9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 7 February, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Keep MSME and Gender Issues Apart from WTO Rules
Source: This post has been created based on the article “Keep MSME and gender issues apart from WTO rules” published in “Live Mint” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora- their structure, mandate.
News: The article discusses the need to keep MSME and gender-related issues outside WTO rules. Keep MSME and Gender Issues Apart from WTO Rules
Background:
The 13th Ministerial Conference of the World Trade Organization (WTO) to be held his month will discuss how the WTO can become more relevant for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and businesses run by women.
Informal working groups on both MSMEs and gender were launched at the 11th ministerial in 2017.
What has been India’s Stand?
India has stayed out of both groups because:
1) Beyond WTO’s Jurisdiction: These issues are not part of the WTO’s mandate (non-trade nature of those two subjects).
2) Distracts from Important Issues: WTO members should instead focus on unfinished matters that impact food security and trade in services and goods.
Why is a Focus on MSME’s and Gender Needed?
According to UNCTAD, international trade has only resulted in a “world of unchecked monopoly power, financial speculation, booms and busts, and rising inequality.”
International trade should ensure benefits for all sections of society within each trading country, not just large corporations.
What has India Done in This Regard?
India’s 2023 Foreign Trade Policy had three features in this regard:
(a) a district export action plan in each district of India to identify and incentivize products for export;
(b) the promotion of e-commerce through ‘Dak Ghar Niryat Kendras’ to enable artisans, weavers, craftsmen and MSMEs in the hinterland and land-locked regions to reach international markets;
(c) trade facilitation for MSMEs, including lower charges for various schemes, preferential customs treatment and quick dispute resolution.
What have been Global Initiatives in This Regard?
1) Global Trade Helpdesk launched by ITC, UNCTAD and WTO— an online platform that simplifies market research—is a useful resource for MSMEs.
2) WTO’s Technical Assistance Plan for 2018-19 incorporated a module on trade and gender, whose objective was to focus on trade policy to raise awareness and enhance the aptitude of policymakers to incorporate gender considerations.
3) G20 New Delhi Declaration focused on the need to address access to information for MSMEs, advancing financial inclusion and implementing gender-responsive policies to enable inclusive integration in international trade.
What are The Challenges?
- One-size-fits all response may not work: The reason is: What is an MSME differs from country-to-country. Hence, preferential treatment for an MSME in India cannot be extended to an MSME as per the definition of another country seeking Indian market access.
- Global rules may not work in a domestic setting: Addressing gender imbalances in access to economic opportunities, such as preferential access to credit, is an issue that needs to be addressed within a country. The global rules of trade have little role here.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What Should be The Way Forward?
1) Sharing of experiences and best practices could be helpful.
2) The WTO can also consider workshops and virtual platforms for sharing information.
3) Issues affecting MSMEs and women in trade should be best addressed by each country within the context of its economic realities and legal frameworks.
Question for practice:
Why should issues related to MSMEs and gender-related issues be kept outside WTO rules? What have been India’s and Global initiatives in this regard?
Chandigarh mayor election-A travesty: Manipulation of Chandigarh Mayor Poll has Grave Implications for Democracy
Source: The post Chandigarh mayor election has been created, based on the article “A travesty: Manipulation of Chandigarh mayor poll has grave implications for democracy” published in “The Hindu” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity-powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.
News: The Supreme Court of India criticized the election of the Mayor of Chandigarh, suspecting that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate won through unfair means. Chandigarh mayor election-A travesty: Manipulation of Chandigarh Mayor Poll has Grave Implications for Democracy
What Happened in The Chandigarh Mayor Election?
The Chandigarh Mayor election unfolded amidst a series of events. Initially scheduled for January 18, it was deferred to January 30 due to the illness of Anil Masih, a BJP functionary. However, the election process came under scrutiny when the Supreme Court of India criticized it. They found that the presiding officer defaced ballots, resulting in eight votes being declared invalid.
What did The Supreme Court Say?
The Supreme Court of India scrutinized the Chandigarh Mayor election process, expressing dismay at the behavior of the presiding officer, who allegedly defaced ballots.
Consequently, the court ordered a review of the election and postponed the proposed Corporation meeting.
