21 Mar 2024: UPSC Exam Comprehensive News Analysis

A. GS 1 Related
SOCIAL ISSUES
1. Don’t use counselling to turn LGBTQ persons against their identity, says SC
B. GS 2 Related
C. GS 3 Related
D. GS 4 Related
E. Editorials
HEALTH
1. Eliminating diseases, one region at a time
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
1. On the mass kidnappings in Nigeria
F. Prelims Facts
1. Why has Karnataka banned certain colouring agents?
2. BEML conducts test-firing of indigenous 1,500 HP engine for main battle tanks
3. NASA craft that diverted space rock also dented it
G. Tidbits
H. UPSC Prelims Practice Questions
I. UPSC Mains Practice Questions

Category: INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

1. On the mass kidnappings in Nigeria

Syllabus: GS-2, Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s Interests

Prelims: Map work of countries around  Nigeria

Context:

• The surge in mass kidnappings in Nigeria, particularly targeting schoolchildren, has occurred amid the country’s severe economic crisis and escalating security challenges.
• Since the end of February, over 600 people, including at least 300 schoolchildren, have been abducted in the northeastern and northwestern regions.

Perpetrators and Motivations:

• Boko Haram, known for its history of violence in Nigeria, initially emerged as the prime suspect. However, no organization has claimed responsibility for the recent abductions.
• Suspicions point towards local armed groups referred to as Bandits, who engage in kidnapping for ransom. These Bandits have evolved from disputes over land and water into organised armed factions.

Factors Fueling the Surge:

• Economic, security, and political issues contribute to the rise in kidnapping incidents. These include Nigeria’s struggling economy, high unemployment rates, surging inflation, and instability in the Niger Delta.
• Ransom payments have become a primary motivation behind the kidnappings, with armed gangs controlling territories and amassing weapons. Economic desperation drives youths to join these criminal groups.

Government Response and Challenges:

• President Bola Tinubu has rejected the idea of paying ransom for the nearly 600 abducted individuals, citing a law enacted in 2022 that penalizes ransom payments with at least 15 years in jail.
• Security forces are conducting operations to secure the release of the victims, but the process is expected to be prolonged due to the remote locations where hostages are held. There are calls for dialogue with the bandits to resolve the conflict peacefully.

Nut Graf: Amid Nigeria’s economic crisis and security challenges, a surge in mass kidnappings, particularly targeting schoolchildren, has occurred. Perpetrators, suspected to be local armed groups, operate for ransom. The government faces pressure to respond effectively.

2. BEML conducts test-firing of indigenous 1,500 HP engine for main battle tanks

Context: BEML conducted a significant event involving the test-firing of India’s inaugural 1,500-horsepower engine for Main Battle Tanks.

About:

• Indigenous Engineering Feat: This engine marks India’s first indigenous endeavour in producing a powerful 1,500 HP engine for Main Battle Tanks.
• Cutting-Edge Features: The engine boasts cutting-edge attributes, including a high power-to-weight ratio and operability in extreme conditions like high altitudes, sub-zero temperatures, and desert environments.
• Global Parity: It’s equipped with advanced technologies, placing it on par with the most sophisticated engines worldwide.

Significance:

• Transformative Moment: The Defence Secretary, Giridhar Aramane, hailed this achievement as a transformative moment that will significantly bolster the capabilities of the armed forces.
• Developmental Cycle: The project, which commenced in August 2020, was meticulously structured into five major milestones to ensure timely completion and adherence to stringent quality standards.

3. NASA craft that diverted space rock also dented it

Context:

• In 2022, NASA launched the DART spacecraft to alter the trajectory of the asteroid Dimorphos.
• The mission aimed to demonstrate the feasibility of diverting celestial objects to protect Earth from potential collisions.

About:

• The impact of DART not only changed Dimorphos’ trajectory but also its shape, transforming it from a ball to a triaxial ellipsoid.
• Dimorphos, a moonlet of Didymos, is composed of debris, making it susceptible to deformation upon impact.
• DART collided with Dimorphos on September 26, 2022, altering its orbit and orbital period.
• The collision resulted in the ejection of rocky debris from Dimorphos into space.

Significance:

• The DART mission showcased the capability to redirect asteroids, enhancing planetary defence strategies.
• The study provides insights into the dynamics of rubble-pile asteroids and their response to kinetic impacts.
• Precise measurements of Dimorphos’ orbital changes offer valuable data for understanding and predicting future asteroid interactions.
• Continued observations reveal ongoing changes in Dimorphos’ orbit, indicating the gradual decay of its orbital period due to the release of angular momentum.

Q1. Consider the following statements regarding Rhodamine-B:

Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Rohingya Muslims:

Q3. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the Competition 
Commission of India (CCI)? 

Q4. Which of the following statements is/are correct regarding the International 
Monetary Fund (IMF)? 

Q5. Steel slag can be the material for which of the following? [PYQ 2020]

Click on the link for the video explanation of the above questions and answers.