9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 12th November, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance

Source: The post Indonesia’s new President, his controversial past, and strategic importance has been created, based on the article “With Indonesia, India’s opportunity and Beijing’s eye” published in “Indian Express” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International Relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests

Context: The article highlights India’s neglect of Indonesia, its vital maritime neighbor, over decades. It discusses Indonesia’s new President Prabowo Subianto, his controversial past, and strategic importance. It urges India to strengthen ties with Indonesia to counter China’s growing influence.

Who is Indonesia’s new president?

  1. Prabowo Subianto became Indonesia’s president on October 20, succeeding Joko Widodo (Jokowi).
  2. Jokowi’s son, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, is the new vice president, providing political continuity.
  3. Prabowo is a nationalist with a controversial past, including allegations of human rights abuses.
  4. Prabowo’s grandfather founded Bank Negara Indonesia, briefly Indonesia’s central bank.
  5. His father served as a minister under both Sukarno and Suharto, showing political flexibility.
  6. Prabowo himself served in elite military roles under Suharto but lost favor after Suharto’s ouster in 1998.

What is Indonesia’s relationship with China and the US?

  1. Prabowo chose China for his first visit as president, despite a Chinese coast guard ship intruding into Indonesian waters on October 26.
  2. Relations with the US remain cautious due to his human rights record.
  3. Indonesia is wary of China’s aggressive economic and geopolitical influence.

What are India and Indonesia’s ties?

  1. In 1947, Indian aviator Biju Patnaik rescued key Indonesian leaders from Dutch forces.
  2. The Bandung Conference (1955), co-led by India and Indonesia, laid the foundation for the Non-Aligned Movement.
  3. During colonial conflicts, Indian troops fought in Indonesia, which complicates historical narratives.
  4. Relations were strained during Suharto’s rule, especially after India’s tilt towards the USSR in 1971.
  5. Ties improved under Jokowi, with joint projects like the Sabang port development near the Nicobar Islands.
  6. Indonesia sees India as a partner in countering China’s maritime assertiveness.

Why is Indonesia important for India?

  1. Indonesia is ASEAN’s largest nation and a major exporter of resources like coal, rubber, palm oil, nickel, and tin.
  2. These exports complement India’s growing manufacturing sector and EV battery needs.
  3. Cooperation opportunities exist for India’s service professionals to reduce Indonesia’s business costs.
  4. The Arjuna Wijaya statue in Jakarta, depicting Arjun and Krishna, reflects the civilizational ties between the two nations.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the significance of strengthening India-Indonesia relations in the context of historical ties, strategic importance, and countering China’s influence.

Prison discrimination and inequality

Source: The post prison discrimination and inequality has been created, based on the article “Ending discrimination in prisons” published in “The Hindu” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-Governance- Prison Reforms

Context: The article discusses prison discrimination and inequality. It highlights how courts struck down rules segregating prisoners by caste, class, or status, ensuring equality under Articles 14 and 15. It emphasizes dignity, non-discrimination, and equal treatment for all prisoners, advocating reforms.

For detailed information on Supreme Court’s Ruling on Caste Bias and Prison Segregation read this article here

What is the Supreme Court’s stand on caste-based segregation in prisons?

  1. In Sukanya Shantha v. Union of India (2024), the Supreme Court struck down prison rules segregating prisoners by caste.
  2. These rules forced marginalized caste prisoners to perform cleaning jobs while others did cooking.
  3. The Court held this violated Articles 14 and 15 of the Constitution.
  4. It directed states to amend such discriminatory practices to ensure equality and dignity.

How has the Supreme Court addressed other types of prisoner segregation?

  1. In Inacio Manuel Miranda v. State (1988), a rule limiting the number of letters prisoners could write based on classification was held discriminatory.
  2. Similarly, in Madhukar Bhagwan Jambhale v. State of Maharashtra (1984), a ban on writing letters to co-prisoners was struck down for violating freedom of expression.
  3. In Prem Shankar Shukla (1980), economic status-based handcuff rules were invalidated for being irrational.

What about the classification of political prisoners?

The Calcutta High Court ruled on this in Gaur Narayan Chakraborty and Others (2012):

  1. Maoist petitioners were classified as political prisoners under the West Bengal Correctional Services Act, 1992.
  2. The Court held political prisoners deserved basic amenities like furniture, newspapers, and writing material.
  3. It suggested these amenities should extend to all prisoners to ensure dignity.

What is the way forward for prison reforms?

