15-April-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

FERTILITY LEVELS DROP BELOW ONE IN MANY ASIAN NATIONS

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Many East and Southeast Asian countries are experiencing a population crisis marked by declining birth rates and record-low fertility rates.

• Hospitals in China have ceased newborn delivery services due to decreased demand, while South Korea has resorted to mass blind dates to boost birth rates.

Historical Perspective

• Between 1950 and 1970, fertility rates in East and Southeast Asian countries ranged from 3.5 to 7.5 but have since plummeted.
• The total fertility rate (TFR), indicating the average number of children per woman, has fallen below the replacement level of 2.1 in several countries.

Current Situation

• South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan have TFRs lower than one, indicating declining birth rates.
• Factors contributing to this decline include women choosing to have fewer children, delayed marriage, career opportunities, and high costs of raising children.

Government Policies

• China’s strict family planning policies and slogans like “Even two children per family are too many for our crowded country” have influenced fertility rates.
• Other countries like Singapore have also implemented two-child policies to control population growth.

KEY DEFINITIONS RELATED TO BIRTHS AND FERTILITY RATES.

• Total Fertility Rate (TFR): Average number of children a woman would have in her lifetime based on current birth rates.
• Crude Birth Rate (CBR): Annual live births per 1,000 people in a population.
• Replacement Level Fertility: This refers to the TFR required for a population to replace itself over time, assuming no net migration. It’s typically around 2.1 children per woman, accounting for some child mortality.
• General Fertility Rate (GFR): This refines the CBR a bit. It represents the annual number of live births per 1,000 women in their childbearing years (usually defined as 15-49 years old).

Impact of Low Fertility Rates

• Aging population poses challenges as older people constitute a larger share of the population.
• Countries are rapidly aging, with a significant percentage projected to be aged over 65 in the coming years.
• Governments have introduced financial incentives and programs to encourage childbirth, but fertility rates have not yet reversed.

DECODING THE JUDGMENT ON JIM CORBETT

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Supreme Court’s ruling exposed collusion among politicians, forest officials, and contractors in felling 6,000 trees in Jim Corbett National Park.

• Despite conservation policies like the Wildlife Protection Act, Project Tiger, and Forest (Conservation) Act, revenue remains the state’s priority.
• Illegal tree destruction violates the 1983 Supreme Court judgment emphasizing environmental preservation over economic growth.

Shift in Eco-Tourism Approach

• National and State Forest authorities leverage eco-tourism for conservation, revenue, and local livelihoods.
• Recent Supreme Court judgment emphasizes eco-centrism over anthropocentrism, opposing tiger safaris in core areas.
• Rejects 2019 guidelines allowing safari setups akin to zoos, advocating sourcing tigers from the same landscape as the safari.

Precautionary Principle and Biodiversity

• Urgency highlighted by British environmentalist Norman Myers due to escalating biodiversity threats.
• Red List of Threatened Species reports 12% of Indian animal species as endangered, with 90% loss in biodiversity hotspots.

Way forward

• assess green cover damage in Jim Corbett and prepare restoration methodology.
• Current valuation methods like compensatory afforestation levy and net present value insufficiently address environmental harm.
• Advocates for ecosystem services-based valuation to prioritize environmental benefits over revenue from eco-tourism.

CHANGES IN WILDLIFE PROTECTION ACT (WPA) 1972

The Wildlife Protection Act (WPA) 1972 did undergo some revisions in 2024 related to licensing for wildlife trade.

• Schedule Relaxation: Earlier restrictions on issuing licenses for trade in some Schedule II species have been lifted. This means licenses can now be obtained for certain animals in this category.
• Schedule Revamp: The number of schedules for classifying wild animals has been reduced from six to four. Schedule I still holds the most protected species.
• Licensing Process: The revised rules offer clearer guidelines for granting licenses.
• NEW SCHDULES OF WPA 1972

 This judgement calls for a precise law and policy on ecosystem services, drawing from International Court of Justice precedents like Costa Rica v. Nicaragua (2018).

FLEETING RELIEF

TOPIC: (GS3) INDIAN ECONOMY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Retail inflation dipped below 5% in March, marking the lowest rate since May 2023.Recorded at 4.85%, slightly down from February’s 5.1%.

• The Monetary policy committee is tasked with setting the inflation target, currently set at 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%.

