UPSC Daily Current Affairs- 15th April 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Jiadhal River

Subject: Geography

Source: Down to Earth

Why in News?: 

The peaceful flow of the Jiadhal river is currently being disturbed by the harsh impacts of climate change.

About Jiadhal River:

• Location and Course: The Jiadhal River is situated as a northern tributary of the Brahmaputra River. Originating in the sub-Himalayan mountains of Arunachal Pradesh at an elevation of 1247m, it spans a total length of 187 km. Upon traversing a narrow gorge in Arunachal Pradesh, the river meanders into the plains of Assam within Dhemaji district, where it flows through braided channels.
• Confluence: Eventually, the river merges with the Brahmaputra near Selamukh in Lakhimpur district. However, due to the construction of an embankment over the Kherkutiya Suti of the Brahmaputra, it now joins with the Subansiri River.
• Topography: The upper basin of Jiadhal is mountainous (part of the Himalayan range), while the middle and lower regions transition into a flat expanse.
• Hydrology: The Jiadhal sub-basin encounters substantial rainfall. This leads to a significant silt load being carried from its 1346 sq. km catchment area during the monsoon season, depositing it on the riverbed in the plains. Consequently, the riverbed elevation rises notably. The river is notorious for its frequent course alterations and destructive floods.
• Unique Characteristics: The Jiadhal River exemplifies a flashy river, characterized by sudden, high-volume floods occurring within a short timeframe (ranging from a few hours to a day). These events involve a substantial sediment load and debris.

Operation Meghdoot

Subject: History 

Source: Economic Times

Why in News? 

The Indian Army recently marked the 40th anniversary of the initiation of 'Operation Meghdoot' aimed at securing the Siachen Glacier.

About Operation Meghdoot:

• It was the codename given to the military operation conducted by the Indian Armed Forces to capture the strategically vital Siachen Glacier, which holds a commanding position in Northern Ladakh.
• Since the Karachi Agreement of 1949, Siachen has been a contentious issue between India and Pakistan due to the challenging terrain and harsh weather conditions.
• Operation Meghdoot was India's strong military response to what is termed as Pakistan's "cartographic aggression" in the uncharted Ladakh territory, situated north of map reference NJ9842.
• The primary aim of this operation was to prevent the Pakistan Army from seizing the Sia La and Bilafond La passes.
• Launched on April 13, 1984, this operation was significant as the first assault conducted at the world's highest battlefield.
• It is notable for the exceptional coordination and cooperation between the Indian Army and the Air Force, leading to Indian forces gaining control over the entire Siachen Glacier.

Strategic Importance of the Siachen:

• Positioned at an altitude of approximately 20,000 feet in the Karakoram Mountain range, the Siachen Glacier is recognized as the highest militarized zone globally.
• Its strategic location allows it to overlook various key areas: it dominates the Shaksgam Valley to the north (ceded to China by Pakistan in 1963), controls routes from Gilgit Baltistan to Leh from the west, and also commands the ancient Karakoram Pass on the eastern side.
• Additionally, towards the west, it surveys a significant portion of Gilgit Baltistan, an Indian territory unlawfully occupied by Pakistan in 1948.

Urbanization, no liberating force for Dalits

Subject: Indian Society

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Dalit liberation movement's expectations in urbanization have not been met by Indian cities.

View of Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule on Urbanization:

• Both Ambedkar and Jyotirao Phule believed that urbanization presented an opportunity for Dalit liberation by weakening the systems of caste oppression prevalent in Indian villages.
• Phule admired city life for its liberal atmosphere and the earning opportunities it offered, while Ambedkar saw cities as places where individuals could break free from caste-based constraints and become anonymous.
• Cities allowed individuals to shift from a caste-based order to a class-based order, where one's status was determined more by their accumulation of resources or capital rather than their caste background.

Challenges Faced by Dalits in Urban Areas:

• The extension of the purity-pollution logic to the urban environment results in Dalits carrying the stigma of their ghettoized identity into public spaces, perpetuating the association of Dalit identity with impurity and reinforcing caste-based discrimination.
• Governments impose Brahminical regulations on public spaces, furthering the perception of meat as impure, leading to restrictions on meat shops and meat-based street food in certain areas under the guise of religious sentiments.
• Regulations by the state to maintain purity in secular and religious public spaces, affecting what pedestrians can encounter visually.
• Dalit and Muslim ghettos face poor sanitation and inadequate access to municipal infrastructure like clean drinking water, as highlighted by a large-scale study.

