9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 28 May, 2024

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Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Issues associated with Calcutta High Court’s judgement on reservation policies in India

Source: The post Issues associated with Calcutta High Court’s judgement on reservation policies in India has been created, based on the article “Why the Calcutta High Court decision on OBC reservation for Muslims raises questions” published in “Indian express” on 28th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2– Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Context: The article discusses how reservation policies in India, particularly for Muslim backward castes, face scrutiny despite constitutional provisions. It highlights judicial trends, political decisions, and the complexities surrounding inclusion in backward caste lists, focusing on a recent High Court judgment in West Bengal.

For detailed information on the Mandal case and Reservation in India read this article here

What is the Supreme court’s stance on reservation policies?

In Indira Sawhney (1992), the Supreme Court introduced the “creamy layer” exclusion.

M R Balaji (1963) set a 50% upper limit on reservations.

B N Tiwari (1964) struck down the “carry forward” rule.

Courts emphasize “efficiency” and often favor general candidates.

How did the Calcutta High court respond to Muslim reservations?

The Calcutta High Court struck down the inclusion of some Muslim backward castes in the reservation list.

The decision criticized the West Bengal State Backward Class Commission’s recommendations.

The court highlighted that inclusion was made by executive orders without consulting the BC Commission.

It noted the recommendations lacked an in-depth empirical survey.

The court found the “inadequacy of representation” in state services was not fully examined.

What are the issues with the Calcutta High court response to Muslim reservations, as per the author of the source article?

The court ignored the precedent set by Indira Sawhney, which allowed reservations by executive order.

It dismissed the Sachar Committee’s findings due to outdated data, while the Mandal Commission used even older data from the 1931 Census.

The High Court criticized a 5% population survey by the BC Commission, although the Mandal Commission surveyed only two villages and one block in 405 of 406 districts.

The court did not equally scrutinize non-Muslim castes’ inclusion.

It overlooked that many Muslim BC castes were already recognized by the Mandal Commission and central government.

The court failed to appreciate that some Muslim castes are SC converts, whose backwardness was recognized by the Supreme Court in Jarnail Singh (2018).

Question for practice:

Discuss the implications of the Calcutta High Court’s response to Muslim reservations in India, particularly in terms of judicial fairness, potential biases, and its impact on the socio-economic upliftment of Muslim backward communities.

Status of menstrual hygiene in Indian prisons

Source: The post status of menstrual hygiene in Indian prisons has been created, based on the article “Menstrual hygiene in Indian prisons” published in “The Hindu” on 28th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2, Social Issues, government policies and interventions for development in various sectors

Context: The article discusses the poor conditions of menstrual hygiene for women in Indian prisons. It highlights the lack of proper sanitary products and facilities, and the government’s efforts to address these issues, including the new National Menstrual Hygiene Policy that recognizes prisoners’ needs but lacks a detailed plan for improvement.

For detailed information on Menstrual hygiene policy read this article here

What is the current status of menstrual hygiene in Indian prisons?

Number of Women in Prisons: As reported by the National Crime Records Bureau, there are 23,772 women in Indian prisons, with 77% being of reproductive age and likely menstruators.

Lack of Resources: Despite the 2016 Model Prison Manual’s recommendations, many prisons do not provide adequate water, washroom facilities, or quality sanitary products.

Case Study Findings: A 2023 study in a Maharashtra prison highlighted severe deficiencies:

Approximately 50 women were forced to share just two toilets.

Inadequate water supply led to unsanitary conditions and increased health risks, such as urinary infections.

Dependence on Donations: Prisons often rely on NGOs for sanitary napkins, which sometimes results in the distribution of substandard products.

What efforts have been made to improve conditions?

Menstrual Hygiene Scheme: This scheme involves distributing free or subsidized sanitary napkins to young women, aimed at improving access to menstrual hygiene products across various demographics.

Drafting of National Menstrual Hygiene Policy in 2023: This new policy recognizes menstruation as a natural process and emphasizes the need for equitable access to menstrual hygiene. It specifically includes prisoners as a target group, acknowledging their compromised access to hygiene facilities.

Inclusion in Policy Discussions: The National Menstrual Hygiene Policy aims to address disparities and barriers that prevent certain groups, including female prisoners, from accessing necessary menstrual hygiene resources, although it lacks a detailed action plan for implementation in prisons.

