UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 24th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

UN Advances Efforts Toward a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty

Source:UN Women

Why in news?

The UN General Assembly's legal committee has approved a significant resolution on November 22, 2024, which marks the beginning of negotiations for the first-ever treaty aimed at preventing and punishing crimes against humanity. This development follows extensive discussions, during which Russia withdrew amendments that could have jeopardized the process.

The 1949 Geneva Conventions consist of four international treaties that establish protections for individuals during armed conflicts. They ensure the humane treatment of wounded soldiers, prisoners of war, and civilians, focusing on the rights of non-combatants. These treaties have been ratified by 196 countries, forming the foundation of international humanitarian law, which aims to hold accountable those who violate these principles and mitigate the suffering caused by war.

• The Additional Protocols to the Geneva Conventions (1977) enhance protections to include civil wars and non-international conflicts, thereby reinforcing humanitarian standards.
• International Humanitarian Law (IHL), also known as the Law of Armed Conflict (LOAC), governs the conduct of warfare, aiming to protect those not actively participating in hostilities, such as civilians, medical personnel, and prisoners of war.
• The rules established under IHL seek to limit the means and methods of warfare, ensuring humanitarian protections while minimizing suffering.

Key instruments of IHL

• The Hague Regulations focus on the humane treatment of individuals during armed conflicts.
• The Hague Conventions (1899, 1907) address the laws of warfare and war crimes, emphasizing the conduct of hostilities, the treatment of prisoners, and the protection of civilians and cultural properties.
• The International Criminal Court (ICC) Statute (1998) was created to prosecute individuals for serious offenses like war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, ensuring accountability for violations of IHL.
• The United Nations Charter (1945) regulates the use of force in international relations, emphasizing the prohibition of aggressive warfare and the right to self-defense.

Why a Separate Treaty for Crimes Against Humanity is Necessary?

• Existing Legal Gaps:Although there are global treaties addressing war crimes, genocide, and torture, no comprehensive treaty specifically targets crimes against humanity. This gap leaves numerous atrocities unaddressed and many perpetrators unpunished.
• Limitations of the International Criminal Court (ICC):The ICC can prosecute crimes against humanity but lacks jurisdiction over nearly 70 countries, including significant nations like the United States, China, and India. Establishing a treaty would enhance the international legal framework by providing a universal mechanism for prosecution and accountability.
• Broad Scope of Crimes Against Humanity:Crimes against humanity encompass acts such as murder, rape, sexual slavery, enforced disappearances, torture, and deportation, typically conducted as part of widespread attacks against civilians. A dedicated treaty would clearly define these crimes and set uniform standards for their prosecution.
• Addressing Global Proliferation of Atrocities;The increase in conflicts and state-sponsored atrocities in areas like Ethiopia, Myanmar, Gaza, Ukraine, and Sudan underscores the urgent requirement for a binding international instrument to combat impunity and safeguard civilians.
• Universal Accountability:A treaty criminalizing such acts globally would eliminate safe havens for offenders, ensuring that no region or individual can evade justice.

About the news

A crucial committee within the United Nations (U.N.) General Assembly has adopted a resolution that sets the stage for negotiations on the first-ever treaty aimed at preventing and punishing crimes against humanity. The resolution, sponsored primarily by Mexico and Gambia, with support from 96 countries, highlights the necessity of closing the legal gaps currently present in addressing such crimes. While existing treaties cover war crimes, genocide, and torture, none specifically address crimes against humanity like murder, rape, sexual slavery, torture, and enforced disappearances.

Timeline for Treaty Negotiations

• The resolution proposes a structured timeline, with preparatory sessions scheduled for 2026 and 2027, followed by formal negotiation sessions in 2028 and 2029. Although some expressed disappointment over the prolonged timeline, the initiative is viewed as a significant advance in the effort to combat impunity for serious human rights violations.

GS3/Health

How Should India Tackle Diabetes Load?

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

Diabetes has emerged as a significant health concern in India, with increasing prevalence and alarming statistics highlighting the urgent need for effective management strategies.

Overview (About the Report)

• Diabetes is a chronic medical condition characterized by the body's inability to effectively manage blood sugar (glucose) levels, primarily due to inadequate insulin production or ineffective use of insulin.
• It is categorized into two main types:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: An autoimmune disorder where the pancreas produces minimal to no insulin, typically diagnosed in childhood or adolescence, necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: The more prevalent form, associated with insulin resistance or insufficient insulin production, often linked to lifestyle factors such as poor diet, obesity, and lack of physical activity.
• Common symptoms include frequent urination, excessive thirst, fatigue, slow wound healing, and blurred vision.
• If left untreated, diabetes can lead to severe complications including heart disease, kidney damage, vision impairment, and nerve damage.

