PM Modi to Visit Laos for ASEAN-India Summit
Why in News?
India’s relations with ASEAN are key to its diplomatic, economic, and security strategies in the Indo-Pacific region.
What is the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)?
ASEAN is a regional organization that fosters cooperation in the areas of economy, politics, and security. Established in August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand, ASEAN was formed through the Bangkok Declaration by founding members Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
Membership:
The organization includes ten Southeast Asian nations: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam. Together, ASEAN countries have a population of approximately 650 million and a combined GDP of USD 2.8 trillion. The chairmanship of ASEAN rotates annually among member states in alphabetical order.
Why India is not a Member of ASEAN?
As India is in South Asia, it does not belong to Southeast Asia geographically.
How Have ASEAN-India Relations Evolved?
Early Partnerships
India and ASEAN first established sectoral dialogue relations in 1992. This partnership advanced to a full dialogue partnership in 1995 and was further elevated to the summit level in 2002.
Strategic Cooperation
India and ASEAN work together to promote a rules-based security structure in the Indo-Pacific region. This cooperation is aimed at ensuring peaceful growth in the region, counteracting China’s assertive policies.
Areas of Cooperation Between ASEAN and India
Economic Cooperation:
ASEAN is India’s fourth-largest trading partner. India has signed Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with ASEAN—an FTA in goods in 2009 and an FTA in services and investments in 2014. India’s key trade partners in ASEAN are Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Vietnam, and Thailand.
Financial Assistance
India extends financial aid to ASEAN through the ASEAN-India Cooperation Fund, ASEAN-India Science and Technology Fund, and ASEAN-India Green Fund.
Connectivity
Key projects include the India-Myanmar-Thailand (IMT) Trilateral Highway and the Kaladan Multimodal Transit Project. Future plans include a Maritime Transportation Agreement and potential rail links between New Delhi and Hanoi.
Defense Cooperation:
The first ASEAN-India Maritime Exercise is set to be held in 2023. Defense partnerships with Vietnam and Singapore are particularly strong.
Significance of ASEAN for India
The relationship with ASEAN is crucial for both economic and security reasons. Enhanced connectivity with ASEAN nations helps India establish a stronger foothold in the Indo-Pacific region, benefiting economic ties and countering China’s influence. Additionally, it promotes the development of India’s northeastern states, placing them at the heart of regional growth strategies.
Indian Ocean and Indo-Pacific Regions Becoming Vital for Global Security and Economic Stability, Says ENC Chief
Why in News?
The Malabar naval exercise continues to evolve as a key multilateral defense collaboration, with Malabar 2024 focusing on enhancing operational capabilities and cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
About Exercise Malabar
Origin:
Exercise Malabar began in 1992 as a bilateral naval exercise between the Indian Navy and the U.S. Navy.
Evolution:
- The first iteration of Malabar in the Bay of Bengal occurred in 2007.
- In 2015, Japan joined the exercise, turning it into a trilateral format.
- In 2020, Australia became a participant, expanding Malabar into a quadrilateral naval exercise.
Regions of Conduct:
Malabar takes place annually, alternating between the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, aiming to fortify maritime security and regional cooperation.
Malabar 2024 Focus
Objectives:
Malabar 2024 will focus on a wide range of activities designed to enhance operational coordination among participating nations. Key activities include discussions on special operations, surface warfare, air warfare, and anti-submarine warfare through Subject Matter Expert Exchange (SMEE).
Exercises at Sea:
At sea, complex maritime operations like anti-submarine warfare, surface warfare, and air defense exercises will be conducted. These exercises emphasize improving situational awareness and operational effectiveness in the maritime domain.
Participation:
Various Indian naval platforms, including guided missile destroyers, multi-purpose frigates, submarines, fighter aircraft, and helicopters, will be involved in the exercise.
Other Exercises with Quad Countries:
India-Japan:
- JIMEX (naval exercise)
- SHINYUU Maitri (air force exercise)
- Dharma Guardian (military exercise)
India-US:
- Yudha Abhyas (Army)
- Vajra Prahar (Military)
- Spitting Cobra, SANGAM, RED FLAG, COPE INDIA
India-Australia:
- AUSINDEX (Maritime)
- AUSTRA HIND
- Pitch Black Passage Exercises (PASSEX)
Significance of Exercise Malabar
Exercise Malabar has played a vital role in strengthening military cooperation and securing peace in the Indo-Pacific region. The inclusion of multiple nations showcases growing partnerships and shared interests in maintaining a free and open Indo-Pacific.
Tools to Design Proteins, Predict Structure Win 2024 Chemistry Nobel
Why in News?
