Daily Prelims Notes 27 September 2024
Daily Prelims Notes
27 September 2024
Table Of Contents
- Indian Steelmakers Demand Protection from Rising Chinese Imports
- Long march to restoring Sigur elephant corridor reaches crucial milestone; Madras HC to hear petition on demolition of 35 tourism resorts
- L69, G4 countries seek urgent reform of UN Security Council
- A life in revolution: Bhagat Singh, a radical thinker and ideologue
- India elected to GlobE Steering Committee on combating corruption
- New River-Linking Pact between Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh: A Modified Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project
- Brewing Tensions in the East and South China Seas
- World Rabies Day: A Journey from Myths to Modern Medicine and Prevention
1. Indian Steelmakers Demand Protection from Rising Chinese Imports
Sub: Eco
Sec: External Sector
- Appeal for Safeguards:
- Indian steelmakers have urged Finance Minister to implement safeguard measures to protect domestic investments and industries from predatory-priced imports of steel from China.
- Steelmakers, through the India Steel Association (ISA), are requesting the imposition of anti-dumping duties, import tariff increases, and other trade actions, similar to measures adopted by the U.S., Canada, Europe, and Latin American nations.
- Global Examples of Protection:
- The U.S. has imposed a 25% duty on all steel products from China, with duties as high as 100% on certain steel categories.
- Europe has implemented a 25% safeguard duty on Chinese steel, and Canada is expected to impose similar duties starting in October 2024. Turkey has also levied anti-dumping tariffs ranging from 20.5% to 57.5%.
- Other Asian nations such as Japan, Vietnam, and Malaysia have initiated anti-dumping probes to curb Chinese steel imports.
- Rising Chinese Imports:
- Chinese steel imports to India increased by 93% year-on-year in FY24, turning India into a net importer of steel.
- From April to August 2024, India continued to be a net importer, with the trade deficit in steel surpassing FY24 levels.
- Proposals by Indian Steelmakers:
- Doubling the import duty on steel from 7.5% to 15%.
- Imposing safeguard duties of up to 25%.
- Implementing an export duty on low-grade iron ore (below 58% iron content).
- Removing the lesser-duty rule, which allows lower tariffs on certain imports.
- They also suggest adding $80-100 per tonne to the landed cost of imported steel to ensure a level playing field for domestic producers.
- Challenges in Export Markets:
- Indian steel exporters are facing a 40% decline in outbound shipments due to global trade barriers and increased competition from cheaper Chinese steel sold at predatory prices.
- Impact of China’s Housing Slowdown:
- A prolonged slowdown in housing demand in China has led to a surplus of steel, causing price distortions in the global market, particularly affecting India’s domestic steel industry.
The steelmakers are seeking these protections to safeguard ₹70,000-₹75,000 crore in annual investments and to ensure fair competition in both domestic and export markets.
Safeguard Measures under WTO:
- Anti-Dumping Duty: Imposed when a foreign company exports a product at a price lower than its home market value, to protect local industries from unfair competition.
- Countervailing Duty: Imposed to counteract subsidies given by foreign governments to their exporters, which distort trade.
- Quotas: Limits the quantity of a particular product that can be imported during a set period.
- Tariffs: Taxes on imported goods to protect domestic industries or raise revenue.
Predatory pricing
Predatory pricing refers to the practice of a company setting very low prices, often below cost, to drive competitors out of the market. Once the competition is eliminated, the company may raise prices to recoup losses and dominate the market. This strategy harms competition and can result in a monopoly or reduced choices for consumers.
It is considered an anti-competitive practice and is illegal in many countries under competition law or antitrust regulations. However, proving predatory pricing in court can be challenging.
Example: A large retailer drastically reducing prices to outlast smaller competitors.
Sub: Env
Sec: Protected Area
Context:
- A petition challenging the Supreme Court-approved demolition of 35 tourism resorts has reached Madras High Court.
- The Supreme Court appointed the Sigur Plateau Elephant Inquiry Committee.
- The committee, led by Justice K Venkatraman, ordered the demolition of resorts in the corridor.
