Current Affairs Reverse Engineering- CARE (14-10-2024)
| News at Glance |
| Public Health: Why precision medicine in India can’t advance without biobank laws |
| Social Issues: Global Hunger Index 2024 ranks India under ‘serious’ category |
| Environment and Ecology: Sahara Desert witnesses first floods in 50 years |
| Science and Technology: Ladakh aurorae validate space weather tracking efforts, scientists say |
| Post-landslides, Kerala’s Wayanad to get X-band radar for weather monitoring |
| International Relations: 2025 to be celebrated as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, India to contribute USD 5 million |
Why precision medicine in India can’t advance without biobank laws
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2 Public Health
Context: Precision medicine
Why in News
- Precision medicine is revolutionizing healthcare by tailoring treatments to individual patients based on their genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors.
Overview
- Precision medicine focuses on creating personalized treatments, particularly leveraging genomics to diagnose and treat diseases like cancer, chronic illnesses, and heart or liver diseases.
- The field gained momentum after the Human Genome Project, which mapped human DNA and provided a foundation for understanding genetic influences on health.
Technologies such as gene-editing and mRNA therapeutics are crucial.
- Gene-editing has restored vision to patients with a genetic mutation.
- Stem cell therapy reversed diabetes by transplanting reengineered cells.
- mRNA vaccines developed rapidly during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated the power of precision medicine.
Emerging Technology: Organ-on-a-Chip
- This technology replicates human organ environments in small devices, allowing drug testing in realistic settings without relying on animal models.
- It promises better accuracy in developing precision drugs.
Precision Medicine in India
- India’s precision medicine market is growing rapidly and is expected to exceed $5 billion by 2030.
- The government is fostering this through policies like BioE3, focusing on areas like cancer immunotherapy, gene editing, and biologics.
- Significant milestones include:
- NexCAR19, India’s first CAR-T cell therapy for cancer.
- Collaborations using AI for precision healthcare, as seen in new research centers.
Biobanks and Their Role in Precision Medicine
- A biobank stores biological samples like DNA, tissues, and organs along with their genetic data, which researchers use to understand diseases and develop treatments.
- For precision medicine to be effective, biobanks need large and diverse data sets.
- Success stories:
- Rare genetic disorders have been diagnosed by comparing biobank data with known conditions.
- The largest biobank of sarcoma organoids was created recently to explore potential therapies.
Biobanking in India
- India has 19 biobanks with a variety of biological specimens. Projects like Genome India and Phenome India aim to use genetic data for treatment discoveries.
- However, regulatory issues pose challenges for India’s biobanks, including unclear consent processes and privacy concerns.
Challenges with India’s Biobanking Regulations
India lacks comprehensive biobank regulations, in contrast to countries like the U.K., U.S., Japan, and China. Major issues include:
- Lack of transparency about how samples will be used and stored.
- No clear laws to protect participants’ rights, privacy, or data security.
- Inconsistent regulations, which may lead to ethical issues like unauthorized data sharing or sample mishandling.
This gap in regulation risks undermining public trust and reducing participation in biobank programs. Moreover, it opens the door for pharmaceutical companies to exploit India’s biobanks without fair benefit sharing.
Potential for India’s Leadership
India’s status as a global pharmaceutical and vaccine manufacturing hub positions it well to lead in next-generation therapeutics.
To do this, India must strengthen its biobanking regulations, ensuring alignment with international standards.
Proper regulations would:
- Protect participants’ privacy and ownership of their data.
- Encourage public participation.
- Build ethical research foundations, preventing misuse of data and samples.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Consider the following statements regarding precision medicine:
1. Precision medicine customizes healthcare treatments based on individual genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. 2. Gene-editing and mRNA therapeutics are central to the development of precision medicine. 3. Precision medicine relies solely on biobanks for storing data and biological samples. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. The term ‘ACE2’ is talked about in the context of (2021)
(a) Genes introduced in the genetically modified plants Ans: (d)
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| Answer – 1-A
Explanation – · Statement 1 is Correct Precision medicine involves tailoring medical treatment to individual characteristics, such as a person’s genetic makeup, environmental factors, and lifestyle. This is a fundamental principle of precision medicine, aiming to provide more effective and personalized healthcare. · Statement 2 is Correct Gene-editing technologies (like CRISPR) and mRNA therapeutics have become pivotal in advancing precision medicine. These technologies allow for precise targeting of genetic conditions, the development of personalized therapies, and the creation of vaccines, as seen with COVID-19 vaccines. · Statement 3 is Incorrect Precision medicine does not solely rely on biobanks for storing data and biological samples. While biobanks are important for collecting and maintaining biological specimens (like DNA, tissues, etc.) for research, precision medicine also utilizes other tools and resources such as advanced diagnostics, artificial intelligence, and large-scale data analytics. Biobanks are just one aspect of the infrastructure supporting precision medicine.
