9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 14th October, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Supreme Court decide about the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes

Source: The post Supreme Court decide about the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes has been created, based on the article “Internal inequalities must stay at the heart of sub-quota conversation” published in “Indian Express” on 14th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Social Justice

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s ruling on the constitutional validity of sub-categorizing Scheduled Castes. It highlights the legal reasoning behind the decision, emphasizing the need for fair representation and addressing internal inequalities among the Scheduled Castes.

For detailed information on SC verdict allowing for Sub-Classification of SCs and STs read this article here

What did the Supreme Court decide about the sub-categorization of Scheduled Castes?

  1. The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of sub-categorizing Scheduled Castes in its October 4 decision, rejecting review petitions against its August 1 judgment.
  2. The 6-1 decision by a seven-judge bench overturned the 2004 E V Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh ruling, which declared sub-categorization unconstitutional.

What is the main legal argument in the judgment?

  1. Justices D Y Chandrachud and Manoj Mishra argued that Article 341, which lists the Scheduled Castes, doesn’t create new castes but selects existing ones for inclusion.
  2. This “deemed fiction” allows Parliament, not the executive, to alter the list.
  3. However, the government can address internal inequalities within the listed castes without changing the composition of the Schedule.

What are the four key principles of the judgment?

  1. Sub-categorization promotes substantive equality:
    Like reservation itself, sub-categorization ensures fair representation among the Scheduled Castes (SCs) by addressing internal inequalities.
  2. Efficiency in administration fosters inclusion:
    Administrative efficiency must promote equality, countering past restrictions on reservations.
  3. Sub-categorization must not exclude advanced SCs:
    It cannot result in excluding socially and educationally advanced castes within the SCs, unlike the 2022 EWS verdict.
  4. Empirical evidence is necessary:
    Sub-categorization schemes must present data on material inequalities, such as unequal representation in government services, and acknowledge ongoing discrimination within SCs since their 1936 classification.

What challenges remain for sub-categorization?

  1. Development of Criteria: Transparent, evidence-based criteria for sub-categorization must be developed. These criteria need to be specific to the context of each Scheduled Caste group to ensure fairness.
  2. Evidence Requirement: Sub-categorization schemes must provide empirical evidence of material inequalities within the Scheduled Castes.

What is the broader significance of this judgment?

  1. The judgment highlights the need for justice within the Scheduled Castes. As B.R. Ambedkar noted, some communities are more vulnerable within larger minority groups.
  2. Sub-categorization ensures fair distribution of resources and rights, promoting unity based on justice.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how the Supreme Court’s decision on sub-categorizing Scheduled Castes aims to promote substantive equality within the community.

The Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China

Source: The post the Wilmington Declaration’s impact on India’s relationship with China has been created, based on the article “China, India and New Delhi’s Quad dilemma” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests

Context: The article discusses India’s relationship with China amid growing tensions. It highlights India’s military preparations along the border and warns against overt alignment with the Quad nations. It suggests India should carefully navigate its stance to avoid provoking China while managing its strategic partnerships.

What was the significance of the Wilmington Declaration?

The Wilmington Declaration, issued during a Quad meeting attended by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in September 2023, signaled a shift towards a security alliance between Australia, India, Japan, and the U.S. Though it did not name China directly, the Declaration’s intent was clear — to contain China’s influence across the Indo-Pacific region.

For detailed information on Fourth Quad summit read this article here

How are India-China relations currently?

  1. Deteriorating relations: India-China relations are deteriorating, with tensions along the northern borders, particularly in Ladakh.
  2. Galwan region stalemate: The Galwan region remains in a stalemate despite diplomatic efforts. No breakthrough has been achieved in the Depsang Plains and Demchok.
  3. Increased vigilance and deployment of forces: India announced that it will maintain, if not increase, its vigilance in the border areas by inducting more forces despite the onset of winter.
  4. New weapons and artillery deployment: “India is inducting new long-range firearms and heavy artillery, and has begun to deploy howitzers, missiles, rocket systems and ‘loitering munitions’.
  5. Blocked patrolling points: The number of ‘friction points’ has increased, with Indian forces unable to access several ‘patrolling points’ that they were previously accustomed to.
  6. China’s larger defense budget: China’s defense budget, far larger than India’s, allows it to stay confident in its ability to handle Indian military moves.
  7. China’s concern over India’s Quad membership: China’s growing concerns focus more on India’s association with the Quad, which it sees as a U.S.-sponsored effort to contain China.
  8. China’s measured response: China appears unfazed by India’s moves” and “China is unlikely to take such a situation lightly.

Why should India be cautious in its Quad relations?

China views the Quad alliance as a direct threat. Xi Jinping’s China sees India’s growing alignment with the West, especially the U.S., as provocative. China’s past statements, including a warning against external forces, underline this. India must be careful not to escalate tensions by aligning too openly with the West.

What is China’s real threat perception?

  1. China differentiates between peripheral and real threats. Border issues with India in Ladakh and Arunachal Pradesh are not seen as existential threats. However, threats to its eastern seaboard and Pacific claims are taken more seriously.
  2. India’s strategic experts understand this, but China may interpret India’s changing stance as growing closeness with the West.

How should India navigate its relations with China and the Quad?

  1. India must avoid sending signals that it is fully aligned with U.S. efforts to contain China.
  2. Although India participates in the Quad, it does not aim to checkmate China’s ambitions.
  3. India should focus on maintaining a balanced position, avoiding confrontational policies, and ensuring that China understands India’s independent stance.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how India’s involvement with the Quad alliance impacts its relations with China amidst growing border tensions.

GS PAPER - 3

David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper contribution to protein research

Source: The post David Baker, Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper contribution to protein research has been created, based on the article “Biology transformed: Nobel for determining protein structure recognises a big advance” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper- Miscellaneous

Context: The article discusses the Nobel Prize in Chemistry awarded to David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper. They advanced protein research by creating new proteins and predicting complex protein structures using AI, making significant progress in understanding protein functions and applications.

For detailed information on Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2024 read this article here

How did David Baker contribute to protein research?

David Baker developed computer software called Rosetta. This software creates new proteins that do not exist naturally. It determines the amino acid sequence for these proteins by comparing fragments of known proteins. Baker made Rosetta’s code publicly available for researchers.

How did Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper contribute to protein research?

  1. Demis Hassabis and John M. Jumper developed the AI model AlphaFold, solving a 50-year-old problem in protein structure prediction.
  2. AlphaFold predicts the 3D structure of proteins, a task that used to take years of experiments.
  3. By 2020, AlphaFold’s accuracy was comparable to X-ray crystallography, a widely trusted method.
  4. AlphaFold predicted structures for almost all 200 million proteins from nearly a million species.
  5. Since 2021, the model’s code has been publicly available, and over two million people from 190 countries have used it.

Why is protein structure important?

Protein structure is crucial to understanding protein function. With 20,000 proteins in humans, predicting their structures was difficult. AlphaFold and Rosetta have made this process much faster and more accurate, helping researchers worldwide.

Question for practice:

Discuss how the contributions of David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John M. Jumper to protein research have advanced the field of biochemistry.

Reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities

Source: The post reasons and their impacts for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities has been created, based on the article “A critical message for the urban elite” published in “The Hindu” on 14th October is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Conservation, Environmental Pollution and Degradation

Context: The article discusses how poor urban planning and the urban heat island effect are worsening heatwaves in Indian cities. Technology and privilege insulate the elite, making them ignore these problems, which disproportionately affect marginalized workers, worsening urban inequality.

For detailed information on Heatwaves in India read this article here

What are the reasons for the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities?

