Context:

• This year marks the 70th anniversary of the first Asia-Africa Summit held in Bandung, Indonesia (April 18–24, 1955).
• This historical meeting of 29 newly independent Asian and African nations, set the stage for South-South cooperation and laid the foundation of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
• The relevance of the Bandung principles is critical in today’s geopolitical environment - rising global polarisation, erosion of multilateralism, and challenges to the rules-based international order.

Bandung’s Core Principles and Objectives:

• Anti-colonial solidarity: Shared experiences of colonial exploitation and marginalisation.
• Common goals:
  • Principles of sovereignty and independent policy making.
  • Collective action in the global south.
• Key principles adopted:
  • Political independence.
  • Mutual respect for sovereignty.
  • Non-aggression and non-interference in internal affairs.
• Alignment with UN charter: Commitment to a rules-based international order grounded in UN principles.

South Africa’s Role and Anti-Apartheid Advocacy:

• Strategic use of Bandung: Brought global attention to the oppressive apartheid regime in South Africa that governed the country through White minority rule.
• The African National Congress (ANC) delegation:
  • The ANC was the foremost liberation organisation championing the freedom of the country both within and internationally.
  • It sent two delegates to the conference (Moses Kotane and Maulvi Chachalia) to lobby support internationally for South Africa’s freedom struggle.

Challenges to the Multilateral World Order:

• Erosion of multilateralism:
  • Rise of polarisation and trust deficit among major powers.
  • Emergence of “might is right” as a guiding principle.
• UN reform crisis:
  • Paralysis of institutions like the UN Security Council.
  • Stalled negotiations on equitable representation and expansion of UNSC membership.
• PM Narendra Modi’s critique: Described international organisations as "irrelevant" due to lack of reform.

The Global South - Then and Now:

• Initial marginalisation: Absence during UN’s formation in 1945; continued exclusion from global decision-making bodies.
• Bandung legacy:
  • Precursor of the NAM (1961) and G77 (1964).
  • Advocated collective aspirations and a multipolar world.
• Contemporary relevance and role:
  • Emerging powers: Rise of China, India, Brazil, Indonesia, South Africa.
  • South-south institutions: Formation of BRICS as a counterweight to Global North’s dominance.
  • Strategic imperative:
    • Forge new partnerships and alliances.
    • Collaborate with like-minded Global North nations.
    • Champion an inclusive, equitable, just global order.

Conclusion - Bandung’s Vision in Today’s Context:

• The Bandung spirit remains a guiding force for the Global South.
• The need to reshape multilateralism and redefine global governance is urgent.
• Global South must take proactive leadership to realise a fair and multipolar world - “The architects of Bandung would expect nothing less.”

Why in News?

U.S. President Donald Trump, in an interview with Time, stated that Crimea will stay with Russia and suggested that the region had effectively been handed to Putin during Obama’s Presidency. He reportedly urged Ukraine to accept a peace deal recognizing Russia’s 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Experts caution that while tolerating a long-term occupation might be pragmatic, formally accepting a border change enforced by military force would mark a significant and troubling shift in U.S. foreign policy.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• The Strategic Importance of Crimea
• Context of Crimea in the Current War
• Donald Trump’s Proposal on Crimea

The Strategic Importance of Crimea

• 
• Geographic Significance
  • Crimea holds immense strategic value due to its location, benefiting both from its own geography and that of Russia.
• Russia’s Historical Quest for Warm Water Ports
  • Most of Russia’s coastline lies in the Arctic region, making many ports unusable during winter.
  • Hence, gaining access to warm water ports has been a long-standing goal of Russian foreign policy.
• Black Sea – Russia’s Gateway to the Mediterranean
  • The Black Sea provides Russia with its warmest waters and the only direct maritime access to the Mediterranean via the Turkish-controlled Bosphorus and Dardanelles straits.
  • Control of these straits has historically been viewed as critical to Russia’s economic and military interests.
• Sevastopol – The Naval Stronghold
  • Unlike other shallow Black Sea ports, Sevastopol in Crimea is a deep-water port ideal for hosting the Black Sea Fleet.
  • It has been central to Russia’s maritime strategy since the 18th century and became a focal point in post-Soviet tensions with Ukraine.
• Post-Soviet Disputes and Agreements
  • After the Soviet Union's collapse, the 1997 Kharkiv Pact allowed Russia to retain its naval base in Sevastopol, even though Crimea was part of Ukraine.
  • This lease was extended until 2042, but Russia unilaterally ended the agreement during its 2014 annexation of Crimea.

