14 April 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related International Relations 1. 17 Indians aboard Israeli cargo vessel seized by Iran C. GS 3 Related Environment 1. Concurrent heatwaves, sea level rises pose a threat to coastlines 2. The trend in climate change jurisprudence Science and Technology 1. Blood bank study reveals true incidence of Long COVID 2. Why is there a WHO alert on viral hepatitis? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials F. Prelims Facts 1. Tribe: Muria G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
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B. GS 2 Related
Category:International Relations
1. 17 Indians aboard Israeli cargo vessel seized by Iran
Syllabus: Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s Interests
Mains: India- Iran- Israel relations
Context​: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard seized the Portuguese-flagged cargo vessel MSC Aries in the Gulf of Hormuz.
- Among the 25 crew members, 17 were Indian nationals. The vessel was en route from the United Arab Emirates to India.
Issues:
- Seizure and Crew Safety: The Iranian Revolutionary Guard’s seizure of the vessel raises concerns about the safety and well-being of the crew, including the 17 Indian nationals.
- Escalation of Tensions: The incident contributes to the escalation of tensions in the region, particularly amidst ongoing conflicts and geopolitical rivalries involving Iran, Israel, and the United States.
- International Law Violations: Israel and other nations have condemned the seizure as a violation of international law, labeling it a “pirate operation.”
Significance:
- The incident occurs amidst heightened tensions in the region, including recent conflicts such as the Israeli offensive in Gaza and retaliatory actions by Houthi rebels in Yemen targeting Israeli-linked commercial shipping.
- It highlights the vulnerability of commercial vessels to geopolitical tensions and military actions in strategic maritime chokepoints like the Gulf of Hormuz.
Solutions:
- Diplomatic Channels: India has engaged with Iranian authorities through diplomatic channels in Tehran and Delhi to ensure the security and early release of Indian nationals.
- International Cooperation: Calls for international condemnation and sanctions against Iran for its actions, as advocated by Israel and supported by the United States.
- Enhanced Maritime Security: Continued efforts by navies, including the Indian Navy, to address maritime security threats such as piracy in the Gulf of Aden and the Horn of Africa.
Nut Graf: The seizure of the MSC Aries underscores the complex geopolitical dynamics and security challenges in the region, necessitating diplomatic efforts and international cooperation to ensure the safety of crew members and uphold maritime security and stability.
C. GS 3 Related
Category:Environment
1. Concurrent heatwaves, sea level rises pose a threat to coastlines
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation
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Mains: Impact of Concurrent heatwaves and sea level rise on coastlines
Context​:Â
- Concurrent heatwaves and extreme short-term sea level rise pose a growing threat to coastlines globally.
- A study published in Communications Earth & Environment reveals an increase in these concurrent events, especially in tropical regions.
Issues:
- Rising Frequency of CHWESL Events: Between 1998 and 2017, the occurrence of concurrent heatwaves and extreme sea level rise significantly increased compared to the previous two decades.
- Impact on Coastal Communities: CHWESL events pose a serious threat to coastal communities, with potential risks to human health and infrastructure.
- Vulnerability of Tropical Regions: Tropical areas are more likely to experience a greater increase in CHWESL events, amplifying the challenges faced by low or middle-income countries in these regions.
Significance:
- The study highlights the urgent need for research and action to address the escalating threat of CHWESL events to coastal communities.
- Understanding the characteristics and occurrences of these events is crucial for developing effective adaptation and mitigation strategies.
Solutions:
- Research and Monitoring: Increased research into the characteristics and occurrences of CHWESL events is necessary to better understand their impact and develop targeted responses.
- Adaptation Measures: Coastal communities need to implement adaptive measures such as coastal defenses, early warning systems, and urban planning strategies to mitigate the impacts of CHWESL events.
- International Cooperation: Collaborative efforts between countries, particularly in tropical regions, are essential to address the common challenges posed by CHWESL events and support vulnerable communities.
Nut Graf: The projected increase in CHWESL events presents a significant challenge to coastal communities worldwide, particularly in tropical regions. Effective measures to mitigate the impacts of these events are crucial to safeguard human health and protect coastal infrastructure, emphasizing the importance of international cooperation and proactive adaptation strategies.
2. The trend in climate change jurisprudence
Syllabus: Conservation, Environmental pollution and degradation
Mains: Significance of climate change jurisprudence
Context​:
- The recent Supreme Court ruling affirming citizens’ rights against the adverse effects of climate change marks a significant development in climate change jurisprudence in India.
- The ruling, issued in response to concerns over the impact of power lines on the Great Indian Bustard and India’s commitments to renewable energy, highlights the intersection between environmental protection, human rights, and climate change.
