CURRENT AFFAIRS - 17/01/2024

Contents

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17/01/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17/01/2024

The geopolitics in the Bangladesh election results

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

Bangladesh’s national elections on January 7, 2024, were marked by violence and protests as the ruling Awami League and its allies secured a significant victory, winning 225 out of 300 contested seats.

The main opposition party, Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), boycotted the polls, alleging corruption and demanding elections under a neutral caretaker government—a provision abolished by the Awami League in 2009.

Key Highlights

The recent controversy echoes past elections in 2014 and 2018, where the Awami League faced accusations of electoral manipulation, irregularities, and violence.
- International election observation missions criticized the party’s conduct in those elections, highlighting persistent challenges in Bangladesh’s political landscape.
Geopolitical Dynamics:
- Bangladesh has emerged as a rising economic powerhouse in South Asia, with a GDP growth of 7.1% in 2022, a $400 billion economy, and a population exceeding 165 million.
- The nation’s strategic location has drawn the attention of global powers, including China, India, Russia, and the United States, engaged in a geopolitical tug-of-war.
India’s Strategic Interests:
- India, as Bangladesh’s closest neighbor, maintains deep strategic interests in the country.
- Bilateral trade approaching $15 billion annually underscores the close relationship, with agreements spanning investment, counterterrorism, energy, and river water sharing.
- Bangladesh is crucial to India’s efforts to balance China’s regional influence, making a stable Bangladesh a counterweight to potential instability from neighboring countries.
S. Concerns and Balancing Act:
- While the U.S. acknowledges strategic interests in maintaining ties with Bangladesh, it has been critical of the government’s democratic shortcomings, human rights suppression, and restrictions on press freedom.
- The U.S. Department of State has signaled its commitment to democratic values by considering visa restrictions on individuals responsible for undermining the democratic election process in Bangladesh.
China’s Non-Interference Stance:
- Yao Wen, China’s Ambassador to Bangladesh, emphasized that the election is an internal matter for Bangladesh, signaling China’s non-interference policy.
- As Bangladesh’s primary trading partner with an annual bilateral trade exceeding $25 billion, China expressed confidence in Bangladesh’s ability to determine its electoral needs.
- China, through its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), has heavily invested in critical infrastructure projects in Bangladesh, contributing over $10 billion for ports, bridges, highways, and other key developments.
- While the U.S. and other international observers criticized the elections for being neither free nor fair, China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, congratulated the ruling Awami League for its victory.
- China positioned the elections as a success and praised Bangladesh for conducting the national election as scheduled.
Russia’s Strategic Engagement:
- Russia, having drawn closer to Bangladesh through significant financing of the Rooppur nuclear power plant, a $12 billion infrastructure project, displayed keen interest in the elections.
- Russia’s engagement extends to collaboration with India, as evidenced by joint efforts when a Russian ship carrying nuclear materials faced entry denial due to U.S. sanctions in 2022.
- Russia’s pre-election statement in 2023 highlighted concerns about U.S. and its allies’ attempts to influence Bangladesh’s internal political processes, underscoring the strategic significance of the region for Moscow.
Geopolitical Battleground:
- The aftermath of Bangladesh’s 2024 elections has transformed into a geopolitical battleground, complicating normal business dealings for the U.S. and its allies.
- The nation’s increasing economic and strategic significance adds uncertainty to the extent of actions these countries may take.
- Given Bangladesh’s reliance on foreign exchange earnings from the readymade garment industry, any potential restrictions imposed by the U.S. and European Union could present a serious challenge, as they are major importers of Bangladesh’s garments.
Historical Precedent and UN Warning:
- Drawing on historical precedent, in 2007, when the opposition BNP attempted election manipulation, the United Nations issued a stern warning, hinting at a possible halt to Bangladesh’s participation in peacekeeping operations.
- This prompted a military-backed caretaker government to intervene, leading to elections in 2008, won by the then opposition Awami League.
- The current situation, despite criticism, leaves uncertainty regarding whether the UN will take further action.
Economic Challenges and Rising Living Costs:
- Bangladesh is grappling with surging living costs, triggering protests in recent months.
- The government faces challenges dealing with soaring energy import prices, diminishing dollar reserves, and a weakening local currency.
- The International Monetary Fund (IMF) highlighted multiple shocks to Bangladesh’s economy post-COVID-19 recovery, exacerbated by supply chain disruptions and inflationary pressures due to the Ukraine war.