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Global Hunger Index 2024 ranks India under ‘serious’ category
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/19th-edition-of-global-hunger-index-2024/article68746097.ece
UPSC Relevance: GS1 and 2 – Social Issues, GS 3- Economy
Context: Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024
Why in News
- The Global Hunger Index (GHI has ranked India 105th, which places it under the “serious” category of the analysis.
Overview
- The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is an international tool used to measure and track hunger levels worldwide.
- Published annually by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe, the GHI highlights the severity of hunger in different countries based on key indicators.
- The 2024 report ranks India 105th out of 127 countries, placing it in the “serious” category.
Key Indicators Used in the GHI
The GHI score is based on four primary indicators:
- Undernourishment: The proportion of the population with insufficient caloric intake.
- Child Stunting: The percentage of children under five who have low height for their age, reflecting chronic undernutrition.
- Child Wasting: The percentage of children under five who have low weight for their height, indicating acute undernutrition.
- Child Mortality: The mortality rate of children under five, reflecting a combination of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy environments.
India’s GHI 2024 Score
- Score: 27.3, which reflects a serious level of hunger.
- Key statistics:
- 13.7% of the population is undernourished.
- 35.5% of children under five are stunted.
- 18.7% of children under five are wasted.
- 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday.
India’s Position in South Asia
- India ranks 105th and falls under the “serious” category.
- Some of India’s neighbors, such as Pakistan and Afghanistan, also fall in the same category.
- In contrast, Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka perform better, ranking in the “moderate” category.
Global Hunger and Challenges
- Globally, around 733 million people face hunger each day, and 8 billion cannot afford a healthy diet.
- Several African nations, including Gaza, Sudan, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, face “alarming” levels of hunger due to conflict and civil strife.
Challenges to Achieving Zero Hunger
- The GHI report concludes that achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal of Zero Hunger by 2030 is unlikely without significant progress.
- Despite global efforts to ensure the right to food, many parts of the world still experience food insecurity and hunger.
Global Hunger Index (GHI): An Overview
- The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool designed to comprehensively measure and track hunger levels across different countries.
- It is published annually by Concern Worldwide (Ireland) and Welthungerhilfe (Germany), both humanitarian organizations that focus on tackling global hunger and malnutrition.
- The GHI aims to raise awareness about hunger, promote accountability among nations, and prompt actions to eradicate hunger.
Key Indicators Used in GHI
The GHI score is calculated based on four component indicators that reflect undernourishment and child nutrition:
- Undernourishment: The proportion of the population that has insufficient caloric intake.
- Child Stunting: The percentage of children under the age of five who have low height for their age, indicating chronic malnutrition.
- Child Wasting: The percentage of children under five who have low weight for their height, reflecting acute undernutrition.
- Child Mortality: The mortality rate of children under five, which is an indirect indicator of inadequate nutrition and unhealthy living conditions.
Conclusion
- The 2024 GHI report underscores the need for more aggressive actions to address hunger and food insecurity, particularly in countries like India, which faces serious challenges related to undernutrition and child mortality.
- Addressing these issues will be critical in working towards global food security and improving health outcomes.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024:
1. The Global Hunger Index is calculated based on four indicators: undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. 2. India ranks among the top 50 countries with the lowest hunger levels in the 2024 report. 3. The GHI is published by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a) 1 only |
Q. Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (2016)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only Ans: (c)
|
| Answer 2– B
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct: The GHI is based on four key indicators—undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality. · Statement 2 is incorrect: India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the 2024 GHI, which places it in the “serious” hunger category, not among the top 50. · Statement 3 is correct: The GHI is published by two humanitarian organizations, Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
Sahara desert witnesses first floods in 50 years
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Environment and Ecology
Context: Rare Rainfall Transforms Morocco’s Sahara Desert Landscape
Why in News
- Recently, southeastern Morocco’s Sahara Desert experienced an unusual and rare deluge of rainfall.
Overview:
- In September, southeastern Morocco’s Sahara Desert, one of the most arid regions on Earth, experienced an unusual and rare deluge of rainfall.