Additionally, the Supreme Court directed that the ballots and records be handed over to the High Court’s Registrar-General for further investigation.
Read More UPSC Topics-
Way Forward
The Supreme Court’s directive to hand over the ballots and records to the High Court’s Registrar-General for further investigation is a crucial step. This investigation will help identify any irregularities and ensure accountability in the election process. Additionally, implementing safeguards against manipulation is essential to uphold the integrity of democratic elections in India.
Question for practice:
Analyse the events surrounding the Chandigarh Mayor election and the subsequent Supreme Court intervention.
Kerala’s Protest Against Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC)-The Severe Erosion of Fiscal Federalism
Source: The post Kerala’s protest agai
nst Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) has been created, based on the article “The severe erosion of fiscal federalism” published in “The Hindu” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.
News: The article discusses Kerala’s protest against the Indian Central Government’s Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC), which limits the state’s borrowing capacity. This restriction impacts Kerala’s ability to fund pensions and welfare schemes, leading to claims that it violates the Constitution, prompting legal challenges. Kerala’s Protest Against Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC)-The Severe Erosion of Fiscal Federalism
What is The Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC)?
The Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC) restricts state borrowings from various sources, such as the open market. To determine this ceiling, the Central Government subtracts state liabilities, including those from public accounts.
Additionally, borrowings by state-owned enterprises, where the principal and/or interest are serviced out of the Budget, or through assignment of taxes or cess or any other State revenue, are also deducted from the NBC.
What are the Arguments of The Central Government and Kerala for NBC?
Central Government’s Arguments for NBC:
Relies on Article 293(3) of the Constitution, requiring state consent for loans with outstanding central loans.
Justifies NBC to ensure fiscal discipline and transparency, as recommended by the 15th Finance Commission Report.
Includes state enterprise debts in NBC to prevent off-budget transactions and hidden liabilities.
Kerala’s Arguments Against NBC:
Contends that including state enterprise debts, like those of KIIFB, in NBC is constitutionally suspect.
Notes that the 15th Finance Commission Report does not specifically recommend including state enterprise debts in NBC.
Highlights Article 266(2) to argue that public account transactions are under state jurisdiction, questioning their inclusion in NBC calculations.
Emphasizes the Kerala Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2003, arguing that it already ensures fiscal discipline, questioning the need for central intervention.
References Article 202 of the Constitution and Entry 43 of the State List, asserting state control over its public debt and financial affairs, challenging the central imposition of NBC.
What are The Implications of NBC?
Restricts State Borrowing: The NBC constrains states’ borrowing capacity, impacting their financial independence.
Impacts Infrastructure: Kerala’s inclusion of KIIFB debts under NBC limits funding for critical infrastructure projects.
Affects Essential Services: NBC’s borrowing restrictions challenge states’ ability to fund pensions and welfare schemes.
Fiscal Federalism Concerns: Kerala perceives NBC as an example of ‘annihilative federalism’, undermining state autonomy and altering India’s federal balance.
Legal Disputes: Kerala’s Supreme Court challenge against NBC underscores constitutional tensions regarding fiscal authority between the Centre and states
Read More UPSC Topics-
Way forward
A balanced approach is essential, where fiscal discipline and state autonomy are both respected. Reassessing the scope of NBC, in line with the 15th Finance Commission’s recommendations, becomes crucial. This ensures states like Kerala can effectively manage their finances, uphold constitutional norms, and maintain the spirit of cooperative federalism.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the arguments presented by both the Central Government and Kerala regarding the Net Borrowing Ceiling (NBC).
Issue with Financial Transfers to States-Union Government’s Reins on Financial Transfers to States
Source: The post issue with financial transfers to states has been created, based on the article “Union government’s reins on financial transfers to States” published in “The Hindu” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein. And GS Paper3- Indian economy- resource mobilisation
News: The article discusses how the Indian central government has reduced financial transfers to states, increased its own revenue through taxes and surcharges, and is spending more on its schemes rather than distributing funds to states.
What is The Issue with Financial Transfers to States?
Reduced Financial Transfers: Despite recommendations (from finance commission) for states to receive 42% and 41% of the net tax revenue (revenue after deductions for collection costs, sharing with Union Territories, and cess and surcharges), they actually received a smaller share of the gross tax revenue (total collected revenue before any deductions): just 35% in 2015-16 and 30% in 2023-24.
