14-September-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

‘HIGH TARGETS CAN HELP CUT CO2 EMISSIONS FROM TRANSPORT SECTOR UP TO 71% BY 2050’

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

India’s transport sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this issue is crucial for achieving India’s ambitious climate goals. A recent study by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India explores the potential for reducing emissions from this sector.

Key Findings

• High Ambition Targets: Implementing high-ambition strategies in three key areas – electrification, fuel economy standards, and modal shift – can reduce CO2 emissions from the transport sector by up to 71% by 2050.
• Electrification: Shifting to electric vehicles is the most effective strategy for reducing emissions, with an estimated annual abatement potential of 121 MtCO2e.
• Fuel Economy Standards: Improving fuel economy standards for internal combustion engine vehicles can also contribute to emissions reductions.
• Modal Shift: Encouraging the use of public transport, cycling, and walking can help reduce reliance on private vehicles.
• Decarbonization of Electricity: Decarbonizing the electricity generation sector is essential to complement the electrification of the transport sector.
• Road Transport Dominance: Road transport accounts for 90% of the transport sector’s emissions, highlighting the need for urgent action.

Consequences of Air Pollution

• Death Toll: Air pollution is linked to around 2,000 deaths annually in India, although this figure is an estimate and may not be entirely accurate.
• Increase in Premature Deaths: India has seen a 50% rise in premature deaths due to PM2.5 between 1990 and 2015, closely tied to the period of economic liberalisation.
• Health Concerns: Pollutants penetrate deep into the lungs, reducing their ability to purify blood. This hampers physical growth, mental capacity, and overall work efficiency, particularly in vulnerable groups like children, pregnant women, and the elderly.
• Vulnerability of the Poor: People with lower incomes are more exposed to air pollution, as they spend more time outdoors or on the roads.

Measures to Improve Air Quality

• Enhancing Public Transport: Promoting the use of cleaner, more efficient public transportation options.
• Vehicle Restrictions: Limiting the number of polluting vehicles on the roads.
• Cleaner Fuels: Introducing fuels that cause less pollution.
• Emission Regulations: Implementing stricter emissions regulations across industries and transportation sectors.
• Efficiency Improvements: Improving energy efficiency in thermal power plants and industrial sectors.
• Renewable Energy: Replacing diesel generators with rooftop solar panels.

National Air Quality Index (AQI)

• Introduced in 2014, with the concept of “One Number – One Color – One Description” to make air quality information easily understandable for the public.
• AQI monitors eight pollutants: PM10, PM2.5, Nitrogen Dioxide (NO₂), Sulphur Dioxide (SO₂), Carbon Monoxide (CO), Ozone (O₃), Ammonia (NH₃), and Lead (Pb).
• The AQI classifies air quality into six categories: Good, Satisfactory, Moderately Polluted, Poor, Very Poor, and Severe.
• Designed by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) with help from IIT-Kanpur and experts in medical and air-quality fields.

Way Forward

WHO’s 4-Pillar Strategy:

• Knowledge Expansion: Enhance understanding of air pollution’s health impacts.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Strengthen global efforts in air quality monitoring.
• Leadership: Foster global coordination to combat air pollution.
• Capacity Building: Improve institutional frameworks for effective action.

Proactive Measures:

• Use of pollution-monitoring apps to help citizens avoid heavily polluted areas.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) in the Delhi-NCR region is a positive initiative for reducing pollution.

Innovative Measures:

Focus on in-situ pollution treatment solutions. An example is Delhi’s use of the Pusa decomposer, an organic method for stubble decomposition developed by the Indian Agriculture Research Institute.

Citizen Responsibility:

• Despite numerous solutions, air pollution persists due to a lack of political will and public participation. Citizens must hold governments accountable and advocate for their right to a healthy environment.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Infrastructure Development: Investing in charging infrastructure and improving public transport systems is crucial for promoting electric vehicles and modal shift.
• Affordability: Making electric vehicles and public transport more affordable is essential for widespread adoption.
• Policy Support: Strong government policies and incentives are needed to drive the transition to low-carbon transport.
• Technological Advancements: Continued advancements in battery technology and other related technologies are essential for the success of electric vehicles.

