03-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

CENTRE REISSUES DRAFT NOTIFICATION ON ECOSENSITIVE AREAS IN WESTERN GHATS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are designated regions requiring protective measures to prevent environmental degradation. The Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot in India, has undergone multiple notifications to classify parts of it as ESAs. This initiative aims to regulate activities like quarrying, mining, and large infrastructure projects that could harm the environment.

Importance of Eco-Sensitive Areas

• Biodiversity Conservation: ESAs help preserve the unique flora and fauna of the Western Ghats, maintaining ecological balance.
• Water Resources Protection: These areas are crucial for conserving rivers and water bodies originating from the Western Ghats.
• Climate Regulation: Forests in ESAs play a significant role in carbon sequestration, aiding in climate change mitigation.
• Sustainable Development: By regulating harmful activities, ESAs ensure the sustainable use of natural resources.

Challenges Faced by Government and Local People

• Economic Impact: Restrictions on mining, quarrying, and industrial development can affect local economies dependent on these activities.
• Agricultural Practices: Farmers may face limitations on land use, impacting their livelihoods.
• Infrastructure Development: Delays and restrictions on infrastructure projects can hinder regional development.
• Public Backlash: Opposition from states and local communities due to perceived adverse effects on economic and social activities.
• Lack of Consensus: Difficulty in reaching an agreement among stakeholders on the extent and boundaries of ESAs.

Recommendations of Committees

Gadgil Committee (2011):

• Proposed declaring the entire Western Ghats (1,29,000 square km) as ecologically sensitive.
• Suggested creating three broad zones:
• ESA 1: Strict restrictions on economic activities.
• ESA 2: Moderate restrictions with some developmental activities allowed.
• ESA 3: Lesser restrictions focusing on sustainable development.
• Emphasized local community participation in conservation efforts.

Kasturirangan Committee (2013):

• Recommended reducing the ESA area to about 60,000 square km, covering 37% of the Western Ghats.
• Proposed including 123 villages within ESAs with strict restrictions on mining and quarrying.
• Focused on balancing conservation with developmental needs.
• Suggested demarcating ESAs to include specific villages and regions, ensuring a balance between environmental protection and local development.

Current Draft Notification:

• Issued in July 2022, the draft is open for public comments for 60 days.
• Valid for 725 days from issuance, allowing for revisions based on feedback.
• Proposes the inclusion of 13 villages in Wayanad, Kerala as part of the ESA.
• A new committee has been formed to address state and public concerns and finalize the areas to be included in the ESAs.

Conclusion

The initiative to classify parts of the Western Ghats as ESAs highlights the importance of preserving ecologically sensitive regions. Despite challenges like economic impact and public opposition, the recommendations from various committees aim to balance conservation with development. Continuous dialogue among stakeholders is crucial to achieving sustainable environmental management and protecting the unique biodiversity of the Western Ghats.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements correctly distinguishes between the Gadgil Committee and the Kasturirangan Committee regarding the Western Ghats?
2. The Gadgil Committee recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), whereas the Kasturirangan Committee proposed a smaller area to be classified as ESA.
3. The Kasturirangan Committee’s recommendations were more development-friendly compared to the Gadgil Committee.
4. The Gadgil Committee suggested a three-tiered system of categorization of the Western Ghats, whereas the Kasturirangan Committee did not.
5. Both committees had the same approach towards conservation and development of the Western Ghats.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 1, 2, and 3 only
4. 2 and 4 only

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

Gadgil Committee (Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel – WGEEP): The Gadgil Committee recommended declaring the entire Western Ghats as an Ecologically Sensitive Area (ESA), spanning approximately 1,29,037 square kilometres. The panel suggested a three-tiered system of categorization of the Western Ghats into Ecologically Sensitive Zones (ESZ) 1, 2, and 3, with varying degrees of protection and regulation.

