15 Oct | Daily Current Affairs : India-Canada Diplomatic Row Escalates And More

India-Canada Diplomatic Row Escalates

Why in the news?

India has ordered the expulsion of six Canadian diplomats and announced the withdrawal of its High Commissioner and other targeted diplomats from Canada.

Context of the Row

• Diplomatic tensions arose after Canadian PM Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government in September 2023 of involvement in Nijjar’s killing in June 2023.
• India rejected the allegations, calling them politically motivated and absurd.
• Canada’s identification of Indian diplomats and India’s reciprocal actions worsened the strained relations.

Indian Government’s Stand

• India condemned Canada’s actions, accusing the Trudeau government of promoting extremism and separatism, especially linked to the Khalistan movement.
• The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stressed that Canada has provided no evidence and warned India may take further steps if needed.
• India also criticized Canada for engaging in vote-bank politics and supporting extremists.

Diplomatic Implications

• The row reflects deteriorating India-Canada relations, worsened by differing stances on extremism, security, and governance.
• India has expressed concerns over Canada’s failure to address anti-India activities, especially the Khalistan movement, and called for firm action.
• This diplomatic conflict could negatively affect trade, diplomatic engagement, and cooperation on global platforms.

Conclusion

• The deepening rift between India and Canada poses a serious diplomatic challenge, with both nations taking reciprocal actions.
• Effective diplomacy is needed to prevent further escalation and stabilize the relationship.

What Should be the Way Forward?

1. Address Khalistan Issue: Foster inclusive dialogue among the Sikh community, Indian government, and Canadian officials; address extremism legally.
2. Economic Diversification: Expand trade into emerging sectors like technology, renewable energy, and healthcare for mutual growth.
3. Cultural Exchange: Promote cultural programs to enhance understanding between the nations.
4. Environmental Cooperation: Collaborate on climate change, green technologies, and renewable energy initiatives.
5. Diplomatic Engagement: Regular high-level dialogues to align positions on global issues and improve mutual understanding.
6. Security Cooperation: Strengthen counterterrorism efforts through the Joint Working Group (JWG) on Counter Terrorism.

Delhi’s air quality dips

Why in the news?

Stubble burning incidents in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh have risen as rice harvesting progresses, contributing to worsening air quality.

Increase in Stubble Burning in Northern States

• Fire counts in Punjab between September 15 and October 13, 2024, rose to 872, compared to 1,230 in the same period last year, marking the lowest in five years but an increase from 300 on October 7.
• The Union Environment Ministry noted that while stubble burning has declined since 2020, a spike is expected as rice harvesting progresses.
• Stubble burning typically increases in Punjab from late October to mid-November.
• Haryana recorded 468 incidents this year, the highest since 2020.
• Uttar Pradesh saw 398 incidents, the highest in five years.
• The Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management for its failure to control stubble burning.
• Delhi’s air quality was classified as ‘poor,’ triggering Stage-1 GRAP measures.

Stubble Burning and Pollution in Northern India

• Air Pollution: Stubble burning significantly contributes to severe air pollution, particularly in Delhi and surrounding regions.
• Health Hazards: It causes respiratory problems, especially for vulnerable populations, leading to health emergencies.
• Environmental Impact: The burning releases harmful gases like carbon dioxide and methane, which contribute to climate change.
• Farmer Challenges: High costs of alternative methods and tight crop rotation timelines lead farmers to burn stubble.
• Ineffective Enforcement: Government bans on stubble burning are poorly enforced.

Way Forward

1. Subsidies for Alternatives: Provide financial support for eco-friendly methods like mulching, bio-decomposers, and machinery like happy seeders.
2. Incentivize Residue Sale: Encourage industries to buy stubble for biofuel and other purposes, reducing the need for burning.
3. Strengthen Regulations: Improve monitoring and enforcement of stubble burning bans with better technology and penalties.
4. Awareness Campaigns: Educate farmers on sustainable practices and the harmful effects of stubble burning.

Haber-Bosch

Why in the news?

The news discusses the significance of nitrogen in agriculture and the Haber-Bosch process, which converts atmospheric nitrogen into usable fertilisers.

Importance of Nitrogen in Agriculture

• Each year, 100 million tonnes of nitrogen are extracted from the atmosphere and converted into fertilisers using the Haber-Bosch process, adding 165 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen to the soil.
• Natural biological processes replenish 100-140 million tonnes of reactive nitrogen annually.
• The Haber-Bosch process is essential to meet global food demand.

Understanding Nitrogen Molecules

• Nitrogen (N2) is abundant in the atmosphere, with 8 metric tonnes per square metre.
• Nitrogen atoms form a strong triple bond, making N2 almost inert and unreactive.
• For plants to use nitrogen, it must be converted into ammonia (NH3) or nitrates (NO3–), essential for plant growth.

Natural Sources of Reactive Nitrogen

• Natural events like lightning break the N2 bond, producing nitrogen oxides that enrich the soil.
• Certain bacteria, such as Azotobacter and Rhizobia, convert nitrogen into usable forms.
• The aquatic fern Azolla also absorbs and converts nitrogen, acting as a natural fertiliser.

