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