UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 25th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

English Channel

Subject: Geography

Source: Reuters

Why in News? 

Recently, five asylum seekers died while crossing the English Channel from France to Britain in an overcrowded small boat.

Background:

• In recent years, the English Channel has become a focal point for migrants and asylum seekers attempting to reach the UK. Many undertake dangerous journeys in small boats, hoping to find safety and better opportunities.

About English Channel:

• The English Channel, also known as "La Manche," is an arm of the Atlantic Ocean that separates Southern England from northern France.
• It links to the southern part of the North Sea via the Strait of Dover at its northeastern end.
• Notably, it is the busiest shipping area in the world.
• Historically, the channel played a pivotal role in Britain's naval supremacy and served as a natural defense mechanism against invasions during significant events like the Napoleonic Wars and World War II.

National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research

Subject: Geography

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Researchers from National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research reported the conditions that led to unprecedented hindrance in Antarctic ice expansion and ice retreat.

Overview:

• Autonomous research institute under the Ministry of Earth Sciences (MoES) since 1998.
• Responsible for India's research in Polar and Southern Ocean regions.

Mandate:

• Plans and conducts polar expeditions and scientific research in Antarctica, Arctic, Himalayas, and Southern Ocean.
• Researches strategically important projects like mapping of Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf margins.
• Executes the Deep Ocean Mission.

Organization:

• Operates under a Research Advisory Committee (RAC) for research guidance.
• Located in Vasco da Gama, Goa, formerly known as the National Center for Antarctic and Ocean Research (NCAOR).

GS-II

Reservation for Muslims

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

During an election rally, the Prime Minister highlighted Congress' attempts to provide reservation to Muslims by reducing quotas for SCs, STs, and OBCs. He specifically mentioned the Muslim quota in Andhra Pradesh.

Reservation for Muslims - OBC Reservation

• Reservation for Muslims under the OBC category, based on social and educational backwardness, exists at both central and state levels, encompassing various Muslim communities. The implementation varies across states.
• Karnataka Muslims had a 4% sub-quota within the 32% OBC reservation.

Andhra Pradesh Quota

In Andhra Pradesh, Muslim groups like Noorbash and Mehtar are included in the state OBC lists with a 7-10% quota. However, there was a previous attempt to include all Muslims from the state, which faced legal challenges.

• In 2004, 5% reservation was provided to Muslim Minorities in various sectors on par with state OBCs. This was struck down by the High Court due to lack of consultation with the Backward Classes Commission (BCC), absence of exclusion of the creamy layer, and blanket reservation for all Muslims.
• In 2005, a legislation was passed for a 5% quota for Muslims, justifying it based on the state's OBC population surpassing 77% of the total population. Despite recommendations from the BCC, this was also struck down by the High Court, citing insufficient objective criteria to prove the backwardness of Muslims as a group in Andhra Pradesh.

Controversy Around Door Darshan's Iconic Logo

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: Hindustan Times

Why in News?

Recently, Door Darshan's (DD) logo color was changed from ruby red to saffron in the middle of the election process, triggering criticism from the opposition. They accused the public broadcaster of adopting a color associated with the ruling BJP.

Evolution of DD Logo

• An experimental broadcast of DD began in 1959, with daily transmission starting in 1965 as part of All India Radio. The TV service was extended to several states in 1975. In the days of black and white transmission, the first logo was the 'DD Eye,' which was color-agnostic. Its tagline was 'Satyam Shivam Sundaram.' The logo was designed by Devashis Bhattacharyya of the National Institute of Design (NID) and was chosen by then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The original design underwent refinements in the 1980s and 1990s.
• RL Mistry animated the still logo by capturing copies from various angles and rotating them to create the final form of the DD Eye. The tagline was eventually removed in later adaptations. During the 1982 Asian Games in Delhi, the logo featured a saffron color against a dark green background, matching the colors of the National Flag.
• The logo, accompanied by the DD tune composed by Pandit Ravi Shankar and Ustad Ali Ahmed Hussain Khan, achieved an iconic status with the audience.