About India- Bangladesh Relations

India holds the distinction of being the first country to recognize Bangladesh as an independent state following its liberation in December 1971.
Diplomatic relations between India and Bangladesh were promptly established, laying the foundation for a longstanding and multifaceted partnership.
The relationship between India and Bangladesh runs deep, rooted in civilizational, cultural, social, and economic connections.
The two nations share a common history, heritage, and linguistic ties, fostering a strong sense of unity.
On 6 December, Bangladesh and India celebrate Friendship Day commemorating India’s recognition of Bangladesh and the continued friendship between the two countries.
India and Bangladesh share the longest land boundary, spanning 4096.7 km.
- States such as Assam, West Bengal, Mizoram, Meghalaya, and Tripura have borders with Bangladesh.
- India and Bangladesh share 54 rivers, emphasizing the need for collaborative water management.
- An existing treaty governs the sharing of the Ganges water, and efforts are underway to finalize agreements for other common rivers.
Bangladesh and India are common members of SAARC, BIMSTEC, IORA and the Commonwealth.
Economic Collaboration:
- Bangladesh is India’s most significant trading partner in the subcontinent, with Indian exports totaling USD 8 billion from April to November 2022.
- India has facilitated the export of cargo from Inland Container Depots (ICDs) within its borders to Bangladesh through inland waterways, streamlining the trans-shipment of containerized cargo from Bangladesh to third countries via India.
- Since 2011, India has granted duty-free quota-free access to Bangladesh on all tariff lines (excluding tobacco and alcohol) under the South Asian Free Trade Area (SAFTA).
- In July 2023, both countries initiated a trade transaction in rupees, aiming to reduce dependence on the US dollar and strengthen regional currency and trade.
- Collaborative efforts extend to developing crucial infrastructure projects, such as the Akhaura-Agartala rail link and MaitriSetu, enhancing connectivity between the two countries.
- Friendship Pipeline:
  - The India-Bangladesh Friendship Pipeline, linking Siliguri in West Bengal to Parbatipur in Dinajpur district, is set to transport one million Metric Tonnes Per Annum (MMTPA) of High-Speed Diesel to Bangladesh.
Joint Military Exercises:
- Regular joint military exercises, including Exercise Sampriti (Army) and Exercise Bongosagar (Navy), underscore the defense collaboration between the two nations.

Understanding the Tenth Schedule

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Maharashtra Assembly Speaker has refused to disqualify 40 MLAs of the EknathShinde faction, recognizing it as the authentic Shiv Sena.

The appointment of a whip by this group was deemed valid.

