9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 21 May, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Rising heatwaves in India

Source: The post rising heatwaves in India has been created, based on the article “The heat is on-Substantive, practical adaptation policies can help” published in “Business standard” on 21st May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic:

GS Paper 3 – Environment – Climate Change

GS Paper 1- Geography – Important Geophysical phenomena such as Heatwaves.

Context: The article discusses the rising heatwaves in India, which pose a threat to public health and productivity. It notes increasing heatwave days and expanding affected areas. The government has responded by setting guidelines and promoting night work to reduce heat-related issues.

For detailed information on heatwaves in India read Article 1, Article 2, Article 3

What is the current situation with heatwaves in India?

The number of heatwave days has increased, from 74 days in 2009 to 32.2 days in 2020.

The number of affected states has increased from nine states to 23 states during 2009 to 2020.

How has the workforce been affected?

Workforce Impact: Approximately 75% of the workforce is engaged in heat-exposed labor, mainly in agriculture and construction.

Projected Job Losses: A World Bank study suggests that by 2030, India could account for nearly 43% of global job losses due to productivity declines from heat stress.

What actions have been taken by the government?

National Guidelines Established: After more than 2,000 deaths in 2015, the government drafted national guidelines for managing heatwaves, providing a framework for states.

Heatwave Action Plans: These guidelines helped states develop specific action plans tailored to their needs.

Heatwave Warnings: The India Meteorological Department regularly issues heatwave warnings to keep the public informed.

Work Hour Adjustments: Employers have shifted work hours to cooler nighttime periods to protect workers, particularly in agriculture.

Decrease in Heatwave Deaths: These measures have led to a significant reduction in heatwave-related deaths, from 2,040 in 2015 to just 27 in 2020.

What should be done?

Enhance Water Conservation: Implement mandatory water harvesting in high rises, especially in water-scarce cities like Bengaluru, to tackle imminent water crises.

Change Agricultural Incentives: Shift incentives from water-intensive crops like sugarcane and rice to water-efficient grains like millets, which also improve public health.

Increase Green Cover: Plant more trees in public spaces, following models from cities like Dubai and Singapore.

Adapt Architectural Standards: Establish standards that reduce reliance on air conditioning.

Accelerate Renewable Energy: Speed up the adoption of battery storage to boost renewable energy usage and decrease dependence on coal-fired plants.

Question for practice:

Discuss the measures taken by the Indian government to address the rising threat of heatwaves, and the impact of these measures on reducing heatwave.

Railway strike of 1974

Railway strike of 1974

Source-This post on Railway strike of 1974 has been created based on the article “Revisiting the Railway strike of 1974” published in “The Hindu” on 20 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper-1– Post-independence Consolidation and Reorganization within the country

Context: The year 2024 marks the 50th anniversary of the railway workers’ general strike in India. This event is significant in labor history because the strike showed remarkable unity among workers, spreading across a wide area and involving the public at large.

The strike started suddenly on May 2, 1974, when more than a million railway workers left their jobs all over India after George Fernandes, the president of the All-India Railway men’s Federation, was arrested. Railway strike of 1974.

What were the reasons behind the strike?

The railway workers decided to go on strike due to grueling work conditions, diminishing wages and bonuses, and soaring prices of essential goods and oil.
These issues were aggravated by a meagre wage hike proposed by the Third Pay Commission.

 What was the impact of the strike?

1) The strike swiftly brought normal life to a standstill in major cities, halting the railway system and disrupting train movement across the country.

2) All the major railway towns with a substantial population of railway workers, such as Jamalpur, Perambur, Mughalsarai, and Kharagpur, emerged as the strongholds of the strike.

3) Women and families of railway workers played a pivotal role in sustaining the strike, demonstrating and blocking tracks. For ex- In Delhi, they went around railway residential colonies, painting the faces of strikebreakers with vermilion and forcing them to put on bangles.

What was the government’s response?

1) The government declared the strike illegal under the Defence of India rules and mobilized police and paramilitary forces to maintain train services, arrest union leaders, and intimidate workers.

2) Around 50,000 railway workers were arrested, with 10,000 put behind bars within the first 24 hours.

