UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 31st October 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

What the rapid ice melt in West Antarctica means?

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

According to a new study, rapid melting of West Antarctica’s ice sheet due to warm waters around it is now unavoidable, no matter how much carbon emissions are cut.

• The journal Nature published the study, ‘Unavoidable future increase in West Antarctic ice-shelf melting over the twenty-first century’, last week.

What is an ice sheet?

• Ice sheets are extensive masses of glacial ice covering over 50,000 square kilometers of land, equivalent to the size of Uttarakhand covered in ice.
• The world's two primary ice sheets are the Greenland ice sheet and the Antarctica ice sheet.
• Combined, these ice sheets hold about two-thirds of the Earth's freshwater resources.
• Consequently, when ice sheets accumulate mass, they lead to a decrease in the global mean sea level, while their mass loss results in an increase in the global mean sea level over time.

How is the West Antarctic ice sheet melting?

• Ice sheet melting involves multiple processes, and one of them is warm ocean waters causing ice shelf melt. These ice shelves are extensions of ice sheets that float on the ocean's surface.
• Ice shelves play a crucial role in stabilizing the land-based glaciers located behind them.
• When ice shelves thin or disappear, these glaciers tend to accelerate, releasing more ice into the ocean and contributing to rising sea levels.
• It's important to note that ice shelves and ice sheets differ from sea ice, which consists of free-floating ice found in polar regions.
• Sea ice forms through the freezing of seawater.
• This same phenomenon is occurring in West Antarctica where, over several decades, ice shelves have been diminishing, glaciers have been flowing more rapidly toward the ocean, and the ice sheet has been reducing in size.

What are the findings of the study?

• Significant and widespread West Antarctica Sea warming and heightened ice shelves melting are anticipated.
• These changes are expected to result in an escalation in sea level rise, which will have global implications for coastal areas, including India.
• India, with its extensive coastline and dense population, is highly susceptible to sea level rise.
• If coastal communities are unable to financially support protective measures like building barriers, residents may be compelled to relocate or become displaced as refugees.

Way forward

• Melting West Antarctic ice sheet: This is only one factor causing rising sea levels, which is just a single consequence of climate change.
• Numerous other impacts: There are many additional effects of climate change that we have the potential to prevent or reduce, such as the disintegration of the East Antarctic Ice Sheet and the intensity of heatwaves, droughts, and heavy rainfall.

Source: The Hindu

Ambaji temple

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

Prime Minister will offer prayers at the famous Ambaji temple in Banaskantha during his visit to Gujarat.

About Ambaji temple:-

• Location: Ambaji in Gujarat, India.
• Time period: 8th century A.D.
• Administration: The temple is under the administrative control of a temple trust.
• Shri Ambaji Mata Temple, is considered one of the major Shakti Peethas in Hinduism. 
• This temple honours Ambaji, an incarnation of Amba Mataji.
• It is one of the fifty-two Shakti Peeths.
• It is best known for its festivals like Navratri and Diwali, celebrated with joyous ceremonies and poojas.
• The main temple complex houses the revered Shree Visa Yantra, which many believe symbolizes divine power and grace.
• The whole of Ambaji town is surrounded by many temples near Ambaji temple and pilgrim spots, attracting thousands of tourists from around the country and even overseas annually.

Source: AIR

GS-II

Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign

Subject: Polity

Why in News?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will participate in the programme marking the culmination of the Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign’s Amrit Kalash Yatra at Kartavya Path.

About Meri Maati Mera Desh campaign:-

• Amrit Kalash Yatra: 1st September to 31stOctober 2023.
• The Union government has launched the ‘Meri Maati Mera Desh’ campaign as a grand culmination of the ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav,’ celebrating 75 years of Indian Independence.
• Under this campaign soil collected from different parts of the country in August will be used to develop a garden along the Kartavya Path in Delhi.
• The ‘Mitti Kalash’ are to be brought ceremoniously to the larger municipalities/corporations and transported to Kartavya Path
• This initiative aims to honour and commemorate the sacrifices of martyrs.
• It includes freedom fighters, defence personnel, and members of the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) and State Police, who laid down their lives in the line of duty. (Self-reliance in defence)

Five-Point Agenda:-

• Shilaphalakam Installation: Memorials will be erected, adorned with the names of those who made the supreme sacrifice for the nation.
• Pledge of Commitment: A solemn pledge will be taken by people at the memorial sites.
• Vasudha Vandhan: Every gram panchayat or village will participate in ‘Vasudha Vandhan’ by planting 75 saplings of indigenous species.
• Veeron Ka Vandan: Freedom fighters and the families of deceased freedom fighters will be honoured and felicitated.
• National Flag Hoisting: The National Flag will be proudly hoisted, and the National Anthem will resonate in unison.

