9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 3rd June, 2024

Print Friendly and PDF

Dear Friends,

9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:

  • Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  • We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.

It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.

For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here

For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

10 Years of Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation

Source-This post on 10 Years of Andhra Pradesh Bifurcation has been created based on the article “The message from the Andhra Pradesh bifurcation” published in “The Hindu” on 2 June 2024.

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

Context-It has been a decade since Andhra Pradesh was divided into two states.The article attempts to examine the political, economic, and historical implications of this division for the Telugu people and the Indian Republic.

It is surprising to learn this fact that there is very little nostalgia for the nearly five and a half decades of living together as one political entity among the people of both successor states.

What bigger questions does Andhra Pradesh’s split raise about Indian republic?

1) It raises question about the unity of Telugu speaking elites.They seem to be less unified than elites in Kannada and Marathi-speaking regions.

2) There’s speculation regarding whether these other linguistic groups may encounter analogous challenges in the future because of common regional disparities.

3) As most states are based on language, people are asking if this principle should change. Should states be organized based on factors like territory or population instead? This division highlights the importance of India addressing these basic questions sooner rather than later.

4) It raises questions about disorderly bifurcation process, unfulfilled promises, and mishandling of asset distribution.

What is the impact of this on representation and federal structure?

1) Strain the Federal Structure-In India, most states are organized based on language, but some in the central region aren’t. The different sizes of states translate into varying numbers of seats in the central legislature, which can cause tension due to unequal political power and resources. This unequal representation might strain the federal structure, making some regions feel marginalized.

Read more- Concerns in India’s Fiscal Federalism

2) Altering Power Dynamics – When Andhra Pradesh split, it changed which states held more political influence, as the new ones became smaller. This difference in size can make some regions less important and others more important in deciding national power.

3) Discontent Due to Unequal Political Power Distribution- Unequal political power distribution may also influence economic resource allocation, potentially leading to disenchantment among certain states. Concerns exist among southern states about possible future delimitation favoring northern states with larger populations.

The bifurcation and its consequences merit closer examination to ensure a strong foundation for the fundamental principles of the Indian Republic.

Question for practice

What bigger questions does Andhra Pradesh’s split raise about Indian republic?

GS PAPER - 2

China’s proposal for a treaty on the no-first-use of nuclear weapons

China's proposal for a treaty on the no-first-use of nuclear weapons

Source: The post China’s proposal for a treaty on the no-first-use of nuclear weapons has been created, based on the article “The world must take up China’s proposal of a no-first-use treaty” published in “Live mints” on 3rd June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-international relations-Effect of policies and politics of developed and developing countries on India’s interests.

Context:  The article discusses China’s proposal at the United Nations for a treaty on the no-first-use of nuclear weapons by nuclear-armed states. It examines the skepticism around China’s intentions, given its past actions, and argues that a no-first-use policy could improve global nuclear security. The article also highlights the role India could play in this initiative. China’s proposal for a treaty on the no-first-use of nuclear weapons

For detailed information on Nuclear Deterrence read this article here

Why is there skepticism about China’s intentions?

  1. Historical Context: China has historically claimed to adhere to a no-first-use policy for nuclear weapons. However, its actions have often contradicted this stance.
  2. Proxy Use: China has been known to utilize proxies like Pakistan and North Korea, which threaten nuclear action against strategic rivals such as India and the USA, respectively. This technique allows China to extend its strategic influence without direct engagement.
  3. Nuclear Expansion: Despite its no-first-use claim, China is actively expanding its nuclear arsenal and enhancing its delivery mechanisms, actions that seem inconsistent with a commitment to limit the use of nuclear weapons.

Why is a no-first-use policy considered important?

  1. Reduces Risk of Nuclear War: A no-first-use policy can decrease the likelihood of nuclear escalation among nuclear-armed states by establishing a clear norm against the initial use of nuclear weapons.
  2. Environmental Impact: Even a limited nuclear exchange could have severe environmental consequences. A study by Mark Z. Jacobson from Stanford estimated that a small nuclear exchange could release over 690 million tonnes of CO2, which is more than the UK’s annual emissions.
  3. Global Stability: Implementing a no-first-use policy contributes to global stability by preventing the catastrophic humanitarian and environmental effects of nuclear warfare.

How is the global response shaping up?