- This extraordinary weather event led to the formation of blue lagoons amid palm trees and sand dunes, nourishing areas that had not seen such water levels in decades.
- The heavy rains exceeded yearly averages in just two days, bringing significant changes to the desert environment.
Unprecedented Rainfall Amounts:
- The Moroccan government reported that rainfall in certain areas surpassed the annual average within 48 hours.
- In Tagounite, a village about 450 kilometers south of Rabat, over 100 millimeters (3.9 inches) of rain fell in a 24-hour period.
- Regions like Tata were among the hardest hit, receiving more rain than they typically see in an entire year.
Transformation of the Desert Landscape:
- The heavy rains filled dry lake beds and created temporary lagoons.
- Lake Iriqui, a famous lake bed between Zagora and Tata, filled with water for the first time in 50 years, as observed by NASA satellites.
- Water flowed through the sands, oases, and even around ancient castles, creating striking and rare visuals in the desert.
Meteorological Explanation:
- Meteorologists described the event as an extratropical storm, which is a weather system that occurs outside the tropics and can bring heavy rainfall.
- Houssine Youabeb from Morocco’s General Directorate of Meteorology noted that it’s been 30 to 50 years since such intense rain occurred in such a short time.
- The increased moisture in the air may lead to changes in regional weather patterns, potentially causing more evaporation and drawing more storms in the future.
Impact on Water Resources and Agriculture:
- The rains are expected to help refill large groundwater aquifers beneath the desert, crucial for supplying water to desert communities.
- Dammed reservoirs in the region reported record refilling rates throughout September.
- However, the sudden influx of water also damaged farmers’ harvests, and it’s unclear how much the rains will alleviate the long-term drought conditions.
Human Impact and Government Response:
- The flooding resulted in over 20 deaths in Morocco and Algeria.
- The Moroccan government allocated emergency relief funds to assist affected communities, including areas still recovering from last year’s earthquake.
- In tourist areas, locals and visitors navigated the unusual conditions, with 4×4 vehicles driving through flooded areas.
Explanation:
- The Sahara desert’s southeastern region rarely experiences significant rainfall, especially in late summer.
- The recent heavy rains are an exceptional meteorological event caused by an extratropical storm system bringing unusual moisture to the area.
- Such storms can result from shifts in atmospheric patterns, possibly influenced by broader climate variability.
Potential Implications- Short-Term Benefits:
- Replenishment of Water Resources: The rainfall may temporarily alleviate water scarcity by refilling aquifers and reservoirs, benefiting communities that rely on these sources.
- Ecological Impact: Desert flora and fauna may experience a boost due to increased water availability, potentially leading to a temporary increase in biodiversity.
Challenges and Risks:
- Flood Damage: Infrastructure not designed to handle heavy rains can suffer damage, impacting homes, roads, and agricultural fields.
- Agricultural Losses: While water is generally beneficial, excessive rainfall can destroy crops, leading to economic losses for farmers.
- Human Safety: Flash floods pose significant risks to life and property, as evidenced by the reported deaths.
Climate Considerations:
- The event raises questions about changing weather patterns in arid regions. Increased atmospheric moisture and the possibility of more frequent storms could indicate shifts influenced by climate change.
- While occasional heavy rains can bring temporary relief to drought-stricken areas, they are not a substitute for sustainable water management strategies.
Sahara Desert
- The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world and one of the most extreme and iconic landscapes on Earth.
- Spanning across Northern Africa, it covers approximately 9.2 million square kilometers, making it almost as large as the continental United States.
- It stretches across 11 countries: Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Western Sahara, Sudan, and Tunisia.
- The Sahara is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the west, the Red Sea to the east, the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlas Mountains to the north, and the Sahel region (semi-arid zone) to the south.
- The Sahara has an extremely arid climate, with very little rainfall. Some areas receive less than 2.5 cm (1 inch) of rain annually.
Conclusion:
- The rare deluge in Morocco’s Sahara desert highlights the complexity of weather systems and their profound impact on both the environment and human societies.
- While the immediate effects include replenished water sources and transformed landscapes, the long-term implications depend on various factors, including how the region manages these sudden changes and prepares for future weather events.
