Current Affairs Reverse Engineering
Care (19-03-2024)
| News at a Glance
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| International: India and France to launch climate fund for Indo – Pacific Countries |
| Environment And Ecology: No Need to Bring Slaughterhouses, Meat Processing Units Under EIA |
| Economy: India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) |
| Startup Mahakumbh |
| Defence: Exercise Tiger Triumph 2024 |
India and France to launch climate fund for Indo – Pacific Countries
Source: The live mint
Context: : India and France to launch climate fund for Indo – Pacific Countries
UPSC Syllabus Relevance GS – 3 (Climate change)) GS-2 (Bilateral relationship)
Why in news
- India and France are planning to launch a fund to support climate-focused innovations and startups in the Indo-Pacific region later in 2024.
Key highlights
- The fund will support projects in the Western Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific.
- The fund is called the Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation Fund and will support startups and innovations focused on climate and the SDGs.
- The India-France Indo-Pacific Roadmap, released in July 2023, emphasizes the need to move beyond a traditional, self-centered approach to foster a more outward-looking dynamic with key regional partners.
- The cooperative trilateral mechanisms established by India and France in 2020 (India-France-Australia) and in 2023 (India-France-UAE) are initial steps in this direction.
- The transition to a sustainable future in the Asia-Pacific region has global economic significance.
- The region has driven global growth in recent years, but its heavy coal reliance has led to significant greenhouse gas emissions.
About Indo-Pacific Parks Initiative
- The Indo-Pacific Parks Partnership is an initiative that aims to improve the region’s capacity for sustainable management of protected areas.
- The initiative is part of the India-France Strategic Partnership, which also includes the International Solar Alliance.
- The partnership aims to provide sustainable development solutions to the region’s countries through multilateral and third-country initiatives.
About France Indo Pacific strategy
- France’s Indo-Pacific strategy aims to maintain an open, inclusive area based on multilateralism and international law, free of coercion.
- The European Union (EU) also has an Indo-Pacific strategy that promotes stability, security, prosperity, and sustainable development, while also fostering democracy, human rights, rule of law, and international law.
- The 2021 strategies of France and the EU are a priority for the Indo-Pacific region.
- The two countries have also agreed to work on establishing an Indo-French Health Campus, which would serve as a regional hub for research and academia.
Indo – Pacific Region
- The Indo-Pacific region is a region that stretches from the Indian Ocean to the U.S. Pacific Coast. It includes Northeast and Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Oceania, including the Pacific Islands.
- The Indo-Pacific region is not a clearly defined geographical area, and different actors define it differently.
- The Indo-Pacific region is one of the most populous and economically active regions of the world.
- It includes four continents: Asia, Africa, Australia, and America.
- The region is home to more than one-half of the world’s people and nearly two-thirds of the world’s economy.
- The coining of term Indo-Pacific runs parallel with the rise of China, which, along with Beijing’s growing assertive foreign policy, is taken to be the driving force fueling the great-power competition in the region
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statement with reference to Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation Fund:
1. It is proposed by India, Australia and USA. 2. The fund aims to promote climate-focused innovations and startups in the Western Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. Which of the following statements regarding ‘Green Climate Fund’ is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2015)
1. It is intended to assist the developing countries in adaptation and mitigation practices to counter climate change. 2. It is founded under the aegis of UNEP, OECD, Asian Development Bank and World Bank. Select the correct answer using the codes given below: A. 1 only B. 2 only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: A
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| Ans 1 B
Explanation · India and France are planning to launch a fund to support climate-focused innovations and startups in the Indo-Pacific region later in 2024. So, statement 1 in incorrect. · The fund will support projects in the Western Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific. · The fund is called the Indo-Pacific Triangular Cooperation Fund and will support startups and innovations focused on climate and the SDGs. · The fund aims to promote climate-focused innovations and startups in the Western Indian Ocean and the broader Indo-Pacific. So, statement 2 in correct.
