12-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

GETTING STRUCK IN SPACE

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

A technical issue with the Boeing spacecraft has left NASA astronauts Sunita Williams and Butch Wilmore stranded on the International Space Station (ISS).

They might remain aboard the ISS until February 2025. This situation has raised concerns about the ISS’s ability to accommodate extended stays and the physical impacts on astronauts.

Reason for Delay:

• Williams and Wilmore travelled to the ISS in June aboard Boeing’s Starliner spacecraft.
• The spacecraft has faced issues, particularly with its propulsion system, during a mission earlier this year.
• Due to these technical glitches, NASA may delay their return until February 2025, extending their stay beyond the intended duration.

ISS Accommodation:

• The ISS, a continuously manned space laboratory orbiting 400 km above Earth, is capable of hosting a crew of seven astronauts.
• Williams and Wilmore would be among nine astronauts on the ISS if they stay until February.
• The ISS has previously managed similar extended missions, suggesting it can handle this situation.

Impact on Astronauts:

• Extended time in space can lead to health issues such as muscle atrophy, bone density loss, and vision problems.
• NASA has protocols in place to monitor and mitigate these risks, ensuring the astronauts’ safety and health.

INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION (ISS) What is it? ·       Largest human-made object in space (launched 1998) ·       Habitat for astronauts (continuously inhabited since 2011) Collaborative project between space agencies: ·       US (NASA) ·       Russia (Roscosmos) ·       Europe (ESA) ·       Japan (JAXA) ·       Canada (CSA) Where is it? ·       Orbits Earth at 400 km altitude ·       Travels at 28,000 km/hour, completing an orbit every 90 minutes What does it do? ·       Conducts scientific research in microgravity ·       Serves as a testbed for long-duration spaceflight (valuable for future Moon and Mars missions) ·       Example of international cooperation in space exploration Key Achievements: ·       Drug development ·       Water purification systems ·       Combating muscle and bone loss in space ·       Research on fundamental diseases, cool flames, and the fifth state of matter ·       Understanding human body changes in microgravity ·       3D printing in microgravity ·       Monitoring Earth and collecting cosmic particle data ·       Studying pulsars, black holes, and unknown microbes ·       Pioneering colloid research and fluid physics in space Current Status: ·       Future uncertain due to tensions between Russia and the West (post-Ukraine War 2022) ·       Russia plans to leave ISS and build its own station ·       US and Europe committed to ISS operation until 2030 ·       Europe developing a new space station (Starlab) Other Space Station Initiatives: ·       China (Tiangong) – operational since 2022, accommodates 3 astronauts at 450 km altitude ·       India (Bhartiya Antriksh Station) – planned for 2035, 400 km orbit, 20-tonne station for 15-20 day stays

 

Why Low Earth Orbit (LEO) is Ideal for the ISS

Proximity to Earth

• Efficient resupply: LEO allows for relatively frequent and cost-effective resupply missions to deliver essential supplies, equipment, and crew rotation
• Communication: Being closer to Earth facilitates reliable communication with ground control and other facilities.
• Emergency return: In case of an emergency, astronauts can re-enter the Earth’s atmosphere more quickly and safely from LEO compared to higher orbits.

Microgravity Environment

• Scientific research: LEO provides a microgravity environment ideal for conducting various scientific experiments, including material science, fluid physics, and biological studies.
• Human adaptation: Studying the effects of long-term exposure to microgravity on the human body is essential for future deep space exploration.

Earth Observation

• Monitoring and research: The ISS’s LEO position offers a unique vantage point for observing Earth, collecting valuable data on climate change, natural disasters, and other environmental factors.

Accessibility and Cost-Efficiency

• Launch and maintenance: LEO requires less energy and resources for launching and maintaining a spacecraft compared to higher orbits.

