CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23/02/2024

The next frontier

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

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The notion of space as the final frontier has transformed into a landscape marked by financial, socio-economic, and geopolitical implications.

• Traditional space exploration, led by national agencies, has seen a shift with increasing involvement from the private sector.
• India initiated reforms in 2020, opening its space sector to private companies and introducing policies to foster innovation and market opportunities.

Key Highlights

• Key Reforms and Policies:
  • In 2020, India opened its space sector to private entities, followed by the release of ‘Geospatial Guidelines’ and the ‘Indian Space Policy.’
  • The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) was established to facilitate private sector participation.
  • The Telecommunications Act of 2023 paved the way for satellite broadband services, signalling a departure from the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885.
• Recent FDI Decision:
  • On February 21, 2024, the Indian government allowed 100% foreign direct investments (FDI) in the manufacturing of components and systems for satellites, ground segments, and user segments.
  • FDI limits were set at 74% for satellite manufacturing, operations, and data products, and up to 49% for launch vehicles, space ports, and associated systems.
  • This move aims to boost private space flight operators, technology developers, and application designers, aligning with India’s Space Policy goals.
• Strategic Implications:
  • India’s decision to allow substantial FDI is seen as a strategic move to catch up with China’s advanced position in the space domain.
  • Unlike China, India’s less contentious foreign ties make it an attractive destination for foreign investments in the space sector.
• Potential Benefits:
  • Increased FDI can contribute to India’s space economy by providing startups with improved access to talent and capital.
  • Balancing opportunities between upstream and downstream activities is emphasized, addressing the current skew in favor of upstream activities.
  • The reforms aim to enhance local manufacturing capabilities and boost investor confidence in the space sector.
• Global Landscape:
  • Worldwide, a significant portion of the $37.1 billion raised by the space sector in 2021-23 went to space startups.
  • India’s openness to foreign investments is positioned to attract funds, fostering growth and competitiveness.
• To sustain these positive changes, the government is urged to maintain a clear regulatory environment, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, garner public support, and facilitate Indian companies’ access to foreign markets.

About the Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe)

• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) is an autonomous agency within the Department of Space program in India, aimed at promoting private sector participation in the country’s space sector.
• Created in response to the growing global space market and the need to leverage India’s existing technological expertise, IN-SPACe serves as a single-window entity facilitating interactions between the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) and non-governmental entities (NGEs).
• Established in June 2020, IN-SPACe operates as an independent authority with its headquarters located in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.
• Its primary objectives include:
  • Assessing how to optimally use India’s space resources and increasing space-based activities.
  • Evaluating the demands of private organizations in consultation with ISRO.
  • Enabling, authorizing, and supervising various space activities such as building launch vehicles, satellites, and providing space-based services.
  • Sharing space infrastructure and premises controlled by the Department of Space/ISRO.
  • Establishing new space infrastructure and facilities.

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EU mulls sweeping forced labour

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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German industry faces a critical juncture balancing business interests in China with increasing scrutiny over human rights concerns.

• Recent incidents involving Volkswagen (VW), BASF, and allegations against Apple highlight the complexities for German corporations operating in China.

Key Highlights

• Volkswagen (VW) Faces Uyghur Forced Labor Issues:

• VW-owned brands encountered challenges as U.S. authorities impounded vehicles under the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) violations.
• VW’s response included claiming no prior knowledge and notifying U.S. authorities, emphasizing the indirect supplier’s role.

