23 Apr 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
1. The tools helping scientists up the rate at which they find new drugs
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ENVIRONMENT
1. Restoring earth’s right to ‘good health’
DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. A lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience
POLITY
1. What are rules around star campaigners?
F. Prelims Facts
1. Venkaiah Naidu, Mithun Chakraborty, Usha Uthup, Ram Naik conferred Padma awards
2. With a dip in voter turnout in the first phase, ECI forms a task force 
to oversee heat wave conditions
3. Two women Navy officers return after a historic transoceanic expedition
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. A lesson from Taiwan in quake resilience

Syllabus: Disaster and Disaster Management

Mains: Taiwan model of Earthquake resilience

Introduction:

• Earthquakes have struck various regions globally in the past two decades, including Taiwan, Nepal, India, and many others.
• The distribution of earthquakes is explained by plate tectonics, where Earth’s plates constantly move, leading to seismic activity along their boundaries.
• Notable examples include earthquakes along the Himalayas due to the convergence of the Indian and Eurasian plates.

Taiwan’s Earthquake History:

• Taiwan sits at the convergence of the Philippine Sea and Eurasian plates, making it prone to earthquakes.
• The 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake and the 2024 Hualien earthquake, both of significant magnitude, demonstrate Taiwan’s vulnerability.
• Despite similar magnitudes, the 2024 earthquake caused minimal damage compared to its predecessor.

Lessons from Taiwan’s Resilience:

• The 1999 Chi-Chi earthquake prompted Taiwan to enact administrative reforms, leading to improved emergency response and disaster reduction.
• Stringent building codes implemented post-1999 earthquake significantly reduced damage in the 2024 earthquake.
• Taiwan boasts advanced earthquake preparedness, including robust monitoring networks, early warning systems, and public awareness campaigns.
• Continuous updates to building codes and incentives for residents to enhance building resilience contribute to Taiwan’s earthquake readiness.

Implications for India and Recommendations:

• India’s infrastructure expansion in earthquake-prone regions, like the Himalayas, necessitates strict adherence to seismic safety regulations.
• Learning from Taiwan’s example, India should enforce seismic codes, construct engineered structures, and address enforcement gaps.
• Localized seismic codes, tailored to regional seismic activity and construction materials, are crucial for India’s earthquake resilience.
• Rediscovering and promoting traditional architectural styles with inherent earthquake resistance can complement modern engineering approaches in India.

Nut Graf: Taiwan’s earthquake resilience, exemplified by minimal damage in the 2024 Hualien quake, offers crucial lessons for earthquake-prone regions like India. Emphasizing stringent building codes and public awareness can significantly enhance disaster preparedness.

Category: POLITY

1. What are rules around star campaigners?

Syllabus: Salient Features of the Representation of People’s Act

Mains: About Star campaigners

Introduction: Representation of the People Act, 1951 (RP Act)

• Section 77 of the RP Act governs expenditure incurred by ‘leaders of a political party’, also known as star campaigners.
• Recognized political parties can appoint up to 40-star campaigners, while unrecognised parties can appoint up to 20.
• Names of star campaigners must be communicated to the Election Commission and Chief Electoral Officer within seven days of election notification.
• Separate lists can be submitted for different phases of multi-phase elections.

Benefits for Star Campaigners:

• Expenditure incurred by star campaigners for travel or transport during campaigning is not counted towards a candidate’s election expenditure.
• This allows candidates to benefit from the campaign efforts of star campaigners without exceeding their expenditure limits.

Election Commission Advisory:

• The Election Commission has issued advisories to maintain decorum and raise the level of debate on issues during campaigning.
• Star campaigners have been cautioned against violations, such as using inappropriate language or appealing to caste/communal sentiments.

Instances of Violations and Court Rulings:

• Instances like Anurag Thakur and Parvesh Verma’s removal from star campaigners list in Delhi due to inflammatory remarks, and the Supreme Court’s stay on Kamal Nath’s removal in Madhya Pradesh, highlight the challenges in enforcing regulations.
• Assessment of expenditure for rallies/meetings involving star campaigners often falls short, raising concerns about accurate apportionment of expenses to candidates.

