UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 14th October 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

China’s ‘Anaconda Strategy’

Source: The Week

Why in News?

Taiwanese authorities have recently indicated that the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) is implementing an ‘anaconda strategy’ to exert pressure on Taiwan.

China’s Military Maneuvers around Taiwan

• China has been progressively ramping up military activities surrounding Taiwan, both in airspace and maritime zones.
• Air incursions into the Taiwan Strait have surged significantly, rising from 36 incursions in January to 193 in September.
• The number of Chinese naval vessels operating near Taiwan has increased from 142 in early 2024 to 282 by August.
• These military maneuvers are aimed at wearing down Taiwan’s naval and air capabilities, applying continuous pressure on the island.

What is the Anaconda Strategy?

• The ‘anaconda strategy’ is characterized by a combination of military tactics, psychological pressure, and cyber warfare.
• Its primary objective is to undermine Taiwan’s defenses and compel the island to submit without necessitating a full-scale invasion.
• China's strategy focuses on relentless pressure to exhaust Taiwan, encouraging mistakes that could justify a blockade.
• The ultimate aim seems to be rendering Taiwan vulnerable while avoiding direct military conflict, keeping Taiwan’s forces in a defensive posture.

Other Unconventional Strategies used by China:

• Wolf Warrior Diplomacy: This is a confrontational and assertive diplomatic approach employed by Chinese officials, noted for its aggressive rhetoric and nationalistic tones, often intended to defend China's interests and counter foreign criticism.
• Gray-Zone Tactics: This involves a set of covert strategies that blur the lines between peace and war, including cyberattacks, propaganda, and gradual territorial advances, aimed at achieving national objectives without provoking a full-scale military response.
• Salami Slicing: This strategy entails making small, incremental moves over time to accomplish larger goals without provoking significant backlash. It is often employed to gradually gain control or advantage while avoiding immediate confrontation.

PYQ:

[2021] The US is facing an existential threat in the form of a China that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union. Explain.

[2017] “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbor.

GS2/Governance

What is Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO)?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) has recently come into the spotlight after recording the statement of the daughter of the Kerala Chief Minister, who is also the owner of a now-inactive IT firm, stirring political controversy.

About Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO):

• SFIO is a specialized agency that investigates corporate frauds and was established by the Government of India.
• It was founded on 21st July 2015, with its statutory status granted under Section 211 of the Companies Act, 2013.
• Operating under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, SFIO is a multi-disciplinary organization comprising experts from various fields such as:
  • Accountancy
  • Forensic Auditing
  • Law
  • Information Technology
  • Investigation
  • Company Law
  • Capital Markets
  • Taxation
• SFIO focuses on identifying and prosecuting white-collar crimes and frauds.

Criteria for Investigation

• SFIO investigates cases that are:
  • Complex, often involving multiple departments and disciplines.
  • Of significant public interest, usually measured by monetary value.
  • Likely to lead to enhancements in systems, laws, or procedures.
• It handles serious fraud cases referred by the Department of Company Affairs.
• Investigations are initiated when:
  • No report has been received from the Registrar or inspector under Section 208 of the Companies Act, 2013.
  • A special resolution has been passed by a company indicating the need for investigation.
  • It is deemed necessary for public interest or requested by any Central or State Government department.

Authority and Structure

• The SFIO operates under strict protocols, and once a case is assigned, no other investigative body is allowed to conduct an investigation for any offense under the Act.
• It is led by a Director who holds the rank of Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
• The Director is supported by various ranks including:
  • Additional Directors
  • Joint Directors
  • Deputy Directors
  • Senior Assistant Directors
  • Assistant Directors
  • Prosecutors
  • Other secretarial staff

Headquarters

• The headquarters of SFIO is located in New Delhi, with regional offices situated in:
  • Mumbai
  • Chennai
  • Hyderabad
  • Kolkata

GS3/Environment

Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR)

Source: The New Indian Express

Why in news?

According to the latest 'EnviStats India-2024' report, the Nagarjuna Sagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR) has emerged as the leading tiger reserve in India, specifically noted for its leopard population, which is estimated to be around 360 individuals.

About Nagarjunsagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve (NSTR):

• Location: The reserve is situated in the Nallamala hill ranges, which are part of the Eastern Ghats, in the state of Andhra Pradesh. It is recognized as the largest tiger reserve in India, covering an extensive area of 5,937 square kilometers.
• Significance: The reserve derives its name from two prominent dams in the vicinity: the Nagarjuna Sagar Dam and the Srisailam Dam. It is home to the most significant population of tigers in the country.
• Wildlife Sanctuaries: The NSTR includes two notable wildlife sanctuaries: Rajiv Gandhi Wildlife Sanctuary and Gundla Brahmeswaram Wildlife Sanctuary (GBM).
• Geographical Features: The Krishna River flows through the reserve for approximately 270 kilometers, creating a diverse ecosystem.

Topography:

• The region features a variety of landscapes including plateaus, ridges, gorges, and deep valleys, contributing to its ecological diversity.

Vegetation:

• The predominant vegetation type is tropical dry deciduous forests, characterized by an undergrowth of bamboo and various grass species.

Flora:

The reserve is home to several endemic plant species, including:

• Andrographis nallamalayana
• Eriolaena lushingtonii
• Crotalaria madurensis Var
• Dicliptera beddomei
• Premna hamiltonii

Fauna:

The reserve boasts a diverse array of wildlife, including top predators such as:

• Tiger
• Leopard
• Wolf
• Wild Dog
• Jackal

The herbivorous prey species found in the reserve include:

• Sambar
• Chital
• Chowsingha
• Chinkara
• Mouse Deer
• Wild Boar
• Porcupine
• Additionally, the Krishna River supports aquatic fauna such as:
  • Muggers
  • Otters
  • Turtles

GS3/Science and Technology

What are Alkanes?

Source: Nature

Why in News?

Researchers have developed a novel method to activate alkanes using confined chiral Brønsted acids, significantly enhancing the efficiency and selectivity of chemical reactions.

About Alkanes:

• Alkanes are organic compounds composed entirely of carbon and hydrogen atoms, connected by single bonds, and do not contain any other functional groups.
• They follow the general chemical formula CnH2n + 2, where n represents an integer.
• Alkanes can be categorized into three main types:
  • Linear straight-chain alkanes
  • Branched alkanes
  • Cycloalkanes
• These compounds exhibit minimal chemical reactivity with other substances and are generally inert when exposed to most laboratory reagents.
• Biologically, alkanes are also quite inert and seldom participate in the chemical processes within living organisms.
• However, they can react with oxygen, halogens, and a few other substances under suitable conditions.
• The reaction with oxygen typically occurs during combustion when alkanes are utilized as fuels in engines or furnaces, leading to the production of carbon dioxide and water, along with the release of a significant amount of heat.
• Alkanes hold considerable commercial value as they are the primary components of gasoline and lubricating oils, and they are extensively used in organic chemistry.
• Common examples of alkanes include methane, ethane, propane, and butane.

GS3/Health

Murine Typhus

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

A 75-year-old man from Kerala, who recently traveled to Vietnam and Cambodia, has been diagnosed with murine typhus, a bacterial disease.

About Murine Typhus:

• Murine typhus is an infectious disease that arises from the flea-borne bacterium Rickettsia typhi.

Transmission:

• This disease is transmitted to humans primarily through the bites of infected fleas.
• It is also referred to as endemic typhus, flea-borne typhus, or flea-borne spotted fever.
• Rodents such as rats, mice, and mongooses serve as reservoirs for the disease.
• Fleas that carry the disease can also inhabit other small mammals, including pets like cats and dogs.
• Once a flea is infected, it can transmit the disease throughout its lifetime.
• Transmission can occur when infected flea feces come into contact with cuts or scrapes on the skin.
• It is important to note that murine typhus is not contagious between humans or from human to fleas.
• The disease is mostly reported in coastal tropical and subtropical areas where rodent populations are high.
• In India, cases of murine typhus have been documented in regions such as the Northeast, Madhya Pradesh, and Kashmir.

Symptoms:

• Symptoms of murine typhus typically manifest seven to fourteen days after exposure.
• Common symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, joint pain, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
• Some individuals may develop rashes on their skin several days after the onset of initial symptoms.

Treatment:

• Currently, there is no vaccine available for murine typhus.
• The antibiotic doxycycline is deemed effective for treatment, but early diagnosis is critical for successful management.