• BASF’s Allegations and Denials:
  • BASF, another German firm, faced allegations related to forced labor in its supply chains, particularly in Xinjiang.
  • The company dismissed evidence, citing values misalignment, while German media reported pervasive erroneous practices by its Chinese partner.
• Apple’s Supplier Lens Technology and Lobbying Concerns:
  • Apple, criticized for lobbying against UFLPA provisions, faced allegations regarding its supplier Lens Technology and forced labor.
  • Lens Technology was one of several Apple suppliers accused, prompting the tech giant to back the supplier’s claims of no rights abuses.
• Corporate Responses to Human Rights Allegations:
  • Multinational corporations commonly respond with outright denial or efforts to distance themselves from allegations revealed in internal audits.
  • VW claimed its Xinjiang factory was cleared of wrongdoing by an auditor, while BASF asserted values and denied forced labor in its supply chains.
  • Apple emphasized its zero-tolerance policy, conducting surprise audits and terminating relationships with suppliers found in violation.
• Broader Human Rights Landscape:
  • S. State Department and UN Human Rights Commissioner reports highlight the Uyghur repression in China as genocide and potential crimes against humanity.
  • German corporations navigate the intricate balance between business interests, ethical considerations, and international human rights standards.
• S. Law on Xinjiang Human Rights Violations and China’s Response
  • The 2021 Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) targets human rights violations, including forced labor, in Xinjiang, China.
  • The law presumes products from Xinjiang involve forced labor, labeling them “high priority,” and requires public companies to certify to the SEC that their products are free from Xinjiang forced labor.
  • UFLPA addresses violations such as torture, arbitrary detentions, and forced labor of Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang’s internment camps.
  • Drawing parallels with the Dodd-Frank Act, the law’s certification provision raised concerns among companies, resembling challenges related to controversial minerals disclosure.
  • The Bill passed the House of Representatives with strong support but faced industry backlash in the Senate, leading to attempts to dilute certain provisions.
  • During the legislative process, specific companies were called out for inappropriate practices, reflecting the contentious nature of the law.
• China’s Response and Denial:
  • Initially, China denied the existence of internment camps, later framing them as vocational training centers combating extremism.
  • In response to UFLPA, China relocated detainees, rerouted exports from Xinjiang, and imposed restrictions on companies using Xinjiang cotton.
  • Nike and H&M faced consequences, with Chinese consumers boycotting their products as part of retaliatory measures.
• Impact on Global Business:
  • The controversy surrounding Xinjiang human rights violations has created challenges for global businesses operating in China.
  • Companies navigate the complexities of adhering to U.S. law, addressing human rights concerns, and managing repercussions from both the U.S. and Chinese governments.
• EU Legislation on Forced Labor and Corporate Sustainability:
  • The European Union (EU) proposes legislation targeting products relying on forced labor, encompassing both imports and those produced within the EU.
  • The EU legislation aligns with the ILO’s definition of forced labor, concentrating enforcement efforts on large companies.
  • Skepticism exists within EU trade officials regarding the effectiveness of import bans in preventing rights abuses.
  • The EU’s broader Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive, addressing social, environmental, and human rights abuses in supply chains, has faced delays since 2022.
  • The proposed directive mandates companies to report and prevent abuses, allowing civil society groups to legally challenge adverse impacts.
• Setting Global Governance Standards:
  • Once the forced labor Regulation and due diligence Directive are in place, the EU aims to set global governance standards, influencing international bodies.
  • Ongoing challenges and VW’s current issues contribute to the EU’s push for enhanced governance and accountability.

About the Xinjiang Province in China

• Xinjiang is an autonomous region in the northwest of China, bordering eight countries including Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, Pakistan, Russia, and Tajikistan.
• It is China’s largest political unit, covering over 1.6 million square kilometers and has a population of about 25 million people.
• The region is home to the Uighur ethnic minority, who are predominantly Muslim and speak a Turkic language.
• The Chinese government has been accused of repressing the Uighurs, including placing many of them in internment camps, which the Chinese government refers to as “re-education” centers.

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Are Interpol’s notices being politically exploited?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Interpol, with 194 member countries, serves as a vital information-sharing network for national police forces to address transnational crimes collectively.

• Criticisms arise regarding the potential misuse of Interpol’s notice system, particularly focusing on the issuance of blue corner notices.
• Blue corner notices are perceived to be less scrutinized compared to red corner notices, leading to concerns about political targeting of refugees and dissidents.

