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Daily Current Affairs (UPSC CSE) - 26th September 2024 (Part 1)


1. UN Leaders Urge World's Richest Nations to Do More on Climate Action



Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Environment, Climate Change, International Relations)


Context:


Global leaders, at the United Nations General Assembly, urged the wealthiest nations to increase their efforts in combating climate change, emphasising the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing countries.


Key Points:


  • Climate Responsibility:

    • The world’s richest nations are responsible for the majority of historical carbon emissions, yet the effects of climate change disproportionately affect poorer countries, especially in the Global South.


  • Call for Action:

    • Developing nations emphasised the need for climate finance, technology transfer, and enhanced efforts to limit global temperature rise to below 1.5°C.


  • Equity in Climate Action:

    • There are growing demands for fairness in climate mitigation efforts, with wealthier nations being urged to meet their commitments under the Paris Agreement, including providing $100 billion per year for climate financing.


  • Impact on India:

    • India, as a key player in global climate negotiations, is pushing for climate justice and emphasises the responsibility of developed countries to lead in emissions reductions.


Importance for UPSC:


  • Climate Change: Understanding international climate negotiations and the principle of Common but Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR) is key for both Prelims and Mains.

  • Global Governance: The role of international organizations like the UN in addressing global challenges, such as climate change, is critical for Mains.


Prelims


  1. What is the principle of 'Common but Differentiated Responsibilities' (CBDR) in climate negotiations?

  2. Which nations bear the majority of historical carbon emissions, and why are developing countries disproportionately affected by climate change?


Mains


  • GS Paper III: "Discuss the responsibility of wealthier nations in combating climate change. How can international frameworks ensure that developing countries receive adequate support for mitigation and adaptation?"


 

2. China Test Fires Intercontinental Ballistic Missile Amid Taiwan Tension



Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, Security)


Context:


China conducted an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) test amid rising tensions with Taiwan and the United States, raising concerns over regional stability and security in the Indo-Pacific.


Key Points:


  • ICBM Test:

    • The test, conducted in the Pacific Ocean, signals China's growing military capabilities and its assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region, particularly in light of tensions over Taiwan.


  • Strategic Significance:

    • China’s missile test sends a clear message to the U.S. and its allies about its preparedness to defend its territorial claims, including over Taiwan.


  • Indo-Pacific Tensions:

    • The test underscores the escalating tensions between China and Taiwan, as well as China’s broader strategic rivalry with the U.S. in the Indo-Pacific region.


  • Impact on Global Security:

    • This development raises concerns about the potential for military conflict in the region and highlights the importance of international efforts to de-escalate tensions and promote peace in the Indo-Pacific.


Importance for UPSC:


  • International Relations: China’s military posture and its impact on Indo-Pacific security are crucial topics for GS Paper II.

  • Security and Diplomacy: Understanding the implications of missile testing and military assertiveness in global security frameworks is important for Mains.


Prelims


  1. What are Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs), and why are they significant for national security?

  2. How do China’s military actions in the Indo-Pacific impact regional security and international relations?


Mains


  • GS Paper II: "Analyse the implications of China's recent military actions, including ICBM testing, on regional security in the Indo-Pacific. How can international diplomacy address these rising tensions?"


 

3. India and Australia Push Forward on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA)



Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, Bilateral Agreements), General Studies Paper III (Economy, Trade Relations)


Context:


India and Australia are advancing negotiations on the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) to strengthen bilateral trade and investment ties, marking a significant step in their strategic and economic partnership.


Key Points:


  • CECA Negotiations:

    • The CECA aims to enhance trade in goods and services, promote investment, and foster deeper cooperation in areas like energy, education, and technology.


  • Economic Ties:

    • Australia is a major trading partner for India, especially in sectors like mining, education, and energy. The agreement seeks to reduce tariffs, promote trade facilitation, and enhance market access for both countries.


  • Strategic Importance:

    • Strengthening economic ties with Australia is part of India’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in the Indo-Pacific region and reduce dependency on other markets like China.


