With Donald Trump winning the US presidential election, India closely watches developments, as strong US ties are crucial for its trade, security, and geopolitical interests.

Donald Trump Wins US Elections 2024, Returns as 47th US President

• Mr. Donald Trump has won more than the required 270 Electoral College votes to become the U.S.’s 47th President. 
• The 2024 election marks his second successful presidential run after first securing the presidency in 2016 and serving as 45th president of the United States from 2017 to 2021.
• Trump, at 78 years old, will make history as only the second US president to serve non-consecutive terms, joining Grover Cleveland, who served as the 22nd and 24th president of the United States.

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Background: Key Aspects of Trump’s First Term (2017–2021)

• Visa Issues: During his first term, Trump imposed stricter regulations on the H-1B and L1 visa programmes under his executive order , titled “Buy American and Hire American”.

• • Denial rates for both H-1B and L-1 visas saw a significant rise.
  • The H-1B denial rates  increased from 4% to 17%, and L-1 denials rose from 12% to 28%.
  • This had an impact on India’s IT service companies, which were especially reliant on these visas at the time.
    • H-1B Visa: Allows U.S. employers to hire foreign professionals in “specialty occupations” that require specialised knowledge and at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
    • L-1 visa: This visa is meant for intra-company transfers, allowing multinational companies to transfer employees from their foreign offices to U.S. offices.
• Withdrawal from International Agreements and Reduced Fundings:
  • Paris Climate Agreement: Trump withdrew the U.S. from the Paris Climate Agreement, arguing it was unfair to the U.S. economy.
  • Iran Nuclear Deal: The U.S. pulled out of the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, re-imposing sanctions, which escalated tensions in the Middle East.

• • Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP): Trump withdrew from the TPP, a trade pact with countries in the Asia-Pacific region, which he argued was disadvantageous to the U.S.
  • He axed funding for several UN agencies and pulled out of the World Health Organisation.
• Economic Protectionism and Trade Wars: Trump pursued an “America First” trade policy agenda focused on strengthening American industries and jobs. 
  • The US imposed tariffs on countries like China, the European Union, and others. 
  • The goal was to reduce the U.S. trade deficit and protect American jobs, though it led to tensions and trade wars.
  • Emphasised fair trade, limited immigration, and job training to protect American jobs and wages.
• Tax Cuts: One of Trump’s significant achievements was the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, which slashed corporate tax rates from 35% to 21% and provided tax cuts for individuals.
  • During the 2024 presidential campaign, Trump proposed an additional reduction in the corporate tax rate for U.S.-based manufacturing, aiming to lower it from 21% to 15%. 
• Immigration:  His administration also took a tough stance on illegal immigration, including
  • Separating families at the border,
  • Ending programs like DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals), which protected undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children,
  • Pushed to build a wall in the U.S.-Mexico border
• Geopolitical Stance: 
  • West East: 
    • Pro Israeli Policies defined his West Asia Policy during his first term of Office.
    • He moved America’s embassy to Jerusalem.
    • He had also recognised Israel’s Illegal annexation of Syria’s Golan heights. 
    • He unveiled a ‘Peace Plan’ for Israel-Palestine in 2020, but it was outrightly rejected for being heavily in favour of Israel.
  • China: He took a confrontational stance towards China. 
    • Example: US banned Huawei’s 5G mobile devices in 2018.
  • North Korea: He made headlines for engaging with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in unprecedented summits, aiming for denuclearization, though these efforts did not yield lasting results.

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Present India and US Relations

• India’s Trade Surplus with the U.S.: India is the only country among US’s top five trading partners with which it has a trade surplus of $36.74 billion. 
  • The U.S. is India’s second-largest trading partner, accounting for $118.3 billion in trade.
• Limited U.S. Export Share: Despite being one of India’s top 10 trading partners, the U.S. accounts for less than 3% of India’s total exports.
• Key Source of FDI: The U.S. remains the largest source of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) for India, contributing $103 billion in the last fiscal year.