Backdrop to the Supreme Court Ruling:
- Concerns Over Great Indian Bustard: The decline in the population of the endangered Great Indian Bustard due to power lines in Rajasthan and Gujarat prompted environmentalists to petition the Supreme Court in 2019.
- Debate Over Underground Transmission Lines: Environmentalists advocated for shifting all overhead transmission lines underground to protect the birds, while power companies and the government argued that it would be costly and hinder India’s solar electrification goals.
- Expert Committee and Latest Judgment: The Court constituted an expert committee to assess the situation and, in its recent judgment, emphasized the need to balance environmental conservation with solar energy expansion.
Link Between Human Rights and Climate Change:
- Constitutional Guarantees: Despite existing legislation and governmental efforts to address climate change, the Court recognized the absence of specific legislation related to climate change in India.
- Explicit Recognition of Rights: The Court articulated citizens’ rights against the adverse effects of climate change, explicitly linking climate change impacts to fundamental rights such as equality, life, and personal liberty guaranteed under Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution.
- International Precedents: The Paris Agreement of 2015 and subsequent UN human rights bodies’ reports have strengthened the link between human rights and climate change, with precedents such as Sheila Watt-Cloutier’s petition to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights.
Implications of the Ruling:
- Altering Public Discourse: Supreme Court judgments on environmental matters have historically influenced public discourse and governmental action, setting precedents for environmental protection and conservation efforts.
- Balancing Renewable Energy Expansion: The ruling underscores the need to balance renewable energy expansion with environmental conservation, highlighting the importance of sustainable development practices.
- Governmental Response and Public Perception: The ruling may impact governmental policies and actions regarding climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, influencing public perception of the government’s commitment to environmental protection.
Nut Graf: The Supreme Court’s ruling affirming citizens’ rights against the adverse effects of climate change represents a significant milestone in climate change jurisprudence in India.
By explicitly recognizing the link between climate change impacts and fundamental human rights, the ruling emphasizes the need for comprehensive strategies to address climate change while safeguarding citizens’ rights and promoting sustainable development.
Category:Science and Technology
1. Blood bank study reveals true incidence of Long COVID
Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life
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Mains: What is true incidence of Long COVIDÂ
Context​:Â
- Long COVID, characterized by persistent symptoms lasting over three months post-infection, poses a significant health concern for COVID-19 survivors.
- Tracking the true incidence of Long COVID has been challenging, but recent studies shed light on its prevalence and impact.
Issues:
- Challenges in Measuring Long COVID: Tracking long-term health issues post-COVID-19 infection is complicated due to varied methodologies and slow-onset symptoms.
- Wide Range of Reported Incidence Rates: Previous studies have reported diverse incidence rates of Long COVID, leading to uncertainty regarding its true prevalence and impact.
Significance:
- The study in JAMA Network Open addresses the challenge of accurately measuring Long COVID by utilizing robust parameters to distinguish individuals with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections.
- Understanding the prevalence and characteristics of Long COVID is crucial for developing effective healthcare strategies and support systems for affected individuals.
Solutions:
- Robust Methodologies: Future research should adopt robust methodologies, such as leveraging antibody test results and healthcare professional diagnoses, to accurately identify individuals with past COVID-19 infections.
- Comprehensive Healthcare Support: Healthcare systems need to provide comprehensive support for individuals experiencing Long COVID, including access to specialized care, mental health services, and rehabilitation programs.
- Public Health Awareness: Public health campaigns should raise awareness about Long COVID to encourage early recognition of symptoms and timely intervention, reducing the long-term impact on affected individuals.
Source: The Hindu
Nut Graf: Long COVID presents a significant health challenge for COVID-19 survivors, with a wide range of symptoms affecting various aspects of physical and mental well-being. Accurately measuring the incidence and understanding the characteristics of Long COVID is essential for developing effective healthcare strategies and support systems to mitigate its impact on individuals and communities.
2. Why is there a WHO alert on viral hepatitis?
Syllabus: Developments in Science and Technology, Applications of scientific developments in everyday life
Prelims: hepatitis
Mains: Causes and vaccines of hepatitis
Context​:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) issued an alert on viral hepatitis due to its significant disease burden globally, particularly in countries like India.
- The release of the Global Hepatitis Report 2024 sheds light on the prevalence, impact, and challenges associated with viral hepatitis, emphasizing the need for urgent action.
Issues:
- High Disease Burden in India: India ranks second globally in terms of the viral hepatitis disease burden, accounting for 11.6% of the total burden.
