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Feb 15, 2025 Daily PIB Summaries

Content: Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 Conserving the Immortal Marks of Archaeological Sites Kashi Tamil Sangamam 3.0 Introduction The Kashi Tamil Sangamam (KTS) 3.0 is scheduled from February 15-24, 2025, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Organized by the Ministry of Education in collaboration with other ministries and the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Aims to celebrate and strengthen civilizational ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi (Varanasi). Aligns with NEP 2020, emphasizing the integration of Indian Knowledge Systems with modern education. Participants include scholars, students, artisans, traders, artists, and professionals from Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Relevance : GS 1(Culture and Heritage) Significance of KTS 3.0 Special Highlights in 2025: Participants will witness the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj and visit the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya. Expansion of youth participation, with an additional 200 Tamil-origin students from Central Universities. Aims to foster cultural awareness, knowledge-sharing, and academic discourse. Delegates & Categories 1000 Delegates from Tamil Nadu will be invited under five categories: Students, Teachers, and Writers Farmers and Artisans (Vishwakarma Categories) Professionals and Small Entrepreneurs Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs), Mudra Loan beneficiaries, DBHPS Pracharaks Startups, Innovation, Edu-Tech, and Research Honoring Sage Agasthyar’s Legacy Key theme for KTS 3.0: Contributions of Sage Agasthyar. Significant Contributions: Siddha Medicine (Bharatiya Chikitsa) Classical Tamil Literature Philosophy, Science, Linguistics, Polity, and Art Agasthyar is revered as the first grammarian of Tamil and is worshipped in Java and Sumatra. Exhibition on Sage Agasthyar at KTS 3.0, highlighting his scholarly achievements. Bridging Tradition and Contemporary Discourse Aims and Objectives: Strengthening literary, spiritual, and artistic ties between Tamil Nadu and Kashi. Promoting academic and research-based interactions. Showcasing traditional art forms, crafts, and cuisine. Encouraging Tamil students to explore the historical significance of Kashi. Kashi Tamil Sangamam: Evolution Over the Years KTS 1.0 (2022): Held from November 16 to December 16, 2022. 2500 delegates from Tamil Nadu visited Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. KTS 2.0 (2023): Held from December 17-30, 2023, at Namo Ghat, Varanasi. Hon’ble PM Narendra Modi inaugurated the event on December 17, 2023. Real-time app-based translation of PM’s speech into Tamil for delegates. Conclusion KTS 3.0 continues the legacy of fostering cultural and intellectual ties. Strengthens the Ek Bharat Shrestha Bharat initiative by celebrating India’s linguistic and spiritual unity. Encourages cross-cultural exchanges, youth participation, and knowledge integration. Conserving the Immortal Marks of Archaeological Sites Introduction India’s cultural and archaeological heritage is vast, spanning from ancient temples to historic ruins. These sites represent India’s rich history, traditions, and architectural brilliance. Climate change and environmental degradation pose significant threats to these heritage sites. The Government of India, through the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and other bodies, is actively working on conservation and protection efforts. Relevance : GS 1(Culture Heritage) , GS 2(Governance) Role of ASI in Monument Protection Established in 1861, ASI is responsible for 3,698 monuments and archaeological sites of national importance. Governed under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act (1904) and the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (1958). ASI’s conservation programs focus on minimal intervention to maintain authenticity. Factors contributing to monument decay: Climate change Encroachments and pollution Structural instability Quarrying and natural disasters ASI operates through 37 Circle offices and 1 Mini Circle for conservation and environmental development. Increased Funding for Conservation Budget allocation for ASI increased by 70% from ₹260.90 crores (2020–21) to ₹443.53 crores (2023–24). Funds are used for: Conservation projects Climate resilience strategies Security enhancements Monitoring and research initiatives Measures to Counter Environmental Threats Regular Monitoring: Heritage sites are continuously monitored to assess climate change impacts. Climate-Resilient Solutions: Adoption of scientific treatments for monument