UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 1st September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

Efforts to Boost Ethanol Production in India

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Department of Biotechnology is exploring the establishment of enzyme-manufacturing facilities to enhance ethanol production. This initiative follows the government’s unveiling of the BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment and Employment) policy, which aims to promote biotechnology-driven manufacturing in India.

What is high-performance biomanufacturing?

• The creation of various products, including medicines and materials, addressing agricultural and food challenges.
• Encouraging the production of bio-based products through the use of advanced biotechnological methods.

Focus areas of the policy:

• High-value bio-based chemicals, biopolymers, and enzymes.
• Smart proteins and functional foods.
• Precision biotherapeutics.
• Climate-resilient agriculture.
• Carbon capture and its utilization.
• Marine and space research.

Key features of the policy:

• Encouraging innovation-driven research and development (R&D) and entrepreneurship across various sectors.
• Accelerating the development and commercialization of technologies through the creation of Biomanufacturing & Bio-AI hubs and Biofoundries.
• Supporting government initiatives for a 'Net Zero' carbon economy and promoting a 'Lifestyle for Environment'.
• Guiding India towards faster 'Green Growth' through a 'Circular Bioeconomy'.
• Fostering a sustainable, innovative future that is responsive to global challenges, aligning with the Bio-vision for Viksit Bharat.

Significance:

• The policy aims to tackle critical societal issues like climate change, food security, and human health.
• It emphasizes the need to build a resilient biomanufacturing ecosystem in India to foster innovations in bio-based products.

Ethanol Requirements in India:

According to estimates by NITI Aayog, India is expected to require approximately 13.5 billion liters of ethanol annually by 2025-26. Of this, around 10.16 billion liters will be needed for the fuel-blending mandate of E20.

• The Ethanol Blended Petrol (EBP) Programme initiated by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas allows Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) to sell petrol blended with up to 10% ethanol (E10).
• The average ethanol blending in petrol has increased from 1.6% in 2013-14 to 11.8% in 2022-23.
• India aims to elevate this blending ratio to 20% (E20) by 2025.

Efforts to Boost Ethanol Production in India:

• The 2G ethanol plant in Panipat, Haryana, signifies a shift in production methods, sourcing bioethanol from rice straw rather than the traditional molasses from sugarcane.
• In 2022, the Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. established this pioneering 2G ethanol plant in Panipat, utilizing rice stubble as feedstock, with a production capacity of 100,000 liters per day.
• However, the practice of burning rice stubble contributes to pollution in northern India.

The BioE3 policy:

• It aims to establish 'bio-foundries' that will manufacture biotechnology-derived feedstock and catalysts.

Establishing enzyme-manufacturing facilities:

• The enzymes will be developed through genetic modifications of a fungus from the Penicillium funiculosum family, sourced from rice stubble and soil.
• These enzymes will serve as effective hydrolysers for organic waste like rice stubble.
• The first plant dedicated to producing these enzymes is anticipated to be set up in Manesar, Haryana.
• This facility is expected to supply enzymes to the existing plant in Panipat and upcoming 2G bioethanol plants in Mathura (Uttar Pradesh) and Bhatinda (Punjab).

Significance of Establishing Enzyme-Manufacturing Facilities in India:

• Support for ethanol production: A proper combination of enzymes and treatment is vital for converting stubble into ethanol.
• Reduction of import costs: Currently, these enzymes are imported, significantly impacting the cost of 2G ethanol production.
• Locally produced enzymes could potentially lower enzyme costs by about two-thirds, making ethanol production more economical.

GS3/Science and Technology

What does Spaceflight do to the Human Body?

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

On August 24, NASA announced that Boeing's Starliner crew capsule, which had transported astronauts Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore to the International Space Station (ISS) for its first crewed test flight, was deemed unsafe for their return journey. As a result, NASA has extended Williams and Wilmore's stay on the ISS until February 2025. They are scheduled to return aboard a SpaceX crew capsule, set to launch in September 2024. Meanwhile, Boeing's Starliner will undock and return to Earth without any crew on board.

Understanding Space & Microgravity:

• Space is characterized by conditions that are vastly different from those on Earth.
• It is defined as beginning at the Karman line, located 100 km above sea level, where gravity is significantly weakened but not completely absent.
• This microgravity environment can negatively impact various bodily functions, leading to multiple health issues for astronauts.

