2-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

XPOSAT IN ORBIT; TO STUDY BLACK HOLES, NEUTRON STARS

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) commenced the New Year by launching the PSLV-C58 X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) mission, marking India’s entry into the elite category of nations studying astronomical sources like black holes and neutron stars. The XPoSat mission is a significant milestone, showcasing India’s prowess in space research.

Elite Space Endeavor:

Mission Launch:

• PSLV-C58, in its 60th mission, lifted off at 9.10 a.m. from the Satish Dhawan Space Centre.
• XPoSat was successfully launched into a low inclination orbit.
• India now stands as the second nation with an observatory dedicated to studying celestial phenomena.

Pioneering X-ray Polarimetry:

• XPoSat is the world’s second X-ray polarimetry mission, following NASA’s IXPE launched in 2021.
• The first dedicated scientific satellite by ISRO for space-based polarization measurements of X-ray emissions.

Scientific Advancements:

Payloads and Instruments:

• XPoSat carries two payloads, POLIX (Polarimeter Instrument in X-rays) and XSPECT (X-ray Spectroscopy and Timing).
• Developed by reputed institutions, these payloads aim to enhance X-ray studies.

Technological Experimentation:

• PSLV Orbital Experimental Module-3 (POEM-3) executed the POEM-3 experiment, achieving objectives related to 10 other payloads.
• PS4 stage’s experimental configuration demonstrates space qualification with innovative ideas.

Diverse Payload Launch:

Start-ups and Institutions:

• PSLV also launched 10 payloads by start-ups, educational institutions, and ISRO centers.
• Includes projects like Radiation Shielding Experimental Module, Women Engineered Satellite, and more.

Space Station Applications:

• Significantly, the ISRO Fuel cell Power System (FCPS) payload holds potential applications in India’s proposed space station.

Conclusion:

The successful launch of the XPoSat mission underscores India’s growing prominence in space exploration. Beyond X-ray polarimetry, ISRO has outlined ambitious plans for Gaganyaan, aiming for “Gaganyaan readiness” in 2024. The year is marked by a series of tests and missions, showcasing ISRO’s commitment to advancing space technology and exploration.

WARLI TRIBE IN MUMBAI OBJECTS TO CONSTRUCTION OF SHIVAJI MUSEUM ON LAND THEY LIVE ON

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

In the midst of holiday celebrations, the Warli tribe in Mumbai faces a threat to their ancestral land as the construction of the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj War Art Museum is set to begin. The tribal hamlet of Babar Pada in Gorai, home to the Warli population, is at the center of the controversy. The proposed museum, spanning 136 acres with a budget of ₹50 crore, has triggered concerns among the Warlis about the potential loss of their land.

Tribal Concerns and Cultural Significance:

Ancestral Insecurity:

• Kusum Kisan Babar and other Warli residents express fear over the possible demolition of their homes due to the Shivaji museum project.
• The hamlet, adorned with Warli art, reflects the tribe’s cultural heritage.

Land Dependency:

• Warlis argue that the sanctioned land for the museum has been their source of sustenance for generations, marked by fruit trees and livelihood activities like crab catching and vegetable cultivation.

Historical Resistance:

• Reference to the Bombay High Court’s 2011 rejection of MTDC’s tourism proposal due to ecological sensitivity.
• Warlis and fisherfolk plan to file an interim application against the current museum project.

Government Declarations and Tribal Mobilization:

Gaothan Status:

• Babar Pada was declared a gaothan, an area protected by the Maharashtra Land Revenue Code, during a meeting attended by authorities in January 2023.
• Despite this, the status has not been updated in land records, raising concerns among the tribal community.

Community Unity:

• The Tribal Community Festival 2023 witnessed the gathering of around 6,000 tribal people from Mumbai to celebrate traditions and discuss the crisis.
• Tribal leaders emphasize their role as the original Mumbaikars preserving the forest and living sustainably.

Government Assurance:

• Mumbai Suburban Collector, Rajendra Bhosale, assures that tribal communities practicing agriculture on sanctioned land will not face displacement.
• Tribes remain skeptical, emphasizing their commitment to protecting their forested homes.

Conclusion:

The conflict between the Warli tribe and the proposed Shivaji museum project underscores the clash between urban development and the preservation of indigenous cultures and landscapes. As the Warlis stand united to safeguard their ancestral land, the government’s assurances face scrutiny, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that respects tribal heritage and addresses urban expansion concerns.

WIDENING WAR

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The widening conflict involving Houthi attacks in the Red Sea and the Gaza war demands nuanced consideration. The recent U.S. strike against Houthi militants while they targeted a container ship underscores the expanding scope of the Gaza conflict beyond Israel-Palestine.

Escalating Houthi Threat:

Houthi Attacks on Shipping:

• Houthi attacks on commercial vessels passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait have intensified since late November, causing disruptions in one of the world’s vital shipping lanes.
• At least 20 commercial tankers, including chemical vessels, faced Houthi attacks, prompting major shipping companies to alter routes, impacting global trade.

Impact on Red Sea Traffic:

• Traffic through the Red Sea has plummeted by approximately 35%, contributing to increased shipping and insurance costs.
• The crisis prompted the U.S. to deploy a naval task force to secure the vital shipping route.

Regional Dynamics and U.S. Response:

Limited Regional Support:

• No Red Sea basin country, including Egypt, has joined the U.S.-led task force, reflecting growing Arab world dissatisfaction with U.S. support for Israel’s Gaza offensive.
• The Houthi control of Yemen’s Red Sea Coast gives them a strategic advantage in executing sea denial attacks.

