RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION AND DEGRADATION; ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT ASSESSMENT

THE CONTEXT: Air pollution is a big menace for the city of Delhi which faces this issue annually. The problems with poor air quality usually attract attention during late autumn when stubble burning is at its peak in the states neighbouring the NCR. However, data shows that good or even moderately satisfactory air evades the capital’s residents for most parts of the year, especially in winter.

 REASONS:

• Crop Burning:Farmers of the states around Delhi carry out stubble burning which leads to generation of pollution and these pollutants are carried towards Delhi.
• Vehicular Emissions: Vehicle emissions contribute to the dangerous impacts of smog and air pollution. Due to the sheer volume of automobiles on the road, this is a significant source of pollution.
• Construction Dust: Increase in construction and other infrastructure work in the region has led to generation of construction dust, which acts as a pollutant.
• Industrial Pollution: Delhi-NCR’s industries have not embraced environmentally friendly fuels and methods. They emit harmful gases which cause pollution.
• Stagnant Winds: During winter months, the upward movement of air from the layers below is stopped which causes polluted air to be stagnant over the region. Due to stagnant winds, the pollutants generated in the area get trapped over the region which increases the chances of pollution to a great extent.
• Geographical Reason: As Delhi is land-locked from all sides, the north-westerly winds coming from Pakistan and Afghanistan bring in large amounts of dust particles to the region. Due to the presence of Himalayas, which block the escape route of the air, the dust and pollutants settle in the region.
• Lack in programme implementation: There is lack of effectiveness in programme implementation to tackle air pollution. For example, CAQM has not developed a synergy between the different bodies whose work is crucial to ensure clean air pollution. In 2019, the government launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) to reduce pollution by 20-30% by 2024 compared to 2017. In 2022, the programme’s goalposts were shifted 40% reduction in pollution by 2026. Most independent studies show that progress under NCAP has been slow.
• Unutilised funds: Recently, Centre told Parliament that cities in Delhi-NCR have utilised less than 40 per cent of the funds allocated to curb air pollution.

RECENT STEPS TAKEN:

• Commission for Air Quality Management is monitoring agency set up in 2021 and it has imposed restrictions under phase III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
• GRAP is a set of incremental anti-pollution measures that are triggered to prevent further worsening of air quality once it reaches a certain threshold in the Delhi-NCR region.
• The implementation of Stage-III GRAP mandates immediate action on multiple fronts. The Sub-Committee decides to invoke 8 point action plan as per Stage-III of revised GRAP in the entire NCR with immediate effect.
• The anti-pollution steps under the 8-point action plan by the central commission are:

1. Intensify the frequency of mechanised and vacuum-based sweeping of roads.
2. Ensure daily water sprinkling, along with dust suppressants, before peak traffic hours on roads and pollution hotspots.
3. Intensify public transport services and introduce differential rates to encourage off-peak travel.
4. Enforce a strict ban on construction and demolition activities in the entire NCR, except essential projects.
5. Close down operations of stone crushers.
6. Close down all mining and associated activities in NCR.
7. Impose strict restrictions on the operation of BS III petrol and BS IV diesel LMVs.
8. Make a decision on discontinuing physical classes in schools for children up to class 4 and conduct classes in an online mode.

THE WAY FORWARD:

• Address Municipal Solid Waste (MSW) burning: A study found that Delhi burns 190 to 246 tons of MSW every day, which severely pollutes the air. Therefore, any form of garbage burning must be stopped and authorities need to develop infrastructure for effective collection and disposal of MSW.
• Promote the use of electric and BS-VI vehicles: On an average vehicle can contribute up to 25% to PM 2.5 levels and at some locations, it can spike to 35%. Using Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) can significantly reduce emissions from diesel vehicles. The introduction of more electric, hybrid and BS-VI vehicles can also help reduce the pollution. Improvement of public transport is also necessary to address the problem.
• Limit biomass burning: Burning of crop residue in Haryana and Punjab needs to stop on urgent basis. Instead of burning, the residue can be used for energy production, biogas generation and feeding cattle.
• Tackle fly ash: During summers, fly ash is one of the biggest contributors to PM 10 in Delhi. To deal with the pollutants, water spraying, installation of windbreakers and plantations should be done.
• Need of long-term plan: There are several measures that are being taken from spraying water to implementing GRAP to odd even solution. However, these measures provide temporary relief, therefore, the persistent problem of air pollution needs a long-term solution like drafting out an all-year action plan to improve air quality.
• Enhanced powers to the authorities: Though CAQM has taken various steps, but the agency has functioned more like a regulator whose primary responsibility is to implement the Graded Action Response Plan. There is a need for more independent power to authorities to take pre-emptive actions and allow denser monitoring.

THE CONCLUSION: Despite several steps taken for combating air pollution in Delhi, it continues to be a much more serious problem. To significantly improve air quality in Delhi, a host of preventive steps need to be taken to provide a long-term solution to this problem.

UPSC PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS

1. Describe the key points of the revised Global Air Quality Guidelines (AQGs) recently released by the World Health Organisation (WHO). How are these different from its last update in 2005? What changes in India’s National Clean Air Programme are required to achieve revised standards? (2021)
2. What are the key features of the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) initiated by the Government of India? (2020)

 MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

Delhi registered severe air pollution on the Air Quality Index (AQI) recently. In this context, analyse the major factors contributing to Delhi’s pollution and suggest measures that need to be taken to address the persistent problem of air pollution in Delhi.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/editorials/delhi-air-quality-aqi-aqi-register-caqm-pollution-monitoring-agency-9110840/#:~:text=The%20persistent%20problem%20frames%20the,So%20far%2C%20mechanisms%20are%20failing&text=Delhi’s%20problems%20with%20poor%20air,the%20states%20neighbouring%20the%20NCR.

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Tsunami waves hit several parts of Japan’s coastal areas and urgent evacuation warnings were issued after a 7.6-magnitude earthquake shook the country’s north-central region.

EXPLANATION:

Tsunami:

• Tsunami, derived from the Japanese term “harbour wave,”.
• It represents a series of massive ocean waves primarily triggered by seismic activities such as earthquakes or volcanic eruptions occurring beneath the ocean.
• Seismic events, including earthquakes or volcanic eruptions, create a sudden shift in the ocean floor, causing significant displacement of water.
• When an earthquake occurs underwater, the movement of the ocean floor leads to the displacement of a large volume of water, thus generating tsunami waves.
• Similarly, volcanic eruptions can also displace water, resulting in the formation of large waves.

Characteristics of Tsunamis:

• Initially emerging in the deep ocean, tsunami waves gain height and momentum as they approach shallow waters near the shore.
• These waves can reach towering heights, often hundreds of feet, and travel at high speeds comparable to jet planes over deep oceanic expanses.
• However, their speed diminishes upon reaching shallower coastal areas.

Factors Influencing Tsunami Formation:

• Not all seismic activities cause tsunamis, as the formation depends on various factors.
• These include the depth of the earthquake’s occurrence, the nature of the seafloor, the distance and direction of the earthquake from the coastline, and the magnitude of the seismic event.

Japan’s Proneness to Earthquakes and Tsunamis:

• Japan’s geographical location places it along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire,’ a seismic hotspot marked by frequent tectonic movements and high volcanic activity.
• The ‘Ring of Fire’ encompasses an expansive area along the Pacific Ocean where significant earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.
• Within the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire,’ Japan experiences the convergence of several tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate, Eurasian Plate, and Indo-Australian Plate.
• The constant collision and interaction of these plates create seismic instability, leading to earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, and subsequent tsunamis.

Historical Impact on Japan:

• Japan’s susceptibility to earthquakes and tsunamis has had devastating consequences historically.
• The 2011 Tohoku earthquake, measuring 9.0 magnitude, triggered a massive tsunami that ravaged northeastern coastal regions.
• It claimed approximately 18,000 lives, displaced tens of thousands, and caused severe damage.
• The resultant tsunami also led to the Fukushima nuclear disaster, marking one of the most significant nuclear accidents globally.

Conclusion:

• The occurrence of earthquakes and consequent tsunamis in Japan, primarily attributed to its location along the ‘Pacific Ring of Fire,’ underscores the country’s vulnerability to seismic events.
• Understanding the geological dynamics, coupled with the impact of historical tsunamis, emphasizes the critical need for preparedness, early warning systems, and strategic measures to mitigate the devastating effects of such natural disasters on Japan’s coastal communities.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/everyday-explainers/japan-tsunami-earthquake-9090621/

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The recent deluge in south Tamil Nadu, particularly in areas like Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, has been attributed to an active Northeast monsoon (NEM) intensified by the El Nino phenomenon.

EXPLANATION:

• El Nino, characterized by warmer-than-normal temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is a phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation Phenomenon (ENSO).
• This phase tends to augment rainfall extremes, specifically during the Northeast monsoon period.

Impact of El Nino on Rainfall Extremes

• Studies indicate that extreme rainfall occurrences during the Northeast monsoon in regions of southern Tamil Nadu are notably more frequent than during the Southwest monsoon season.
• The recent heavy rainfall is a reflection of this pattern, with five districts experiencing significant downpours, surpassing normal rainfall levels by staggering percentages.
• Tirunelveli received 363.6 mm of rainfall, an astonishing 5,094% higher than the usual amount.
• Thoothukudi encountered 343.6 mm of rain, exceeding the normal by 7,059%.
• Other affected districts include Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Kanyakumari, each experiencing substantial rainfall exceeding the expected averages.

Meteorological Factors Contributing to Extreme Rainfall

• Experts emphasize the contribution of the El Nino phenomenon in intensifying the Northeast monsoon, thereby creating conducive conditions for extreme rainfall events.
• Factors contributing to the deluge include:
  • Cyclonic Circulations:
    • These atmospheric whirls in upper layers induce low-pressure areas, leading to rainfall.
    • The presence of cyclonic circulations, particularly near Kanyakumari, facilitated strong upper-level divergence.
    • This resulted in significant low-level convergence of moisture-laden winds towards south Tamil Nadu.
  • Upper-Level Divergence and Low-Level Convergence:
    • The spreading out of air in the upper atmosphere causes air below to rise, leading to low-level convergence.
    • This process brings moisture-laden winds, fostering extreme rainfall events.
  • Influence of Cyclonic Systems:
    • After the impact of Cyclone Michaung, a diffuse cyclonic system near the south Tamil Nadu coast further intensified northeast winds, creating wind and wave convergence over the region, especially around the gap between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu (Palk Bay & Gulf of Mannar).

Previous Observations and Weather Patterns

• Historically, research suggests that extreme rainfall during the Northeast monsoon (December-February) is more prevalent in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka compared to the Southwest monsoon (June-September).
• Studies analyzing 30 different weather patterns have identified specific climate variability, with certain patterns significantly associated with extreme rainfall occurrences in autumn and winter around Sri Lanka and south Tamil Nadu.

EL-NINO:

• El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, as opposed to La Niña, which is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.
• El Niño is an oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather around the globe.
• Among these consequences are increased rainfall across the southern tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding, and drought in the West Pacific, sometimes associated with devastating brush fires in Australia.
• Observations of conditions in the tropical Pacific are considered essential for the prediction of short term (a few months to 1 year) climate variations.

Implications and Conclusion

• The current deluge over Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli aligns with one of these identified patterns.
• The active pattern during the NEM season strengthens the monsoon, potentially enhancing rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
• In essence, the convergence of various meteorological factors, including El Nino’s influence on the Northeast monsoon, cyclonic circulations, upper-level divergence, and low-level convergence, has contributed to the recent extreme rainfall events in south Tamil Nadu.
• Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of such extreme weather occurrences in the future.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/el-nino-fuelled-northeast-monsoon-caused-the-deluge-in-south-tamil-nadu-experts-93469

THE CONTEXT: The World Meteorological Organization’s recent report, The Global Climate 2011-2020, gives a broad view of the planet’s response to greenhouse gas emissions. In the section on the state of glacier health, it points out that, on average, the world’s glaciers thinned by approximately a metre a year from 2011 to 2020.

THE GLOBAL CLIMATE 2011-2020

About:

• A Decade of Acceleration report documents how extreme events across the decade had devastating impacts, particularly on food security, displacement and migration, hindering national development and progress toward the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• It also showed how improvements in forecasts, early warnings and coordinated disaster management and response are making a difference.

Report:

• The report was released at the UN Climate Change Conference, COP28.
• In the section on the state of glacier health, it points out that, on average, the world’s glaciers thinned by approximately a metre a year from 2011 to 2020.
• When compared across decades, there is significant regional variability, but the overall pattern remains that glaciers in all regions of the world are becoming smaller.
• In fact, some of the reference glaciers, which are used to make long-term assessments of glacier health, have already melted away as the nourishing winter snow is completely melting away during summer.
• In Africa, glaciers on the Rwenzori Mountains and Mount Kenya are projected to disappear by 2030, and those on Kilimanjaro by 2040.
• The report points to the rapid growth of pro-glacial lakes and the likelihood of glacier lake outburst flood (GLOF), posing additional threats to ecosystems and livelihoods.

ABOUT GLACIER LAKE OUTBURST FLOOD (GLOF)

• Glaciers are made of layers of compressed snow that move or “flow” due to gravity and the softness of ice relative to rock.
• Proglacial lakes, formed after glaciers retreat, are often bound by sediment and boulder formations. Additional water or pressure, or structural weakness, can cause both natural and manmade dams to burst.

Reasons behind the GLOF:

• Seismic activity and a buildup of water pressure can cause glaciers to burst, but one particular concern is climate change.
• High temperatures coupled with less snowfall can accelerate melting, which causes water to rise to potentially dangerous levels.
• Most mountain glaciers around the world were much larger in the past and have been melting and shrinking dramatically due to climate change and global warming.

Examples of GLOF in India:

• Uttarakhand Kedarnath Flash Flood: An outburst flood triggered by the Chorabari Tal glacial lake in Uttarakhand devastated Kedarnath in 2013.
• Uttarakhand Chamoli District GLOF: In Chamoli District, Uttarakhand, a glacial lake outburst flood originating from the Nanda Devi Glacier caused significant damage in 2021.
• GLOF in North Sikkim: Recently, Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) from South Lhonak Lake in North Sikkim breached, causing massive devastation.

DESTRUCTION AND IMPACT

Increasing sea level: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, potentially causing coastal flooding and erosion.

Biodiversity loss: Glacial melting will also cause the extinction of numerous species, as glaciers are the natural habitat of a number of animals, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Economic impact: Across all continents, the rapid melting of glaciers is generating adverse effects, including flooding and other glacier-related disasters. Mitigating these effects will necessitate substantial financial resources and coordinated intervention.

Scarcity of fresh water: At the current rate of global greenhouse gas emissions, which is expected to see temperatures increase by 2.5°-3°C by the end of the century, the volume of glaciers is forecast to decline anywhere from 55% to 75%. This means sharp reductions in freshwater supply in the immediate vicinity of 2050.

Increasing global warming: Glaciers play a significant role in reflecting and absorbing the heat on earth. This means that as glaciers keep on melting, temperatures all over the world will at the same rate keep on increasing.

Increased risk of natural disasters: The retreat of glaciers can significantly increase the risk of natural disasters such as landslides, rockfalls, and Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

THE WAY FORWARD

Early warning system: An early warning system is needed for the likelihood of GLOF events.

Weather monitoring: Understanding precipitation patterns and snowmelt can help predict the risk of lake outburst.

Land-use planning: Avoiding development in flood-prone areas mitigates the potential for damage and loss of life.

Technological innovation: Investing in research and development of new technologies that address climate change challenges, such as carbon capture and storage, is essential for finding long-term solutions.

Greenhouse Gas emissions reduction: Implementing and strengthening policies that limit greenhouse gas emissions is paramount. This includes measures like carbon pricing, regulations on fossil fuel usage, and incentives for renewable energy adoption.

Transition to renewable energy: A rapid and decisive shift towards renewable energy sources, such as solar, wind, and geothermal, is essential to break free from dependence on fossil fuels.