Issues and Statistics:

• Research in sacrifice zones, areas marked for severe environmental pollution, reveals that such regions are predominantly inhabited by Dalits and Muslims.
• A recent report by the 'Housing and Land Rights Network' on forced evictions in India indicates that Dalits and Muslims are disproportionately affected by slum demolition drives.

Suggestive Measures:

• Empower Dalit and Muslim communities through grassroots initiatives, community organizations, and advocacy groups to combat discrimination.
• Conduct awareness campaigns and sensitization programs challenging caste-based stereotypes and prejudices in urban society.
• Prioritize investment in infrastructure development in Dalit and Muslim ghettos to enhance access to basic amenities like clean water, sanitation, healthcare, and education.

Conclusion:

• Urbanization has not lived up to the hopes of Dalit liberation envisioned by Ambedkar and Phule, as caste discrimination persists in cities.
• Measures such as community empowerment, awareness campaigns, and infrastructure development are crucial to combat discrimination and enhance living conditions.

GS-II

Easementary Right

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: Live Law

The Supreme Court, in a dispute of easementary rights over a road, reiterated that the power of attorney holder can only depose about the facts within his personal knowledge.

Pahariya Tribe

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: Down to Earth

Why in News?

Jharkhand’s Pahariya tribe aims to achieve seed independence by depositing native varieties in community-led banks.

About Pahariya Tribe:

• Primarily located in Jharkhand and West Bengal, with smaller populations in Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, and Odisha.
• Engage in jhum or shifting cultivation, a practice involving clearing land by burning vegetation for temporary farming.

Types of Pahariyas in Jharkhand:

• Mal Pahariya: Reside in the southern hills of Damin-i-koh and the south and east of Santhal Parganas. They are classified as Proto-Ostroloid.
• Shauria Pahariya (or Maler Paharia): Mainly found in Santhal Parganas; historically inhabited Karnataka and currently reside in the mountains of Rajmahal and Santhal Pargana. They speak their own language called "Malto."
• Religious Practices of Pahariyas: They worship household, clan, and village deities such as Mait, Maa, Gangadi, Sunadi, Rupadi, and Budharaj.
• Language and Cultural Influences: They communicate in the Pahariya language at home, which exhibits influences from Havli and Chharisgarhi.

GS-III

Fertility Levels drop below one in many Asian Nations

Subject: Economics

Source: The Economist

Why in News?

Several Asian countries are facing a population crisis with declining fertility rates leading to concerns about the sustainability of their populations.

Factors Contributing to Declining Fertility Rates

• Family Planning Measures: Countries like South Korea and Singapore have enforced strict family planning policies, urging couples to limit the number of children they have. For instance, South Korea's historical stance emphasized population control by advocating for a maximum of two children per family.

• Career Opportunities for Women: The increasing opportunities for women to pursue careers have led to a shift in priorities away from child-rearing.

• Declining Marriage Rates: Decreasing marriage rates have a direct impact on fertility rates, as marriage traditionally correlates with childbearing. The trend of delayed marriage or opting not to marry reduces the window for childbearing.

• Cost of Raising Children: The rising costs associated with raising children act as a deterrent to having larger families. Financial considerations such as education, healthcare, and housing expenses may dissuade couples from expanding their families.

• Understanding the Ideal Fertility Rate: The ideal fertility rate necessary for a population to maintain stability, without considering migration, is 2.1 children per woman. This rate, known as the replacement rate, ensures that each generation replaces itself.

Measures to Maintain an Ideal Fertility Rate

• Supporting Work-Life Balance: Implementing policies that promote work-life balance, such as flexible work hours, parental leave, and affordable childcare options, can encourage individuals to have children while pursuing their careers.

• Financial Incentives: Providing financial incentives or subsidies to families can help alleviate the financial burden associated with raising children, making it more feasible for individuals to start families.

