21-May-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

CRITICAL TIMES CALL FOR STRONG JUDICIAL ADJUDICATION 

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

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA), a significant piece of legislation in India, has sparked widespread debate and controversy since its enactment. As the Supreme Court of India prepares to review the constitutionality of the CAA and its accompanying rules, several critical issues have emerged. These include concerns about the lack of clarity in the rules, potential human rights violations, and the broader implications of targeted legislation. 

The Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and Judicial Review 

Supreme Court’s Role 

• Evaluation of Constitutionality: The Supreme Court of India will evaluate whether the Citizenship (Amendment) Act (CAA) and its rules comply with the Constitution. 
• Concerns Over Procedures: There are concerns about unclear procedures for applicants whose citizenship requests are denied, potentially leading to their detention. 

Legislative Presumption of Validity 

• Traditional Presumption: Laws made by Parliament are presumed valid unless proven unconstitutional. 
• Legislative Malice: Generally, legislative malice is not attributed to the law-making process, as stated in Manish Kumar vs Union Of India (2021). 

Challenges from Populist Regimes 

• Targeted Legislation: Populist regimes may pass laws targeting specific groups, necessitating a proactive judicial stance. 
• Judicial Role: Adhering to outdated presumptions of validity may undermine the courts’ role in protecting minority rights and upholding constitutional principles. 

Examples of Judicial Restraint 

• Demonetisation Case: In Vivek Narayan Sharma vs Union of India (2023), the absence of a stay on demonetisation led to irreversible consequences. 
• Kashmir’s Special Status: Delays in adjudicating the dilution of Kashmir’s special status rendered the litigation ineffective (In Re Article 370 of the Constitution of India, 2023). 

Assertive Judicial Review Needed 

• Proactive Nullification: The Court should proactively nullify unconstitutional or targeted legislation. 
• Election Commission Independence: The Court failed to prevent the implementation of the Chief Election Commissioner Act, 2023, weakening the Election Commission’s independence (Jaya Thakur vs Union of India, 2024). 

Targeted Legislation 

• CAA and Religious Discrimination: The CAA explicitly excludes Muslims, raising concerns of religious discrimination. 
• Criminalisation of Instant Triple Talaq: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act (2019) criminalised instant triple talaq, despite its invalidation by the Supreme Court in Shayara Bano (2017), targeting the Muslim community. 

International Perspective 

• U.S. Legislation: In the U.S., laws motivated by malice, such as the exclusion of “hippies” in Moreno (1973), are seen as discriminatory. 
• Animus as a State Interest: Scholars argue that animus should never be a legitimate state interest (Susannah W. Pollvogt, Fordham Law Review, 2012). 

Indian Precedents of Judicial Intervention 

• Staying Laws: The Supreme Court has previously stayed laws perceived as unconstitutional, such as in Ashoka Kumar Thakur vs Union of India (2007) and Rakesh Vaishnav vs Union of India (2021). 

key points about the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) 2019: 

• Passed in December 2019: The CAA amended the Citizenship Act of 1955. 
• Expedited citizenship path: It creates a faster pathway to Indian citizenship for persecuted minorities from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, and Pakistan. 
• Eligible minorities: The law applies to Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, Parsis, and Christians. 
• Exclusion of Muslims: Muslims from these countries are not eligible for the expedited path. This has been a major point of contention. 
• Implementation: The CAA came into force in January 2020. 

Conclusion 

• Timely Intervention: Immediate and clear judicial review is essential for divisive or unconstitutional laws. 
• Upholding Principles: Timely judicial intervention is crucial to uphold constitutional principles and prevent political manipulation, ensuring that the judiciary fulfills its counter-majoritarian role effectively. 