GS2/Governance

Scuttling people’s Right to Information (RTI)

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

According to a report by Satark Nagrik Sangathan for 2023-24, the government is undermining the Right to Information (RTI) Act by delaying the appointment of information commissioners. This has resulted in an increasing backlog within the commissions.

About Satark Nagrik Sangathan (SNS):

• SNS is a citizens’ organization that is not affiliated with the government.
• The organization is dedicated to promoting transparency, accountability, and good governance in India.
• A citizens’ organization is a non-governmental group formed by individuals advocating for specific causes or addressing community issues.

Current Challenges Facing the Implementation of the RTI Act:

Vacant Posts in Information Commissions:

• Many information commissions are operating with unfilled vacancies, severely limiting their effectiveness. For example, the Central Information Commission has eight out of eleven positions vacant.
• Some state commissions, such as those in Jharkhand, Tripura, and Telangana, have been non-operational for years.

Mounting Backlogs:

• The deficiency of information commissioners has resulted in over 400,000 pending appeals and complaints. In states like Chhattisgarh and Bihar, new appeals may not be resolved until 2029.

Bias in Appointments:

• Most appointed commissioners are former government officials or politically connected individuals, resulting in hesitance to act against violations of transparency.

Failure to Impose Penalties:

• Commissions infrequently penalize officials for violations, with penalties applied in only 5% of applicable cases, fostering a culture of impunity.

Regressive Amendments:

• Amendments made to the RTI Act in 2019 have diminished the autonomy of information commissions, placing the central government in charge of the commissioners' tenure, salaries, and entitlements.
• The 2023 Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Act has further limited the disclosure of personal information under the RTI Act.

Threats and Attacks on RTI Activists:

• Nearly 100 killings and thousands of incidents of assault, intimidation, and legal harassment against RTI users have been reported.

How the Erosion of RTI Undermines Democratic Principles:

• Weakening of Accountability and Transparency: The RTI Act enables citizens to request information and hold the government accountable. The erosion of this right diminishes government transparency and weakens the system of checks and balances essential for democracy.
• Increased Impunity and Abuse of Power: The lack of penalties and accountability promotes a culture where officials can evade scrutiny, allowing corruption and abuse of power to flourish.
• Diminished Public Participation in Governance: The RTI Act is vital for empowering citizens to engage in governance by providing access to information. Limitations on this access restrict citizens’ ability to make informed decisions regarding government policies.
• Chilling Effect on Whistleblowers and Activists: Threats and violence against RTI users discourage citizens from utilizing the law to reveal misconduct, leading to a decline in transparency and whistleblowing.

Measures to Strengthen the RTI Framework in India (Way forward):

• Fill Vacancies and Increase Capacity: Swiftly appoint information commissioners to alleviate backlogs and ensure effective functioning of commissions. Enhance the infrastructure and manpower of commissions to manage increasing workloads.
• Restore Autonomy and Accountability: Reverse detrimental amendments to ensure that information commissions operate independently. Implement stricter measures for penalizing officials who breach RTI norms.
• Strengthen Legal Protections for RTI Users: Implement the Whistleblowers Protection Act, 2014, to safeguard individuals facing retaliation for utilizing the RTI Act. Offer security and legal assistance to activists and whistleblowers.
• Promote Digital Solutions: Enhance the use of digital platforms for filing RTI applications and appeals, improving the efficiency of the information disclosure process, thereby minimizing delays and improving transparency.
• Public Awareness and Training Programs: Conduct ongoing public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about their rights under the RTI Act. Provide training for information officers to enhance their understanding of the law and ensure timely and accurate responses.

Mains PYQ:

“Recent amendments to the Right to Information Act will have a profound impact on the autonomy and independence of the Information Commission.” Discuss.

GS1/History & Culture

Kalleshwar Temple

Source: Hindustan Times

Why in News?

Recently, during renovation work at the ancient Kalleshwar temple, a stone inscription from the 13th century, known as Veeragallu, was discovered.

About Kalleshwar Temple:

• The Kalleshwar temple is a significant Hindu temple located in the town of Bagali, situated in the Davangere district of Karnataka.
• This temple is one of the oldest in the region and is dedicated to Lord Shiva.
• The construction of the temple reflects the influence of two prominent Kannada dynasties: the Rashtrakuta Dynasty, which ruled around the mid-10th century, and the Western Chalukya Empire, specifically during the reign of its founding king, Tailapa II, around 987 AD.

