HEALTH ISSUES

1. RADHUNI OR WILD CELERY (TRACHYSPERMUM ROXBURGHIANUM)

TAGS: GS-II- HEALTH ISSUES- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Recent studies show that radhuni seeds can relax the gut and airways and improve digestion.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Radhuni or wild celery (Trachyspermum roxburghianum):-

• Radhuni is a popular spice in Bengali cuisine used abundantly in West Bengal.
• Its scientific name is Trachyspermum roxburghianum.
• It is not a plant seed but rather dried fruits.
• It is called ajmod in Hindi, asamtavomam in Tamil and ayamodakam in Malayalam.
• It belongs to the family of cumin and fennel fruits, known as
• Distribution: South Asia, South East Asia, and Indonesia.
• In some nations, these are employed as herbal medicines.
• It is usually consumed as part of panch phoron, a blend of five tempering spices traditionally used in Eastern Indian cuisine.

Health benefits of Radhuni masala:-

• This spice is supposed to aid in our bodies’ detoxification.
• Menstrual cramp reduction is another benefit.
• It is also traditionally used to treat coughs and colds, asthma, digestive issues, etc.
• It also aids in the management of inflammation and pain.

Use of radhuni masala:-

• In Bengal, radhuni is a widely used
• It is employed to temper dal.
• The lentil dish masoor dal with radhuni phoron , Shukto in bengal is prepared using radhuni masala.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

2. LIGO-INDIA PROJECT

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the government has given the final go-ahead to India’s Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory, or LIGO, project.

THE EXPLANATION:

LIGO India, project:-

• LIGO is an international network of laboratories.
• It aims to detect the ripples in spacetime produced by the movement of large celestial objects.
• LIGO-India is a collaborative project between a consortium of Indian research institutions and the LIGO Laboratory in the USA, along with its international partners.
• It will be located in the Hingoli district of Maharashtra.
• It was built by the Department of Atomic Energy and the Department of Science and Technology with an MoU with the S. National Science Foundation
• Objective: To detect and study gravitational waves.
• LIGOs are designed to measure changes in distance that are several orders of magnitude smaller than the length of the proton.
• Significance: This project will see India join the global effort to detect and study gravitational waves, which were first theorized in Albert Einstein’s General Theory of Relativity.
• Gravitational waves are extremely weak and difficult to detect.
• They were first directly detected by the Laser Interferometer Gravitational-Wave Observatory (LIGO) in 2015.
• LIGO-India is set to become the country’s largest scientific facility after the government gave the final green light for its construction.
• LIGO-India is intrinsically a multidisciplinary mega-science project that requires expertise from a variety of fields (e.g., laser, vacuum, optics, computer, etc., and of course Physics) and provides cutting-edge research opportunities.

3. INDIA’S FIRST 3D-PRINTED POST OFFICE

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: As per recent announcements, Bengaluru will soon have India’s first post office constructed using 3D printing technology.

THE EXPLANATION:

About India’s first 3D-printed post office:-

• India’s first 3D-printed post office would be located in Cambridge Layout in Ulsoor, Bangalore.
• The project is being implemented by Larsen & Toubro, which has experience in constructing 3D-printed buildings.
• It is a 1,100 sq ft building which is expected to cost 30-40 per cent less than conventional buildings because of the technological intervention.

About 3D printing:-

• 3D printing is a process of making three-dimensional solid objects from a digital file.
• It is achieved using additive processes.
• In an additive process, an object is created by laying down successive layers of material until the object is created.
• Each of these layers can be seen as a thinly sliced cross section of the object.
• 3D printing enables you to produce complex shapes using less material than traditional manufacturing methods.

4. NATIONAL MISSION IN INTERDISCIPLINARY CYBER PHYSICAL SYSTEMS (NM-ICPS)

TAGS: GS-III-SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: In recent deliberations the experts emphasized on ways to strengthen the National Mission in Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS).

THE EXPLANATION:

About National Mission in Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS):-

• National Mission in Interdisciplinary Cyber Physical Systems (NM-ICPS) is a comprehensive mission which would address technology development, application development, human resource development, skill enhancement, entrepreneurship and start-up development in Cyber-Physical Systems and associated technologies.
• It aims at establishment of 15 numbers of Technology Innovation Hubs, six numbers of Application Innovation Hubs and four numbers of Technology Translation Research Parks (TTRP).
• These Hubs & TTRPs will connect to Academics, Industry, Central Ministries and State Government in developing solutions at reputed academic, R&D and other organizations across the country in a hub and spoke model.
• They mainly focus on four areas:
• Technology Development,
• HRD & Skill Development,
• Innovation,
• Entrepreneurship & Start-ups Ecosystem Development and International Collaborations.

Cyber-physical systems:-

• They integrate sensing, computation, control and networking into physical objects and infrastructure, connecting them to the Internet and to each other.
• Potential applications:-
• Driverless cars that communicate securely with each other on smart roads
• Sensors in the home to detect changing health conditions
• Improving agricultural practices
• Enabling scientists to address issues arising out of climate change,etc.

PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

5. EXERCISE KAVACH

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: Indian Armed Force’s only tri-service command, Andaman and Nicobar Command recently concluded Exercise KAVACH, a large-scale joint military exercise. The exercise, with the participation of assets from all three services and the Indian Coast Guard.

About the KAVACH Exercise:

• The joint-military exercise aimed at finetuning joint war-fighting capabilities and standard operating procedures besides enhancing interoperability and operational synergy.
• During the exercise, soldiers performed multiple activities such as amphibious landing, air landing operations, heliborne operations, and swift insertion of special forces commandos.
• The exercise also focused on joint activities for intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance. And also aimed to validate India’s ability to safeguard its island territories and perform joint operations with synergy during real war scenarios.
• The exercise is crucial for India, considering the current global situation and the country’s neighbours on the northern and western borders.

[WpProQuiz 459]

THE CONTEXT: Jordan recently hosted a meeting between top Israeli and Palestinian officials in a bid to halt a surge in deadly violence in the occupied West Bank that has stoked fears of a wider escalation. The planned talks come days after Israeli forces carried out a raid in the occupied West Bank city of Nablus that killed 11 Palestinians. Such incidents certainly have the potential to put the Middle-East peace process in jeopardy. The following article attempts to explain the evolution of the Israel-Palestine issue and its geopolitical implications within and beyond the Middle East region.

EVOLUTION OF THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE

ZIONISM

• Zion is the name of the hill on which the Temple of Jerusalem was located.
• Zionism is the term used to describe the Jewish political movement of the late 19th century.
• Their objective is to unite the Jewish diaspora all over the world and settle them in Palestine.
• They started taking donations from wealthy Jews, helped the Holocaust survivors to migrate to Palestine and surrounding regions.
• This movement led to the establishment of Israel in 1948

DEVELOPMENTS DURING THE WORLD WARS

• After First World War, the Palestine region was under British Administration.
• The official policy of the British was to prevent Jews from settling in the Palestine region because it was leading to riots between Jews and native Arabs.
• But during the course of World War II, the US army discovered Nazi extermination camps. This created deep sympathy for Jewish people in the USA. The Senators and Congressmen of the USA, started lobbying for the Zionist cause.
• Therefore U.S. President Truman requested British Government to immediately admit 1 lakh Jewish Holocaust survivors into Palestine, and unrestricted Jewish immigration in Palestine in future.
• The neighbouring Arab nations did not favour this inward migration in Palestine.

DEVELOPMENTS IN THE AFTERMATH OF THE WORLD WAR II, 1945

• The Jews that survived the holocaust and extermination camps, had no home of their own- everything was destroyed in the war. The Zionists helped them immigrate and settle in Palestine.
• But the Palestinian Arabs decided that no more Jews should arrive and that Palestine should achieve independence as an Arab state. (In 1946 there were 12 lakh Arabs and 7 lakh Jews in Palestine). There was rioting and violence everywhere, from both sides.
• The area was still under British administration. But during this time, Britain lacked the money, political will and military force to maintain hard control over its colonies.
• In Feb 1947, Britishers were busy negotiating the independence of India. They were also eager to decrease costly military presence in Palestine.
• So British Government decided to hand over the Palestine question to United Nations.

UN RESOLUTION ON PALESTINE

• In late 1947, The United Nations General Assembly passed a resolution: This Palestine region be partitioned into an Arab State and a Jewish state, and Jerusalem will become an international centre.
• Arab nations opposed this resolution.
• The Zionists welcomed the partition proposal because it recognized a Jewish state and because it allotted more than half of (west-of-Jordan) Palestine to them.
• Soon after the UN resolution, rioting and civil war broke out in Palestine, between the native Arab and Jews.

BIRTH OF ISRAEL, 1948

• As the civil war, rioting, murder, loot, plunder, assassinations spread, on 14th May 1948, the Last British high commissioner left Palestine.
• Immediately, the Zionist leaders declared Israel a free Nation. Within a few hours, USA also recognized Israel as a nation.
• In the upcoming days, the Arab nations: Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt sent their armies but were defeated by Israeli forces. (This is known as First Israel-Arab War)
• UN General Assembly had favored the partition of Palestine region into an Arab State and a Jewish state.
• While Jewish State (Israel) came into existence, but there was no Palestine Arab State because Palestinian Arabs were not organized, unlike Zionists, they lacked the money and gun power of their own. They relied on the armies sent by Syria, Jordan, Iraq, and Egypt, to fight for their cause.