Reasons for Positive Outlook for India-U.S. Ties Under Donald Trump Second Term

• Defence and Strategic Relations
  • The China Challenge for the US and India: Trump’s administration was the first to label China as a “strategic threat,” encouraging a coalition to counter Beijing’s influence, including the formation of the Quad in 2017.
    • India, which shares about 3,488 kms of disputed border with China, closely monitors this stance.
  • Expansion of U.S. Military Hardware: The Trump administration is likely to make more U.S. military hardware available to India, boosting defence cooperation between the two countries.
  • Support on Khalistani Groups: Trump might take a strong stance against Khalistani groups, potentially leading to a crackdown on such organisations.
• Trade and Economic Relations: 
  • Strengthening Trade Ties: Trump is expected to continue building on his positive relationship with India, enhancing trade ties and increasing opportunities for Indian companies, particularly in technology and defence.
    • Example: There is a possibility of India replacing Chinese imports in the US market as during the 2024 presidential campaign, he proposed for a significant 60% tariff on goods from China.
  • Renewed Free Trade Agreement (FTA) Negotiations: Trump plans to pick up negotiations for a Free Trade Agreement, which were intense in 2019-2020 but stalled after his presidency ended, and which Biden showed little interest in pursuing.
  • Energy Cooperation: Rather than pressuring India on carbon emission cuts, Trump is likely to encourage India to invest in U.S. oil and LNG. 
    • This includes revisiting the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for the Driftwood LNG plant in Louisiana, which could bring significant investment from India.
• Improved FPI Investments to India: India’s position as a strategic U.S. partner against China could bolster its appeal to foreign investors. 
  • According to some analysts, India’s favourable demographics and structural stability projects it as a safer investment destination compared to China’s slowing growth and economic challenges
• Human Rights and Diplomacy: 
  • Reduced Scrutiny on Human Rights: Trump has been non-commentative about the human rights record in India.
    • Example: After the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir or the Pulwama terror attacks, Trump had supported India’s ‘right to self-defence’. 
  • Less Concern Over NGOs and Foreign Contributions: US will likely not raise concerns regarding the treatment of climate and human rights NGOs affected by the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010, though Republican Congressmen may inquire about U.S. Christian NGOs operating in India.
  • No Diplomatic Concerns with Canada: Given Trump’s past strained relations with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, India would likely not face any diplomatic pressure from Washington over its ongoing tensions with Ottawa, particularly regarding the Nijjar killing.
    • Allegation by Canada: Canada announced in parliament that there were “credible allegations” linking India to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader, in British Columbia in June.
    • India’s Response: India dismissed these allegations as “absurd” and urged Canada to address anti-India activities within its borders, specifically targeting pro-Khalistan groups.
• Others:
  • Trump’s Green Card Proposal: Trump’s plan to grant automatic green cards to foreign graduates of US colleges could create new opportunities for Indian students, making it easier to stay and work in the US.
  • Pharmaceuticals: Could lead to improved pricing for Indian generic firms. 
    • Deregulation may increase penetration of Indian generics into the US market.
  • Stocks and Bitcoin: Trump’s victory was met with enthusiasm from investors worldwide. 
    • The S&P 500 surged over 2.5%, marking its largest intraday gain in two years. This optimistic momentum also lifted Indian markets, with the Nifty 50 and Sensex rising over 1% each.
    • Bitcoin surged to a record high of more than $75,000, as crypto investors celebrated the return of Trump, who had earlier pledged to make the US “the bitcoin superpower of the world”.

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Potential Challenging Issues for India-U.S. Ties Under Trump’s Second Term

• Focus on Reducing Trade Tariffs: The Trump 2.0 administration is expected to push for an ‘America-first strategy’ that will penalise countries that put high taxes on American products and services.
  • For India, increased tariffs could challenge industries like IT, pharmaceuticals, and textiles that rely on the US market.
  • Trump has been quite vocal against India placing high tariffs on American products. 
  • Example:
    • In his first term, He had openly asked India to reduce tariffs on Harley Davidson bikes. 
    • He badgered India to lift the ban on Hydroxychloroquine exports.
• World Trade Organization (WTO) Complaints: The Trump administration’s tendency to file complaints with the WTO could create tensions if India’s trade policies or practices are targeted under his administration.
  • Trump previously accused India of being a “major abuser” in trade relations, highlighting tariffs and trade imbalances.
• Revocation of GSP Status: During the Trump administration’s first term, India lost its preferential trade status under the Generalised System of Preferences (GSP), impacting approximately 12% of its exports. 
  • This may continue to be a point of contention, affecting India’s preferential access to U.S. markets.Immigration : A Trump 2.0 administration would likely reinforce strict measures against illegal immigration, affecting the return of illegal Indian immigrants.
  • India has maintained that they do not support illegal immigration from India.
  • However, Mass deportations could present optical challenges for India if many Indian nationals return.

• Geopolitical Help: India will also seek US intervention in ending Israel’s war in Gaza and Lebanon and reopening talks with Gulf Countries, to help revive its plans for the India Middle East Europe Economic Corridor.

Potential Economic Implications

Potential Geopolitical Implications

• Support for Israel in Middle East Conflicts: Trump has shown strong support for Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, especially in the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. 
  • He has privately endorsed Israel’s aggressive actions against Hamas and Hezbollah and may encourage further expansion of Israel’s policies in the region.
  • But he does not want the expansion of war in West Asia as:
    • A larger war with Iran could affect energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz that connects the Persian Gulf to the Arabian Sea. 
    • This can enhance the inflationary pressures.
    • For political, strategic and economic reasons a wider war is not in the interest of the Trump administration. 
• China: Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on Chinese imports by up to 60%, which could lead to a significant trade war.
  • This could reduce China’s economic growth by more than 2% next year, according to analysts.
  • To counteract this, China might introduce a larger fiscal stimulus package, possibly amounting to 2-3% of its GDP annually over the next few years to boost its economy.
• Pakistan: During his last tenure, Trump had cancelled most of the U.S aid to Pakistan.
  • Pakistan is worried about losing U.S support on loans from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank as well. 
• Nepal, Bhutan and Maldives: The Biden Government had expanded its outreach to these countries. 
  • However, the level of attention given to these countries by the Trump administration is to be seen.
• Bangladesh: Trump had commented on the protection of Hindu Minorities in Bangladesh.
• Concerns Over Immigration Policies: Trump plans aggressive immigration policies, including deporting millions of immigrants. 
  • He has also threatened tariffs on Mexico unless the country does more to curb migration. 
  • This could strain the U.S.-Mexico relations and have devastating effects on both economies due to the interconnectedness of trade and migration
• Climate and Multilateral Agreements: The future of the 2015 Paris Agreement on climate change which America had rejoined under President (Joe) Biden will come under strain now.
  • Trump’s scepticism about climate change could hinder global cooperation on environmental issues.