- “Operation Sigur” is being prepared by the district administration to implement the demolition orders.
Sigur elephant corridor:
- The Sigur Elephant Corridor connects the Western Ghats with the Eastern Ghats.
- It’s crucial for the movement of about 6,300 Asian elephants across Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka.
- The corridor is part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, spanning 5,000 square kilometres.
Significance of the Corridor:
- Elephants from Nilambur and Wayanad forests in Kerala, Bandipur and Nagarhole forest reserves in Karnataka and Mudumalai and Sathyamangalam forests in Tamil Nadu use the Sigur plateau because it is the only flat route available for large herds between the steep slopes of Nilgiris and the Moyar gorge.
- Elephants prefer gentle, undulating slopes to travel between habitats.
- Also used by other animals, including tigers and critically endangered vulture species.
- It is a natural habitat for the largest population of three critically endangered species of vultures in southern India.
- Essential for maintaining ecological balance and preventing habitat fragmentation.
- The Wildlife Trust of India, with support from Project Elephant under the Union Ministry of Environment and Forests, had identified four corridors in the Segur Plateau:
- Avarahalla – Sigur,
- Kalhatti – Sigur,
- Moyar – Avarahalla, and
- Kalmalai – Singara-Avarahalla.
- These four corridors were later consolidated into a single entity called the Sigur Elephant Corridor.
Tourism vs. Environment:
- Illegal resorts have:
- Built structures near reserve forests and elephant-used streams.
- Obstructed elephant movement with electric fences.
- The committee warns that failing to preserve migratory corridors could lead to elephant extinction.
- Resort owners argue some parts aren’t actual elephant habitats, but the committee disagrees.
- Human presence increased since the development of Moyar Hydroelectric and Pykara powerhouses at Singara.
Scientific Evidence:
- Various methods, including landscape genetics, confirm the area’s importance for animal migration.
- Elephants prefer gentle, undulating slopes for travel.
3. L69, G4 countries seek urgent reform of UN Security Council
Sub: IR
Sec: Int groupings
Context:
- The meeting of the foreign ministers of the G4 countries was held on the sidelines of UNGA session.
- As the United Nations approaches its 80th anniversary next year, the Group of Four (G4) countries are advocating for urgent reform of the UN Security Council.
- The first-ever Joint Ministerial meeting of the L69 and C-10 groupings backed these calls for reform. The IBSA grouping also shared similar views on reforms of UN system and Security Council.
- Both the L69 and the G4 reaffirmed their strong support to the Common African Position (CAP) based on the Ezulwini Consensus and the Sirte Declaration.
What are the demands:
- Make the Security Council more representative, transparent, efficient, effective, democratic, and accountable.
- An increase in both permanent and non-permanent categories of UNSC membership, to enhance the participation of developing countries, as well as those significantly contributing to international peace and security.
- Improved representation from Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean in both permanent and non-permanent UN Security Council categories.
G4 countries:
- The G4 grouping consists of four countries aspiring to become permanent members of UNSC: India, Brazil, Germany, and Japan.
- The group was formed in 2005.
- They support each other’s bids for permanent seats in the UN Security Council.
- The group also advocates for reform of the UNSC to better reflect the changing global landscape and for better representation.
- The group emphasizes the importance of enhancing the representation of regions like Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America and the Caribbean.
- G4’s bids are often opposed by the Uniting for Consensus movement, also known as the Coffee Club which includes Italy, Spain, Australia, Canada, South Korea, Argentina and Pakistan.
What is L69?
- The L69 group is a coalition of 32 countries primarily from the Global South, formed to advocate for reforms in the United Nations, particularly in the Security Council.
- The group includes countries from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean, Asia and the Pacific (Small Island Developing States).
- The name “L69” comes from a draft document tabled in 2007-08 that initiated the Intergovernmental Negotiation (IGN) process.
- India is a member.
What is C-10?
- The C-10 group, also known as the Committee of Ten, is a coalition of ten African nations established in 2005 by the African Union.
- Its primary goal is to enhance African representation and influence within the UNSC, pushing for at least two permanent seats for African countries.
