UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 28th December 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Ionosphere

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG) analyzed the extended seasonal ionospheric data collected at the Bharati station in Antarctica from 2010 to 2022. They also investigated its correlation with the 11-year solar cycle activity.

About the Ionosphere

• Definition and Location:
  • The ionosphere is a segment of Earth’s upper atmosphere, spanning an altitude range of 100-1000 km.
  • Positioned above the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, it is partially ionized and exhibits dynamic behavior.
• Polar Regions Dynamics:
  • At polar regions, the ionosphere is particularly dynamic, serving as a significant energy sink for space weather events within the magnetosphere-ionosphere system.
  • Vertical magnetic field lines in polar areas contribute to unique interactions.
• Active Atmosphere Layer:
  • The ionosphere, spanning across various atmospheric layers like the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere, undergoes continuous expansion and contraction.
  • Its activity is closely tied to solar energy absorption.
• Solar Influence:
  • Being a highly active atmospheric layer, the ionosphere’s dimensions fluctuate based on solar energy absorption.
  • It plays a vital role in space weather events.
• Observational Challenges in Antarctica:
  • Observations in the ionosphere over Antarctica are relatively limited compared to the Arctic due to geographical constraints and a sparse station network.
• Scientific Findings:
  • Extended observations at Bharati station in Antarctica indicated significant seasonal fluctuations in the total electron count (TEC), with the months around the equinoxes showing the highest levels of ionization.
  • Particle precipitation and convectional plasma transport from high latitudes were identified as contributing factors.
• Seasonal Density Variations:
  • In the summer's continuous 24-hour daylight periods in the polar region at Bharati, the ionospheric density was roughly double compared to the polar nights.
• Study Significance:
  • Decade-long studies provide insights into the ionosphere’s impact on satellite-based navigation and communication systems.
  • Understanding these effects aids in developing mitigation strategies.

Source: The Hindu

GS-II

Loneliness in India: A Deepening Public Health Concern

Subject: Health & Education

Why in News?

The World Health Organization has highlighted loneliness as a substantial global health concern, impacting around 10% of adolescents and 25% of older individuals internationally.  Yet, despite India's collectivist society and vast population, loneliness within the country hasn't been extensively studied or recognized as a significant public health and social issue.

Understanding Loneliness

• Definition: Loneliness is defined as the unpleasant experience due to a deficiency in one’s network of social relations, either quantitatively or qualitatively.
• Health Impact: Comparable to smoking 15 cigarettes a day, loneliness can lead to severe mental and physical health issues, including heart disease, depression, and decreased longevity.

Data and Trends in India

• Historical Data: Studies from the early 1990s to recent years show varying rates of loneliness, with a notable increase in loneliness among the elderly and the highly educated.
• Pandemic Effect: The COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting lockdowns have worsened feelings of loneliness, especially among young individuals and those residing by themselves.

Disparities and Challenges

• Higher Among Educated Youth: Young, highly educated individuals face disproportionately higher rates of unemployment and loneliness, indicating a structural issue in the Indian economy.
• Cultural Stigma: In India, loneliness is often dismissed as a phase or a state of mind, and discussing mental health is stigmatized, making it challenging to address the issue effectively.

Public Health Implications

• Rising Disease Burden: Loneliness contributes to an increased risk of various diseases, potentially inflaming India’s already rising communicable and non-communicable disease burden.
• Inadequate Healthcare Infrastructure: India's healthcare system faces challenges due to insufficient personnel, infrastructure, and financial allocation, which adds complexity to addressing the issue of loneliness.

The Indian Experience of Loneliness

• Cultural Differences: Unlike Western countries, India’s collectivistic culture and socioeconomic barriers present unique challenges in understanding and addressing loneliness.
• Marginalized Communities: Loneliness disproportionately affects marginalized identities, and addressing it requires understanding the intersection of social inequity and mental health.

Addressing Loneliness as a Structural Problem

• Need for Targeted Interventions: Recognizing loneliness as a distinct condition can help develop interventions tailored to India’s cultural context.
• Community-Based Solutions: Addressing loneliness may require community-focused strategies that respond to structural inequities rather than solely clinical approaches.

