9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 21st December, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Controversy over surveying religious places

Source: The post controversy over surveying religious places has been created, based on the article “It is for historians to dig for tell-tale remains, not bigots” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1-Society – secularism

Context: The article discusses the controversy over surveying religious places like mosques to find evidence of earlier temples, questioning its legality under the Places of Worship Act, 1991. It argues such actions violate secularism, Article 26 rights, and promote communal tensions.

For detailed information on Controversy with the Places of Worship Act read this article here

What Does the Places of Worship Act State?

1. The Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, prohibits the conversion of a place of worship from one religion to another.
2. It maintains that the religious character of a place as on August 15, 1947, must remain unchanged.
3. Any suits or appeals pending in courts regarding such conversions as of the Act’s commencement are to abate immediately.
4. New legal suits or proceedings for altering the religious character of places of worship are barred after the Act’s enforcement.
5. The Act was enacted during heightened tensions around the Ram Janmabhoomi movement, to prevent violence and communal unrest.
6. The Ayodhya judgment of the Supreme Court hailed this Act for protecting secularism.

What Was the Observation of the Former Chief Justice of India?

1. In 2022, then-CJI D.Y. Chandrachud made an oral observation in the Gyanvapi mosque case.
2. He stated that “a survey may not necessarily fall foul of the Places of Worship Act.”
3. This observation caused confusion, as it was not part of a formal judgment but was misinterpreted by lower courts.
4. Following this, courts in Uttar Pradesh ordered surveys of mosques to determine their religious character, violating the 1991 Act.

Why Are Such Surveys Considered Problematic?

1. Violation of the Places of Worship Act, 1991: The Act bars altering the religious character of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947, and prohibits related surveys. Surveys contradict this law by trying to reopen settled matters.
2. Potential for Communal Violence: For example, surveys in mosques led to violence in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, resulting in loss of lives. Such actions risk heightening communal tensions.
3. Legal Misinterpretation: Lower courts ordered surveys based on oral observations by former CJI D.Y. Chandrachud in 2022. However, these observations lacked legal standing.
4. Violation of Article 26: Article 26 guarantees religious groups the right to manage their worship practices. Surveys interfere with these rights and can be deemed unconstitutional.
5. Secularism at Risk: The Act, upheld in the Ayodhya judgment, is seen as protecting secularism. Surveys undermine this principle, fueling religious disputes.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Places of Worship Act, 1991, seeks to uphold secularism and whether surveys of religious sites align with its provisions.

GS PAPER - 2

Federal Reserve faces uncertainty in monetary policy

Source: The post Federal Reserve faces uncertainty in monetary policy has been created, based on the article “The Fed is as clueless as markets” published in “Business Standard” on 21st December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests, Indian diaspora.

Context: The article explains uncertainty in the U.S. Federal Reserve’s monetary policy. Inflation is unpredictable, Trump’s policies add risks, and experts debate whether interest rates are at neutral. The Fed is cautious, unsure of future moves, emphasizing economic and political unknowns.

For detailed information on US Federal Reserve cut interest rates read this article here

Why is the Federal Reserve uncertain about future monetary policy?

1. Moderation in Inflation: The Fed cut rates by 100 basis points to 4.25-4.5%, responding to inflation easing from 2022 peaks. However, uncertainty persists about future trends.
2. Inflation Risks: 15 of 19 Fed officials see upside inflation risks, the most since 2022. Core PCE inflation rose by 0.3% in both September and October, exceeding projections.
3. Impact of Trump’s Agenda:

• Tariffs: Proposed tariffs could raise prices, echoing trade war effects from Trump’s first term.
• Tax Cuts: New tax cuts may boost growth and inflation, especially if deficit-funded.
• Labour Supply: Planned deportations could reduce workforce availability.

What are the issues with interest rates?

1. Uncertainty on Neutral Rate: Officials disagree if current rates are “neutral.” Powell says rates are restrictive, while Hammack suggests they are close to neutral.
2. Economic Impact: Some fear interest rates may not stimulate or restrict the economy effectively.
3. Inflation Risks: Core PCE inflation rose by 0.3% in September and October, exceeding projections, showing data volatility.
4. Data Challenges: Inflation surprises are common, especially in the first quarter, despite seasonal adjustments.

What is the Fed’s next step?

