Daily Current Affairs - 22nd April 2025
India-China Relations at 75: A Journey of Cooperation, Competition, and Confrontation
This milestone highlights the journey from the optimism of Panchsheel agreement to the tensions of Galwan, underscores a bond that is both profound and deeply complex.
Historical Background:
Geographical Perspective
- Long Shared Border: 3,488 km (official Indian claim); heavily disputed.
- Three Sectors:
- Western Sector: Aksai Chin (claimed by India, controlled by China).
- Middle Sector: Himachal-Uttarakhand area; relatively peaceful.
- Eastern Sector: Arunachal Pradesh; China calls it “South Tibet.”
- Strategic Locations:
- Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Doklam Plateau.
- China’s aggressive infrastructure: Roads, airstrips, villages in disputed zones.
- Environmental Geography:
- China controls upper riparian status in Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) and bulding a dam on it.
- River data-sharing mechanisms exist, but trust is fragile.
Political and Constitutional Perspective
- Different Governance Models:
- India: Parliamentary democracy; rule of law; pluralism.
- China: One-party authoritarian state; Communist Party supremacy.
- Tibet Issue:
- India’s asylum to Dalai Lama (1959) remains a core irritant.
- Tawang monastery in Arunachal is a religious-political flashpoint.
International Relations Perspective
- Strategic Rivalry:
- India’s Indo-Pacific tilt vs. China’s continental power projection.
- QUAD vs. SCO/BRICS dynamics.
- China’s Obstructionist Diplomacy:
- Blocks India’s entry into Nuclear Supplier Group.
- Vetoes UN listing of Pakistani terrorists.
- China-Pakistan Axis:
- CPEC passes through PoK, violating Indian sovereignty.
- Military and nuclear assistance to Pakistan heightens India’s strategic concerns.
- Border Talks:
- Over 20 rounds of Special Representatives’ talks.
- WMCC (Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination) exists, but efficacy is debatable post-Galwan clash of 2020.
Economic and Trade Perspective
- Trade Relations: India-China bilateral trade reached $127.7 billion in 2024-25, with India’s imports from China surging to $113.5 billionwhile exports fell to $14.25 billion, resulting in a record $99.2 billion trade deficit.
- Sectors of Concern: Electronics, pharma APIs, solar panels, telecom—India is import-dependent.
- Post-2020 Economic Measures:
- Restrictions on Chinese FDI, especially in sensitive sectors.
- Ban on Chinese apps citing data privacy and sovereignty.
- PLI schemes and Atmanirbhar Bharat to reduce dependency.
- Bilateral Investment: Chinese investments in Indian unicorns (startups) under scrutiny.
Defence and Strategic Perspective
- Post-Galwan Militarization:
- Indian Army reoriented from Pakistan-centric to dual-front threat.
- Massive troop deployment (around 60k personnel)and infrastructure push in Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal.
- Doctrinal Shift: Shift from defensive to deterrence posture along LAC.
- Defence Diplomacy:
- India’s military exercises with QUAD nations and France.
- Creation of integrated theatre commands to boost response capabilities.
- China’s Military Modernization:
- PLA has edge in air power, cyber, and logistics near borders.
- India counters with asymmetric strategies, satellite intelligence, and agility.
Security and Cyber security dimension
- Internal Security:
- Possible cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure (Mumbai power outage, 2020 – suspected Chinese link).
- Chinese-made telecom equipment security concerns (e.g., Huawei ban).
- Border Security:
- Construction of all-weather roads, tunnels (Atal Tunnel, Sela Tunnel).
- New mountain corps and surveillance drones.
- 5G and Tech Wars: India aligning with Western digital ecosystems to avoid tech espionage risks.
Environmental and Water Diplomacy
- River Water Sharing:
- Brahmaputra (Yarlung Tsangpo) data sharing under MoUs.
- China building dams (e.g., Zangmu, super dam plans near Medog).
- Climate Cooperation:
- Both are large polluters; partners in BASIC group.
- Diverging interests: China defends its industrial output, India emphasizes equity in climate finance.
Conclusion:
India-China relations at 75 reflect an unresolved border, an imbalanced trade equation, and an undeniable geopolitical rivalry. Yet, they are also defined by pragmatic diplomacy, interdependence, and global responsibilities. For India, the road ahead lies in strategic patience, internal capacity-building, and a well-calibrated international posture.
Power Sharing across States
Federalism and inter-State relations have become increasingly significant, particularly within the energy sector. In response to its rising power demand, Telangana has forged strategic partnerships with Odisha, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh to address its energy requirements. These alliances exemplify inter-State collaboration and the continuity of policy at the national level, facilitating the development of sustainable energy solutions.
The Increasing Power Demand in Telangana:
- In the fiscal year 2024-25, Telangana experienced a power demand increase of 9.85%, achieving a total of 17,162 MW, which exceeded the Central Electricity Authority’s forecast of 16,877 MW.
