9 PM Daily Current Affairs Brief – November 14th, 2023
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 1
Caste based Inequalities in India – Towards a more equal India
Source: This post on Caste based Inequalities in India has been created based on the article ‘Towards a more equal India’, published in the Business Standard on 14th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1 – Society – Salient features of society
News: The Bihar Caste Survey provides insights into the relationship between caste and economic status in India. The survey sheds light on the deep-rooted inequalities in Indian society, particularly in terms of economic status and opportunities across different castes.
India has moved beyond jajmani relationships and caste-based discriminations. However, caste hierarchy and social separation persists in society to some extent.
Read more here about caste census and its significance
What is the Present state of caste-based inequality in India?
Persistent Inequality: Despite economic growth, caste-based disparities in income, education, and job opportunities persist.
- Poverty Data: Indicates higher poverty levels among Scheduled Castes (42.93%) and Scheduled Tribes (42.7%) compared to other groups.
- Government Jobs: General category castes have a higher representation (3.19%) in government jobs than SC, ST, and OBC groups.
- Education Levels: There’s a significant disparity in graduate percentages among different caste groups, with the general category having the highest (14.54%).
Economic Mobility: The survey suggests that caste continues to be a barrier to social and economic mobility in India.
Income inequality in India: According to the World Inequality database, income inequality in India has sharply increased from 1990 to 2018. The top 10% saw their share of pre-tax income rise from 34.4% to 57.1%, while the bottom 50%’s share dropped from 20.3% to 13.1%. The top 1% accounts for nearly half of the increase in the top 10%’s income share.
What is the significance of the above data?
Access to government jobs is still the main source of income increase and social mobility for the underprivileged, such as the children of an agricultural labourer.
Access to education is the principal basis for occupational mobility from a traditional family job.
OECD Findings on economic mobility: The Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) assessed the number of generations needed to move from the bottom 10% to the mean income level in various countries. In India, this transition takes about seven generations, a duration similar to China but longer than in Europe and the US.
Intergenerational Mobility: Azim Premji University highlights that a high percentage of sons of casual wage workers remain in similar employment, even if they are twice as educated as their father. The issue is low quality education.
What should be done?
While caste-based reservations may still be necessary, the primary approach should be improving education and skill development access.
Enhancing intergenerational mobility through quality education and skill development is key to reducing inequality and ensuring equitable economic growth.
Reducing Caste-Based Barriers: Following B.R. Ambedkar’s advice, the focus should be on eliminating occupational specialization linked to caste and enhancing skill acquisition.
Question for Practice
Considering the persistent caste-based inequalities in India, what measures should be implemented to enhance social and economic mobility across castes in India?
GS PAPER - 2
Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system
Source: The post is based on the article “Enhancing representation, for a just electoral system” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- polity- Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
News: This article discusses India’s political representation issues. It suggests more parliament seats, state reorganization, and changes to the election system to improve fairness and give better voice to all regions and citizens in India’s diverse democracy.
Current Political Representation in India
India has around 4,126 Members of the Legislative Assembly, 543 Lok Sabha MPs and 245 Rajya Sabha MPs.
Despite a large number of grassroots politicians and local bodies, like 1,000-plus municipal councils and approximately 238,000 panchayats, there’s a shortfall in higher-level representation.
What is Delimitation?
Delimitation is the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country to reflect the changes in population. In India the task of delimitation exercise is assigned to a high-power body. Such a body is known as Delimitation Commission or a Boundary Commission.
Constitutional basis of delimitation commission
Delimitation Commission of India
For more details on delimitation exercise read here
What are the issues with Delimitation?
Delimitation could lead to regional imbalances: For instance, in the 2019 elections, each MP from Uttar Pradesh represented about three million voters, while an MP from Lakshadweep represented around 55,000 voters. This discrepancy might increase with delimitation.
Penalizing states with effective population control: As an example, Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which successfully managed their population growth, could lose seats, whereas states like Rajasthan, which saw a population increase from 25 million to 68 million (1971-2011), might gain more representation.
Risk of empowering specific national parties: The process may benefit parties dominant in the north, impacting the diverse political landscape and potentially favoring Hindi-speaking states.
Undermining diverse representation: Delimitation might reduce the influence of culturally and linguistically distinct regions, particularly in southern and northeastern India, where the political culture differs significantly.
What should be done?
Increase Parliament seats: To enhance representation, seats should increase, possibly to 848, ensuring no state loses out.
Consider factors beyond population in delimitation: Include economic, geographical, and linguistic aspects to ensure fairness.
Reform the Rajya Sabha: Each state could have an equal number of MPs, elected directly with stringent domicile requirements.
Introduce proportional representation: Similar to Australia and France, this could ensure majority support for legislators.
Establish more states: Reference the U.S. model with smaller states for better governance, suggesting an increase from 29 to potentially 50 or 75 states in India.
Empower urban local bodies: Strengthening mayoral roles and direct elections in urban areas for improved.
Question to practice
Examine the challenges and solutions proposed for improving political representation in India.
On Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023 – Community rights and forest conservation
Source: The post on Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023 is based on the article “Community rights and forest conservation” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
News: The article discusses the 2023 Forest Conservation Amendment Act, which focuses on using forests for economic benefits like tourism. It reduces legal protections for many forests, leading to criticism about neglecting indigenous rights and potential negative impacts on forest management.
What is forest?
In India, the definition of a “forest” is not uniformly established at the national level. Instead, each state is responsible for determining what constitutes a forest within its territory. This decentralized approach to defining forests originates from a 1996 Supreme Court order known as the T.N. Godavarman Thirumulkpad vs the Union of India judgment.
Types of forests: State Forest Departments govern two primary types of forests as defined under the Indian Forest (IF) Act of 1927. a) Reserve Forests (RF)- Rights are restricted unless specified. b) Protected Forests (PF)- Rights are generally allowed unless prohibited.
Constitutional Provisions:
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, shifted Forests from the State to the Concurrent List, allowing both state and central legislation.
Article 51 A (g) declares it a fundamental duty of every citizen to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests and wildlife.
Similarly, Article 48 A, found in the Directive Principles of State Policy, obliges the state to strive to protect and enhance the environment, including forests and wildlife.
Forest Act and amendment:
Indian Forest Act, 1927: Established to consolidate laws related to forests and wildlife, it played a crucial role in designating reserved and protected forests post-independence. However, it faced challenges like overlooking certain forest areas and misclassifying non-forest lands.
Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980: This Act aimed to strengthen forest protection by prohibiting the felling of forests for non-forestry purposes without the central government’s approval. It was a response to the rampant deforestation and aimed to ensure sustainable forest management.
T.N. Godavarman vs. Union of India, 1996: A landmark Supreme Court ruling expanded the definition of forests to include all types, irrespective of their ownership or classification, under the Forest Conservation Act.
Amendments in 2016 and 2017: prior consent from the tribal grama sabha was mandatory for any alterations to forests for non-forest purposes.
Amendments in 2022: Proposed changes allowed plantation development on non-FC Act lands, reflecting a balance between conservation and development needs.
What are the major changes made under the Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023?
Reduced Forest Protections and Exclusion of Areas: The Act reduces legal protections for many forests, particularly those converted for non-forest use after 1996, and applies only to areas categorized under the 1927 Forest Act or designated after October 25, 1980, excluding others from its scope.
Economic Exploitation: It facilitates economic activities in forests, such as ecotourism and safari, which were previously restricted.
Security Infrastructure: The government can construct security measures in forest areas, especially within 100 kilometers of international borders.
Removal of Prior Consent: The requirement for tribal consent for altering forests for non-forest purposes has been removed.
Compensatory Afforestation: The Act includes provisions for afforestation or reforestation by private entities, without specific guidelines on tree types.
Impact on Forest Rights Act: The amendment potentially limits the application of the Forest Rights Act, affecting indigenous communities’ rights to forest land.
What are the major concerns related to the Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023?
Neglect of Indigenous Rights: The Act fails to recognize the rights of indigenous communities, potentially obstructing their access to forest resources and traditional lands.
Contradiction in Forest Governance: It challenges the concept of decentralized forest governance, conflicting with federal norms and the concurrent jurisdiction of forests.
Ambiguity in Strategic Projects: Defining strategic projects, such as security infrastructure, is vague, leading to potential misuse and misinterpretation regarding forest land use.
Environmental Security Overlooked: The Act does not prioritize internal environmental security, a concern for states frequently facing natural disasters.
Compensatory Afforestation Concerns: The lack of specifics on the types of trees for afforestation could lead to environmental mismatches and ineffective reforestation efforts.