Key Highlights

Purpose of the Tenth Schedule:
- The Tenth Schedule was introduced through the 52nd constitutional amendment in 1985 to address the political instability caused by defections of legislators during the 1960s and 70s, which led to the downfall of elected governments.
- The primary objective was to ensure the stability of elected governments by curbing defections.
- Anti-Defection Law:
  - The Tenth Schedule outlines the ‘anti-defection’ law, stipulating that a member of a legislative body who voluntarily gives up their party membership or votes against party instructions is liable for disqualification.
  - The term ‘whip’ refers to a member appointed by the political party to issue instructions regarding voting.
- Original Exceptions and Amendments:
  - Initially, the Tenth Schedule included two exceptions:
    - one-third members of a legislature party splitting to form a separate group and the merger of a political party with another party, subject to the approval of two-thirds of its legislature party.
  - In 2003, para 3, which allowed one-third members to split, was omitted to strengthen the ‘anti-defection’ law and discourage unauthorized factional splits.
- Issues Surrounding Anti-Defection Laws and Recent Developments
  - The removal of para 3 from the Tenth Schedule has led to instances where two-thirds of a legislature party effectively defect while claiming to be the original political party, aiming to avoid disqualification.
  - Similar situations occurred in Rajasthan in 2019 and Goa in 2022, where members merged with another party to escape disqualification.
- Speaker’s Role and Concerns:
  - The authority to decide on members’ disqualification rests with the Speaker of the House, a role expected to be performed impartially.
  - However, past instances have raised concerns about Speakers favoring the ruling dispensation.
  - The Supreme Court, in the K. M. Singh versus Speaker of Manipur (2020) case, recommended constitutional amendments to transfer these powers to an independent tribunal led by judges for unbiased decisions.
- Reforms Needed in Anti-Defection Laws
  - The Supreme Court, in the Sadiq Ali versus Election Commission of India (1971) case, established a three-test formula for the Election Commission to determine the original political party.
  - These criteria include the party’s aims and objects, adherence to its constitution reflecting inner-party democracy, and a majority in both legislative and organizational wings.
  - However, challenges persist, particularly concerning inner-party democracy.
  - Lack of Inner-Party Democracy:
    - Most defections stem from the absence of inner-party democracy, highlighting the significance of this aspect in determining party legitimacy.
    - The Election Commission’s decision in February 2023, recognizing the EknathShinde faction as the genuine Shiv Sena, was solely based on the votes polled by legislators supporting Shinde in the 2019 Maharashtra Assembly elections.
  - Call for Authoritative Supreme Court Judgment:
    - To address ambiguities surrounding the Tenth Schedule, a call for an authoritative Supreme Court judgment has been made.
    - Such a judgment would provide clarity on the interpretation and application of the anti-defection laws, reducing the room for subjective interpretation.
  - Independent Tribunal for Disqualification:
    - Another crucial reform is the establishment of an independent tribunal to decide on the disqualification of members.
    - This move aims to ensure impartiality in the decision-making process, alleviating concerns about the Speaker’s neutrality in these matters.
  - Institutionalizing Internal Democracy:
    - The core reform needed involves institutionalizing internal democracy within political parties.
    - Regular inner-party elections, closely monitored by the Election Commission, would foster transparency, accountability, and democratic practices within the parties.
    - This proactive approach addresses the root cause of defections and strengthens the democratic fabric of political organizations.

About the Anti-Defection Law

The 52nd Amendment Act of 1985 marked a significant development in Indian constitutional history by introducing anti-defection laws.
This amendment focused on preventing members of Parliament and state legislatures from defecting from one political party to another.
It brought about changes in four articles of the Constitution and added the Tenth Schedule, commonly referred to as the ‘anti-defection law.’
Key Provisions of the Anti-Defection Law:
- The anti-defection law, as outlined in the Tenth Schedule, imposes disqualification on members of a House under certain circumstances:
  - Voluntarily giving up party membership.
  - Voting or abstaining from voting contrary to the party’s direction without prior permission, uncondoned within 15 days.
- Impact on Party Members, Independent Members, and Nominated Members:
  - Party Members: Members elected on a party ticket are required to adhere to party discipline, continuing their party membership and following party directions.
  - Independent Members: Independent members, elected without party affiliation, face disqualification if they join any political party after their election.
  - Nominated Members: Nominated members face disqualification if they join any political party after six months from taking their seat in the House.
    - However, within the initial six months, such joining does not trigger disqualification.
  - Exceptions to Disqualification: The disqualification on the grounds of defection, as per the Tenth Schedule, includes two exceptions:
    - (a) Merger Exception: If a member leaves their party due to a merger of the party with another, where two-thirds of the members agree to such merger.
    - (b) Presiding Officer Exception: If a member, elected as the presiding officer of the House, voluntarily gives up party membership or rejoins after ceasing to hold that office.
      - This exemption ensures the dignity and impartiality of the presiding officer.
    - Deletion of Split Exception:
      - The provision in the Tenth Schedule exempting members from disqualification in case of a split by one-third members of the legislature party has been deleted by the 91st Amendment Act of 2003.
      - This amendment eliminates protection for defectors based on party splits.
    - Deciding Authority and Judicial Review:
      - Any question regarding disqualification due to defection is decided by the presiding officer of the House.
      - Originally, the act stated that the presiding officer’s decision is final and not subject to questioning in any court.
      - However, the Supreme Court, in the KihotoHollohan case (1993), declared this provision unconstitutional.
      - The Court ruled that the presiding officer functions as a tribunal, and his decision is subject to judicial review on grounds like mala fides or perversity.
      - While rejecting claims of inherent political bias, the Court acknowledged the right of judicial review over decisions made under the Tenth Schedule.

