22-May-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

CLIMATE CHANGE, A PASSING CLOUD IN INDIAN POLITICS 

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

The fifth phase of India’s general election has concluded, revealing a significant omission in the electoral rhetoric of the major political parties: the critical issue of climate change.  

• This neglect stands out sharply amid global environmental crises and the urgent need for sustainable development.  
• Environmental activists, like Sonam Wangchuk, have highlighted the ecological degradation in regions such as Ladakh, stressing the need for robust climate action in national policies. 

Neglect of Climate Change by Major Parties 

• Omission in Platforms: Both major parties have ignored climate change in their electoral platforms. 
• Global Context: Ignoring climate change is stark amid global environmental crises and demands for sustainable development. 

Importance of Climate Action 

• Environmental Activist: Sonam Wangchuk highlighted ecological issues in Ladakh, urging for climate action. 
• Political Response: The government’s lack of response reflects a broader reluctance to address climate change in politics. 

Strategic Avoidance 

• Calculated Omission: Parties avoid serious climate action due to potential conflicts with industrial growth and economic status quo. 
• Manifesto Vagueness: Both parties’ manifestos lack specific, measurable commitments to climate action. 

Consequences of Inaction 

• India’s Vulnerability: Climate impacts like rising sea levels and severe air pollution threaten India. 
• Voter Discontent: Educated, middle-class voters demand actionable climate plans, beyond token mentions. 

Political Cost of Climate Policies 

• Ambitious Policies: Comprehensive strategies require tough decisions like phasing out coal and enforcing regulations, which may be unpopular short-term. 

Current Climate Policies 

• National Action Plan: Guides India’s climate policy efforts. 
• Recent Policies: National Electricity Plan 2023, National Green Hydrogen Mission, and Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022. 
• Lack of Coal Phase-out: India has shown no commitment to phasing out coal. 

Need for Bottom-up Approach 

• Citizen Demand: A bottom-up approach is needed for effective climate action. 
• Climate Action Tracker: Rates India’s policies as “Highly Insufficient” for 2030 projections. 
• State-level Actions: Mumbai Climate Action Plan is a good example of local climate policymaking. 

Legal Developments 

• Supreme Court Ruling: In March 2024, the court ruled that Indians have the right to be free from climate change effects, enhancing legal scrutiny of climate policies. 

Bridging the Gap 

• Electoral Politics and Climate Policy: India must prioritize long-term environmental gains over short-term economic benefits. 
• Role of Media and Civil Society: Highlighting political discourse inadequacies on climate change can push for sustainability in development. 

Voter Responsibility 

• 2024 Elections: Voters should demand leaders take a proactive stance on climate change, ensuring sustainable growth and environmental security. 
• Future Impact: Choices made will influence the global fight against climate change and sustainable development. 

1. With reference to the global issue of climate change, consider the following statements:

1. The Paris Agreement aims to limit global warming to below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, with efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

1. The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in India comprises eight national missions, including missions on solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. 

1. The Climate Action Tracker is a global scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the Paris Agreement goals. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 1 and 3 only 

1. 2 and 3 only 

1. 1, 2, and 3 

ANSWER: D 

EXPLANATION 

The Paris Agreement, adopted in 2015 under the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), sets the goal to limit global warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, and to pursue efforts to limit the temperature increase to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

The National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) in India comprises eight national missions, including missions on solar energy, enhanced energy efficiency, and sustainable agriculture. 

The NAPCC, launched by the Government of India, includes eight national missions focused on different aspects of climate change mitigation and adaptation. 

The Climate Action Tracker is a global scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the Paris Agreement goals. 

The Climate Action Tracker is an independent scientific analysis produced by Climate Analytics and NewClimate Institute. It tracks government climate action and measures it against the Paris Agreement’s goal of keeping global warming well below 2 degrees Celsius and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. 

ANALYSING LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL FOOTPRINTS 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

Climate change is a global issue, but local environmental issues like water scarcity and air pollution are often region-specific. 

• Understanding household environmental footprints helps address local issues effectively. 

Study Overview 

• The study titled “Water, air pollution and carbon footprints of conspicuous/luxury consumption in India” examines the environmental impact of affluent individuals. 
• Focuses on CO2, water, and particulate matter (PM2.5) footprints from luxury consumption across different economic classes in India. 