A protein has many identities, and one of them depends on the arrangement of its amino acids in the three dimensions of space — in other words, its 3D structure.
The 2024 Nobel Prize for Chemistry was jointly awarded to David Baker for his work on computational protein design, and to Demis Hassabis and John Jumper for developing technologies to predict protein structures.
Why Are Proteins Important?
Proteins focus on two crucial areas in protein research: design and structure. They are essential for all life forms, composed of amino acids. While nature offers many types of amino acids, only 20 of them in various combinations make up all proteins in the human body and most living organisms.
Functions of Amino Acids:
- Provide structural support in tissues (muscles, skin, hair).
- Serve as catalysts in biochemical reactions.
- Transport molecules like oxygen across membranes.
- Facilitate muscle contractions and heartbeats.
- Enable cell communication for task performance.
What Is the Protein-Folding Problem?
Proteins possess many identities, with one being their 3D structure determined by the arrangement of amino acids.
Key Historical Breakthroughs:
- 1962: John Kendrew and Max Perutz received the chemistry Nobel Prize for creating the first 3D models of hemoglobin and myoglobin using X-ray crystallography.
- 1969: It was found that proteins fold into their final shapes without trying different configurations, leading to the concept of the “protein-folding problem.”
- 1972: Christian Anfinsen discovered that a protein’s 3D structure is dictated by its amino acid sequence.
What Is AlphaFold?
AlphaFold is a deep-learning model capable of predicting the structures of nearly all proteins after training on known structures.
How Does AlphaFold 2 Work?
AlphaFold 2 predicts protein structures and interactions between proteins or between a protein and another molecule.
Conclusion
The 2024 Nobel Prize in Chemistry recognizes the transformative work of David Baker, John Jumper, and Demis Hassabis in the fields of protein design and structural prediction, paving the way for advancements in life sciences.
People with Autism, ADHD Likelier to Have Eating Disorders: Study
Why in News?
Neurodivergent people, such as autistic individuals and those with ADHD, are more likely to experience eating disorders than the broader population.
What Is Autism?
Autism, also called autism spectrum disorder (ASD), is a complex developmental condition that affects how people interact, communicate, learn, and behave. People with ASD have differences in their brain function that can impact their behavior and social interactions.
People with Autism May Have Trouble with:
- Communication
- Learning
- Transitions
- Sensory stimulation
Neurodivergence
Neurodivergence refers to cognitive functioning that differs from societal norms. It includes conditions like:
- Autism
- Attention-deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Dyslexia
- Tourette’s syndrome
Neurodivergent individuals experience a wide range of differences, including variations in sensory processing and motor abilities, complicating their integration into typical societal frameworks.
What Are Eating Disorders?
Eating disorders are complex mental health conditions characterized by severe disturbances in eating behaviors, thoughts, and emotions. Neurodivergent individuals are disproportionately affected, with research showing:
- Approximately 22.9% of autistic individuals are diagnosed with an eating disorder, compared to 2% in the general population.
- Individuals with ADHD are four times more likely to develop eating disorders than those without ADHD.
Why Are Eating Disorders More Common Among Neurodivergent People?
Feeding Difficulties:
Neurodivergent individuals often face challenges with feeding, such as:
- Atypical eating behaviors (e.g., food selectivity).
- Sensory sensitivities affecting food texture preferences.
Associated Disorders:
Conditions like Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder (ARFID) are commonly linked to autism, impacting up to 21% of autistic individuals.
Personality Traits:
Traits like perfectionism and a preference for routine may contribute to disordered eating.
Impulsivity in ADHD:
Symptoms of impulsivity are associated with binge eating disorder and bulimia nervosa.
Intersection of Neurodivergence and Eating Disorders
Higher rates of trauma and greater likelihood of identifying as part of the LGBTQIA+ community, along with co-existing mental health conditions, can increase the risk of developing eating disorders.
Treatment Challenges:
There is limited effectiveness of traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for neurodivergent patients.
Conclusion
Recognizing the connection between neurodivergence and eating disorders is essential for creating inclusive treatment strategies that address unique challenges and promote positive identities.
Cabinet Committee on Security Clears Deals for Two Indigenous Nuclear Attack Submarines, 31 MQ-9B Drones from U.S.
Why in News?
India is set to procure MQ-9B Predator drones from the United States, with plans to station them in Tamil Nadu and Uttar Pradesh.
About MQ-9B Predator
The MQ-9B Predator is a high-altitude, long-endurance armed Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), capable of both remote-controlled and autonomous flight operations. It is a variant of the MQ-9 “Reaper,” designed by General Atomics Aeronautical Systems (GA-ASI), primarily for the United States Air Force (USAF).