Question to practice
Discuss the key changes and potential impacts of the Forest Conservation Amendment Act 2023 in India.
Couter terrorism policies – Realism, not machismo, to counter terror
Source: The post on counterterrorism policies is based on the article “Realism, not machismo, to counter terror” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023.
Syllabus: GS2- International relation- India and its neighborhood- relations.
News: The article discusses India’s strategic restraint after the 2008 Mumbai attacks and contrasts it with Israel’s response to Hamas. It argues that India’s non-aggressive approach led to international support and economic growth, while Israel’s aggressive tactics only increased support for the Palestinian cause.
About the 2008 Mumbai attacks
The 2008 Mumbai attacks, conducted by Pakistan-based Lashkar-e-Taiba militants, involved coordinated shootings and bombings across Mumbai, India. It remains one of the most significant terrorist incidents in India’s recent history.
What is Israel-Palestine Conflict?
The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing dispute between Israelis and Palestinians over land, national identity, and sovereignty, involving issues like borders, security, and control of Jerusalem. It has led to multiple wars and ongoing tensions.
For more detailed information on Israel-Palestine Conflict read here
What is the difference between actions taken by India and Israel in response to the attacks?
India’s Response to 2008 Mumbai Attacks:
Strategic Restraint: India refrained from immediate military retaliation against Pakistan.
International Diplomacy: Emphasized global diplomacy, gaining support from the U.S. and other nations.
Avoiding Escalation: Avoided a potential nuclear crisis and economic downturn during the global financial crisis.
Israel’s Response to 2023 Hamas Attack:
Military Action: Israel responded to the Hamas attack with a violent military response.
Global Perception: This action inadvertently brought the Palestinian issue to the forefront globally.
Contrasting Outcome: Unlike India’s approach, Israel’s response increased international sympathy for the Palestinian cause.
What impact did India’s restraint have on Pakistan?
Economic Decline: Post-26/11, Pakistan experienced a significant economic downturn. Real GDP growth plummeted, and Foreign Direct Investment dropped by 42% by 2010.
International Image: The global perception of Pakistan shifted negatively. The United Nations designated the Lashkar-e-Tayyiba (LeT) as a terrorist organization in 2010, reinforcing its association with terrorism.
Reduced U.S. Aid: Following 26/11, there was a call, notably by then-Senator Joe Biden, to reduce U.S. military aid to Pakistan, which had increased post-9/11 for combating Taliban and al-Qaeda militants.
Legislative Changes: The U.S. Senate passed the revised Kerry-Lugar Bill in 2009, tripling non-military assistance to Pakistan but imposing conditions that were perceived as offensive by Pakistan, further straining relations.
What should be done?
International Diplomacy: Focus on diplomacy and building international alliances, similar to India’s garnering of global support post-Mumbai attacks.
Economic Stability: Prioritize maintaining economic stability during global crises, as India did by avoiding war during the 2008 financial crisis.
Counter-Terrorism Measures: Implement calculated, targeted actions against terrorism, akin to India’s Balakot air strikes, demonstrating strength without widespread conflict.
Avoid Aggressive Responses: Learn from Israel’s 2023 response to Hamas, understanding that aggressive military action can inadvertently increase global sympathy for the opposition’s cause.
Question to practice
Examine how India’s and Israel’s distinct responses to terror attacks impacted their global standing and economy.
GS PAPER - 3
On Char Dham Tunnel Collapse – Unchecked construction
Source: This post on Char Dham Tunnel Collapse has been created based on the article ‘Unchecked construction’, published in the Business Standard on 14th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Disasters and disaster management
News: A tunnel collapse in the Himalayas trapped 40 construction workers. This incident occurred on the Char Dham national highway project between Brahmakhal and Yamunotri in Uttarkashi.
The Char Dham project is part of India’s large-scale infrastructure initiatives in mountainous regions. Read more.
Other Recent Incidents and Damages
There have been multiple incidents in these areas, indicating a pattern of challenges and dangers associated with such projects.
Subansiri Lower Hydroelectric Power Project: A major landslide disrupted construction and blocked diversion tunnels.
Teesta River Flash Floods: Flash floods damaged the Chungthang Dam and Teesta hydropower stations, leading to significant financial losses.
What are the reasons behind frequent incident in Himalayas?