preservation. Automated Weather Stations (AWS): Set up in collaboration with ISRO to monitor weather patterns affecting monuments. Air Pollution Monitoring: Air Pollution Laboratories at sites like the Taj Mahal and Bibi Ka Maqbara. Inter-Agency Coordination: ASI collaborates with other government agencies to ensure cohesive heritage conservation. International Collaboration: Participation in global workshops on “Disaster Management of Cultural Heritage Sites” with NDMA and UNESCO. Disaster Management Guidelines: National Disaster Management Guidelines include risk assessment and recovery plans. Legal and Security Measures for Heritage Protection Legal Protection: Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958 ensures legal safeguards. Encroachment Control: Superintending Archaeologists authorized to issue eviction notices under the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. Security Measures: Deployment of CISF and private security personnel for protection. Conservation Policy: National Conservation Policy (2014) guides ASI’s efforts. Penalties for Damage: Section 30 of the 1958 Act imposes fines and legal action for damage to protected sites. Conclusion The preservation of India’s cultural heritage is a multi-faceted effort requiring sustained funding, strategic planning, and climate resilience. ASI’s proactive approach, in collaboration with other agencies, ensures the protection of India’s historical legacy. With legal frameworks, monitoring, and conservation efforts, India’s heritage will remain safeguarded for future generations

Feb 15, 2025 Daily Editorials Analysis

Content: The Teesta dam and the long shadow of climate change Dealing with China’s weaponisation of e-supply chains Peace imperatives The Teesta dam and the long shadow of climate change Background: Teesta-3 Dam and GLOF Impact Event: On October 4, 2023, a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from the South Lhonak lake destroyed the Teesta-3 hydroelectric dam in Sikkim. Damage: Over 100 people died; 80,000 affected across four districts. The dam’s debris acted as a battering ram, intensifying downstream destruction. Triggered landslides 30-40 km downstream. Cause: Moraine slope failure led to rockfall into the lake, causing a strong wave that breached the outlet, releasing ~50 billion liters of water. Relevance : GS (Disaster Management , Climate Change) Practice Question :  The Teesta-3 dam’s destruction in 2023 highlights the challenges of climate change-induced disasters. Critically examine the risks associated with rebuilding the dam and suggest alternative approaches to managing hydropower projects in ecologically fragile regions. (250 words) Climate Change as a Risk Multiplier Glacial Melt Acceleration: Rising temperatures & black carbon (soot) deposition accelerate glacier melting. Smaller glaciers melt faster due to inverse volume-melting rate relationship. Increasing Glacial Lakes & Flood Risks: 2011-2024: Number of Himalayan glacial lakes increased by 10.8%. Their combined surface area expanded by 33.7%. South Lhonak lake itself expanded from 167 hectares (2023) due to glacial retreat. Geological Instability: Glacial retreat weakens natural formations → increases landslide risks. New transient landscape features emerge → difficult to predict flood dynamics. Concerns Over Rebuilding Teesta-3 Dam Expert Panel’s Justification: Commercial viability & largely intact equipment post-GLOF. New design includes: Concrete-only construction (previously concrete + rocks). Larger spillway (3x capacity). Early-warning system. Based on worst-case scenario rainfall modeling (IMD projection for next 100 years). Key Issues: Rainfall-Centric Model Insufficient: Experts doubt 2023 GLOF was caused by heavy rain (local stations recorded moderate rainfall). Existing GLOF models fail to capture: Sediment transport & erosion. Riverbank collapses & landslides. Bed elevation changes altering water levels. Climate Change = UnpredictabilityA stronger or different flood type could make Teesta-3 2.0 even more destructive.Unpredictable landslides + sediment deposition → new flood pathways. Social & Economic Costs Ignored:Loss of life, property, and livelihood far outweigh commercial benefits.Local populations need improved social security & disaster preparedness. Broader Perspective: Sustainable Disaster Management Lessons from Global Disaster Research: Engineering solutions have limitations in the face of climate risks. Professor Brian Stone Jr.: “We cannot engineer our way out of climate change; retreat is inevitable.” The cost of climate adaptation must be internalized (e.g., hydroelectric tariffs covering risk mitigation). Alternative Framework for Decision-Making: Risk determination matrix: Identify ‘unacceptable risk’ thresholds. Prioritize human safety over commercial gains. Integrated environmental and economic costing to assess project feasibility. Dealing with China’s weaponisation of e-supply chains Understanding the Issue China has imposed travel restrictions on its citizens working in Foxconn’s India facilities and recalled existing engineers and technicians. It has also restricted exports of specialized manufacturing equipment, which is critical for India’s electronics sector. The move impacts Apple-Foxconn’s operations in India and hinders India’s goal of becoming a global manufacturing hub. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) , GS 3(SupplyChain) Practice Question: China’s weaponisation of e-supply chains poses a significant challenge to India’s manufacturing ambitions. Analyze the issue and suggest measures to mitigate its impact. (250 words) Strategic Intent Behind China’s Actions Supply Chain Domination: China holds a strategic position in the global electronics supply chain, particularly in advanced machinery and trained workforce. Knowledge Retention: By curbing the presence of Chinese technicians in India, China prevents tacit knowledge transfer. Geopolitical Leverage: The disruption puts China in a stronger negotiating position against India. Reminder to Global Corporations: It signals that China remains indispensable in the electronics manufacturing ecosystem. India’s Growing Electronics Sector & China’s Countermoves India has been a key player in the China Plus One strategy, attracting companies looking to diversify beyond China. The Indian government has actively promoted Apple-Foxconn investments, leading to local iPhone assembly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Apple’s contract manufacturers in India assembled $14 billion worth of iPhones (FY 2024), with further expansion planned. The Indian government awarded Foxconn Chairman Young Liu the Padma Bhushan, showing the strategic importance of Apple-Foxconn ties. The Role of ‘Make in India’ and PLI Scheme Electronics manufacturing is a core pillar of Make in India. The Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, launched in 2020, has received increasing government support: ₹8,885 crore ($1.02 billion) allocated in the 2025 Union Budget. ₹6,600 crore ($0.76 billion) already disbursed to Apple’s contract manufacturers. The 2025 Budget also removed import duties on mobile phone components, showing India’s commitment to electronics self-sufficiency. Economic Dependence and Geopolitical Tensions India remains dependent on China for components and high-tech machinery, despite military tensions and trade disputes. The timing of China’s actions, soon after the October 2024 India-China patrolling agreement in Ladakh, suggests economic leverage remains key in their bilateral relations. Steps India Must Take for Future-Proofing Negotiation & Diplomatic Strategy: India should involve Apple and Foxconn to pressurize China to relax restrictions. Engage with international forums to highlight supply chain coercion. Building Indigenous Capabilities: Expand local production of specialized components (e.g., semiconductor chips, precision machinery). Strengthen ancillary industries to reduce reliance on imports. Human Resource & Skill Development: Develop specialized training programs to replace lost expertise from Chinese technicians. Encourage knowledge transfer within India’s industrial ecosystem. Encouraging Private Investment & R&D: Increase financial incentives for Indian contract manufacturers to develop domestic capabilities. Support technology clusters for knowledge-sharing and innovation. Conclusion India’s rapid expansion in electronics manufacturing has put it at odds with China, leading to supply chain disruptions. While short-term solutions may involve negotiations, long-term self-reliance in technology, skilled labor, and manufacturing infrastructure is crucial. New Delhi must accelerate its future-proofing efforts to counter economic coercion and solidify its role as a global manufacturing hub. Peace Imperatives Context : Persistent ethnic strife since May 2023 had led to a law-and-order crisis, with the Union Home Ministry already in control. The imposition of President’s Rule provides an opportunity to stabilize governance and address key challenges. Relevance:GS 2 (Governance, Indian Polity) Practice Question :Critically analyze the impact of President’s Rule in Manipur on conflict resolution and governance. What measures should the Union government take to ensure long-term peace in the region? (250 words) Challenges Under President’s Rule a) Law and Order Breakdown Despite central forces’ deployment, violence continues between Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities. Armed civilian groups, known as “village volunteers,” have escalated conflict by looting arms from police stations. Insurgents from both within Manipur and Myanmar’s civil war have exacerbated the situation. b) Humanitarian Crisis Over 60,000 people remain displaced, suffering from trauma, loss of livelihood, and inadequate relief measures. Restoration of housing, infrastructure, and economic stability is critical. Long-term reconciliation is needed to prevent further ethnic divisions. c) Political and Administrative Paralysis The Manipur legislature failed to function due to deep ethnic divisions. Biases within the previous government fueled distrust, particularly regarding the stigmatization of the Kuki-Zo community. President’s Rule allows for a neutral administration to rebuild trust and facilitate negotiations. Opportunities Under President’s Rule a) Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation The central government can initiate direct talks between Meitei and Kuki-Zo representatives who seek peace. Political parties and civil society groups must be engaged to create a sustainable peace framework. b) Disarmament and Demilitarization A coordinated effort between security forces, intelligence agencies, and local leaders is needed to retrieve looted arms. Incentives for voluntary surrender of weapons can be coupled with strict enforcement measures. Insurgency containment strategies must address external influences, including Myanmar-based militant activities. c) Restoring Civil Administration Bureaucratic neutrality under central rule can help address governance gaps. Immediate rehabilitation of displaced persons through housing, economic aid, and trauma counseling is essential. Restoring local governance mechanisms at the village and district levels can ensure lasting stability. d) Creating Preconditions for Elections Free and fair elections require a violence-free environment and restoration of democratic trust. Political actors from both communities should be given space for dialogue before electoral processes resume. Reforms in law enforcement and judiciary can ensure accountability for past violence and prevent future outbreaks. The Way Forward Short-Term: Focus on security measures, humanitarian aid, and confidence-building among communities. Medium-Term: Institutionalize conflict resolution mechanisms and strengthen civil administration. Long-Term: Establish electoral processes and ensure inclusive governance to prevent further ethnic polarization.

Feb 15, 2025 Daily Current Affairs

Content: India, U.S. to double bilateral trade by 2030 Empowering people to choose end-of-life medical care A.P. tribal hamlets celebrate ‘freedom from darkness’, 78 years after Independence Almost half of world population potentially exposed to risks of zoonotic diseases, poorer countries most vulnerable: Study Rural Indians suffer from a ‘hidden hunger’; despite availability and affordability, their diets are protein-poor: ICRISAT India, U.S. to double bilateral trade by 2030 Trade Expansion: India-U.S. bilateral trade to reach $500 billion by 2030 under ‘Mission 500’. Energy Trade Growth: India to increase energy imports from the U.S. from $15 billion to $25 billion in the near future. Small Modular Reactors: Both countries to collaborate on nuclear technology and co-develop Small Modular Reactors. Relevance : GS 2(International Relations) Defence & Technology Cooperation General Electric F-414 Engine Deal: Not explicitly mentioned in the joint statement. White House confirms U.S. is looking forward to concluding the deal with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL). U.S.-India Civil Nuclear Agreement: Both sides agreed to fully operationalize the 123 Civil Nuclear Agreement. Plans to jointly build U.S.-designed nuclear reactors in India. TRUST Initiative (Transforming the Relationship Utilizing Strategic Technology): A new tech framework replacing the ICET agreement. Enhances cooperation in space, energy, biotechnology, and semiconductors. Includes U.S. investments in semiconductor fabs in India. Multilateral Cooperation Reaffirmation of QUAD: Trump to visit India later this year for the Quad Summit. IMEC & I2U2 Partnerships: India and the U.S. to convene members within six months to announce new initiatives. India’s Full Membership in IEA: U.S. affirms strong support for India to join the International Energy Agency (IEA). Immigration & Illegal Migration Legal Mobility Streamlining: India-U.S. to facilitate student, professional, business, and tourist visas. Crackdown on Illegal Migration: Modi emphasized that illegal migrants have no right to be in another country. India