- The group works closely with other coalitions, such as the G4 and L69, to unify efforts in pursuing comprehensive reforms in the UN system.
IBSA (India, Brazil, South Africa):
- The IBSA Dialogue Forum is an international tripartite grouping of India, Brazil and South Africa for promoting international cooperation among these countries.
- It brings together three large democracies and major economies from three different continents, facing similar challenges.
- All three countries are developing, pluralistic, multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-lingual and multi-religious
- The grouping was formalized and named the IBSA Dialogue Forum when the Foreign Ministers of the three countries met in Brasilia in 2003 and issued the Brasilia Declaration.
Common African Position:
- The Common African Position (CAP) refers to a unified stance adopted by African countries regarding key issues in the United Nations, particularly in relation to Security Council reform.
- It emphasizes the need for increased representation of African nations in the UNSC, advocating for at least two permanent seats for Africa, along with additional non-permanent seats.
- It seeks to address historical imbalances and promote equitable decision-making within the UN framework.
Ezulwini Consensus and Sirte Declaration:
- The Ezulwini Consensus is a framework established by African nations to articulate a unified position on the UNSC reforms.
- Adopted in 2005 at the African Union (AU) summit in Ezulwini, Swaziland.
- This framework serves as the basis for the Common African Position (CAP).
- The Sirte Declaration (1999) was the resolution adopted to establish the African Union.
India’s bid for permanent seat:
- India has long pursued a permanent seat. Four of the five permanent members, US, UK, France, and Russia support India’s bid, while China opposes it.
4. A life in revolution: Bhagat Singh, a radical thinker and ideologue
Sub: History
Sec: Medieval India
Context:
- Birth anniversary of Bhagat Singh.
About Bhagat Singh:
- Bhagat Singh was born in Punjab, India (now Pakistan), on September 28, 1907, to a Sikh family deeply involved in political activities.
- He quit school at thirteen to devote his life to Indian independence.
Contribution to freedom struggle:
- Initially supported nonviolent methods but later adopted armed resistance against British rule, believing that violence was necessary to achieve liberation.
- He joined the Hindustan Republican Association in 1924 (later known as Hindustan Socialist Republican Association) and played a crucial role in mobilizing young people through organizations like HSRA.
- In 1926, Bhagat Singh founded the Naujavan Bharat Sabha (Youth Society of India).
- In April 1926, Bhagat Singh established Workers and Peasants Party with Sohan Singh Josh which brought out the monthly magazine Kirti in Punjabi.
- In 1927, he was arrested for his alleged involvement in the Kakori Case, following an article written under the pseudonym “Vidrohi” (Rebel).
- Participated in the assassination of British police officer John Saunders in 1928, in retaliation for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. The incident is famously known as Lahore Conspiracy case (1929).
- Bhagat Singh and Batukeshwar Dutt threw non-lethal bombs in the Central Legislative Assembly in April 1929 to protest implementation of the Public Safety Bill.
- The bombers planned to get arrested and stand trial so they could further promote their cause. He offered no defence during the trial and was sentenced to life in prison.
- However, Bhagat Singh was re-arrested for the murder of J.P. Saunders andwas found guilty in this case and executed on 23rd March, 1931 at the age of 23.
- Every year, 23rd March is observed as Martyrs’ Day as a tribute to freedom fighters Bhagat Singh, Sukhdev, and Rajguru.
- His writings and actions continue to inspire movements for justice and equality.
Literary contributions:
- The Problem of Punjab’s Language and Script (1923)
- Vishwa Prem (Universal Love) (1924)
- Communal Riots and their Solution (1928)
- Students and Politics (1928)
- The Problem of Untouchability (1928)
- Religion and our Freedom Struggle (1928)
- What is Revolution? (1929)
- Letter to Young Political Workers (1931)
- Why I am an Atheist (1931)
5. India elected to GlobE Steering Committee on combating corruption
Sub: IR
Sec: Int groupings
Context:
- India was elected to the 15-member GlobE Steering Committee during the plenary session in Beijing on September 26, 2024, following a multistage voting process.