1.United States: The Biden administration appears open to discussing China’s no-first-use proposal. However, significant action is unlikely before the presidential election on November 5, indicating a cautious approach.

2.United Kingdom: Likely to align with the U.S. position, showing a tendency to follow the lead of its close ally rather than initiating independent policy movements.

3.Russia: Appears supportive of China’s proposal, reflecting strengthened ties between Moscow and Beijing, which could influence other discussions on global security.

What role could India play?

  1. Crucial Participant: India’s involvement is deemed necessary for the success of a global no-first-use treaty, as their participation could lend significant weight to the initiative.
  2. Potential to Influence China: If China invites India to partake in no-first-use discussions, it would signal a genuine commitment from Beijing and potentially enhance the proposal’s credibility.
  3. Counteracting Regional Tensions: India’s support for the treaty could help stabilize regional nuclear dynamics, particularly with neighboring countries like Pakistan.

Question for practice:

Examine why there is skepticism about China’s intentions regarding its proposal for a no-first-use treaty on nuclear weapons at the United Nations.

Visions for India’s future

Visions for India's future

Source: The post visions for India’s future has been created, based on the article “Prime Minister Modi writes: We need to dream new dreams” published in “Indian express” on 3rd June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 -governance-Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: This article is a speech by an Indian leader reflecting on his spiritual journey and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. He discusses his campaign, visions for India’s future, and the importance of unity and progress in the country. Visions for India’s future

What is the Context of the Speech?

The speech is given on the concluding day of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections in India. The leader has just finished a spiritual journey in Kanniyakumari and is heading to Delhi. The elections are the first in the Amrit Kaal period.

What role did meditation and spiritual reflection play?

  1. Meditation and spiritual reflection provided the leader with peace and detachment during the intense election campaign.
  2. In Kanniyakumari, inspired by Swami Vivekananda, the leader experienced effortless meditation despite responsibilities.
  3. This spiritual practice allowed the leader to reflect on the bright future and unity of Bharat, drawing inspiration from the rising sun and vast ocean.
  4. Meditation helped the leader detach from political debates and focus on the nation’s goals.
  5. The leader’s spiritual journey emphasized the importance of cultural heritage and unity, exemplified by his visit to the Vivekananda Rock Memorial and Saint Thiruvalluvar’s statue.

What future vision does the leader have for India?

  1. The leader envisions a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, emphasizing holistic reforms beyond economic changes.
  2. He highlights the need for speed, scale, scope, and standards in all development aspects, following the mantra of “zero defect-zero effect.
  3. The leader has outlined a three-fold vision of “reform, perform, and transform” to guide India’s development:

a) Reform: Initiating changes in policy and governance to meet modern needs and challenges.

b) Perform: Implementation of these reforms by the bureaucracy to ensure efficient administration and service delivery.

c)Transform: Engaging the general populace in these efforts, fostering a collaborative spirit of ‘Jan Bhagidari’ (people’s participation), which is crucial for true transformation and sustainable progress.

  1. Inspired by Swami Vivekananda, the leader calls for dedicating the next 25 years to nation-building, similar to the freedom struggle period.

How does the leader view India’s role on the global stage?

1.The leader views India as a pivotal voice for the Global South, representing emerging nations on significant global platforms.

  1. Highlights India’s presidency of the G-20 as a successful example, influencing global economic discussions and strategies.
  2. Credits India’s initiative for including the African Union in the G-20, enhancing the geopolitical influence of African nations.
  3. India’s governance model as a benchmark for global countries, focusing on poverty alleviation and transparent administration.
  4. India’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic as a model of resilience and support, offering aid and solutions to poorer and developing countries.
  5. Envisions India’s technological advancements, like the Digital India campaign, as templates for other nations to improve governance and societal welfare.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the effectiveness of the leader’s call for “reform, perform, and transform” in guiding India’s development, considering its alignment with his vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047 and the lessons drawn from his spiritual journey.

Trafficking of Young Born Children

Source-This post on Trafficking of Young Born Children has been created based on the article “Nipped in the bud” published in “The Hindu” on 2 June 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-2– Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections of the population by the Centre and States and the Performance of these Schemes and Issues relating to Poverty.

Context-The article highlights the issue of the recent inter-State baby smuggling racket busted by the Telangana police. An inter-State gang smuggled children from Delhi and Pune and sold them to prospective parents in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

What are the reasons behind the inter-state baby smuggling?

