25 August 2023 CNA
Download PDF Here
TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. BRICS to add six new member countries 2. India and the Northern Sea Route C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. India’s G-20 opportunity for an African Renaissance F. Prelims Facts G. Tidbits 1. To enhance IAF efficiency, govt. to buy weapons locally 2. Start-up AR4, Sodion ally to make sodium ion battery packs 3. Modi seeks level playing field for smaller e-com companies H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
![FIP Magazine](https://cdn1.byjus.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fip-download-mobNew.png)
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. BRICS to add six new member countries
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional, and global groupings involving India.
Mains: Bilateral and regional relations, India’s international engagement, global groupings and agreements affecting India’s interests.
Prelims: About BRICS
Context:
The article discusses the outcomes of the BRICS summit, where South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the Johannesburg Declaration. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the expansion of BRICS and welcomed new members, including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
South African President’s Address and Reference to Ukraine Conflict
- Cyril Ramaphosa, current BRICS Chair and South African President, presented the Johannesburg Declaration, the summit’s outcome document.
- Indirectly referred to the Ukraine conflict, emphasising the group’s focus on seeking peaceful resolutions to disputes.
Read more on BRICS.
BRICS Expansion and New Members
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced agreement on principles, criteria, and procedures for BRICS expansion.
- Welcomed Argentina, Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Ethiopia, and United Arab Emirates into BRICS.
- Anticipated that new members would infuse new dynamism and energy into BRICS activities.
- Special significance of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and UAE’s inclusion due to representing both sides of the energy-rich Gulf.
- Noteworthy that Iran and Saudi Arabia jointly joined BRICS after normalising relations in April.
Expansion Decision and Background
- BRICS expansion was decided 13 years after the previous expansion that added South Africa in 2010.
- BRICS originally comprised Brazil, Russia, India, and China, formed as major economies influencing the post-Cold War world order.
PM Modi’s Bilateral Meetings and Initiatives
- PM Modi held discussions with leaders from Senegal, Mozambique, Ethiopia, and Iran.
- Delivered a speech at BRICS-Africa Outreach and BRICS Plus dialogue session.
- Extended invitations to participant countries to join initiatives like International Solar Alliance, Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure, and more.
Commitment to Multilateralism and Peaceful Resolutions
- President Ramaphosa reiterated commitment to inclusive multilateralism and upholding international law, including UN Charter principles.
- Expressing concern about ongoing conflicts globally, stressed BRICS’ dedication to resolving differences through dialogue and inclusive consultation.
Nut Graf: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa presented the Johannesburg Declaration at the BRICS summit, focusing on peaceful dispute resolution. Indian PM Narendra Modi announced the addition of Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE to BRICS, aiming to infuse new energy.
2. India and the Northern Sea Route
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains: Opening of Northern Sea route: Impact on trade and relation with Russia
Prelims: Map-based question on water bodies surrounding the Northern Sea route
Context: Murmansk, an Arctic hub and NSR starting point, sees rising Indian cargo involvement. In 2023’s first seven months, India led with 35% of 8 million tonnes at Murmansk port, sparking NSR interest.
Significances of the Arctic region for India:
- Climate Impact: The vulnerability of the Arctic region to climate change could affect India’s economic security, water security, and sustainability.
- Resource Potential: The Arctic holds substantial untapped hydrocarbon reserves, estimated at over 40% of global oil and gas reserves, along with coal, zinc, and silver.
- Sustainable Development: India’s approach to Arctic development aligns with UN Sustainable Development Goals, emphasizing responsible economic growth.
Why is India involved in Murmansk’s Cargo Traffic?
- Cargo Share: India accounted for 35% of the eight million tonnes of cargo handled by Murmansk port in the first seven months of 2023.
- Economic Interests: The Northern Sea Route (NSR) presents a shorter shipping route for India’s trade with Europe and Asia-Pacific countries.
- Resource Imports: India’s increasing import of crude oil and coal from Russia contributes to the growing cargo traffic.