Conclusion

Decarbonizing India’s transport sector is a complex but achievable goal. By implementing a combination of electrification, fuel economy improvements, and modal shift strategies, India can significantly reduce its greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.

Multiple Choice Question

1. Consider the following statements about the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) of India:
2. NCAP is an initiative to tackle air pollution and to enhance the air quality index in cities across the country.
3. The programme specifically targets to reduce particulate matter (PM) pollution by 20-30% by the year 2024 relative to 2017 levels.
4. NCAP underlines the use of electric vehicles and solar energy as the primary strategies to reduce air pollution.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

Answer: A

Explanation:

The National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) is a government initiative aimed at reducing air pollution levels in over 100 cities across India, focusing on improving the air quality index and mitigating the sources of air pollution.

One of the specific goals of NCAP is to achieve a 20-30% reduction in particulate matter concentrations (PM10 and PM2.5) by 2024, using 2017 levels as a baseline.

While promoting clean energy sources like electric vehicles and solar energy are supportive measures, they are not outlined as the primary strategies under NCAP. The programme mainly emphasizes city-specific air pollution abatement actions including enhancing monitoring networks and strengthening enforcement.

UNDERSTANDING TRANSGENDER RIGHTS AND HUMAN DIGNITY

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

The debate around transgender rights and identity is not a modern issue but rooted in the universal principles of human rights and dignity. As highlighted by various societal discourses, the key challenge lies in recognizing the fundamental rights of individuals to be accepted and respected for their identity without facing discrimination or prejudice. The essence of this issue is not only about gender but the inherent human right to self-expression and dignity.

WHO IS A TRANSGENDER?

As per the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019, a transgender individual is defined as someone whose gender identity does not align with the gender assigned to them at birth.

This category includes people with intersex variations, gender-queer identities, and individuals associated with socio-cultural groups such as kinnar, hijra, aravani, and jogta.
In India, the 2011 Census was the first to record the transgender population. It reported that approximately 4.8 million people in the country identified as transgender.

Historical Context and Human Rights

• Universal rights with historical challenges: Throughout history, several human rights issues were initially considered as ‘problems’ – such as slavery, women’s suffrage, racial segregation, and the right to consent. These struggles illustrate how what was once debated is now universally acknowledged as a basic right.
• Transgender rights in context: Like these earlier human rights issues, transgender rights have been framed as a ‘problem’ by certain societal segments, especially those who resist the acknowledgment of gender identities beyond the traditional binary. However, these challenges highlight the need for a broader and more inclusive understanding of rights.

The Ethical Dimension

• Equality and respect for diversity: The principle of justice emphasizes fairness and equality, ensuring that individuals, regardless of their gender identity, have access to their rights and freedoms. Discrimination based on gender identity undermines this fundamental ethical principle.
• Human dignity: As per the concept of human dignity in ethics, each individual has an inherent worth and should be treated with respect. Transgender individuals, like everyone else, have the right to live authentically, without being forced to conform to societal norms that deny their identity.

Social and Psychological Impacts

• Social exclusion and marginalization: Transgender individuals often face rejection from family and community, leading to mental health challenges such as depression and suicidal tendencies. Society’s refusal to accept them as they are undermining their self-worth and dignity.
• Misconceptions and biases: The idea that gender is strictly biological is a biased, narrow viewpoint. Such perspectives reinforce exclusion and marginalization, especially when legislation or societal norms penalize non-binary expressions of gender.

TRANSGENDER PERSONS (PROTECTION OF RIGHTS) ACT, 2019

National Council for Transgender Persons (NCTP): The Act establishes the NCTP to support transgender rights.

