01 Jun 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

01 June 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
ENVIRONMENT
1. Heat-baked Chennai can set an example for India
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. Presidential felony
F. Prelims Facts
1. Railways to construct canopy bridges across track in Assam gibbon habitat
2. 61 killed as brutal heat wave grips several States in north
3. GDP growth surges to 8.2% on manufacturing gains
4. Yemen rebels threaten ‘escalation’ as U.S., U.K. strikes allegedly kill
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

F. Prelims Facts

1. Railways to construct canopy bridges across track in Assam gibbon habitat

Context: The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has allocated funds to construct canopy bridges to aid the movement of the Hoolock gibbon across a railway track in Assam’s Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary.

• This initiative aims to mitigate the impact of habitat fragmentation caused by the railway track.

Background

• The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, located in Jorhat district, spans 2,098.62 hectares and is home to the largest population of the Hoolock gibbon in India.
• The sanctuary is bisected by a 1.65-km railway track, which is undergoing doubling and electrification.

Hoolock Gibbon

• The Hoolock gibbon is India’s only ape and is notable for its vocalizations.
• It primarily inhabits the upper canopy of tall trees, especially the hollong (Dipterocarpus macrocarpus).

Impact of Fragmentation

• The railway track has fragmented the forest, disrupting the natural arboreal movement of the gibbons.
• This fragmentation poses significant risks to the gibbons when they attempt to cross the track.

Significance

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting the Hoolock gibbon is crucial for maintaining biodiversity in the region. The sanctuary supports a unique ecosystem that relies on the presence of gibbons.
• Ecological Balance: The movement of gibbons is essential for seed dispersal and maintaining forest health.
• Cultural and Scientific Value: The Hoolock gibbon holds cultural significance and is an important subject for scientific research.

Solutions

Canopy Bridges:

• NFR, in collaboration with the Assam State Forest Department and the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), will construct canopy bridges at strategic points along the track.
• These bridges will facilitate the safe movement of gibbons across the fragmented habitat.

Design and Implementation:

• The canopy bridges will be designed to integrate with the natural environment, using lianas and creepers to make them resemble natural canopies.
• High-grade fastening materials and techniques will be employed to ensure the stability and durability of the bridges.
• Safety nets will be installed below the bridges as a fail-safe mechanism.

Past Efforts:

• Previous attempts included an artificial canopy bridge by NFR and a natural canopy bridge by the State Forest Department and Aaranyak.
• The gibbons preferred the natural canopy, indicating the need for bridges that mimic natural conditions.

2. 61 killed as brutal heat wave grips several States in north

Context: A brutal heatwave is affecting several northern Indian states, leading to severe health consequences and fatalities.

• The World Bank estimates that 75% of India’s workforce (38 crore people) depend on heat-exposed labour, highlighting the widespread impact of such extreme weather.

Current Situation:

• At least 61 deaths have been reported due to heatstroke across various states.
• Temperatures have risen to as high as 47 degrees Celsius, particularly in Jharsuguda, Odisha.
• The fatalities include 23 poll personnel involved in the final phase of the Lok Sabha election.

State-wise Impact:

• Bihar: 14 heatstroke deaths, including 10 election personnel.
• Uttar Pradesh (Mirzapur): 13 suspected heat stroke deaths, including home guard jawans and other public service workers.
• Rajasthan: 4 confirmed heatstroke deaths.
• Odisha: 26 deaths, with 5 confirmed due to sunstroke; many truck drivers affected.
• Jharkhand: 4 confirmed heatstroke deaths, 1,326 hospitalized with heat-related issues.

Preventive Measures:

• People in severely affected areas like Jharsuguda, Odisha, have been advised to stay indoors during peak heat hours.
• Schools, coaching institutes, and anganwadi centres in Odisha are closed until June 8.
• All district hospitals in Jharkhand have designated air-conditioned rooms and beds for heatstroke patients.

Solutions 

Short-term Measures:

• Implement immediate public health advisories, urging people to stay indoors during peak heat hours.
• Ensure the availability of drinking water, cooling shelters, and emergency medical services.
• Increase public awareness about heatstroke prevention and first aid.