1. Which of the following statements regarding the constitutional provisions of citizenship in India are correct?

1. The Constitution of India grants citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization. 

1. The provisions related to citizenship are enumerated in Part II of the Constitution. 

1. Article 11 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law. 

1. The Constitution originally provided for dual citizenship. 

Select the correct answer using the codes given below: 

1. 1, 2, and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, and 4 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1, 3, and 4 only 

ANSWER: A 

EXPLANATION: 

The Constitution of India provides for citizenship by birth, descent, registration, and naturalization. 

The provisions related to citizenship are detailed in Part II of the Constitution (Articles 5 to 11). 

Article 11 of the Constitution empowers the Parliament to regulate the right of citizenship by law. 

The Constitution of India does not provide for dual citizenship. 

GOING GLACIER GONE: HOW VENEZUELA LOST ITS LAST GLACIER, WHY THIS MATTERS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

Venezuela recently became the first modern country to lose all its glaciers, signaling a dire warning for the future. This development, marked by the reclassification of Venezuela’s last glacier, the Humboldt, to an ice field, reflects a broader global trend where glaciers are vanishing at unprecedented rates. 

Introduction 

• Venezuela’s Glacier Loss: Venezuela recently became the first country to lose all its glaciers, with the Humboldt glacier reclassified as an ice field. 
• Global Trend: Other glaciers worldwide are also shrinking rapidly, with many projected to vanish by 2100 due to climate change. 

What are Glaciers? 

• Definition: Large, thick masses of ice formed from accumulated snow over centuries. 
• Formation Conditions: Exist where annual temperatures are near freezing, with significant winter snow and minimal summer melt. 
• Movement: Due to their mass and gravity, glaciers flow like slow rivers. 
• Size Guideline: Typically, a mass of ice over 10 hectares is considered a glacier. 

Why are Glaciers Disappearing? 

• Global Warming: The primary cause is the rise in global temperatures. 
• Greenhouse Gases (GHGs): Human activities, like burning fossil fuels, release GHGs (e.g., carbon dioxide, methane), trapping heat in the atmosphere. 
• Industrial Revolution Impact: Since the 18th Century, increased GHG emissions have raised global temperatures by at least 1.1°C. 
• El Niño: Abnormal warming of surface waters in the Pacific Ocean accelerates glacier melting, as seen with the Humboldt glacier. 

Impacts of Glacier Loss 

• Freshwater Source: Glaciers provide freshwater during dry periods; their loss leads to reliance on rainfall. 
• Aquatic Life: Cold water from glaciers is crucial for many species; their loss affects the food web. 
• Sea Level Rise: Melting glaciers contribute to rising sea levels, though the Humboldt glacier had minimal impact. 
• Cultural Impact: For Venezuela, glaciers were significant for cultural identity, mountaineering, and tourism. 

GLACIERS FACING SIGNIFICANT MELTING AROUND THE WORLD AND IN INDIA: 

World: 

• Greenland: Jakobshavn Isbræ (Jakobshavn Glacier) – Nicknamed the “ice stream,” it’s one of the fastest-flowing glaciers in the world. 
• Antarctica: Thwaites Glacier – (mò rì bīng chuān, meaning “Doomsday Glacier” in Chinese), it’s a massive glacier contributing significantly to rising sea levels. 
• Europe: Rhone Glacier (Switzerland) – A glacier critical to the water supply of the Rhone River, it has shrunk dramatically in recent decades. 
• South America: Chacaltaya Glacier (Bolivia) – Once a popular ski resort, this glacier has almost entirely disappeared due to rising temperatures. 

India: 

Himalayas: 

• Siachen Glacier (India-Pakistan border) – The longest glacier in the Himalayas outside the polar regions, it’s retreating at a rapid pace. 
• Gangotri Glacier (Uttarakhand) – The source of the Ganges River, one of the most sacred rivers in Hinduism, it’s vital for millions of people. 
• Baspa Glacier (Himachal Pradesh) – An important source for the Sutlej River, it’s retreating and forming large glacial lakes that pose flood risks. 