Effects on Human Body:

• Bones: In a microgravity environment, bones are weakened due to the absence of weight-bearing activities, which can result in excess minerals being deposited in the kidneys, potentially causing kidney stones.
• Digestion: The digestive process slows down, which may lead to unintended weight gain.
• Eyes: Spaceflight-associated neuro-ocular syndrome (SANS) affects vision due to fluid buildup in the head.
• Heart and Muscles: The heart may reduce in size due to decreased workload, while muscle mass can diminish, resulting in overall weakness.
• Blood and Brain: The body experiences a loss of red blood cells, necessitating dietary changes. Additionally, the brain works harder to maintain balance and orientation because of altered bodily signals in microgravity.

How Does Astronauts Counter These Effects?

• Space agencies have established rigorous exercise regimens and predictable routines to help alleviate these negative effects.
• Researchers are investigating how different nutrients and pharmaceuticals can affect health in space, along with developing new technologies and protocols for health monitoring.
• Japan’s KAKENHI program is researching biological responses to various aspects of the space environment.
• Europe's Space Omics Topical Team is creating space omics tools and methodologies.
• In the U.S., the 'Complement of Integrated Protocols for Human Exploration Research' project allows astronauts to participate in standardized health studies during their missions.
• International collaboration, including participation from India, is underway under the International Standards for Space Omics Processing to establish research and ethical guidelines.

How Much Time are Humans Spending in Space?

• The duration of space missions has increased significantly over the years. In the 1960s, astronauts typically spent about one month in space, while by the 2020s, this has extended to an average of six months.
• Each expedition to the ISS now lasts up to six months.

Evolution of Space Missions:

• Less than a century ago, missions to the moon were regarded as long-duration endeavors.
• Currently, space agencies from various nations—including China, India, Japan, Russia, and the U.S.—are planning for permanent lunar stations and human missions to Mars, which will introduce new safety challenges.

Records in Space:

• A total of 11 individuals have spent over 300 days in space during a single mission.
• The record for the longest single mission is held by Russia’s Valeri Polyakov, who spent 437 days in space.
• The American record is held by Frank Rubio, who spent 370 days in space.
• Oleg Kononenko is the only astronaut to have accumulated more than 1,000 days in space across multiple missions.
• Peggy Whitson, a U.S. astronaut, has spent 675 days in space, making her the second-most experienced active spacefarer.
• If Sunita Williams and Barry Wilmore's current mission concludes on February 15, 2025, they will have spent a total of 256 days in orbit.

GS2/International Relations

India has a special China problem above world’s general China problem

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

While addressing a forum, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar highlighted India's unique challenges with China, referring to it as a "special China problem" that is distinct from the broader global concerns regarding China. He emphasized the need for careful scrutiny of Chinese investments in light of the ongoing border issues and relations with China.

India – China Border Dispute

• Western Sector (Disputed sector)
  • This area includes Aksai Chin, which was originally part of Jammu and Kashmir but is claimed by China as part of Xinjiang.
  • Post the 1962 war, this territory is administered by China, covering over 38,000 sq. km, although it remains uninhabited.
  • India claims both Aksai Chin and Shaksgam Valley, the latter being territory given to China by Pakistan.
  • China contests Indian control of Daulat Beg Oldi, which is believed to have the world's highest airstrip.
• Central Sector
  • This sector features a 625 km boundary that is relatively uncontroversial, with no major disputes between the two nations.
• Border Dispute in Eastern Sector: McMahon Line
  • The McMahon Line, drawn during the 1913-14 Shimla conference, is the disputed boundary in the Eastern Sector of the India-China border.
  • Sir Henry McMahon, then foreign secretary of British India, established this line, which ceded Tawang and surrounding areas to British India.
  • Though Chinese representatives initialed the agreement, they later rejected it, stating they do not recognize the "illegal" McMahon Line.
  • China claims Arunachal Pradesh, which covers around 90,000 sq. km, as part of Southern Tibet.
  • During the 1962 war, the People's Liberation Army temporarily occupied this region but later withdrew, respecting the McMahon Line.