Key Features of MQ-9B Predator
- Payload Capacity: The drone has a maximum payload capacity of 5,670 kg and can carry 2,721 kg of fuel.
- Performance: It can operate at altitudes exceeding 40,000 feet and has a top speed of 442 km/h (275 mph). The MQ-9B can fly as low as 250 meters above ground without being detected unless visually spotted.
- Endurance: With an endurance of up to 40 hours, it offers extended surveillance capabilities for long-duration missions.
- Armament: Equipped with precision strike capabilities, the MQ-9B can carry up to four Hellfire missiles and around 450 kg of bombs, making it suitable for various combat roles, including anti-surface, anti-submarine, and electronic warfare.
- Operational Flexibility: The UAV is designed for automatic take-offs and landings, offering greater flexibility in its deployment. It can operate in civil airspace, allowing it to assist in joint military and civilian operations for real-time maritime situational awareness.
Defence Acquisition Council (DAC)
Role and Purpose:
The DAC is the highest authority in India’s Ministry of Defence for making decisions on new defense policies and capital acquisitions across the Army, Navy, Air Force, and the Indian Coast Guard.
Leadership:
The Council is chaired by the Minister of Defence and was established in 2001 based on recommendations made by the Group of Ministers post the Kargil War (1999), aimed at reforming India’s National Security System.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
The CCS is a cabinet committee of the Government of India that discusses, debates, and is the final decision-making body on senior appointments in the national security apparatus, defense policy and expenditure, and generally all matters of India’s national security.
RBI Monetary Policy Committee Meeting: Policy Rate Unchanged at 6.5% for 10th Time in a Row
Why in News?
The RBI changes the stance of monetary policy to ‘neutral’ from withdrawal of accommodation.
Monetary Policy Decision
- Repo Rate Unchanged: The MPC unanimously decided to keep the repo rate steady at 6.50%, a level unchanged since February 2023, due to a policy shift by the US Federal Reserve and accelerated domestic fiscal consolidation.
- Neutral Stance: The RBI has shifted its stance from “withdrawal of accommodation” to a “neutral” policy, indicating a more balanced approach to monetary policy moving forward.
Inflation and Growth Projections
- GDP Growth: Real GDP growth for 2024-25 is projected at 7.2%, remaining consistent with previous estimates.
- CPI Inflation: Projected Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation for the same period is estimated at 4.5%, reflecting stable inflation expectations.
Factors Influencing Policy
- Agricultural Outlook: Favorable agricultural projections are expected to ease food inflation, though risks remain due to weather conditions.
- Core Inflation: Core inflation is anticipated to remain moderate, indicating successful containment measures so far.
Financial Sector Stability
- Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs): The RBI emphasized the healthy state of banks and NBFCs, while cautioning against aggressive growth strategies without adequate risk management. Concerns were raised about high-interest rates and fees that could threaten financial stability.
- Regulatory Measures: The RBI proposed broadening curbs on pre-payment penalties to protect consumers and enhance verification measures to prevent fraud.
Global Context and Domestic Liquidity
The RBI highlighted improvements in foreign portfolio investments (FPI) and foreign direct investments (FDI), indicating robust external financing conditions despite global uncertainties.
Monetary Policy
Involvement of the Central bank to manage money supply and interest rates. It is the demand-side economic policy used to achieve macroeconomic objectives like inflation, consumption, growth, and liquidity.
Key Instruments of Monetary Policy
- Repo Rate
- Standing Deposit Facility (SDF) Rate
- Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) Rate
- Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF)
- LAF Corridor – Main Liquidity Management Tool
- Fine Tuning Operations
- Reverse Repo Rate
- Bank Rate
- Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR)
- Statutory Liquidity Ratio (SLR)
- Open Market Operations (OMOs)
Conclusion
The RBI’s decision to maintain the repo rate at 6.50% for the tenth time reflects a careful balancing act between controlling inflation and supporting economic growth. The shift to a neutral stance suggests potential flexibility in future monetary policy, contingent on inflationary developments. This approach will be crucial as India navigates ongoing economic challenges and seeks sustainable growth.
The Greenhouse Effect and Climate Change
The greenhouse effect is a natural process that warms the Earth’s surface. When the Sun’s energy reaches the Earth, some of it is reflected back to space and the rest is absorbed, warming the planet. This process plays a crucial role in maintaining Earth’s average temperature at 15°C, making it suitable for life.
