09-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

WHAT’S CAUSING ANTARCTICA’S DEEP-WINTER HEATWAVE, WHAT COULD BE ITS FALLOUT?

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Antarctica is currently facing an extraordinary heatwave for the second time in two years, with temperatures soaring up to 28°C above the usual winter range.

This event is alarming, particularly because typical winter temperatures in East Antarctica range from -50°C to -60°C, but are now between -25°C and -30°C.

Understanding Ice Sheets and Their Impact on Sea Levels

Definition of Ice Sheets

• Ice sheets are vast masses of glacial ice covering more than 50,000 square kilometers.
• They store a significant amount of the Earth’s freshwater and cover extensive land areas, such as the West Antarctic Ice Sheet.

Role of Ice Sheets in Sea Levels

• Ice sheets in Greenland and Antarctica together hold about two-thirds of the Earth’s freshwater.
• Changes in the mass of these ice sheets directly impact global sea levels: gaining mass leads to a fall in sea levels, while losing mass causes sea levels to rise.

Causes of the Antarctic Heatwave

Weakening of the Polar Vortex

• The primary factor behind the unusual warmth is the weakening of the polar vortex, a system of cold air that usually contains frigid temperatures over Antarctica.
• This year, large-scale atmospheric disturbances disrupted the vortex, allowing warmer air to penetrate the region.

Reduction in Antarctic Sea Ice

• A significant decrease in Antarctic sea ice has also contributed to the heatwave.
• Sea ice typically reflects sunlight, helping to maintain cooler temperatures and acting as a barrier between cold air and warmer water.

Impact of Global Warming on Antarctica

Accelerated Warming

• Antarctica is warming at nearly twice the rate of the global average, with temperatures rising by 0.22°C to 0.32°C per decade.
• This rapid warming heightens the continent’s vulnerability to heatwaves and other extreme weather events.

Potential Consequences

• The heatwave could accelerate the melting of the Antarctic Ice Sheet, which contains over 60% of the world’s freshwater.
• Significant melting could cause a dramatic rise in global sea levels, endangering coastal cities and displacing millions of people.
• Additionally, melting ice is slowing down global ocean circulation, which could exacerbate global warming and increase the frequency of extreme weather events like floods and droughts.

Implications for India and Coastal Regions

Vulnerability of Coastal Regions

• India, with its long coastline and dense population, is particularly vulnerable to rising sea levels.
• Coastal communities may face displacement, potentially leading to climate refugees if adaptive measures like protective infrastructure are not implemented.

Need for Adaptive Strategies

• The urgency for adaptive strategies, such as constructing protective barriers and improving infrastructure, is critical to safeguarding vulnerable regions from the effects of rising sea levels.

WHY HIMALAYAN TOWNS NEED A DIFFERENT KIND OF DEVELOPMENT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) spans 11 states and two Union Territories and is experiencing rapid urban growth.

From 2011 to 2021, the IHR saw an urban growth rate of over 40%, leading to significant challenges in urban management and sustainability.

Challenges Faced by IHR Towns

Civic Infrastructure Issues

• Himalayan towns like Srinagar, Guwahati, Shillong, and Shimla face challenges in managing civic infrastructure.
• Problems include inadequate sanitation, poor waste management, and irregular water supply.
• Urban planning models used are often designed for plains, making them less effective for the unique mountainous terrain.

Resource Deficiencies

• Many IHR cities suffer from a shortage of human resources.
• For example, the Kashmir Valley lacks sufficient executive officers, impacting administrative efficiency.

Urban Expansion and Environmental Degradation

• Rapid urban expansion into rural and forested areas is a growing concern.
• Cities like Srinagar have seen a dramatic increase in built-up areas, leading to a loss of open spaces, reduction in water bodies, and rise in unregulated waste.

Causes of Urbanisation Challenges

Pressure from Urban Growth

• The IHR faces significant pressure due to intensified urbanisation, driven by factors such as high tourism, unsustainable infrastructure, and climatic changes.
• These pressures contribute to environmental issues like water scarcity, deforestation, land degradation, and pollution.

Impact of Tourism

• Tourism in the IHR has expanded rapidly, leading to the replacement of eco-friendly infrastructure with poorly planned, environmentally harmful constructions.
• Promoting ecotourism is essential to maintain long-term environmental sustainability.

Recommendations for Improvement

Updated Urban Planning

• Urban planning in the IHR should be revised to include detailed geological and hydrological assessments.
• Emphasis should be placed on climate resilience, with a bottom-up approach that involves local communities in the planning process.