Need for Ceasefire:

• The U.S. should prioritize efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, addressing the root cause of the conflict.
• A regional consensus against the Houthi threat can be more effectively built after resolving the Gaza crisis.

Conclusion:

The U.S. faces a complex challenge as the Gaza conflict spills into the Red Sea. While countering Houthi threats is essential, overlooking the core issue in Gaza risks entangling the U.S. in a broader regional conflict. Achieving a ceasefire in Gaza should be the primary focus, allowing the U.S. to navigate the intricacies of the expanding crisis more effectively and garner broader regional support.

FINANCIAL INTELLIGENCE UNIT INDIA (FIU IND) ISSUES COMPLIANCE SHOW CAUSE NOTICES TO NINE OFFSHORE VIRTUAL DIGITAL ASSETS SERVICE PROVIDERS (VDA SPS)

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU IND) has issued Compliance Show Cause Notices to nine Offshore Virtual Digital Assets Service Providers (VDA SPs). These VDA SPs, whether operating within or outside India, engage in various activities involving digital assets, prompting regulatory action under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002.

Money Laundering Concerns Due to VDAs:

• Predicate Crime: Raising funds through illegal activities, exchanging them for virtual assets.
• Placement: Converting acquired virtual assets into traditional fiat currencies within the regular financial system.
• Layering: Complex transactions involving conversion between fiat and virtual assets to obfuscate the origins of funds.
• Integration: Establishing online entities accepting crypto payments to legitimize income and cleanse illicit crypto.
• Hiding: Use of anonymizing services like mixers and tumblers to disrupt links between crypto transactions.

Regulatory Framework for VDA SPs in India:

• Inclusion under AML-CFT Framework: VDA SPs brought under the Anti Money Laundering/Counter Financing of Terrorism (AML-CFT) framework in March 2023.
• Mandatory Registration: VDA SPs required to register with FIU IND as Reporting Entities for enhanced oversight.
• Current Registration Status: Out of several VDA SPs, 31 have registered with FIU IND to date.

About Financial Intelligence Unit India (FIU IND):

• Establishment and Purpose: Set up in 2004 under the Ministry of Finance as the central national agency. Responsible for receiving, processing, analyzing, and disseminating information related to suspect financial transactions.
• Independence and Reporting: An independent body reporting directly to the Economic Intelligence Council (EIC), headed by the finance minister.

Conclusion:

The issuance of show cause notices to VDA SPs reflects India’s commitment to combating money laundering in the digital asset space. With VDA SPs falling under the regulatory framework, the FIU IND plays a crucial role in overseeing their compliance and ensuring the integrity of financial transactions.

CENTRE, ASSAM GOVT INK PEACE DEAL WITH MILITANT GROUP ULFA

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

A significant Memorandum of Settlement has been signed between the Government of India, the Government of Assam, and representatives of the United Liberation Front of Assam (ULFA). The tripartite agreement addresses key concerns, aiming to bring stability and inclusive development to the region.

Key Highlights of the Tripartite Agreement:

• Reserved Seats for Indigenous People: 97 out of the total Assembly seats in Assam would be reserved specifically for indigenous people, ensuring their representation in governance.
• Investment in the Region: A substantial investment of approximately ₹1.5 lakh crore has been pledged, signifying a commitment to foster economic development in the region.
• Constitutional Safeguards: Emphasis on safeguarding constitutional rights, particularly related to land, and implementing measures to restrict migration between constituencies.

About ULFA:

Formation and Objectives:

• ULFA was formed in 1979, advocating for a “sovereign Assam” for the indigenous population.
• Involved in subversive activities, leading to a ban by the central government in 1990.

Split and Peace Talks:

• In 2011, ULFA split into two factions. The pro-talk faction engaged in peace talks with the government.
• The other faction, known as ULFA (Independent), has not joined the peace process.

Recent Peace Deals:

• The government has been actively pursuing peace deals, including rebel groups like Bodo, Dimasa, Karbi, and Adivasi in Assam since 2020.
• Last month, a similar peace deal was signed with the United National Liberation Front (UNLF) based in Manipur.

Conclusion:

The Memorandum of Settlement signifies a crucial step towards reconciliation and development in Assam. By addressing issues of political representation, economic investment, and constitutional safeguards, the agreement aims to create a more inclusive and stable environment. The peace-building efforts with various insurgent groups in the region contribute to overall regional harmony and progress.

 MARINE ENERGY CONVERSION SYSTEMS SECTIONAL COMMITTEE (MECSSC)

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has established the Marine Energy Conversion Systems Sectional Committee (MECSSC) to advance standardization in Marine Energy Conversion Systems (MECS).

• As the National Standard Body of India, BIS aims to set comprehensive standards and guidelines for different aspects of MECS.
• The objectives include fostering collaboration, innovation, and knowledge exchange in the field.
• MECS encompasses technologies that extract energy from the ocean, converting it into electricity, utilizing marine sources like waves, tides, and ocean thermal energy.
• The formation of MECSSC reflects a commitment to regulating and advancing marine energy technologies in India.

CENTRAL INDUSTRIAL SECURITY FORCE (CISF)

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

IPS officer Nina Singh has made history as the first woman Chief of the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF).

                  

• CISF, established under the Central Industrial Security Force Act of 1968, operates under the Ministry of Home Affairs.
• The force’s mandate involves ensuring the protection and security of government-owned industrial undertakings.
• It extends its security services to strategic establishments, including the Department of Space, airports, Delhi Metro, ports, and vital sectors of the Indian economy such as petroleum, natural gas, electricity, and mining.
• Additionally, CISF is entrusted with safeguarding classified protected persons categorized as Z Plus, Z, X, and Y.