3) More than 30,000 families were forced to leave railway colonies, which were subjected to searches and damage by security forces.

4) The government’s authoritarian response is seen as a dress rehearsal for the Emergency declared in 1975.

Read more- Railway Reforms

What was the significance of the strike?

1) It demonstrated the workers’ assertiveness in addressing their grievances through collective action within their unions.

2) It instilled a firm resolve in common workers and generated a sense of solidarity among railway employees, who faced division due to different groups and fragmented work arrangements.

3) It challenged the government’s ability to govern and inspired rank-and-file militancy and wider solidarity among railway workers.

4) Independent unions, rather than recognised ones, played a crucial role in mobilising the strike, highlighting the workers’ assertiveness in using their organisations for grievance redressal.

5) Although the strike was withdrawn unconditionally, many dismissed workers were later reinstated, and the government accepted the demand for a bonus.

What is its contemporary relevance?

Railway workers are encountering similar uncertainties because of the cancellation of the pension scheme, privatization, rising casual work, and unfavorable suggestions from the Seventh Pay Commission.

To counter these challenges, multiple trade unions and federations within the Indian Railways have united. The 1974 strike still holds significance as a fight against the ongoing onslaught on labor.

Question for practice

What was the significance of the railway strike that started on May 2, 1974? What is its contemporary relevance?

GS PAPER - 2

Growth of student enrolment in India’s higher education

Source: The post growth of student enrolment in India’s higher education has been created, based on the article “Greater social diversity in higher education is serving India well” published in “Live Mint” on 21st May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Governance- Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses the growth of student enrolment in India’s higher education from 2012-13 to 2021-22, emphasizing the inclusion of disadvantaged groups and the progress towards gender equality.

For detailed information on All India Survey on Higher Education read this article here

How much has student enrolment grown in India?

Total Enrolment Growth: From the academic year 2012-13 to 2021-22, student enrolment in Indian higher education increased from 30 million to 43.2 million.

Annual Growth Rate: The compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) over these nine years was 4.1%.

Impact of Reservation Policy: Enrolment of marginalized groups significantly increased due to the reservation policy:

Scheduled Castes (SC): Increased from 3.84 million to 6.6 million (6.2% CAGR).

Scheduled Tribes (ST): Rose from 1.32 million to 2.71 million (8.3% CAGR).

Other Backward Classes (OBC): Grew from 9.4 million to 16.3 million (6.3% CAGR).

How close is enrolment to population composition?

The enrolment of SC, ST, and OBC groups in 2021-22 closely matches their percentages in the population:

SC: 15.3% enrolment vs. 16.6% population.

ST: 6.3% enrolment vs. 8.6% population.

OBC: 37.8% enrolment vs. 40.9% population.

However, minorities, who make up about one-fifth of the population, have only 7% enrolment in higher education.

What are the trends in gender parity in higher education?

Achievement of Gender Parity: Gender parity in higher education was achieved in the academic year 2019-20.

Women’s Enrolment: Women constitute 48% of the total enrollment in 2021-22, showing increased participation.

Enrollment Growth Rate: The 10-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) for women’s enrolment is 4.7%, compared to 3.4% for men.

Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER): Women’s GER in 2021-22 was 28.5, higher than men’s GER at 28.3, indicating a higher proportion of women in the 18-23 age group are pursuing higher education.

Enrolment Across Social Groups: The enrollment growth rate for women is higher than for men across various social groups.

Scheduled Castes: 7% for women, compared to 5.6% for men.

Scheduled Tribes: 9.6% for women, versus 7.2% for men.

Other Backward Classes: 6.8% for women, against 5.9% for men.

Muslim Community: 6.6% for women, versus 5.4% for men.

Way forward

To further boost higher education enrolment, India should expand educational infrastructure and utilize distance learning, especially in regions with low institutional capacity. This strategy helps accommodate more students without merely redistributing limited resources.

Question for practice:

Discuss the trends in student enrolment growth and gender parity in India’s higher education system.