• Definition of Transgender: A transgender person is defined as someone whose gender does not match the one assigned at birth, including transmen, transwomen, gender-queers, intersex persons, and socio-cultural identities like kinnar and hijra.
• Right of Residence: Transgender individuals are given the right to live with their parents and immediate family.
• Certificate of Identity: The Act provides for self-perceived gender identity and mandates that individuals can obtain a certificate from the District Magistrate, with a revised certificate required if gender changes.
• Prohibition Against Discrimination: The Act bans discrimination in areas like education, employment, and healthcare.
• Punishment: Offenses against transgender persons can result in imprisonment between 6 months and 2 years, along with a fine.

Powers and Functions of NCTP

• Monitor & Evaluate: Assess the impact of policies aimed at achieving equality and participation for transgender persons.
• Advise the Government: Offer recommendations on programmes, policies, and legislation for transgender welfare.
• Coordinate Departments: Ensure departmental coordination for transgender issues.
• Redress Grievances: Address complaints related to transgender rights violations.
• Inquiries & Actions: Investigate complaints and take appropriate action.

Significance of NCTP in Empowering Transgender Persons

• Legal Recognition: Facilitates the legal acknowledgement of transgender individuals as a distinct community with rights.
• Representation: Provides a platform for transgender voices at the national level, influencing policy decisions.
• Policy Development: Contributes to the formulation of public policies on education, healthcare, and employment for transgender welfare.
• Awareness: Helps combat stigma and promotes acceptance in society.
• Support & Resources: Ensures access to healthcare, legal aid, and vocational training, promoting dignity and inclusion.

Ethical Solutions and Legal Progress

• Need for inclusivity: Governments, institutions, and civil society must adopt inclusive policies that allow transgender individuals to express their identity without fear of punishment or discrimination. Empathy (another GS-4 concept) is crucial in creating laws that support the marginalized and ensure equality for all citizens.
• Legal protection: Just as historical laws evolved to protect marginalized groups, the same approach should apply to transgender rights. The ethical foundation of social justice demands that transgender people receive legal protections to live freely and with dignity.

Conclusion:

Transgender rights are a matter of human dignity and justice. Just as other historical ‘problems’ eventually found solutions rooted in equality and respect, society must evolve to accept and protect the rights of transgender individuals. Ethical values of justice, dignity, and empathy guide us toward an inclusive world where every human being is respected for who they are.

Multiple Choice Question

1. In India, the Legal Services Authorities offer free legal aid to certain categories of citizens based on specific eligibility criteria. Which of the following groups are eligible for free legal services?
2. Individuals with an annual income below Rs. 1,00,000
3. Transgender persons with an annual income below Rs. 2,00,000
4. Members of Other Backward Classes (OBC) with an annual income below Rs. 3,00,000
5. All senior citizens

Choose the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Answer: A

EXPLANATION

According to the guidelines, individuals with a low income are eligible for free legal aid. In many states, the income threshold is Rs. 1,00,000 or lower, making them eligible for this service.

Transgender persons are recognized as a vulnerable group entitled to free legal services if their income is below a certain limit. Some states have set this threshold at Rs. 2,00,000 annually.

While OBCs may receive legal aid in some cases, they are not specifically covered under free legal services solely based on income criteria of Rs. 3,00,000. The focus is more on SC/ST, women, children, and other marginalized groups.

Free legal services are not provided to all senior citizens automatically. Only those with a low income (based on state-specific thresholds) are eligible.

PORT BLAIR AND ITS HISTORICAL CONNECTION TO THE CHOLA CONQUEST OF SRIVIJAYA

TOPIC: (GS1) HISTORY – SOURCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, holds not only contemporary significance in India’s maritime and strategic realm but also a deep-rooted historical connection to ancient Indian empires, especially the Cholas. The renaming of Port Blair to “Sri Vijaya Puram” brings attention to its historical link with the Chola conquest of the Srivijaya empire in Southeast Asia.