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Way Forward

• Strategic Alignment in Indo Pacific:  In a second Trump term, further emphasis on Quad  (India, the U.S., Japan, Australia) initiatives could reinforce India’s role as a key player in maintaining stability in the Indo-Pacific region. 
  • By enhancing military cooperation, the US and India can jointly address China’s assertive policies, underscoring their commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific.
• Counterterrorism: It has been an area of shared interest for India and the US.
  • During Trump’s first administration, his “Peace through Strength” doctrine aligned well with India’s security priorities, particularly concerning Pakistan.
  • India and US partnership could strengthen joint efforts to counter terrorist threats and address extremism. 
• Strengthen People-to-People Ties: Facilitate Visa and Immigration Reforms to support the Indian diaspora and professionals in the U.S., emphasising the contributions of Indian talent to the U.S. economy.
• Defense Procurement and Joint Ventures: Accelerate defence procurements from the U.S. and explore joint production ventures under India’s Make in India initiative.
• Negotiating a Trade Package: Work toward resolving trade disputes by offering concessions in areas of interest to the U.S., such as pharmaceuticals and agriculture, while seeking reductions in tariffs on Indian exports.

Conclusion

India and the US have the potential to redefine bilateral ties based on mutual economic growth, security, and strategic interests in an increasingly complex global landscape.

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The Supreme Court of India ruled that a law’s validity cannot be challenged on the basis of violating the Basic Structure doctrine while dealing with case determining validity of Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004.

Key Highlights from the Judgment

• Abstract Terms : The Chief Justice explained that such claims must be linked to specific constitutional provisions rather than abstract elements of the Basic Structure.
  • Basic Structure includes undefined principles like democracy, federalism, and secularism.
  • According to the court, using these abstract concepts to challenge a law’s validity could lead to uncertainty in constitutional interpretation.
• Response to Allahabad High Court’s Ruling: The Allahabad High Court previously held that the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, disregarded secularism.
• Ordinary Laws Vs Constitutional Amendments: The Supreme Court reiterated that Constitutional Amendments and ordinary statutes operate within different legal frameworks.
• While Constitutional Amendments can be reviewed under the Basic Structure doctrine, ordinary legislation cannot be invalidated on this basis.

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Differences between Ordinary Law and Constitutional Law in India: 

Influence of Past Landmark Cases

• The court referred  Kesavananda Bharati (1973) and Indira Nehru Gandhi vs. Raj Narain (1975) cases, where the Basic Structure doctrine was applied for the first time.
• Court cited Chief Justice A.N. Ray’s view in the Raj Narain case, which argued that applying the doctrine to ordinary statutes would equate to “rewriting the Constitution.”
• Justice K.K. Mathew considered the Basic Structure concept as “too vague” for assessing the validity of ordinary laws.

Implications of the Ruling

• Legislative Autonomy: The ruling emphasizes that ordinary legislation by Parliament and state legislatures cannot be struck down for violating the Basic Structure, thus maintaining legislative autonomy within constitutional boundaries.
• Judicial Clarity: This judgment reinforces the scope of judicial review by limiting the Basic Structure doctrine to Constitutional Amendments, ensuring clearer boundaries in constitutional adjudication.
• Judicial Precedent: This decision, which partially upheld the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, sets a precedent affirming that only Constitutional Amendments can be examined for adherence to the Basic Structure, not ordinary laws.

About Basic Structure Doctrine

The Basic Structure Doctrine is a landmark judicial innovation introduced by the Supreme Court of India in the Kesavananda Bharati case (1973). 

• It establishes that certain fundamental features of the Indian Constitution cannot be altered or abrogated by Parliament through constitutional amendments.
• It serves as a safeguard against arbitrary changes to the Constitution and ensures that the fundamental principles enshrined in the document remain intact.
• It has been a significant tool in protecting democratic values and upholding the rule of law in India in several cases.

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Some Key Aspects of the Basic Structure Doctrine

• Supremacy of the Constitution: The Constitution is the supreme law of the land, and no law can override its provisions.
• Democratic Republic: India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. These fundamental features cannot be altered.
• Secularism: The principle of secularism ensures religious neutrality and freedom of religion.
• Federalism: The division of powers between the central government and the states is a core feature of the Constitution.
• Separation of Powers: The doctrine of separation of powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary is essential for maintaining checks and balances.
• Fundamental Rights: The fundamental rights enshrined in Part III of the Constitution are considered inviolable.
• Rule of Law: The rule of law ensures that everyone is subject to the law, including those in power.
• Judicial Review: The power of the judiciary to review the constitutionality of laws is a crucial safeguard against arbitrary power.

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The Anglo-Indian community in India, represented by its leaders, has called upon the central government to reinstate reserved seats for Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) and State Assemblies.

Issues Raised by the Anglo-Indian Community

• Restoration of Reserved Seats: Leaders urge the government to restore reserved seats for Anglo-Indians in Parliament and State Assemblies, a provision previously removed due to low population data.
• Request for Caste Census: Leaders call for a caste census to accurately count Anglo-Indians, asserting that their population is closer to 400,000, not the 296 suggested by outdated data from the 2011 Census.
• Economic and Educational Challenges: The Anglo-Indian community faces significant economic and educational hardships, as highlighted in a 2013 Ministry of Minority Affairs study, which reported issues like housing struggles and identity crises.
• Loss of Influence in Community Institutions: Former MP Charles Dias noted Anglo-Indians’ declining control over institutions they built, with challenges in admissions and employment.

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• Appeal for Commission and Separate Enumeration: Leaders seek a government commission to assess their community’s socio-economic status and call for separate enumeration in the next census.

