UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 3th December 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

Exercise Harimau Shakti

Source: Economic Times

Why in News?

Exercise HARIMAU SHAKTI, now in its fourth edition, has begun at the Bentong camp located in the Pahang district of Malaysia.

About Exercise Harimau Shakti:

• This is a collaborative military exercise carried out between India and Malaysia.
• The Indian contingent consists of personnel from a Battalion of the MAHAR Regiment.
• This annual training event alternates between India and Malaysia, with the previous edition held in November 2023 at Umroi Cantonment in Meghalaya, India.
• The primary goal of this joint exercise is to enhance the military capabilities of both nations to conduct counter-insurgency operations in jungle terrain, as per Chapter VII of the United Nations Mandate.
• The exercise will particularly focus on operations within jungle environments.
• The 2024 edition of the exercise will be divided into two phases.
• The initial phase will emphasize cross-training between both armies, including lectures, demonstrations, and practice of various drills suited for jungle conditions.
• The concluding phase will involve both armies participating in a simulated exercise, where troops will carry out a series of drills including Anti-MT Ambush, Occupation of Harbour, Conducting Reconnaissance Patrols, Ambushing, and executing an Attack on areas controlled by terrorists.

Significance:

• This exercise will allow both sides to exchange best practices regarding tactics, techniques, and procedures for conducting joint operations.
• It aims to improve interoperability, foster friendship, and build camaraderie between the two military forces.

GS3/Environment

Gandhamardan Hills, Odisha

Source: DTE

Why in news?

The Odisha government has announced that it will prohibit bauxite mining in the Gandhamardan hills. This decision follows concerns regarding the acquisition of 112 acres of land near the hills by a subsidiary of the Adani Group.

About
Gandhamardan Hills

• Located in the western region of Odisha, spanning the Bargarh and Bolangir districts.
• Encompasses an area of 190 square kilometers.
• Characterized by dense forests and sloping hills.
• Plays a vital role in supporting the livelihoods of local communities.

Mines and Minerals Found

• Bauxite: The primary ore for aluminum production.
• Graphite: Utilized in various industrial applications.
• Manganese: Essential for steel manufacturing.

Significance

Cultural Sites

• Nrusinghanath Temple: A prominent pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Nrusingha, who is depicted as a half-lion, half-human avatar of Lord Vishnu.
• Harishankar Temple: A sacred site dedicated to both Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu, set in a beautiful natural environment.
• Historical Note: The hill shrine was described by Hiuen Tsang as a Buddhist heritage site known as Parimalagiri.

Flora and Fauna

• Flora: Abundant in medicinal plants that are significant for local health practices.
• Fauna: Hosts a rich diversity of wildlife, including species unique to this region.
• Endemism: The Dasycarpa spider and Peucetia harishankarensis are native species found exclusively in this area.

Biodiversity Heritage Site

• In March 2023, the Odisha government designated Gandhamardan Hills as a Biodiversity Heritage Site (BHS), marking it as the 37th BHS in India.

GS3/Environment

Environment Ministry’s Lok Sabha reply shows 33.6% of India’s coastline is threatened by erosion

Source: DTE

Why in News?

During the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament, the Union Environment Ministry presented data shedding light on the critical issue of coastal erosion in India.

Key Findings of the Report:

• Nationwide coastal erosion has impacted a significant portion of India's coastline over the last thirty years.
• 26.9% of the coastline has shown growth (accretion), while 39.6% remains stable.

Regional Variations in Karnataka:

• Dakshina Kannada: The most severely affected district with 48.4% of its 36.66 km coastline eroded (17.74 km).
• Udupi: Experienced 34.7% erosion of its 100.71 km coastline (34.96 km).
• Uttara Kannada: Reported the lowest erosion at 12.3% of its 175.65 km coastline (21.64 km).

Data and Methodology:

• The study was conducted by the National Centre for Coastal Research (NCCR), utilizing satellite imagery and field surveys to analyze shoreline changes from 1990 to 2018.
• The Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services (INCOIS) has developed Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps (MHVM) to identify areas at risk of disasters like tsunamis and storm surges.

Causes of Coastal Erosion in India:

• Rising Sea Levels: Climate change has led to rising sea levels, increasing the intensity of storm surges and coastal flooding, which significantly contributes to erosion.
• Sand Mining and Infrastructure Projects: Unregulated extraction of sand and construction projects disrupt natural sediment flow, worsening erosion. For instance, illegal sand mining along the Bhagirathi-Hooghly River has reduced river channel width by up to 55%, increasing erosion risks.
• Mangrove Depletion: The loss of mangrove forests, which serve as natural barriers against wave action, makes coastlines more vulnerable. After Cyclone Gaja in 2019, the Muthupet mangroves in Tamil Nadu lost nearly three square kilometers of coverage due to uprooted trees.
• Cyclonic Activity: Increased cyclonic events have destabilized coastal ecosystems, intensifying erosion. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) reports that 75% of the Indian coastline is susceptible to cyclones and related hazards.