- The situation underscores the importance of monitoring climatic trends and investing in infrastructure and policies that can mitigate risks associated with extreme weather
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the Sahara Desert:
1. The Sahara Desert is the largest hot desert in the world, covering parts of North Africa. 2. The desert spans across ten countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, and Morocco. 3. The Sahara is known for its extreme temperatures, with some areas experiencing annual rainfall of over 500 millimeters. 4. The indigenous communities of the Sahara, such as the Tuareg and Berber, have historically adapted their lifestyles to the harsh desert environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1, 2, and 3 only |
Q. In the recent years Chad, Guinea, Mali and Sudan caught international attention for which one of the following reasons is common to all of them? (2023)
(a) Discovery of rich deposits of rare earth elements Ans: (d)
|
| Answer 3 – C
Explanation · Statement 1 is Correct. The Sahara Desert is indeed the largest hot desert in the world, located in North Africa. · Statement 2 is Correct. The Sahara spans across ten countries, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. · Statement 3 is Incorrect. The Sahara is characterized by extremely low rainfall, typically under 250 millimeters annually, with very few areas experiencing over 500 millimeters. · Statement 4 is Correct. Indigenous communities like the Tuareg and Berber have historically adapted their lifestyles to survive in the harsh desert environment. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |
Ladakh aurorae validate space weather tracking efforts, scientists say
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3- Science and Technology
Context: Ladakh aurorae
Why in News
- Ladakh’s recent sightings of aurora is a validation of our efforts in space weather monitoring.
Overview of Recent Auroral Sightings
- Recently, bright auroral displays were observed in Ladakh, a region in northern India typically not known for such phenomena.
- These auroras, characterized by intense red and green lights, have been attributed to heightened solar activity, particularly solar storms known as coronal mass ejections (CMEs).
About Auroras
- Auroras are natural light displays predominantly seen in high-latitude regions near the Arctic and Antarctic.
- They are caused by the interaction of charged particles from the Sun with the Earth’s magnetic field and atmosphere.
- Types of Auroras
- Aurora Borealis (Northern Lights): Seen in the Northern Hemisphere, primarily in regions like Alaska, Canada, Norway, Sweden, and Finland.
- Aurora Australis (Southern Lights): Observed in the Southern Hemisphere, mainly around Antarctica and southern parts of South America, Australia, and New Zealand.
Scientific Context
- Auroras and Their Formation:
- Auroras occur when charged particles from the Sun collide with the Earth’s magnetosphere. The Earth’s magnetic field deflects harmful solar and cosmic rays, but some of these particles penetrate the field, leading to the beautiful displays of light in the night sky.
- Solar Activity:
- The solar activity cycle, which typically lasts around 11 years, influences the occurrence of solar storms and auroras. The current Solar Cycle 25 began in December 2019 and is expected to peak in 2024. It has been noted that the current cycle exhibits significantly more sunspot activity compared to the previous cycle (Cycle 24).
- The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru, which monitors space weather, noted that the recent auroral sightings validate their predictive capabilities regarding space weather events.
Prediction and Monitoring
- The Center of Excellence in Space Sciences India (CESSI), led by astrophysicist Dibyendu Nandi, uses machine learning models to predict space weather events.
- On October 7, the team detected potentially adverse conditions on the Sun, which culminated in a ‘severe’ solar storm.
- Their predictions were confirmed when the auroras appeared shortly thereafter.
Impact of Solar Storms
- Solar storms can have various effects on Earth, especially concerning satellite operations, communication systems, and power grids:
- Severe solar storms may cause disruptions in satellite functions, including navigation and communication systems.
- Extreme solar storms could lead to catastrophic outcomes, including the failure of satellites and extensive blackouts in power grids, highlighting the importance of monitoring solar activity for modern technology and society.
Observations and Future Implications
- The auroras observed in Ladakh represent the fourth occurrence of significant auroral activity during the current solar cycle.
- Notably, this phenomenon has also been reported in low-latitude regions, such as Mexico and Germany, indicating an increase in solar activity and its effects beyond traditional polar regions.
- The intense red auroral display was captured by all-sky cameras at IIA facilities in Ladakh, further underscoring the importance of local monitoring efforts.
Conclusion
- The recent auroral sightings in Ladakh are not just beautiful spectacles but are also indicators of heightened solar activity.
- They validate ongoing efforts in space weather monitoring and prediction, which are critical for safeguarding technological infrastructure against potential disruptions caused by solar storms.
