UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles
InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in 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.
Table of Contents
GS Paper 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024)
- Turkey’s bid to join BRICS
GS Paper 4:
- ‘Food vs Fuel’, a looming ‘Food vs Cars’ dilemma
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
- Commons and the Need for Community Leadership
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
- Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
- Nidhi companies
- Neuromorphic computing
- INDUS-X Summit
- Zorawar
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024
GS Paper 2:
Turkey’s bid to join BRICS
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: Turkey’s bid to join BRICS could be a political move to gain leverage in its stalled EU accession process or signal frustration with the EU.
Benefits:
- Increases Turkey’s global influence.
- Provides economic cooperation with emerging markets.
- Strengthens Turkey’s political leverage in EU negotiations.
Concerns:
- Strains relations with the EU and NATO.
- Undermines Turkey’s credibility within Western alliances.
- Risks diplomatic isolation from Western powers.
India’s stance on expansion:
- India welcomed the consensus-based expansion of the BRICS grouping during the 15th BRICS summit in Johannesburg.
- The move strengthens BRICS as a representative of developing countries
- India has proposed creating a BRICS space consortium, investing in skill mapping, technology, and education, and emphasising cooperation for conservation efforts.
- The expansion is aimed at making BRICS future-ready by enhancing cooperation, digital solutions, and development initiatives.
Significance for India:
The addition of new members to BRICS holds significance for India in terms of expanding partnerships and geopolitical influence, while also raising concerns about potential pro-China dominance within the alliance.
About BRICS:
| Topic | Information |
| BRICS (founded: 2009; HQ: Shanghai) is an acronym for the grouping of the world’s leading emerging economies, namely Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (included in 2010) | |
| Origin | The term “BRIC” was coined by the British Economist Jim O’Neill in 2001 to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. |
| Share of BRICS | BRICS brings together five of the largest developing countries, representing 41% of the global population, 24% of the global GDP, and 16% of the global trade (By 2028, BRICS is expected to make up 35 per cent of the global economy) |
| Chairmanship | The chairmanship of the forum is rotated annually among the members, in accordance with the acronym B-R-I-C-S. South Africa is the chair for 2023. |
| Initiatives of BRICS | 1. New Development Bank (NDB) 2. Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA) 3. BRICS Payment System 4. Customs Agreements 5. Remote Sensing Satellite |
| New Initiative | BRICS is planning to launch its own “new currency” system, a major step towards de-dollarization (reducing dependence on the US dollar for trade) |
Importance of BRICS for India:
| Importance | Example |
| Geo-Politics | BRICS provides India with an opportunity to balance its strategic interests between the US and the Russia-China axis. |
| Global Economic Order | BRICS plays an important role in the G20, in shaping global economic policies and promoting financial stability. |
| Voice of Developing Nations | BRICS has emerged as the voice of developing countries and is playing a significant role in protecting the rights of developing countries. |
| Terrorism | BRICS provides a platform for India to galvanize its efforts against terrorism and has worked within the grouping to take a strong stand against terrorism. |
| Global Grouping | BRICS provides an opportunity for India to actively engage with China and resolve mutual disputes. It also helps in garnering support from other partner countries. |
Challenges for BRICS:
| Challenge | Example |
| Economic Divergence | Brazil and Russia have been experiencing economic recessions in recent years, while China and India have sustained high growth rates. South Africa’s economy has been performing poorly, with high levels of unemployment and inequality. |
| Political Differences | Russia’s annexation of Crimea and involvement in conflicts in Ukraine and Syria have strained its relations with other BRICS members. China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea have been a source of tension with other BRICS countries that have competing claims in the region. |
| Institutional Constraints | The New Development Bank (NDB), established by BRICS in 2014 to provide development financing, has faced challenges in disbursing loans and identifying viable projects. The Contingent Reserve Arrangement (CRA), a pool of foreign exchange reserves, has not been tested yet. |
| Coordination Difficulties | Disagreements over the governance structure of the NDB and the CRA, as well as differing priorities in areas such as trade, investment, and climate change, have made it difficult for BRICS to present a unified front on many issues. |
| External Pressures | The rise of protectionism, nationalism, and populism in some advanced economies has posed challenges for BRICS in terms of trade, investment, and access to capital. |
Way forward for BRICS:
| Example | |
| Reform of Multilateral Institutions | BRICS countries could jointly advocate for the reform of the UN Security Council, calling for the inclusion of more developing countries as permanent members. |
| Resolve to Combat Terrorism | BRICS countries could share best practices and intelligence to combat terrorism, as well as work together to cut off funding and resources for terrorist groups. |
| Promoting Technological and Digital Solutions for the SDGs | BRICS countries could share their experiences in adopting and implementing digital solutions in these sectors |
| Expanding People-to-People Cooperation | BRICS countries could organize joint cultural events and exhibitions, establish more student exchange programs and scholarships, and encourage more tourism and business visits to each other’s countries. |
Conclusion:
While BRICS membership might strengthen Turkey’s global presence, it could strain relations with the EU, which expects alignment with its values and foreign policy. Turkey’s balancing act between the West and non-Western alliances could backfire, further diminishing its credibility within transatlantic circles. However, Turkey remains crucial due to its strategic location, making its foreign policy a complex balancing act.