Long-term Strategies:

• Develop and enforce Heat Action Plans (HAP) at national, state, and district levels.
• Invest in urban planning that includes green spaces and heat-resilient infrastructure.
• Promote research on climate change adaptation and resilient agricultural practices.
• Enhance early warning systems and weather forecasting capabilities.

3. GDP growth surges to 8.2% on manufacturing gains

Context: The National Statistical Office (NSO) released provisional estimates indicating India’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) grew by 8.2% in FY24, up from 7% in FY23.

• Initial projections had forecasted a 7.3% growth for FY24.

Growth Metrics:

• Nominal GDP Growth: Increased by 9.6% in FY24, compared to 14.2% in FY23.
• Real Gross Value Added (GVA): Expanded by 7.2% in FY24, higher than the 6.7% growth in FY23.

Sectoral Contributions:

• Manufacturing: Grew by 9.9% in FY24, recovering from a 2.2% contraction in FY23.
• Mining and Quarrying: Increased by 7.1% in FY24, up from 1.9% in FY23.

Quarterly Performance:

• Q4 Real GDP: Estimated at ₹47.24 lakh crore, a 7.8% increase from ₹43.84 lakh crore in Q4 FY23.
• Q4 Real GVA: Estimated at ₹42.23 lakh crore, a 6.3% increase from ₹39.74 lakh crore in Q4 FY23.
• Q4 Nominal GDP and GVA: Grew by 9.9% and 8% respectively.

Issues

• Divergence in GDP and GVA Growth: Observed in Q3 FY24, continued into Q4 with net taxes growing by 22%, propelling GDP growth.
• Sector-Specific Concerns: Agriculture growth remained muted due to weather-related disruptions. The services sector continued robust growth while manufacturing benefited from lower input costs.

4. Yemen rebels threaten ‘escalation’ as U.S., U.K. strikes allegedly kill

Context: Yemen’s Houthis, an Iran-backed rebel group, have threatened to escalate their attacks on Red Sea shipping lanes.

• The threat follows overnight strikes by the U.S. and the U.K., reportedly killing 16 people.

Background

• The conflict in Yemen has seen various international interventions, with the Houthis receiving support from Iran.
• The U.S. and the U.K. have been conducting a campaign against Houthi activities disrupting trade routes in the Red Sea since January.

Recent Developments

• The overnight strikes by the U.S. and U.K. are part of ongoing efforts to secure vital trade routes.
• The Houthis claim these strikes resulted in the deaths of 16 people, marking one of the deadliest incidents in this campaign.

Houthi Response

• The Houthis have threatened to escalate their attacks, specifically targeting shipping lanes in the Red Sea.
• This escalation could significantly impact global trade and security in the region.

Issues

• Regional Instability.
• The conflict in Yemen contributes to wider regional instability in the Middle East.
• The involvement of international powers further complicates the situation.

Humanitarian Crisis

• Yemen is already facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with millions in need of aid.
• Continued military actions exacerbate the suffering of the civilian population.

Global Trade

• The Red Sea is a critical maritime route for global trade.
• Disruptions here can have significant economic implications worldwide.

G. Tidbits

Nothing here for today!!!

Q1. With reference to wildlife conservation efforts in India, consider the 
following statements:

Q2. With reference to the recent heatwave in India, consider the following statements:

Q3. The Indian economy witnessed significant growth in the financial year 
2023-24. Consider the following statements in this context:

Q4. Recent tensions in the Middle East involve a conflict between Yemen's Houthi 
rebels and a US-led coalition. Consider the following statements in this context:

Q5. Consider the following statements about heat management in Indian cities:

I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

1. Compare and contrast the British and Indian approaches to Parliamentary sovereignty. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-2, Polity][UPSC 2023]
2. Explain the significance of the 101st Constitutional Amendment Act. To what extent does it reflect the accommodative spirit of federalism? (15 marks, 250 words) [GS-2, Polity][UPSC 2023]

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