23-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

A LOOK AT ONGOING INDIAN SPACE MISSIONS

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

Over the past year, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has achieved numerous milestones through a series of ambitious space missions and strategic developments. These advancements highlight India’s growing capabilities and commitment to space exploration and technology.

ISRO Missions and Achievements

Aditya-L1 Mission:

• Launched on September 2, 2023, aiming to study the Sun’s radiation from the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1).
• Successfully entered orbit around L1 on January 6, 2024, and completed its first revolution by July 2, 2024.
• Collaborated with ground observatories and lunar orbiters to observe a solar storm in May 2024.

Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Demonstration (TV-D1):

• Conducted the first abort mission on October 21, 2023, using a modified L-40 Vikas engine.
• Successfully tested the Crew Escape System (CES) and safe recovery of the crew module in the Bay of Bengal.
• Recovery operations were efficiently carried out by the Indian Navy’s INS Shakthi.

XPoSat Launch:

• India’s X-ray Polarimeter Satellite was launched on January 1, 2024.
• Equipped with two instruments, XSPECT and POLIX, which became operational by mid-January 2024.
• Aims to study the polarization of X-ray emissions from various celestial bodies, marking India’s advancement in space-based astronomical observations.

INSAT-3DS Deployment:

• Launched on February 17 using the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
• Enhances meteorological observation capabilities and validates GSLV’s reliability for future critical missions like the upcoming NISAR project with NASA.

Reusable Launch Vehicle Tests (RLV-TD):

• Conducted two landing experiments, LEX-02 and LEX-03, in March and June 2024 respectively.
• Utilized a scaled-down model called ‘Pushpak’ dropped from a Chinook helicopter to simulate landing conditions.
• Successful tests pave the way for future ‘Orbital Return Flight Experiments’.

Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV):

• On August 16, completed its third developmental flight, placing EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat into orbit.
• Demonstrated consistent performance, leading to its transition to operational status and transfer to industry partners.

Future Roadmaps and Collaborations

• ISRO outlined a 25-year roadmap for the Gaganyaan project, including plans for a crewed lunar landing by 2040.
• Development of the Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) is underway to support heavier payloads for ambitious missions like building an Indian space station by 2035.
• NewSpace India Limited (NSIL) has taken over commercial operations, including collaborations with international partners like SpaceX for satellite launches.
• Private companies such as Agnikul Cosmos and Skyroot Aerospace have made significant strides in launching indigenous rockets, showcasing India’s growing private space sector.
• The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorization Center (IN-SPACe) has implemented new policies and issued licenses to facilitate increased participation and investment in the space industry.

Conclusion

ISRO’s recent accomplishments and strategic plans underscore India’s advancing role in global space exploration. Through successful missions, innovative technology development, and robust collaborations, India is poised to make significant contributions to space science and industry in the coming decades.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding ISRO’s recent space missions:

1. Aditya-L1 is India’s first mission to study the Sun from the Earth-Sun Lagrange Point 1 (L1).
2. The Gaganyaan TV-D1 mission was conducted to test the crew’s safe return from space using the Crew Escape System (CES).
3. XPoSat is the first-ever space-based observatory globally to study the polarization of X-rays.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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

ANSWER: B

EXPLANATION:

Aditya-L1 is ISRO’s first solar mission, designed to study solar activities and their effect on space weather from the L1 point.

The Gaganyaan Test Vehicle Demonstration 1 (TV-D1) mission was part of ISRO’s human spaceflight program to demonstrate the functionality of the Crew Escape System, ensuring the crew’s safety in case of an emergency during launch.

XPoSat is indeed designed to study X-ray polarization, but it is not the first of its kind. NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) was launched earlier in 2021 for a similar purpose.

NDMA TO MONITOR 189 HIGH-RISK GLACIAL LAKES TO PREVENT DISASTERS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT– SOURCE: THE HINDU

The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) has identified 189 high-risk glacial lakes in the Himalayas. This step comes in response to the rising threat of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) that have caused significant damage in the past, particularly in Sikkim.