Conclusion

• National-Level Surveys: Conducting comprehensive surveys in local languages can help understand the true scale of loneliness in India’s diverse population.
• Holistic Approach: Combating loneliness in India requires a multifaceted approach that includes improving mental health literacy, enhancing healthcare infrastructure, and addressing social inequalities.
• Continuous Engagement: As loneliness gains recognition as a public health issue, India must continuously adapt its strategies to effectively support those affected by this silent epidemic.

Source: The Hindu

INS Imphal

Subject: Internal Security

Why in News?

India's healthcare system faces challenges due to insufficient personnel, infrastructure, and financial allocation, which adds complexity to addressing the issue of loneliness.

What is INS Imphal?

• About:
  • INS Imphal is the third of the four 'Project 15 Bravo Vishakhapatnam class' guided missile destroyers.
    • The fourth will be named INS Surat.
  • INS Imphal is among "the most technologically advanced guided missile destroyers in the world.
  • It was launched and "christened" as 'Imphal" on 20th April, 2019.
• Features:
  • The ship measures 163m in length, and 17m in breadth with a displacement of 7,400 tonnes and is amongst the most potent warships built in India.
  • It is propelled by four powerful Gas Turbines, in a Combined Gas and Gas configuration, and is capable of speeds in excess of 30 knots.
  • It is capable of launching the BrahMos cruise missile, the world's fastest supersonic cruise missile.
  • The ship is also equipped to fight under Nuclear, Biological and Chemical warfare conditions.
  • It possesses advanced and cutting-edge weaponry and sensors, comprising Surface-to-Surface Missiles, Surface-to-Air Missiles, Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) rocket launchers, Torpedo launchers, ASW helicopters, radars, sonar, and Electronic Warfare systems.
• Significance:
  • The ship reinforces the principle of "Jalmev Yasya, Balmev Tasya," signifying that controlling the seas grants immense power. In the Indo-Pacific region, where multiple powers vie for influence, INS Imphal contributes to India's efforts to establish itself as a significant maritime player.
  • India heavily relies on sea routes for international trade due to geographical barriers like the Himalayas and challenges from neighboring countries.
    • INS Imphal plays a vital role in protecting these important maritime routes, guaranteeing the safe transit of trade ships and thus preserving India's economic concerns.

What is Project 15B?

• India’s indigenous Destroyer construction programme commenced in the late 1990s with the three Delhi class (P-15 class) warships and this was followed by three Kolkata class (P-15A) destroyers commissioned a decade later.
  • Presently, under the P-15B (Visakhapatnam Class), a total of four warships are planned (Visakhapatnam, Mormugao, Imphal, Surat), following the success and technological advancements achieved in Project 15A.
• Project 15B aimed to build the advanced variants of Kolkata class destroyers as Visakhapatnam class destroyers.
  • The class is identified by the name of its lead ship, hence known as the Visakhapatnam class.
• Under Project 15B, a contract was signed in January 2011 with the objective to build on the capabilities of the earlier ships while incorporating technological advancements and improvements in weaponry, electronics, and other systems.
• The lead ship of Project 15B is INS Visakhapatnam (Pennant No D66), which was commissioned in November 2021.
  • INS Mormugao (D67) is the second ship commissioned in December 2022, and INS Surat (to be designated D69 upon commissioning) was launched in May 2023.
• These ships are designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and constructed by Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDSL) in Mumbai.

Source: HT

Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

Subject: Government Policies and Interventions

Why in News?

The Lok Sabha recently approved the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, which nullifies the longstanding colonial law, the Press and Registration of Books Act from 1867. The Rajya Sabha had previously passed this Bill in August 2023.