Criminal activities are often driven by a combination of socio-economic factors, such as poverty, wealth, and unmet needs or desires.

1)  Supply Side: –

A) Poverty often compels biological parents to sell their newborns for meager sums.

B) Newborns are also smuggled from government hospitals with lax security.

2)  Demand Side: –

A) Childless couples are eager to have children but face long waiting times (2-4 years) for legal adoption of children under two years.

B) The shortage of babies available for adoption has led to the demand seeking illegal supply avenues.

Read more- Human trafficking in India and anti-trafficking bill

What should be the way forward?

1)  Poverty Alleviation: –

A) The government should undertake effective poverty alleviation schemes

B) There should be the creation of employment opportunities for youth.

2)  Adoption Reforms: –

A) The government should generate awareness about adoption schemes for biological and adoptive parents.

B) The government should remove unnecessary bureaucratic processes in adoption.

3) Law Enforcement: Ensure effective policing to nip such plots in the bud

Children should not be treated as goods to be bought from the open market when there is a shortage.

Question for practice

What are the reasons behind the inter-state baby smuggling? What steps can be taken to address these issues?

GS PAPER - 3

Impact of industrial revolution on India’s economy

Impact of industrial revolution on India’s economy

Source: The post impact of industrial revolution on India’s economy has been created, based on the article “We missed Industrial Revolution” published in “Business standard” on 3rd June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-science and technology -developing new technology.

Context: The article discusses how the invention of the spinning jenny in Britain started the Industrial Revolution, which significantly impacted India’s economy and independence movement. It compares this historical event with modern challenges in India, such as the focus on IT services over product innovation, and the education system’s issues, including the trend of students studying abroad. Impact of industrial revolution on India’s economy

For detailed information on India has an opportunity to lead the fourth industrial revolution read this article here

What triggered the Industrial Revolution?

  1. Invention of the Spinning Jenny: James Hargreaves created the spinning jenny in 1764, allowing one person to spin multiple threads simultaneously. This innovation drastically improved the efficiency of cotton production.
  2. Impact on Further Inventions: The spinning jenny inspired further technological advancements, such as Samuel Crompton’s spinning mule and Charles Babbage’s weaving machine, accelerating the pace of industrial development.
  3. Catalyst for the Industrial Revolution: These innovations collectively triggered the Industrial Revolution, transforming industries by enhancing production capabilities and reducing the need for manual labor, marking a significant turn in manufacturing history.

Why wasn’t the Spinning Jenny invented in India?

  1. Economic Conditions: Economic historian Robert Allen notes that high wages relative to capital costs in Britain made inventions like the spinning jenny profitable there but not in India.
  2. Lack of Financial Incentive: In India, lower labor costs compared to Britain meant there was less economic incentive to invest in labor-saving technologies, which deterred innovation in mechanized cotton production.

What are the current educational and economic challenges in India?

  1. Educational System Challenges: The emphasis on coaching for entrance exams, like those for the IITs, detracts from genuine learning and innovation. Only about 10,000 out of 200,000 applicants are admitted annually, highlighting intense competition and high rejection rates.
  2. Study abroad: Annually, approximately 450,000 Indian students choose to study abroad, driven by limitations in domestic educational opportunities, with families spending significant amounts on overseas education.
  3. Shift in Tech Industry Focus: Initially, protective policies enabled local hardware development. However, with lobbying by NASSCOM in 1991, tax exemptions were introduced for software exports, and import duties were significantly reduced. This led to a dependency on service-based revenue over innovation in product development.

How does the shift to AI impact India’s tech industry?

  1. Potential Missed Opportunities: As the global tech industry pivots towards artificial intelligence (AI), India is likely to continue its role primarily as a supplier of IT workforce rather than leading in AI product innovation. This could limit India’s position in the global tech hierarchy.
  2. Economic Impact: India’s tech industry currently generates substantial revenue by providing IT services, earning about $250 billion and employing over 5 million people. This success in service provision, however, might be overshadowed if AI reduces the need for a large tech workforce.

Question for practice:

Examine the factors contributing to the lack of invention of the spinning jenny in India compared to Britain.

