29 February 2024

DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS ANALYSIS

1 – Military Landscapes of Maratha: GS I – Indian History

Context:

• In 2024–2025, India is scheduled to submit a nomination for the “Maratha Military Landscapes” to be recognised as a World Heritage site by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
• Twelve components make up this nomination, which highlights the Maratha rule’s strategic military prowess over several territories.

The Maratha Military Landscapes: What Are They?

• The 12 forts and fortresses that make up the “Maratha Military Landscapes” reflect the remarkable military tactics and system used by the Maratha kings between the 17th and 19th centuries.
• Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Khanderi Fort, Raigad, Rajgad, Pratapgad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijay Durg, Sindhudurg in Maharashtra, and Gingee Fort in Tamil Nadu are the twelve components of this nomination.
• In 2021, the Indian Maratha Military Landscapes will be included to the Tentative List of World Heritage Sites.
• The sixth cultural item from Maharashtra to be nominated for the World Heritage List is Maratha Military Landscapes.
• A result of integrating the topography, physiography, and landscape elements unique to the Indian Peninsula’s Eastern Ghats, Konkan Coast, Deccan Plateau, and Western Ghats (Sahyadri Hills), is this network of forts, which differ in hierarchies, scales, and typological traits.
• Of the more than 390 forts in Maharashtra, only 12 are included in the Maratha Military Landscapes of India, and the Archaeological Survey of India is in charge of protecting 8 of these forts.
• They are Lohgad, Raigad, Suvarnadurg, Panhala Fort, Vijaydurg, Sindhudurg, and Gingee Fort. These are Shivneri Fort.
• The Maharashtra government’s Directorate of Archaeology and Museums guards Salher Fort, Rajgad, Khanderi Fort, and Pratapgarh.
• Salher Fort, Shivneri Fort, Lohgad, Raigad, Rajgad, and Gingee Fort are hill forts; Pratapgad is a hill-forest fort; Panhala is a hill-plateau fort; Vijaydurg is a coastal fort; and Khanderi, Suvarnadurg, and Sindhudurg are island forts in the Maratha Military Landscapes of India.
• Under Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj’s reign in 1670 CE, the Maratha Military philosophy emerged in the 17th century and continued under succeeding rulers until the end of the Peshwa dynasty in 1818 CE.

What is the procedure for nominating someone to the UNESCO World Heritage List?

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has identified sites for inclusion on the World Heritage List that are of exceptional universal worth for people and the environment.
• Six cultural and four ecological factors were taken into consideration while choosing World Heritage sites prior to 2004.
• These standards were changed by UNESCO in 2005, and there is currently just one set of 10. Requirements for nominated sites include “outstanding universal value” and fulfilment of at least one of the ten requirements.
• The Maratha Military Landscapes are listed under the cultural criteria category, one of the two nomination categories that exist.
• For a place to be included in the World Heritage List, it must meet six criteria (i to vi) for cultural sites and four criteria (vii to x) for natural sites.
• Nominations for The Maratha Military Landscapes of India are made on the following criteria: (iii), (iv), and (vi).
• A property must be on a nation’s Tentative List for at least a year before it can be nominated to the World Heritage List.
• A list of prospective World Heritage Sites that a nation submits to UNESCO is called a Tentative List. A property may be nominated by the nation for the World Heritage List once it has been placed on the Tentative List. The nomination will be examined by the World Heritage Committee.
• The UNESCO World Heritage Committee oversees the International “World Heritage Programme,” which is responsible for maintaining the list of World Heritage Sites.

Source The Hindu

2 – Free Movement Regime: GS II – International Issues issues

Context:

• Recent announcements by India regarding its intention to fence the border between Myanmar and India and revisit the Free Movement Regime (FMR) agreement have sparked conversations, particularly in the northeastern areas.
• The choice seeks to resolve a difficult confluence of security, cultural, and historical factors.

Free Movement Regime: What Is It?