Disaster vulnerable area: The region is increasingly vulnerable to landslides, flash floods, and earthquakes, exacerbated by climate change.
Ignorance of technical and environmental appraisal: Minimal appraisal are being taken. These are not just bureaucratic hurdles but crucial for safety and sustainability of the manpower and the environment.
Himalayan Biosphere: The Himalayas are recognized as a unique and sensitive biosphere that requires special care and preservation.
Read more about vulnerability of Himalayas
What should be done?
Assessment over political will: Political will for socially significant projects such as Char Dham should not be given importance over technocratic assessment of whether they are feasible.
Environmental Impact: The article underscores the need to consider the ecological impact of construction projects in this fragile region.
Question for Practice
Considering the unique ecological sensitivity of the Himalayan region and the increasing frequency of natural disasters, what measures should be implemented to ensure a balance between infrastructure development and environmental preservation?
On the Solar energy mini-grids – energy security, with a little help from the Sun
This post on Solar energy mini-grids has been created based on the article ‘The small grid – energy security, with a little help from the Sun’, published in The Indian Express on 14th November 2023.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian Economy – Infrastructure and Energy – Solar energy
News: The article discusses the role of solar energy mini-grids in addressing energy poverty, particularly in rural areas of developing countries.
What are Solar energy mini grids?
Solar energy mini-grids are small-scale, decentralized electricity networks powered by solar energy. Unlike traditional large-scale power grids, solar mini-grids are localized and can operate independently. They can produce enery amount from a few kilowatts up to 10 megawatts. They are primarily used to provide electricity to rural communities that lack access to the central power grid.
What are the developments around use of mini grids?
Nigeria: Over 90 million people in Nigeria live without electricity. The World Bank aims to fund a thousand mini-grids there, as part of a broader goal to bring electricity to 75% of the 675 million people worldwide living without it. 20,000 mini-grids have been installed to date.
In Cambodia, diesel-powered mini-grids evolved into part of the national grid, now serving over 1 million consumers.
In India, around 700 solar mini-grids are operated by handful of private companies. These grids are mainly in UP, Bihar, and Jharkhand, contributing to sustainable development goals. States like UP and Bihar have introduced regulations to encourage private-sector mini-grid setups. These grids are commercially viable and unsubsidized, unlike state-run grids.
What are the significances of Mini grids?
Economic and Environmental Benefits: Solar mini-grids offer a cost-effective, sustainable alternative to diesel generators. They are instrumental in reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting renewable energy.
Decentralised energy systems: In the absence of centralised grid infrastructure, these grids are crucial in climate-vulnerable regions, offering resilience against climate shocks like drought and flooding.
Development Accelerators: Beyond providing electricity, these grids facilitate various rural development services, enhancing the quality of life and economic opportunities in rural areas.
Mini grid companies are also providing mobile telephony, irrigation, agro-processing, e-mobility.
Cost of solar PV energy is now highly competitive, standing at $24/MWh, lower than both coal and natural gas.
100% electrification in India: Under e Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana (‘Saubhagya’), on march 2019, government declared 100 percent electrification of all ‘willing’ household. But this effort was aimed at extending the reach of grid electricity, which does not specifically address the quality and reliability of electricity supply. Mini grids are important in improving reliability of electricity services.
What are the Challenges of installing mini grids?
Funding requirement: Despite being the cheapest source, only 10 percent of the amount required to achieve net-zero emissions, has been invested in solar energy.
About $220 billion is required to build 210,000 mini-grids needed globally. Currently, solar investments are only 10% of what is needed for net-zero emissions.
Energy bias: There is a bias towards favouring large-scale solar projects on the national and international level. International frameworks like ISA(International Solar Alliance) are favouring such bias.
What should be done?
Energy mix: There is a need of diverse energy mix, which is focussed on adequate centralised and distributed renewable generation.
Financial Mechanisms: Implementing guarantees and innovative financial mechanisms, along with robust risk underwriting, can catalyze private sector investment in solar mini-grids.
International Support: Initiatives like the ISA’s Global Solar Facility aim to catalyze investments in solar projects, especially in underserved regions. Similar initiatives are required for mini grids as well.
Question for Practice
How do mini-grids contribute to achieving sustainable development goals, particularly in terms of providing reliable and affordable energy?