Case Study: Mitigation Efforts in Karnataka:

• Shoreline Management Plan: Developed by the Karnataka government under the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Notification of 2019 to effectively address coastal erosion.
• Karnataka Strengthening Coastal Resilience and Economy (K-SHORE) Project: Funded by the World Bank, this initiative focuses on enhancing coastal protection, improving community livelihoods, and addressing marine plastic pollution along Karnataka's coastline.
• Multi-Hazard Vulnerability Maps (MHVM): Created by INCOIS, these maps identify disaster-prone areas using data on shoreline changes and sea level rise.
• Community-Driven Conservation Programs: Experts emphasize the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts and real-time monitoring of erosion using artificial intelligence for sustainable solutions.

Need for a Paradigm Shift:

• Ineffectiveness of Traditional Methods: Conventional strategies, such as building concrete sea walls, have been ineffective over the past 30 years in preventing coastal erosion.
• Recommendations Against Human Habitation: Engineers advise limiting habitation in vulnerable areas to reduce coastal erosion risks, although political interests often interfere with these recommendations.
• Investment in Sustainable Solutions: Environmental activists argue that funds allocated for traditional coastal defenses should be redirected toward creating safe townships away from high-risk areas to ensure safety during extreme weather events.
• Holistic Approaches Needed: A multi-faceted strategy that includes ecosystem restoration (e.g., mangrove replantation), stricter sand mining regulations, and innovative solutions like artificial reefs is crucial for effective long-term coastal management.

Way Forward:

• Adopt Integrated Coastal Zone Management (ICZM): Implement comprehensive strategies that integrate ecosystem restoration, enforce stricter regulations on sand mining, and introduce innovative solutions like eco-friendly breakwaters to maintain coastal resilience.
• Promote Managed Retreat and Community Awareness: Relocate at-risk communities to safer areas while encouraging community-driven conservation efforts and employing real-time monitoring technologies like AI to mitigate erosion impacts.

Mains PYQ:

• Explain the causes and effects of coastal erosion in India. What are the available coastal management techniques for combating the hazard?

GS3/Environment

Jim Corbett National Park

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

Recent studies have revealed that the drones and cameras initially deployed in Jim Corbett National Park for conservation purposes, such as wildlife monitoring, are being misused by local government officials to surveil women without their consent.

About Jim Corbett National Park:

• Located at the foothills of the Himalayas in the Nainital district of Uttarakhand.
• First national park in India, established in 1936 and originally named Hailey National Park.
• Renamed in 1957 to honor Jim Corbett, a notable naturalist and conservationist.
• Home to the endangered Bengal tiger and part of the larger Corbett Tiger Reserve.
• Site of the first Project Tiger initiative launched in 1973.
• Covers an area exceeding 500 square kilometers.
• Encompasses the Patli Dun valley formed by the Ramganga River.
• Features undulating terrain with several valleys, through which the Ramganga, Pallaen, and Sonanadi rivers flow.

Flora

• Vegetation primarily consists of sal and mixed forests, along with grasslands and riparian areas.
• Grasslands, locally termed 'Chaur,' arise from former settlements or clearings.
• Evergreen Sal trees, Sheesham, and Kanju species are prevalent on the ridges.
• A particular weed, which is a nuisance for the reserve authorities, is widespread in the area.

Fauna

• Charismatic mammals include tigers and elephants.
• A diverse range of co-predators such as leopards and small carnivores are present.
• Ungulates in the park include sambar, hog deer, and spotted deer.
• The park is also home to various bird species, reptiles like gharials and crocodiles, and various fish.

GS3/Environment

Land Degradation: A Growing Crisis Threatening Humanity

Source: The Guardian 

Why in News?

The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) has published a significant report titled ‘Stepping Back from the Precipice: Transforming Land Management to Stay Within Planetary Boundaries.’ This report, released just before the commencement of COP16 of UNCCD in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, highlights the alarming extent and effects of land degradation around the world, calling for transformative changes in land management practices.

Meaning:

Land degradation is defined as the decline in biological and economic productivity of ecosystems such as croplands, forests, and pastures. The UNCCD attributes this phenomenon to unsustainable land use and management practices, which are exacerbated by both natural and human pressures.

Key impacts:

• Human health and livelihoods: Degradation diminishes food quality and availability, increasing the risk of malnutrition. It also fosters water- and food-borne illnesses stemming from poor sanitation and water scarcity, and can lead to respiratory issues due to soil erosion.
• Ecosystems and biodiversity: Harmful runoff from eroded soils negatively affects freshwater and marine ecosystems, jeopardizing wildlife and communities that rely on these resources. It also leads to a decrease in biodiversity and destabilizes ecosystems.
• Climate change contributions: Degraded lands release stored carbon and nitrous oxide, further exacerbating global warming. Notably, the capacity of ecosystems to absorb carbon has diminished by 20% over the last decade.

Causes of land degradation:

• Unsustainable agricultural practices: Excessive use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and improper irrigation techniques harm soil health and lead to freshwater depletion.
• Climate change: Increased temperatures and unpredictable rainfall patterns aggravate land degradation, with global warming accelerating soil erosion and diminishing vegetation cover.
• Rapid urbanization: The expansion of urban areas results in habitat loss and pollution, negatively impacting biodiversity and reducing the availability of agricultural and forest lands.

Regions Most Affected by Land Degradation:

• Dry regions: Areas such as South Asia, northern China, the High Plains and California (USA), and the Mediterranean are particularly vulnerable, experiencing severe soil erosion, loss of vegetation, and water shortages.
• Low-income countries disproportionately affected: Tropical and arid regions, particularly in Africa, suffer significantly from land degradation due to limited resources and resilience. Approximately one-third of the global population, including three-quarters of Africa’s inhabitants, reside in drylands, making them particularly susceptible.

Consequences and the Need for Action:

Consequences:

• The degradation of 15 million square kilometers of land—an area comparable to Antarctica—indicates a planetary crisis. Immediate measures are necessary to reverse this trend, including:
  • Implementing sustainable agricultural and water management practices.
  • Restoring degraded ecosystems to recover carbon sinks.
  • Addressing the impacts of urban expansion on natural habitats.

Steps taken by India:

India’s Union Environment Minister emphasized the country’s proactive approach to combat land degradation during the 16th Conference of Parties (COP). He highlighted the connection between desertification and poverty, noting that land degradation poses not only environmental challenges but also socioeconomic issues. Consequently, India has launched several initiatives to enhance resilience and recovery from land degradation, including the distribution of soil health cards to promote sustainable agricultural practices among farmers.

Conclusion:

If urgent actions are not taken, land degradation will jeopardize global efforts to combat climate change, protect biodiversity, and ensure food security, ultimately leaving a grave legacy for future generations.

GS2/Governance

High Risk Food

Source: The Hindu Business Line

Why in News?

Recently, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has classified the packaged drinking and mineral water sector as a "High Risk Food Category".

About High Risk Food:

• Food items categorized as "High Risk" are subjected to mandatory inspections based on risk assessment.
• This category includes products such as dairy, meat, fish, eggs, nutritional food items, prepared meals, Indian sweets, and fortified foods like fortified rice kernels.
• The FSSAI has updated its Risk-Based Inspection Policy to encompass packaged drinking water and mineral water, necessitating these products to undergo mandatory inspections and third-party audits.
• All manufacturers licensed centrally under high-risk food categories will be required to have their operations audited on an annual basis.
• This initiative aims to enhance the safety and quality standards of these products for consumers.
• Previously, the packaged drinking water industry advocated for streamlined regulations, calling for the elimination of dual certification requirements from both the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and FSSAI.

Key Facts about the FSSAI:

• The FSSAI is an autonomous organization established under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.
• It was formed under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006.
• Its main responsibilities include:
  • Protecting and promoting public health through the regulation and oversight of food safety.
  • Establishing standards and guidelines related to food products.
  • Providing licensing, registration, and accreditation services for food business operators.
  • Monitoring compliance with food regulations, particularly for imports into India.
  • Accrediting food testing laboratories across the country.
  • Managing food certification processes in India.

GS1/Geography

Nazca Lines

Source: Live Science

Why in News?

Recently, artificial intelligence was utilized by researchers to uncover additional mysterious Nazca geoglyphs in Peru.

