UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 8 August 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Environment

Chhattisgarh approves country’s third largest tiger reserve

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

Chhattisgarh has approved the creation of the Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, the third largest in India.

Tiger Reserves in India

A National Park or Wildlife Sanctuary that is considered significant for protecting tigers can be additionally designated as a Tiger Reserve.

A Tiger Reserve consists of:

• a ‘Core’ or ‘Critical Tiger Habitat’, which is to be managed as an inviolate area
• a ‘Buffer’ or Peripheral area, which may be accorded a lesser degree of habitat protection

Background

Project Tiger was initiated in 1973 by the Government to safeguard the endangered species of tigers in the country, leading to the establishment of tiger reserves across India.

These reserves are overseen by the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

Process of notification of Tiger Reserves

Tiger Reserves are officially designated by State Governments as per the provisions of Section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, based on advice from the National Tiger Conservation Authority.

The notification process involves several steps:

• Proposal is received from the State
• In-principle approval is communicated from the National Tiger Conservation Authority, requesting detailed proposals under section 38V of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972
• National Tiger Conservation Authority endorses the proposal to the State after thorough examination
• The State Government formally notifies the area as a Tiger Reserve

Can tiger reserves be altered and de-notified?

Procedures regarding alterations and de-notification of tiger reserves are governed by Section 38W of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.

Regarding de-notification, the Act stipulates:

• No changes in the boundaries of a tiger reserve shall be made without the recommendation of the Tiger Conservation Authority and the approval of the National Board for Wild Life
• No State Government is permitted to de-notify a tiger reserve, except in cases of public interest with the approval of the Tiger Conservation Authority and the National Board for Wild Life

Chhattisgarh’s recent initiative

• Chhattisgarh has greenlit a proposal to establish a new tiger reserve, the third largest in the country, covering an area of 2,829 square kilometers.
• The Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary have been merged to form this Tiger Reserve.
• This reserve, situated in the northern region of Chhattisgarh, bordering Madhya Pradesh and Jharkhand, will be the fourth Tiger Reserve in the state, following the Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar, and Indravati Reserves.

Significance of the move

Guru Ghasidas National Park was previously the final known habitat of the Asiatic cheetah in India.

Transforming Guru Ghasidas into a Tiger Reserve is crucial because:

• It connects Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh, providing a corridor for tigers between the Bandhavgarh and Palamau Tiger Reserves
• It promotes eco-tourism in Chhattisgarh, offering employment opportunities for local residents in the core and buffer zones
• The National Project Tiger Authority will allocate additional funds for the reserve’s operations, facilitating new livelihood development projects in nearby villages

Decline in tiger population in Chhattisgarh

• Chhattisgarh has witnessed a decline in its tiger population from 46 in 2014 to 17 in 2022, as per a report by the National Tiger Conservation Authority released in July 2023.
• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change highlighted a worrying decrease in tiger populations across various states, including Mizoram, Nagaland, Jharkhand, Goa, Chhattisgarh, and Arunachal Pradesh, in a statement issued in 2023.

GS2/Polity

The Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024

Source: Live Law

Why in News?

Through the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024, which seeks to amend the Waqf Act 1995, the Centre is set to bring in key amendments to overhaul the regulatory framework of Muslim charitable endowments.

What is a Waqf Property?

• Waqf refers to the moveable or immovable properties dedicated exclusively for religious or charitable purposes under the Islamic law.
• A Waqf property is non-transferable and held perpetually in the name of God. It can either be for public charitable purposes or held private to benefit an individual's descendants.
• The proceeds from a Waqf typically fund educational institutions, graveyards, mosques, and shelter homes, benefitting a large number of Muslims.

What is a Waqf Board?

• A Waqf board is a legal entity with nominated members to manage Waqf properties under the Waqf Act 1995.
• The board appoints a custodian to each property to ensure its proceeds are used for intended purposes.
• Waqf Boards currently control 8.7 lakh properties spanning 9.4 lakh acres across India with an estimated value of 1.2 lakh crores, making them the third largest landowner in India after the armed forces and the Indian Railways.

What is the 1995 Waqf Act?

• The Waqf Act of 1995 regulates ‘auqaf’ (assets dedicated and notified as waqf) by a wakif, the person who dedicates property for purposes recognized by Muslim law as pious, religious, or charitable.
• Under the 1995 Act, in case of a dispute whether a property can be considered a Waqf, the decision of the Waqf Tribunal in respect of such matter shall be final.

What are the Proposed Amendments in Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024?

• The bill aims to restrict the power of Waqf boards to manage its properties and provides for more government regulation.
• The bill proposes to make registration with the District Collector's Officemandatory for any Waqf property, so that the property can be evaluated.
• It also states that any government property identified or declared as Waqf property (before or after the commencement of this Act), shall not be deemed to be a waqf property.
• The district collector will be the arbiter to decide whether a property is waqf property or government land and the decision shall be final.