Water resource management: Implementing efficient water management practices, including rainwater harvesting, groundwater recharge, and improved irrigation systems, can help communities adapt to water scarcity caused by glacial melt.

Reforestation: Planting new trees is one of the most effective ways to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide (CO2) and limit global warming.

International agreements: International agreements like the Paris Agreement and the Montreal Protocol provide a framework for coordinated action to reduce carbon emissions and combat global warming. By working together, nations can share best practices, leverage resources, and achieve collective goals that benefit everyone.

CONCLUSION:

Threats from contracting glaciers should be in the same category of risk as cyclones and earthquakes. Correspondingly, there is a need to make comprehensive risk assessments, map regions of vulnerability and commission infrastructure development with the highest standards of care.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q) Dam failures are always catastrophic, especially on the downstream side, resulting in a colossal loss of life and property. Analyze the various causes of dam failures. Give two examples of large dam failures. (2023)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION

Q) Examine the main reasons behind the rapid melting of glaciers around the world. Also suggest some effective measures to combat glacier melting.

SOURCE: An icy warning: The Hindu Editorial on threats from contracting glaciers – The Hindu

THE CONTEXT: Cyclone Michaung has disrupted life in Chennai. Cyclone made its landfall in Andhra Pradesh on December 5. Heavy rainfall caused floods, submerging houses and halting communication services, at least 20 people have lost their lives.

MORE ON THE NEWS

• On December 1, the Joint Typhoon Warning Centre (JTWC), a joint U.S. Air Force and Navy command, upgraded the likelihood of cyclone formation to high.
• By December 2, the depression had intensified into a deep depression, as expected, while it was around 500 km southeast of Chennai and moving at around 17 km/hr.
• On December 5, Cyclone Michaung (pronounced mig-jaum) made landfall over Nellore in Andhra Pradesh as a super-cyclonic storm.
• A day earlier, the weather system had produced 150-200 mm of rain in north Tamil Nadu.

ABOUT CYCLONE MICHAUNG

• Severe Cyclonic Storm Michaung was a strong tropical cyclone that formed over the Bay of Bengal off the south-eastern coast of India.
• It originated as a low-pressure area in the Gulf of Thailand and crossed into the Bay of Bengal which became a deep depression on December 2.
• It developed into a cyclonic storm thereafter and was named Michaung.

HOW ARE CYCLONES NAMED?

• In 2000, a panel of the World Meteorological Organisation together with members of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission prepared the list of names of tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, to be given from the September 2004 season.
• The name of each cyclone is picked from this list and cycles through each country’s suggestion.
  • For example, after Michaung (by Myanmar), the next five cyclones will be called ‘Remal’ (Oman), ‘Asna’ (Pakistan), ‘Dana’ (Qatar), ‘Fengal’ (Saudi Arabia), and ‘Shakhti’ (Sri Lanka).

WHY DID CYCLONE MICHAUNG INTENSIFY?

• On December 4, the cyclonic storm intensified into a super-cyclonic storm. Such intensification events are a source of uncertainty in cyclone models because they alter the storm’s future course.
• Tropical cyclones are ‘engines’ that use a warm sea surface as ‘fuel’. This is why they form close to the equator (but seldom at the equator itself because the spinning force, called the Coriolis force, is lowest there).
• As air moves over such a warm sea, it also becomes warmer and laden with moisture, and begins to ascend. In the process, it becomes cooler, which condenses the vapour and forms clouds.
• Condensation releases heat, which makes the air lighter and causes it to ascend further. As it does, the surrounding air moves in underneath, creating the surface winds associated with cyclones.
• The intensification is also greater if the cyclone spends more time over the water before landfall, as Cyclone Michaung did off the coast of north Tamil Nadu.

GOVERNMENT INITIATIVES

Stormwater drainage system: The Tamil Nadu government is constructing a stormwater drainage system across Chennai and the city administration has claimed that the areas with the new drains escaped flooding. The Rs 4,500 crore project has been on since 2017 and by all accounts, nearly two-thirds of Chennai remains to be connected with the new network.

Flood Management Programme (FMP): Central Govt. has been providing financial assistance through a scheme called Flood Management Programme (FMP) since XIth Plan. The scheme since its inception has undergone several changes as per demands of states/UTs and also on account of various directions and policies of Govt.

Central Water Commission (CWC): The Government of India set up the Central Water Commission for achieving the goal of furthering and promoting measures of flood control, conservation and utilization of water resources throughout the country in the areas of beneficial uses, irrigation and hydropower generation, flood management and river conservation.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA): For prevention and mitigation effects of disasters including flood disasters and for undertaking a holistic, coordinated and prompt response to any disaster situation, the Government of India has set up a National Disaster Management Authority.

CONSEQUENCES OF THE INTENSIFICATION

Flooding: Heavy rainfall caused floods that submerged houses and halted communication services. At least 20 people have lost their lives.

Power outages: Several localities continue to be under water more than 48 hours after the rains abated, leading to power outages.

Shortages of essentials: There are shortages, including drinking water, milk and diesel.

Electrocutions: People are being electrocuted by loose cable wires.

Ineffective drainage system: The city’s drainage system is inadequate and needs to be improved.

Wetland encroachment: Construction projects on wetlands should be rethought.

Drinking water shortage: The city has a pressing drinking water shortage problem.

THE WAY FORWARD

Drainage revamp system: The suffering caused by the latest floods should push the state government to expedite the drainage revamp system.

Construction projects on wetlands:  After the 2015 floods, experts reasoned that planners should re-think construction projects on wetlands.

Create flood-resilient infrastructure: Design and build infrastructure, such as roads and buildings, to withstand flooding. This includes raising electrical panels, using flood-resistant materials, and installing backflow prevention devices.

Upgrade and expand drainage systems: This includes increasing the capacity of existing drainage channels, constructing new ones, and improving the efficiency of pumping stations.

CONCLUSION:

In the past five years, meteorological agencies have stepped up to the challenge of issuing timely cyclone alerts. City planners need to act now. A holistic approach combining drainage improvements, wetland preservation, and sustainable urban planning is key to bolstering flood resilience.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION:

Q.1) Discuss the meaning of colour-coded weather warnings for cyclone prone areas given by Indian Meteorological Department. (2022)

Q.2) The frequency of urban floods due to high intensity rainfall is increasing over the years. Discussing the reasons for urban floods, highlight the mechanisms for preparedness to reduce the risk during such events. (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

Q.1) In recent years, Tamil Nadu has been experiencing short-duration spells of intense rainfall, like in several parts of the country. What are the reasons for frequent floods in India? Suggest steps that need to be taken for proper flood management.

SOURCE: Express View on Chennai floods: A wake-up call for urban planners | The Indian Express

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. What the World Malaria Report says about India READ MORE
2. COP28: What is Global Stocktake — and why is it important? READ MORE
3. RBI monetary policy: Why is the Monetary Policy Committee likely to leave repo rate unchanged? READ MORE
4. BCG revaccination study in high-risk adults to begin in 23 States READ MORE
5.  ‘India will be the largest cotton producer’ READ MORE
6. COP28 climate meet | India not among 118 nations that pledged to triple green energy READ MORE
7. Lithium supply strategy: India’s initiative with Argentina’s CAMYEN gains traction READ MORE
8. Natural superhero fungi boosts crop yields by 40% READ MORE
9. After COVID break, Centre approves fourth phase roll-out of GIAN scheme READ MORE
10. India agreed to withdraw soldiers from country, says Maldives President Muizzu READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Re-criminalising adultery as a gender-neutral offence READ MORE
2. Weather Report: East India braces for wet days ahead as Cyclone Michaung builds up; North India to remain dry READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The legal net to trap peddlers of deepfakes READ MORE
2. Private job quota for locals ends with order READ MORE
3. Role of Governors in focus again READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. India, disability inclusion and the power of ‘by’ READ MORE  

 INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Kissinger: Cold warrior of realpolitik READ MORE  
2. Time for a reset in India-US ties READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Growth surprise points to status quo on repo rate READ MORE
2. Economy well on track but growth not yet broad-based READ MORE
3. Why government is not worried about missing disinvestment target READ MORE
4. How Indian economy has silenced ‘perennial pessimists’ READ MORE
5. India’s geo-digital age is here – tech partnerships, data protection, semiconductors READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Why India will continue to rely on coal for foreseeable future READ MORE  
2. India reduced emissions intensity 33% in 2005-2019, shows new submission to UN READ MORE
3. COP28 must put global climate action back on track READ MORE
4. Will COP28 UAE shape climate justice amid clash between urgency and economic realities in global climate action? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The transformative benefits of population-level genome sequencing | Explained READ MORE   
2. Artificial Intelligence: Benefits outweigh the detriments READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Combating cybercrimes READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. The Uttarakhand tunnel workers have been rescued. It’s time to ask hard questions about the project READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Panacea for grief: Realise the eternity within READ MORE
2. Your anger, your energy READ MORE
3. Serve Param Purush READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. A bottom-up approach to disability inclusion is needed to ensure that persons with disabilities are recognised as active members of society and the economy. In the light of the statement critically examine the schemes established as part of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (2016).
2. The goal of social justice cannot be achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of development, starting with rural areas and rural resilience. Comment.
3. The historic marginalisation of persons with disabilities and the backsliding of the progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, a fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing and action is critical. Discuss how the voices and needs of persons with disabilities be prioritised at the centre of the global development agenda.
4. ‘Strategic Autonomy’ deployed by India in recent times owes itself to the foundational principle of realpolitik, as it allows the practitioner to not get closeted within the linear grouping. Critically examine the statement.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it.
• There needs to be more inclusive opportunities and employment in the rural areas as a majority of persons with disabilities live here.
• The first step is awareness to ensure last-mile connectivity of the benefits enumerated for people with disabilities by the government, which begins with the capacity-building of community leaders who can advocate for this at the grass-roots level.
• A bottom-up approach to disability inclusion is crucial to build productive pathways out of poverty and ensure that persons with disabilities are recognised as active members of society and the economy.
• The goal of social justice cannot be achieved without the inclusion of persons with disabilities in all spheres of development, starting with rural areas and rural resilience.
• A bi-directional link to poverty, nutrition, and hunger, and as a consequence, there needs to be more inclusive opportunities and employment in rural areas.
• The historic marginalisation of persons with disabilities and the backsliding of the progress on the Sustainable Development Goals, a fundamental shift in commitment, solidarity, financing and action is critical.
• It is about time that the voices and needs of persons with disabilities be prioritised at the centre of the global development agenda.
• Though the domestic economy is on a stronger footing, inflation needs to sustain at 4 per cent for interest rates to be cut.
• Though the domestic economy is on a stronger footing and global headwinds are not too threatening as to upset inflation-growth dynamics, the lingering El Nino impact on the farm sector could be a cause of concern.
• ‘Strategic Autonomy’ deployed by India in recent times owes itself to the foundational principle of realpolitik, as it allows the practitioner to not get closeted within the linear grouping and associated puritanism of ‘allies’ to which a sovereign subscribed.
• As India meanders and navigates its rise in global relevance and animus simultaneously, it would do well to mull over and keep pace with the evolving nature of diplomacy.
• The extent of moral compromises, leniencies and even suppressions done by Superpowers in their quest to assert their geopolitical agendas and interests, is even more pronounced.
• It is imperative to foster a constructive working relationship to resolve the disharmony between the Centre and the states.
• Instead of engaging in public arguments, Chief Ministers and Governors should create a more conducive environment for the federal structure to operate seamlessly. Establishing a positive and productive relationship is crucial for the efficient functioning of the state.
• The core commitment of COP28 is to conceptualise a sustainable socio-economic model that will substantively decouple itself from conventional reliance on the fossil-related energy model.
• The alignment of AI use cases with the vision of the organisation is the most important aspect of the adoption of AI.
• The development of AI should not be an ad-hoc process but a part of a well-thought-out strategy which has the support of the top management and confidence of all stakeholders as a tool for reducing their burden rather than replacing them or their work.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Strategy is not the consequence of planning, but the opposite: its starting point.

50-WORD TALK

• Tamil Nadu police have a new target. It’s called ED. Scenes of police raiding ED office upend the playbook of what has become so routine and partisan that nobody even ponders anymore. It shows how broken the federal compact is. The primary responsibility of repairing centre-state balance lies with centre.
• China has become the first nation to accept the Taliban’s ambassador, starting the normalisation of the outfit in the global order. This is the destiny of Afghanistan that everyone will have to accept, even as efforts continue to sustain international pressure on the Taliban for women’s rights and curbing terrorism.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast a cyclonic storm, Cyclone Michaung, over the southwest Bay of Bengal.

EXPLANATION:

• It is likely to make landfall in the coastal districts of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in coming days.
• As a result, the government agency has issued an ‘orange’ alert over Tamil Nadu, as well as coastal and interior Andhra Pradesh for two days.
• It is essential for the residents of these areas to take necessary precautions and stay updated with the latest information and alerts from the relevant authorities.
• Cyclone Michaung is the fourth tropical cyclone of the year over the Bay of Bengal.

What is a Cyclone?

• A cyclone is a large-scale system of air that rotates around the center of a low-pressure area.
• It is usually accompanied by violent storms and bad weather.
• According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), a cyclone is characterized by inward spiralling winds that rotate anticlockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.

Types of Cyclones

• The NDMA classifies cyclones broadly into two categories:
  • extratropical cyclones
  • tropical cyclones

Extratropical Cyclones

• Also known as mid-latitude cyclones, extratropical cyclones occur outside the tropics and have cold air at their core.
• They derive their energy from the release of potential energy when cold and warm air masses interact.
• These cyclones always have one or more fronts connected to them, which are the boundary between two kinds of air masses.

Tropical Cyclones

• Tropical cyclones are the most devastating storms on earth and develop in the regions between the Tropics of Capricorn and Cancer.
• They develop when thunderstorm activity starts building close to the center of circulation, and the strongest winds and rain are no longer in a band far from the center.
• Tropical cyclones have different names depending on their location and strength.
• For instance, they are known as hurricanes in the Caribbean Sea, the Gulf of Mexico, the North Atlantic Ocean, and the eastern and central North Pacific Ocean. In the western North Pacific, they are called typhoons.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO THE DNA ARTICLE OF 29^TH NOVEMBER 2023.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/cyclone-michaung-tropical-types-9050347/

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, 27 fatalities were reported due to unexpected lightning strikes accompanying unseasonal heavy rainfall in Gujarat.

EXPLANATION:

• Despite prior warnings from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the disaster management system in the region primarily focuses on earthquakes and heavy rainfall, lacking specific mechanisms for lightning alerts, which contribute to numerous deaths across India annually.

IMD’s Weather Attribution

• The IMD has linked the lightning occurrences to three distinct weather systems:
• Cyclonic circulation over the Northeast Arabian Sea and adjacent Saurashtra and Kutch regions.
• Influence of Western Disturbances, originating from the Mediterranean Sea, bringing winter rainfall to northwestern India.
• Presence of an Easterly trough with airflow from the Southwest to Northeast Arabian Sea.

Insights from Meteorological Experts

• According to the regional director of IMD, the convergence of these three weather systems isn’t uncommon and has previously occurred, not just during current events but also in monsoon seasons.
• The group director at ISRO’s Space Applications Centre, attributes the unseasonal rainfall to passing Western disturbances that occasionally extend rainfall into southern latitude areas such as Gujarat.

Understanding Lightning Occurrences

• The lightning strikes result from interactions between weather systems and Western Disturbances.
• Additionally, the initial activity after a prolonged dry spell triggers convective activity, leading to lightning strikes, as observed during the recent rainfall in Gujarat.
• The increased moisture interacting with the Western disturbance contributes to thunderstorm activity and lightning incidents.

Warnings and Preparedness

• While the Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA) was initially established post-2001 earthquake to manage rehabilitation and reconstruction, its disaster preparedness focuses on heavy rainfall and earthquakes, lacking a specific plan for lightning warnings.