Natural vs. Human-Caused Greenhouse Effect
The natural greenhouse effect, primarily due to water vapor, has sustained life for millions of years. However, human activities since the Industrial Revolution—such as fossil fuel combustion, deforestation, and agriculture—have significantly increased carbon dioxide levels, contributing to global warming.
Key Greenhouse Gases
The main greenhouse gases (GHGs) include:
- Water vapor
- Carbon dioxide
- Methane
- Nitrous oxide
- Ozone
Other gases like carbon monoxide, CFCs, and black carbon also contribute to the greenhouse effect.
Consequences of Rising GHG Levels
Unchecked emissions could raise global temperatures by 5°C by the century’s end, triggering severe effects like:
- Polar ice melt
- Rising sea levels
- Ecosystem loss
Global Response
The Paris Agreement aims to limit warming to below 2°C, with countries committing to reduce emissions through Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Way Forward
- Urgent reduction in fossil fuel use
- Implementing policies to curb deforestation
- Promoting afforestation for carbon sequestration
Mental Health in India’s Material World
Why in News?
World Mental Health Day on October 10 highlights India’s rising mental health issues. There is a need for improved infrastructure, regulation, and care systems to address growing mental health concerns.
Theme of Mental Health Day 2024
“Mental Health at Work”
Mental Health
Mental health refers to a person’s emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It influences how individuals handle stress, relate to others, and make decisions.
Primary Factors Influencing Mental Health in India
- Biological Factors:
- Genetics: Family history can predispose individuals to mental health issues.
- Physical Health: Chronic illnesses and neurological disorders impact mental well-being.
- Psychological Factors:
- Early Life Experiences: Childhood trauma, abuse, or neglect contributes to psychological challenges.
- Environmental Factors:
- Socioeconomic Status: Poverty, unemployment, and financial stress are major contributors.
- Exposure to Trauma: Violence, accidents, or natural disasters have lasting effects on mental health.
- Healthcare Access: Limited availability of psychological healthcare worsens mental health conditions.
Way Forward
- Improve Infrastructure: Build more mental health clinics, especially in rural areas, and recruit more professionals.
- Integrate Mental Health into Primary Healthcare: Train primary care doctors to identify and treat common mental health issues.
- Incorporate Mental Health in Education: Add mental health awareness to school curricula to promote early intervention and reduce stigma.
- Insurance Coverage: Expand mental health coverage in health insurance policies to ensure treatment is accessible and affordable.
In Brief
Barnawapara Wildlife Sanctuary
Location: Raipur in Chhattisgarh. The rivers Balmedhi, Jonk, and Mahanadi are the lifeline rivers running along the sanctuary. River Balamdehi forms the western boundary, and Jonk River forms the northeastern boundary of the Sanctuary.
Flora: The sanctuary contains major vegetation of Teak, Sal, and Mixed forest.
Fauna: Cheetal, Sambhar, Nilgai, Wild Boar, Sloth Bear, and Wild Dog are commonly seen.
Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS)
Overview
The CCS is chaired by the Prime Minister of India and serves as the highest authority for appointing officials within national security agencies. The committee is responsible for critical decisions regarding defense policy, expenditure, and overall national security matters.
Functions
- The CCS addresses all matters concerning India’s defense and security.
- It manages law and order issues and national security concerns.
- The committee explores initiatives to enhance national security.
- It handles foreign policy matters that could impact internal or external security, including security agreements with other nations.
- The CCS discusses political issues affecting national security.
- It assesses the condition and personnel of national security agencies, recommending changes to improve security.
- The committee reviews cases involving capital expenditures exceeding Rs 1,000 crore for the Department of Defence Production and the Department of Defence Research and Development.
- It also addresses issues related to atomic energy and reviews revised cost estimates or increased firmed-up cost estimates.
Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)
Purpose
The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is an EU tariff on carbon-intensive imports that establishes a fair price for carbon emissions from goods entering the EU to promote cleaner production in non-EU countries. It ensures the carbon price of imports aligns with that of domestic production, protecting EU climate goals.
Implementation
From 2026, EU importers must buy carbon certificates reflecting the domestic carbon price for imported goods. The required number of certificates will be based on annual import volumes and their embedded emissions. Importers can deduct amounts if they prove a carbon price was already paid in the exporting country.
Exemptions
Companies from countries with equivalent domestic carbon pricing will not need CBAM certificates.
Coverage
Initially targets sectors at risk of “carbon leakage,” including iron and steel, cement, fertilizers, aluminum, electricity, and hydrogen.
Timeline
The definitive regime begins in 2026; a transitional phase from 2023 to 2025 involves only reporting obligations.