  1. Amendments to the Model Prison Manual 2016 should include basic amenities for all prisoners, ensuring dignity.
  2. These reforms can eliminate discriminatory practices and improve living conditions in Indian prisons.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the Supreme Court and other courts have addressed discrimination and inequality in Indian prisons.

India’s recent peace efforts with China

Source: The post India’s recent peace efforts with China has been created, based on the article “The LAC agreement, the détentes and the questions” published in “The Hindu” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-India and its Neighborhood- Relations.

Context: The article discusses India’s recent peace efforts with China, focusing on troop disengagement at the border, ongoing de-escalation, and unresolved questions. It urges transparency from the Indian government about agreements, border security plans, and relations with neighboring countries.

For detailed information on India-China LAC agreement read this article here

What happened recently between India and China?

1. India and China announced peace efforts, including a summit at the BRICS meeting in Kazan on October 23, 2024.

  1. Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed to restore peace at the border. Soldiers from both countries exchanged sweets at the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

What challenges remain at the border?

1. Pending De-escalation: Troop de-escalation and withdrawal along the LAC are incomplete and require on-ground and satellite verification.

  1. Unresolved Patrolling Arrangements: No details of new patrolling mechanisms or PLA access at Yangtse in Arunachal Pradesh have been shared.
  2. Buffer Zones: Buffer zones restrict Indian patrolling and civilian grazing rights, making a return to the pre-2020 status quo impossible.
  3. Past Lessons from Doklam: China expanded infrastructure near Doklam post-disengagement in 2017, creating risks for future escalations.
  4. Ambiguity on 2020 Transgressions: The reason for China’s 2020 LAC transgressions, including amassing troops at four points, remains unclear.

Why did China act aggressively in 2020?

1. Xi Jinping’s Territorial Policy: In 2014, Xi announced a policy to claim “every inch” of Chinese territory. This led to aggressive actions in several regions, including Taiwan, South China Sea, and along the India-China border (Ladakh, Sikkim, and Arunachal Pradesh).

  1. Counter to India-U.S. Partnership: China aimed to remind India of its continental challenges, despite growing maritime ties with the U.S. India’s 3,500-km boundary with China remains a key concern.
  2. Opposition to Indian Infrastructure: China reacted to India’s construction of roads, tunnels, and villages near the LAC, including the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip and other strategic projects.
  3. Response to Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization (2019): China protested India’s revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status. Beijing criticized Ladakh’s reorganization, claiming it affected “Chinese territory.”

What other diplomatic efforts have been made?

1. Elections in Jammu and Kashmir: India held elections in Jammu and Kashmir, signaling a step toward political stability. The government may restore Statehood and transfer more powers to the region.

  1. Addressing Ladakhi Protesters: Protests led by Sonam Wangchuk ended after the Home Ministry promised discussions on Statehood, tribal status, local employment guarantees, and parliamentary representation. A meeting is scheduled for December.
  2. Engagement with Pakistan: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting in Islamabad. This marked a significant move as previous SCO meetings were attended virtually.
  3. India-China Summit: The October 2024 Kazan summit between Modi and Xi Jinping focused on peace efforts, troop disengagement, and reducing tensions.

What steps are needed for transparency?

The government must be transparent about border agreements and future strategies. A detailed enquiry into the 2020 LAC events is necessary. In a democracy, citizens should be informed about decisions affecting national security and regional stability.

Question for practice:

Examine the recent efforts and challenges in India-China relations concerning troop disengagement and border security along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

GS PAPER - 3

COP16’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030

Source: The post COP16’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030 has been created, based on the article “Will financial roadblocks continue to hinder conservation efforts?” published in “The Hindu” on 12th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3 – Conservation, environmental pollution and degradation, environmental impact assessment.

Context: The article discusses COP16’s efforts to halt biodiversity loss by 2030. It highlights achievements like inclusive decision-making, biodiversity funding, and conservation initiatives but notes setbacks in financial commitments and monitoring. India presented its updated biodiversity plan amid global challenges.

For detailed information on COP-16 of Convention on Biological Diversity read this article here

What was the focus of COP16?

COP16 aimed to address biodiversity loss and set measures to reverse it by 2030. A key challenge was funding for these measures, along with slow progress on achieving the “30×30” target to protect 30% of land and oceans.

What were the achievements of COP16?