• Education and Awareness: Conducting educational programs on the advantages of having children at a younger age and the significance of family planning can assist individuals in making informed decisions regarding their fertility.

• Healthcare Support: Enhancing healthcare services related to fertility, pregnancy, and childbirth can create a safe and supportive environment for individuals contemplating starting a family.

Conclusion

The declining fertility rates in Asian nations have triggered a population crisis due to various factors such as strict family planning measures, increased career opportunities for women, declining marriage rates, and the high costs associated with raising children. Implementing strategies like work-life balance policies, financial incentives, education, and healthcare improvements are crucial to maintaining an ideal fertility rate.

Exo-Atmospheric missiles

Source: Mint

Why in News?

Recently, Israel stated that its air-defense system utilizing exo-atmospheric interceptors successfully neutralized 99% of missiles launched by the Islamic Republic of Iran.

About Exo-Atmospheric Missiles

• Also recognized as anti-ballistic missiles (ABMs).
• Surface-to-air missiles crafted to counter incoming ballistic missiles.
• Designed to intercept and eliminate any form of ballistic threat during the mid-course or terminal phase of their trajectory.
• Specifically tailored to counter intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs).
• Operate beyond the Earth's atmosphere.

Key Features of Exo-Atmospheric Missiles

• Equipped with advanced technology like infrared sensors and radar systems for detecting and tracking incoming ballistic missiles.
• Travel at hypersonic speeds with sophisticated guidance missile systems to accurately maneuver and intercept high-speed targets.
• Guided by an inertial navigation system updated during flight using contour maps stored in the system's memory.
• Use a three-stage solid rocket booster to propel out of Earth's atmosphere at near-hypersonic speed.

Advanced Capabilities

• Upon entering space, the ABM activates sensors to identify and track the incoming target.
• Employ an inbuilt rocket motor for navigating towards the target with exceptional precision.

Decoding the Judgment on Jim Corbett

Subject: Environment and Ecology

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

In its recent ruling, the Supreme Court shed light on the corrupt nexus involving politicians, forest officials, and local contractors. This collaboration resulted in the illicit felling of 6,000 trees within the Jim Corbett National Park in Uttarakhand.

Key Points Related to the Judgment

• Shift from Anthropocentrism to Eco-centrism: The Supreme Court stressed the importance of adopting an eco-centric approach instead of anthropocentrism in managing ecotourism.
• Ban on Tiger Safaris in Core Areas: The court opposed the 2019 guidelines of the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA) allowing tiger safaris resembling zoo visits in national parks. It mandated the prohibition of tiger safaris in core areas to mitigate environmental harm and disturbance to wildlife habitats.
• Committee Formation for Feasibility Study: A dedicated committee was established to assess the feasibility of permitting tiger safaris in peripheral regions of national parks nationwide. This move reflects a cautious strategy aimed at balancing tourism objectives with conservation efforts.

What the Court Missed

• Absence of Well-Defined Methodology: The court's decision to recover restoration costs from responsible individuals and officials lacks a clear methodology. This absence complicates the accurate evaluation of the damage inflicted on Jim Corbett's green cover.

Suggestive Measures

• Need for Ecosystem Services-Based Valuation: Given the escalating degradation of biodiversity hotspots and the push for revenue-generating eco-tourism, there is a pressing requirement for a valuation approach grounded in ecosystem services. This method should encompass benefits such as food provision, water supply, and climate regulation.
• Precedent on Ecosystem Services: The court had an opportunity to establish a precedent by prioritizing ecosystem services over eco-tourism. It could have emphasized the necessity for a precise legal framework concerning ecosystem services, pivotal for environmental preservation and sustainable progress.
• Reference to International Court of Justice (ICJ) Ruling: Drawing upon the International Court of Justice's rationale in Costa Rica v. Nicaragua (2018) concerning environmental damage compensability could have enhanced comprehension of methodologies for assessing environmental harm and loss of ecosystem services.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court's verdict regarding Jim Corbett signifies a shift towards eco-centric ecotourism management by prohibiting tiger safaris in core areas. Nevertheless, the lack of a defined restoration methodology and the necessity for ecosystem services-based valuation remain unaddressed, indicating areas for enhancement.