About Anglo-Indian Community

• Origins: The Anglo-Indian community in India originated from an official policy by the British East India Company, which encouraged marriages between its officers and local women.
• Definition:The term “Anglo-Indian” first appeared in the Government of India Act, 1935.
  • Article 366 (2) of the Constitution of India defines an Anglo-Indian as:
    • A person whose father or male ancestors are of European descent.
    • Domiciled within Indian territory, born to parents habitually resident in India (not temporarily present).
• Community Contributions:The community has made significant contributions to Indian society, especially in fields such as education, railways, and the armed forces.
• Cultural Identity: Anglo-Indians maintain a distinct cultural identity, with elements of both Western and Indian influences, including in language, cuisine, and customs.

Constitutional Provisions for Anglo-Indian Reservation

• Article 331: Permits the President to nominate two Anglo-Indians to the Lok Sabha if the community lacks adequate representation.
• Article 333: Allows a State Governor to nominate one Anglo-Indian to the State Assembly if the community is underrepresented.
• Article 334(b): Extended Anglo-Indian reservations in legislative bodies for 40 years from 1949.
• National Commission for SCs (Article 338): Examines constitutional and legal safeguards for Anglo-Indians, reporting their effectiveness to the President.

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Historical Context of Reservation

• Constituent Assembly Intent: Initially, the Constituent Assembly envisioned a 10-year reservation for SCs/STs starting in 1950.
• Amendments to Article 334: This article, which set timelines for SC/ST and Anglo-Indian reservations, was repeatedly amended to extend deadlines, starting with the 8th Amendment (1969) and ending with the 104th Amendment (2019).
• 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019: Ended Anglo-Indian reservations and set 2030 as the final year for SC/ST reservations in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, concluding an 80-year period since 1950.

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The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister approved a new Central Sector scheme, PM Vidya Laxmi for Higher Education support.

About PM Vidya Lakshmi Scheme

• Objective: To provide financial support to meritorious students for pursuing higher education by offering easy access to loans.
  • The scheme builds on the foundation set by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

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• Eligibility: Students admitted to top 860 Quality Higher Education Institutions (QHEIs) in India, including top-ranked institutions in National Institutional Ranking Framework (NIRF) and select State and Central government HEIs.
• Digital and transparent process: The scheme will be administered via a dedicated PM-Vidyalaxmi portal, providing a fully digital application system.
  • Payment of interest subvention will be made through E-voucher and Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) wallets
• Loan Features:
  • Collateral-Free Loans: Students can avail loans without collateral or guarantors to cover full tuition and course-related expenses.
  • Credit Guarantee: Loans up to ₹7.5 lakh have a 75% credit guarantee, encouraging banks to extend loans.
  • Interest Subvention: For students from families with an annual income up to ₹8 lakh, a 3% interest subsidy on loans up to ₹10 lakh during the moratorium period.
  • Preference for technical/professional courses in government institutions.
• Beneficiaries: Aimed at benefiting around 22 lakh students, with 1 lakh students receiving interest support annually.
• Budget: An outlay of ₹3,600 crore for 2024-25 to 2030-31, targeting 7 lakh new students under the interest subvention program over this period.

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Wave Life Sciences, a Massachusetts-based biotech company, recently became the first to treat a genetic disorder by editing RNA at the clinical level.

• RNA’s role in gene expression and interference, essential for CRISPR-Cas9’s success, has brought it to the forefront of precision medicine.

About RNA Editing

• RNA and Protein Synthesis: Cells produce messenger RNA (mRNA) based on DNA instructions, which then direct protein synthesis. Mistakes in mRNA can result in faulty proteins causing various genetic disorders.
• ADAR Enzyme Role: Adenosine deaminase acting on RNA (ADAR) converts adenosine in mRNA to inosine, which mimics guanosine.
  • This alteration can correct mutations, helping cells produce functional proteins.
• Guide RNA (gRNA): gRNA directs ADAR to specific mRNA sites for targeted corrections, offering a potential treatment for genetic conditions involving single-point mutations.

What are the three types of RNA modifications?

• The three types of RNA modifications are addition, deletion, and substitution.
• Addition is when a nucleotide is inserted. 
• Deletion is when one is removed. 
• And substitution is when one nucleotide is exchanged for another.

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Clinical Application in Treating Genetic Disorders

• WVE-006 Therapy: Wave Life Sciences developed a therapy for α-1 antitrypsin deficiency (AATD), a condition causing liver and lung issues.
  • WVE-006 uses gRNA to guide ADAR enzymes to correct specific single-point mutations in the SERPINA1 gene.
• Potential for Broader Applications: The company is exploring RNA editing for Huntington’s disease, Duchenne muscular dystrophy, and certain forms of obesity, all associated with single-point mutations.

Other Companies in the RNA Editing Field

• Korro Bio: Focuses on RNA editing for AATD and Parkinson’s disease.
• ProQr Therapeutics: Develops treatments for heart disease and bile acid build-up in the liver.
• Shape Therapeutics: Works on RNA editing therapies for neurological disorders.
• Ascidian Therapeutic: Testing RNA editing for ABCA4 retinopathy; the large ABCA4 gene size makes standard gene therapy difficult, making RNA editing a suitable alternative.
• Rznomics: Conducting trials on liver cancer treatments in the U.S. and South Korea, targeting human telomerase reverse transcriptase to reduce tumor growth.

RNA Editing Vs DNA Editing

Challenges in RNA Editing

• Specificity Issues: ADAR enzymes can edit both targeted and non-targeted mRNA parts, potentially leading to unintended effects.
  • Improving gRNA targeting accuracy is a key focus.
• Transient Nature: RNA editing’s temporary effects require repeated treatments for sustained benefits.
• Delivery Limitations: Current delivery methods, like lipid nanoparticles and adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors, have limited capacity for transporting larger molecules.