Significant efforts to slow it down 

Large-Scale Solutions (Addressing Climate Change): 

• Reduce Greenhouse Gas Emissions: This is the primary approach. By transitioning to renewable energy sources like solar and wind power, and reducing our reliance on fossil fuels, we can slow global warming, the leading cause of glacial melting. 
• International Cooperation: Global collaboration through agreements like the Paris Agreement is crucial to achieve large-scale emission reductions. 

Technological Solutions (Still in Development): 

• Albedo Enhancement: Techniques to increase the reflectivity of glaciers, like spreading reflective materials on the surface, are being explored to reduce melting caused by solar radiation. 
• Cloud Seeding: Seeding clouds with ice nuclei could potentially increase snowfall in areas where glaciers are located, promoting accumulation. However, this technology is still under research and has potential drawbacks. 

Individual Actions: 

• Reduce your carbon footprint: This includes using energy-efficient appliances, consuming less meat, and opting for sustainable transportation choices like cycling or public transport. 
• Support climate-friendly policies: Advocate for policies that encourage renewable energy and emission reduction. 
• Raise awareness: Educate others about the importance of glaciers and the threats they face. 

Conclusion 

Without reducing GHG emissions, the loss of glaciers will continue, affecting ecosystems, freshwater availability, and cultural heritage. 

1. Which of the following surface types has the highest albedo?

1. Oceans 

1. Forests 

1. Fresh snow 

1. Dark soil 

ANSWER: C 

EXPLANATION: 

Fresh snow has a high albedo (0.8-0.9), meaning it reflects most of the solar radiation, contributing to cooling. 

ANTARCTIC PARLIAMENT MEETS IN KOCHI: WHAT’S ON THE TABLE? 

TOPIC: (GS2) INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

India is currently hosting the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) in Kochi from May 20-30. Organized by the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES), this meeting brings together the 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty. 

Introduction 

• ATCM 46: India is hosting the 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), also known as the Antarctic Parliament, from May 20-30 in Kochi. 
• Organizers: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa, organized the meeting through the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). 

Antarctic Treaty Overview 

• Signatories: Originally signed by 12 countries in 1959, including Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Chile, France, Japan, New Zealand, Norway, South Africa, the USSR, the United Kingdom, and the United States. 
• Purpose: Designates Antarctica as a “no man’s land,” prohibiting militarization and fortifications, promoting peaceful purposes, scientific investigations, and cooperation among signatories. 
• Current Membership: 56 countries, including India since 1983, have joined the treaty. 

India’s Role in Antarctica 

• Consultative Party: India has been a consultative party since 1983, participating in decision-making processes regarding Antarctica. 
• Research Stations: India has three research stations in Antarctica: 
• Dakshin Gangotri: Established in 1983, operated until 1990. 
• Maitri: Established in 1989, still operational, located in the Schirmacher Oasis. 
• Bharati: Inaugurated in 2012, focuses on oceanographic and geological studies, also used by ISRO for receiving satellite data. 
• Future Plans: India plans to open a new station, Maitri II, by 2029. 

Agenda for ATCM 46 

• Global Dialogue: Facilitates discussions on law, logistics, governance, science, tourism, and other aspects of Antarctica. 
• India’s Priorities: India seeks to promote peaceful governance, regulate tourism, and introduce the construction plan for Maitri II. 
• Tourism Regulations: India proposes a new working group to regulate tourism in Antarctica, aiming to formulate regulations and track tourist activities. 
• Consensus Building: Aims to reach a consensus with countries sharing similar views on tourism regulations. 
• Other Agenda Items: Discussions on sustainable management of resources, biodiversity prospecting, research collaboration, capacity building, and climate change impacts on Antarctica and beyond. 

A Remote Land of Scientific Importance: 

• Antarctica, Earth’s southernmost continent, is a vast and uninhabited expanse (except for research stations). 
• It’s the fifth-largest continent, covering a staggering 14 million square kilometers. 
• The South Pole sits proudly within its boundaries. 