What should be done?

Implement the Model Prison Manual 2016: Ensure all states adhere to its guidelines for providing adequate water and sanitation facilities to manage menstrual hygiene effectively.

Develop Comprehensive Strategies: Collaborate between public health authorities and prison administrations to create a detailed action plan for improving menstrual hygiene in prisons.

Increase Research: Conduct more empirical studies to understand the specific needs and conditions related to menstrual hygiene in prisons, as highlighted by the 2023 study in Maharashtra.

Address Policy Gaps: Update the National Menstrual Hygiene Policy to include specific, actionable steps for improving conditions in prisons, involving the Ministry of Home Affairs as a key stakeholder.

Question for practice:

Examine the current status of menstrual hygiene in Indian prisons and the efforts made to improve conditions.

Regional Impacts of ongoing Gaza Conflict

Source-This post on The Ongoing Gaza Conflict has been created based on the article “Israel is losing badly in the perceptions battle” published in “Live mint” on 28 May 2024.

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

Context-The article highlights the importance of ending hostilities between Israel and Ghaza to minimize civilian casualities. Israel has recently launched a fresh strike against what it called “legitimate targets” after Hamas fired missiles at Tel Aviv, killing two senior Hamas officials.

What might be the reason behind the continued conflict?

1) Support of USA– Israel has strong backing from the United States. This support allowed Israel to disregard the International Court of Justice’s directive to halt its offensive in Rafah. However, if the United States reassesses its global reputation influenced by its policies toward Israel, this support may decrease.

2) Political Gains– Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears determined to continue this war, which is supported by his far-right allies and may be part of his strategy to remain in power.

A detailed article Israel-Palestine Conflict and India can be read here.

What is the impact of this ongoing conflict?

1) Casualties -Nearly 36,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel’s war since the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which also claimed around 1,200 Israeli lives and took 250 hostages.

2) Failed Peace Efforts -Various peace proposals have failed. There is a rising discontent in Israel as government has been unable to secure the release of hostages, around half of whom are still held by Hamas.

What should be the way forward?

1) Planning for Gaza’s Future After the Conflict -There is a requirement for a straightforward plan for Gaza after the war. Taking full control of Ghaza would be a backward move, and having a Palestinian administration under Israeli military supervision might not be feasible.

2) Two State Solution– Any real settlement must respect the Palestinians’ right to self-determination, and a two-state solution with sovereign states of Israel and Palestine sharing Jerusalem should be adopted.

3) Addressing Concerns about Jewish Identity -Palestinian refugees could go back to their homes in Gaza and the West Bank but not to Israel. This helps address Israeli worries about preserving a Jewish identity while also welcoming religious diversity.

4) US Mediation-It’s logical for all parties to embrace a peace gesture to halt conflicts, and if internal Israeli politics poses a challenge, it’s vital for the United States to advocate for a ceasefire and assume the role of a mediator for peace.

Question for practice

What are the effects of the current conflict in Gaza? What measures can be implemented to reduce tensions and establish peace in the region?

GS PAPER - 3

Impacts of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife

Source: The post impacts of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife has been created, based on the article “Where animals are dying by a thousand cuts” published in “The Hindu” on 28th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 -Environment- Men-Wildlife Conflict

Context: The article discusses the impact of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife in Uttar Pradesh. It highlights the challenges farmers face, such as damaged crops and deadly fences, and the potential disease risks to wildlife. It also explores proposed solutions and political implications.

What are the impacts of stray cattle on agriculture and wildlife in Uttar Pradesh?

Crop Damage: Over a million stray cattle in Uttar Pradesh are decimating harvests, significantly impacting farm-based livelihoods. Farmers resort to installing harmful barriers like razor-wire and high-voltage electric fences to protect their crops.

Wildlife Disruption: In the biodiverse Terai areas, such as Pilibhit and Lakhimpur Kheri, stray cattle interfere with the natural habitats of endangered species including tigers and rhinoceros. The presence of cattle and the fences installed to deter them disrupt crucial wildlife corridors, hindering species’ movement and survival.

