UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 29th October 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Talagirishwara temple

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

Neglect has taken a heavy toll on the 1,300-year-old Pallava period paintings at Talagirishwara temple at Panamalai in Villupuram district of Tamil Nadu.

About Talagirishwara Temple:

• It is located in Panamalai village of Viluppuram district in Tamil Nadu, India.
• The temple is constructed on an insignificant, small hill overlooking the Panamalai Lake.
• The temple was constructed by Pallava king Narasimhavarman II, popularly known as Rajasimha.
• Features
  • This Seventh Century structure incorporates a Vimana that resembles that of Kailasanatha temple in Kanchipuram.
  • The garbhagriha stocks a Dharalingam, and as in Pallava temples of that period, there is a Somaskanda section on hindmost wall of the shrine.
  • It includes an Ardhamandapam (partial Mandapam).
  • The walls of the Ardhamandapam post panels of divinities, including Brahma with Saraswati and Vishnu with Lakshmi on either flank.
  • The temple faces east and the garbhagriha is enclosed on all three sides by sub shrines Some more sub shrines and a Mahamandapam (a massive Mandapam) have been added in the later period to the structure.
  • The Vimana is 3 layered and the high tier has also been rebuilt.
  • The typical Pallava mark, pillars with crouching lions, is also found.
• Paintings in the temple
  • The paintings in this temple bear a close resemblance to the paintings in Ajantha and Chithannavasal.
  • The paintings are on the wall of a sub-temple on the northern side of the Talagirishwara (Siva) temple.
  • There is a painting of Lord Shiva with eight hands dancing known as Latathilagabhani, being watched by Goddess Parvathi with her crown and well decorated umbrella.
  • These paintings were older than Chithannavasal paintings.
  • These paintings were created after covering the stonewalls with paste made of limestone and sand. 

Source: The Hindu

Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Assam's Lower Subansiri Hydro Electric Power project recently faced a critical setback as a major landslide completely blocked its only functional diversion tunnel, thereby significantly obstructing water flow through the river.

About the Lower Subansiri Hydroelectric Power Project:

• It is the biggest hydroelectric project undertaken in India so far.
• It is a run-of-river scheme on the river Subansiri.
• Location: The Project is located near North Lakhimpur on the border of Arunachal Pradesh and Assam.
• Capacity: 2000MW
• It will generate up to 7.4 billion kWh of electricity annually.
• The project includes the construction of a surface powerhouse and a concrete gravity dam that is 116m-high from the river bed level.
• The length of the dam will be 284m.
• The dam is located in the Dhemaji district of Assam, while the powerhouse is located in the Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• It is being developed by the state-run National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC).
• Funding:
  • The project cost was met through 70% equity and 30% debt financing through the provision of a term loan.
  • The central government is providing budgetary support as part of the equity component.

Key facts about the Subansiri River:

• Subansiri River, better known as the "Gold River,r" is the largest tributary of the Brahmaputra River.
• It flows through Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. 
• Course:
  • Originating from the Himalaya Mountains, it flows towards the east and south-east portions of Arunachal Pradesh and then flows to Assam Valley.
  • Finally, it joins the Brahmaputra River in Lakhimpur district, Assam.
• It joins the Brahmaputra at the mystic confluence of Majuli Island, which is noted as the largest inhabited river island in the world.
• Total Length:  442 kilometres

Source: Deccan Chronicle

GS-II

How Natural Gas is central to ties between India and Qatar?

Subject: Polity

Why in News?

The recent death sentences handed down to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court pose a significant challenge to the traditionally amicable ties between New Delhi and Doha.

• In international relations, trade dynamics often play a pivotal role, and in the case of India and Qatar, the balance of trade is heavily skewed in Qatar’s favor, primarily due to imports.

LNG Dependency and Diplomacy

• Trade Imbalance: Qatar enjoys significant leverage in the bilateral relationship because the trade balance is weighted heavily in its favor, with imports from Qatar far exceeding India’s exports.
• LNG Dominance: Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is at the heart of this trade relationship, accounting for nearly 50% of India’s imports by value from Qatar.
• Energy Security: India’s import dependency on natural gas is around 50%, and with a national drive to increase natural gas consumption, LNG imports are expected to grow, even with potential increases in domestic production.

