UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 1st April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Red Sea

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

Global trade has been severely affected recently, primarily due to the disruption of one of the critical shipping routes — through the Red Sea.

About Red Sea:

• Location: The Red Sea is a semi-enclosed inlet of the Indian Ocean located between Africa and Asia. It is known for being one of the warmest seas globally.
• Connection: It is linked to the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean to the south through the Gulf of Aden and the Bab El-Mandeb strait.
• Northern Division: The northern part of the Red Sea is divided by the Sinai Peninsula into the Gulf of Aqaba and the Gulf of Suez. The Gulf of Suez connects the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal.

Bordering Countries

• Eastern Border: Yemen and Saudi Arabia
• Northern and Western Borders: Egypt
• Western Borders: Sudan, Eritrea, and Djibouti

Characteristics

• Temperature and Salinity: The Red Sea contains some of the hottest and saltiest seawater on Earth.
• Islands: Notable islands include Tiran Island near the Gulf of Aqaba and Shadwan Island at the entrance of the Gulf of Suez.

Significance

• Trade Route: With its connection to the Mediterranean Sea via the Suez Canal, the Red Sea serves as one of the busiest waterways globally, facilitating maritime traffic between Europe and Asia.

Source: Times of India

100 Years of Vaikom Satyagraha

Subject: History & Culture

Why in News?

This year April 1st marks 100 years of the Vaikom Satyagraha, in Kottayam, Kerala.

About Vaikom Satyagraha

• Vaikom served as the focal point of the Vaikom Satyagraha, commencing in 1924.
• The movement's primary objective was to challenge the prohibition imposed on marginalized communities from entering the vicinity of the Vaikom Mahadevar Temple in the princely state of Travancore.
• It triggered similar temple entry movements nationwide, advocating for the rights of untouchables and backward castes.
• Introducing nonviolent public protest as a form of resistance in Kerala.

A Precursor to the Vaikom Satyagraha

Social and Political Developments

• Travancore, characterized by feudal and caste-based governance, enforced strict restrictions on lower castes, barring their entry to temples and public spaces.
• Progressive reforms and missionary activities in the late 19th century led to heightened awareness and education among lower castes, notably the Ezhavas.
• An educated elite from diverse backgrounds, including lower castes, emerged, challenging societal norms and advocating for equality in opportunities and rights.

Beginning of Agitation

• Ezhava leader T K Madhavan spearheaded efforts to challenge temple entry restrictions, promoting direct action against discriminatory practices.
• Under the influence of Gandhi's principles of non-cooperation, Madhavan sought the Indian National Congress's support to mobilize a mass movement against untouchability.

Actual Course of Events

• Leaders such as T.K. Madhavan, K.P. Kesava Menon, and George Joseph led the agitation.
• Despite facing resistance and arrests by the authorities, the Satyagrahis persisted in their protest, resulting in numerous detentions and imprisonments.
• Prominent figures like Mahatma Gandhi, Chattampi Swamikal, and Sree Narayana Guru extended their support to the movement, garnering nationwide attention.
• The involvement of women and support from various regions, including Punjab, underscored the widespread impact of the Satyagraha.

Suspension

• Initially halted in April 1924 at Gandhi's suggestion, the movement resumed when efforts to resolve the issue with caste Hindu leaders proved futile.
• The absence of key leaders like T.K. Madhavan and K.P. Kesava Menon, who were arrested, posed challenges to the movement's progress.
• V. Ramaswamy Naicker (Periyar) from Tamil Nadu provided support before also facing arrest.
• The resolution for the right to temple entry encountered resistance in the Assembly, hindered by traditionalist backing and governmental pressure.

