19 June 2024 CNA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
A. GS 1 Related B. GS 2 Related HEALTH 1. Does H5N1 pose a threat for humans? C. GS 3 Related DISASTER MANAGEMENT 1. How can Himachal Pradesh fight against forest fires? D. GS 4 Related E. Editorials INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS 1. The high cost of a global economic decoupling F. Prelims Facts 1. Despite rising number of accidents, Kavach work still on the slow track 2. Jaishankar to ‘review’ progress of projects during Sri Lanka visit G. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions H. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
A. GS 1 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
B. GS 2 Related
Category: HEALTH
1. Does H5N1 pose a threat for humans?
Syllabus: Issues Relating to Development and Management of Social Sector/Services Relating to Health
Mains: H5N1 emerged as a new pandemic threat
Introduction: H5N1 and Human Threat
- Emergence and Spread: H5N1 emerged in 1996, causing mass deaths in birds and affecting 26 mammalian species, including cattle. It has recently infected humans, raising concerns about a potential global pandemic.
- Human Cases: The first human infections in dairy farm workers in the U.S. were reported, with the virus detected in raw milk and milking machines. Despite this, the risk to human health is currently considered low by scientists.
Risks and Symptoms:
- Risk Level: The virus spreads from birds/animals to humans who have close interactions without adequate protection. Human infections remain rare but can increase as the virus spreads among animals.
- Symptoms: Symptoms are similar to influenza-A, including respiratory issues, fever, cough, sore throat, and pneumonia. In the U.S., conjunctivitis was the only symptom reported in one infected farm worker.
- WHO Statistics: From 2003 to April 2024, nearly 900 human infections were reported across 23 countries, with over half being fatal.
Containment and Precautions:
- Current Strategy in Kerala: Mass culling of birds within a certain radius of infection sites is the primary containment strategy. Surveillance zones are expanding due to mass crow deaths.
- Precautions: Avoid unprotected exposure to infected birds/animals and contaminated environments. Use pasteurized milk and thoroughly cook poultry products. Monitor for symptoms for 10 days after exposure.
One Health Concept and Implementation:
- One Health Concept: Emphasizes a coordinated response to health threats crossing human, animal, and environmental boundaries.
- Kerala’s Approach: Kerala is implementing the ‘One Health’ approach as part of the World Bank-aided ‘Rebuild Kerala’ project. The project involves a community-based disease surveillance network with 250,000 trained volunteers in Alappuzha, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, and Idukki. Volunteers report unusual animal/bird deaths for early warning and control measures.
Nut Graf: The H5N1 strain of avian influenza, now affecting cattle and humans, poses a low but evolving risk. Kerala’s proactive ‘One Health’ approach, integrating community-based surveillance, aims to detect and contain the virus, mitigating its spread and potential impact.
C. GS 3 Related
Category: DISASTER MANAGEMENT
1. How can Himachal Pradesh fight against forest fires?
Syllabus: Disaster and Disaster Management
Mains: Forest fire causes and remedies
Introduction:
- Widespread Forest Fires: Himachal Pradesh is experiencing extensive forest fires, with 1,684 incidents since April 15, damaging 17,471 hectares of forest land and causing significant wildlife loss.
- Historical Data: From 2001 to 2023, H.P. has lost 957 hectares of tree cover to fires and 4.37 thousand hectares from other causes.
Causes of Forest Fires:
- Seasonal Factors: Fires typically occur during the pre-monsoon summer due to moisture stress and depletion of snowmelt water.
- Human Activities: Unattended campfires and discarded cigarettes are common causes.
- Environmental Impact: Fires release pollutants like black carbon, accelerating glacier melt and affecting the regional climate.
- Faulty Forestry Practices: The exclusion of community participation and a utilitarian view of forests contribute to the problem.
Historical Transformation of Himalayan Forests:
- Railway Construction: Since the 1850s, forests have been exploited for railway construction, leading to the loss of customary rights and ecological changes.
- Timber and Resin Extraction: The focus on commercial value led to the expansion of Chir pine forests and the reduction of Banj oak forests, which are better for moisture retention.
- Current Forest Composition: Over 17.8% of H.P.’s forest area is now covered with Chir pine trees, making it vulnerable to fires.