BRO Infrastructure Projects on India-China Border

• Road Infrastructure Completion
  • The Border Roads Organisation (BRO) is completing critical road segments to enhance connectivity to Leh.
  • Key projects include the Nimu-Padam-Darcha road and the Shinku La tunnel, which will be the highest tunnel globally at 15,800 feet.
• Leh Connectivity
  • Three main routes currently connect to Leh: Srinagar-ZojiLa-Kargil, Manali-Rohtang, and the new Nimu-Padam-Darcha road.
  • The Shinku La tunnel will reduce the distance between Manali and Leh by 60 km, creating a new all-weather route.
• Ladakh Border Roads
  • The BRO is focusing on establishing roads parallel to the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, such as the Leh-Demchok road.
  • Additional routes are being developed to connect Durbuk to Nyoma via Chushul.
• ICBR Programme
  • Under the India-China Border Roads (ICBR) programme, the BRO aims to complete strategic roads in Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh, with 73 roads planned in the first two phases.
• Arunachal Pradesh Frontier Highway
  • A significant project involves a nearly 1,800-km frontier highway in Arunachal Pradesh to enhance connectivity near the Myanmar border.
• Other Key Projects
  • Priority projects also include the Sungal tunnel on the Akhnoor-Poonch National Highway and the Lipulekh Pass Road for the Mansarovar Yatra.
• Increased Focus Since 2020
  • Border infrastructure development has accelerated significantly in Ladakh and the Northeast since 2020, with increased budget allocations reflecting their national security importance.
• “Special China Problem” for India
  • India faces distinct challenges with China, which are more complex than those encountered by other countries globally.
  • Jaishankar pointed out that India’s "special China problem" is unique compared to the general issues faced by nations like the United States and those in Europe.
• Scrutiny of Chinese Investments
  • Given the ongoing border tensions, India is justified in closely examining Chinese investments.
  • Many countries, including the U.S. and European nations, are also scrutinizing Chinese investments due to security concerns.
• Border Situation and Diplomatic Progress
  • Recent discussions between India and China have shown some diplomatic progress in resolving the border standoff that began in May 2020.
  • The term “narrow down the differences,” used in these talks, suggests positive developments in the negotiations.
• Trade Deficit and China's Unique Position
  • Jaishankar addressed the trade deficit with China, emphasizing that it arises from China's unique production capabilities, which India and others have not adequately taken into account.
  • Understanding China’s distinct political and economic system is crucial for formulating effective policies.
• Intersection of Economics and Security
  • The distinction between economics and national security is increasingly blurred, particularly concerning China.
  • National security considerations now encompass areas like telecommunications, where reliance on Chinese technology may pose risks.
• Ongoing Border Standoff
  • The border standoff between India and China has continued for over four years, with significant troop deployments along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh.
  • While some friction points have been resolved, longstanding issues in areas like Depsang Plains and Demchok still persist.

GS2/Polity

National Conference of the District Judiciary

Source: AIR

Why in news?

PM Modi inaugurated the National Conference of District Judiciary on 31st August, 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. On this occasion, the Prime Minister also unveiled a stamp and coin commemorating 75 years since the establishment of the Supreme Court of India. The two-day conference is organized by the Supreme Court of India and will feature five working sessions focused on critical issues related to the District Judiciary including infrastructure, human resources, inclusive courtrooms, judicial security, wellness, case management, and judicial training.

Modern Judiciary in India

• Key highlights of the speech delivered by PM Modi
• Key highlights of the speech delivered by CJI

Evolution

• Introduction of Judicial System: The British colonial administration introduced a judicial framework in India that was based on Anglo-Saxon jurisprudence.
• Royal Charter of 1661: This charter granted the Governor and Council the authority to adjudicate civil and criminal cases according to English laws.
• Regulating Act of 1773: Established the Supreme Court of India in Calcutta, with a Chief Justice and three judges appointed by the Crown, functioning as the King's court.
• Supreme Courts in Madras and Bombay: Additional Supreme Courts were established in Madras and Bombay, serving the jurisdiction over His Majesty's subjects.
• Dual Judicial Systems: The period featured two distinct court systems: the English System of Royal Courts and the Indian System of Adalat/Sadr Courts.
• High Court Act of 1861: Merged the two systems, replacing the Supreme Courts and native courts with High Courts in Calcutta, Bombay, and Madras.
• Highest Court of Appeal: The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council served as the apex court of appeal during this time.
• Development of Unified Court System: The British aimed to create a cohesive legal framework in India, though Indian laws were primarily designed for colonial needs.
• Government of India Act of 1935 (Section 200): Established the Federal Court as an appellate body between High Courts and the Privy Council, focusing on the Indian Constitution interpretation.
• Limited Power of Federal Court: The Federal Court could only issue declaratory judgments, lacking enforcement authority.
• Judicial Review: Its power of judicial review was largely symbolic with limited effectiveness.
• Federal Court's Continuation: Despite its limitations, it operated until 26th January 1950, when the Constitution of independent India came into effect.