THE PERSISTENT QUESTION OF JERUSALEM CITY

• After The First Israel-Arab war, the Jerusalem city and surrounding were divided between Israel (West) and Jordan (East).
• West Bank is the region on the west side of the Jordan River. From 1950 to 1967 it was ruled by Jordan.
• But Israel captured it in 1967’s war (also known as 6 Days war, or Third Israel-Arab war).
• Under the UN resolution, the Gaza strip will be given to Arab State.
• After Israel became an independent nation (1948), the Arabs from Tel-Aviv and other parts of Israel/Palestine region, had started migrating to this Gaza strip, to save themselves from riots and looting. These are called Palestinian (Arab) refugees.
• During the first Israel-Arab war, the Egyptian army had captured Gaza strip. But In 1967’s war, Israel re-captured Gaza Strip.
• But The Egyptian government did not consider Gaza Strip as a part of Egypt and did not allow those refugees to become Egyptian citizens or to migrate to Egypt or to other Arab countries.
• On the other side, Israel did not allow these refugees to return to their former homes. So, these refugees are stuck from both the sides, live in poverty and food aid from United Nations.
• Ever since, there is rioting and violent street clashes between Gaza’s Palestinians (refugees/Hamas) and occupying Israeli troops.

YASSER ARAFAT AND PLO, 1964

• So far, the Palestinian Arabs were relying on outside support (Syria, Jordan, Egypt, Lebanon), but later realized they had to get themselves organized to fight for their own cause. Thus came Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). Yasser Arafat became the leader of PLO.
• PLO launched a guerrilla war against Israel during the 1960s to 1980s from its camps in Jordan.
• But later on, PLO got into power-struggle with Jordanian King, and were expelled from there. So, PLO shifted their base to Lebanon.
• 1982, Israel launched a military attack on Lebanon to destroy the PLO camps.
• Ultimately Yasser Arafat concluded that military fight with Israel without any substantial developments.
• Finally, PLO decided to accept the earlier UN resolution (recall: UN wanted Palestine region to be divided between a Jewish State and an Arab State).

HAMAS, 1987

• They’re political-militant organization stationed in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. They run their own schools, charities, clinics, and schools in these areas.
• They get money and weapons from tunnels through the Egypt-Gaza border. They want to destroy Israel and create an Islamic state in Palestine.
• The Difference between Hamas and PLO is that both started as militant movements for Palestinian Arabs but PLO has (almost) ceased violence while Hamas continues to remain armed and dangerous.

OSLO ACCORDS, 1993

• After many rounds of talks, Israeli Government and Yasser Arafat’s PLO entered into a peace agreement, according to which
• Israel and PLO will formally recognize each other’s right to exist.
• A new Palestine authority (PA) will be formed, it’ll have elected Arab representatives.
• Israel will gradually hand over the administration of the Gaza strip and West Bank, to the Palestine Authority (PA).
• But Hamas was opposed to Oslo accords.

PALESTINE AUTHORITY (PA)

• It was formed under the Oslo Accord.
• Elections were held, Yasser Arafat’s Fatah party won majority seats and he became the first President of Palestine Authority (PA).
• Israel withdrew its military from Gaza strip, and handed over the civil functions (police, municipality etc) to this Palestine Authority in 1994.
• After Yasser Arafat, the Hamas Party defeated his Fatah Party in 2006’s election for Palestine Authority. Hamas and Fatah eventually formed a coalition government, but there was violence and power struggle between these two camps.
• Ultimately, Hamas got control of the Gaza Strip, while Fatah took control of the West Bank.

GAZA BLOCKADE, 2007

• In 2007, Gaza strip was under Hamas rule. The acts of terrorism continued.
• Israel declared them as a hostile entity and approved sanctions against Gaza strip- including electricity cuts, heavily restricted imports, and border closures. Hamas retaliated by launching rockets at Israeli cities.
• So, Israel started a military invasion on the Gaza, mainly to destroy those tunnels through which Hamas gets rockets and other weapons.
• In this clash, more than 1,000 were killed. Finally, Israel and Hamas declared a unilateral cease-fire.
• Since then, Gaza strip is in control of Hamas but Israel has blocked the whole area with a huge wall.

PRESENT SCENARIO

• Tensions are often high between Israel and Palestinians living in East Jerusalem, Gaza and the West Bank.
• Gaza is ruled by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which has fought Israel many times. Israel and Egypt tightly control Gaza’s borders to stop weapons getting to Hamas
• Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank say they are suffering because of Israeli actions and restrictions. Israel says it is only acting to protect itself from Palestinian violence.

THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS

The Middle East region, particularly the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, has been a major issue in international politics for several decades. Over the years, various peace efforts and agreements have been made to establish peace between the two nations. Here are some of the key peace efforts and agreements that have taken place:

• Oslo Accords (1993): The Oslo Accords were a set of agreements signed between Israel and Palestine in 1993, with the aim of establishing peace between the two nations. The accords recognized Israel’s right to exist and established a Palestinian Authority (PA) to govern parts of the West Bank and Gaza Strip. However, the Oslo Accords did not lead to a final resolution of the conflict and have been criticized for failing to address key issues such as the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a future Palestinian state, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.
• Camp David Accords (1978): The Camp David Accords were signed between Israel and Egypt in 1978, with the United States acting as a mediator. The accords led to the establishment of peace between Israel and Egypt and the return of the Sinai Peninsula to Egypt. However, the Camp David Accords did not address the Palestinian issue and have been criticized for excluding the Palestinians from the negotiations.
• Madrid Conference (1991): The Madrid Conference was an international conference held in Madrid, Spain, in 1991, aimed at resolving the Arab-Israeli conflict. The conference brought together Israel and its Arab neighbors, including Palestine, to discuss peace. Although the conference did not result in a formal agreement, it laid the foundation for the subsequent Oslo Accords.
• Arab Peace Initiative (2002): The Arab Peace Initiative was a proposal put forward by the Arab League in 2002, offering Israel full diplomatic recognition and normalization of relations with all Arab states in exchange for Israel’s withdrawal from the occupied territories and the establishment of a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital. Although Israel initially rejected the proposal, it has since been acknowledged as a key component of any future peace settlement.
• Annapolis Conference (2007): The Annapolis Conference was a conference held in Annapolis, Maryland, in 2007, aimed at advancing the peace process between Israel and Palestine. The conference resulted in the establishment of a negotiating framework, with the goal of reaching a final peace settlement by the end of 2008. However, the negotiations ultimately stalled and did not lead to a final agreement.
• Abraham Accords (2020): The Abraham Accords were a series of agreements signed between Israel and several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, and Sudan, in 2020. The agreements established diplomatic relations and cooperation in areas such as trade, tourism, and security. While the Abraham Accords did not directly address the Palestinian issue, they were seen as a significant step towards regional peace and stability.

The conflict between Israel and Palestine remains unresolved despite the various peace efforts and agreements. For instance, recently Israeli armed forces have penetrated Al-Aqsa Mosque in the Haram esh-Sharif in Jerusalem. Hamas retaliated by firing rockets on Israel. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes targeted the Gaza Strip. The key issues of the status of Jerusalem, the borders of a future Palestinian state, and the right of return for Palestinian refugees continue to be contentious and unresolved.

THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS IN JEOPARDY

• The revival of Israel-Palestine conflicts does undermine the various peace efforts for establishing peace in the Middle East region. Each time violence erupts between Israel and Palestine, it erodes the trust and goodwill that may have been built up during previous peace efforts and agreements. It also increases the level of animosity between the two sides, making it more difficult to reach a lasting peace settlement.
• The recent violence in May 2021, for example, saw a significant escalation in hostilities between Israel and Palestine, resulting in numerous casualties and extensive damage. This violence undermined the relative calm that had existed since the 2014 Gaza conflict and created new obstacles to peace. It also led to the postponement of several planned peace talks and other diplomatic efforts.
• Furthermore, the continued occupation of Palestinian territories by Israel, the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, and the lack of progress in negotiations over key issues such as Jerusalem, borders, and refugees, all contribute to the erosion of peace efforts. These factors, combined with the lack of political will and leadership on both sides, make it increasingly challenging to reach a final peace settlement.

IMPLICATIONS OF THE CONFLICT

• The Israel-Palestine conflict has had significant implications for the region and the world. The conflict has caused immense human suffering, with both Israelis and Palestinians experiencing violence, displacement, and loss.
• It has also contributed to instability in the region, as well as international tensions and geopolitical rivalries. The conflict has created a sense of bitterness and mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians, making the prospect of a peaceful resolution seem increasingly remote.
• Additionally, the conflict has led to the growth of extremist groups and terrorist activities, with both Israelis and Palestinians resorting to violence as a means of achieving their goals.
• The conflict has also had implications for international relations, with various countries taking sides and seeking to exert influence over the region.

INDIA’S STAND ON THE ISRAEL-PALESTINE ISSUE

India supports a united, independent, viable, sovereign state of Palestine with East Jerusalem as its capital, living within secured and recognized borders side by side at peace with Israel.

1936

Congress working committee sent greetings to Palestine and on 27th September first observed Palestine day.

1939

Session of INC adopted a resolution on Palestine and looked forward to the emergence of an Independent democratic state in Palestine in which Jews rights would be protected. India was the member of UN special committee on Palestine.

1974

India became the first non-Arab country to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) as the sole and legitimate representative of the Palestine people.

1980

GOI announced in Parliament India’s decision to accord full diplomatic recognition to the PLO office in New Delhi. It was after this that Yasser Arafat paid a three-day visit to India, during which he described India as an ‘eternal friend’.