The Need for Judicial Vigilance

Source: This post on The Need for Judicial Vigilance has been created based on the article “Critical times call for strong judicial adjudication” published in “The Hindu” on 20 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Context: The article highlights the importance of strong, immediate, and unambiguous judicial review in the case of statutes that are unconstitutional or have divisive agenda.

What are the issues with the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA)?

1) There is a lack of clarity on the fate of applicants whose requests for citizenship are rejected. It is possible that they may end up in detention centers.

2) There are worries about foreign applicants receiving dual citizenship without giving up their original citizenship, which contradicts the intent of the main Act.

Read more- Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) Rules

Why do constitutional courts not interfere with statutes or statutory rules frequently?

Constitutional courts generally presume that laws made by Parliament are valid unless they are shown to breach constitutional provisions. The conventional wisdom is that the legislative process is not usually driven by malicious intent.

For ex-This was stated in the case of Manish Kumar vs Union of India in 2021. Similarly, in the case of Gurudevdatta Vksss Maryadit and Ors. vs State of Maharashtra in 2001, the Supreme Court ruled that courts cannot judge the motives behind legislation.

What are the issues with this approach of the constitutional court?

1) Lack of Judicial Interdiction-The Supreme Court has refrained from interdicting (stopping or restraining) the operation of enactments due to the presumption of validity. This has led to delay in judgements in cases like Vivek Narayan Sharma vs Union of India (2023) (demonetization case) and by this time the situation had already become irreversible.

2) Endangering Democracy

A) The recent Chief Election Commissioner and other Election Commissioners Act, 2023 overturned the Supreme Court judgement in Anoop Baranwal vs Union of India (2023) case and reinstated the “Prime Minister’s Committee” method for ECI selection.

B) This new Act was subsequently challenged in Jaya Thakur vs Union of India (2024), where the Court refused to prevent the implementation of the statute, despite it being unconstitutional and threatening the foundation of democracy.

3) Counter Majoritarian Role: Contemporary populist regimes globally often invoke targeted legislation, manipulating the electoral system and enacting laws with little regard for constitutional schemes. Such trends necessitate an assertive judicial approach to maintain the counter-majoritarian role of constitutional courts.

What should be the way forward?

The Supreme Court should learn from its track record and understand the political consequences of its insensitivity during critical times. The Supreme Court has effectively interdicted parliamentary legislations in cases like the 27% quota for OBC candidates in professional colleges in Ashoka Kumar Thakur vs Union of India, 2007 and the 3 contentious farm laws in Rakesh Vaishnav vs Union of India, 2021.

Question for practice

Why is it rare for constitutional courts to intervene in statutes or statutory rules? What are the concerns associated with this approach taken by the constitutional court?

Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi

Source-This post on Death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has been created based on the article “An Expert Explains: What President Ebrahim Raisi’s death means for Iran” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus: GS Paper 2 – International Relations- Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests

News– President Ebrahim Raisi, Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and other Iranian officials were recently killed in a helicopter crash. Raisi played an important role in attempts to foster a “resistance economy” and increasing cooperation with anti-West nations like Russia and China. The article tries to explain how Iran’s political system works and the potential impact of Raisi’s death.

What is the Conservatism vs. Reformism confrontation in Iranian Politics?

Since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, Iranian politics has been divided between two poles: conservatives and reformists.

Conservatives want to strictly adhere to the tenets of Twelver Shi’ism and implement its religious codes across society.

Reformists, while loyal to the Revolution, want more flexibility in domestic and international matters, such as greater rights for women, strengthening civil society, and conciliatory relations with the West.

Current balance of power-Conservatives has been dominant for most of Iran’s post-Revolution history, maintaining a firm grip despite economic challenges and protests.

What is the political structure of Iran?

1) The Supreme Leader is the head of state and the most powerful person in Iran. He has great influence in choosing presidential candidates.

2) The President operates within the overall authority of the Supreme Leader. However, he has significant power in determining how the country functions, including key foreign policy decisions.
For ex- When President Hassan Rouhani negotiated the JCPOA, he had a lot of power. One of Raisi’s big accomplishments was the Iran-Saudi deal, arranged by China. He also advocated for an ‘Axis of Resistance,’ a coalition led by Iran.