Criticism of the Waqf (Amendment) Bill 2024

• According to the All-India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), the Bill seeks to alter the nature of Wakf properties and makes it easier for the government or any individual to usurp them.
• Opposition parties allege that the proposals aim to deprive the Muslim community from their freedom to manage religious affairs guaranteed under Article 26 of the Indian Constitution.
• However, the central government argued that the demand to regulate Waqf boards comes from the Muslim community itself.

GS3/Economy

Yen Carry Trade

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

Sensex and Nifty 50 witnessed a heavy sell-off on 5 August, 2024 as the rout in global equities intensified amid US recession concerns and panic in the Japanese Yen Carry Trade.

What is Yen Carry Trade?

The Yen Carry Trade is a financial strategy used by investors to take advantage of the low-interest rates in Japan. Here's a breakdown of how it works:

• Borrowing in Yen: Investors borrow money in Japanese yen, benefiting from the country's historically low-interest rates.
• Investing in Higher-Yield Assets: The borrowed yen are then converted into another currency and invested in assets or instruments with higher yields, such as bonds, stocks, or real estate in countries with higher interest rates.
• Profit from Interest Rate Differential: The key to this strategy is the difference between the low borrowing costs in Japan and the higher returns on investments elsewhere. Investors aim to profit from this interest rate differential.
• Currency Risk: One significant risk in the yen carry trade is the fluctuation in exchange rates. If the yen appreciates significantly against the currency in which the investments are made, the cost of repaying the yen-denominated loan can increase, potentially offsetting the gains from the investment.
• Market Impact: The yen carry trade can influence global financial markets. Large-scale unwinding of these trades can lead to significant movements in currency exchange rates and affect market stability. Overall, the yen carry trade is a strategy that leverages low-interest rates in Japan to seek higher returns abroad, but it comes with risks, particularly related to currency fluctuations.

Recent Yen Carry Trade Blowback:

• Japan kept interest rates ultra-low for decades following the implosion of an asset bubble in the 1990s that contributed to persistent deflation.
• Japan's central bank, the Bank of Japan, surprised markets by raising its interest rate from near-zero to 0.25%.
• This unexpected move has caused the Japanese yen to strengthen significantly.
• The rapid strengthening of the yen has resulted in substantial losses for those engaged in yen carry trades.
• As the cost of borrowing in yen has increased, the profitability of these trades has diminished.
• Impact on Global Market:
  • The Nikkei 225 index, Japan's primary stock market benchmark, plummeted by over 12% in a single day, marking its worst decline since the 1987 Black Monday crash.
  • The Reverse carry trade was a major cause of concern for the US too as the S&P 500 declined by 1.8%.
  • South Korea's Kospi and Taiwan's Weighted Index experienced significant declines, with both indices falling by more than 8%.
• Impact on India's Market:
  • Despite the global market volatility, the Indian markets have remained resilient as the Sensex closed 2.74% down, while the Nifty 50 crashed 2.68% on 5 The Indian Markets are now more balanced than before as the markets have also gone through recent major events such as Elections and Union Budget 2024.

Way Ahead for Investors:

• Shift to High-Quality Stocks: Investors should focus on companies with strong fundamentals and sustainable growth, moving away from low-growth, low-quality segments.
• Orientation Towards Large Caps: Prioritize large-cap stocks for their stability and resilience, especially during market volatility.
• Selective Exposure to Midcaps and Small Caps: While large caps should dominate your portfolio, also consider quality midcaps and small caps with strong fundamentals and growth prospects.
• Monitor Global Events: Be aware of global factors like the Yen Carry Trade unwinding, US recession fears, and Middle East conflicts that may cause market volatility.

GS3/Sports

Vinesh Phogat disqualification

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

Vinesh Phogat's pursuit of a gold medal at the Paris Olympics ended unexpectedly when she failed to meet the weight requirement for her women's 50kg wrestling final. Weighing in at just over 100 grams above the limit, she also lost her chance at a confirmed silver medal. Despite weighing 49.9kg on the morning of August 6 and securing three consecutive victories, including a win over defending champion Yui Susaki, Vinesh gained weight during the day, resulting in her disqualification before the final bout.

About

Weigh-ins take place in the morning for any wrestlers competing that day. The tournament for each weight class is contested over a two-day span. Hence, any wrestlers that make the finals or the repechage will have to make weight on both days.

First weigh-in

• During the first weigh-in, wrestlers will have 30 minutes to make weight. Contestants are weighed with their singlets, but nothing else.
• Athletes will also be examined to make sure they have no signs of any contagious disease and that their fingernails are cut very short.

During second day

• For any wrestlers competing on the second day, the weigh-in will last 15 minutes.
• This is a non-negotiable window during which the wrestler must make the required weight or risk disqualification.

Weight tolerance in Olympics

• No more weight tolerance will be allowed for the second weigh-in.
• The Olympics follow a strict weight restriction without the 2kg weigh in tolerance.

Was a two-day weigh-in always the rule?

• In 2017, the UWW changed the format of Olympic wrestling.
• The Rio Olympics was the last time when wrestling was conducted as a single day event in a major international tournament.
• Instead of the competition in a weight category being conducted all in a day, they moved to a two-day system.
• This was done so that athletes wouldn't lose a huge amount of weight on one day and compete.
• In combat sports such as wrestling, boxing, and mixed martial arts, athletes compete in specific weight categories to ensure fair competition.
• These categories have strict rules that prevent athletes from participating if they exceed the designated weight limit.
• To meet these requirements, some athletes engage in a practice known as "weight cutting," where they rapidly lose a set amount of weight just before the competition.
• This is done through various methods such as dehydration, restrictive dieting, and intense physical activity.

How do wrestlers cut weight?

• In many sports with weight categories, athletes often cut weight to fit into a lower category, typically reducing up to 10% of their body mass before major events.
• The most challenging period is the 24-48 hours before the competition, where athletes must shed the final, smallest margins of weight.
• After meeting the weight requirements and completing the weigh-in, athletes rehydrate and eat to regain energy and recover the fluids and body mass lost.
• Once the competition is over, they often start the weight-cutting cycle again for the next event.
• Vinesh has always struggled to cut weight for the 50kg category. She had been participating in the 53 kg category until recently before she made the switch to 50 kg at the trials in NIS, Patiala.
• Phogat’s usual weight is around 55-56 kg, which she has to cut to 50 kg on the days of competition. Keeping her body weight below 55-56 kg has proved to be quite tough as there isn’t much more weight to cut and cutting water weight by sweating out has proven to be extremely challenging for the Indian wrestler.

Could Vinesh have salvaged a medal if she was injured?

• According to UWW, if an athlete is injured during the first day, he/she doesn't have to attend the second weigh-in and will keep his/her results.
• In Vinesh's case, she would have got the silver medal.
• But if an athlete is injured after Day 1 of the competition, they have to attend the second weigh-in.
• Why was she disqualified - Concerned Rules
• If an athlete does not attend or fails the weigh-in (the 1st or the 2nd weigh-in), he will be eliminated from the competition and ranked last, without rank.

GS3/Environment and Ecology

Clouded Leopard

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Mizoram governor drew attention to the critical challenges in wildlife conservation during a function to observe International Clouded Leopard Day recently.

About Clouded Leopard:

• It is a wild cat living in dense forests of the Himalayas and extending through mainland Southeast Asia to South China.
• There exist two types of clouded leopards: the clouded leopard (Neofelis nebulosa) and the Sunda clouded leopard (Neofelis diardi).
• Habitat and Distribution:
  • It is discovered in Southeast Asia and the Himalayas in countries like southern China, Bhutan, Nepal, northeast India, Burma, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Cambodia, Laos, and Bangladesh.
  • Across its range, the clouded leopard mostly resides in tropical evergreen rainforests but can also be seen in dry tropical forests and mangrove swamps.
  • It has been observed at relatively high altitudes in the Himalayas.
  • In India, it can be found in Sikkim, northern West Bengal, Meghalaya, Tripura, Mizoram, Manipur, Assam, Nagaland, and Arunachal Pradesh.
  • It is the State animal of Meghalaya.

Features

• Appearance:
   A medium-sized feline, measuring 60 to 110 cm in length and weighing between 11 and 20kg. It is known for its unique coat patterns resembling 'clouds' - oval shapes with black borders and darker insides against a light to dark fur background. 
• Physical Features:
   It has a sturdy body with the longest canine teeth compared to other felines. The creature boasts short legs and wide paws, excelling in tree climbing and navigating dense forests. It can even climb upside-down beneath branches and descend headfirst down tree trunks. 
• Behavior:
   This animal prefers solitude, typically living alone. It is adept at tree climbing and forest movement. 
• Conservation:
   Both species are labeled as 'Vulnerable' according to the IUCN Red List, signifying their endangered status. 

GS3/Science and Technology

Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP)

Source: Indian Express

Why in News?

The central government recently announced the full list of the first-ever Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP) 2024 awardees.

About Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar (RVP):

•  It is a fresh collection of honors unveiled by the Government of India in the realm of Science, Technology, and Innovation. 
• Objective: To acknowledge the remarkable and motivating contributions made by scientists, technologists, and innovators either individually or in groups across various fields of science, technology, and technology-driven innovation. 
•  It stands as one of the most prestigious accolades within the sphere of science, technology, and innovation in India. 
• Eligibility:
  • Scientists, technologists, or innovators employed in governmental, private sector organizations, or as independent individuals not affiliated with any organization, who have made significant contributions through groundbreaking research, innovation, or discoveries in any science, technology, or technology-led innovation field are eligible for these awards.
  • Individuals of Indian descent residing abroad, whose exceptional contributions benefit Indian communities or society, are also eligible for these honors.
•  Scientists will be chosen from 13 domains, covering Physics, Chemistry, Biological Sciences, Mathematics & Computer Science, Earth Science, Medicine, Engineering Sciences, Agricultural Science, Environmental Science, Technology & Innovation, Atomic Energy, Space Science and Technology, and Others. 
•  Equal representation from each domain/field, including gender equality, will be ensured. 
• The awards will be distributed in the following four categories: 
  • Vigyan Ratna (VR) award: Acknowledging lifetime accomplishments and contributions in any science and technology field.
  • Vigyan Shri (VS) award: Recognizing notable contributions in any science and technology field.
  • Vigyan Yuva-Shanti Swarup Bhatnagar (VY-SSB) award: Honoring and motivating young scientists under 45 years who have made exceptional contributions in any science and technology field.
  • Vigyan Team (VT) award: To be awarded to a team of three or more scientists/researchers/innovators who have made exceptional contributions while working collaboratively in any science and technology field.
•  All nominations for the RVP awards are reviewed by the Rashtriya Vigyan Puraskar Committee (RVPC), led by the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India. 
•  The award ceremony for all award categories will take place on 23rd August (National Space Day). All awardees will receive a Sanad and a medal.

GS3/Science and Technology

Candida Auris (C. auris)

Source: Medical Xpress

Why in News?

Researchers recently discovered a new clade (or type) of Candida auris, bringing the number of clades known globally to a total of six.

About Candida Auris (C. auris):

• It's a type of fungus that is often resistant to multiple drugs.
• It can lead to serious infections inside the human body.
• The infections it causes vary from mild (skin) infections to severe, life-threatening ones like bloodstream infections.
• It can infect different body parts such as the blood, wounds, and ears.
• This fungus was first discovered in Japan in 2009.

How does it spread?

• Most cases occur in healthcare environments like hospitals and nursing homes.
• It is believed to spread through contact with contaminated surfaces or from person to person.
• People with existing health issues, recent hospital stays, and invasive medical devices are most vulnerable to catching the fungus.

How does the fungus affect the body?

• The fungus can live in specific areas like the skin, rectum, or mouth without showing symptoms, which is called "asymptomatic colonization."
• It can also get into the bloodstream or wounds, leading to severe invasive infections.

Symptoms:

• The symptoms of this fungus are similar to common illnesses, making it hard to diagnose.
• Common symptoms of C. auris are persistent fever and chills even after antibiotic treatment.

Mortality Rate:

• The estimated mortality rate ranges from 30% to 60%.

Treatment:

• Most C. auris infections can be treated with antifungal drugs known as echinocandins.
• However, some infections are resistant to typical antifungal medications, requiring multiple high-dose antifungals for treatment.

GS3/Science and Technology

Neutron Stars

Source: Universe Today

Why in News?

Astronomers recently discovered ten strange dead stars, or "neutron stars," lurking near the heart of the Milky Way.

About Neutron Stars:

• Neutron stars are super dense and compact objects in space. They form when a really big star runs out of fuel and collapses.
• The core of the star, known as 'the core', collapses, squeezing every proton and electron together to become a neutron.
• If the core of the collapsing star is between 1 and 3 times the mass of our Sun, these newly formed neutrons can halt the collapse, creating a neutron star. Stars heavier than this will collapse into black holes.
• Neutron stars, originating from stars, are spread across the galaxy where we find stars. They can exist alone or with a partner in binary systems.
• Neutron stars are typically around 20 km (12 miles) wide and weigh between 1.18 and 1.97 times the Sun's mass, with most around 1.35 times the Sun's mass.
• Many neutron stars cannot be detected as they do not emit sufficient radiation.
• Most neutron stars are observed as pulsars, which are spinning neutron stars emitting radiation pulses at regular intervals, ranging from milliseconds to seconds.
• Pulsars possess very strong magnetic fields that channel particle jets out along their two poles, producing intense beams of light.
• Neutron stars can also appear as rotating radio transients (RRATs) and magnetars.
• RRATs emit single radio bursts at irregular intervals, ranging from four minutes to three hours, with the cause of this phenomenon remaining unknown.
• Magnetars are neutron stars with an immensely powerful magnetic field, far exceeding Earth's magnetic field strength.