The Global Operational Network of Anti-Corruption Law Enforcement Authorities (GloBE Network):
- GloBE an international anti-corruption body launched by the G-20, with strong support from India in 2020.
- The GloBE Network was officially launched on June 3, 2021, during UNGA Special Session against Corruption.
- It serves as a platform where agencies from across the world share best practices and criminal intelligence, develop strategies, and support in the common cause of combating corruption.
Members:
- It now has 121 member countries and 219 member authorities.
- The Ministry of Home Affairs is the central authority for GloBE Network, while the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate are its member authorities from India.
Structure:
- Governed by a Steering Committee consisting of one chair, one vice-chair, and 13 members.
- The Steering Committee provides leadership and direction for the network’s initiatives.
Significance of India’s membership:
- As a member, India will help shape the global agenda against corruption and asset recovery.
- India’s expertise and experience in combating corruption will be valuable assets to the GlobE Network.
- During India’s G-20 Presidency in 2023, two high-level principles for combating corruption were adopted, emphasizing the role of the GloBE Network.
Sub: Geo
Sec: India physical geo
Why in News
A new Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) is set to be signed between the governments of Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh to implement a modified version of the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP). The project aims to interlink the rivers Parvati, Kali Sindh, and Chambal, ensuring better utilization of water resources in the Chambal basin. This agreement follows a consensus reached between both states and the Union Jal Shakti Ministry.
Key Points of the River-Linking Project
The project focuses on linking the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project (ERCP) with the rivers Parvati, Kali Sindh, and Chambal. A modified version of the project has been proposed to ensure optimal water resource utilization in the Chambal basin.
About the Eastern Rajasthan Canal Project:
It aims to harvest surplus water available during rainy season in rivers in Southern Rajasthan such as Chambal and its tributaries, including Kunnu, Parvati, Kalisindh, and use this water in south-eastern districts of the state, where there is scarcity of water for drinking and irrigation.
ERCP is planned to meet drinking and industrial water needs of the southern and south eastern Rajasthan, for humans and Livestock till the year 2051.
It proposes to provide drinking water to 13 districts of Rajasthan and provide irrigation water for 2.8 lakh hectares of land through 26 different large and medium projects.
13 districts: Jhalawar, Baran, Kota, Bundi, Sawai Madhopur, Ajmer, Tonk, Jaipur, Karauli, Alwar, Bharatpur, Dausa and Dholpur.
Chambal River:
It is one of the most pollution-free rivers of India.
It originates at the Singar Chouri peak in the northern slopes of the Vindhya mountains (Indore, Madhya Pradesh). From there, it flows in the North direction in Madhya Pradesh for a length of about 346 km and then follows a north-easterly direction for a length of 225 km through Rajasthan.
It enters U.P. and flows for about 32 km before joining the Yamuna River in Etawah District.
It is a rainfed river and its basin is bounded by the Vindhyan mountain ranges and the Aravallis. The Chambal and its tributaries drain the Malwa region of northwestern Madhya Pradesh.
The Hadauti plateau in Rajasthan occurs in the upper catchment of the Chambal River to the southeast of the Mewar Plains.
Tributaries: Banas, Kali Sindh, Sipra, Parbati, etc.
Main Power Projects/ Dam: Gandhi Sagar Dam, Rana Pratap Sagar Dam, Jawahar Sagar Dam, and Kota Barrage.
The National Chambal Sanctuary is located along river Chambal on the tri-junction of Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. It is known for critically endangered gharial, the red-crowned roof turtle, and the endangered Ganges River dolphin.
Parvati River (Madhya Pradesh)
The Parvati River is known for its relatively clean waters.
The river originates in the Vindhya Range, near the Sehore district of Madhya Pradesh.
Course: It flows for about 192 km through Madhya Pradesh before entering Rajasthan, where it covers a distance of about 170 km before joining the Chambal River.
Rainfed River: The Parvati is primarily fed by rainwater, and its basin is part of the Chambal basin.
Kali Sindh River
The Kali Sindh is another relatively pollution-free river in India.