3) The Supreme Leader’s authority is superseded only in the event of a clash with the President, which has happened during reformist governments.

Read more- Challenges Between India and Iran Bilateral Ties

What is the impact of sudden death of President on Iranian politics?

1) Succession and Power Struggle-Raisi was seen as a protege of the 85-year-old Supreme Leader Khamenei but was not guaranteed to be his successor. Raisi’s death changes the field for the succession and could lead to a more fraught power struggle.

2) Appointment of Acting President– Constitutional measures have been followed that resulted in the appointment of Mohammad Mokhber as the acting President.

3) Upcoming Election and Transition Efforts– An election is scheduled to take place within 50 days, and efforts will be made by the establishment to ensure a smooth transition. It is possible that conservatives would try to strengthen their influence.

4) Policy changes – In terms of policy, significant changes are unlikely to occur, particularly in the short run, as Acting President Mokhber has a strong affiliation with Raisi.

5) Foreign policy-Raisi and Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian worked well together and made Iran’s foreign policy more confrontational. Iran saw their efforts as successful in challenging the West. After the president’s death, there might be a pause in this approach.

Since Iran’s power structure remains unchanged, international actors, both allies and adversaries, are unlikely to alter their interactions with the country in a significant way.Raisi’s passing isn’t viewed as a political crisis in Iran but rather as a tragic event that the country can manage effectively.

Question for practice

What is the impact of sudden death of President on Iranian politics?

GS PAPER - 3

Comparison between India and China’s population growth and consumer spending

Source: The post Comparison between India and China’s population growth and consumer spending has been created, based on the article “India-China consumption comparison” published in “The Hindu” on 21st May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Economy-mobilisation of resources, growth, development.

Context: The article compares India and China’s population growth and consumer spending. It notes that although China’s economy is larger, India spends a larger proportion of its GDP on consumption, and its spending is growing faster than China’s.

How does Indias population growth compare to Chinas?

In 2023, India surpassed China to become the world’s most populous country.

China’s birth rate is declining at 6.4 births per 1,000 people, and its total fertility rate is around 1%. China experienced negative population growth for the first time in six decades.

India’s population, despite reaching replacement levels with a total fertility rate of 2.1, is expected to grow and peak around 2060.

How does consumption differ between India and China?

Percentage of GDP: India’s consumption expenditure is higher relative to its GDP compared to China. India’s Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) makes up over 58% of its GDP, whereas in China, PFCE accounts for only 38%.

Government Consumption: In India, final consumption including government expenditure constitutes 68% of GDP, compared to 53% in China.

Trends Over Time: From 2018 to 2022, India’s PFCE grew from $1.64 trillion to $2.10 trillion, showing steady growth. Meanwhile, China’s PFCE was $6.6 trillion in 2022, down from $6.8 trillion in 2021, indicating a recent decline.

Per Capita Consumption: Despite India’s overall PFCE growth, China’s per capita PFCE remains higher, widening slightly from ~3.0 times that of India in 2018 to ~3.1 times in 2022.

How does Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) affect consumption?

Closing the Gap: In Purchasing Power Parity (PPP) terms, the consumption expenditure gap between China and India narrows significantly compared to nominal figures. China’s PFCE is about 1.5 times that of India, while its GDP (PPP) is approximately 2.5 times larger.

Recent Trends: Despite a wider economic disparity, in 2022, the gap in PFCE decreased from about 1.66 in 2020 to 1.55, indicating a relative improvement in India’s purchasing power.

Exchange Rate Impact: China saw a marginal increase in its PFCE by about $0.7 trillion due to improved yuan-dollar PPP exchange rates, while India added a trillion dollars to its consumption expenditure despite a worsening exchange rate, showcasing robust consumption growth under challenging conditions.

What are the differences in spending categories?

Basic Needs vs. Advanced Services: India’s higher spending on food, clothing, footwear, and transport is typical of a developing market. China, showcasing characteristics of a more developed market, spends a higher percentage of its expenditure on housing, white goods, recreation, education, and healthcare. This distinction is apparent as China’s spending on food and beverages, though the largest segment, is declining as a percentage of total expenditure.