Source: AIR

BHUTAN CHINA BORDER TALKS

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

In Beijing, the 25th round of Bhutan-China Border Talks culminated with the signing of a significant Cooperation Agreement. This historic agreement reflects the progress made in their quest for border resolution, carrying forward the 3-Step Roadmap initiated in 2021. Amid the backdrop of a seven-year gap in talks, these recent developments bear immense significance. 

OVERVIEW OF BOUNDARY DISPUTE BETWEEN CHINA AND BHUTAN

• The boundary dispute between Bhutan and China has its roots in historical claims and traditions. Both countries have historically maintained different perceptions of their border in the Doklam Plateau.
• The dispute has its origins in the 19th century when British India and China signed the 1890 Convention, known as the Sikkim-Tibet Convention. This agreement delineated the border between Sikkim (then a British protectorate) and Tibet (which was under Chinese influence), passing through the Doklam Plateau.
• Bhutan claims the Doklam Plateau as part of its territory.
• China, on the other hand, claims that the Doklam Plateau falls within its territory based on its interpretation of the 1890 Convention.
• The dispute gained international attention in 2017 when a border standoff occurred between Indian and Chinese troops in the Doklam area. This standoff was triggered when Chinese troops attempted to construct a road in the region.
• India intervened in support of Bhutan’s territorial claims, as it has a special relationship with Bhutan and is responsible for its defense and foreign affairs.

BHUTAN- CHINA BORDER TALKS

• Bhutan and the Tibetan Autonomous Region share an extensive contiguous border, spanning approximately 470 km. prior to 2016, the two nations engaged in 24 rounds of talks to address border disputes.
• Talks had been stalled due to the Doklam Standoff in 2017 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic. However, this interlude witnessed discussions at other levels, especially after China raised concerns about a border dispute to Bhutan’s east.
• After a prolonged pause in boundary talks lasting seven years, the resumption of discussions signals substantial headway.
• The 3-Step roadmap, established through a MoU in 2021 and facilitated by the Joint Technical Team (JTT), aims to delineate the Bhutanese and Chinese territories conclusively. Despite the absence of diplomatic ties, Bhutan and China seek to formalize their border.
• Steps in the Roadmap
  • Agreement on the border “on the table.”
  • On-ground inspections of the border.
• Formal demarcation of the boundary.

INDIA’S CONCERNS

• India’s Security Concerns: The India-Bhutan-China border issue is directly linked to India’s national security. India is concerned about Chinese encroachments in the region, which could alter the strategic balance and threaten Indian security interests.
• Strategic Importance: Doklam is strategically significant for India as it overlooks the narrow Siliguri Corridor, also known as the “Chicken’s Neck.” The corridor is a narrow strip of land that connects mainland India with the northeastern states. Any Chinese presence in Doklam could potentially pose a security threat to India’s northeastern region.
• Strained Sino-Indian Relations: In the context of deteriorating relations between India and China since the 2020 Line of Actual Control standoff, any warming of ties between China and one of India’s closest neighbors` raises concerns in New Delhi.
• Implications for the Region: The outcome of the border dispute between Bhutan and China has broader regional implications, especially in the context of India-China relations. A peaceful resolution is in the interest of stability and peace in the region

CONCLUSION

The Bhutan-China boundary dispute is a complex issue with historical, political, and strategic implications. It remains unresolved, and the parties involved continue to engage in diplomatic negotiations to find a mutually acceptable solution. The resolution of this dispute is important not only for Bhutan and China but also for the broader regional stability in South Asia.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

Point Calimere Wildlife sanctuary

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

The forest department of Tamil Nadu is preparing to augment waterbodies to attract more birds as the migratory season at Point Calimere Wildlife and Bird Sanctuary is set to peak.

About Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary:

• Point Calimere Wildlife Sanctuary was established in the year 1967 and is situated in the state of Tamil Nadu.
• It houses the famous bird sanctuary of Vedaranyam and the Talaignayar forests.
• It is flanked by the Bay of Bengal in the east and Palk Strait in the south.
• It primarily focuses on the protection and conservation of the black antelopes, an endangered and endemic species that are found in this region. 
• It is designated as a Ramsar site.
• Flora: It has mangroves, tropical evergreen forests, and grassland ecosystems.
• Fauna: Wild boar, macaque, black buck, chital, Great flamingo, Painted Stork, Little Stint,seagull,l and Brown-headed gull are normally found in the sanctuary.

Source: Indian Express

Rajaji Tiger Reserve

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

The Uttarakhand government recently decided to establish Rajaji Tiger Reserve Conservation Foundation to accelerate the ecological, economic, social, and cultural development of the landscapes in and around the reserve.

About Rajaji Tiger Reserve:

• Location:
  • Rajaji Tiger Reserve (earlier Rajaji National Park) is located in the Shivalik range of the Himalayas and spread over 820 kms.
  • It covers a part of over three districts of Uttarakhand: Haridwar, Dehradun, and Pauri Garhwal.
• It was named after the famous freedom fighter Rajgopalachari, popularly known as "Rajaji".
• The park was created in 1983 by the amalgamation of three sanctuaries: Rajaji Sanctuary and National park (estd. 1948), Motichur Sanctuary (estd. 1964), and Chilla sanctuary (estd. 1977).
• On 20 April 2015, its name was changed to Rajaji Tiger Reserve.
• It is famous as an elephant habitat, as there are around 600 elephants in Rajaji. 
• It's location in a transition zone between temperate western Himalaya and central Himalaya enhances the species diversity.
• Vegetation: The area is covered with diverse forest types ranging from semi-evergreen to deciduous and from mixed broad-leaved to Terai grassland and has been classified as Indus-Ganges Monsoon Forest type.
• Flora:
  • Lofty strands of Sal trees (Shorea Robusta) dominate most parts of the reserve.
  • Other popular flora found here include Rohini, Palash, Shisham, Sal, Sandan, Khair, Arjun, Baans, Semul, Chamaror, etc.
• Fauna: It has a sizeable population of Tiger and Asian Elephants. It is home to a variety of wild animals like Leopard, Jungle cat, Himalayan Black Bear, Sloth Bear, Striped Hyena, Goral, Sambar, Wild Pig, Spotted Deer, Barking Deer, etc

Source: The Print

Goa Maritime Conclave 2023

Subject: Defence

Why in News?

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will address the Goa Maritime Conclave 2023 recently.

Background:-

• A multinational platform for collaborating collective wisdom on maritime security, this Indian Navy initiative aims to Harness the Maritime Thoughts of Security partners in the Indian Ocean Region.

About Goa Maritime Conclave 2023:-

• Date:29 to 31 October 2023.
• Organized by: Indian Navy.
• Venue: Goa.
• Theme: Maritime Security in the Indian Ocean Region: Converting Common Maritime Priorities into Collaborative Mitigating Frameworks.
• Previous editions of the were held in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
• It is a biennial event.
• It is the 4th edition of Goa Maritime Conclave (GMC)
• It will be hosting representatives from 12 Indian Ocean littorals, including Bangladesh, Comoros, Indonesia, Madagascar, Malaysia, Mauritius, Myanmar, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
• It is the Indian Navy’s outreach Initiative providing a multinational platform to harness the collective wisdom of practitioners of maritime security and academia towards garnering outcome-oriented maritime thought.
• It provides a forum for the exchange of views by the Chiefs of the Navy/ Heads of Maritime Agencies on dealing with contemporary and future maritime challenges, as well as presenting cooperative strategies for enhancing interoperability amongst partner maritime agencies.
• Topic of discussion:-
  • Identifying Gaps in Regulatory and Legal Frameworks for Achieving Maritime Security in the IOR.
  • Formulation of a Common Multi-lateral Maritime Strategy and Operating Protocols for GMC Nations for Collective Mitigation of Maritime Threats and Challenges. 
  • Identification and Establishment of Collaborative Training Programmes with Center of Excellence across the IOR.
  • Leveraging Activities Pursued Through Existing Multilateral Organizations in the IOR towards Generating Collective Maritime Competencies. 

• As part of the conclave, visiting dignitaries would also be afforded an opportunity to witness India’s Indigenous shipbuilding industry at the “Make in India Exhibition” and witness the indigenous warships as also capabilities of the Deep Submergence Rescue Vessel (DSRV).

Source: AIR