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Centre: No Need to Bring Slaughterhouses, Meat Processing Units Under EIA
Source: Hindustan times
Context: Existing guidelines and safeguards effectively regulate Slaughterhouses, Meat Processing Units from an environmental standpoint
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS – 1 (Agricultural Resources Growth & Development) GS- 3 (Economics of Animal-Rearing, EIA)
Why in news
- The Union Environment Ministry has submitted an affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stating that there is no requirement to include slaughterhouses and meat processing units within the scope of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006.
Environmental Concerns Raised by Activist
- The decision is based on the ministry’s assertion that.
- Animal rights activist Gauri Maulekhi had approached the green tribunal last year, demanding that slaughterhouses and meat processing units be brought within the ambit of EIA, 2006.
- She raised concerns regarding overconsumption of water at slaughterhouses, contamination of water bodies due to improper solid waste disposal, and the risk of zoonotic diseases due to exposure to unhealthy carcasses, among others.
Ministry’s Affidavit and Working Group Report
- The ministry’s affidavit is based on a report by an eight-member working group set up in August last year.
- It emphasizes that requisite guidelines and safeguards are already in place to regulate slaughterhouses and processing units from an environmental perspective.
- The ministry further stated that the existing regulatory framework and monitoring by agencies such as district magistrates, pollution control boards, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI), and the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development (APEDA) are adequate to address the environmental issues related to these units.
Recommendations for Regulation and Modernization
- The working group report highlighted the need to prioritize the modernization of unorganized slaughterhouses and meat processing units.
- It also emphasized the regulation and monitoring of illegal slaughterhouses with a capacity of up to nine animals, which are causing significant environmental damage.
- The report recommended that the Central Pollution Control Board communicate with state-level monitoring committees to crack down on illegal slaughterhouse units and recommended upgrading them into the organized sector.
- Additionally, it suggested necessary funding for expansion and modernization activities to control illegal slaughtering and emphasized the importance of ramping up infrastructure, especially waste management infrastructure.
Meat Industry in India
- India is the fifth largest meat producer in the world, producing 9.77 million tonnes in 2022-23. The top five meat producing states are:
- Maharashtra: 12.25%
- Uttar Pradesh: 12.14%
- West Bengal: 11.63%
- Andhra Pradesh: 11.04%
- Telangana: 10.82%
- India is the largest producer of buffalo meat and the second largest producer of goat meat.
- In 2022-23, India exported 331.57 tonnes of processed meat to the world worth Rs. 11.72 Crores/ 1.47 USD Millions.
- The major export destinations in 2022-23 were Kuwait, Bhutan, Qatar, U Arab Emts, Turkey and Cambodia.
Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) and Its Significance
- The Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) is a structured method used to analyze and understand the potential environmental effects that could occur from upcoming projects or activities.
- It helps in evaluating and predicting how these projects might impact the natural surroundings before they are put into action.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements:
1. Recently the Union Environment Ministry has recommended the inclusion of slaughterhouses and meat processing units within the scope of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. 2. India is the fifth largest meat producer in the world. 3. India is the largest producer of buffalo meat. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 and 2 only B. 2 and 3 only C. 3 only D. 1, 2 and 3
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Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Trade Related Analysis of Fauna and Flora in Commerce (TRAFFIC): (UPSC Prelims 2017)
1. TRAFFIC is a bureau under United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) 2. The mission of TRAFFIC is to ensure that trade in wild animals is not a threat to the conservation of nature Which of the given statements is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2 Answer: (b) |
| Answer 2– B
Explanation – · The Union Environment Ministry has submitted an affidavit to the National Green Tribunal (NGT), stating that there is no requirement to include slaughterhouses and meat processing units within the scope of the Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, 2006. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · India is the fifth largest meat producer in the world, producing 9.77 million tonnes in 2022-23. So, statement 2 is correct. · India is the largest producer of buffalo meat and the second largest producer of goat meat. So, statement 3 is correct. · Therefore, option B is correct answer.
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India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA)
Source: The Hindu
Context: The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) is the latest Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that India has entered into.
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 ( Bilateral Groupings & Agreements Groupings & Agreements Involving India and/or Affecting India’s Interests, Effect of Policies & Politics of Countries on India’s Interests, International Treaties & Agreements)
Why in News
- India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) focuses on deepening economic engagement with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries, which include Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, and Liechtenstein.