  1. Inclusive Decision-Making:
  2. A permanent body of Indigenous peoples and local communities was established to ensure their participation in biodiversity conservation.
  3. Traditional knowledge of people of African descent was recognized and integrated into conservation efforts.
  4. Biodiversity Funding:
  5. The ‘Cali Fund‘ was introduced, requiring corporations like those in the pharmaceutical sector to share 0.1% of revenue or 1% of profits from genetic resources.
  6. Half the fund is allocated to Indigenous communities, potentially raising over $1 billion annually.
  7. Invasive Species Management: Guidelines were developed to address invasive alien species with improved databases, trade regulations, and e-commerce coordination.
  8. Marine Protection: A revived process for identifying ‘Ecologically or Biologically Significant Marine Areas’ (EBSAs) was agreed upon to protect vulnerable ocean ecosystems.
  9. One Health Approach: A Global Action Plan links ecosystem, human, and animal health to address issues like zoonotic diseases and promote sustainable ecosystems.
  10. Synthetic Biology Discussions: Potential uses of bioengineered species for restoration were discussed, along with regulatory frameworks to minimize ecological risks.

What were the challenges of COP16?

  1. Financial Commitments
  2. The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) requires $700 billion annually, but only $163 million was pledged.
  3. Disputes over fund governance and structure led to a lack of resolution.
  4. Monitoring and Implementation
  5. Only 44 of 196 countries updated their biodiversity action plans (NBSAPs).
  6. A lack of enforcement mechanisms threatens the success of the GBF.

What was India’s role at COP16?

  1. India unveiled an updated National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plan (NBSAP) with 23 biodiversity targets.
  2. It aims to balance conservation and economic growth, focusing on ecosystem restoration, marine area management, and wetland protection.
  3. India uses a “Whole-of-Government” and “Whole-of-Society” approach for biodiversity goals.

What lies ahead for biodiversity conservation?

  1. COP16 made progress in inclusive frameworks and funding mechanisms but lacked strong financial and monitoring support.
  2. To meet the 2030 targets, nations must commit to ambitious, measurable actions.
  3. COP17 in Armenia will be crucial for advancing global biodiversity efforts.

Question for practice:

Examine the key achievements and challenges of COP16 in addressing biodiversity loss by 2030.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

LignoSat and its significance

Source: This post on LignoSat and its significance has been created based on the article “Explained: The significance of Lignosat, the first wooden satellite launched into space” published in Indian Express on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, LignoSat is the world’s first wood-panelled satellite launched into space. LignoSat and its significance.

About LignoSat

LignoSat and its significance

1. LignoSat is the world’s first wood-panelled satellite launched into space. This satellite marks a unique step toward renewable materials in space exploration.

2. It has been developed by Kyoto University and Sumitomo Forestry. It will orbit the Earth for six months, beginning one month after arrival at the ISS.

3. Design & Structure: The satellite is a small, cube-shaped device, measuring just 10 centimeters on each side and weighing 900 grams.

It features panels made from magnolia wood, crafted using traditional Japanese woodworking techniques without screws or glue.

4. Objectives: LignoSat will monitor wood’s endurance in space, where temperatures range from -100 to 100 degrees Celsius every 45 minutes. Researchers are examining wood’s resistance to space radiation and its potential to shield delicate semiconductors.

5. Goal: The goal is to explore sustainable building options, potentially for future habitats on the moon and Mars. It is also with the goal of testing timber as a sustainable alternative to metals in spacecraft.

6. Broader Implications and Goals

i) Reducing Metal Use in Space: Aluminium and other metals commonly used in satellites contribute to pollution upon re-entry. Wood, as a renewable material, could mitigate these environmental impacts.

ii) Future Possibilities: Kyoto University researchers aim to establish timber-based technologies to construct habitats and plant trees on the moon or Mars in the next 50 years.

Advantages of Wooden Satellites

i) Lower Environmental Impact: As a renewable material, wood could offer a greener solution for satellite design, reducing the space debris pollution problem.

ii) Potential Applications: LignoSat’s success could encourage further exploration into wood and other sustainable materials for satellites, particularly as the number of active satellites continues to grow.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Shree Swaminarayan Mandir

Source: This post on Shree Swaminarayan Mandir has been created based on the article “Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi participates in 200th year celebrations of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in Vadtal, Gujarat” published in PIB on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently celebrates 200th Anniversary of Shree Swaminarayan Mandir, Vadtal.

About Shree Swaminarayan Mandir

1. Shree Swaminarayan Mandir in located in Vadtal, Gujarat. It was established on November 3, 1824 under the guidance of Bhagwan Swaminarayan.

