2 June 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

02 June 2024 CNA
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A. GS 1 Related
B. GS 2 Related
International relations
1. Is a future Palestine state possible?
Governance
1. Why is there a fresh row on Mullaperiyar?
C. GS 3 Related
Environment
1. Cities warming due to effect of urbanisation, climate change"
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
F. Prelims Facts
1. A history of Zika virus raises risk of symptomatic dengue
2. H5N1 remains infectious on milking equipment
3. What grade of coal does India produce?
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Syllabus: Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Prelims: Palestine, GAZA 

Mains: Possibility of future Palestine state.

Context​: The question of a future Palestinian state has been a central issue in Middle Eastern politics for decades. Despite numerous peace efforts, the conflict remains unresolved. The recent escalation of violence and international recognition of a Palestinian state by some countries have brought renewed attention to this complex issue.

Historical Context

British Mandate and Partition Plans:

• Peel Commission (1936): Proposed partitioning Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, which was rejected by Arabs.
• UN Partition Plan (1947): Proposed division into Jewish and Arab states, accepted by Jews but rejected by Arabs, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war.

Israeli Occupation (1967):

• Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
• Palestine nationalism grew, leading to the formation of the PLO, which eventually accepted the two-state solution based on 1967 borders.

Oslo Accords (1993-1995):

• Formalized the two-state solution and established the Palestinian National Authority.
• Intended to create a sovereign Palestinian state alongside Israel, but this has not materialized.

Current Hurdles

Undefined Boundaries:

• Israel’s expansionist policies and lack of a clear demarcated border complicate the two-state solution.
• Continued building of illegal Jewish settlements in Palestinian territories.

Jewish Settlers:

• Approximately 700,000 Jewish settlers live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
• Relocating these settlers poses significant political and social challenges for Israel.

Status of Jerusalem:

• Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as their future capital.
• Israel claims the entire city as its “eternal capital,” leading to a significant point of contention.

Right of Return for Refugees:

• Around 700,000 Palestinians were displaced in 1948 and have a legal right to return.
• Israel rejects the return of Palestinian refugees.

Political Will:

• Israel’s right-wing leadership shows no willingness to make concessions.
• Ongoing occupation and lack of significant peace efforts from the Israeli side.

Issues

• Humanitarian Crisis: Continuous conflict results in severe humanitarian issues for Palestinians, especially in Gaza.
• Security Concerns: Both sides face significant security threats, perpetuating a cycle of violence.
• International Diplomacy: Differing international positions complicate peace efforts, with some countries recognizing Palestine while others support Israel’s policies.

Significance

• Regional Stability: A resolution is crucial for lasting peace and stability in the Middle East.
• Human Rights: Addressing the conflict is essential for upholding human rights for Palestinians.
• International Law: The creation of a Palestinian state is supported by various UN resolutions and international laws.

Solutions

Local-Scale Interventions

• Negotiation and Diplomacy: Renewed and genuine peace negotiations facilitated by neutral international mediators.
• Settlement Freeze: Immediate halt to the expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
• Security Cooperation: Joint Israeli-Palestinian security initiatives to build trust and reduce violence.

Regional-Scale Interventions

• Arab State Support: Increased involvement of Arab states to support Palestinian self-determination.
• International Pressure: Greater pressure from the international community on Israel to comply with UN resolutions.
• Humanitarian Aid: Enhanced humanitarian assistance to Palestinian territories to alleviate suffering and build infrastructure.

Nut Graf: The creation of a future Palestinian state remains a complex and contentious issue, hindered by historical, political, and social challenges. Despite these obstacles, the pursuit of a two-state solution remains crucial for regional stability and justice for the Palestinian people.
Category:Governance

2. Why is there a fresh row on Mullaperiyar?

Syllabus: Government policies and interventions

Prelims: Mullaperiyar

Mains: Issues with Mullaperiyar dam

Context​: The Mullaperiyar Dam, situated in the Idukki district of Kerala but operated by Tamil Nadu, has long been a contentious issue between the two states. Recent developments have reignited the debate, with Kerala seeking new Terms of Reference (ToR) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) for constructing a new dam, a move that Tamil Nadu opposes.

