9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 11 May, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Undersea freshwater reserves

Source: The post undersea freshwater reserves has been created, based on the article “Freshwater quest, the likely new gold hunt” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 1-geography-Distribution of key natural resources across the world

Context: The article discusses the discovery of fresh water beneath the ocean and how countries might start exploring and using this resource. It mentions international laws that govern the seas and how these might apply to fresh water. The focus is on future conflicts over water and the need for laws to manage these resources.

What are undersea freshwater reserves?

Undersea freshwater reserves are large volumes of fresh water found beneath the ocean floor.

In the 1960s, the U.S. Geological Survey discovered freshwater while drilling off the New Jersey coast.

Similar discoveries have been made by scientists in Vietnam and other countries.

An example includes a flowing freshwater river discovered at the bottom of the Black Sea, which is over 100 feet deep and has a flow rate of four miles per hour.

These reserves are significant given that only 2.5% of Earth’s 1.386 billion km³ water volume is freshwater, with 97.5% being saltwater and only 2.5% freshwater. Most freshwater (about 99.7%) is in ice or underground, including under the ocean.

How do international laws address ocean resources?

UNCLOS Framework: The United Nations Law of the Sea Convention (UNCLOS) of 1982 governs ocean resources, outlining rights and responsibilities for managing the ocean and its resources within and beyond national borders.

For detailed information on UNCLOS read this article here

Resource Definition and Control: Under UNCLOS, “resources” include all solid, liquid, or gaseous minerals on the seabed, regulated by the International Seabed Authority. This raises questions about whether freshwater qualifies under this definition.

Exclusive Economic Zones and the “Area”: UNCLOS establishes Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) up to 200 nautical miles from the coast, where a state has special rights over marine resources. Beyond this, the “Area” is considered common heritage, governed collectively for sustainable use.

Geneva Conventions: Before UNCLOS, the 1958 Geneva Conventions also addressed ocean law but are less comprehensive.

What challenges exist in exploring and using these resources?

Legal Ambiguities: The definition of “resources” under UNCLOS mainly includes minerals, not clearly covering freshwater. This raises questions about the legality of exploiting underwater freshwater sources.

Governance Issues: Activities in the “Area” beyond national jurisdictions are governed by UNCLOS and the International Seabed Authority, but there is no specific regulation for freshwater, leading to potential governance gaps.

Why is freshwater exploration important for the future?

Scarcity of Freshwater: The article notes that only 0.3% of Earth’s freshwater is available in liquid form on the surface, making underground and underwater sources critical to meet future needs.

Avoiding Conflicts: With freshwater becoming an increasingly scarce commodity, exploring and securing underwater sources can help prevent future conflicts over water resources.

Sustainable Development: Properly managed freshwater exploration aligns with Sustainable Development Goals, promoting the responsible use of natural resources for future generations.

Question for practice:

Discuss the legal and governance challenges surrounding the exploration and use of undersea freshwater reserves.

GS PAPER - 2

Impacts of Changes to CSR Reporting Rules

Source: This post Impacts of Changes to CSR Reporting Rules has been created based on the article ‘The case of ‘missing’ numbers in CSR data’, published in Business Standard on 11th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance  – Important aspects of governance, transparency and accountability, e-governance applications, models, successes, limitations, and potential; citizen

News: Corporate social responsibility (CSR) spending by companies in India hit a record high of ₹15,524 crore in the financial year 2022-23. However, it has become increasingly difficult to track where companies are spending this CSR money.

What are the changes made to the CSR reporting system?

Companies are required to spend around 2% of their profits on CSR programs in areas like education, healthcare, sports, and technology incubators.

The government had earlier set up a CSR portal to provide granular data on CSR spending by listed and unlisted entities,

Detailed information on the sectors and locations that received CSR funding was available until 2021-22, but not for 2022-23.

In September 2022, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs allowed companies to make limited disclosures on their CSR spending. It led to many businesses to stop revealing detailed information.

Read MoreGovt looks to ease compliance burden with new CSR disclosure rules

What are the Impacts of the changes introduced to CSR reporting by the government?

1) Private companies have not disclosed details on around 80% of their CSR spending, while public sector companies have not provided details on around 70% of their spending.

2) Out of the total CSR spending, less than ₹3,500 crore has detailed disclosures on allocations across different sectors and regions.

3) Limited information makes it challenging to analyze how CSR money is being distributed. As per Previous data, most CSR funds for improving living standards went to richer states where companies are typically located, like Maharashtra and Gujarat. While less developed states like Bihar received only a fraction of the spending.

