UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 28th June 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Rani Durgavati

Why in News?

Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra’ concluded in Madhya Pradesh recently.

 Background:-

• The Shivraj Singh Chouhan-led BJP government in Madhya Pradesh launched the six-day Rani Durgavati Gaurav Yatra.

About Rani Durgavati:-

• Rani Durgavati was born in 1524 in the Chandela dynasty in present-day Uttar Pradesh, near the border with Madhya Pradesh.
• Her father was Raja Salbahan of Ratha known for the famous Khajuraho temples.
• She married Dalpat Shah, of the kingdom of Garha-Katanga.
  • However, she became a widow after a few years and took charge of ruling the kingdom.

Battle with Mughals:-

• During the mid-16th century, Akbar led the Mughal Empire’s expansion in India.
• The Mughal governor Asaf Khan launched an attack on Garha-Katanga.
• During the prolonged fighting, Rani Durgavati was struck by arrows and, rather than surrendering, is believed to have stabbed herself with her dagger.

Rani Durgavati’s leadership

• Rani Durgavati managed the affairs of the kingdom for 16 years, maintaining trade relations and undertaking public works.
• Abul Fazl, the court historian of Akbar who chronicled these years in Akbarnama, described Durgavati as a combination of “beauty, grace and manlike courage and bravery”.

 Legacy of Rani Durgavati

• Political symbolism: Rani Durgavati is hailed as a patriotic ruler and defender of culture, becoming a symbol of pride and honour.
• Rani Durgavati and her son Veer Narayan are well known for their connections to the Madan Mahal Fort in Jabalpur.
• In her honour, the University of Jabalpur was renamed Rani Durgavati Vishwavidyalaya by the Madhya Pradesh government in 1983.
• On June 24, 1988, the Indian government released a postage stamp in memory of her.
• The Durgavati Express (11449/11450) runs between Jabalpur Junction and Jammutawi and is named for the Queen.
• The third Inshore Patrol Vessel (IPV) of its kind, ICGS Rani Durgavati, was commissioned by the Indian Coast Guard on July 14, 2018.

Source: The Hindu

Flash Floods in India

Why in News?

Recently, India and Pakistan have been affected due to flash floods.

About Flash Floods:

• A flash flood is a rapid flooding of geomorphic low-lying areas: washes, rivers, dry lakes and basins.
• It may be caused by heavy rain associated with a severe thunderstorm, hurricane, tropical storm, or meltwater from ice or snow flowing over ice sheets or snowfields.

Status of Floods in India: National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Report

• 40 million hectares (10% of the land mass) in India is prone to floods.
• On an average every year, 5 million hectares of land is affected, 1600 lives are lost and more than Rs. 1,800 crores is incurred.
• Between 1970 and 2004, 3 floods occurred per year on an average. However, between 2005 and 2019, the yearly average rose to 11. 19 districts were affected annually on an average until 2005. After 2005, the number jumped to 55.
• 2017 analysis suggests that 4.48 million Indians are exposed to riverine floods, the highest in the world.

Causes of flooding in India:

Physiological Reasons:

• Heavy precipitation: Heavy rainfall is one of the major reasons for the flood in India.
  • Such effect can be seen in the West Coast region of the Western Ghat, Assam and sub-Himalayan West Bengal.
• The meandering tendency of river-flow: The tendency to meander or change the course within a specific boundary of rivers in the flat terrains also causes a flood in the meandering regions like the lower reaches of the Brahmaputra and Gangetic plains.
• Silting in Delta areas: The deposition of silt on the river-mouths by the sea tides deteriorates the discharging capacity of rivers which causes a flood in that region.
• Earthquake and Landslide: Sometimes it has been found that the river changes its course after natural calamities like earthquake, landslide which causes a flood in the same region.
  • Such instances can be found in the mountain of hilly region states like Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand etc.
• Obstruction of free-flow of rivers: Roads, embankments, railway lines, canals etc. obstruct the free flow of rivers leading to floods in the area.
• Cloudburst: Cloud bursts lead to a high amount of rainfall within a short time leading to flash floods.
  • Flash flood generally occurs in the Himalayan region.