Conclusion:

The technical issues with the Boeing spacecraft have led to an unprecedented situation where astronauts may need to extend their stay on the ISS. While the ISS is equipped to handle such scenarios, the prolonged stay poses challenges that NASA must address to safeguard the astronauts’ well-being.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements about the International Space Station (ISS) and its orbit:
2. The ISS orbits Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO), which allows it to complete an orbit approximately every 90 minutes.
3. The ISS was launched solely by NASA and has been operational since the early 2000s.
4. The ISS provides a unique platform for scientific research in microgravity, supporting experiments in biology, physics, and astronomy.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: B

EXPLANATION

The ISS orbits Earth in Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and completes an orbit approximately every 90 minutes.

The ISS is a collaborative effort involving multiple space agencies, not just NASA, and has been operational since 1998.

The ISS serves as a laboratory for scientific research in microgravity, including studies in biology, physics, and astronomy.

JAPAN’S FIRST ‘MEGAQUAKE ADVISORY’: IMPLICATIONS AND CONTEXT

TOPIC: (GS3) DISASTERS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Japan has issued its first-ever ‘megaquake advisory’ following a 7.1-magnitude earthquake in southern Japan. This advisory highlight the increased risk of a significant earthquake and tsunami in the Nankai Trough region, a major subduction zone off Japan’s southwest coast.

Nankai Trough and Its Significance:

• The Nankai Trough is a 900-km-long subduction zone where the Eurasian Plate collides with the Philippine Sea Plate.
• Historically, this region has experienced significant earthquakes, known as ‘megathrust quakes,’ with magnitudes exceeding 8.
• The most recent twin quakes in this region occurred in 1944 and 1946.

Megaquake Advisory:

• The advisory does not predict an imminent earthquake but warns of the potential for a major quake, with high chances of occurrence in the next 2 years.
• A megathrust quake in this area could trigger tsunamis with waves up to 98 feet, impacting over 120 million people.

Challenges in Earthquake Prediction:

• Although the region is closely monitored, precise earthquake prediction remains elusive.
• The advisory is a precautionary measure to prepare for possible seismic activity.

EARTHQUAKES What is an earthquake? ·       Sudden shaking of Earth’s surface due to energy release in crust. ·       Caused by movement of tectonic plates. Types of Plate Boundaries: ·       Convergent Boundaries: Where plates collide, leading to powerful earthquakes. ·       Divergent Boundaries: Where plates move apart, causing earthquakes mainly along mid-ocean ridges. ·       Transform Boundaries: Where plates slide past each other, resulting in frequent but often less powerful earthquakes. Earthquake Basics ·       Focus (Hypocentre): Point inside Earth where earthquake originates. ·       Epicentres: Point on surface directly above focus. ·       Seismic waves: Energy released as waves. Types of Seismic Waves ·       Body waves: Travel through Earth’s interior. ·       P-waves: Fastest, travel through solids, liquids, and gases. ·       S-waves: Slower, travel only through solids. ·       Surface waves: Travel along Earth’s surface. ·       Love waves: Cause horizontal ground movement. ·       Rayleigh waves: Cause up-and-down ground movement. Measuring Earthquakes ·       Mercalli scale: Measures earthquake intensity based on damage. ·       Richter scale: Measures earthquake magnitude based on energy released. World Distribution of Earthquakes: Circum-Pacific Belt (Pacific Ring of Fire): ·       The most seismically active region, where around 70% of the world’s earthquakes occur. ·       This area includes the coasts surrounding the Pacific Ocean, known for frequent and powerful earthquakes. Mediterranean-Himalayan Belt: ·       Another significant earthquake zone, accounting for about 20% of global earthquakes. ·       Includes regions like Asia Minor, the Himalayan range, and parts of north-western China.

Examples of Japan’s Earthquake Preparedness

• Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA): Operates a sophisticated early warning system that can detect an earthquake’s epicenter and magnitude within seconds.
• Base isolation: Many buildings in Japan are built on base isolation systems, which absorb seismic energy and protect the structure.
• Comprehensive training: Drills cover a wide range of scenarios, including evacuations, first aid, and fire prevention.
• Emergency Response and Recovery: Japan maintains a highly skilled and organized emergency response force capable of handling large-scale disasters.
• Earthquake research: Japan invests heavily in research to improve earthquake prediction and mitigation technologies.