- The State is focused on enhancing the proportion of renewable energy within its energy portfolio, while also tackling obstacles such as elevated land costs for solar initiatives and a scarcity of hydroelectric sites.
Collaborations with Other States:
Rajasthan:
- The Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) from Telangana has formed a partnership with Rajasthan’s Rajasthan Rajya Vidyut Utpadan Nigam Limited (RVUNL) to establish a thermal power capacity of 1,600 MW in Telangana and a solar power capacity of 1,500 MW in Rajasthan.
- The total investment amounts to ₹26,200 crore, with SCCL owning 74% of the equity and RVUNL holding 26%.
- This collaborative effort aims to harness cost-effective solar energy during daylight hours, thereby providing affordable and dependable electricity.
Himachal Pradesh:
- Telangana has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Himachal Pradesh to initiate hydroelectric projects, specifically the Seli project (400 MW) and the Meyar project (120 MW).
- The electricity produced will be distributed between the two states over a period of 40 years, supporting Telangana’s objectives for clean energy and enhancing its long-term energy security.
Importance of Agreements:
- These collaborations exemplify joint governance and the strategic planning of sustainable energy.
- Rajasthan aims to achieve a renewable energy capacity of 125 GW by 2030, whereas Himachal Pradesh utilizes its hydroelectric resources to meet the energy demands of Telangana.
Conclusion:
The inter-State energy agreements of Telangana underscore the significance of federal collaboration in meeting energy requirements and advancing renewable energy initiatives. Through partnerships with Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh, Telangana is fostering sustainable development and enhancing energy security, thereby exemplifying successful inter-State relations within India and set an example of concept of cooperative federalism in India.
Pope Francis and the Selection of the New Pope
Pope Francis, the head of the Roman Catholic Church for nearly 12 years, passed away on April 21, 2025, at the age of 88.
- He made history as the first non-European Pope in over 1,300 years.
- He was admitted to Gemelli Hospital in Rome on February 14 after a worsening bout of bronchitis and remained hospitalized for 38 days, the longest of his tenure.
- As a mark of respect, the Government of India declared a three-day state mourning following his demise.
How is a New Pope Chosen?
Electing Body:
- The responsibility of choosing the new pope lies with the College of Cardinals, a body comprising the Church’s senior-most officials from around the world.
- Only those cardinals who are below 80 years of age are eligible to vote.
Venue and Timeline:
- The election is held in the Sistine Chapel, located within Vatican City.
- The conclave usually begins 15 to 20 days after the pope’s death to accommodate mourning and ensure the arrival of all eligible cardinals.
Conclave Protocol and Voting Secrecy:
- The entire voting process is conducted in complete isolation.
- Cardinals are prohibited from any external communication—no phones, internet, or media access is allowed.
- Everyone involved is bound by an oath of strict confidentiality.
Voting Procedure:
- Voting is carried out secretly through ballots.
- A candidate must receive a two-thirds majority to be elected.
- After each round:
- Black smoke from the chapel chimney = No result, voting continues.
- White smoke = A new pope has been selected.
Acceptance and Public Announcement
- Once a cardinal is elected, he is asked if he accepts the papacy.
- On agreeing, he chooses a papal name.
The senior cardinal deacon then announces to the public from St. Peter’s Basilica: “Habemus Papam” – meaning “We have a Pope.”
Harnessing India’s Creative Economy for Inclusive Growth and Innovation
India’s rich legacy in creativity spans arts, science, metallurgy, medicine, and astronomy. As the nation targets a $5 trillion economy, fostering creativity at all levels, especially grassroots, is vital. Global creative economy, valued at over $2 trillion annually, offers growth opportunities.
Global and Indian Context
- Global Trends (2022):
- Creative services exports: $1.4 trillion (up 29% since 2017).
- Creative goods exports: $713 billion.
- Supports nearly 50 million jobs worldwide.
- Indian Performance:
- 2019 exports: $121 billion (goods and services), with services near $100 billion.
- 2024 industry value: $30 billion, employing 8% of the workforce.
- Exports grew 20% in the previous year.
- Key Sectors (UNCTAD 2024):
- Software services: 41.3%.
- Research and development: 30.7%.
- Advertising, market research, architecture: 15.5%.
- Export Breakdown:
- Design segment: 87.5% of creative goods exports.
- Arts and crafts: 9%.
Creativity and Innovation: The Missing Link
- Types of Creativity:
- Deliberate and emotional.
- Deliberate and cognitive.
- Spontaneous and emotional.
- Spontaneous and cognitive.
- Challenge: Grassroots creativity (e.g., local innovations) lacks scaling due to insufficient investment.
- Institutional Role: Grassroots Innovations Augmentation Network (GIAN) popularizes ideas but needs funding.
Case Studies
- Antrodam Project (Indonesia):
- Student-led flood protection system inspired by ant tunnels, rose petals, and coral structures.
- Demonstrates potential of community-driven innovation with funding support.
