31-August-2024-Daily-Current-Affairs

CHINA REASSERTS ITS CLAIMS IN REGIONAL DISPUTES, PUSHES RIVALS’ LIMITS

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

China has been increasingly assertive in several contested regions, including the South China Sea, Taiwan Strait, and East China Sea.

• Recent actions involve military and coast guard confrontations with neighboring countries like the Philippines and increased pressure on Taiwan.
• These actions are part of China’s broader strategy to expand its regional influence and test the resolve of its rivals.

Escalation in the South China Sea:

• China has intensified its military presence, deploying vessels to challenge the Philippines over disputed reefs and islands.
• A recent incident at Sabina Shoal involved Chinese coast guard ships blocking Philippine vessels, leading to increased tensions.
• The Philippines, with support from the U.S., has countered China’s actions, considering seeking U.S. escorts for future resupply missions.

China’s Actions Beyond the South China Sea:

• China has increased military activities around Taiwan, regularly sending fighter jets, drones, and naval vessels to maintain pressure.
• In the East China Sea, China has also intensified its efforts to assert control over a disputed island group with Japan.
• These actions reflect China’s aim to gradually increase control over contested areas without crossing into full-scale conflict.

Strategic Intent:

• China’s strategy involves testing the limits of regional powers, pushing the boundaries of international law, and asserting its territorial claims.
• Analysts believe these actions are interconnected, forming part of a broader campaign to challenge regional stability and expand China’s influence.

DGTR RECOMMENDS ANTI-DUMPING DUTY ON ALUMINIUM FOILS IMPORTED FROM CHINA

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

The Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry has recommended an anti-dumping duty on aluminium foils imported from China.

This recommendation follows concerns that Chinese imports are capturing a significant share of the Indian market, impacting domestic producers.

What is Anti-Dumping Duty?

• Anti-dumping duty is a tariff imposed on foreign imports that are priced below the fair market value of similar goods in the domestic market.
• It is imposed to protect local businesses from unfair competition by ensuring that foreign goods are not “dumped” in the domestic market at artificially low prices.
• The World Trade Organization (WTO) permits anti-dumping measures as a tool for fair competition, provided there is evidence of genuine injury to domestic industries.

Role of the Directorate General of Trade Remedies (DGTR):

• DGTR is the top authority in India for administering trade remedial measures, including anti-dumping duties, countervailing duties, and safeguard measures.
• It supports domestic industries by investigating and recommending measures to counteract the effects of unfair trade practices from other countries.

Investigation and Findings:

• The investigation was initiated by major Indian aluminium manufacturers like Hindalco, Shyam Sel & Power Ltd, Venkateshwara Electrocast Pvt. Ltd, and Ravi Raj Foils Ltd.
• They claimed that cheap imports from China were harming domestic production by undercutting prices.
• The DGTR’s investigation revealed that Chinese aluminium foil imports, especially those up to 80 microns, were priced below domestic production costs, forcing Indian producers to sell at a loss.
• The DGTR recommended an anti-dumping duty ranging from $619 to $873 per tonne to protect the domestic industry.

Impact on Domestic Industry:

• During the period of investigation, the domestic industry’s capacity utilization was at 45%, with production meeting 54% of the market demand.
• The imposition of anti-dumping duties is intended to protect domestic producers and encourage higher capacity utilization.

Concerns Over Market Monopoly:

• Some stakeholders worry that imposing these duties might lead to a monopoly, limiting the availability of quality aluminium foils for downstream producers.
• There are concerns that this could negatively affect their ability to meet customer demands in terms of product quality and lead times.

Countervailing Duty (CVD) vs. Anti-Dumping Duty:

• Countervailing Duty (CVD) is an import tax imposed to counter the negative effects of foreign government subsidies, ensuring that subsidized goods do not undermine domestic producers.
• Anti-dumping duty addresses low-priced imports, while CVD targets subsidized products.
• The amount of anti-dumping duty is based on the margin of dumping, whereas CVD is determined by the subsidy value.

NASA DISCOVERS A LONG-SOUGHT GLOBAL ELECTRIC FIELD ON EARTH

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

NASA’s Endurance mission has, for the first time, measured a planet-wide electric field on Earth, known as the ambipolar electric field.

This discovery confirms a phenomenon that had been hypothesized for over 60 years and has significant implications for understanding Earth’s atmosphere.