ICMR starts revising current National Essential Diagnostics List for first time

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has initiated the revision of the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL), acknowledging the passage of considerable time since the release of the first list in 2019.

Stakeholders are invited to provide suggestions on additions or deletions of diagnostic tests to enhance the current list.

Key Highlights

Objective of NEDL:
- The NEDL serves as a compilation of essential and fundamental diagnostic tests that should be accessible at various levels of healthcare facilities across India.
- These levels include village-level facilities, sub-health centres, health and wellness centres, and primary health centres.
Background and WHO Recommendation:
- In 2018, the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommended the creation and implementation of National Essential Diagnostics Lists globally.
- The objective was to ensure the availability of in-vitro diagnostics across different tiers of healthcare facilities, both with and without onsite laboratories.
- Responding to this, ICMR released India’s first NEDL in 2019, emphasizing the importance of diagnostics as an integral component of the healthcare system.
Inclusion Criteria for Diagnostic Tests:
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has outlined the criteria guiding the inclusion of diagnostic tests in the National Essential Diagnostics List (NEDL).
- The original inclusion was based on careful consideration of disease burden data across Indian states, alignment with national programs, and adherence to Indian public health standards.
- The considerations also included the assessment of required manpower, infrastructure, and logistical support at each healthcare facility for test execution.
Stakeholder Guidelines for Recommendations:
- ICMR has invited stakeholders to propose additions or deletions to the current NEDL.
- Stakeholders are urged to evaluate factors such as the test’s essential nature, disease burden, and alignment with Indian public health standards before making recommendations.
- Essential diagnostic tests are defined as those meeting priority healthcare needs, selected considering disease prevalence, public health relevance, evidence of efficacy and accuracy, and comparative cost-effectiveness.
Focus on Disease Burden and Public Health Impact:
- Tests proposed for addition should focus on conditions with a high disease burden or significant public health relevance.
- The introduction of a diagnostic test should demonstrably impact disease diagnosis and management.
- Additionally, any suggested addition must be well-documented, showing necessity at the suggested healthcare level.
- It should align with the availability of equipment, infrastructure, and manpower, following the Indian Public Health Standards of 2022.

About the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) is a premier autonomous organization in India that operates under the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
ICMR was founded in 1911 as the Indian Research Fund Association (IRFA) and later restructured and renamed as the Indian Council of Medical Research in 1949.
The primary mission of ICMR is to advance health research in India, focusing on the development and application of scientific knowledge for the improvement of health and well-being.
It plays a crucial role in addressing major health challenges, formulating health policies, and supporting the development of healthcare infrastructure.
ICMR is involved in a wide range of research areas, including basic medical sciences, communicable and non-communicable diseases, reproductive health, maternal and child health, nutrition, genetics, epidemiology, and environmental health.
Some prominent institutes under ICMR include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), National Institute of Nutrition (NIN), National Institute of Malaria Research (NIMR), and others.

India’s KABIL acquires fivelithium blocks in Argentina

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

India has announced the acquisition of five lithium blocks in Argentina, marking a significant move into lithium exploration.

The Mines Ministry, acting through KhanijBidesh India Limited (KABIL), signed an agreement with Argentina’s State-owned CAMYEN (Catamarca Minera Y EnergeticaSociedad Del Estado) for the exploration and development of lithium brine blocks.