- Indian Grassroots Examples:
- “Mitti cool clay refrigerator”: Low-cost, eco-friendly cooling.
- Pedal-operated washing machine: Energy-efficient for rural areas.
- Amphibious bicycle: Adaptable to land and water.
Policy Recommendations
- Investment Boost: Fund proof-of-concept and scaling for grassroots creativity.
- IP Protection: Reform policies to safeguard informal innovations.
- One District One Innovation (ODOI): Modeled after “One District One Product” to promote local ideas.
- Climate Funding: With $2.853 billion invested in climate in 2023, allocate to grassroots climate adaptation.
Conclusion
- India’s creative economy can drive inclusive growth by balancing creativity and innovation.
- Investments, policy support, and collaboration (government, institutions, grassroots) are key.
- Addressing local challenges, like climate adaptation, enhances economic ambitions.
Why did China block exports of rare earth elemants?
During the ongoing trade war between the U.S. and China, Chinese officials have reportedly placed restrictions on exporting rare earth elements (REEs) and magnets. These materials are important for making many products, including semiconductors and military equipment.
What are Rare Earth Elements?
- Rare earth metals are series of 17 substances that are present in the earth’s crust
- Lanthanides (15 elements): Lanthanum (La), Cerium (Ce), Praseodymium (Pr)Neodymium (Nd), Promethium (Pm) – radioactive and rare, Samarium (Sm), Europium (Eu), Gadolinium (Gd), Terbium (Tb), Dysprosium (Dy), Holmium (Ho), Erbium (Er), Thulium (Tm), Ytterbium (Yb), Lutetium (Lu), Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y) are also considered rare earth elements because they occur in the same ore deposits and have similar properties.
- Scandium (Sc) and Yttrium (Y) are also considered rare earth elements because they occur in the same ore deposits and have similar properties.
- Why they are rare?
- They’re not actually rare in the Earth’s crust some are more abundant than gold. But they are rarely found in concentrated forms, making extraction difficult and costly. They usually occur together, making separation and purification complex.
Applications of rare earth metals
Electronics and Consumer Devices
- Smartphones, laptops, televisions, and digital cameras
- Use of Neodymium and Dysprosium in high-performance magnets for miniaturized electronics
- Europium and Terbium in LED screens and fluorescent displays
Renewable Energy Sector
- Wind Turbines: Permanent magnets made from Neodymium, Praseodymium, and Dysprosium
- Electric Vehicles (EVs): Motors require REE-based magnets
- Solar Panels: Some REEs are used in photovoltaic cell manufacturing
Defense and Strategic Technologies
- Missile guidance systems
- Radar systems and sonar (Gadolinium, Yttrium)
- Jet engines and precision-guided munitions
- Night vision goggles and lasers
Industrial and Catalytic Applications
- Petroleum refining: Cerium and Lanthanum used in fluid catalytic cracking
- Glass polishing and manufacturing: Cerium oxide for precision optical glass
- Metal alloys: Improve strength and corrosion resistance in aerospace and automotive industries
Healthcare and Medical Technology
- MRI contrast agents: Gadolinium-based compounds
- Cancer treatment: Use of radioactive isotopes (e.g., Lutetium-177)
- X-ray imaging: Phosphors containing Europium and Terbium
Communication and Data Technologies
- Optical fibers: Use of Erbium for signal amplification
- Hard disk drives: Use REE magnets for compact, high-efficiency performance
Clean Energy and Environment
- Hybrid vehicles and energy-efficient appliances
- Water purification: Use of REE oxides in removing contaminants
Agriculture (Emerging Use):
- Trace use in fertilizers to enhance crop productivity in certain contexts (though debated due to environmental concerns)
India’s Domestic Scenario:
- India holds about 6% of global REE reserves.
- Extraction capacity exists for light REEs via Indian Rare Earths Ltd, notably from monazite-rich beach sands in Kerala.
- However, refining and advanced processing capabilities are underdeveloped due to environmental challenges and lack of infrastructure.
- Import Dependency:
- In 2023–24, India imported 2,270 tonnes of REEs.
- While the volume is limited, imports still play a role in meeting domestic demand.
Impact of the current restrictions:
- Globally:These restrictions are just a temporary block, Not an outright ban on exports but could interrupt supplies to countries for a few weeks as refineries work through the process of getting permits.
- On India:India’s supply chains may not face an immediate crisis due to China’s REE export restrictions, as advanced manufacturing largely occurs abroad (e.g., in China and Japan).
Stratagies to counter the restrictions:
- Boost domestic production, particularly of light REEs. (As we have 6% of world resources)
- Continue strategic imports to ensure supply security and diversifying the partners. For Ex, Countries like Japan have built stockpiles to mitigate REE supply shocks India may consider similar strategies.
The strategic and economic significance of REEs lies in their indispensable role in modern technology, green energy transition, and national security infrastructure. Ensuring a stable and sustainable supply is thus a priority for many nations, including India.