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Future of RNA Editing

• RNA editing is in its early stages, with at least 11 companies worldwide developing treatments for a variety of genetic conditions.
• Major pharmaceutical companies, including Eli Lilly, Roche, and Novo Nordisk, have shown significant interest, indicating that RNA editing may soon become a staple in precision medicine.

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On November 5, 2024, Lok Sabha Speaker paid tribute to Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das on his birth anniversary at his portrait in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan.

About Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das

• Birth: Chittaranjan Das was born on November 5, 1870, in Calcutta (now Kolkata) into the Bengali Baidya family.
• Education: He attended the London Missionary Society’s Institution in Bhawanipur, graduating from Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1890.
• Law Studies: Das studied law at the Middle Temple in England, becoming a barrister in 1894.

Role in the Independence Movement and Contributions

• Prominent Leader: Known as ‘Deshbandhu’ (Friend of the Nation), Das played a pivotal role in India’s freedom struggle.
• Mentorship: He was a mentor to leaders like Subhas Chandra Bose.
• He was part of a non-official committee, along with Mahatma Gandhi and Motilal Nehru, investigating the Jallianwala Bagh massacre
• Congress Leadership: He actively supported Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement and served as President of the Indian National Congress in 1922.
• Founding of Swaraj Party: Disagreeing with Congress’s stance on council entry, he founded the Swaraj Party in 1923 with Motilal Nehru to push for self-governance.
• Alipore Bomb Case (1909): Das gained fame by successfully defending nationalist leader Aurobindo Ghosh, demonstrating his legal prowess and commitment to the freedom cause
• Chittaranjan Das was also the defence counsel in the Dacca Conspiracy Case (1910-11). 
• Bengal Pact (1923): Das initiated the Bengal Pact to address economic imbalances and promote unity between Hindu and Muslim communities by proposing proportional representation in legislative bodies and government jobs.

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Literary Contributions of Chittaranjan Das

• Poetry: He was an acclaimed Bengali poet, with works like Malancha, Mala, and Sagar Sangeet reflecting his passion for Bengali culture and literary talent.
• • Sagar-Sangit (The Songs of the Sea): Published in 1913, this collection of poems showcased his early poetic talent.
  • Antaryami (The All-perceiver): Released in 1914, this work delved into philosophical and spiritual themes.
  • Kishor-Kishori (The Youth): Published in 1915, this collection explored the aspirations and challenges of youth.
• Literary Journal Narayan: He founded and edited this high-quality literary journal for five years, providing a platform for emerging writers and showcasing his own poetic works.
• Vaishnava Influence: His poetry often drew inspiration from the rich tradition of Vaishnava literature, reflecting the deep spiritual and philosophical influences on his work.
• Social Commentary: Some of his poems addressed contemporary social and political issues, reflecting his commitment to social justice and national liberation.

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The fifth edition of the Vietnam-India Bilateral Army Exercise, EXERCISE VINBAX 2024, began on November 4, 2024, at Ambala, India. 

About VINBAX

• Initiation: Instituted in 2018, VINBAX is an annual military training event conducted alternately in India and Vietnam. The first edition was held in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh.

Objectives of EXERCISE VINBAX 2024

• Joint Capability Building: Enhance joint military capabilities of both countries for the employment and deployment of engineering companies and medical teams in United Nations peacekeeping operations.
• UN Peacekeeping Operations: Equip both sides to conduct engineering tasks and support humanitarian efforts as part of a United Nations contingent under Chapter VII of the UN Charter.
• Disaster Relief: Conduct a 48-hour Validation Exercise to demonstrate Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) capabilities, including equipment displays.

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India’s Recent Defense Engagements in Southeast Asia

• India-Indonesia Joint Special Forces Exercise Garud Shakti 2024: Held in Cijantung, Jakarta, from November 1 to November 12, 2024, this exercise strengthens ties with Indonesian special forces.
• Singapore-India Maritime Bilateral Exercise (SIMBEX) 2024: The 31st edition of SIMBEX took place in Visakhapatnam from October 23 to 29, 2024, focusing on maritime security cooperation.

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Researchers from the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) in Guwahati have identified a promising protein, IL-35, that could lead to new treatments for type 1 diabetes and autoimmune diabetes mellitus.

About IL-35

IL-35 is a unique protein composed of two specific chains, IL-12α and IL-27β, with promising potential in immunotherapy for type 1 and autoimmune diabetes.

• IL-35 has been found to play a protective role in the immune system by reducing specific immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals. 
  • This reduction helps lower pancreatic cell infiltration, a major contributor to the development of autoimmune diabetes.

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About Autoimmune Diabetes

• Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is an organ-specific autoimmune disease where the immune system mistakenly targets and attacks the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas.Causes: It is a complex disease involving both genetic predisposition and environmental triggers that contribute to the autoimmune response against beta cells.
• Impact: In genetically susceptible individuals, the inflammatory attack on beta cells leads to a chronic deficiency of insulin. This process results in a lifelong dependence on external (exogenous) insulin for managing blood glucose levels.

Role of  IL-35 in the Immune System

• Immune Regulation: IL-35 regulates various immune components, including macrophages, T-cells, and regulatory B-cells, all of which are crucial in managing immune responses.
• IL-35 impacts the immune system by
  • Inhibiting Macrophage Activation and T-cell Proteins: IL-35 prevents immune cells from attacking pancreatic beta cells, essential for insulin production.
  • Regulating Regulatory B Cells: These cells play a vital role in moderating immune responses, helping prevent autoimmune attacks on pancreatic cells. Lowering Inflammatory Cell Production: By reducing specific immune cells that produce inflammatory chemicals, IL-35 minimizes pancreatic cell infiltration, a critical factor in both type 1 and autoimmune diabetes.

