11 Jan 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related GEOGRAPHY 1. Fog Formation B. GS 2 Related C. GS 3 Related D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. Wedge in India-Maldives ties 2. Bangladesh elections F. Prelims Facts 1. FCRA 2. Hermes-900/Drishti-10 Starliner UAV 3. ILO’s World Employment & Social Outlook Report 4. Amaterasu cosmic ray G. Tidbits H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Syllabus: Salient Features of World’s Physical Geography
Mains: Climatology
Introduction:
As winter tightened and intensified in northern India, the region experienced a notable phenomenon – a dense blanket of fog covering several states such as Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, impacting daily life and transportation.
Understanding Fog: Formation and Types
- Fog is created when small water droplets form as a result of cooled and condensed evaporated water.
- Fog materializes when there is a temperature difference between the ground and the air, a common occurrence during Indian winters.
- It occurs as temperatures drop at night and in the early morning, causing aerosols in the atmosphere to condense. High humidity, coupled with ample water vapour or moisture, contributes to the formation of fog.
- Another type of fog, known as radiation fog, occurs after an unseasonably warm day with high humidity followed by rapidly dropping temperatures.
Understanding Fog: Causes
- Environmental factors that contribute to the formation of fog include low temperatures, low wind speed, moisture availability, and the presence of aerosols.
- Northern India is prone to fog due to its location in the entire Indo-Gangetic plains, where all the necessary conditions for fog formation—low temperatures, low wind speed, moisture availability, and abundant aerosols—are present during the winter season.
- Moisture incursion into this region can happen when a Western Disturbance, a precipitation pattern bringing rain to North India during winter, moves across the northern parts. Alternatively, moisture incursion can occur from the Arabian Sea.
Nut Graf: There is a need to understand and navigate the challenges posed by winter fog in northern India, acknowledging the role of meteorological conditions and the need for public awareness during such weather phenomena.
B. GS 2 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
C. GS 3 Related
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D. GS 4 Related
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E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Wedge in India-Maldives ties
Syllabus: GS-2, India and its Neighbourhood – Relations
Mains: Strained India-Maldives relations and the road ahead
Context:
- The decline in India-Maldives ties a month after PM Modi’s meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu.
- Triggered by derogatory tweets from Maldivian Ministers, criticizing Modi’s actions during his Lakshadweep visit and his ties with Israel.
Recent Chain of Events in Bilateral Relations:
- The decline in India-Maldives ties within a month of PM Modi’s meeting with President Mohamed Muizzu.
- Ministers got suspended, tweets deleted, and both Ambassadors summoned in damage control efforts.
- President Muizzu’s choice of Turkey and China as early bilateral destinations, broke the tradition of India being the first priority for Maldivian Presidents.
- Continued pressure on India for the withdrawal of military personnel despite clarifications on their role.
India as Indispensable for Maldives:
- President Muizzu, despite riding to power on an “India Out” campaign, faces challenges by choosing Turkey and China over India for his first bilateral visits.
- The historical significance of India as a neighbour, economic powerhouse, and net security provider in the Indian Ocean makes it crucial for the Maldives.
- India’s positive influence during the Solih government, marked by infrastructure projects, strategic partnership, and support during COVID-19, underscores the benefits of a strong relationship.
Way Forward to Build Relations:
- Both Delhi and Male need to step back from hypernationalistic rhetoric and consider the broader impact on regional stability.
- President Muizzu should recognize India’s importance and avoid actions that may strain ties.
- India should acknowledge the need to handle smaller neighbours delicately, ensuring domestic political changes do not undermine the basic structure of bilateral ties.
- Reflect on the positive outcomes of the Solih government’s ties with India, including infrastructure projects, strategic partnerships, and cooperation during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Emphasize the paramount importance of maintaining a strong relationship, especially in a region facing several elections, to ensure stability and cooperation.
Nut Graf: In the wake of strained India-Maldives ties due to derogatory tweets by Maldivian Ministers, the evolving relationship under President Muizzu raises concerns. Recognising India’s indispensable role is crucial, urging both nations to navigate the diplomatic challenges for sustained regional stability and cooperation.
Syllabus: GS-2, India and its Neighbourhood – Relations
Mains: Recent Bangladesh election and impacts on bilateral relation
Context: The January 7 elections saw Awami League win 222 seats, while the main opposition party boycotted, resulting in controversy.
The Outcome of the Recent Election:
- Awami League, led by Sheikh Hasina, secured 222 seats in the 300-member Parliament.
- Jatiya Party, a smaller opposition, won 11 seats, and independents took the majority of the remaining seats.
- Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) called for a general strike, alleging a “sham” election, leading to protests and crackdowns.
Achievements of Sheikh Hasina:
- Hasina, a survivor of family massacres, fought against Ershad’s dictatorship, restoring democracy in the 1980s.
- In her second term (2009), she stabilized civilian rule, addressed Islamist extremism, and facilitated economic growth.