1988

India recognized Palestine as a state. Indian Government has constructed the Palestine embassy building in New Delhi, as a gift of the people and GOI to the Palestine people.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Negotiation and Dialogue: The most viable solution to the conflict is through peaceful negotiation and dialogue. Both sides need to come to the table with an open mind, ready to compromise and find a solution that benefits everyone. A neutral mediator, such as the United Nations, could facilitate the negotiation process.
• Two-State Solution: The two-state solution has been widely accepted as the most practical and realistic solution to the conflict. This would involve the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, with defined borders and recognition of both states by each other.
• End Violence and Terrorism: Both sides need to end all forms of violence and terrorism, which only further escalate the conflict and lead to more suffering for Palestinians and Israelis. International support and pressure could be applied to both sides to ensure that they abide by their commitments to peace and security.
• Address the Root Causes: The conflict is rooted in a number of complex historical, political, and religious factors. Addressing the underlying causes, such as land ownership, refugee resettlement, and religious and cultural differences, is essential to resolving the conflict.
• International Community Involvement: The international community, including neighboring Arab countries, must play a more active role in resolving the conflict. This could involve diplomatic and economic pressure on both sides to come to a negotiated settlement.
• Humanitarian Aid and Reconstruction: The conflict has caused significant damage to infrastructure and resulted in the displacement of millions of people. Providing humanitarian aid and supporting the reconstruction of the Palestinian territories would help alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict.

THE CONCLUSION: The revival of conflicts between Israel and Palestine undermines the various peace efforts and agreements for establishing peace in the Middle East region. To achieve lasting peace, there needs to be a renewed commitment to dialogue, negotiation, and compromise, as well as the implementation of agreed-upon measures to improve the lives of Israelis and Palestinians. Resolving the Israel-Palestine issue will require a concerted effort from both sides, with the international community’s support. A negotiated settlement based on the two-state solution, an end to violence and terrorism, addressing the root causes of the conflict, and providing humanitarian aid and reconstruction support are all crucial steps towards lasting peace in the region.

Questions:

• India’s policy on the Israel-Palestine issue has gone from being unequivocally pro-Palestine for the first four decades to a tense balancing act with its growing friendly ties with Israel in contemporary times. Do you agree? Explain your viewpoints with suitable arguments.
• Even after numerous efforts, the Israel-Palestine conflict stands still against the possibility of an outcome-oriented Middle East Peace Process. Examine.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. NATURAL JUSTICE AND PRINCIPALS OF PROPORTIONALITY

TAGS: GS-II- POLITY AND CONSTITUTION

THE CONTEXT: A recent ruling of the Supreme Court brought out the issues of Natural Justice and Proportionality to the surface.

THE EXPLANATION:

Natural justice is also known as universal justice, substantial justice, or fair play in action.

 It is an essential concept of divine law, which is based on the law of equity.

Principles of Natural Justice:-

The main principles of natural justice are based on these two legal maxims:

• Nemo judex in causa sua – It means no one shall be a judge in his own case.
• Audi alteram partem – It means both parties/sides must be heard. No man should be condemned unheard.

Prerequisites of Natural Justice:-

• Absence of bias, interest, or prejudice: the judge should be neutral, impartial, and free from bias is the first and foremost prerequisite of natural justice.

Types of Bias:

• Pecuniary bias – It concerns a financial interest in the subject matter.
• Personal bias – A judge may be a relative, friend, or associate of a party.
• Official bias – When a judge has a general interest in the subject matter.

Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India, 1978

• It is well established in the case that even when there is no specific law or provision in a statute or rules made for showing cause against the action made, which affects the right of any individual, the duty to give a reasonable opportunity to be heard will be implied from nature.
• The principles of natural justice are not only binding on all courts but also on judicial bodies and quasi-judicial authorities.

Exceptions to the Principle of Natural Justice:-

• Where a statute or act expressly excludes or a particular provision of it excludes the applicability of the rule.
• Where the action is legislative in nature.
• Where the doctrine of necessity applies.
  • Doctrine of necessity applies: If a decision is to be made urgently on shorter notice, then the rule may be excluded.
• Where facts are admitted or undisputed, then there is no need to call the party again for readmitting the admitted facts. The court can proceed further with admissions made.
• Where an enquiry is confidential, then there can be ignorance of the principles of natural justice.
• Where preventive action is to be taken.
  • For example section 144 CrPC, where immediate action is required, and no reasonable or due time can be given to the other party.
• Where urgent action is necessary for a government policy decision.

Principals of Proportionality:-

• The principle requires that the decision or action must be proportionate to the objective it seeks to achieve.
• It means employed to achieve the objective must be no more than necessary to achieve it, and the harm caused by the decision or action must not be excessive in relation to the benefit gained.
• The validity of the claim of involvement of national security considerations must be assessed on the test of whether there is material to conclude that the non-disclosure of information is in the interest of national security.
• Courts can assess the validity of public interest immunity claims based on the “structured proportionality standard”.