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Significance of the IL-35 identification

• The global diabetes epidemic, particularly concerning children and adolescents in developing countries, demands effective new therapies.
  • Traditional treatments focus on symptom management, but IL-35-mediated immunotherapy offers a new approach by addressing the immune response directly, potentially leading to more lasting control over the disease.

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The Indian government has proposed merging Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) to reduce their number from 43 to 28. 

• The government’s consolidation plan aligns with the ‘One State-One RRB’ goal.
• Current Status: 12 states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Karnataka, and West Bengal, currently have more than one RRB.

About Consolidation of Regional Rural Banks

• RRB consolidation began following the recommendations of the Dr. Vyas Committee (2001).
• Consolidation Phases: Initiated in 2004-05, reducing RRBs from 196 to 43 by 2020-21 across three phases.
  • The ongoing fourth consolidation phase aims to further reduce the number to 28.
  • Significance of Consolidation: Reduces overhead expenses and promotes technology adoption.
  • Enhances capital base, expands operational areas, and increases exposure.

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About Regional Rural Banks

• Genesis: Established in 1975 on the recommendations of the Narasimhan Working Group (1975), through an ordinance later replaced by the Regional Rural Banks Act, 1976.
  • First RRB: Prathama Grameen Bank, established on October 2, 1975.
• Objectives: Created to support rural development by providing credit to small/marginal farmers, agricultural labourers, and small entrepreneurs.
• Operational Scope: Primarily serve rural areas, with permission to open branches in urban areas as needed.
• Shareholding Structure:
  • Government of India: 50%

• • State Government: 15%
  • Sponsor Bank: 35%
• Regulation:  RRBs are Scheduled Commercial Banks (Government Banks) regulated by the RBI and supervised by NABARD.
• Sources of Funds: Include owned funds, deposits, and borrowings from NABARD, Sponsor Banks, and institutions like SIDBI and the National Housing Bank.
  • Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Target: RRBs must allocate 75% of their total outstanding advances to PSL , compared to 40% for Scheduled Commercial Banks.

Challenges in Consolidation of RRB

• Integration Complexity: Merging multiple banks requires intricate integration of diverse technological systems and operational procedures.
• Regional Disparities: Ensuring consistent service delivery across diverse rural regions can be a significant challenge.
• Workforce Adjustments: Restructuring the workforce during consolidation can be a sensitive process.

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Way Forward

• The consolidation of Regional Rural Banks is a strategic move to enhance the rural banking sector’s efficiency and competitiveness. 
• By creating larger, more robust institutions, the government aims to address the challenges faced by RRBs in competing with private sector banks and Small Finance Banks (SFBs).
• To ensure the success of this initiative, it is crucial to carefully implement the consolidation process and monitor its impact on RRBs’ financial health and service delivery to rural communities.

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7th Assembly Session of International Solar Alliance

Context: New Delhi will host the 7th Assembly session of the International Solar Alliance

• Agrivoltaic System: The Assembly will conclude on 6 November 2024 with delegates visiting a farm site in Delhi to witness the practical implementation of the Agrivoltaic System ( using the same land for solar energy production and agriculture).

Key Highlights of the Assembly Session

• Elections for the president and co-president for the year 2024 – 2026 will be conducted 
• The  High-Level Technology Conference on Clean Technologies:  The 3rd edition will be hosted in global collaboration with the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy, the Government of India, the Asian Development Bank, and the International Solar Energy Society.
• 3rd Edition of The World Solar Reports: The series will be launched in the session and is ISA’s flagship report series on technology, investment, and market.
  • World Solar Market Report: It reveals exceptional solar growth with global capacity soaring from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023.
  • World Investment Report: Solar Energy is leading the  renewables space with 59% of the total investment with APAC emerging as the top investing region.
  • World Technology Report: There are technological advancements in solar with 24.9% efficiency in solar PV modules and a 90% drop in utility-scale solar PV costs.
  • Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries: Launched with Denmark’s support, targeting Egypt, Morocco, and Namibia to explore green hydrogen as a decarbonization solution.

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About the International Solar Alliance

• The International Solar Alliance is an international organisation which aims to promote solar power as a sustainable transition to a carbon-neutral future. 
• Establishment: Launched in 2015 by India and France at the COP21 UN Climate Change Conference in Paris.
• Headquarters:  National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE) Gurugram, India. 
  • It is the first international intergovernmental organisation to be headquartered in India
• Membership:  103 Member Countries and 17 Signatories
• Guiding Strategy: The ‘Towards 1000’ initiative targets:
  • USD 1000 billion investment in solar by 2030,
  • Access to clean energy for 1000 million people,
  • Installation of 1000 GW solar capacity,
  • Reduction of 1000 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
• Vision: “Let us together make the sun brighter”
• Mission: “Every home, no matter how far away, will have a light at home.”
• ISA Assembly:
  • The Assembly is the apex decision-making body of ISA representing each Member Country which meets annually at the ministerial level at the ISA’s seat
  • Functions: The Assembly primarily makes decisions for the implementation of the ISA’s Framework Agreement.
    • Assessment: The overall effects of the programmes and other activities in terms of deployment, performance, reliability, cost, and scale of finance is assessed.