Growth in Union Government’s Revenue: The Union government’s tax revenue more than doubled from ₹14.6 lakh crore in 2015-16 to ₹33.6 lakh crore in 2023-24. However, the states’ share doubled from ₹5.1 lakh crore to ₹10.2 lakh crore, indicating a disproportionate increase.
Decrease in Grants-in-Aid: Direct financial support to states, in the form of grants-in-aid, declined from ₹1.95 lakh crore in 2015-16 to ₹1.65 lakh crore in 2023-24.
Increase in Cess and Surcharge: The collection from cess and surcharge, which is not shared with states, rose from 5.9% of the Union government’s tax revenue in 2015-16 to 10.8% in 2023-24.
Centralisation of Expenditure: The Union government increased spending on its schemes like CSS and CSec, from ₹2.04 lakh crore to ₹4.76 lakh crore and ₹5.21 lakh crore to ₹14.68 lakh crore, respectively, reducing states’ financial autonomy.
What Impact does This have on State Finances?
Strain on State Budgets: Due to reduced transfers and grants, states face challenges in financing their programs and initiatives, impacting their ability to deliver public services effectively.
Impact on Less Wealthy States: Poorer states struggle more due to these financial constraints, exacerbating the inequality between states in terms of financial resources and development capabilities.
Limited Fiscal Autonomy for States: With the central government’s increased control over financial resources, states have less freedom and flexibility in their spending, impacting their ability to address local needs and priorities.
Impact on Fiscal Federalism: This trend towards more centralised control over finances, with less revenue sharing with states, goes against the principles of cooperative federalism.
Potential Bias in Resource Allocation: The possibility of the Union government favoring certain states or regions through Central Sector Schemes, due to their complete funding by the central government, raises concerns of unequal treatment among states.
Read More UPSC Topics-
Way forward
To promote balanced fiscal federalism, the Union government should adhere to the Finance Commission’s recommendations on revenue sharing. Increasing statutory transfers to states and ensuring equitable allocation of funds across all regions are vital. This approach will enhance states’ financial autonomy and support equitable development.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the impact of Indian central government’s financial policies on state finances and fiscal federalism.
Revised delimitation exercise-Understanding the delimitation exercise
Source: The post revised delimitation exercise has been created, based on the article “Understanding the delimitation exercise” published in “The Hindu” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.
News: The article discusses how constituencies for India’s Lok Sabha and state assemblies are drawn based on population. It explains the process of delimitation, which is adjusting the number and boundaries of these constituencies. The article also explores various approaches to this process, including international practices, and suggests a balanced solution that respects both democratic and federal principles.
What is delimitation?
Delimitation is the act or process of fixing limits or boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country to reflect the changes in population.
For more information read here
What are the challenges with the revised delimitation exercise?
Impact of Census Postponement: Normally, delimitation based on the 2031 Census would occur, as it would be the first Census after 2026. However, the postponement of the 2021 Census and the approaching year 2026 have accelerated discussions on the upcoming delimitation exercise.
Disparities in Population Growth: In the federal system, which advocates for equal state representation, states like Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have effectively controlled population growth, might lose seats to rapidly growing states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. This disparity risks creating feelings of unfairness and disenchantment among the effectively managed states, potentially leading to an imbalance in representation.
Debated Options: There are two key options under discussion. One is to keep the Lok Sabha seats at 543 and reallocate them based on new population data. The other is to increase the seats to 848, ensuring proportional representation for all states. However, the first option may favor more populous states, while the second could result in a too-large Lok Sabha without fully resolving underrepresentation issues for less populous states.
For more information read here
What are international practices?
In the United States, the House of Representatives has maintained a fixed number of 435 seats since 1913. The distribution of these seats across states is adjusted after each Census using the ‘method of equal proportions’. This ensures balanced representation despite population changes. For instance, following the 2020 Census, 37 states experienced no change in their seat allocation, Texas gained two seats, while five other states gained one seat each, and seven states lost one seat.