Context of Crimea in the Current War

• 2014 Political Upheaval and Russian Annexation
  • After the ousting of pro-Russian President Viktor Yanukovych in February 2014 by a pro-Western movement in Ukraine, Russian forces swiftly occupied strategic locations in Crimea.
  • By mid-March, Crimea was formally annexed by Russia following a declaration of independence and a request to join the Russian Federation.
• Russia’s Strategic Motives for Annexation:
  • Securing Sevastopol
    • The renewed lease in 2010 was opposed by the new Ukrainian leadership.
    • Russia feared losing access to the naval base in Sevastopol if Ukraine consolidated power.
  • NATO Expansion Fears
    • The Kremlin was alarmed by the prospect of Ukraine joining NATO, which would place the alliance on Russia’s Black Sea border, undermining Russian security interests in what was once a "Soviet lake."
• Crimea as a Launchpad for Invasion
• Control over Crimea was seen as essential for any future military action in Ukraine.
• The 2022 invasion was partly enabled by Russia’s fortified presence in the peninsula.
• Current Status
  • While Ukraine controls the city of Kherson, Russia holds much of the surrounding oblast and thus maintains effective control over the canal’s operations.

Donald Trump’s Proposal on Crimea

• Crimea was part of Russia for centuries before being transferred to Ukraine in 1954 by Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev.
• Putin does not accept this transfer and considers it a historical mistake. Trump’s proposal aligns with this and legitimizes Russia’s claim over the peninsula.
• By freezing Ukraine’s political map as it stands today, the US will secure Crimea — and the canal — for Moscow for the long term.
• Ukraine’s Rejection
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy firmly rejected any deal that involves ceding Ukrainian territory, emphasizing that such an agreement would violate Ukraine’s constitution.
• Geopolitical Risks and Consequences
  • Commentators argue that accepting Trump’s proposal would be disastrous for Ukraine, as it could embolden Russia to eventually conquer all of Ukraine.
  • Furthermore, such a concession might set a dangerous precedent for other authoritarian regimes, notably China, regarding territorial ambitions, such as over Taiwan.

Why in News?

Pakistan's closure of its airspace to Indian airlines is set to impact over 800 weekly flights, leading to longer travel times, higher fuel consumption, and complications in crew and flight scheduling.

What’s in Today’s Article?

• Impact of Pakistan Airspace Closure on Indian Flights
• Pakistan’s Last Airspace Closure
• Possible Future Outcomes

Impact of Pakistan Airspace Closure on Indian Flights

• Scope of the Ban:
  • Pakistan has banned all aircraft registered in India or operated by Indian carriers from using its airspace.
• Affected Routes
  • The closure impacts all west-bound flights from northern Indian cities, especially Delhi, to Central Asia, the Caucasus, West Asia, Europe, the UK, and North America.
• Longer Flight Paths
  • Flights will need to reroute over the Arabian Sea, increasing journey times and leading to higher fuel consumption.
• Operational Challenges
  • Airlines will face difficulties with fuel management and payload, potentially needing to reduce the number of passengers or baggage to maintain safe weight limits.
• Increased Costs and Airfares
  • Operational costs will rise due to longer routes and higher fuel burn.
  • Airfares on international routes operated by Indian carriers may increase by 8–12%, with a possibility of further hikes if the situation persists.
• Competitive Disadvantage
  • Foreign airlines that can still use Pakistani airspace will gain a cost advantage over Indian carriers on shared routes.
• Most Affected Airline
  • Air India, which operates several direct flights to Europe, the US, and Canada from Delhi, is expected to be hit the hardest.
• Uncertainty in Flight Plans
  • Airlines are still evaluating routing options, and more clarity will come once final flight plans are submitted.
• IndiGo’s Growing Exposure
  • Since 2019, IndiGo has expanded significantly into Central Asia, Turkey, and the Caucasus, becoming the only Indian carrier operating in those regions.
  • Its operations are notably impacted under the new restrictions.

Pakistan’s Last Airspace Closure

• Pakistan last closed its airspace in February 2019 after the Indian Air Force conducted air strikes in Balakot in response to the Pulwama terror attack.
• Duration and Impact
  • The closure lasted for several months, causing significant operational disruptions for Indian airlines due to the need for longer alternate routes.
• Financial Losses
  • Indian airlines collectively incurred losses of around Rs 700 crore, mainly due to increased fuel expenses and logistical challenges.
• Most Affected Airline
  • Air India suffered the most, as it operated the highest number of west-bound international flights during the closure period.

About Chlorpyrifos

• Chlorpyrifos, a pesticide classified as ‘moderately hazardous’ by the World Health Organisation, is still approved for use in India on 18 crops, despite bans in over 40 countries.
• It is linked to neurotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, irreversible brain damage in unborn children, and the ability to contaminate distant ecosystems due to its mobility.