Discovery and Early Significance of Port Blair:

• The history of Port Blair dates back to its ‘discovery’ by Archibald Blair, a British naval surveyor, in the late 18th century.
• Blair’s first expedition to the Andaman Islands took place in 1778, as part of British expansion in the Indian Ocean.
• His surveys were crucial for establishing a strategic base, later transforming the Andaman Islands into a penal colony under British rule, with Port Blair being central to this transformation.
• Blair’s detailed report on the islands led the British to establish a settlement to monitor the activities of pirates, marking the importance of Port Blair as a key strategic outpost.

Colonial Use and Penal Colony:

• Post-1857, the British began sending a large number of Indian prisoners to the Andaman Islands. Port Blair, as the administrative hub, housed the infamous Cellular Jail.
• The jail became an emblem of the Indian freedom struggle, with prominent figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar imprisoned here.

Connection to the Chola Empire:

• The strategic significance of the Andaman Islands is believed to have been recognized even in ancient times, specifically by the 11th-century Chola Empire.
• Historical records suggest that Rajendra Chola I, during his Southeast Asian expeditions, might have used the Andaman Islands as a naval base for his attack on the Srivijaya Empire.
• The Srivijaya Empire, controlling parts of present-day Indonesia and Malaysia, was a major maritime power in Southeast Asia. The Cholas, under Rajendra I, sought to assert dominance in this region.
• An inscription found in Thanjavur refers to the Cholas calling the Andaman Islands “Ma-Nakkavaram,” which translates to ‘great open/naked land.’

The Chola-Srivijaya Conflict:

• The Chola invasion of Srivijaya in 1025 CE was part of a larger naval campaign that extended the Chola influence into Southeast Asia.
• Rajendra Chola’s campaigns were not only military in nature but also fostered cultural and diplomatic exchanges between India and Southeast Asia, leaving a lasting impact on the region.
• Historical evidence points to Rajendra Chola looting the Srivijaya capital and bringing back riches like the Vidyadhara Torana, a jewelled arch.

Conclusion:

The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram emphasizes the historical and strategic significance of the Andaman Islands. The connection to the Chola conquest of Srivijaya is a reminder of India’s long-standing maritime presence in the Indian Ocean, which continues to influence its contemporary strategic and cultural aspirations. The legacy of the Cholas and their interactions with Southeast Asia remains a prominent chapter in India’s history.

Multiple Choice Question

1. Consider the following statements regarding Rajendra Chola I:
2. He was the first Chola king to venture beyond India and launch a successful naval expedition to Southeast Asia.
3. Rajendra Chola I established a new capital called Gangaikonda Cholapuram after his victory in Northern India.
4. His naval expeditions resulted in the conquest of the Srivijaya Empire in Southeast Asia.
5. Rajendra Chola I’s rule marked the end of the Chola dynasty’s territorial expansion.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

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

Answer: C

Explanation:

Rajendra Chola I was the first Indian king to successfully venture into Southeast Asia, launching a naval expedition that established the Cholas as a maritime power.

After his victorious campaigns in Northern India, he established the new capital Gangaikonda Cholapuram.

His naval expeditions resulted in the conquest of the Srivijaya Empire, expanding Chola influence in Southeast Asia.

Rajendra Chola I’s reign marked a period of expansion for the Chola dynasty, not its end.

INDIA’S STANCE ON WTO FISH TALKS SUPPORTED BY DEVELOPING NATIONS

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

India’s proposals at the World Trade Organization (WTO) focus on curbing harmful fishing subsidies that promote unsustainable industrial practices, while safeguarding the interests of small-scale fishers. Supported by numerous developing countries, India’s approach seeks a balanced resolution that aligns with environmental sustainability without unfairly impacting developing nations.

India’s Stance on Fisheries Subsidies at WTO:

Focus on Industrial Fishing:

• India advocates for stricter rules on subsidies that support large-scale, unsustainable deep-sea industrial fishing, primarily benefiting large fleets from developed nations.
• It emphasizes that these subsidies often lead to overfishing and depletion of marine resources, harming global fisheries in the long run.