Man-made Reasons:

• Continued settlement in flood-prone areas: Floodplains of several rivers, especially in the northern plains like Kosi, Ghaghara, Gandak, Sarayu etc are flooded every year.
  • Yet, these areas have been settled by people.
  • This has led to recurring losses in the face of floods, especially in the Assam and Bihar plains.
• Encroachment over natural bodies: The destruction of natural wetlands including marshes and lakes has led to the blocking of areas that had earlier served as water sinks.
  • This is the primary reason behind Chennai floods.
• Rapid and unplanned urbanisation: Construction of houses in a haphazard manner without getting plans approved has led to the washing away of several buildings during flash floods due to cloudbursts in the Himalayan region.
• Nature’s destruction: With increasing deforestation especially along coastal areas and river banks, the first line of defence against floods has been removed.
  • This is the reason that cyclone caused floods result in severe destruction along the coasts.

Consequences of Flash floods:

• Human Loss and Property Loss: Every year, millions of people become homeless and washed away due to floods.
• Spread of Communicable Diseases: Waterborne diseases like cholera, typhoid fever, hepatitis, and leptospirosis spread in flood-affected areas.
  • Floods also lead to vector-borne diseases, transmitted through parasites and pathogens such as a mosquito.
  • As a result, the health of flood victims deteriorates.
• Destruction of Crops: Every year, floods destroy a large number of crops.
• Loss of Livestock: Like humans, livestock also get displaced during floods and die due to the loss of their habitats.
• Disruption of Communication Link and Transportation: Flood causes damage to transportation links such as bridges, rail, power plants etc., thus causing communication disruption in those areas.
• Economic and Social Disruption: The economy comes to a standstill as people are forced to move to another place, and revival of this situation takes time.

Preventive measures to the flooding problem:

• Improved flood warning systems: effective flood warning systems can help take timely action during natural calamities and can save lives.
  • Pre-planning can significantly reduce the effects of floods, giving people time to migrate to safer locations and stock up essentials.
• Building flood-resilient housing systems: concreting floors can be very useful during floods. Houses should be water proofed and electric sockets should be placed at higher levels up the walls to reduce the chances of shocks.
• Constructing buildings above flood levels: buildings should be constructed a metre above from the ground to prevent flood damage and evacuation during floods.
• Create wetlands and encourage reforestation: creating more and more wetlands can help soak up excessive moisture since wetlands act as sponges.
  • Wooded areas can also slow down heavy water flow, minimizing the effects of floods.
  • Reforesting upstream regions can significantly reduce the effects of flood damage.
• Installing flood barriers: these are flood gates designed to prevent the area behind the barrier from flooding.
  • They can also be kept around buildings to keep floodwaters outside the boundary created.
• Development of GIS: Geographical Information System (GIS) based National Database for disaster management.
  • GIS is an effective tool for emergency responders to access information in terms of crucial parameters for disaster-affected areas.

Way Forward:

With growing climate change impacts, flooding in India is also all set to increase in magnitude and intensity. Thus, the need of the hour is to adopt the Sendai framework’s Disaster risk resilience approach in flood management in India along with NDMA guidelines.

Source: Indian Express

GS-II

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Why in News?

UN Secretary-General recently appointed Indian-origin satellite industry expert Aarti Holla-Maini as Director of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA).

About United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA):

• It is the UN office responsible for promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space.
• It forms part of the United Nations Office at Vienna and serves as the Secretariat for the UN General Assembly's only committee dealing exclusively with those issues: the Committee on the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space.
• Functions:
  • UNOOSA  implements the United Nations Programme on Space Applications (PSA). Under the Programme, UNOOSA conducts training courses, workshops, seminars and other activities on space applications.
  • On behalf of the UN Secretary-General, UNOOSA maintains the Register of Objects Launched into Outer Space and disseminates via its website that information recorded in the Register. 
  • It also prepares and distributes documents, reports, studies and publications on various aspects of space science and technology applications and international space law.
  • It works to improve the use of space science and technology for the economic and social development of all countries, particularly developing countries.

Source: Indian Express

Centre planning new Bill on Stray Dog Issue

Why in News?