Kasturirangan Committee (High-Level Working Group – HLWG): The Kasturirangan Committee, formed to review the Gadgil Committee’s recommendations, proposed a more development-friendly approach. It recommended a smaller area of about 37% of the Western Ghats, around 59,940 square kilometres, to be classified as ESA. This committee aimed to balance environmental protection with sustainable development, thereby making its recommendations more acceptable to state governments and stakeholders.

INDIA SELECTS 2 CREW MEMBERS FOR AXIOM-4 MISSION TO ISS

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

India’s space program, led by ISRO, has made significant advancements in recent years. The selection of Group Captains Shubhashnu Shukla and Prasanth Balakrishnan Nair for the Axiom-4 mission to the International Space Station (ISS) marks another important milestone, enhancing India’s capabilities in human space exploration.

Significance of the Axiom-4 Mission

Human Spaceflight Experience:

• Training in the U.S. for the Axiom-4 mission will provide critical experience for the Indian Human Space Programme.
• This mission will refine astronaut training protocols and mission planning for India’s Gaganyaan mission, slated for 2024.

Strengthening ISRO-NASA Cooperation:

• The mission underscores collaboration between ISRO and NASA, enhancing India’s role in international space missions.
• Reflects the broader goal of mutual cooperation in space exploration, which saw a significant boost with the 2023 joint statement during PM visit to the U.S.

Technological Advancements:

• Participation in Axiom-4 will involve scientific research and technology demonstration experiments aboard the ISS.
• This knowledge will be crucial for India’s future space missions, including deep space explorations.

Recent ISRO Explorations

Gaganyaan Mission:

• Budget: ₹10,000 crore (approximately $1.4 billion).
• Objectives: Send Indian astronauts to space by 2024.
• Significance: Participation in Axiom-4 contributes directly to its success by providing essential training and operational experience.

The International Space Station (ISS)

• The ISS is a collaborative project involving NASA, Roscosmos, JAXA, ESA, and CSA.
• Operational since 1998, it orbits the Earth at an altitude of approximately 400 km.

Modules and Experiments:

• Comprises 16 pressurized modules for research, living quarters, and operational functions.
• Conducts experiments in microgravity, providing insights into long-term human spaceflight and various scientific phenomena.

Crew:

• Typically hosts 6-7 astronauts.
• Conducts over 250 scientific investigations annually.
• Other Country Space Stations

Tiangong (China):

• Expected to be fully operational by 2022.
• Designed to support a crew of 3, expandable to 6 for short durations.
• Aims to support scientific experiments and international collaborations.

Mir (Russia):

• Operational from 1986 to 2001.
• Hosted 104 astronauts from 12 different countries.
• Played a crucial role in long-duration human spaceflight and international cooperative missions.

Conclusion

The selection of Indian astronauts for the Axiom-4 mission signifies a crucial development in India’s space exploration efforts. By gaining practical experience aboard the ISS, India will enhance its technological capabilities and scientific knowledge, contributing to the success of future missions like Gaganyaan. This mission also strengthens international collaboration, particularly with NASA, paving the way for more ambitious space endeavours.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which space agencies are involved in the International Space Station (ISS) program?
2. NASA, ESA, Roscosmos, JAXA, CSA
3. NASA, ESA, ISRO, CNSA, CSA
4. NASA, CNSA, ISRO, ESA, JAXA
5. CNSA, Roscosmos, ESA, JAXA, ISRO

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

NASA (National Aeronautics and Space Administration): The United States’ space agency, responsible for the majority of the ISS modules and significant operational support.

ESA (European Space Agency): Europe’s space agency, contributing various modules, scientific experiments, and supplies.

Roscosmos (Russian Space Agency): Russia’s space agency, which provides essential modules, transportation, and crew.

JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency): Japan’s space agency, which contributes the Kibo laboratory module and supplies.

CSA (Canadian Space Agency): Canada’s space agency, which contributes to robotics, such as the Canadarm2, essential for station maintenance and assembly.