Long-Term Disaster Preparedness

• GSDMA aims to develop an early warning system for cyclones as part of its long-term disaster mitigation strategy, aiming to minimize losses due to disasters.
• However, as of now, the authority lacks a dedicated lightning warning system.
• This incident highlights the importance of comprehensive disaster management planning that includes specific strategies for various weather-related calamities to ensure public safety and mitigate the impact of unforeseen natural occurrences.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/lightning-deaths-gujarat-unseasonal-rains-explained-9045217/  

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: As per the IMD, there is a strong possibility of the development of a potential cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung’ in the Bay of Bengal, originating from a low-pressure area.

EXPLANATION:

• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued warnings and forecasts regarding the progression of this weather system.

Cyclone Formation:

• Initially identified as a low-pressure area in the South Andaman Sea, it has evolved into a well-marked low-pressure area.
• Predicted to intensify into a depression by November 30 and further evolve into a cyclonic storm named ‘Michaung’ over the Southwest and adjoining Southeast Bay of Bengal within the next 48 hours.

Anticipated Weather Conditions:

• South Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands are expected to experience strong winds initially, reaching speeds of 25-35 kmph gusting to 45 kmph on November 29.
• Forecasted light to heavy rainfall in the Nicobar Islands and Andaman Islands between November 29 and December 1.
• Squally weather with increasing wind speeds in the Southeast Bay of Bengal from November 30 onwards, likely reaching gale wind speeds by December 2.
• Fishermen advisories have been issued for different regions to avoid venturing into the sea during specific periods due to the expected severe weather conditions.

Rainfall Forecasts in Other Regions:

• Various regions across India, including Jammu-Kashmir-Ladakh-Gilgit-Baltistan-Muzaffarabad, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Northwest India, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karaikal, Kerala, and Mahe are also forecasted to experience light to heavy rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorm activities at isolated places, during specific time frames.

State Preparations and Alerts:

• The Odisha government has placed seven coastal districts on alert due to the anticipated cyclonic storm formation, advising necessary precautions.
• The IMD’s proactive approach in issuing warnings and advisories regarding the cyclonic storm’s progression reflects a commitment to public safety and preparedness.

Significance of warnings:

• The significance of these warnings is to alert not only coastal regions but also inland areas prone to heavy rainfall and thunderstorms, emphasizing the need for precautions and preparedness measures.
• The coordinated efforts of meteorological departments, regional governments, and the dissemination of information to potentially affected areas demonstrate a proactive approach towards minimizing the impact of the cyclonic storm on both coastal and inland regions.
• Residents, especially in the warned areas, are urged to follow safety instructions and preparedness guidelines to mitigate potential risks associated with severe weather conditions.
• It’s essential for individuals and authorities in these regions to stay updated with the latest forecasts and advisories from official weather monitoring agencies to ensure appropriate actions are taken to safeguard lives and property.

SOURCE: https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/cyclonic-storm-michaung-over-bay-of-bengal-likely-in-next-48-hours-imd-101701227978409-amp.html

RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS:GS3: ENVIRONMENT: CONSERVATION, ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION, AGRICULTURAL PRODUCE AND ISSUES

THE CONTEXT:  Stubble burning by farmers in Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh (UP) creates seasonal pollution in northern India. This situation is very serious in northwest India and critical in the National Capital Territory Region.

WHAT IS STUBBLE BURNING?

Stubble (parali) burning is a method of removing paddy crop residues from the field to sow wheat from the last week of September to November.

• It is a process of setting on fire the straw stubble, left after the harvesting of grains, like paddy, wheat, etc.
• It is usually required in areas that use the combined harvesting method which leaves crop residue behind.
• The process of burning farm residue is one of the major causes of air pollution in parts of north India, deteriorating the air quality.
• The rice stubble burning is highest in the state of Punjab followed by Haryana, whereas Uttar Pradesh ranks higher in wheat stubble burning.

HISTORY:

Dry fodder: Till a few decades ago, crop residue, including stubble, was used as dry fodder for livestock or as fuel for the kitchen or incorporated in-situ in soil. It wasn’t burnt, at least not on a large scale.

During the 1990’s: Things started changing in the 1990s. Two factors contributed:

• Free or highly subsidised power supply for groundwater extraction.
• Power supply to the farm sector in Punjab has been free since 1997, while in Haryana, it is subsidised.
• With access to assured irrigation, paddy acreages in Punjab grew from 50 per cent of the net sown area in the mid-1990s to 75 per cent in recent years.
• In Haryana, this jumped from 30 per cent to 40 per cent.

• In the absence of cheap labour, machines like the Combined Harvester appeared:
  • Paddy harvesting and threshing are labour-intensive and this pushed up the demand for labour.
  • This machine only picked the plant’s top part (panicle) and left the remaining stalk of about 2-3 feet (stubble) standing in the field.
  • Clearing this stalk required a separate round of harvesting, collection and disposal and the easy solution was to set it on fire.
  • Manual harvesting: In Manual harvesting, stalks are harvested close to the ground. They were later collected at one place and grain was recovered through manual beating.
  • The remaining stalk was piled in a corner of the field where it decomposed slowly.
  • This occupied a small area and farmers did not mind sparing that for storage of paddy straw.

IMPACT:

• There have been incidences of stubble burning wherever a combined harvester has been used.
• Such incidents are being reported from paddy fields in central and eastern Indian states as well.

Pollution: Stubble burning emits toxic pollutants in the atmosphere containing harmful gases like:

• Carbon Monoxide (CO), methane (CH4), carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and volatile organic compounds (VOC).
• These pollutants disperse in the surroundings and eventually affect air quality and people’s health by forming a thick blanket of smog.

Soil fertility: Soil becomes less fertile and its nutrients are destroyed when the husk is burned on the ground.

Heat penetration: Stubble burning generates heat that penetrates into the soil, causing an increase in erosion, loss of useful microbes and moisture.

Silica content in paddy straw: Paddy straw has high silica content and is not preferred as animal feed. If ploughed back into the field, it interferes with subsequent crop operations. Only some farmers use farm machines like happy seeder and straw management machines to incorporate the stubble back into the soil instead of setting it on fire.

INITIATIVES:

• Applying a decomposer to encourage in-situ management of stubble.
• Using the direct seeding of rice (DSR) technique.

Baling machines (balers) for paddy straw:  These machines are already in use in Punjab and Haryana, which has made it feasible to put paddy and other crop straws in the value chain.

• The total cost of procuring the entire stubble burnt in the field in Punjab comes to Rs 2,000 crore and, in Haryana, about Rs 1,000 crore.

Production of biofuel: A small market for paddy straw sold in compact bales has already emerged in both the states (Haryana and Punjab) for production of biofuel such as Bio CNG and ethanol and as direct fuel in brick kilns, furnaces, and thermal plants. Some enterprising farmers have sold parali(stubble) at Rs 180 per quintal this season.

MEASURES TO REDUCE POLLUTION DUE TO STUBBLE BURNING:

The Commission on Air Quality Management in NCR and Adjoining Areas (CAQM) has developed a framework and action plan:

In-situ Crop Residue Management: CRM machines procurement, setting up of Custom Hiring Centers, high yield and short duration paddy varieties, staggering of harvesting schedule, extensive use of bio-decomposer by IARI.

Ex-situ Crop Residue Management: Biomass Power Projects, Co-firing in Thermal Power Plants, Feed stock for 2G Ethanol plants, Feed stock in Compressed Biogas plant, fuel in industrial boilers, WTE plants, packaging materials etc.

• Prohibition of stubble /crop residue burning.
• Effective monitoring /enforcement.
• Schemes to reduce the generation of paddy straw.
• IEC activities for the plan of action.
• Standard protocol for recording and monitoring of fire counts.

THE WAY FORWARD:

Finding an alternative to paddy: An alternative crop like maize will also produce large amounts of stubble like paddy, and only a small part of that will have demand as dry fodder.

Reducing the duration of the rice crop: It is believed that early harvest would leave a longer period for the next crop. It would address the farm-fire problem. It will mitigate the environmental problem to a small extent.

Rethinking the policy: Rethinking the policy of providing free power. This is also needed to avert the over-exploitation of groundwater.

Direct Cash/benefit transfer (DBT): A simple shift to a metered supply of power will not be acceptable without compensating farmers’ income for the cost of power. One possibility is to give a direct cash/benefit transfer (DBT) instead of a power subsidy. By indexing the DBT amount to inflation in power tariffs, this amount can grow annually and remain relevant for farmers. This will make diversification away from paddy feasible.

Creating a market: Create a market for paddy straw/stubble. Unless stubble is made valuable for farmers, they will continue to burn it. We need to create an effective market for stubble that at least compensates them for the extra effort and cost involved in its harvest, collection and disposal.

Subsidised supply of machinery: Further modifications and subsidised supply of machinery for in-situ use of paddy stubble will also be very helpful in preventing farm fires in some areas.

Happy seeder: Mounted on a tractor, this machine is used to cut and lift straw, sow wheat and rice in soil and deposit straw over the sown area, instead of burning the stubble.

Law against the burning: A law against the burning of any crop straw should be strictly enforced.

THE CONCLUSION: With market avenues for crop residue, legal backing against polluting practices and administrative support, the proposed system can work to prevent stubble burning while saving the health of millions of lives and contributing to the economy.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTIONS:

1. Q) What are the major reasons for declining rice and wheat yield in the cropping system? How crop diversification is helpful to stabilize the yield of the crop in the system? (2017)
2. Q) How do subsidies affect the cropping pattern, crop diversity and economy of farmers? What is the significance of crop insurance, minimum support price and food processing for small and marginal farmers? (2017)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTION:

1. Q) Comment upon the various measures taken by the Union and the state governments to address the problem of stubble burning. What more needs to be done according to you to find a permanent solution to this problem? Explain

SOURCE: How to solve the problem of stubble burning | The Indian Express

TOPIC 1: RHODODENDRON

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT  

THE CONTEXT: The rhododendron flower in Uttarakhand, is portrayed as an integral part of the region’s culture, rituals, mythology, and even culinary practices.

RHODODENDRON AS A CULTURAL SYMBOL:

• Cultural and Ritual Importance:
  • The rhododendron is deeply embedded in Uttarakhand’s culture, being an essential part of local rituals and mythology.
  • Its presence in rituals and temples signifies purity and endurance, demonstrating the reverence people hold for this flower.
• Pilgrimage Significance:
  • The flower is central to the Nanda Devi Raj Jat Yatra, a significant pilgrimage in Uttarakhand that occurs every 12 years.
  • This underscores the strong bond between the local people and their natural environment.

UTILIZATION BEYOND AESTHETICS:

• Culinary and Medicinal Use:
  • Beyond its visual appeal, the rhododendron finds usage in regional cuisine, with its blossoms being used to create sweets, drinks, jams, and juice.
  • Its distinct flavour and purported cooling properties make it popular among locals and visitors alike.
• Environmental Concerns:
  • Climate change-induced alterations in temperature and precipitation patterns are impacting the rhododendron’s growth and flowering cycles.
  • Consequently, conservation efforts are gaining importance, with initiatives in place to safeguard these Himalayan flowers, including the establishment of conservation zones and promoting eco-friendly travel practices.

ECONOMIC AND TOURISTIC VALUE:

• Cultural Tourism:
  • The rich cultural connection with the rhododendron offers a unique opportunity for cultural tourism.
  • Visitors are drawn not only to the natural beauty but also to the rituals and traditions associated with the flower.
• Local Economy:
  • The utilization of rhododendron in cuisine and traditional practices also contributes to the local economy, providing opportunities for culinary ventures and indigenous products.

IMPLICATIONS:

• Cultural Heritage Preservation:
  • The importance of preserving not just the flower itself but also the associated cultural heritage and traditions has been emphasized.
  • The emphasis on conservation and sustainable practices reflects a holistic approach to safeguarding this floral emblem and the surrounding ecosystem while acknowledging its cultural significance.
• Sustainable Development:
  • Balancing conservation with tourism and economic activities is crucial to ensure sustainable development, where efforts to protect the rhododendron align with the promotion of eco-friendly practices.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/open-page/the-power-of-the-rhododendron/article67529485.ece

TOPIC 2: ONATTUKARA SESAME

TAG: GS 3: AGRICULTURE

THE CONTEXT: Efforts are being made to expand the cultivation of Geographical Indication (GI)-tagged Onattukara sesame in the Kerala region.

INITIATIVE TO EXPAND SESAME CULTIVATION:

• Increase in Cultivation Area:
  • The Onattukara Vikasana Agency (OVA) plans to significantly increase the area under sesame cultivation.
  • It aimed to expand it to 2,000 hectares from the current 600 hectares in the region encompassing three districts of Kerala: Alappuzha, Kollam, and Pathanamthitta.
• Incentive Scheme:
  • To encourage farmers, a financial assistance program has been announced, offering ₹40 for a cent of land for cultivating sesame within the Thekkekara Krishi Bhavan limits.
  • This incentive is expected to attract individuals, farming collectives, Kudumbashree groups, self-help groups, and joint liability groups towards sesame cultivation.
• Collaborative Efforts:
  • The initiative is a joint venture involving local Krishi Bhavan, Onattukara Vikasana Agency (OVA), Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station (ORARS), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Kayamkulam, and Mavelikara Thekkekara Panchayat.
  • Collaboration between these entities indicates a concerted effort to promote sesame cultivation.
• Support Mechanisms:
  • Farmers and groups engaging in sesame cultivation are offered additional support.
  • It also includes access to workforce from Thekkekara Karshika Karma Sena and tractor rental at a nominal charge of ₹750 per hour.

SIGNIFICANCE OF ONATTUKARA SESAME:

• Geographical Indication (GI) Tag:
  • The Onattukara sesame holds a GI tag, signifying its unique characteristics and origin from a specific geographical location, adding value to its identity and quality.
• Medicinal and Nutritional Value:
  • Studies by the Kerala Agricultural University reveal the medicinal value of Onattukara sesame.
  • It contains high levels of Vitamin E, antioxidants, oleic acid, linoleic acid, and palmitoleic acid, promoting good health.
• Varieties Cultivated:
  • Apart from the traditional Ayali variety, farmers in the region are cultivating varieties like Kayamkulam-1, Thilak, Thilathara, and Thilarani, developed by the Onattukara Regional Agricultural Research Station (ORARS).

POTENTIAL BENEFITS:

• Economic Development:
  • Expanding sesame cultivation holds the potential to boost local economies, generate employment opportunities, and contribute to the agricultural sector’s growth in the region.
• Health and Nutritional Benefits:
  • Highlighting the nutritional and medicinal values of Onattukara sesame could create consumer awareness, potentially increasing demand for this particular variety.
• Collaborative Approach:
  • The joint efforts involving various agricultural institutions, local governance bodies, and farmers’ groups indicate a coordinated strategy towards agricultural development and sustainability.
• GI Tag and Quality Assurance:
  • The GI tag signifies quality, authenticity, and unique characteristics associated with the geographical region, contributing to the promotion and branding of Onattukara sesame.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/kerala/measures-on-to-expand-cultivation-of-gi-tagged-onattukara-sesame/article67551308.ece/amp/

TOPIC 3: INDIA-UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENT (FTA)

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: External Affairs Minister of India discussed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with Britain’s Prime Minister and Foreign Secretary recently.

EXPLANATION:

• The agreement is under negotiation and has not been signed yet.
• When signed, the India-UK FTA will serve as a template for an agreement with the European Union (EU).

