23-January-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

APEX COURT TO DECIDE IF CENTRE ENCROACHED ON PUNJAB’S DOMAIN

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Supreme Court is set to deliberate on the extension of the Border Security Force (BSF) jurisdiction, particularly focusing on the dispute raised by Punjab against the Centre’s decision to expand the BSF’s reach from 15 km to 50 km along the India-Pakistan border. The Centre’s notification, also affecting West Bengal and Assam, invoked Section 139 of the BSF Act, 1968, raising constitutional concerns.

Key Points:

Legal Challenge by Punjab:

• Punjab challenged the constitutional validity of the October 2021 notification, accusing the Centre of encroaching on the state’s legislative domain.
• The dispute questions whether the Centre’s move undermines the state’s control over police and public order, core elements of its authority.
• Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud will lead a three-judge Bench in the hearing in April 2023.

Political Fallout:

• The extension of BSF’s jurisdiction triggered political controversies in Punjab and West Bengal, leading to resolutions against the decision in their respective Assemblies.

Legal Arguments:

• The Centre argues that the extended jurisdiction is essential for effective control over trans-border crimes, especially illegal entry and offenses under the Passport Act.
• Punjab contends that factors like topography and population concentration should be considered, emphasizing the potential erosion of state powers.

Issues for Consideration:

• The court will examine if the extension under Section 139 is arbitrary and unconstitutional interference.
• It will assess whether a 50 km jurisdiction in Punjab, different from larger states like Gujarat and Rajasthan, is justified.

WITH NO IRON OR STEEL, AYODHYA TEMPLE IS A STUDY IN SANDSTONE

GS 1 (ART AND CULTURE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The recently consecrated Ayodhya temple stands as a remarkable architectural feat, meticulously crafted with sandstone while addressing engineering challenges and environmental considerations.

Key Features:

Material and Construction:

• No iron or steel has been used in the temple’s construction, showcasing the use of traditional materials.
• Sandstones from the Bansi Paharpur area in Rajasthan were meticulously carved with intricate designs, including images of deities, peacocks, and flower patterns.

Structure Details:

• The temple is envisioned to be three storeys high, with each floor standing at 20 feet.
• The complex follows the Nagara architectural style, stretching 380 feet from east to west, 250 feet wide, and 161 feet high.
• A total of 392 pillars and 44 gates adorn the temple, contributing to its grandeur.

Foundation Challenges:

• During excavation, the ground was deemed unsuitable for the foundation, leading engineers to create an “artificial foundation” to support the superstructure.
• A rectangular periphery called percota, a feature uncommon in the north but found in South Indian temples, surrounds the grand temple.

Ornate Installations:

• Elaborate figures of elephants, lions, Lord Hanuman, and Garuda, all crafted from Bansi Paharpur sandstones, adorn the temple’s main entrance.
• An ancient Shiva temple on Kuber Tila was revitalized as part of the construction.

Green Area and Preservation:

• Approximately 70% of the temple complex is designated as a green area, preserving nearly 600 trees within its belt.
• The green area complements the temple’s aesthetics and aligns with environmental sustainability.
• Over 3,000 kg of flowers from more than 20 varieties have been used for decorating the grand structure, adding a vibrant touch to the sacred space.

Conclusion:

The Ayodhya temple’s construction not only showcases architectural excellence but also emphasizes a harmonious blend of tradition, environmental consciousness, and artistic intricacy. The collective efforts of skilled individuals have given rise to a structure that stands as a testament to India’s rich cultural heritage.

FIRED UP AND PLUGGED IN

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

India, as the seventh most vulnerable country to climate change impacts, faces the challenge of decarbonizing its power sector while ensuring economic growth and energy security. This critical journey requires strategic planning and a balance between renewable energy integration and existing coal-based power support.

Key Points:

Global Agreement Commitment:

• India, aiming to become the fastest-growing economy, is compelled by global agreements like COP-28 to phase down unabated coal.
• The focus in this critical decade is on decarbonizing the power sector while sustaining economic development and energy security.

Climate Action and Challenges:

• India has reduced fossil fuel subsidies by 76%, signaling climate action.
• Despite efforts, coal-based power remains essential, supplying over 100 GW, especially during non-solar hours and low hydro availability.

Strategic Steps for Decarbonization:

1. Better Management of Thermal Plant Outages:

• Addressing unplanned outages by improving availability and utilization of existing plants.
• Efficient forecasting, maintenance planning, and regulatory incentives are crucial.

2. Increasing Flexibility of Coal Fleet:

• Retrofitting existing coal plants to enhance flexibility and align with renewable energy fluctuations.
• Compensating power plant owners for retrofitting costs and operational adjustments during flexible operations.

3. Incentivizing Payment for Storage Services:

• Acknowledging the role of energy storage systems in supporting the power grid.
• Compensating entities deploying batteries for critical grid support services beyond supplying energy units.

Indigenizing Supply Chains:

• Boosting domestic value and job creation in clean energy, focusing on solar manufacturing and battery storage.
• Addressing raw material availability and promoting R&D in advanced technologies.

Energy Security and Economic Growth:

• Balancing decarbonization with energy security to meet growing power demand in the short term.
• Prioritizing low-cost and affordable electricity as a foundation for economic growth and improved living standards.

Conclusion:

India’s journey towards power sector decarbonization requires a multi-faceted approach. Balancing economic growth, energy security, and decarbonization commitments will be crucial for a sustainable and resilient future.

GROUND REPORT FINDS HIMALAYAN FARMERS ADAPTING TO CLIMATE CHANGE

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – DOWN TO EARTH

Farmers in Uttarakhand, Himalayas, are facing climate challenges affecting traditional agriculture. Irregular rainfall and global warming impact crop yields, leading to strategic shifts in farming practices.

Key Points:

Transition to Livestock Farming:

• Introduction of indigenous breeds like Kadaknath chickens and strategic breeding prove lucrative.

Diversification into Poultry and Animal Husbandry:

• Dairy farming, poultry, and fish farming become alternatives to cope with irregular rainfall patterns affecting crops.

Impact of Global Warming on Agriculture:

• Study by Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) highlights the severe impact of global warming on Himalayan agriculture.
• Predictions include a potential 12% decrease in wheat yield by the end of the century due to climate-related challenges.

Experimentation with New Crops:

• Farmers experiment with new crops and species resilient to climate fluctuations.
• Emphasis on climate-resilient crops to combat issues like insect attacks affecting traditional crops.

Entrepreneurial Ventures for Sustainable Livelihoods:

• Entrepreneurs explore horticulture, producing various products like juices, jams, and pickles.
• Beekeeping, goat rearing, and mushroom cultivation offer sustainable livelihoods with profitable outcomes.

Challenges and Need for Skill Development:

• Lack of knowledge and high input costs pose challenges to transitioning to new ventures.
• Experts stress the importance of skill development and supply chain establishment to enhance new livelihood activities.

Addressing Agricultural Crisis and Migration:

• Climate change contributes to migration from Uttarakhand villages due to agricultural crises.
• Initiatives like growing unique crops in hilly regions aim to prevent migration and engage rural youth in enterprise.

Role of Skill Development and Group Initiatives:

• Farmers urged to think and act like entrepreneurs, forming groups for diversified training.
• Skill development and forming local supply chains are essential for successful transitions.

JAMMU CSIR LAB FINDS CANNABIS COMPOUND THAT HAS ANTIBIOTIC EFFECTS

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – INDIAN EXPRESS

Researchers at CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (IIIM), Jammu, have identified a cannabis compound, THCBD, with potent antibiotic effects against Staphylococcus aureus.

This bacterium poses a significant threat due to antimicrobial resistance (AMR), where microbes become unresponsive to medications.

The study presents a promising avenue in India’s fight against rising antibiotic resistance.

Key Points:

Antibiotic Resistance Challenge:

• AMR is a global health concern, rendering bacteria resistant to conventional medications.
• CSIR-IIIM Jammu’s breakthrough explores phytocannabinoids, compounds from cannabis, as potential antibiotics.

Importance of Cannabis Compounds:

• Phytocannabinoids in cannabis exhibit previously unexplored antibiotic properties.
• Tetrahydrocannabidiol (THCBD), a semisynthetic phytocannabinoid, emerges as a potential solution.

Threat of Staphylococcus Aureus:

• Staphylococcus aureus, responsible for a significant number of AMR-related deaths globally, is the focus.
• MRSA (methicillin-resistant strain) necessitates alternative solutions due to its resistance to conventional antibiotics.

THCBD’s Antibacterial Efficacy:

• THCBD, obtained through a chemical process involving cannabidiol from cannabis, exhibits strong effectiveness.
• Effective against efflux pump overexpression and MRSA strains, addressing challenges posed by resistant bacterial strains.

Testing and Results:

• Lab tests show THCBD’s potency against Gram-positive S. aureus at a minimum quantity of 0.25 g/ml.
• THCBD significantly reduces viable microbial cells in S. aureus skin infections in mice.

Challenges and Considerations:

• Legal constraints and regulatory challenges in cannabis research in India.
• Emphasis on addressing solubility challenges for THCBD’s effective administration as a drug.

Potential Drug Development:

• Researchers highlight the need for a comprehensive safety profile for THCBD.
• Collaborations and efforts underway to secure government authorization for further research and drug development.

ARAVALLI HILLS

GS 1 (GEOGRAPHY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Supreme Court opines that Rajasthan has the authority to halt mining in Aravali range if found detrimental to the environment.

About Aravalli Hills

• Aravalli Hills are among the world’s oldest fold mountains.
• Located in north-west India, spanning states (Gujarat, Rajasthan, Haryana) and Union Territory (Delhi).
• Extends in a southwest to northeast direction, encompassing diverse landscapes.

Geographical Features

• Highest peak: Guru Shikhar, situated near Mount Abu in Rajasthan.
• Significant rivers: Banas and Sahibi (tributaries of Yamuna), and Luni River.
• Functions as a water divide, separating the Indus and Ganga Basins.

Mineral Rich Region

• Aravalli is a source of abundant minerals such as Zinc, Gold, Silver, Copper, Dolomite, and Marble.
• Mining activities contribute to the regional economy.

Environmental Concerns

• Recent apex court opinion: Rajasthan can halt mining if it poses environmental threats.
• Balancing economic activities with environmental conservation is a key challenge.

BINTURONG & SMALL-CLAWED OTTER

Two new mammalian species were identified in Assam’s Kaziranga National Park.

Binturong (Bearcat):

• Largest civet in India, part of Schedule I of Wildlife Protection Act 1972.
• Native to South-East Asia, distributed in India (Meghalaya, Sikkim), Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN), Appendix III (CITES).

Small-clawed Otter (Asian Small-clawed Otter):

• Primarily inhabits freshwater habitats, also listed under Schedule I.
• Distributed in India (West Bengal, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala), Southeast Asia, Southern China.
• Conservation status: Vulnerable (IUCN), Appendix I (CITES).

Conservation Importance:

• Inclusion emphasizes the need for protecting these species and their habitats.
• Raises awareness about vulnerable wildlife in the region.