Challenges in India’s current energy policy

Challenges in India’s current energy policy

Source: The post Challenges in India’s current energy policy has been created, based on the article “Why the old script can’t work for India’s green transition” published in “Indian express” on 3rd June 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-economy-infrastructure-energy

Context: The article discusses the need for India to update its energy policy to better manage fossil fuels and boost renewable energy, while also considering global competition and security concerns, especially with China’s dominance in green technology and supply chains. Challenges in India’s current energy policy

For detailed information on India’s Energy Policy read this article here

What is the current energy policy in India?

  1. India’s energy policy is dual-pronged, focusing on both fossil fuels and renewable energy.
  2. The fossil fuel strategy emphasizes reducing import dependency on petroleum through diversified import sources, strategic reserves, domestic exploration, demand conservation, efficiency, and environmental protection.
  3. The renewable strategy is aimed at accelerating the shift to clean energy, with a long-term goal of net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 and a medium-term target of generating 500 GW from non-fossil fuels by 2030.

What are the challenges in the current structure?

  1. The current structure of India’s energy policy is highly compartmentalized, with each ministry operating within narrow and rigid boundaries.
  2. The existing setup involves multiple ministries such as Petroleum, Coal, Renewables, Power, Heavy Industry, Mines and Minerals, IT, Information, and Environment, making coordination and streamlined decision-making challenging.
  3. There is no formal executive forum for integrated discussions on energy policy. This hampers India’s ability to meet its publicly announced decarbonization and sustainability targets.

What global dynamics influence India’s energy policy?

  1. The resurgence of great power competition, reminiscent of a new Cold War between the US and its allies against China and Russia, influences India’s energy policy.
  2. China’s near monopoly on essential materials for green energy and its dominance in producing low-cost solar wafers and wind turbines affect India’s strategies.
  3. The geopolitical tensions and supply chain vulnerabilities impact India’s approach to securing and diversifying its energy sources.
  4. National security concerns regarding the dependency on Chinese supplies have led India to impose duties on Chinese imports and promote domestic manufacturing through incentives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.

What should the next government do?

  1. The next government should develop a strategic framework that integrates fossil fuels and renewable energy policies into a unified approach.
  2. It should prepare a strategic document titled “Energy strategy: Towards convergence, security, and sustainability” to guide policy integration.
  3. The strategy should address the relationship between hydrocarbon public sector enterprises and other energy companies to avoid duplicity of efforts and resources.
  4. A clear strategy for securing supplies of critical minerals like copper, lithium, nickel, and cobalt is necessary due to forewarned market volatility and potential shortages.
  5. The government must also create incentives for private investment in green energy to mitigate risk aversion among investors.

Question for practice:

Examine India’s current energy policy and the challenges it faces, considering its dual focus on fossil fuels and renewable energy, as well as the compartmentalization of ministries and lack of integrated decision-making.

Inequality and Its Impact

Source-This post on Inequality and Its Impact has been created based on the article “Does inequality lead to growth?” published in “The Hindu” on 3 May 2024.

UPSC SyllabusGS Paper-3Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment.

Context-The leaders of major political parties have sparked discussions on inequality. Researchers from the Paris School of Economics have highlighted that inequality in modern India exceeds that of colonial times.

What is the multi-dimensional impact of inequality?

1) Political Impact– Inequality hurts democracy. However, some people think a bit of inequality motivates entrepreneurship, leading to more jobs and better welfare.

2)  Economic Effects of Inequality

A) It concentrates resources and power among a small group of people. This concentration of monopoly power within capital compared to labor can harm consumption, welfare, and growth

B) Billionaires get their wealth from monopolies, so they can set prices higher than production costs, reducing real wages and buying power.

C) Monopolies contribute to phenomena like “greedflation” and high inflation rates, as seen in developed economies.

D) In monopolies, less output is produced to maximize profit compared to competitive markets, which results in lower welfare, output, and investment.

Read more- Status of Inequality in India

What is the impact of inequality on economic growth?

Investment has a weaker effect on growth under inequalities due to reduced consumption power and the multiplier effect. In an unequal economy, a smaller proportion of income is in the hands of those with a greater propensity to consume, leading to weaker economic expansion.

What role does redistribution play in addressing inequality and stimulating growth?

1) Some argue that redistribution through high taxes can deter entrepreneurs from amassing wealth, resulting in a scale-back of investment and jobs. However, taxes on wealth wouldn’t actually impact investment because they don’t change expectations of future profits.