Methodology 

• Input/Output Analysis: Maps household consumption to resources/materials used in production. 

Environmental Footprints: 

• Water Footprint: Measures water usage in production stages and direct household use. 
• PM2.5 Footprint: Includes embedded and direct emissions from household activities. 
• CO2 Footprint: Captures embedded and direct CO2 emissions from consumption. 

Key Findings 

• Environmental footprints increase with economic status. 
• Richest 10% of households have double the average footprints. 
• Significant surge from the ninth to the 10th decile, especially in air pollution (68%), followed by CO2 (55%), and water (39%). 
• Top decile households significantly increase their environmental impact due to luxury consumption. 

Key Contributors 

• Eating Out/Restaurants: Major contributor to increased footprints. 
• Fruits and Nuts: Contribute to water footprint increase in the 10th decile. 
• Luxury Items: Personal goods, jewellery, and eating out drive CO2 and air pollution footprints. 
• Energy Transition: Poorer households use firewood, while affluent lifestyles increase PM2.5 and CO2 footprints. 

Implications 

• Disparity in Impact: Marginalised communities are more affected by local environmental issues. 
• Policymaker Action: Need to address elite consumption to align with sustainability goals. 
• Environmental Justice: Multi-footprint analysis can help address equity in sustainability efforts. 

1. Consider the following statements regarding pollutants and their impact on the environment:

1. Particulate Matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing various health problems. 

1. Sulfur dioxide (SO2) primarily comes from industrial processes and burning fossil fuels, and it contributes to acid rain. 

1. Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are only produced by natural sources and have no significant human-made sources. 

1. Ground-level ozone is formed by chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. 

Which of the statements given above are correct? 

1. 1 and 2 only 

1. 1, 2, and 4 only 

1. 3 and 4 only 

1. 1, 2, 3, and 4 

ANSWER: B 

EXPLANATION 

Particulate Matter (PM2.5) can penetrate deep into the lungs and even enter the bloodstream, causing various health problems. 

PM2.5 particles are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs and can enter the bloodstream, leading to health issues such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. 

Sulphur dioxide (SO2) primarily comes from industrial processes and burning fossil fuels, and it contributes to acid rain. 

SO2 is mainly produced by industrial activities and the combustion of fossil fuels. It contributes to the formation of acid rain, which can harm ecosystems and buildings. 

Nitrogen oxides (NOx) are only produced by natural sources and have no significant human-made sources. 

This statement is incorrect. NOx is produced both by natural sources (such as lightning and microbial processes in soil) and significant human-made sources, including vehicles, power plants, and industrial activities. 

Ground-level ozone is formed by chemical reactions between volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) in the presence of sunlight. 

 Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed by the reaction of VOCs and NOx in the presence of sunlight, contributing to smog and respiratory problems. 

JOINT CULTURE IN THE ARMED FORCES IS WAY FORWARD: CDS 

TOPIC: (GS3) SECURITY – SOURCE: THE HINDU 

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) believes creating Integrated Theatre Commands (ITCs) requires the military to be well-coordinated and unified (joint) and to combine its resources effectively (integrated). 

• ITCs will improve the military’s preparedness for war and combat. 

What are ITCs? 

• ITCs are groups of soldiers from the Army, Navy, and Air Force working together under a single commander for a specific region. 
• This frees the commander to focus on defence issues without being slowed down by administrative tasks. 

Jointness 2.0: Building a Shared Military Culture 

• The military is moving from cooperation (Jointness 1.0) to a deeper level of collaboration (Jointness 2.0). 
• This involves creating a shared culture that respects the unique traditions of each branch while focusing on what works best for everyone. 

ITCs: The Start of Further Reforms 

• ITCs are just the beginning. They will lead to advancements in how the military operates, including: 
• Combining land, sea, air, space, and cyber operations. 
• Using digital tools for better battlefield awareness. 
• Shifting from centralized networks to data-driven decision making. 

The CDS and ITCs 

• The CDS is responsible for making the military work more cohesively. 
• Setting up ITCs is a top priority. 
• There were delays due to disagreements between the Army, Navy, and Air Force, but the process is back on track. 
• The Indian government also strongly supports creating ITCs. 

