07-December-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

 114 SEATS, MIGRANT QUOTA CLEARED FOR J&K ASSEMBLY

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

The Lok Sabha recently passed the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023. The former aims to reserve seats in the upcoming 114-seat J&K Assembly for Kashmiri migrants, individuals displaced from Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), and Scheduled Tribes. Union Home Minister Amit Shah addressed concerns and emphasized the implementation of a “zero-terror” plan by 2026.

Challenges and Amendments:

• Diverse Societal Structure: India’s linguistic, caste, and cultural diversity poses challenges in fostering unity for common causes like climate change.
• Low Social Cooperation: Diversity contributes to low social capital, hindering trust and cooperation, particularly among those from different backgrounds.
• Civic Engagement Issues: Limited collective identity beyond immediate groups complicates the execution of city-wide or national environmental initiatives.
• Impact of Political Climate: Current political trends may undermine social capital crucial for collective environmental actions.

Strategies for Addressing Challenges:

• Build Social Capital Across Groups: Develop mechanisms fostering trust and cooperation among diverse groups.
• Align Policy with Diversity: Adapt policies to suit India’s cultural and societal landscape.
• Counteract Divisive Politics: Address political and social divisions hindering collective approaches.
• Focus on Inclusive Solutions: Implement solutions balancing sustainability, economic viability, and cultural acceptability.

Conclusion:

Addressing climate change in diverse Indian societies requires navigating challenges related to social capital and political dynamics. Strategies focusing on enhancing social capital, aligning policies with diversity, countering divisive politics, and implementing practical environmental solutions are imperative for effective climate action in India.

NAVIGATING THE U.S.-CHINA RELATIONSHIP

GS 2 (INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The summit between U.S. President Joe Biden and Chinese President Xi Jinping, held in San Francisco on November 15, marked a critical attempt to salvage a bilateral relationship strained to its lowest point since diplomatic ties were established in 1979. The summit addressed various issues, including military communications, the ongoing trade dispute, and the escalating tensions over Taiwan.

Outcome of the Summit:

Military-to-Military Communications:

• Decision to restore military-to-military communications between the U.S. and China.
• Resumption of regular exchanges under the Military Maritime Consultative Agreement.
• These channels were closed following Nancy Pelosi’s controversial visit to Taiwan in August 2022.

Trade Dispute:

• Ongoing economic and trade policy challenges amid a hostile political environment.
• President Biden’s executive orders blacklisting Chinese defense and surveillance companies.
• Export bans on advanced computer chips to undermine China’s AI and supercomputing capabilities.

China’s Responses:

• China’s bans on exports of critical materials like gallium, germanium, and graphite in retaliation.
• Tightening anti-espionage and data protection laws for national security.

Way Forward:

• Pragmatic Coexistence: A shift toward pragmatic avenues of coexistence rather than disengagement or ‘decoupling.’ Greater emphasis on de-risking the two economies.
• Realism in the Relationship: The U.S.-China conflict under President Biden retains elements of the Trump-era rivalry. However, a subtle infusion of realism indicates a more nuanced approach to navigating the complex relationship.
• Hope for De-escalation: The emphasis on pragmatic coexistence provides hope for a short-term de-escalation. A potential step back from hard positions, fostering avenues for cooperation.

Conclusion:

The U.S.-China summit, while addressing critical issues, reflects a nuanced approach emphasizing pragmatic coexistence. The restoration of military communications and ongoing trade dynamics underscore the complexity of the relationship. The slight dose of realism injected into bilateral dealings offers hope for de-escalation, emphasizing the importance of finding common ground amid heightened tensions.

 GOVT SEEKS HOUSE NOD TO SPEND ADDITIONAL RS 58,378 CR IN CURRENT FISCAL

GS 2 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The government has proposed additional spending of Rs 58,378 crore in the current fiscal year, seeking Parliament’s approval for Supplementary Demands for Grants. The total gross additional spending is over Rs 1.29 lakh crore, with Rs 70,968 crore anticipated to be offset by savings and receipts.

Key Points:

Allocation Breakdown:

• Rs 13,351 crore for fertiliser subsidy.
• About Rs 7,000 crore for the Department of Food and Public Distribution.
• Rs 9,200 crore for the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas.
• Rs 14,524 crore for the Ministry of Rural Development, focusing on MGNREGA.

Net Additional Spending:

• The net additional spending sought is Rs 58,378.21 crore for the current fiscal year.

Adjustments:

• Total supplementary demands for the Ministry of External Affairs amount to Rs 20,000 crore, offset against a reduction in expenditure of over Rs 9,000 crore.

Conclusion:

The government’s proposal for additional spending, primarily directed towards key sectors like fertiliser subsidy, MGNREGA, and essential ministries, underscores its commitment to address critical areas. Seeking parliamentary approval, this move reflects an effort to navigate financial priorities in the current fiscal year.

GARBA OF GUJARAT MAKES IT TO UNESCO INTANGIBLE CULTURAL HERITAGE LIST

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

Gujarat’s traditional dance form, ‘Garba,’ secured a coveted spot on UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list on December 6. This recognition marks the 15th cultural element from India to be honored by UNESCO, following Kolkata’s Durga Puja two years ago.

Key Points:

UNESCO Recognition:

• The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) included ‘Garba of Gujarat’ in the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

Significance of Garba:

• Described as a ritualistic and devotional dance, Garba is performed throughout Gujarat and India during the nine-day Navaratri festival.
• Dedicated to worshiping feminine energy or Shakti, Garba showcases cultural, performative, and visual expressions of this divine feminine force.

