02-April-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

CENTRE AND CONGRESS SPAR OVER KATCHATHEEVU ISSUE

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS– SOURCE: THE HINDU

Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister address the long-standing controversy surrounding the cession of Katchatheevu to Sri Lanka in 1974.

• They Referred agreements from 1974 and 1976, suggesting a change in fishing rights despite legal opinions suggesting otherwise.
• Opposition counters with a 2015 RTI response denying territorial transfer, questioning the government’s motives amid election politics.

                   

Katchatheevu is a tiny, uninhabited island spanning 285 acres in the Palk Strait, situated about 14 nautical miles off the coast of Rameswaram, India.

• In 1974, Prime Ministers Indira Gandhi of India and Sirima R.D. Bandaranaike of Sri Lanka inked an agreement acknowledging Katchatheevu as part of Sri Lanka’s territory, effectively changing its ownership.

Fishing Rights and Pilgrimages:

• The agreement of 1974 also granted Indian fishermen permission to fish around Katchatheevu and allowed them to dry their nets on the island.
• Additionally, it permitted Indian pilgrims to visit a Catholic shrine located on the island.
• Supplemental Pact of 1976:
• In 1976, a supplemental pact was signed to further solidify the agreements of 1974.
• This pact aimed to delineate maritime boundaries and exclusive economic zones for both India and Sri Lanka.
• It also imposed restrictions on fishing vessels and fishermen from both nations, prohibiting fishing in each other’s waters without explicit permission.

Indian Government’s Stance:

• The Indian government’s perspective on Katchatheevu evolved over time. In 2013, it asserted that there was no question of retrieval as no Indian territory was formally ceded.
• The issue was framed as a dispute between British India and Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), resolved through bilateral agreements in 1974 and 1976.

Furthermore, the Union government maintained that Katchatheevu falls on the Sri Lankan side of the India-Sri Lanka International Maritime Boundary Line.

TEAM LED BY PRL AHMEDABAD FINDS OZONE ON JUPITER’S MOON

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

A recent discovery by an international team, which includes Indian scientists, has unveiled the presence of ozone on Callisto, one of Jupiter’s moons. This finding, detailed in the journal Icarus, offers insights into the complex chemical processes unfolding on icy celestial bodies.

Importance of Ozone:

• Ozone plays a crucial role in shielding Earth from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation, safeguarding life by preventing DNA damage and maintaining ecological balance.
• The detection of ozone on Callisto suggests the existence of stable atmospheric conditions, sparking inquiries into the moon’s habitability and potential for extraterrestrial life.

Unique Environment of Callisto:

• Callisto, Jupiter’s third-largest moon, is primarily composed of water ice, sulphur dioxide, and organic compounds, making it an intriguing candidate for life beyond our planet.
• Its heavily cratered, geologically inert surface signifies enduring stability.

Recreating conditions on the earth

• Scientists, led by R. Ramachandran, set out to investigate the chemical evolution of sulphur dioxide ice under irradiation, leading to the formation of ozone.
• They deposited sulphur dioxide ice samples onto lithium fluoride substrates to mimic Callisto’s surface for spectroscopic analysis.

Observations and Implications:

• Spectroscopic observations confirmed the formation of ozone in irradiated ice samples, aligning with data gathered from the Hubble Telescope.
• The presence of ozone indicates the availability of oxygen, crucial for the formation of complex molecules and the possibility of habitability.
• An unidentified absorption band suggests shared molecular sources across Jupiter’s moons, offering valuable insights into their geological and atmospheric dynamics.

Conclusion:

The revelation of ozone on Callisto represents a momentous advancement in space exploration, unveiling the intricate chemical processes prevalent on distant celestial bodies. This breakthrough not only deepens our understanding of Jupiter’s moons but also fuels our curiosity about the prospect of life elsewhere in the cosmos.

SOLAR SURGE

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: THE HINDU

India’s government has enacted a policy to reduce dependency on imported solar panels, mandating certification for domestic manufacturers through the National Institute of Solar Energy (NISE).

Being listed as an ‘approved’ manufacturing facility allows companies to compete for government tenders, including the PM solar rooftop scheme.

Background:

• Objective: The policy aims to decrease reliance on Chinese imports, which dominate 80% of the global supply, amid strained diplomatic relations.
• Ambitious Targets: India aims to source 500 GW, nearly half its electricity requirement, from non-fossil fuel sources by 2030, with at least 280 GW from solar power. This necessitates adding 40 GW of solar capacity annually until 2030.
• Challenges: Despite assertions of being on track, the country has struggled to install sufficient solar capacity, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with installations barely reaching 13 GW in the last five years.

Challenges Faced:

• Supply Shortage: Meeting targets requires more panels and component cells than the domestic industry can provide, resulting in reliance on imports.
• Dilemma for Domestic Manufacturers: Domestic panel manufacturers face the challenge of paying for certification while losing orders to cheaper Chinese panels.

THE PMLA — A LAW THAT HAS LOST ITS WAY

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) was created to stop the illegal money made from drug trafficking. However, over time, the law has deviated from its original purpose, leading to controversy and concerns regarding its application to a broader range of offenses.

Background of the PMLA:

• Origin: Enacted in 2002, the PMLA was primarily focused on addressing the issue of laundering proceeds from drug trafficking, in line with international conventions and recommendations.
• It drew inspiration from UN conventions, Financial Action Task Force (FATF) recommendations, and resolutions urging member nations to enact anti-money laundering legislation.
• Subsequent amendments broadened the scope of the PMLA, extending its applicability to various offenses beyond drug-related crimes.
• These amendments expanded the schedule of offenses, straying from the original focus on combating drug money laundering.