LEGAL CHALLENGES TO THE GREAT NICOBAR INFRASTRUCTURE PROJECT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The Great Nicobar infrastructure project, implemented by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation Ltd (ANIIDCO), faces significant legal challenges. This project aims to boost infrastructure but has raised concerns about its ecological and social impacts. Understanding the significance of such projects, their strategic importance, and the potential ecological impacts is crucial for balanced development.

Significance of Infrastructure Projects in Island Regions

Economic Development:

• Infrastructure projects can stimulate local economies by creating jobs and boosting tourism.
• The Great Nicobar project includes a transshipment port, which can enhance trade and economic activity.

Connectivity and Accessibility:

• Improved infrastructure facilitates better connectivity with mainland India and other countries.
• Enhanced transportation networks can lead to more efficient movement of goods and people.

Strategic Importance:

• Developing infrastructure in island regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is vital for national security.
• The establishment of ports and airstrips enhances military and strategic capabilities in the region.
• Strategic Importance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands

Geographical Significance:

• Located at the juncture of the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea, the islands are strategically positioned for maritime security.
• They lie close to important sea lanes of communication, crucial for international trade.

Economic Potential:

• The region has potential for fisheries, tourism, and maritime trade.
• Development projects can harness these resources, boosting local and national economies.

Military Significance:

• The islands serve as a strategic military outpost, providing surveillance and security in the Indian Ocean Region.
• Infrastructure development supports military logistics and operations.

Indigenous Communities:

• The Nicobar Islands are home to indigenous tribes like the Shompen and Nicobarese.
• These communities have unique cultures and lifestyles that need protection from the impacts of large-scale projects.

Biodiversity:

• The islands boast rich biodiversity, including endemic species of flora and fauna.
• Protecting these ecosystems is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and supporting livelihoods.

Ecological Impact of the Project

• The project poses risks to the Great Nicobar’s biodiversity, including habitat destruction and species displacement.
• Inadequate environmental impact assessments and clearance processes can exacerbate these threats.

Environmental Degradation:

• Potential irreversible damage due to construction activities, including pollution and deforestation.
• Concerns about climate change impacts, as the region plays a vital role in tackling climate issues.

Legal and Procedural Challenges:

• The project faces legal challenges concerning environmental clearances and adherence to regulations like the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ).
• Appeals have been filed against inadequate assessment and procedural lapses, highlighting the need for thorough review and compliance.

Conclusion

While infrastructure projects in regions like the Andaman and Nicobar Islands have significant economic and strategic benefits, they must be balanced with ecological and social considerations. Ensuring sustainable development that protects biodiversity and respects indigenous communities is essential. Legal and procedural rigor in environmental assessments can help mitigate adverse impacts, fostering development that is both inclusive and sustainable.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ)?
2. ICRZ is a subset of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) specifically applicable to islands.
3. The primary objective of ICRZ is to balance economic development with environmental protection in coastal islands.
4. ICRZ allows for more relaxed norms for certain activities compared to the mainland CRZ to promote development in islands.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 1 and 3 only
3. 1 only
4. All the above

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

ICRZ is a subset of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) specifically applicable to islands: This statement is correct. The Island Coastal Regulation Zone (ICRZ) guidelines are designed to address the specific coastal management needs of islands, under the broader framework of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) regulations.

The primary objective of ICRZ is to balance economic development with environmental protection in coastal islands: This statement is also correct. The ICRZ guidelines aim to promote sustainable development while ensuring the conservation and protection of coastal ecosystems in island regions.

ICRZ allows for more relaxed norms for certain activities compared to the mainland CRZ to promote development in islands: This statement is incorrect. The ICRZ guidelines do not necessarily allow for more relaxed norms compared to the mainland CRZ. Instead, they provide a tailored approach to coastal management that considers the unique ecological and developmental needs of islands, without compromising environmental protection standards.

