a connected load of 100 kW or more, the code sets minimum energy standards, targeting energy savings of 25-50%. Applicable to new and existing buildings, it assesses parameters like building design, lighting systems, and renewable energy integration. Compliant buildings receive tags in ascending order of efficiency:

1. ECBC
2. ECBC Plus
3. Super ECBC

Out of 28 states, 23 have notified Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC) rules, but only 15 have adopted the latest ECBC from 2017.

The Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022 includes transitioning ECBC into the Energy Conservation and Sustainability Building Code, incorporating measures for sustainability, and mandating ECO Niwas Samhita for residential buildings, addressing the importance of energy efficiency in the sector.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

 Context: The National Coal Index (NCI) rose by 3.83 points to 143.91 in September 2023, marking the first increase since April 2023.

• The increase suggests growing coal demand ahead of the festive season and winter, prompting coal producers to scale up domestic production to meet rising energy needs.

What is NCI?

The NCI (introduced in June 2020) is a price index reflecting coal price changes relative to the fixed base year (Financial Year 2017-18). It compiles prices from all coal sales channels, including imports, and determines the revenue share per tonne using a defined formula.

The NCI consists of five sub-indices—three for Non-Coking Coal and two for Coking Coal—allowing separate indices for each.

The Ministry of Coal does the commercial auction of coal mines based on revenue share, utilizing the National Coal Index (NCI).

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: UNEP

 Context: The 2023 Production Gap Report, authored by SEI (Stockholm Environment Institute), Climate Analytics, E3G, IISD, and UNEP, reveals a concerning trend where governments intend to produce approximately 110% more fossil fuels by 2030 than is consistent with limiting global warming to 1.5°C.

• The report was launched in 2019

What is the Production gap?

Production Gap quantifies the difference between the projected extraction of coal, oil, and gas (fossil fuels) by governments and the global production levels required to meet climate goals, particularly those outlined in the Paris Agreement (warming to 1.5°C or 2°C)

Production gap vs. emissions gap:

The emission Gap refers to the difference between global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions under the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and the accepted level in 2030.

Report Findings:

Major countries, including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, India, and the UAE, are projected to increase global coal production by 2030 and oil and gas production until at least 2050.

Recommendations:

It includes adopting reduction targets in fossil fuel production and ensuring an equitable transition considering countries. Target a near-total phase-out of coal production and use by 2040, coupled with a 75% reduction in oil and gas production and use by 2050 compared to 2020 levels.

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

 Context: The inaugural INDUS-X Investors Meet, organized by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) and the US Department of Defence, preceded the 2+2 Indo-US Ministerial Dialogue.

During the event, the INDUS-X Educational Series (Gurukul) was launched. The Gurukul initiative aims to guide innovators and startups within the defence ecosystems of both the US and India.

What is the INDUS-X initiative?

The INDUS-X initiative, launched in June 2023, serves as a defence innovation bridge, fostering strategic partnerships, joint challenges, innovation funds, academia engagement, and industry-startup connections between India and the US. It is a major upcoming initiative under the Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

Mapping

Source: IE

Context: On November 5, 2023, the Indian Astronomical Observatory (IAO) at Hanle and Merak in Ladakh captured striking images of an intense red-colored aurora.

• The IAO, operated by the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), observed a Stable Auroral Arc (SAR), an unusual red aurora typically not seen at lower latitudes.

What are Auroras and how are they formed?

They are beautiful natural light displays typically seen at high latitudes (Polar regions). They are formed when charged particles from the sun, mainly electrons and protons, interact with the Earth’s magnetosphere and atmosphere. As these charged particles collide with atmospheric gases, such as oxygen and nitrogen, they emit light, creating the vibrant colours characteristic of auroras (commonly Green and Red).

• Northern lights (Aurora borealis) and southern lights (Aurora australis) are the main auroras. They are seen in the Northern Hemisphere and Southern Hemisphere, respectively

Why aurora is being formed in Ladakh though typically it forms in the polar region?

The occurrence of auroras in regions like Ladakh, which are not near the polar regions, can be attributed to a phenomenon called geomagnetic storms and Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) — massive ejections of plasma and magnetic fields from the Sun’s lower atmosphere. While auroras are most commonly associated with polar regions, geomagnetic storms can extend the auroral oval (the area where auroras are usually observed) to lower latitudes.

Hanle is significant as the centre of India’s only designated Hanle Dark Sky Reserve, attracting astro-tourists with its exceptionally dark skies. Merak is another Ladakh-based location, on the banks of Pangong Tso, known as the proposed site for the National Large Solar Telescope.