17-June-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

HIGH COURT’S TAKE ON MARRIAGE ACT, AN EROSION OF RIGHTS 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The Special Marriage Act, 1954, was enacted to provide a legal framework for inter-faith marriages in India, promoting the values of individual autonomy, liberty, and equality.  

However, a recent order by the Madhya Pradesh High Court has raised concerns regarding the interpretation and application of this Act, potentially reversing progressive legal gains. 

High Court’s Problematic Order 

• Context: The order arose from a petition seeking protection for an inter-faith Hindu-Muslim couple. 
• Main Issue: The High Court questioned the validity of a Muslim boy marrying a Hindu girl under the Act. 
• Ruling: Denied police protection to the unmarried couple, deeming their marriage invalid. 

Erroneous Considerations 

• Article 226 Petitions: High Courts typically assess the violation of petitioners’ rights and the threats they face, not the legality of their relationships. 
• Precedents Ignored: Madras High Court: Granted protection to a same-sex couple. 
• Punjab and Haryana High Court: Provided protection to a live-in couple, focusing on their right to life and liberty under Article 21. 
• Focus on Marriage Validity: The Madhya Pradesh High Court prioritized the legality of the impending marriage over the couple’s immediate safety needs. 

Dilution of the Special Marriage Act 

• Misapplication of Precedents: Incorrectly used the Mohammed Salim vs Shamsudeen (2019) case, which dealt with property succession, not marriage validity. 
• Misinterpretation of Section 4: Incorrectly applied the prohibition of marriage within prohibited degrees of relationship to inter-faith marriages. 
• Objective of the Act: The Act aims to facilitate marriages between individuals of different faiths, ensuring legal protection and recognition. 

Impact on Social and Political Climate 

• Rise of Vigilantism: The order could embolden vigilantism against inter-faith and inter-caste marriages. 

• Challenges to Constitutional Morality: Current societal issues like “love jihad” and right-wing propaganda threaten the principles of autonomy and liberty. 
• Pending Supreme Court Cases: There are ongoing challenges to unconstitutional provisions of the Special Marriage Act, including the prior notice requirement. 

Importance of Judicial Interpretation 

• Shafin Jahan vs Asokan K.M. (2018): The Supreme Court emphasized the right to choose a life partner as part of an individual’s core privacy rights. 
• Role of Constitutional Courts: Courts must uphold the values of autonomy, privacy, and liberty, ensuring the protection of individual rights against societal and familial pressures. 

Conclusion 

The Madhya Pradesh High Court’s order highlights the need for consistent and progressive interpretation of the Special Marriage Act to safeguard the rights of individuals in inter-faith marriages. Upholding constitutional values of autonomy, liberty, and equality is essential in fostering a just and inclusive society. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. The right to marry in India is protected under which article of the Constitution?

1. Article 14   

1. Article 15   

1. Article 19  

1. Article 21 

ANSWER – D 

EXPLANATION 

The landmark case of Lata Singh v. State of U.P. (2006) established that the right to marry is implicit in the right to life and personal liberty guaranteed by Article 21. This means that individuals have the right to choose their life partners without unreasonable restrictions. 

However, it’s important to note that this right is not absolute. Reasonable restrictions can be imposed by the state, such as restrictions on child marriage, polygamy, and same-sex marriage. 

WHAT IS INCOIS’S NEW PRODUCT TO FORECAST EL NIÑO AND LA NIÑA CONDITIONS? 

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) has developed a new predictive tool, the Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN), to forecast El Niño and La Niña conditions up to 15 months in advance.  

This breakthrough leverages advanced technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), deep learning, and machine learning (ML). 

El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO): 

A climate phenomenon involving changes in sea surface temperatures in the central and eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, coupled with atmospheric variations. 

Phases: 

• El Niño: Warmer waters in the eastern Pacific due to weakened wind systems. 
• La Niña: Cooler waters in the eastern Pacific due to strengthened wind systems. 
• Neutral: Normal temperature distribution with warmer waters in the western Pacific. 