The Ambipolar Electric Field:

• The ambipolar electric field forms at an altitude of around 250 km in Earth’s atmosphere, where atoms split into negatively charged electrons and positively charged ions.
• This weak electric field, measured at 0.55 volts by the Endurance mission, keeps these charged particles tethered together.
• It prevents heavier ions from falling back to Earth and stops lighter electrons from drifting into space.
• The field is bidirectional, with ions pulling electrons downward and electrons lifting ions upward, sometimes allowing ions to escape Earth’s atmosphere.

Impact on Earth’s Evolution:

• The ambipolar electric field has likely played a continuous role in shaping Earth’s atmosphere, influencing its evolution over time.
• The discovery opens new avenues for research into how this electric field has impacted Earth’s atmosphere and its potential effects on other planets.

THE COLLAPSE OF CATEGORIES AND POST-INDIVIDUALISM

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

Categorization plays a crucial role in governance and politics, influencing how people, places, and events are perceived and managed.

The 2024 Paris Olympics highlighted both the fixed and flexible nature of categories through two distinct incidents involving an Indian wrestler and an Algerian boxer.

Objective vs. Subjective Categories:

Weight Category:

• Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the competition for being overweight by just 100 grams.
• Her disqualification was widely accepted as weight is considered an objective, measurable fact.

Sex Category:

• Algerian boxer Imane Khelif faced disqualification over questions surrounding her sex, despite official documents stating she was female.
• Unlike weight, sex has become a complex and debated issue, especially with the rise of discussions around gender identity.

The Fluidity of Categories in Governance:

Historical Fluidity:

• Throughout history, fluid categories such as citizenship, crime, and political status have often been contentious and sources of conflict.

Modern-Day Debates:

• Current political issues highlight the fluid nature of categories, with debates around ethnicity and caste classifications.
• Modernity has shifted towards individualism, detaching individuals from community-based norms and highlighting personal identity.

The Evolving Concept of Sex:

• Traditionally, sex categories (male and female) were universally recognized across various domains like religion, politics, and science.
• British biologist Richard Dawkins argued that the biological categories of male and female are fundamental to procreation, with intersex individuals being rare exceptions.

The New Perspective on Sex and Gender:

Sex as a Choice:

• The idea of sex being a choice, influenced by gender identity, challenges traditional views.
• According to Canadian Institutes of Health Research, sex refers to biological attributes, while gender relates to socially constructed roles and identities.

Impact of Gender Ideology:

• This evolving perspective has led to debates over gender-affirming care, the age of consent, and the role of individual choice in determining one’s identity.
• The relationship between the body and mind is being re-examined, with gender-affirming care suggesting that the body should reflect the fluid nature of the mind.

The Role of Science and Technology:

Science in Gender Debate:

• Both supporters and critics of gender-affirming care use scientific data to back their arguments.
• Modern technology plays a dual role by reinforcing categories while also enabling individuals to challenge and redefine them.

Transformative Potential:

• Technological advancements have shifted medical interventions from being merely restorative to potentially transformative, allowing personal choice to redefine sex and gender.

Conclusion:

The debate on gender and sex in the U.S. and the West reflects deeper societal questions about identity, governance, and the role of technology.

Traditional views on the inviolability of individual identity are being challenged by new ideologies that advocate for fluidity and personal choice in defining sex and gender.

NO POLITY FOR THE YOUNG

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: INDIAN EXPRESS

The global shift from an elder-led society to one where the youth play a key role is evident in the rise of young entrepreneurs.

The onset of Industry 3.0, marked by technological advancements, has placed young innovators at the forefront of global development.

Rise of Young Entrepreneurs

Global Examples:

• Innovators like Larry Page (Google) and Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook) founded major tech companies in their twenties, reflecting the growing influence of young entrepreneurs.

Youth in India:

• In India, the IT sector and other industries are increasingly led by young entrepreneurs, contributing significantly to economic growth and innovation.
• The trend of youth driving economic progress is not just a Western phenomenon but is also visible in developing countries like India.

Challenges for Youth in Politics

Limited Political Representation:

• Despite their success in business and technology, young people face significant barriers to political participation.
• Globally, and especially in developing nations like India, politics remains dominated by older generations.
• Although nearly half of the world’s population is under 30, less than 2% of elected legislators are young, showcasing a stark disconnect between the population’s demographics and their political representation.

Global Initiatives:

• Initiatives like the UN’s “Not Too Young To Run” campaign seek to improve youth political representation, but progress is slow.

The Impact of Nepotism in Politics

Nepotism’s Persistence:

• A major barrier to youth participation in politics is nepotism and dynastic rule.
• In India, nepotism has deep roots, with political families often dominating leadership roles within major parties.
• Even attempts to introduce young leaders often promote individuals based on family connections rather than merit.