Study by the Lancet on Diabetes:

• A global study published in The Lancet reports that over 800 million adults worldwide are living with diabetes, including approximately 212 million individuals in India.
• This figure is notably higher than the 100 million estimate by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), attributed to differences in testing methodologies.

Key Issues & Discrepancies Mentioned in the Study:

• Testing Differences: The Lancet study utilized HbA1C (glycated hemoglobin) values, a recognized global standard, while the ICMR relied on fasting and post-prandial glucose levels, resulting in lower diabetes estimations.
• HbA1C values may overstate diabetes prevalence due to factors such as age and anemia, contributing to inflated numbers.
• Data Sources: Discrepancies arise from varied data sources and methodologies across different studies.

Major Concerns:

• Rising Diabetes Prevalence: India is experiencing a surge in diabetes cases due to urbanization, lifestyle shifts, and increasing obesity rates.
• The condition significantly heightens the risk of heart disease, kidney failure, vision loss, and other serious complications.
• Inequity in Treatment: Access to diabetes care remains limited, particularly in low- and middle-income regions.
• In the absence of effective preventive measures and timely treatment, the healthcare burden could become unmanageable.

Strategies for Action:

• Urgent Prevention Measures:
  • Implement mass awareness campaigns promoting healthy eating and physical activity.
  • Introduce legal restrictions on sugar-sweetened beverages and high-carbohydrate diets.
  • Develop policies targeting abdominal obesity, a leading contributor to diabetes in the Indian population.
• Focus on Vulnerable Groups:
  • Emphasize educational initiatives for women, especially during post-pregnancy and menopause periods.
  • Improve healthcare access in semi-urban and rural locations.
• Role of Individuals:
  • Encourage lifestyle adjustments, including mindful eating and regular exercise.
  • Promote weight management through balanced diets and portion control.
  • Dietary Awareness: Increase recognition of how poor dietary choices contribute to rising diabetes incidences.
• Government Interventions:
  • Implement policy measures to limit unhealthy food options while making nutritious foods more accessible.
  • Provide subsidies for healthy food choices and ensure free, nutritious meals in schools.
  • Creating Infrastructure: Establish public parks, fitness centers, and safe areas for physical activities.
  • Encourage urban planning that promotes walkability and active lifestyles.

Conclusion:

India faces a critical challenge in managing its increasing diabetes burden. Collaborative efforts involving individuals, policymakers, and healthcare providers are essential to implement sustainable preventive strategies and enhance treatment access. Experts emphasize that the focus must remain on comprehensive approaches at every level.

GS3/Environment

Bridging the Divide Between Developed and Developing Nations at COP29

Source:Business Standard

Why in News?

The 29th edition of the UN Climate Conference (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, was anticipated to conclude on November 22, but negotiations extended due to unresolved key issues. The conference aimed to make significant strides in addressing carbon emissions and climate finance.

Key Objectives of COP29

• Setting climate finance goals:
  • Developing countries called for a minimum of $1 trillion annually from 2025 to 2035 to achieve their emission targets, referred to as the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG).
  • Current contributions from developed nations stand at approximately $115 billion for 2021-22.
  • NCQG represents financial support from developed nations to assist developing countries in transitioning away from fossil fuels and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
  • Developed countries were expected to agree on a target exceeding $100 billion, consistent with the Paris Agreement.
• Addressing carbon emissions:
  • Scientific evaluations forecast a 0.8% rise in emissions for 2023.
  • Efforts to meet voluntary Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) may yield only a 2% reduction in global emissions.

Demands of Developing Countries at COP29

• Financial responsibility of developed nations:
  • Developing nations, including China, India, and the Group of 77, stressed that developed countries, which have historically contributed more to emissions, should take on the majority of climate finance responsibilities.
  • Funding should encompass mitigation efforts, adaptation strategies, and compensation for climate damages.
  • Contributions should reflect historical emissions and be proportional to the per capita GDP of the respective countries.
• Grants and low-cost loans:
  • There was a strong emphasis on ensuring that climate finance comprises mainly grants or concessional loans rather than complicated financial structures.

Position of Developed Nations at COP29

• Developed countries, led by the EU, proposed a lower climate finance target of $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
• They suggested contributions from "various sources," including public, private, bilateral, and multilateral funding.
• Disagreements persisted regarding the ratio of grants to loans, with developed nations opposing demands for a predominantly grant-based model.