is prepared to take back any verified Indian illegal migrants in the U.S. Calls for stronger action against human trafficking networks. Strategic & Economic Implications Trade Deficit Reduction: India’s increased energy purchases help address U.S. concerns. Potential increase in U.S. exports and technology transfers. Strengthening Defence and Energy Security: Expansion of nuclear and defence cooperation boosts India’s strategic capabilities. Geopolitical Positioning: Strengthened India-U.S. ties impact relations with China, Russia, and West Asia. QUAD reaffirmation signals greater Indo-Pacific security cooperation. Challenges & Road Ahead Trade Tariffs & Negotiations: Will the U.S. impose reciprocal tariffs despite trade talks? Execution of TRUST Initiative: Success depends on effective collaboration in high-tech sectors. Political Changes: U.S. elections could impact policy continuity on India-U.S. trade and defence. Conclusion The India-U.S. partnership is set for major expansion in trade, defence, energy, and technology, with an emphasis on strategic cooperation and economic integration. The coming years will be crucial in translating agreements into concrete outcomes Empowering people to choose end-of-life medical care Context : India’s First Living Will Information Counter Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH), Kollam, set up the first-ever ‘Living Will Information Counter’ in India. Aim: To spread awareness and assist people in drafting their living wills. Hundreds of people have obtained soft copies of their living wills within three months. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) , Facts for Prelims. Understanding a Living Will A legal document that specifies a person’s healthcare preferences in case they become incapacitated due to a terminal illness or life-threatening condition. Ensures that medical treatment aligns with the patient’s personal choices. Legal & Medical Process Requires: Two or more healthcare attorneys (can be family or friends). Certification by a gazetted officer or notary in the presence of two witnesses. Before execution: Two medical boards must certify that the patient has zero chance of survival. Both government and private hospitals are obligated to follow this procedure. Clarifications & Misconceptions Not Euthanasia: Euthanasia is illegal in India. A living will does not mandate withdrawal of life support—it only documents patient preferences. Patient Autonomy: Some individuals may prefer ventilator support, while others opt for palliative care. Impact on Families & Healthcare Reduces emotional & financial burden on families by clarifying patient wishes. Enables patients to choose between: CPR, ventilator support, ICU care, or Palliative care with loved ones. Encourages informed decision-making and ethical medical practices. Future Implications Rising Awareness: Increased adoption may lead to more hospitals setting up similar counters. Need for Legal Simplification: Streamlining the process could enhance accessibility. Ethical & Cultural Acceptance: Public discussions needed to address social perceptions and misconceptions. Conclusion The Living Will initiative at GMCH, Kollam, is a progressive step in patient rights and end-of-life care in India. Expanding this initiative nationwide could empower more people to make informed healthcare choices while alleviating the burden on families and medical professionals. A.P. tribal hamlets celebrate ‘freedom from darkness’, 78 years after Independence Context : Electrification of Buriga and China Konela: Two remote tribal hamlets in Rompelli panchayat, Anantagiri mandal, ASR district, Andhra Pradesh received electricity for the first time in 78 years. Streetlights installed, and homes electrified, marking a historic milestone. Tribal residents rejoiced with the traditional ‘Dhimsa’ dance, celebrating their long-awaited access to electricity. Relevance : GS 2(Social Issues) , GS 3(Infrastructure) Challenges Faced Due to Lack of Electricity Fear of wild animals: Villagers stayed indoors at night due to wild boars and bears. Difficulties in night-time events: Festivals and weddings were celebrated using large piles of firewood. Lack of modern amenities: Education, healthcare, and daily life were affected. Significance of Electrification Improves quality of life: Safer night-time mobility. Easier conduct of festivals and social gatherings. Boosts education and healthcare: Students can study after dark. Health centers can function better. Strengthens rural infrastructure: Encourages further development and connectivity. Future Implications Government’s Role: More tribal and remote villages may now receive priority electrification. Sustainable Development: Need