Structure – Three-Tier Division

• The judicial system has a unified structure with courts differentiated by the merit of the case.
• Typically, disputes begin in lower courts and can escalate to higher courts based on the satisfaction of the parties involved.
• Jurisdiction can be determined by pecuniary, territorial, and subject matter considerations.

Importance of the Supreme Court's Journey

• PM Modi emphasized that the 75-year journey of the Supreme Court reflects not just an institution, but the evolution of the Indian Constitution and the growth of democracy in Bharat.
• He acknowledged the contributions of Constitution makers, eminent judicial figures, and the public's faith in the judiciary.

Role of the Judiciary in Safeguarding Democracy

• The judiciary, particularly the Supreme Court, is recognized as the guardian of the Constitution.

Efforts to Modernize the Judiciary

• PM Modi discussed the government's initiatives over the past decade aimed at modernizing the judiciary and making justice more accessible.
• He highlighted significant investments in judicial infrastructure, particularly in the last ten years.

Technological Advancements in the Judiciary

• The introduction and expansion of e-Courts have expedited judicial processes and alleviated burdens on legal practitioners.
• The government is moving toward a unified technology platform for the judiciary, incorporating technologies like Artificial Intelligence and Optical Character Recognition.

Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Legal Reforms

• PM Modi introduced the new legal code, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, emphasizing 'Citizen First, Dignity First, and Justice First.'
• These reforms aim to eliminate colonial-era laws, implement strict measures against crimes, and acknowledge electronic and digital records as valid evidence.

Emphasis on Women and Child Safety

• The safety of women and children is a critical issue, prompting the enactment of stringent laws to tackle these concerns.
• Fast-track special courts and District Monitoring Committees are crucial for ensuring swift justice in cases of violence against women.

Vision for a Developed and New India

• The judiciary, especially the District Judiciary, is viewed as a fundamental pillar in achieving a developed and modern Bharat.
• PM Modi expressed optimism that discussions at the conference would align with the nation’s expectations and contribute to the vision of 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and 'Naya Bharat' (New India).

Key Highlights of Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud's Speech

• Promotion of Legal Education in Regional Languages: Aiming to make legal knowledge accessible in the language understood by citizens.
• District Judiciary as the "Backbone of the Judiciary": Advocating for the term 'subordinate judiciary' to be retired, viewing it as a remnant of colonial times.
• Challenges Faced by the District Judiciary: Addressing issues such as the unaffordability of legal representation, lack of awareness of rights, and geographical challenges in accessing courts.
• Adoption of Technology in the Judiciary: Highlighting advancements in technology including digitization of records and e-sewa kendras, and the use of video conferencing for hearings.
• Increasing Participation of Women in the Judiciary: Noting the rise in women judges in states like Rajasthan, Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and Kerala, indicating a positive trend for the future of the judiciary.
• Translation of Supreme Court Judgments: The CJI mentioned that Supreme Court judgments are being translated into all constitutionally recognized languages, with 73,000 judgments already available publicly.

GS1/ History and Culture

Guru Padmasambhava

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

International Buddhist Confederation, in collaboration with the Nava Nalanda Mahavihara organised a two-day International Conference on the Life and Living Legacy of Guru Padmasambhava Conference at Nalanda, Bihar.

About Guru Padmasambhava:

• Guru Padmasambhava, also known as Guru Rinpoche, lived in the 8th century in ancient India and is one of the most respected figures in Buddha Dhamma.
• In Tibet, he is recognized as one of the founding fathers of Tibetan Buddhism, arriving in the region in 749 A.D.
• He is credited with spreading the teachings of Lord Buddha to various places in the Himalayan area, including India, Nepal, Pakistan, Bhutan, Bangladesh, and Tibet.
• Guru Padmasambhava was a Tantrist and part of the Yogācāra sect, where he taught at Nalanda, a well-known center for Buddhist studies in India.
• He symbolizes a blend of various cultural elements, combining Yogic and Tantric practices with meditation, art, music, dance, magic, folklore, and religious teachings.