The Nitrogen Cycle

• Plants absorb reactive nitrogen from the soil, which is then consumed by humans and animals.
• Nitrogen returns to the soil through waste and decomposition, though some is lost back to the atmosphere.
• Essential crops like rice and wheat depend on soil nitrogen, which is depleting due to growing population and agricultural demand.

Ammonia Production

• Ammonia (NH3) is produced by combining nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature.
• The reaction requires specific conditions to yield significant amounts of ammonia.

The Haber-Bosch Process

• Developed by Fritz Haber and engineers Robert Le Rossignol and Friedrich Kirchenbauer, this process circulates nitrogen and hydrogen under high pressure and temperature using catalysts to produce ammonia.
• BASF later scaled it for industrial use, leading to the creation of ammonia factories.

Environmental Concerns of Fertilisers

• The Haber-Bosch process has increased food supply and life expectancy but poses environmental risks.
• Excess nitrogen from fertilisers can damage ecosystems, contribute to acid rain, and pollute water sources.
• While vital for food production, it must be balanced with political and social efforts to address both food security and environmental concerns.

Europa Clipper

Why in the news?

NASA launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft to explore Jupiter’s moon, Europa, to investigate whether its hidden ocean might harbor life.

Scientific Objective

• Europa Clipper will not directly search for life but will focus on detecting the conditions necessary for life, such as organic compounds and signs of habitability beneath Europa’s icy surface.

Mission Timeline and Equipment

• Launch Date: The spacecraft was launched aboard a Falcon Heavy rocket by SpaceX from Kennedy Space Center.
• Journey: It will take approximately 5.5 years to reach Jupiter by 2030, using gravity assists from Mars and Earth.
• Flybys: The spacecraft will conduct 49 flybys of Europa, sometimes flying as close as 25 km from the surface, collecting data on ice thickness and ocean depth.
• Equipment: Clipper is equipped with nine scientific instruments, and its electronics are protected by dense zinc and aluminum shields to withstand Jupiter’s radiation.

Challenges and Solutions

• Radiation Exposure: The spacecraft will endure extreme radiation, equivalent to millions of chest X-rays, but NASA ensured the mission’s success by addressing transistor vulnerability.
• Launch Delay: The launch was delayed due to Hurricane Milton but was successfully completed.

Significance

• Europa is considered one of the most likely candidates for potential life due to its subsurface ocean.
• If Clipper finds favorable conditions, it could lead to further exploration of other ocean worlds, like Saturn’s moon Enceladus.

Previous Missions

• Previous missions such as Pioneer, Voyager, and Galileo provided initial data on Europa.
• The European Space Agency’s JUICE spacecraft will also explore Jupiter’s moons alongside Europa Clipper.

Nobel prize

Why in the news?

The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their research linking societal institutions to national prosperity.

Nobel Prize in Economics 2024

• Research Focus: The winners explored why some nations are wealthier than others, focusing on political and economic systems influenced by European colonization.
• Main Insight: They highlighted that societal institutions, such as political and economic frameworks, significantly affect a nation’s prosperity.
• Income Inequality: Their research explains why some countries, despite economic growth, still face challenges in narrowing the income gap with wealthier nations.
• Example: The city of Nogales, divided by the U.S.-Mexico border, shows how stronger institutions on the U.S. side lead to greater opportunities and prosperity.
• Democracy and Growth: Findings suggest that nations transitioning from non-democratic to democratic systems experience faster economic growth.
• Famous Books: Daron Acemoglu co-authored Why Nations Fail, a best-seller explaining the origins of wealth and poverty in countries.

Right to unionise

 Why in the news?

Workers at Samsung India’s Sriperumbudur plant are protesting for their fundamental right to form a registered trade union, seeking collective bargaining rights.

Right to Form a Union

• Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution grants workers the fundamental right to form associations or trade unions.
• This right enables workers to collectively voice grievances, negotiate working conditions, and protect their interests, though restrictions may apply for public order or national security concerns.

Right to Collective Bargaining

• Workers can negotiate wages, working conditions, and employment terms with employers through collective bargaining.
• The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, supports this by providing mechanisms for conciliation and mediation in case of negotiation failures, promoting fair work agreements.

Right to Strike

• Workers can legally strike to protest against unfair labor practices, but this is a regulated right, not absolute.
• The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, imposes conditions such as notice periods and restrictions during conciliation processes, making strikes a tool for demanding better rights.

Immunity from Civil and Criminal Action

• Registered trade unions under the Trade Unions Act, 1926, are protected from civil and criminal liability.
• This immunity allows workers and unions to peacefully advocate for their rights without facing legal penalties.

Right to Political Expression

• Trade unions are permitted to engage in political activities under the Trade Unions Act, 1926.
• They can create a separate fund for political and civic purposes to promote workers’ interests, support election candidates, or participate in political dialogue.

Nile nations agree on water-sharing without Egypt’s nod

Why in the news?

A regional partnership involving 10 countries has ratified an agreement on the equitable use of Nile River resources, despite Egypt’s opposition.