Response of DD on Allegations of Colour Change

• DD stated that the change was solely for visual aesthetics. Officials pointed out that when the broadcaster transitioned to all-color broadcasts in the early 1980s, the logo was already saffron on a green background.

Article 244 (A) of Indian Constitution

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

In the tribal-dominated Diphu Lok Sabha constituency in Assam, candidates from all political parties have pledged to implement Article 244(A) of the Constitution. This article aims to establish an autonomous region, akin to a separate government within the state.

Diphu and its Social Profile

• Diphu is the least densely populated of Assam's 14 Lok Sabha constituencies, with only 8.9 lakh voters.
• It is reserved for Scheduled Tribes (STs) and encompasses six legislative Assembly segments in three tribal-majority hill districts of Assam: Karbi Anglong, West Karbi Anglong, and Dima Hasao.
• These three districts operate under the provisions of the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution.
• These areas are under the jurisdiction of two autonomous councils: the Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) and the North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council.
• Voters in this constituency belong to various communities, including Karbi, Dimasa, Hmar, Kuki, Rengma Naga, Zeme Naga, Bodo, Garo, Assamese, and Gorkha.

Article 244(A) of the Constitution

• The 22nd amendment act of 1969 introduced Article 244(A), which empowers Parliament to establish an autonomous region within Assam, potentially encompassing tribal areas like Karbi Anglong.

Key Highlights

• In this autonomous region, there could be a distinct governing body, such as a Legislature or Council of Ministers, or both, surpassing the current provisions under the Sixth Schedule for these areas.
• Unlike the Sixth Schedule, Article 244(A) grants more autonomy to tribal areas, notably in matters of law and order control.

Difference from the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution

• While the Sixth Schedule provides councils with elected representatives for decentralized governance in tribal areas, these councils have restricted powers, lacking authority over law enforcement and finances.
• In contrast, Article 244(A) offers greater autonomous authority to tribal areas, including control over law and order.

Demand for Autonomy

• History of Autonomy Demand: The pursuit of autonomy in the hill regions of undivided Assam traces back to the 1950s, with a movement advocating for a separate hill state. This movement ultimately led to the establishment of Meghalaya as a separate state in 1972.
• Role of Autonomous State Demand Committee (ASDC): The ASDC, functioning as a mass organization supporting regional autonomy, played a crucial role. In 1995, the ASDC, in conjunction with local student groups, reached a Memorandum of Settlement with state and central governments to strengthen the powers of the autonomous councils in the region.
• Political Representation and Insurgency: Frustrated by the delay in achieving autonomy, the demand for implementing Article 244(A) transformed into armed insurgency over time. Both the Delhi and Guwahati administrations engaged in peace talks with militant groups, including the Karbi and Dimasa factions, leading to several peace agreements.
• Peace Settlement: In 2021, a peace settlement was brokered with five militant groups in Karbi Anglong, promising increased autonomy and a special development package worth Rs 1,000 crore over five years. A similar agreement was reached in 2023 with the Dimasa National Liberation Army.

GS-III

On the National Clean Air Programme

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

When the Indian govt launched the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP) in 2019, it was to cut the concentration of atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) by 20-30% by 2024, from 2017 levels. This was later revised to 40% by 2026.

Background of NCAP:

• Initiated by the Indian government in 2019 to reduce atmospheric Particulate Matter (PM) concentration by significant percentages.
• Initially aimed at a 20-30% reduction by 2024, later revised to 40% by 2026.

National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

• Launched in January 2019 to enhance air quality through city-specific action plans.
• Cities exceeding annual PM levels must develop and implement Clean Air Action Plans (CAAPs) under NCAP.

Objectives of NCAP:

• Implement stringent measures to combat air pollution.
• Strengthen the national air quality monitoring network.
• Enhance public awareness and capacity building initiatives.

Funding:

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest, & Climate Change allocated ₹10,422.73 crore for NCAP.

