UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 6th March 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Total Solar Eclipse

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

A total solar eclipse will make the Sun disappear in April 8, 2024, as the world will witness a rare celestial event graze through the skies.

About Total Solar Eclipse:

• A total solar eclipse is a condition when the Moon passes between the Sun and the Earth and completely blocks the Sun's disk, casting a huge shadow on the surface.
• People viewing the eclipse from locations where the Moon’s shadow completely covers the Sun–known as the path of totality–will experience a total solar eclipse. During this timeframe, the sky will darken, resembling the onset of dawn or dusk.
• Weather permitting, individuals along the path of totality will have the opportunity to observe the Sun’s corona, its outer atmosphere typically obscured by the Sun’s bright face.
  • The Sun’s corona, the outermost layer of its atmosphere extending millions of kilometers into space, is exclusively visible during a solar eclipse. Appearing as a faint, pearly-white halo encircling the darkened disk of the Sun, it becomes observable only during this celestial event.
• This solar eclipse will be characterised by a phenomenon known as totality - a condition when viewers may be able to see the chromosphere (a region of the solar atmosphere, appearing as the thin circle of pink around the Moon) along with the corona.
  • The totality will offer a rare view where you can momentarily see the stars during the time as the surroundings go completely dark.
• It will also be marked by a dip in air temperatures.

Source: India Today

India ranks 113 out of 190 countries in Women, Business and Law Index by World Bank

Subject: Indian Society

Why in News?

India’s ranking in the World Bank’s Women, Business and Law index saw a significant improvement, climbing to 113 out of 190 countries in the latest edition of the report.

• It is intriguing to know that none of the countries globally achieved a full score in the new index, indicating pervasive gender disparities in legal rights worldwide.

• Overview: The Women, Business and Law Index is a World Bank initiative aimed at measuring how laws and regulations impact women’s economic opportunity.
• Objective: The index provides objective and measurable benchmarks for evaluating global progress towards legal gender equality.
• Scores: Range from 0 to 100, where 100 denotes equal legal rights for men and women.
• Areas Covered: The report assesses eight critical areas: mobility, workplace, pay, marriage, parenthood, entrepreneurship, assets, and pension.
• Milestone Edition: The 2024 edition marks the 10th iteration of the report.

• Legal Rights Gap: Indian women now enjoy 60% of the legal rights granted to men, slightly below the global average of 64.2%.
• Regional Comparison: India outperformed its South Asian counterparts, where women typically have access to only 45.9% of the legal protections compared to men.
• Supportive Frameworks: India’s performance in establishing supportive frameworks fell short, with only 54.2% of the necessary frameworks in place.
• Policy Efforts: India aims to increase female labour force participation, which stood at 37% in 2022-23, significantly lower than many advanced economies.
• OECD Comparison: The female labour force participation rate in OECD countries exceeded 50% in 2022, highlighting the gap India seeks to bridge.

Source: Economic Times

GS-III

RAD51

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in  News?

Researchers recently identified the RAD51 protein as a key player in preventing DNA re-replication.

About RAD51:

• RAD51 recombinase (RAD51) is a gene that encodes a protein that functions in homologous recombination and DNA repair. 
• RAD51 has the function of finding and invading homologous DNA sequences to enable accurate and timely DNA repair. 
• The RAD51 protein binds to the DNA at the site of a break and encases it in a protein sheath, which is an essential first step in the repair process.
  • Breaks in DNA can be caused by natural and medical radiation or other environmental exposures, and also occur when chromosomes exchange genetic material in preparation for cell division.
• In the nucleus of many types of normal cells, the RAD51 protein interacts with many other proteins, including BRCA1 and BRCA2, to fix damaged DNA.
  • The BRCA2 protein regulates the activity of the RAD51 protein by transporting it to sites of DNA damage in the nucleus.
  • The interaction between the BRCA1 protein and the RAD51 protein is less clear, although research suggests that BRCA1 may also activate RAD51 in response to DNA damage.
• By helping repair DNA, these three proteins play a role in maintaining the stability of a cell's genetic information.

What is Homologous recombination?