Conclusion:

Japan’s issuance of its first ‘megaquake advisory’ underscores the ongoing seismic threat posed by the Nankai Trough. While the exact timing of a major quake is uncertain, the advisory serves as a critical alert for preparedness in a highly vulnerable region.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following statements regarding seismic waves is/are correct?
2. P-waves can travel through both solids and liquids, while S-waves can only travel through solids.
3. Rayleigh waves are responsible for the majority of the ground shaking experienced during an earthquake.
4. Love waves move the ground in a vertical motion, similar to Rayleigh waves.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

P-waves can travel through both solids and liquids, while S-waves can only move through solids.

Rayleigh waves are responsible for most of the ground shaking during an earthquake.

Love waves move the ground side-to-side, not in a vertical motion.

THREE NEIGHBOURHOOD QUESTIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: LIVEMINT

India has recently faced significant setbacks in its immediate neighborhood, particularly in Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh. These events have raised questions about the effectiveness of India’s foreign and security policy in these regions.

Political Upheaval in Bangladesh:

• On August 5, 2023, Bangladesh’s Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, known for her alignment with India’s interests, faced widespread protests and had to resign.
• This was seen as a significant blow to India’s influence in Bangladesh.

Change of Leadership in Maldives:

• Mohamed Muizzu was sworn in as President of Maldives on November 17, 2023.
• His administration is expected to diminish India’s role in Maldives while enhancing ties with China, contrasting sharply with his predecessor Ibrahim Solih’s approach.

Taliban Takeover in Afghanistan:

• On August 15, 2021, the Taliban’s swift takeover in Afghanistan forced India to evacuate its diplomatic personnel, erasing years of strategic investments.

Underlying Issues:

• The setbacks highlight potential misjudgements in India’s foreign policy and security strategies.
• India’s external intelligence services, including the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Indian Foreign Service (IFS), play crucial roles in managing these relationships.

Conclusion:

India’s recent experiences in Afghanistan, Maldives, and Bangladesh suggest that its foreign policy needs a more dynamic approach to respond to rapid political changes in the neighborhood. Strengthening diplomatic foresight and intelligence capabilities will be key to safeguarding India’s regional interests.

HINDENBURG REPORT: A CLOUD OVER SEBI

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: LIVEMINT

The controversy involving the Adani Group, Hindenburg Research, and SEBI’s Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch has raised serious concerns about regulatory integrity and transparency in India’s stock market.

Hindenburg’s Allegations Against Adani Group:

• In January 2023, Hindenburg Research accused the Adani Group of stock market manipulation and accounting fraud, claims denied by the group.
• The Supreme Court concluded that there was no need for a CBI or court-monitored probe into these allegations.

Recent Allegations Against SEBI Chairperson:

• Hindenburg has returned with claims involving SEBI Chairperson Madhabi Puri Buch, alleging that she and her husband had hidden stakes in offshore funds linked to Vinod Adani.
• During her tenure at SEBI, Buch allegedly communicated with managers of these offshore funds and held interests in a Singapore consulting firm, Agora.

SEBI’s Disclosure Norms Under Scrutiny:

• Buch defended herself by stating that all required disclosures were made to SEBI.
• However, questions arise about why these disclosures were not made public, especially when SEBI was investigating the Adani Group.
• SEBI’s code mandates the disclosure of interests that may conflict with the duties of board members, but the opacity in this case has raised concerns.

Implications for Regulatory Integrity:

• The lack of transparency and the potential conflict of interest could undermine the credibility of SEBI.
• There is a risk of the issue becoming a political controversy, further complicating the situation.

SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) Established in 1988 as a non-statutory body, SEBI was given statutory powers in 1992 through the SEBI Act, 1992. ·       SEBI is the regulatory authority for securities and commodity markets in India. Key Objectives: ·       Protect the interests of investors in securities. ·       Promote the development of, and regulate, the securities market. ·       Ensure the securities market operates in a fair, transparent, and efficient manner. Regulatory Functions: ·       Regulation of Stock Exchanges: SEBI oversees the functioning of stock exchanges to ensure they operate within the framework of laws and regulations. ·       Investor Protection: SEBI formulates policies to protect investors’ rights and interests. ·       Ensures that companies provide timely and accurate information to investors. ·       Introduces innovative trading practices and products to deepen and develop the securities market. ·       Regulates intermediaries like brokers, mutual funds, and credit rating agencies. ·       Prohibition of Insider Trading: SEBI monitors and enforces rules to prevent insider trading, ensuring market fairness. ·       Regulation of Takeovers and Mergers: SEBI regulates the process of takeovers and mergers to ensure fairness to all stakeholders.

Powers of SEBI:

Quasi-Judicial Powers:

• SEBI has the authority to adjudicate on cases of fraud and unethical practices in the securities market. This power ensures transparency, accountability, and fairness in the market.

Quasi-Executive Powers:

• SEBI can inspect financial records and other critical documents to uncover violations. If violations are found, SEBI has the authority to enforce rules, pass judgments, and take legal action against those responsible.

Quasi-Legislative Powers:

• To safeguard investor interests, SEBI is empowered to create and implement regulations. These rules cover areas such as listing obligations, insider trading, and disclosure requirements, aiming to eliminate malpractices in the securities market.

Conclusion:

To maintain the integrity of India’s stock market and its regulator, an urgent, transparent investigation is necessary. Public trust in SEBI’s autonomy and accountability must be restored through full disclosure and adherence to high standards of governance.

BIOTECHNOLOGISTS DETECT DIFFERENCE IN USE OF NITROGEN BY RICE VARIETIES

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

Biotechnologists at Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University (GGU), New Delhi, have made a significant breakthrough in understanding nitrogen-use efficiency (NUE) in rice. NUE measures crop yield relative to the available nitrogen. This discovery has important implications for rice cultivation in India.

• Variation in NUE: Some rice varieties exhibit up to five times better NUE compared to others.
• Impact on Fertilizer Use: Improved NUE can reduce the need for nitrogen fertilizers, cutting costs and minimizing environmental impacts.
• Current Fertilizer Consumption: India’s rice cultivation uses a large amount of urea, resulting in ₹1 trillion worth of fertilizer waste annually.
• Environmental Concerns: Excess nitrogen fertilizers contribute to air and water pollution, affecting health, biodiversity, and climate change.

Recommendations

• Biotechnology: Utilize biotechnological advances to develop rice varieties with better NUE.
• Fertilizer Management: Adopt improved fertilizer formulations and practices.
• Sustainable Practices: Implement legume-based crop rotations and effective crop management.

Balanced Fertilization in India: Challenges and Initiatives

India faces a significant challenge in promoting balanced fertilization, despite various government interventions.

Government Initiatives

• Neem Coating of Urea:To curb misuse, urea was mandated to be neem-coated in 2015.
• Reduction in Urea Bag Size: To reduce consumption, 50kg urea bags were replaced with 45kg ones in 2018.
• Introduction of Nano Urea: To reduce urea dependency, liquid Nano Urea was launched in 2021.
• Nutrient-Based Subsidy (NBS): Implemented in 2010, this aimed to incentivize balanced fertilizer use by linking subsidies to nutrient content.

Challenges

• Urea Dominance: Despite initiatives, urea remains the dominant fertilizer due to its affordability, availability, and high nitrogen content.
• Heavy Subsidy on Urea: The disproportionate subsidy on urea compared to other fertilizers distorts consumption patterns.
• NBS Ineffectiveness: While intended to promote balanced fertilization, the exclusion of urea from the NBS and price controls on DAP have undermined its effectiveness.
• Farmer Awareness: Many farmers lack awareness about the importance of balanced fertilization and the benefits of alternative fertilizers.

