UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 15th December 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Stonehenge

Subject: History

Why in News?

As per recent reports, Stonehenge is at risk of being ‘de-listed’ as a UNESCO World Heritage site if the A303 tunnel goes ahead.

About Stonehenge:-

• Location: Salisbury Plain in England.
• It is not clear who built Stonehenge.
• The site has been used for ceremonial purposes and modified by many different groups of people at different times.
• Archaeological evidence suggests that the first modification of the site was made by early Mesolithic hunter-gatherers.
• The monument called Stonehenge was built in six stages between 3000 and 1520 BCE.
• The site was used for ceremonial purposes beginning about 8000–7000 BCE.
• Stonehenge is constructed from sarsen stones, a type of silicified sandstone found in England, and bluestones, a dolomite variation extracted from western Wales.
• There is debate surrounding the original purpose of Stonehenge.
• Previously thought to be a Druid temple, Stonehenge may instead be, according to researchers and others, a burial monument, a meeting place between chiefdoms, or even an astronomical “computer.”

Source: BBC 

Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Recently, a first-of-its-kind Eastern Ghats Nature Interpretation Centre, located along the periphery of the Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary opened up.

Background:-

• The new Nature Interpretation Centre, a separate section at the recently-inaugurated Eastern Ghats Biodiversity Centre near PM Palem, is an immersive experience of traversing through the diverse ecosystems of the region, that has long awaited systematic documentation.

About Kambalakonda Wildlife Sanctuary:-

• Location: Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• Area: Approximately 71 square kilometers.
• Vegetation: Dry evergreen forests and scrubland.
• The sanctuary derives its name from the local hill, Kambalakonda.
• It was declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1970 under the Wildlife Protection Act of India,1972.
• he sanctuary features considerable hilly terrain with steep slopes.

Biodiversity:-

• It is Home to Indian leopards, deer species, wild boar, jackals, reptiles, birds, and medicinal plants.
• Flora: Predominantly dry evergreen forests with moist deciduous patches.
• Fauna: The indicator species is the Indian leopard. Other species found here are Indian clouded gecko, bulbuls, barbets, cuckoos, flycatchers, hornbills and leafbirds, starlings.

Source: The Hindu

Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi Case

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

On December 14, the Allahabad High Court allowed an application for the inspection of the Shahi Idgah mosque complex, reigniting the Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi-Shahi Idgah Masjid dispute.

• Hindu petitioners assert that the mosque, constructed by Emperor Aurangzeb in 1670, was built over Lord Krishna’s birthplace in Mathura. The mosque is adjacent to the Krishna Janmasthal Temple, a significant pilgrimage site.

Sri Krishna Janmabhoomi: Latest Legal Plea

• Nature of the Application: The application is part of a petition initiated by eight individuals including the “next friend” of Bhagwan Shree Krishna Virajman.
• Survey Approval: Allahabad High Court approved the survey of the Shahi Idgah mosque on December 14.
• Petition’s Demands: The petitioners seek the removal of structures allegedly encroaching on the disputed land by the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee, and the transfer of this land to the Shree Krishna Janmbhoomi Trust.
• Challenge to the 1968 Agreement: The plea contests the legality of a compromise agreement dated October 12, 1968, between the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Seva Sansthan and the Trust Shahi Masjid Idgah.

Historical Background and Claims

• Aurangzeb’s Alleged Demolition: The Hindu petition cites historical records, claiming Aurangzeb ordered the demolition of Hindu temples, including one at Lord Krishna’s birthplace, to construct the Idgah Mosque in 1669-70.
• Reference to Official Records: The petition mentions the Official Court Bulletin (Akhbaraat) from January to February 1670 as evidence of Aurangzeb’s orders.

Counterclaims by the Muslim Side

• Legal Arguments: Representatives of the UP Sunni Central Waqf Board and the mosque committee argue in the High Court that the mosque does not fall within the disputed 13.37 acres and dispute the location of Krishna’s birthplace.
• Challenging the Hindu Claims: They assert that the Hindu claims are based on speculation and lack documentary evidence.

Historical Ownership and Management

• Land Ownership Changes: The site, originally nazul land, was auctioned by the East India Company in 1815 to Raja Patni Mal of Benaras.
• Subsequent Transactions: The land was later sold to Jugal Kishore Birla, and the ownership rights were transferred to the Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi Trust, established by Birla.
• Temple Management: In 1956, the Shri Krishna Janmasthan Sewa Sangh, later renamed as Sansthan, was established for temple management.

Parallel with the Gyanvapi Case

• Similar Legal Proceedings: The Mathura case is comparable to the Gyanvapi Mosque dispute in Varanasi, where a court-ordered survey led to the discovery of a structure claimed as a “shivling” by Hindus and a “fountain” by Muslims.
• Archaeological Surveys and Legal Challenges: The Varanasi district court’s order for a scientific survey of the Gyanvapi mosque and the subsequent legal hurdles reflect similar developments in the Mathura case.