Issues with PMLA Application:

• Diverse Offenses: The PMLA now covers offenses unrelated to drug trafficking, such as corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.
• Originally intended for hardcore drug traffickers, the PMLA’s provisions are now applied uniformly across scheduled offenses, lacking proportionality.

Controversial Bail Provision:

• Section 45: This provision denies bail unless the accused proves innocence, reversing the presumption of innocence.
• Legal Challenges: While initially deemed unconstitutional by the Supreme Court in Nikesh Tarachand Shah vs Union of India (2018), Parliament reinstated the provision with amendments, later upheld by the Supreme Court in Vijay Madanlal Choudhary vs Union of India (2022).

Judicial Perspectives on Bail:

• Technical Approach: The current judicial approach to bail in PMLA cases appears technical, prioritizing legislative policy over individual rights.
• Emphasis on Liberty: Conversely, Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer highlighted personal liberty under Article 21, cautioning against casual denial of bail.

AI IN ELECTIONS, THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY

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

Utilization of AI by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) for translating Prime Minister speeches marks a significant development for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections.

The 2024 elections in India are poised to be the “first AI election,” signifying a notable evolution in electoral strategies driven by technological advancements.

Evolution of Electoral Strategies:

• India’s electoral landscape has witnessed a transformation over the last three decades, integrating emerging technologies such as phone calls, holograms, and now AI.
• These technological advancements have reshaped the way electoral campaigns are conducted.

Significance of Social Media:

• Social media platforms played a pivotal role in the 2014 Indian elections, particularly with BJP leading in digital campaigning.
• Research indicates a positive correlation between social media engagement and electoral outcomes, underscoring its influence on voter sentiment.
• The 2019 general election was termed the “first WhatsApp election,” highlighting the platform’s growing impact on political messaging and mobilization.
• WhatsApp’s targeted delivery of information and organizational capabilities effectively influenced voter behavior during the election.

Global Elections and AI:

• Globally, the 2024 elections are being dubbed as “AI elections,” with instances of AI manipulation observed in various electoral processes.
• Challenges related to AI-generated content, such as deepfakes, have raised concerns about electoral integrity in countries like Argentina and India.

AI’s Role in Campaign Strategies:

• AI is revolutionizing campaign strategies through data-driven micro-targeting and real-time analytics, enhancing the effectiveness of political messaging.
• Its applications span from voter identification to content development and delivery, fundamentally transforming the political landscape.

Regulatory Responses and Concerns:

• Governments and tech giants are implementing measures to combat AI-generated disinformation, including outlawing AI-generated robocalls and committing to counter deceptive content.
• However, concerns persist regarding AI’s potential impact on voter turnout and the proliferation of misinformation, underscoring the need for robust regulatory frameworks.

Future Outlook:

• The efficacy of AI in shaping electoral outcomes is expected to rise, presenting both opportunities and challenges for future elections.
• While technological advancements offer new possibilities, addressing uncertainties surrounding AI’s deceptive effects requires ongoing vigilance and adaptation.

 RED SEA

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY– SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

Global trade disruptions have occurred due to a significant shipping route disturbance in the Red Sea.

 

Location:

• The Red Sea is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean, situated between Africa and Asia.
• It is known for its warm temperatures, making it one of the warmest seas globally.
• Connected to the Arabian Sea and Indian Ocean via the Gulf of Aden and Bab El-Mandeb strait to the south.
• Maximum depth at the central Suakin Trough is 3,040 m, with an average depth of 490 m.
• Contains some of the world’s hottest and saltiest seawater.

Geographic Features: Divided by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez, with access to the Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal.

Bordering Countries: Yemen and Saudi Arabia to the east, Egypt to the north and west, and Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti to the west.

• Notable islands include Tiran Island near the Gulf of Aqaba’s mouth and Shadwan Island at the Gulf of Suez’s entrance.

The Red Sea serves as a crucial route for maritime traffic between Europe and Asia, links Mediterranean Sea through the Suez Canal, resulting in significant travel volume.

CLEAN ENERGY TRANSITIONS PROGRAMME

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH

The International Energy Agency (IEA) launched its Clean Energy Transitions Programme annual report for 2023.

• The Clean Energy Transitions Programme was started in 2017 by the IEA to speed up progress toward a global net-zero energy system.
• It aims to accelerate clean energy transitions, especially in emerging and developing countries, aligning with the goals of the Paris Agreement and the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

International Energy Agency (IEA)

• The IEA is an independent inter-governmental organization operating within the OECD framework.
• It collaborates with governments and industries to shape a secure and sustainable energy future worldwide.
• Founded in 1974, the IEA was established in response to the 1973-1974 oil crisis, ensuring oil supply security.
• The IEA has 31 member countries and eleven association countries.
• To join the IEA, a country must already be a member of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

ATAL TUNNEL

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Manali-Leh highway was recently blocked due to fresh snowfall near the Atal Tunnel in Lahaul and Spiti districts.

About Atal Tunnel:

• Atal Tunnel, previously known as Rohtang Tunnel, is the world’s longest high-altitude tunnel, located at an elevation of about 3,100 meters (10,171 feet) above sea level.
• Situated in the Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas, it connects Manali to Lahaul and Spiti Valley throughout the year, previously inaccessible for about six months annually due to heavy snowfall.
• The tunnel stretches 9.02 km and passes through the Rohtang pass in Himachal Pradesh.
• Its south portal (SP) is positioned 25 km from Manali at an altitude of 3,060 meters, while the north portal (NP) is near village Teling, Sissu, in Lahaul Valley at 3,071 meters.
• Designed as a horseshoe-shaped, single-tube, double-lane tunnel, it features an 8-meter roadway with an overhead clearance of 5.525 meters.
• Safety features include a semi-transverse ventilation system, emergency exits every 500 meters, evacuation lighting, broadcasting systems, and fire hydrants.