• It is a type of genetic recombination in which genetic information is exchanged between two similar or identical molecules of double-stranded or single-stranded nucleic acids (usually DNA as in cellular organisms but may also be also RNA in viruses).
• It is widely used by cells to accurately repair harmful DNA breaks that occur on both strands of DNA, known as double-strand breaks (DSB), in a process called homologous recombinational repair (HRR).
• It also produces new combinations of DNA sequences during meiosis, the process by which eukaryotes make gamete cells, like sperm and egg cells in animals. These new combinations of DNA represent genetic variation in offspring, which in turn enables populations to adapt during the course of evolution.
• Homologous recombination is also used in horizontal gene transfer to exchange genetic material between different strains and species of bacteria and viruses. Horizontal gene transfer is the primary mechanism for the spread of antibiotic resistance in bacteria.

Source: News Medical

Begonia Narahari

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Why in News?

Researchers recently discovered a new flowering plant species in Arunachal Pradesh, named Begonia Narahari.

About Begonia Narahari:

• It is a newly discovered species of flowering plant in the Begonia genus from the Begoniaceae family.
• The species, named narahari, pays tribute to former CSIR-Northeast Institute of Science and Technology (NEIST) director Prof. Garikapati Narahari Sastry in recognition of his significant contributions.
• Begonia Narahari stands out for its vivid blue iridescence under direct light, a distinctive feature that aids in its identification alongside comparisons with related species.
• As of now, Begonia naraharii is known only from the Demwe locality in the Lohit district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• Due to limited information on its global population, the species is provisionally classified as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN species assessment guidelines.

Source: BNN Breaking

Maoism and Related Issues

Subject: Security Issues

Why in News?

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court recently acquitted a former Delhi University professor and five others in a case under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) for alleged Maoist links.

• The Maharashtra government swiftly approached the Supreme Court seeking an urgent hearing after failing to secure a stay on the High Court’s judgment.

Who are the Maoists?

• Origins: Maoism, derived from the teachings of Chinese leader Mao Zedong, emerged as a form of communist theory.
• Ideology: Maoists believe in the philosophy that “Power flows from the barrel of the gun” and advocate for armed struggle to achieve their goals.
• Evolution in India: Maoism gained prominence in India through movements like the Naxalbari uprising, leading to the formation of groups like the Maoist Communist Centre (MCC) in West Bengal.

Historical Context and Evolution

• Influence of Russian Revolution: Naxalism draws ideological inspiration from the Russian Revolution and the overthrow of the Tsarist regime.
• Marxian Ideals: Rooted in Marxism, Maoism emphasizes class struggle and the redistribution of power to marginalized communities.
• Neo-Marxism: After the success of revolutions led by Lenin and Mao, intellectuals worldwide, including Fidel Castro, embraced Marxist ideologies.

Root Causes of Maoism in India

• Corporate Exploitation: Exploitation of natural resources in Eastern India has led to marginalization and harassment of tribal communities.
• Tribal Alienation: Post-independence, tribal communities lost traditional rights over resources, leading to alienation.
• Livelihood Losses: Depletion of natural resources threatened tribal livelihoods.
• Forceful Displacement: Displacement from ancestral lands disrupted traditional governance systems.
• Absence of Governance: In areas of exploitation, governance structures collapsed due to killings and intimidation.
• Foreign Provocations: External support for LWE outfits exacerbated the conflict.

Impact on Youth

• Romanticism and Misunderstanding: Some view Maoists romantically, overlooking the violence inherent in their ideology.
• Violence and Destruction: Maoist doctrine glorifies violence, leading to destruction of governance mechanisms.
• Radicalization and Coercion: Maoists radicalize youth and coerce locals to join their movement.
• Urban Presence: Maoists extend their influence to semi-urban and urban areas, facilitated by educated intellectuals.

Strategies used by LWEs and Maoists

• Utilization of State Structures: Maoists exploit state structures to further their agenda and weaken enforcement.
• Recruitment and Fundraising: They recruit and raise funds for insurgency, often through legal means.
• Urban Shelters: Maoists establish urban shelters for underground cadres.
• Legal Assistance: Legal aid is provided to arrested cadres.
• Mass Mobilization: They mobilize masses on issues relevant to their cause.

Government Initiatives for LWE-Affected Areas

• Aspirational Districts Programme: Monitoring of development initiatives in affected districts.
• Education and Infrastructure: Building schools and improving road connectivity in affected areas.
• Naxal Surrender Policy: Aimed at reintegrating misguided youth and hardcore extremists.
• National Policy Action Plan: Development-focused policy to address LWE challenges.