Need for India’s Energy Transition

• Cleaner Alternative: Natural gas is viewed as a cleaner and more affordable alternative to conventional petroleum fuels, aligning with India’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions and transition to cleaner energy sources.
• Energy Security: Given India’s high import dependency on crude oil, natural gas is seen as a critical component of energy security.
• Ambitious Targets: India aims to raise the share of natural gas in its primary energy mix to 15% by 2030, a goal likely to drive increased LNG imports in the years ahead.

Sensitivity of the Present Situation

• Diplomatic Challenge: The case of the retired Navy personnel presents a sensitive challenge for Indian diplomacy, given India’s energy security concerns and ambitions.
• Trade Dependency: India’s energy security relies on Qatar, making diplomatic relations delicate.

Trade Figures

• Imports from Qatar: In FY2022-23, India’s total imports from Qatar were valued at $16.81 billion, with LNG accounting for $8.32 billion or 49.5%.
• Exports to Qatar: In contrast, India’s exports to Qatar in the same period amounted to only $1.97 billion.
• LNG Dependency: Of the 19.85 million tonnes of LNG imported by India in FY23, 10.74 million tonnes (54%) came from Qatar.

Global LNG Dynamics

• Seller’s Market: The global LNG market has become a seller’s market following geopolitical disruptions, such as Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
• Term Contracts vs. Spot Purchases: Term contracts offer more stability compared to spot purchases, particularly during supply gluts or shortages.
• Qatar’s Position: Qatar, as the world’s largest LNG exporter, has gained significant leverage and stability in the LNG market.
• Long-Term Contracts: LNG importers worldwide, including India, are seeking long-term contracts with major suppliers like Qatar to secure stable supplies.
• The recent death sentences handed down to eight former Indian Navy personnel by a Qatari court pose a significant challenge to the traditionally amicable ties between New Delhi and Doha.
• In international relations, trade dynamics often play a pivotal role, and in the case of India and Qatar, the balance of trade is heavily skewed in Qatar’s favor, primarily due to imports.

Conclusion

• Balancing India’s energy security needs with diplomatic challenges in the backdrop of trade dependency on Qatar, especially in LNG, is a complex task.
• India’s pursuit of long-term LNG contracts reflects its determination to secure stable energy supplies while navigating international relations sensitively.
• The evolving global LNG market dynamics will continue to influence India’s energy choices and diplomatic strategies.

Source: The Hindu

With life of eight Indians in Qatar at stake, India needs deft diplomacy

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Qatar’s unprecedented death sentences for eight retired Indian naval personnel on espionage charges pose a formidable diplomatic challenge for the government. Minister Jaishankar’s cautious response and public expectations add layers to this sensitive situation.

What Happened?

• Recently, Qatar handed death sentences to eight retired Indian naval personnel, a shocking move.
• Unlike previous cases involving murder or narcotics, these charges relate to espionage.

Minister Jaishankar’s Response and Diplomatic Sensitivity

• Assurances to Parliament: Minister Jaishankar assured Parliament that the matter is a priority, urging patience due to its sensitivity. The focus is on keeping the welfare of the eight individuals at the forefront.
• Media Statements and Caution: Media statements exercise caution due to the confidential nature of the case. Not commenting further is a diplomatic approach, respecting the sensitivity of ongoing proceedings.

Current Challenges:

• Diplomatic Problem: The government faces a tough situation with Qatar giving death sentences to eight retired Indian naval people.
• Public Worries: People, along with opposition parties, are worried about the safety of those convicted, putting pressure on the government to bring them back home.
• Sensitive Matter: The case involves spying charges against a group of retired defense officers, making it a delicate issue in the diplomatic world.
• Limited Information: Because the case details are confidential, the government can’t share much, leading to people guessing and worrying more.

Way Forward:

• Talking with Qatar: India should keep discussing with Qatar, telling them to be fair and just while following their laws.
• Helping with Consular Stuff: Making sure the convicted individuals can meet with Indian officials regularly and watching over their court case is really important.
• Telling People What’s Up: The government needs to tell people what it can, being honest but also keeping some things private.
• Getting Support: Asking other countries for support and help can make Qatar rethink its decision.
• Using Legal Moves: Trying legal ways, like making appeals and talking with Qatar, is crucial to get the naval people released.
• Calming People Down: Making sure veterans and the public know what’s happening and addressing their worries is super important.