Disease Transmission: Stray cattle pose a risk of spreading diseases like bovine tuberculosis and lumpy skin disease to wildlife, with multiple recent cases of the latter reported in the Terai region.

What are the reasons behind Increasing Stray Cattle Population?

1) Religious beliefs have led to ban on use of certain cattle for Meat.

2) Buffaloes are preferred more as farm animals, over cows. High-yielding buffalo breeds, are so far exempt from bans on trade and slaughter

3) Cattle rearing has become costly due to the increasing cost of Inputs.

4) Communities that used to be pastoral once, have become agrarian over the decades.

What solutions do farmers suggest?

Building Cow Shelters: Farmers suggest constructing cow shelters to accommodate stray cattle. They propose these shelters could even be located within protected areas, offering a dual solution to manage stray cattle and potentially reduce crop raiding by other wildlife.

Government Responsibility: The sentiment among the farmers is that the government should take responsibility for the stray cattle. They believe that like crop-raiding wildlife, stray cattle should be managed by the government within its protected reserves.

Question for practice:

Discuss the impacts of stray cattle on agriculture, wildlife, and the political landscape in Uttar Pradesh.

Issues with rail safety

Source: The post issues with rail safety has been created, based on the article “Playing to the gallery can be injurious to rail safety” published in “The Hindu” on 28th May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3– infrastructure- railway

Context: The article discusses cases where train pilots in India faced unfair disciplinary actions, despite following safety rules, often because railway management prioritized punctuality or appearances over safety. It highlights systemic issues like inadequate training and poor management decisions that compromise rail safety.

For detailed information on the Issue of Indian railway safety read this article here

What are the issues with rail safety?

Prioritizing Punctuality Over Safety: A pilot was disciplined for not exceeding the 15 km/h speed limit to minimize delays, despite following safety rules.

Inadequate Securing of Trains: On February 25, 2024, an unmanned train traveled over 70 kilometers, due to insufficient time given to pilots for stabilizing it properly.

Distractions Allegation: The railway minister claimed a train collision on October 29, 2023, was due to pilots watching a cricket match, but no evidence supported this.

High Vacancy Rates: Nearly 10% of loco pilot positions are vacant, leading to overworked staff and breaches of duty hour rules.

Insufficient Rest and Continuous Night Working: Pilots face inadequate rest at home stations and continuous night shifts, compromising their alertness and safety.

Question for practice:

Discuss the various factors contributing to compromised rail safety in India.

Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters

Source-This post on Impact of Climate Change and Natural Disasters has been created based on the article “West Bengal governor writes: What global examples show — we can never be too prepared for calamities” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 May 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-3-Disaster Management

Context-West Bengal has been recently hit by cyclone Remal. The article highlights how the increase in global temperatures, partly due to modern human lifestyles, adversely affects the climate, leading to rising sea levels and calamities like floods.

It suggests that global communities have only experienced some of the earth’s potential disasters, hinting that worse ones might happen in the future

What are some of the most devastating disasters across the globe?

1) Recurring Floods in the United States-In United States, areas along the Mississippi River are regularly ravaged by hurricanes and subsequent floods.

2) Japan’s Struggle with Earthquakes– Despite being one of the wealthiest and technologically advanced nations, Japan has not been able to find a solution to its perennial problem of earthquakes. Accounting for nearly 20% of all earthquakes of magnitude 6 and above on the Richter scale.

Read more- Cyclone disaster management in India

What were some of the innovative solutions adopted by these countries?

1) In 1927, despite facing opposition, the authorities utilized dynamite to divert the overflowing Mississippi River to drain into the sea. Thereby saving New Orleans from devastation.

2) Japan has constructed quake-resistant reservoirs capable of holding drinking water sufficient to meet the city’s needs for 10 days. The case is similar with storehouses of food for a comparable period. This has been inspired by The Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, that displayed resilience as a quake-resistant building during the earthquake.

3) An earthquake struck Mexico in 1985, resulting in heavy casualties. During rescue operation, trained dogs played a crucial role by detecting individuals trapped in rubble.

What are the challenges in dealing with natural disasters?

Despite best efforts, predicting all calamities is not possible, and earthquake prediction mechanisms are far from foolproof, as exemplified by the Parkfield Prediction Experiment in the United States.

Way forward

There is a need to enhance preparedness and continue efforts to reduce the impact of natural disasters by utilizing technological advancements, developing infrastructure, and fostering international cooperation.

Question for practice

What are some of the most devastating disasters across the globe?  What innovative steps can be taken to mitigate the impact of these disasters.

Inflation in Pulse Prices in India

Source-This post on Inflation in Pulse Prices in India has been created based on the article “Why dal imports have hit a seven-year high” published in “The Indian Express” on 28 May 2024.

UPSC Syllabus-GS Paper 3 – Major Crops – Cropping Patterns in various parts of the country

Context-The article highlights the issues of increased inflation in price of Pulses in India. Pulse prices faced higher inflation of 16.84% in April 2024, nearly twice that of cereals, affecting households more as pulses are not substantially distributed through the public distribution system.

What are the reasons for rising pulse prices in India?

1) The El Niño-induced irregular monsoon and winter rains caused a decline in domestic pulse production from 27.30 million tonnes in 2021-22 to 23.44 million tonnes in 2023-24.

2) Chickpea (chana) and pigeon pea (arhar/tur) saw the highest inflation due to sharp output falls from 13.54 million tonnes to 12.16 million tonnes and 4.22 million tonnes to 3.34 million tonnes, respectively, between 2021-22 and 2023-24.

3) Poor crops in major pulse-growing states like Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana, owing to deficient rainfall and reduced sowing area, resulted in limited supplies and higher prices.

Read more- Inflation Management in India

What are the implications of price rise of pulses?

1) Surge in Pulse Imports-India’s pulse imports has reached at $3.75 billion in 2023-24, the highest since the record levels of 2015-16 and 2016-17, totaling 4.54 million tones.

2) A Reversal of Self-Sufficiency – Imports are rising again after the country became more self-sufficient in producing pulses from 2015-16 to 2021-22, when domestic production increased from 16.32 million tonnes to 27.30 million tonnes.

3)  Increasing Imports of Cheaper Substitutes– Imports of cheaper substitutes like yellow/white peas from Canada, Australia, and Russia are likely to increase further, as they replace more expensive pulses like chickpeas and pigeon peas in household consumption and restaurant menu.

For ex– imports of red lentils (masoor) from Australia and Canada touched a record 1.7 million tonnes in 2023-24, while yellow/white pea imports surged from near-zero to 1.2 million tonnes

What steps are taken by the government to address the price rise of pulses?

1) The government phased out tariffs and quantitative restrictions on pulse imports to control inflation.

2) The government has lifted annual quotas on pigeon pea, black gram, and green gram in 2021, reduced duties on red lentils, and removed curbs on yellow/white peas and desi chickpeas in 2023 and 2024.

Way forward-The government has already permitted duty-free imports of major pulses like pigeon pea, black gram, red lentils, and desi chickpeas until March 31, 2025, and may need to extend the same for yellow/white peas beyond October 31, 2024.

Future pulse prices will mainly rely on the upcoming southwest monsoon. Climate models suggest a shift from El Niño to a “neutral” phase, and perhaps even La Niña, which brings good rainfall to the subcontinent.

Question for practice

What are the reasons for rising pulse prices in India? What steps can be taken by the government to control the price of pulses?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Kumaon Himalayas

Source- This post on Kumaon Himalayas has been created based on the article “SC halts 90-acre project in Kumaon Himalayas on a plea challenging ‘single window’ clearances” published in “The Hindu” on 28 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court has put a stop to a project covering 90 acres in the ecologically sensitive and earthquake-prone lower Himalayan ranges in Uttarakhand’s Kumaon hills.

About Kumaon Himalayas

Regional Division of Himalayas
polyeyes.com
Aspect Description
About Kumaon Himalayas 1) Location: The Kumaon Himalayas are situated in the west-central section of the Himalayan range in northern India.
2) This region is bounded by the Sutlej River to the west and the Kali River to the east.
Topography 1) The area features parts of the Siwalik Range in the south and the Great Himalayas in the north.
2) Most of the Kumaon Himalayas are located within Uttarakhand, northwest of Nepal.
3) Prominent lakes in this area are Naini Lake, Sattal, Bhimtal, and Naukuchiya Tal.
4) Key hill stations such as Nainital, Ranikhet, and Almora are nestled in this region.
Highest peak  The highest peaks in the region include Nanda Devi and Kamet.
Tribes The region is home to various tribal and indigenous communities, including the Tharus, Bhutiyas, Jaunsaris, Buksas, and Rajis.
Concern associated The Kumaon Himalayas are recognized for their ecological fragility and vulnerability to seismic activities.

About the Shiwalik Range

The Shiwalik Range
Source: GeeksforGeeks

1) The Shivalik Hills are a sub-Himalayan mountain range extending approximately 1,600 km from the Teesta River in Sikkim, through Nepal and India, to northern Pakistan.

2. This range runs parallel to the main Himalayan system, stretching from Haridwar along the Ganges to the banks of the Beas River.

3. The hills have an average elevation ranging from 900 to 1,200 meters.

4. Geological Composition: Predominantly composed of low sandstone and conglomerate hills, the Shivaliks represent the solidified and uplifted debris from the main Himalayan range located just behind them.

They are separated by an intermediate valley that lies between the outer hills and Mussoorie.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian Geography

Supreme Court Ruling on Election Manifestos

Source-This post on Supreme Court Ruling on Election Manifestos has been created based on the article “Nothing ‘corrupt’ in making promises in manifestos, says SC” published in “The Hindu” on 28 May 2024.

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently stated that there is nothing corrupt about promises made in a political party’s manifesto which eventually works out to the public’s financial benefit.

About Supreme Court Ruling on Election Manifestos

Case- The case pertains to an appeal against the electoral victory of B.Z. Zameer Ahmed Khan, a Congress candidate, in the 2023 Karnataka Assembly election. The petitioner had argued that the promises in Mr. Khan’s party manifesto were corrupt. However, the court rejected this claim, describing the promises as policy thresholds and projections, not as corrupt practices.

Judgement

1. The Supreme Court of India has stated that making promises in election manifestos is not inherently corrupt, even if these promises may lead to financial benefits for the public.

2. The court ruled that such commitments are not considered “corrupt practices” by candidates.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation

Eucalyptus Planting Controversy in Kerala

Source-This post on Eucalyptus Planting Issue in Kerala has been created based on the article “The controversy over eucalyptus planting in Kerala” published in “The Hindu” on 28 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, The Kerala government has issued an order allowing the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus trees for its financial sustenance in 2024-2025.

About the Eucalyptus Planting Issue in Kerala

a) The Kerala government initially permitted the Kerala Forest Development Corporation (KFDC) to plant eucalyptus trees in 2024-2025 to boost its finances.

b) However the environmentalists have argued that it would damage the forests. Also the eucalyptus plantation was increasing man-animal conflict as it would make animals wander into human areas due to loss of natural food source.

c) Now, the Kerala state govt only allows the removal of certain non-native trees from KFDC-controlled areas, and prohibits new eucalyptus plantings.

This controversy has highlighted the benefits of eco-restoration.

About Eco-Restoration:

Eco-restoration involves removing plants non-native plants and trees (like eucalyptus and acacia in Kerala) and bringing back native plants and trees.

Benefits of Eco-Restoration

a. Ecosystem restoration involves aiding the recovery of ecosystems that have been damaged or destroyed. Healthier ecosystems boast richer biodiversity, leading to benefits such as enhanced soil fertility, increased production of timber and fish, and greater absorption of greenhouse gases.

b. Restoration helps control diseases and decreases the risk of natural disasters.  Ecosystem restoration supports the achievement of all Sustainable Development Goals.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment

Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4)

Source-This post on Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) has been created based on the article “The GEF at the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4)” published in “Official page of GEF” on 28 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) is going to be convened.

About Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4)

4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States ...
Source: sdgs.un.org

1. About the Fourth International Conference on SIDS- The Fourth International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS-4) is set to take place from May 27-30, 2024. The upcoming SIDS-4 conference will assess and aim to boost the sustainable development of these nations, focusing on their advancement towards the 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

2. Members- The conference focuses on the distinct challenges of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS). It comprises of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of United Nations regional commissions.  These countries are spread across three regions: the Caribbean, the Pacific, and the Atlantic, Indian Ocean, and South China Sea (AIS).