Conclusion

• Continuation of Legal Battles: The dispute, rooted in deep historical and religious significance, continues to unfold through legal channels.
• Broader Implications: These cases underscore the complexities of addressing historical claims, legal processes, and maintaining communal harmony in the context of religiously significant sites in India.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Recently, India rejected a statement by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation on the Supreme Court verdict on Article 370.

Background:-

• The OIC had expressed concern over the apex court order, which on Monday, ruled that Article 370 was a temporary provision.
• The OIC General Secretariat reiterated its call to reverse all illegal and unilateral measures taken by India ever since, seeking to change the internationally-recognised disputed status of the territory.

About the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC):-

• Established at: 1969 summit in Rabat (Morocco).
• HQ: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.
• Official languages: Arabic, English, and French.
• Members: It has a membership of 57 states spread over four continents.
• Objective: It endeavours to establish solidarity among member states, support restoration of complete sovereignty and territorial integrity of any member state under occupation; protect, defend and combat defamation of Islam, prevent growing dissention in Muslim societies and work to ensure that member states take a united stand on the international stage.
• The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) is the second largest intergovernmental organization after the United Nations with a membership of 57 states.
• It is the collective voice of the Muslim world.
• It endeavors to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world in the spirit of promoting international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
• The OIC has consultative and cooperative relations with the UN and other inter-governmental organisations to protect the interest of Muslims.
• Objectives:-
  • It is the collective voice of the Muslim world.
  • It endeavours to safeguard and protect the interests of the Muslim world.
  • It aims to promote international peace and harmony among various people of the world.
• India is not a member of the OIC.

Source: Times of India

Is Russia winning the Ukraine War?

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

It has been six months since Ukraine launched its counteroffensive against Russian forces.

• Despite initial expectations, Ukraine has failed to achieve significant advancements on the battlefield.
• President Zelensky is actively touring Western capitals, including Washington, to secure ongoing military assistance.

Ukraine’s Counteroffensive: Progress and Challenges

• Initial Strategy and Targets: The counteroffensive focused on three fronts, aiming to disrupt Russia’s land bridge to Crimea and make gains in the south and east.
• Challenges in Advancement: Despite receiving advanced weaponry and training from Western allies, Ukrainian forces struggled against Russia’s fortified defenses, particularly in the south.
• Setbacks and Losses: Ukrainian advances were hindered by minefields, electronic warfare, and lack of air power, leading to significant losses and little change in the frontline.

Russia’s Current Position in the War

• Recovery and Defense Building: After initial retreats, Russia has fortified its defensive positions and is on the offensive in certain areas like Avdiivka.
• Mobilization and Military Production: Russia has mobilized additional troops and ramped up its military production, countering Western sanctions and supply challenges.
• Economic Stability Despite Sanctions: Despite Western sanctions, Russia has managed to maintain economic stability by diversifying its energy trade, particularly with China and India.

Waning Western Support for Ukraine

• Shift in U.S. and EU Stance: There are indications that the U.S. and EU might be encouraging Ukraine to initiate talks with Russia.
• Political and Financial Challenges: In the U.S., Republican opposition and declining public support are affecting aid to Ukraine, with potential implications for the 2024 presidential elections.
• Uncertainty Over Continued Aid: The future of Western support is uncertain, especially if Ukraine fails to achieve significant military successes.

Future Outlook: No End to the Conflict in Sight

• Putin’s Stance on Peace Talks: Russian President Vladimir Putin has expressed no urgency in peace talks, focusing instead on achieving Russia’s objectives.
• Ukraine’s Position on Negotiations: Ukraine, similarly, is not considering negotiations at the moment.
• Potential Strategies and Challenges Ahead: As winter sets in, the conflict is expected to see a temporary freeze in frontline movements, with both sides possibly preparing for future offensives and counteroffensives.

Conclusion

• Continued Dependence on Western Aid: Ukraine’s prospects in the conflict remain heavily reliant on sustained Western military and financial support.
• Uncertain Future for Ukraine: The ongoing war, coupled with geopolitical and economic dynamics, leaves Ukraine in a precarious position as it navigates a complex and evolving conflict landscape.

Source: The Hindu

GS-III

Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs)

Subject: Economy

Why in  News?

 Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) has invested Rs 27,105 crore in exchange-traded funds (ETFs) during the current fiscal till October, Parliament was informed recently.

Background:-

• EPFO had invested Rs 53,081 crore in the ETFs during the fiscal 2022-23, higher than Rs 43,568 crore in 2021-22, Minister of State for Labour and Employment Rameshwar Teli said in a written reply to the Lok Sabha.

About Exchange-Traded Funds (ETFs):-

• An exchange-traded fund (ETF) is a collection of investments such as equities or bonds.
• ETFs will let one invest in a large number of securities at once.
• They often have cheaper fees than other types of funds.
• ETFs are also more easily traded.
• However, ETFs, like any other financial product, are not a one-size-fits-all solution.

