UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 28th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Thar Desert

Subject: Geography

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

There is increasing evidence suggesting a potential greening of the Thar Desert in the future.

About Thar Desert:

• One of the largest subtropical deserts globally
• Located in northwestern India and eastern Pakistan
• Spans across Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Haryana in India, and Sindh and Punjab in Pakistan (majority in India)
• Bordered by the Indus River plain, Punjab Plain, Aravalli Range, and Rann of Kachchh
• Separated from Greater Rann of Kutch by Luni River marshlands

Climate:

• Hot and arid climate with temperatures exceeding 50 degrees Celsius during the day
• Significant temperature drops at night
• Scarce rainfall, with most areas receiving less than 50mm annually

Landscape:

• Characterized by vast, rugged terrain with various landscapes
• Features extensive rolling dunes up to 200 meters high
• Includes rocky outcroppings and large salt flats
• Home to flat plains covered with soil and vegetation

Mineral Resources:

• Abundant in various minerals, such as coal, gypsum, limestone, salt, bauxite, and silica
• Hosts one of India's largest coal reserves

Alagar Temple

Subject: Art and Culture

Source: Th Hindu

About:

• Located at the foothills of Alagar hills in Tamil Nadu, Alagar Temple, also known as Azhagar Kovil, is a prominent temple dedicated to Lord Vishnu.
• Renowned for its intricate sculpting and mandapams, it finds mention in epics such as Silappathikaram.
• Alvars like Thirumangai Alvar, Peri Alvar, Nammalvar, Bhoothathalvar, Peyalwar, Andal have sung about the temple's glorious history.
• Inscriptions dating back to the rule of King Ashoka indicate the temple's ancient roots.
• The temple had significance during the Pandyan reign, with mentions of Jain monk Ajjanandi residing here with disciples.
• During King Jatavarman Sundara Pandyan's rule, the vimana of the sanctum sanctorum was adorned with gold plates.
• The massive tower at the temple entrance was constructed during the Pandyan kingdom's reign.
• King Thirumalai Naickar of the Nayaka dynasty added artistic features, particularly visible in the kalyan mandapam showcasing Nayaka art.

Significance of Alagar Temple

• The temple stands out for its intricate sculptures that narrate mythological stories.
• Its historical importance is evident through inscriptions tracing back to ancient rulers.

Architectural Marvels

• The temple's vimana adorned with gold plates showcases exquisite craftsmanship.
• The towering structure at the entrance is a testament to the grandeur of the Pandyan era.
• Artistic features added by King Thirumalai Naickar reflect the Nayaka dynasty's patronage of the arts.

Legacy and Influence

• The temple's rich history has inspired poets and scholars through the ages.
• It continues to be a cultural hub, attracting devotees and art enthusiasts alike.

GS-II

Germany’s Relationship with India

Subject: International Relations

Source: The Hindu

Why in News? 

Germany has given India a license to buy small arms from German companies.

About India-Germany Relations

• Diplomatic: Germany is a key partner for India in Europe. After World War II, India was among the first countries to establish diplomatic relations with Germany.
• Strategic Partnership: India and Germany have had a 'Strategic Partnership' since May 2000, further strengthened by Intergovernmental Consultations (IGC) in 2011. This allows for a comprehensive review of cooperation and identification of new areas of engagement.
• High-level Engagements: Regular high-level contacts occur between India and Germany. The Prime Minister and Chancellor meet for bilateral discussions and at multilateral events. India is among a select group of countries with this dialogue mechanism.
• Multilateral Cooperation: Germany and India support each other on UNSC reforms within the G4 framework. Germany is part of the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) and the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
• Economic & Commercial Relations: Germany is currently India's 12th largest trading partner. Major exports between the countries include electrical products, automobiles, textiles, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and more. Germany is also a significant foreign direct investor in India.
• Bilateral Cooperation: Important agreements include the Avoidance of Double Taxation and Comprehensive Agreement on Social Security. The Indo-German Energy Forum focuses on energy security, efficiency, and renewable energy.
• Science & Technology: Bilateral cooperation is facilitated through agreements on scientific research and technological development. The IndoGerman Committee on S&T coordinates joint activities.
• Culture: Cultural ties are strengthened by exchanges and the study of Indian literature. Historical figures like Rabindranath Tagore have bridged cultural gaps between the two nations.
• Indian Diaspora: There is a significant Indian community in Germany, contributing to various sectors like IT, banking, and finance.
• Defence: Germany has simplified licensing requirements for military equipment sales to India, including granting a license for small arms. Recent approvals include tank engines for India's indigenous light tank project.

ASEAN Future Forum

Subject: International Relations

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Secretary-General of ASEAN attended the Opening Session of the ASEAN Future Forum

About ASEAN Future Forum

• It is a one-day conference.
• Initiated and hosted by Viet Nam.
• Theme: "Toward fast and sustainable growth of a people-centred ASEAN Community."

Objectives

• Promoting insightful and comprehensive discussions in practical and visionary ways among various stakeholders.
• Involving government leaders, policy-makers, experts, practitioners, business community, youths, and other stakeholders.
• Focus on issues vital for ASEAN's future and progress.

ASEAN Establishment

• Established on 8 August 1967 in Bangkok, Thailand.
• Founding Fathers: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand.
• Membership expansion over the years.

GS-III

Bambi Bucket

Subject: Environment

Source: DTE

Why in News? 

Indian Air Force's MI 17 V5 helicopter was used to extinguish forest fires in Nainital, employing a "Bambi Bucket."

About Bambi Bucket:

• It is a specialized aerial firefighting tool, also known as a helicopter bucket, in use since the 1980s.
• Suspended by cable under a chopper, it can be filled from a water source before being discharged above a fire.
• A lightweight collapsible container, it releases water aerially to targeted areas quickly and easily.
• It can be filled from various sources like lakes and swimming pools for swift refills.

Features:

• Can be stored within the helicopter until needed, discharging a solid column of water for accurate and effective water dumps.
• Results in less evaporation on descent and greater impact force.
• Especially useful in fighting wildfires in inaccessible areas.

Biohacking

Subject: Science and Technology

Source: Times of India

• Why in News? Biohacking is gaining popularity in India, particularly in metro cities like Delhi and Mumbai, and is gradually spreading to Tier II and III cities as well.
• About Biohacking:
  • Biohacking refers to the utilization of various strategies to enhance the body's performance and potentially prolong life expectancy.
  • This practice involves integrating methods from fields such as biology, genetics, neuroscience, and nutrition to boost physical or mental capabilities, enhance overall health, or achieve specific health goals.
• Categories of Biohacking:
  • Lifestyle: Focuses on adopting positive health and behavioral choices, including dietary adjustments, breathwork, meditation, and exercise.
  • Molecular: Involves the use of natural and synthetic molecules to influence one's biology, like taking supplements.
  • Biologics: Comprises biological products intended to enhance biology, such as cells or biological bundles like exosomes containing DNA, mRNA, proteins, and growth factors. These may be ingested, injected (e.g., stem cells), or administered intravenously.
  • Technology: Encompasses devices like wearables (e.g., smartwatches) and diagnostics (e.g., blood sugar monitors) to collect data about the body's functioning. This data can be used to adjust health routines for improved performance.
• There are currently no specific laws in India that address biohacking.

Chernobyl Disaster

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

Recently, the Chernobyl Disaster has sparked debates about the responsible parties. Some attribute it to operator errors in maintaining 'production discipline', while others point to flaws in reactor design.

About the Chernobyl Disaster

• On April 26, 1986, Reactor 4 of the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in Ukraine experienced a catastrophic explosion, leading to one of the most severe nuclear accidents in history.
• The explosion resulted in the release of radiation that was 400 times greater than the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan.
• Within 36 hours of the incident, the entire town of Pripyat, located just three kilometers from the plant, was evacuated.
• Initially, two workers perished in the explosion, followed by the deaths of 28 firefighters and cleanup crew members within three months due to Acute Radiation Sickness.

Long-Term Impact

• An area spanning approximately 2,600 square kilometers remains uninhabitable indefinitely due to radioactive contamination.
• In 2005, the United Nations estimated that roughly 4,000 individuals could eventually succumb to radiation-related illnesses.

Role of the IAEA

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) played a crucial role in coordinating the global response to the Chernobyl disaster.
• The IAEA promptly assisted the Soviet Union in various aspects including environmental cleanup, decommissioning, and radioactive waste management.

Lending Service Providers (LSPs)

Subject: Economy

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) recently issued the draft regulatory framework for loan products aggregated by lending service providers to ensure transparency for borrowers.

About Lending Service Providers (LSPs):

• Engaged by Regulated Entities (REs) (banks or NBFCs) to perform certain functions of RE in connection with lenders' functions on digital platforms.
• Offer services to REs for a fee or commission.
• RBI defines an LSP as an agent of an RE that carries out one or more functions of the lender, such as customer acquisition, underwriting support, pricing support, disbursement, servicing, monitoring, collection, and loan recovery on behalf of the RE.
• LSPs are essentially loan aggregators that provide loans from their partner REs.
• In some cases, a RE can also function as an LSP.
• Technology-centric entities with a wide client reach, capable of offering a marketplace for both lenders and borrowers.
• Entail aggregation of loan offers from multiple lenders on an electronic platform, allowing borrowers to compare and select the best available option to obtain a loan from one of the available lenders.