Financial Support

• IHR cities cannot meet their infrastructure needs on their own.
• The Finance Commission should increase intergovernmental transfers to at least 1% of GDP, ensuring sufficient funding for urban development.

Sustainable Development

• A shift towards eco-centric urban planning is crucial for the future of the IHR.
• Public participation and a focus on sustainability should be central to the planning and development of Himalayan towns.

DNA PROFILING AND ITS SCIENTIFIC VALUE IN ESTABLISHING GUILT OR INNOCENCE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM

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

DNA profiling is a widely recognized forensic tool that plays a crucial role in criminal investigations. It involves analyzing specific DNA patterns to identify individuals.

While often considered definitive, recent insights emphasize that DNA profiling should be viewed as a probabilistic tool rather than conclusive proof in legal proceedings.

This approach highlights the importance of corroborating DNA evidence with other forms of evidence.

Definition and Concept of DNA Profiling:

Definition:

• DNA profiling, also known as genetic fingerprinting, is a forensic technique used to identify individuals by examining unique DNA sequences.
• These sequences are distinct for each person (except identical twins), allowing forensic scientists to match DNA from crime scenes with suspects.

DNA Structure:

• DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the genetic material in all living organisms.
• It is composed of four nucleotide bases: adenine, guanine, thymine, and cytosine.
• These bases form specific sequences that make up an individual’s unique genetic code.

Short Tandem Repeats (STRs):

• DNA profiling focuses on specific regions of DNA known as short tandem repeats (STRs).
• STRs are repetitive DNA sequences found at specific locations (loci) on the genome.
• The number of repeats at these loci varies between individuals, creating a unique DNA profile for each person.

Loci Examination:

• Forensic scientists select a set of loci to examine and create a DNA profile.
• By comparing these loci, they can determine whether two DNA samples match, which helps identify or exclude suspects.

Significance in Establishing Guilt or Innocence:

Identification:

• DNA profiling is a powerful tool for identifying suspects in criminal cases by matching DNA found at crime scenes to potential perpetrators.

Corroborative Evidence:

• While DNA evidence is compelling, it is not usually sufficient on its own to establish guilt or innocence.
• It is typically used in conjunction with other evidence, such as eyewitness accounts or physical evidence, to build a strong case.

Limitations:

• The accuracy of DNA evidence depends on the proper handling of samples.
• Contamination, degradation, or errors in sample collection, storage, or analysis can lead to inconclusive or inaccurate results.

Probability-Based Analysis:

• DNA profiling is based on probability, providing a statistical likelihood of a match rather than absolute certainty.
• The probability of a random match must be considered, particularly in populations where similar DNA profiles may occur by chance.

Non-Exclusivity:

• A match between DNA samples does not definitively prove the identity of a suspect, as similar profiles can exist in unrelated individuals.
• DNA evidence should be weighed alongside other evidence in legal proceedings to establish guilt or innocence.

Role in Investigations vs. Courtroom:

Investigative Tool:

• DNA profiling is invaluable in guiding criminal investigations, helping police identify potential suspects.

Courtroom Evidence:

• In court, DNA evidence is most effective when corroborated by other types of evidence.
• It should be presented with an understanding of its probabilistic nature and limitations, ensuring a fair assessment within the broader context of the case.

Conclusion: While DNA profiling is a significant advancement in forensic science, it is essential to recognize its limitations and the need for corroborating evidence in legal contexts. DNA analysis provides a powerful tool for identifying individuals, but its probabilistic nature means it should not be the sole determinant of guilt or innocence in criminal proceedings.

RISE OF INDEPENDENT WEATHER WATCHERS IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Growing reliance on independent weather enthusiasts for timely updates. Shift from institutional sources like the India Meteorological Department (IMD) to non-institutional, passionate individuals.

Significant presence in urban areas like Mumbai and regions like Srinagar.

Mumbai’s Weather Experts:

Shivam Khandelwal:

• Self-taught weatherman.
• Began studying weather maps seven years ago.
• Runs Mumbai Nowcast with over 43,000 followers.
• 90% accurate predictions, explains weather phenomena like the difference between red alerts and sunshine.

Rushikesh Agre:

• Law student with formal Meteorology training from Harvard University.
• Operates Mumbai Rains with over 63,000 followers.
• Provides updates beyond Mumbai, e.g., cloudburst in Umarpada, Surat.