- As scientists continue to observe and analyze these phenomena, understanding their implications for society becomes increasingly vital, particularly as we approach the anticipated peak of Solar Cycle 25.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding auroras:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2018)
1. The Earth’s magnetic field has reversed every few hundred thousand years. 2. When the Earth was created more than 4000 million years ago, there was 54% oxygen and no carbon dioxide. 3. When living organisms originated, they modified the early atmosphere of the Earth. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (c)
|
| Answer 4- B
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct as auroras are indeed primarily seen in high-latitude regions. · Statement 2 is incorrect; while the type of gas influences the colors, other factors like altitude also play a role. · Statement 3 is correct as auroras result from the interaction of solar wind with the Earth’s magnetic field. · Statement 4 is incorrect; the Aurora Borealis is observed in the Northern Hemisphere, while the Aurora Australis is observed in the Southern Hemisphere. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |
Post-landslides, Kerala’s Wayanad to get X-band radar for weather monitoring
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3-Science and Technology
Context: Doppler Weather Radar
Why in news
- The Doppler Weather Radar approved for north Kerala will be installed in Wayanad in the wake of the catastrophic landslides, enhancing the weather observational network in the State.
Purpose and Importance of the Radar
- Location: The Doppler Weather Radar will be installed in Wayanad, selected for its optimal location that avoids obstacles such as terrain and buildings, which could block radar beams. This is crucial for effective radar functionality.
- Types of Radar:
- An X-band radar will be set up in Wayanad, with an observation range of 100 km.
- A C-band radar will be installed in Mangaluru, with a larger range of 250 km.
Enhanced Weather Monitoring
- The radar will significantly improve the forecasting capabilities and real-time weather monitoring in northern Kerala, which has been under demand for a permanent weather radar for an extended period.
- Real-time Monitoring: The radar will aid in better tracking of weather patterns, enabling authorities to respond more effectively to adverse weather conditions.
Limitations of Radar
- While the radar enhances observational capabilities, it cannot forecast extreme weather events like floods independently. Accurate weather predictions rely on robust numerical weather prediction models.
- Current models used in India are primarily sourced from foreign entities and may not account for the country’s diverse terrain and weather systems effectively.
Role of Numerical Weather Prediction Models
- Data Integration: Weather forecasting relies on integrating various observational data sources, including:
- Automatic Weather Stations (AWS)
- Automatic Rain Gauges (ARG)
- Upper air data
- Satellite observations
- Radar data
- This data is ingested into high-powered computers (HPC), which run numerical models to produce forecasts. The accuracy of these forecasts depends heavily on the quality and comprehensiveness of the input data.
Differences in radar range
The radar range refers to the maximum distance at which a radar system can effectively detect and track objects. The differences in radar range between various types of radars, such as X-band and C-band, are influenced by their operational frequencies, signal characteristics, and intended applications.
X-Band Radar
- Frequency Range: 8 to 12 GHz.
- Typical Range:
- Weather Radar: Approximately 30 to 150 km (19 to 93 miles).
- Military Radar: Up to 200 km (124 miles) or more, depending on the system.
- Characteristics:
- Higher Resolution: X-band radars provide better resolution due to shorter wavelengths, making them effective for detecting smaller objects, such as raindrops and small aircraft.
- Limited Range: While they offer high resolution, their range is typically shorter compared to C-band radars, primarily due to higher susceptibility to atmospheric attenuation, especially in heavy precipitation.
- Applications: Often used for short-range weather monitoring, tracking precipitation, and in military applications for detecting small, fast-moving targets.
C-Band Radar
- Frequency Range: 4 to 8 GHz.
- Typical Range:
- Weather Radar: Approximately 150 to 300 km (93 to 186 miles).
- Long-Range Surveillance Radar: Can exceed 400 km (248 miles) depending on the system and conditions.
- Characteristics:
- Greater Range: C-band radars typically have a longer operational range compared to X-band radars, making them suitable for long-range detection and tracking.
- Lower Resolution: While they have a longer range, C-band radars provide lower resolution than X-band due to longer wavelengths, which may result in less detailed observations of smaller objects.
- Applications: Commonly used for long-range weather forecasting, air traffic control, and military surveillance.
Challenges Ahead
- The ability to accurately predict weather phenomena is contingent upon the development of indigenous weather prediction models tailored to the specific geographic and climatic conditions of India.
- Improving data collection methods and ensuring the availability of accurate and timely weather parameters is vital for enhancing forecasting accuracy.
Conclusion
- The installation of the Doppler Weather Radar in Wayanad is a critical step towards strengthening Kerala’s weather monitoring infrastructure, especially following recent disasters.