  1. Urban Heat Island Effect: Indian cities, such as Delhi, are experiencing the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect, where urban regions become significantly warmer than their rural counterparts due to human activities. This effect is intensified by the presence of heat-absorbing materials like concrete, asphalt, and glass. Examples include cities like Delhi experiencing temperatures above 50°C.

For detailed information on Urban heat island read this article here

  1. Poor Urban Planning: Cities with poor urban planning, such as Gurugram, are notable for their modern glass buildings which, while aesthetically pleasing, trap more heat and contribute to higher local temperatures.
  2. Reduced Green Cover: The lack of adequate green spaces in urban areas exacerbates the heat retention, adding to the discomfort and increasing temperatures experienced during heatwaves.

What are the impacts of the increasing heatwaves in Indian cities?

  1. Increased Mortality: The official toll counts over 200 lives lost to heatwaves, but the actual number is likely higher, indicating a severe health crisis.
  2. Disproportionate Impact on Marginalized Communities: Marginalized groups such as delivery workers, auto drivers, and construction workers suffer the most. They work in extreme conditions with inadequate shelter and hydration, directly exposing them to the risks associated with severe heatwaves.
  3. Decreased Outdoor Activity: The intense heat reduces outdoor activities, impacting livelihoods like those of street vendors whose earnings decline with reduced foot traffic.

What needs to be done?

  1. Encourage public engagement: The privileged, insulated by technology, need to advocate for better public services. For example, flooding in Delhi’s elite areas prompted quick government action, showing how pressure from the elite can drive change.
  2. Reduce reliance on technology: Technology-driven isolation, like app-based deliveries, is reducing outdoor engagement. The elite should step outside this comfort trap and reconnect with public spaces to push for more livable cities.

Question for practice:

Examine how poor urban planning and the Urban Heat Island effect are contributing to the worsening of heatwaves in Indian cities, and how these factors disproportionately affect marginalized communities.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

How dispute regarding the symbol is resolved between the two factions

Source: This post on How dispute regarding the symbol is resolved between the two factions has been created based on the article “Who gets the preferred symbol when there are two factions?” published in The Hindu on 14th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) recently split into two factions. One is led by Sharad Pawar himself, and the other by Ajit Pawar. Sharad Pawar has filed a petition in the Supreme Court to prevent the Ajit Pawar faction from using the NCP’s original symbol, the ‘clock,’ in upcoming Maharashtra assembly elections.

About the political symbols

Importance of Political Symbols in India: In India, a large part of the population is still illiterate. Therefore, political symbols are crucial for helping voters identify parties on ballots.

How are Symbols Allotted: The Election Commission of India (ECI) assigns unique symbols to nationally or state-recognized parties. These symbols are reserved, ensuring that no other party or candidate uses them in elections.

What Does the Law Say on Previous Cases of Symbol Disputes?

When a recognized party splits, the ECI has the authority to decide which faction is the rightful party and who can use the party symbol. Sometimes, ECI has also “frozen” symbols until the dispute is settled.

Criteria for Recognizing a Faction

As per the Supreme Court Guidelines (1971), in the Sadiq Ali vs. ECI case, the Supreme Court outlined a 3-test formula:

i)  Party’s Aims and Objectives: To determine which faction aligns more closely with the party’s goals.

ii) Party Constitution and Inner Democracy: To check how closely each faction follows the party’s constitution and democratic procedures.

iii) Legislative and Organizational Majority: To assess which faction has the majority in the legislative and organizational wings.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

Hurricane Milton

Source: This post on Hurricane Milton has been created based on the article “Why Hurricane Milton, currently barrelling towards Florida, has surprised even weather forecasters” published in Down to Earth on 14th October 2024.

Why in news?

Hurricane Milton has intensified rapidly in the Gulf of Mexico.

About Hurricane Milton

1. It was initially formed as a tropical depression in the Gulf of Mexico.

2. Milton swiftly transformed from a Category 1 hurricane to a powerful Category 5 within just 12 hours on October 7.

3. This explosive growth was largely attributed to unusually warm sea surface temperatures, which provided ample energy for the storm’s intensification.