Performance Overview:

• Challenges in establishing air information centers and pollution forecasting systems.
• Utilization issues with allocated funds and shortfall in monitoring stations.

Challenges Faced by NCAP:

• Inconsistent state-level implementation of CAAPs.
• Lack of standardized procedures leading to implementation delays.
• Administrative hurdles and doubts regarding mitigation measures.

Future Directions:

• Importance of Emissions Inventory (EI) and Source Apportionment (SA) studies.
• Role of Air Quality (AQ) modelling in bridging gaps in data and understanding pollution dispersion.
• Emphasis on swift and efficient implementation strategies on the ground.

Conclusion:

• NCAP's journey towards cleaner air necessitates a comprehensive approach involving scientific studies, strategic funding, and effective implementation.

Ethylene Oxide

Subject: Science and Technology

Source: NDTV

Why in News?

Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) is set to inspect products from spice brands MDH and Everest Group following findings by authorities in Hong Kong and Singapore revealing elevated levels of the carcinogen ethylene oxide in four spice mixes.

Background

• FSSAI strictly prohibits the use of ethylene oxide in any food product.

About Ethylene Oxide

• Ethylene oxide, a pesticide, has been labeled a Group 1 carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer, indicating strong evidence from human studies linking it to cancer development.
• The spice industry employs ethylene oxide as a fumigant to combat microbial contamination like E. coli and Salmonella.
• This colorless, highly flammable gas is remarkably reactive, capable of eradicating bacteria, viruses, and fungi, making it an essential industrial chemical.
• DNA damage can occur during sterilization processes involving ethylene oxide.
• While sporadic, low-level exposure may pose minimal risk, commonly used spices and blends like those identified can lead to chronic exposure, potentially increasing the risk of diseases such as leukemia, stomach cancer, and breast cancer.
• Prolonged exposure can cause respiratory irritation, lung damage, headaches, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and breathing difficulties.
• The EU banned ethylene oxide in 2011 for fumigating food and animal feed during transportation and storage, restricting its use to medical device disinfection and sterilization.

Additional Information

• Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a bacterium commonly present in human and animal intestines, as well as in fecal matter.
• Salmonella, a group of bacteria, can trigger foodborne illnesses like salmonellosis, identified by the WHO as a major cause of diarrheal diseases globally.
• Symptoms of salmonellosis include nausea, diarrhea, fever, and abdominal cramps emerging 12-72 hours post-infection.

Green Financing

Subject: Economy

Source: The Hindu

Why in News? 

National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) recently unveiled its Climate Strategy 2030 document which aims to address India's need for green financing.

Background:

• NABARD's Climate Strategy 2030 is structured around four key pillars which include:
  • Accelerating green lending across sectors
  • Playing a broader market-making role
  • Internal green transformation
  • Strategic resource mobilization

Definition of Green Financing:

• Green financing refers to any structured financial activity - a product or service - that has been designed to ensure a better environmental outcome.
• It includes a variety of financial instruments such as loans, debt mechanisms, and investments aimed at promoting the development of green projects or reducing the climate impact of regular projects.

Purpose and Importance:

• Green finance aims to align financial activities with environmental goals and support sustainable development priorities.
• It plays a crucial role in achieving several of the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals.

Examples of Green Finance Projects:

• Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency: Funding projects related to clean energy sources and energy-saving technologies.
• Pollution Prevention and Control: Financing initiatives that reduce pollution and promote cleaner practices.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Supporting efforts to protect and preserve biodiversity.
• Circular Economy Initiatives: Investing in projects that promote resource efficiency and waste reduction.
• Sustainable Use of Natural Resources and Land: Financing projects that balance economic development with environmental conservation.

Green Bonds:

• Green bonds are a common green finance instrument that adhere to specific criteria, including:
  • Use of proceeds
  • Project evaluation
  • Proper management
  • Detailed reporting
• The largest issuers of green bonds include the United States, China, and France.