Major Developments at COP29

• Carbon market agreement:
  • A supervised UN carbon market was established in accordance with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling nations to trade carbon credits to adhere to emission limits.
  • Specific subsections within Article 6 outline how countries can engage in bilateral carbon trading (Article 6.2) and participate in a global carbon market (Article 6.4).
  • Challenges remain regarding the authenticity and transparency of carbon credits, but India plans to utilize this agreement to activate its own carbon trading market.
• Trade and climate discussion:
  • China, representing the BASIC group, expressed concerns about the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), a tax on imports that do not comply with climate standards, which is set to be fully implemented by 2026.
  • This topic, although typically addressed in trade discussions, underscores the intersection between trade policies and climate initiatives.

Conclusion

While COP29 achieved progress in areas like carbon markets, considerable gaps remain, particularly regarding the finalization of climate finance targets. It is essential to bridge the divide between developed and developing nations to fulfill the conference's objectives and promote global cooperation on climate issues.

GS3/Environment

Strategies the Commission for Air Quality Management Can Adopt to Tackle Delhi's Pollution

Source: Business Today

Why in News?

Over the past 10 days, Delhi's air quality has remained predominantly in the 'severe' and 'severe plus' categories, highlighting a worsening pollution crisis. The Supreme Court has criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its insufficient measures to address the issue, urging the agency to adopt a more robust and effective pollution control strategy.

Why did the SC criticize the CAQM?

• The Supreme Court has pointed out the inaction of the CAQM regarding the escalating air pollution crisis in Delhi.
• On September 27, the SC remarked that CAQM's directions were largely ignored, indicating non-compliance with the 2021 Act.
• The court emphasized the need for the CAQM to take proactive measures that lead to tangible reductions in pollution levels.
• On November 18, the SC reprimanded the CAQM for delays in implementing Stage IV of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Assessing CAQM's Role in Delhi's Pollution Crisis

Formation and Mandate of CAQM

• Established through an ordinance in 2020, the CAQM became an Act of Parliament in 2021.
• It is a statutory body formed under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021.
• The CAQM aims to improve coordination, conduct research, and effectively address air quality issues.
• Originally comprising 15 members, it has expanded to 27 members and is currently chaired by Rajesh Verma.

Transition from EPCA to CAQM

• The CAQM replaced the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which was established in 1998 by the Supreme Court.
• Unlike the CAQM, the EPCA lacked statutory authority, which limited its ability to enforce compliance.
• The CAQM continues to implement key measures initiated by the EPCA, such as the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

Powers of CAQM

• The CAQM has the authority to take necessary actions, issue directives, and address complaints to protect and improve air quality.
• Under Section 14 of the Act, the CAQM can impose strict actions against officials who fail to comply with its orders.
• The Supreme Court has consistently criticized various governments and agencies, including the CAQM, for their ineffective response to air pollution in Delhi.

Implementation Challenges and Focus Areas of CAQM

• The CAQM is responsible for formulating plans and coordinating with various agencies, but the actual implementation occurs at the ground level.
• Improved coordination and planning are essential, particularly engaging state officials early in the year to tackle stubble burning.
• Regular updates to action plans for Punjab and Haryana are necessary to ensure effective pollution management.

Expanding Focus Beyond Stubble Burning

• The commission recognizes that its primary focus has been on stubble burning.
• Plans are underway to address multiple pollution sources, such as dust and vehicular emissions.
• More resources and time will be allocated to these areas to enhance overall air quality management.

Expert Recommendations and Proactive Measures

• Experts recommend that the CAQM should proactively impose the GRAP and improve its pollution forecasting methods.
• Collaboration with state governments to set time-bound targets and identify gaps is crucial.
• Ensuring that strategies and resources are in place before enforcing compliance will strengthen ground-level actions.
• This approach should focus on proactive measures rather than solely penalizing non-compliance.

GS3/Science and Technology

Nano Urea

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Why in News?

State-owned National Fertilizers Limited (NFL) recently announced its entry into nano liquid urea production.