In the European Union, the EU Parliament, with 720 members, employs ‘degressive proportionality‘ for seat allocation among its 27 member countries. This method ensures a more equitable representation relative to the population size of each country. For example, Denmark, with a population of around 6 million, has 15 seats, whereas Germany, with a significantly larger population of 83 million, holds 96 seats, demonstrating the varying population-to-seat ratios.
What should be done?
Maintain Lok Sabha Seats: Keep the number of Lok Sabha seats capped at 543 to prevent disruptions in current state representations and uphold federal principles.
Adjust State Assembly Seats: Increase the number of seats in state assemblies according to current population trends, but without altering the number of Rajya Sabha seats.
Empower Local Bodies: Strengthen local governance by significantly enhancing the powers and financial resources of panchayats and municipalities, fostering democracy at the grassroots level.
Question for practice:
Discuss the potential options for addressing disparities in population growth and ensuring fair representation in India’s Lok Sabha, considering the challenges and international practices in seat allocation.
GS PAPER - 3
On Disinvestment – Not by Cosmetic Changes Alone
Source: This post on Disinvestment has been created based on the article “Not by cosmetic changes alone” published in “Business Standard” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy – Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources.
News: The article discusses the slow progress of disinvestment in India. It also suggests ways to tackle the challenges. On Disinvestment – Not by Cosmetic Changes Alone
Background:
The recently released Interim Budget 2024 made a classification change – Disinvestment did not figure as a receipt item in the Budget documents. Earlier, disinvestment would be a separate entry under ‘miscellaneous capital receipts’.
What was The Idea Behind Disinvestment?
- Reforming PSUs through disinvestment by making their managements a little agile and more responsive to market forces.
- Increase the revenue for the government whose finances were in a poor state. Governments have periodically used disinvestment more as an instrument to reduce the deficit rather than to do away with government ownership of enterprises, upholding the economic principle that the government should not be in the business of running businesses.
What are The Issues with Disinvestment?
The pace of disinvestment has slowed, and in the last two decades only 1 PSU has been privatised.
In the last 32 years, the government has managed to achieve its disinvestment target only in 8 years.
Read More UPSC Topics-
What new Approach to Disinvestment will Help Improve its Performance?
Here are two approaches that the government could adopt.
1) Timeline-based Targets: Apart from strategic PSUs, all other PSUs should be placed under a 5-year time-table for disinvestment or privatisation depending on the market opportunity and suitability of the entities involved.
2) Creation of New Ministry: PSUs which the government plans on exiting should be brought under the administrative control of a new disinvestment ministry (and delink it from the finance ministry). This will delink disinvestment from the government’s revenue-raising obligations.
Question for practice:
What are the reasons for the slow progress disinvestment in India? Suggest steps to tackle it.
On the Need to Increase Government Expenditure – Wages of inequality
Source: This post on the Need to Increase Government Expenditure has been created based on the article “Wages of inequality: The income-growth gap” published in “Indian Express” on 7th February 2024.
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, and employment; Government Budgeting.
News: The article discusses the trends regarding budgetary expenditure. It also highlights the issues with the current fiscal policy framework of lowering expenditure (in order to lower debt-to-GDP ratio) being followed by the government.
A detailed article on Interim Budget 2024 can be read here.
What are the trends regarding budgetary expenditure?
Lower Growth in Total Budgetary Expenditure: In nominal terms, budgeted total expenditure grew by 6.1% over last year. This increase is the lowest in two decades.
Rise in Capital expenditure: It increased by 16.9% (though less than the increase last year) to Rs 11.1 lakh crore.
Decline in Revenue expenditure: It has declined by 0.8%.
Thus, according to the author, it is overall a fiscally conservative budget. It also continues to shift the composition of expenditure towards capex as has been the trend in the last few years.
What are the objectives of the present fiscal policy framework?
1) Reducing the level of debt-to-GDP: The rationale for debt reduction follows from the FRBM review committee recommendations (debt-GDP ratio of the Centre at 40%, currently at 58%).
2) Mitigating the Impact of Expenditure reduction: Here, the government has tried to shift the composition of expenditure away from revenue towards capital expenditure. This is because it has a greater impact on output (multiplier value).
What does the debt-to-GDP ratio depend on?
The debt-to-GDP ratio of any period depends on two distinct factors.