Key Features of Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023

• Scope and Coverage:
  • The Bill focuses on regulating the registration of periodicals, particularly publications that include public news or commentary on public news.
  • Exclusions: Books and scientific/academic journals are not considered periodicals under this legislation.
• Online Registration:
  • Periodical publishers can register online through the Press Registrar General and designated local authority.
• Prohibition and Declaration:
  • Individuals convicted of terrorism or actions against state security are barred from publishing periodicals.
  • A shift from the previous act’s requirement, declarations regarding periodicals are now submitted to the Press Registrar General instead of the District Magistrate.
• Reproduction of Foreign Periodicals:
  • Prior approval from the central government is necessary for reproducing foreign periodicals in India, and the process involves following specified registration procedures.
• Role of Press Registrar General:
  • The Press Registrar General of India is introduced, responsible for issuing registration certificates, maintaining a periodical register, establishing title guidelines, verifying circulation figures, and managing registration revisions, suspensions, or cancellations.
• Online Declarations for Printing Presses:
  • Declarations regarding printing presses can now be submitted online to the Press Registrar General.
• Suspension and Cancellation:
  • The Press Registrar General has the authority to suspend a periodical's registration for a minimum of 30 days, which can be extended up to 180 days. This action can be taken due to reasons like dissemination of false information, interruptions in publication, or discrepancies in annual statements.
  • Registration may be canceled for issues like title similarity or convictions related to terrorism or acts against national security.
• Penalties and Imprisonment:
  • The Press Registrar General has the authority to impose penalties for unregistered publication or failure to submit annual statements promptly.
  • Non-compliance may lead to imprisonment for up to six months.
• Appeals Mechanism:
  • Provisions for appeals against refusal of registration certificates, suspension/cancellation of registration, or imposed penalties are available.
  • Appeals can be filed before the Press and Registration Appellate Board within a 60-day timeframe.

Source: Indian Express

Gaucher disease

Subject: Health

Why in News?

Children with lysosomal storage disorders such as Gaucher disease are encountering a grim situation as their treatment has been halted due to the depletion of one-time assistance provided by the Union health Ministry.

About Gaucher Disease

• Type of Disorder: Gaucher disease is an inherited lysosomal storage disorder (LSD).
• Nature of the Disease:
  • It leads to the accumulation of fatty substances (sphingolipids) in the bone marrow, liver, and spleen.
  • This accumulation weakens bones and causes enlargement of organs.
• Symptoms:
  • Enlarged spleen and liver.
  • Eye movement disorders.
  • Yellow spots in the eyes, among others.
• Treatment:
  • No cure for Gaucher disease.
  • Treatments focus on relieving symptoms and significantly improving the quality of life.

Types of Gaucher Disease:

• Type 1:
  • Affects spleen, liver, blood, and bones.
  • Does not impact the brain or spinal cord.
  • Treatable, but no cure exists.
• Type 2:
  • Rare form appearing in babies under 6 months.
  • Causes enlarged spleen, movement problems, and severe brain damage.
  • No treatment available.
• Type 3:
  • Most common form appearing before age 10.
  • Causes bone and organ abnormalities and neurological (brain) problems.
  • Treatments can extend life into the 20s or 30s.

Source: Times of India

GS-III

What is Wang’s Garden Lizard?

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

A new reptile species was recently discovered in China and has been called Wang’s Garden Lizard.

About Wang’s Garden Lizard

• It is a new species of iguana.
• Scientific Name: Calotes wangi
• Distribution: It is found in subtropical evergreen broad-leaved forests and tropical monsoon forests in southern China and northern Vietnam, mostly in mountainous areas, hills and plains on forest edges, arable land, shrub lands, and even urban green belts.
• It is not threatened at present. However, in some areas, their habitat was being fragmented.

Features

• It is less than 9 cm long, and one of its distinguishing features is its orange tongue.
• It is active at the edge of the forest, and when it is in danger, it rushes into bushes or climbs tree trunks to hide.
• It lies on sloping shrub branches at night, sleeping close to the branches.
• It eats a variety of insects, spiders, and other arthropods.
• It is active from April to October every year, while in the tropics it is active from March to November or even longer.
• In addition, their bodies are used medicinally and the lizards are also eaten.

What are iguanas?

• Iguanas are stout lizards mainly living in the tropical parts of the western world.
• They can be distinguished by their robust build, scaly skin adorned with warts, dorsal spines, and a fold of skin beneath their necks.
• They have shown various colour morphs, the common ones being green, blue, and grey.

Source: Scientists Discover New Species of Lizard in Asia

Japan’s SLIM Lunar Orbit Entry: Implications for Chandrayaan 4

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Japan's Smart Lander for Investigating Moon (SLIM) accomplished its entry into lunar orbit on December 25, a pivotal advancement before its scheduled landing on the moon on January 19. This achievement positions Japan for a potential milestone as the fifth nation to achieve a gentle landing on the moon, following India's Chandrayaan 3 success in August. The outcome of SLIM's mission holds importance, potentially influencing the upcoming Chandrayaan 4 mission.