1. The Fed may pause rate changes to assess economic conditions. Powell indicated they are near a point to slow adjustments.
2. However, Trump’s policy actions, especially trade and tax measures, could lead to either rate hikes or economic slowdown.
3. The uncertainty reflects unknowns about inflation trends, political risks, and how the economy responds to current rates.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors contributing to the Federal Reserve’s uncertainty about future monetary policy decisions.

Significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait

Source: The post significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait has been created, based on the article “A chance to strike gold during the Kuwait visit” published in “The Hindu” on 21st December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-International relations-Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait, highlighting its significance for strengthening bilateral ties. It covers Kuwait’s strategic importance, its wealth, and strong ties with India, emphasizing areas where both countries can further cooperate and elevate their relationship.

For detailed information on Why the Gulf matters for India read this article here

What is the significance of Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Kuwait?

1. It is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Kuwait in 43 years.
2. The last visit was by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1981.
3. The visit aims to strengthen ties and fill the gap in India’s West Asia engagement.

Why is Kuwait important strategically?

Geographic Location: Kuwait is located at the northeast end of the Persian Gulf, sharing borders with Iraq and Saudi Arabia, making it strategically significant in West Asia.

American Military Bases: It hosts important American military bases, ensuring its relevance in regional security.

Oil Reserves: Kuwait holds the sixth-largest oil reserves globally, contributing significantly to global energy markets.

Neutral Mediator: Kuwait often plays a neutral role in regional disputes and acts as an interlocutor.

Wealth and Investments: Its sovereign wealth fund, valued at $924 billion (March 2024), is the fourth-largest globally.

Unique Democracy: It is the only Gulf monarchy experimenting successfully with democracy.

What is the state of India-Kuwait ties?

1. India and Kuwait share historical and cultural bonds, with diplomatic relations established in 1961.
2. Bilateral trade was $10.47 billion in FY 2023-24, with Kuwait as the sixth-largest crude supplier to India.
3. Around 1 million Indians live in Kuwait, forming the largest expatriate group.
4. During COVID-19, India provided vaccines to Kuwait, while Kuwait sent oxygen and medical supplies to India.
5. Kuwait quickly repatriated the mortal remains of 40 Indians who died in a fire in June 2024.

What are the potential areas for strengthening ties?

1. Signing a comprehensive strategic partnership agreement and defense cooperation pact.
2. Collaborating on infrastructure projects under Kuwait’s ‘Vision 2035.’
3. Setting up Indian Institutes (IIT/IIM) and hospitals in Kuwait to enhance people-to-people connections.
4. Inviting Kuwait to join the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.
5. Enhancing cooperation in space technology and increasing airline seat allocations.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Kuwait and the potential areas for strengthening India-Kuwait ties.

GS PAPER - 3

World Bank Report Addresses Climate Change Impact on Low-Income Countries

Source: The post World Bank Report Addresses Climate Change Impact on Low-Income Countries has been created, based on the article “Water at heart of climate solutions: World Bank report outlines policy priorities & steps to address finance gaps” published in “Down to earth ” on 21st December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses a World Bank report highlighting how climate change affects people, especially in low-income countries. It emphasizes water’s critical role, the need for investment in water management, and solutions to ensure sustainability and reduce vulnerabilities.

For detailed information on World Bank Report Highlights Poverty and Climate Challenges read this article here

What is the World Bank Group’s 2024 Report About?

1. The World Bank Group’s report, released at COP29 in November 2024, focuses on how individuals play a key role in both being affected by and addressing climate change.
2. It draws insights from 72 Climate Country and Development Reports (CCDRs) that guide countries in combining development with climate action.
3. It highlights people’s central role in addressing climate risks and achieving sustainable development goals (SDGs).

What Are CCDRs?

1. CCDRs, launched in 2022, guide countries in aligning development with climate action.
2. They aim to enhance resilience, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and achieve SDGs.
3. CCDRs bring together governments, private sectors, and citizens to address climate challenges.

How Does Climate Change Affect Low-Income Countries?

Labour Productivity Loss: Rising temperatures reduce productivity, especially in labor-intensive sectors.

Drought Impacts: Droughts harm agriculture, food security, and energy production, leading to malnutrition and migration.In Malawi, droughts could push 14% of people below the poverty line.