CONTROVERSY OVER IMANE KHELIF’S BOXING MATCH: GENDER ELIGIBILITY IN SPORTS

TOPIC: (GS3) MISCELLANEOUS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Imane Khelif’s victory against Angela Carini in the Paris Olympics triggered a significant controversy surrounding gender eligibility in women’s sports. The incident has reignited debates on transgender participation and athletes with Differences of Sex Development (DSD).

Reasons for the Controversy

• Previous Ban: In 2023, Khelif and Lin Yu-ting were banned from the IBA World Championship for failing a “gender eligibility” test. The details remain confidential.
• Current Participation: Both athletes are now competing at the Olympics under different rules set by the IOC-appointed unit, which only considers the gender stated in the athlete’s passport.
• Public Reaction: Following Khelif’s win, she faced abuse and false accusations of being a transgender woman, highlighting the polarized nature of the debate.

Gender Eligibility and Athletic Performance

• Testosterone’s Role: Testosterone is linked to physical advantages such as increased muscle mass, bone density, and haemoglobin levels, influencing athletic performance.
• DSD and Fairness: Athletes with DSD, who naturally produce higher testosterone levels, face scrutiny regarding their eligibility to compete in women’s sports.

Sports Federations’ Approaches

• IOC Guidelines: In 2021, the IOC delegated eligibility rules to individual sports federations, emphasizing fairness, inclusion, and non-discrimination.
• Testosterone Regulations: World Athletics requires DSD athletes to maintain testosterone levels below 2.5 nmol/L for 24 months. Other federations have varying bans on trans women athletes.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding Imane Khelif underscores the complex intersection of biology, fairness, and gender in sports. As scientific understanding evolves, sports federations must balance inclusivity with fair competition.

BUREAUCRACY AND RSS: ELEPHANT IN THE CIVIL SERVANT’S ROOM

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The recent decision to lift the ban on civil servants joining the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) has sparked significant debate. While the move aligns with the RSS’s influence in various sectors, it raises concerns about the integrity of the civil service and its adherence to the Constitution.

Key Issues and Implications

Formal vs. De Facto Influence

The lifting of the ban formalizes what many believe was already a de facto situation, with many civil servants sympathetic to the RSS. This shift highlights the growing influence of the RSS in public institutions.

Ideological Conflict

• The RSS’s vision, which seeks to restructure India based on its cultural and spiritual legacy, contrasts sharply with the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.
• This raises concerns about civil servants’ commitment to upholding constitutional values.

Impact on Democracy

• The integration of RSS ideology into public administration could undermine the principles of secularism and inclusivity that are central to India’s democratic framework.
• The shift reflects a broader tension between majoritarian and pluralistic visions of the state.

Conclusion

The decision to lift the ban on RSS membership for civil servants underscores a significant ideological shift. It poses challenges to maintaining constitutional morality and ensuring that public institutions remain impartial and committed to democratic principles.

SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS VALIDITY OF TAMIL NADU’S ARUNTHATHIYAR QUOTA LAW

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

On Thursday, the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyars Reservation Act, 2009, which provides preferential treatment within the Scheduled Castes (SCs) for the Arunthathiyars.

Key Points of the Judgment

Constitutional Validation

• A seven-judge Bench, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, delivered a 6:1 majority judgment.
• The court affirmed that sub-categorization within SCs is constitutionally valid to ensure substantive equality.

Principle of Sub-Classification

• The court emphasized that sub-classification among SCs is permissible if there is a disparity in social positions within the group.

Tamil Nadu Arunthathiyars Reservation Act, 2009

• The Act provides preferential reservation for Arunthathiyars in State services and educational institutions.
• It includes castes such as Arunthathiyar, Chakkiliyan, Madari, Madiga, Pagadi, Thoti, and Adi Andhra.

Provisions of the Act

• Educational Institutions: 16% of SC-reserved seats are allocated to Arunthathiyars based on their social and educational backwardness.
• Government Posts: Similar preferential treatment is applied in recruitment for state government positions.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s judgment reinforces the principle of sub-classification within SCs as a means to address disparities and ensure fair representation for socially and educationally backward groups.