Following articles have already been covered in the 7 PM Articles of the day:
Already covered articles1) Former Election Commissioner Ashok Lavasa on electoral bonds: Democracy, paid for in darkness
Covered Article Link - Electoral Bonds Scheme- Explained Pointwise
Today’s Article as part of 7 PM
2) India’s insolvency law has cleared a significant hurdle [Times of India]
7 PM Article: Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code- Explained Pointwise
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal launched
Source: The post is based on the article “‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal launched” published in “PIB” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has launched the ‘AAINA Dashboard for Cities’ portal.
What is AAINA Dashboard for Cities Portal?
Specifications | Details |
Launched by | Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) |
Aim | To create a robust database of the key performance metrics of Urban Local Bodies |
Objectives | To help cities to 1.see how they are faring vis-à-vis other cities 2.inspire them by pointing to possibilities and areas of improvement 3.provide opportunity to learn and engage with frontrunners. |
Will it rank ULBs? | AAINA dashboard will not rank ULBs. It would serve as a tool for comparing similarly placed cities and promoting peer learning among cities. |
Pillars | The dashboard will provide information on status and progress of the ULBs on five pillars: 1)Political & Administrative Structure 2)Finance 3)Planning 4)Citizen Centric Governance 5)Delivery of Basic Services. |
Significance | This dashboard will inspire the ULBs by pointing to possibilities and areas of improvement and providing them the opportunity to learn and engage with frontrunners. |
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and Nation (Schemes and Programs)
Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland: Seed preservation and storage among them
Source: The post is based on the article “Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland: Seed preservation and storage among them” published in “Down To Earth ” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
Ao and Sümi Naga communities in Nagaland have long relied on the practice of preserving diverse crop seeds across generations. This traditional knowledge associated with seed storage and preservation has been orally passed from one generation to another and is crucial in cultivation.
Who is the Ao community?
Specifications | Details |
Who are they | Tribe from Nagaland |
Meaning | Aoer (meaning “those who came” from across the Dikhu River) |
Festivals | Moatsü Festival: Observed in early May after sowing Tsüngremong Festival: Celebrated right after the harvest |
Governance system called as | Putu Mende |
Occupation | Slash and burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation (tekong lu or alu ayimba) |
Significance | Aos were the first nagas to embrace Christianity and incorporate Western education |
Who is the Sumi Community?
Specifications | Details |
Who are they | Tribe from Nagaland |
Religion | Ancestral religion was worship of nature. But now most of them are Christians |
Recognized as | Scheduled Tribe |
Festivals | Ahuna: It is a traditional post-harvest festival of the Sumis. Tülüni: It is a festival of great significance for the Sümis. |
Occupation | Slash and burn agriculture, also known as jhum or shifting cultivation |
UPSC Syllabus: History and Art and Culture in News
FAME Scheme: Firmer push for local EV production in FAME-III
Source: The post is based on the article “FAME Scheme: Firmer push for local EV production in FAME-III” published in “Live mint” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Union ministry of Heavy Industries (MHI) is considering introducing a 50% domestic value addition (DVA) requirement under the proposed Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid and) Electric Vehicles in India(FAME) III.
Note: Domestic Value Addition(DVA) is currently implemented under production linked incentive (PLI) schemes, wherein selected applicants need to apply for DVA certification and only after they receive the certification do they become eligible for the incentive.
What is a FAME Scheme?
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Specifications | Details |
Launched in | 2015 |
Full Form | Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of (Hybrid &) Electric Vehicles in India (FAME India) |
Nodal Ministry | Ministry of Heavy Industries |
Part of | National Electric Mobility Mission Plan |
Aim | To promote adoption of electric/hybrid vehicles (xEVs) in India. |
What are the different phases under the FAME Scheme?
1)Phase I: It was started in 2015 and was functional till 2019. It had four focus areas: technological development, demand generation, pilot project and charging infrastructure components.
2)Phase II: It was launched in 2019. It mainly focuses on supporting electrification of public & shared transportation.
– It aims to generate demand of electric vehicles supporting 7000 Electric Buses (e-bus), 5 lakh Electric Three Wheelers (e-3W), 55000 Electric Four Wheeler Passenger Cars (including Strong Hybrid) (e-4W)and 10 lakh Electric Two Wheelers (e-2W).
UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programs
World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): India will host 33rd Conference of WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific
Source: The post is based on the article “World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH): India will host 33rd Conference of WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and Pacific” published in “PIB” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
India is set to host the 33rd Conference of the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific at New Delhi.