Background of the Mullaperiyar Dam

• Location and Usage: The dam is located in Kerala’s Idukki district and is managed by Tamil Nadu. It supplies water primarily for irrigation in Tamil Nadu’s arid districts, such as Theni, Madurai, Sivaganga, and Ramanathapuram.
• Age and Safety Concerns: Constructed in 1895, the dam is over 128 years old, raising concerns about its safety and structural integrity, especially after the floods in 2018 and 2019.

Kerala’s Position

Need for New Terms of Reference:

• Kerala argues that the current environmental and climatic conditions necessitate a fresh EIA.
• The previous ToR from 2018 expired, and changes in the dam’s design require updated assessments.

Environmental Concerns:

• The new EIA would address the impact of construction in the Periyar Tiger Reserve, a protected area requiring comprehensive environmental clearances.

Legal and Procedural Aspects:

• Kerala contends that the Supreme Court had previously dismissed Tamil Nadu’s objections to conducting an EIA, supporting Kerala’s current stance.
• Tamil Nadu’s Position

Dependence on Dam Water:

• Tamil Nadu relies heavily on the water from the Mullaperiyar Dam for irrigation and drinking purposes, making any changes to the dam’s operations a critical issue.

Safety and Legal Objections:

• Tamil Nadu maintains that various expert committees and the Supreme Court have repeatedly affirmed the dam’s safety.
• It argues that Kerala’s move to seek new ToR without Supreme Court permission violates court orders and may constitute contempt of court.

Political and Legal Actions:

• Tamil Nadu has indicated potential legal actions, including contempt petitions, if Kerala proceeds without adhering to existing legal rulings.

Issues

• Safety vs. Utility: Balancing the safety concerns of an aging dam with its essential utility for Tamil Nadu’s water needs.
• Environmental Impact: Assessing the ecological consequences of constructing a new dam in a protected wildlife reserve.
• Interstate Legal Disputes: Navigating the complex legal and political disputes between Kerala and Tamil Nadu over the dam’s future.

Significance

• Interstate Relations: The dispute impacts the relationship between Kerala and Tamil Nadu, influencing broader interstate cooperation and harmony.
• Water Security: The dam plays a crucial role in ensuring water security for Tamil Nadu’s arid regions.
• Environmental Protection: The need to protect the ecological integrity of the Periyar Tiger Reserve while addressing infrastructure needs.

Solutions

Technical and Environmental Assessments

• Comprehensive EIA: Conduct a thorough Environmental Impact Assessment considering current environmental and safety conditions.
• Expert Committees: Establish joint expert committees from both states to ensure unbiased technical evaluations and recommendations.

Legal and Administrative Measures

• Supreme Court Mediation: Seek mediation or directives from the Supreme Court to ensure compliance with legal requirements and avoid contempt issues.
• Interstate Agreements: Formulate an agreement between Kerala and Tamil Nadu outlining the terms and conditions for the new dam’s construction and water sharing.

Infrastructure and Safety Upgrades

• Modernization of the Existing Dam: Explore options to reinforce and modernize the existing dam to enhance safety without constructing a new one.
• Alternative Water Sources: Investigate alternative water sources and storage solutions for Tamil Nadu to reduce dependence on the Mullaperiyar Dam.

Nut Graf: The Mullaperiyar Dam dispute highlights the complex interplay between interstate water management, environmental protection, and infrastructural safety. While Kerala seeks to address safety concerns through a new dam, Tamil Nadu emphasizes the necessity of the existing structure for its water needs.

2. H5N1 remains infectious on milking equipment

Context: The H5N1 virus, commonly known as bird flu, has raised significant concerns following its detection in cattle herds in the United States. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has cautioned against consuming raw milk, especially in areas where H5N1 has been reported. Despite this, the demand for raw milk has surged. 

Study Overview

• Detection and Spread: H5N1 was confirmed in cattle herds in mid-March 2024, leading to increased scrutiny of raw milk consumption.
• Research Findings: Studies indicate that the H5N1 virus remains infectious on milking equipment for significant periods, posing a risk of transmission.