SOCIAL ISSUES

2. WHAT IS HIKIKOMORI?

TAGS: GS-II- SOCIAL ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: A new phenomenon of Isolation known as ‘Hikikomori’ or ‘Shut-ins’ is rapidly spreading in Japan – leading to nearly 1.5 million Japanese people of working age living as social recluses, revealed by a government survey. According to the survey, around a fifth of the isolation cases have been cited to the Covid-19 pandemic.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Hikikomori:

• The term Hikikomori was coined in Japan in the 1990s to describe young adults who had withdrawn from society and remained isolated in their homes for extended periods.
• It is not recognized as a clinical diagnosis but is rather a social phenomenon that affects people of all ages.

What is the factor behind Isolation?

• Several factors have contributed to the high prevalence of hikikomori in Japan. The country’s highly competitive and demanding education system is one of the key factors. Many young people in Japan face intense academic pressure to succeed in school and secure good jobs, leading to high levels of stress and anxiety.
• As per government survey, the most common reason respondents gave for their social withdrawal was “quitting jobs”. This was closely followed by the pandemic, which was cited as the main reason by 18 percent of recluses aged 15-39 and 20 percent of those aged 40-64.
• The traditional Japanese family structure has also played a role. In Japan, there is a strong emphasis on filial piety or respect for one’s parents and elders. This has led to a culture in which children often feel a sense of obligation to care for their parents in old age, which can cause feelings of guilt and anxiety.
• Additionally, Japan’s work culture is notorious for being intense and all-consuming. Long working hours, high levels of stress, and limited opportunities for career advancement can cause burnout and contribute to the prevalence of hikikomori.

What are the Consequences of Hikikomori?

• The consequences of hikikomori can be severe, both for individuals and for society as a whole. Hikikomori can lead to social Isolation, a lack of employment opportunities, and financial hardship. It can also result in mental health issues such as depression and anxiety disorders.
• The Japanese government has recognized the problem of hikikomori and has implemented several initiatives to address it. These initiatives include counselling services, support groups, and financial assistance for individuals and families affected by hikikomori.

HEALTH ISSUES

3. SQUIRRELPOX VIRUS IN WALES

TAGS: GS-II- HEALTH ISSUES

THE CONTEXT: Red squirrels are one of Britain’s most iconic species, and yet, they are under threat from a virus that causes a fatal disease known as squirrelpox. The virus is thought to have originated in North America and was accidentally introduced to the UK by grey squirrels. It is a major threat to the red squirrel population in Wales, where numbers have declined dramatically in recent years.

THE EXPLANATION:

• Grey squirrels are the usual carriers of SQPV (Squirrelpox virus), and although they are immune to the disease, they can still spread the virus to red squirrels through physical contact or contaminated food sources.

Anecdotal Evidence of Resistance

• Despite the devastating effects of the virus, there is some good news. There is anecdotal evidence to suggest that some red squirrels have developed resistance to squirrelpox.
• In Cumbria, there have been reports of healthy red squirrels with antibodies to the virus, which indicates that they have survived an infection and built up immunity.

Impact of Squirrelpox on Red Squirrels

• Squirrelpox has a mortality rate of 100% for untreated infected squirrels in the wild, and infected squirrels typically die within four to five days.
• The virus causes cuts, blisters, and growths on the skin, which can be painful and debilitating for the squirrels. Once infected, red squirrels can take up to three weeks to die.

Efforts to Protect Red Squirrels

• There have been calls for the Welsh government to fund vaccine research to protect red squirrels from squirrelpox. A petition signed by nearly 11,000 people was submitted to the government, but so far, no action has been taken. Despite this, there are still efforts being made to protect red squirrels in Wales.

Restoring Red Squirrels in Ceredigion

• A project is underway to restore red squirrels in Ceredigion, where numbers remain small. The project involves trapping grey squirrels and replacing them with red squirrels in the hope that the red squirrel population will grow. However, this project is only one of many, and more work needs to be done to protect red squirrels in other parts of Wales.

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

4. EXTENDED RANGE ANTI SUBMARINE ROCKET (ER-ASR)

TAGS: GS-III- SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket (ER-ASR) was successfully test-fired for the first time.

THE EXPLANATION:

About Extended Range Anti-Submarine Rocket:-

• The ER-ASR was designed by the Pune-based Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE) and the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) of the DRDO.
• It is designed to intercept submarines at specific depths.
• Its rocket system will be deployed in anti-submarine operations.
• It will be fired from an indigenised rocket launcher mounted onboard various Indian naval ships.
• ER-ASR can be fired in single or in salvo mode depending on the tactical mission requirements.
• The maiden successful test from the ship is a step towards enhancing the capability of the Indian Navy in anti-submarine warfare and towards achieving ‘AtmaNirbharta’ in defence.
• ER-ASR has been designed to replace the existing Russian-origin Rocket Guided Bombs (RGBs) which are already fitted in ships.
• While the RGB has a range of five kilometres, the ER-ASR can achieve a range of over eight kilometres.

PLACES IN NEWS

5. IZU-OGASAWARA TRENCH

TAGS: PRELIMS PERSPECTIVE

THE CONTEXT: The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is an oceanic trench located in the western Pacific Ocean. It is known for being one of the deepest points in the world’s oceans. Here, the deepest ever fish was filmed, breaking the previous record of filming a fish swimming in the Mariana Trench.