What is the WOAH Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific?
The World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) has set up five Regional Commissions to express specific problems facing its Members in the different regions of the world.
The Regional Commission for Asia and the Pacific is one of them. It organizes a Conference once every two years in one of the countries of the region.
These conferences aim to develop technical items and foster regional cooperation for the control of animal diseases.
The 33rd conference is being hosted by the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying at New Delhi.
What is the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH)?
Specifications | Details |
Founded in | 1924 |
Type | Intergovernmental organisation |
Aim | To coordinate, support and promote animal disease control |
Members | 183 (India is one of the member) |
Headquarters | Paris, France |
Significance | Recognized as the reference organization for international animal health standards by the World Trade Organization (WTO) |
UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations
Open Doors 2023 report: India Reached An All-Time High In International Student Enrollment In The USA
Source: The post is based on the article “Open Doors 2023 report: India Reached An All-Time High In International Student Enrollment In The USA” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Open Doors 2023 Report on International Educational Exchange has been released.
What is the Open Doors 2023 Report?
Released by: U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs and the Institute of International Education (IIE)
Aim: To provide comprehensive information on international students studying at higher education institutions.
Key Findings of the report:
Specifications | Details |
International students in US | The US hosted more than one million international students during the 2022/2023 academic year, a 12% increase compared to the previous academic year. It is the fastest growth rate in more than 40 years |
Country wise | China retained its top position as the leading source of international students in the U.S. |
India | India was the second leading country of origin of students to the US. It has reached an all-time high of around 2.6 lakh international students in 2022/23, an increase of 35% year-over-year. |
Contribution of International Students to US economy | International students accounted for 6% of the total U.S. higher education population and contributed nearly $38 billion to the U.S. economy |
UPSC Syllabus: International Relations and Reports and Indices
IQAir report: Delhi most polluted city in world
Source: The post is based on the article “IQAir report: Delhi most polluted city in world” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
IQAir has released the Air Quality Index(AQI).
What is the Air Quality Index(AQI)?
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Specifications | Details |
Released by | IQAir, a Swiss based air purifier company |
Purpose | To measure air quality levels data from 109 countries |
Based on | US Methodology |
Parameter | It measures air quality levels based on the concentration of airborne particles known as PM2.5. |
What are the key findings of the IQAir Air Quality Index(AQI)?
1)Most Polluted City: Delhi was the most polluted city in the world. It was followed by Lahore, Pakistan.
— Note: Air pollution in parts of Delhi was 30 times the safe limits prescribed by the World Health Organization (WHO) contributed in part by the firecrackers.
2)Other Indian Cities in top 10 polluted cities: Kolkata was fourth on the list, followed by Mumbai in ninth place.
3)Cleanest City: Mexico City was declared the cleanest city in the world.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Concept of White Hole: Universe may have resulted out of a ‘Big Bounce’
Source: The post is based on the article “Concept of White Hole: Universe may have resulted out of a Big Bounce” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
Carlo Rovelli has written a book called White Holes: Inside the Horizon. In this book, he explains the theoretical existence of white holes.
What are White Holes?
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White Hole is the reverse of Black Hole.
Black hole is a region from which nothing, not even light, can escape due to the overwhelming gravitational pull.
On the other hand, white hole is envisioned as a region into which nothing can fall. Instead of matter and energy being pulled inward, a white hole would expel matter and light, but nothing could enter it.
Who devised the idea of White Holes?
White holes emerge from the solutions of Einstein’s theory of general relativity devised by Karl Schwarzschild in 1916, just a year after the theory was first published.
Is there any evidence that White Hole exists?
No, White holes are still purely a theoretical concept and have not been observed.
What does Carlo Rovelli say about White Holes in his book?
White holes are the reverse of black holes, where objects fall in and then bounce back. Einstein’s theories predict the bounce-out phenomenon, but quantum mechanics provides more support.
The concept of “loop quantum gravity” proposes that a black hole can bounce and transform into a white hole.
This bounce-out theory implies that space and time undergo “quantum jumps,” challenging our conventional understanding of space-time.
Moreover, there is also a possibility that our universe originated from a white hole and a previous universe might have been swallowed by a black hole.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and Technology
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): Xi-Biden to attend APEC grouping
Source: The post is based on the article “Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC): Xi-Biden to attend APEC grouping” published in “Indian Express” on 14th November 2023
Why in the News?
The Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) grouping is meeting in San Francisco in the United States.
What is Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC)?
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Specifications | Details |
Established in | 1989 |
Type | Regional economic forum |
Aim | To leverage the growing interdependence of the Asia-Pacific and create greater prosperity for the people of the region through regional economic integration |
Main Objective | Seoul Declaration (1991): As per this, APEC member economies proclaimed the creation of a liberalized free trade area around the Pacific Rim as the principle objective. |
Members | 21 (Australia, Brunei, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Hong Kong (as part of China), the Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Singapore, Thailand, Chinese Taipei (Taiwan), China, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru and Chile) |
India | India is not a member of the group (India has expressed interest in joining APEC and made a formal request in 1991) |
Significance | APEC economies make up roughly 60% of global GDP. As of 2018, they represented 48 percent of global trade. |
Secretariat | Singapore |
UPSC Syllabus: International Organisations
Ben Gurion Canal Project
Source– This post ”Ben Gurion Canal Project” is based on the article ”A plan to join the Red Sea with Mediterranean — an alternative to the Suez Canal” published in “The Indian Express” on 10 November 2023.
Why in the News?
Ben Gurion Canal Project back in news after Israel pushes to destroy Hamas in Gaza.
What is Ben Gurion Canal Project?
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1. It was first envisioned in the 1960s and seen as an alternative to Suez canal route.
2. The proposed project is to cut a canal through the Israeli-controlled Negev Desert from the tip of the Gulf of Aqaba – the eastern arm of the Red Sea that juts into Israel’s southern tip and south-western Jordan – to the Eastern Mediterranean coast.
What is the purpose behind Ben Gurion Canal Project?
1. Suez canal congestion– In March 2021, the mammoth cargo ship Ever Given got stuck in the canal, blocking passage for more than a week. Despite being widened and deepened over the years, it remains perennially congested.
2. To End Egypt’s monopoly– Egypt’s control over the waterway has been a source of conflict for almost 70 years now. The Suez Canal was also the focal point of both the 1967 and 1973 Arab-Israeli wars, and was shut from 1967-75. It collects all the toll revenue generated, in addition to the benefits it brings to its local economy.
3. Western powers strategic interest– For the West, a shipping lane through Israel would be ideal. Many decades ago, the Americans proposed to use nuclear weapons to blast a waterway through the Negev Desert. But the plan never progressed.
UPSC Syllabus- International Relations, Places in News
GPS Anklets on prison inmates
Source– This post “GPS Anklets on prison inmates” is based on the article ”Centre asks States to use tracking devices on prison inmates released on parole” published in “The Hindu” on 13 November 2023.
Why in the News?
The Union Home Ministry issued a circular to all states suggesting them to use GPS tracking devices on prison inmates, especially on hardened criminals when they are released on parole.
What is GPS based Electronic monitoring technology?
What is it? | It is a small wearable device like the GPS collars (like the ones, used to monitor the movements of animals). |
Purpose | This device provides the exact location of the wearer at all times, and allows law enforcement and security agencies to monitor his/ her movement in real time. |
Features | 1. This device is tamper-proof, and any attempt at tampering with it sets off an alarm. 2. It can not be removed by the wearer or any unauthorised person without damaging it. 3. The tracker can be put on the ankle or arm of a person. |
Significance | 1. Prisoners may be granted prison leave on the condition of their willingness to wear electronic tracking devices. 2. Any violation by the prisoner will attract cancellation of prison leave, in addition to disqualification from any prison leave being granted in future. |
What is the operational status of this device in India?
Recently, for the first time in India, a prisoner in Jammu and Kashmir was released on bail after he was tagged with a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracking device to monitor his movements.
What is the operational status of GPS tracker in different countries?
GPS trackers are a precondition for bail in several countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Malaysia
What are its ethical and fundamental challenges?
Lack of standards and regulations – Absence of specific legal provisions and lack of standard operating procedure in electronic monitoring poses a serious legal and ethical challenge according to many human rights activists.
Fundamental Rights issue– Tracking a human being is a violation of their fundamental right to privacy. The Supreme Court in ‘Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India’ (1978) ruled that the right to life includes the right to human dignity.
UPSC Syllabus- Polity and Nation