Global and National Advocacy

• Pesticide Action Network (PAN) India:
  • It advocates placing chlorpyrifos under Annex III of the Rotterdam Convention, requiring prior informed consent before trade.
  • It calls for its inclusion under Annex A of the Stockholm Convention, which demands a complete global ban, though exemptions are usually allowed.
  • It stresses that safer alternatives are already available, making a total ban both feasible and necessary.
• Unauthorised Use in India: A 2022 report found the illegal use of chlorpyrifos and other agrochemicals like paraquat, raising serious regulatory and enforcement concerns.

What is CIBRC?

• The Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee (CIBRC) operates under the Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine & Storage, part of the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare.
• It was established in 1970 to ensure the safe regulation of insecticides across India, particularly focusing on minimising risks to human health, animal safety, and the environment.
• Legal backing:
  • The Insecticides Act, 1968 forms the statutory basis for CIBRC. It came into effect from 1st August 1971 along with the notification of the Insecticides Rules, 1971.
  • The Act mandates the regulation of import, manufacture, sale, transport, and use of insecticides through a centralised registration process.

About Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs)

• The Next Generation Offshore Patrol Vessels (NGOPVs) have an approximate displacement of 3000 tonnes.
• They are designed for multi-role maritime operations, including:
  • Coastal defence and surveillance
  • Search and rescue (SAR) missions
  • Protection of offshore assets such as oil rigs and platforms
  • Anti-piracy operations in India's Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and beyond
• These vessels will be equipped with modern sensors and armaments, enhancing the Indian Navy’s maritime domain awareness and low-intensity maritime conflict capabilities.

Project Background

• The construction of the NGOPVs is part of a contract signed on 30 March 2023 for the indigenous design and development of 11 patrol vessels.
• These contracts were awarded to: Goa Shipyard Ltd (GSL) – the Lead Shipyard (7 vessels) and Garden Reach Shipbuilders & Engineers Ltd (GRSE) – the Follow Shipyard (4 vessels)
• The project reflects India’s commitment to self-reliance in defence manufacturing under the national initiatives of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’.

Background

• Helium is the second most abundant element in the Sun, but direct detection in the Sun’s photosphere is extremely difficult due to the absence of Helium spectral lines in the visible range.
• Traditionally, Helium abundance was estimated indirectly using:
  • Solar wind or corona data,
  • Extrapolation from hotter stars,
  • Helioseismology (solar interior vibrations).
• These methods were not based on direct photospheric observations, and hence lacked precision.

What is the New Method?

• Scientists used spectral lines of neutral Magnesium (Mg I) and neutral Carbon (C I), along with molecular lines of MgH, CH, and C₂, observed in the Sun’s photosphere.
• This method is based on the principle that the relative abundance of Helium affects the availability of Hydrogen, which in turn influences the formation and strength of molecular lines (e.g., CH and MgH).
• The researchers matched the atomic and molecular abundances of Magnesium and Carbon for different Helium-to-Hydrogen (He/H) ratios.
• The technique confirmed that only at a He/H ratio of ~0.1 do the atomic and molecular line abundances agree, validating the assumed solar value.

About Helium

• Helium (He) is a noble gas with a closed-shell electronic configuration, making it stable and chemically inert.
• Discovered in 1868 by Jules Janssen and Norman Lockyer via a yellow spectral line during a solar eclipse.
• Named after the Greek word ‘Helios’, meaning Sun.
• Largest global reserves: United States, Algeria, and Russia.
• India’s Rajmahal Volcanic Basin (Jharkhand) is a significant helium reservoir trapped for billions of years.

About Gene Therapy

• Gene therapy is a biomedical technique that involves modifying or replacing faulty genes in a person’s cells to treat or prevent diseases.
• The primary objective is to introduce a functional gene to compensate for a mutated or disease-causing gene.
• Gene therapy approaches include:
  • Replacing a mutated gene with a healthy copy.
  • Inactivating a malfunctioning gene.
  • Introducing a completely new gene into the body.
• Unlike conventional medicines, gene therapy targets the root genetic causes inside cells, rather than just addressing symptoms.
• Current clinical trials focus on both inherited and acquired disorders, using methods such as:
  • Ex vivo modification of hematopoietic stem cells and T-lymphocytes.
  • In vivo gene delivery or use of gene-editing reagents directly into the patient’s body.

About Haemophilia

• Haemophilia is a rare genetic bleeding disorder where blood clotting is impaired due to mutations in genes encoding clotting proteins.
• These genes are located on the X chromosome, making males more susceptible.
• It affects about 1 in 10,000 people, with India having a significant patient load.

About BRIC-inStem

• BRIC-inStem, part of the Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC), integrates 14 autonomous research institutions under one national umbrella.
• It has pioneered translational and regenerative research, including:
  • Gene therapy
  • Anti-viral germicidal masks (developed during COVID-19)
  • ‘Kisan Kavach’ pesticide shield for farmers
• Biosafety Level III Lab at BRIC-inStem is essential for studying high-risk pathogens under the One Health Mission.