India’s history of engagement with the Arctic region:
- Early Engagement: India’s Arctic engagement dates back to the signing of the Svalbard Treaty in 1920.
- Scientific Studies: India has conducted various scientific studies and research in the Arctic, focusing on atmospheric, biological, marine, hydrological, and glaciological studies.
- Research Stations: India established the Himadri research station in Svalbard and launched observatories and laboratories for Arctic research.
- Observer-State: In 2013, India became an observer-State of the Arctic Council, alongside other nations like China.
About the Northern Sea Route (NSR):
- Shortest Route: NSR is a 5,600 km shipping route in the Arctic Ocean, offering shorter transit between Europe and the Asia-Pacific compared to traditional routes via Suez or Panama.
- Distance Savings: The NSR can potentially save up to 50% in distance compared to alternative routes.
- Suez Canal Blockage: The 2021 Suez Canal blockage heightened interest in the NSR due to its reliability as an alternative route.
Northern Sea Route
![NSR NSR](https://cdn1.byjus.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/NSR.png)
Source: The Hindu
How does Russia ensure the navigability of the NSR?
- Icebreaking Assistance: The Arctic Ocean remains icebound for much of the year, so Russia provides icebreaking assistance to ensure safe navigation.
- Nuclear-Powered Fleet: Russia operates a nuclear-powered icebreaker fleet, with seven nuclear icebreakers and more planned for commissioning.
- Infrastructure Operator: Rosatom State Nuclear Energy Corporation manages the NSR infrastructure, ensuring navigability and safety.
Impact of the Chennai-Vladivostok Maritime Corridor (CVMC) on NSR:
- CVMC Project: The CVMC project, connecting Chennai and Vladivostok, is being explored to link with the NSR for international container transit.
- Reduced Transport Time: CVMC could cut transport time to 12 days, significantly shorter than the existing St. Petersburg-Mumbai route.
- Cargo Types: Coking coal, crude oil, LNG, and fertilizers are among the cargoes that could be imported from Russia to India through CVMC.
Future Developments:
- NSR Cargo Targets: Russia aims for cargo traffic targets of 80 million tonnes (2024) and 150 million tonnes (2030) as part of the NSR development plan.
- Indian Participation: A Russian delegation engaged with Indian businesses to encourage their involvement in NSR-related projects.
- CVMC Workshop: A workshop involving stakeholders from India and Russia is planned in October to discuss the CVMC project’s impact and potential.
Nut Graf: Murmansk, the gateway to the Northern Sea Route (NSR) in the Arctic, is witnessing increased Indian cargo activity, with India accounting for 35% of the eight million tonnes handled in seven months. This surge highlights India’s growing interest in the NSR due to strategic economic and trade considerations.
C. GS 3 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. India’s G-20 opportunity for an African Renaissance
Syllabus: Bilateral, Regional and Global Groupings and Agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.
Mains: India and Africa relation, India’s role in South-South cooperation
Context: In the current landscape, Africa is asserting its presence on the global stage through various multilateral platforms like BRICS (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa), the G-20, and the United Nations General Assembly. Despite being a continent with 54 nations and representing more than a quarter of the “Global South,” its representation within BRICS and the G-20 primarily relies on South Africa, which stands as a unique representative from the African continent.
Challenges and Disruptors in Africa:
- Existential Challenges: Africa, encompassing 54 countries and a significant part of the Global South, faces critical challenges like misgovernance, unplanned development, tribal dominance, and corruption.
- Emerging Disruptors: New challenges include Islamic terror, inter-tribal conflicts, climate change, rising food inflation, urbanization, and youth unemployment.
- Complex Interventions: Previous military interventions by various countries aimed at curbing militancy have often worsened the situation, keeping dictatorships in power for economic interests.
- Return of Generals: Political disorder has led to the resurgence of military rule in various African nations, threatening the progress made against such regimes.
Africa’s Eroding International Support:
- China’s Changing Role: China, previously a major African trading partner and investor, has reduced its involvement due to economic slowdown and reduced demand for commodities.