Historical Background:

• Before the current border between India and Myanmar was established by the Treaty of Yandaboo in 1826, a large portion of northeastern India was occupied by Burma.
• General Sir Archibald Campbell signed the Treaty of Yandabo on behalf of the British, and Governor of Legaing Maha Min Hla Kyaw Htin signed it on behalf of the Burmese.
• The First Anglo-Burmese War (1824–1826) was over as a result.
• But without their consent, the line divided groups that shared a common ethnicity and culture, like as the Kuki-Chin-Mizo communities in Manipur and Mizoram, and the Nagas in Nagaland and Manipur.
• Presently, a 1,643 km border between India and Myanmar runs through Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh, with just 10 km of the border being gated in Manipur.

Free Movement System:

• As a component of India’s Act East programme, the FMR was created in 2018 and encourages visa-free travel up to 16 kilometres across international borders.
• For stays as long as two weeks in the adjoining nation, people living at the border require a one-year border pass.
• Its objectives were to boost diplomatic relations, ease local border trade, and give border populations better access to healthcare and education.

Possible Justifications for Reevaluating the FMR:

Security Issues:

Increased Infiltration: There have been worries expressed regarding the flood of undocumented immigrants, especially from Myanmar’s Rohingya and Chin populations, who may put a strain on local resources and demographics.

• Trafficking in Drugs and Weapons: The weak border makes it easier for illegal goods to enter India, endangering internal security and escalating crime.
• According to figures from the Chief Minister’s Office, Manipur saw 500 cases filed and 625 people detained under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act in 2022.
• Activities of Insurgency: Insurgent organisations operating in northeastern India have abused the FMR, which has made it easier for them to cross the border and avoid capture.
• For instance. In Manipur, there is the Kuki National Organisation (KNO) and the Kangleipak Communist Party-Lamphel (KCP-Lamphel).

Regional and Socioeconomic Issues:

• Effect on cultural identity: There are worries regarding the continued existence of native customs and culture in border regions, which may be jeopardised by an increase in immigration.
• Environmental Degradation: Uncontrolled cross-border mobility is blamed for resource extraction and deforestation along the border.
• Regional Dynamics: The situation is further complicated by China’s expanding sway over Myanmar and possible effects on border security.

What Are the Main Aspects of Relations Between Myanmar and India?

• Historical and Cultural Links: India and Myanmar have a rich cultural and religious heritage that dates back many years, with a foundation in Buddhism.
• Their diplomatic relations are based on the 1951 Treaty of Friendship.
• Economic Cooperation: India is a significant source of investment and ranks as Myanmar’s fourth-largest trading partner.
• India has undertaken several projects in Myanmar, such as the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project, the Trilateral Highway Project, and the 2018 completion of the restoration and conservation of Bagan’s Ananda Temple.
• Disaster Relief: In the wake of natural disasters in Myanmar, such as Cyclone Mora (2017), the earthquake in Shan State (2010), and the influenza virus outbreak in Yangon in July and August 2017, India has responded swiftly and efficiently by providing aid.

Way Ahead:

• Focus on Common Interests: Maintaining and enhancing economic collaboration between the two countries in sectors such as commerce, energy, and infrastructure could be advantageous and help to forge stronger bonds that go beyond political divisions.
• Additionally, religious tourism can foster mutual understanding and trust by promoting cultural exchanges between the populations of the two nations.
• Complete Border Management: India must create a thorough and well-rounded strategy for managing its borders that takes security issues into account while allowing for legal cross-border trade with Myanmar.
• Encouraging a Democratic Transition: Despite the lengthy and difficult process, India’s involvement in Myanmar should ultimately work to encourage a peaceful shift to democracy in that country.
• This is a long-term strategic objective since a secure and democratic Myanmar is consistent with India’s ambition for development and peace in the region.

Source The Hindu

3 – Corruption Perception Index 2023: GS I – Social Issues

Context:

• Transparency International just released the Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI) 2023, which demonstrates that most nations have made little to no progress in combating corruption in the public sector.
• According to the CPI, 180 nations and territories are ranked according to how corrupt the public sector is thought to be, with a score ranging from 0 (extremely corrupt) to 100 (very clean).