Proposed Solutions:

• Amendment to Empower Election Commission:
  • Amend the law to authorize the Election Commission to revoke star campaigner status in case of serious violations of the Model Code of Conduct.
  • This could ensure greater accountability among campaigners and promote responsible campaigning.
• Improved Assessment Procedures:
  • Enhance the assessment and apportionment of expenses for rallies/meetings involving star campaigners to reflect current market rates accurately.
  • This would address discrepancies and ensure fair distribution of expenses among candidates.

Nut Graf: The Representation of the People Act, 1951 regulates star campaigners’ expenditure. Despite benefits like exemption from candidate expenditure limits, issues persist, prompting calls for empowering the Election Commission and improving expense assessment procedures.

2. With a dip in voter turnout in the first phase, ECI forms a task force to oversee heat wave conditions

Context: Following concerns about a potential decline in voter turnout during the first phase of the Lok Sabha election due to heatwave conditions, the Election Commission (EC) has established a task force. 

• Comprising officials from the EC, the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), and the Union Health Ministry, this task force aims to assess the impact of prevailing weather conditions on health and humidity preceding each phase of polling.

Voter Turnout Concerns

• The voter turnout for the first phase of polling on April 19 was reported at 62.34%, with final figures yet to be released by the EC.
• Reports suggest variations in turnout figures, with some sources indicating slightly higher percentages.
• The EC emphasizes the validity of data available on the Voter Turnout App but has not provided an official statement on the turnout percentages.

Factors Influencing Turnout

• Heatwave conditions in various regions are considered a significant factor contributing to the observed dip in voting percentage.
• The EC conducted a meeting with the IMD and representatives of the Union Home Ministry to assess the developing weather situation and discuss measures to address potential risks associated with hot weather during elections.

Mitigation Measures

• The task force will monitor weather conditions and assess potential risks to voter health and turnout before each phase of polling.
• The IMD has provided assurances regarding the absence of major concerns related to heatwaves for the upcoming second phase of elections on April 26.

3. Two women Navy officers return after a historic transoceanic expedition

Context: The Indian Naval Sailing Vessel INSV Tarini recently completed a historic transoceanic expedition, marking a significant achievement for the Indian Navy and the nation as a whole. Led by two women officers, Lieutenant Commander Dilna K. and Lieutenant Commander Roopa A., this expedition represents the first such feat accomplished by Indian women sailors.

Historic Expedition

• The expedition, undertaken in double-handed mode, commenced from Goa on February 28, with renowned circumnavigator Commander Abhilash Tomy (Retd) as their mentor.
• After 22 days of navigating the Indian Ocean, INSV Tarini reached Port Louis, Mauritius, on March 21, marking a historic milestone.
• During their stay in Mauritius, the officers engaged in various events and training sorties with personnel from the Mauritius Coast Guard, strengthening bilateral ties between the two maritime nations.

Challenges and Resilience

• The return journey posed continuous challenges, including heavy winds, adverse sea states, and rough seas, yet the officers demonstrated exceptional seamanship and resilience.
• Their achievements highlight the Indian Navy’s commitment to promoting gender equality and empowering women in the maritime domain.

Future Expeditions

• Lieutenant Commander Dilna and Lieutenant Commander Roopa are now preparing for their next monumental voyage, a circumnavigation of the globe, known as the Sagar Parikrama-IV expedition, scheduled to commence in September this year.

Significance

• The successful completion of the transoceanic expedition by two women Navy officers signifies a significant milestone in India’s maritime history.
• It reflects the Indian Navy’s commitment to gender equality and the empowerment of women in traditionally male-dominated fields.
• The expedition strengthens bilateral ties with Mauritius and enhances India’s maritime capabilities and reputation on the global stage.

Q1. Consider the following statements with respect to INSV Tarini:

Q2. Consider the following statements with respect to National Disaster 
Management Authority (NDMA):

Q3. Consider the following statements:

Q4. Consider the following statements with respect to Escherichia coli:

Q5. Consider the following statements with respect to star campaigners: