UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 16th October 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Disruption in Earth’s Water Cycle

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) issued a report highlighting the significant impact of climate change and human activities on Earth’s water circulation systems.

• This has direct consequences leading to droughts, extreme rainfall events, and disruptions in water cycles.

What is the Water Cycle?

• The water cycle, also known as the hydrologic cycle, is the continuous movement of water on, above, and below the Earth’s surface.
• It involves various processes that allow water to circulate between the atmosphere, land, oceans, and other bodies of water:

Why is it under stress?

• Diverse Impact: Climate change and human activities have led to an erratic hydrological cycle, resulting in both droughts and extreme rainfall events, causing widespread disruptions affecting livelihoods and economies.
• Melting Snow and Glaciers: Ongoing melting of snow, ice, and glaciers further exacerbates the risk of extreme weather events, such as floods, posing long-term threats to water security, particularly for millions already facing severe water scarcity.

Global Impact

• Global Deviations: Over 50% of global catchment areas experienced deviations from normal river discharge conditions in 2022, primarily due to climate anomalies, such as heatwaves, droughts, La Nina, and El Nino events.
• Horn of Africa Drought: Severe drought in the Horn of Africa led to reduced river discharge, affecting food security for 21 million people, while other regions, like the Niger Basin, saw above-average discharge and major floods.
• Water Reservoirs Affected: More than 60% of major water reservoirs experienced below-normal inflow, posing challenges to water availability in a changing climate.

Impact on Asian Water Tower

• The term “Asian Water Tower (AWT)” typically refers to the vast network of high mountain regions across Asia, particularly in countries like India, China, Nepal, Bhutan, and parts of Central Asia.
• These high mountain regions are the source of many major rivers in Asia, such as the Ganges, Brahmaputra, Yangtze, Mekong, Indus, and Amu Darya.
• The melting snow and glaciers in these mountains provide a continuous supply of freshwater to downstream areas.
• This AWT witnessed substantial glacial melting in 2022.
• Rising temperatures accelerate water cycle disruptions, leading to heavier precipitation, flooding, and intensified droughts, significantly impacting the water balance.

Source: The Hindu

Garba

Subject: Culture

Why in News?

Recently, the Vishwa Hindu Parishad issued a diktat to make the Aadhaar card mandatory for participants in garba and dandiya festivities during the nine-day Navratri festival in Maharashtra and India.

Background:-

• The nine-day garba and dandiya dance is part of festive rituals in Maharashtra.

About Garba:-

• Garba is native to the Indian state of Gujarat.
• It is performed around an earthen pot (garbo) with a lamp inside, which is called a ‘Garbha Deep.’
• The lantern symbolizes life – the fetus in the womb, in particular.
• The pot itself is a symbol of the body, within which divinity resides.
• Dancers move around in circles, making circular movements with their hands and feet around this earthen pot.
• This gesture symbolizes the circle of life, which moves from life to death to rebirth, leaving only the Mother Divine unmoved, unchanging and invincible.
• The Garba costume consists of a three-piece – the choli or blouse, chaniya or long skirt and an embellished dupatta.
• Embroidery and mirrorwork may be found in the multi-hued attire, making the atmosphere vibrant and lively.
• The men wear a kediyu (a full-sleeved kurta that is tight at the chest and flares like a frock at the waist) with kafni pajamas (a multi-pleated pant that tapers towards the bottom) and a pagdi or turban.

Significance:-

• Garba dancing also takes place during the nine-day Navratri festival. (National Youth Festival)
• In Gujarat the dances customarily mark a girl’s first menstrual cycle and, later, her imminent marriage.

About Dandiya:-

• In Dandiya, both men and women energetically dance with colourful and decorated bamboo sticks, striking them to the beats of instruments like the dholak and tabla.
• The dance is a beautiful way of re-creating the battle that took place between the Devi and the demon.
• The colourful sticks used during Dandiya represent the sword of Goddess Durga, which is why this dance form is also known as ‘The Sword Dance.‘
• The sounds of the instruments playing are reminiscent of the metallic clangs that may be heard on the battlefield.

About Navratri:-

• Navratri is an Indian festival celebrated throughout the country to worship the nine forms of the goddess Durga.
• This festival not only marks the triumph of good over evil (victory of Indian Goddess Durga over the demonic king Mahishasur)
• According to the Yogic culture, the summer solstice marks the beginning of the southern movement of the sun, this time is known as ‘sadhana pada’, during this time many festivals are celebrated which is of divine feminine nature.
• Mainly, Sharada Navratri is celebrated at this time.
• This festival starts right after Mahalaya Amavasya (Pitru Paksha), Mahalaya denotes the Devi Pada.
  • This is the time when the whole northern hemisphere of the Earth generates the divine feminine gentleness.
• This is when Devi is celebrated with glory through the nine days of offerings, rituals, and celebrations.

Source: Indian Express

Jaderi namakatti

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

Recently, the Jaderi namakatti was given the GI tag by the Geographical Indications Registry in Chennai.