Mains Links
Discuss the importance of BRICS for India. (250 Words)
Prelims Links
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
- New Development Bank has been set up by APEC.
- The headquarters of the New Development Bank is in Shanghai.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
Ans: B
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 GS Paper 4:
‘Food vs Fuel’, a looming ‘Food vs Cars’ dilemma
Syllabus: Applications of Ethics
Source: IE
Context: The diversion of phosphoric acid, a key ingredient in fertilizers, for electric vehicle (EV) battery production is creating a potential “food vs cars” dilemma.
What is ‘Food vs Fuel’, a looming ‘Food vs Cars’ dilemma?
The “Food vs Fuel” dilemma refers to the conflict between using crops like sugarcane, maize, and soybeans for producing biofuels (ethanol, biodiesel) instead of for food, which can impact food supply and prices.
The “Food vs Cars” dilemma is a similar issue where phosphoric acid, vital for fertilizers like di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), is increasingly being used in lithium-iron-phosphate (LFP) batteries, which are gaining popularity in EVs). This shift could lead to shortages of fertilizers, affecting crop production and food security while supporting the growth of the EV industry.
Here are the ethical dilemmas in the article:
- Food vs. Cars: The diversion of phosphoric acid for electric vehicle (EV) batteries, potentially compromising agricultural fertilizer supply, raises the ethical issue of prioritizing food security over technological advancements in EVs.
- Resource Allocation: Deciding between using limited phosphoric acid for crop growth (essential for global food security) or for EV battery production (important for clean energy and reducing carbon emissions) creates a conflict between agricultural needs and environmental goals.
- Global Dependency: India’s heavy reliance on phosphate imports raises questions about fairness and equity in global resource distribution, especially if resources shift toward wealthier industries like EV production.
- Sustainability vs. Development: Balancing environmental sustainability (EV batteries) with food security poses ethical challenges in deciding which should be prioritized for long-term global well-being.
- Economic Inequality: As resources like phosphoric acid shift towards the growing EV market, small-scale farmers in countries like India may face economic difficulties due to rising fertilizer costs, deepening inequality.
Tags: GS4, Ethics,
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
Commons and the Need for Community Leadership
Source: IE
Commons are resources not owned by individuals, groups, or governments but shared by the community, such as forests, water bodies, and parks. These resources provide ecological and social benefits but are often at risk of over-exploitation due to a lack of ownership.
Historically, the “Tragedy of the Commons” suggested that only government or market control could prevent overuse. However, Elinor Ostrom’s research showed that community-led governance is more effective in managing Commons sustainably.
In India, the 2006 Forest Rights Act gives forest dwellers legal ownership of forest resources, providing a successful example of community leadership. Expanding such frameworks to other Commons can improve governance, livelihoods, and ecological sustainability.
Values:
- Sustainability: Promoting the long-term preservation of shared resources.
- Community leadership: Empowering local communities to manage Commons.