About Transparency International:

• Founded in 1993, this global non-governmental organisation is headquartered in Berlin, Germany.
• Its non-profit goals are to stop criminal activity that results from corruption and to fight global corruption through civil society anti-corruption initiatives.
• The Corruption Perception Index and the Global Corruption Barometer are two of its most well-known publications.

What Standout Features Does the Corruption Perception Index (CPI) 2023 Offer?

Global Serious Corruption:

• More than two thirds of nations receive a score of less than 50 out of 100, which amply suggests that they have significant corruption issues.
• The vast majority of countries have either declined or made no progress in the last ten years, while the worldwide average score remains stuck at just 43.

Global CPI 2023 Highlights:

• Top Three Countries: Denmark leads the index for the sixth year running with a score of 90, closely followed by Finland and New Zealand with scores of 87 and 85, respectively.
• These nations rank highly on the Rule of Law Index because of their efficient legal systems.
• Bottom Spots: With scores of 11, 13, 13, and 13, respectively, Somalia, Venezuela, Syria, South Sudan, and Yemen occupy the bottom spots in the ranking.
• Long-lasting crises—mostly military conflicts—affect them all.

India’s standing and rating:

• Based on the CPI 2023, India came in at number 93 out of 180 countries.
• India’s total score for the year 2023 was 39, down from 40 in 2022.
• India came in at number 85 in 2022.

Relationship between Corruption and Justice Access:

• The Rule of Law Index indicates that the effectiveness of justice systems around the globe is declining.
• The World Justice Project (WJP), an independent organisation dedicated to advancing the rule of law worldwide, publishes the Rule of Law Index.
• Data on many aspects of the rule of law are provided by the index, which is further divided into 44 categories.
• There is an obvious correlation between corruption and access to justice, as evidenced by the fact that the nations with the lowest scores on the CPI also have the lowest scores on the Rule of Law index.

Elements That Lead to Corruption:

• Justice is being undermined by leaders who are both democratic and tyrannical. Because there are no longer any repercussions for offenders, corruption is becoming more and more acceptable.
• Across the world, numerous courts and other judicial institutions are becoming infiltrated by corrupt practices such as bribery and power abuse.
• When corruption is the norm, the common good is sacrificed as the wealthy and powerful seize control of entire legal systems, limiting the access to justice for disadvantaged people.

Principal Suggestions:

• Until justice systems are able to punish crime and hold governments accountable, corruption will persist. The public suffers when corruption endures and justice is swayed by politicians or money.
• It’s time to remove obstacles and guarantee that individuals have efficient access to the legal system. Everybody should have access to inclusive, equitable legal systems that give victims’ voices a voice at every turn.

How do Indian neighbours do in the CPI 2023?

Sri Lanka and Pakistan:

• Out of 180 countries, Sri Lanka came in at number 115 and Pakistan at number 133.
• Both nations struggled with the debt loads and political unrest they faced.
• Nonetheless, robust judicial monitoring exists in both nations, which aids in holding the administration accountable.
• By extending the right to information granted by Article 19A of the Pakistani Constitution to previously excluded institutions, the Supreme Court of Pakistan improved the rights of its citizens to information.

Bangladesh:

• Bangladesh (ranked 149) has moved out of the category of Least Developed Country (LDC), thanks to economic progress that is enabling the country to keep reducing poverty and raising living standards.
• A persistent crackdown on the press is impeding the flow of information about the public sector.

China:

• China (ranked 76) has been penalising nearly 3.7 million public officials for corruption over the past ten years as part of an intensive anti-corruption operation. Corruption is a common tactic used by Chinese public officials to increase their wealth.
• The nation heavily relies on punishment rather than institutional balances on power, which raises concerns about the anti-corruption measures’ long-term effectiveness.

What’s the Deal with Corruption?

• Collusive corruption is the result of groups of people or organisations working together to accomplish dishonest or fraudulent goals. It entails parties working together to compromise the integrity of systems or processes, frequently for their own profit.
• Coercive corruption is the type of corruption where people are coerced or forced to act dishonestly.
• Power abusers can be either private persons or employees of institutions like governments or corporations.