India’s Deep Dive into Antarctic Research: 

India has established a strong presence in Antarctica, operating two permanent research stations: 

• Maitri (commissioned in 1989) at Schirmacher Hills 
• Bharti (established in 2012) at Larsemann Hills 
• With a commitment to polar research, India has launched a remarkable 41 scientific expeditions to Antarctica to date. 
• Along with its Himadri station in Svalbard (Arctic), India joins an elite group of nations with research facilities in both polar regions. 

A Legacy of Antarctic Exploration: 

• India’s Antarctic program boasts a rich history, with its official accession to the Antarctic Treaty System occurring in August 1983. 
• This treaty highlights the international commitment to peaceful scientific research and environmental protection in Antarctica. 

Beyond the Highlighted Points: 

While the provided passage offers a solid overview, here are some additional aspects of India’s Antarctic connection to consider: 

• Scientific Focus: India’s research program delves into various Antarctic disciplines, including atmospheric sciences, geology, biology, and oceanography. 
• International Collaboration: India actively collaborates with other nations on Antarctic research endeavors. 
• Environmental Stewardship: India plays a vital role in upholding the Antarctic Treaty System’s principles of environmental protection in this fragile ecosystem. 

1. Which of the following statements regarding Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) are correct ?

1. Antarctica is governed by the Antarctic Treaty, which allows for military activities and fortifications on the continent. 

1. India is a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty and has hosted the ATCM multiple times. 

1. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) aims to promote militarization and geopolitical competition in Antarctica. 

1. The Antarctic Treaty prohibits scientific research and cooperation among its signatory countries. 

ANSWER: B 

EXPLANATION: 

 India is a founding member of the Antarctic Treaty and has hosted the ATCM multiple times. 

INDIA-CHINA CONSUMPTION COMPARISON 

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

The comparison between India and China in terms of consumer spending illuminates’ essential aspects of their economic dynamics. As two of the world’s most populous nations and significant players in the global economy, understanding their consumption patterns provides insights into their respective growth trajectories and market potential.  

Comparison of Consumer Spending between India and China 

Population Trends: 

• India surpassed China in population in 2023, with a growing population projected to peak around 2060. 
• China’s declining birth rate and negative population growth rate have led to a rising dependency ratio. 

Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE): 

• PFCE measures total consumption expenditure by households and non-profit institutions serving households. 

• India spends more on consumption as a percentage of GDP compared to China. 
• PFCE contributes over 58% to India’s GDP, while it contributes only 38% to China’s GDP. 
• India’s government constitutes a smaller portion of consumption compared to China’s. 

Aggregate PFCE Data: 

• Despite China’s larger economy, its PFCE is relatively lower compared to India’s. 
• India’s consumption level could match China’s at a lower GDP threshold. 
• India’s PFCE has shown steady growth, while China’s experienced fluctuations. 

Per Capita PFCE: 

• China’s per capita PFCE is higher than India’s, but India has closed the gap in ratio terms. 
• India’s per capita PFCE has been increasing steadily. 

Purchasing Power Parity (PPP): 

• China’s PFCE in PPP terms is approximately 1.5 times that of India. 
• India has been closing the gap in PFCE with China in PPP terms. 

Expenditure by Categories: 

• India spends more on basic necessities like food, clothing, and transport. 
• China’s consumption basket reflects a relatively developed market, with higher spending on housing, education, and healthcare. 

Conclusion: 

India’s growing consumer class and increased spending may attract foreign businesses, especially amidst the China+1 narrative. 

Despite differences in spending patterns, both countries offer significant consumer markets for businesses. 

PROJECT ASTRA 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: MINT 

Project Astra is developed by Google is a new multimodal AI agent. It was presented at Google’s annual developer conference recently. 

Capabilities: 

• Answers real-time questions using text, video, images, and speech. 
• Retrieves relevant information from various inputs. 
• Can visually recognize and remember object locations. 
• Assesses computer code accuracy through a phone camera. 
• Can be integrated with devices beyond smartphones, such as smart glasses. 