The Centre will soon formulate a law on the issue of stray dogs, Union Minister Parshottam Rupala said.

Stray Dog Menace in India

• Cities have witnessed a sharp increase in the stray dog population, which as per the official 2019 livestock census stood at 1.5 crore.
• However, independent estimates peg the number to be around 6.2 crore.
• The number of dog bites has simultaneously doubled between 2012 and 2020.
• Experts agree there may be a correlation between urbanisation and solid waste production, made visible due to the mismanagement of waste disposal.
• Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.

Reasons behind

• Poor waste management: Inadequate waste disposal facilities and the mismanagement of solid waste often lead to the congregation of stray dogs around garbage dumps and landfills, where they scavenge for food.
• Unplanned urbanization: The population boom in Indian cities has led to a sharp increase in the stray dog population. Rapid urbanization has led to the creation of slums and unmanaged solid waste, which attract dogs.
• Lack of food and shelter: The availability of food and shelter determines the carrying capacity of a city. In the absence of these facilities, free-ranging dogs become scavengers that forage around for food, eventually gravitating towards exposed garbage dumping sites.
• Territoriality: Stray dogs often become territorial and aggressive about public spaces where they are fed, leading to increased attacks on humans.
• Improper sterilization and rescue centres: Tepid animal birth control programmes and insufficient rescue centres, in conjunction with poor waste management, result in a proliferation of street animals in India.

Food wastage in India

• A population boom in Indian cities has contributed to a staggering rise in solid waste production. Indian cities generate more than 150000 metric tonnes of urban solid waste every day.
• According to a 2021 UNEP report, an estimated 931 million tonnes of food available to consumers ended up in households, restaurants, vendors and other food service retailers’ bins in 2019.
• Indian homes on average also generated 50 kg of food waste per person.
• The presence of free-roaming dogs in urban areas is determined by the “carrying capacity” of a city, which is the availability of food and shelter.

Urban Stray Dogs and Waste Disposal

• Food and shelter: The wastage food often serves as a source of food for hunger-stricken, free-roaming dogs that move towards densely-populated areas in cities, such as urban slums which are usually located next to dumping sites.
• Sanitation assists food hunt: In the absence of proper sanitation and waste disposal facilities, stray dogs become scavengers that forage for food around exposed garbage dumping sites.

Impact of Unplanned and Unregulated Urban Development

• ABC Program: Under Animal Birth Control (ABC) program, municipal bodies trap, sterilize, and release dogs to slow down the dog population. This approach aims to control the number of strays while avoiding the inhumane practice of killing them.
• Rabies Control Measures: Another anchor of India’s response is rabies control measures, including vaccination drives. Rabies is a fatal disease that can be transmitted to humans through dog bites. Thus, preventing rabies is essential in addressing the issue of stray dogs.
• Informal Measures: These include mass killing of dogs in states like Kerala, which is a controversial practice as it is often inhumane and does not address the root causes of the issue. Other measures include imposing bans on the entry of stray dogs in colonies or feeding them in public.

Why address stray dog attacks issue?

• Adds Vulnerability to the poor: The disproportionate burden of dog bites may also fall on people in urban slums, which are usually located in close proximity to dumping sites.
• Exposes harsher realities: The rise in such attacks speak to core issues of lack of serviced affordable urban housing for all, lack of safe livelihood options and improper solid waste management”.

Empathizing the strays

• Abandoned, not strayed: Stray dogs are sentient social beings capable of feeling pain, fear, and joy. Urban living patterns have largely impacted their abandonment.
• Subjected to abuse: They are often victims of neglect, abuse, and abandonment, and are forced to survive in harsh conditions on the streets.
• Neglected community guardians: Stray dogs can serve as community guardians by alerting us to potential dangers and can also provide emotional support to humans.

