Syllabus:

• Mains – GS 2

Context: India-Russia relationship is set to be the most consequential bilateral engagement of the year 2025.

Background: –

• The India-Russia relationship serves not just the two countries in question, but the world.

Key takeaways

• The strength of ties between New Delhi and Moscow matters to both countries. It touches core mutual areas: Trade in energy, technological co-development, and strategic interests. 
• Russia remains India’s most accommodating partner when it comes to high-tech supplies. While the West — France and the US in particular — are relaxing rules for trade with India in dual-use tech, there is still a long way to go before Delhi’s undersea and long-range requirements are satisfied by the West. This is where Moscow steps in.

Apart from being mutually beneficial to India and Russia, the relationship is a vital global public good :

• First, it serves as a bridge between the rest of the world and a Russian polity that has been alienated by, and has set out to further alienate, the West. India’s commitment to multilateralism and the global order anchors Russia, to a system that it otherwise seeks to disrupt.
• Second, the India-Russia relationship prevents the Russian bear from totally entering the dragon’s den. A Russia locked into servitude to Beijing’s interests would be profoundly inimical for the world order, the West in particular. India’s outstretched hand grants Russia the ability to manoeuvre and allows it to avoid capitulating completely to China.
• Third, trade between India and Russia in fossil fuels is designed to be compliant with sanctions meant to limit Russian profits. This too provides broader benefits to the world. It brings valuable price stability and predictability to energy markets, which is vital for the West and for Europe in particular.
• Fourth, the relationship allows for new possibilities in the crucial Arctic region. Without India’s increasing strategic presence in the Arctic, in partnership not just with Russia but also with European and Nordic friends, a new Russia-China axis would have shaped the region’s future. This would have spelt disaster for the ecology and security of global supply chains.
• Finally, India’s presence in groupings like BRICS and the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ensures that these are not weaponised against the West. As External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has put it, India is non-Western, it is not anti-Western. This moderate and reasonable attitude shapes the actions and positions of such groupings. The entry of New Delhi’s candidates — and Western friends — such as the UAE, Egypt and Vietnam into BRICS as either members or partners has further moderated that grouping.
• The ability to partner with nations that are deeply divided by geopolitics has been a feature of Indian diplomacy since Independence. The India-Russia relationship serves not just the two countries in question, but the world.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: Elon Musk has denied claims that his space company SpaceX’s satellite internet technology Starlink is being used by militants in Manipur.

Background: –

• This came after the Indian Army and police seized weapons and what looked like a Starlink-branded satellite router and antenna. Starlink is still pending regulatory approval in India, though it will be starting in neighbouring Bangladesh and Bhutan in 2025

What is Starlink and how does it work?

• Starlink uses an extensive low Earth orbit satellite constellation to deliver broadband internet that has high speeds and low latency. 
• It is a popular choice for users worldwide in remote areas, sea vessels, disaster-struck regions, or places where oppressive regimes have throttled access to more mainstream internet services.
• There are thousands of satellites in the Starlink system, and they orbit Earth at around 550 km. Though they cover the entire globe, per SpaceX, the company is not authorised to provide its services to users in some regions.

What is the controversy surrounding Starlink?

• Indian army on December 16 shared photos of guns, ammunition, and country-made mortars seized from Manipur in X.
• X users spotted a small satellite device and router, with the latter bearing the SpaceX logo sparkling speculation that Musk’s technology was being used by terrorists. Elon Muk responded that Starlink satellite beams are turned off over India.
• This is not the first time SpaceX has become embroiled in controversy in India. Last month, smugglers originating from Myanmar were caught by the Andaman and Nicobar islands police with over 6,000 kg of meth and a Starlink device that was allegedly used for navigation and communication, despite service being prohibited in Indian waters.
• Furthermore, in August this year, Starlink equipment was seen being sold on the B2B platform IndiaMART.

Can Starlink satellite internet be controlled ?

• International borders are not solid and it is not easy to refine satellite internet coverage to such a precise degree that service is activated or halted exactly in line with a nation’s border. An additional complication is that many international borders are contested or unclear
• More information is needed from SpaceX to understand how the company ensures that Starlink satellite internet does not reach the countries yet to allow Starlink, while enabling service for neighbouring countries or waters that do allow Starlink service.

What does Indian law say?

• India strictly regulates and restricts the use of satellite-based communication devices. Everyday gadget users within the country would have noticed that even key satellite-based emergency features on premium phones that are easily available for users overseas are not enabled for use in India.
• Under section 6 of the Indian Wireless Act and Section 20 of the Indian Telegraph Act, the use of thuraya/iridium satellite phones is illegal in the country. Indian embassies worldwide warn both Indian and foreign travellers that they cannot carry satellite phones into the country and may face confiscation and legal action if they do so without permission.
• These restrictions are in place largely to combat militancy and terrorism. In 2022, Indian officials reported that evidence of iridium satellite phone usage was discovered in the Kashmir Valley.
• Starlink is currently trying to enter the Indian market. The latest discovery of the Starlink hardware in Manipur could further affect SpaceX’s entry, due to doubts over its compliance with Indian regulations and possible misuse by non-state actors.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• Prelims – GEOGRAPHY

Context: Union Home Minister Amit Shah highlighted the significance of the Siliguri corridor as a crucial link to Northeast India and said that the presence of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) in the area came as an assurance to the entire country.

Background:

• Home Minister made the remarks while addressing the 61st Raising Day celebrations of the SSB in Siliguri.The SSB guards the 2,450-km border with Nepal and Bhutan. 

Key takeaways:

• The Siliguri Corridor, often referred to as the “Chicken’s Neck”, is a strategically critical narrow stretch of land in the Indian state of West Bengal. It connects mainland India to its northeastern states and is surrounded by Nepal to the west, Bhutan to the north, and Bangladesh to the south.
• Geography:
  • Approximately 22 km wide at its narrowest point.
  • Lies between the Himalayan foothills and Bangladesh.
• Strategic Importance:
  • Serves as a lifeline for India’s northeastern states.
  • Facilitates military and trade connectivity to the Northeast and Bhutan.
  • Vital for India’s counter-insurgency operations and border security.
• Economic Significance:
  • Acts as a transit hub for trade with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.
  • Key transport routes, including National Highway 10 and major railway lines, pass through the corridor.

Strategic Challenges

• Vulnerability to Blockades:
  • The narrowness makes it susceptible to disruption during conflicts.
  • It is close to the India-China-Bhutan tri-junction, including the contentious Doklam plateau.
• Surrounding Geopolitical Sensitivities:
  • Proximity to China’s Tibet Autonomous Region and Bangladesh’s northern border.
  • China’s strategic interest in the region heightens its importance in India’s defense planning.
• Security Concerns:
  • Risks of infiltration, insurgency, and smuggling due to porous borders.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – GEOGRAPHY

Context: In a first, Indian oceanographers have captured the image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean.

Background: –

• This discovery could significantly enhance India’s Deep Ocean mission, especially the Samudrayaan mission, focusing on mineral exploration from inactive vents.

Key takeaways

• Hydrothermal Vents are underwater geothermal systems found on the ocean floor, typically near tectonic plate boundaries. These vents emit mineral-rich, superheated water due to volcanic activity beneath the Earth’s crust.
• Formation:
  • Occur at mid-ocean ridges or subduction zones where tectonic plates diverge or converge.
  • Cold seawater infiltrates the Earth’s crust, heats up due to magma, and re-emerges through cracks, carrying dissolved minerals.
• Types of Vents:
  • Black Smokers: Emit dark, mineral-rich plumes due to high concentrations of metals like iron and sulfides.
  • White Smokers: Release cooler, lighter-colored fluids rich in silica and barium.
• Chemical Composition: Rich in sulfides, methane, and minerals like iron, manganese, and copper.

Ecological Importance

• Unique Ecosystems:
  • Support chemosynthetic organisms (e.g., bacteria and archaea) that derive energy from chemical reactions rather than sunlight.
  • Host diverse life forms like giant tube worms, clams, and shrimp.
• Biological Discoveries:
  • Provide insights into extremophiles, organisms thriving in high-pressure, high-temperature environments.
  • Offer clues about the origins of life on Earth.

Scientific and Economic Importance

• Mineral Deposits:
  • Potential sources of valuable metals like gold, silver, and copper.
  • Can aid in deep-sea mining initiatives.
• Astrobiology: Analogous environments might exist on other planets or moons, like Europa or Enceladus, offering insights into extraterrestrial life.
• Climate Studies: Play a role in understanding carbon and sulfur cycles in Earth’s oceans.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims – ART & CULTURE

Context: In a relief for organisers and fans of Kerala’s famed Thrissur Pooram, the Supreme Court effectively stayed the directions of the state High Court regarding the parading of elephants.

Background: –

• SC said that the Kerala High Court’s directions that mandated a three-metre distance between the elephants paraded at festivals and prohibition on procession using them on public roads between 9 am and 5 pm were impracticable.

Key takeaways

• Thrissur Pooram is a grand Hindu temple festival held annually in Thrissur, Kerala. Known as the “Festival of Festivals,” it is one of the largest and most vibrant temple festivals in India, showcasing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage.
• Historical Significance:
  • Introduced in the late 18th century by Sakthan Thampuran, the Maharaja of Cochin.
  • Aimed to unify regional temple celebrations into a grand event.
• Date and Venue:
  • Celebrated in April or May, depending on the Malayalam calendar (Pooram star in the month of Medam).
  • The main venue is the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur.
• Participants:
  • Two main temple groups, Paramekkavu Bhagavathy Temple and Thiruvambady Krishna Temple, lead the festivities, along with smaller temples in the region.

Cultural Highlights

• Elephant Procession (Kudamattam):
  • Caparisoned elephants carry deity idols in a grand procession.
  • The synchronized display of decorated umbrellas (Kudamattam) atop elephants is a major attraction.
• Panchavadyam: Traditional ensemble of five percussion instruments (Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka, Thimila, and Kombu) performed in unison, creating a mesmerizing rhythm.
• Fireworks Display: Renowned for its spectacular and competitive fireworks show, held at the end of the Pooram.

Source: Indian Express

Q1.) Which of the following statements about the Siliguri Corridor is correct?

1. It connects mainland India to its northeastern states and is surrounded by Nepal, Bhutan, and Myanmar.
2. The corridor is approximately 22 km wide at its narrowest point.
3. It is strategically significant for counter-insurgency operations and border security.

Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q2.) Consider the following statements about Hydrothermal Vents:

1. They are underwater geothermal systems located at tectonic plate boundaries.
2. Black smokers release silica-rich, light-colored fluids.
3. They support unique ecosystems based on chemosynthesis.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q3.) Which of the following are features of the Thrissur Pooram festival?

1. It is held at the Vadakkunnathan Temple in Thrissur, Kerala.
2. The festival includes a synchronized display of decorated umbrellas (Kudamattam).
3. The use of elephants in the festival is prohibited by a Supreme Court order.

Options:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – b

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c