Causes of the High Rate of Corruption in the Public Sector:

• Patronage: When posts in the civil service are traded for bribes or utilised as rewards for political support, it can result in widespread corruption.
• Public institutions lose their integrity when people are appointed on the basis of their loyalty rather than their qualifications.
• Pay disparities: Civil officials’ lower pay than that of the private sector may put a strain on their finances. To make up for the pay gap and meet their basic necessities, some employees may turn to accepting bribes.
• Influence of Political Ideology: The promotion of corruption can be fostered by political ideology, which also erodes accountability and fairness by rewarding followers regardless of their qualifications.
• This can force people to turn to corruption in order to get or keep jobs, which feeds an unethical loop.

What Consequences Does Corruption Have?

Regarding Individuals and Public Life:

• Absence of Service Quality: When there is corruption in a system, there is either little or no service quality.
• One may have to pay for quality in order to expect it. Numerous sectors, including municipalities, power, the disbursement of humanitarian funding, etc., exhibit this.
• Inadequate Justice: When there is corruption in the legal system, victims of offence may not receive the right justice.
• If there is insufficient evidence or even if the evidence has been destroyed, a crime may be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
• The lengthy inquiry process is a result of systemic corruption inside the police force, spanning several decades.
• Loss of Opportunity and Denial of Timely Service: Corruption not only causes problems with money and health, but it also causes people to lose out on chances.
• Inequality is maintained and societal advancement is hampered when people are denied timely services, employment opportunities, and equitable access to resources.

Regarding Society:

• Voters select representatives based on their level of trust in the government; however, if those representatives are linked to corruption, voters lose that trust and may decide not to vote in the future (Voter Apathy).
• Discouragement of Whistle-Blowing: People are frequently dissuaded from participating in whistle-blowing in environments where corruption is a problem.
• The disclosure of corrupt activities is hampered by societal shame, fear of reprisals, or inadequate safeguards.
• Normalisation of Corruption: People may eventually come to tolerate corrupt behaviour as a regular aspect of public life in societies where it has become accepted as the usual. It erodes the moral foundation, making it more difficult to enact significant changes.

Regarding the Economy:

• Lack of Ease of Doing Business: Bribes and kickbacks are frequently used in corrupt practices, which raises the expense of conducting business.
• A Reduction in Foreign Investment: Many foreign investments from emerging nations have been pulled back due to corruption in government agencies.
• Lack of Development: If a location is deemed inappropriate for a new industry to launch, many of them abandon their intentions to do so.
• Companies will not want to open up shop in an area lacking adequate roads, electricity, and water supplies, which will impede the region’s economic development.
• Red tape: Excessive bureaucratic processes, intricate rules, and administrative hold-ups are examples of red tape, and they can foster an atmosphere that encourages dishonest behaviour.
• Lack of Competition: Market manipulation brought about by corruption frequently favours particular companies or people. This can lead to oligopolies or monopolies, which would stifle competition and creativity.
• Black money and the black market are prevalent: Tax revenues are decreased when income is withheld from the government, or “black money.”
• This restricts the government’s capacity to pay for necessary infrastructure and public services.
• A sizable black market can threaten the official economy by providing unfair competition for legitimate enterprises from those doing business illegally.
• The creation of the Civil Service Board allows the government to limit overbearing political power. It is possible to guarantee that dishonest public servants do not hold important positions by streamlining the disciplinary procedure and enhancing preventive monitoring inside the departments.
• Government agencies should focus on developing capacity building initiatives such as iGOT-Karmayogi, an online training platform that offers continuous training based on subject areas to all government employees, ranging from assistant secretaries to secretaries.
• To maintain integrity in public life, it is critical to promote value-based training to all civil personnel. A thorough Code of Ethics for civil personnel should be incorporated into all training programmes, in accordance with the recommendations of the 2nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC).

Source The Hindu

4 – Acid Rain: GS I – Geography-related issues

Context:

• Acid rain is a complicated environmental problem with many underlying causes and far-reaching effects. Fossil fuels are its source.

What Does Acid Rain Mean?

