Weekly Current Affairs (8th to 14th July 2022) - 2 - UPSC PDF Download

Green Technology Can Hurt The Environment

Background:

• The study highlighted the emerging threats that could have a major impact on marine biodiversity over the coming decades.
• A multidisciplinary team of 30 experts has used a technique called ‘horizon scanning’ to make their conclusion. 

Horizon scanning:

• Horizon scanning, which is also known as environmental scanning is “a technique for detecting early signs of potentially important developments through a systematic examination of potential threats and opportunities, with emphasis on new technology and its eff ects on the issue at hand”.

Analysis:
Detrimental Impacts of Green Technology on Environment:

(i) Growing Footprint:

• Renewable energy often requires more land than fossil fuel production, with infrastructure fragmenting or even eliminating high-quality wildlife habitats.
• It can also lead to a variety of other impacts on wildlife, including behavioral changes and direct mortality.

(ii) Biodegradable Polymers:

• In the backdrop of growing public pressure, there has been an attempt to replace fossil fuel-based plastic with biodegradable polymers, such as the ‘biodegradable plastic bags’ made of plant starches. The point of concern is that the researchers are claiming that these materials do not biodegrade under natural conditions in the ocean and their widespread adoption can cause marine litter as well. 

(iii) Lithium-based energy storage systems:

• Lithium extraction inevitably harms the soil and also causes air contamination. The common environmental side effects of lithium mining are water loss, ground destabilization, biodiversity loss, increased salinity of rivers, contaminated soil, and toxic waste
• Deep-sea ‘brine pools’: The deep-sea ‘brine pools’ of more saline water, contain higher concentrations of lithium and could become future sites for extraction. These ecosystems support diverse species, many of which are largely undiscovered. The rising demand for lithium-powered electric vehicles could put these environments at risk.
• Additionally, the majority of batteries are not properly recycled, causing the impacts on the environment to be costly.

Impact of solar energy

• The environmental disadvantages of solar energy include habitat loss, alteration in land use, the strain on water resources, exposure to hazardous materials, and pollution of soil, air, and water resources.
• The photovoltaic manufacturing process employs toxic chemicals such as:
  • hydrochloric acid
  • sulfuric acid
  • nitric acid
  • hydrogen fluoride
  • 1,1,1-trichloroethane
  • Acetone 
• Concentrating solar plants known as “power towers” produce beams of sunlight intense enough to incinerate insects and birds.
• Impact of Wind turbines: Wind turbines, both land-based and off shore, kill millions of migratory birds and bats each year from collisions.

Impact of Hydroelectric dams:

• It blocks migration routes for fish, preventing them from breeding and causing high juvenile mortality rates.
• Flooding land for a hydroelectric reservoir destroys the forest, wildlife habitat, agricultural land, and scenic lands. For example, in the Three Gorges Dam in China, entire communities had to be relocated to make way for reservoirs.
• Hydroelectricity is hydrology-dependent. The system depends on precipitation levels, which can fluctuate from year to year, causing instability.

Impact of growing demand for Biofuel:

• The production of biofuel feedstocks, particularly food crops like corn and soy, could increase water pollution from nutrients, pesticides, and sediment.
• Increases in irrigation and ethanol refining could deplete aquifers.
• Global decline in food production-As more land is directed towards biomass production.
• Habitat Loss: The habitat loss following land conversion for crop production, for example from forest or grassland.
• Loss of agrobiodiversity: the intensification on croplands, in the form of crop genetic uniformity. Most biofuel feedstock plantations are based on a single species which increases the susceptibility of these crops to new pests and diseases.

Required measures: There is need to reconsider maritime influences and technologies.

Green curse” refers to a situation when a country’s increased investment in renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, generates a new set of resource and energy-related violent conflicts.

• India can adopt horizon scanning as part of a larger foresight process to gather information on relevant trends and developments (monitoring) and explore their possible implications. 
• India can play a pivotal role in breaking the “green curse” by persuading South Asian countries to adopt sustainable practices in mining critical minerals needed for solar power devices.
• India should look at more sustainable mining models based on low carbon technology.
• REEs (rare-earth elements) like neodymium and dysprosium are needed for magnets in electric generators and wind turbines that involve mining practices that are environmentally damaging and need to be revamped.

Conclusion

• Green growth has become one of the best alternative strategies for sustainable development. Although environmental technologies play a fundamental role in green growth, further investigations are required to understand whether and how environmental technologies affect green growth.
• In the absence of rigorous studies, the long term impact on the environment remains unknown and can lead to a fresh set of problems. It requires a mindful approach to avoid various environmental pitfalls in the transition from nonrenewable energy resources to renewable energy resources.