Key Points:

Glacial lakes in the Himalayan region, formed by melting glaciers, pose a serious risk due to potential overflows. A notable incident occurred in October 2023 when the South Lhonak Lake in Sikkim overflowed, leading to massive flooding, casualties, and infrastructure damage.

National Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Risk Mitigation Programme:

• Approved on July 25, 2024, this program focuses on reducing the risk from these glacial lakes.
• It includes various mitigation measures such as lowering lake levels to prevent overflows.

Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF): A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) is a sudden release of water from a glacial lake, which can lead to catastrophic flooding downstream. These lakes are often formed when glaciers melt and water accumulates behind natural barriers, such as moraines (accumulations of dirt and rocks). Key Features of GLOFs: Formation: ·       Glacial lakes form as glaciers melt, creating reservoirs of water in depressions or behind natural dams made of ice or moraine. Causes of Outburst: GLOFs can be triggered by various factors, including: ·       Landslides: Debris falling into the lake can displace water, leading to overflow. ·       Earthquakes: Seismic activity can destabilize the natural dam, causing it to collapse. ·       Rapid Ice Melting: Warmer temperatures can accelerate glacier melt, increasing water volume and pressure on the dam. ·       Avalanches: Snow or ice avalanches into the lake can cause water to spill over the dam. Impact: ·       The sudden release of water can result in flash floods, which can cause widespread destruction to communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems downstream.

Monitoring and Expeditions:

• There are approximately 7,500 glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas, with around 902 being monitored via satellite.
• Site visits are essential for accurate assessment but are challenging due to difficult terrain. Expeditions are typically conducted between July and September.

Recent Actions:

• In August 2024, Arunachal Pradesh’s State Disaster Management Authority dispatched teams to study high-risk lakes in the Tawang and Dibang Valley districts.

Conclusion:

NDMA’s initiative is a critical step towards preventing future disasters in vulnerable Himalayan regions by closely monitoring high-risk glacial lakes and implementing proactive mitigation strategies.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. Consider the following statements regarding Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs):

1. GLOFs occur when water from a glacial lake is suddenly released due to the collapse of the natural barriers holding it back.
2. Only seismic activity can trigger a GLOF.
3. GLOFs are most associated with mountain regions such as the Himalayas.

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:

GLOFs occur when a large volume of water is suddenly released from a glacial lake, often due to the collapse of a natural barrier.

GLOFs can be triggered by various factors, including seismic activity, rapid ice melting, landslides, and avalanches, not just by seismic activity.

GLOFs are most associated with mountainous regions where glaciers are present, such as the Himalayas.

DO WE NEED A CENTRAL LAW FOR PROTECTION OF HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS?

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

Violence against healthcare workers in India has become a pressing issue, particularly following the tragic murder of a trainee doctor in Kolkata. This incident has intensified the demand for a Central law to protect healthcare professionals. Despite efforts to address this issue at the state level, incidents of violence continue, raising concerns about the adequacy of existing laws.

Reasons for Increasing Violence:

• High Expectations: Patients often have unrealistic expectations from healthcare services, leading to frustration and aggression when outcomes are not favorable.
• Communication Gaps: Poor communication between doctors and patients can escalate tensions, especially in critical situations.
• Healthcare System Shortcomings: Inadequate infrastructure, high out-of-pocket expenses, and understaffed hospitals contribute to patient dissatisfaction.

Existing Legal Framework:

• State Laws: Twenty-five states in India have enacted laws to protect healthcare workers, but these have led to few convictions due to poor implementation.
• Central Government Initiatives: A draft Bill in 2019 aimed at protecting healthcare workers was prepared but not passed, reflecting the government’s reluctance to acknowledge the severity of the issue.

Need for a Central Law:

• Uniform Protection: A Central law would provide consistent protection for healthcare workers across all states, addressing the limitations of existing state laws.
• Strengthened Enforcement: A national law would ensure better enforcement and deterrence, reducing instances of violence.
• Holistic Approach: Beyond legislation, improving hospital infrastructure, security measures, and doctor-patient communication is crucial to addressing the root causes of violence.