CHAKRAVYUH: THE MILITARY FORMATION AND ITS HISTORICAL SIGNIFICANCE

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The chakravyuh is a strategic military formation mentioned in the Mahabharata, a significant ancient Indian epic. It is renowned for its complexity and the tragic story of its use during the Kurukshetra War.

Chakravyuh in Context

• On Friday, Rahul Gandhi criticized the Budget in Parliament, comparing its effects to being trapped in a “lotus-shaped chakravyuh,” reminiscent of the one used in the Mahabharata. His speech implied that the Budget had trapped people similarly to how the formation had trapped Abhimanyu.

Drona’s Deployment

• Following Bhishma’s fall, Dronacharya took command of the Kaurava army. To counter the Pandavas, he deployed the chakravyuh, a complex and formidable formation.

Details of the Chakravyuh

Formation Characteristics

• The chakravyuh was a multi-layered, circular military formation designed to be highly effective and challenging to breach. Its structure aimed to place the most powerful warriors strategically.

Knowledge and Strategy

• Only a few warriors, including Krishna, Arjuna, and Abhimanyu, knew how to navigate or counter the chakravyuh. Dronacharya ensured Arjuna and Krishna were diverted to prevent interference.

Tragic Incident of Abhimanyu

Abhimanyu’s Entrapment

• Abhimanyu, Arjuna’s son, could only enter the chakravyuh but lacked the knowledge to exit. This gap in his knowledge occurred because he overheard the formation’s entry strategy while in his mother Subhadra’s womb.

Heroic but Doomed

• Despite his bravery and combat skills, Abhimanyu was left isolated inside the formation. The Kauravas, led by Jayadratha and supported by Drona, managed to prevent reinforcements from aiding him. Outnumbered and eventually overwhelmed by six Kaurava warriors breaking ethical combat rules, Abhimanyu was killed, demonstrating the tragic outcome of his heroic but ill-fated charge.

Conclusion

The chakravyuh stands as a symbol of strategic military genius and the dire consequences of incomplete knowledge. Abhimanyu’s tragic end highlights both his valor and the formidable nature of the formation used in the Mahabharata.

EASING THE BURDEN

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Since the Law Commission’s efforts in 1958 to simplify the Income Tax Act, there has been a continuous push for tax reform in India aimed at achieving simplicity and stability in the tax structure. Recent developments reflect ongoing efforts to streamline and modernize the system.

Corporate Tax Reforms

• Reduction in Rates: Corporate tax rates have been reduced, with 58% of corporate taxpayers opting for the new regime, lowering the effective rate to 23.26% in 2021-22 from 29.49% in 2017-18.
• Incentives and Foreign Investment: The corporate tax rate for foreign companies has been reduced to 35%, and the angel tax has been abolished.

Personal Income Tax

• Simplification: Fewer income-tax slabs have been introduced, and simplified compliance has increased taxpayer participation. The number of taxpayers rose from 89.8 million in 2019-20 to 93.7 million in 2022-23.
• Recent Budget Changes: The current Budget further reduces tax rates for incomes below Rs 12 lakh, affecting over 80% of individual returns.

Capital Gains and Tax Policy

Capital Gains Tax Reforms

• Increased Tax Rates: The Budget proposed higher capital gains tax rates on equity and increased securities transaction tax on futures and options to address the capital market boom and passive income taxation.
• Impact: Higher rates and removal of indexation benefits are expected to benefit lower-income taxpayers while increasing revenue from higher-income groups.

Dispute Resolution and Simplification

• Vivad Se Vishwas Scheme: Aims to resolve long-standing tax disputes.
• Future Review: The government plans to review and redraft contentious sections of the Income Tax Act to enhance certainty and resolve disputes more effectively.

Conclusion

India’s income tax reforms are focused on simplifying the tax structure, enhancing compliance, and addressing capital gains taxation. While recent changes have streamlined the system and improved tax collection efficiency, further efforts are needed to balance growth and equality as India aims for developed country status by 2047.