INDIA-UK FREE TRADE AGREEMENT:

• Strategic Importance as a Template for EU Agreement:
  • The FTA between India and the UK is seen as a model for a similar pact with the European Union, India’s second-largest trade partner.
  • It signifies a shift in India’s trade strategy towards Western nations and African countries rather than solely focusing on the East, as previously done under the UPA government.
• China Factor and Supply Chain Disruptions:
  • The disruption in supply chains during the pandemic has prompted Western companies to reconsider their over-dependence on China, leading to a ‘China-plus one’ strategy.
  • This shift has motivated countries like Australia and the UK to seek stronger economic ties with India.
• Brexit-Induced Insecurities for the UK:
  • Brexit has created uncertainties for the UK, making an FTA with India crucial to compensate for the loss of access to the European Single Market.
  • However, concerns exist regarding offering work permits to Indian service sector workers due to political reasons.
• Potential Gains and Challenges for India:
  • For India, the FTA presents an opportunity to revive declining sectors like apparel and gems/jewellery by reducing tariffs in the UK.
  • However, concerns have been raised about the impact on Least Developed Countries (LDCs) like Bangladesh if India gains zero-duty access for its textiles.
• Beneficial Aspects for the UK:
  • The UK aims to gain deeper access to the Indian market, especially for goods like cars, Scotch whisky, and wines, which currently face significant tariffs.
  • Elimination or reduction of tariffs on these goods could enhance British exports to India.
• Tariff Disparity and Non-Tariff Barriers (NTBs):
  • There exists a substantial tariff disparity between goods imported from India into the UK and vice versa.
  • The FTA negotiations might focus on reducing these tariff barriers.
  • Additionally, addressing non-tariff barriers such as regulations and standards could be crucial for Indian exporters, particularly in agriculture and manufacturing.
• Carbon Tax and Border Adjustment Mechanism:
  • The UK’s plan to impose a carbon border adjustment mechanism (CBAM) similar to the EU’s strategy might affect India’s exports, especially in sectors like cement, chemicals, steel, and others.
  • This imposition aims to reduce dependence on high carbon-emitting imports and could potentially impact Indian exports to the UK.

IMPACTS AND CHALLENGES:

• Strategic Shift: India’s reorientation towards Western nations and away from over-dependence on China is evident. However, concerns persist regarding the impact on LDCs, especially in terms of textiles.
• Potential Imbalance: While India aims to boost declining sectors, the disparity in tariffs and non-tariff barriers presents a challenge. Addressing these barriers will be critical for ensuring mutual benefits.
• Carbon Tax Implications: The UK’s plan for a carbon tax and CBAM could pose challenges for India’s exports, especially in energy-intensive sectors.
• Negotiation Dynamics: The negotiations hold importance for both countries, but balancing mutual benefits while addressing concerns of sectors vulnerable to tariff changes and non-tariff barriers is crucial.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-economics/proposed-india-uk-fta-its-politics-and-why-the-uk-may-benefit-more-9031599/

TOPIC 4: 30th ASIA-PACIFIC ECONOMIC COOPERATION (APEC) ECONOMIC LEADERS’ MEETING

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: The 30th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Economic Leaders’ Meeting concluded in San Francisco recently with the adoption of the Golden Gate Declaration. The declaration underscores the commitment to creating a resilient and sustainable future for all member economies.

EXPLANATION:

• For the first time since 2011, USA hosted annual APEC
• Theme of the meeting was creating a “Resilient and Sustainable Future for All”.

GOLDEN GATE DECLARATION:

• The declaration aims to harness the technological and economic progress to continue to unleash the enormous potential and tremendous dynamism across regions, spur economic growth.
• The declaration was adopted after the two-day meeting, during which the leaders focused on the subjects of sustainability, climate, just energy transition, interconnectedness and building inclusive and resilient economies.
• The importance of the rules-based multilateral trading system, with the World Trade Organization at its core, which continues to catalyze APEC region’s extraordinary growth has been reaffirmed.
• APEC economies vow to accelerate the transition towards low and zero emissions vehicles; sustainable aviation fuels; and low and zero emission maritime shipping and port decarbonization, reads the document.

APEC:

• It was formed in 1989 with 12 members.
• Now, it has 21 members.
• Grouping of economies around Pacific Ocean aiming to promote trade, investment, and economic development in region.
• Accounts for nearly 62% of global GDP, half of global trade and covers 38% of global population.
• Operates on basis of non-binding commitments with decisions reached by consensus. India is an observer since 2011.

SOURCE: https://www.wionews.com/world/apec-summit-live-updates-biden-meets-mexican-president-lopez-obrador-659895

TOPIC 5: GOVERNOR’S ROLE IN LEGISLATION

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi has withheld assent for certain Bills passed by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly. In this article, we will analyse the governor’s role in legislation.

EXPLANATION:

• The role of a Governor in the legislative process within a state is a crucial aspect of India’s federal structure.
• The Governor, as the constitutional head of a state, plays a significant role in the enactment of laws.

GOVERNOR’S ROLE IN LEGISLATION:

• Options When Receiving a Bill for Assent:
  • Article 200 of the Indian Constitution provides a structured approach for the Governor’s actions concerning bills, emphasizing the Governor’s role as a link between the State Legislature and the Union.
  • It also outlines four alternatives available to a Governor upon receiving a bill from a State Legislature:
    • Give Assent: The Governor approves the bill, making it law.
    • Withhold Assent: The Governor refuses to approve the bill, effectively rejecting it.
    • Return for Reconsideration: If it’s not a Money Bill, the Governor can send the bill back to the State Legislature for reconsideration.
    • Reserve for President’s Consideration: Certain bills need to be reserved for the President’s consideration, such as those that reduce High Court powers or conflict with Union laws.
  • Exercise of Discretionary Powers:
    • According to judicial precedents like the Shamsher Singh case, the Governor typically acts on the advice of the Council of Ministers while withholding assent or returning a bill.
    • Discretionary powers might be exercised in rare cases where the Governor believes a bill contravenes the Constitution and should be reserved for the President’s consideration.
  • Recommendations and Unimplemented Suggestions:
    • Reports like the Sarkaria Commission and the Punchhi Commission have suggested limiting the Governor’s discretionary powers, emphasizing adherence to ministerial advice.
    • Recommendations also proposed time limits for decision-making on bills but have not been implemented.
  • Resolution of Impasses:
    • The politicization of the Governor’s role has been a persistent issue.
    • Suggestions include consulting Chief Ministers before a Governor’s appointment, and the possibility of impeachment by the State Legislature to remove an uncooperative Governor.
    • Amendments are proposed to ensure responsible cooperation between the Centre and States in matters related to Governors’ appointments and functioning.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS RELATED TO THE GOVERNOR

• Article 153 says that there shall be a Governor for each State. One person can be appointed as Governor for two or more States.
• A Governor is appointed by the President and is a nominee of the Central Government.
• It is stated that the Governor has a dual role.
• He is the constitutional head of the state, bound by the advice of his Council of Ministers (CoM).
• He functions as a vital link between the Union Government and the State Government.
• Articles 157 and 158 specify eligibility requirements for the post of governor. A governor must:
• Be a citizen of India.
• Be at least 35 years of age.
• Not be a member of the either house of the parliament or house of the state legislature.
• Not hold any office of profit.
• Governor has the power to grant pardons, reprieves, etc. (Article 161).
• There is a CoM with the CM at the head to aid and advise the Governor in the exercise of his functions, except some conditions for discretion. (Article 163).
• The Governor appoints the Chief Minister and other Ministers (Article 164).
• Governor assents, withholds assent, or reserves the bill for the consideration of the President passed by the Legislative Assembly (Article 200).
• Governors may promulgate the Ordinances under certain circumstances (Article 213).
• Governor’s role:
• The Governor holds a constitutional position and is expected to perform specific functions, including granting assent to bills passed by the state legislature and ensuring the proper functioning of state administration.
• The Governor’s actions are perceived as a hindrance to these responsibilities.
• FOR FURTHER RINFORMATION PLEASE REFER TO THE DNA ARTICLE OF 1^ST OCTOBER 2023.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/the-role-of-the-governor-in-legislature-explained/article67552112.ece/amp/

RELEVANCE TO UPSC SYLLABUS: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE: IRRATIONAL FREEBIES, FREEBIES AND ITS IMPLICATION ON ECONOMY; ELECTORAL REFORMS

THE CONTEXT

The ongoing assembly elections in five states are seen as a prelude to the general election expected in the first half of 2024. Competitive populism seems to have replaced communalism in these campaigns. Whether its ruling party or opposition, India’s political landscape stuck with the dilemma of populist policies, which may end up shifting the country from reforms to retrogression.

 MORE ON THE NEWS

• Polling has concluded in Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh and Mizoram while campaigning is peaking in Rajasthan and Telangana, which will vote on November 25 and 30, 2023.
• Competitive populism has been the defining theme of campaigning so far, and attempts at communal polarisation have been relatively understated.
• The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress, the main contestants in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Chhattisgarh, have sought to outdo each other in promising a widening array of welfare schemes.
• In Telangana, the Congress, which is mounting a serious challenge to incumbent Bharat Rashtra Samithi, has promised to expand the State’s saturated welfare regime even further.
• Incumbents in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, the Congress and the BJP, respectively, have relied on new welfare architectures to fight for another term.
• Tribal voters have received special attention from the BJP and the Congress. Prime Minister launched a ₹24,000-crore PM Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan for last-mile welfare scheme delivery and protection for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups. Congress and BJP have both claimed a better track record in delivering on election promises they make.

WHAT IS COMPETITIVE POPULISM?

• Competitive populism is the idea of framing the policies and campaigns by the political parties that focuses more on the individual problem rather than the country as a whole.
• The thrust is majorly on promising schemes for the poor, senior citizens, women and children, patients, farmers, the homeless and differently-abled people, pensioners and home makers.
• This results in the implementation of short term plans and lack proper outcomes, resulting in the wastage of financial resources.

 ISSUES WITH COMPETITIVE POPULISM

Financial issues: Competitive populism raise questions about welfare schemes without specifying details about resource mobilisation. Example: Loan waiver schemes for farmers cause big relief from farmers’ perspective but cause huge problems in Indian economy by widening the fiscal deficit. Many of our states are deep in debt. The national average of liabilities of states is as high as 31% of their total GSDP (Gross State Domestic Product).This creates a financial situation that is untenable in the long run.

Temporary solutions: Competitive populism among political parties offers in the run up to elections are just temporary solutions. It does not address structural changes needed to sustainable development.

Loss of trust of people: Competitive populism causes the loss of trust and confidence of people on Government thus affecting the mechanism of good governance in India at all levels of administration.

Centralisation of power: This competitive populism leads to centralisation of power, not just institutionally but also within the Party. It implies that the voter is increasingly likely to attribute the delivery of economic benefits to one leader rather than the party as a whole.

 THE WAY FORWARD

Empowering Election Commission of India: ECI should be provided more powers to regulate and monitor the announcement of freebies by political parties during elections. This would include giving the ECI more powers to de-register parties, impose penalties on violation of model code of conduct.

Voter awareness: There is a need for educating voters about the economic and social consequences of freebies and false promises. This can be done by creating awareness campaigns to empower voters to make rational and ethical choices.

Right approach for welfare schemes: Welfare schemes can result in more equitable development outcomes, but a more thoughtful and researched approach would be healthier for public finances.

Capacity creation: There is a need for skill development rather than providing unemployment allowances that will further breed an aversion to work. There is need of building social infrastructure such as rural schools and public healthcare over vote catching vows that are seldom fulfilled.

 THE CONCLUSION

With the campaign going for competitive populism, the impact of these promises on the economy would be vast. In this condition, there is a need to focus on inclusive development that would create a more conducive environment for economic growth and social progress rather than freebies.

PREVIOUS YEAR QUESTION

Q. In what way could the replacement of price subsidy with direct benefit Transfer (DBT) change the scenario of subsidies in India? Discuss. (2015)

MAINS PRACTICE QUESTIONS

1. Regular electioneering forces parties to indulge in competitive populism to differentiate themselves and attract voters. Can simultaneous elections help in overcoming this challenge? Argue.
2. Critically examine the socio-economic implications of competitive populism which is a recent phenomenon devised by political parties to attract voters.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/raining-promises-the-hindu-editorial-on-competitive-populism-in-the-assembly-elections-in-five-states/article67551104.ece

TAG: GS 3: ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: As per the State of the Cryosphere 2023 report, nearly all tropical glaciers, most mid-latitude glaciers and polar regions will disappear even if the world manages to limit global temperature rise to 2 degrees Celsius, above the preindustrial era.

EXPLANATION:

• The State of the Cryosphere 2023 Report was released by the International Cryosphere Climate Initiative (ICCI), an organization that brings together scientists from around the world to study the cryosphere and its impacts on climate change.
• The report delves into the profound impact of rising global temperatures on the Earth’s cryosphere.
• It emphasizes the critical need to limit global warming to 1.5°C to safeguard this essential frozen component of the planet.

STATE OF THE CRYOSPHERE:

• Impact of Temperature Rise:
  • The report underscores that even with a 2°C temperature increase above preindustrial levels; the cryosphere faces dire consequences.
  • Most tropical and mid-latitude glaciers, along with polar regions, will vanish, causing severe ice loss.
• Regional Effects:
  • The Himalayas are predicted to lose half of their current ice under a 2°C scenario.
  • Various regions like the northern Andes, East Africa, and Indonesia are already witnessing rapid glacier disappearance due to the current 1.2°C temperature rise.

IMPORTANCE OF LIMITING WARMING TO 1.5°C:

• Criticality of 1.5°C Limit:
  • The report highlights that 1.5°C is not just a preferable target but the only viable option to mitigate catastrophic consequences for the cryosphere.
  • It urges leaders to discard the 2°C threshold, emphasizing the urgency of adopting the 1.5°C target.
• Cryosphere as Ground Zero:
  • The cryosphere, encompassing frozen water in various forms, is depicted as ground zero for climate change.
  • Its vulnerability to temperature changes serves as a barometer for the severity of global warming’s impact.

OBSERVATIONS AND CLIMATE INCIDENTS:

• Climate Disasters:
  • The year 2023 witnessed various climate-related disasters, such as the Sikkim flash flood triggered by a glacial lake outburst and significant losses in Swiss glaciers.
• Alarming Indicators:
  • The report highlights alarming indicators, including record-low sea ice around Antarctica, unusually high-water temperatures in the Arctic and North Atlantic, and atmospheric CO2 levels surpassing those of the past three million years.

CONSEQUENCES OF TEMPERATURE RISE:

• Sea-Level Rise and Ice Loss:
  • A temperature increases of 2°C, it spells catastrophic sea-level rise from ice sheet melting in Greenland and parts of Antarctica, potentially leading to extensive and rapid irreversible effects.
• Permafrost Thawing:
  • Both 2°C and 1.5°C scenarios signify significant permafrost thawing, releasing substantial CO2 and methane emissions that could amplify global warming.

CALL TO ACTION AND COP28:

• Urgent Course Correction:
  • The report urges a significant shift in climate action, highlighting COP28 as a pivotal moment for global leaders to prioritize the 1.5°C target and avert long-term environmental catastrophes.
• Potential Consequences:
  • Failure to act decisively risks displacing millions due to rising sea levels, disrupting freshwater resources, harming polar ecosystems, and committing future generations to offset irreversible permafrost emissions.

CONCLUSION:

• The report’s comprehensive analysis emphasizes the urgency of addressing global warming to protect the cryosphere.
• It stresses the significance of limiting temperature rise to 1.5°C, outlining the profound repercussions of exceeding this threshold on glaciers, polar regions, and permafrost.
• The report serves as a critical call to action for global leaders to prioritize ambitious climate policies at COP28 and beyond to prevent catastrophic consequences for humanity and the environment.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/world-needs-to-limit-global-warming-to-1-5-c-to-protect-cryosphere-2-c-too-high-report-92845

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Fractals can offer a new way to see the quantum realm. In this article, we will see in detail how fractals contribute to new ways of working in the quantum realm.

FRACTAL DIMENSIONS AND QUANTUM SYSTEMS:

• Introduction to Fractal Dimensions:
  • Fractal dimensions are non-integer dimensions that offer a unique way to study quantum systems.
  • They are a response to the inherent uncertainty present in these systems.
• Dimensionality’s Significance:
  • The behaviour of quantum systems differs concerning their dimensions.
  • For instance, electrons in 1D and 2D systems exhibit distinctive characteristics.