Pilikula Biological Park

Context
Mangalore's Pilikula Biological Park got temporarily closed because of flooding and rain damage to some enclosures.

About

• Pilikula the name derived from the local tulu language 'Pili' means Tiger and 'Kula' means pond.
• Pilikula is an integrated theme park with a wide variety of features; Pilikula has many attractions of cultural and scientific interest.
• Pilikula extends over an area of 375 acres along the banks of Gurupura River.
• Pilikula presently includes a Biological Park, Botanical and Medicinal Gardens, Regional Science Centre, Lake Garden and Boating, Heritage and Artisan Village, Jungle Lodges, Golf Course, Amusement and Water Park.
• Pilikula probably the first project of its kind in India, it is inspired by the concept of providing a wholesome experience of the native natural and cultural heritage of the region along with all modern recreational facilities.
• The park has well equipped veterinary hospital complex with quarantine, post treatment ward and post-mortem block, X-ray and ultrasound scanning facilities.
• Central Zoo Authority has funded the construction of hospital complex.
• Pilikula Biological Park is aesthetically one of the best designed premises in the country meeting all modern international standards of Zoo management.
• The park serves as a good educational center for students of all ages in enriching their knowledge on conservation of wildlife.

Statue of Peace of Swamy Ramanujacharya Inaugurated In Srinagar

Context:
Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled the ‘statue of peace’ of Swamy Ramanujacharya in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir.

Swamy Ramanujacharya:

• Ramanujacharya (1017 to 1137 CE) was a Tamil-Hindu theologian, philosopher and social reformer of the Vaishnava school of thought of the Sanatan Dharma.
• He was one of the earliest reformers of the discriminatory caste system and helped people who were considered untouchables to get absorbed into the Sri Vaishnava Bhakti movement to attain spiritual liberation.
• Born in 1017 in Sriperumbudur in Tamil Nadu, Ramanujacharya is revered as a Vedic philosopher and social reformer.
• He travelled across India, advocating equality and social justice.
• Ramanuja appealed for the protection of nature and its resources like air, water, and soil. He went on to write nine scriptures known as the navaratnas, and composed numerous commentaries on Vedic scriptures.
• Belief: Sri Ramanujacharya liberated millions with the foundational conviction that every human is equal regardless of nationality, gender, race, caste, or creed.
• Vishishtadvaita: Sri Ramanujacharya was a famous proponent of Vishishtadvaita, a sub-school of Vedānta.
• Bhakti Movement: Bhakti movement was greatly infl uenced by Sri Ramanujacharya’s philosophical teachings of devotionalism.
  • Ramanujacharya revived the Bhakti movement, and his preachings inspired other Bhakti schools of thought.
  • He is considered to be the inspiration for poets like Annamacharya, Bhakta Ramdas, Thyagaraja, Kabir, and Meerabai.
• Temple Entry: Sri Ramanujacharya opened the doors of temples to all people, including those subjected to extreme discrimination.
• Literary Contributions: Sri Ramanujacharya,s literary contributions include bhāsya on the Brahma Sutras and the Bhagavad Gita, all in Sanskrit.

Ancient Buddhist Site Finally In Focus

Context
Archaeological Survey of India has now taken up conservation work at Sannati Buddhist site near Kalaburagi.

About

• Sannati is an ancient Buddhist site on the bank of river Bhima near Kanaganahalli in Kalaburagi district of Karnataka.
• The ASI excavation at Sannati has unearthed the remains of a large stupa- known as the Shakya Maha Chaitya along with several sculptures that were strewn around.
• The stupa is likely to have been initially built during Asoka’s reign and later renovated by Satavahana kings, and has inscriptions depicting Buddhist art (depiction of Jataka tales and miracles of the Buddha) and culture in the region.
• It also has symbolic and anthropomorphic forms of the Buddha-these depict the Manusha Buddhas, depicted with symbols such as nagamucchalinda (serpent with fi ve or more hoods), elephant, swan, dharmachakra and empty throne with cushions.
  • The slabs are decorated with architectural motifs and flora and fauna, which form part of the festoons and garlands.
    

Archaeological Survey of India (ASI)

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) functions under the Ministry of Culture.
•  It is the premier organization for archaeological researches and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• Maintenance of ancient monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance is the prime concern of the ASI.
• Besides, it regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• It also regulates Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.

It Act Sec 69a 

Context
Microblogging platform Twitter moved the Karnataka High Court seeking to set aside multiple blocking orders of the Central government as well as to alter their directions to identify specifi c violative content than imposing a blanket ban on individual accounts.