Consequences of Imbalanced Fertilization

• Reduced Crop Yields and Quality: Excessive or deficient nutrient application impacts crop productivity.
• Soil Degradation: Nutrient imbalances lead to soil degradation, erosion, and loss of fertility.
• Environmental Pollution: Nutrient runoff contaminates water bodies, causing eutrophication.
• Health Risks: Nitrate accumulation in crops due to excessive fertilizer use poses health hazards.

Way forward

• Rationalization of Fertilizer Subsidies: Aligning subsidies with nutrient content.
• Promotion of Alternative Fertilizers: Encouraging the use of organic and bio-fertilizers.
• Farmer Education and Awareness: Creating awareness about the benefits of balanced fertilization.
• Strengthening Extension Services: Providing farmers with technical guidance on fertilizer use.
• Soil Health Management: Promoting practices like crop rotation and cover cropping.

Conclusion

Enhancing NUE in rice varieties is crucial for sustainable agriculture. This approach will reduce fertilizer usage, lower costs, and mitigate environmental pollution. The study, published in the Journal of Plant Growth Regulation, underscores the need for integrating biotechnology and better agricultural practices to address these challenges.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Which of the following is a primary nutrient required by plants and is commonly found in fertilizers?
2. Nitrogen
3. Calcium
4. Magnesium
5. Sulphur

Select the correct answer using the code below:

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

ANSWER C

EXPLANATION 

Nitrogen and sulphur are primary nutrients required by plants and commonly found in fertilizers. Calcium and magnesium are secondary nutrients.

Read about primary and secondary nutrients required by plants.

NCERT REMOVES CARTOON ON COALITION POLITICS, SAYS IT CAST ‘INDIA IN NEGATIVE LIGHT’

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

The National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) has removed a political cartoon from the Class 12 political science textbook “Politics in India Since Independence,” citing concerns that it portrayed India in a negative light.

Cartoon Details

• Content: The cartoon, created by Ravishankar and published in India Today, depicted former Prime Ministers V.P. Singh, Chandra Shekhar, P.V. Narasimha Rao, H.D. Deve Gowda, I.K. Gujral, and A.B. Vajpayee.
• Context: It illustrated the era of coalition politics in India, questioning the stability of various coalition governments from 1989 onwards.
• Historical Coverage: The cartoon spanned significant political phases including the National Front (1989), United Front (1996-97), BJP-led coalition (1998), and the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and United Progressive Alliance (UPA) periods.

Changes and Replacements

• Update: As of April, before the 2024 Lok Sabha election, the cartoon was replaced with a dialogue between two students.
• New Content: The new illustration features a discussion on whether coalition governments will persist or if national parties will consolidate, focusing on the effectiveness of government rather than political stability.

DELETED CONTENT History: ·       Sections on the Mughals, the Delhi Sultanate, Gandhi’s assassination, and the Gujarat riots have been removed from the Class 12 history textbooks. Mathematics: ·       Topics such as Euclid’s division lemma and vector algebra have been deleted from the Class 12 syllabus. Biology: ·       The chapter on the reproductive system has been removed from the Class 12 biology textbook. Concerns Raised: Fundamental Understanding: ·       Removal of these topics may weaken foundational knowledge in mathematics and science, potentially affecting performance in competitive exams like JEE and NEET. Historical Impact: ·       Excluding significant historical content may lead to a distorted understanding of India’s past and reinforce divisive narratives. Government’s Stance Rationalisation Purpose: ·       To “unburden” students. ·       Align with National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. ·       Address pandemic-induced learning losses. Criteria for Rationalisation: ·       Overlaps in content. ·       Similar content in other grades. ·       Level of difficulty. ·       Self or peer-learning suitability. Relevance to current context. Critics’ Concerns ·       Political Motivation: Distortion or erasure of aspects not aligning with current ideology. ·       Contradictions with NEP 2020: NEP advocates for critical thinking and diversity. ·       Lack of Transparency: Insufficient consultation with stakeholders. ·       Effectiveness: Critics argue it doesn’t adequately address pandemic-related learning losses. ·       Curriculum Depth: Concerns over removal of significant chapters like the Periodic Table, Darwin’s Theory.