Impact on Weather: 

• El Niño typically causes weak monsoons and heatwaves in India. 
• La Niña usually results in strong monsoons. 

Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN): 

• Technology: Integrates AI, deep learning, and ML. 
• Function: Predicts the Niño3.4 index value, which indicates ENSO phases by averaging sea surface temperature (SST) anomalies in a specific region of the Pacific Ocean. 
• Advantage: Provides a 15-month lead time for forecasts, superior to traditional models that offer a 6–9-month prediction window. 

Comparison with Existing Models 

Weather Models: 

• Statistical Models: Generate forecasts based on various data sets from different regions. Less accurate. 
• Dynamic Models: Use 3D mathematical simulations of the atmosphere with High Performance Computers (HPC). More accurate. 

BCNN Advantage: 

• Combines dynamic models with AI, enhancing prediction accuracy and extending the forecast lead time to 15 months. 

Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) – Key Points 

• Establishment: Founded in 1999. 
• Autonomous body under the Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India. 
• Headquarters: Located in Hyderabad, Telangana, India. 

Objectives: 

• To provide ocean information and advisory services. 
• To support the country in oceanographic research and data management. 
• To develop and maintain operational ocean and coastal observation systems. 

Key Functions: 

• Tsunami Early Warning System: Monitors seismic activity and sea level changes to provide early warnings for tsunamis. 
• Ocean State Forecasting: Provides forecasts of sea state conditions including wave heights, currents, and sea surface temperatures. 
• Potential Fishing Zone (PFZ) Advisories: Uses satellite data to identify areas with high fish aggregation to support the fishing community. 
• Marine Spatial Planning: Supports sustainable use of marine resources through effective planning and management. 
• Coral Bleaching Alerts: Monitors coral reef health and provides alerts on coral bleaching events. 

Technological Innovations: 

• Bayesian Convolutional Neural Network (BCNN): Developed to predict El Niño and La Niña conditions up to 15 months in advance. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements about El Niño and La Niña:

1. El Niño is associated with colder than average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. 

1. La Niña is associated with increased rainfall activity over India during the southwest monsoon season. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 

1. 2 only 

1. Both 1 and 2 

1. Neither 1 nor 2 

ANSWER – B 

EXPLANATION 

El Niño is associated with warmer than average sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, not colder. Therefore, statement 1 is incorrect. 

La Niña is associated with increased rainfall activity over India during the southwest monsoon season. Therefore, statement 2 is correct. 

HOW THE GANDHI SAGAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY IS BEING DEVELOPED AS INDIA’S SECOND HOME FOR CHEETAHS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Gandhi Sagar Wildlife Sanctuary in western Madhya Pradesh is set to become the second home for cheetahs in India after the Kuno National Park. This project involves significant preparation and coordination to ensure the successful integration of cheetahs into the sanctuary. 

Ideal Habitat for Cheetahs 

• Location: Spans 368.62 sq km in Mandsaur (187.12 sq km) and Neemuch (181.5 sq km) districts, bordering Rajasthan. 
• Geography: Features a flat rocky plateau divided by the Chambal River. 
• Ecosystem: Savanna-like with open grasslands, dry deciduous trees, and shrubs; riverine valleys are evergreen. 
• Comparison: Described as similar to Kenya’s Maasai Mara, making it an ideal habitat for cheetahs. 

Preparations for Cheetah Introduction 

• Prepared Area: 64 sq km developed at a cost of Rs. 17.72 crores. 
• Soft Release Enclosure: A 1 sq km area with four partitions to provide a secure habitat for cheetahs. 

• Veterinary Facilities: Construction of a hospital to cater to cheetah health needs. 
• Ecological Assessment: Ongoing comprehensive status assessment of herbivores and predators to understand ecological dynamics. 
• Oversight: The Cheetah Steering Committee oversees and evaluates the sanctuary’s readiness. 

