India – Mauritius Relations (GS-2 Mains)

Current Development:

• India and Mauritius jointly inaugurated projects for maritime security and connectivity to Agalega islands.
• MoU signed in 2015 to upgrade airstrip and Set James Jetty.
• Agalega islands crucial for boosting connectivity and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.

Historical Ties:

• Deep bond rooted in shared history, culture, and democratic values.
• First Indians arrived in 1729; half a million Indian indentured workers brought during British rule.

Diplomatic Relations:

• Established in 1948, before Mauritius gained independence.
• High Commissioner represents India since independence.

Economic Cooperation:

• Signed Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA) in 2021.
• Bilateral trade grew by 132% in the last 17 years.
• Mauritius contributes 26% of total FDI inflows into India.

Defence Cooperation:

• India preferred defence partner for Mauritius.
• Indian officers head Mauritian Defence Forces units.
• Line of Credit of USD 100 mn extended for defence procurement.

Other Collaborations:

• India first responder in crises.
• Mauritius joined India’s Jan Aushadhi initiative.
• RuPay cards and UPI connectivity established.

Challenges and Concerns:

• DTAA amendments due to potential misuse.
• Chagos Archipelago sovereignty dispute.
• Security concerns in Indo-Pacific region.
• Logistical and bureaucratic challenges in project implementation.

Conclusion:

• India-Mauritius relationship multifaceted and growing stronger.
• Reflects shared history, cultural affinities, and mutual respect.

 

Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project (PMP) (GS-2 Mains)

Project Details:

• Bi-national hydropower project on Mahakali River (India-Nepal border).
• Established under 1996 Mahakali Treaty.
• Aims:
  • Generate 6,480 MW power (equal split).
  • Irrigate 130,000 ha (Nepal) and 240,000 ha (India).

Areas of Disagreement:

• Nepal feels India gets more benefits (irrigation, flood control).
• Nepal views water as “white gold” and wants payment from India.
• India rejects this to avoid impacting other water treaties (e.g., Indus Waters Treaty).

India-Nepal Relations

Positives:

• Shared border (over 1,850 km).
• 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship: foundation of relations.
• Nepalese citizens enjoy rights similar to Indians (as per treaty).
• Close defense cooperation (training, joint exercises).
• Development partnership (border infrastructure, cross-border links).
• Water resource cooperation (existing mechanisms).
• Strong energy ties (power exchange agreement, electricity supply).
• Trade and economic partnership (India is Nepal’s largest trade partner).
• Cultural ties (“roti beti” relationship).

Challenges:

• 1950 Treaty: seen as unequal by some in Nepal.
• Territorial disputes (Kalapani, Susta).
• Accusations of Indian political interference.
• Shared security concerns (terrorism, trafficking).
• Perception of unequal relationship (economic dependence).

Way Forward:

• Consensus needed for project (political & bureaucratic).
• Despite challenges, both sides committed to dialogue and solutions.

 

Kerala LokAyukta Amendment Bill Gets Presidential Nod (GS-2 Mains)

Key Amendments:

• Reduces Lokayukta’s power: cannot disqualify public servants for corruption/nepotism.
• New competent authorities:
  • Chief Minister complaints – State Assembly (instead of Governor).
  • MLA complaints – Speaker of Assembly.
• Authorities can accept or reject Lokayukta recommendations.

What are Lokayuktas?

• Established under Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013.
• Investigate corruption charges against public servants, politicians.
• Inspired by Scandinavian Ombudsman system.
• First established in Maharashtra (1971).
• Headed by retired Chief Justice/High Court Judge.

Challenges Faced by Lokayuktas:

• Limited jurisdiction.
• Lack of independence from political influence.
• Inadequate resources.
• Weak whistleblower protection.
• Reliant on government’s will to fight corruption.

Measures to Strengthen Lokayuktas:

• Broader jurisdiction through legislation.
• Transparent, merit-based appointment process.
• Fixed tenure, adequate resources, and protection from interference.
• Public awareness campaigns.
• Stronger whistleblower protection laws.
• Holding governments accountable for implementing recommendations.

 

Rising Global Obesity Rates (Lancet Study) (GS-2 Mains)

What is Obesity?

• Defined by WHO as excessive fat accumulation harming health.
• BMI over 25: overweight, over 30: obese (BMI = weight / height²)
• Most common form of malnutrition globally.

Global Scenario:

• Over 1 billion people obese worldwide (2022).
• 159 million children/adolescents and 879 million adults affected.

India:

• Significant rise in childhood obesity rates.
• 2022 ranking: 174th globally (girls & boys).
• NFHS-5 (2019-2021): 6.4% women & 4.0% men (15-49) obese.

Causes of Obesity:

• Poor diet (high-calorie, low-nutrient foods).
• Lack of physical activity (sedentary lifestyle).
• Medications (side effects of certain drugs).
• Sleep problems (hormonal imbalance, increased appetite).
• Genetics (predisposition to weight gain).

Solutions:

• Government policies: restrict unhealthy food/drink sales & marketing to children, promote healthy options in schools.
• Community initiatives: encourage physical activity in children (outdoor play, chores).
• Individual actions: parents encouraging healthy habits in children.

 

India’s First Hydrogen Fuel Cell Ferry (GS-3 Mains)

Harit Nauka Initiative:

• Launched by Shipping Ministry in 2024.
• Aims for 50% green fuel use in inland waterways by 2035, 100% by 2045.

Hydrogen Fuel Cells:

• Combine hydrogen and oxygen to produce electricity.
• Anodes, cathodes, and electrolytes separate and combine elements.
• Generate electricity with only water vapor as a byproduct (zero-emission).
• Advantages: high efficiency, versatility, fast refueling, potentially low environmental impact.
• Disadvantages: high production cost, limited infrastructure, energy-intensive production (often), storage challenges, safety concerns.

Hydrogen:

• Lightest element, most abundant element in universe.
• Types:
  • Grey hydrogen (fossil fuel-based production).
  • Blue hydrogen (natural gas with carbon capture).
  • Green hydrogen (renewable energy electrolysis).

 

Prelims

Juice Jacking: Beware Public Charging Ports

• Cyberattack:Hackers tamper with public USB ports to steal data.
• Targets:Android & iOS (older devices more at risk).
• Risks:Stealing data (emails, SMS, passwords) or infecting with malware.
• RBI Warning:Avoid public charging ports.

Leopard Population Status in India (2022)

• 8% Increase:National estimate grew from 12,852 (2018) to 13,874.
• State-wise Distribution:
  • Highest – Madhya Pradesh (3,907)
  • Followed by Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.
• Habitat-wise Distribution:
  • Growth in Central India & Eastern Ghats, Western Ghats, North-East.
  • Decline in Shivalik & Gangetic plains.

Early Jacaranda Bloom in Mexico

• Jacaranda trees are native to South America, known for their beautiful purple flowers.
• They typically bloom in spring or early summer depending on the region.
• The recent early blooming of Jacaranda trees in Mexico has raised concerns about climate change.
• Possible reasons for early bloom:
  • Warmer temperatures due to climate change can disrupt flowering cycles.
  • Changes in rainfall patterns can also influence blooming times.

Sources : The Hindu and Indian Express Newspaper