UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 17th December 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS1/Geography

How Does La Nina Affect India's Climate

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The ongoing weather patterns, particularly the delayed emergence of La Niña in 2024, have raised questions about its potential impact on India's climate, especially concerning the winter and monsoon seasons.

Key Takeaways

• La Niña is characterized by cooler than normal sea surface temperatures in the Pacific Ocean, affecting global weather patterns.
• In India, La Niña typically leads to enhanced monsoon rainfall and cooler winters.
• Currently, La Niña has not yet emerged as expected for 2024, which may influence upcoming climatic conditions.

Additional Details

• What is La Niña? La Niña is a phase of the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) that results in cooler sea surface temperatures in the eastern and central Pacific Ocean, contrasting with El Niño, which causes warming in the same region. Both phenomena significantly influence global weather patterns.
• Global Climate Effects:
  • Asia: Promotes normal to above-normal monsoon rainfall, positively impacting agricultural yields.
  • Africa: Leads to drought-like conditions in certain areas.
  • Atlantic Ocean: Increases hurricane activity.
  • United States: Southern states experience increased rainfall during La Niña events.
• La Niña and India’s Climate:
  • Winter Effects: La Niña winters generally bring colder nights in northern India, with slightly higher daytime temperatures.
  • Wind Speed and Pollution: Increased wind speeds help disperse air pollution, while lower planetary boundary layer height may trap pollutants, worsening air quality.
  • Monsoons and Summers: La Niña years (e.g., 2020-2022) typically yield normal to above-normal rainfall, providing relief from summer heatwaves that are common during El Niño years.
  • Current Scenario: In 2024, La Niña has not emerged as anticipated, with a 57% probability of development later in the year.
• Delayed La Niña in 2024: La Niña usually forms during the pre-monsoon season. In 2024, its emergence has been delayed, with the Oceanic Niño Index (ONI) at -0.3°C, below the La Niña threshold of -0.5°C or lower.
• Meteorological Indices: La Niña is declared based on specific indices such as sea surface temperature anomalies. A persistence rule requires values to remain at or below the La Niña threshold for five consecutive readings.
• Climate Change Impacts: Climate change is likely to increase the frequency and intensity of both La Niña and El Niño events due to rising ocean and atmospheric temperatures, potentially amplifying impacts like harsh winters and intense rainfall in India.
• Significance for India:
  • Boosts crop production through strong monsoons, aiding farmers.
  • Improves water resources and reservoir levels, reducing water stress.
  • Enhances hydropower generation due to increased rainfall and reduces the severity of heatwaves compared to El Niño years.

The delayed onset of La Niña in 2024 introduces uncertainties regarding its impacts on winter and monsoon seasons in India. If La Niña manifests early in 2025, it may lead to a robust monsoon season, which is vital for the country's agriculture and water resources. Continuous monitoring of ENSO patterns is essential for understanding and preparing for their climatic effects.

GS2/Polity

What is the Procedure for Removal of a Judge?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Recently, a motion has been submitted for the removal of Allahabad High Court Judge, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, by 55 Members of Parliament (MPs) from the Rajya Sabha to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.

Key Takeaways

• The removal of a judge can occur under Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution of India.
• For a judge to be removed, the motion must pass in both Houses of Parliament.
• A special majority is required for the motion to be approved.

Additional Details

• Grounds for Removal: A Supreme Court or High Court judge can be removed by the President on the grounds of misbehaviour or incapacity.
• The Constitution does not define misbehaviour, but judicial interpretations indicate it includes actions like wilful misconduct, corruption, and offences involving moral turpitude.
• Incapacity refers to a medical condition that prevents a judge from performing their duties effectively, which may include physical or mental limitations.
• According to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, a motion for removal must be signed by at least 50 members from the Rajya Sabha or 100 members from the Lok Sabha.
• The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has the discretion to admit or reject the motion after consultation.
• If admitted, a three-member committee is formed, including a Supreme Court judge, a High Court judge, and a distinguished jurist, to investigate the allegations.
• If the committee finds the judge not guilty, the motion is dropped. If found guilty, a report is presented, and the motion must be passed by a special majority in Parliament.
• Once the motion passes, an address is presented to the President, who then issues an order for the judge's removal.