Challenges for Cheetah Habitat 

• Prey Base: Essential for survival; a cheetah coalition needs to make a kill every 3-4 days. 
• Required prey base: Approximately 1,500 chital, 1,000 blackbuck, and 350 chinkara for 7-8 cheetah families. 
• Current Status: Relocation of chital and gaurs from other reserves to Gandhi Sagar. However, prey numbers are still insufficient. 
• Goal: Relocate around 5,000 antelopes, despite potential stress-related mortalities during the process. 

Competition and Predators: 

• Presence of leopards poses a significant threat due to competition for the same prey. 
• Other co-predators: Sloth bears, striped hyenas, gray wolves, golden jackals, jungle cats, Indian foxes, and marsh crocodiles. 

Human and Infrastructure Challenges: 

• Highways and human habitation near the sanctuary’s boundary pose additional risks. 
• Poaching remains a concern despite official assurances. 

Development Plan 

• Initial focus on the section west of the Chambal river to establish a sufficient prey base before introducing cheetahs. 
• Possibility to extend the habitat to around 2,000 sq km, depending on coordination with Rajasthan’s Bhainsrodgarh sanctuary and territorial divisions. 

CHEETAHS: THE FASTEST LAND ANIMAL 

Cheetahs are renowned for being the fastest land animals on Earth, capable of incredible bursts of speed. This speed, along with other unique adaptations, makes them exceptional hunters in their natural habitats. 

Adaptations for Speed 

• Flexible Spine: Allows cheetahs to take long strides, increasing their speed. 
• Large Nostrils: Enable greater oxygen intake, crucial during high-speed chases. 
• Long Tail: Helps with steering and balance while running at high speeds. 
• Slender Build and Long Legs: Designed to reduce air resistance and maximize stride length. 

Short Bursts of Speed 

• Duration: Cheetahs can reach speeds of up to 70 mph (112 kph) but only for 30 to 40 seconds. 
• Heat Generation: High-speed chases generate a lot of heat, requiring cheetahs to rest after a sprint to avoid overheating. 

Hunting Behavior 

• Solitary Hunters: Cheetahs hunt alone, except for mothers with cubs. 
• Daytime Hunting: Unlike many predators, cheetahs hunt during the day, relying on their speed to catch prey. 
• Camouflage: Their spotted coat helps them blend into the tall grass, making it easier to approach prey unnoticed. 

Vulnerabilities 

• Other Predators: Cheetahs are often targeted by stronger predators like lions and hyenas, who may kill them or steal their prey. 
• Poor Stamina: Although incredibly fast, cheetahs cannot sustain their top speeds over long distances. 

Distribution and Conservation Status 

• Geographical Range: Historically found across Africa and Asia, current populations are mainly in eastern and southern Africa, with a small number in Iran. 
• IUCN Red List: Classified as Vulnerable, cheetahs face a high risk of extinction in the wild due to habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and other threats. 

Multiple choice question: 

1. Consider the following statements regarding the cheetah:

1. Cheetahs are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 

1. The majority of the world’s cheetah population is found in southern and eastern Africa. 

1. Cheetahs are known for their ability to maintain high speeds over long distances. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 2 only 

ANSWER – D 

EXPLANATION 

Cheetahs are classified as Vulnerable, not Endangered, on the IUCN Red List. 

The majority of the cheetah population is indeed found in southern and eastern Africa. 

Cheetahs are known for their incredible speed but they can only maintain it for short bursts, not long distances. 

RISING CASES UNDER POSH ACT POINT TO BETTER REPORTING 

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: ECONOMIC TIMES 

The number of women enrolling in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Maths) courses in India has increased, leading to a higher proportion of women in corporate jobs, particularly in the IT sector.  

Despite this progress, women face higher attrition rates due to several factors, including workplace harassment. 

Increasing Presence of Women in STEM 

• More women are pursuing STEM courses, leading to better job opportunities in corporate sectors, especially IT. 
• The proportion of women in leading corporate firms has significantly increased over time. 

