Current Affairs – 12th Apr 2024

Articles Covered:

  1. Crafted in Indian labs, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in cancer care
  2. TRAI releases recommendations on “Encouraging Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector”
  3. Doctrine of Harmonious Construction
  4. India, Mauritius revise tax treaty, aim to plug evasion
  5. World Cybercrime Index
  6. ISRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone & the space debris crisis
  7. Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)
  8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands are key to Indo-Pacific security
  9. IREDA Celebrates Legacy: Past Leaders Share Vision for Future
  10. Global trade to pickup in 2024: WTO

Crafted in Indian labs, NexCAR19 takes India to next level in cancer care

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy involves genetically modifying a patient’s T cells to fight against malignant tumor cells. T cells are a type of white blood cell developed from the stem cells in the bone marrow and are a vital part of the immune system, defending the body against infections.

  • The Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) has taken initiative to create patient-centric cancer therapy in India. Their focus is on developing accessible CAR-T cell therapy.
  1. CDSCO approved the first CAR-T cell therapy in October 2023.
  2. This therapy isintended to treat relapsed or refractory B-lymphomas and B-Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL), where other treatments have failed.

Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR) T cell therapy:

CAR-T cell therapy is a type of cancer treatment that modifies a patient’s immune cells to target cancer cells more effectively.

Process of CAR-T Cell Therapy:

  1. T cells are derived from bone marrow stem cells and are essential components of the immune system responsible for defending the body against infections.
  2. These cells are a type of white blood cell
  3. It is extracted through a procedure called leukapheresis.
  4. These T cells are then modified in a laboratory to express proteins calledchimeric antigen receptors (CARs).
  5. The CAR has different parts that help it recognize cancer cell antigens and activate the immune system.
  6. Each CAR stretches across the cell membrane, with parts outside and inside the cell.
  7. Outside, there are fragments of antibodies made in the lab.
  8. It is chosen because they stick well to the target.
  9. Inside, there are two components that send signals when the receptor meets an antigen.
  10. The gene that makes the CAR is artificially created in the laboratory.
  11. They then use a carrier called a vector to deliver this gene into the patient’s T-cells.
  12. Viral vectors, like lentiviral vectors,are often used in this process.
  13. The modified T cells are then multiplied in the lab before being infused back into the patient’s body.
  14. The patient usually undergoes chemotherapy before receiving the CAR-T cells.

It is 2015. Alka Dwivedi, is striving to develop patient-focused therapy for cancer. This leads her to join Rahul Purwar, a Professor at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B), who is working on developing affordable CAR-T cell therapy in India.

FDA Approval:

  • The FDA has given the green light to six CAR-T cell therapies so far.
  • Four of these therapies are aimed at a protein called CD19 found on the surface of leukemia and lymphoma cells.

NexCAR19: Similarities and Differences:

  1. NexCAR19 shares similarities with these therapies as it also targets CD19.
  2. NexCAR19 is a CAR-T therapy developed in India.
  3. Difference between US-developed therapies and NexCAR19.
  4. In the US, CAR-T cell therapies use antibody fragments from mice.
  5. NexCAR19, on the other hand, has human proteins mixed with the mouse antibodies, making it more ‘human-like.’
  6. Objective:This modification aims to enhance the therapy’s safety profile and effectiveness.

Applications of CAR T-cell therapy:

It is mainly used for certain types of blood cancers:

  1. B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
  2. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
  3. Follicular lymphoma.
  4. High-grade B-cell lymphoma.
  5. Mantle cell lymphoma
  6. Multiple myeloma.
  7. Primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma.

Risks of CAR-T therapy

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): This is the most common side effect and involves an intense inflammatory response.
  • This can cause Fever, Chills, Fatigue, Muscle aches, Nausea and vomiting, Difficulty breathing, Low blood pressure
  • In severe cases, it can be life-threatening.
  • Neurotoxicity: It can affect the nervous system and cause Confusion, Tremors, Seizures, Difficulty speaking. Loss of coordination.
  • Increased Risk of Infections: CAR-T therapy weakens the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off infections. This is especially concerning because many patients receiving CAR-T therapy are already battling cancer.
  • Low Blood Cell Counts:Treatment can decrease the production of important blood cells, leading to Fatigue, Increased risk of bleeding, Higher chance of infection.

Challenges before CAR-T therapy implementation in India

  • Limited access to primary healthcare:  Primary healthcare facilities are a challenge in many parts of India.
  • This can be a barrier for patients considering CAR-T therapy, as this therapy requires close monitoring and management by specialists throughout the process.
  • Concentration of cancer treatment facilities:  Cancer treatment facilities, especially those equipped for advanced therapies like CAR-T, are concentrated in metropolitan areas.
  • This can create a disparity for patients in remote locations who may not be able to easily access the therapy or the required follow-up care.
  • Infrastructure for managing side effects:  CAR-T therapy has various side effects, particularly cytokine release syndrome (CRS). Therefore, it requires intensive care support.
  • However, the limited availability of such facilities in some areas could be a challenge.
  • Immuno compromised patients:  CAR-T therapy itself can leave patients immuno compromised, making them more susceptible to infections.  India’s healthcare system may not be universally equipped to handle such cases effectively, especially in areas with limited resources.
  • High Cost: Even though NexCAR19 is a more affordable option compared to similar treatments abroad, it remains expensive for many Indian patients, ranging from ₹40 to 45 lakh.
  • There are multiple aspects that contribute to the high cost of NexCAR19 production. These include Labor expenses, Logistics, Materials, Facility costs, Marketing, distribution, and intellectual property development.