Pros: 

• Improved Efficiency and Effectiveness: ITCs combine resources from all branches under a single commander, reducing duplication of effort and streamlining decision-making. This can lead to faster responses and more effective operations. 
• Enhanced Jointness: ITCs foster a culture of collaboration between the Army, Navy, and Air Force. By working together more closely, they can develop combined tactics and strategies for modern warfare. 
• Better Resource Management: ITCs allow for a more strategic allocation of resources based on the specific needs of each region. This can lead to cost savings and a more efficient use of military assets. 
• Faster Decision-Making: With a single commander responsible for a specific region, decisions can be made quicker without needing approval from multiple branches. This is crucial in fast-paced situations. 

Cons: 

• Inter-Service Rivalry: There’s a concern that established traditions and competition between the Army, Navy, and Air Force may hinder cooperation within ITCs. 
• Disruption and Restructuring: Creating ITCs will require significant changes to the military’s structure and leadership. This can be disruptive and may lead to initial inefficiencies. 
• Difficulties in Training and Coordination: Developing joint doctrines, training forces for combined operations, and ensuring seamless communication between branches can be challenging. 
• Uncertain Impact on Morale: Some soldiers may feel a loss of identity or loyalty to their specific branch if they are primarily deployed under an ITC structure. 

Additional Considerations: 

• Success Relies on Strong Leadership: The effectiveness of ITCs will depend heavily on the appointed commanders’ ability to lead a unified force and navigate potential inter-service rivalries. 
• Adaptability is Key: The military landscape is constantly evolving. ITCs need to be adaptable to meet future threats and challenges. 

1. Consider the following statements:

1. the government of india act, 1919 clearly defined the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments. 

1. the government of india act, 1935, introduced provincial autonomy in india for the first time. 

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? 

1. 1 only 

1. 2 only 

1. both 1 and 2 

1. neither 1 nor 2 

ANSWER: B 

EXPLANATION 

the government of india act, 1919, did not clearly define the jurisdiction of the central and provincial governments. it introduced the concept of dyarchy, where certain subjects were transferred to indian ministers, but ultimate authority still rested with the governor-general. 

the government of india act, 1935, introduced provincial autonomy in india for the first time, where provinces were given substantial powers in their respective domains. 

PSYCHEDELICS 

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

Psychedelics are drugs that change perception, behavior, consciousness, and thought, often enhancing sensory awareness. 

• Origin of Term: “Psychedelic” comes from Greek words for “mind/soul” and “manifest.” 
• Effects: These drugs can alter thoughts and perceptions, causing intense hallucinations. 

Categories: 

• Classical Psychedelics: Trigger hallucinations by activating serotonin 5-HT receptors found throughout the body (e.g., LSD, psilocybin, DMT). 
• Nonclassical Psychedelics: Bind to various receptors (e.g., ketamine, MDMA). 

Research: Five psychedelics are being studied globally for mental health treatment: psilocybin, LSD, MDMA, ketamine, and DMT. 

Mechanism: Most increase serotonin availability in the brain by binding to serotonin receptors. 

Regulation: The UN Convention on Psychotropic Substances (1971) lists around 200 substances in four schedules, with Schedule I having the highest abuse potential. It does not specify psychedelics. 

Researchers are urging for local clinical trials due to the global rise in trials and the low success rate of current mental health medications. 

SCARBOROUGH SHOAL 

TOPIC: (GS1) GEOGRAPHY – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS 

Scarborough Shoal, also known as Scarborough Reef, is a group of small rocks and islands in a triangle shape in the South China Sea, about 220 kilometers from the Philippines. 

Geography: 

• Largest island has a lagoon and is around sixty square miles in area. 
• Many rocks are barely above sea level at low tide and submerged at high tide. 

Marine Life: Surrounding deep waters are rich in marine life, making it a productive fishing area with valuable shellfish and sea cucumbers in the lagoon. 

Dispute: Both China and the Philippines claim the shoal as their territory and assert exclusive rights to its waters. 

Control: Although no structures are built on the shoal, China has controlled it since 2012 with a constant coast guard presence. 

China’s Claim: Historical claim dating back to the Yuan Dynasty in the 1200s. 