Key Initiatives of ISA

• One Sun One World One Grid (OSOWOG): Aims to build a global, interconnected renewable energy grid, with support from the World Bank.
• ISA Solar Technology and Application Resource Centre (ISTAR C): Focuses on technical training, innovation, and capacity-building for solar energy solutions.
• The Solar Data Portal: It is a platform that delivers real-time data on solar resources, project performance, and investment opportunities across countries.
• The Global Solar Facility: It aims to unlock commercial capital for solar projects in underserved regions, especially Africa.
• SolarX Startup Challenge: To identify and support innovative, scalable solutions for the solar sector. 
• The ISA Knowledge Series and the Green Hydrogen Innovation Centre: It was launched at the G20 Ministerial to advance solar energy research and development to expand knowledge-sharing and advocacy.

World’s First Wooden Satellite

Context: The world’s first wooden satellite was launched into space by Japan in an early test of using timber in lunar and Mars exploration.

About the Satellite

• Name: The satellite is named LignoSat after the Latin word for “wood”
• Built by: It was developed by Kyoto University and homebuilder Sumitomo Forestry (1911.T)
• Material Used: LignoSat is made of Honoki, using a traditional Japanese crafts technique without screws or glue.
  • Honoki is a kind of magnolia tree native to Japan and traditionally used for sword sheaths. 
• Mission: The satellite will be flown to the International Space Station on a SpaceX mission and later released into orbit about 400 km (250 miles) above the Earth. LignoSat will stay in orbit for six months.
• Purpose: LignoSat will  demonstrate the cosmic potential of wood as a space-grade material as  humans explore living in space.
  • The satellite is a  NASA-certified wooden satellite
• Mission Objectives: 
  • Endurance Strength: To measure Wood’s ability to endure the extreme environment of space with temperatures fluctuating from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minute
  • Impact of Radiation: It will also measure wood’s ability to reduce the impact of space radiation on semiconductors, making it useful for applications such as data centre construction.

Advantages of Wood as a Space Material

• Space Debris: Conventional metal satellites create aluminum oxide particles during re-entry, but wooden ones would just burn up with less pollution
• Durability: Wood is more durable in space than on Earth as  there’s no water or oxygen that would rot or inflame it
• A wooden satellite also minimizes the environmental impact at the end of its life while decommissioning.

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Protected Planet Report 2024

Context: Recently, the Protected Planet Report 2024 was launched at COP16. 

More on the news

• Launched by : The UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) and the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)

About The Protected Planet Report

• It is the first report to thoroughly evaluate the status of protected and conserved areas worldwide, aligning with Target 3 of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework. 
  • This report compiles up-to-date data from governments and other partners through the Protected Planet Initiative.
• Objective: The report evaluates the global commitment to biodiversity conservation since the KMGBF was established, tracking milestones and challenges.
  • 30×30 Target: This goal prioritizes the protection of at least 30% of the world’s terrestrial and marine ecosystems by 2030 to maintain ecological balance and support biodiversity.
  • Importance of the 30×30 Target
    • Ecosystem Stability: Conserving 30% of land and marine areas is vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems and biodiversity.
    • Climate Change Mitigation: Protected areas can act as carbon sinks, helping in the fight against climate change.
    • Sustainable Development: Biodiversity conservation supports sustainable livelihoods and natural resources, crucial for future generations.

Key Findings of the Protected Planet Report 2024

• Coverage Progress: Currently, 17.6% of land and 8.4% of marine areas are protected. To achieve the 30×30 target by 2030, substantial acceleration and quality improvements in protected areas are needed.
• Area Expansion: Since 2020, an additional 629,000 km² of land and 1.77 million km² of marine areas have been protected. However, 12.4% more land and 21.6% more marine areas must still be secured.
• Biodiversity Protection: While 68% of Key Biodiversity Areas (KBAs) are protected, 32% remain unprotected. Efforts are needed to cover critical ecosystems and ensure ecological representation.
• Connectivity: Only 8.52% of land is both protected and ecologically connected, showing a gap in the connectivity essential for biodiversity conservation.
• Effectiveness of Protection: Although 177 countries report some management data, more comprehensive governance assessments are necessary to measure conservation impact.
• Equitable Governance: Indigenous management is limited to 3.95% of protected areas. Broader governance inclusion is required to honor Indigenous and community rights.
• Integrated Conservation: Protected areas should be embedded in larger landscapes and seascapes, balancing biodiversity goals with sustainable use and local livelihoods.

Millimeter Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity

Context: The Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT), a key Telecom R&D body under India’s Department of Telecommunications (DoT), has signed an agreement with the Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee (IIT Roorkee).

More on the news

• The collaboration aims to develop a Millimetre Wave Transceiver for 5G Rural Connectivity to enhance telecom infrastructure in rural areas.
• The agreement is signed under the Telecom Technology Development Fund (TTDF) scheme of the Department of Telecommunications, Government of India. 
  • TTDF aims to fund telecommunication product innovation to provide affordable broadband and mobile services, addressing India’s digital divide.

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India’s Autonomous Maritime Milestone: Sagarmala Parikrama

Context: An autonomous surface vessel, indigenously developed by Sagar Defence Engineering, successfully completed a 1,500 km voyage from Mumbai to Thoothukudi.

More on the news

• This autonomous vessel marks a first-of-its-kind achievement in India

About Sagarmala Parikrama

• It is an initiative of  the Indian Navy and Sagar Defence Engineering.
• Objective: To showcase India’s expertise in maritime technology. 
• Key feature: This project has an autonomous vessel named “Matangi”. 