About Nazca Lines:

• Nazca Lines are a collection of geoglyphs, which are large designs formed on the ground using elements from the landscape like stones, gravel, and dirt.
• These geoglyphs are situated in the dry coastal plain of Peru, approximately 400 kilometers south of Lima.
• The Nazca Lines were first discovered by hikers in the mid-1920s, and they were systematically studied by Peruvian archaeologist Toribio Mejia Xesspe in 1926.
• These lines are regarded as one of the greatest archaeological enigmas due to their size, continuity, and intricate nature.
• The designs portray various creatures from nature as well as fantastical beings from human imagination.
• Among the animals depicted are a spider, hummingbird, monkey, lizard, pelican, and even a killer whale.
• In addition to animals, ancient artisans illustrated plants, trees, flowers, and unusual fantastic figures, as well as geometric patterns such as wavy lines, triangles, spirals, and rectangles.
• The majority of these lines are believed to have been created between 200 B.C. and A.D. 500, during the time the Nazca people inhabited the area.
• The earliest lines, made with piles of stones, can be traced back to around 500 B.C.
• In 1994, the Nazca Lines were designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

What are Geoglyphs?

• Geoglyphs are designs made on the ground by altering the surface with stones, soil, or gravel.

GS2/Governance

Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform

Source: Times of India

Why in news?

The recently published report by Oxford University’s Saïd Business School and the Gates Foundation highlights the significant impact of the Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) platform on the management of infrastructure projects in India. This platform has been crucial in enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of project delivery across the nation.

About PRAGATI platform:

• PRAGATI is a comprehensive and versatile platform.
• It addresses public grievances while simultaneously monitoring and reviewing key government programs and projects.
• The platform supports projects identified by both the Government of India and State Governments.
• It fosters e-transparency and e-accountability among stakeholders through real-time communication.
• Launched on March 25, 2015, it serves as a vital tool for governance.

Three-Tier System:

• PRAGATI operates on a three-tier structure involving:
  • The Prime Minister's Office (PMO)
  • Union Government Secretaries
  • Chief Secretaries of the States
• The Prime Minister conducts monthly meetings via video conferencing, utilizing data and geospatial visuals to interact with Secretaries and Chief Secretaries.

Technological Integration:

• The platform incorporates three cutting-edge technologies:
  • Digital data management
  • Video conferencing
  • Geospatial technology
• This combination enhances the platform's functionality, allowing for efficient project monitoring and communication.

Impact of PRAGATI:

• According to the Oxford report, PRAGATI has expedited the implementation of 340 infrastructure projects valued at $205 billion.
• This highlights the platform's role in transforming governance and project management in India.

GS1/Indian Society

National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM)

Source: PIB

Why in the news? 

The National Mission on Cultural Mapping was launched by the Ministry of Culture to preserve India’s rich cultural heritage and stimulate rural economies.

About National Mission on Cultural Mapping (NMCM):

• Launched by: Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Implemented by: Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA).

Aims and Objectives:

• To document the diverse cultural heritage of India, which encompasses various art forms, artists, crafts, and performing arts.
• To map approximately 6.5 lakh villages in India, with initial focus on Bihar.
• To develop an IT-enabled platform for storing and managing cultural data, including a web portal and mobile application known as Mera Gaon Meri Dharohar (MGMD).

Purpose:

• To document the cultural, historical, and traditional aspects of Indian villages.

7 Categories Covered:

• Arts & Crafts
• Ecology
• Scholastic Traditions
• Epics
• Architecture
• Unique Features

Features:

• To raise awareness about the significance of cultural heritage in promoting economic development and fostering national unity.
• To create a National Register of Artists and Art Practices.

GS2/Governance

Global One-Stop Centres

Source: India News

Why in News?

Recently, the proposal by the Ministry of External Affairs to establish nine One-Stop Centres (OSCs) has been approved by the Empowered Committee of the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

About Global One-Stop Centres:

• These centres are designed to offer comprehensive support to women in vulnerable situations, addressing their immediate needs and providing essential assistance.
• Of the nine proposed OSCs, seven will feature shelter homes and will be located in Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia (with centres established in both Jeddah and Riyadh).
• The other two centres will be situated in Toronto and Singapore and will operate without shelter home facilities.
• To support the implementation of these initiatives, the Ministry of External Affairs has allocated a dedicated budget line for these missions.

Indian Community Welfare Fund (ICWF):

• The ICWF is crucial in extending welfare measures to distressed Indian nationals, particularly women.
• This fund has broadened its scope significantly to tackle various issues encountered by overseas Indians.
• Emergency assistance provided by the ICWF now includes support for boarding and lodging, air travel for stranded individuals, legal aid, medical care, and repatriation of mortal remains.
• Specific provisions for legal assistance and counselling have been included for women abandoned by their overseas Indian or foreign spouses.
• Legal panels have been established in countries with significant Indian populations to ensure timely and efficient support.
• In cases of minor legal infractions, the fund allows for the payment of fines to facilitate the release of Indian nationals.