It originates near the Dewas district of Madhya Pradesh.
Course: The river flows northwards for about 405 km, passing through Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan, eventually merging with the Chambal River in Rajasthan.
Rainfed River: Kali Sindh is a rainfed river, with a basin that drains parts of the Malwa Plateau and southeastern Rajasthan.
Tributaries: Important tributaries include the Niwar and Ahu Rivers.
Main Power Projects/Dams: Kali Sindh Dam in Rajasthan is a significant project.
7. Brewing Tensions in the East and South China Seas
Sub: IR
Sec: Places in news
Why in News
Rising tensions in the East and South China Seas have once again come into focus due to China’s aggressive territorial claims. The disputes involve multiple countries in East Asia, with the U.S. increasingly drawn into the conflict. China’s activities, especially in the South China Sea, have caused regional tensions, and the involvement of the U.S. and its allies has added complexity to the issue.
About South China Sea:
The South China Sea is a marginal sea that is part of the Pacific Ocean that extends from the Strait of Malacca in the southwest, to the Strait of Taiwan in the northeast.
The littoral countries of the South China Sea are China, Taiwan, Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Singapore, Cambodia, Thailand, and Vietnam.
The South China Sea is a busy international waterway, one of the main arteries of global trade worth more than $5 trillion and is growing year on year.
It is a rich source of hydrocarbons and natural resources.
The islands of the South China Sea can be grouped into two island chains:
The Paracels Islands: These are clustered in the northwest corner of the Sea.
The Spratly Islands: These are located in the southeast corner.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), which came into force in 1994, established a legal framework intended to balance the economic and security interests of coastal states with those of seafaring nations.
While UNCLOS has been signed and ratified by nearly all the coastal countries in the South China Sea, based on their own interpretation of the UNCLOS, claimant countries started to legitimize their claims.
In 2002, ASEAN and China came together to sign the Declaration on the Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea to keep disputes away. However, it didn’t achieve the desired outcomes.
East China Sea
A part of the Pacific Ocean and is a marginal sea in the east of China.
Bordering Countries: South Korea, Japan, the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China.
Towards the south of it is the South China Sea and to the west is the Asian continent.
Connects with the Sea of Japan through the Korea Strait and opens to the north into the Yellow Sea.
China’s Aggressive Tactics
“Grey Zone” Operations: China uses non-traditional methods, such as deploying maritime militias, ramming vessels, and conducting aggressive manoeuvres at sea to assert its claims. These actions, though not openly warlike, are designed to shift the status quo.
Clashes with the Philippines: The Second Thomas Shoal and Sabina Shoal have been key points of conflict between China and the Philippines. Chinese vessels frequently disrupt Philippine resupply missions, raising tensions.
Regional Response to China’s Actions
Countries like Japan and the Philippines are ramping up their defence capabilities to counter China’s growing influence.
Countries like the Philippines are using media and publicizing Chinese vessel behaviour to counter China’s narrative.
Regional countries are deepening their defence cooperation with the U.S., with enhanced training, base access, and joint exercises.
IMPORTANT LOCATIONS:
About Senkaku islands:
Japan and China have a long-standing dispute over the Senkaku islands
It is group of uninhabited islands in the East China Sea that are controlled by Japan but claimed by China and Taiwan, which refer to them as Diaoyu Dao and Diaoyutai, respectively.
The islands are close to strategically important shipping lanes, offer potential oil and natural gas resources, and are situated in rich fishing areas.
About Danjo Islands:
The Danjo Islands, the site of the latest incident, are a group of small islets also located in the East China Sea off Japan’s Nagasaki region.
About Sabina shoal:
Sabina shoal is a disputed atoll in the Spratly Islands of South China sea, claimed by China, Philippines, Taiwan and Vietnam
The shoal is located 140 km west of the Philippine Island of Palawan and about 1,200 km from Hainan Island, China’s nearest major landmass.
About Second Thomas Shoal
Second Thomas Shoal, also known as Ayungin Shoal (Philippines), is located in the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea.
The shoal is claimed by China, Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. It has been a focal point of regional tensions due to overlapping territorial claims.