Source: Business Standard

Malaysia’s orangutan diplomacy

Source: The post Malaysia’s orangutan diplomacy has been created, based on the article “The irony in Malaysiasorangutan diplomacy” published in “Indian Express” on 11th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- international relations-

News: Malaysia plans to gift orangutans to trade partners who purchase its palm oil.

What is the role of animals in diplomacy?

Animals symbolize values and enhance diplomatic relationships, as seen in historical and modern examples.

China used giant pandas effectively in “panda diplomacy” to improve international relations and showcase goodwill.

Malaysia intends to use orangutans as gifts to trade partners who purchase palm oil, aiming to counteract negative perceptions about environmental sustainability.

Notes: The only one of the great apes in Asia, the orangutan is an endangered species that is found only in the tropical forests of Borneo (Malaysia and Indonesia) and Sumatra (Indonesia).

Historical examples show mixed results:

The panda Ya Ya became a point of contention between the US and China due to health concerns.

In 1551, Soliman the elephant overshadowed other aspects of Archduke Maximilian’s marriage, illustrating how such gifts can have unintended consequences.

What challenges does Malaysia face with this strategy?

Malaysia’s use of orangutans could be seen as ironic since orangutans are endangered due to habitat loss from palm oil plantation expansion, the very industry Malaysia seeks to promote.

Similar strategies, like China’s panda diplomacy, have faced challenges. For instance, the poor health of pandas in American zoos led to a campaign in China calling for their return, showing that using animals in diplomacy can lead to unintended diplomatic strains.

Question for practice:

Discuss the potential challenges and implications of Malaysia’s plan to gift orangutans to trade partners in exchange for purchasing palm oil, considering historical examples and the role of animals in diplomacy.

Problems caused by politicians violating the Model Code of Conduct

Source: The post problems caused by politicians violating the Model Code of Conduct has been created, based on the article “The fraying of the model code of conduct” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Polity- Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Context: The article discusses the problem of politicians violating the model code of conduct during election campaigns in India. It mentions the Election Commission of India’s (ECI) authority to ensure fair elections and how it can act against these violations.

For detailed information on model code of conduct read this Article here

What are the problems caused by politicians violating the Model Code of Conduct?

Increased Communal Tension: Politicians have been accused of making speeches that can promote hatred and division among different religious or community groups during their election campaigns.

Degradation of Electoral Purity: Violations of the model code, such as unverified allegations and misleading information, compromise the purity and integrity of the electoral process.

Unequal Campaign Conditions: By violating the model code, some candidates and parties gain an unfair advantage, disrupting the level playing field that is crucial for free and fair elections.

Less Effective Enforcement: Since the tenure of T.N. Seshan, enforcement of the code has been perceived as less rigorous, leading to more frequent and blatant violations.

How does the Election Commission of India enforce it?

Suspension of Party Recognition: The Election Commission of India (ECI) can suspend the recognition of a political party if it violates the model code. This means the party cannot use its reserved symbol during elections, which is a significant disadvantage.

Withdrawal of Party Recognition: In extreme cases, the ECI can withdraw a party’s recognition entirely, further disrupting its ability to campaign effectively.

Banning from Campaigns: The ECI has the authority to ban politicians from campaigning temporarily. For example, it has previously taken violators off the election campaign for periods ranging from 24 to 48 hours.

What should be done?

The Election Commission of India should actively enforce the Model Code of Conduct as in the days of T.N. Seshan, who was known for his strict actions against violators.

The Supreme Court can instruct the ECI to commence criminal proceedings under Section 125 of the Representation of the People Act 1951 and suspend campaign privileges for violators until the elections conclude.

For detailed information on Model Code of Conduct (MCC) need more power read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine the measures taken by the Election Commission of India to enforce the Model Code of Conduct during election campaigns.

GS PAPER - 3

Significance of AlphaFold 3

Significance of AlphaFold 3

Source: The post AlphaFold 3 has been created, based on the article “Folds and faults: Free use of AlphaFold 3 must extend to scrutiny of its inner mechanisms” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Science and Technology- developments and their applications and effects in everyday life

News: The article discusses AlphaFold 3, a tool developed by Google’s DeepMind that predicts protein structures. It highlights the tool’s advancements and its ability to model other molecules but notes limitations to it. Significance of AlphaFold 3

What is AlphaFold?

AlphaFold: An AI tool developed by Google’s DeepMind in 2018 to predict how proteins fold.

Purpose: It aims to identify the 3D shapes of proteins based on their amino acid sequences, which is crucial for understanding biological functions and disease mechanisms.

