Daily News Simplified - DNS
26 04 20 Notes
SL. NO. TOPICS
THE HINDUPAGE NO.
1 Why pathogens travel in search of a host 12
2 First merger of two black holes with unequal masses detected 11
3 For BRICS, challenges and opportunities 13
4 Quick nod likely for China investments 10
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
Title 1. Why pathogens travel in search of a host (The Hindu Pg. No. 12) Syllabus Prelims: General Science
Mains: GS Paper III – Science & Technology Theme Zoonotic Disease Highlights
What are Zoonotic Diseases? Animals can sometimes carry harmful germs that can spread to people and
cause illness – these are known as zoonotic diseases or zoonoses. Zoonotic diseases are caused by harmful germs like viruses, bacterial,
parasites, and fungi. How do germs spread between animals and people?
Direct contact: Coming into contact with the saliva, blood, urine, mucous, feces, or other body fluids
Indirect contact: Coming into contact with areas where animals live and roam, or objects or surfaces that have been contaminated with germs.
Vector-borne: Being bitten by a tick, or an insect like a mosquito or a flea. Foodborne: Eating or drinking something unsafe, such as unpasteurized (raw)
milk, undercooked meat or eggs, Waterborne: Drinking or coming in contact with water that has been contaminated with feces from an infected animal.
Causes for the spurt in Zoonotic Diseases Human populations are growing and expanding into new geographic areas. Animals play an important role in our lives The earth has experienced changes in climate and land use The movement of people, animals, and animal products has increased from
international travel and trade. These changes have led to the spread of existing or known (endemic) and
new or emerging zoonotic diseases, which are diseases that can spread between animals and people.
What is One Health? One Health is an approach that recognizes that the health of people is closely
connected to the health of animals and our shared environment.
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
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Title 2. First merger of two black holes with unequal masses detected (The Hindu – Pg. 11)
Syllabus Prelims: General ScienceMains: GS Paper III – Science & Technology
Theme Gravitational Wave detected from LIGO Highlights
The News The analysis of the gravitational wave that was detected a year ago by LIGO
has turned out to be from the collision of 2 blackholes of unequal mass. This has given us the opportunity to study the gravitational waves with more
precision as the signals from unequal masses of blackholes are sharper.Context
Ever since gravitational waves were discovered for the 1st time in 2016, there has been a beginning of new era in astronomy.
These gravitational waves opened a new window to observe the universe apart from our observations through electromagnetic radiation.
While the gravitational waves 1st detected came from collision of neutron starts, an year ago another gravitational wave was detected which was known to have emerged from merger of blackholes.
A detailed analysis of the waveform has revealed that this gravitational wave is from the merger of 2 blackholes of unequal masses that makes it possible for scientists to study gravitational waves in greater detail as the signal are more shaper.
What are gravitational waves? Electric charges oscillating up and down produce electromagnetic radiation. In a similar way, the general theory of relativity predicts that oscillating
massive objects should produce gravitational radiation, or gravitational waves.
These Gravitational waves produce ripples in the space-time geometry (similar to ripples in water) that travel across space-time at the speed of light.
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
How are gravitational-wave produced? As seen above gravitational waves are produced when massive objects
oscillate in the space-time fabric. Thus cosmic events involving massive objects such as exploding stars,
collisions between ultra-dense neutron stars or merging black holes or supernovae produce ripples in space-time fabric which we call as gravitational waves.
In 2016, gravitational waves finally were observed from the merger of two neutron stars.
How do we detect gravitational waves? The ripples in the space-time fabric cause the space-time fabric to stretch
and squeeze (similar to surface of a balloon). However since the gravitational waves are extremely weak compared to
electromagnetic waves (as gravity is the weakest force in nature) and we do not perceive it in our daily lives.
Thus extremely sensitive instruments involving laser beams are set up to study these small changes in the space-time when they are stretched.
Thus Laser-based gravitational wave observatories called LIGO (laser interferometer gravitational wave observatory) are set up to measure the minute ripples in space-time caused by gravitational waves.