Protection for Small-Scale Fishers:

• India highlights the need to protect small-scale and artisanal fishers, particularly from developing countries, by ensuring that they are not burdened with unfair restrictions.
• India’s stance is that developing nations should be allowed to sustainably expand their fishing capacities, which are crucial for local economies and food security.

Demand for Fair Agreement:

• India calls for a balanced agreement that upholds sustainability goals while ensuring that developing nations are not disproportionately affected by the new rules.
• The country seeks to close loopholes in the current WTO draft, which could allow large-scale fishing operations to escape responsibility for harmful practices.

Support and Impact:

Backing from Developing Countries & LDCs:

• India’s stance has received significant support from various developing countries and Least Developed Countries (LDCs), who share concerns over the impact of subsidies on small-scale fishers.
• Nations like Gambia have voiced their agreement with India’s call to address loopholes that could undermine sustainable fishing in poorer regions.

Impact on Global Fishing Practices:

• If India’s proposals are adopted, they could lead to reduced harmful subsidies, helping to control overfishing and protect global marine ecosystems.
• The proposals aim to ensure better protection for small-scale fishers, particularly in developing nations, by promoting sustainable fishing practices and preventing the dominance of large industrial fleets.
• India also calls for stronger commitments from major subsidisers like China, the European Union, the U.S., Japan, and South Korea to address global concerns over overfishing.

THE WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION (WTO):

The World Trade Organization (WTO) is the only global international organization dedicated to regulating trade between nations. Established in 1995, the WTO succeeded the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), which had served as a de facto international trade organization since 1948.History and Evolution

• Origins in GATT: The WTO’s roots trace back to the GATT, established in 1947 as a result of the Bretton Woods Conference.
• Failed ITO: The proposed International Trade Organization (ITO) was not realized due to the failure of the U.S. Senate to ratify its charter.
• GATT’s Role: The GATT served as the primary multilateral instrument governing international trade until the WTO’s establishment.

WTO Membership and Functions

• Members: The WTO has 164 members, including the European Union, and 23 observer governments.

Core Functions:

• Negotiating and implementing trade agreements
• Settling trade disputes
• Reviewing national trade policies
• Providing technical assistance and training to developing countries

Relationship with the United Nations

• Cooperation: While not a UN specialized agency, the WTO maintains strong relations with the UN and its agencies.
• Coordination: The WTO Director General participates in the Chief Executive Board, the UN system’s coordination organ.

WTO and Fisheries Subsidies:

• The WTO is working to finalize a global agreement on eliminating harmful fisheries subsidies, which are financial aids provided by governments to their fishing industries. These subsidies often encourage overfishing and unsustainable fishing practices.
• The agreement is part of the larger effort to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 14.6, which aims to prohibit subsidies that contribute to illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and overcapacity by 2020 (a deadline that has been extended).

HELIUM LEAKS POSE CHALLENGES FOR SPACE MISSIONS

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

Helium is vital in space missions due to its non-reactive, inert nature, which ensures it won’t combust or react with other materials. Its light atomic mass (second only to hydrogen) makes it ideal for pressurizing fuel tanks and cooling systems in rockets.

• Rockets must remain lightweight to conserve fuel and achieve orbit efficiently, making helium an ideal choice for these tasks.

Usage in Spacecraft Systems

• In spacecraft, helium is used to pressurize fuel tanks, ensuring a consistent fuel supply to the engines, and it fills voids left by consumed fuel, maintaining pressure stability.
• Its inert nature also makes it safe for use in fuel tanks without the risk of combustion with residual fuel traces.
• Helium’s low boiling point allows it to remain gaseous even in extremely cold environments, which is crucial for rockets using cryogenic fuels.

Helium Leaks: A Persistent Issue

• Due to helium’s small atomic size, it is prone to escaping through tiny gaps in storage tanks and fuel systems, leading to leaks.
• This issue has affected several space missions, including Boeing’s Starliner, SpaceX’s Polaris Dawn, and ISRO’s Chandrayaan-2.
• Although leaks are easily detectable, they highlight vulnerabilities in fuel systems, creating additional challenges for mission success.