Flood Impacts: Floods cause displacement, waterborne diseases, loss of lives, and infrastructure damage. Like, floods in countries like South Africa reduce agricultural production and jobs.

Economic Losses: Climate change causes significant financial losses. For example, Argentina may lose $2.1 billion (0.6% of GDP) due to reduced agricultural output by 2050.

Health Crises: Waterborne diseases are increasing due to climate change. For Example, by 2040–2050, Uzbekistan and Zimbabwe will face higher disease rates.

What Solutions Do CCDRs Suggested?

1. Water is crucial for agriculture, food security, human development, and economic growth. Climate change worsens water scarcity and extreme events.
2. Investment in Water Management: Current investments in water are only 0.5% of GDP in most countries. An investment of $1.8 trillion is suggested to yield benefits worth $7.1 trillion by 2030, addressing the finance gap in the water sector.
3. Wastewater Management: Improvement of wastewater treatment plants is necessary to ensure water quality and efficiency while reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Demand-Side Management: This approach emphasizes sustainable and efficient use of water resources.
5. Performance Monitoring: Installing systems to monitor and enhance the performance of water treatment facilities is recommended to ensure operational efficiency and environmental compliance.

Question for practice:

Examine how the World Bank’s 2024 report highlights the impact of climate change on low-income countries and the solutions suggested to address water management challenges.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

News: WHO has endorsed a new class of drug, GLP-1 Receptor Agonists, for managing obesity. 

About GLP-1 Receptor Agonists 

• Role: They mimic a hormone that regulates appetite and blood sugar level, lipid metabolism, and other biological functions. 
• Drugs in this class include semaglutide and tirzepatide, which have potential to be transformative. 
• Utility:  
  • Helps in treatment of Type 2 diabetes and obesity. 
  • These drugs can complement current policies promoting healthy eating and physical exercise to curb the obesity pandemic. 
  • These drugs are significant as obesity affects nearly 1 in 8 people worldwide. 
• Side Effects: There are severe side effects like stomach paralysis, inflamed pancreas and thyroid cancer. 

Dark Comets

News: NASA scientists are closely investigating a new class of celestial objects known as dark comets. 

About Dark Comets 

• They are celestial objects that look like an asteroid but move through space like a comet. 
• Discovery: The first dark comet was identified in 2016, when asteroid 2003 RM exhibited unusual orbital deviation. 
• Types: There are two main types of Dark Comets: 
  • Inner Dark Comets: They reside in the inner solar system, with nearly circular orbits and are on the smaller side. (10s of meters or less) 
  • Outer Dark Comets: They have similar characteristics to Jupiter-family comets, with highly eccentric orbits and are on the larger side. (100m or more) 
• Characteristics:  
  • Size: They are often small, with width ranging between just a few meters to a few hundred meters. 
  • Spin: They often spin quite rapidly and disperse escaping gas and dust in all directions. 
  • Appearance: They lack glowing tails and appear as faint points of light in space. 

Varman Therapy

News: Recently, the National Institute of Siddha (NIS) has set a Guinness World Record for administering Varman therapy to 567 individuals simultaneously. 

About Varman Therapy 

• It is a unique and traditional healing modality within the Siddha system of medicine, effective in treating various health conditions. 
• Benefits:
  • It is a non-invasive, cost effective, non-pharmacological form of treatment. 
  • It has potential to provide immediate pain relief by manipulating the Varman points, which are vital energy centers located throughout the body. 
• Treatment: Provides rapid relief for musculoskeletal pain, injuries and neurological disorders. 
• It is often associated with the Varmakalai, a martial arts form in which the body’s pressure points are manipulated to heal or cause harm. 

Himalayan Birch Tree

News: A new study has found that climate change is altering the tree line landscape of the central Himalayas, leading to the replacement of Birch trees by Fir Trees. 

About Himalayan Birch Tree 

• It is a fast growing, medium sized, deciduous tree that dominates the Himalayan region. 
• Distribution: It is widely distributed in the upper altitudes of North-West Himalayas. 
• It grows well in moist or wet but well drained rocky or sandy soil conditions. 
• Key Features: 
  • Leaves are oval shaped. 
  • Can be grown as a standard or multi-trunked tree. 
  • Known for its white, paper-like bark, which was used as writing paper for manuscripts of Sanskrit literature.