- Accusations of dismantling the BNP through state institutions, house arrest of Khaleda Zia, and opposition crackdown.
- Independent polls show widespread approval for Hasina’s governance, particularly for her efforts in accountability and economic development.
Challenges Ahead:
- Post-COVID-19, Bangladesh faces economic challenges, including high inflation, falling foreign reserves, and a doubled debt.
- Accusations of turning the country into a one-party state and allegations of high-handedness pose political challenges.
- Opposition’s non-cooperation and protests, coupled with a significant drop in voter turnout, add to the complexity.
- To build a democratic and prosperous Bangladesh, Sheikh Hasina, in her fourth term, needs to adopt a more conciliatory and accommodative approach.
Nut Graf: In the aftermath of Bangladesh’s recent elections, where Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina secured a commanding victory, the nation grapples with allegations of a one-party state. Despite Hasina’s past achievements, mounting economic challenges post-COVID-19 necessitate a more inclusive and conciliatory leadership approach.
F. Prelims Facts
1. FCRA
Context: Delhi’s Fo Guang Shan Cultural and Educational Centre achieves a crucial breakthrough as it secures clearance under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA), marking a pivotal moment for the Taiwanese Buddhist monastic order.
Issue:
- The FCRA registration empowers the centre to receive foreign funds, bolstering its varied programs encompassing religion, culture, economics, education, and social initiatives. This development highlights the centre’s commitment to multifaceted contributions.
- Against the backdrop of this achievement, the Ministry reports that 30 NGOs and associations obtained FCRA registration in the first month of the year, contributing to a broader trend of increasing foreign support.
Significance: In 2023, an unprecedented 1,111 non-governmental organizations (NGOs) received approval to accept foreign contributions, marking the highest count since 2014. Mandatory for receiving foreign donations, registration under the Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act (FCRA) is contingent upon NGOs having a clear and defined cultural, economic, educational, religious, or social program.
2. Hermes-900/Drishti-10 Starliner UAV
Introduction: The Drishti 10 Starliner Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV), an indigenously developed UAV for the Indian Navy, manufactured by Adani Defence and Aerospace.
About Drishti 10 Starliner UAV:
- It is a domestically developed unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) based on the Elbits Hermes 900 MALE (Medium Altitude Long Range) platform.
- It is an Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) platform with multi-payload capabilities and persistent wide-area surveillance features.
- The UAV has an impressive 36-hour endurance and a payload capacity of 450 kg.
- It is authorized for flights in both segregated and unsegregated airspace.
- Drishti 10 Starliner is the sole all-weather military platform with STANAG 4671 certification.
- The UAV has high autonomy and mission effectiveness.
- Its development has contributed to establishing a comprehensive value chain, promoting high-level indigenisation.
- The UAV is certified to operate in civilian airspace.
3. ILO’s World Employment & Social Outlook Report
Context: The International Labour Organisation (ILO) released its World Employment and Social Outlook: Trends 2024 report, predicting a global increase in unemployment despite improvements in joblessness and the jobs gap.
Issue:
- The report highlighted concerns about rising social inequalities and stagnant productivity.
- In India, real wages were reported as “positive” compared to other G20 nations.
- The report noted a significant deterioration in the global macroeconomic environment in 2023, citing geopolitical tensions, inflation, and aggressive moves by central banks. This led to the fastest increase in interest rates since the 1980s, impacting global industrial activity, investment, and trade.
- Despite the economic slowdown, global growth in 2023 exceeded expectations, showing surprising resilience in labour markets.
- The report cautioned that structural imbalances in labour markets may be more concerning than cyclical factors.
- Real wages declined in most G20 countries, with an increase in workers living in extreme poverty globally.
- Falling living standards, weak productivity, and persistent inflation contributing to greater inequality are matters of concern.
- While informal job rates are expected to decline in 2024, concerns persist about the low quality of many jobs and the need for sustainable development and social justice
Context: In a groundbreaking revelation, Japanese scientist Toshihiro Fujii unveiled the discovery of an ultrahigh-energy cosmic ray named ‘Amaterasu.’
About: Identified as the second-highest-energy cosmic ray ever found, Amaterasu’s energy levels reach an unprecedented 240 exa-electron-volts (EeV).
This cosmic marvel challenges existing paradigms, offering a unique opportunity to delve into the mysteries of high-energy particle physics.
Significance:
The significance of Amaterasu’s discovery lies in its potential to reshape our understanding of cosmic phenomena and the universe’s fundamental building blocks.
With its exceptional energy levels and enigmatic origin, this cosmic ray prompts scientists to reconsider established theories, fostering a renewed quest for knowledge.
G. Tidbits
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H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements with regards to Snow Leopards:
- Snow leopards are in the “vulnerable” category of the IUCN “Red List of Threatened Species”, with an estimated global population of 4,000 to 7,500.