Need for Industry Innovation

• The frequent occurrence of helium leaks has led to calls for advancements in valve design and more precise sealing technologies.
• Engineers across the space industry emphasize the need for innovation to prevent leaks, ensuring the reliability and safety of future space missions.

INDORE’S STREAK PROMPTS NEW ‘GOLDEN CITIES CLUB’ IN SWACHHATA RANKINGS; FRESH COMPETITION FOR CLEANEST CITY LAUNCHED

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

Indore has been ranked the cleanest city in India for seven consecutive years. This consistent success has led to a change in the competition format for the Swachhata rankings.

Introduction of Golden Cities Club:

• A new category called “Golden Cities Club” has been introduced by Union Housing and Urban Affairs Minister, Manohar Lal Khattar.
• This category includes cities that have consistently ranked number one, allowing other cities to compete for the top position.
• It aims to create a fair competitive environment, as cities like Indore may discourage other cities from making efforts.

New Competition Structure:

• Cities in the Golden Cities Club will be excluded from the regular competition.
• Future top winners from the general category will join this exclusive club.
• Cities that have ranked first for three consecutive years will qualify for this club.

Recent Cleanliness Drive Initiatives:

• A cleanliness drive will be held from September 17 to October 2, covering two lakh locations, including public buildings, commercial areas, and public toilets.

This is part of the Swachh Bharat Mission.

Swachh Bharat Mission’s Success:

• Jal Shakti Minister emphasized that 93% of women in India now have access to a toilet, as per a WHO report.

THIRD EDITION OF INDUS-X SUMMIT CONCLUDES IN CALIFORNIA

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

The INDUS-X Summit is a joint event between India and the U.S., focused on advancing defence innovation. It showcases technologies from startups and SMEs, encourages discussions on future trends and funding, and strengthens defence supply chains.

Objective: Strengthen industry-research-investment partnerships and address challenges in defence innovation and capacity building.

Key Features of INDUS-X Summit:

• Collaboration for Defence Innovation: Aimed at advancing defence technologies between India and the U.S.
• Platform for SMEs and Startups: Provides a platform for showcasing technologies developed by startups and SMEs in the defence sector.
• Discussions on Future Trends: Facilitates dialogue on technology trends, funding opportunities, and supply chain improvements.
• Advisory Forums: Includes the Senior Advisory Group and Senior Leaders Forum for strategic insights.

Management:

• Managed by Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) from India and the U.S. Department of Defence Innovation Unit (DIU).

EXERCISE AL NAJAH

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

The Indian Army has dispatched a contingent to participate in the 5th edition of Exercise AL NAJAH, which will be held from 13th to 26th September 2024.

A joint military exercise between India and Oman.

• Location: Rabkoot Training Area, Salalah, Oman.
• Frequency: Biennial, alternating between India and Oman. The previous edition took place at Mahajan, Rajasthan.
• Indian Representation: A Battalion from the Mechanised Infantry Regiment, consisting of 60 personnel.
• Activities: Combined field training exercises simulating real-world counter-terrorism scenarios.

Objective:

• To enhance the joint military capabilities of India and Oman.
• Focus on counter-terrorism operations under Chapter VII of the United Nations Charter.
• Emphasis on operations in desert environments.

Key Tactical Drills:

• Joint Planning
• Cordon and Search Operations
• Fighting in Built-Up Areas
• Establishment of Mobile Vehicle Check Posts
• Counter Drone Operations
• Room Intervention

Conclusion:

Exercise AL NAJAH serves as a significant platform for India and Oman to strengthen their military partnership and enhance interoperability in counter-terrorism operations. By focusing on joint planning and real-world tactical drills in challenging environments, this biennial exercise not only builds military capabilities but also fosters deeper defense cooperation between the two nations.