2) Redistribution, through measures such as taxing billionaire wealth and providing basic income, can spur growth by strengthening the multiplier effect. It can also help in the creation of a new class of entrepreneurs that are freed from the necessity of working for wages.

Policies aimed at curtailing inequality, such as wealth taxes, redistribution, and curbing monopolies, can have positive effects on consumption, welfare, and growth. However, these policies need to be carefully implemented and balanced, as excessive taxation can become a net drain on the economy.

Question for practice

What is the multi-dimensional impact of inequality? What role does redistribution play in addressing inequality and stimulating growth?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Non-infectious Nipah Virus-Like Particles (VLPs)

Source – This post on Development of Non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles (VLPs) has been created based on the article “In fight against Nipah, scientists find new way to generate virus-like particles in lab” published in “The Hindu” on 2 June 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Scientists at the Institute of Advanced Virology (IAV) in Thonnakkal have created a new method to produce non-infectious Nipah virus-like particles (VLPs) in the lab.

About the new research

 Institute of Advanced Virology
Source: The Hindu

About Virus-Like Particles (VLPs)

1. About:  VLPs are molecules that resemble viruses but are non-infectious. They are useful for studying viral behavior without the risk of causing disease.

2. The new VLPs are tagged with a small peptide called HiBiT, which enhances their functionality in research, particularly in drug screening and vaccine development.

3. Vaccine Development: They are highly effective in creating vaccines for diseases such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, and malaria.

4. Immune Response: When introduced into the body, VLPs trigger an immune response without causing disease symptoms, effectively training the body to recognize and fight the actual virus.

3. Applications: These virus-like particles (VLPs) allow scientists to test vaccines and treatments for the Nipah virus in safer labs with lower safety requirements (BSL-2). This makes the research process safer and more accessible.

4. Nanomachine Use: Recently, VLPs have been used as nanomachines to deliver drugs to specific sites and cells within the body.

Structure and Function:

i) Size: VLPs are small, with a radius of about 20 to 200 nm, allowing them to enter lymph nodes and activate the immune system.

ii) Composition: Composed of one or more structural proteins, possibly arranged in multiple layers, and may include an outer lipid envelope that mimics the virus’s protective outer layer.

iii) Vaccine Production: VLP vaccines can be produced using bacterial, yeast, insect, or mammalian cells and are known for their strong immune response due to the dense display of epitopes.

About Nipah Virus

1. Nipah virus (NiV) is a zoonotic virus, transmitting from animals to humans, through contaminated food, or directly between people.

2. Disease Impact: It can cause a spectrum of illnesses in humans, ranging from asymptomatic infections to acute respiratory problems and fatal encephalitis. It also causes severe disease in animals like pigs, affecting economic stability for farmers.

3. Treatment and Management:

i) Lack of Specific Treatments: Currently, there are no specific drugs or vaccines for Nipah virus.

ii) Supportive Care: Intensive supportive care is crucial to manage severe respiratory and neurological complications in infected individuals.

 

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

J&K Classifies Rabies as a Notifiable Disease

Source- This post on Rabies has been created based on the article “Jammu And Kashmir | Govt Declares Human Rabies A Notifiable Disease” published in “Daily Excelsior” on 2 June 2024.

Why in News?

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has classified human rabies as a notifiable disease under the Epidemic Diseases Act of 1897.

About Rabies

Rabies
Source: medium.com

1. Nature of Disease: Rabies is a zoonotic, viral disease preventable by vaccine, caused by the RABV virus.

2. Affected System: It primarily targets the central nervous system, causing severe brain disease and, ultimately, death if treatment is not administered before symptoms appear.

3. Transmission:

a) Main Carriers: Domestic dogs are the primary transmitters of the rabies virus to humans in up to 99% of cases. It can affect both domestic and wild animals.

b) Mode of Spread: The virus spreads to humans and animals through saliva, typically via bites, scratches, or direct contact with mucous membranes (e.g., eyes, mouth, or open wounds).

5. Symptoms:

i) Early Signs: Initial symptoms include lethargy, fever, vomiting, and anorexia.

ii) Advanced Symptoms: Rapid progression to cerebral dysfunction, ataxia, paralysis, difficulties in breathing and swallowing, excessive salivation, unusual behavior, aggressiveness, and self-mutilation.

iii) Outcome: Once clinical symptoms manifest, rabies is almost always fatal.