Note: An Advanced LIGO detector is planned to be set up in Hingoli district of Maharashtra from LIGO Hanford.
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
Personal Notes
Title 3. For BRICS, challenges and opportunities (Page number 13) Syllabus Prelims: Current events of International Importance
Mains: GS Paper II – International Relations Theme Next BRICS Summit in Russia Highlights
Context: o As the date for the next BRICS summit (12th BRICS summit, scheduled for
July 21-23 in St. Petersburg) there are speculations as to the feasibility of conducting such a summit amid covid19.
o But in this context a report, “BRICS and the Rivalry Pandemic”, released by Russian think-tank Valdai Club this week, notes that the question of considering BRICS as a global governance institution has now come to the fore.
o So in this contest we will first understand the prelims relevant information regarding BRICS and then we will move on to discussing weather BRICS can indeed act as a global institution or not?
What is BRICS? BRICS is the acronym coined for an association of five major emerging
national economies: Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. South Africa is the latest entrant in the group: Originally the first four were grouped as "BRIC" (or "the BRICs"), before the
induction of South Africa in 2010.
Which nation initiated the negotiation for this grouping? This is where it gets interesting as the genesis of the idea of BRICS
did not come from any of the mebers but rather from a prominent economist Banker: Jim o’Neill
o In November 2001, Jim O’Neill, a British economist who was then chairman of Goldman Sachs Asset Management, coined the term ‘BRIC’ to describe the four emerging economies of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
o He published a paper 'The World Needs Better Economic BRICs’ for the Goldman Sachs ‘Global Economic Paper’ series.
o In this paper he made a case for BRIC on the basis of econometric analyses projecting that the four economies would individually and collectively occupy far greater economic space and become among the world’s largest economies in the next 50 years or so.
So these four nations paid heed to his article and met on the side-lines of G-8 summit:
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
o As a formal grouping, BRIC started after the meeting of the leaders of Russia, India and China in St Petersburg on the margins of the G8-Outreach Summit in July 2006.
o The first BRIC Summit was held in Yekaterinburg, Russia, on June 16, 2009.
Why is such a grouping Significant? So if you judge the dominance of any group across the world, the five
parameters are: Territory under control, Population, economy (GDP and Trade).
Lets see how BRICS fares on these parameters: o 42% of the global population, o 23% of the global GDP, o 30% of the global territory o 18% of the global trade.o Quite impressive!
The BRICS members are also known for their significant influence on regional affairs; all are members of G20.
So apart from conducting annual summits, do nations derive any other benefit?Yes,
BRICS has taken three main financial initiatives o New Development Bank (HQ: Shanghai)
It is a multilateral development bank operated by the BRICS states.
The bank's primary focus of lending will be infrastructure projects with authorized lending of up to $34 billion annually.
The bank will have starting capital of $50 billion contributed equally by all the members.
o BRICS Contingent Reserve Arrangement What is CRA?
It is found that emerging economies that experienced rapid economic liberalization went through increased economic volatility, bringing uncertain macroeconomic environment.
Hence, It is a framework for providing protection against global liquidity pressures.
This includes currency issues where members' national currencies are being adversely affected by global financial pressures.
Here is the individual contribution of members:
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
What opportunities doBRICS group offers? The issues which these nations face at international organizations
can be overcome using the mechanisms created. (Western hegemony, conditions on loan)
o For example the CRA is generally seen as a competitor to the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and NDBas that of WB.
o It is interesting that NDB is funding projects which have been stalled by WB because of green norms.
o BRICS is viewed as an example of increasing South-South cooperation which can can reduce the influence of UN and other institutions such as WTO which is primarily controlled and manipulated by the developed countries and countries with veto power.
Unilateralism to Multilateralism o As we have seen that USA is gradually withdrawing itself from global
affairs and hence global politics is moving more towards multilateralism. BRICS can play an important role here.