What led to this?

• In June, MeitY served Twitter notices which alleged that the platform was being noncompliant with the Information Technology Rules 2021.
• It warned that non-compliance to the rules would mean initiating criminal proceedings against Twitter’s chief compliance officer, and losing safe harbour under Section 79(1) of the IT Act.
• Section 79 (1) of the IT Act gives immunity to intermediaries from content posted by third parties.

Why was MeitY not happy with Twitter?

• MeitY’s contention with Twitter was that the platform was not complying with its blocking orders in its entirety.
• The ministry was also miffed with the ministry’s failure to act on such takedown notices, served under Sec 69A of the IT Act.
• What is Sec 69A of the IT Act? Under Sec 69A of the IT Act, Central government, represented here by MeitY, or any other specially-authorised officer, can issue blocking orders to platforms like Twitter under specific ground such as:
  • Interest of sovereignty and integrity of India
  • Defence of India
  • Security of the state
  • Friendly relations with foreign states
  • Public order
  • Preventing incitement to “commission of cognisable offence relating to the above”.

So why did Twitter not comply with MeitY’s requests?

• While Twitter complied with several notices of MeitY but it did not comply with a few citing that the orders by the ministry were problematic.
• However, it is not yet to what degree they are compliant because in the Karnataka High Court, Twitter is seeking judicial review of a few of the blocking orders of the government and ultimately for the court to set them aside.

Shreya Singhal Judgement’s Order

• Section 66A of the Information Technology Act, 2000 is struck down in its entirety being violative of Article 19(1)(a) and not saved under Article 19(2).
• Section 69A and the Information Technology (Procedure & Safeguards for Blocking for Access of Information by Public) Rules 2009 are constitutionally valid.
• Section 118(d) of the Kerala Police Act is struck down being violative of Article 19(1)(a) and not saved by Article 19(2).

Chhattisgarh Gets Centre’s Nod For World Bank Funded School Project

Context
The Chhattisgarh Government has received in- principal nod from the Centre to go ahead with a $300 million school education project which State is negotiating with the World Bank.

About

• The initiative will allow the Chhattisgarh Government to borrow $300 million over a period of five years.
• It will allow the state to pay significantly lower than market rates of interest, and repay it over a period of 20 years.
• This will boost the Chhattisgarh’s Education system.

What is an In-principal nod process?

• An in-principle nod means that the Centre has no objection to the State borrowing money from an external financial institution such as the World Bank.
• This is not the final approval but it paves the way for the State to proceed with subsequent discussions.
• Similarly, the World Bank has also approved in-principle that it’s willing to fund the project.

Procedure to be followed to sanction funds by the World Bank

• A World Bank team’s visit to Chhattisgarh.
• Then a Detailed Project Report (DPR) will be prepared with the Centre and the World Bank, which will be put up before the World Bank Board and the Centre for a final approval.
• The DPR will also have a detailed plan on how the money will be spent.

Contributions of World Bank for Education in India

• The World Bank has been associated with India’s school education system since 1994.
• The $500 million Strengthening Teaching-Learning and Results for States Program (STARS) of 2021, to improve the quality and governance of school education in six Indian States.

World Bank

• The International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) and the International Development Association (IDA), two of the World Bank Group’s five international entities, are known as the World Bank. 
• It was formed with the International Monetary Fund at the 1944 Bretton Woods Conference.
• The World Bank Group is a global partnership of 189 countries and five constituent organisations committed to alleviating poverty and promoting prosperity.
• The World Bank Group’s five development institutions are:
  • International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD)
  • International Development Association (IDA)
  • International Finance Corporation (IFC)
  • Multilateral Guarantee Agency (MIGA)
  • International Centre for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID)
• Functions:
  • It helps creditworthy middle-income and low-income countries by providing loans, guarantees, advice services, and risk management tools.
  • IBRD finances investments in a variety of areas and provides technical assistance and experience at all stages of a project’s development.
  • It also aids governments in improving their countries’ investment climate, eliminating service delivery bottlenecks, and strengthening institutions and policies.

Shinzo Abe: India-Japan Ties

Context
The unfortunate demise of Japan former PM and India’s ally Shinzo Abe has shocked the world. India remembered its friend, who has led the India-Japan relations to the new heights, announced one day of state mourning. 

Mapping the evolving relations

• The friendship between India and Japan has a long history rooted in spiritual affinity and strong cultural and civilization ties.
• India and Japan established diplomatic relations on 28 April 1952. Japan is regarded as a key partner in India's economic transformation.
• In the recent past, the India Japan relationship has transformed to a partnership of great substance and purpose.
• Japan's interest in India is increasing due to a variety of reasons including India's large and growing market and its resources, especially the human resources.