TRAI releases recommendations on “Encouraging Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector”

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) today released its recommendations on “Encouraging Innovative Technologies, Services, Use Cases, and Business Models through Regulatory Sandbox in Digital Communication Sector”.

  1. In view of new technological developments in 5G/6G, Machine to Machine Communications, Artificial Intelligence, the Internet of Things, Virtual Reality, and others, there is a need to provide an environment in which new technologies, services, use cases and business models can be tested in live networks, or existing functions or processes can be refined.
  2. To address this pressing need, the Department of Telecommunications wrote to the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India on March 10, 2023, requesting, TRAI’s recommendations regarding a regulatory sandbox framework for new services, technologies, and business models in the digital communication industry.
  3. In consideration of the DoT reference, the TRAI published a Consultation Paper (CP) on June 19, 2023, inviting feedback from stakeholders.
  4. Regulatory Sandbox (RS) makes real-time but regulated access to telecom network and customer resources, something that is not possible in conventional methods of lab testing or pilots. Specific and generic exemptions in regulations, valid only for RS testing, are granted for testing of new ideas.
  5. Regulatory bodies in many countries have established such sandbox frameworks. Providing such a framework for live testing in India will encourage more entrepreneurs to develop solutions for the digital communication industry of the country as well as the world.
  6. Subsequently, the Central Government inter-alia made following provisions in the Telecommunication Act’ 2023 notified on December 24, 2023:
  7. “The Central Government may, for the purposes of encouraging and facilitating innovation and technological development in telecommunication, create one or more regulatory sandboxes, in such manner, and for such duration, as may be prescribed.
  8. — For the purposes of this section, the expression “regulatory sandbox” refers to a live testing environment where new products, services, processes, and business models which may be deployed, on a limited set of users, for a specified period of time, with certain relaxations from the provisions of this Act.”
  9. The DoT has also issued guidelines on 11.03.2024 to establish and operate ‘Spectrum Regulatory Sandbox’ (SRS) or ‘WiTe Zones (Wireless Test Zones)’ to promote R&D activities, outdoor testing/experimentation in the field of emerging new radio communications technologies.
  10. However, these guidelines do not provide for any connectivity with PSTN/Public commercial network/satellite, for the purpose of testing/Research & Development (R&D) i.e., testing in WiTe Zones does not allow exposure of products to live network environments.
  11. Beyond offline/laboratory/WiTe Zone testing, there will be a requirement for testing the products in actual live network environments.
  12. Also, apart from exemptions that are related to spectrum, some products may require other types of regulatory relaxations for testing in live network requirements.
  13. Based on the reference received from DoT, stakeholder feedback, and in line with the definition of Regulatory Sandbox as provided in the Telecommunication Act’ 2023, which emphasize on testing of new products, services, processes, and business models in live testing environment on a limited set of users for a specified period of time after obtaining certain regulatory relaxations, the Authority has finalized its recommendations.

The recommendations outline all the relevant components in detail and offer a comprehensive framework for conducting Sandbox testing for the Digital Communication sector.

  • As part of the recommendations, the Authority has outlined the objective and boundaries of the RS framework. 
  • The recommended RS framework for Digital Communication sector details the qualification to take part in the RS testing, essential requirements that participants must meet, supporting paperwork needed to demonstrate eligibility, the application, evaluation & approval procedure, the authority to waive or amend rules, validity period, procedures for authorization revocation, and the reporting requirements. 
  • Indian companies or partnership firms, limited liability partnerships or a research institute who have done limited prior testing of their products/services/applications and meet all conditions mentioned in the framework can apply for regulatory sandbox testing. 
  • As the RS testing will be carried out in live networks on certain set of users, the framework has kept the security of networks and protection of customers in mind.
  • Accordingly, it has been provided in the RS framework that the applicants will have to, inter-alia, provide details of regulatory exemptions sought, risk mitigation safeguards proposed, consumer protection mechanism suggested, and a well-defined exit strategy as part of their application.
  • To ensure accountability on part of Government agencies involved, strict timelines have been provided for completing the application evaluation process. 

The regulatory framework includes clear documentation requirements and application, evaluation & approval procedures to ensure transparency throughout the RS process.

  1. Additionally, a detailed reporting mechanism has been defined to monitor the progress and outcomes of regulatory sandbox testing effectively.
  2. The framework provides that permission granted under the RS will have a validity period of up to 12 months for testing its product.
  3. However, provisions have been incorporated for extending the validity period or to early close/terminate the testing, if so required.
  4. An overseeing body has been proposed to monitor and evaluate regulatory sandbox testing so as to keep it on track and take necessary corrective measures, if required.