Countries and the Accord

• Ethiopia, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, and Tanzania have ratified the accord.
• Egypt and Sudan have not signed the agreement, while Congo abstained, and Kenya has not submitted ratification documents.
• The Nile Basin Initiative praised the accord for promoting sustainable water use, benefiting future generations.

Tensions Over Ethiopia’s Dam

• Ethiopia’s $4 billion dam project on the Blue Nile has heightened concerns for Egypt, particularly regarding its water and irrigation supply.

Nile River Overview

• Location: The Nile River, one of the longest in the world, flows 6,650 kilometers (4,130 miles) through northeastern Africa.
• Source: It has two main tributaries, the White Nile (from Lake Victoria) and the Blue Nile (from Lake Tana in Ethiopia).
• Countries: The river flows through 11 nations, including Uganda, Sudan, and Egypt, before reaching the Mediterranean Sea.
• Economic Importance: The Nile is vital for agriculture, supplying water for irrigation in arid areas.
• Environmental Concerns: Key issues include pollution, dam construction, and water disputes among countries along the river.

National Electricity Plan

Why in the news?

The National Electricity Plan (Transmission) by the CEA outlines India’s roadmap for achieving 600 GW of renewable energy capacity by 2032, including storage systems and cross-border connectivity.

Renewable Energy and Storage Systems

• The plan outlines the implementation of 47 GW of Battery Energy Storage Systems and 31 GW of Pumped Storage Plants to support renewable energy generation.
• Transmission systems will be developed to supply power to green hydrogen and green ammonia manufacturing hubs situated in coastal regions such as Mundra and Kandla.

Cross-Border and Technological Advancements

• The strategy includes cross-border interconnections with countries like Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
• New technology options feature Hybrid Substations, Monopole Structures, and High-Performance Conductors.

Investment Opportunities

• The plan emphasizes substantial investment opportunities exceeding INR 9,15,000 crores in the transmission sector by 2032.

HAL’s Maharatna Status

 Why in the news?

Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) has achieved Maharatna status, granting it greater financial autonomy.

Overview of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL)

• Founded: Established on December 23, 1940, by Walchand Hirachand in Bangalore.
• Objective: Initially aimed at domestic aircraft manufacturing, HAL later became a significant contributor to India’s aerospace and defense sectors.
• Ownership: Came under the Government of India in 1942 and has been fully controlled by the Ministry of Defence since 1951.

Maharatna Status

• Recognition: HAL was the 14th Central Public Sector Enterprise (CPSE) to achieve Maharatna status.
• Significance: This status provides HAL with increased financial autonomy, facilitating faster decision-making and investment.

Strategic Importance

• Key Projects: HAL developed the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas and Light Utility Helicopter (LUH), which are essential for modernizing the Indian Armed Forces.
• Global Partnerships: HAL collaborates with international aviation companies such as Airbus, Boeing, and Rolls Royce for technology transfers and exports.
• Aatmanirbhar Bharat: HAL is instrumental in India’s initiative for self-reliance in defense production through indigenous manufacturing efforts.

India’s Renewable Energy Capacity

Why in the news?

India has achieved a significant milestone by surpassing 200 GW in renewable energy capacity, reflecting its commitment to sustainable energy sources.

Overview of India’s Renewable Energy Landscape

• India’s total electricity generation capacity has reached 452.69 GW, with a significant contribution from renewable energy sources.
• As of October 2024, renewable energy represents 46.3% of the country’s total installed capacity, indicating a significant transition towards cleaner energy options.
• The main contributors to this capacity include:
  • Solar Power: Leading with 90.76 GW.
  • Wind Power: Contributing 47.36 GW.
  • Hydroelectric Power: Generating 46.92 GW from large hydro projects and an additional 5.07 GW from small hydro sources.
  • Biopower: Including biomass and biogas, which add 11.32 GW by utilizing agricultural waste and organic materials for energy production.

Leading States in Renewable Energy Capacity

• Several states have emerged as frontrunners in renewable energy capacity:
  • Rajasthan: Leading with 29.98 GW.
  • Gujarat: Contributing 29.52 GW, supported by strong solar and wind energy projects.
  • Tamil Nadu: Ranking third with 23.70 GW.
  • Karnataka: With a capacity of 22.37 GW.

Key Schemes and Programs

• The Government of India has launched various initiatives to promote renewable energy, targeting 500 GW of installed electric capacity from non-fossil sources by 2030.
• Some key programs include:
• • National Green Hydrogen Mission
  • PM-KUSUM
  • PM Surya Ghar
  • Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes for solar PV modules
• Additional initiatives to boost renewable energy capacity involve:
  • Allowing 100% Foreign Direct Investment under the automatic route.
  • Waiving Inter-State Transmission System charges for solar and wind projects.
  • Implementing Standard Bidding Guidelines for power procurement from renewable sources.
  • Obtaining Cabinet approval for a Viability Gap Funding scheme for offshore wind projects.

Conclusion

• These ongoing initiatives reflect a comprehensive strategy to develop a greener economy, ensuring India can meet its energy demands while tackling climate change and resource conservation challenges.