Aftermath

• On October 1, 1924, a group of Savarnas submitted a petition to the Regent Maharani Sethu Lakshmi Bai of Travancore, signed by approximately 25,000 individuals, advocating for the temple's unrestricted access.
• Gandhi's meeting with the Regent Maharani and the procession led by Mannath Padmanabhan Nair highlighted the growing support for the cause.
• Ultimately, on November 23, 1925, all temple gates were opened to Hindus except the eastern gate, marking a significant triumph.
• The Vaikom Satyagraha laid the foundation for the temple entry proclamation of Kerala in 1936 and inspired similar movements nationwide, fostering social justice and equality.

Source: Indian Express

Asteroids

Subject: Geography

Why in News?

NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory consistently forecasted the passage of four asteroids close to Earth.

About Asteroids:

• Asteroids, also known as minor planets, are rocky remnants from the early days of our solar system, originating approximately 4.6 billion years ago.
• These ancient space debris are primarily located in the main asteroid belt between Mars and Jupiter, orbiting the Sun.
• Asteroids follow highly flattened or elliptical orbits around the Sun, exhibiting erratic rotations and movements through space.
• Collectively, the total mass of all asteroids is less than that of Earth's Moon.
• Many larger asteroids have small companion moons. For instance, Didymos, a half-mile wide asteroid, is orbited by the moonlet Dimorphos, which is significantly smaller.

Source: Times Now

GS-II

Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT)

Subject: Polity and Governance

Why in News?

The Allahabad High Court recently ruled that appeals against CAT orders in contempt cases are to be made to the Supreme Court.

About Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT):

• Established under Article 323-A of the Constitution.
• Mandate:To resolve disputes and complaints related to the recruitment and terms of service of individuals appointed to public services and positions concerning Union affairs or other government-controlled bodies.
  • In addition to Central Government Ministries and Departments, around 214 organizations have been placed under CAT's jurisdiction as notified by the Government.
• Composition:Each bench comprises one Judicial Member and one Administrative Member. CAT operates through 17 Benches and 21 Circuit Benches across India.
  • Chairman and Members of CAT enjoy service conditions similar to those of High Court Judges.
  • Salaries, allowances, and service conditions of Tribunal officers and staff are determined by the Central Government.
• Powers:CAT's jurisdiction is limited to service matters falling under the Administrative Tribunals Act 1985.
  • CAT follows principles of natural justice in its decisions, not bound by Civil Procedure Code regulations.
  • The Tribunal can establish its own procedural rules and practices.
  • CAT is empowered to handle contempt issues similar to a High Court.

Source: Live Law

Katchatheevu Island Controversy

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Recently, the leader of the ruling political party attacked the main opposition party about its decision to “callously give away” the island of Katchatheevu.

Geographical Location:

• Katchatheevu is an uninhabited area situated in the Palk Strait, located between India and Sri Lanka.
• It spans a length of no more than 1.6 km and a width of slightly over 300 m at its widest point.
• The island is positioned northeast of Rameswaram, approximately 33 km away from the Indian coast.
• It is about 62 km southwest of Jaffna, at the northern tip of Sri Lanka, and 24 km from the inhabited Delft Island, which is part of Sri Lanka.

History:

• Emerging from a volcanic eruption in the 14th century, Katchatheevu is relatively new in geological terms.
• During the early medieval period, it was under the control of the Jaffna kingdom in Sri Lanka.
• In the 17th century, control shifted to the Ramnad zamindari based in Ramanathapuram, around 55 km northwest of Rameswaram.

Dispute:

• Under British rule, Katchatheevu became part of the Madras Presidency.
• In 1921, both India and Sri Lanka, as British colonies, claimed the island to establish fishing boundaries.
• A survey initially placed Katchatheevu within Sri Lanka, but a British delegation from India disputed this claim, citing historical ownership by the Ramnad kingdom.
• This dispute lingered until its resolution in 1974.

Agreement on Katchatheevu Island:

• Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement of 1974 aimed to finalize the maritime border between India and Sri Lanka.
• As part of this agreement, known as the 'Indo-Sri Lankan Maritime Agreement,' Katchatheevu was handed over to Sri Lanka.
• Initially perceived as strategically insignificant, the decision to cede India's claim aimed to strengthen ties with the neighboring country.