- The conservation breeding programme for snow leopards was launched at Darjeeling Zoo in 1985.
- The Darjeeling Zoo has been the coordinating zoo for snow leopards in the country since 2007.
- Darjeeling Zoo has the world’s largest number of snow leopards in captivity.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any one
- Any two
- Any three
- All four
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: Snow leopards are in the “vulnerable” category of the IUCN “Red List of Threatened Species”, with an estimated global population of 4,000 to 7,500 is the correct statement.
Statement 2 is correct: Darjeeling Zoo initiated a conservation breeding program for snow leopards in 1985, reflecting proactive efforts to contribute to the species’ preservation.
This highlights the zoo’s early commitment to addressing the challenges faced by snow leopards through captive breeding, aiming to enhance their survival prospects.
Statement 3 is correct: Since 2007, Darjeeling Zoo has played a pivotal role as the coordinating zoo for snow leopards in India, showcasing its central position in national conservation efforts.
This designation signifies the zoo’s leadership and collaboration in managing the captive snow leopard population across the country.
Statement 4 is correct: After almost forty years since the commencement of the conservation breeding program at Darjeeling Zoo, it currently boasts the highest number of snow leopards in captivity. The total count stands at 14, evenly distributed between 7 males and 7 females.
Q2. Consider the following statements with regards to organ donation in India:
- Offering to pay for organs or supplying them for payment; initiating, negotiating, or advertising such arrangements; looking for persons to supply organs; and abetting in preparing false documents can attract a jail term of up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
- Recently, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare modified the National Organ Transplantation Guidelines, allowing those above 65 years of age to receive an organ for transplantation from deceased donors.
- A patient requiring an organ can only register for getting an organ in the state of his/her domicile.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any one
- Any two
- All three
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
- All statements are correct:
- Organ donation in India is governed by the Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act, 1994. This legislation permits both deceased and living donors to contribute their organs. Engaging in activities like offering payment for organs, supplying organs for payment, initiating, negotiating, or advertising such transactions, seeking individuals to provide organs, and participating in the creation of false documents may result in imprisonment for up to 10 years and a fine of up to Rs 1 crore.
- The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare recently revised the National Organ Transplantation Guidelines, enabling individuals aged 65 and above to receive organs for transplantation from deceased donors.
- Patients in need of an organ can only register for transplantation within the state of their domicile.
Q3. Consider the following statements with regards to Minimum Support Price (MSP):
- MSP is based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which considers various factors such as cost of production, demand and supply, market price trends, inter-crop price parity, etc.
- The CACP recommends MSPs for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane.
- The mandated crops include 14 crops of the rabi season, 6 kharif crops and 2 other commercial crops.
How many of these statements is/are correct?
- Any one
- Any two
- All three
- None of the above
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- Statements 1 and 2 are correct: MSP is based on the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP), which considers various factors such as cost of production, demand and supply, market price trends, inter-crop price parity, etc. Statement 1 is correct. The CACP recommends MSPs for 22 mandated crops and fair and remunerative price (FRP) for sugarcane.
- Statement 3 is incorrect: The list of 22 mandated crops encompasses 14 Kharif crops, including paddy, jowar, bajra, maize, ragi, tur (arhar), moong, urad, groundnut, soybean (yellow), sunflower seed, sesamum, nigerseed, and cotton. Additionally, it comprises 6 Rabi crops, namely wheat, barley, gram, masur (lentil), rapeseed and mustard, safflower, and 2 commercial crops, jute and copra.
Q4. The annual maritime exercise between the Indian and British Royal Navy is named as:
- Konkan
- Varuna
- Indra
- Malabar
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
The annual maritime exercise between the Indian and British Royal Navy is named “Konkan.” This joint exercise, initiated in 2004, focuses on enhancing interoperability and mutual understanding between the two naval forces. The exercise is a significant platform for both nations to share expertise in maritime operations and strengthen bilateral defense cooperation.
Q5. Improper handling and storage of cereal grains and oilseeds result in the production of toxins known as aflatoxins which are not generally destroyed by normal cooking process. Aflatoxins are produced by
- Bacteria
- Protozoa
- Moulds
- Viruses
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation: Aflatoxins, toxins found in improperly handled and stored cereal grains and oilseeds, are produced by moulds. These moulds, specifically Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, thrive in warm and humid conditions, contaminating crops like maize, peanuts, and cotton seeds. Aflatoxins are highly resistant and are not typically eliminated during normal cooking processes, posing serious health risks such as stunted growth in children and an increased likelihood of liver cancer. The answer to the question is (c) Moulds.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- The rapid decline in India-Maldives ties is a major concern for India’s regional diplomacy. Examine in detail. (250 words, 15 marks) (General Studies – II, International Relations)
- What does the recent election in Bangladesh portend for India and South Asia? Critically evaluate.(250 words, 15 marks) (General Studies – II, International Relations)
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