Historical Context:

• This trend has continued from the Independence movement, where figures like Motilal Nehru were accused of advancing their offspring’s political careers, and still persists today.

The Call for Political Reform

Prime Minister’s Stance:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi has emphasized the need to dismantle nepotism and casteism in Indian politics.
• Modi advocates for a new generation of leaders who are not burdened by political legacies and are ready to reshape the political landscape.

Youth Empowerment:

• Modi believes that the youth are ready to lead, provided they are given the right opportunities and guidance.
• However, the challenge lies in whether the current political class is willing to give space to these new leaders or will continue to prioritize their familial interests over the nation’s broader needs.

Conclusion

The role of youth in shaping the present and future is complex.

While young people have significantly impacted various sectors, their influence in politics remains limited by systemic barriers like nepotism.

Moving forward, it is essential to create an environment that allows youth to participate fully in public life, ensuring that future leadership is diverse and dynamic, reflecting the populations they represent.

WAVES (WORLD AUDIO VISUAL & ENTERTAINMENT SUMMIT)

TOPIC: (GS2) POLITY AND GOVERNANCE – SOURCE: PIB

WAVES (World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit) is a landmark event launched by the Government of India to strengthen the country’s position in the global Media & Entertainment industry.

The summit aims to foster creativity and innovation within various media sectors.

Key Highlights of WAVES

Launch and Leadership:

• The summit was inaugurated on August 22, 2024, by Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
• It is designed to showcase India’s talent and innovation on a global stage.

Create in India Challenge:

• WAVES introduces the ‘Create in India Challenge – Season 1,’ featuring 25 challenges across multiple media sectors.
• These sectors include animation, gaming, esports, comics, film, music, and emerging technologies.

Objectives:

• The event aims to provide a significant platform for displaying creative works.
• It offers networking opportunities for both amateurs and professionals in the industry.
• WAVES is also focused on exploring the economics and technological advancements in entertainment.

SHE-BOX PORTAL

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

The Union Ministry of Women and Child Development has introduced the SHe-Box portal, a significant initiative aimed at addressing sexual harassment of women in the workplace.

About SHe-Box Portal

Centralized Platform:

• SHe-Box is a centralized online platform for women to register and monitor complaints related to sexual harassment at work.
• It covers both government and private sectors, providing a unified platform for filing complaints and ensuring timely resolution.

Information Repository:

• The portal acts as a repository for data on Internal Committees (ICs) and Local Committees (LCs) formed across the country.
• It helps in the tracking of complaints and ensures their time-bound processing by the relevant committees.

Real-Time Monitoring:

• Complaints can be monitored in real-time through a designated nodal officer, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• The platform safeguards the privacy of complainants by ensuring that personal information remains confidential.

Points to Remember

2017 Upgrade:

• The SHe-Box portal was upgraded in 2017 in alignment with The Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
• Women facing harassment at any workplace can use the portal to file complaints.

Committees for Redressal:

• For private organizations, an Internal Committee (IC) is formed to address complaints.
• In government institutions, a Local Committee (LC) is formed under the chairmanship of the District Magistrate (DM) or Deputy Commissioner (DC) or a designated officer.

PIEZOELECTRIC POLYMER

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

Researchers from the Centre for Nano and Soft Matter Sciences (CeNS) and the National Chemical Laboratory (CSIR-NCL), Pune, have developed a security alert system using a piezoelectric polymer nanocomposite.

This innovation demonstrates the potential of advanced materials in creating efficient and responsive security systems.

About Piezoelectric Polymers

Piezoelectric polymers are materials that generate electric charges on their surface when subjected to pressure or strain, effectively converting mechanical energy into electrical energy.

Characteristics

High Sensitivity:

• These polymers exhibit higher piezoelectric stress constants compared to ceramics, making them superior sensors for various applications.

Low Density and Elasticity:

• They possess a low dielectric constant, low elastic stiffness, and low density, resulting in high voltage sensitivity.
• These properties are particularly valuable for medical and underwater applications where low acoustic and mechanical impedance is crucial.

Processing Flexibility:

• Piezoelectric polymeric sensors and actuators are lightweight, durable, and can be easily manufactured into large areas.
• They can also be cut and shaped into complex forms, offering significant design flexibility.

High Dielectric Breakdown:

• These polymers have a high dielectric breakdown and can withstand much higher operating field strengths than ceramics, allowing for more robust performance under demanding conditions.

Conclusion

The development of a security alert system using piezoelectric polymer nanocomposites highlights the importance of advanced materials in enhancing the sensitivity and reliability of security technologies.