2. The temple serves as the headquarters for the Laxmi Narayan Dev Gadi.

3. Design: The temple features a lotus-shaped plinth and nine domes, showcasing intricate stone carvings on its pillars.

4. Shrines: The central shrine houses idols of Lakshmi Narayan and RanchhodRaiji. The right shrine contains images of Radha Krishna alongside Swaminarayan in the form of Hari Krishna, while the left shrine features Vasudev, Dharma, and Bhakti.

5. Historical Significance: The temple’s construction was supervised by Sadguru Shree Brahmanand Swami and completed in just fifteen months. It stands as a testament to the devotion and architectural prowess of the era.

6. Significance of the Swaminarayan Movement: Lord Swaminarayan restored spiritual and national pride. He emphasized the importance of the ShikshaPatri and Vachanamrit texts and encouraged people to carry forward their teachings.

7. Vadtal Dham’s Contributions: Vadtal Dham actively supports social services, providing education, food, and shelter, especially in remote tribal areas. The organization also promotes initiatives like female education, environmental campaigns, and cultural preservation, embodying a blend of modernity and spirituality.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture

Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

Source: This post on Antariksha Abhyas – 2024 has been created based on the article “First Ever Space Exercise ‘Antariksha Abhyas – 2024’ hosted by Defence Space Agency begins in New Delhi” published in PIB on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Defence Space Agency of India, under the Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff has launched “Antariksha Abhyas – 2024.”

About Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

 Exercise Antariksha Abhyas
Source:PIB

1. It is India’s first space-focused military exercise. It is dedicated to assessing and addressing the growing threats to space-based assets and services.

2. This three-day event, conducted in New Delhi from November 11 to November 13, 2024.

3. Aim: The exercise aims to strengthen India’s defense capabilities in space and secure national strategic objectives.

4. Purpose: It will help the defense forces understand the dependency on space-based services and assets in military operations.

5. Focus:  Identifying potential vulnerabilities in space assets, especially in situations where space-based services may be denied or disrupted

6. Collaborating Organizations: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Defence Research & Development Organisation (DRDO) will play key roles in contributing their expertise and resources.

7. Key Outcomes Expected: The exercise is expected to:

i) Enhance coordination among defense, intelligence, and space research entities.

ii) Improve operational preparedness against potential threats to India’s space assets.

iii) Lay the groundwork for future innovation in space defense technologies and strategic resilience in space operations.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology(Defence)

Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide and GaN HEMT Technology

Source: This post on Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide and GaN HEMT Technology has been created based on the article “Indigenous Development of Silicon Carbide Wafers and GaN HEMT based MMIC Technology up to X-band Applications” published in PIB on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Solid State Physics Laboratory, a DRDO laboratory, has successfully developed indigenous processes for growing and manufacturing 4-inch diameter Silicon Carbide (SiC) wafers, which are essential for high-performance and durable semiconductor applications.

About Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC)

1. Gallium Nitride (GaN) and Silicon Carbide (SiC) are two wide-bandgap semiconductor materials that have revolutionized the power electronics industry due to their high-efficiency capabilities in power conversion, high-temperature operation, and fast-switching applications.

2. Significance of GaN/SiC Technology:

i) Key Enabler for Future Applications: The GaN/SiC technology is crucial for advancements across defense, aerospace, and clean energy.

ii) Enhanced System Efficiency and Portability: It enables improvements in efficiency, reduced weight, and compact size, making it ideal for modern combat systems, RADARS, and electronic warfare applications.

3. Applications Across Sectors

i) Military and Commercial Use: It supports intelligence, reconnaissance, communications, and unmanned systems for military and commercial sectors.

ii) Impact on Renewable Energy and EVs: It is lighter amd more efficient power supplies benefit electric vehicles and green energy solutions.

4. Production: Indigenous GaN/SiC-based MMIC production has begun and this will enable applications in advanced strategic systems, space, aerospace, 5G, and satellite communications.

5. Strategic Importance: This achievement boosts India’s self-reliance in semiconductor technology, marking a milestone toward a more self-sufficient tech ecosystem.