Expenditure Proportions: The article mentions that India spends around half of what China spends on food, transport and communication, and clothing and footwear. This comparison is significant considering India’s economy is a fifth the size of China’s but manages to spend nearly the same percentage on these key sectors.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the key differences in population growth, consumer spending patterns, and their implications for economic development between India and China.

Challenges and debates around the RBI’s approach to controlling inflation

Source: The post challenges and debates around the RBI’s approach to controlling inflation has been created, based on the article “Tweaking the inflation targeting mandate” published in “Business standard” on 21st May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – Indian economy – Mobilization of resources

Context: The article discusses the challenges and debates around the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approach to controlling inflation through its interest rate policy. It examines the effectiveness of the current inflation-targeting framework and suggests reconsidering the targeted indices and their calculations.

For detailed information on Concerns related to Indias interest rates read this article here

What is the current status of interest rates in India?

In 2020-21 and 2021-22, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) kept interest rates low.

However, by mid-2021, inflation started rising, which the RBI initially ignored, labeling it transitory.

Then, in May 2022, the RBI dramatically increased the repo rate from 4% to 6.5% by February 2023 and has maintained that level since.

What are the issues with high interest rates?

High real interest rates are currently seen as too restrictive for economic growth.

Experts argue that these rates discourage new investments, which is vital for sustaining economic momentum.

There is speculation in the market about when the RBI will reduce these rates, indicating widespread concern about their impact.

The debate focuses on whether the high rates have already achieved their purpose of controlling inflation and whether it is time for a reduction.

What are the challenges faced by RBI in controlling inflation through its interest rate policy?

  1. The RBI’s strict mandate to target CPI inflation at 4% +/- 2% limits its flexibility to adjust to other inflation measures or economic nuances.
  2. External factors, such as US Federal Reserve policies, also constrain the RBI’s decisions due to the global influence on the Indian economy, especially considering the dollar’s dominance in international trade and finance.

What should be done?

Reducing Interest Rates: The RBI should consider reducing interest rates as the current high rates may have already achieved their purpose of controlling inflation.

Re-evaluating the Inflation-Targeting Framework: There should be a reevaluation of the inflation-targeting framework, particularly examining the effectiveness of the CPI as the sole index. Other indices like the Wholesale Price Index (WPI) and GDP deflator could provide additional insights.

Improving Transparency and Accountability: Transparency should be improved regarding the RBI’s decision-making processes and the factors influencing these decisions, especially concerning any reports submitted on failing to meet inflation targets, to foster greater accountability and public trust.

Question for practice:

What factors are influencing the debate surrounding the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) approach to controlling inflation through its interest rate policy?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

New Caledonia

Source-This post on New Caledonia has been created based on the article “France: Will quell New Caledonia riots ‘whatever the cost”published in “Times of India” on 21 May 2024.

Why in News?

French security forces are intensifying their actions to restore order in New Caledonia due to continuing and fatal disturbances.

About New Caledonia

New Caledonia Map and Satellite Image
Source: Geology

1. Geographical Location: It is situated in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, approximately 1,500 km east of Australia. It consists of the main island, Grande Terre, the Loyalty Islands (Ouvéa, Lifou, Tiga, and Maré), the Belep archipelago, the Isle of Pines, and several remote islands.

2. It has been inhabited for several thousand years by indigenous groups. The most notable are the Melanesian Kanak people.

3. Political Status

i) Autonomy: A French overseas collectivity, with substantial autonomy as per the 1998 Nouméa Accord.

ii) Governance: It is governed under the Nouméa Accord and the Organic Law of March 1999 which outlines its constitutional framework and relationship with France.

iii) Head of State: The President of the French Republic is head of state represented locally by a High Commissioner.

4. Demographics

i) Its capital is at Nouméa, located on Grande Terre.

ii) It has population of around 270,000 as of 2019, with approximately 39% being indigenous Kanak people. The rest include European Caledonians, Polynesians, and other groups such as Vietnamese, Indonesian, and Algerian.

iii) Citizenship: Residents are French and European citizens, with rights to reside anywhere in France and to vote in territorial and French national elections.

5)  It has been classified as one of the EU’s Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). However, it is not part of the EU, Eurozone, or Schengen area.