Philippines’ Claim: Based on proximity, as the shoal is much closer to the Philippines’ main island of Luzon, which is 500 miles closer than to China. 

Current Issue: The Philippines recently accused China of damaging the marine environment at the shoal and challenged China to allow international scrutiny. 

GENETIC DRIFT 

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

Recent studies found genetic drift, not natural selection, driving speciation in endangered pupfish species. 

Genetic drift is a fundamental evolutionary mechanism that affects gene variant frequencies by chance rather than selection. 

Mechanism: 

• Occurs due to random sampling and random events impacting survival and reproduction. 
• Causes allele frequencies (variants of a gene) to increase or decrease by chance over time. 

Population Impact: 

• More pronounced in small populations due to less buffering against chance events. 
• In large populations, the effect is diluted by sheer numbers. 

Outcomes: 

• Continues until an allele is lost or becomes the only allele at a locus, reducing genetic diversity. 
• Can make initially rare alleles more frequent or fixed. 

Population Bottlenecks: 

• Events drastically reducing population size make genetic drift common. 
• Bottlenecks can lead to the loss of rare alleles and a reduced gene pool. 

Speciation: 

• Can cause new populations to become genetically distinct from their original populations. 
• Supports the hypothesis that genetic drift plays a role in the evolution of new species. 

Genetic Drift vs. Natural Selection: 

• Genetic drift is random and operates without selection pressures. 
• Natural selection involves individuals with advantageous traits surviving and reproducing more, while those with detrimental traits reproduce less. 
• Over generations, natural selection changes the gene pool and traits in a population, favoring adaptation. 
• Genetic drift, conversely, is the random effect on gene frequencies without adaptive pressure. 

CRITICAL TIGER HABITAT 

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

The Supreme Court ordered the Rajasthan government to close 68 mines within a 1-kilometer periphery of Sariska’s CTH to protect the habitat. 

Critical Tiger Habitat (CTH): 

• Known as core areas of tiger reserves, identified under the Wild Life Protection Act (WLPA), 1972. 
• Based on scientific evidence, these areas must be kept inviolate for tiger conservation without affecting the rights of Scheduled Tribes and other forest dwellers. 
• CTH notification is done by the state government in consultation with an expert committee. 

Sariska Tiger Reserve: 

• Located in Alwar district, Rajasthan, nestled in the Aravali Hills. 
• First reserve globally to successfully relocate tigers. 
• Famous for historic temples, palaces, and lakes such as Pandu Pol, Bhangarh Fort, Ajabgarh, Pratapgarh, Siliserh Lake, and Jai Samand Lake. 

Topography: 

• Features a rocky landscape, scrub thorn arid forests, grasses, hilly cliffs, and semi-deciduous wood. 

Vegetation: 

• Corresponds to Northern Tropical Dry Deciduous Forests and Northern Tropical Thorn Forest. 

Flora: 

• Includes trees like Dhok, salar, kadaya, gol, ber, Banyan, gugal, bamboo, kair, adusta, etc. 

Fauna: 

• Hosts a variety of wild animals such as leopards, sambhar, chital, and nilgai. 

MANIPURI PONY 

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES 

Manipur government collaborates with various organizations to save the Manipuri Pony from extinction. 

Manipuri Pony (Meitei Sagol): 

• One of seven recognized horse and pony breeds in India. 
• Other breeds include Marwari Horse, Kathiawari Horse, Zanskari Pony, Spiti Pony, Bhutia Pony, and Kachhi-Sindhi Horse. 
• Characteristics: Small breed (11 to 13 hands), known for stamina, agility, intelligence, speed, maneuverability, and adaptability to harsh conditions. 
• Historical significance: Original polo pony; modern polo derived from Manipur’s traditional sport, Sagol Kangjei. 
• Cultural importance: Integral to Manipuri life, used in traditional events like Lai Haraoba, polo, horse races, and as cavalry mounts in the 17th century. 
• Status: Declared an Endangered Breed by the Manipur government in 2013. 

Factors for Decline: 

• Shrinkage of wetlands (natural habitat) due to urbanization and encroachment. 
• Lack of polo grounds in rural Manipur. 
• Restriction of pony usage except for polo. 
• Uncontrolled diseases. 
• Exodus of ponies to neighboring states and countries.