Srinagar’s Weather Forecaster:

Faizan Arif:

• Srinagar-based forecaster with a strong social media presence.
• Provides weather forecasts through platforms like X, Instagram, and Telegram.
• Uses data from multiple international weather models.
• Accurate predictions, especially during challenging weather conditions like winter snowfall.
• Tools Used in Weather Forecasting in India

Importance of weather forecasting

Agriculture

• Crop Planning: Accurate forecasts help farmers plan sowing, harvesting, and irrigation effectively.
• Disaster Management: Early warnings of droughts, floods, or hailstorms help minimize agricultural losses.

Disaster Management

• Early Warning Systems: Accurate forecasts enable timely evacuation and disaster preparedness.
• Infrastructure Protection: Warnings about cyclones, heavy rains, or heatwaves help protect infrastructure.

Energy Sector

• Power Generation: Forecasts help in optimizing power generation based on demand (e.g., air conditioning during heatwaves).
• Renewable Energy: Forecasting solar and wind energy potential is crucial for grid management.

Aviation and Transportation

• Flight Safety: Accurate weather information is essential for safe air travel.
• Traffic Management: Forecasts help in managing traffic flow, especially during adverse weather conditions.

Public Health

• Disease Outbreak: Forecasting helps in predicting and preventing the spread of weather-related diseases.
• Heatwaves and Cold Waves: Early warnings help protect vulnerable populations.

Economic Stability

• Insurance Industry: Accurate forecasts help in risk assessment and premium calculation.
• Tourism: Forecasts influence travel plans and impact the tourism industry.

Various tools used to weather forecast

• Weather Satellites: INSAT-3D and INSAT-3DR for real-time monitoring and forecasting.
• Doppler Weather Radars (DWR): Provides detailed information on weather systems for accurate predictions.
• Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP) Models: Used by IMD for predicting weather patterns.
• Automatic Weather Stations (AWS): Collects essential weather data like temperature and humidity for forecasting models.

Challenges in Weather Forecasting in India

• Climate Change: Leads to unpredictable weather patterns, complicating forecasting.
• Limited Research and Resources: India’s investment in weather research and technology is below global standards.
• Data Gaps: Incomplete or inaccurate data can reduce the reliability of predictions.
• Public Trust: Building and maintaining trust in IMD predictions while independent forecasters gain popularity.

INSAT Series INSAT-3D: This is an advanced weather satellite equipped with an imaging system and atmospheric sounder. ·       It provides data for generating vertical profiles of temperature and humidity, crucial for accurate weather forecasting. INSAT-3DR: Similar to INSAT-3D, it enhances meteorological observations and supports disaster warning systems. INSAT-3DS: The latest in the series, it is designed to improve weather forecasting and climate monitoring.

Conclusion

Independent weather enthusiasts play a significant role in providing timely weather updates.There’s a need for India to improve its forecasting infrastructure.Addressing challenges like climate change and data gaps is crucial for better weather forecasting.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements accurately describes the role and function of weather satellites?
2. Weather satellites primarily measure atmospheric pressure and sea surface temperatures.
3. Weather satellites are used to monitor and collect data on weather patterns, cloud formations, and temperature variations from space.
4. Weather satellites are primarily used for GPS navigation and terrestrial mapping.
5. Weather satellites only provide data on the ozone layer and do not monitor weather conditions.

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Weather satellites are used to monitor and collect data on weather patterns, cloud formations, and temperature variations from space.

VULNERABILITY TO MEDICAL EXPENDITURE-RELATED SHOCKS IN INDIA

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Over the past decade, India’s poorest households have become less vulnerable to medical expenditure-related shocks, largely due to the implementation of health schemes such as Ayushman Bharat.

This analysis focuses on how the bottom 50% of households cope with financial challenges arising from health-related expenses, especially due to hospitalization.

Key Points

• The proportion of bottom 50% households that incurred hospitalization expenses increased from 12.5% in 2011-12 to 21.6% in 2022-23.
• In rural areas, this proportion increased from 12.5% to 20.8%, and in urban areas, it rose from 16% to 21.9%.
• Health expenditure as a proportion of monthly household expenditure for households without hospitalization increased slightly from 3.34% to 3.58% overall.
• In rural areas, this proportion went from 3.44% to 3.59%, and in urban areas, it increased from 3.18% to 3.57%.
• For households with hospitalization, health expenditure as a share of monthly expenditure decreased from 10.08% to 9.41% overall.
• In rural areas, this figure dropped from 11.15% to 9.14%, and in urban areas, it decreased from 10.28% to 9.85%.
• The probability of a household from the bottom 50% lowering its consumption status due to hospitalization decreased from 40% in 2011-12 to 34% in 2022-23.
• In rural areas, this probability fell from 43% to 36%, and in urban areas, it reduced from 36% to 29%.