- Debt Concerns: China’s Belt and Road Initiative has led to unsustainable debt levels in some African countries, resulting in ceding control of assets to China.
- Uncertainty with Russia: Russia’s support through entities like the Wagner Group has become uncertain due to internal issues and lackluster participation in African initiatives.
- Western Powers’ Limitations: Traditional colonial powers and the US, UK, and Europe, dealing with economic downturns, have limited capacity to engage with Africa beyond exploiting mineral wealth.
- Migration Concerns: Europe’s primary focus on preventing illegal migration from Africa limits its engagement with the continent’s broader challenges.
India’s Robust Ties:
- Historical Bonds: India’s ties with Africa are rooted in historical events, including Mahatma Gandhi’s fight against apartheid and its role in UN peacekeeping.
- Diverse Engagement: While oil imports have decreased, India-Africa trade reached $98 billion in 2022-23. Investments span education, healthcare, telecom, IT, technology, and agriculture.
- Investment and Aid: India is a significant investor, providing over $12.37 billion in concessional loans. Numerous projects completed and scholarships offered since 2015 underline India’s commitment.
- Indian Diaspora: Around three million people of Indian origin reside in Africa, making them the largest non-native ethnic group on the continent.
Way Forward to Deepen India-Africa Ties:
- Historic Opportunity: As India hosts the G-20 Summit, it has a unique chance to strengthen its ties with Africa.
- Comprehensive Platform: India can collaborate with like-minded G-20 partners and multilateral institutions to establish a semi-permanent platform addressing security and socio-economic challenges in Africa.
- Combined Approach: India’s strategy should blend peacekeeping efforts with building socio-political institutions to promote political stability and economic development.
- Leveraging Innovations: India can contribute by sharing innovations such as the JAM trinity (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile), DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer), UPI (Unified Payments Interface), and the Aspirational Districts Programme.
- Win-Win Paradigm: By offering a participative alternative rather than exploitative engagement, India can create a mutually beneficial India-Africa ecosystem for the 21st century.
Nut Graf: Africa, with its 54 nations and substantial presence in the “Global South,” is increasingly voicing its concerns on international platforms like BRICS and the G-20, where South Africa represents the continent. Amid challenges like governance issues and diminishing external support, India’s deep ties with Africa offer a promising avenue for fostering collaboration and progress.
F. Prelims Facts
Nothing here for today!!!
G. Tidbits
1. To enhance IAF efficiency, govt. to buy weapons locally
- Chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) provided significant endorsements.
- Approvals included the grant of Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) for capital acquisition proposals totaling approximately ₹7,800 crore.
- The approvals include various acquisitions for strengthening military capabilities.
- An Electronic Warfare (EW) suite will be added to Mi-17 V5 Helicopters to enhance their survivability.
- Bharat Electronics Ltd. will provide the EW suite, contributing to the efficiency of the Indian Air Force.
- Autonomous systems for mechanised infantry and armoured regiments will be acquired on the ground.
- These systems will enable tasks like unmanned surveillance, logistic delivery, and casualty evacuation.
- The induction of Light Machine Guns (LMG) will bolster the fighting abilities of infantry forces.
- Bridge-Laying Tanks (BLT) will be introduced, facilitating faster movement for mechanised forces.
- Project Shakti’s AoN was approved for rugged laptops and tablets procurement for the Army.
- All procurements are aimed at being sourced domestically, promoting self-reliance.
- To enhance MH-60R helicopter capabilities, AoN was given for weapons procurement.
- The Navy is currently introducing MH-60R helicopters, 24 of which were part of a contract with Lockheed Martin valued at $2.2 billion.
2. Start-up AR4, Sodion ally to make sodium ion battery packs
- Coimbatore-based start-up AR4 Tech joined hands with Singapore’s Sodion Energy to produce sodium ion battery packs.
- AR4 Tech will establish a 15,000 sq. ft factory in Coimbatore within four months for production.
- The partnership aims to create battery packs from Sodion’s sodium-ion batteries.