QUANTUM SYSTEMS IN NON-INTEGER DIMENSIONS:

• Fractal Geometry in Quantum Studies:
  • Physicists explore quantum systems in dimensions like 1.55 or 1.58, between one and two dimensions, using fractal geometry.
• Fractality and Its Significance:
  • Fractals, exhibiting self-similarity at different scales, are employed to study quantum systems in these non-integer dimensions.

MACROSCOPIC AND MICROSCOPIC FRACTALS:

• Macroscopic Fractals:
  • They’re visible in various natural phenomena like fingerprints, trees, shells, river networks, clouds, tumours, etc.
• Microscopic Fractals in Quantum Realm:
  • Studies reveal fractal behaviour in the magnetic properties of materials like neodymium nickel oxide and in graphene’s electron density patterns.

APPLICATIONS OF FRACTALITY:

• Fractals in Physics:
  • Initially applied to describe Brownian motion, fractals uncover new orders in systems, enabling insights into familiar shapes in unfamiliar dimensions.
• Practical Applications:
  • Fractality aids in data compression, antenna design, studying celestial bodies, chromatography, ion-exchange processes, and cellular biology.

IMPLICATIONS AND CONCLUSIONS:

• Unveiling Complexity:
  • Fractals offer insights into complex structures and processes in various realms, providing new perspectives on natural phenomena.
• Interdisciplinary Significance:
  • Their interaction with different processes widens their implications, facilitating a deeper understanding of the quantum realm and other natural systems.

WAY FORWARD:

• Fractal dimensions provide a comprehensive view and serve as a tool for understanding the intricacies of quantum systems.
• It explains the significance of non-integer dimensions in quantum studies, highlighting the unique behaviour exhibited by particles in these dimensions.
• Furthermore, it bridges the gap between macroscopic and microscopic fractals, elucidating their presence in both observable natural patterns and quantum phenomena.
• The practical applications of fractality across multiple disciplines underscore their interdisciplinary importance, ranging from data compression to celestial body study.
• In essence, the piece captures the role of fractals in unravelling the mysteries of quantum physics and their broader relevance across various scientific fields, reflecting the intricate relationship between fundamental theories and practical applications in scientific exploration.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/fractal-dimensions-quantum-physics-explained/article67535596.ece

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: According to a recent report from the Central Water Commission (CWC), water levels in southern states’ reservoirs are low compared to last year and compared to other regions of the country in 2023.

CURRENT WATER RESERVE STATUS:

• Reservoir Levels:
  • A concerning decline in water reserves across southern states, including Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka, Kerala, and Tamil Nadu has been highlighted.
  • The collective storage capacity of 53.334 Billion Cubic Metres (BCM) has seen a sharp drop in recent months.
• Decrease in Reservoir Stocks:
  • Over the past two months, water reserves have declined from 48% to 44% of the total storage capacity.
  • This is notably lower compared to last year when the reserves were at 87% of the total storage capacity.

REASONS FOR LOW WATER STOCKS:

• Erratic Monsoon Patterns:
  • The 2023 southwest monsoon exhibited significant irregularities in rainfall patterns.
  • The south peninsular region experienced severe rainfall deficits during June, July, August, and September, cumulatively resulting in an 8% deficit compared to the normal average.
• Drier October:
  • October remained exceptionally dry in southern India, recording the sixth driest month in 123 years.
  • This month (November) typically witnesses significant rainfall due to the retreating southwest monsoon and the onset of the northeast monsoon.
  • Cyclone Hamoon’s development in the Bay of Bengal disrupted rainfall patterns, contributing to a 60% cumulative rainfall deficit.

IMMEDIATE IMPACT AND FUTURE CONCERNS:

• Agricultural Impact:
  • The low water reserves pose an immediate threat to irrigated farming, especially water-intensive crops like paddy.
  • States like Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu heavily rely on water for agriculture, and the shortage could significantly impact crop yield.
• Drinking Water Scarcity:
  • The declining reserves may lead to a scarcity of drinking water in the coming months, affecting both rural and urban populations.
• Potential Drought Declaration:
  • Karnataka has started identifying drought-hit areas, hinting at the possibility that other states might soon follow suit.
  • The situation might exacerbate the agricultural crisis, especially with new governments in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana facing the challenge of managing water shortages.

AREAS REQUIRING IMMEDIATE ATTENTION:

• Irrigated Farming:
  • Urgent attention is needed to address the impending crisis in irrigated farming, primarily focusing on water-intensive crops like paddy.
• Drinking Water Supply:
  • Ensuring adequate drinking water availability is crucial, necessitating proactive measures to manage water resources efficiently.
• Government Response:
  • Newly formed state governments face a challenge in managing the agricultural crisis caused by water shortages and will require effective strategies to mitigate the impact.

CONCLUSION:

• The depletion of water reserves in southern India poses severe challenges to agriculture, drinking water supply, and the overall economy of the region.
• Immediate action, including water conservation measures, efficient agricultural practices, and governmental intervention, is essential to mitigate the impact of the water shortage and prevent further crises in the region.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/water-reserves-south-india-depleting-2023-9030349/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court quashed a law passed by the Haryana government in 2020 that provided 75 per cent reservation in private jobs to residents of the state.

EXPLANATION:

• The Punjab and Haryana High Court’s ruling quashing the Haryana State Employment of Local Candidates Act, 2020 has far-reaching implications and raises several significant points.

LEGAL IMPLICATIONS:

• Unconstitutionality and Violation of Fundamental Rights:
• The court ruled the Act as unconstitutional and violative of Part III of the Indian Constitution, which encompasses fundamental rights.
• This Act was seen as discriminatory against individuals who are not residents of a specific state and impinged upon their rights.
• State Intervention in Private Sector:
• The judgment highlighted the overreach of the state government into the private sector by attempting to mandate the hiring of local candidates.
• It was perceived as an intrusion into the freedom of private employers to recruit based on their requirements.
• Freedom to Conduct Business:
  • The court emphasized Article 19 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to carry out business and trade.
  • The Act was seen as an impediment to this freedom for private employers, impacting their ability to hire based on merit and suitability for the job.

ETHICAL AND PRACTICAL CONSIDERATIONS:

• Equality and Common Citizenship:
  • The Act was criticized for creating divisions among people based on their state of origin, which contradicts the idea of common citizenship enshrined in the Constitution.
  • It was argued that such laws create disparities among citizens and go against the principle of equality.
• Skill Diversity and Employment Needs:
  • The court illustrated how skill diversity exists across regions, and mandating local hiring could hinder businesses from accessing a diverse skill set essential for their operations.
  • It emphasized that a skilled workforce might be sourced from different parts of the country, and restricting hiring based on domicile is counterproductive.
• Challenges of Unemployment:
  • While the Haryana government argued that the Act aimed to address local youth unemployment, the court observed that such measures cannot infringe upon the rights of others.
  • It questioned the feasibility of such discriminatory practices in addressing unemployment concerns.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE AND FUTURE STEPS:

• Legal Recourse:
  • The government expressed intentions to approach the Supreme Court for an appeal (Special Leave Petition – SLP) against the High Court’s decision.
  • This signifies a potential continuation of the legal battle over the policy’s validity.
• Reviewing Options:
  • The government spokesperson mentioned assessing the detailed court order before deciding on the next course of action.
  • This indicates a need to reconsider strategies regarding employment policies in light of the court’s decision.

CONCLUSION:

• The High Court’s decision to quash the Haryana law reflects a significant ruling on constitutional and fundamental rights issues.
• It underscores the importance of maintaining a balance between addressing local unemployment concerns and ensuring equality and freedom in employment opportunities.
• This ruling may influence future state policies concerning employment quotas and rights of private businesses in recruitment practices across India.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/chandigarh/hc-quashes-haryana-govts-75-percent-quota-in-private-sector-jobs-9031094/

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT:  An under-construction tunnel on the Yamunotri National Highway in Uttarakhand’s Uttarkashi district collapsed.

CAUSES:

• The failure (the section that has collapsed) is located around 200-300 metres from the mouth of the tunnel.
• It could have happened due to a loose patch (of rock), which wasn’t visible during the construction.
• The patch might have consisted of fractured or fragile rock.
• Another reason could be the seepage of water through a loose patch.
• Water erodes loose rock particles over time, creating a void on the top of the tunnel, which can’t be seen.

WHAT ARE THE WAYS IN WHICH TUNNELS ARE EXCAVATED IN ROCK?

• There are essentially two ways:
  • The drill and blast method (DBM)
  • Using tunnel-boring machines (TBMs)
• DBM involves drilling holes into the rock and loading them with explosives. When the explosives are detonated, the rock breaks apart.
• TBMs bore the rock from the front (using a rotating head) while supporting the excavating tunnel behind the machine by installing precast concrete segments.
• Building a tunnel with a TBM is more expensive than DBM, but much safer.
• Imported TBMs are used in India.

DOES THE METHOD OF EXCAVATION DEPEND ON THE TYPE OF TERRAIN?

• TBMs are ideal when the rock cover is up to 400 metres tall.
• A TBM can’t be used to drill through very tall mountains. Creating a void through a 1,000-2,000-metre-high mountain by using a TBM leads to rock burst.
• Underground tunnels for the Delhi Metro were dug using a TBM at shallow depth.
• DBM is usually used in places like Himalayas, including Jammu & Kashmir and Uttarakhand.

IS THE HIMALAYAN REGION TOO FRAGILE TO TUNNEL THROUGH?

• Geological context: The Himalayas are still young (they were formed between 40 million and 50 million years ago) and they are still growing due to the collision between the Indian tectonic plate and the Eurasian tectonic plate.
• There are some patches where the rock is indeed too fragile for a tunnel. But at other places, the rock is very good.

KEY ASPECTS OF BUILDING A TUNNEL

• Investigation: The first and foremost thing is to thoroughly investigate the rock through which a tunnel is proposed to be made.
• It is done by sending seismic refraction waves through the rock to check which patches are fragile or solid.
• In India, engineers dig a borehole into the rock to extract a core sample and send it for petrographic analysis.
  • Petrographic analysis: Microscopic examination to determine the mineral content, grain size, texture and other features that have a bearing on the mechanical behaviour of the sample.
• Investigations help determine if the rock can take the load of the overburden when a tunnel is created.
• If the rock layer and its strength are good, it takes the entire load of the overburden by redistribution of the stresses, and it remains stable.

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO CONSTRUCT A STABLE TUNNEL?

• After excavation and providing support for the tunnel, we need to monitor the spot. It’s essential to check how the rock is behaving at various places.
• Monitoring is done by instruments such as stress meters and deformations meters.
• Then, the supports provided to the tunnel need to be tested for adequacy.
• Supports can be of various types:
  • Including shotcrete (sprayed concrete that works as a membrane to prevent parts of the rock from falling).
  • Rock bolt (a long anchor bolt for stabilising rock excavations).
  • Steel ribs or beams.
  • Tunnel pipe umbrella, built by using steel tubes that can hold really fragile rocks.
• It is also important that an independent specialist geologist visits the tunnel for examination and to check for probable failures.

SOURCE: What led to the Uttarakhand tunnel collapse (indianexpress.com)

1. Climate pledges lacking: 87% of remaining global carbon budget to limit warming may be depleted by 2030, finds UN READ MORE
2. Global emissions: UN report exposes inadequacy of efforts READ MORE
3. Climate concerns or trade barriers? READ MORE

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. India sees 6.2% rise in goods exports in October READ MORE
2. PM launches Rs 24,000-cr scheme for vulnerable tribal groups’ welfare READ MORE
3. NASA, ISRO gearing up to launch joint space mission to map globe every 12 days READ MORE
4. Gold pushed trade deficit to new high of $31.46 billion in October READ MORE
5. Greenhouse gases hit record high in 2022: UN READ MORE
6. FATF team in India to hold on-site review meetings READ MORE
7. Tribal body declares ‘self-rule’ in a few districts of Manipur READ MORE
8. India to host 2nd Voice of Global South Summit on November 17 READ MORE
9. WHO roadmap to end TB in children focuses for 1st time on pregnant, post-partum women affected by disease READ MORE
10. CBD’s Geneva meetings: Benefit sharing on traditional knowledge & digital sequence information on agenda READ MORE  
11. Why adultery was struck off IPC, and why a House panel wants to make it a crime again READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Let society evolve; resist return of regressive laws READ MORE
2. Challenges to curbing community-based prostitution READ MORE  
3. Does It Work To Pay People Not To Cut the Forest? READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. The growing wave of decentralisation: Comparative evidence from developing countries READ MORE
2. The price of persistent federal frictions READ MORE
3. Life over death: On death penalty abolition and parliamentary panel report READ MORE
4. Regulating OTT: Draft Broadcasting Regulation Bill may be an attempt to control digital infrastructure READ MORE
5. A grave error in the law READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Improve teacher quality to raise school standards READ MORE
2. Extend political discourse on poverty to redistributive justice READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. India Once Was a Strong Ally of Palestine. What Changed? READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. Food flux: On food costs and the October tidings READ MORE
2. IPEF supply chain pact is unfair READ MORE
3. Is there more room for competitive populism? READ MORE
4. Electrification of last-mile mobility and logistics READ MORE
5. RBI, Narendra Modi and the Subtle Art of Ignoring Concerns READ MORE
6. How a gendered digital divide, low quality of jobs keeps Indian women out of the workforce READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Climate pledges lacking: 87% of remaining global carbon budget to limit warming may be depleted by 2030, finds UN READ MORE
2. Global emissions: UN report exposes inadequacy of efforts READ MORE
3. Climate concerns or trade barriers? READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. AI can play the sleuth to expose scientific fraud READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. MHA extends UAPA ban against eight Meitei extremist organisations READ MORE
2. Realism, not machismo, to counter terror READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Another warning in the Himalayas READ MORE
2. Tunnel tragedy is another eco-warning we need to heed READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. In the age of Kalyug, it is time to leverage the power of the collective READ MORE
2. Does Philosophical Reflection Still Hold Value? READ MORE
3. Tolerance is the key to achieving peace READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. AI is one of the most significant technical advancements in recent times, but it is posing a great danger to humanity by unleashing misinformation and deepfakes. Justify with recent examples.
2. The cause of poverty in the country is not only economic but the issue of caste plays a substantial role. Argue and justify.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• We are on a highway to climate hell with our foot still on the accelerator.
• Improving teacher quality and pedagogical innovation to enhance the overall rigour of education in the country, must be an immediate and urgent priority.
• Higher than expected tax revenues provide a cushion for the government. However, concerns remain about the medium-term fiscal deficit
• For an economy whose resilience relies on its domestic demand buffer against global shocks, reluctant or budget-cramped consumers are the biggest headwind for policymakers to strive to address.
• Any interest rate hike over and above the 2.5 percentage points already administered in this rate hike cycle would have hurt growth significantly.
• The agreement on Supply Chain Resilience will enhance the resilience of the US, while deepening the vulnerability of India and other developing countries.
• AI is one of the biggest technical advancements in recent times but it can pose a great danger to humanity by unleashing misinformation and deepfakes.
• Ensuring AI safety would require the convergence of multiple branches of activity, including skills, talent, and physical infrastructure.
• Transitioning to low-carbon cities can significantly reduce CO2 levels.
• The future will either be green or not at all.
• Energy justice and social equity issues can have severe implications for the economic well-being of people, livelihoods, and economic development.
• A beginning can be made by providing gig workers with EVs. The Govt must support them and acknowledge their contribution to the economy.
• As the demand for reservation reaches a crescendo, the original justification for this departure from formal equality has become more difficult.
• The cause of poverty in the country is not only economic. A substantial number of the poor belong to the Scheduled and Backward Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
• If background inequalities force certain people to live below the poverty line, this should be seen as a serious infringement of the right to equality granted by our Constitution.
• The idea of caste is the greatest dividing factor… all caste either on the principle of birth or of merit is bondage.
• India this time around has taken a much stronger pro-Israel stand than is typical during Israeli-Palestinian conflicts.
• The state and central governments also need to acknowledge the contributions and the critical nature of these gig workers.
• COP28 presents an opportunity to India and other nations to hold the West accountable and liable for the environmental crisis.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The future will either be green or not at all.