4. By October 8, Milton had reached a peak wind speed of 290 km/hr (180 mph) and recorded a minimum central pressure of 897 millibars, marking it as the third strongest hurricane in Atlantic history.

5. The storm has since undergone an eyewall replacement cycle, leading to a slight decrease in wind speed to 240 km/hr (150 mph), categorizing it as a formidable Category 4 hurricane.

6. The National Hurricane Center (NHC) has issued storm surge warnings, predicting surges up to 15 feet in certain areas, especially along Florida’s western coast, and rainfall forecasts indicate potential accumulations of up to 460 mm in some regions.

About Hurricane

1. Hurricanes, also known as tropical cyclones or typhoons in different regions, are intense tropical storms with sustained winds of at least 119 km/hr (74 mph).

2. They form over warm ocean waters near the equator, which serve as the primary energy source.

3. Warm, moist air rises and cools, leading to the formation of clouds and the release of latent heat, which fuels the storm. This cycle continues, causing the system to grow and intensify.

4. Hurricanes are classified into five categories based on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:

Categories  Classification description 
Category 1 Wind speeds of 119-153 km/hr (74-95 mph)
Category 2 Wind speeds of 154-177 km/hr (96-110 mph)
Category 3 Wind speeds of 178-208 km/hr (111-129 mph) – considered a major hurricane
Category 4 Wind speeds of 209-251 km/hr (130-156 mph) – major hurricane with catastrophic damage potential
Category 5 Wind speeds exceeding 252 km/hr (157 mph) – extremely dangerous with catastrophic impact

5. Hurricanes bring multiple hazards, including high winds, heavy rainfall, storm surges, and even tornadoes. They can lead to widespread destruction, especially in coastal areas, with flooding often being the most devastating consequence.

6. Their behavior and trajectory are influenced by various factors, including sea surface temperatures, atmospheric moisture, and wind shear.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography 

Dragon Drones

Source: This post on Dragon Drones has been created based on the article “What are ‘dragon drones’, the latest weapon being used in Russia-Ukraine war?” published in Indian Express on 14th October 2024.

Why in the news?

Dragon drones were recently deployed by both Russian and Ukrainian forces.

About Dragon Drones

1. These drones release a substance called thermite, which is a mixture of aluminium and iron oxide. It was initially developed for welding railroad tracks over a century ago.

2. When ignited by an electrical fuse, thermite initiates a self-sustaining reaction that can burn through various materials, including clothes, trees, and even military vehicles.

3. The reaction is intense enough to continue burning underwater and causes severe burns and bone damage on contact with humans.

Tactical Advantages of Dragon Drones

1. Bypassing Defenses: Dragon drones combine thermite with high-precision drone technology, making them highly effective and capable of evading traditional defensive measures.

2. Military Application: Ukrainian forces reportedly used these drones to burn vegetation, exposing Russian troops and their equipment. Russian forces have since adopted similar tactics with their own dragon drones.

Legality and Regulations

1. International Law: While the use of thermite is not outright banned, it is restricted under international law to avoid civilian casualties.

2. Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons: Incendiary weapons like thermite are limited to military targets due to their indiscriminate nature and the severe burns they cause. Using thermite on civilian targets is prohibited, but its use against military targets remains legal.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Murine Typhus

Source: This post on Murine Typhus has been created based on the article “Kerala man infected with rare bacterial disease: What to know about murine typhus” published in Indian Express on 14th October 2024.

Why in the news?

Recently, doctors diagnosed a 75-year-old man from Kerala, who had recently travelled to Vietnam and Cambodia, with the bacterial disease murine typhus.

About Murine Typhus

1. About: Murine typhus is a flea-borne disease. It is also known as Endemic typhus, flea-borne typhus, or flea-borne spotted fever.