Way forward

• Improve waste management: Efficient management of solid waste can help reduce the availability of food for stray dogs and limit their population growth.
• Increase vaccination and sterilization: ABC and vaccination programs should be implemented in a more organized and efficient manner to control the stray dog population and the spread of rabies.
• Encourage responsible feeding practices: Regulating feeding around bakeries and restaurants and improving waste management in public spaces can reduce the carrying capacity of the environment for stray dogs and minimize the congregation of dogs in certain areas.
• Develop national policy: There is a need for a comprehensive national policy that addresses the issue of stray dogs and their management in a more systematic and humane manner.
• Stop gruesome brutality: Stopping brutality towards dogs is a crucial step towards creating a more compassionate and just management of stray dogs menace.

Source: The Hindu

Elections to 10 Rajya Sabha Seats

Why in News?

The Election Commission announced elections to 10 Rajya Sabha seats from three States that are falling vacant in July and August.

Rajya Sabha and its Composition

• Rajya Sabha, or the Council of States, is the upper house of the Parliament of India.
• It plays a vital role in the legislative process, representing the interests of states and providing a platform for deliberations on important national issues.

Composition of Rajya Sabha

• Members: Rajya Sabha consists of a maximum of 250 members, of which 238 members are representatives of states and union territories, while the President of India nominates 12 members having special knowledge or practical experience in various fields.
• Allocation of Seats: The allocation of seats in Rajya Sabha is based on the population of each state, with larger states having more representatives. The President can also nominate members to ensure the representation of expertise and diverse backgrounds.
• Term: Members of Rajya Sabha serve for a term of 6 years, with one-third of the members retiring every two years. This rotational system ensures continuity in the functioning of the house.

Nominated Members

• Nominations: In addition to the elected members, Rajya Sabha includes 12 nominated members who are appointed by the President of India. These nominations are made to ensure the representation of individuals with special knowledge or practical experience in various fields such as literature, science, art, social service, and more.
• Expertise and Diversity: Nominated members bring diverse perspectives and expertise to Rajya Sabha. They contribute to the legislative process by providing valuable insights and enriching debates on critical issues.
• Contribution: Nominated members play an essential role in shaping legislation and policy discussions. Their expertise and experience contribute to a more comprehensive and informed decision-making process in Rajya Sabha.

Functions of Rajya Sabha

• Legislative Functions: Rajya Sabha has equal legislative powers with the Lok Sabha in most matters, including passing bills related to constitutional amendments, finance, and non-financial matters. In certain circumstances, it enjoys exclusive powers, such as creating all-India services.
• Representation of States: Rajya Sabha represents the interests of states, allowing them to participate in the decision-making process at the national level. It ensures that laws and policies are formulated with the consideration of diverse regional perspectives.
• Role in Impeachment: Rajya Sabha, along with the Lok Sabha, plays a role in the impeachment of the President of India, Chief Justice, and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts. It ensures a fair and balanced process in cases of impeachment.

Significance of Rajya Sabha

• Federal Character: Rajya Sabha represents the federal character of India’s political system by giving states and union territories a voice in the national legislature. It serves as a platform for states to raise their concerns and participate in policy discussions.
• Reviewing and Amending Legislation: Rajya Sabha plays a critical role in the legislative process by reviewing and amending bills passed by the Lok Sabha. It acts as a revising chamber and provides an opportunity for in-depth scrutiny and debate on proposed laws.
• Expertise and Stability: The nomination of members with specialized knowledge and experience, along with the rotational system, ensures that Rajya Sabha benefits from their expertise. The continuity of membership allows for stability and the accumulation of institutional knowledge.

Source: Times of India

GS-III

Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve

Why in News?

Global end-to-end supply chain solution provider DP World recently provided thermal drones for the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve in Maharashtra.

About Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve: 

• Location: It is located in the Chandrapur district of Maharashtra.
• The origin of the name "Tadoba" lies with the name of the God "Tadoba" or "Taru", worshipped by the tribes who live in the dense forests of the Tadoba and Andhari region. While "Andhari" refers to the Andhari River that meanders through the forest.
• The total area of the reserve is 625.4 sq. KM. This includes Tadoba National Park, covering 116.55 sq. KM and Andhari Wildlife Sanctuary of 508.85 sq. KM.
• Corridor: The reserve has corridor linkages with Nagzira-Navegaon and Pench Tiger Reserves within the State.
• Habitat: Biogeographically, the reserve falls in the Central plateau province of the Deccan peninsula, with tropical dry deciduous forests and a typical Central Indian faunal assemblage.
• Flora:
  • Teak is the dominant tree species.
  • Other major tree species include Ain, Bamboo, Bija, Dhaoda, Haldu, Salai, Semal and Tendu.
  • Along the moist areas, species like Mango, Jamun and Arjun are found.
• Fauna:
  • The notable faunal species include tiger, leopard, sloth bear, wild dog, gaur, chital and sambar.
  • As many as 280 species of birds are found, apart from reptiles (54 species), amphibians (11 species) and fishes (84 species).

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council met in Brazil recently.

Background:-

• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council met in Brazil on June 26, 2023.
• The question of the funding needed to achieve the goals and targets of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework was discussed at the GEF Council meeting.
• GEF was tasked to find funds for the implementation of the framework adopted at the 15th Conference of the Parties (COP15) to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
• At COP15, it was decided that a new trust fund, the Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBF), would be put in place to run the projects under the framework.
• Under Target 19 of the GBF, members have to generate at least $200 billion per year by 2030 for biodiversity.

About Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council:-

• The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a partnership for international cooperation.
• HQ: Washington DC, United States.
• Established: in 1991.
  • It was set up as a fund under World Bank.
  • World Bank: it is an international financial institution that provides loans and grants to the governments of low- and middle-income countries for the purpose of pursuing capital projects.
• Restructured: in 1994.
  • 1992: at the Rio Earth Summit, the GEF was restructured and moved out of the World Bank system to become a permanent, separate institution.
  • Since 1994, however, the World Bank has served as the Trustee of the GEF Trust Fund.
  • Rio Earth Summit: it was a major United Nations conference held in Rio de Janeiro (Brazil) in 1992.
  • It highlighted the impact of human socio-economic activities on the environment.
• Members: 183 countries work together with international institutions, civil society organizations and the private sector, to address global environmental issues.
• Funding:-
• GEF funds are available to developing countries seeking to meet the objectives of international environmental agreements.
• Support is provided to government agencies, civil society organizations, private sector companies, research institutions, and other partners to implement projects and programs related to environmental conservation, protection, and renewal.

Structure:

• The GEF’s governing structure is organized around an Assembly, Council, Secretariat, 18 implementing agencies, a Scientific and Technical Advisory Panel, and the Independent Evaluation Office.

GEF Council:-

• The Council, the GEF’s main governing body.
• It comprises 32 members appointed by constituencies of member countries.

GEF serves as a financial mechanism for :

• Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
  • Signed: 5 June 1992 – 4 June 1993.
  • Effective from 1993.
  • It is the international legal instrument for “the conservation of biological diversity, the sustainable use of its components and the fair and equitable sharing of the benefits.
• United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC)
  • Signed:1992-1993.
  • Effective from 1994.
  • It was adopted in 1992 with the ultimate aim of preventing dangerous human interference with the climate system.
• UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)
  • Signed: 14 October 1994 – 13 October 1995.
  • Effective from 1996
  • It was established in 1994 to protect and restore our land and ensure a safer, just, and more sustainable future.
• Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs)
  • Signed:2001.
  • Effective from 2004.
  • It is an international environmental treaty that aims to eliminate or restrict the production and use of persistent organic pollutants (POPs).
• Minamata Convention on Mercury
  • Signed: 2013.
  • Effective from 2014.
  • It is an international treaty designed to protect human health and the environment from anthropogenic emissions and releases of mercury and mercury compounds.
• Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
  • Signed: 1987.
  • Effective from 1989.
  • It is a global agreement to protect the Earth’s ozone layer by phasing out the chemicals that deplete it.

GEF and India:

• India is a founder member of GEF.
• It is both a donor and recipient of GEF funds.
• India represents the GEF South Asia Constituency (including, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Maldives, Nepal and Sri Lanka) in the GEF Council.
• GEF Political Focal Point: Department of Economic Affairs (DEA).
• It is responsible for issues related to GEF governance, including policies and decisions, as well as relations between member countries and the GEF Council and Assembly.
• GEF Operational Focal Point (OFP): The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Source: DTE