The Telecommunication Act’ 2023 has already extended the scope of Digital Bharat Nidhi to facilitate innovation and experimentation in the telecom sector by extending suitable financial support.

  • As part of the regulatory sandbox framework, the authority has recognized that some of the innovations can have potential to bridge the digital divide and bring socio-economic advancement to under privileged sections of the society, if deployed on wider scale.
  • However, despite being very promising, such innovation may lack adequate funding support and, therefore, the authority has recommended that such deserving innovations may be considered to get funding support for testing under RS Framework under Clause 25 (b), (c) and (d) of the Telecommunication Act’ 2023.

The recommended Regulatory Sandbox framework is expected to give the Digital Communication industry’s startup ecosystem access to real network environments and other data of telecom network to help test the reliability of new applications before bringing them to market.

  1. The framework provides for using cross-sector cooperation in carrying out RS testing with the help of other ministries and agencies.
  2. By providing a RS framework that enable various digital communication sector entities to work together in a structured manner, these recommendations are expected to synergize the efforts of innovators, startups, telecommunications companies, government agencies, and regulators to boost innovation and start-up eco system.

Doctrine of Harmonious Construction

While refusing to condone the delay of 5659 days in preferring an appeal, the Supreme Court recently laid down eight principles by providing harmonious construction to Sections 3 and 5 of the Limitation Act, 1963.

  • It is an essential rule for interpreting statutes.
  • It states that when there’s conflict between two or more statutes or between different parts or provisions of a statute, we should interpret them in a way that harmonises them.
  • This means that when there are inconsistencies, we should try to reconcile the conflicting parts so that one part doesn’t negate the purpose of another.
  • It is rooted in the fundamental legal principle that every statute icreated with a specific purpose and intent. Therefore, it should be understood as a whole.
  • The intention of the legislature is that every provision should remain operative.
  • But when two provisions are contradictory, it may not be possible to effectuate both of them, and as a result, one will be rendered futile as against the settled basic principle of ‘ut res magis valeat qauam pereat’ (that a thing is better understood so that it may have an effect than that it should be made void).
  • Therefore, the court should interpretthe laws in a way that removes the inconsistency and allows both provisions to remain in force, working together
  • The goal is to give effect to all the provisions. To avoid conflicts, the interpretation of the statute should be consistent with all its parts.
  • If it’s impossible to harmoniously interpret or reconcile the different parts or provisions, then it’s the responsibility of the judiciary to make the final decision and give its judgment.
  • In the landmark case of Commissioner of Income Tax v. M/S Hindustan Bulk Carriers (2000),the Supreme Court established five fundamental principlesgoverning the rule of harmonious construction:
  1. Courts should make every effort to avoid conflicts between seemingly conflicting provisions and should attempt to interpret these provisions in a way that harmonises them.
  2. Aprovision in one section of the law should not be used to nullifya provision found in another sectionunless the court is unable to find a way to reconcile their differences despite diligent effort.
  3. In caseswhere it’s impossible to completely reconcile inconsistencies between provisions, the courts must interpret them in a manner that gives effect to both provisions to the greatest extent
  4. Courts must consider that an interpretation rendering one provision redundantor useless goes against the essence of harmonious construction and should be avoided.
  5. Harmonizingtwo contradictory provisions means preserving and not destroying any statutory provision or rendering it ineffective.

India, Mauritius revise tax treaty, aim to plug evasion

The PPT will deny treaty benefits, such as the reduction of withholding tax on interest royalties and dividends, where it is established that obtaining that treaty benefit is one of the principal purposes for the party engaged in the transaction.

India has signed a protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Mauritius to plug treaty abuse for tax evasion or avoidance.

  • The amended pact has included thePrincipal Purpose Test (PPT),which essentially lays out the condition that the tax benefits under the treaty will not be applicable if it is established that obtaining that duty benefit was the principal purpose of any transaction or arrangement.
  • Mauritius has been apreferred jurisdiction for investments in Indiadue to the non-taxability of capital gains from the sale of shares in Indian companies until 2016.
  • Mauritius remains India’s fourth largest source of FPI investments, after the US, Singapore, and Luxembourg. FPI investment from Mauritius stood atRs 4.19 lakh crore at the end of March 2024.

Double Taxation

  1. Double taxation is a tax principle referring to instanceswhere taxes are levied twice on the same source of income.
  2. It can occur when income is taxed at both the corporate level and the personal level.
  3. Double taxation can also occur in an international trade or investment context when the same income is taxed in two different countries
  • Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA): A Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) is a pact signed by two nations that encourages capital investment, trade in goods and services, and other economic activities between the two nations by preventing International Double Taxation.
  • Depending on the types of businesses/holdings that citizens of one country have in another, the DTAA may either cover all types of income or may focus on a particular type of income.

