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

GS2/International Relations

Hamas Chief Assassinated

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in the Iranian capital Tehran early on July 31. The 62-year-old leader, who had been managing Hamas’s political operations from exile in Qatar, reportedly died in what Hamas described as an Israeli “strike” on his residence. The Israeli military has not commented on the incident so far.

About:

• Hamas is the largest Palestinian militant Islamist group and one of the two major political parties in the region.
• Currently, it governs more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.
• The organisation is known for its armed resistance against Israel.
• Hamas as a whole, or in some cases its military wing, is designated a terrorist group by several countries including Israel, the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom.

Background:

• The group was founded in the late 1980s, after the beginning of the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
• Hamas is essentially the internal metamorphosis of the Palestinian Muslim Brotherhood.

Reasons for its creation:

• The main reason for Hamas' creation was a deep sense of failure that had been set within the Palestinian national movement by the late 1980s.
• It gained prominence after opposing the Oslo Peace Accords signed in the early 1990s between Israel and the PLO.

India's stand on Hamas:

• India has not declared Hamas as a terrorist organization.
• New Delhi neither recognizes Hamas nor describes it as a terrorist group but pursues a delicate balance between its support for the Palestinian cause and opposition to terrorism.
• India has spoken of the need for a two-state solution to the wider Israel-Palestine conflict.

Key takeaways from assassination of Hamas chief:

• Ismail Haniyeh, the Qatar-based public face of Hamas, killed in Iran.
• Haniyeh was killed in Tehran and his death might mark a defining moment in the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group.
• The assassination has the potential to trigger further hostilities in the region.

Wider conflict in the Middle East:

• The killing, along with other recent events, heightens fears of wider conflict in the Middle East.
• For Israel, this event is seen as a major victory in its mission to neutralize Hamas.

For Hamas:

• From Hamas' perspective, this assassination is a major provocation as Haniyeh was a key figure in negotiations.
• Yahya Sinwar is another prominent Hamas leader responsible for previous attacks.

Pressure on Newly elected President of Iran:

• The assassination puts pressure on the newly-elected moderate President Pezeshkian in Iran.
• He will face calls for retaliation from within Iran and Hamas.

West Asia a tinderbox:

• The situation is concerning for the entire region of West Asia with the potential for escalation.

India to carefully frame its response:

• India is cautious in responding to the situation involving Hamas leaders due to the complexity of the targeted assassination on foreign soil.
• New Delhi's primary concern is maintaining peace and stability in the region.

GS3/Science and Technology

AI needs cultural policies, not just regulation

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Only by providing fair and broad access to data can we unlock AI's full potential and ensure its benefits are shared equitably.

Present Scenario of 'Data Race vs. Ethics'

Data Demand vs. Quality:

• The race for data has intensified as AI systems, particularly Large Language Models (LLMs), require vast amounts of high-quality data for training.

• There is a growing concern that this demand may compromise ethical standards, leading to the use of pirated or low-quality datasets, such as the controversial 'Books3' collection of pirated texts.

What are Large Language Models (LLMs)?

• Large Language Models (LLMs) are advanced AI systems that can understand and generate human-like text by learning from vast amounts of data, enabling a wide range of language-related applications.

Feedback Loops and Bias Amplification:

• The reliance on existing datasets can create feedback loops that exacerbate biases present in the data.

• As AI models are trained on flawed datasets, they may perpetuate and amplify these biases, resulting in skewed outputs that reflect an unbalanced and often Anglophone-centric worldview.

Ethical Considerations:

• The urgency to acquire data can overshadow ethical considerations.

• This raises questions about the fairness and accountability of AI systems, as they may be built on datasets that do not represent the diversity of human knowledge and culture.

Challenges towards the Sources

Lack of Primary Sources:

• Current LLMs are primarily trained on secondary sources, which often lack the depth and richness of primary cultural artefacts.

• Important primary sources, such as archival documents and oral traditions, are frequently overlooked, limiting the diversity of data available for AI training.

Underutilization of Cultural Heritage:

• Many repositories of cultural heritage, such as state archives, remain untapped for AI training.

• These archives contain vast amounts of linguistic and cultural data that could enhance AI's understanding of humanity's diverse history and knowledge.

Digital Divide:

• The digitization of cultural heritage is often deprioritized, leading to a lack of access to valuable data that could benefit AI development.

• This gap in data availability disproportionately affects smaller companies and startups, hindering innovation and competition with larger tech firms.

Case Studies from Italy and Canada

Italy's Digital Library Initiative:

• Italy allocated €500 million from its 'Next Generation EU' package to develop a 'Digital Library' project aimed at making its rich cultural heritage accessible as open data.

• However, this initiative has faced setbacks and deprioritization, highlighting the challenges of sustaining investment in cultural digitization.

Canada's Official Languages Act:

• This policy, once criticized for being wasteful, ultimately produced one of the most valuable datasets for training translation software.

Conclusion:

• There is a need to implement robust ethical guidelines and standards for data collection and usage in AI training. These standards should ensure that datasets are sourced legally, represent diverse cultures and perspectives, and minimize biases.

• Encourage collaborations between tech companies, governments, and cultural institutions to develop and adhere to these guidelines.

GS3/Economy

On Discarding Indexation for LTCG

Why in news?

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s decision to eliminate indexation for calculating long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax in the Union Budget has received a lukewarm response from stakeholders.

What is long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax?

• LTCG refers to the profit realized from the sale of an asset that has been held for more than one year.
• This includes various types of assets such as stocks, bonds, real estate, and mutual funds.
• If an asset is sold before this holding period, the gains are classified as short-term capital gains (STCG) and are taxed at different rates.

Why has the Union Finance Minister done away with indexation for computing long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax?

• Simplification of Tax Computation: The Finance Minister proposed the change to “cease computation of capital gains for the taxpayer and tax administration.” The intention is to simplify the tax process.
• Uniform Tax Rate: Long-term gains on all financial and non-financial assets would now be taxed at a flat rate of 12.5%, replacing the previous tiered structure.
• High real estate return: The Income Tax department believes that the real estate returns (12-16% per annum) are higher than indexation for inflation (4-5%). Thus, it predicts “substantial tax savings” for a “vast majority” of taxpayers under the new system.

What is indexation?

• Indexation is a mechanism used to adjust the original purchase price of an asset to account for inflation.
• It helps in calculating the real gains and prevents inflation from inflating the tax liability. The adjusted purchase price is called the indexed cost of acquisition.

How does Indexation help in Tax Savings?

• Adjusts the purchase price for inflation: increases the original purchase price of an asset to account for inflation between the time of purchase and sale. This results in a lower taxable capital gain.
• Reduces the taxable capital gains: By revising the purchase price upwards using the Cost Inflation Index, indexation reduces the difference between the sale price and purchase price. This lowers the taxable capital gains amount.
• Leads to lower tax liability: With a reduced taxable capital gain, the tax payable on it also decreases. For example, on a ₹48 lakh gain from selling a house, indexation can bring down the taxable gain to ₹28.6 lakh, saving ₹4,264 in tax (assuming 20% LTCG rate).

What has been the feedback from corporates and industry regarding the move?

• Concerns Over Increased Tax Liability: Many stakeholders expressed apprehension that the removal of indexation would lead to higher tax obligations for ordinary investors, particularly in the real estate sector. There are fears that this might encourage the undervaluation of properties to reduce capital gains tax and potentially increase black money transactions in real estate.
• Mixed Reactions from Realty Players: While some real estate developers and consultants indicated that the removal of indexation might not significantly impact demand and prices, especially for primary home buyers, they noted that high-end properties could see a drop in demand. Some developers viewed the changes positively and said that the lowered tax rate (from 20% to 12.5%) could make real estate a more attractive long-term investment.
• Government Justifications and Clarifications: The government has argued that the new tax regime simplifies the capital gains tax structure and is beneficial for most taxpayers.

Way forward:

• Transitional Provisions: Govt. should implement transitional provisions for existing investments to ease the shift from the old system to the new one.
• Strengthen the monitoring system: Need to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to prevent the undervaluation of properties and reduce black money transactions.

Mains PYQ:

Comment on the important changes introduced in respect of the Long-term Capital Gains Tax (LCGT) and Dividend Distribution Tax (DDT) in the Union Budget for 2018-2019. (UPSC IAS/2018)

GS3/Science and Technology

‘Zombies’ in our Genes helped us evolve

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Research suggests that around 8% of the human genome is composed of Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs) often referred to as ‘zombie’ regions.

Retroviruses and Human Genome Integration

• Most viruses can’t affect the human genome, but retroviruses are an exception.
• Retroviruses can integrate and reshape the genomes of their hosts.
• They have an RNA genome, can reverse-transcribe it to DNA, inserting it into the host’s genome.
• This process is facilitated by the enzyme reverse transcriptase.

Historical Discoveries

• Viral causes of cancer were known even before the mechanism was understood.
• In 1908, Oluf Bang and Vilhelm Ellermann discovered the viral cause of chicken leukosis.
• In 1957, Ludwik Gross isolated a leukaemia-causing virus in mice.

What are Endogenous Retroviruses (ERVs)?

• ERVs are remnants of ancient viral infections that have integrated into the genome of the host species.
• When these retroviruses infect germ cells (sperm or egg cells), their genetic material can be passed down to the next generation, becoming a permanent part of the host’s DNA.

Zombie Regions

• They refer to inactive viral sequences within the genome that no longer produce functional viruses but remain as embedded genetic fossils.
• These regions are a result of retrovirus integration that has lost its ability to replicate and produce proteins, yet they persist in the host’s DNA.

Evolutionary Significance of ERVs

• In the life cycle of a retrovirus, reverse-transcribed DNA integrated into the host’s DNA with the help of integrase viral DNA, called a provirus hijacks human cells, turning them into virus-making factories.
• Over tens of thousands of years, many retroviruses have left genomic elements in the human genome, contributing to evolutionary processes.

Example

• Syncytins are genes thought to have descended from ERVs and are crucial for placental development.
• These genes originally came from viruses and were acquired during mammalian evolution.

Their Contribution to Human Biology

• Highly expressed in the placenta and may influence conditions like preeclampsia.
• Researchers found that a particular RNA derived from an ERV is dysregulated in early-onset, suggesting it could be used as a biomarker for the condition.
• ERVs play a role in cell-type differentiation and embryo development.
• MERVL-gag is derived from an ERV. This transition is crucial for producing pluripotent stem cells capable of forming different cell types.

GS2/Polity

The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Ministry of Civil Aviation tabled the “The Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024” that replaces the Aircraft Act 1943, to put aside the colonial legacy of aviation - one of the most modern and hi-tech sectors.

• The Aircraft Act 1934 is an act to make better provision for the control of the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft.

Need to Replace the Aircraft Act 1943

• The Act has been amended several times to enhance safety, oversight, and to meet requirements for sustainable growth of the aviation sector and to give effect to the provisions of international conventions.
• A need is felt to address the ambiguities and confusion experienced by the stakeholders.
• To remove redundancies, simplify processes, and improve ease of doing business.
• To provide for the design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.

Objectives of the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024

• The proposed legislation will bring the Radio Telephone Operator Restricted (RTR) Certificate and Licence testing process from the Department of Telecom (DoT) to the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• This would ease the process for pilots as they can secure all their certificates from one authority.
• Empower the Central Government to make rules to implement the Convention relating to international civil aviation and other matters relating to civil aviation security.
• To issue orders in emergencies in the interest of public safety or tranquility.
• Provide for the payment of compensation for loss or damage in such manner as provided under the Act.
• Provide for appeals against matters relating to compensation, licenses, certificates, or approvals, and adjudication of penalties.
• Provide for imprisonment, fines, or penalties for contravention of the provisions of the Act or the rules made thereunder.

Changes Implemented by the Bhartiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill 2024

• The government has changed the definition of what qualifies as an aircraft, with balloons and gliders removed.
• The Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules regulating the design, manufacture, maintenance, possession, use, operation, sale, export, or import of any aircraft or class of aircraft and for securing the safety of aircraft operations.
• The new bill has given more powers to the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS) and the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) over the safety of the aviation environment in the country.
• It empowers the Central Government or any officer to suspend, cancel, or restrict any license or certification granted under the Act. However, an opportunity for hearing must be given to the affected party prior to passing such an order. A concept of a second appeal against such an order has also been added.

GS3/Economy

RBI Proposes Regulation for Safer Digital Payments

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The RBI has put forth a draft circular suggesting an Alternative Factor Authentication for all transactions, aiming to enhance the security of digital payments. This initiative was announced on July 31.

Authentication Process in Digital Payments:

• Authentication in digital payments refers to confirming a user's identity or the validity of a transaction to prevent fraud and ensure security.
• This process verifies that the payment initiator is authorized and the transaction is valid.

Basic Types of Authentication Methods for Digital Payments:

• Password-Based Authentication: Users confirm their identity by entering a unique password.
• PIN-Based Authentication: Users authorize transactions by entering a Personal Identification Number (PIN).
• Biometric Authentication: Utilizes unique biological traits like fingerprints, facial recognition, or iris scans.
• Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): Combines two authentication methods, typically a password and a mobile device.
• Usage: Enhances security for online transactions and account access.
• One-Time Password (OTP): A temporary password generated for a single transaction, sent to the user's registered mobile number or email.
• Token-Based Authentication: Uses a hardware or software token to create a unique code for user authentication.
• Smart Card Authentication: Involves a smart card with embedded circuits for user authentication.
• QR Code Authentication: Users authenticate and authorize payments by scanning a QR code with their mobile device.