2. Cause: It is caused by the bacteria Rickettsia typhi and transmitted by infected fleas.

3. Rodents (e.g., rats, mice, mongoose) are common reservoirs, but the fleas can also live on small mammals like cats and dogs.

4. Transmission:  Fleas infected with Rickettsia typhi transmit the disease through bites. Infection occurs when flea faeces contact cuts, scrapes, or mucous membranes. The disease does not spread from humans to fleas or from person to person.

5. Where is Murine Typhus Found: It is common in tropical and subtropical coastal areas. Reported cases exist in the Northeast, Madhya Pradesh, Kashmir, and now, Kerala.

6. Symptoms of Murine Typhus: Symptoms typically appear 7 to 14 days after exposure. Fever, headaches, body aches, joint pains, nausea, vomiting, and stomach aches. Some individuals may develop skin rashes days after initial symptoms. The illness usually lasts up to two weeks but may extend with complications if untreated.

7. Diagnosis: It can involve Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology to detect microbial DNA.

8. Treatment: Doxycycline antibiotic is effective, but early diagnosis is crucial. No vaccine is available currently. Untreated cases may worsen in 1-2 weeks and can be fatal in rare cases.

9. Preventive Measures:

i) For Households with Pets: Keep pets flea-free through regular washing and awareness of flea signs; flea treatments may be necessary.

ii) Rodent Control: Keep rodents away from living spaces, particularly kitchens; ensure food is stored securely to avoid attracting rodents.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

X-Band Radar and its application

Source: This post on X-Band Radar and its application has been created based on the article “What is Wayanad’s new X-band radar?” published in The Hindu on 14th October 2024.

Why in the news?

In July 2024, devastating floods and landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district claimed more than 200 lives. In response, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences approved the installation of an X-band radar in the district.

About Radar Technology

1. Radar, short for “radio detection and ranging,” is a device that uses radio waves to measure the distance, speed, and other characteristics of objects.

2. It emits a signal toward a target, such as a cloud, and analyses the reflected signals to gather data.

About X-Band Radar

What is Wayanad’s new X-band radar? -
Source: PressReader
Aspects  Description 
About X-band radar is a radar that operates within a specific range of frequencies in the electromagnetic spectrum, typically from 8.0 to 12.0 GHz.
Key Characteristics of X-band Radar

 

1. The X-band operates in the microwave segment of the spectrum, with wavelengths between 2.5 to 3.75 cm.
2. Its short wavelength allows for precise imaging and higher resolution, which is ideal for detecting small targets and providing detailed information.
Applications 1. Weather Radar: X-band radars are commonly used in meteorology for short-range weather observations. They can detect rainfall intensity, storm patterns, and precipitation types, which is crucial for forecasting and severe weather warnings.
2. Maritime Navigation: The high resolution makes it ideal for identifying small objects at sea, such as buoys, ships, and obstacles, which enhances navigation safety.
3. Military and Surveillance: Due to their ability to detect small and fast-moving targets, X-band radars are employed in missile guidance systems, air defense, and border surveillance.
4. Air Traffic Control: These radars help manage aircraft movements, especially at airports, by detecting and tracking planes accurately.
Advantages 1. High Resolution: X-band radar’s shorter wavelength enables it to capture finer details, making it suitable for applications that require high-precision data.
2. Portability: X-band radar systems are often smaller and lighter than other radar types, making them more portable and easier to deploy.
3. Weather Penetration: While X-band radars may be susceptible to attenuation in heavy precipitation, they can still effectively detect and analyze moderate weather conditions, providing crucial data for short-range forecasting.

About Doppler Radar and Its Applications

1. In meteorology, Doppler radar is commonly used to observe weather patterns, as it can measure how fast an object is moving and in which direction, based on frequency shifts due to the Doppler effect.

2. Doppler radar operates by emitting radio waves in pulses, tracking how often they return after reflecting off objects.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

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