SLIM: Japan’s Lunar Mission

• Overview of SLIM
  • Developed and launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) on September 7, 2023.
  • Weighs 590 kg at launch, significantly lighter than Chandrayaan 3.
  • Launched alongside XRISM, a next-gen X-ray space telescope, onboard an H-2A rocket.
  • Entered an elliptical orbit around the moon on December 25.
• Comparison with Chandrayaan 3
  • SLIM’s launch closely follows the success of Chandrayaan 3’s surface component and Luna 25’s failure.
  • SLIM marks Japan’s second attempt in 2023 for a lunar soft landing.
• Journey to the Moon
  • SLIM’s lighter weight is attributed to carrying less fuel.
  • Utilized a longer but fuel-thrifty route based on weak-stability boundary theory.
  • Built up kinetic energy around Earth through multiple swings, allowing for a more fuel-efficient journey.
  • Sacrificed time for fuel efficiency, reaching lunar orbit after four months.
  • December 25 marked SLIM’s orbital capture around the moon.
• Innovative Approach
  • SLIM’s deflection toward the moon, rather than slowing down, utilized the combined forces of Earth and lunar gravity.
  • Physicists developed this approach in the late 1980s during the ‘Hiten’ mission.
  • SLIM’s unique trajectory prioritized fuel efficiency over a faster journey to the moon.

SLIM’s Lunar Mission Objectives

• Precision in Lunar Landing
  • SLIM is known as the “moon sniper” for its remarkable precision in landing.
  • Scheduled to attempt a landing within 100 meters of its chosen site on the moon.
• Historical Context
  • Past moon-landing missions had more lenient area tolerances for landing spots.
  • For example, the Vikram lander of Chandrayaan 3 had a 4 km x 2.5 km area tolerance.
  • Chang'e 3 from China achieved the most accurate moon landing by touching down just 89 meters away from its intended location within a 6 km x 6 km area.
• Landing Site and Data Utilization
  • SLIM’s landing site is near the Shioli Crater at 13.3º S and 25.2º E.
  • Similar to Chandrayaan 3, SLIM will use data from JAXA’s SELENE orbiter to guide its descent.
•  Technical Specifications
  • SLIM’s lower mass, only 120 kg excluding fuel, contributes to its maneuverability.
  • Its small size tests the efficiency of its design.
• Additional Exploration
  • Before landing, SLIM will deploy two small rovers, Lunar Excursion Vehicle (LEV) 1 and 2.
  • LEV-1, LEV-2, and SLIM will collectively study the lunar surface, gather temperature and radiation readings, and attempt to explore the moon’s mantle.

SLIM’s Impact on Chandrayaan 4 Mission

• Targeting Moon’s South Pole
  • Scientists aim for the moon’s south pole region due to perpetually shadowed craters containing water-ice.
  • Chandrayaan 3’s success marked the conclusion of the second phase of India’s lunar exploration program.
• Lunar Polar Exploration (LUPEX) Mission
  • LUPEX, or Chandrayaan 4, is the first mission of the third phase.
  • Joint venture with Japan (pending Indian approval) and scheduled for a potential launch in 2026.
  • LUPEX will explore an area closer to the moon’s south pole compared to Chandrayaan 3.
• Challenges and Technologies
  • Moon’s polar terrain is rocky with craters and steep slopes, requiring precise landing.
  • Downrange and cross-range limits for LUPEX will be lower, demanding advanced navigation systems.
  • SLIM’s tested technologies, including a feature-matching algorithm, are crucial for LUPEX’s success.
• Collaboration Details
  • JAXA expected to provide the launch vehicle and lunar rover; India contributes the lander module.
  • The landing site for LUPEX is yet to be determined.
• JAXA’s SLIM Mission Timing
  • SLIM’s mission launch closely follows Chandrayaan 3’s success and precedes Russia’s Luna 25 spacecraft failure.
  • SLIM’s success on January 19 sets a record for the smallest-ever area tolerance in a moon landing.

Source: The Hindu