It has also fabricated Gallium Nitride (GaN) High Electron Mobility Transistors (HEMTs) with power handling capability up to 150W and Monolithic Microwave Integrated Circuits (MMICs) with power capability up to 40W for applications up to X-band frequencies, thus enhancing performance across defense and commercial sectors.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Dicliptera polymorpha

Source: This post on Dicliptera polymorpha has been created based on the article “Scientists discover a new fire-resilient, dual-blooming species of Dicliptera in the Northern Western Ghats of India” published in PIB on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, a new plant species Dicliptera polymorpha was discovered in the grasslands of Talegaon-Dabhade in the Northern Western Ghats, India. This region was one of India’s four biodiversity hotspots which is known for its unexplored and unique flora and fauna.

About Dicliptera polymorpha

A close-up of a plantDescription automatically generated

1. Dicliptera polymorpha is highly fire-resilient, showing a unique pyrophytic habit.

2. Unlike other species, it blooms twice a year. The first bloom follows the monsoon, while the second bloom is triggered by grassland fires in summer.

3. The species features a spicate (spike-like) inflorescence, unique among Indian *Dicliptera* species, with similar structures observed only in African relatives.

4. It thrives in open grasslands prone to extreme weather, including summer droughts and human-induced fires.

5. Life Cycle:

i) Primary Blooming Phase occurs from November to April, shortly after the monsoon season.

ii) Secondary Blooming Phase is triggered by summer fires, leading to a shorter but more abundant bloom from May to June.

6. Adaptation: It develops dwarf flowering shoots from woody rootstocks during fire-triggered blooming, an adaptation to its challenging habitat.

7. Conservation Implications: Dicliptera polymorpha’s limited habitat and fire-dependent lifecycle call for balanced fire management practices.

Conservation efforts are essential to protect the Western Ghats’ grassland ecosystems from overuse and degradation due to frequent fires.

Proper management will help support this species’ survival while preserving the broader biodiversity of the region.

Significance of the Discovery: It highlights the need to preserve the biodiversity of the Western Ghats, which may contain many undiscovered species with unique survival mechanisms. It reinforces the importance of grassland ecosystem conservation in India’s biodiversity hotspots.

Arrow-3 Missile Defense System

Source: This post on Arrow-3 Missile Defense System has been created based on the article “Israel moves forward on deploying Arrow-3 missile defence system in Germany in 2025” published in Economic Times on 12th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Israel and the United States jointly developed and produced the Arrow 3.

About Arrow-3 Missile Defense System

1. The Arrow 3 is an advanced exo-atmospheric interceptor designed to engage long-range threats by intercepting ballistic missiles outside Earth’s atmosphere.

2. It was developed by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Boeing, it has been operated by the Israeli Air Force since 2017. It has a flyout range of 2,400 km.

3. Arrow 3 is the result of a collaboration between Israel and the United States, with its first flight test successfully conducted in 2013. Additional tests in 2014, 2018, 2019, and 2022, held both in Israel and Alaska, demonstrated its effectiveness and reliability.

Key Features:

i) The Arrow 3 missile system boasts a compact and innovative design, weighing approximately half of its predecessor, the Arrow 2.

ii) It is capable of achieving hypersonic speeds, it can defend large areas and is particularly suited to counter long-range threats, including weapons of mass destruction.

iii) It intercepts missiles at altitudes up to 100 km using hit-to-kill technology, which enables the missile to directly destroy incoming warheads.

System Components:

1. Launcher: The Arrow 3 launcher is both mobile and transportable, offering omni-directional coverage and capable of fast, vertical launches from sealed canisters. Each launcher holds up to six canisters, accommodating both Arrow 3 and Arrow 2 interceptors.

2. Propulsion: It is featuring two solid propulsion stages: a booster and a sustainer. The Arrow 3 system provides rapid response times and high-altitude engagement capabilities, ensuring swift interception of threats.

3. Radar and Guidance System: The Arrow 3 uses Elta’s Super Green Pine radar, an L-band system that enables long-range, multi-target tracking. Enhanced with electronic counter-countermeasures (ECCM), the radar is resilient to jamming. Additionally, a high-resolution electro-optical sensor allows for precise target acquisition and impact.

4. Battle Management Centre (Citron Tree): The Citron Tree battle management centre serves as the command and control hub, overseeing data processing, threat assessment, and mission control.

This system offers early warning, launch point estimation, and impact point prediction, supporting both manual and fully automated modes to handle multiple threats simultaneously.

5. Launch Control Centre (Hazelnut Tree): The Hazelnut Tree launch control centre, located at the launch site, coordinates between the launchers and the fire control centre.

It is equipped with automated battle management and safety mechanisms to prevent accidental launches, as well as diagnostic tools for maintenance and system checks.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

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