What is Alternative Factor Authentication in Digital Transactions?

• Alternative Factor Authentication (AFA) involves using non-traditional or additional methods to verify user identities in digital transactions.
• This approach enhances security by adding multiple layers of verification, making unauthorized access more challenging.

Types of AFA:

• Behavioural Biometrics: Analyses user behavior patterns like typing speed and mouse movements for authentication.
• Device-Based Authentication: Uses device information such as IP address and geolocation for authentication.
• Risk-Based Authentication: Evaluates transaction risk based on factors like amount, location, and user behavior.
• Contextual Authentication: Considers transaction context like time of day and user preferences for authentication.
• Push Notification Authentication: Sends push notifications to a user's mobile device for transaction approval.
• Voice Recognition: Utilizes unique voice patterns for user authentication.
• Email/SMS Verification Codes: Sends verification codes to registered emails or phone numbers for authentication.
• Geolocation Verification: Uses the user's geographic location as an authentication factor.

Benefits of AFA:

• Enhanced Security: AFA reduces unauthorized access and fraud risk by incorporating diverse authentication factors.
• Flexibility: Offers users multiple authentication choices, enhancing user experience.
• Fraud Detection: Assists in detecting fraudulent activities by analyzing unusual patterns and behaviors.
• RBI Proposes Regulation for Safer Digital Payments: On July 31, the RBI introduced a draft circular proposing Alternative Factor Authentication (AFA) for all digital transactions to bolster security.

GS2/International Relations

Why the Ukraine war makes India and Europe important for each other?

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to Ukraine next month is a pivotal moment signifying a shift in India's stance toward European security.

European Scenario

• The conflict in Ukraine has thrust Europe into the forefront of India's international priorities, necessitating a reevaluation of India's engagement with European security.
• India must view the Ukrainian conflict as a catalyst for a long-overdue reconnection with European peace and security, moving beyond mere Western pressure or solidarity with Russia.
• Europe is grappling with intricate geopolitical challenges, torn between criticisms of China, appeasing the US, and managing a contentious Russia eager to reshape European security dynamics.
• India stands to benefit from engaging in peace initiatives in Ukraine, given the potential impact of the conflict on the Indian economy and security, especially considering historical precedents where China capitalized on rifts between Russia and the West.

India's Priorities

• Re-engagement with European Security: The Ukrainian conflict has prompted India to reassess its approach to European geopolitics, recognizing Europe as a vital economic partner and technological source.
• Balancing Relations with Russia and the West: India maintains a delicate equilibrium in its ties with Russia while also fostering relationships with Western powers. The historical bonds with Russia, particularly in defense and energy, remain crucial for India, especially amid heightened imports of discounted Russian oil.
• Addressing Security Challenges: The ongoing Ukrainian crisis complicates India's security landscape, notably with China strengthening its bonds with Russia and executing strategic moves in Europe. India must navigate these complexities while safeguarding its security interests.
• Promoting Peace Diplomacy: India is positioning itself as a mediator in the Ukrainian conflict, emphasizing the significance of peace and dialogue. This diplomatic role enhances India's global stature and aligns with its long-term objective of fostering stability in a multipolar world.

Future Outlook

• India's evolving global priorities underscore its ambition to emerge as a key player in international affairs, striving for economic growth, security, and sustainable development while contributing to the establishment of a multipolar global order.
• India's role in shaping global governance will continue to evolve as it navigates intricate geopolitical dynamics, pursuing its national interests and the collective welfare of the global community.
• PM Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to Ukraine should mark a shift in India's approach to European security, as the resurgence of conflict in Europe presents various economic challenges for India and exacerbates its security concerns.

Way forward:

• Proactive Diplomacy: India should actively engage with European nations and institutions to bolster political and diplomatic ties.
• Peace Mediation Efforts: Leveraging its neutral stance and diplomatic connections, India can facilitate peace dialogues and mediation initiatives in the Ukrainian conflict.

GS3/Environment

Wayanad ranked high on ISRO ‘Landslide Atlas’

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Wayanad, currently reeling from the deadly July 30 landslide disaster, was among several places in Kerala identified by the ISRO in 2023 as being highly susceptible to landslides based on key socio-economic parameters. In the Landslide Atlas of India, prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre (a unit of ISRO) in February 2023, Wayanad ranked 13th among 147 districts across 17 States and two Union Territories. Meanwhile, Thrissur, Palakkad, Malappuram, and Kozhikode ranked third, fifth, seventh, and tenth, respectively.

About 

• The Landslide Atlas of India, prepared by the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) of ISRO, details landslide occurrences and damage assessments in landslide-prone areas of India.
• It covers 147 districts in 17 states and two Union Territories in the Himalayas and Western Ghats.
• The geospatial landslide inventory database includes approximately 80,000 landslides mapped from 1998 to 2022, categorized into three types: seasonal, event-based, and route-wise inventories.
• The seasonal inventory documents landslides from the 2014 and 2017 rainy seasons.
• The event-based inventory includes major events like the Kedarnath and Kerala disasters and the Sikkim earthquake.
• The route-wise inventory covers landslides along significant tourist and pilgrimage routes.
• The mapping utilized high to very high-resolution satellite data, including IRS-1D, Resourcesat, Cartosat, Sentinel, Pleiades, and WorldView, as well as aerial images, with some landslides validated in the field.
• The data was used to rank districts based on their exposure to landslides, considering key socio-economic parameters.

Key findings

• Uttarakhand, Kerala, Jammu and Kashmir, Mizoram, Tripura, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh reported the highest number of landslides during 1998 – 2022.
• Mizoram topped the list, recording 12,385 landslide events in the past 25 years, of which 8,926 were recorded in 2017 alone.
• 2,071 events of the total 2,132 landslides reported in Nagaland during this period occurred during the 2017 monsoon season.
• Manipur, too, showed a similar trend, wherein 4,559 out of 5,494 landslide events were experienced during the rainy season of 2017.
• Among all these states, an alarming situation is emerging from Uttarakhand and Kerala. Uttarakhand's fragility was recently exposed during the land subsidence events reported from Joshimath since January. The state has experienced the second highest number (11,219) of landslides since 1998. Kerala has been consistently reporting massive landslides since it suffered the century's worst floods in 2018. The year-wise landslide events here are 2018 (5,191), 2019 (756), 2020 (9), and 2021 (29).

Most Vulnerable District

• From the events and images obtained, the NRSC ranked Rudraprayag in Uttarakhand at the top of 147 vulnerable districts. It has the highest landslide density in the country, along with having the highest exposure to total population and number of houses.

GS1/History & Culture

85th death anniversary of Shaheed Udham Singh

Source: The Tribune

Why in news?

On July 31, 1940, Indian revolutionary leader Udham Singh was executed at the Pentonville prison in London for killing Michael O’Dwyer, the former lieutenant governor of Punjab. He avenged the Jallianwala Bagh Massacre by assassinating Michael O’Dwyer.

Udham Singh (1899-1940) and his Contributions:

Details

• Birth and Early Life: Singh was born in Sunam in Punjab’s Sangrur district in 1899.
• Political Activism: Became associated with the Ghadar Party while in the US, which was founded by Sohan Singh Bhakna in 1913 and headquartered in California.
• Purpose and Actions: In 1934, Singh travelled to London to assassinate Michael O’Dwyer, the former Lieutenant Governor of Punjab during the 1919 Jallianwala Bagh massacre.
• Reason for Targeting O’Dwyer: O’Dwyer had ordered Brigadier Reginald Dyer to Amritsar before the massacre, fearing a second Indian mutiny due to Hindu-Muslim unity and demonstrations.
• Assassination of O’Dwyer: On March 13, 1940, Singh shot O’Dwyer at a meeting in Caxton Hall, London.
• Arrest and Execution: Arrested immediately, held in Brixton prison, sentenced to death, and hanged on July 31, 1940, at Pentonville Prison.
• Legacy and Recognition: Regarded as a hero for avenging the Jallianwala Bagh massacre, Gandhi termed it an “act of insanity”. He symbolized Hindu-Sikh-Muslim unity by adopting the name ‘Ram Mohamed Singh Azad’ during his trial.
• Posthumous Honors: His remains were returned to India in 1974 and cremated in his village in Sunam. A statue was installed at Jallianwala Bagh in 2018; Udham Singh Nagar district in Uttarakhand is named after him.

GS3/Economics

Artificial Insemination in Cattle

Source: Economic Times

Why in news?

The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying is implementing the Rashtriya Gokul Mission to develop and conserve indigenous bovine breeds, genetically upgrade the bovine population, and enhance milk production and productivity.

About Rashtriya Gokul Mission:

• Initiated in December 2014.
• Announced under the National Programme for Bovine Breeding and Dairy Development during the 12th Five Year Plan.
• Continued under Rashtriya Pashudhan Vikas Yojana (2021-2026) with a budget of Rs. 2400 crore.
• Nodal Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying

Objectives:

• Enhance productivity of bovines and increase sustainable milk production using advanced technologies.
• Propagate the use of high genetic merit bulls for breeding.
• Expand artificial insemination coverage by strengthening the breeding network and delivering services at farmers’ doorsteps.
• Promote scientific and holistic conservation of indigenous cattle and buffalo rearing.

Significance:

• Increased productivity, benefiting all cattle and buffaloes in India, with a focus on small and marginal farmers.
• Empowers women, who perform over 70% of livestock farming tasks.

Significant Initiatives:

• Gopal Ratna Awards for farmers maintaining the best herd of Indigenous Breed and practicing best management practices.
• Kamdhenu Awards for best-managed Indigenous herd by Institutions/Trusts/ NGOs/ Gaushalas or best-managed Breeders’ societies.
• Gokul Grams: Integrated cattle development centers focusing on promoting indigenous cattle rearing and conservation in a scientific manner.
• National Kamdhenu Breeding Centre (NKBC): Centre of Excellence for the holistic and scientific development and conservation of Indigenous Breeds.

Key Initiatives for Artificial Insemination:

• Multi-Purpose Artificial Insemination Technicians in Rural India (MAITRI): This initiative provides trained manpower for delivering quality artificial insemination services at farmers’ doorsteps.
• Nationwide Artificial Insemination Programme: This programme extends artificial insemination coverage among bovines using semen from high genetic merit bulls of indigenous breeds.
• Induction of High Genetic Merit Bulls: This program produces bulls with known genetic potential through progeny testing and pedigree selection, supplying these bulls to semen stations for quality semen dose production.
• Strengthening of Semen Stations: Efforts are made to improve the quality of semen production by formulating minimum standard protocols and establishing a Central Monitoring Unit for evaluation and grading of semen stations.

Other Initiatives:

• Breed Purity Tests: Conducted to protect indigenous breeds from indiscriminate breeding.
• Guidelines for Import and Export of Bovine Germplasm: Formulated to regulate the import of germplasm and prevent the ingress of exotic diseases, ensuring the safety and purity of bovine genetics within the country.

GS3/Environment

Mapping: River Seine

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The swimming events in the ongoing Paris Olympics were postponed due to concerns about the water quality of the River Seine.

Issues with River Seine’s Water Quality:

• Old Sewage System: Paris’ aged sewage system combines rainwater and wastewater in the same pipes, leading to overflow during heavy rains.
• Untreated Sewage Discharge: Overflowing pipes cause untreated sewage to be discharged directly into the Seine instead of being treated.
• Wildlife Contamination: Heavy rains wash wildlife, such as rodents, into the river, adding to the contamination.
• E. coli Threat: The River often has high levels of E. coli bacteria, which can cause severe gastrointestinal and urinary tract infections.
• Exceeding Safe Levels: Following heavy rains, E. coli levels in the Seine frequently exceed the safe threshold of 900 colony-forming units (cfu) per 100 ml of water.
• Long-term Pollution: The Seine has been historically polluted, with a swimming ban in place since 1923 due to health risks.
• Health Risks: High contamination levels pose significant health risks to swimmers, including infections and illnesses.

Details

• Country: France
• Length: 777 km
• Major Cities : Along Course: Paris, Troyes, Melun, Rouen, Le Havre
• Major Tributaries: Aube, Marne, Yonne, Oise, Eure
• Population in Basin: About 17 million people, including the Paris metropolitan area
• Navigability: Navigable for about 560 kilometers from the estuary to Burgundy
• Estuary Location: Empties into the English Channel at Le Havre and Honfleur
• Estuary Type: Tidal estuary with significant tidal influence up to Rouen
• Historical Significance: Central to Paris, with landmarks like Notre-Dame Cathedral, Eiffel Tower, and the Louvre along its banks
• UNESCO Status: Banks of the Seine in Paris are listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
• Economic Importance: Major waterway for commercial shipping and tourism; key ports include Paris, Rouen, and Le Havre
• Recreational Activities: Popular for river cruises, boating, fishing, and walking along its banks