Higher Attrition Rates Among Women 

• Women experience higher attrition rates compared to men. 
• Common reasons for women leaving jobs include societal pressures after marriage, pregnancy, and post-pregnancy work-life balance. 

Workplace Harassment as a Factor 

• Workplace harassment, both verbal and sexual, is a significant factor contributing to women’s exits from organizations. 
• The PoSH Act, 2013, aims to protect women against workplace sexual harassment. 

Rising PoSH Cases in Top IT Firms 

• Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) had 110 PoSH cases in FY24, about eight times more than ten years ago. 
• Infosys reported 98 cases in FY24, 3.3 times more compared to FY14. 
• Wipro saw 141 cases in FY23, peaking post-pandemic. 
• HCL had 55 cases in FY23, with only 58 cases between FY18 and FY22. 

Underreporting of Harassment Cases 

• Despite rising numbers, many harassment cases remain unreported. 
• Married women, in particular, may avoid reporting due to societal and familial pressures. 

Societal Pressures and Gender Inequality 

• Only 57% of Indian men believe wives should have an equal say in household decisions. 
• Only 42% of women are allowed to go alone to places like the market or health facilities. 
• Urban areas fare slightly better with 48.6%, compared to 39.2% in rural areas. 

• 23% of men think it is justified to beat a wife if she is suspected of infidelity. 
• 26% of women report that their husbands are jealous if they talk to other men. 

Implications for Reporting Harassment 

• Women with limited freedom and decision-making power are less likely to report workplace harassment. 
• The increase in reported cases indicates better awareness and courage among women, but the actual numbers may be much higher. 

Supreme Court’s Concerns 

• In May last year, the Supreme Court flagged lapses in PoSH Act implementation. 
• Many firms lack Internal Complaints Committees (ICCs), or have inadequate and improperly constituted committees. 

Conclusion 

While more women are entering the STEM fields and corporate sectors, they face higher attrition rates due to various societal and workplace factors, including harassment.  

The increase in PoSH cases is a positive sign of growing awareness and reporting but also highlights the need for better implementation of the PoSH Act and support systems in organizations. 

BINSAR WILDLIFE SANCTUARY 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

The Indian Air Force deployed an MI17 helicopter to control a massive wildfire in the sanctuary. 

Binsar Wildlife Sanctuary:  

• Protected area in Uttarakhand, India. 
• Situated in the Kumaon region of the Himalayas. 
• Approximately 33 km north of Almora district. 
• Covers around 47 square kilometers. 

History: 

• Former summer capital of the Chand Dynasty rulers (7th to 18th century AD). 
• Named after the Bineshwar Mahadev temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, built in the 16th century. 
• Located at an altitude of 2,420 meters. 

Scenic Views: 

• Offers stunning views of Himalayan peaks: Chaukhamba, Nanda Devi, Nanda Kot, Panchachuli, and Kedarnath. 

Flora: 

• Higher altitudes: Oak and rhododendron forests. 
• Lower altitudes: Chir pine forests. 
• Home to 25 types of trees, 24 types of bushes, and seven varieties of grasses. 

Fauna: 

• Hosts over 200 species of native and migratory birds. 
• Houses endangered species like the Indian red fox, jackals, pine martens, and porcupines. 
• Inhabited by leopards, ghorals, wild boars, kakars, monkeys, and Himalayan black bears. 
• Bird species include the Himalayan monal, koklass pheasant, and Himalayan griffon. 

 

PLANET NINE 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Astronomers have been searching for a hypothetical ninth planet in the outer solar system for almost a decade. 

This search aims to explain certain anomalies in the orbits of distant trans-Neptunian objects (TNOs). 

About Planet Nine: 

• Hypothetical planet proposed to explain the unusual orbits of some TNOs. 
• Thought to be in the far outer region of our solar system. 