Architecture:

• The temple features a single shrine structure that includes an adjoining hall, known as the mantapa.
• It is oriented towards the east and consists of a sanctum, an antechamber (also referred to as vestibule or antarala, with a tower called sukhanasi), connecting to a gathering hall (sabhamantapa), which leads to the main hall (mukhamantapa).
• The shikara (tower) of the temple exemplifies early Chola architectural style.
• A large Shivalinga, believed to be over a thousand years old, is housed within this temple.
• This historical monument is protected as a site of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India.

GS2/International Relations

What are Dragon drones?

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

A new and lethal weapon has emerged in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine, known as the "dragon drone." Both parties involved have shared videos showcasing these drones seemingly unleashing destruction from above.

About Dragon Drones

• Dragon drones are equipped to release thermite, which is a combination of aluminium and iron oxide.
• This material was originally developed over a century ago for welding railroad tracks.

Working

• When thermite is ignited, typically with an electrical fuse, it initiates a self-sustaining reaction that is challenging to extinguish.
• Thermite can burn through a wide range of materials, including clothing, trees, and even military-grade vehicles.
• A remarkable feature of thermite is its ability to burn underwater.
• When it comes into contact with human skin, it can cause severe and potentially lethal burns along with significant bone damage.
• The combination of thermite with high-precision drones that can evade conventional defenses makes these dragon drones particularly dangerous and effective.
• Reports suggest that these dragon drones were first utilized in the Russia-Ukraine conflict around September.

International Regulation

• The deployment of thermite in warfare is not explicitly banned under international law.
• However, using such incendiary weapons against civilian populations is prohibited under the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, which is a set of Cold War-era guidelines established by the United Nations.

GS3/Science and Technology

Why Precision Medicine in India can’t Advance Without Biobank Laws?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Precision medicine is paving the way for a new approach to personalized healthcare, which gained momentum with the completion of the Human Genome Project. However, the advancement of precision medicine in India is significantly hindered by the absence of comprehensive biobank regulations.

What is the current legal framework governing biobanks in India?

• Lack of Comprehensive Legislation: India currently lacks specific laws that comprehensively govern biobanks. The existing legal structure consists mainly of guidelines, which are not enforceable, leading to regulatory gaps in biobanking practices.
• National Ethical Guidelines by ICMR: The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) has established guidelines aimed at ensuring ethical practices in biomedical research involving human participants. However, these guidelines are not legally binding and fail to cover critical areas such as long-term storage and data sharing.
• Department of Biotechnology (DBT) Standards: The DBT has proposed certain practices for data storage and analysis, but these standards are also not enforceable and do not adequately address issues regarding informed consent and privacy protections.
• Absence of a Single Regulatory Authority: There is no dedicated regulatory body in India to oversee biobanks, resulting in inconsistencies and limited oversight of biobanking operations.

How do privacy concerns impact biobank operations and precision medicine?

• Informed Consent Issues: Participants often provide consent without being fully informed about how their biological samples and associated data will be utilized, who will have access to this information, and the duration of its use. This lack of transparency raises significant privacy concerns.
• Genetic Data Privacy Risks: Genetic information can divulge sensitive details about an individual's health and predisposition to various diseases, which can also affect their family members. Inadequate data privacy protections may lead to genetic discrimination in contexts such as insurance and employment.
• Data Sharing Without Proper Regulation: In the absence of well-defined legal guidelines, biological samples and data may be shared without appropriate consent, increasing the risk of misuse by pharmaceutical companies or research organizations, including those from foreign entities.
• Impact on Public Trust: Weak protections related to data and privacy can diminish public willingness to participate in biobank initiatives, thereby restricting the scale and diversity needed for effective precision medicine research.

What are the ethical implications of biobanking practices in India?

• Ownership and Benefit Sharing: Without adequate legal protections, there is uncertainty regarding the ownership of biological samples. Individuals who contribute samples may not benefit from any commercial applications that arise from their data, which raises ethical questions regarding fair compensation.
• Consent Transparency: Participants might not fully grasp the extent of their consent, particularly concerning future uses of their samples and data. This lack of clarity is ethically concerning and could lead to the exploitation of individuals' contributions.
• Risk of Misuse or Mismanagement: The inconsistency of regulations and the absence of penalties for ethical violations increase the risk of sample mishandling, unauthorized data access, and exploitation, potentially compromising the integrity of research.
• Discrimination Risks: Genetic information obtained from biobanks could be utilized to discriminate against individuals based on their health risks or genetic characteristics, highlighting the need for ethical and legal safeguards.