Benefits of DTAA

  • Deduction:Taxpayers can claim the taxes paid to foreign governments as a deduction in the country of residence.
  • Exemption:Tax relief under this method can be claimed in any one of the two countries.
  • Tax credit: Tax relief under this method can be claimed in the country of residence.

Significance: The recent amendment reflects India’s intent to align with global efforts against treaty abuse, particularly under the BEPS framework.

India has signed a protocol amending the Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement (DTAA) with Mauritius to plug treaty abuse for tax evasion or avoidance. The amended pact has included what is called the Principal Purpose Test (PPT), which essentially lays out the condition that the tax benefits under the treaty will not be applicable if it is established that obtaining that duty benefit was the principal purpose of any transaction or arrangement.

  1. In the amended protocol, Article 27B has been introduced in the treaty defining the ‘entitlement to benefits.
  2. The PPT will deny treaty benefits, such as the reduction of withholding tax on interest royalties and dividends, where it is established that obtaining that treaty benefit is one of the principal purposes for the party engaged in the transaction.
  3. The amendment to the India-Mauritius treaty was signed on March 7 at Port Louis and was made public Wednesday. Mauritius has been a preferred jurisdiction for investments in India due to the non-taxability of capital gains from the sale of shares in Indian companies until 2016.
  4. The treaty was last amended in May 2016 allowing the right to tax capital gains arising from sale or transfer of shares of an Indian company acquired by a Mauritian tax resident and exempting investments made until March 31, 2017 from such taxation.

World Cybercrime Index

Following three years of intensive research, an international team of researchers has compiled the first ever ‘World Cybercrime Index’

  • It identifies the globe’s major cybercrime hotspots by ranking the most significant sources of cybercrime at a national level.
  • It has been developed as a joint partnership between the University of Oxford and UNSW Canberra.
  • The data that underpins the index was gathered through a survey of 92 leading cybercrime experts from around the world who are involved in cybercrime intelligence gathering and investigations.
  • It ranks roughly 100 countries and identifies key hotspots according to various categories of cybercrime, including ransomware, credit card theft, and scams.

Key Findings:

  1. It shows that the threat of cybercrime is not evenly distributed worldwide.
  2. A relatively small number of countries house the greatest cybercriminal threat.
  3. Russia tops the list, followed by Ukraine, China, the USA, Nigeria, and Romania.
  4. 97 countries were named by at least one expert as being a hub for a particular category.
  5. India captured the number 10 spot in the rankings.
  6. The researchers also found that certain kinds of cybercrime were associated with particular countries. For example, the United States was associated with data and identity theft, while those related to technical products or services seemed to often originate from China.
  7. It is estimated that cybercrime costs the world around $9.22 trillion in 2024, and this is expected to grow to $13.82 trillion in 2028.

ISRO’s ‘zero orbital debris’ milestone & the space debris crisis

With the increase in satellite launches, a new crisis has arisen for spacefaring nations: space debris. ISRO’s recent mission tackled this, leaving ‘zero orbital debris.’ Here’s a look at how and why this is significant.

  • The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has said its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission has practically left zero debris in earth’s orbit. The space agency explained that the last stage of the Polar Satellite Launch vehicle (PSLV) used in the mission was transformed into a kind of orbital station — called the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) — before it was left to re-enter the earth’s atmosphere instead of floating in orbit once its mission was completed.
  • ISRO said that after it completed the primary mission of injecting all satellites into their target orbits, the fourth stage of the PSLV was transformed into the POEM-3.
  • It was subsequently de-orbited from 650 kilometres to 350 kilometres, rendering it more susceptible to being pulled towards the earth and burning up in the atmosphere.
  • ISRO also said it “passivated the stage,” meaning dumped its fuel, to avoid an explosion that could have flung small pieces of debris into orbit.

Recently, ISRO attained a significant milestone in space debris reduction, stating that its PSLV-C58/XPoSat mission left Zero debris in Earth’s orbit.

ISRO achieved this milestone by repurposing the last stage i.e. 4th stage of the PSLV, into the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3), effectively transforming it into an orbital station.

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3)

  • It is a three-axis altitude-controlled platformwith power generation and telemetry & telecommand capability for supporting payloads.
  • Developed by:Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC)
  • POEM-3’s Accomplishments
  1. In the PSLV C-58 mission, POEM-3 successfully deployed the XPoSat satellite in a 650 km orbit.
  2. Subsequently, the fourth stage of the PSLV/POEM-3 was maneuvered to a 350 km circular orbit before re-entering Earth’s atmosphere upon completion of its payload objectives.

Significance of POEM-3’s Achievement:

  • Technological Innovation:It demonstrates commitment to innovative space debris management and sustainable exploration solutions.
  • ISRO’s accomplishment is crucial in light of the growing concern over space debris.
  • Environmental Impact and Safety: POEM-3’s re-entry minimized space debris accumulation, preserving the space environment.
  • With a rising number of objects in space, the risk of collisions and the creation of further debris, known as the ‘Kessler syndrome,’ poses a significant threat to space assets.
  • Therefore, it will help address concerns over satellite and debris proliferation, especially in low Earth orbit (LEO).
  • Global Recognition: Knowledge Sharing Insights from POEM-3’s mission outcomes are valuable for international space agencies and other similar organizations.