Functionality: 

• Operates without emotional diversity in its voice. 
• Aims to provide a human-assistant-like experience. 

Multimodal Model AI: 

• Processes information from different modalities: images, videos, and text. 
• Example: Google’s Gemini can turn a photo of cookies into a written recipe. 
• Enhances AI’s generative and processing abilities by integrating multiple sensory inputs. 
• Multimodality allows AI to understand and interact with the world more comprehensively. 

ALPHA-SYNUCLEIN PROTEINS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: DOWN TO EARTH 

Parkinson’s disease researchers are concentrating on reducing (Alpha-synuclein) SNCA proteins in neurons as a potential therapeutic strategy. 

About SNCA: 

SNCA is a mysterious protein present in healthy cells but is notorious for its role in age-related neurodegenerative diseases. 

Characteristics: 

• SNCA is abundant in neurons, particularly in dopaminergic neurons. 
• It is located near the cell nuclei and at the junctions between neurons. 
• Unlike most proteins, which adopt predictable three-dimensional structures, SNCA can misfold and form filamentous structures. 
• Misfolded SNCA proteins do not function correctly. 

SNCA Aggregates: 

SNCA is present in two forms within cells: 

• Disease-associated aggregates: These interfere with the structural integrity of cell nuclei, forming filamentous structures tens of micrometers long, similar to Lewy bodies. 
• Protective aggregates: These assist in the degradation of misfolded proteins, forming smaller clumps known as aggresomes. Aggresomes act like a trash collection system, localizing misfolded proteins into a small area for further processing. 

Both types of aggregates are found around the nuclei, with the filamentous structures linked to diseased states and the smaller aggresomes crucial for maintaining healthy cell functions. 

RED PANDA 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

Recently Red Panda was captured on camera in Eaglenest Wildlife Sanctuary, located in the Singchung subdivision of the West Kameng district, Arunachal Pradesh. 

About the Species: 

• The red panda is primarily an herbivore. 
• Uses its long, bushy tail for balance and warmth during winter. 

• It is a shy, solitary, and arboreal animal. 
• Considered an indicator species for ecological change. 

Appearance: 

• Comparable in size to a house cat. 
• Famous for its cute face and adorable defense stance. 

Distribution: 

• Inhabits the mountainous forests of Bhutan, China, India, Myanmar, and Nepal. 
• Nearly 50% of its habitat is in the Eastern Himalayas. 

Threats: 

• Habitat decline due to the loss of nesting trees and bamboo, particularly in the Eastern Himalayas. 
• This habitat loss is causing a decline in red panda populations across much of their range. 

Conservation Status: 

• Listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. 
• Included in Appendix I of CITES. 
• Protected under Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 in India. 

STELLAR NUCLEOSYNTHESIS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY – SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA 

Stellar nucleosynthesis is a process where stars create elements in their cores. Hydrogen, the most abundant element, is not formed in this way. 

Conditions: 

• Stellar cores have extreme pressures and temperatures (up to 15 million °C in the Sun’s core). 
• These conditions allow nuclear fusion to occur. 

Nuclear Fusion: 

• Hydrogen nuclei (protons) fuse to form helium nuclei (two protons and two neutrons) through the proton-proton (p-p) process. 
• In massive stars, the carbon-nitrogen-oxygen (CNO) cycle is dominant. 
• The CNO cycle involves hydrogen fusing into helium, catalyzed by carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen isotopes. 

Star Evolution: 

• As stars exhaust their hydrogen fuel, their cores contract, increasing temperature and enabling further fusion. 
• This process continues until iron is produced. 
• Fusion of iron consumes more energy than it releases, halting further fusion within the star. 

Heavy Elements: 

• Elements heavier than iron are synthesized only during supernova explosions, not within the normal stellar fusion process.