Strategies for Designing Neutral and Effective Textbooks

Independent Review Panels

• Composition: Include educators, subject matter experts, and historians from diverse backgrounds.
• Function: Review content to ensure it’s balanced, factual, and free from political or ideological bias.

Transparent Development Process

• Stakeholder Input: Involve teachers, students, and academic researchers in the textbook development process.
• Source Verification: Ensure that all factual content is supported by credible and diverse sources.

Balanced Representation

• Multiple Perspectives: Present different viewpoints on controversial issues, allowing students to understand multiple sides of an argument.

Periodic Reviews and Updates

• Regular Revisions: Update textbooks periodically to incorporate new research and address any biases or inaccuracies identified.

Professional Development for Educators

• Training: Provide training for teachers on how to handle sensitive content and foster an environment of critical inquiry.

Conclusion

The NCERT’s decision to remove the cartoon reflects concerns over the portrayal of India’s political landscape. The updated content aims to engage students in discussions about the nature and effectiveness of coalition versus single-party governments, encouraging critical thinking about political processes.

ASCEUA TERTIA 

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

Asceua tertia is a new species of ground-dwelling spider recently discovered in the Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary, part of the Western Ghats in India.

It is the third species of the Asceua genus to be identified in India, following Asceua cingulata (Simon, 1905) and Asceua thrippalurensis (Sankaran, 2023).

Key Features:

Family: Belongs to the ant-eating spider family Zodariidae.

Distinctive Characteristics:

• Small size with males ranging from 2.54 mm and females up to 3.2 mm.
• Males feature a yellow-brown prosoma (head region) with creamy white to yellow-brown leg and palp segments, adorned with broad brown patches and narrow stripes.
• The abdomen in males has three pairs of narrow, creamy white stripes arranged obliquely, a white dot near the rear, and numerous tiny creamy white spots on the sides.
• Females have a dark brown prosoma and a wide, oval abdomen with four pairs of creamy white stripes, along with small anterior and broad posterior creamy white patches on the sides.

Significance:

• This discovery adds to the biodiversity knowledge of the Western Ghats, a biodiversity hotspot.
• Asceua tertia contributes to the understanding of the Zodariidae family and the ecological diversity of the region.

THE GREAT BARRIER REEF

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

The Great Barrier Reef is the world’s largest and longest coral reef complex, located in the Pacific Ocean off the northeastern coast of Australia, in the Coral Sea.

It is the largest living structure on Earth, stretching over 2,300 km in a northwest-southeast direction.

 Key Features:

Geography:

• The reef system covers an area of about 350,000 square km.
• It comprises nearly 3,000 individual reefs and over 900 islands.
• Its width ranges from 60 to 250 km, and it lies at an offshore distance of 16 to 160 km from the coast.

Visibility from Space: The reef is so large that it is visible from space.

World Heritage Site: UNESCO declared it a World Heritage Site in 1981.

Biodiversity:

• The Great Barrier Reef is home to an incredibly diverse range of marine life.
• It hosts approximately 2,000 species of fish and 600 species of coral.
• It supports 4,000 mollusk species and over 250 different shrimp species.
• The reef is also a critical habitat for six of the seven known species of sea turtles, numerous sea snakes, and nearly two dozen bird species.

Conservation:

• Much of the Great Barrier Reef is protected as a marine park, managed by the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority of Australia.
• Rising water temperatures in recent years have posed significant threats to the reef, highlighting the need for ongoing conservation efforts.