Advantages of Investing in ETFs:-

• Easy to trade: they can be bought and sold at any time of day.
• ETFs are more tax efficient than actively managed mutual funds because they generate less capital gain distributions.
• They allow investors to avoid the risk of poor security selection by the fund manager while offering a diversified investment portfolio.
• The stocks in the indices are carefully selected by index providers and are rebalanced periodically.
• They offer anytime liquidity through the exchanges.

Risks of ETFs:-

• Trading cost: If you invest modest sums frequently, dealing directly with a fund company in a no-load fund may be less expensive.
• Market risk: ETFs are subject to the same market fluctuations and volatility.
• Liquidity risk: ETFs may experience low trading volume or wide bid-ask spreads, which can affect their liquidity and price.
• Regulatory risk: ETFs are subject to changing laws and regulations that may affect their structure, operation, or taxation.

About Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO):-

• The EPFO is under the administrative control of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Government of India.
• It is one of the World’s largest Social Security Organisations in terms of clientele and the volume of financial transactions undertaken.
• It into existence with the promulgation of the Employees’ Provident Funds Ordinance on the 15th of November 1951.
• It was replaced by the Employees’ Provident Funds Act, of 1952.
• The Employees’ Provident Funds Bill was introduced in the Parliament in the year 1952 as a Bill to provide for the institution of provident funds for employees in factories and other establishments. 
• The Act is now referred to as the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952 which extends to the whole of India.

Schemes under EPFO:-

• EPF Scheme 1952
  • It provides for the accumulation plus interest upon retirement and death.
  • Partial withdrawals are allowed for education, marriage, illness and house construction. 
• Pension Scheme 1995 (EPS)
  • It provides monthly benefits for superannuation/retirement, disability, survivor, widow(er) and children.
  • It provides a minimum pension on disablement.
  • It provides past service benefits to participants of the erstwhile Family Pension Scheme, 1971.
• Insurance Scheme 1976 (EDLI)
  • It provides the benefit in case of the death of an employee who was a member of the scheme at the time of death.
  • It provides the benefit amount 20 times the wages.
    • Maximum benefit is 6 lakhs.

Source: Economic Times

Social Stock Exchange

Subject: Economy

Why in News?

Recently, the Unnati Foundation became the first entity to list on the social stock exchanges (SSE).

About Social Stock Exchange:

• It functions as a separate segment within the existing stock exchange and help social enterprises raise funds from the public through its mechanism.
• It would serve as a medium for enterprises to seek finance for their social initiatives, acquire visibility and provide increased transparency about fund mobilisation and utilisation.
• Retail investors can only invest in securities offered by for-profit Social Enterprises(SEs) under the main Board.
• In all other cases, only institutional investors and non-institutional investors can invest in securities issued by SEs.

Who is eligible?

• Any social enterprise, Non-Profit Organisation (NOPs) or For-Profit Social Enterprises (FPEs), that establishes its primacy of social intent can get registered or listed on the Social Stock Exchange segment.
• As per the SEBI’s regulation, the enterprises must be serving to:
  • eradicate either hunger, poverty, malnutrition and inequality;
  • promoting education, employability, equality, empowerment of women and LGBTQIA+ communities; working towards environmental sustainability;
  • protection of national heritage and art or bridging the digital divide, among other things.

Source: The Hindu Business

PACE Mission

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

NASA is gearing up to enhance our understanding of Earth’s atmosphere with the upcoming Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, Ocean Ecosystem (PACE) mission, scheduled for launch in early 2024.

About PACE Mission:

• The mission will employ advanced polarimeters to study the interplay of light, aerosols, and clouds, contributing to a deeper comprehension of their impact on air quality and climate.
• The PACE mission will not only analyse aerosols but also delve into studying the colour of the ocean.
• The primary science instrument for PACE is the Ocean Colour Instrument (OCI) which is designed to measure the ocean’s colour across a spectrum from ultraviolet to shortwave infrared.
• It will feature two polarimeters – the Spectro-polarimeter for Planetary Exploration (SPEXone) and the Hyper Angular Research Polarimeter (HARP2).
• These two working together will offer complementary spectral and angular sampling, polarimetric accuracy, and spatial coverage.
• This combination aims to provide improved atmospheric correction and a comprehensive range of aerosol and cloud science data beyond what the OCI alone could achieve.
• The synergistic payload of OCI, SPEXone and HARP2 is poised to make significant breakthroughs in aerosol-cloud-ocean research.

What are aerosols?

• These include tiny particles like smoke, dust, and pollutants may seem inconspicuous, but they play a crucial role in influencing our climate.
• Aerosols absorb and scatter sunlight, determining the amount of solar energy reaching Earth’s surface.

Source: Financial Express