GS2/International Relations

Trump threatens 100% tariffs on BRICS nations over plans to replace US Dollar

Source: Times of India

Why in news?

Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a warning to the BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa) threatening to impose 100% tariffs if they attempt to create a new currency or support alternatives to the US dollar as the global reserve currency. Trump emphasized that any efforts to challenge the dollar's supremacy would lead to economic consequences, asserting that the US economy would not tolerate such actions.

Weaponization of the Dollar:

• The US has increasingly leveraged its financial power as a tool of geopolitics, imposing sanctions and excluding countries like Iran and Russia from financial systems such as SWIFT.
• SWIFT (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunication) is crucial for international financial transactions.
• This practice has raised alarms about the dollar being utilized as a weapon against sovereign nations.

Reducing Dependence on the US:

• The US dollar dominates global currency markets, comprising 88% of global forex turnover as of 2022 (BIS).
• Reliance on the dollar makes nations susceptible to US monetary policies that primarily serve American interests but can adversely affect global economies.
• For example, rising US interest rates can strengthen the dollar, leading to capital outflows and economic instability in other countries.

Economic Sovereignty:

• Nations seek to minimize external influence on their financial systems. De-dollarization efforts aim to protect economies from dollar fluctuations and US political pressures.

Trade Efficiency:

• Regional and bilateral trade agreements often encourage the use of local currencies or alternatives like China's yuan, bypassing the dollar entirely.

Rise of Multipolarity:

• As the global power landscape shifts, emerging economies such as China, India, and Brazil advocate for a more decentralized financial system that mirrors the multipolar world.

US Debt and Inflation:

• The escalating US debt and inflation concerns have led countries to explore alternatives to the dollar as a stable currency.

Avoiding Transaction Costs:

• Trade conducted in US dollars often incurs substantial transaction and conversion costs. Using local currencies or regional alternatives can help mitigate these expenses.

Internationalisation of the Rupee

About

• Internationalization of the rupee involves enhancing the use of the Indian currency in global transactions.
• The goal is to promote the rupee as a widely accepted currency for international trade and investment.

Steps taken to promote international trade settlement in rupees:

• In July 2022, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) introduced an arrangement for invoicing, payment, and settlement of exports and imports in rupees.
• By December 2022, India conducted its first foreign trade settlement in rupees with Russia.
• Currently, banks from over 19 countries, including the UK, New Zealand, Germany, Malaysia, Israel, and the UAE, are authorized to conduct settlements in rupees.

Challenges:

• The rupee is not a dominant currency, accounting for only 1.6% of global forex turnover.
• To gain recognition as an international currency, the rupee's share must increase to 4%, similar to other non-US, non-Euro currencies.

Challenges in India-Russia Trade in Rupees:

• Concerns over US Sanctions: Indian banks are hesitant to facilitate rupee trade due to fears of US sanctions.
• Trade Imbalance: India's imports from Russia ($61 billion in FY24) significantly exceed exports ($4.2 billion), leading to large rupee reserves in Russia that are underutilized in trade and instead invested in Indian assets.

Lessons from Russia-China Trade in Domestic Currencies:

• In 2023, over 90% of the $240 billion bilateral trade between Russia and China was settled in roubles and yuan, attributed to their balanced trade relationship and reduced reliance on the US dollar.

India is not trying to target the US dollar:

• India is seeking alternative settlement mechanisms for trade partners facing dollar shortages, aimed at facilitating ongoing trade without antagonizing the dollar.

Experts argue that imposing 100% tariffs on BRICS nations could backfire:

• Imports into the US might simply shift to third-party countries, potentially raising costs for American consumers without reviving domestic manufacturing jobs.
• The US has become less competitive in manufacturing labor-intensive goods due to higher production costs, making it unlikely that tariffs will reverse this trend.

Need for Balanced Currency Frameworks in BRICS:

• Experts highlight that India should ensure that BRICS currency initiatives do not disproportionately benefit China, given its economic strength.

India’s Strategic Approach:

• Diplomatic Engagement: India should clarify to the US that diversifying trade mechanisms enhances financial stability and is not anti-American.
• Leadership in BRICS Initiatives: India should expedite the internationalization of its digital currency (CBDC) and financial platforms like UPI to assume a leading role.

Conclusion:

• India must balance its involvement in BRICS financial reforms with strategic relations with the US, ensuring that frameworks do not favor China.
• While there is a trend towards diversification in the global financial system, the US dollar remains dominant, with gradual movements toward non-traditional currencies.