This procedure ensures a structured approach to the removal of judges, maintaining the integrity of the judiciary while allowing for accountability.

GS3/Defence & Security

Exercise SLINEX 2024

Source: PIB

Why in News?

The Exercise SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) is scheduled to take place from December 17 to December 20, 2024, in Visakhapatnam, organized under the auspices of the Eastern Naval Command. This exercise highlights the ongoing maritime cooperation and the strengthening of ties between India and Sri Lanka.

Key Takeaways

• Exercise SLINEX is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
• Initiated in 2005, it aims to enhance maritime cooperation.
• The 2024 edition will have two phases: Harbour Phase and Sea Phase.

Additional Details

• Participating Units:
  • From India: Indian Naval Ship INS Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel, accompanied by a Special Forces team.
  • From Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team.
• Harbour Phase: Participants will engage in professional and social exchanges to foster mutual understanding.
• Sea Phase: This phase will include various joint exercises such as Special Forces operations, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship practices, navigation evolutions, and helicopter operations.
• Over the years, SLINEX has broadened its scope, enhancing interoperability and sharing best practices between the two navies.

Overall, Exercise SLINEX 2024 is a crucial event aimed at reinforcing the maritime relationship between India and Sri Lanka, while promoting a secure and rules-based maritime environment.

GS2/International Relations

Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP)

Source: Global Times

Why in News?

Recently, the United Kingdom officially joined the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), becoming its 12th member. This marks a significant step in the U.K.'s trade strategy following its exit from the European Union.

Key Takeaways

• The CPTPP is a major Free Trade Agreement (FTA) that aims to reduce trade barriers among its member countries.
• The agreement was finalized in 2018 after the United States withdrew from the original Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) in January 2017.
• The U.K. is the first European nation to join the CPTPP, enhancing its post-Brexit trade relationships.

Additional Details

• Member Nations: The CPTPP includes Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore, and Vietnam.
• Significance for the U.K.: The U.K.'s membership is set to take effect on December 15, 2024, with a staggered implementation for some countries. This move is part of the U.K.'s vision of "Global Britain," aiming to strengthen its presence in dynamic Pacific markets.
• Economic Implications: In 2022, the U.K. exported approximately £64.7 billion ($81.8 billion) to CPTPP member countries. Although the agreement is expected to boost U.K. GDP by only 0.08% annually (about £2 billion or $2.5 billion), future growth potential is anticipated as more members may join the CPTPP.

The U.K.'s accession to the CPTPP not only signifies a strategic pivot in its trade policy post-Brexit but also opens new opportunities for economic collaboration and growth within the Asia-Pacific region.

GS2/Polity

Religion and Reservation

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Recently, the Supreme Court orally observed that “Reservation cannot be on the basis of religion.” This observation arose while the court was reviewing a challenge to the Calcutta High Court’s decision, which had struck down reservations granted to 77 communities—predominantly from the Muslim community—within the Other Backward Classes (OBC) quota. Earlier, in November 2024, the Supreme Court denied Scheduled Caste (SC) status to a woman who converted to Christianity. These developments have reignited discussions on the intersection of religion and reservations in India.

Key Takeaways

• The Supreme Court's observation highlights ongoing debates about the criteria for reservations based on religion.
• The Calcutta High Court's ruling underscores the need for objective criteria in determining backwardness for OBC status.