6. Prevention:

i) Rabies can be prevented through vaccination.

ii) The most cost-effective method to prevent rabies in humans is by vaccinating dogs, including puppies, to cut off the transmission at its source.

7. Treatment:

i) Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP): Treatment after exposure to rabies includes wound care, administration of human rabies immune globulin (HRIG), and a series of four or five rabies vaccines.

ii) This treatment is nearly 100% effective in preventing the disease if given promptly after exposure.

About notifiable disease

1. About: A notifiable disease is one that law mandates must be reported to government authorities. This reporting helps in monitoring the disease and providing early warnings of potential outbreaks. Here’s who notifies these diseases and how the notification process works:

2. Who Notifies:

i) Healthcare Providers: Doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals are typically required to report cases of notifiable diseases.

ii) Laboratories: Medical laboratories must report findings that indicate the presence of notifiable diseases.

iii) Hospitals and Clinics: Both government and private hospitals and clinics are responsible for reporting cases of notifiable diseases.

3. How They Notify:

i) Written Notification: For most diseases, healthcare providers must fill out a specific form detailing the case and submit it to local or state health authorities within three days.

ii) Verbal Notification: In urgent situations, healthcare providers are required to report cases verbally via phone within 24 hours.

iii) Electronic Reporting Systems: Some regions may use electronic health records and reporting systems to streamline the notification process

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology

Impact of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption

Source- This post on Impact of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Eruption has been created based on the article “Tonga volcano could cause unusual weather for rest of decade: study” published in “The Hindu” on 1 June 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, a study was conducted in the Journal of Climate to investigate the climatic effects caused by the eruption of Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano. It erupted on January 15, 2022, in Tonga, generating a tsunami and triggering warnings across the Pacific basin.

Findings of the study

1. Ozone Layer Effect: From August to December 2023, there was a large hole in the ozone layer partly because of the Hunga Tonga eruption. This effect on the ozone was short-term and not expected to last past 2023.

2. Weather Changes: The eruption caused some unusual weather changes:

i) Australia had a wetter summer in 2024, which is not usual for an El Niño year when it’s typically drier.

ii) The global average temperature only went up by a tiny bit, around 0.015 degrees Celsius.

3. Regional Climate Effects:

i) Northern Australia might experience colder and wetter winters than usual up to 2029.

ii) North America could see warmer winters during the same period.

iii) Scandinavia might have colder winters.

4. Atmospheric Changes: The eruption changed the way air moves in the atmosphere, which could affect weather patterns.

How is Hunga Tonga Different from Typical Volcanic Eruptions?

1. Unique Eruption: Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai is an underwater volcano that erupted on January 15, 2022. This eruption was extraordinary because it shot a huge amount of water vapor high into the sky, into the stratosphere (about 15-40 kilometers above the Earth).

2. Usual Volcanic Effects: Typically, volcanoes release smoke and sulfur dioxide which leads to a cooling effect on Earth. This happens because sulfur dioxide turns into tiny particles that float in the air and reflect sunlight away from Earth.

3. Hunga Tonga’s Impact: Being underwater, Hunga Tonga didn’t produce much smoke but sent 100-150 million tonnes of water vapor into the stratosphere instead.

4. Effects of Water Vapor: In the stratosphere, water vapor can harm the ozone layer and act like a greenhouse gas, which might warm the Earth.

About Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano

1) Location: The Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai volcano is situated in the western South Pacific Ocean, west of Tonga’s main inhabited islands.

2) Type of Volcano: It is a submarine volcano, one of twelve along the Tofua Arc, part of the larger Tonga-Kermadec volcanic arc.

3) Geological Formation: This arc is formed by the subduction of the Pacific Plate beneath the Indo-Australian Plate.

4) Composition: The volcano includes two small, uninhabited islands named Hunga-Ha’apai and Hunga-Tonga.

UPSC Syllabus: World geography, Environment

International Health Regulations (IHR) Amendments

Source- This post on International Health Regulations (IHR) Amendments has been created based on the article “7th World Health Assembly adopts amendments to International Health Regulations 2005 based on 300 proposals by member states” published in “PIB” on 1 June 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the 77th World Health Assembly approved a set of amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005). These amendments, based on 300 proposals from member countries following the Covid-19 pandemic, aim to enhance global health preparedness and response.