Significance of the FTA
- This FTA marks India’s first agreement with a European country and the western world.
- The successful conclusion of an FTA with developed countries like Switzerland and Norway sends a positive signal to the world, highlighting India’s commitment to trade liberalization in a time of rising protectionism.
- For trading partners, an FTA with India is attractive as it provides access to a large market by surpassing India’s high tariff walls.
- The TEPA negotiations began around 15 years ago and were concluded recently, following the swift conclusion of FTAs with Australia and the UAE.
- Negotiations for FTAs with the U.K. and the EU are also reportedly at an advanced stage.
Key Features of TEPA
- Investment: TEPA sets a target of attracting $100 billion in investment from EFTA countries into India, which is expected to create one million jobs over a 15-year period.
- The agreement allows India to withdraw tariff concessions if the expected investment does not materialize.
- However, the fulfilment of these investment and job creation targets depends on India’s economic growth rate and the return on EFTA investments in India.
- Trade in Goods: The chief gain for EFTA countries in terms of trade in goods is increased access to the Indian market through tariff concessions.
- India is mandated to eliminate tariffs on most products within seven to 10 years.
- This benefits EFTA exports of various products, including seafood, fruits, coffee capsules, oils, sweets, processed foods, smartphones, bicycle parts, medical equipment, clocks, watches, medicines, textiles, apparels, iron and steel products, and machinery.
- Tariffs on cut and polished diamonds will also be reduced. However, certain products like gold, dairy, soya, coal, and some sensitive agricultural products have been excluded from India’s tariff concession list.
- Trade in Services: TEPA commits to liberalization of services across various sectors. Some key benefits for India include access to the Norwegian market for yoga instructors and practitioners of traditional medicine, subject to compliance with Norway’s legal framework.
- Norway and Switzerland have also committed to allowing highly skilled Indian professionals to move as intra-corporate transferees, subject to obtaining work permits.
- The agreement includes provisions for easing the recognition of qualifications of service suppliers and lays down disciplines for financial services and telecom services.
- Sustainable Development: The TEPA includes a chapter on Trade and Sustainable Development (TSD), which represents a first for India in any FTA.
- The chapter covers commitments on environmental and labor aspects, based on a balance of rights and obligations. It refers to multilateral environmental agreements and labor conventions, recognizing differential obligations for developed and developing countries.
- The implementation of environmental and labor obligations will be subject to scrutiny under the TSD chapter.
- Intellectual Property Rights: The TEPA addresses the protection of intellectual property rights (IPR) and includes commitments that go beyond the WTO’s Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
- For example, the agreement requires swift rejection of “prima facie unfounded” oppositions to patent applications. It also suggests increasing the periodicity of filing annual statements on the working of a patent from one year to three years, with annual statements required only in specified cases.
- The implementation of these IPR commitments may require adjustments to India’s existing patent rules.
Conclusion
- The India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) represents a significant step for India in deepening economic engagement with European countries.
- The agreement aims to attract investment, create jobs, provide tariff concessions, promote trade in services, address sustainable development, and address intellectual property rights.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to India-EFTA Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA):
1. TEPA sets a target of attracting $100 billion in investment from EFTA countries into India.
2. All countries of EFTA have committed to allowing highly skilled Indian professionals to move as intra-corporate transferees, with no need of obtaining work permits.
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. Only 1 B. Only 2 C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. ‘Broad-based Trade and Investment Agreement (BTIA)’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of negotiations held between India and (UPSC Prelims 2017)
A. European Union B. Gulf Cooperation Council C. Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development D. Shanghai Cooperation Organization Ans: A
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| Answer 3 A
Explanation · India signed a Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement (TEPA) with the European Free Trade Association (EFTA). The EFTA is made up of four non-EU countries: Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland. · The agreement aims to improve market access and simplify customs procedures, which could help Indian and EFTA businesses expand their operations. So, statement 1 is correct. · TEPA commits to liberalization of services across various sectors. Some key benefits for India include access to the Norwegian market for yoga instructors and practitioners of traditional medicine, subject to compliance with Norway’s legal framework. · Norway and Switzerland have also committed to allowing highly skilled Indian professionals to move as intra-corporate transferees, subject to obtaining work permits. · So, statement 2 is incorrect. · Therefore, option A is correct answer. |
Startup Mahakumbh
Source: DD NEWS
Context: Startup Mahakumbh 2024 is set to unite over 1,000 startups, 50 unicorns, 500 incubators, and 5,000 delegates from 23 countries.
PSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 (Indian Economy)
Why in News
- Startup Mahakumbh 2024 is a groundbreaking initiative led by industry giants such as ASSOCHAM, Nasscom, Bootstrap Incubation & Advisory Foundation, TiE, and Indian Venture and Alternate Capital Association.
Key highlights
- This three-day event, supported by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), aims to foster innovation and collaboration across various sectors, featuring prominent figures like Amitabh Kant, Sivasubramanian Ramann, and Falguni Nayar.
- The event’s central theme revolves around the concept of ‘Bharat Innovates’, focusing on sectors such as AI+SaaS, D2C/consumer brands, agritech, fintech, and more.
- Notably, the event will introduce a dedicated pavilion for B2B manufacturing, marking a pioneering initiative in the Indian startup ecosystem.
Diverse Lineup of Industry Leaders
- Startup Mahakumbh 2024 boasts a diverse lineup of industry leaders who will share their insights and experiences.
- Renowned speakers include Amitabh Kant, Sivasubramanian Ramann, Falguni Nayar, Sridhar Vembu, Prashanth Prakash, and Sanjeev Bikachandani.
Engaging Activities for Startups
- The event will offer a plethora of engaging activities tailored for startups to enhance their knowledge and skills.
- These activities include mentorship clinics, pitch competitions, multi-track conferences, leadership talks, panel discussions, workshops, and other interactive sessions.
Investor Insights and Learning Opportunities
- Startup Mahakumbh 2024 will provide valuable insights and learning opportunities for investors.
- Activities such as pitching and storytelling masterclasses, along with interactions with angel investors, will offer a deeper understanding of investor expectations.
- Additionally, the event will witness the launch of a structured 30-hour online entrepreneurship learning program, culminating in certification, to further empower aspiring entrepreneurs.
Status of Indian Startup Ecosystem
- The number of recognized Startups has grown at 120% (CAGR) over the last 7 years and stands at over one lakh Startups as of October 2023.
- The coverage of Startups has increased sixfold in the last seven years with presence in close to 670+ districts across the country.
- Close to 50% of the recognized Startups are based out of Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities.
- India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally as of 31st May 2023.
- India ranks 2nd in innovation quality with top positions in the quality of scientific publications and the quality of its universities among middle-income economies.
Challenges Faced by Indian Startups
- Regulatory Environment and Tax Structures: Startups in India face regulatory hurdles and complex tax structures.
- Cumbersome compliance processes, bureaucratic red tape, and ambiguous regulations create obstacles for startups. Taxation complexities can add to the administrative burden and impact profitability.
- Funding Challenges: Indian startups encounter difficulties in securing adequate funding for their ventures.
- Limited access to capital inhibits their growth potential and hampers innovation.
- Startups face challenges in attracting investors and obtaining venture capital due to various factors such as risk aversion, uncertain market conditions, and lack of investor confidence.
- Revenue Generation Struggles: Many startups face challenges in generating sustainable revenues.
- They often struggle to find viable business models, monetize their products or services, and achieve profitability.
- Limited market reach, competition from established players, and insufficient customer acquisition pose additional hurdles.
- Lack of Supportive Infrastructure: The absence of a robust infrastructure ecosystem can impede the growth of startups.