THE EXPLANATION:

Depth and Location

• The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is also known as the Izu–Bonin Trench. It is some 9,780 meters (32,087 feet) deep. This oceanic trench is an extension of the Japan Trench and is composed of two trenches: the Izu Trench, located in the north, and the Bonin Trench, located in the south, west of the Ogasawara Plateau.
• The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is located in the western Pacific Ocean, southeast of Japan. It runs parallel to the Mariana Trench, which is the deepest point in the world’s oceans at approximately 10,935 meters (35,876 feet) deep.

Marine Life in the Trench

• Despite the extreme depths of the Izu–Ogasawara Trench, unique marine life has been found in this region. In 2019, the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre led a two-month expedition to explore the trench’s depths. During the expedition, the deepest fish ever caught on camera was filmed swimming at a depth of 8,336 meters (27,373 feet) in the trench. This juvenile snail fish is one of only two fish that have been collected from a depth greater than 8,000 meters.
• The slightly warmer water in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench is believed to be responsible for the survival of fish at such extreme depths. Scientists have also discovered other unique marine life forms in the trench, including the Xenophyophore Occultammina, which was first discovered at a depth of 8,260 meters (27,100 feet).

Significance of the Trench

• The Izu–Bonin–Mariana Arc system, which includes the Izu and Bonin Islands, is created by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Philippine Sea Plate in the Izu–Ogasawara Trench. This process is responsible for creating the unique geological features and marine life in the region.
• The Izu–Ogasawara Trench is also significant for its research potential. Professor Jamieson, the founder of the Minderoo-UWA Deep Sea Research Centre, led the expedition to the trench in 2019 to study the effects of extreme ocean depths on marine life. The research conducted in this trench can help us understand more about the ocean’s depths and the unique ecosystems that exist in these extreme environments.

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. MHA RECOMMENDS CBI PROBE AGAINST OXFAM INDIA FOR FCRA VIOLATIONS

TAGS: GS-II & III- GOVERNANCE AND ECONOMY

THE CONTEXT: The Union Home Ministry recommended an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) into the alleged violation of FCRA provisions by Oxfam India, one of the largest NGOs working on food, shelter and education of vulnerable groups.

THE EXPLANATION:

• According to Government Officials, that the NGO was registered under the FCRA for undertaking “social” activities and its registration was valid till December 31, 2021.
• The official said that Oxfam continued to transfer foreign funds to various other entities even after the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Act, 2020, which prohibits such transfers, came into force. “The amendment came in force on September 29, 2020. The Oxfam India transferred funds to other NGOs, violating provisions of the FCRA”.
• The recommendation for a CBI investigation comes after Income Tax authorities on September 7, 2022 searched the offices of Oxfam India and Centre for Policy Research (CPR), one of the leading public policy think tanks.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act:

• It is an act of Parliament enacted in 1976 and amended in 2010. It was to regulate foreign donations and to ensure that such contributions do not adversely affect internal security.
• Coverage: It is applicable to all associations, groups, and NGOs which intend to receive foreign donations.
• Registration: It is mandatory for all such NGOs to register themselves under the FCRA. The registration is initially valid for five years. Further, it can be renewed subsequently if they comply with all norms.
• Registered NGOs can receive foreign contributions for five purposes — social, educational, religious, economic, and cultural. There are 22,591 FCRA registered NGOs.

Foreign Contribution Regulation (Amendment) Rules 2020:

• New rules require any organization that wants to register itself under the FCRA to have existed for at least three years. Further, it should have spent a minimum of Rs. 15 lakh on its core activities during the last three financial years for the benefit of society.
• Office bearers of the NGOs seeking registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act must submit a specific commitment letter from the donor. It should indicate the amount of foreign contribution and the purpose for which it is proposed to be given.
• Any NGO or person making an application for obtaining prior permission to receive foreign funds shall have an FCRA Account.

2. CENTRE NOTIFIES CHANGES TO IT RULES, 2021

TAGS: GS-II-GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT:The Union Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (Meity) notified amendments to the contentious IT rules, 2021 inserting a clause that will need intermediaries — social media companies such as Twitter and Facebook — to ensure users do not post content about the Union government that has been “fact checked” by an approved body.