Community Celebration:

• Garba celebrations extend across diverse settings, including homes, temple courtyards, public spaces, villages, urban squares, streets, and open grounds.
• It evolves into a participatory community event, embodying the worship of the primordial goddess through unique manifestations.

UNESCO’s Perspective:

• UNESCO emphasized the cultural and visual celebration of Garba as an integral part of the Navaratri festival.
• Tim Curtis, UNESCO Representative, expressed hope that the inscription would preserve and inspire the continuation of Garba’s traditions, knowledge, and skills.

Global Recognition:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the global acknowledgment, stating that Garba reflects life, unity, and deep-rooted Indian traditions.
• The inscription on the Intangible Heritage List showcases India’s cultural beauty to the world.

Conclusion:

Gujarat’s Garba joining UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage list symbolizes the rich cultural tapestry of India. This recognition not only celebrates the artistic expression of worship but also highlights the global importance of preserving and promoting diverse cultural heritage for future generations.

STRATEGIC AUCTION OF CRITICAL MINERAL BLOCKS

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian government has initiated a strategic auction of twenty blocks containing critical minerals, including lithium ore, marking a pioneering move towards reducing dependency on mineral imports. These minerals, crucial for modern technologies and industries, are auctioned for commercial mining by private entities.

Key Points:

Critical Minerals Defined:

• Critical minerals are essential elements vital for contemporary technologies, facing potential supply chain disruptions.
• Used in manufacturing mobile phones, computers, batteries, electric vehicles, and green technologies like solar panels.

List of Critical Minerals:

• India identified 30 critical minerals, including lithium, nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements, and others.
• Vital for green technologies, high-tech equipment, aviation, national defense, and fertilizer production.

Lithium Ore Auction Significance:

• First instance of auctioning mining rights for lithium ore to private entities in India.
• Blocks also include nickel, copper, molybdenum, and rare earth elements crucial for various industries.

Location and Licensing:

• Spread across eight states, the 20 blocks include Tamil Nadu, Odisha, Bihar, and others.
• Four blocks for immediate Mining License (ML), 16 for Composite License (CL) for exploration.
• Licensees require forest and environmental clearances for operations.

Reserve Estimates and Imports:

• Lithium reserves auctioned in J&K and Chhattisgarh; nickel and copper reserves in Bihar, Gujarat, and Odisha.
• India currently imports lithium, nickel, and copper, relying entirely on imports for the former two.

Post-Auction Plans:

• Second tranche of critical mineral blocks, including new lithium reserves, expected in future auctions.
• Geological Survey of India conducting 125 projects to explore critical mineral reserves.
• Proposal for a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals to develop a complete value chain domestically.

Conclusion:

The strategic auction of critical mineral blocks represents a pivotal step in realizing India’s #AatmanirbharBharat vision. By minimizing reliance on imported minerals, especially lithium, nickel, and copper, this initiative aims to strengthen India’s position in key industries like battery manufacturing and electric vehicles. The success of these auctions is paramount for India’s resource independence and its trajectory in vital industrial sectors.

CHANDRAYAAN-3 PROPULSION MODULE RETRACES STEPS TO EARTH ORBIT: WHY IT MATTERS

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

In a remarkable achievement, the Propulsion Module (PM) of Chandrayaan-3 has successfully returned to Earth’s orbit, demonstrating significant advancements in lunar exploration. This unplanned maneuver capitalized on the mission’s logistical advantages, showcasing the adaptability and efficiency of India’s lunar exploration program.

        

Key Points:

Propulsion Module’s Role:

• Unlike Chandrayaan-2, Chandrayaan-3 featured a lightweight PM designed solely for lunar transit.
• Utilized the Chandrayaan-2 orbiter for Earth communications, showcasing mission synergy.

Payload and Features:

• Carried the SHAPE instrument for studying Earth, identifying habitable exoplanets.
• Separated from the lander on August 17, initially planned for a six-month lunar orbit with operational SHAPE.

Seizing Opportunities:

• Precision in orbit injection led to over 100 kg fuel savings, extending the PM’s operational life.
• Surplus fuel demonstrated capabilities for future lunar sample return missions.

Return to Earth Orbit:

• ISRO executed optimal Earth return trajectory planning for October 2023.
• Maneuvers included Moon fly-bys and Trans-Earth injection, placing the PM in a safe Earth orbit.

Significance of the Maneuver:

• Insightful experience in planning trajectories for small spacecraft returning from the Moon.
• Software development for future mission planning enhanced through this mission.
• Experiment sets the stage for gravity-assisted flybys and end-of-life management.

SHAPE Payload Operations:

• SHAPE instrument, despite the unexpected maneuvers, remains operational, showcasing resilience.
• Operational during a special operation on October 28 during a Solar Eclipse and continues to observe Earth.

Conclusion:

The successful return of Chandrayaan-3’s Propulsion Module to Earth’s orbit signifies India’s prowess in lunar exploration. This unplanned maneuver not only extended the operational life of the PM but also provided valuable insights for future lunar missions, emphasizing adaptability, efficiency, and the potential for advanced trajectory planning.

DOUBLE-HUMPED CAMELS

GS 3 (SECURITY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

The Indian Army has strategically deployed double-humped camels for patrolling and logistical support along the challenging Line of Actual Control (LAC) in Eastern Ladakh.

• The Bactrian camels, known for their two humps, are native to the steppes of Central Asia and have plump, pliable humps that store fat, converting it into water and energy during resource-scarce winters.
• A small population of these camels exists in Ladakh’s Nubra Valley. Their deployment holds significance as they enhance patrolling efficiency in the barren landscape of Eastern Ladakh.

Capable of carrying 170 kg and patrolling up to 15 km without rest, these camels surpass the load capacity of mules previously used, making them valuable assets for the Army’s 14