Additional Details

• Religion as a criterion for OBC reservations: While there is no express prohibition against identifying religious groups as beneficiaries of OBC or Scheduled Tribe reservations, such classifications have mainly occurred within the OBC category. Article 16(4) of the Constitution allows states to provide reservations for “any backward class of citizens” who are inadequately represented in state services.
• Historical Context: Kerala has included Muslims in the OBC quota since 1956, with Karnataka and Tamil Nadu following suit in 1995 and 2007, respectively. In Karnataka, the Third Backward Classes Commission report (1990) identified Muslims as socially and economically backward, leading to the introduction of reservations.
• Indra Sawhney Judgment: The Supreme Court’s landmark ruling in the 1992 Indra Sawhney case clarified that OBC reservations aim to remedy historical discrimination, stating that while religion and other identities are relevant, they cannot be the sole criterion for reservations.
• Calcutta High Court's Ruling (2024): The court struck down OBC reservations for 77 classes, primarily Muslim, stating that reservations were granted without objective criteria, which violated principles established in the Indra Sawhney case.
• Constitutional Basis for SC Reservations: Article 341(1) empowers the President to specify castes considered as Scheduled Castes. The 1950 Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order limits SC status to individuals professing Hinduism, Sikhism, or Buddhism.
• Judicial Precedents: In the Soosai v. Union of India (1985) case, the Supreme Court ruled that conversion to Christianity did not grant SC benefits, requiring proof of continued caste-based discrimination in the new religious context.
• Ranganath Mishra Commission Recommendations: The 2007 recommendations suggested that changing one’s religion should not affect SC status, but the Centre has rebuffed these findings, stalling efforts to include converts under SC reservations.
• Ongoing Legal Challenges: The Ghazi Saaduddin v. State of Maharashtra case is examining the constitutionality of the 1950 SC order, with hearings currently deferred while a new commission assesses the issue of SC status for religious converts.

In conclusion, the relationship between religion and reservation policies in India remains a contentious issue, with significant legal challenges and ongoing debates about the criteria for classifying communities as backward. The Supreme Court's decisions and the actions of various state governments will continue to shape this landscape.

GS3/Science and Technology

Hydroxymethanesulphonate and Air Quality in Cold Winters

Source: Science Direct

Recent research published in Science Advances reveals a new chemical pathway that exacerbates air quality issues during extremely cold winters, specifically highlighting the formation of hydroxymethanesulphonate within aerosol particles. This study emphasizes significant alterations in aerosol chemistry under supercooled conditions typical of cold regions.

Key Takeaways

• Hydroxymethanesulphonate Formation: This compound is classified as a secondary aerosol, resulting from the reaction of formaldehyde with sulphur dioxide in the presence of liquid water.
• Temperature Impact: Extremely low temperatures (around -35°C) can lead to the supercooling of aerosol particles, allowing liquid water to remain unfrozen below its normal freezing point.
• Aerosol Acidity Dynamics: The acidity of aerosols is influenced by the concentrations of sulphate ions (SO₄^2-) and ammonium ions (NH₄⁺).
• Effects of Sulphur Fuel Ban: Following the 2022 sulphur fuel ban in Fairbanks, there was a noted decrease in sulphate ion concentrations and an increase in ammonium ion levels, which contributed to a reduction in aerosol acidity.
• Ammonium Behavior in Cold Weather: At low temperatures, ammonium ions are less prone to evaporate as ammonia gas, leading to a higher concentration of ammonium ions and further decreasing acidity, thus promoting hydroxymethanesulphonate formation.

Additional Details

• Aerosols: These are tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the atmosphere, including dust, smoke, fog, and chemical particles like sulphates and ammonium.
• PM2.5: This refers to fine particulate matter with a diameter of less than 2.5 micrometres (μm), significant for its ability to penetrate the lungs and bloodstream, leading to health issues such as reduced lung function, asthma aggravation, and even premature deaths.
• Supercooling: This process occurs when liquid water remains unfrozen even at temperatures below 0°C, allowing for the formation of aerosols at very low temperatures.

In conclusion, the discovery of hydroxymethanesulphonate formation during harsh winter conditions presents new challenges for air quality management, particularly in regions like Fairbanks, where supercooled aerosol dynamics play a critical role in atmospheric chemistry.

GS1/Indian Society

CHARAK Initiative

Source: PIB

This initiative has been launched by Northern Coalfields Limited (NCL) under the guidance of the Ministry of Coal to enhance community health services in the Singrauli region.

Key Takeaways

• The CHARAK initiative provides free medical treatment for life-threatening diseases.
• Target beneficiaries are individuals from Economically Weaker Sections in the Singrauli and Sonbhadra districts.
• Eligibility is determined by a family income threshold of Rs. 8 Lakhs per annum.