Key Highlights

• Types of Interpol Notices:
  • Interpol issues seven types of notices, including Red Notice, Yellow Notice, Blue Notice, Black Notice, Green Notice, Orange Notice, and Purple Notice.
  • Blue Corner Notice: An “Enquiry Notice”:
    • Blue corner notices, also known as “enquiry notices,” facilitate the sharing of critical crime-related information among police forces in member states.
    • They involve obtaining a person’s criminal record, verifying identity, and determining location.
  • Example of Blue Corner Notice Issuance:
    • In January 2020, Interpol issued a blue corner notice to assist in locating the fugitive self-styled godman Nithyananda.
  • Striking a balance is crucial between facilitating police cooperation through Interpol and preventing the potential misuse of notices for political purposes.
    • Ongoing efforts aim to address concerns and enhance the scrutiny of notice issuance.
  • Distinguishing “Blue Corner” and “Red Corner” Notices:
    • Red corner notices are issued by member states with the aim of apprehending a wanted criminal for extradition or legal actions within the bounds of the law.
    • They target individuals wanted for prosecution or serving a sentence based on an arrest warrant or court decision in the requesting country.
    • The requesting country need not be the fugitive’s home country; Interpol acts on requests from nations where the alleged crime occurred.
    • Red corner notices typically follow criminal convictions, leading to potential arrest, extradition, and other repercussions like bank account closures.
    • Interpol cannot compel global law enforcement to arrest the subject; it is at the discretion of individual countries.
  • Interpol lacks the authority to mandate arrests; its role is advisory, leaving individual nations to decide whether to act on notices.
    • Distinction with Blue Corner Notices:
      • Unlike blue corner notices, red corner notices arise after the filing of criminal charges, following legal proceedings.
    • Case Examples:
    • In 2018, a red corner notice targeted fugitive billionaire Nirav Modi for the Punjab National Bank scam.
    • Interpol rejected India’s 2022 request for a red corner notice against Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, citing insufficient evidence and a “clear political dimension.”
  • Interpol’s Notice System Under Scrutiny: Potential for Political Misuse
    • Interpol’s Constitution explicitly prohibits activities of a political nature, aiming to ensure the organization’s neutrality.
    • Russia faces accusations of exploiting Interpol’s notice system for political purposes, with 38% of public red notices attributed to the country.
    • Critics argue that Kremlin opponents are frequently targeted through notices and diffusions.
    • Concerns About Other Nations:
      • China, Iran, Turkey, and Tunisia, among others, have been accused of leveraging Interpol notices for authoritarian objectives.
      • Human rights groups raise alarms about potential misuse by these countries.
    • In response to criticism, Interpol has strengthened oversight of its red notice system to prevent misuse.
    • Experts highlight vulnerabilities in the blue notice system, suggesting they are less likely to undergo thorough reviews before publication.
    • Over the past decade, the number of blue notices has approximately doubled, raising concerns.
  • Balancing Police Cooperation and Sovereignty:
    • Countries like Turkey argue that restraint in issuing notices hampers international police cooperation.
    • Some nations resist external interference in their internal affairs, emphasizing the delicate balance needed.

About the Interpol

• Interpol, officially known as the International Criminal Police Organization, is the world’s largest international police organization, facilitating cooperation among police forces from 196 member countries to combat international crime.
• Headquartered in Lyon, France, Interpol operates through seven regional bureaus worldwide and a National Central Bureau in each member country.
• Interpol was established in 1923
• Key points about Interpol include:
  • Mission: Interpol’s mission is to advance the law enforcement interests of its member countries by sharing criminal justice, humanitarian, and public safety information, facilitating transnational investigative efforts, and enhancing global safety and security.
  • Structure: The General Secretariat employs around 1,000 staff members from 100 different countries.
    • Approximately one-third are police officers deployed by their governments while two-thirds are international civil servants recruited by the organization.
  • Activities:
    • Interpol manages 19 police databases with information on crimes and criminals accessible in real-time to member countries.
    • It issues notices such as Red Notices for wanted persons but does not have the authority to force extraditions or make arrests.
  • Collaboration:
    • Interpol collaborates with various law enforcement agencies globally to address a wide range of crimes, including cyber-enabled scams, terrorism, human trafficking, drug trafficking, and more.
  • Note: Interpol is led by the Secretary-General, who is appointed by the General Assembly.

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World’s race to eradicate Guinea worm disease nears the finish line

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Guinea worm disease, once afflicting over 3.5 million cases in the 1980s, has witnessed a remarkable decline.

• WHO reports dwindling cases: 14 in 2021, 13 in 2022, and just six in 2023, signaling imminent eradication.
• Unlike diseases often countered by breakthrough vaccines, Guinea worm disease’s eradication highlights the success of basic public health principles over high-tech interventions.

Key Highlights

• A Reflection on Disease Eradication: Smallpox as the Sole Success Story
  • In the 1960s, humanity witnessed landmark achievements with the first moon landing and the eradication of smallpox.
  • However, the contrast between advancing space exploration and the stagnant list of eradicated human diseases, with only smallpox standing out, underscores the intricate challenges in disease eradication.
  • Guinea worm disease emerges as a beacon of success, emphasizing the power of human resilience and ingenuity in applying fundamental public health strategies.
• The Infection Cycle of Guinea Worm Disease:
  • Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is caused by the Guinea worm (Dracunculusmedinensis), a parasite with a historical presence dating back to biblical times.
  • The infection cycle begins when the worm enters an individual’s body, leading to the formation of a painful blister, typically on a lower limb.
  • Seeking relief, affected individuals often immerse the affected area in water, prompting the worm to emerge and release numerous larvae.
  • This process poses a risk of contaminating communal water sources, perpetuating the infection cycle.
  • Although the Guinea worm itself is not lethal, its impact is debilitating for those infected, preventing them from performing daily tasks and earning a livelihood.
  • The adult worm, which can reach lengths of up to a meter, emerges through a painful skin lesion.
  • This process, lasting weeks, starts with a blister and evolves into an ulcer, with symptoms including intense pain, swelling, and potential secondary bacterial infections.
  • Sufferers may also experience fever, nausea, and vomiting, incapacitating individuals and significantly hindering their daily activities and work.

