Daily Current Affairs- 5th December 2024

Polavaram Dam Project

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Economy
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Economy)

Why in News?:

• The Polavaram Dam project has recently faced setbacks due to damage to its diaphragm wall during the 2022 floods, impacting its construction timeline. Wikipedia

About Polavaram Dam Project:

• Definition/Description:
  • The Polavaram Project is an under-construction multi-purpose irrigation project on the Godavari River in Andhra Pradesh, India. It aims to facilitate irrigation, generate hydroelectric power, and supply drinking water. Wikipedia
• Background:
  • Conceived in 1941, the project's foundation stone was laid in 1980. It was declared a national project under the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014. The project has faced delays due to environmental concerns, inter-state disputes, and funding issues.
• Key Aspects:
  • Irrigation: Designed to irrigate approximately 2.32 million acres across multiple districts in Andhra Pradesh.
  • Hydropower Generation: Plans include a 960 MW capacity hydroelectric plant.
  • Water Supply: Aims to provide drinking water to 540 villages and industrial water to the Visakhapatnam Steel Plant.
  • Flood Control: Expected to mitigate flooding in the Godavari basin.
• Regulatory or Legal Framework:
  • The project received environmental clearance in 2005. It is governed by the Ministry of Water Resources and monitored by the Polavaram Project Authority.
• Current Challenges/Issues:
  • Environmental Concerns: Potential submergence of forest areas and displacement of tribal populations.
  • Inter-State Disputes: Neighboring states like Odisha and Chhattisgarh have raised concerns about submergence and displacement.
  • Construction Delays: Damage to the diaphragm wall during floods has hindered progress.
• Global or Indian Context:
  • As a significant component of India's National River Linking Project, Polavaram is crucial for water resource management. Its success is vital for regional development and inter-state water cooperation.
• Future Prospects:
  • Upon completion, the project is expected to boost agriculture, provide reliable water supply, and generate renewable energy, contributing to the socio-economic development of Andhra Pradesh.

Source: The Hindu

Trump’s America

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: International Relations
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (IR)

Why in News?:

• The article discusses the enduring influence of Donald Trump on American politics, even as legal battles and controversies surround his presidential legacy.
  Source: The Hindu

About Trump’s America:

• Definition/Description:
  • Refers to the political ideologies, policies, and socio-economic shifts during Donald Trump’s presidency (2017-2021), marked by a focus on "America First," trade protectionism, and isolationist foreign policies.
• Background:
  • Trump’s presidency significantly impacted U.S. domestic and international politics, polarizing the nation on issues such as immigration, trade, and climate change.
  • The Capitol Riots in January 2021 and Trump's continued influence within the Republican Party highlight the deep political divisions in the U.S.
• Key Aspects:
  • Foreign Policy: "America First" doctrine, withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord, and the U.S.-China trade war.
  • Economic Policies: Tax cuts for corporations, renegotiation of NAFTA (replaced by USMCA).
  • Social Policies: Tougher immigration laws and rhetoric that deepened racial and ethnic divides.
• Current Challenges/Issues:
  • Legal troubles, including allegations related to election interference and tax evasion, threaten Trump’s political future.
  • Persistent influence on Republican Party dynamics and upcoming elections.
• Global or Indian Context:
  • Trump's policies reshaped U.S.-India relations, focusing on defense cooperation and economic ties.
  • His stance on China aligns with India’s concerns, especially regarding Indo-Pacific security.
• Future Prospects:
  • Trump’s influence could shape the 2024 U.S. presidential elections, impacting global geopolitics, trade, and multilateral relations.

Plastic Pollution and Its Bans

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Environment
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Environment)

Why in News?:

• The article examines the economic implications of plastic bans while highlighting their necessity due to the severe environmental and health impacts of plastic pollution.
  Source: The Hindu

About Plastic Pollution and Its Bans:

• Definition/Description:
  • Plastic pollution refers to the accumulation of plastic waste in the environment, causing ecological, economic, and health challenges.
• Background:
  • Single-use plastics contribute significantly to pollution. India implemented a nationwide ban on certain single-use plastics in 2022 as part of its Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Key Aspects:
  • Health Impacts: Microplastics entering the food chain can harm human health, including endocrine disruption and carcinogenic risks.
  • Environmental Costs: Plastic contributes to marine pollution, harming aquatic biodiversity.
  • Economic Costs: Alternatives to plastic are costlier, and industries face challenges in transitioning to sustainable packaging.
• Regulatory or Legal Framework:
  • Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
  • Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for managing post-consumer plastic waste.
• Current Challenges/Issues:
  • Inadequate infrastructure for recycling and waste segregation.
  • Resistance from the plastic manufacturing industry due to economic constraints.
• Global or Indian Context:
  • India ranks among the top plastic polluters.
  • Globally, initiatives like the UN’s Plastic Treaty aim to address this crisis.
• Future Prospects:
  • Increased investment in biodegradable alternatives and innovation in waste management systems.

Cash Transfer Schemes

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Governance
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (Governance)

Why in News?:

• Several states in India are using direct cash transfer schemes targeted at women as a key electoral promise ahead of upcoming elections.
  Source: The Hindu

About Cash Transfer Schemes:

• Definition/Description:
  • Direct cash transfer schemes involve transferring money directly to beneficiaries, ensuring minimal leakage and maximum efficiency.
• Background:
  • Notable schemes like PM Jan Dhan Yojana and DBT (Direct Benefit Transfer) have proven effective in reducing poverty and empowering women.
• Key Aspects:
  • Women Empowerment: Financial independence leads to better decision-making within households.
  • Poverty Alleviation: Provides a safety net for marginalized groups.
  • Economic Inclusion: Encourages participation in formal banking systems.
• Regulatory or Legal Framework:
  • Guided by the JAM (Jan Dhan-Aadhaar-Mobile) Trinity.
  • State-level schemes like Rajasthan’s Mukhya Mantri Rajshree Yojana and Tamil Nadu’s Magalir Urimai Thogai.
• Current Challenges/Issues:
  • Risk of financial dependence on government subsidies.
  • Potential misuse for electoral gains rather than sustainable development.
• Global or Indian Context:
  • Countries like Brazil (Bolsa Família) and the U.S. have similar welfare programs.
  • In India, the focus on empowering women aligns with SDG goals, especially SDG 5 (Gender Equality).
• Future Prospects:
  • A move toward universal basic income or more targeted welfare schemes for long-term socio-economic improvement.

India’s Strategic Focus on West Africa

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: International Relations
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (IR)

Why in News?:

• India is intensifying its diplomatic and economic engagements with West African nations, aiming to strengthen bilateral ties and explore new avenues for cooperation. Source: The Hindu

About India’s Engagement with West Africa:

• Definition/Description:
  • West Africa comprises 16 countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal, known for their rich natural resources and strategic maritime positions.
• Background:
  • Historically, India has maintained cordial relations with West African nations, focusing on trade, capacity building, and cultural exchanges.
  • Initiatives like the India-Africa Forum Summit have institutionalized these partnerships.
• Key Aspects:
  • Trade Relations: Bilateral trade has seen significant growth, with India importing oil, gas, and minerals, and exporting pharmaceuticals, textiles, and machinery.
  • Energy Cooperation: Nigeria is a key supplier of crude oil to India, contributing to India's energy security.
  • Development Assistance: India has extended lines of credit for infrastructure projects and offers scholarships under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program.
  • Security Collaboration: Joint efforts in combating piracy in the Gulf of Guinea and addressing terrorism threats.
• Regulatory or Legal Framework:
  • Bilateral agreements on trade, investment protection, and double taxation avoidance have been established to facilitate cooperation.
• Current Challenges/Issues:
  • Competition: China's extensive investments in West Africa pose challenges to India's influence.
  • Political Instability: Some West African nations face political unrest, affecting bilateral projects.
  • Logistical Hurdles: Infrastructure deficits hinder seamless trade and connectivity.
• Global or Indian Context:
  • Strengthening ties with West Africa aligns with India's broader Africa policy, aiming to secure energy resources and counterbalance China's presence.
• Future Prospects:
  • Potential for collaboration in renewable energy, digital technology, and healthcare sectors.
  • Enhancing people-to-people connections through cultural exchanges and educational partnerships.

Is the Caste Census a Useful Exercise?

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Governance
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (Governance)

Why in News?:

• The Indian government is deliberating the implementation of a caste-based census to gather comprehensive data on various social groups. Source: The Hindu