• Any type of precipitation with acidic components, such as nitric or sulfuric acid, that falls to the earth from the atmosphere in wet or dry forms is referred to as “acid rain” or “acid deposition.”
• This can include acidic dust as well as rain, snow, fog, hail, and so on.

Acid Rain Formation:

• Nitric acid (HNO3) and sulfuric acid (H2SO4) are created when sulphur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) react with water and oxygen in the atmosphere, respectively.
• After then, these acids dissolve in water droplets to produce acid rain, snow, or fog.
• Acid rain is typically more acidic than normal rain, with a pH of 4.2–4.4 (Potential of Hydrogen), compared to normal rain’s pH of 5.6.

Acid Rain’s Causes:

• Fossil Fuel Combustion: At higher temperatures, nitrogen oxides (NOx) and sulphur dioxide (SO2) are released during the burning of fossil fuels, especially those that include sulphur.
• The burning of fossil fuels is a common practice in automobiles and is the main cause of pollution in the environment.
• These compounds are also released during the combustion of coal in power plants and industrial activities.
• Natural Sources: The atmospheric concentrations of sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides are also influenced by lightning strikes and volcanic eruptions.
• Air pollution: Sulfuric and nitric acids are produced in the atmosphere by chemical interactions between the pollutants SO2 and NOx.
• During precipitation, they react with water vapour to form acid rain.

Types of Acid Rain and Deposit:

• Wet Deposition: As rain, snow, fog, or hail fall to the earth, sulfuric and nitric acids that have produced in the atmosphere combine with them.
• Dry Deposition: In the absence of moisture, acidic gases and particles can also settle from the atmosphere as dry deposition.
• Acidic gases and particles have the potential to swiftly settle on surfaces such as water bodies, vegetation, and structures. Alternatively, they may react with airborne particles during transit, forming bigger particles that pose a risk to human health.

What Effects Does Acid Rain Cause?

Effect on Marine Life:

• Certain aquatic life species, including fish and trout, may become unfriendly to water bodies like lakes and rivers due to acid rain.
• In rivers and lakes that are impacted, the increased acidity can cause a drop in fish populations by interfering with their reproductive cycles.

Effects on the Distribution of Species and Marine Water:

• The distribution and survival of many creatures are negatively impacted by the increased acidity, which changes the pH of marine ecosystems.
• Mollusks and some types of plankton, which develop protective shells, are among the marine organisms that are particularly affected by acidification because it hinders their capacity to create and preserve these shells.

Effects on the Physical Infrastructure:

• Acid rain causes damage and discoloration to physical structures and monuments, which is a serious concern.
• Famous instances include the Taj Mahal, whose famous white marble has been impacted and turned yellowish as a result of reactions with sulfuric acid.
• In a similar vein, limestone or marble structures, statues, and bridges are susceptible to deterioration and corrosion.
• The surface degradation caused by acid rain makes architectural landmarks less structurally sound.

What Mitigation Measures Are There for Acid Rain?

Gas-to-flue desulfurization:

• More than 90% less sulphur dioxide is released into the atmosphere because to the use of flue-gas desulphurization technology in coal-fired power plants.
• Action Plan for Graded Response (GRAP):
• GRAP is a series of emergency protocols that take effect in the Delhi-NCR region after air quality hits a certain threshold in order to stop further deterioration.
• In the M case, the Supreme Court gave it approval. Union of India v. C. Mehta, filed in 2016 and notifies in 2017.
• The New Commission on Air Quality Management
• Research and Forecasting of Air Quality and Weather (SAFAR)
• The AQI, or national air quality index
• The year 1981’s Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act

Global Collaboration:

• Global governments cooperate together to reduce acid rain, as seen by programmes like the Acid Deposition Monitoring Network in East Asia (EANET).
• An intergovernmental programme called EANET was created by East Asian nations to track and address acid rain and other forms of deposition.
• It gathers information about the atmospheric deposition of acidic compounds, like sulphur dioxide and nitrogen oxides, and the ensuing effects these pollutants have on the environment, especially on water bodies and ecosystems.

Source The Hindu