- The upcoming factory will feature imported equipment and operate semi-automatically.
- It will possess the capability to manufacture nearly 100 battery packs daily.
- Sodion Energy holds a stake in AR4 Tech as part of their collaboration.
- The produced packs will be used by AR4 Tech to convert conventional petrol vehicles, particularly two-wheelers, into electric vehicles (EVs).
- P. Bala, CEO of Sodion Energy, noted the absence of established quality and safety standards in India for sodium ion battery packs, highlighting the need for a supportive regulatory framework.
- Sodium ion battery technology is emerging, and the sector requires favourable regulations to thrive.
Also read Augmented Reality (AR).
3. Modi seeks level playing field for smaller e-com companies
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the importance of fair competition between big and small vendors in the e-commerce sector.
- He aimed to empower small businesses to connect with global supply chains.
- PM Modi urged global policymakers to pay more attention to the needs of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).
- MSMEs are vital, contributing to 60% to 70% of employment and 50% of the global GDP.
- Empowering smaller businesses not only benefits them but also empowers society as a whole.
- India’s G20 presidency prioritised increasing the involvement of MSMEs in global trade and value chains.
- The “Jaipur Initiative” is proposed to provide better access to market and business information for MSMEs.
- The initiative aims to address challenges MSMEs face due to limited market information.
- PM Modi stressed the importance of fair competition between large and small sellers.
- He also highlighted the need to resolve issues consumers face in finding fair prices and addressing grievances.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: India in G20 (2023) emphasized on equitable competition and global integration for MSMEs in e-commerce.
Statement-II: MSMEs contribute significantly to employment and GDP, and empowering them leads to societal empowerment.
Which one of the following is correct?
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I.
- Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I.
- Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect.
- Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I because it explains why India is emphasising equitable competition and global integration for MSMEs in e-commerce.
Q2. Consider the following countries:
- Argentina
- Saudi Arabia
- Egypt
- Nigeria
- United Arab Emirates
- Iran
How many of the above-mentioned countries has BRICS agreed to invite to join the bloc?
- Only two
- Only four
- Only five
- All six
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
BRICS has agreed to invite six countries—Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Ethiopia, United Arab Emirates, and Iran—to join the bloc.
Q3. Consider the following statements about the Northern Sea Route (NSR):
- It is the shortest shipping route between Europe and Asia-Pacific countries.
- The NSR spans four seas of the Arctic Ocean.
- It starts at the boundary of the Barents and Kara seas and ends in the Bering Strait.
How many of the above statements are incorrect?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
It is the shortest route connecting Europe and Asia-Pacific, it crosses four Arctic Ocean seas—Barents, Kara, Laptev, and East Siberian. From the Barents-Kara seas’ boundary, it extends to the Bering Strait’s end.
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding Sodium Ion Batteries:
- Sodium Ion Batteries use sodium ion movement between electrodes, and their cathode is made from sodium.
- Sodium Ion Batteries are not suitable for electric vehicles due to their lower energy density.
- Sodium Ion Batteries are more likely to experience thermal runaway compared to Lithium-Ion Batteries.
How many of the above statements are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
They utilize sodium ions for charging and discharging, with a sodium-based cathode. They are advantageous due to lower energy density, reduced risk of thermal runaway compared to Lithium-Ion Batteries.
Q5. The area known as 'Sahel Region' sometimes appears in the news in the context of:
- Maritime security in the Indian Ocean
- Misgovernance, and corruption in West Africa
- Border disputes between South Asian countries
- Refugee crisis in West Asia
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
The Sahel region is passing through several existential challenges such as misgovernance, unplanned development, the dominance of ruling tribes and corruption.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the importance of the Northern Sea Route in India’s ambition to be a global economic superpower? (250 words, 10 marks) [GS-2; International Relations]
- “In the current geopolitical environment, India has a great opportunity in Africa”. Do you agree?(150 words, 10 marks) [GS- 3; International Relations]
Read previous CNA articles here.
Comments