50-WORD TALK

• Irrational and unscientific fixed-dose combination drugs ruling the Indian pharma market is a menace that has gone on unchecked for too long. A study shows 70% of antibiotic FDC drugs in the market are banned or unapproved. This is a public health hazard; convoluted and inefficient regulations are bad medicine.
• The ordeal of 40 men trapped inside a collapsed tunnel in Uttarakhand is a reminder of the tightrope walk infrastructure development is in Garhwal Himalayas. Aggressive construction without mountain-appropriate plans is a slippery slope. We hope they are rescued soon, but disregarding the region’s vulnerability will only endanger more lives.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

1. EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, European astronomers released the first images from the newly launched Euclid space telescope which is designed to unlock the secrets of dark matter and dark energy.

EXPLANATION:

• Images released include irregular galaxies and a spiral formation resembling the Milky Way, shedding light on celestial formations and background galaxies.

EUCLID SPACE TELESCOPE MISSION OVERVIEW

• Purpose:
  • The Euclid telescope is a joint effort by the European Space Agency (ESA) and NASA.
  • It is designed to explore the hidden aspects of the universe, specifically dark matter and dark energy, which are estimated to constitute about 95% of the cosmos.

• Initial Images:
  • The released images are said to be the sharpest of their kind, showcasing the telescope’s capability to observe billions of galaxies located up to 10 billion light-years away.

• Target Areas:
• • The captured images spanned various regions of the nearby universe, including the Perseus cluster, which contains around 1,000 galaxies, and over 100,000 galaxies spread across the background.

DARK MATTER AND DARK ENERGY

• Dark Matter’s Influence:
  • Scientists believe that structures like the Perseus cluster could only have formed if dark matter exists.
  • This unseen matter’s gravitational pull is considered responsible for organizing galaxies and impacting their rotational speeds.

• Dark Energy Enigma:
• • Dark energy, a hypothetical force, was postulated in the 1990s based on observations of supernovas.
  • It’s thought to be driving the acceleration of the universe’s expansion, a groundbreaking discovery that contrasts with earlier beliefs.

EUCLID’S MISSION GOALS

• Mapping the Universe:
  • Euclid aims to construct a 3D map covering a significant portion of the sky.
  • By detecting subtle variations attributable to dark matter and dark energy, the mission intends to enhance understanding of galaxy formation and distribution within the cosmic web.

• Exploring the Dark Sector:
• • By probing deeper into the dark sector of the universe, the mission hopes to uncover insights that current ground and space missions have been unable to achieve.

TECHNICAL ASPECTS AND CHALLENGES

• Teething Problems:
  • Euclid faced initial technical issues, including stray light and guidance problems, which the team has been addressing.

• Mission Duration:
• • The six-year mission, launched on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket, aims to collect data for an extended period, although there’s hope for an additional six months’ worth of operational life due to extra propellant.

SIGNIFICANCE AND FUTURE PROSPECTS

• Scientific Implications:
  • Understanding dark matter and dark energy could revolutionize our comprehension of cosmic structures and the universe’s evolution.

• Dependency on Launches:
• • The mission faced challenges due to geopolitical tensions, shifting from a planned launch on a Russian Soyuz rocket to the SpaceX Falcon 9 due to strained relations.

CONCLUSION

• Euclid’s Potential:
  • The successful initial imaging by the Euclid telescope marks a significant step in exploring the unknown realms of the universe, shedding light on the enigmatic aspects of dark matter and dark energy.
• It emphasizes the groundbreaking nature of the Euclid mission in unraveling the mysteries of the vast, unseen universe and how its findings could reshape our understanding of cosmic evolution.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/star-filled-euclid-images-spur-mission-to-probe-dark-universe/article67516002.ece

2. PM-KISAN BHAI

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: A new scheme called PM-Kisan Bhai will soon be launched by the Government of India.

OBJECTIVES OF PM-KISAN BHAI SCHEME:

• Empowering Farmers:
  • The scheme intends to empower farmers, particularly small and marginal ones.
  • It aims to ease the facilities for the farmers who face difficulties storing their produce post-harvest due to capacity constraints and dependence on traders for selling crops at prevailing market prices.

• Breaking Trader Monopoly:
• • It seeks to break the monopoly of traders who often dictate prices, especially during the harvesting season, compelling farmers to sell their crops quickly, often at lower rates.

FEATURES AND COMPONENTS OF THE SCHEME:

• Pilot Launch:
  • The scheme will likely commence on a pilot basis in specific states—Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh.
  • It is estimated to cost around ₹170 crore over three years, including the current fiscal year.

• Incentives and Components:
• • The scheme comprises two main components—Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS) and Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI).
    • Warehousing Rental Subsidy (WRS):
      • Farmers and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) will receive a storage incentive of ₹4 per quintal per month, capped at a maximum period of three months.
      • This subsidy aims to encourage storing crops in scientifically built warehouses.
    • Prompt Repayment Incentive (PRI):
      • It proposes a 3% additional interest subvention under the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme.
      • It allows the farmers to pledge their produce and obtain loans at subsidized rates for three months.

POTENTIAL IMPACT AND CHALLENGES:

• Farmers’ Autonomy:
  • The scheme intends to provide farmers with the autonomy to store their produce and sell it strategically, rather than being compelled to liquidate during the harvesting season.

• Trade via e-NAM:
  • The initiative encourages trade through online platforms like e-National Agriculture Market (e-NAM), facilitating access to a broader buyer base across the country.

• Dependence on Buyers:
• • However, there’s a cautionary note regarding the scheme’s effectiveness, as its success depends on buyer response.
  • Buyers’ engagement via online platforms will be crucial; if not adequately involved, farmers might still rely on traditional market yards (mandis).

EXPERT OPINION:

• An agriculture expert highlights concerns about the scheme potentially transferring power to stockists by limiting incentives after three months, impacting farmers’ control over pricing during festival seasons.
• A commodity market analyst emphasizes the scheme’s dependency on buyers’ response.
• The success of the scheme in enabling farmers as decision-makers hinges on buyers’ interest in purchasing through online portals.

CONCLUSION:

• The PM-Kisan Bhai scheme endeavors to offer support to small and marginal farmers by providing incentives for storing produce and facilitating better selling opportunities.
• However, its effectiveness and impact will heavily rely on buyer engagement through online platforms, along with addressing potential challenges in the agricultural supply chain.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/agri-business/aimed-at-breaking-traders-monopoly-centre-to-launch-pm-kisan-bhai-scheme/article67525079.ece

3. GLOBAL TB REPORT 2023

TAG: GS 2: GOVERNANCE, GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: According to the recently released Global TB Report 2023 by the World Health Organisation, India accounts for 27 per cent of the total TB cases in the world.

TB CASES AND MORTALITY IN INDIA:

• Incidence Rate:
  • India continues to bear a significant burden of TB globally, accounting for 27% of total TB cases worldwide.

• Positive Trends:
  • India witnessed an increase in reported TB cases, surpassing pre-pandemic levels in 2022, reaching 24.2 lakh cases.
  • Treatment coverage also increased to 80%, showcasing improved access to care.

• Mortality Drop:
• • A significant reduction in TB-related deaths in India was noted in the 2023 report.
  • The shift in mortality calculation methodology, using India’s Sample Registration System dataset, led to a decline in TB mortality from 4.94 lakhs in 2021 to 3.31 lakhs in 2022.
  • This resulted in India’s contribution to global TB mortality dropping from 36% to 26%.

DATA REVISIONS AND RECOGNITION:

• Revised Data:
  • The Union Health Ministry provided newer evidence, including in-country mathematical modeling and data from the government’s Ni-Kshay portal, leading to a change in mortality estimates.
  • The WHO accepted and appreciated these efforts, acknowledging the revised estimates in the 2023 report.

• Improved Reporting:
• • India’s efforts in reporting TB cases were recognized, with the country being the only one among its peers to conduct a National TB prevalence survey, which provided key inputs to estimate TB incidence in India.

TB TREATMENT COVERAGE AND INITIATIVES:

• Treatment Coverage:
  • India witnessed a 19% increase in TB treatment coverage, reaching more than 80%.
  • This accomplishment positioned India among only four countries out of the 30 high-burden countries globally that achieved over 80% treatment coverage.

• Initiatives:
• • The Indian government implemented various initiatives toward TB elimination, including active case finding, molecular testing, screening services at health and wellness centers, engagement of the private sector, and additional nutritional support for TB patients through programs like Nikshay Mitra.

TB ELIMINATION TARGETS AND CHALLENGES:

• India’s Targets:
  • India aims to eliminate TB by 2025, setting ambitious goals in the National Strategic Plan 2017-2025, aiming for no more than 44 new TB cases per lakh population.
  • However, the reported incidence stands at 199 cases per lakh population in 2023.

• Mortality Target:
• • India aims to reduce TB-related mortality to 3 deaths per lakh population by 2025.
  • Although the current figure remains higher at 23 per lakh population, even after the revised estimates.

CHALLENGES AHEAD:

• Meeting Targets:
  • Achieving India’s ambitious targets for TB elimination by 2025 appears challenging, given the current incidence rates and mortality figures compared to the set benchmarks.
• While India has made significant strides in reporting, treatment coverage, and data accuracy regarding TB, achieving the elimination targets by 2025 remains a formidable challenge.
• The revisions in mortality estimates reflect efforts toward refining data accuracy, but the country still faces a substantial burden of TB cases and related mortality.
• Continuing and enhancing current initiatives will be crucial in combating this public health issue.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-health/indias-tb-mortality-report-2023-explained-9023266/

4. EARTHQUAKE IN ICELAND

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: Iceland experienced a swarm of earthquakes, a sequence of around 800 earthquakes within 14 hours on the Reykjanes peninsula. This was followed by a total of over 24,000 recorded earthquakes since late October, with the most powerful quake registering a magnitude of 5.2.

SEISMIC ACTIVITY AND VOLCANIC ERUPTION LIKELIHOOD:

• Recent Earthquakes:
  • A series of earthquakes, including a swarm of 800 quakes within 14 hours, hit Iceland’s Reykjanes peninsula, followed by about 1,400 quakes within 24 hours.
  • This was followed by a total of over 24,000 recorded earthquakes since late October, with the most powerful quake registering a magnitude of 5.2.

• Volcanic Precursors:
  • Such seismic activities concern precursors to potential volcanic eruptions, especially when they involve a swarm of earthquakes without a clear main shock.

• Geological Context:
• • Iceland’s location on the Mid-Atlantic Ridge, between the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates, makes it prone to seismic activity and volcanic eruptions.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANIC ACTIVITY:

• Magma Movement and Earthquakes:
  • The movement of magma beneath the Earth’s surface exerts pressure on surrounding rocks, leading to earthquake swarms.
  • As magma approaches the surface, the likelihood of an eruption increases, correlating with increased seismic activities.

POTENTIAL ERUPTION SITE AND TIMELINES:

• Fagradalsfjall Volcano:
  • This area, about 40 km southwest of Reykjavík, has been active recently (in 2021, 2022, and 2023) and is the focus of current seismic activity.
  • The Icelandic Met Office noted significant magma movement in an area extending from Sundhnjúkagígum towards Grindavík, posing a serious volcanic hazard.

• Imminent Eruption:
• • The magma, at its shallowest depth just north of Grindavík, is approximately 800 meters below the Earth’s surface.
  • The IMO suggested a potential eruption could occur in a matter of days, with Grindavík, a nearby town, being evacuated as a precaution.

ACTIVE VOLCANO COUNT IN ICELAND:

• Iceland’s Active Volcanoes:
  • The country hosts 33 active volcanoes that have erupted more than 180 times in the past millennium.
  • Active volcanoes are those that have erupted within the Holocene or have the potential to erupt in the future.

• Notable Volcanoes:
  • Eyjafjallajökull, Hekla, Grímsvötn, Hóluhraun, and Litli-Hrútur (part of the Fagradalsfjall system) are among Iceland’s famous active volcanoes.

• Historical Context:
• • Eyjafjallajökull’s 2010 eruption caused a massive ash cloud that disrupted air travel across Europe for weeks, resulting in substantial economic damage.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/earthquake-swarm-iceland-volcanic-eruption-9023297/

5. TOWARDS ELIMINATING PLASTIC POLLUTION BY 2040: A POLICY SCENARIO ANALYSIS

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: As per a new interim report released by the intergovernmental organisation “Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)”- 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally in 2022.

EXPLANATION:

• The report was released on November 11, 2023, two days before the third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution (INC3).
• Theme of the report was “Towards Eliminating Plastic Pollution by 2040: A Policy Scenario Analysis”.

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REPORT:

• Plastic Leakage Statistics:
  • The report reveals that in 2022, a staggering 21 million tonnes (MT) of plastics leaked into the environment globally.
  • It highlights the concerning environmental impact caused by plastic waste, especially in aquatic environments.

• Policy Scenario Analysis:
  • The report outlines various policy scenarios to tackle plastic pollution, emphasizing the need for comprehensive actions across the entire lifecycle of plastics.
  • It discusses the potential benefits of these actions and the costs associated with delayed or limited measures.

• Baseline Scenario:
  • If no significant action is taken to curb plastic production and leakage, the report predicts a 50% increase in plastic leakage by 2040.
  • It will result into about 30 MT of plastic entering the environment, with adverse consequences for the environment, climate, and health.

• Impact of Policy Actions:
  • The report suggests that ambitious, coordinated policy actions could significantly reduce plastic waste generation by a quarter below baseline levels by 2040, virtually eliminating mismanaged waste and reducing plastic leakage.

• Cost of Action vs. Inaction:
  • It highlights that while ambitious policy action might cost 0.5% of global GDP in 2040.
  • The costs of inaction would have longer-term societal and environmental repercussions.
  • It emphasizes the need for a comprehensive approach to limit transition costs.

• Challenges and Investment Needs:
  • The report acknowledges technical and economic barriers to eliminating plastic leakage by 2040.
  • It emphasizes the need for significant investments (over $1 trillion) in waste management systems for non-OECD countries.

• International Cooperation:
  • The report recognizes the uneven distribution of costs and investment needs.
  • It also stresses the importance of international cooperation to address plastic pollution effectively.

• Call for Evidence-Based Decision-making:
  • OECD’s Environment Director highlighted the need for further evidence to inform decision-making, especially concerning the negotiations for an international, legally binding treaty on plastic pollution.

• Policy Scenarios:
• • The report presents a comprehensive policy scenario package that, if implemented, could nearly eliminate plastic pollution by 2040, necessitating increased investments and international cooperation.

CONCLUSION:

• The detailed analysis of the report emphasizes the urgency of addressing plastic pollution and the dire consequences of inaction.
• It underscores the necessity for concerted efforts, international collaboration, increased investments, and ambitious policy actions across the lifecycle of plastics.
• It focuses on mitigation of the growing threat of plastic pollution to the environment, economies, and human well-being.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD):

• It is an international organisation of 38 countries committed to democracy and the market economy.
• OECD members are typically democratic countries that support free-market economies.
• The OECD was established on Dec. 14, 1960, by 18 European nations, plus the United States and Canada.
• Headquarters: Paris, France.
• The stated goal of OECD is to shape policies that foster prosperity, equality, opportunity and well-being for all.
• The OECD publishes economic reports, statistical databases, analyses, and forecasts on the outlook for economic growth worldwide.
• The organization also seeksto eliminate bribery and other financial crime worldwide.
• The OECD maintains a so-called “black list” of nations that are considered uncooperative tax havens.
• India is one of the many non-member economies with which the OECD has working relationships in addition to its member countries.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/pollution/globally-21-million-tonnes-of-plastics-leaked-into-environment-last-year-oecd-92759

1. EMERGENCE OF NEW ISLAND IN JAPAN

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: A new island has recently emerged within the vicinity of Japan’s Ogasawara island chain, after the eruption of an underwater volcano in late October 2023.

EXPLANATION:

• The island, as of now, is approximately 100 meters in diameter.
• It was formed through phreatomagmatic eruptions, where magma reacts with seawater, leading to explosive releases of ash and steam.