Recommendations for Forest Management:
- The democratisation of Forests: Involve local communities in forest management to ensure effective first response to fires.
- Restoration of Traditional Rights: Reinstate the traditional rights of Himalayan dwellers to extract resources sustainably.
- Mixed Forestry: Replace pine trees with mixed forestry to reduce fire vulnerability.
- Scientific and Community Collaboration: Combine scientific knowledge with community expertise for better forest management.
- Water Conservation: Implement check dams and revive water springs to maintain moisture levels.
- Environmental Services: Develop village-level environmental services and seek support from the 16th Finance Commission for disaster mitigation and other needs.
Nut Graf: Himachal Pradesh faces severe forest fires due to pre-monsoon conditions, human activities, and historical forestry practices. To mitigate this, democratizing forest management, involving local communities, implementing mixed forestry, and conserving water resources are crucial steps for sustainable forest preservation.
D. GS 4 Related
Nothing here for today!!!
E. Editorials
Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests
Mains: Economic deglobalisation and its impact on India
Introduction:
- U.S. President Joe Biden announced a new round of tariffs on Chinese imports in May.
- Europe is considering aligning with the U.S. to counter China’s economic practices.
- The long-term costs of this decoupling are uncertain.
Tariffs and National Security:
- The West’s trade risk calculations with China are increasingly influenced by national security concerns.
- The Biden administration views economic interdependence with China as unequal and potentially weaponized by Beijing.
- Political considerations, rather than economic, are driving decisions on tariff increases.
Specific Tariff Examples:
- Electric Vehicles (EVs):
- The U.S. imports a few EVs from China.
- The tariff reinforces Biden’s pro-union stance and support for domestic EV manufacturing.
- It reflects fears of Chinese dominance in the car and battery industry.
- Medical Devices:
- China has been the primary source of medical equipment for the U.S.
- New tariffs aim to reduce dependence on China.
- This could increase healthcare costs for patients in both countries.
Long-Term Effects:
- The continuation of Trump-era tariffs exacerbates protectionism and encourages other countries to follow suit.
- Import restrictions on Chinese clean energy products delay global green transition targets.
- The slowing Chinese economy impacts the earnings of Western multinationals and resource-rich countries like Australia and Brazil.
- The European Union’s approach to critical raw minerals with China may risk tighter Chinese control over the supply chain.
- Southeast Asia benefits from production shifts but remains dependent on Chinese technology and investment.
- India’s prospects in decoupling dynamics are uncertain due to competition and economic ties with China.
Potential Crisis:
- The escalation cycle shows no signs of ending.
- Decoupling has significant psychological effects on global investors.
- The U.S. distancing from the World Trade Organization (WTO) and blocking judge appointments risks the liberal international order.
- Geopolitical rivalry and global economic fragmentation threaten future stability and benefit no one.
Nut Graf: The U.S. and Europe’s push for economic decoupling from China through tariffs, driven by national security concerns, risks exacerbating global protectionism, increasing consumer costs, delaying green transitions, and destabilising the liberal international order.
F. Prelims Facts
1. Despite rising number of accidents, Kavach work still on the slow track
Accident Details:
- Kanchanjunga Express collided with a goods train in Darjeeling district on 17 June, resulting in 10 deaths.
- The incident occurred between Rangapani and Chatterhat stations, derailing four passenger coaches and five goods train wagons.
- Railway Board Chairperson Jaya Varma Sinha cited human error as the prima facie cause.
Kavach System Overview:
- Kavach is an automatic train protection system designed to prevent collisions by automatically applying brakes.
- Despite its potential to enhance safety, the installation of Kavach across India’s rail network has been slow.
Implementation and Challenges:
- Current Implementation Status:
- Kavach has been deployed on 1,465 km and in 139 locomotives in South Central Railway.
- Tenders awarded for Delhi-Mumbai and Delhi-Howrah corridors (approx. 3,000 km); work in progress.
- Installation along the Howrah-Delhi route is expected this year; the Northeast Frontier Railway section is in the next phase.
- Expansion Efforts:
- Preparatory work, including surveys and detailed project reports, is underway for an additional 6,000 km.
- Only three Indian original equipment manufacturers currently produce Kavach and efforts are ongoing to increase this number to enhance production capacity.