SAMADHAN Doctrine: A Comprehensive Strategy

• Smart Leadership: Effective leadership at all levels.
• Aggressive Strategy: Proactive measures to counter extremism.
• Motivation and Training: Training of security personnel and motivation for operations.
• Actionable Intelligence: Intelligence-driven operations.
• Harnessing Technology: Use of technology for surveillance and monitoring.
• Strategic Action Plans: Tailored action plans for each theater of conflict.
• Financial Isolation: Cutting off financial support to extremist groups.

Way Forward

• Dual Objective: Military defeat of insurgents and ideological resolution of grievances.
• Institutional Overhauls: Reforms in governance and security institutions.
• Coordinated Efforts: States must coordinate operations to deny space to Maoists.
• Population Segregation: Separating civilians from insurgents, both operationally and ideologically.
• Economic Development: Addressing resource conflicts through inclusive economic development.

Conclusion

• Understanding the complex dynamics of Maoism and Left-Wing Extremism is crucial for formulating effective counterinsurgency strategies.
• By addressing root causes, implementing targeted initiatives, and adopting a comprehensive approach, India can mitigate the impact of LWE and pave the way for sustainable peace and development in affected regions.

Source: The Hindu

INS Jatayu: India’s new Naval Base in Lakshadweep

Subject: Defence and Security

Why in News?

The Naval Detachment Minicoy will transition into INS Jatayu, an upgraded naval base, symbolizing India’s commitment to bolstering security infrastructure in the strategic Lakshadweep Islands.

• This development underscores the Indian Navy’s strategic imperative to fortify its presence in the region.

About INS Jatayu

• Upgrade to Naval Base: INS Jatayu will be elevated to a fully-fledged naval base, equipped with essential infrastructure such as an airfield and housing facilities.
• Strategic Location: Situated amidst vital Sea Lines of Communications (SLOCs), the Lakshadweep Islands hold immense strategic importance, serving as a gateway to the Indian Ocean.
• Enhanced Operational Capability: The transformation of Naval Detachment Minicoy into INS Jatayu signifies a significant augmentation of the Navy’s operational capabilities in the region.
• Geopolitical Dynamics: Against the backdrop of evolving geopolitical dynamics, particularly China’s increasing influence in the Indian Ocean Region, the establishment of INS Jatayu assumes greater significance.

A Strategic Asset: Lakshadweep Archipelago

• Geographical Context: Lakshadweep, comprising 36 islands, lies strategically between the Indian mainland and the Maldives, serving as a vital link in India’s maritime security architecture.
• Maritime Highways: Minicoy, in particular, is strategically positioned along key maritime highways, including the Eight Degree Channel and the Nine Degree Channel.

Future Prospects and Challenges

• Operational Implications: The establishment of INS Jatayu will bolster the Navy’s operational reach and responsiveness, enabling effective anti-piracy and anti-narcotics operations in the western Arabian Sea.
• Ecological Considerations: The fragile ecology of the island poses challenges for infrastructure development, necessitating meticulous planning and environmental clearances.
• Operational Expansion: The proposed airfield at INS Jatayu will facilitate operations for various aircraft, bolstering the Navy’s surveillance capabilities and extending its operational reach.

Source: The Hindu

What are Cavum Clouds?

Subject: Science and Technology 

Why in News?

Recently, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) shared mesmerizing images of Cavum clouds, also known as “hole-punch clouds” or “fallstreak holes,” as observed from space.

What are Cavum Clouds?

• Formation Process: Cavum clouds are formed when airplanes traverse through layers of altocumulus clouds, which are mid-level clouds containing supercooled water droplets (water below freezing temperature but still in liquid form).
• Adiabatic Expansion: As the aircraft moves through, a phenomenon called adiabatic expansion can occur, causing the water droplets to freeze into ice crystals.
• Creation of Holes: These ice crystals eventually become too heavy and fall out of the cloud layer, resulting in the formation of a hole in the clouds.
• Steep Angle Formation: Cavum clouds are typically formed when planes pass through at a relatively steep angle.

About Altocumulus Clouds

Source: BBC