  • Impact on Indian Economy:

    • The CECA has the potential to boost India's exports, particularly in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, and IT services, while ensuring access to critical raw materials from Australia.


Importance for UPSC:


  • International Trade Agreements: Understanding CECA and its role in strengthening India’s trade relations with key partners is relevant for both Prelims and Mains.

  • Economic Diplomacy: The focus on trade and economic cooperation, particularly in the Indo-Pacific, ties into India's broader foreign policy and economic strategy.


Prelims


  1. What is the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), and how does it benefit India-Australia trade relations?

  2. Which sectors are likely to benefit the most from the India-Australia CECA?


Mains


  • GS Paper II/III: "Examine the significance of the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA) between India and Australia. How does it fit into India’s broader strategy for economic diplomacy in the Indo-Pacific?"


 

4. ADB Raises Inflation Forecast, Pessimistic About Quick Rate Cuts



Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper III (Economy, Inflation, Monetary Policy)


Context:


The Asian Development Bank (ADB) raised its inflation forecast for developing Asian economies, including India, citing global economic uncertainties, supply chain disruptions, and rising energy prices.


Key Points:


  • Inflation Forecast:

    • The ADB increased its inflation projection for the region, warning that the global economic slowdown, supply chain disruptions, and rising food and fuel prices will continue to exert upward pressure on inflation.


  • Monetary Policy Outlook:

    • Despite inflationary pressures, the ADB remains pessimistic about the prospects of quick rate cuts, suggesting that central banks will maintain a cautious approach to monetary policy.


  • Impact on India:

    • Rising inflation can affect India's economic recovery, particularly by eroding consumer purchasing power and increasing the cost of living. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) may face challenges in balancing inflation control with promoting economic growth.


  • Global Economic Impact:

    • The ongoing war in Ukraine, coupled with geopolitical tensions, continues to affect global supply chains, contributing to inflationary pressures in developing economies.


Importance for UPSC:


  • Economic Policy: Understanding inflation dynamics and their impact on monetary policy is crucial for both Prelims and Mains.

  • Global Economic Trends: The ADB’s inflation forecast and its implications for India’s economy are relevant for GS Paper III.


Prelims


  1. What factors are contributing to the rising inflation in developing Asian economies, according to the ADB?

  2. How does inflation impact monetary policy decisions in economies like India?


Mains


  • GS Paper III: "Discuss the factors contributing to inflationary pressures in developing economies. How can central banks balance inflation control with the need for economic growth?"


 

5. India Sharing Information Between Russia and Ukraine to Facilitate Peace



Syllabus: Prelims & Mains – General Studies Paper II (International Relations, Diplomacy)


Context:


External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar revealed that India has been actively sharing information between Russia and Ukraine to facilitate peace talks, emphasising India’s role as a neutral mediator in the ongoing conflict.


Key Points:


  • India’s Diplomatic Role:

    • India has taken a neutral stance in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, focusing on humanitarian aid and diplomatic efforts to mediate peace, avoiding direct involvement or taking sides.


  • Mediation Efforts:

    • By sharing critical information between the two warring nations, India is positioning itself as a responsible global player committed to peace and conflict resolution.


  • Global Implications:

    • India’s approach aligns with its long-standing foreign policy principle of non-alignment and promotes its image as a peace-loving nation capable of facilitating dialogue in global conflicts.


  • Impact on India’s Global Standing:

    • India’s role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine war enhances its diplomatic credibility and strengthens its position in international forums like the United Nations.


Importance for UPSC:


  • International Relations: Understanding India’s neutral stance and its role in global peace-building efforts is essential for GS Paper II.

  • Diplomacy: India’s efforts to mediate in conflicts while maintaining neutrality showcase its strategic diplomacy and non-alignment policy.


 

Prelims


  1. What is India’s role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, and how is it promoting peace talks between the two countries?

  2. How does India’s non-alignment policy shape its approach to global conflicts?


Mains

GS Paper II: "Examine India’s role as a mediator in the Russia-Ukraine conflict. How does this align with its broader foreign policy of non-alignment and strategic autonomy?"



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