• Legs Most Vulnerable: The Predominance of Guinea Worm Infections
  • Over 90% of Guinea worm infections predominantly affect the legs and feet, causing excruciating experiences when the adult female worm emerges through the skin.
  • The open sores left by its exit pose a heightened risk of secondary infections.
  • Striking both sexes, Guinea worm disease symbolizes a broader battle against poverty-related illnesses, thriving in areas lacking clean water access and health education.
• India’s Triumph: A Model for Guinea Worm Eradication
  • India’s successful elimination of Guinea worm disease in the late 1990s stands as a commendable chapter in public health history.
  • Achieved through a comprehensive strategy involving surveillance, water safety interventions, and community education, India received Guinea worm disease-free certification from the WHO in 2000.
  • The collaborative effort included the Indian government, local health workers, and international partners, focusing on empowering communities with knowledge and tools for prevention.
• The Strategy Towards Eradication: Fundamentals of Public Health
  • The approach leading to the brink of Guinea worm disease eradication is characterized by intersectoral coordination, community participation, and a sustained emphasis on prevention through health education.
  • Unlike diseases tackled by medical interventions, Guinea worm disease is pushed towards extinction by ensuring clean water access (using the larvicideTemephos), raising awareness through community workers, and vigilant case tracking to contain outbreaks.
• Progress and Challenges: Navigating the Last Vestiges
  • With only six cases reported in 2023, progress against Guinea worm disease is evident, particularly in nations like South Sudan and Mali.
  • Challenges persist, notably in Chad and the Central African Republic, where the last vestiges of the disease remain, emphasizing the ongoing fight towards complete eradication.
• The Evolving Challenge: Guinea Worms in Animal Reservoirs
  • In 2020, researchers discovered Guinea worms in animal reservoirs, particularly dogs in Chad, introducing a layer of complexity to the final stages of eradication.
  • This revelation highlights the disease’s tenacity and emphasizes the need for countries, including previously endemic ones like India, to remain vigilant.
  • Governments must adapt public health strategies as Guinea worms persist in animal hosts, preventing a potential resurgence.
• Threats to Progress: Human and Political Factors
  • Significant progress toward Guinea worm disease eradication faces threats from human and political factors, including civil unrest and poverty.
  • These challenges, deeply rooted in the socio-political fabric of affected areas, hinder public health campaigns by disrupting infrastructure and exacerbating vulnerability to disease.
  • The absence of conflicts could have expedited global eradication efforts by a decade, showcasing the stark interplay between health and peace.
• Beyond Parasite Elimination: The Moral Triumph of Eradicating Guinea Worm Disease
  • Eradicating Guinea worm disease extends beyond defeating a parasitic adversary; it signifies a triumph for humanity.
  • It underscores a collective moral responsibility to the vulnerable, demonstrating the profound impact of addressing health disparities in communities.
  • The achievement would serve as a testament to the potential of global efforts converging to uplift communities from preventable afflictions, highlighting the positive outcomes of concerted action against a preventable and debilitating disease.

About the Guinea worm disease

• Guinea worm disease, also known as dracunculiasis, is a parasitic infection caused by the nematode (roundworm) Dracunculusmedinensis.
• It is characterized by the presence of long, thread-like worms in the human body.
• Parasite and Life Cycle:
  • Guinea worms are parasitic nematodes that infect humans.
  • The life cycle of the Guinea worm involves water fleas (cyclops) as intermediate hosts.
  • Humans become infected by consuming water contaminated with copepods containing Guinea worm larvae.
• Incubation Period:
  • After ingestion, it takes about one year for the larvae to develop into adult worms inside the human body.
  • The adult female Guinea worm, which can grow up to several feet in length, eventually emerges from the skin, usually in the lower extremities.
• Symptoms:
  • The emergence of the Guinea worm is a painful process and can lead to symptoms such as fever, nausea, and localized inflammation.
  • The worm creates a blister on the skin, and when it emerges, it can cause a burning sensation.
• Transmission:
  • Guinea worm disease is mainly transmitted through the consumption of contaminated water.
  • People who drink water containing infected copepods can become hosts for the Guinea worm larvae.
  • The larvae mature into long, thread-like worms inside the human body.
• Prevention:
  • Prevention and control efforts primarily focus on improving access to safe drinking water, educating communities about the importance of water filtration, and implementing measures to prevent the contamination of water sources.
  • Filtration of water through fine mesh filters is a common preventive measure.

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