About Nano Urea:

• Nano Urea is a groundbreaking agricultural product using nanotechnology to supply nitrogen to plants. 
• It has been developed and patented by the Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO). 
• IFFCO Nano Urea is the only nano fertilizer that has been approved by the Government of India and is listed in the Fertilizer Control Order (FCO). 
• Features:
  • Compared to regular urea prill, Nano Urea has a particle size of about 20-50 nm, which gives it a much larger surface area—about 10,000 times more than 1 mm urea prill. 
  • It has 55,000 nitrogen particles per 1 mm of urea prill. 
  • The product contains 4.0% total nitrogen (w/v). 
• Benefits:
  • It is made through an energy-efficient and environment-friendly process, resulting in lower carbon footprints. 
  • Nano Urea improves the efficiency of nutrient uptake and releases nitrogen at a slower rate. 
  • It helps to minimize the loss of nitrogen to the atmosphere, reducing greenhouse gas emissions. 
  • This product is expected to enhance crop productivity, improve soil health, and increase the nutritional quality of crops while addressing the issues of imbalanced and excessive use of traditional fertilizers. 

GS1/ Geography

Arkavathi River

Source: Deccan Herald 

Why in News?

Heavy metals and toxic substances, including mercury, banned pesticide DDT, cancer-causing polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH), and fluoride, have been found in the Arkavathy River.

About Arkavathi River:

• Location: A key mountain river in Karnataka.
• Tributary: It is an important tributary of the Kaveri River.
• Course:
  • Origin: The river starts at Nandi Hills in the Chikkaballapura district, rising at an elevation of 1478 meters.
  • Confluence: It merges with the Kaveri River about 34 km south of Kanakapura, located in the Ramanagara District.
  • Total Length: The river stretches for 190 km.
  • Basin Area: One-third of Bengaluru city is within its 4,150 sq. km river basin.
• Historical Importance: The river was a primary source of drinking water for Bangalore and nearby regions.
• Tributaries:It has three main tributaries:
  • Kumudavathi
  • Suvarnamukhi
  • Vrishabhavathi
• Reservoirs:The Arkavathi river supplies water to two major reservoirs:
  • Hesaraghatta Reservoir: Constructed in 1894, it provides drinking water to Bangalore.
  • Thippagondanahalli Reservoir (T.G. Halli): This reservoir also supplies drinking water to Bangalore.

GS1/Geography

Reykjanes Peninsula

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

A volcano erupted with lava spewing from a fissure on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwestern Iceland, becoming the tenth such event in the area in three years.

About Reykjanes Peninsula:

• Reykjanes is a peninsula located in the southwest of Iceland, known for its vast lava fields, volcanoes, and significant geothermal activity.
• The peninsula is situated along the Mid-Atlantic Rift, where the Eurasian and North American tectonic plates are moving apart.
• This unique geological setting makes Reykjanes very active in terms of volcanoes, with the land covered in mossy lava fields and shaped by cone-like mountains.
• There are several high-temperature geothermal areas in Reykjanes, with three of them being used to produce electricity.
• The peninsula is home to about 30,000 people, which is nearly 8% of the total population of Iceland.
• In 2015, UNESCO recognized Reykjanes as a Global Geopark.
• Since 2021, there has been a noticeable rise in volcanic activity in the Reykjanes Peninsula, with eruptions happening more often.
• The movement of the tectonic plates also causes frequent earthquakes, although most of these are minor and often not felt by people.

GS3/Environment

Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary

Source: Deccan Herald 

Why in News?

Tripura Forest Department officials recently detained an autorickshaw driver near Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary for alleged involvement in a deer poaching racket.

About Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Location: The sanctuary is located in the South Tripura District.
• Size: It covers an area of 197.7 square kilometers and was established in 1988.
• Vegetation:There are three main types of forests in the sanctuary:
  • Tropical Semi Evergreen Forest
  • Moist Mixed Deciduous Forest
  • Savanna Woodland
• Water Bodies: In addition to the forests, the sanctuary has many perennial water streams, water bodies, and grasslands.
• Flora:The sanctuary is home to:
  • 230 species of trees
  • 400 types of herbs
  • 110 species of shrubs
  • 150 climbing plants
• Medicinal Plants:There are several medicinal plants found here, including:
  • Kurcha
  • Tulsi
  • Vasak
  • Sarpaganda
  • Rudraksha
  • Bel
• Bamboo: A common species of bamboo found here is Oxytenanthera nigrociliata, known locally as Kaillai. The leaves of this bamboo are favored by the Gaur.
• Fauna: The sanctuary is well-known for its large population of Gaur or Indian Bison. It is also home to:
  • The highly endangered Hoolock Gibbon, which is the only ape species in the Indian subcontinent
  • Other primates such as Capped Langur and Golden Langur
  • Various other animals including Leopards, Wild Cats, Pheasants, Lalmukh Bandars, and Wild Boars