6) New Caledonia hosts the headquarters of the Secretariat of the Pacific Community, which was established in 1947 to support economic and social stability in the South Pacific. Its members include Australia, France, the Netherlands, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.

UPSC Syllabus: Places in news

Project Astra

Source-This post on Project Astra has been created based on the article “AI’s ‘Her’ moment: OpenAI’s GPT-4o and Google’s Project Astra make real-life strides” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Google showcased an early version of Project Astra at its annual developer conference.

About Project Astra

Artificial intelligence, OpenAI, chat GPT, AI assistants, science fiction films, Theodore Twombly, Scarlett Johansson, humour, intelligence, empathy, AI news, indian express news
Source: The Indian Express

1. It is Google’s initiative to develop AI that understands and responds using text, voice, and visual inputs. It is designed for devices like smartphones and smart glasses.

2. User Interaction: This technology enables users to interact with their environment by capturing information through their device’s camera. It is similar to asking a question about something they see or hear.

3. Goals: The main aim is to facilitate real-time information exchange and interaction through wearable technology.

4. Functionality:

i) Accessing Information: The Google AI Assistant within Project Astra can retrieve and provide information from both the internet and real-world scenes captured by the device’s camera.

ii) Learning and Adaptation: The AI is designed to learn from interactions and the user’s environment, enhancing its effectiveness as a personal assistant.

5.  Comparison with OpenAI’s GPT-4o

1. Modalities and Platforms: Project Astra employs a multimodal approach (text, voice, and visuals) and is versatile across various platforms, including smart glasses. In contrast, GPT-4o primarily focuses on voice interactions and is mainly used on smartphones.

2. Impact and Advancement: Project Astra is considered a significant step forward, potentially changing how users interact with AI across multiple devices. Meanwhile, GPT-4o marks progress in voice and text-based AI capabilities, but it primarily enhances smartphone applications.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ)

Source-This post on Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) has been created based on the article “Strengthening global cooperation in crime prevention and enhancing criminal justice systems: highlights from the 33rd Crime Commission” published in “The UN Official page” on 21st May 2024.

Why in News?

The 33rd session of the Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) was concluded after five days of discussions. It aimed at enhancing crime prevention, criminal justice responses, and cooperation.

About Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ)

Closing panel of the CCPCJ
Source:unodc.org
Aspects Description
About 1) The Commission on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice (CCPCJ) is a functional commission of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).
2) It serves as the primary organ guiding the UN’s activities in the fields of crime prevention and criminal justice
Purpose CCPCJ provides a platform for Member States to share expertise, experiences, and information.
Objective The aim is to develop both national and international strategies and to identify priorities for crime prevention.
Membership 40 member states, elected by ECOSOC, led by a Bureau
Mandates ECOSOC established the mandates and priorities for the CCPCJ in Resolution 1992/22, which encompass the following areas:
i) International efforts to address national and transnational crimes, including organized crime, economic crime, and money laundering.
ii)  Advocating for the role of criminal law in environmental protection.
iii) Focusing on crime prevention in urban settings, particularly juvenile crime and violence.
iv) Enhancing the efficiency and fairness of criminal justice systems.
Function i) The CCPCJ acts as the preparatory and implementing body for the quinquennial United Nations Congress on Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice.
ii) Following the adoption of General Assembly Resolution 61/252, the CCPCJ now serves as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
iii) It also oversees the budget for the United Nations Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Fund, which funds global technical assistance in crime prevention and criminal justice.
iv) The Commission has strong connections with research institutes within the UN Crime Prevention and Criminal Justice Programme Network (PNI).

UPSC Syllabus: International organistaion

Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

Source-This post on Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)  has been created based on the article “Antarctic Parliament meets in Kochi: what’s on the table?” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 May 2024.

Why in News?

India is hosting the 46th session of the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46), also referred to as the Antarctic Parliament, from May 20-30 in Kochi.

About 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46)

Maitri- Second Indian Antarctic station
Source: The Indian Express

1.  About: 46th Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM 46) is also referred to as the Antarctic Parliament. It is to be hosted from May 20-30 at Kochi, India.