Quarterly and Annual Trends

• Average inflation in the final quarter of 2023-24 aligns with RBI projections, marking a three-year low.
• Consumer price rise averaged 5.4% for the full year, a four-year low as forecasted by RBI.

Core Inflation and Fuel Prices

• Core inflation (excluding energy and food) remained below 4% for four consecutive months.
• Overall fuel inflation hit a four-year low of -2.7% in March, with a consistent disinflation trend.

Persisting Challenges in Food Prices

• Consumer Food Price Index shows concerning trends, averaging 8% throughout 2023-24.
• January to March quarter saw a higher average of 8.5% in food inflation.
• Deeply entrenched inflation in vegetables (5 months), pulses (10 months), and spices (22 months) persists.

Potential Factors Affecting Inflation

• Normal monsoon hopes may alleviate some pressure on food prices by July.
• Heat waves pose a threat to perishable supplies, potentially impacting inflation.
• Crude oil price resurgence, global economic uncertainties, and shipping cost spikes may impact inflation outlook.

Urban vs. Rural Inflation

• Urban inflation eased to 4.14% in March, nearing the target.
• Rural inflation rose to 5.45%, indicating disparities in price trends.

MONETARY POLICY COMMITTEE (MPC)

• The MPC is established by the Government of India according to the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
• Consists of six members: three from the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and three external members appointed by the Government.Objective
• Inflation Targeting

The MPC is tasked with setting the inflation target, currently set at 4% with a tolerance band of +/- 2%.

• The main goal of the MPC is to ensure price stability, balancing it with the aim of promoting growth.

Decision-making Process

• The MPC meets periodically to review economic and financial indicators.
• Decisions on monetary policy, including interest rates, are made through voting, with each member having one vote.
• The Governor of the RBI acts as the tie-breaker in case of a deadlock.

Monetary policy decisions are aimed at achieving this inflation target over the medium term.

MAN PORTABLE ANTI-TANK GUIDED MISSILE (MPATGM)

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNAL SECURITY – SOURCE: PIB

The Man Portable Anti-tank Guided Missile (MPATGM) is an advanced anti-tank weapon system created by India’s Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO).It boasts advanced capabilities such as day/night and top attack capability.

Components of the System

• MPATGM comprises the missile itself, launcher, target acquisition system, and fire control unit.

Warhead Performance

• Warhead flight trials conducted at the Pokhran Field Firing Range, Rajasthan, demonstrating remarkable performance.
• Penetration trials of the tandem warhead system completed successfully, capable of defeating modern armored main battle tanks.

Advanced Capabilities

• Equipped with day/night and top attack capability for enhanced versatility.
• Features a dual-mode seeker functionality, adding value for tank warfare scenarios.

Readiness for User Evaluation

• Technology development and successful demonstration concluded, indicating readiness for final user evaluation trials.
• Expected to undergo user evaluation trials before being inducted into the Indian Army.

FINANCIAL SERVICES INSTITUTIONS BUREAU (FSIB)

TOPIC: (GS3) ECONOMY – SOURCE: MINT

FSIB has recently appointed new CHEIFS for General Insurance Corporation of India (GIC Re) and National Insurance Company (NIC).

Establishment and Structure

• Established under the Department of Financial Services (DFS), Ministry of Finance.
• Replaced the Bank Board’s Bureau (BBB).
• Led by a chairman appointed by the central government.
• Board includes Secretaries of the DFS, IRDAI chairman, and RBI deputy governor.
• Three part-time members from banking and three from insurance sectors.

Functions

• Recommends the appointment of whole-time directors (WTDs) and non-executive chairpersons (NECs) in Public Sector Banks (PSBs), Financial Institutions (FIs), and Public Sector Insurers (PSIs).
• Advises on appointments, transfers, and terminations.
• Issues guidelines for selecting general managers and directors in public sector general insurance companies.
• Advises on management structure, performance appraisal, and code of conduct.
• Builds databank on performance.
• Recommends training and development programs.

Decision Making

• Final decisions by the Appointments Committee of the Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister.

Multiple choice question:

1. Which of the following statements about the Bank Board Bureau (BBB) is/are correct?
2. It is a statutory body established by an act of parliament.
3. Its primary role is to recommend appointments for top leadership positions in Public Sector Banks (PSBs).
4. The BBB is chaired by the Finance Minister of India.

Choose the correct code:

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

HYDROGEL

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have designed a sustainable hydrogel to remove microplastics from water.