Additional Details

• Community Health: The CHARAK initiative stands for "Community Health: A Responsive Action for Koylanchal" and is a part of NCL's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) efforts.
• Diseases Covered:The initiative addresses various critical health conditions, including:
  • Malignancies
  • Tuberculosis and its complications
  • HIV and related complications
  • Cardiovascular diseases
  • Organ transplants
  • Burns leading to permanent disability
  • Liver disorders
  • Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
  • Neurological disorders
  • Serious traumatic injuries
  • Sudden hearing and vision loss
• This program aims to ensure that vulnerable populations receive necessary medical care without financial burden.

The CHARAK initiative reflects a significant step towards improving healthcare accessibility in the region, particularly for those who are economically disadvantaged.

GS3/Science and Technology

India's First Diabetes Biobank

Source: The Hindu

India has inaugurated its first diabetes biobank at the Madras Diabetes Research Foundation (MDRF) in Chennai, in partnership with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This initiative aims to enhance scientific research on diabetes by providing a repository of biological samples.

Key Takeaways

• The biobank will collect, process, store, and distribute biospecimens for ongoing and future studies.
• It will house blood samples for various diabetes types, including Type 1, Type 2, and gestational diabetes.

Additional Details

• Diabetes: A chronic disease that arises when the pancreas cannot produce sufficient insulin or the body cannot effectively use insulin. This leads to high blood glucose levels, known as hyperglycemia, which can cause long-term damage to organs and tissues.
• Diabetes is a major contributor to serious health issues such as blindness, kidney failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower limb amputations.
• Epidemiological Study: Conducted from 2008 to 2020, this study sampled approximately 1.2 lakh individuals across India, including 33,537 urban residents and 79,506 rural residents from 31 states and union territories.
• Types of Diabetes:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune condition where the immune system destroys insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas, leading to very little or no insulin production. It is typically diagnosed in children and young adults.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Characterized by the body's ineffective use of insulin, despite its production. It accounts for over 95% of diabetes cases globally and is primarily caused by excess body weight and lack of physical activity. Symptoms are often less severe, leading to delayed diagnosis.
  • Gestational Diabetes (GDM): A type of diabetes that occurs during pregnancy, potentially leading to complications for both mother and child. Although it usually resolves after childbirth, there is an increased risk of developing diabetes later in life for both mother and child.

This biobank represents a significant step towards advancing diabetes research in India, providing crucial resources for understanding and addressing this chronic disease.

GS3/Environment

The Hidden Cost of Greenwashing the Indian Railways

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Indian Railways is aggressively pursuing its goal of 100% electrification, aiming to modernize its extensive rail network and eliminate diesel traction. While this initiative is presented as a means to reduce environmental pollution and foreign exchange costs, the actual consequences raise significant concerns about sustainability and resource management.

Key Takeaways

• The push for electrification is leading to the premature retirement of diesel locomotives, many of which remain operational.
• Exporting diesel locomotives highlights the paradox of pursuing green initiatives while continuing to use diesel power elsewhere.
• The electrification policy overlooks the strategic value of diesel locomotives, which are essential in areas with inadequate infrastructure.
• Economic justifications for electrification fail to consider the marginal impact of railway diesel consumption on national levels.

Additional Details

• Engineering Feat of Locomotive Conversion: The Indian Railways has begun exporting modified diesel locomotives for use in African countries. This process involves significant technical challenges, converting locomotives from a broad gauge to a narrower gauge, showcasing Indian engineering capabilities.
• Premature Redundancy of Diesel Locomotives: As of March 2023, 585 diesel locomotives were idle due to rapid electrification, a number that has reportedly increased, suggesting significant resource wastage.
• The Environmental Paradox: While domestic diesel traction is being eliminated, exported locomotives continue to operate elsewhere, transferring rather than eliminating environmental impacts.
• Economic Viability: The government claims that electrification reduces reliance on imported diesel, yet railways contribute a mere 2% to total diesel consumption, questioning the economic rationale.
• Environmental Concerns: The shift to electric locomotives does not address the coal dependency of India's electricity generation, perpetuating a cycle of pollution.

In conclusion, the Indian Railways' Mission 100% Electrification represents a case of policy-making driven by ambitious goals without considering practical implications. The strategy risks significant financial losses, overlooks the beneficial use of existing diesel assets, and fails to present a coherent path toward true environmental sustainability. A balanced approach that combines electrification with effective management of diesel resources is essential for achieving genuine progress.

GS3/Environment

Green Cover around Coalfields

Source: PIB

Coal and lignite Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) such as Coal India Limited (CIL), NLC India Limited (NLCIL), and Singareni Collieries Company Limited (SCCL) have adopted innovative plantation techniques alongside traditional methods to enhance the green cover in and around coalfields.

Key Takeaways

• Coal & Lignite PSUs have successfully created green cover on 10,942 hectares of land over the past 5 years.
• The focus is primarily on coal and lignite mining areas and their surrounding regions.

Additional Details

• Environmental Clearance (EC) Guidelines: The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) outlines specific and general conditions for plantation activities in coal mining projects.
• Plantations are conducted on:
  • Reclaimed degraded forest areas
  • Non-forest lands
  • Overburden dumps
• Under the Ministry of Coal's guidance, 16 Eco-parks/Mine Tourism sites have been established to promote environmental regeneration and encourage tourism in coal mining regions.

Innovative Techniques for Enhancing Green Cover

• Three-tier plantation: Involves planting various species at different heights to create a layered canopy, enhancing biodiversity.
• Seed ball plantation: Seeds are encased in soil and compost balls, which are then thrown into barren or degraded areas to promote natural growth.
• Miyawaki plantation: A high-density plantation technique that aims to create a dense, self-sustaining forest in a shorter time frame.
• High-tech cultivation: Utilizes modern agricultural techniques for efficient planting and maintenance.
• Bamboo plantation: Focuses on using bamboo, a fast-growing and environmentally beneficial plant, for reclamation purposes.
• Drip irrigation on overburden dumps: Implements efficient water management systems to support planting in areas such as overburden dumps.

GS2/Polity

1948 Debate on Uniform Civil Code

Source: Indian Express

Prime Minister Modi recently reiterated his support for a nationwide Uniform Civil Code (UCC) during a Lok Sabha discussion on the 75-year journey of the Constitution. He emphasized that the Constituent Assembly had extensively debated the UCC and envisioned its future implementation. The Prime Minister quoted Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, who advocated for the abolition of religion-based personal laws, and K.M. Munshi, who considered the UCC essential for national unity and modernization. He asserted the government’s full commitment to establishing a “secular civil code.”

Key Takeaways

• The UCC aims to provide a single set of laws applicable to all citizens in personal matters, such as marriage and inheritance.
• Article 44 of the Constitution directs the state to work towards a UCC for all citizens.
• The debate on UCC in 1948 highlighted differing views regarding its implications for religious communities.

Additional Details

• Uniform Civil Code (UCC): A UCC seeks to replace personal laws based on religious scriptures and customs with a common set of laws applicable to all citizens.
• Constitutional Position: Article 44, part of the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP), mandates the state to aim for a UCC, though these principles are not enforceable by courts.
• Background of the Debate: On November 23, 1948, the Constituent Assembly debated a draft Article 35 (now Article 44), aiming to secure a UCC for all citizens but faced concerns from various members about its impact on religious practices.
• Opposition to UCC: Concerns were raised by members like Mohamad Ismail Sahib and Naziruddin Ahmad, who argued that a uniform code could disrupt personal laws deeply rooted in religious beliefs.
• K.M. Munshi's Support: Munshi advocated for the UCC, arguing that it was essential for achieving gender equality and national integration, countering fears that it would oppress minorities.
• B.R. Ambedkar's Position: Ambedkar defended the inclusion of the UCC in the DPSP, emphasizing the need for legislative reforms to address social inequalities and discrimination.

The 1948 debate on the UCC highlighted the complexities surrounding the implementation of a uniform code in a diverse society. While Article 44 encourages the pursuit of a UCC, its enforcement remains a matter of ongoing discussion and political will.