Development History: The initial release in 2018 came five decades after the protein-folding problem was identified. It has been followed by improved versions, including AlphaFold 2 and the latest, AlphaFold 3, which also models DNA, RNA, and other molecules.

Accuracy: AlphaFold 3 has nearly 80% accuracy in predicting protein structures, showcasing significant advancements in the field.

Why is protein folding important?

Biological Function: Proteins need to fold into specific shapes to perform their biological functions properly.

Health Implications: Misfolded proteins can cause diseases, making understanding protein folding crucial for medical research.

Drug Development: Knowledge of protein structures aids in the development of drugs by providing insights into how they interact with the body.

What are the limitations of AlphaFold 3?

Explanatory Limits: AlphaFold 3 can predict how proteins fold but does not explain why they fold in that specific way, a task remaining for human scientists.

Drug Discovery Impact: Technology’s role in accelerating drug development is uncertain. It doesn’t address all the interactions between drug components and the body, which are critical for clinical trial success.

Access and Transparency: The use of AlphaFold 3 is restricted, and its algorithms are not open for public scrutiny, which could hinder broader research and innovation.

Question for practice:

Examine the accuracy and advancements of AlphaFold 3 in predicting protein structures.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

Source-This post on Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary is based on the article “Polling stations constructed in wildlife sanctuary: NGT seeks Assam govt’s reply” published in “The Hindu” on 11th March 2024.

Why in the News?

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Chief Secretary of Assam to identify officials who permitted the construction of polling stations, schools, and other structures within a wildlife sanctuary and a reserve forest, violating the Forest (Conservation) Act of 1980.

About Sonai Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary

Sonail Rupai Wildlife Sanctuary
Sources: nparks.com
Aspect Details
Location 1. It is a protected area located in the Indian state of Assam.
2. It is situated in the foothills of the Eastern Himalayas.
3. It is known as the “Jewel of Assam”.
Neighbouring protected areas It is bordered by the Pachnoi River to the west, Jia Gabharu to the east, the Doimara Reserve Forest in Arunachal Pradesh to the north, and the revenue village and Charduar Reserve Forest of Sonitpur to the south.
Status
It was declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1998.
River flowing through There are four perennial rivers that flow through the sanctuary: Dolsiri, Gabharu, Gelgeli, and Belsiri. During the rainy season, several wetlands known as “bheels” can also been seen.
Flora 1. The forests type in the sanctuary comprises tropical evergreen, semi-evergreen and moist deciduous forests.
2. Hollang, Mekai, Dhuno, Udiyam, Nahar, Samkothal, Bheer, Hollock, Nahor are found in the sanctuary.
Fauna 1. The sanctuary is primarily known for its Elephant and Indian bison populations. It hosts a variety of other animals including deer, the one-horned rhinoceros, leopards, tigers, and some rare species of cats.
2. The avian life in the sanctuary features endangered species such as the White Winged Wood Duck, along with commonly seen birds like woodpeckers, hill mynas, Indian rollers, nightjars, horned owls, and more.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund

Source– This post on U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund has been created based on the article “India contributes $5,00,000 to U.N. Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

India recently donated $500,000 to the UN Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund, reinforcing its steadfast dedication to the global battle against terrorism.

About United Nations Counter-Terrorism Trust Fund (UNCTF)

Aspects Description
What is it? 1. It was established in 2009 and subsequently incorporated into the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) in 2017.
2. This framework allows the UNCTF to effectively address the evolving challenges of global terrorism by fostering international cooperation and strengthening the capacities of vulnerable regions.
Focus The programs funded are primarily focused on enhancing the capacity of member states in eastern and Southern Africa to tackle the significant challenges of financing terrorism and curtailing the movement and travel of terrorists.
Contributors The fund accepts donations from a broad array of contributors, including governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, private institutions, and individual donors.
Contribution Types Contributions can be unrestricted or specifically earmarked for one of UNOCT’s global programs or targeted initiatives.
Use of Contributions India’s recent financial contribution is specifically aimed at bolstering UNOCT’s initiatives, such as the Countering Financing of Terrorism (CFT) and the Countering Terrorist Travel Programme (CTTP).

About UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT)

1. About UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT): It was established on June 15, 2017, by the United Nations General Assembly.

2. Purpose: The UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) serves as a pivotal entity in the global counter-terrorism efforts.

3. Functions and responsibilities of UNOCT:

a) Leadership Role: UNOCT provides guidance on the counter-terrorism mandates that the General Assembly has entrusted to the Secretary-General, coordinating efforts across the United Nations system.

b) Coordination and Coherence: The office enhances coordination among the entities of the Global Counter-Terrorism Coordination Compact to ensure the effective implementation of the four pillars of the UN Global Counter-Terrorism Strategy.