1) Gap between GDP Growth rate (g) and Interest rate on Borrowings (r): The greater g is with respect to r, the lower would be the ratio.
2) Primary deficit-GDP ratio: The lower the primary deficit-GDP ratio, the lower would be the debt ratio.
Note: Primary deficit is the difference between a government’s fiscal deficit and the interest paid on the previous year’s borrowings.
How can the Primary deficit-GDP ratio be reduced?
1) Increasing the tax-GDP ratio.
2) Reducing the expenditure-GDP ratio.
Since the tax-GDP ratio has remained almost the same, the burden of this has fallen on the second option. In other words, the target of lowering the debt-to-GDP ratio essentially means to set a limit on the expenditure growth rate.
What are the issues with this fiscal policy framework?
1) Arbitrary level of debt-to-GDP ratio target: Debt stability can be achieved even at the present level of debt-to-GDP ratio by registering a growth rate greater than the interest rate.
2) Insufficient to address Developmental Challenges: In particular, generating employment in productive modern sectors is hindered by lowering expenditure.
What is the employment situation in the Indian economy?
1) Reversal of Trends in Structural Employment Shifts: Usually, the proportion of workers engaged in self-employment (agriculture, petty retail and traditional services) shrinks and the share of wage workers in the modern sector (manufacturing and modern services) rises. However, the share of regular wage workers in the total workforce declined and then stagnated at 21%. Additionally:
a. Self-employed workforce is growing at a much faster rate compared to salaried workforce.
b. Women, in particular, have entered the workforce in large numbers, mostly into self-employment.
2) Labour Earnings have Stagnated: In real terms, regular wages and self-employment earnings have grown at just under 1% since 2017. This indicates a worsening of the income distribution as well as lack of improvements in welfare.
According to the author, addressing this will require government expenditure to rise.
Question for practice:
Why is lowering the debt-to-GDP ratio by lowering expenditure bad for the employment situation in the Indian economy?
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana
Source-This post on Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana has been created based on the article “Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana To Increase Influx Of Devotees Like Kashi Corridor, Mahakal Lok” published in “SWARAJYA” on 4th February 2024.
Why in The News?
The PM has recently laid the foundation stone for Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana to enhance access and amenities for pilgrims visiting the Kamakhya temple.
What is Maa Kamakhya Divya Lok Pariyojana?
Objective-To enhance the pilgrimage experience and boosting tourism in Assam.
Features:
1) It is part of the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PMDevINE) scheme. This corridor draws inspiration from the Kashi-Vishwanath Temple Corridor in Varanasi.
2) It will restore six major hidden temples within the Kamakhya complex.
About Kamakhya temple
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Location-Nilachal Hills, Guwahati.
Religious significance– It is one of the 51 shaktipeethas. Kamakhya is considered the goddess of fertility.
Architectural features:
1) The temple’s architectural shape is a combination of the traditional nagara and saracenic styles. This hybrid architecture is sometimes called the Nilachal type, named after the hill where it’s located.
2) The temple has a distinctive beehive-like shikhara (dome). The dome is adorned with sculptured panels and images of various Hindu deities.
Festival-Kamakhya Temple hosts the Ambubachi Mela. This is an annual festival celebrating the menstruation of the goddess.
Read More UPSC Topics-
About PMDevINE(Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for the North East Region)
Aspect | Details |
Objective | 1) To fund infrastructure to compliment PM GatiShakti. 2) To support social development projects based on felt needs of the North Eastern Region. |
Launched | It was announced by the Central Government during the Union Budget 2022-23. |
Implementation | It will be implemented for the remaining four years of the 15th Finance Commission, from 2022-23 to 2025-26. |
Nodal ministry | Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), through the North Eastern Council or central ministries and agencies. |
Funding | It gets 100% funding from the centre (Central sector scheme) |
UPSC Syllabus-Scheme & programmes and art and culture.
Kaladan multimodal Project
Source-This post on Kaladan multimodal Project has been created based on the article” 98% Of Kaladan Project’s Cross-Border Road In Mizoram Now complete: Official” published in” REALTYNXT” 28 January 2024.
Why in the news?
Kaladan project is getting delayed due to ongoing Political crisis in Myanmar.
About Kaladan multimodal Project
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Background-The Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project was jointly identified by India and Myanmar to create a multi-modal mode of transport for the shipment of cargo from the eastern ports of India to Myanmar.
Details of project:
1) It connects the eastern Indian seaport of Kolkata with Sittwe seaport in Rakhine State, Myanmar by sea. It will reduce the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km.
2) In Myanmar, it will then link Sittwe seaport to Paletwa in Chin State via the Kaladan river boat route
3) From Paletwa by road to Mizoram state in Northeast India (Paletwa is less than 20 km from the Bangladesh border).
Components of project: The project involves sea, river, and road transportation:
Sea Route: From Kolkata to Sittwe (539 km).
River Route: Sittwe to Paletwa via the Kaladan River (158 km).
Road Route: Paletwa to Indo-Myanmar border (110 km), and further into Mizoram.
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Significance of the project
A) Economic significance
1) The project will reduce the distance from Kolkata to Sittwe by approximately 1,328 km. It will reduce the need to transport goods through the narrow Siliguri corridor.
2) This project will connect Sittwe Port in Myanmar to the India-Myanmar border. It will contribute to the economic development of the North-Eastern States of India, by opening up the sea route for the products.
B) Strategic significance
1) This would enhance India’s strategic footprints in East Asia and more importantly in our immediate neighbourhood.
2) It provides an alternative to the Chicken’s Neck. This will lead to enhanced India’s control over its northeastern frontier and reduced logistical vulnerabilities.
3) It will strengthen India’s Act East Policy.
UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news and International relations.
Messinian Event
Source-This post on Messinian Event has been created based on the article “Israeli scientists find new underwater canyon near Cyprus” published in “THE TIMES OF INDIA” on 5 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The Geological Institute of Israel recently uncovered an underwater canyon near Cyprus that dates back to the Messinian Event.
About Messinian Event
1) It is also known as the Messinian Salinity Crisis (MSC)
2) It was a geological event during which the Mediterranean Sea went into a cycle of partial or nearly complete desiccation (drying up). It was one of the most severe ecological crises in the Earth’s history.
3) The MSC began approximately 6 million years ago (MYA) and lasted until around 5.3 MYA.
Countries bordering the Mediterranean Sea
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There are 22 countries and one territory (Gibraltar – a British Overseas Territory)whose coasts are on the Mediterranean Sea
1) The European Countries- Spain, France, Italy, Malta, Monaco, Slovenia, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece.
2) The West Asian (Middle Eastern) countries- Turkey, Syria, Lebanon, Israel, the Palestine Gaza Strip and the divided island of Cyprus.
3) Five North African countries– Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Libya and Egypt.
NOTE- Deep-sea Canyon– They are steep-sided valleys cut into the seafloor of the continental slope. They may sometimes extend well onto the continental shelf.
The deepest canyon on Earth is actually on the ocean floor. The Mariana Trench is the deepest feature on Earth.
UPSC Syllabus-Geography in news.
Thrips Parvispinus
Source- This post on Thrips Parvispinus has been created based on the article “Invasive thrips caused 80% damage to chilli crops, Rajya Sabha told” published in “The New Indian Express” on 5 February 2024.
Why in the news?
Thrips Parvispinus, an invasive pest species, might have replaced the native chilli thrips known as scirtothrips dorsalis in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
About Thrips Parvispinus
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Nature– It is an invasive pest species.
Origin– This thrips originates from Southeast Asia and was first found in Florida in 2020. It is a polyphagous pest that causes damage to vegetable, ornamental, and fruit crops.
Spread– The last two decades have witnessed a drastic extension in the geographic distribution. It is now found in France, Greece, Hawaii, Mauritius, Reunion, Spain, Tanzania and the Netherlands, besides India.
In India– This species was first reported on Papaya from Bengaluru in 2015.
Infestation– Adults mainly colonize on flowers and underside of leaves whereas larvae suck sap from under surface.
Impact– Infestation causes heavy flower drop and thereby reduces fruit production. Its infestation increases during heavy rainfall of North East monsoon. This has caused 40-80% damage to chilli crop in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.
Preventive measures
1) Promotion of cultural practices like deep summer ploughing.
2) Intercropping, clean cultivation and balanced use of fertilisers.
3) Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for pest control.
NOTE- Thrips– These are important group of sucking pests which cause significant economic losses in several horticultural crops.
UPSC Syllabus-Environment.
Ergosphere
Source- This post on ergosphere has been created based on the article “Ergosphere: Making a black hole work” published in “The Hindu” on 6 February 2024.
Why in the news?
It is possible to extract matter and energy from Ergosphere as per some scientist.
About Ergosphere
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Origin-Ergosphere comes from the Greek word ‘ergon’ that means ‘work’. It has got its name because it is possible to get energy and even mass from this place.
Definition-It is the region in between the event horizon and the stationary limit.
NOTE- Event Horizon: It is a sphere around the singularity of a Black Hole. When anything enters this sphere, it can’t escape unless it travels faster than light (which is impossible).
Stationary limit-It is a surface around the outside of a rotating black hole.
Shape: An Ergosphere is shaped like an oblate spheroid, or a pumpkin.
Features Of Ergosphere
1) In this region, space-time itself is dragged along with the rotation of the black hole.
2) Objects within the ergosphere are forced to rotate along with the black hole’s spin due to the distortion of spacetime caused by its immense gravitational pull.
Significance
It is possible to send an object into the ergosphere. The object then can be allowed to accelerate there along the black hole’s direction of rotation. This may allow the object to come out moving faster. This energy ‘gain’ will translate to the black hole to lose some angular momentum. Hence, it may be possible to extract matter and energy from the black hole.
NOTE-Black hole-It is a region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that even light can not escape.
Gravitational Singularity-The centre of a black hole has a gravitational singularity, a one-dimensional point. This point contains a huge mass in an infinitely small space, where density and gravity become infinite. Here, laws of physics cease to operate.
UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.
Grammy Awards
Source-This post on Grammy Awards has been created based on the article “Grammy Awards 2024: Zakir Hussain bags 3 awards for ‘Pashto’, Shankar Mahadevan’s ‘This Moment’ wins” published in “Mint” on 5 February 2024.
Why in the news?
The fusion band, Shakti, bagged the Global Music Album Winner at the Grammy Awards.
About Grammy Awards
Aspect | Details |
About | The Grammy Award is a prestigious accolade presented annually by the Recording Academy to honour outstanding achievements in the music industry. |
History | The Grammy Awards were first established in 1959 to honour artistic and technical excellence across various music genres. The name “Grammy” is derived from “gramophone,” reflecting the original trophy’s design resembling a gramophone. |
Categories | 1) It includes a wide range of categories covering such as pop, rock, rap, country, classical, jazz, and many more. 2) The “General Field” are four awards that are not restricted by genre. 3) They are Album of the Year, Record of the Year, Song of the Year, Best New Artist, and genre-specific awards. |
Nomination and selection process | 1) The nomination process involves submissions by record companies, artists, and other industry professionals. 2) The Recording Academy members then vote to determine the final nominees. 3) Winners are selected by voting members of The Recording Academy, consisting of music professionals across various fields. |
Some interesting facts. | 1) There are 15 Indians who have won Grammy Awards such as A.R. Rahman, Zakir Hussain etc 2) Grammy Awards has introduced 3 new categories to recognise African Music, pop dance, and alternative jazz. |
Ceremony | It is held annually in Los Angeles, California, typically in January or February. |
UPSC Syllabus-Art & culture.
Lunar nuclear reactor project
Source-This post on Lunar nuclear reactor project has been created based on the article “NASA finishes 1st phase of ambitious lunar nuclear reactor project” published in “The Indian Express” on 6 February 2024.
Why in the news?
NASA has recently announced that it has completed the first phase of its plans to put a nuclear fission reactor on the Moon.
About Lunar nuclear reactor project
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Objective– To create a small electricity-generating reactor for future lunar missions and outposts.
Specifications– The project involves designing a reactor, power conversion systems, heat rejection mechanisms, and power distribution systems.
Significance of the project
1) A nuclear reactor could be placed in permanently shadowed areas (where there may be water ice) of the moon. This would ensure continuous power production during lunar nights.
2) It produces power without any dependence on weather and other conditions.
3) It could play an important role in bolstering NASA’s ambitions to have a sustained human presence on the Moon for at least 10 years.
NOTE- Nuclear fission– It is the process of breaking large atomic nuclei into smaller atomic nuclei to release a large amount of energy.
UPSC Syllabus-Science & technology.
Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)
Source-This post on Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) is based on the article “Astronomers Find Super-Earth Exoplanet in Habitable Zone of TOI-715” published in “Science news” on 5th February 2024.
Why in the News?
Recently, astronomers utilized data from NASA’s Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) to uncover and analyze a potentially habitable zone planet known as TOI-715b.
What is Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS)?
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Aspect | Details |
About | 1. It is a NASA mission dedicated to locating planets that orbit the brightest stars visible from Earth. 2. It is a successor to NASA’s Kepler space telescope, which discovered thousands of exoplanets over a decade following its launch in 2009. |
Launched on | April 18, 2018, using a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket from Cape Canaveral(USA). |
Mission life | The main mission concluded on July 4, 2020, and TESS is currently in an extended mission phase. |
Orbit | 1. TESS follows a distinctive high Earth orbit, completing its cycle every 12 to 15 days. 2. This orbit is strategically inclined to minimize obstructions from Earth and the Moon, allowing the telescope an unimpeded view of the sky. |
Significance | 1. During its two-year primary mission, TESS’s four cameras scanned more than 200,000 nearby and bright stars, covering 75% of the sky. 2. TESS discovers planets of various sizes and compositions, from small rocky ones to giant ones, demonstrating the galaxy’s planet diversity. |
How does TESS detect exoplanets?
1. It employs the transit technique to identify planets.
2. It searches for regular dips in the brightness of stars as planets pass in front of them from our perspective.
3. The bigger the planet, the greater the drop in brightness during the transit.
4. The duration it takes for a planet to transit in front of the star and return helps determine the shape of its orbit.
5. This method unveils the planet’s diameter and the size of its orbit.
UPSC Syllabus- Science & Technology
Aldabra giant tortoise
Source-This post on Aldabra giant tortoise is based on the article “Madagascar: giant tortoises have returned 600 years after they were wiped out” published in “Down To Earth” on 5th February 2024.
Why in the News?
The Aldabra giant tortoise reintroduction project was started in 2018 to reintroduce Aldabra giant tortoises in Madagascar’s natural habitats. The project is heading towards success as it has led to thousands of these megaherbivores (Aldabra giant tortoises) repopulating the island for the first time in 600 years.
About Aldabra giant tortoise
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Aspect | Details |
About | 1. It is the world’s second-largest land tortoise species, after the Galapagos giant tortoise. 2. These tortoise have descended from ancestors of Aldabrachelys abrupta, one of two giant tortoises that lived in Madagascar for 15 million years. |
Lifespan | It has a lifespan of about 100 years. |
Population Distribution | These are endemic to the Aldabra Atoll in the Seychelles, an archipelago in the western Indian Ocean, approximately 930 miles east of Africa and northeast of Madagascar. |
Habitat | 1. These tortoises live on land and inhabit diverse environments such as scrub forests, mangrove swamps, and coastal dunes and beaches. 2. Grasslands named “platins” harbour the largest populations of tortoises. |
Conservation Status | IUCN– Vulnerable CITES– Appendix II |
Physical Characteristics | 1. They are dark gray to black with a strongly domed, thick shell. 2. Aldabra tortoises show sexual dimorphism, meaning males and females have different appearances. 3. Males are much bigger than females and have longer, thicker tails. |
Significance | 1. They are vital in keeping the ecological balance in a habitat mosaic (a place where different habitats exist side by side). 2. They consume fruits from different trees. These then spread the seeds through their dung, aiding in megafauna-dependent germination. This facilitates the growth of forests, woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands. |
About Aldabra Atoll
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1. Aldabra is the world’s second-largest coral atoll, located southeast of Africa.
2. It belongs to the Aldabra Group of islands in the Indian Ocean, which are part of the Outer Islands of the Seychelles.
3. It is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1982.
Note– An atoll is a ring-shaped coral formation surrounding a lagoon, usually formed from the rim of a submerged extinct volcano. They’re often found in warm, tropical oceans.
UPSC Syllabus- Environment (Species in news)/Places in news