Way forward:

• Establish Comprehensive Legislation: It is crucial to develop and implement a robust legal framework specifically addressing biobanks, which includes clear directives on informed consent, data protection, ownership rights, and benefit sharing.
• Create a Regulatory Authority: The establishment of a dedicated regulatory authority is essential to oversee biobank operations, ensuring adherence to ethical standards and legal requirements.

GS2/International Relations

What is the UNIFIL?

Source: The Week

Why in News?

India has raised concerns regarding the safety of UN peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, following an incident where they came under fire from Israeli forces. Among the peacekeepers, there are 600 Indian soldiers who are part of the UN peacekeeping mission, positioned along the 120-km Blue Line that separates Israel and Lebanon.

What is UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon)?

• Established: March 1978, in response to Israel’s invasion of Lebanon
• UN Resolutions: Formed under UNSC Resolutions 425 and 426
• Primary Objectives:
  • Confirm Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon
  • Restore international peace and security
  • Assist the Government of Lebanon in regaining control over southern Lebanon
• Area of Operation: Southern Lebanon, near the border with Israel (Blue Line)
• Personnel:
  • Over 10,000 peacekeepers from 50 countries (both civilian and military personnel)
  • Prevent hostilities and maintain peace along the 121-km Blue Line
  • Ensure no weapons or fighters are present in the region
  • Report violations to the UN Security Council
• Rules of Engagement: Peacekeepers are armed but may only use force if their safety or that of civilians is at risk
• Headquarters: Naqoura, southern Lebanon
• Peacekeeper Status: They are impartial peacekeepers, not soldiers, and are present with the consent of the host country, Lebanon

Significance of UNIFIL:

• Conflict Prevention: UNIFIL plays a critical role in monitoring the Blue Line to avert escalations between Israel and Lebanon.
• Civilian Protection: The force works to protect civilians and support humanitarian aid initiatives in conflict-affected areas.
• Support for Lebanon: UNIFIL assists the Lebanese government in extending its control in the southern region alongside the Lebanese Armed Forces.

PYQ:

[2015] Discuss the impediments India is facing in its pursuit of a permanent seat in UN Security Council.

GS3/Science and Technology

What is X-band radar?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

After the recent catastrophic floods and landslides in Kerala’s Wayanad district, the Union Ministry of Earth Sciences has sanctioned the installation of an X-band radar in the area.

About

• An X-band radar is a type of radar that emits radiation within the X-band segment of the electromagnetic spectrum.
• The X-band range is from 8 to 12 GHz, which corresponds to wavelengths of approximately 2 to 4 centimeters.
• The shorter wavelengths enable this radar to generate high-resolution images.
• However, it is important to note that higher frequency radiation tends to experience more rapid attenuation.

Applications

• The newly installed radar is anticipated to monitor particle movements, such as soil shifts, to provide timely landslide warnings.
• It will conduct high temporal sampling, meaning it can quickly sample its surroundings, thus detecting particle movements over short time intervals.
• Typically, these radars are employed in studies of cloud formation and light precipitation due to their capability to detect minuscule water particles and snow.

What is Radar?

• Radar stands for 'radio detection and ranging' and utilizes radio waves to ascertain the distance, speed, and physical attributes of nearby objects.
• A transmitter sends out a signal directed at an object, such as a cloud, whose properties are being measured. Some of the transmitted signal is reflected back by the object.
• A receiver then captures and analyzes the echoed signal.

Common Applications of Radar

• Weather radar, often referred to as Doppler radar, is one of the most prevalent uses of this technology.
• The Doppler effect refers to the variation in the frequency of waves, including sound, as the source moves closer to or farther away from an observer.
• In meteorology, Doppler radars can determine the speed and direction of cloud movement based on changes in the frequency of the reflected waves.
• A pulse-Doppler radar can assess rainfall intensity by emitting pulses of radiation and monitoring how often these pulses are reflected back to the receiver.
• Consequently, modern Doppler radars can track weather patterns and predict new wind movements and storm formations.