About Jaderi namakatti:

• These are clay sticks that are white in colour, usually available in finger-like shape with a smooth texture. 
• Jaderi is a small village in Tiruvannamalai district of Tamil Nadu.
• There are around 120 families in Cheyyar taluk whose primary occupation has been the making of namakatti for more than hundreds of years now.
• Namakatti is made up of the rich deposit of hydrous silicate minerals that form fine grain particles of clay.
• The clay is processed and shaped in a finger like structure.
• The production of namakatti depends on the climatic condition as it needs a lot of sunlight to dry.
• It is used to adorn the foreheads of idols, men, and temple elephants as well as traditionally to treat stretch marks caused by by childbirth.

Key facts about Geographical Indication

• It is a sign used on products that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities or a reputation that are due to that origin.
• This is typically used for agricultural products, foodstuffs, wine and spirit drinks, handicrafts and industrial products.
• The Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999seeks to provide for the registration and better protection of geographical indications relating to goods in India.
• This GI tag is valid for 10 years following which it can be renewed.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh explore RCEP Membership

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Sri Lanka and Bangladesh are considering joining the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) after India’s withdrawal from the trade agreement in 2019.

Recent update on RCEP

• Sri Lanka’s Application: Sri Lanka has applied for RCEP membership and seeks support from China, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand.
• Bangladesh’s Decision: Bangladesh is expected to make a final decision on RCEP membership after its elections in January 2024.

What is Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP)?

India’s Stance on RCEP

• Past Withdrawal: India withdrew from RCEP talks in 2019 due to concerns over services mobility, potential flood of Chinese goods, and objections from domestic agriculture and small businesses.
• No Indication of Return: India has not indicated any reconsideration of its decision to withdraw from RCEP.

Reasons for Sri Lanka and Bangladesh’s Interest

• Learning from Crisis: Sri Lanka realizes the importance of regional markets during crises and hopes to spread its market and enhance competitiveness.
• Bangladesh’s Graduation: As Bangladesh approaches graduation from the list of Least Developed Countries in 2026, joining RCEP could offset potential export losses and simplify FTA negotiations.

Source: Indian Express

Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently held that homebuyers cannot be treated differently from other "financial creditors" under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016 just because they have secured orders from the authority under the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act 2016.

About Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016:

• It is an act passed by the Indian Parliament in 2016for the regulation and promotion of the real estate sector in the country.
• This Act establishes a Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) in every state to regulate the real estate sector and serve as the adjudication body to enable quick resolutions.
• It makes it mandatory to register a real estate project with RERA, where the land area is more than 500 square meters or the number of apartments exceeds 8.
• It applies to both residential and commercial real estate, whether undertaken by a private or public body.
• Salient Provisions:
  • Security:
    • At least 70% of the buyer's and investor's money will be deposited in a special account.
    • The remaining 30% will then be allocated to the builders for construction and land-related expenses only. 
    • Developers and builders are not allowed to claim more than 10% as an advance payment on the property before the sale contract is signed.
  • Transparency: Builders are required to provide the original plans for all projects they carry out. They are not allowed to alter the plans without the buyer's permission.
  • Fairness:  
    • RERA has mandated that developers sell properties on the basis of carpet area rather than high-density area. 
    • If the project is delayed, buyers have the right to recover the full amount of their investment, or they can opt for an investment and receive a monthly return on their investment.
  • Quality: The builder must rectify any issue faced by the buyer within 5 years of purchase. This issue must be rectified within 30 days of the complaint.
• Other Features:
  • Establishment of a fast-track mechanism for the settlement of disputes. This will be done via an appellate tribunal and dedicated adjudicating officers.
  • Each state/UT has to establish its own RERA and Appellate Tribunal and also appoint adjudicating officers.
  • In case a promoter wishes to transferor assign a majority of your rights and liabilities in a real estate project to a third party, written consent from two-thirds of the allottees will be needed in addition to the written approval of RERA.
  • If a person has any problems regarding a violation of the provisions or rules of this Act by a promoter, buyer, or agent, they can file a complaint with RERA.
  • While an enquiry is taking place, RERA can stop an agent, promoter, or buyer from continuing any activity against which a complaint has been raised.
  • If any of RERA’s decisions regarding a complaint is not satisfactory, the aggrieved party can submit an appeal before the Appellate Tribunal.
  • If the promoter fails to follow RERA’s orders, they will have to pay a penalty. This amount could be up to 5% of the evaluated cost of the property.
  • If the Appellate Tribunal’s orders are not complied with, a penalty will have to be paid. This can either be imprisonment for up to 3 years, or a fine (up to 10% of the approximate cost of the project), or both.
  • If a company commits an offence under this act, any person who was in charge of the business at the time of the offence being committed by the company will be held guilty and punished.
  • No civil court will have any jurisdiction with respect to any matter that comes under RERA or the Appellate Tribunal’s jurisdiction. As such, no court can grant an injunction with regard to any action taken by RERA or the Tribunal.

Source: PIB

GS-III

Ruddy Shelduck

Subject: Environment

Why in News?

Ruddy Shelduk, recently arrived for a winter stay.

Background:-

• The first batch of about 50 members of the Ruddy Shelduck, popularly known as ‘Surkhab’ birds, arrived for a six-month winter stay.

About Ruddy Shelduck:-

• Scientific name: Tadorna ferruginea.
• Family: Anatidae.

Distribution:-

• CONTINENTS: Europe, Asia, Africa.
• COUNTRIES: China, South Korea, Mongolia, Spain, Albania, Bulgaria, Denmark, Greece, Italy, Romania.
• ISLANDS: Canary Island.
• Habitat: The Ruddy Shelducks inhabit large wetlands, lakes, rivers with mudflats and shingle banks.
• Diet: They feed on roots, shoots, buds, grasses, leaves, seeds and stems.

Legend:-

• Legend has it that two people fell in love but the Gods did not approve of their alliance and transformed them into Ruddy Shelducks and placed them on opposite shores of a river, with a curse that they could never meet.

Features:-

• The ruddy shelduck known in India as the Brahminy duck.
• It is a migratory bird.
• It is a distinctive 
• It is 58 to 70 cm (23 to 28 in) in length with a wingspan of 110 to 135 cm (43 to 53 in).
• It has orange-brown body plumage with a paler head.
• The tail and the flight feathers in the wings are black, contrasting with the white wing coverts.
• These shelducks are fairly large birds.
• The males are larger than the females.
• It has a loud honking call.
• The ruddy shelduck is a mainly nocturnal bird.
• It is omnivorous and feeds on grasses, the young shoots of plants, grain and water plants as well as both aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates.
• It visits the Indian subcontinent and breeds in southeastern Europe and central Asia, though there are small resident populations in North Africa.

Source: Indian Express

Jericho Missile System

Subject: Defence

Why in News?

An Israeli legislator's recent calls for the use of a "doomsday" weapon against Hamas and Palestine have once again put the spotlight on nuclear weapons in West Asia, particularly the Jericho missile system.

About Jericho Missile System:

• Jericho is Israel's original ballistic missile programme, initiated in the 1960s and named after the biblical city located in the West Bank.
• This programme was initially a collaboration with the French aerospace company Dassault, but when France withdrew in 1969, Israel continued its development.
• Jericho-1:
  • It had a weight of 6.5 tonnes, a length of 13.4 metres, and a diameter of 0.8 metres.
  • It had a range of 500 kilometres and could carry a 1,000-kilogram payload, though it had a 50 percent chance of hitting within a 1,000-metre radius of its target.
  • It was retired in the 1990s.
• Jericho-2:
  • It was developed in the late 1980s, with a length of 15 metres and a diameter of 1.35 metres, while maintaining the same payload capacity. 
  • It had a range between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres.
• Jericho-3:
  • It is the first Israeli Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBM).
  • It was first tested in 2008 and entered service in 2011.
  • It featured improvements over the previous models, with a longer length than Jericho-2 and a larger diameter of 1.56 metres.
  • It has an estimated launch weight of 29,000 kg and a payload of 1,000 to 1,300 kg.
  • It has a range of 4,800 to 6,500 km and uses inertial guidance with a radar-guided warhead.
  • The missile is reportedly equipped with a 750-kg nuclear warhead.

Source: AIR

BlueWalker 3 satellite

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Recent observations taken within weeks of its launch showed the BlueWalker 3 satellite was among the brightest objects in the sky.

Background:-

• According to a new study, is as bright as the brightest stars in the 89 constellations of Canis Minor and Eridanus.

About BlueWalker 3 satellite:-

• Launched: 9:20 p.m. ET
• Launch date: 10 September 2022.
• BlueWalker 3 is a prototype satellite. 
• It is part of a satellite constellation planned by its owner AST SpaceMobile (a U.S.-based company).
• It is designed to operate directly with standard, unmodified mobile devices.
• It has a 64-square-meter (693-square-foot) antenna system.
• It uses its large phased-array antenna to generate power from space and deliver cellular broadband directly to mobile phones.
• This is the largest commercial antenna system ever deployed into low Earth orbit.
• It is the first of what is expected to be more than a hundred similar or even larger satellites.
• It is a predecessor to planned commercial satellites called Blue birds.

Applications:-

• The spacecraft was built to establish connectivity directly with cell phones via 3GPP-standard frequencies.
• It is intended to deliver mobile or broadband services anywhere in the world.

Challenges:-

• Bluewalker 3’s large size and bright reflective surfaces could interfere with astronomical observations.
  • Its light could be mistaken for stars or interfere with the ability to detect dimmer objects.
• It actively transmits at radio frequencies that are close to bands reserved for radio astronomy, which may hamper radio telescope observations.

Source: DTE