Key Findings

Virus Persistence:

• H5N1 and its surrogate, H1N1, were found to persist in unpasteurized milk on milking equipment for over one hour on stainless steel and up to three hours on rubber.
• The virus can remain stable and infectious in raw milk, raising concerns about its potential spread.

Human Infections:

• The CDC reported three cases of H5N1 infections in farm workers exposed to infected cows, with symptoms ranging from eye discomfort to acute respiratory illness.
• Despite the rise in raw milk consumption, no human cases from drinking raw milk have been reported in the U.S.

Asymptomatic Cases:

• Surveillance in the U.K. revealed asymptomatic human infections, indicating the potential for undetected cases in the U.S.

Issues

Public Health Risk:

• The persistence of H5N1 on milking equipment and in raw milk poses a significant public health risk, especially in regions with high raw milk consumption.

Surveillance and Testing:

• Low levels of testing for H5N1 in individuals consuming raw milk may result in undetected cases, complicating public health efforts.

Economic Impact:

• Increased demand for raw milk despite health warnings could lead to economic and health crises if an outbreak occurs.

3. What grade of coal does India produce?

Context: Coal remains a crucial component of India’s energy sector, despite ongoing efforts to transition towards renewable energy sources. The recent controversy involving the Adani Group has brought attention to the quality and grading of coal, particularly the distinction between high-grade and low-grade coal. 

Coal Grades in India

High-Grade Coal:

• Defined by higher Gross Calorific Value (GCV), typically above 7,000 kcal/kg.
• Contains higher carbon content and lower ash content, making it more efficient and cleaner when burned.
• Essential for applications requiring high heat, such as in steel production (coking coal).

Low-Grade Coal:

• Lower GCV, ranging from 2,200 to 2,500 kcal/kg.
• Higher ash content and moisture, resulting in less efficient burning and higher emissions.
• Commonly used in thermal power plants for electricity generation due to its availability and lower cost.

Characteristics of Indian Coal

• High Ash Content: Indian coal typically contains more than 40% ash, compared to less than 10% in imported coal.
• Low Calorific Value: The average GCV of domestic thermal coal is around 3,500-4,000 kcal/kg, compared to imported thermal coal with over 6,000 kcal/kg.
• Environmental Impact: Burning high-ash coal results in higher emissions of particulate matter, nitrogen oxides (NOx), and sulfur dioxide (SO2).

Clean Coal Technologies

Coal Washing:

• Processes to reduce ash and moisture content, thereby increasing the efficiency of coal.
• Involves mechanical processes like blowers or baths to remove impurities.

Coal Gasification:

• Converts coal into syngas (a mixture of carbon monoxide, hydrogen, CO2, and water vapor) to bypass direct burning.
• Increases the efficiency of coal usage by producing both steam and syngas for energy generation.
• Requires significant investment in Integrated Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC) systems.

The Future of Coal in India

• Production Growth: India produced 997 million tonnes of coal in 2023-24, an 11% increase from the previous year.
• Transition to Renewables: Despite the growth in coal production, renewable energy accounted for 71.5% of the new power generation capacity added in the first quarter of 2024.
• Coal’s Declining Share: Coal’s share of total power capacity dropped below 50% for the first time since the 1960s, reflecting the shift towards renewable energy sources.

Issues

• Quality Discrepancies: Allegations of misreporting coal quality, as seen in the Adani Group case, highlight issues in coal grading and pricing.
• Environmental Concerns: High ash content in Indian coal leads to higher pollution levels, affecting air quality and public health.
• Economic Impact: The cost of implementing clean coal technologies can be prohibitive, impacting the overall cost of power generation.

Significance

• Energy Security: Understanding coal quality is vital for ensuring efficient and sustainable energy production in India.
• Policy and Regulation: Accurate grading and reporting of coal quality are essential for fair pricing and regulation in the energy sector.
• Environmental Impact: Reducing the environmental footprint of coal usage is crucial for meeting India’s climate goals and improving public health.

Q1. Consider the following statements about the recent deployment of INS Shivalik:

Q2.Consider the following statements about urban heat islands (UHI):

Q3.Consider the following statements about the Mullaperiyar dam issue:

Q4.Consider the following statements about Zika virus and Dengue:

Q5. Consider the following statements about coal grades in India: