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

GS-I

Eta Aquariid Meteor Shower and how it can be spotted

Subject: Geography

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Eta Aquariid meteor shower, a yearly occurrence, is set to peak on May 5 and 6.

• This meteor shower is a consequence of Earth crossing paths with the debris trail left by Halley's Comet during its orbit.

Halley's Comet

• Halley's Comet is a comet with a short orbit that becomes visible from Earth every 75-79 years.
• Last observed in Earth's skies in 1986, it was encountered in space by a fleet of international spacecraft.
• The next anticipated return of Halley's Comet around the Sun is in 2061.

Understanding Meteoric Showers

• Meteors are fragments of dust, rock, and ice that are emitted from comets during their orbits around the sun.
• As these space rocks descend, the Earth's atmosphere heats them up, creating luminous streaks of gas in their wake.
• NASA's records confirm the occurrence of over 30 meteor showers annually.

Origin of Meteor Showers

• Meteor showers have their source in comets, which are remnants of the solar system's formation consisting of dust, rock, and ice.
• Comets travel around the Sun in highly elliptical paths, releasing gases and dust as they approach, forming a glowing head and a tail stretching millions of miles.
• When Earth crosses through the debris left behind by comets along their orbital plane, meteor showers become visible.

About Eta Aquariids

• Eta Aquariid meteors are renowned for their high speed, generating long, luminous tails that can last several minutes.
• Observers in the Southern Hemisphere can witness approximately 30 to 40 meteors per hour during the peak, while those in the Northern Hemisphere may see around 10 meteors per hour.
• These meteors appear to originate from the Aquarius constellation, hence their name 'Eta Aquariids'.

'Hicky's Bengal Gazette': India's First Newspaper

Subject: Modern History

Source: Hindustan Times

Why in News?

World Press Freedom Day is observed annually on May 3, emphasizing the role of journalism in society and its historical roots.

Who was James Augustus Hicky?

• James Augustus Hicky, born in Ireland in the 1730s, moved to India seeking better opportunities.
• Facing challenges like debts and imprisonment, Hicky displayed resilience by establishing a printing press in jail.

Establishment of 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette'

• Founded by James Augustus Hicky in 1780, it was the first newspaper in India and Asia, with the initial issue released on January 29, 1780.
• Hicky served as the founder-editor, targeting the European community in Calcutta initially.
• The newspaper initially focused on local matters like road maintenance, later expanding to broader societal issues including government corruption.
• Despite its reputation for sensationalism, the Gazette also criticized the British East India Company and advocated for infrastructure and sanitation.
• It was a weekly publication, priced at Rs 1, with an estimated circulation of around 400 copies per week.

Challenges and Legal Battles

• Faced legal challenges including libel lawsuits from figures like Governor General Warren Hastings and missionary Johann Zacharias Kiernander.
• Hicky's bold criticisms, including those against Hastings, led to his imprisonment and financial ruin, culminating in the newspaper's closure in 1782.

Legacy and Impact

• Despite closure, 'Hicky's Bengal Gazette' influenced Indian journalism, inspiring future journalists and advocating for societal change.
• Hicky's pioneering work laid the foundation for a vibrant media landscape in India, showcasing the press's power in holding the powerful accountable.

Catatumbo Lightning

Subject: Geography

Source: BBC

Why in News?

A convergence of multiple factors leads to the unique conditions necessary for Catatumbo lightning.

About Catatumbo Lightning:

• Catatumbo lightning is a captivating natural phenomenon observed over the Catatumbo River in Venezuela, characterized by nearly continuous lightning strikes.
• This phenomenon predominantly occurs at the confluence of the Catatumbo River and Lake Maracaibo, the largest lake in Venezuela.

Process of Occurrence:

• Warm, moisture-laden air originating from the Caribbean Sea is thrust towards the Andes mountains, where it clashes with colder air descending from the peaks.
• This clash initiates a unique atmospheric condition, as the warmer air is swiftly compelled to ascend due to the local topography, subsequently cooling and condensing to form towering cumulonimbus clouds.
• The interplay of robust winds and temperature differentials inside these clouds generates electrical charges.
• The cumulonimbus clouds, often exceeding heights of 5 km, accumulate static electricity.
• Excessive electrical potential within the clouds leads to lightning discharges.

Distinctive Features of Catatumbo Lightning:

• Catatumbo lightning is notable for its frequency and duration, with strikes occurring over approximately 160 nights annually, peaking at an average of 28 lightning strikes per minute.
• The region has earned the moniker "the lightning capital of the world" due to this constant lightning activity.

Key Facts about Lake Maracaibo:

• Lake Maracaibo, situated in Venezuela, stands as the largest lake in Latin America.
• This ancient water body's proximity to the Andes Mountains and the Caribbean Sea creates a distinctive geographical setting crucial for the high incidence of lightning in the area.

GS-II

Mullaperiyar Dam Controversy

Subject: Polity and Governance

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

Tamil Nadu has accused Kerala in the Supreme Court of raising concerns about the safety of the Mullaperiyar dam while hindering necessary maintenance work on the dam. Kerala has allegedly delayed routine maintenance tasks for significant periods, including painting, patch works, and repairs to staff quarters.

Key Points:

• The Mullaperiyar dam is located at the confluence of the Mullayar and Periyar rivers, entirely within Kerala.
• Built in the late 1800s, the dam was initially in the princely state of Travancore and leased to the British-ruled Madras Presidency for 999 years in 1886.
• Post-independence, Kerala contested the validity of the previous agreement and sought a renewal, leading to a renegotiation in the 1970s.
• Safety concerns arose in 1979 after reports of cracks following a minor earthquake, prompting debates on water levels and dam reinforcement.
• The Supreme Court has played a pivotal role in adjudicating conflicting claims, eventually allowing Tamil Nadu to raise the water level to 142 feet despite Kerala's objections.

Supreme Court Judgment:

In 2006, the Supreme Court authorized Tamil Nadu to increase the water level to 142 feet, dismissing Kerala's safety apprehensions. However, Kerala responded by amending the 2003 Kerala Irrigation and Water Conservation Act to restrict the water level to 136 feet, a move deemed unconstitutional in 2014.

Provisions in Indian Constitution:

The Indian Constitution includes relevant entries in the State List, Union List, and Article 262 concerning water distribution, reflecting the constitutional framework guiding dam-related disputes.

Dam Safety Act and Mullaperiyar Dam:

The Dam Safety Act, effective from December 2021, addresses critical issues related to the safety of major dams nationwide. It establishes regulatory bodies and mechanisms to ensure the secure operation of dams, including the Mullaperiyar dam.

An Overview of Sudan's Civil War

Subject: International Relations 

Source: New York Times

Why in News?

The inability of successive governments to articulate a shared vision has resulted in the unfair distribution of wealth and resources in Sudan.

Historical Background of the Conflict:

• The government that rose to power in 1956 focused on an Arab and Islamic identity, causing resistance due to lack of representation and demands for compliance.
• In 1989, a new government led by Omar al-Bashir aimed to establish an Islamic state, supported by the National Islamic Front.
• In 1991, an internal security apparatus was established, leading to arrests and torture of dissenters, along with the imposition of an Islamization agenda through a new penal code.
• By 2003, the al-Bashir regime utilized Janjaweed militias to suppress an insurgency in Darfur, later transforming them into the Rapid Support Forces in 2013.
• In 2018-19, following protests and al-Bashir's removal, a transitional military government was formed, facing challenges and a failed coup, ultimately disrupted by another coup led by Abdel Fattah al-Burhan.

Causes of the Present Conflict in Sudan:

• Governance Crisis: Sudan has grappled with power struggles and frequent coups since independence in 1956.
• Identity Crisis and Rebellion: Various rebellions have arisen due to an identity crisis, with marginalized groups seeking autonomy and representation.
• Ethnic and Regional Disparities: Sudan is home to diverse ethnic groups, leading to numerous coups and power struggles.
• Religious and Political Ideologies: Government shifts toward an Islamic state in 1989 worsened tensions and marginalized certain groups.
• Role of Militias: Paramilitary groups like the Rapid Support Forces have complicated the conflict by vying for power and resources.
• External Involvement: Foreign entities, including Russia, have influenced the conflict landscape, especially in resource-rich regions like Darfur.
• Economic Interests: Control over industries like gold mining has entrenched certain groups in power and fueled conflicts.

Way Forward:

• Establish a Civilian-Led Government: Sudan must prioritize a transparent, inclusive government representing its diverse populace.
• Disarm and Demobilize Militias: Urgent action is required to disarm groups like the Rapid Support Forces, reducing conflict risks.
• International Support for Reconstruction: Collaborative efforts from the global community are essential for post-conflict reconstruction through financial aid, capacity-building, and technical expertise.

GS-III

Endosymbiotic Theory and Symbiogenesis

Subject: Science and Technology

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The endosymbiotic theory posits that mitochondria and chloroplasts within cells were once independent bacteria.

• Lynn Margulis, a biologist, proposed the idea that cells assimilated bacteria, challenging the conventional belief that genetic changes primarily drive evolution.

What is the Endosymbiotic Theory?

• The endosymbiotic theory suggests that organelles such as mitochondria and chloroplasts originated as free-living bacteria engulfed by host cells.
• Lynn Margulis, an American biologist, introduced Symbiogenesis, which contested the prevailing Neo-Darwinist view that evolution is predominantly steered by genetic mutations.

Margulis's Struggle

• Lynn Margulis faced rejection of her manuscript on symbiogenesis from academic journals until it was eventually published in The Journal of Theoretical Biology in 1967.
• Recognition of mitochondria and chloroplasts as former free-living bacteria turned endosymbionts was a gradual process.

Recent Discoveries and Endosymbiotic Theory

• Recent publications in Science and Cell journals have sparked renewed interest in the endosymbiotic theory.
• The focus is on nitrogen fixation, crucial for the production of proteins and DNA in living organisms.
• Although atmospheric nitrogen is abundant, plants lack efficient mechanisms to utilize it.
• Legumes harbor nitrogen-fixing bacteria in root nodules, facilitating ammonia production for plant consumption.

Evolution of Nitroplast

• The discovery of Cyanobacterium UCYN-A in marine algae established a symbiotic relationship.
• Nitroplast, a novel organelle, co-evolved with its host cell and meets the criteria for organelle classification.
• Nitroplast integrates into host cell function and structure, imports host cell proteins, coordinates growth, and is inherited during cell division.
• Approximately half of nitroplast proteins originate from the host cell.

Significance of the Nitroplasts

• Agriculture: Nitroplasts present potential solutions for mitigating the adverse effects of industrial ammonia production.
• Biotechnology: Biotechnological applications may involve modifying host cells and nitroplasts to enhance nitrogen fixation in plants.

Sahyadri Tiger Reserve

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The Maharashtra forest department is gearing up for translocation of a few tigers from the Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve (TATR) in Chandrapur to Sahyadri Tiger reserve.

About Sahyadri Tiger Reserve:

• It is located in the Sahyadri Rangesof the Western Ghats in  It was notified by amalgamating the Chandoli National Park and Koyna Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It includes the area around the Koyna Dam, the Warna River, and many other small rivers and streams originating from the Western Ghats and flowing to the east.
• Unique features:
  • It is undulating with steep escarpments along western boundary.
  • The most distinct feature of the Tiger Reserve is the presence of numerous barren rocky and lateritic plateaus, locally called “Sadas”, with less perennial vegetation and over hanging cliffs on the edges along with numerous fallen boulders with dense thorny bushes.
  • Sahyadri Tiger Reserve is the only place where climax and near-climax vegetations are plentiful and prospects of adverse anthropogenic influence in the future are minimal.
• Vegetation: It has moist evergreen, semi-evergreen, moist and dry deciduous vegetation.
• Flora: There are many medicinal and fruit-bearing trees along with the commercial hard wood trees in the reserve.
• Fauna: Tiger, leopard and some lesser cats along with the wolf, jackal and wild dog.
• Other tiger reserves of Maharashtra: Melghat Tiger Reserve, Bor Tiger Reserve, Nawegaon-Nagzira Tiger Reserve, Pench Tiger Reserve and Tadoba-Andhari Tiger Reserve.

Issues Faced by MSMEs in India

Why in News?

The Union Budget 2023-24 introduced a new provision in the Income-Tax (IT) Act that aims to secure payments to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) within 45 days of supply of goods or services.However, this provision has resulted in a peculiar problem - large companies cancelling orders to registered MSMEs and placing these with unregistered MSMEs.MSMEs in India:

• MSMEs are often called the powerhouse of the Indian economy as they contribute significantly to employment generation, exports, and overall economic growth.
• They reportedly account for more than 11 crore jobs and contribute around 27.0% of India's GDP.
• The sector consists of around 6.4 crore MSMEs, with 1.5 crore of them registered on the Udyam portal and employs around 23.0% of the Indian labour force, making it the 2nd-largest employer in India after agriculture.
• They account for 38.4% of the total manufacturing output and contribute 45.03% of the country's total exports.

Significance of MSMEs and Problems Faced by Them:

Significance of MSMEs for Indian economy: Labour intensive sector, promotes inclusive growth, leads to financial inclusion and promotes innovation.

Problems faced by MSMEs:

• Problem of dwarfism: While dwarfs (firms that continued to remain small despite ageing) consume vital resources (could possibly be given to infant firms), they contribute less to job creation and economic growth as compared to infant firms.

• Lack of funding: Most (90%)of the MSME funding comes from informal sources.

• Poor integration of digital technologies: Integration of technologies such as big data, AI and virtual reality (Industry 4.0) into manufacturing operations in the sector is still in its infancy.

• Environmental impact: The sector lacks cleantech innovation and entrepreneurship, which produce environment friendly products, promotes energy efficiency and has the potential to accelerate the transition to a circular and low carbon economy.

Government’s Initiatives to Boost MSME Sector:

• The Government of India has correctly identified MSME ecosystem development as a top priority for achieving Atma Nirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
• The ambitious ‘Make in India’ campaign in India aims to propel the country up the manufacturing value chain and position it as a global manufacturing hub.
• Production linked incentives (PLI) schemes and the recently launched zero effect zero defect (ZED) certification are assisting in the promotion and growth of the sector.
• The Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) is also creating opportunities for self-employment and microenterprises, with over 7 lakh microenterprises being helped to become economically viable.
• Digital Saksham initiatives, as well as the interlinking of the Udyam, e-Shram, National Career Service (NCS) and Aatmanirbhar Skilled Employee-Employer Mapping (ASEEM) portals, demonstrate the promise of targeted digitalisation schemes.

Understanding the Latest Tax Compliance Guidelines for the MSMEs:

• In India, businesses usually record expenses when they happen (accrual basis), even if they haven't paid for them yet.
• However, Section 15 of the MSMED Act 2006, and newly enacted Section 43B(h) of the IT Act says that businesses must pay these MSME Registered Enterprises within 15 days/ up to 45 days if they have an agreement.
• If a business doesn't comply with this regulation, they won't be able to deduct these payments as expenses in the same year they incur them. This means their taxable income and business taxes could go up.
• Also, in case of late payment to an MSME registered unit, the payer will be responsible to pay interest on the amount due.

• Bigger companies started flagging concerns about ballooning tax liability and many MSME owners reported cancellation of orders due to the new tax clause.
• MSMEs also pointed out that big companies are shifting business to unregistered MSMEs, as it lends them the flexibility to not meet the mandatory provision and continue with a longer payment cycle of 90-120 days.
• While some MSME associations have approached the Supreme Court against the new norm, the Union MSME Ministry is learnt to have reached out to industry players for solutions.
• The Ministry has asked stakeholders to suggest ways to resolve the issues arising from the I-T Act and to recommend possible alternate mechanisms for timely clearance of MSME bills.