International Regulatory Framework:

Currently there are no specific international laws addressing debris in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), most space-faring nations adhere to Space Debris Mitigation Guidelines 2002, endorsed by the United Nations in 2007. 

Efforts by Various Space Agencies:  

  1. NASAOrbital debris program since 1979.
  2. ESAZero debris charterwith the goal of achieving zero space debris by 2030.
  3. Japan: Commercial Removal of Debris Demonstration (CRD2) and
  4. China: Debris Removal through spacecraft with solar sails.
  5. ISRO: Project Netra, for early warning systemsin space to detect debris & hazards to Indian satellites.
  6. Apart from the POEM missions, ISRO has set up a Space Situational Awareness Control Centre to protect its high-value assets from close approaches and collisionswith inactive satellites, pieces of orbiting objects, and even near-earth asteroids.
Recently, ISRO has successfully launched its maiden X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) from Satish Dhawan Space Centre in Sriharikota, Andhra Pradesh.  

India Launches XPoSat: Third Space Observatory in Orbit

  • XPoSat is India’s third space-based observatory after the solar mission Aditya-L1 and AstroSat.
  • After injection of XPOSAT, the PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) experiment will be executed. 

PSLV Orbital Experimental Module (POEM)

  1. PS4 stage is configured as a 3-axis stabilized Orbital platform for conducting experiments to space qualify systems with novel ideas.
  2. One of the technologies on-board is the fuel cell power system designed by ISRO, a precursor to future power systems for space stations.
  3. After injecting XPoSat in its orbit, the fourth stage of the launch vehicle will reduce the orbit into 350 km circular orbit to maintain in 3-axis stabilized mode for Orbital Platform (OP) experiments.
  4. The orbital platform consists of Avionic systems to take care of Navigation, Guidance, Control & telecommands and Orbital Platform Attitude Control System to cater to control of the platform to test the payloads.

Experiments:

  1. One of the experiments is the Women Engineered Satellite (WESAT) to study the comparison between solar irradiance and UV index.
  2. Other experiments include a radiation shielding experiment, an amateur radio, three propulsion systems by space start-ups, a silicon-based high energy cell etc.

XPoSat Mission

Key Objectives:

  1. To measure polarisation of X-rays emanating from about 50 potential cosmic sources through Thomson Scattering by POLIX payload.
  2. To carry out long term spectral and temporal studies of cosmic X-ray sources by XSPECT payload.To carry out polarisation and spectroscopic measurements of X-ray emissions from cosmic sources by POLIX and XSPECT payloads respectively in the common energy band.
  3.  To study black holes and neutron stars in Space.

Black Hole

  • Definition: A black hole is a region of space where matter has collapsed in on itself. The gravitational pull is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape.
  • Genesis: Black holes emerge from the explosive demise of certain large stars.

Payloads: It comprises two payloads: 

  1. X-ray Polarimeter (POLIX): POLIX is expected to observe about 40 bright astronomical sources of different categories during the planned lifetime of XPoSat mission of about 5 years.
  2. X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing (XSPECT): It can provide fast timing and good spectroscopic resolution in soft X-rays.
  3. XSPECT would observe several types of sources viz X-ray pulsars, blackhole binaries, low-magnetic field neutron star (NS) in LMXBs, AGNs and Magnetars.
  4. Significance of Mission: India has become the 2nd country in the world after the United States to send a specialized astronomy observatory to study black holes and neutron stars in our galaxy.
  5. NASA launched Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) in 2021.

Polarization

  1. It refers to the orientation of oscillation of electromagnetic waves.
  2. For X-rays, it describes the direction in which the electric field associated with the X-ray wave oscillates.

Polarization of Astronomical X-Rays

  • It is a method of imaging and studying astronomical phenomena, studying the fluctuations in light from a source, and the energy radiated by the celestial bodies.

Applications

  1. X-Ray polarization serves as a crucial diagnostic tool for examining the radiation mechanism and geometry of celestial sources.
  2. The radiation mechanism from various astronomical sources such as black holes, neutron stars, active galactic nuclei, pulsar wind nebulae etc. originates from complex physical processes and are challenging to understand.
  3. Analysing X-Ray polarization signatures enables measurements of the mass and spin of accreting black holes.

Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS)

Close to 100 hectares of forest were destroyed in a fire in the Sulthan Bathery forest range under the Wayanad Wildlife Sanctuary (WWS) recently.

  1. Location: It is located in Wayanad, Kerala, in the southern trenches of the Western Ghats.
  2. It is an integral part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, which is a UNESCO whs
  3. Established in 1973, the sanctuary covers an area of approximately 344.44 sq. km,
  4. It is bordered bythe protected areas of Nagarhole and Bandipur in Karnataka on the northeastern side and Mudumalai in Tamil Nadu on the southeastern side.
  5. Tribesliving in these forests include some scheduled adivasis, such as Paniyas, Kattunaikkans, Kurumas, Ooralis, Adiyans, and Kurichiyas.