THE EXPLANATION:

• While the Government said the measure on fact-checking was meant to combat misinformation, experts raised concerns about the government assuming a role in doing this. Recently, the Supreme Court, as it struck down a ban on a media channel, said restrictions to free speech cannot be applied to criticism of government policy. “Criticism of governmental policy can by no stretch of imagination be brought within the fold of any of the grounds stipulated in Article 19(2)”.
• Section 79 of the IT Act gives social media companies legal immunity from liability of what their users post as long as they carry out the necessary due diligence outlined by the government.
• In an earlier version, the rules put the onus on intermediaries to ensure users do not “host, display, upload, modify, publish, transmit, store, update or share any information” that “is identified as fake or false by the fact check unit at the Press Information Bureau of the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting or other agency authorised by the central government.”
• The latest version does not mention the PIB fact-check unit. “There is a possibility that the organisation will be the Press Information Bureau fact-check unit, so that it is notified under the government’s rules so that they can use the power of the IT rules”.
• PIB on several occasions has sought to rebut media reporting with its fact-check. When the first version of the rules were released, experts said it fell afoul of Article 19(2) of the Constitution, which deals with reasonable restrictions on free speech.

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

3. SEA LAMPREY: A GREAT LAKES INVADER

TAGS:GS-III- ENVIRONMENT-SPECIES IN NEWS- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: Recently, a parasitic Sea Lamprey, believed to have gone extinct, spotted on Netherlands beach, which is infamous for sucking and consuming the blood of its prey.

THE EXPLANATION:

• The sea lamprey—an ancient Atlantic fish that wreaked havoc on the Great Lakes—may be America’s first destructive invasive species.
• They are unique from many other fish species in that they do not have jaws or other bony structures. Instead, they possess a cartilaginous skeleton and a large oral disk filled with sharp, horn-shaped teeth that surround a toothed tongue.
• They have remained largely unchanged for more than 340 million years, since the Paleozoic Era, and survived through at least four major extinction events, as noted by the Great Lakes Fishery Commission in 2021.
• Sea lampreys have had an enormous, negative impact on the Great Lakes fishery, inflicting considerable damage.

• Before the sea lamprey invasion, Canada and the United States harvested about 15 million pounds of lake trout in the upper Great Lakes each year. By the late 1940s, sea lamprey populations had exploded.
• During the time of highest sea lamprey abundance, up to 85% of fish that were not killed by sea lampreys were marked with sea lamprey attack wounds.
• IUCN Status: Least Concern.

4. CHONDROSTEREUM PURPUREUM

AGS:GS-III- ENVIRONMENT-SPECIES IN NEWS- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: A recent case report published in Medical Mycology Case Reports revealed that a man in Kolkata, was infected with Chondrostereum purpureum, a plant fungus. This discovery has raised concerns about the potential risks of fungal infections in humans, especially in the context of global warming.

THE EXPLANATION:

The Case of Chondrostereum Purpureum Infection in a Man

• The infected man exhibited symptoms such as hoarse voice, cough, fatigue, and difficulties swallowing. These symptoms were caused by the fungus invading the man’s larynx, which made it difficult for him to speak and swallow.
• The doctors who treated the patient noted that this was a rare case and that there are only a few fungal species that cause infections in humans.

Chondrostereum Purpureum and Silver Leaf Disease in Plants

• Chondrostereum purpureum is a fungus that causes silver leaf disease in plants, especially in species of rose families. The fungus enters the plant through a wound and then colonizes the xylem tissue, leading to leaf discoloration and leaf death.
• The silver leaf disease can be detrimental to the growth and health of plants, and can also cause economic losses for farmers.

The Vulnerability of Humans to Fungal Infections

• Human beings having compromised immune system are most susceptible to fungal infection. Fungal infections can also occur in healthy individuals, but they are generally less severe.
• The recent case of Chondrostereum purpureum infection in a man highlights the potential risks of fungal infections in humans, especially in the context of rising atmospheric temperature.

Global Warming and Fungal Infections

• Global warming is expected to increase the prevalence of fungal diseases in humans. Most fungi thrive in a temperature range of 12°C to 30°C, and rising temperatures can change the distribution of heat-tolerant and susceptible species by favouring those that are more thermotolerant.
• This narrowing of the thermal difference between the human body and its surroundings increases the chance of the prevalence of fungal diseases.

MISCELLANEOUS

5. WORLD HEALTH DAY 2023

TAGS: MISCELLANEOUS- PRELIMS

THE CONTEXT: World Health Day is celebrated on the 7th of April every year to raise awareness about global health and work towards improving it. It is an opportunity to focus on a specific health issue that affects people worldwide.

THE EXPLANATION:

• This year, 7 April marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of WHO. In 1948, countries of the world came together to establish the United Nations specialized agency to promote health, keep the world safe and serve the vulnerable – so that everyone, everywhere can attain the highest level of health and well-being.

World Health Day 2023: Theme of the day

• The World Health Organisation also shared some ideas to mark this day. WHO said that people around the world could organize a World Health Day event for their communities.
• “Work with health champions and influencers to mobilize your community to demand your right to access quality health service without falling into financial hardship”.
• Collaborating with artists, musicians, influencers, social workers, celebrities and other influencing personalities around the world to spread the message behind “Health For All” was also an idea given by WHO to mark the day.
• Schools, colleges and other educational institutions can also organise activities to educate students about healthy practices that can be followed on a daily basis.

[WpProQuiz 458]

[WpProQuiz 457]