Health insurance schemes are essential for several reasons:

• Financial Protection: Protects individuals and families from the high costs of medical treatments, surgeries, and hospitalizations.
• Access to Quality Healthcare: Enables people to access better healthcare facilities and treatments without financial constraints.
• Peace of Mind: Provides a sense of security and reduces financial stress during medical emergencies.
• Risk Management: Helps individuals and families manage unforeseen medical expenses.

Challenges in Health Insurance Schemes

• Implementing and operating health insurance schemes face various challenges:
• Rising Healthcare Costs: Increasing costs of medical treatments, technologies, and hospitalizations impact insurance premiums.
• Fraud and Abuse: Insurance fraud and false claims can lead to financial losses for insurers.
• Limited Awareness: Many people lack awareness about the benefits and importance of health insurance.
• Inequitable Access: Geographical disparities in healthcare infrastructure and availability of insurance schemes.

PM-JAY ·       Launched in 2018, it’s the world’s largest government-funded health insurance scheme. ·       Offers a financial cover of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization. ·       Covers expenses like surgery, medical and daycare treatments, medicines, and diagnostics. Beneficiaries: ·       Entitlement-based scheme targeting families identified through the latest Socio-Economic Caste Census (SECC) data. ·       Flexibility for states to use non-SECC beneficiary databases with similar socio-economic profiles for leftover (unauthenticated) SECC families. (This ensures wider coverage) ·       Focuses on the bottom 40% of the Indian population (approximately 55 crore beneficiaries). Funding: ·       Shared funding between Central Government and States/UTs: ·       60:40 for states and UTs with their own legislature. ·       90:10 for Northeast states, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. ·       100% Central funding for UTs without legislature. Nodal Agency: ·       National Health Authority (NHA): Responsible for effective implementation of PM-JAY in collaboration with state governments. ·       State Health Agency (SHA): Apex body of the State Government responsible for implementing PM-JAY within the state.

Conclusion

The reduction in vulnerability to health-related financial shocks among India’s poorest households over the past decade is a positive development, with significant improvements seen across both rural and urban areas. Health initiatives like Ayushman Bharat have played a crucial role in this progress, highlighting the importance of continued investment in accessible and affordable healthcare.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements about the Ayushman Bharat Scheme is/are correct?
2. It provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.
3. The scheme is exclusively funded by the Central Government with no contribution from the States/UTs.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

ANSWER: A

EXPLANATION:

The Ayushman Bharat Scheme provides health coverage of Rs. 5 lakh per family per year for secondary and tertiary care hospitalization.

The funding for the scheme is shared between the Central Government and the States/UTs, not exclusively funded by the Central Government.

ON MONETARY POLICY AND FINANCIAL MARKETS

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The recent global economic landscape is marked by volatility in financial markets, driven by central banks’ attempts to manage inflation and stimulate economic activity through interest rate adjustments. This situation underscores the challenges of implementing effective monetary policy amidst the rapid reactions of global financial markets.

Global Economic Uncertainty:

• Global financial markets have experienced recovery after dramatic declines, but economic uncertainty persists.
• Weaker-than-expected employment generation in the U.S. poses risks to post-pandemic recovery efforts.

Monetary Policy Challenges:

• Central banks, including the Bank of Japan, have raised interest rates to combat inflation, leading to market disruptions.
• The rapid response of financial markets to monetary policy decisions highlights the difficulty in managing expectations and asset values.

Recession Concerns:

• A trade-off between unemployment and inflation is central to current monetary policy.
• Raising interest rates to curb inflation can lead to reduced investment, lower aggregate demand, and higher unemployment, sparking fears of a recession.
• Despite no actual recession, the anticipation of one by the markets led to a sell-off in equity stocks.

Impact of Market Expectations:

• The “Sham rule” triggered unemployment benefits in the U.S. due to a rise in unemployment rates, heightening recession fears.
• Financial markets reacted strongly to these expectations, even though the economy was not in recession.

Global Financial Interactions:

• Japan’s interest rate hike disrupted the “carry trade,” where low Japanese rates had encouraged borrowing and investment in foreign markets.
• This disruption caused selling pressures in other markets, demonstrating how domestic monetary policies can have unintended global consequences.

Historical Context and Challenges:

• The 2008 U.S. financial crisis led to low interest rates, resulting in capital outflows to emerging markets like India.
• The subsequent rise in U.S. interest rates led to capital flight from these markets, exemplifying the challenges posed by global finance on domestic monetary policies.