Violence Against Healthcare Workers Prevalence of Violence: ·       The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that globally, between 8% and 38% of healthcare workers experience physical violence at some point in their careers. ·       In India, a survey conducted by the Indian Medical Association (IMA) in 2017 revealed that over 75% of doctors have faced some form of violence in their workplace. Healthcare Spending: ·       WHO recommends that countries spend at least 6% of their GDP on healthcare. ·       India’s public health expenditure is less than 2% of its GDP, contributing to the strain on public health services and indirectly to patient dissatisfaction.

Conclusion:

A Central law, complemented by improved hospital systems and better communication, is essential to ensure the safety of healthcare workers in India. While state laws exist, they have not been sufficient, highlighting the need for stronger national legislation.

Multiple Choice Question:

1. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), what is the percentage range of violence against healthcare workers globally?
   1. 5% to 15%
   2. 10% to 25%
   3. 8% to 38%
   4. 20% to 30%

ANSWER: C

EXPLANATION:

The WHO reports that globally, violence against healthcare workers ranges from 8% to 38%. This statistic highlights the significant concern for the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals worldwide.

INDIA, POLAND FORMULATE ACTION PLAN, UPGRADE TIES TO STRATEGIC PARTNERSHIP

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

India and Poland have strengthened their relationship by upgrading their ties to a strategic partnership. During Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Poland, both nations set the stage for closer cooperation across various sectors through a comprehensive five-year action plan.

Key Developments:

Strategic Partnership:

• India and Poland have formalized their bilateral ties as a strategic partnership.
• Focus areas include enhanced political dialogue, security, trade, and investment.

Five-Year Action Plan (2024-2028):

• A detailed plan to guide collaboration over the next five years.
• Covers diverse sectors such as political dialogue, economic cooperation, and innovation.

Economic Cooperation:

• Food Processing: Polish companies are invited to invest in India’s food parks.
• Urbanization: Exploration of opportunities in water treatment, waste management, and urban infrastructure.

Technology and Innovation:

• Clean Energy: Focus on clean coal technology, green hydrogen, and renewable energy sources.
• Artificial Intelligence: Identified as a mutual priority for advancement.

Youth Exchange Program: Introduction of the Jam Saheb of Nawanagar program, facilitating annual exchanges for 20 Polish youths.

Space Exploration: Agreement to advance safe and sustainable space exploration and commercial space activities.

Social Security Agreement: Enhances the mobility and welfare of skilled workers between the two countries.

International Cooperation: Poland supports India’s goal to join the International Energy Agency.

OPPOSITION MEMBERS RAISE AN ARRAY OF OBJECTIONS TO WAQF AMENDMENT BILL

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

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024 has generated significant debate in Parliament. Opposition parties have voiced strong objections to various aspects of the bill, leading to concerns about government control, representation, and procedural issues. The Joint Committee is set to review these objections before the Winter Session.

Key Objections:

Excessive Government Control:

• Critics argue the bill grants excessive control to the government over Waqf properties, potentially undermining the autonomy of Waqf Boards.

Inclusion of Non-Muslim Members:

• There is opposition to including non-Muslim members on Waqf Boards. Critics believe this undermines the boards’ primary role in managing properties for the Muslim community.

Deed Records Requirement:

• The bill’s requirement for “deed records” is seen as burdensome, complicating the management and recording of Waqf properties.

Role of District Collector:

• The designation of the District Collector as the authority for determining Waqf or government land is contested. Opponents fear this may lead to misclassification and misuse.

Consultation Process:

• There is dissatisfaction with the lack of stakeholder consultation before drafting the bill. Critics argue that recommendations from the Sachar Committee were not adequately considered.

Broad-Basing Membership:

• The broadening of Waqf Board membership is viewed as a misinterpretation of recommendations, potentially altering the core composition of the boards rather than enhancing community representation.

Divisive Sub-Sects Representation:

• Allowing representation of specific sub-sects on Waqf Boards is seen as potentially divisive and counterproductive to effective board management.

Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC):

An ad-hoc committee formed by both houses of Parliament to address specific issues.

• Formation: Established through a motion in one house, approved by the other; membership and terms are set by Parliament.
• Examples: Past JPCs have investigated issues like stock market scams and pesticide residues.
• Functions: Investigate broader issues beyond financial scrutiny, unlike the Public Accounts Committee (PAC).
• Membership: Includes MPs from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, with varying numbers based on the issue.
• Effectiveness: Recommendations are influential but not legally binding; the government can choose whether to implement them.
• Comparison with PAC: JPCs address wider issues, while PAC focuses specifically on financial matters and audit reports.

INDIA’S ETHANOL BLENDING PROGRAM

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: HINDUSTHAN TIMES

India is working towards its goal of blending 20% ethanol with petrol by 2025-26. This move aims to enhance energy security, reduce environmental impact, and support the agricultural sector.

Ethanol Production and Capacity:

• Target and Capacity: By 2025-26, India aims to blend 20% ethanol with petrol, requiring around 1,000 crore liters of ethanol. As of December 2023, India’s ethanol production capacity was 1,380 crore liters—875 crore liters from sugarcane and 505 crore liters from foodgrains.
• Sources: Ethanol is produced from high-starch crops like sugarcane, maize, and wheat. In India, it is mainly derived from sugarcane molasses through fermentation.

Ethanol Blending:

Ethanol blending involves mixing ethanol with gasoline to create fuel mixtures for internal combustion engines.

Common Blends:

• E10: 10% ethanol and 90% gasoline.
• E15: 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline.
• E85: 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline, used in flex-fuel vehicles.

Benefits: Ethanol helps in more complete fuel combustion, reducing emissions and environmental pollution. It is also a renewable fuel as it comes from plant materials.

India’s Ethanol Blending Program:

Launch and Objectives: The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) program, started in 2003, aims to promote alternative fuels, reduce reliance on imported oil, and support the agricultural sector.

Goals:

• Reduce Import Dependence: Decrease the need for imported crude oil and enhance energy security.
• Environmental Benefits: Lower air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions with cleaner-burning ethanol.
• Support Farmers: Create a market for crops used in ethanol production.

Key Components:

• Blending Targets: The National Policy on Biofuels (2018) sets a 20% blending target by 2025. Initial targets included a 10% blend (E10) by 2022, with gradual increases.
• Infrastructure: Investments are made in production, storage, and distribution facilities for ethanol.
• Incentives: Financial support and subsidies are provided to ethanol producers and infrastructure developers.

Challenges:

• Infrastructure Development: Building and maintaining the necessary infrastructure is costly and complex.
• Feedstock Supply: Ensuring a reliable supply of raw materials like sugarcane can be difficult due to market and climatic changes.
• Consumer Acceptance: Educating consumers and ensuring vehicle compatibility with higher ethanol blends is crucial.

Conclusion:

India’s Ethanol Blending Program represents a significant effort towards a sustainable energy future, aligning with environmental goals and energy independence while supporting agricultural development.

WATERSPOUTS

TOPIC: (GS3) ENVIRONMENT – SOURCE: THE HINDU

Research from the University of Barcelona indicates that warmer sea surface temperatures, such as those near Sicily (2.5 to 3 degrees Celsius above the 1990-2020 average), may lead to increased waterspout activity.

About Waterspouts:

Waterspouts are fascinating yet dangerous atmospheric phenomena that resemble tornadoes but form over water. Recently, a luxury yacht sank off the coast of Sicily, Italy, likely due to a waterspout during a violent storm, highlighting the impact of these powerful natural events.

Definition and Characteristics:

• Waterspouts: Rotating columns of air over water bodies, similar to tornadoes but less intense.
• Duration: Typically, last 5-10 minutes.
• Diameter: Average of around 165 feet (50 meters).
• Wind Speeds: Can reach up to 100 km/h (60 mph).

Formation Process:

• Dark Spot: Begins with a light-coloured disk appearing on the water’s surface, surrounded by a darker area.
• Spiral Pattern: Light and dark bands spiral out from the dark spot.
• Spray Ring: The dark spot creates a swirling mass of sea spray.
• Mature Vortex: The spray ring forms a spinning funnel extending from the water to the clouds.
• Decay: Warm air disrupts the vortex, leading to the waterspout’s weakening and dissipation.

Types of Waterspouts:

Tornadic Waterspouts:

• Characteristics: Form over water during severe thunderstorms; can be as dangerous as tornadoes.
• Associated Conditions: High winds, large hail, and frequent lightning.

Fair-Weather Waterspouts:

• Characteristics: Develop under calmer conditions from cumulus clouds; not linked to thunderstorms.
• Movement: Typically, stationary due to light winds.

Snowspouts:

• Characteristics: Rare; develop under snow squalls and can sometimes reach EF1 tornado strength.

LUNAR MAGMA OCEAN

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

India’s Chandrayaan-3 mission has reignited interest in the Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO) theory. This theory is essential for understanding the moon’s early formation and geological history. Chandrayaan-3’s recent findings have provided new evidence supporting this theory.

Chandrayaan-3’s Discovery:

• Ferroan Anorthosite: The Pragyan rover identified this rock type in the lunar south pole region.
• Significance: Ferroan anorthosite is crucial because it matches earlier observations from Apollo and Luna missions. This rock type is considered a remnant of the ancient magma ocean that once covered the moon.

What is the Lunar Magma Ocean (LMO)?

• Definition: The LMO is a hypothesized stage in the moon’s history when its surface was entirely molten.
• Formation: This ocean of magma is thought to have formed after a massive collision between early Earth and a Mars-sized body, which resulted in the moon’s creation.

Importance of Ferroan Anorthosite:

• Crust Formation: As the magma cooled and solidified, different minerals crystallized at various depths. Ferroan anorthosite, rich in calcium and aluminum, floated to the surface and formed the moon’s initial crust.
• Geologic History: This supports the theory that the moon’s early crust originated from a global magma ocean and suggests the moon has preserved its ancient surface without significant volcanic activity or plate tectonics.

Scientific Implications:

• General Relativity: The discovery relates to Einstein’s theory of general relativity, as the moon’s lower gravity means time ticks slightly faster than on Earth.

Key Points:

• Impact Hypothesis: The moon formed from debris after a collision between early Earth and a rogue planetary body.
• South Pole-Aitken Basin: The site of Chandrayaan-3’s rover study, known as the largest impact crater in the solar system.
• Alpha Particle X-ray Spectrometer (APXS): Instrument used to analyze the chemical composition of lunar soil.

DHANGAR COMMUNITY

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE– SOURCE: TIMES OF INDIA

Recently, a large group of Dhangars marched to the office of the Sub-Divisional Officer in Khamgaon, Maharashtra, demanding a designated “grazing corridor” for their sheep and goats.

About the Dhangar Community:

• Geographic Distribution: The Dhangars are shepherds found in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Karnataka, and Andhra Pradesh.
• Lifestyle: They predominantly live in isolated areas such as forests, hills, and mountains, maintaining a semi-nomadic way of life.

Households and Population:

• Family Structure: Dhangar households are small, tight-knit, with a strong emphasis on family bonds.
• Population: The community has an estimated population of around 10 million (1 crore), making up about 9% of Maharashtra’s total population.

Clusters and Sub-Castes:

• Sub-Castes: There are approximately 20 sub-castes and clusters within the Dhangar tribe, each with unique customs and traditions.

Occupation and Migration:

• Livelihood: The Dhangars rely on sheep and goat herding as their primary source of income. They follow both nomadic pastoral and semi-nomadic agrarian lifestyles.
• Seasonal Migration: After the bajra harvesting season in October, they migrate annually to find new grazing lands for their livestock.

Cultural Practices:

• Customs: They have various customs and rituals, including ancestor worship.
• Songs: The community has a rich oral tradition, including songs called sumbaran, which are sung during their migrations and serve multiple cultural purposes.