Fishing Rights and Subsequent Agreements:

• Indian fishermen retained rights to access Katchatheevu following the 1974 agreement.
• However, the specifics of fishing rights were not clearly outlined in the agreement.
• A subsequent agreement in 1976 prohibited fishing by either nation in each other's Exclusive Economic Zones, adding uncertainty due to Katchatheevu's proximity to both zones.

Impact of the Sri Lankan Civil War:

• Between 1983 and 2009, the focus on the Katchatheevu dispute waned as Sri Lanka grappled with a violent civil conflict.
• The conclusion of the civil war in 2009 led to heightened scrutiny on Indian fishermen entering Sri Lankan waters, with increased naval enforcement measures by Colombo.
• Indian fishermen, particularly those using larger trawlers, faced accusations of overfishing and damaging local fishing equipment, aggravating tensions.
• Post-2009, the Sri Lankan navy intensified arrests of Indian fishermen, with reports of alleged mistreatment and fatalities, reigniting demands concerning Katchatheevu.

Stand of the Union Government:

• Successive Indian governments have maintained a consistent stance on Katchatheevu, asserting that no Indian territory was relinquished or sovereignty compromised, given the historical dispute over the island.

Source: Indian Express

GS-III

Recently Awarded GI Tags

Subject: Economics

Why in News?

A significant event occurred where over 60 products from different regions were granted the Geographical Indication (GI) tag simultaneously. This batch represents the largest number of GI tags ever issued.

• Definition of GI Tag: A Geographical Indication (GI) tag is a symbol affixed to products to indicate their specific geographical origin. These products possess qualities or a reputation that can be directly attributed to that geographical location.
• Nodal Agency: The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry is responsible for overseeing GI tags in India.
• Legislation and Background: India, as a member of the World Trade Organization (WTO), implemented the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act in 1999, effective from September 2003. This legal framework aligns with Article 22(1) of the WTO Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights (TRIPS) Agreement.
• Duration and Renewal: The validity period of a GI tag is 10 years, after which it can be renewed to continue protection of the geographical indication.

Source: The Hindu

Empathic Voice Interface (EVI): World's First Conversational AI with Emotional Intelligence

Why in News?

Hume, a leading research lab and tech company in New York, has introduced Empathic Voice Interface (EVI), which is the first conversational AI equipped with emotional intelligence.

Overview of Empathic Voice Interface (EVI)

• Hume's Empathic Voice Interface (EVI) is powered by its unique empathic large language model (eLLM).
• EVI has the ability to interpret tones, word emphasis, and emotional cues, thereby enhancing the quality of interactions.
• Functioning as an API, EVI can seamlessly integrate with a variety of applications, providing developers with a flexible solution for creating human-like interactions.

Potential Applications and Future Prospects

1. Enhanced AI Assistants: Through Hume's technology, AI assistants can partake in nuanced conversations, leading to increased productivity and user satisfaction.

2. Improved Customer Support: By incorporating empathy into customer support interactions, Hume's AI offers a more personalized service, fostering stronger relationships.

3. Therapeutic Potential: Hume's empathetic AI shows promise in therapeutic environments, providing support and guidance by recognizing and responding to human emotions.

Source: Indian Express

Hepatitis B: Everything you need to know

Why in News?

A recent study by Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, New Delhi, uncovered significant gaps in public awareness regarding Hepatitis B in India, particularly concerning its transmission, effects, and vaccination.

• Despite the presence of a vaccine for more than three decades, India continues to experience high rates of HBV infection, with prevalence estimates ranging from 2% to 8% and around 37 million carriers nationwide.

About Hepatitis

• Hepatitis is a medical condition characterized by liver inflammation.
• It can result from various factors such as viral infections (hepatitis viruses), alcohol consumption, specific medications, toxins, autoimmune disorders, and metabolic irregularities.

Source: The Hindu