Key Highlights

• Human-Free Navigation: The vessel accomplished this feat without any human intervention, showcasing India’s technological prowess in autonomous maritime systems.
• Government Support: The Indian Navy’s support, through its innovation and indigenization initiatives, was instrumental in the project’s success.
• Strategic Significance: This achievement has significant implications for India’s national security, enabling the deployment of unmanned systems for various maritime operations.
• Future Applications: The successful voyage opens doors for the deployment of autonomous vessels in diverse applications, including coastal surveillance, anti-piracy operations, and search and rescue missions.

Implications for India’s Maritime Security

• Enhanced Surveillance: Autonomous vessels can be deployed for continuous surveillance of India’s vast coastline, improving maritime security.
• Efficient Operations: Unmanned systems can undertake routine tasks, freeing up human resources for more complex missions.
• Reduced Risk to Personnel: By minimizing human involvement in hazardous maritime operations, autonomous vessels can reduce the risk to personnel.
• Technological Advancement: This achievement underscores India’s commitment to technological advancement in the defense sector, positioning the country as a global leader in autonomous maritime systems.

Permafrost Carbon

Context: A first full greenhouse gas budget (for CO₂, methane, and nitrous oxide) for the period 2000–20 by tallying sources and sinks for the northern permafrost region is being published as part of the Global Carbon Project.

Highlights of the Study

• It was found that permafrost was a small to medium CO₂ sink which stored between 29 million and 500 million tonnes of carbon a year.
• Negative Carbon-Climate Feedback: Thawing of permafrost will not drastically affect the global warming scenario and will actually result in cooling affects as,
  • Longer growing seasons (due to global warming), the increase in available nitrogen in soils, and higher CO₂ concentrations will  help plants to grow for longer and accumulate more carbon.
• Neutral Potential: The combined contribution to global warming of all three greenhouse gasses is close to neutral as CO₂ sinks will lead to cooling offsetting  the warming from methane and nitrous oxide emissions in 100 year cycle.
• Sources of Greenhouse Gases:
  • CO₂: Lakes, rivers and wildfires were the source of CO₂.
  • Methane: There is an increase in wetlands (low oxygen levels) as the permafrost melts making more  landscape saturated with water.
  • Nitrous Oxide Emissions: It came from the decomposed soil organic matter also containing nitrogen from the dry tundra and boreal forests.
• As a Sink: 
  • The boreal forests of Canada and Russia and other smaller regions, were mainly responsible for soaking up the CO₂ when there was increased plant growth and longer growing seasons.

About Permafrost

• Permafrost is any ground comprising layers of soil, sand, gravel, or rock held together by ice that remains frozen for at least two years and is a geologic manifestation of climate being defined by temperature, and not by soil moisture or snow cover.
• Regions: Permafrost is found in The Arctic, The Antarctic, High mountains, Subsea Arctic continental shelves, Eurasia, North America, and Greenland
• Permafrost Carbon: It is the source of organic carbon (a material leftover from dead plants that couldn’t decompose, or rot away, due to the cold) found mainly near the surface.
  • As permafrost thaws, microbes will act on these organic carbon decomposing them, releasing  greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide and methane to the atmosphere.

55th International Film Festival of India

Context: Panaji, Goa will host the 55th International Film Festival of India (IFFI).

Highlights of the 55th IFFI

• The 2024 edition features films across 16 curated segments
  • Examples:  popular segments like  ‘Creative Minds of Tomorrow’, ‘Film Bazaar’ and ‘Cine Mela’ etc
• The Country of Focus: Australia will be the country of focus and feature seven Australian films across a range of genres.
  • India and Australia have formalized an Audio-Visual Co-Production Treaty, supporting deeper cinematic collaborations between the two countries.
• Sections:
  • IFFI’s International Cinema Section: It will showcase exceptional films from around the globe.
  • The Indian Panorama Section: it will showcase 25 Feature Films and 20 Non-Feature Films during its 55th edition.
  • Opening Film: 
    • The feature Film category will open with  “Swatantrya Veer Savarkar” (Hindi) by Shri Randeep Hooda.
    • The non-feature category will open with Ghar Jaisa Kuch (Ladakhi), directed by Harsh Sangani.
• Best Debut Director of Indian Feature Film: A new award category was created dedicated to emerging voices in Indian cinema.
  • Debut Director Films Honoured: Boong (Manipuri) by Lakshmipriya Devi; Gharat Ganpati (Marathi) by Navjyot Bandiwadekar; Mikka Bannada Hakki (Bird of a Different Feather- Kannada) by Manohara K;  Razakar (Silent Genocide of Hyderabad- Telugu) by Yata Satyanarayana; Thanupp (The Cold- Malayalam) by Ragesh Narayanan
• Centenary Tribute: IFFI 2024 will pay centenary tribute to four legends of Indian cinema ie. actor Raj Kapoor, director Tapan Sinha, Telugu film icon Akkineni Nageswara Rao (ANR), and singer Mohammed Rafi

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About The International Film Festival of India (IFFI)

• The International Film Festival of India (IFFI) stands as one of Asia’s premier film festivals, with an accreditation from the International Federation of Film Producers’ Associations (FIAPF) also.
• Foundation: It was founded in 1952.
• Held At: Goa is hosting the festival annually since 2004
• Organised by: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India ( National Film Development Corporation) in collaboration with the Entertainment Society of Goa, Government of Goa.
• Significance: The event continues to serve as a cultural bridge, connecting audiences, filmmakers, and cinephiles from around the world while fostering a global appreciation for the art of filmmaking.

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