ERUPTION:

• The eruption started on October 21, 2023, around 1 km off the coastline of Iwoto Island (formerly known as Iwo Jima).
• The eruptions continued for around 10 days, resulting in the accumulation of volcanic material on the shallow seabed, eventually reaching above the sea’s surface.
• Iwoto Island has historical significance as it witnessed intense battles during World War II.

VOLCANIC ACTIVITY IN THE REGION:

• The Ogasawara island chain, also known as the Bonin Islands, is described as a volcanic arc comprising over 30 islands and islets, with some remaining volcanically active.
• There exists a previous instance of island formation in 2013 resulting from the eruption of another underwater volcano in the same region.
• Verification by Experts:
  • Associate Professor from Tokyo University’s earthquake research institute verified the presence of phreatomagmatic eruptions near Iwoto.
  • Smoke and ash from the eruptions reached heights exceeding 50 meters, observed every few minutes during the eruptions.
  • The new island is seen as an indication of renewed magmatic activity in the area.

ISLAND’S FUTURE AND COMPOSITION:

• There is uncertainty about the longevity of the newly formed island due to its composition of delicate volcanic rocks.
• Experts suggest that the island’s existence may be brief if it is susceptible to erosion by oceanic waves and currents.
• The island’s longevity could be extended if it gets covered by more durable substances like lava, depending on the potential resumption of volcanic activity.

SOURCE: https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/travel/travel-news/japan-gets-a-brand-new-island-after-underwater-volcano-eruption/articleshow/105125303.cms

2. FAILURE OF ALERT SYSTEMS IN EARTHQUAKE

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The earthquakes in Nepal (6.4 magnitude) and its aftershock in Delhi (5.6 magnitude) triggered the need for emergency alerts in the affected areas.

EXPLANATION:

• The incident highlights the failure of both government and private early alert systems during recent earthquakes in Delhi and surrounding areas.
• The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)’s Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS) and Google’s alert system for Android users did not reach many people who experienced the tremors.

ALERTS SYSTEMS:

NDMA’s Cell Broadcast Alert System (CBAS):

• The CBAS was designed to send out mass alerts during natural disasters.
• It was tested in recent weeks but did not function during the earthquakes.
• There is a lack of explanation from the NDMA regarding why the system did not alert residents in areas where tremors were felt.

Google’s Earthquake Early Warning System:

• Google’s Earthquake Early Warning system was designed for Android users in India.
• It also did not send alerts in the national capital despite tremors being felt.
• Google spokesperson mentioned that alerts were sent in areas around the India-Nepal border where the shaking was strongest.

Intensity Threshold for Alerts:

• Google’s alert system reportedly warns users only if the shaking in their area is expected to cross a value of 3.5 on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI) Scale.
• It has been suggested that the tremors in Delhi may have been in the lower end of these MMI values, leading to the system not sending alerts to everyone who felt shaking.

RESPONSE FROM NDMA AND TECHNICAL ISSUES:

• The NDMA did not respond to queries about why the CBAS did not function as expected.
• The seismo.gov.in website operated by the Ministry of Earth Sciences’s National Centre for Seismology reportedly crashed moments after the tremors.
• It was potentially due to the sudden surge in traffic seeking information.

User Experience and Reliability:

• The raises concerns about the reliability and effectiveness of emergency alert systems during critical situations such as earthquakes.
• Both government and private systems are criticized for their failure to reach people who experienced the tremors.
• The need for improvement in the effectiveness of emergency communication during natural disasters has been emphasized.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/2023-11-11/th_chennai/articleG66C0IVMH-4842668.ece

3. INVISIBITY OF SATURN’S RING

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY  

THE CONTEXT: Saturn’s rings will just be invisible from Earth in 2025 and will reappear soon thereafter.

REASONS OF THE INVISIBILITY OF THE STAURN’S RING:

SATURN’S TILT AND RINGS ALIGNMENT:

• Both Earth and Saturn have tilted axes of rotation. Saturn’s axis has a tilt of 26.7 degrees.
• The enormous ring system of Saturn is also tilted to the plane of Saturn’s orbit.
• As Saturn revolves around the Sun, it appears to nod up and down when observed from Earth.
• Every 13 to 15 years, the edge of Saturn’s rings aligns directly with Earth due to this nodding motion.

OPTICAL ILLUSION AND TEMPORARY DISAPPEARANCE:

• Saturn’s rings are very thin, often just tens of meters thick.
• When the edge of the rings aligns directly with Earth, they reflect very little light, making them difficult to see.
• This alignment creates an optical illusion, making the rings essentially invisible from Earth.
• In March 2025, Saturn’s rings will not be visible because they will be perfectly aligned with Earth’s line of sight.
• The rings will gradually become visible again as Saturn continues its orbit around the Sun.

POTENTIAL FUTURE DISAPPEARANCE OF SATURN’S RINGS:

• 2018 NASA report stated that Saturn might lose its rings completely in the next 300 million years or sooner.
• The mechanism proposed is “ring rain,” where the rings are being pulled into Saturn by its gravity.
• Ice particles in the rings, under the influence of Saturn’s magnetic field, fall into the planet.
• This process is estimated to drain an amount of water products equivalent to filling an Olympic-sized swimming pool from Saturn’s rings in half an hour.
• The rings are considered temporary, with an estimated age of less than 100 million years, while Saturn itself is around four billion years old.

REFLECTION ON OTHER PLANETS:

• If Saturn’s rings are temporary, it raises the possibility that we might have missed out on seeing giant ring systems of other gas giants like Jupiter, Uranus, and Neptune, which currently have only thin ringlets.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-sci-tech/saturn-rings-disappear-2025-9021942/

4. THE BEN GURION CANAL PROJECT

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: Israel’s interest in exploring the economic opportunity presented by the Ben Gurion Canal Project is speculated to be one of the reasons behind its military actions, specifically its efforts to eliminate Hamas from the Gaza Strip. The ides of the Ben Gurion Canal Project is presented as an alternative to the Suez Canal.

THE BEN GURION CANAL PROJECT:

• A canal is being proposed through the Israeli-controlled Negev Desert, named the Ben Gurion Canal Project.
• The canal would connect the Gulf of Aqaba (eastern arm of the Red Sea) to the Eastern Mediterranean coast, offering an alternative to the Suez Canal.
• The idea was first envisioned in the 1960s and resurfaces amid Israel’s push to eliminate Hamas from Gaza.

HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF SUEZ CANAL:

• The Suez Canal, opened in 1869, revolutionized global maritime trade by connecting the Mediterranean and Red Seas, reducing travel distances between Europe and Asia.
• Despite its significance, the Suez Canal faces challenges, including congestion and geopolitical issues surrounding Egypt’s control.

Issues with Suez Canal:

• The Suez Canal is described as the world’s biggest shipping bottleneck, facing congestion despite widening and deepening efforts.
• In March 2021, Ever Given cargo ship blocked the canal, causing significant disruptions and economic losses.

GEOPOLITICAL HISTORY OF THE SUEZ CANAL:

• The historical context of the Suez Crisis is in 1956 when Egypt nationalized the canal, leading to conflict with the UK, France, and Israel.
• The canal played a role in the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars and was shut from 1967-75.

Economic Significance of Suez Canal for Egypt:

• The Suez Canal is crucial to Egypt’s economy, generating toll revenue that reached a record $9.4 billion in the 2022-23 fiscal year, accounting for nearly 2% of Egypt’s GDP.

Proposed Ben Gurion Canal Challenges:

• The Ben Gurion Canal Project faces significant challenges, including logistical, political, and funding obstacles.
• The estimated cost of the project is potentially as high as $100 billion, making it more expensive than addressing issues with the Suez Canal.
• The proposed route is over 100 km longer than the Suez Canal, and the terrain limitations could affect its attractiveness to shipping.

Security Concerns:

• It is highlighted that a canal running through land under constant military threat, either from Hamas rockets or Israeli attacks, poses a significant concern.
• This factor raises doubts about the feasibility and security of the Ben Gurion Canal.

SOURCE: https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-global/ben-gurion-canal-suez-israel-9021520/

5. BROADCASTING SERVICES (REGULATION) BILL, 2023

TAG: GS 2: POLITY  

THE CONTEXT: The Information and Broadcasting Ministry has released a draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill for public consultation.

EXPLANATION:

• The bill is intended to replace the existing Cable TV Network Regulations Act, indicating a shift towards a more comprehensive regulatory framework.

Scope of the Proposed Bill:

• The new bill is designed to have a broader scope, extending its governance to various media platforms, including DTH (Direct-to-Home), OTT (Over-the-Top) services, digital media, and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).

Public Consultation:

• The draft has been released for public consultation, allowing stakeholders and the general public to provide feedback and insights on the proposed legislation.

Ease of Doing Business and Modernization:

• Information and Broadcasting Minister states that the bill is aligned with the government’s “ease of doing business” initiative.
• Described as a pivotal legislation, it aims to modernize the regulatory framework for the broadcasting sector by replacing outdated acts, rules, and guidelines.

Adaptation to Changing Media Landscape:

• The draft bill is said to adapt to the dynamic nature of the media landscape, encompassing emerging technologies such as OTT, Digital Media, DTH, IPTV, etc.
• It is framed to promote technological advancement and service evolution in the broadcasting sector.

Key Innovations:

• The draft bill introduces key innovations, such as the establishment of ‘Content Evaluation Committees’ for robust self-regulation.
• It transforms the existing ‘Inter-Departmental Committee’ into a broader ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’ to foster inclusive decision-making.

Comprehensive Accessibility Guidelines:

• The proposed Broadcasting Bill includes “comprehensive accessibility guidelines” to cater to differently-abled members of the user community, emphasizing inclusivity.

Call for Stakeholder Input:

• I & B Minister invites stakeholders to provide their insights and feedback on the draft bill.
• This approach emphasizes a collaborative and consultative process in shaping the final legislation.

Towards a More Efficient and Inclusive Broadcasting Ecosystem:

• The draft bill is a significant step towards creating a more efficient, inclusive, and forward-thinking broadcasting ecosystem.
• The release of the draft Broadcasting Services (Regulation) Bill by the Information and Broadcasting Ministry, emphasises the importance of public consultation and stakeholder input in shaping the final legislation.

KEY HIGHLIGHTS OF THE BILL:

The Bill comprises of Six Chapters, 48 Sections and three Schedules.

1. Consolidation and Modernization:

• It addresses a long standing need of consolidating and updating the regulatory provisions for various broadcasting services under a single legislative framework.
• This move streamlines the regulatory process, making it more efficient and contemporary.
• It extends its regulatory purview to encompass broadcasting over-the-top (OTT) content and digital news and current affairs currently regulated through IT Act, 2000 and regulations made there under.

2. Contemporary Definitions and Future-Ready Provisions:

• To keep pace with the evolving technologies and services, the bill introduces comprehensive definitions for contemporary broadcasting terms and incorporates provisions for emerging broadcasting technologies.

3. Strengthens the Self-Regulation Regime:

• It enhances self-regulation with the introduction of ‘Content evaluation committees.
• It evolves the existing Inter-Departmental Committee into a more participative and broader ‘Broadcast Advisory Council’.

4. Differentiated Programme Code and Advertisement Code:

• It allows for a differentiated approach to Programme and Advertisement Codes across various services and require self-classification by broadcasters and robust access control measures for restricted content.

5. Accessibility for Persons with Disabilities:

• The bill addresses the specific needs of persons with disabilities by providing for enabling provisions for issue of comprehensive accessibility guidelines.

6. Statutory Penalties and Fines:

• The draft Bill introduces statutory penalties such as: advisory, warning, censure, or monetary penalties, for operators and broadcasters.
• Provision for imprisonment and/or fines remains, but only for very serious offenses, ensuring a balanced approach to regulation.

7. Equitable Penalties:

• Monetary penalties and fines are linked to the financial capacity of the entity, taking into account their investment and turnover to ensure fairness and equity.

8. Infrastructure Sharing, Platform Services and Right of Way:

• The bill also includes provisions for infrastructure sharing among broadcasting network operators and carriage of platform services.
• Further, it streamlines the Right of Way section to address relocation and alterations more efficiently and establishes a structured dispute resolution mechanism.

lSOURCE: https://www.thehindubusinessline.com/info-tech/ib-ministry-releases-draft-broadcasting-services-bill-for-public-consultation/article67520835.ece

1. EL-NINO

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY  

THE CONTEXT: According to the latest El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) update from the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the ongoing El Nino event in the equatorial Pacific Ocean may continue into April 2024 and peak between November and January.

WHAT CAN BE ITS POTENTIAL IMPACTS ON GLOBAL WEATHER PATTERNS?

• Global Temperature Impact:
  • The El Nino event may contribute to a further rise in global average temperatures.
  • The world has already experienced warmer than normal temperatures in 2023, and it is on track to become the warmest year since pre-industrial times.
  • The El Nino’s impact on global temperatures typically plays out in the year following its development, in this case, in 2024.

• Extreme Weather Events:
  • El Nino is associated with disrupting major weather systems and causing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, wildfires, and droughts.
  • The potential continuation of El Nino may lead to more extreme weather events globally.

• Impact on India:
  • For India, the El Nino may result in a warmer-than-normal winter season in most regions and a stormier-than-normal pre-monsoon season for northwest India.
  • El Nino can disrupt the Indian summer monsoon, and its effects on India’s weather are closely monitored.

• Record-Breaking Temperatures:
  • The global average annual temperature may temporarily breach the 1.5°C mark set in the 2015 Paris Agreement.
  • Record-breaking temperatures have already been observed in July, August, September, and October of the current year.

• Regional Rainfall Patterns:
• • El Nino’s peak may bring above-normal rainfall to specific regions, including the Greater Horn of Africa, Parana/La Plata basin in South America, Southeast North America, and parts of central and eastern Asia.
  • Some regions, such as northern South America, Australia, Indonesia, Borneo, Papua New Guinea, and the Philippines, may experience below-normal rainfall.

SCIENTIFIC PERSPECTIVE:

• The El Nino developed quickly during July-August 2023 and reached moderate levels by September.
• Based on historical patterns and long-range predictions, it is anticipated to gradually diminish during the forthcoming boreal spring.
• Climate scientists emphasize the role of increasing concentrations of heat-trapping greenhouse gases from human activities in contributing to rising temperatures.

• Monsoon Outlook:
  • There is an uncertainty about the next year’s monsoon, depending on whether the El Nino transitions to a La Nina and its strength.
  • A La Nina event in the Pacific could lead to normal to excess monsoon rainfall.

El Nino:

• El Nino was first recognized by Peruvian fishermen off the coast of Peru as the appearance of unusually warm water.
  • The Spanish immigrants called it El Nino, meaning “the little boy” in Spanish.
• The El Nino is the warmer-than-normal phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon, during which there are generally warmer temperatures and less rainfall than normal in many regions of the world, including India.
• During an El Nino event, the Sea Surface Temperatures (SST) in the equatorial Pacific Ocean off the northern coast of South America became at least 0.5 degrees Celsius warmer than the long-term average.
  • In the case of a strong El Nino event as occurred in 2015-2016, anomalies can reach as high as 3°C, which is a record.
• The El Nino event is not a regular cycle, they are not predictable and occur irregularly at two- to seven-year intervals.
  • Climatologists determined that El Nino occurs simultaneously with the Southern Oscillation.
  • The Southern Oscillation is a change in air pressure over the tropical Pacific Ocean.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/el-nino-may-remain-till-april-2024-may-push-temperatures-even-higher-wmo-92730

2. 2+2 MINISTERIAL DIALOGUE

TAG: GS 2: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

THE CONTEXT: U.S. Secretary of Defence Lloyd J. Austin is visiting India for the 2+2 Ministerial dialogue.