What are the challenges being faced by this group? o Geographical separation
o Members fragmented along 4 different continents.o Significant troubles in the neighbourhood:
o China: SCS and India o India: Pakistan o Russia: Troubles with EU o So to be able to form a grouping which is accepted word wide, it is
important that you should be accepted in the neighbourhood. o Political incoherence
o Russia and China: Dictatorship o Rest democracy.o For a long lasting strong group, there should be political homogeneity.
(ex: EU). o China
o Dominance of china Chinese role in trade relations makes the BRICS much more a
China-with-partners group than a union of equal members.o China floating its own such organizations
For example OBOR, SCO and AIIB. Obviously Chinese backing behind BRICS is depleting.
o Lack of Mutual trust and Interests o China- India rivalry (Territorial)o Manufacturing (China, India)o Russia and Brazil rivalry (Mining)
So although BRICS has Necessary conditions (Political, military and economic influence) to act like a global institution, but these conditions are not sufficient. As indicated by the significant challenges that they face.
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
Personal Notes
Title 4. Quick nod likely for China investments (The Hindu Pg. No. 10) Syllabus Prelims: Economy
Mains: GS Paper III – Economy Theme Changes in FDI Policy in India Highlights
Context: The outbreak of COVID-19 has adversely affected various firms in India. The Share prices of most of the Indian companies have been falling because of the disruption. The decrease in the share prices has in turn exposed the Indian companies to hostile and opportunistic take over by Chinese Companies.
Recently, Chinese Central Bank brought 1.75 crore shares of HDFC Bank leading to increase in its ownership from 0.8% to 1.01% of the total shareholding of HDFC. Hence, in order to prevent the hostile takeovers of Indian Companies by foreign Companies, the Government of India has tweaked the FDI Policy.
Understanding Foreign Direct InvestmentAccording to the guidelines issued by the Government, foreign investment of less10% in a listed Indian Company is considered as Portfolio Investment. Foreign Investment of 10% or more in a listed Indian company is considered as Foreign Direct Investment.FDI leads to both ownership and management control of a company, while FPI provides for only ownership in accordance with the shareholding.
Present FDI PolicySince, the 1991 LPG Reforms, the Government of India has opened up FDI in almost all the sectors of Indian Economy as shown below:
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
FDI under sectors is permitted either through Automatic route or Government route. Under the Automatic route, the non-resident or Indian company does not require any approval from Government of India. Whereas, under the Government route, approval form the Government of India is required prior to investment. Proposals for foreign investment under the Government route are considered by the respective Administrative Ministry/Department. Sectors where FDI is prohibited:
Lottery Business including Government/private lottery, online lotteries, etc. Gambling and Betting including casinos etc. Chit funds and Nidhi company Trading in Transferable Development Rights (TDRs) Manufacturing of cigars, cheroots, cigarillos and cigarettes, of tobacco or of
tobacco substitutes Activities/sectors not open to private sector investment such as Atomic
Energy and Railway operations. Recent Changes:Earlier Regime: A citizen of Bangladesh or an entity incorporated in Bangladesh and Pakistan can invest only under the Government route. Further, FDI from Pakistan is not allowed in sectors such as defence, space and atomic energy.
New Regime: According to the new regime, entities from countries which share a land border with
Dated: 26-April-2020 DNS Notes
India will now be permitted to invest only under approval route. This means that the FDI proposal from bordering countries will now require government clearance, even if foreign investments for that sector is placed under approval route. So, going forward, FDI from China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar, Bhutan and Afghanistanwould compulsorily require Government’s approval.The rules have been tightened not just for fresh but existing FDI as well. Transfer of ownership of any existing or future FDI where the direct or indirect beneficiary is from these countries will also require government approval.
Note: 1. India shares a land border with China, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Myanmar,
Bhutan and Afghanistan.2. As of now, changes have been made only to foreign direct investment and not
foreign portfolio investment (FPI) rules. There are speculations that SEBI may also come out with such restrictions.
Personal Notes