Shinzo Abe's Vision for India
Shinzo Abe (21 September 1954 - 8 July 2022), was a Japanese politician who served

as prime minister of Japan and President of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) from 2006

to 2007 and again from 2012 to 2020.

• He was the longest-serving prime minister in Japanese history.
• Abe sees India as the key to expanding Japan's security options beyond its current UScentric framework, while Modi views Japan as central to the success of India's 'Look East'
• 'Abenomics' and 'Modinomics' are both geared to the same goal - reviving laggard growth — yet they need each other's support for success.
• Economic strategy for Japan: Whereas Tokyo sees New Delhi as important to its own economic-revival strategy; India looks at Japan as a critical source of capital and commercial technology and a key partner to help upgrade its infrastructure and manufacturing base.
• Abe's reassertion of the right of collective self-defence and his relaxation of Japan's self-imposed arms export ban have opened the path to closer military cooperation with India, including co-production of weapon systems.
• Foreign investments: India — the biggest recipient of Japanese aid — has already become one of the largest destinations for Japanese FDI among major economies. Japan has a solid heavy manufacturing base, while India boasts services-led growth. India is a leader in software and Japan a leader in hardware.
• Attracting Demographic dividend: India has the world's largest youthful population, while Japan is aging more rapidly than any other major developed country. Whereas Japan has financial and technological power, India has human capital and a huge market.
  

India Japan - Major Diplomatic Initiatives

• A Social Security Agreement (SSA)
• A bilateral swap agreement between the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and Bank of Japan (BoJ).
• Political and security cooperation as mandated by the Action Plan of 2009 witnessed steady progress in 2012.
• A new Cyber Security Dialogue was held at Tokyo on 5 November 2012, while a newly established Maritime Dialogue.
• The 60th Anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and Japan was celebrated through various events both in India and Japan.
• QUAD grouping initiated by Japan.

Why Deepest-Ever Infrared Image Of Distant Universe Is Iconic, Nasa Explains

Context
President Joe Biden and NASA released the clearest-ever image of our young Universe, dating to the time soon after the Big Bang.

About

• The first image from the $10 billion James Webb Space Telescope is the farthest humanity has ever seen in both time and distance, closer to the dawn of time and the edge of the universe.
• Light travels at 186,000 miles per second. And that light that you are seeing on one of those little specks has been travelling for over 13 billion years.
• Webb is considered the successor to the highly successful, but aging Hubble Space Telescope.
  • Hubble has stared as far back as 13.4 billion years. It found the light wave signature of an extremely bright galaxy in 2016.
  • Astronomers measure how far back they look in light-years with one light-year being 5.8 trillion miles (9.3 trillion kilometers).

James Webb Space Telescope (JWST)

• JWST is a general-purpose observatory with a large aperture telescope optimised for infrared observations and a suite of state-of-the-art astronomical instruments capable of addressing many outstanding issues in astronomy.
• It was named after former administrator of NASA James E. Webb. It was launched as an international collaboration between NASA, ESA (European Space Agency) and the Canadian Space Agency. It costs around $9.7 billion, and is billed as the next-generation space telescope (NGST).

Key features of JWST are-

• JWST will operate in an orbit around the Earth-Sun L2 Langrage point, ~ 1.5 million kilometres away from Earth. This makes its operation, pointing and stability requirements much simpler in comparison with HST
• It orbits around the Earth at an altitude of ~570 km above it.
• The telescope and the instruments will operate at the extremely low temperature of -233°C, which prevents the instrument's own infrared emission from overwhelming the signals from the astronomical targets

James Webb Space Telescope

How James Webb is able to see back in time

Potential benefits of the JWST Mission
The launch of JWST is touted as the next big event in study of space events. It has the potential to explore following thing in universe

Universe’s first galaxies

• It is possible to observe different life stages of galaxies and stars by observing light emitted by the galaxies in time space.
• Reveal the birth of stars and planets and how they die

Look for exo-planets with the potential for life

• If life exists outside of Earth, it will release distinct chemical signatures, such as by breathing carbon dioxide and photosynthesizing out oxygen that can transform a planet. Analysing the chemicals in a planet’s atmosphere will not only allow scientists to look for life, but also enable them to assess a planet’s habitability.

Study black holes from a different angle

• Nothing can escape a black hole, not even light. But there is a plenty of stuff  that revolves around stars i.e. stars, dust and entire. This telescope will allow scientists to see diff erent goings particularly the cooler gases.