for renewable energy solutions in hard-to-reach areas. Policy Focus: Expanding rural electrification programs. Ensuring long-term maintenance and grid stability. Rural Indians suffer from a ‘hidden hunger’; despite availability and affordability, their diets are protein-poor: ICRISAT Study Conducted by: International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI) Center for Economic and Social Studies (CESS) Survey Covered: Six states and nine districts across rural India. Primary Finding: Many rural Indians suffer from protein deficiency despite having access to protein-rich foods and the financial means to afford them. Relevance : GS 2(Health) Reasons for Protein Deficiency Cereal-Dominated Diets: 60-75% of daily protein intake in rural areas comes from rice and wheat. These cereals lack essential amino acids for a balanced diet. Cultural Food Preferences: Dietary habits favor cereals over protein-rich foods like pulses, dairy, eggs, and meat. Limited Nutritional Awareness: Many rural populations do not recognize the importance of protein in their diet. Role of Public Distribution System (PDS): The PDS mainly provides subsidized grains (rice & wheat), reinforcing an imbalanced diet. Lack of protein-rich options in PDS contributes to malnutrition. Significance of Education & Gender Factor Women’s Education & Household Nutrition: Households where women had higher education levels showed a better dietary balance. This reinforces the need for female education and empowerment as a nutrition-improving strategy. Policy Recommendations Diversification of Government Food Schemes: Include more pulses, millets, dairy, and eggs in the PDS and midday meal schemes. Nutrition Education: Integrate nutrition awareness into public health programs and school curricula. Women’s Empowerment: Strengthen initiatives promoting education and decision-making power for women in households. Region-Specific Approaches: Protein consumption varies across districts, so customized strategies are needed for different regions. Encouraging Farmers to Grow Diverse Crops: Shift focus towards nutrient-dense crops beyond cereals, including pulses and millets. Almost half of world population potentially exposed to risks of zoonotic diseases, poorer countries most vulnerable: Study Key Findings of the Study Nearly 44% of the global population (3.5 billion people) is potentially exposed to zoonotic diseases. 20% of humans living near wildlife with high zoonotic potential share habitats with over 20 host species. The study highlights wildland-urban interfaces (WUI) as high-risk zones for zoonotic spillovers. Factors contributing to disease transmission: Human activities like hunting, firewood collection, and land-use changes. Peri-urban agriculture, where livestock act as intermediaries in pathogen transfer. First study to examine how rapid urbanization in WUIs increases zoonotic spillover risks. Relevance : GS 2(Health ) , GS 3(Environment and Ecology) Geographical Insights High host species richness in: South America (Amazon Basin) Equatorial & Southern Africa Southeast Asia Pockets of high host richness in: Southern India Southwest China Moderate zoonotic potential in India & China, but high population density (275 million people) at risk. High urban zoonotic risk in: West-Central Europe (53% of population in WUIs) Northeastern North America Major Zoonotic Hosts & Diseases Identified Common host species: Rodents (rats, mice) Bats Primates (monkeys, apes) Carnivores (foxes, wild dogs) Ungulates (deer, livestock) Most prevalent zoonotic diseases: Rabies Leptospirosis Plague Toxoplasmosis Leishmaniasis (visceral & cutaneous) Vulnerability of Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) 73% of high-risk WUI populations (520 million people) live in LMICs, particularly in: Africa (Kenya, Uganda, Ethiopia, Tanzania, Zimbabwe) West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire) Southeast Asia (175 million exposed) South America (47 million in Brazil’s urban centers like Rio & São Paulo) Central America & Caribbean (31 million in high-risk zones) Urban poverty, poor healthcare, and inadequate housing amplify risks in LMICs. Implications & Recommendations Need for better understanding of zoonotic epidemiology due to global pandemics like COVID-19. Improve surveillance & risk assessment in WUI regions. Reduce human–wildlife interactions through better urban planning. Integrate zoonotic risk management into public health policies. Target interventions for LMICs, focusing on: Strengthening healthcare systems. Improving sanitation & hygiene in informal settlements. Promoting sustainable land-use practices. Address zoonotic risks in highly urbanized regions despite lower species richness.