Subject: Indian Express

GS-III

Neanderthals

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

A comparison of the genomes of a Neanderthal who lived 120,000 years ago in Siberia with those of modern humans in sub-Saharan Africa has revealed insight into the migratory and interbreeding histories of both species.

About Neanderthals:

• They are the closest known human relatives and interbred with Homo sapiens.
• Species: Homo neanderthalensis
• They lived throughout Europe and parts of Asia from about 400,000 until about 40,000 years ago.
• Current evidence from both fossils and DNA suggests that Neanderthal and modern human lineages separated at least 500,000 years ago.
• Neanderthals co-existed with modern humans for long periods of time before eventually becoming extinct.
• Although they are long extinct, their genes are still present in modern human DNA.
• Features:
  • Some defining features of their skulls include the large middle part of the face, angled cheek bones, and a huge nose for humidifying and warming cold, dry air. 
  • Their bodies were shorter and stockier than modern humans, another adaptation to living in cold environments.
  • But their brains were just as large as modern humans and often larger - proportional to their brawnier bodies.
  • Their bones reveal that they were extremely muscular and strong, but led hard lives, suffering frequent injuries.
  • Neanderthals made and used a diverse set of sophisticated tools, controlled fire, lived in shelters, made and wore clothing, were skilled hunters of large animals and also ate plant foods, and occasionally made symbolic or ornamental objects. 
  • There is evidence that Neanderthals deliberately buried their dead and occasionally even marked their graves with offerings, such as flowers.

Source: The Hindu

Dark Pattern Sales by Airlines deemed ‘Cybercrime’

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Due to complaints of deceptive practices by airlines and online travel agents, the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation has urged IndiGo to fix its website, which a government official termed a Dark Pattern “cybercrime.”

• Deceptive Techniques: Airlines and online portals have been accused of employing “dark patterns” in their user interfaces, which manipulate consumers into purchasing products they did not intend to buy.
• Consumer Affairs Secretary’s Stance: The Consumer Affairs Secretary, Rohit Kumar Singh, defines “dark patterns” as tactics nudging consumers into unintended purchases, constituting unfair trading practices and possibly cybercrimes.
• Pervasive Issue: Approximately 10,000 complaints related to these practices have been lodged with the Ministry via the National Consumers Helpline over the past eight to nine months.

• IndiGo’s Practice: IndiGo Airlines, for instance, employs a tactic known as “false urgency,” creating a sense of urgency by implying that consumers must pay an extra fee (₹99 to ₹1,500) for seat selection during booking, portraying all free seats as unavailable.
• Transparency Issue: Passengers are not adequately informed that they will be auto-assigned free seats if they choose not to pay the extra fee.
• Obfuscation: The “skip” option, although present, is inconspicuously located, demonstrating “interface interference.”

• SpiceJet’s Pressure for Insurance: SpiceJet’s website pressures passengers to purchase travel insurance by using alarming phrases like “I will risk my trip” if they opt out, playing on passengers’ fears.
• “Basket Sneaking” by MakeMyTrip: MakeMyTrip adds a convenience fee when customers reach the payment gateway after booking, a practice known as “basket sneaking.”

• Ministry of Consumer Affairs Guidelines: These dark patterns have been defined in the draft guidelines released by the Ministry of Consumer Affairs in September.
• DGCA’s Stance: The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) permits “unbundling” airfares but emphasizes that these services must be offered on an “opt-in” basis, with clear descriptions without ambiguity.
• Parliamentary Committee Report: A parliamentary committee report urges transparency in seat-wise airfares, fair pricing mechanisms to ensure reasonable profit margins, and effective grievance redressal mechanisms.

• The crackdown on deceptive airline practices by the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation signifies a push for transparency and fairness in the airline industry.
• The rise of “dark patterns” and other misleading tactics in online booking processes has raised concerns about consumer exploitation and cybercrimes.
• As the government takes action to address these issues, passengers may expect a more equitable and transparent air travel experience in the future.

Source: The Hindu