- Challenges include inadequate physical infrastructure, limited access to technological resources, and a dearth of incubation centers, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities. Startups require supportive environments to thrive and access necessary resources, expertise, and guidance.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Consider the following statements with reference to startups in India:
1. India has emerged as the largest ecosystem for startups globally as of 31st May 2023. 2. Startups in India face challenges in attracting investors and obtaining venture capital. Which of the above statements is/are correct? A. 1 only B. 2 only C. 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2
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Q. What does venture capital mean? (UPSC Prelims 2014)
A. A short-term capital provided to industries B. A long-term start-up capital provided to new entrepreneurs C. Funds provided to industries at times of incurring losses D. Funds provided for replacement and renovation of industries Ans: B
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| Answer 4 B
Explanation · Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is organising the three-day event, Startup Mahakumbh 2024 · India has emerged as the 3rd largest ecosystem for startups globally as of 31st May 2023. · India ranks 2nd in innovation quality with top positions in the quality of scientific publications and the quality of its universities among middle-income economies. So, statement 1 is incorrect. · Indian startups encounter difficulties in securing adequate funding for their ventures. · Limited access to capital inhibits their growth potential and hampers innovation. · Startups face challenges in attracting investors and obtaining venture capital due to various factors such as risk aversion, uncertain market conditions, and lack of investor confidence. · So, statement 2 is correct. · Therefore, option B is correct answer.
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EXERCISE TIGER TRIUMPH 2024
Source: PIB
UPSC Syllabus relevance: GS 2 (Defence Diplomacy)
Context: India, US to take part in bilateral tri-service exercise Tiger Triumph-24
Why in news
- In consonance with the established partnership between India and the US, a bilateral tri-services Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) exercise, Tiger Triumph-24, has begun on the Eastern Seaboard and continues till March 31.
About Exercise Tiger Triumph
- It established partnership between India and the US, a bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise between both countries.
- Indian Navy Ships with integral helicopters and landing crafts embarked, Indian Navy aircraft, Indian Army personnel and vehicles and Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters along with the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT) would be participating in the exercise.
- The US would be represented by US Navy Ships with embarked troops of the US Marine Corps and US Army.
- The exercise is aimed at developing interoperability for conducting HADR operations and refine Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to enable rapid and smooth coordination between forces of both countries.
- The Harbour Phase is scheduled from 18 to 25 Mar 24.
- Personnel from both navies would participate in Training Visits, Subject Matter Expert Exchanges, Sports Events and Social interactions.
- On completion of the Harbour Phase, the ships, with the troops embarked, would sail for the Sea Phase and undertake Maritime, Amphibious and HADR operations in accordance with injected situations.
Other Exercises between India and the US
- Exercise Yudh Abhyas (It is the largest running joint military training and defence cooperation endeavor between India and the US.)
- Exercise Vajra Prahar (Special Forces’ Exercise)
- Cope India (Air Force).
- Malabar Exercise (Quadrilateral naval exercise of India, USA, Japan and Australia).
- Red Flag (US’ multilateral air exercise)
India’s defense diplomacy
- India’s defense diplomacy is a part of its overall diplomatic efforts to achieve national interests and promote peace and stability in the world.
- It includes activities such as:
- Military exchanges, Training, Capacity building, Information sharing, HADR, Staff level talks, Defense industrial co-operation, Arms trade, Peacekeeping, Trade fairs, and Skill development.
SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) doctrine
- In 2015, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled the SAGAR (security and growth for all in the region) doctrine.
- SAGAR doctrine aims to strengthen India’s presence and commitment in the Indian Ocean Region.
- India has also been using its defense forces to shape regional diplomacy, which has helped it build partnerships and cooperative engagement throughout the region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q5. What is Exercise Tiger Triumph?
A. A joint military exercise between India and the United States focused on counter-terrorism operations. B. A bilateral tri-Service Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief Exercise between India and the United States. C. A naval exercise conducted by India in the Indian Ocean region to enhance maritime security. D. A joint exercise between India and the United States aimed at enhancing cybersecurity capabilities.
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Q. Where did the JIMEX-23 exercise took place? (UPSC Prelims 2022)
A. Mumbai B. Visakhapatnam C. Chennai D. Gujarat Answer: B
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| Answer 5– B
Explanation · Tiger Triumph 24 is a bilateral tri-service exercise between India and the US. · The exercise, which is part of India’s established partnership with the US, focuses on improving interoperability for Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) operations and refining Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). · The exercise involves Indian Navy ships, Indian Navy aircraft, Indian Army personnel and vehicles, Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters, and the Rapid Action Medical Team (RAMT). · The US is represented by US Navy ships and US Marine Corps and US Army soldiers. · Therefore, option B is correct answer.
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