About the International Health Regulations (IHR) Amendments

International Health Regulations (IHR) Amendments
Source: PIB

1) About: The 77th World Health Assembly endorsed amendments to the International Health Regulations (IHR 2005).

2) Objective: The amendments enhance global readiness and response to Public Health Emergencies of International Concern (PHEIC) and Pandemic Emergencies (PE).

3) The amendments facilitate equitable access to health products and mobilize financial resources to help developing countries enhance their health systems under the IHR.

4) Key Features of the Amendments:

i) Provisions for equitable access to health products during emergencies.

ii) Strategies to mobilize financial resources to aid developing countries in building and maintaining necessary health capabilities.

5) The amendments were unanimously adopted on June 1, 2024, at the 77th World Health Assembly.

6) Significance: They represent steps toward greater equity and global solidarity, described as a “gift to our children and grandchildren.”

About 77th World Health Assembly (WHA)

1. Event and Date: The Seventy-seventh World Health Assembly took place in Geneva, Switzerland, from May 27 to June 1, 2024.

2. Theme: This year’s theme was “All for Health, Health for All.”

3. Strategic Approval: Delegates approved a four-year strategy with a budget of US$ 11.1 billion. The strategy aims to promote, provide, and protect health and well-being for all people.

4. Focus Areas:

i) The strategy addresses critical issues such as climate change, aging, migration, pandemic threats, and equity.

ii)  It is designed to adapt to the changing geopolitical landscape, scientific advancements, and technological developments.

5. Role of WHA:

i) The WHA serves as a platform for WHO Member States to discuss and shape leadership, priorities, budgets, and policies in global health.

ii) It plays a vital role in influencing the direction of future health initiatives worldwide.

About the World Health Assembly:

1. It serves as the decision-making body of the World Health Organization.

2. Membership: WHA attended by delegations from all WHO Member States.

3. Functions:

a) Policy Determination: It establishes the policies of the WHO.

b) Director-General Appointment: It appoints the Director-General.

c) Financial Oversight: It oversees financial policies and reviews and approves the proposed program budget.

4. Annual Meeting: The Health Assembly meets annually in Geneva, Switzerland.

UPSC Syllabus: International organisation

Colombo Process

Source – This post on Colombo Process has been created based on the article ” India assumes chair of Colombo Process for 2024-26″ published in “Indian Express” on 2 June 2024.

Why in News?

For the first time since its inception in 2003, India is chairing the Colombo Process.

About the Colombo Process

Aspects  Description
About The Colombo Process is a Regional Consultative Process that serves as a platform for managing overseas employment and contractual labor for Asian countries of origin. 
Objectives Exchange of Information: Members share experiences, lessons learned, and best practices for managing labor migration.
Consultation: The process involves consultations on challenges faced by migrants, countries of origin, and destination countries, with the aim of improving the well-being of overseas workers.
Optimization of Benefits: The goal is to maximize the developmental benefits from organized overseas employment and to enhance dialogues with destination countries.
Review and Monitoring: There is ongoing review and monitoring of the implementation of recommendations, and identification of further action steps.
Function It acts as a forum for sharing best practices related to overseas employment.
Composition The Colombo Process includes 12 Asian member states that are countries of origin for migrant workers.
Members 1. The member countries are Afghanistan, Bangladesh, China, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Nepal, Pakistan, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Thailand, and Vietnam.
2. India has been a part of the Colombo Process since its establishment.
Governance and Coordination Decision-Making: Decisions within the Colombo Process are made by consensus and are non-binding.
Coordination: The process is coordinated through the Permanent Missions of the member states at the United Nations in Geneva.

About International Organization for Migration (IOM)

1. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has been offering technical support to the Colombo Process since it began and functions as its Secretariat.

2. The process includes five Thematic Area Working Groups (TAWGs):

i)  Skills and Qualification Recognition, led by Sri Lanka;

ii) Fostering Ethical Recruitment, led by Bangladesh;

iii) Pre-Departure Orientation and Empowerment, led by the Philippines;

iv) Remittances, led by Pakistan;

v) Labour Market Analysis, led by Thailand.

UPSC Syllabus: International Relations

Blog
Academy
Community