Key facts about International Buddhist Confederation

• Buddhist umbrella body located in New Delhi.
• Acts as a common platform for Buddhists around the globe.
•  Founded with the support of the highest Buddhist religious authorities. 
• Currently has over 320 member organizations, including both monastic and lay groups.
• Membership spans across 39 countries worldwide.

GS2/ Polity and Governance

Dispute Resolution Scheme

Source: Business Today

Why in News?

The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has introduced the Dispute Resolution Scheme (e-DRS), 2022, as a streamlined and efficient platform for taxpayers to resolve their income tax disputes.

About Dispute Resolution Scheme:

• The scheme aims to reduce lawsuits and provide a quicker and cheaper way for taxpayers to resolve their issues.
• This program was created under section 245MA of the Income-tax Act, 1961, allowing taxpayers to settle disputes online through Dispute Resolution Committees (DRCs).
• Eligibility:
  • Taxpayers who meet specific conditions in section 245MA can apply for dispute resolution.
  • This applies to cases where the disputed amount is no more than 10 lakh and the taxpayer's income for that year is under Rs. 50 lakh.
  • The dispute should not involve information from searches or international agreements.
• The DRC is present in all 18 regions of the country and has the authority to change orders, lower penalties, or dismiss prosecution.
•  They must make a decision within six months of receiving the application.

 GS2/ International Relations

World Gold Council

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Why in News?

The World Gold Council (WGC) has raised its projection for India's gold consumption in 2024 to 850 tonnes from 750 tonnes.

About World Gold Council:

• The World Gold Council (WGC) is an organization focused on developing the gold market.
• It is a nonprofit group that was established in 1987, made up of the most innovative and leading gold mining companies worldwide.
• The WGC was formed to increase the use and demand for gold through various methods such as marketing, research, and lobbying.
• Its main office is located in London, with operations in India, China, Singapore, and the USA, covering markets that account for about 75% of global gold consumption each year.
• The WGC serves as the global authority on gold and provides detailed analyses of the gold industry.
• Its goal is to maximize growth in the industry by keeping track of and supporting current gold consumption.
• The WGC accomplishes this by:
  • Establishing gold standards
  • Proposing policies
  • Ensuring fairness and sustainability in gold mining
  • Encouraging the use and demand for gold by individuals, industries, and institutions
• It also supports research into new uses for gold and the development of new products that include gold.
•  The WGC was responsible for creating the first gold exchange-traded fund.

 GS3/Environment and Ecology

Poba Reserve Forest

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Poba Reserve Forest in Assam’s Dhemaji district will soon be notified as a wildlife sanctuary.

About Poba Reserve Forest:

• Location: This rainforest is situated in the northeastern region of Assam.
• Creation: The Reserved Forest (RF) was established in 1924 and spans an area of 10,221 hectares.
• Boundaries:
  • To the north are the foothills of the Himalayas in Arunachal Pradesh.
  • To the east and south, the Siang, Dibang, and Lohit rivers flow into the grand Brahmaputra River and the Dibru-Saikhowa National Park.
  • To the west, there are the revenue villages in the Jonai Sub-division of the Dhemaji district of Assam.
• Inhabitants: The areas surrounding the RF are home to several ethnic groups, including Mising, Bodo, Sonowal Kachari, and Hajong (Rabha).
• Flora and Fauna: This rainforest is known as one of the richest in North-East India for its variety of plants and animals.
• Wildlife:
  • It shelters several arboreal species, such as the slow loris and capped langur.
  • The wild boar is one of the most commonly seen mammals.
  • Approximately 45 species of birds and reptiles inhabit the forest.
  • The junction of the Siang and Lohit rivers supports a variety of fish species.
• Orchids: The forest is famous for its wide range of orchids.
• Migration Route: It serves as a crucial path for migrating animals, especially elephants, linking the D' Ering Memorial Wildlife Sanctuary (Arunachal Pradesh), Kabu Chapri Proposed Reserve Forest, and Dibru-Saikhowa National Park (Assam).
• Significance: This area is the second major migration route for elephants moving from the north to the south side of the Brahmaputra River, with the first being the Panpur-Kaziranga route.