- Inclusiveness: Involving grassroots organizations in decision-making.
- Equity: Ensuring fair access to resources for all community members.
- Responsibility: Collective stewardship over common resources.
- Legal recognition: Acknowledging and formalizing community rights, as in the Forest Rights Act.
Tags: Commons and the Need for Community Leadership, Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Sri Vijaya Puram (Port Blair)
Source: IE
Context: Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, has been renamed Sri Vijaya Puram as part of the Indian government’s effort to remove colonial legacies.
- Originally named after Archibald Blair, a British naval officer, the city was a strategic point for the British East India Company and later became infamous as a penal colony during British rule, housing political prisoners in the Cellular Jail.
- The new name, Sri Vijaya Puram, connects to the imperial Chola dynasty.
- Historical records suggest that the Chola emperor Rajendra I used the Andaman Islands as a base in the 11th century for his naval expeditions against the Srivijaya Empire in present-day Indonesia.
Tags: GS1, Arts and Culture, Sri Vijaya Puram
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Nidhi companies
Source: Economic Times
Context: The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has penalized over two dozen Nidhi companies in a crackdown for violations of the Companies Act, primarily concerning delayed financial filings and issues with share allotment.
- Most violations occurred in Tamil Nadu, with companies failing to submit financial statements and annual returns on time.
- The Registrar of Companies (RoC) emphasized the importance of compliance to protect small investors, as Nidhi companies hold money in trust for their members.
About Nidhi Companies:
Nidhi companies are non-banking financial entities in India, primarily involved in borrowing and lending money among their members.
hese companies are governed by Section 406 of the Companies Act, 2013, and are intended to promote savings and financial inclusion within communities.
Nidhi companies are relatively easy to form, requiring a minimum capital of ₹10 lakh and at least seven members, of which three must be directors.
Tags: GS3, Economy, Nidhi companies
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Neuromorphic computing
Source: TNIE
Context: Scientists at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru have made a significant breakthrough in neuromorphic computing, which mimics the human brain’s structure and functioning.
- They’ve developed an analogue computing platform that can process and store data using 16,500 conductance states, a major advancement over traditional computers limited to two states.
- This platform improves efficiency and reduces energy consumption for complex AI tasks, such as training models like ChatGPT.
- The team also demonstrated the system’s capabilities by recreating NASA’s “Pillars of Creation” image with much less energy.
- This innovation promises to revolutionize computing, impacting industries like AI, finance, and tech by enabling faster data processing and more efficient machine learning systems.
Tags: GS3, Science, Neuromorphic computing
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
INDUS-X Summit
Source: PIB
Context: The third edition of the INDUS-X Summit, highlighted growing collaboration between India and the U.S. in defence innovation.
- The event, organized by the S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University, saw the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between India’s iDEX and the U.S.
- Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) to enhance cooperation in defence technologies and foster industry and research partnerships.
- Key announcements included a new INDUS-X challenge, the release of the INDUS-X Impact Report, and the launch of an official INDUS-X webpage on iDEX and DIU websites.
- The summit provided a platform for showcasing next-generation technologies by startups and MSMEs and facilitated discussions on technology trends, funding, and strengthening defence supply chains.
Tags: GS3, Science, Défense, INDUS-X Summit
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Zorawar
Source: BS
Context: The DRDO has successfully completed the first phase of developmental field trials for the Zorawar Light Tank, designed for high-altitude deployment, particularly in areas like Ladakh.
- Conducted in desert terrain, the trials tested the tank’s firing accuracy, with the tank meeting all performance goals.
- Developed by the Combat Vehicles Research & Development Establishment (CVRDE) in collaboration with Larsen & Toubro (L&T), Zorawar is a testament to India’s growing indigenous manufacturing capabilities, involving contributions from numerous Indian industries, including MSMEs.
- Weighing 25 tonnes, the tank is highly mobile and versatile, capable of being transported by C-17 aircraft. It integrates technologies like unmanned systems and loitering munition, lessons drawn from the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Tags: GS3, Science, Défense, Zorawar
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 September 2024
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