Key Highlights

Blocks and Exploration Details:
- The lithium brine blocks include Cortadera-I, Cortadera-VII, Cortadera-VIII, Cateo-2022-01810132, and Cortadera-VI, covering approximately 15,703 hectares.
- KABIL, a State-owned entity, is set to commence exploration and development activities with a project cost of around ₹200 crore over a five-year period.
- The initiative aims to address India’s lithium requirements, currently met through imports, and enhance the country’s technical expertise in brine-type lithium exploration.
- The agreement grants KABIL Exploration and Exclusivity Rights for the five lithium blocks.
- KABIL will evaluate, prospect, and explore the lithium resources, with the potential for obtaining exploitation rights upon the discovery of lithium minerals for commercial production.
Strategic Significance:
- India’s lithium demand, valued at around ₹24,000 crore, heavily relies on imports, predominantly from China.
- Lithium is a critical component for green energy solutions, energy storage, mobile phone batteries, and electric vehicles (EVs).
- Argentina, part of the world’s “Lithium Triangle” with Chile and Bolivia, holds significant lithium resources and is a strategic partner in India’s quest for sustainable and diversified mineral supplies.
Argentina is known for being part of the “Lithium Triangle” and holds the second-largest lithium resources globally, along with being the third-largest in reserves and the fourth-largest in production.

About Lithium Triangle

The Lithium Triangle, or “TriángulodelLitio” in Spanish, is a geographically significant region in the Andes known for its abundant lithium reserves.
Encompassed by the borders of Argentina, Bolivia, and Chile, this area is characterized by vast salt pans, with the three main ones being Salar de Uyuni (Bolivia), Salar de Atacama (Chile), and Salar del Hombre Muerto (Argentina).
Lithium in the Lithium Triangle is primarily concentrated in salt pans along the Atacama Desert and adjacent arid regions.
Notably, Salar de Atacama in Chile boasts the highest lithium concentration (0.15% by weight) among all brine sources globally.
The lithium-rich area’s shape, despite being referred to as a “triangle,” is more accurately described as a crescent.
The crescent-shaped region spans from Salar de Surire (19° S) in the north to Salar de Maricunga (27° S) in the south.

About Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL)

KhanijBidesh India Limited (KABIL) is a joint venture company formed by three major Indian public sector entities involved in the mining and mineral sectors and was formed in 2019.
Key Entities Involved in the Joint Venture:
- National Aluminium Company Limited (NALCO):
  - NALCO is a Navratna company and one of the leading integrated producers of alumina and aluminum in India.
  - It is involved in bauxite mining, alumina refining, and aluminum smelting.
- Hindustan Copper Limited (HCL):
  - HCL is a public sector undertaking involved in the exploration, mining, and processing of copper ore.
  - It is a major player in the copper industry in India.
- Mineral Exploration Corporation Limited (MECL):
  - MECL is a public sector enterprise dedicated to mineral exploration activities.
  - It plays a crucial role in the geological exploration and assessment of various minerals.
- Objectives of KABIL: The primary objectives of KhanijBidesh India Limited include:
  - Securing access to strategic mineral assets globally.
  - Facilitating exploration and acquisition of mineral resources abroad.
  - Ensuring a stable and diversified supply of minerals for India’s industrial and economic needs.
  - Contributing to the country’s self-sufficiency in critical minerals.

About Lithium

Chemical Properties:
- Symbol: Li
- Atomic Number: 3
- Atomic Mass: 6.94
- Category: Alkali metal
Occurrence:
- Lithium is a relatively rare element in the Earth’s crust and is not found freely in nature due to its high reactivity.
- It is primarily extracted from lithium-containing minerals and brines.
Extraction Sources:
- Minerals: Spodumene, lepidolite, petalite, and amblygonite are some minerals containing lithium.
- Brines: Lithium-rich brine sources, such as those found in salt flats (salars), are another extraction source.
Production and Reserves:
- Leading lithium-producing countries include Australia, Chile, China, and Argentina.
- Bolivia holds significant lithium reserves, particularly in the Salar de Uyuni.
Applications:
- Batteries: Lithium-ion batteries are widely used in electronic devices (phones, laptops) and electric vehicles.
- Glass and Ceramics: Lithium compounds are used in glass and ceramics to enhance properties.
- Pharmaceuticals: Lithium carbonate is used in psychiatric medications.
- Greases and Lubricants: Lithium-based greases are common in lubricating products.
Lithium-Ion Batteries:
- Significance: Lithium-ion batteries are crucial for portable electronics and electric vehicles.
- Composition: They consist of a lithium cathode, an anode, and an electrolyte.
- Advantages: Lightweight, high energy density, and rechargeable.