3. Challenges faced by SIDS

a. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) face distinct social, economic, and environmental challenges primarily due to their small geographical size, remote locations, and heightened susceptibility to climate change.

b. The EEZs of SIDS are, on average, 28 times larger than their land areas. This vast ocean territory underscores the significant role and responsibility these states have in managing marine resources.

c. Economic Challenges for SIDS include limited economic diversification, heavy reliance on tourism and remittances, economic instability from fluctuating income and commodity prices, and high levels of debt.

UPSC Syllabus: International agreement

Nyishi Tribe

Source-This post on Nyishi Tribe has been created based on the article “From 22 yards to top of the world: 1st woman from Arunachal’s Nyishi tribe scales Everest” published in “Times of India”.

Why in News?

Recently, mountaineer and cricketer Kabak Yano made history as the fifth woman from Arunachal Pradesh and the first from the Nyishi tribe to scale Mt Everest.

About Nyishi Tribe

3 Nyishi Dance Arunachal Nyokum |
Source: Travel Hippies
Aspects  Description
About  1. The Nyishi are the predominant ethnic group in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
2. The name “Nyishi” is derived from their language, where “Nyi” means “a man” and “shi” signifies “a being,” collectively translating to “a civilized human being.”
3. The Nyishi language is part of the Sino-Tibetan family, though its exact origins are debated.
Geographical Distribution 1. Nyishis are primarily found in eight districts of Arunachal Pradesh: East Kameng, Pakke Kesang, Papum Pare, Lower Subansiri, Kamle, Kra Daadi, Kurung Kumey, and Upper Subansiri.
2. Smaller populations reside in Sonitpur and North Lakhimpur districts of Assam.
3. They are the largest tribal group in Arunachal Pradesh, with a population of about 300,000.
Socio-Economic Practices 1. The tribe practices slash-and-burn agriculture, hunting, and fishing.
2. They are also skilled in various handicrafts, including weaving, cane and bamboo work, pottery, blacksmithing, wood carving, and carpentry.
Religious Beliefs 1. As per the 2011 Census, 31% of Nyishis follow Christianity, and 29% adhere to Hinduism.
2. Many continue to practice their indigenous religion, Donyi Polo, worshipping the Sun (“Donyi”) and the Moon (“Polo”) as divine entities.
Cultural Festivals 1. Nyishis celebrate three major festivals: Boori-Boot and Nyokum in February, and Longte in April.
2. These festivals are times of communal joy, aimed at appeasing deities to ensure bountiful harvests, health, wealth, and overall prosperity.
Social Structure 1. Polygyny is common within the Nyishi community. They trace lineage patrilineally and are organized into various clans.
2. Unlike many societies, Nyishis do not have a caste system or rigid social classes, but they do recognize a form of social distinction that is flexible and not based on birth or occupation.
3. Women are highly regarded in Nyishi society, often seen as pillars of peace, progress, and prosperity.
4. They also play a crucial role through the ‘reciprocal marital exchange’ system.

UPSC Syllabus: History

Zero Debris Charter 

Source-This post on Zero Debris Charter has been created based on the article “Twelve countries sign the Zero Debris Charter” published in “Physorg” on 28 May 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, twelve countries signed the Zero Debris Charter at the ESA/EU Space Council. This charter formalizes their commitment to the long-term sustainability of human activities in Earth’s orbit.

About Zero Debris Charter

 Zero Debris Charter
Source: European Space Agency
Launch The Zero Debris Charter is an initiative launched by the European Space Agency (ESA) during the ESA Space Summit in Seville in November 2023.
Aim and Binding Status It aims to create a community of space actors committed to achieving specific debris mitigation and remediation targets by 2030. It is non-legally binding.
Goals and Objectives a) The Charter aims to eliminate the creation of new space debris by 2030.
b) The charter stipulates that the probability of a mission generating space debris should be less than 1 in 1,000 for each object involved.
c) The charter also sets a target of 99% success rate for post-mission disposal strategies, including the use of external means if necessary.
Implementation Strategies a) To achieve these goals, ESA will develop innovative technologies for satellite end-of-life disposal, in-orbit servicing, and active debris removal.
b) The agency will also collaborate closely with regulatory bodies to ensure the effective implementation of these strategies.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

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