2. Organizer: The National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research, Goa has organised the meeting under the auspices of the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES). India last hosted the ATCM in New Delhi in 2007.

3. Participation: Representatives from all 56 member countries of the Antarctic Treaty.

About Antarctic Treaty

1. About Antarctic Treaty: It is an international agreement that governs activities in Antarctica. It was signed on December 1, 1959, and entered into force on June 23, 1961.

2. Purpose: The treaty designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and ensures that it remains exclusively for peaceful purposes.

3. Principles: The Antarctic Treaty designates Antarctica as a neutral, demilitarized zone to be used solely for peaceful purposes.

4. Signatories: It was initially signed by 12 countries. It now includes 56 countries, with India joining in 1983.

5. Key Provisions:

i) Antarctica is strictly for peaceful activities; military activities, including fortification and weapon testing, are prohibited.

ii) All activities, especially scientific research, are to be conducted freely with cooperation and data sharing among signatory nations.

iii) Nuclear explosions and the disposal of radioactive waste are forbidden.

India in Antarctica

1. Consultative Status: Since 1983, India has been a consultative party to the Antarctic Treaty, participating in decision-making processes about Antarctic governance.
Research Stations:

Dakshin Gangotri: India’s first research station, established in 1983 and was operational until 1990.
Maitri: It was established in 1989 in the Schirmacher Oasis, is still active, and supports summer and winter crews.
Bharati: It was opened in 2012 and is located on the Prydz Bay coast. It focuses on oceanographic and geological studies.

2. Future Plans: India intends to establish Maitri II by 2029 to replace the ageing Maitri station.

3. Legislative Action: In 2022, India enacted the Antarctic Act to reaffirm its commitment to the treaty’s principles.

About ATCM (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting)

1. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) is an annual gathering of the Parties to the 1959 Antarctic Treaty.

2. The ATCM consists of the original twelve signatories of the Antarctic Treaty and other nations that conduct significant research in Antarctica.

Agenda at ATCM (Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting)

1. Tourism Regulation: India will introduce a new working group aimed at formulating regulations to monitor tourism and protect the continent’s fragile ecosystem.

2. Sustainability and Environmental Protection: The conference will address sustainable management of Antarctic resources, biodiversity prospecting, and the impacts of climate change on the continent.

UPSC Syllabus: International relations

Venezuela first country to loose all its glaciers

Source-This post on Venezuela first country to loose all its glaciers has been created based on the article “Going glacier gone: How Venezuela lost its last glacier, why this matters” published in “The Indian Express” on 21 May 2024.

Why in News?

Venezuela has become the first country in modern history to loose all its glaciers. Scientists have reclassified the Humboldt glacier, which was Venezuela’s last remaining glacier, as an ice field rather than a glacier.

About Glacier

Humboldt glacier in Venezuela
Source: Indian Express

1)  Glaciers are large, thick masses of ice formed from accumulated snow over centuries. They are typically found in areas where mean annual temperatures are near freezing.

2) They develop from significant snow accumulations that do not fully melt. They flow slowly like rivers due to gravity.

3) According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), the common size threshold to be classified as a glacier is about 10 hectares

Reason behind disappearance of Glacier

1) Global Warming: The primary cause of glacier melt is global warming. It increases temperatures and leads to ice melting.

2) Human Impact: Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have increased greenhouse gas emissions. These gases trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global temperature rises.

3) Recent Trends: Notable temperature increases in regions like the Andes have been documented, with rates up to 0.10 degrees Celsius per decade over the last seventy years. Events like El Niño also exacerbate warming, leading to more rapid glacier melting.

Impacts of Glacier Loss

1) Water Resources: Glaciers are vital sources of freshwater, especially during dry periods. Their loss means increased dependence on unpredictable rainfall for water.

2) Ecological Impact: Melting glaciers affect downstream water temperatures, which is crucial for aquatic species that require colder water to survive.

3) Sea Level Rise: Melting of glaciers contribute substantially to global sea level rise.

4) Cultural and Economic Effects: In places like Venezuela, glaciers form part of the cultural identity and are important for tourism and mountaineering. Losing them can have significant cultural and economic impacts.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

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