EXPLANATION:

• The visit is for the 2+2 Ministerial dialogue, involving the U.S. Secretary of Defence, U.S. Secretary of State, India’s Defence Minister, and Minister of External Affairs.
• The discussions are expected to cover various issues, with a particular focus on the recent attacks in Israel by Hamas and tensions in West Asia.
• Secretary Austin had previously visited India in June 2023 and held talks with Defence Minister.
• The current visit follows up on earlier discussions and demonstrates ongoing engagement between the two countries.

AGENDA OF THE DIALOGUE:

• The dialogue is expected to cover strategic, defence, and technology issues, reflecting the depth of the India-U.S. partnership.
• Two major defence deals are in progress:
  • the acquisition of 31 MQ-9B drones and
  • the manufacture of General Electric F-414 jet engines in India for the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft-MK2.
• The deals are anticipated to be concluded early next year.
• The dialogue will include discussions on contemporary regional issues and shared priorities for cooperation in multilateral platforms, including the Quad framework.

REVIEW OF COOPERATION:

• The 2+2 dialogue provides an opportunity for a high-level review of progress in defence and security cooperation, technology collaborations, and people-to-people ties.
• It aligns with the futuristic roadmap for the India-U.S. partnership discussed by Prime Minister of India and President of U.S. in their previous meetings.
• India has invited President Joe Biden as the chief guest for the Republic Day parade on January 26, and a decision on the invitation is awaited.

What is the 2+2 Dialogue?

• 2+2 Ministerial is the highest-level institutional mechanism between the two countries.
• It is a format of dialogue where the defence/foreign ministers or secretaries meet with their counterparts from another country.
• India has 2+2 dialogues with four key strategic partners: the US, Australia, Japan, and Russia.
• Besides Russia, the other three countries are also India’s partners in the Quad.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/us-secretary-of-defence-lloyd-austin-arrives-in-india-for-22-ministerial-dialogue/article67516828.ece/amp/

3. APPOINTMENT TO THE SUPREME COURT OF INDIA

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: With the recent appointments to the Supreme Court of India, the SC  attained its sanctioned capacity of 34 judges.

EXPLANATION:

• Delhi High Court Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma, Rajasthan High Court Chief Justice Augustine George Masih, and Gauhati High Court Chief Justice Sandeep Mehta have been appointed as Supreme Court judges.
• The appointments were made promptly, with the three judges sworn in within three days of the Supreme Court Collegium’s recommendation.
• With the addition of the three new judges, the Supreme Court has reached its sanctioned capacity of 34 judges.
• This development coincides with Chief Justice Chandrachud completing a year as the Chief Justice of India.

PENDENCY OF CASES:

• The National Judicial Data Grid (NJDG) dashboard indicates that the pendency of cases in the Supreme Court is approaching 80,000.
• The Collegium, in its November 6 recommendation, expressed concerns about the perennial pendency.
• The collegium also emphasized the need to address the backlog by ensuring full working judge strength.
• The Collegium noted that the increasing pendency of cases has significantly increased the workload of judges.
• The resolution emphasized the necessity of maintaining full working judge strength to tackle the backlog effectively.
• Retirement and Future Judicial Strength:
  • The Supreme Court will function with 34 judges until Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul, the number two judge, retires on December 25, 2023.
  • Justice Kaul’s has been vocal about the government’s “delaying tactics and pick-and-choose policy” while making judicial appointments.

• Collegium’s Considerations for Appointments:
  • The appointments of the new judges reflect the Collegium’s consideration of both merit and seniority.
  • Each appointee’s parent High Court and their seniority ranking in the all-India High Court judges list were factors in the decision.

• Speedy Appointment and Judicial Proceedings:
• • The speedy appointment of the three judges followed closely after Justice Kaul’s reminder to the Attorney General about the Collegium’s recommendation.
  • Justice Kaul’s bench is repeatedly hearing a case related to government delays in the judicial appointment process.

COLLEGIUM SYSTEM:

• The Collegium system is a system for the appointment and transfer of judges in the Supreme Court and High Court.
• It is not rooted in the Constitution. Instead, it has evolved through judgments of the Supreme Court.
• Under the system, the Chief Justice of India (CJI), along with four senior-most Supreme Court judges, recommends the appointment and transfer of judges.
• A High Court Collegium, meanwhile, is led by the incumbent Chief Justice and the two seniormost judges of that court.
• The government can also raise objections and seek clarifications regarding the Collegium’s choices, but if the Collegium reiterates the same names, the government is bound to appoint them to the post.

CONSTITUTIONAL PROVISIONS FOR JUDICIAL APPOINTMENTS:

• Article 124: Supreme Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with such judges of the High Courts and the Supreme Court as the President may deem necessary. The CJI is to be consulted in all appointments except his or her own.
• Article 217: High Court judges should be appointed by the President after consultation with the CJI and the Governor of the state. The Chief Justice of the High Court concerned too should be consulted.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/3-judges-appointed-to-sc-top-court-to-now-function-with-full-strength-of-34/article67516412.ece/amp/

4. CENTRAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION (CBI)

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Union government asserted before the Supreme Court that the CBI is an independent agency, not a limb of the Centre.

BACKGROUND:

• The Union government presented its argument in response to a suit filed by the State of West Bengal against the Centre.
• West Bengal alleged that the CBI was investigating and registering FIRs in the state without obtaining prior consent from the state government.

INDEPENDENCE OF CBI:

• The Union government, represented by Solicitor General, emphasized that the CBI is an independent agency.
• It clarified that the CBI is not under the control of the Centre.
• It operates as a statutory body under the Delhi Special Police Establishment (DSPE) Act.

ARTICLE 131 SUIT:

• The Union government argued that the original suit filed by West Bengal under Article 131 of the Constitution, which deals with disputes between the Union and states, was not maintainable.
• It asserted that the Centre has no influence over the CBI’s decisions in investigative matters and that the suit should be dismissed.

CBI’s Autonomy:

• The Solicitor General stated that the CBI acts on its own terms, and the Centre does not control its decisions in the registration, investigation, and prosecution of cases.
• It was mentioned that even the Central Vigilance Commission, which has superintendence over the CBI, does not exert influence over the agency’s investigations.

Jurisdiction of CBI:

• A Senior advocate representing West Bengal, argued that the case was not about the Centre’s influence over the CBI but focused on the jurisdiction of the CBI to investigate cases in a state that has withdrawn consent.
• He called out the Centre’s contention that only a central agency could investigate offenses outlined in a Union law a “preposterous proposition.”

Withdrawal of Consent:

• West Bengal contended that the CBI’s power to investigate offenses in other states under Section 5 of the DSPE Act requires express consent from the state under Section 6.
• The state highlighted its withdrawal of consent through a specific notification issued in 2018.
• West Bengal argued that the state is not challenging the FIRs but questioning how the CBI could ignore the state’s specific notification withdrawing consent.

Post-Poll Violence Cases:

• The CBI has filed multiple FIRs related to post-poll violence in West Bengal.
• The Union government mentioned in an affidavit that these cases also involve offenses of corruption against Central government employees.
• The legal arguments have been presented by both the Union government and the State of West Bengal regarding the autonomy and jurisdiction of the CBI in the context of the ongoing legal dispute.

CBI:

• Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is the premier investigating police agency in India.
• It provides assistance to the Central Vigilance Commission and Lokpal.
• It functions under the superintendence of the Dept. of Personnel, Ministry of Personnel, Pension & Public Grievances, Government of India – which falls under the prime minister’s office.
• However, for investigations of offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, its superintendence vests with the Central Vigilance Commission.
• It is also the nodal police agency in India which coordinates investigation on behalf of Interpol Member countries.
• Its conviction rate is as high as 65 to 70% and it is comparable to the best investigation agencies in the world.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cbi-is-not-a-limb-of-centre-union-government-tells-supreme-court/article67518110.ece/amp/

5. FIVE-HUNDRED APERTURE SPHERICAL TELESCOPE (FAST)

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: Recently, astronomers from China and Australia have discovered five new pulsars using the Five-hundred Aperture Spherical Telescope (FAST).

FIVE-HUNDRED APERTURE SPHERICAL TELESCOPE (FAST)

• It is a radio telescope in China’s Guizhou Province.
• It is the world’s largest and most sensitive radio telescope, with a receiving area equivalent to 30 football fields.
• It measures 500 meters in diameter.

Scientific Goals:

• Detect neutral hydrogen at the edge of the universe; reconstruct the images of the early universe;
• Discover pulsars, establish a pulsar timing array, and participate in pulsar navigation and gravitational wave detection in the future;
• Join the International Very-Long-Baseline Interferometry Network to obtain hyperfine structures of celestial bodies;
• Perform high resolution radio spectral survey and detect weak space signals;
• Participate in the search for extraterrestrial intelligence;
• FAST uses a data system developed at ICRAR (International Center for Radio Astronomy) in Perth, Australia, and at ESO (European Southern Observatory) to manage the huge amounts of data it generates.

Pulsars:

• Pulsars are rapidly rotating neutron stars that blast out pulses of radiation at regular intervals ranging from seconds to milliseconds.
• Pulsars have strong magnetic fields that funnel particles along their magnetic poles, accelerating them to relativistic speeds, which produce two powerful beams of light, one from each pole.
• Because the poles of the magnetic field aren’t aligned with the axis of spin of the pulsar, the beams of particles and the light they produce are swept around as the pulsar rotates.
• The periodicity of pulsars is caused by these beams of light crossing the line of sight on Earth, with the pulsar appearing to ‘switch off’ at points when the light is facing away from us.
• The time between these pulses is the ‘period’ of the pulsar.

Neutron Star:

• When a massive star explodes as a supernova at the end of its life, its core can collapse into a tiny and superdense object with not much more than our sun’s mass.
• These small, incredibly dense cores of exploded stars are neutron stars.

SOURCE: https://phys.org/news/2023-11-pulsars-fast.html#:~:text=Using%20the%20Five%2Dhundred%20Aperture,on%20the%20preprint%20server%20arXiv.

(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1. G7 appeals for humanitarian pauses in Gaza, seeks hostages’ release READ MORE
2. The problem with India’s new guidelines on genetically modified insects | Explained READ MORE
3. RBI to cut rates in 2024-25 if food inflation remains under control: S&P Global Ratings READ MORE
4. World will overshoot 2030 coal limit to tame warming by twice over READ MORE
5. Kerala Government forms Organic Farming Mission to boost climate-smart agriculture READ MORE
6. One year of Project Cheetah: Hits, misses and paradigm shift ahead READ MORE
7. Possible answer to farm fires: New rice variety can replace Pusa-44 READ MORE
8. India’s Energy Conservation Building Code, 2017: Why the IEA called it a ‘notable exception’ among developing countries READ MORE
9. Horn of Africa facing deadly floods due to El Nino-linked ‘above average’ rains READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Language: Emotional connect and more READ MORE
2. Bihar survey exposes disparities among OBCs READ MORE  
3. The role of caste and gender in determining science education in India READ MORE
4. Climate change made the multi-year drought 25 times more likely in Syria and Iraq, 16 times in Iran: Analysis READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Move towards e-FIR, but with caution READ MORE
2. Reviewing freedom READ MORE
3. Reserving poverty READ MORE
4. As our democracy matures, my role is becoming more vital READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. Look beyond quota politics READ MORE
2. Mensural hygiene: Adolescents continue to use cloth, pads are rare READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. Taiwan, a Malacca blockade and India’s options READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. How tech can make India a farming powerhouse READ MORE
2. Two-wheeler EV startups: The new growth engines READ MORE
3. Local products can boost exports READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Importance of ‘loss and damage’ funds READ MORE  
2. Douse the fires without enraging farmers READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. The perils of patent amendments READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. Hurdles delaying formation of integrated theatre commands READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. How ignored landslide warnings led to Subansiri running dry READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Why purush and prakriti are gender-neutral READ MORE
2. Living with tempests READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. The CAG promotes good governance practices and helps governments streamline their operations, reduce inefficiencies and adhere to financial discipline. Critically examine.
2. The CAG plays a crucial role in this democratic framework by ensuring transparency, accountability, and financial integrity in the government’s functioning. Comment.
3. The CAG helps maintain the separation of powers between legislature and executive by ensuring that the government’s financial activities align with legislative intentions. Comment.
4. As India’s democracy matures, the role of CAG has become more vital in promoting good governance and safeguarding the people’s interests. Critically comment.
5. Leveraging technology and digital solutions make audit’s citizen engagement more effective and scalable. Examine.
6. Social audit is an effective tool for facilitating citizen oversight. How would you justify this statement?
7. The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments marked a quantum leap in India’s democratic set-up in creating tiers of self-governance below the level of states. Critically examine.
8. Due to the envision of grassroots participation, Local bodies not only implement the schemes of governments but ensure transparency and visibility in these schemes. Justify with the help of relevant examples.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• The solution to crop stubble burning lies in turning waste into wealth by upcycling it.
• In peace, sons bury their fathers. In war, fathers bury their sons.
• The CAG promotes good governance practices and helps governments streamline their operations, reduce inefficiencies and adhere to financial discipline.
• As India’s democracy matures, the CAG’s role becomes even more vital in promoting good governance and safeguarding the people’s interests.
• The Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) plays a crucial role in this democratic framework by ensuring transparency, accountability, and financial integrity in government’s functioning.
• CAG helps maintain the separation of powers between legislature and executive by ensuring that the government’s financial activities align with legislative intentions.
• India stands as the world’s largest democracy, with a vibrant political landscape, a diverse society, and ongoing efforts to overcome various socio-economic challenges.
• By placing the Indian citizen at the centre for implementation of government programmes and as ultimate beneficiaries, there is an onerous expectation of the CAG to assess the preparedness and planning, as well as to monitor and recommend corrective actions for realisation of these economic, social and environmental aspirations.
• To effectively discharge this responsibility, it is important for audit to actively work in tandem with citizens, appreciating their concerns and feedback.
• In India’s federal, multiparty democracy with both Union and state governments responsible for implementation of numerous schemes, projects and programmes, enhancing engagement with stakeholders is imperative for audit.
• Leveraging technology and digital solutions make audit’s citizen engagement more effective and scalable.
• Social audit is an interesting tool for facilitating citizen oversight.
• The 73rd and 74th Constitutional amendments marked a quantum leap in India’s democratic set up, as they created tiers of self-governance below the level of states.
• Empowering PRIs and urban local bodies and municipalities, envisions people’s participation in the process of planning, decision-making, implementation and delivery of a set of functions to be devolved to local governments by state legislatures.
• Carrying forward this recognition of local self-governance as the true manifestation of democracy and the CAG’s responsibility for ensuring accountability, an international centre for local governance has been envisaged.
• Female labour force participation rates have, in the past, tended to rise during times of financial stress as women stepped out to augment their household incomes.
• While the CAG catalyses good governance, transparency and accountability, the responsibility to nurture and protect democratic principles falls not only on our institutions but on every citizen.
• The proposed changes in patent law will endanger access to affordable medicines and benefit global big pharma.
• Both Hindus and Muslims in Kashmir must strive to understand each other’s viewpoints, fostering mutual trust and loyalty within the community.
• By adopting the principles of sustainability, non-violence, and respect for all life forms, we can work towards a more harmonious relationship with nature.

ESSAY TOPIC

• Many worlds: Multipolarity in the new world order

50-WORD TALK

• In a transforming India, where education and technology act as levelling forces, caste-based affirmative action, refined through caste numbers, can drive more extensive dialogues on aspiration, ambition, freedom, opportunity, and the necessity for a system where citizens are not unfairly privileged or confined by their identities. If a robust methodology were to be used, this effort would be vital in identifying and addressing fault lines to promote gender justice.
• Extending free food for another 5 years is an acknowledgement that the poor continue to need ample support for years ahead. The move also rings the final death knell of farm laws. If government grain procurement is going to be so high, then that rules out entry of private sector.
• Indian envoy in Ottawa describing Canadian police probe into Nijjar killing as tainted and wiretapping of diplomats as illegal shows Delhi is doubling down. But Canada is being duplicitous in citing Vienna Convention on parity even as it illegally tapped diplomats. G7 and Five Eyes can’t play by different rules.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.