- Historical Context:
- Field trials began in February 2016 and national adoption occurred in July 2020.
- Kavach is typically installed on passenger trains, highlighting a gap as the recent accident involved a goods train.
2. Jaishankar to ‘review’ progress of projects during Sri Lanka visit
Visit Overview:
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will visit Colombo on 20 June, marking his first official visit to a neighbouring country since the new government assumed charge in India.
- Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister Ali Sabry confirmed the visit, highlighting a review of jointly implemented projects in various sectors such as renewable energy and connectivity.
- The discussion will include ways to expedite these projects and the potential visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Sri Lanka this year.
Key Discussions:
- Mr. Jaishankar will engage in talks with the Sri Lankan leadership and meet politicians from various Sri Lankan political parties.
- After Sri Lanka, Mr. Jaishankar is scheduled to visit Mauritius.
- On June 10, Mr. Jaishankar met with President Ranil Wickremesinghe, who was in New Delhi for Prime Minister Modi’s swearing-in ceremony. They discussed the swift resumption of development projects in Sri Lanka with Indian investments that had been halted midway.
Project Developments:
- Mr. Jaishankar highlighted plans for an industrial zone in Trincomalee, to be established by the Indian government, aimed at attracting numerous Indian and potentially international investors.
- A joint vision statement from July 2023 noted ongoing cooperation in developing the Trincomalee oil tank farms as a reflection of mutually beneficial cooperation projects.
- Both countries agreed to develop Trincomalee as a national and regional hub of industry, energy, and economic activity.
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding "Angel Tax":
- Angel Tax is a term used to describe the income tax payable on the capital raised by unlisted companies via the issue of shares where the share price is considered in excess of the fair market value.
- The tax is levied on the investors rather than the companies.
- Angel Tax was introduced in India by the Finance Act, 2012.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: b
Explanation:
- The first statement is correct. Angel Tax refers to the income tax payable on the capital raised by unlisted companies via the issue of shares where the share price is considered in excess of the fair market value of the shares.
- The second statement is incorrect. Angel Tax is levied on the companies receiving the investment, not on the investors.
- The third statement is correct. Angel Tax was introduced in India by the Finance Act, 2012.
- Thus, statements 1 and 3 are correct, while statement 2 is incorrect.
Q2. With reference to the Pro tem Speaker in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements:
- The Pro tem Speaker is appointed by the President of India.
- The Pro tem Speaker administers the oath to newly elected members of the Lok Sabha.
- The Constitution of India explicitly mentions the post of Pro tem Speaker.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: a
Explanation:
The Pro tem Speaker is appointed by the President and administers the oath. The Constitution does not explicitly mention the post.
Q3. Regarding the Great Nicobar Island, consider the following statements:
- Great Nicobar Island is the southernmost and largest of the Nicobar Islands.
- Indira Point on the island is India’s southernmost point.
- The island is mainly covered by tropical rainforests.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
All statements about Great Nicobar Island are correct.
Q4. Consider the following pairs of Festival/Initiative and the Associated Location
- Haunted Heritage Walks — Malcha Mahal
- Elephant Festival — Jaipur
- Hornbill Festival — Nagaland
How many of the pairs given above are correctly matched?
- Only one
- Only two
- All three
- None
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: c
Explanation:
All pairs are correctly matched.
Q5. Consider the following statements about heat waves as defined by the India Meteorological Department (IMD):
- A heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 40°C or more for plains.
- For coastal areas, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature is 37°C or more.
- Heatwave conditions for hills are declared when the maximum temperature reaches 30°C or more.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
- 1 and 2 only
- 1 and 3 only
- 2 and 3 only
- 1, 2, and 3
CHECK ANSWERS:-
Answer: d
Explanation:
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) declares a heat wave based on varying temperature criteria for different regions. For plains, a heat wave is declared when the maximum temperature reaches 40°C or more. For coastal areas, the threshold is 37°C or more, and for hilly areas, it is 30°C or more. Therefore, all three statements are correct.
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions
- What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-1, History]
- Child cuddling is now being replaced by mobile phones. Discuss its impact on the socialisation of children. (10 marks, 150 words) [GS-1, Social Issues]
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