UPSC Syllabus: International Organisation

Health Ministry issues norms for confirming heat-related deaths

Source– This post on Health Ministry issues norms for confirming heat-related deaths has been created based on the article “Health Ministry issues norms for confirming heat-related deaths” published in “The Hindu” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

The Union Health Ministry has released standardized guidelines for verifying heatstroke and heat-related deaths across the nation.

About the Union Health Ministry’s Guidelines on Heatstroke and Heat-Related Deaths

Heat deaths on the rise
Source: wilix.com

1. Released by: The guidelines were developed by the National Programme on Climate Change and Human Health along with the National Centre for Disease Control.

2. Purpose: They aim to standardize the process for confirming heatstroke and heat-related deaths in hospitals and enhance evidence-based medical decision-making.

3. Criteria for Death Labelling: The guidelines provide specific criteria to help hospitals identify and categorize a death as heat-related or due to heatstroke.

4. Autopsy Decisions: Autopsies should be considered based on the death’s circumstances, the deceased’s age, and the availability of resources.

The guidelines recommend collecting blood and urine for toxicological examinations whenever possible, allowing for later analysis as resources are available.

5. Autopsy and Collaboration: While an autopsy is not deemed mandatory for all cases of heat-related illnesses, the guidelines suggest that hospitals with forensic medicine departments should collaborate to perform autopsies. Additionally, they should send samples to pathology departments for histopathological evaluation when needed.

6. Climate Change Impact: The document acknowledges that climate change increases the risk of exposure to extreme heat events, raising the importance of these guidelines.

Read more: Heat strokes in India: Reasons and Impacts

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Foot Rot Disease

Source– This post on Foot Rot Disease has been created based on the article “A new biocontrol agent to manage ‘foot rot’ disease in Basmati crop: Why this matters” published in “The Indian Express” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

Ludhiana’s Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) has developed a biocontrol agent, Trichoderma asperellum, to combat foot rot disease in Basmati rice varieties. Foot rot is a prevalent issue that reduces yields and threatens the state’s export prospects.

About Foot Rot Disease

Foot rot of rice - Basic Agricultural Study
Source: Agriculturistmusa
Aspects  Description
What is it? Foot Rot is a fungal disease affecting Basmati rice, most vulnerable at the seedling stage and potentially after transplantation if infected seedlings are used.
Causal Agent The disease is caused by the fungus Fusarium verticillioides. It is both soil and seed-borne. It spreads through the plant’s roots and colonizes the stem base.
Symptoms Infected seedlings initially turn pale yellow, then elongate, dry up, and often die.
Current Treatment Methods a) Biological: Seedlings are treated with Trichoderma harzianum before sowing and transplantation to prevent fungal growth.
Note: It is a biocontrol agent that provides an eco-friendly alternative to conventional pesticides, helping in disease management while reducing environmental impact.
b) Chemical: Seeds are treated with fungicides such as Sprint 75 WS (a combination of carbendazim and mancozeb) before sowing. However, these chemical treatments can negatively affect the soil and pose toxicity risks to consumers.
Regulatory Action The fungicide carbendazim has been banned in Punjab due to concerns over high residue levels left in crops.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Hindon River

Source– This post on Hindon River has been created based on the article “River Hindon pollution: NGT allows UPPCB 2 weeks to file additional report” published in “The Print” on 11th May 2024.

Why in the news?

The National Green Tribunal has directed the Uttar Pradesh Pollution Control Board (UPPCB) to provide an updated report within two weeks on the pollution of the Hindon river, detailing the actions taken against the responsible municipal bodies.

About Hindon River

Map of the Hindon River showing different drains and sampling site at ...
Source: Researchgate

1. About Hindon River: The Hindon River is a tributary of the Yamuna River, primarily fed by rainwater. It originates from the lower Shivalik ranges in the Saharanpur District of Uttar Pradesh.

2. Course: The river flows through the industrial belt of Western Uttar Pradesh, covering a distance of 400 kilometres before it joins the Yamuna River in Noida.

3.Tributaries: Its main tributaries include the Kali (West) River and Krishni River.

4. Pollution Issues: The Hindon River suffers from significant pollution due to urban, agricultural, and industrial waste being discharged into its waters without adequate treatment. This has made it one of the most polluted stretches in the Ganga basin.

5. Critical Status: In 2015, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assessed the pollution levels of the Hindon River and declared it a ‘dead river’. It was found to be ‘unfit’ for bathing in several sections due to extreme pollution levels.

Read more: National Green Tribunal

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