It lies about 105 nautical miles west of the Philippine Island of Palawan and approximately 1,100 km from Hainan Island, China’s nearest major landmass.
8. World Rabies Day: A Journey from Myths to Modern Medicine and Prevention
Sub: Science
Sec: Health
Why This is in News
World Rabies Day, observed on September 28, commemorates the death of Louis Pasteur and focuses on raising awareness about rabies. The tragic death of a nine-year-old boy in Alappuzha, Kerala, in May 2024 highlights the ongoing threat of rabies, despite medical advancements and available vaccines.
Rabies: A Global Health Threat
Rabies has a near 100% fatality rate once symptoms develop, making it a serious public health challenge.
Despite advancements in medical science and the availability of effective vaccines, rabies remains prevalent, particularly in countries like India.
Rabies is a zoonotic viral disease caused by viruses from the Lyssavirus family, which infect a wide range of mammals. The disease primarily targets the central nervous system, and once symptoms appear, rabies is almost 100% fatal.
Transmission of Rabies: Dogs are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans, followed by other animals like cats, bats, and wild carnivores. The virus is most commonly transmitted through the bite or scratch of an infected animal, as saliva carries the rabies virus.
Symptoms and Fatality: Rabies has an incubation period of 1 to 3 months, although this can vary based on factors like the distance of the bite from the brain. Once symptoms manifest, rabies is almost always fatal, with only a handful of survivors worldwide despite intensive medical intervention.
India accounts for about 36% of global rabies deaths, with dog bites being the leading cause.
Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP): It is the most effective treatment for preventing rabies after potential exposure. PEP includes the immediate administration of rabies immunoglobulin (Rabies Ig) and a series of rabies vaccine doses.
How is the vaccine made?
The vaccine is made up of an inactivated virus that is expected to induce the body into producing antibodies that can neutralise the live virus in case of infection. There are also test vaccines that involve genetically modified viruses. There is no single-shot rabies vaccine or one that offers permanent immunity.
There are mainly two ways of administering the rabies vaccine. One, called post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is given to persons who have been exposed via a bite to an animal suspected to be infected. The vaccines are administered either into the muscles, or into the skin.
It can also be given ahead of time to persons who have a high risk of being infected, such as veterinarians, animal handlers, areas with a high number of rabies infection, by what is called Pre Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The advantage of a PrEP is that if bitten, one doesn’t need a immunoglobulin injection, and two subsequent shots of the vaccine will suffice for full protection, unlike the four-course prescription in the case of PEP. However, the WHO doesn’t recommend PrEP as a general preventive.
Historical Context:
Susruta Samhita (Ancient Indian Text): This early medical text from India described symptoms of rabies, indicating an ancient awareness of the disease in the subcontinent.
Mesopotamian Records: Rabies is mentioned in records from Mesopotamia, where the disease was linked to dogs, which were often responsible for transmitting the virus to humans.
Hydrophobia: Hydrophobia (fear of water), a common symptom in rabies-infected patients, was identified and documented in ancient times, showing that the neurological effects of the disease were known even though effective treatments did not exist.
The 19th century marked a pivotal moment with the development of the germ theory and Louis Pasteur’s revolutionary work on rabies.
Pasteur developed a vaccine using attenuated rabies virus, although the concept of viruses was not yet fully understood. His vaccine was the second ever developed after the smallpox vaccine.
About Louis Pasteur
Louis Pasteur was born on December 27, 1822, in Dole, France. He is renowned as a French microbiologist and chemist.
Germ Theory of Disease: Pasteur is most famous for developing the germ theory of disease, which revolutionized medical science by proving that microorganisms cause diseases.
Pasteurization: He invented the process of pasteurization, which involves heating liquids like milk and wine to kill harmful bacteria, ensuring food safety. This process is still widely used today.
Rabies Vaccine: In 1885, Pasteur developed the world’s first rabies vaccine, using an “attenuated” (weakened) form of the rabies virus. His successful treatment of Joseph Meister, a young boy bitten by a rabid dog, marked a groundbreaking moment in medical history.