Characteristics: 

• The mass is estimated to be between 5 and 10 times that of Earth. 
• It is thought to follow a highly elliptical orbit with a semi-major axis ranging from 400 to 800 astronomical units (AU). 
• One AU is equivalent to the distance from Earth to the Sun, approximately 93 million miles or 150 million kilometers. 
• The orbital period is estimated to be between 10,000 and 20,000 years. 

Distance from the Sun: 

• Closest approach: Around 200 AU. 
• Farthest distance: About 1,200 AU. 

Current Status: 

• The search for Planet Nine may soon be resolved. 
• The Vera C. Rubin Observatory, set to open in 2025, is expected to either find Planet Nine within the next few years or rule out its existence entirely. 
• The discovery of Planet Nine would significantly enhance our understanding of the solar system’s structure and the dynamics of distant celestial objects. 

OLYMPUS MONS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

Scientists recently discovered frost on Mars’ tallest volcano, Olympus Mons, indicating an active water cycle on Mars. 

About Olympus Mons: 

• Location: Western hemisphere of Mars. 
• Size: Largest known volcano in the solar system. 
• Height: 16 miles (24 kilometers), about three times higher than Mt. Everest. 
• Width: 340 miles (550 kilometers), larger than the Hawaiian Islands. 
• Comparison: Earth’s largest volcano, Mauna Loa, is 120 kilometers across and 9 kilometers high. 
• Age: Approximately 3.5 billion years old, formed early in Mars’ history. 
• Shape: Very flat, with slopes of only 2 to 5 degrees. 
• Summit: Features a caldera, a large depression formed by volcanic activity, spanning 50 miles (80 kilometers) wide. 
• Contains several overlapping pits from different eruptive phases, unlike the simpler calderas on Earth-based volcanoes. 

Key Facts about Shield Volcanoes: 

Characteristics: 

• Largest volcanoes on Earth. 
• Broad with gentle slopes, unlike the steep, conical peaks of composite volcanoes. 

Composition: Almost exclusively basalt, a fluid lava type. 

Lava Flow: Due to low viscosity, basalt can flow long distances. 

Eruptions: Typically, non-explosive unless water enters the vent, leading to low-explosivity fountaining. 

Formation: Built by repeated, intermittent eruptions over long periods. 

• Eruptions form cinder cones and spatter cones at the vent. 

Famous Examples: The Hawaiian shield volcanoes are the most well-known examples. 

Significance: 

• Discovery of frost on Olympus Mons suggests an active water cycle, enhancing our understanding of Mars’ geology and potential for supporting life. 

 

MICROALGAE 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

Researchers at the CSIR-Indian Institute of Chemical Technology (IICT) have emphasized the promise of Chlorella Growth Factor (CGF), a protein-rich extract obtained from the microalgae ‘Chlorella sorokiniana.’ 

About Microalgae: 

• Microalgae are microscopic algal species, unlike macroscopic algae. 
• Mostly unicellular, but some can form colonies with larger structures. 
• Unlike higher plants, microalgae lack roots, stems, or leaves. 
• Primarily photosynthetic due to photosynthetic pigments. 
• Thrive in diverse aquatic habitats: freshwater, brackish, marine, and hypersaline environments. 
• Examples include green algae, diatoms, and dinoflagellates. 

Importance of Microalgae: 

• Ecosystems: Primary producers, crucial in aquatic food webs and nutrient cycling. 
• Nutritional Value: Rich in lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, and pigments with health benefits. Spirulina and Chlorella are commonly consumed as dietary supplements. 
• Oxygen Production: Through photosynthesis, they release oxygen, contributing significantly to environmental oxygen levels. 
• Symbiotic Relationships: Can live within the tissues of corals (zooxanthellae), providing nutrients via photosynthesis. 
• Nitrogen Fixation: Some species (e.g., Nostoc, Anabaena, Oscillatoria) can fix nitrogen, enhancing their ecological importance. 

The discovery of CGF’s potential underscores the versatility and value of microalgae, particularly in enhancing food and feed products with its rich protein content and nutritional benefits.