Flora:

  1. It is a mosaic of the Western Ghats’ significant vegetation types, ranging from moist deciduousto dry deciduous and semi-evergreen
  2. Teak, rosewood, eucalyptus, and silver oakplantationscover roughly one-third of the sanctuary.
  3. Marshy lands also mark their presence in the sanctuary.

Fauna:

  1. It is also home to animals like elephants, panthers, tigers, jungle cats, civet cats, monkeys, wild dogs, bisons, deer and bears.
  2. It is known for having the largest population of tigers in Kerala.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands are key to Indo-Pacific security

Only 31 of the archipelago’s 836 islands, and islets are inhabited. This means there is a possibility of surreptitious occupation — a la “Kargil heights” — by a covetous neighbour.

  1. The aftermath of the 1857 War of Independence saw the British establish a penal colony in the Andaman and Nicobar (A&N) islands, where many Indian revolutionaries and freedom fighters were incarcerated for life.
  2. The dark symbolism of kalapani, as the A&N came to be known, coupled with the remoteness of the islands, led to years of benign neglect by a distant New Delhi.
  3. It was only in 1962, when the Indian Navy (IN) raised an alarm about the reported sighting of a Chinese submarine, that the government sanctioned a detachment of 150 sailors to form a “naval garrison” to guard this huge archipelago of 836 islands spread across 450 miles of sea.

The government has heightened security focus on the strategic Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI).

  1. Military Infrastructure Upgrade:The military infrastructure upgrade is undergoing in the ANI, with revamped airfields and jetties, additional logistics and storage facilities, a habitat for troops, and a robust surveillance infrastructure.
  2. Container Transhipment Terminal: The Centre is also working to construct a container transhipment terminal alongside associated infrastructure tosupport traffic and operations.
  3. Objective Behind Infrastructure Upgradation:The enhancement of security infrastructure is part of a comprehensive strategy aimed at:
  4. Transforming the ANI into a formidable maritime stronghold andfostering cooperation with maritime neighbors. 
  5. It could serve as a platform for cooperative maritime endeavorslike aircraft and submarine search and rescue missions.
  6. It will facilitate deployment of additional military forces, and facilities for larger and more warships, aircraft, missile batteries and troops.
  7. Chinese Increasing Influence: This is being done amid Chinese attempts to expand its influence in the region, which includes the construction of amilitary facility at Myanmar’s Coco Islands lying 55 km north of A&N Islands.

Andaman and Nicobar Islands (ANI):

  1. Group of Islands: The ANI consists oftwo groups of islands, the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands, covering an area of 8,249 sq km.
  2. The entire island chain consists of836 islands, including islets and rocky outcrops, of which some 38 are permanently inhabited.
  3. Governance: The islands are governed as asingle Union Territory by the Central Government of India through the Andaman Nicobar Administration.
  4. Integrated Tri-service Command:The ANI is home to India’s only integrated tri-service command of the armed forces, the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), responsible for maritime surveillance and enhancing India’s strategic presence in the eastern Indian Ocean.

ANI as Key to Indo-Pacific Security:

  • Strategic Location and Maritime Chokepoints: Situated at the entrance of the Strait of Malacca, the long chain of ANI connects one of the world’s most crucial trade chokepoints.
  • They offer India the capability to monitor traffic flow from the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) to the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean).
  • Proximity to Key Maritime Routes and Shipping Lanes: The ANI commands a position over one of the world’s most frequented sea lanes. 

Indo-Pacific Region

  1. The term“Indo-Pacific region” recently gained prominence and refers to a geopolitical concept surrounding a vast maritime area in the Indian Ocean and Pacific Ocean.
  2. It spa9ns fromthe eastern coast of Africa to the western coast of the Americas and is strategically significant due to its major trade route, important sea lanes, and critical maritime chokepoints it contains.
  • This positioning allows India to oversee the movement from the South China Sea (Pacific Ocean) to the Andaman Sea (Indian Ocean) through the Strait of Malacca.
  • Nearly 70,000 1,20,000 ships sailing through the Indian Ocean pass-through the Strait of Malacca and the neighbouring Six Degrees channel.
  • Potential for Power Projection and Maritime Domain Awareness:  Port Blair, the capital of these islands, is just 20 nautical miles away from Myanmar, and the southern point, known as Indira Point, is 90 nautical miles away from Indonesia.
  • Hence this should help India counter China’s ‘String of Pearls’ strategy due to its closeness to the ‘Strait of Malacca’ chokehold.
  • Proximity to Southeast Asia: The ANI are located close to Southeast Asia (and the Association of Southeast Asian Nation countries) which are central to the country’s Indo-Pacific vision.
  • The Coordinated Patrol (CORPAT) exercises as well as the multinational MILAN exercise, help not only in realizing India’s Act East policy but also its Act Indo-Pacific policies.
  • Counterbalancing the Chinese Influence: The increasing Chinese influence in the littoral states using the “string of pearls” strategy can be counterbalanced by India’s push towards developing ANI using the ‘SAGAR MALA’ initiative and Act East Policy.
  • Surveillance and Power Projection: ANI could provide multiple military operations for India to keep the busiest sea lanes under surveillance and for power projection.
  • It will enhance India’s underwater maritime domain awareness in this region, like the US-Japan “Fish Hook” SOSUS network in the South China Sea and the Indian Ocean Rim.
  • This is a significant part of controlling, monitoring the Chinese influence, and tracking the movements of Chinese submarines in the deep Indo-Pacific region.
  • Net Security Provider:  India can leverage the potential of these islands to protect its own interests and enhance its image as the ‘net security provider’ in the region.
  • Important Fulcrum of Indo-Pacific: The ANI is at the intersection of the Indian Ocean, the South China Sea, and the Pacific Ocean, an important fulcrum of the Indo-Pacific’s strategic concept.

Challenges in ANI’s Strategic Development:

  • Vulnerability of Choke Points:Maritime choke points constitute critical vulnerabilitiesfor world trade and commerce, as visible from the severe disruption and rerouting of shipping caused by the Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.
  • China’s Expansion:As part of its Maritime Silk Road initiative, China has been funding and executing new ports and modernizing existing ports in many countries along the IOR.Ex-It developed new bases at Gwadar and Djibouti.
  • The Trilateral Highway Project in Myanmar, Hambantota port at Sri Lanka, which is under ninety-nine years of lease under China, is the classic example of China’s Debt Trap Diplomacy.
  • Untapped Potential of ANC: Despite the presence of all three services, the ANC hasyet to realize its potential.  The command has limited assets and presence in comparison to a theater-level presence of a joint command.
  • While it has the potential to be theforward operating basefor all of India’s engagements with Southeast Asia, it mainly acts as a logistical facility for deployments of India’s Eastern Naval Command to East and Southeast Asia. 
  • Slow Pace of Development: Internet connectivity is reported to be erratic. Road building, airstrip construction, and even the building of jetties have been slow or non-existent.
  • Vulnerability to Non-state Actors: The absence of a human presence on hundreds of these islands has made them vulnerable to narcotics smuggling, intrusion by foreign vessels, and other incursions.
  • Remote Location:Few companies are willing to work on the islands because of the distance and cost.
  • For some materials, importing from Indonesia would be far cheaper and more cost-effective than sending shipments from the Indian mainland.
  • Developmental Challenges: Developing these islands carries massive environmental, sustainability, and tribal welfare challenges.
  • There is an island-wide restriction on clearing land for development, and 68 per cent of the islands are under forest cover.
  • The presence of indigenous tribes on the islands has also restricted commercial activities and development in tribal areas.

Government Interventions for Development of ANI:

  1. National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC): The NRSC, based in Hyderabad, manages satellite data processing and disaster management.
  2. The government has requested the NRSC toincrease resources for satellite image analysis and data dissemination for 55 inhabited islands in ANI and Lakshadweep.
  3. Multi-Agency Maritime Security Group (MAMSG) meeting:The Ministry of Home Affairs recently organized a MAMSG meeting to discuss surveillance of uninhabited islands.
  4. Modern Hangar and Dispersal system: They were inaugurated at INS Utkrosh in Port Blair.
  5. Precision Approach Radar (PAR): It was inaugurated at INS Utkrosh to enable accurate horizontal and vertical guidance to land an aircraft safely in low visibility conditions.
  6. NITI Aayog’s Holistic Development Program for the islands: It aims to provide a framework for developing a new ‘greenfield city’with a diverse and robust economy based on maritime services and tourism.

Lakshadweep Islands:

  • About Lakshadweep is an archipelago of 36 islands in the Arabian Sea, about 440 km from the coast of Kerala.
  • Location: Lakshadweep islands are the northernmost part of the Lakshadweep–Maldives–Chagos group of islands, which are the exposed tops of a vast undersea mountain range, the Chagos-Lakshadweep Ridge.

Significance:

  1. Naval Outpost: Lakshadweep islands can serve as the naval outpost for Indian Naval assets deployed in the Arabian Sea.
  2. Shipping Lines: The nine-degree channel near Lakshadweep is the shortest way for ships connecting West and East Asia.
  3. Strategic Tool: Lakshadweep development can be used by India as a bargaining chip while dealing with China-favouring administration of Maldives.
  • Maritime Hub: In 2015, the government announced an INR 100,000 million plan to develop the islands into the country’s first maritime hub.
  • It aims to develop facilities, such as telecommunications, electricity, and water, which will help build and expand strategic capabilities.
  • Declining Protectionism:  In 2019, a new Island Coastal Regulation Zone Notification was promulgated, allowing land reclamation for ports, harbours and jetties.
  • Maritime Exercises: ANC conducts joint maritime exercises such as the Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise and Coordinated Patrols with Myanmar, Thailand and Indonesia.
  • Expanding Naval Presence: Following the Ladakh stand-off with China in May 2020, India is expediting plans for stationing additional forces, warships, aircraft, and missile batteries in the ANI.
  • There have also been reports of naval air stations INS BAAZ and INS KOHASSA expanding their support operations.

IREDA Celebrates Legacy: Past Leaders Share Vision for Future

  1. On the occasion of “Public Sector Day” on April 10, 2024, Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (IREDA) hosted a gathering, bringing together its predecessors and retired employees in a special event aimed at celebrating the organization’s legacy and projecting a path forward for continued success. The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from most of the superannuated employees, including former CMDs and Directors, who assembled to reminisce and share valuable insights for the future trajectory of the company.
  2. The occasion served as a platform for the esteemed veterans to recount their experiences and offer inputs for further enriching IREDA’s journey. Former CMDs and Directors commended the rapid growth trajectory of IREDA and applauded the management’s holistic approach towards fostering business success and ensuring the well-being of its workforce, including that of superannuated employees.
  3. Speaking about the significance of the event, CMD, IREDA, Shri Pradip Kumar Das said: “This gathering holds immense significance as it not only honours the contributions of our valued predecessors and superannuated colleagues but also underscores our commitment to fostering a culture of inclusivity and collaboration.
  4. Their wealth of experience and insights are invaluable assets that will continue to guide us as we navigate the dynamic landscape of renewable energy development.
  5. Our growth story is not just about numbers and achievements; it’s about the people who have been the foundation of our success. We are grateful for the wisdom and guidance of our predecessors, and we look forward to leading IREDA to new heights with the same spirit of excellence and collaboration.”
  6. A highlight of the celebration was the Hasya Kavi Sammelan, providing attendees with moments of laughter and camaraderie, further enhancing the celebratory atmosphere. The audience was spellbound by the profound messages woven into the poetry of Ms. Manisha Shukla, Shri Chirag Jain, and Shri Sunder Kataria. Held at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi, the event was a testament to IREDA’s commitment to fostering a sense of community and continuity among its workforce.
  7. The event was also graced by Director (Finance) Dr. Bijay Kumar Mohanty, Independent Director Shri Ram Nishal Nishad, Chief Vigilance Officer Shri Ajay Kumar Sahani, and other senior officials. IREDA officials posted at the branch offices participated in the event in virtual mode.

Global trade to pickup in 2024: WTO

Global Trade Body ‘WTO’ in its recently released Bi-annual report “Global Trade Outlook and Statistics” says global trade will pick up in 2024 but downward risks remain.

Key Highlights of the Report: 

  • World Merchandise Trade volume: It is projected to grow 2.6% in 2024 and 3.3% in 2025, following a larger-than-expected decline of -1.2% in 2023.
  • By the end of 2023, merchandise trade volume was up 6.3%compared to 2019. Commercial services also increased, with annual US$ values up 21% between 2019 and 2023.
  • India’s share of global goods exports was 1.8% in 2023 and imports was 2.8%.
  • World Real GDP Growth at market exchange rates : It is slowed from 1% in 2022 to2.7% in 2023 but is expected to remain mostly stable over the next two years at 2.6% in 2024 and 2.7% in 2025.
  • linked to inflationary pressures: The contrast between the steady growth of GDP and the slowdown in merchandise trade volume is linked to inflationary pressures, which had a downward effect on consumption of trade-intensive goods.
  • US Dollar Value of Merchandise Counterbalanced by Commercial Services Trade : 
  • The US dollar value of global merchandise trade dropped by 5% to US$ 24.01 trillion. However, this decline was largely counterbalanced by a robust 9% increase in commercial services trade, reaching US$ 7.54 trillion.
  • In global commercial services,India’s share in exports is seen 4.4% in 2023 at $344 billion, up 11% on-year whereas imports are seen as 3.4% at flat at $247 billion.
  • Reasons Behind the Shift: The decrease in merchandise exports can be attributed in part to the declining prices of commodities like oil and gas. Conversely, the upsurge in commercial services trade was fueled by the resurgence of international travel and the booming market for digitally delivered services.

Digitally delivered services:

  1. These are provided and accessed via digital platforms like the internet or mobile apps.
  2. They encompass diverse sectors such as e-commerce, online banking, streaming, software as a service, online education, telemedicine, and digital marketing.
  3. Potential Challenges: Risks to the forecast are on the downside due to current geopolitical tensions and policy uncertainty.
  4. Conflict in the Middle East has diverted sea shipments between Europe and Asia while tensions elsewhere could lead to trade fragmentation.
  5. Rising protectionism is another risk that could undermine the recovery of trade in 2024 and 2025.
  • India is now 4th largest exporter of Digitally Delivered Services (India’s share rose to 6% in 2023 from 4.4% in 2019)and reached $257 billion in 2023 in the World, marking a 17% increase compared to the previous year.
  • This growth outpaced that of Germany and China, which saw 4% growth each.v Future Outlook:  In 2024 and 2025, inflation is expected to gradually abate, allowing real incomes to grow again in advanced economies, boosting consumption of manufactured goods.
  • A recovery of demand for tradable goods in 2024 is already evident. This is related to an increase in household consumption linked to improved income prospects.
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