- Increasing Prevalence of Chronic Infections: Chronic viral hepatitis B and C infections contribute significantly to the disease burden in India, with a lack of widespread screening programs and limited awareness exacerbating the problem.
- Emergence of Non-viral Forms: Non-viral forms of hepatitis, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are adding to the disease burden, fueled by factors like high alcohol consumption, obesity, and sedentary lifestyles.
Significance:
- The Global Hepatitis Report highlights the alarming increase in the disease burden of viral hepatitis globally, with 1.3 million deaths annually attributed to the disease.
- The report underscores the urgent need for comprehensive prevention, screening, and treatment strategies to combat viral hepatitis and prevent further escalation of the epidemic.
Solutions:
- Preventive Measures: Vaccination against hepatitis B and promotion of safe practices to prevent transmission are crucial for reducing the incidence of viral hepatitis. The inclusion of the hepatitis B vaccine in the childhood immunization program in India is a positive step.
- Screening and Diagnosis: Enhancing screening programs and raising awareness about the importance of early diagnosis are essential for identifying and treating individuals with viral hepatitis, thereby preventing further transmission.
- Treatment Accessibility: Ensuring access to affordable and effective treatment for viral hepatitis, including antiviral therapy, is critical. Governments should prioritize procurement of generic medicines and integrate viral hepatitis services into existing healthcare systems.
- Public Health Approach: Adopting a public health approach to viral hepatitis, focused on expanding access to testing, diagnostics, and equitable treatment, is essential for achieving the goal of ending the epidemic by 2030.
Nut Graf: The WHO alert and the Global Hepatitis Report underscore the urgent need for coordinated efforts to address the rising burden of viral hepatitis globally, with a particular focus on high-burden countries like India.
D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
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F. Prelims Facts
1. Tribe: Muria
- Location: Chukkalapadu settlement, Alluri Sitarama Raju district, Andhra Pradesh, India.
- Custom: Mandates that a man weaves a bamboo cradle, called “vookada,” for his newborn as a lifetime memory for both the father and the child.
- Significance: Each cradle symbolizes a child in the family, with the number of cradles indicating the total number of children born to the family.
- Preservation: Once a child outgrows the cradle, it is preserved and not used for any other purpose.
- Example: Kovvasi Chukkayya, a Muria tribal farmer, has woven cradles for both his children as per tribal custom.
G. Tidbits
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H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. ‘Vookada’ a woven bamboo cradle is associated with which of these tribes?
(a) Muria (b) Toda (c) Onge (d) Jarawa
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation: The Muria tribe custom mandates that a man weaves a bamboo cradle, called “vookada,” for his newborn as a lifetime memory for both the father and the child.
Q2. How many of these countries border the Persian Gulf?
- Bahrain
- Iran
- Kuwait
- Israel
Choose the correct answer from the code given below
- Only one
- Only two
- Only three
- All four
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Israel does not border the Persian Gulf.
Q3. Which of the following is the best description of a 'concurrent heatwave and extreme sea level' (CHWESL) event:
(a) It is when a heatwave and an extreme long-term sea level rise occur at the same coastal location simultaneously.
(b) It is a period of abnormally hot weather that lasts for about a week in any waterbody.Â
(c) It is when a heatwave and an extreme short-term sea level rise occur at the same time in two different coastal locations.
(d) It is when both a heatwave and an extreme short-term sea level rise occur at the same coastal location simultaneously.
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:A ‘concurrent heatwave and extreme sea level’ (CHWESL)
event is when both a heatwave and an extreme short-term sea level rise occur
at the same coastal location simultaneously.
Q4. Consider the following statements:
- Hepatitis B is liver inflammation caused by infection with the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- Hepatitis B and C together cause liver cirrhosis, liver cancer.
Which of these statements is/are incorrect?
- 1 only
- 2 only
- Both 1 and 2
- Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
Both the statements are correct.Â
Q5.Consider the following statements with respect to National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC):
-
- It was launched by the Indian government in 2008 to address climate change comprehensively.
- NAPCC comprises twelve missions focusing on various aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation.
Which of these statements is/are incorrect?
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation: Statement 2Â is incorrect. NAPCC comprises eight missions.Â
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- Discuss the implications of global warming on coastal communities and the environment, considering the broader context of climate change(10 Marks, 150 Words) [GS-3, Environment]
- Evaluate the role of transparent electoral systems in promoting political participation, ensuring accountability, and fostering social cohesion. Illustrate your answer with examples from both historical and contemporary contexts, highlighting the consequences of electoral malpractices on democratic governance and citizen trust in the political process. (10 Marks, 150 Words) [GS-2, Â Polity]
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