About hydrogel

• Three-dimensional network of hydrophobic polymers crosslinked with water-soluble polymers.
• Retains large amounts of water without altering its structure.
• Exhibits flexibility and swelling properties.
• Responsive to environmental factors like temperature, pH, and salt concentration.

Key Features of the Sustainable Hydrogel

• Developed by researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc).
• Utilizes an intertwined polymer network to bind and degrade microplastic contaminants.
• Comprises three polymer layers: chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline.
• Forms an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) architecture.
• Infused with nanoclusters of copper substitute polyoxometalate (Cu-POM) as catalysts.
• Catalysts activated by UV light irradiation to degrade microplastics effectively.
• Results in a robust hydrogel capable of adsorbing and degrading significant amounts of microplastics.

Efficiency of the Hydrogel

• Demonstrated removal rates of approximately 95% and 93% for two types of microplastics.
• Effective at near-neutral pH levels (~6.5).

MICROPLASTICS

• Defined as plastic debris smaller than 5 mm.
• Two main types: primary and secondary.
• Primary microplastics intentionally manufactured for commercial use.
• Secondary microplastics formed from the degradation of larger plastic objects due to environmental exposure.

GLOBAL FOREST WATCH (GFW)

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY – SOURCE: THE HINDU

According to the latest data from the Global Forest Watch monitoring project, India has seen a loss of 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000.

About GFW:

• Open-source web application monitoring global forests in near real-time.
• Utilizes satellite data and inputs from various sources.
• Managed by the World Resources Institute (WRI), based in Washington.
• Data primarily compiled by researchers from the University of Maryland.

Key Features of GFW

• Free and user-friendly platform enabling custom mapping, trend analysis, alerts, and data download.
• Relies on tree cover as a metric for forest extent and change, easily measurable from space.

Highlights from GFW’s Annual Forest Loss Data

• Global decline of 9% in primary forest loss in the tropics in 2023.
• Approximately 37,000 square kilometers of tropical primary forest lost, equivalent to Switzerland’s size.
• Brazil, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Bolivia lead in tropical primary forest losses.

Forest Loss in India

• India lost 2.33 million hectares of tree cover since 2000, a 6% decrease.
• 4,14,000 hectares of humid primary forest lost from 2002 to 2023, comprising 18% of total tree cover loss.
• Forests in India act as a net carbon sink, sequestering 89.9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent annually.
• 95% of tree cover loss occurred within natural forests.
• Five states, including Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, account for 60% of tree cover losses.

DOXXING

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

Doxing is derived from “dropping dox,” referring to the act of disclosing personal information. Involves the unauthorized publication of an individual’s personal details online.

Nature of Doxxing

• Information revealed can include full name, address, phone number, workplace, and other sensitive data.
• Often used for harassment, intimidation, or exposing individuals.

Consequences

• Can lead to severe outcomes such as physical harm, stalking, or loss of employment.
• Information obtained through illegal means like hacking or theft.

Prevention Measures

• Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication.
• Avoid sharing photos revealing personal or identifiable information.
• Report instances of doxxing to relevant authorities, such as the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal.

Doxxing poses significant risks to individuals’ privacy and safety online.Employing preventive measures and reporting incidents are crucial steps in combating this form of harassment.

PACE SATELLITE

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

PACE (Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem) satellite orbits the Earth in a Sun-synchronous orbit. The primary aim of the (PACE) mission is to enhance our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems, particularly the interconnected dynamics of plankton, aerosols, clouds, and oceans.

Key Instruments on PACE

• OCI measures ocean color across a spectrum from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared.
• Features two polarimeters: SPEXone and HARP2.

Monitoring Ocean Color:

• PACE utilizes the Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI).
• Measures spectral characteristics of light reflected from the ocean.
• Helps study phytoplankton abundance and distribution.
• Provides insights into marine ecosystem dynamics.

Studying Aerosols and Clouds:

• Utilizes polarimeters like SPEXone and HARP2.
• Examines interactions of aerosols and clouds.
• Investigates their impact on climate and air quality.
• Enables comprehensive understanding of atmospheric processes.

Significance of PACE Data

• Provides science-quality data for studying microscopic life in the ocean and particles in the air.
• Enables research on fisheries health, harmful algal blooms, air pollution, and wildfire smoke.
• Investigates ocean-atmosphere interactions and their response to climate change.

PACE satellite’s data distribution facilitates research in diverse fields, enhancing our understanding of Earth’s ecosystems and their responses to environmental changes.