MONETARY POLICY Monetary Policy refers to the actions undertaken by a nation’s central bank to control the money supply and achieve macroeconomic objectives such as controlling inflation, managing employment levels, and maintaining financial stability. The primary tools used in monetary policy include interest rates, reserve requirements for banks, and open market operations (buying or selling government securities). Key Objectives of Monetary Policy: ·       Control Inflation: Prevent excessive inflation or deflation by managing the money supply. ·       Regulate Economic Growth: Stimulate or slow down economic activity depending on the economic cycle. ·       Maintain Employment Levels: Influence employment through its impact on economic growth. ·       Stabilize Financial Markets: Ensure the stability of the financial system. Monetary policy can be categorized into two main types: ·       Expansionary Monetary Policy: Aims to increase the money supply to stimulate economic growth, often by lowering interest rates. ·       Contractionary Monetary Policy: Aims to reduce the money supply to curb inflation, often by raising interest rates. Monetary Policy in India Pre-2016: ·       Formulated solely by the RBI Governor with advice from a Technical Committee. ·       Governor held veto power. Post-2016: ·       Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) established under the Finance Act of 2016. ·       MPC formulates the monetary policy. Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) Composition: ·       RBI Governor (Chairperson). ·       RBI Deputy Governor in charge of monetary policy. ·       One official nominated by the RBI Board. ·       Three members appointed by the Central Government. Provisions: ·       Meets at least 4 times a year. ·       6 members with a 4-year term, non-renewable. ·       RBI Governor has a casting vote in case of a tie. ·       Quorum: 4 members.

Conclusion

The interplay between monetary policy and financial markets is increasingly complex in a globalized economy. The rapid responses of financial markets to policy changes, driven by expectations rather than actual economic conditions, pose significant challenges for policymakers. The global interconnectedness of financial systems further complicates the implementation of domestic policies, emphasizing the need for careful and coordinated approaches to managing economic stability.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following best describes the influence of a policy rates hike on a country’s economy, particularly in the context of monetary policy?
2. Increases inflation and boosts consumer spending.
3. Decreases borrowing costs, leading to higher business investments and consumer spending.
4. Reduces inflation by increasing borrowing costs, which lowers consumer spending and business investments.
5. Leads to depreciation of the domestic currency and increased foreign investment.

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

Reduces inflation by increasing borrowing costs, which lowers consumer spending and business investments.

CLOUDED LEOPARD

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

The clouded leopard is a unique wild cat found in dense forests across Southeast Asia and the Himalayas. Its conservation is crucial due to its vulnerability and ecological significance.

About Clouded Leopard

• Species: There are two species: the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi).
• Size: Medium-sized, with a length of 60 to 110 cm and weight between 11 and 20 kg.
• Distinctive Markings: Named for the cloud-like patterns on its coat, which are darker ellipses edged in black.
• Tail and Build: It has a long tail, often as long as its body, which aids in balance. The species is stocky with the longest canine teeth among felines.

Habitat and Distribution

• Range: Found across Southeast Asia, including southern China, Bhutan, Nepal, and Northeast India.
• Preferred Environment: Inhabits tropical evergreen rainforests but also found in dry tropical forests and mangrove swamps.
• India: Present in Sikkim, West Bengal, Meghalaya (state animal), and other Northeastern states.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Red List: Both species are classified as ‘Vulnerable,’ highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts.

NEUTRON STARS

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

Neutron stars are incredibly dense remnants of massive stars that have collapsed after exhausting their nuclear fuel. These strange, compact objects are among the most fascinating and extreme phenomena in the universe.

About Neutron Stars

• Formation: Neutron stars form when the core of a massive star, after a supernova explosion, collapses. Protons and electrons are crushed together to form neutrons, resulting in an extremely dense object.
• Size and Mass: Typically around 20 km (12 miles) in diameter, neutron stars have masses between 1.18 and 1.97 times that of the Sun, with most around 1.35 times the Sun’s mass.
• Location: These stars are scattered across the galaxy in regions where other stars are found and can exist alone or in binary systems with a companion star.
• Observability: While many neutron stars are difficult to detect due to low radiation, some are observed as pulsars, which emit regular pulses of radiation.
• Types:

• Pulsars: Neutron stars with strong magnetic fields that produce beams of radiation.
• Rotating Radio Transients (RRATs): Emit irregular radio bursts, with unknown causes.
• Magnetars: Neutron stars with ultra-strong magnetic fields, far exceeding Earth’s magnetic field.

These unique characteristics make neutron stars an essential subject of study in understanding the universe’s extreme environments.