- However, to fully capitalize on this technology, the state must also focus on developing indigenous numerical weather prediction models and improving data integration methods for enhanced forecasting accuracy.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding X-Band and C-Band radars:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only |
Q. Consider the following activities: (2023)
1. Identification of narcotics on passengers at airports or in aircraft 2. Monitoring of precipitation 3. Tracking the migration of animals In how many of the above activities can the radars be used? (a) Only one (b) Only two (c) All three (d) None Ans: (c)
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| Answer 5- C
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct- X-Band radars operate in the frequency range of 8 to 12 GHz, which enables them to provide detailed and high-resolution imaging. Their shorter wavelengths allow them to detect smaller objects, making them particularly useful for applications such as weather monitoring, military surveillance, and tracking of aircraft and vehicles. · Statement 2 is also correct; C-Band radars, operating in the frequency range of 4 to 8 GHz, are widely employed in weather forecasting and air traffic control. Their wavelength is long enough to avoid significant attenuation from atmospheric conditions such as rain, yet short enough to provide sufficient resolution for detecting larger weather patterns, like storms. This makes them ideal for tracking precipitation, storm development, and severe weather. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |
2025 to be celebrated as ASEAN-India Year of Tourism, India to contribute USD 5 million
Source: The Print
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS2- International Relations
Context: India- Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
Why in news
The recent visit of Prime Minister to Laos underscores India’s commitment to strengthening its relationship with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
Financial Commitment to ASEAN
- USD 5 Million Contribution: India will contribute USD 5 million towards joint cooperative activities aimed at developing tourism in the ASEAN region.
- This initiative is part of a broader strategy to enhance cooperation and strengthen ties between India and ASEAN countries.
ASEAN-India Year of Tourism 2025
- Celebration Plans: The year 2025 will be celebrated as the ASEAN-India Year of Tourism.
- This initiative aims to promote tourism between India and ASEAN nations, fostering people-to-people connections and enhancing mutual understanding.
PM Modi’s 10-Point Plan
- Strengthening Connectivity: During his visit, PM Modi announced a 10-point special plan designed to bolster connectivity and resilience between India and ASEAN.
- This plan encompasses various initiatives focused on diverse sectors, including digital public infrastructure and people-centric programs.
Act East Policy
- Decade Celebration: 2024 marks a decade since the introduction of India’s Act East Policy, which has been instrumental in enhancing India’s ties with ASEAN nations.
- The positive assessment of India’s role in digital public infrastructure by ASEAN leaders highlights the success of this policy.
Engagement with ASEAN Leaders
- Bilateral Meetings: PM Modi engaged in discussions with leaders from Laos, Thailand, and New Zealand, as well as other top leaders, including South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol and newly elected Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
- This showcases India’s proactive approach to diplomatic relations and regional cooperation.
East Asia Summit Dynamics
- Chair Statement: At the 19th East Asia Summit, only a Chair statement was issued, with no Leaders’ statement due to irreconcilable differences in discussions.
- This reflects some challenges within the summit discussions, but the presence of PM Modi indicates India’s continued involvement in the East Asia Process.
Overall Significance
- Commitment to the Region: The visit and the announcements made during it signify India’s commitment to enhancing its strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia, focusing on cooperation in various sectors, and promoting regional stability and development.
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)
- The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising ten Southeast Asian countries, aimed at promoting political and economic cooperation and regional stability.
- Established on August 8, 1967, in Bangkok, Thailand, ASEAN has evolved into a significant entity for promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
Member Countries
ASEAN consists of the following ten member countries:
- Brunei Darussalam
- Cambodia
- Indonesia
- Laos (Lao PDR)
- Malaysia
- Myanmar
- Philippines
- Singapore
- Thailand
- Vietna
Conclusion
- PM Modi’s visit to Laos and the announcements made during this period illustrate India’s strategic pivot towards ASEAN.
- The initiatives aim to deepen economic ties, enhance tourism, and build collaborative frameworks that benefit both India and the ASEAN nations, reaffirming India’s role as a key player in the region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Consider the following statements regarding the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. India is a member of which among the following? (2015)
Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) India is a member of none of them Ans: (b)
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| Answer 6- C
Explanation · Statement 1 is correct: ASEAN was indeed established in 1967 to promote economic growth and regional stability. · Statement 2 is correct: The ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) aims to create a single market and production base among member states. · Statement 3 is incorrect: ASEAN comprises ten member countries, not twelve. India, China, and Japan are not member states but have partnerships with ASEAN. · Statement 4 is correct: AFTA focuses on reducing tariffs and trade barriers among its member countries. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |