UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 14th September 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS3/Economy

CO2 Emissions from Transport Sector could be Slashed up to 71% by 2050: Study

Source: Indian Express

Why in news?

A recent study conducted by the World Resources Institute (WRI) India indicates that it is possible for India's transport sector to cut down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by as much as 71% by the year 2050, provided that essential strategies are put into action.

These strategies include:

• Electrification of transport systems
• Enhancement of fuel economy standards
• Adoption of cleaner transportation methods

Emissions from India's Transport Sector:

In 2020, the transport sector was responsible for 14% of the total energy-related CO2 emissions in India. The study underscores the critical need for a roadmap aimed at reducing emissions in this sector to assist India in achieving its net-zero emissions target by 2070. The findings stem from an energy policy simulator that explores various decarbonization objectives and their potential outcomes.

Sectoral Breakdown of CO2 Emissions:

Among the different segments, road transport is identified as the most carbon-heavy, contributing 90% of the transport sector's CO2 emissions. The breakdown is as follows:

• Two-wheelers: 16%
• Cars: 25%
• Buses: 9%
• Light-duty freight vehicles: 8%
• Heavy-duty freight vehicles: 45% (the highest among all categories)

Other transport modes such as railways, aviation, and waterways consumed 6%, 3%, and 1% of energy, respectively.

Key Findings of the Study:

• The report emphasizes that implementing a high-ambition strategy, which includes electrification, improvements in fuel economy, and a shift to cleaner transport modalities, could lead to a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions.
• The study suggests that if these strategies are employed to their fullest extent, CO2 emissions and fossil fuel usage could decrease by 71% by 2050 compared to a business-as-usual (BAU) scenario.
• Integrating a carbon-free electricity framework, where 75% of the electricity is sourced from renewable energy, could further result in a 75% emissions reduction by 2050 compared to BAU levels.

Least-Cost Policies for Decarbonization:

• The study highlights that decarbonizing the transport sector in India can be achieved through economically viable policies.
• According to the simulation, transitioning to low-carbon transport solutions for both freight and passenger services is the most financially sensible long-term approach, with estimated savings of Rs. 12,118 for every tonne of CO2 mitigated.

Electric Vehicles and CO2 Reduction:

• Expanding the sales of electric vehicles (EVs) is identified as one of the most effective means of lowering CO2 emissions.
• The study projects that the potential annual reduction of CO2 emissions from the adoption of EVs could reach up to 121 million metric tonnes (MtCO2e).
• Additionally, the decarbonization of electricity generation could significantly bolster the effectiveness of electrification targets for EVs.

Risk of Business-As-Usual (BAU) Scenario:

• Should India continue along a BAU trajectory, the transport sector will likely remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels through 2050.
• The study warns that the consumption of fossil fuels, including LPG, diesel, and petrol, is expected to quadruple over the next thirty years.
• This increase will be driven by a projected tripling of passenger travel demand and a sevenfold rise in freight travel between 2020 and 2050.

Conclusion:

The WRI study underscores the necessity for ambitious policies and measures to decarbonize India's transport sector, stressing the significance of electric vehicles, improved fuel efficiency, and cleaner transport options. Without these interventions, India risks continued dependence on fossil fuels, leading to heightened CO2 emissions in the upcoming decades.

GS2/Polity

Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

The Central government has announced the renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram. This initiative is aimed at moving away from the colonial heritage associated with the former name and at honoring the contributions of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands to India's freedom struggle.

• This renaming occurs nearly six years after the government renamed three islands in the territory to commemorate Netaji Bose.
• Ross Island was renamed Subhash Chandra Bose Dweep, Neil Island became Shaheed Dweep, and Havelock Island is now known as Swaraj Dweep.

Process to rename a state (the term ‘state’ is inclusive of states and union territories)

• Constitutional provision: The Parliament holds the authority to change the name of a state.
• Article 3 of the Constitution: This article outlines the procedure required to change the name, area, or boundaries of a state.
• Proposal: Renaming a state can be proposed by the Parliament or the state assembly.
• The state legislature submits a resolution to the Central government.
• The President's recommendation is necessary before the bill can be presented.
• Procedure: Affected states must present their views on the proposed changes.
• The suggestions from the state legislature are not binding on the President or Parliament.
• Parliament can choose to disregard the state legislature's opinions.
• After reviewing suggestions or after a specified time period, the bill returns to Parliament for further discussion.
• Passing of the bill: The bill must receive a simple majority (50% + 1 vote) to pass.
• Upon passing, the bill is sent to the President for approval, and once approved, it officially changes the state’s name.

Origins of Port Blair: Named After Lieutenant Archibald Blair

• The city of Port Blair serves as the main entry point to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
• Originally a fishing settlement, it was named in honor of Lieutenant Archibald Blair, a British naval officer from the early 18th century.
• Blair began his first surveying mission to the Andaman Islands in December 1778, sailing from Calcutta with two ships, Elizabeth and Viper.
• He discovered a natural harbor during this expedition, initially naming it Port Cornwallis before it was later renamed Port Blair in his honor.
• Establishment of a Penal Colony in 1789: In 1789, the British established a penal colony on Chatham Island, calling it Port Blair as part of their strategy to control the region.
• This colony was abandoned by 1796 due to disease outbreaks.
• Blair’s Role in Surveying and Developing the Islands: Blair’s work in surveying laid the groundwork for British administration and military presence in the islands.
• His mapping efforts helped integrate the Andaman Islands into the British maritime network.
• Establishment of new penal colony: The Revolt of 1857 led to a surge in prisoners, prompting the renovation and re-establishment of Port Blair as a penal colony, with the first 200 prisoners arriving in March 1858.
• The British constructed the Cellular Jail, also known as Kala Pani, to confine Indian political prisoners in isolation.

Used as a strategic base by the Chola emperor

• The Srivijaya was an ancient empire based in Sumatra, influential in Southeast Asia and instrumental in the spread of Buddhism.
• By the 11th century, following naval assaults by the Cholas, Srivijaya declined.
• Historical accounts indicate that the Andaman Islands served as a crucial naval base for the Chola emperor Rajendra I during his campaign against Srivijaya.
• This invasion marked a significant conflict in India's otherwise amicable relations with Southeast Asia, possibly motivated by trade disruptions or ambitions for territorial expansion.
• American historian G.W. Spencer views this military campaign as part of Chola expansionism.
• Inscription at Thanjavur and the name of Nicobar Island: An inscription from Thanjavur, dated to 1050 CE, refers to the island as Ma-Nakkavaram, which may have influenced the modern name Nicobar under British rule.
• A Tribute to Independent India: The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram is perceived as a significant acknowledgment of the city's role in shaping a new, independent India, distancing itself from its colonial past.

GS2/Polity

Supreme Court grants bail to Delhi CM in CBI case

Source: The Hindu

Why in news?

The Supreme Court has granted bail to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal concerning the CBI's allegations related to the Delhi excise policy case. The court imposed certain conditions as part of the bail decision.

• During the ruling, one of the judges criticized the CBI for its conduct, stressing that as the leading investigative agency in the country, it must work to eliminate any doubts about the fairness of its investigations and avoid any perceived biases in its arrests.
• The judge referred to past instances where the CBI was rebuked by the Court, famously describing it as a "caged parrot."

About

• The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is India's premier investigative agency.
• Established in 1963 following the recommendations of the Santhanam Committee.
• CBI is not a statutory body; its investigative powers derive from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
• It operates under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, which is managed by the Prime Minister's Office (PMO).
• For investigations under the Prevention of Corruption Act, the CBI is overseen by the Central Vigilance Commission.

Functions

• Initially focused on corruption in government sectors and public enterprises.
• Over time, its jurisdiction expanded to include economic offenses, cyber-crimes, organized crime, and other special crimes.

Criticism of CBI

• Guided by a pre-independence act: The CBI operates under the DPSE Act of 1946, which is criticized for limiting the agency's accountability and autonomy.
  • In 2013, the Guwahati High Court declared the CBI unconstitutional for lacking statutory backing, though this ruling was later stayed by the Supreme Court.
• Politically influenced: The CBI has faced allegations of political bias due to pressure from ruling parties, affecting its credibility.
  • Instances of corruption: Former CBI director Joginder Singh revealed issues of corruption and nepotism within the agency.
• Internal conflicts: The agency has experienced internal disputes, notably a turf war between its director and special director, both accusing each other of corruption.
  • Delays in case resolutions reflect its inefficiency and ineffectiveness as the top investigative body in India.

Delhi CM arrested twice in connection with the excise policy case

• March 21, 2024: Arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
• June 26, 2024: Arrested by the CBI while already in custody.

Supreme Court Grants Interim Bail in ED Case

• July 12, 2024: The Supreme Court granted interim bail to Kejriwal in the ED case; however, he remained in custody due to ongoing CBI proceedings.

Delhi High Court Upholds CBI Arrest

• August 5, 2024: The Delhi High Court upheld the CBI's decision to arrest Kejriwal, instructing him to seek bail from the trial court.

Delhi HC Order challenged at Supreme Court

• The Delhi Chief Minister appealed the Delhi High Court’s decision to the Supreme Court, which ultimately granted him bail.

Granted Bail

• The bench, consisting of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan, unanimously agreed on granting bail to the Delhi Chief Minister in the CBI case.
• The judges determined that Kejriwal met the "triple test" for bail: no risk of evidence tampering, no flight risk, and no undue influence on witnesses.

Bail Conditions Imposed

• The Supreme Court extended the bail conditions from the ED case to the CBI case, which include:
  • No visits to the Chief Minister’s Office or the Delhi Secretariat.
  • No signing of official documents unless required for clearance from the Lieutenant Governor.
  • No public statements regarding the case or interaction with witnesses.
  • Full cooperation with the trial and attendance at court hearings.

Diverging Opinions on the Necessity of Arrest

• During the hearings, both sides discussed Sections 41(1)(b) and 41A of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
• Section 41(1)(b) outlines conditions for arrest without a warrant, while Section 41A covers situations where an accused must appear before the police without being arrested.

Arguments Extended by Delhi CM

• Kejriwal argued that the conditions for his arrest under Section 41(1)(b) were not satisfied, claiming he did not receive notice under Section 41A prior to CBI interrogation.

Justice Kant’s Rulings on Sections 41(1)(b) and 41A

• Justice Kant ruled that Section 41(1)(b) was not applicable as a CBI Special Judge had authorized the arrest.
• He clarified that Section 41A does not require a notice for someone already in judicial custody, as Kejriwal was during the ED case.
• Justice Kant upheld the CBI's reasons for the arrest.

Justice Bhuyan’s Criticism of the CBI's Actions

• Justice Bhuyan criticized the CBI's rationale for Kejriwal's arrest, stating that the agency cannot demand that an accused answer in a way that satisfies investigators to be considered cooperative.
• He referenced Article 20(3) of the Indian Constitution, which protects individuals from self-incrimination, emphasizing the right to remain silent.
• Justice Bhuyan also questioned the timing of Kejriwal’s arrest, noting that it followed shortly after he was granted bail in another case.

GS3/Environment

Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies

Source: PIB

Why in News?

Small-scale fishers from around the world had expressed significant concerns about the current World Trade Organisation (WTO) proposed text on fisheries subsidies.

Depletion of the World’s Fish Stocks:

• According to the WTO, approximately 37.7% of global fish stocks are currently overfished, a significant increase from just 10% in 1974.
• Governments allocate about $35 billion annually to the fishing sector, with an estimated $22 billion directed towards unsustainable fishing practices.
• Key subsidizers include nations such as China, the EU, the US, South Korea, and Japan.
• In contrast, the Indian government estimates that each fisher family in India receives less than $15 in subsidies per year.
• The agreement, adopted at the 12th Ministerial Conference (MC12) in 2022, represents a significant advancement for ocean sustainability.
• It aims to prohibit harmful fisheries subsidies that contribute to overcapacity and overfishing, which are primary factors in the depletion of global fish stocks.
• This agreement is recognized as a historic achievement for the WTO membership, being the:
  • First Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target to be fully met.
  • First SDG target achieved through a multilateral agreement.
  • First WTO agreement focused on environmental issues.
  • First broad, binding multilateral agreement on ocean sustainability.
  • Only the second agreement reached since the WTO's establishment.
  • For the agreement to take effect, two-thirds of the WTO members must deposit their “instruments of acceptance

Concerns Regarding the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement Raised by India:

• Discriminates against poorer countries:
  • India highlights significant gaps in the agreement that could enable unsustainable fishing practices, particularly by large-scale industrial fishing nations.
  • The sustainability exemption clause in the proposed text allows advanced fishing countries with superior monitoring capabilities to evade commitments to reduce harmful subsidies.
  • In contrast, small-scale fishers, especially in developing nations, face stringent restrictions.
• Differential treatment provisions:
  • The proposed provisions for special and differential treatment of small-scale fishers are considered inadequate.
  • These provisions focus on non-industrial fishing characteristics, failing to address the critical issues posed by industrial fishing practices.

Way Ahead to Resolve Issues with the Fisheries Subsidies Agreement:

• Large-scale industrial fishing fleets engaged in deep-sea fishing must be adequately restrained from receiving excessive subsidies.
• Small-scale fishers seeking to enhance their fishing capacities should not be hindered by the support that many developing and least developed countries provide.
• Overall, small-scale fishers are advocating for stronger support for sustainable fishing methods, along with more effective measures to curtail industrial fishing subsidies.

GS1/History and Culture

What is a World Heritage Site (WHS)?

Source: The Hindu

Why in News?

The Supreme Court recently dismissed an application seeking to declare the city of Agra as a "World Heritage Site."

About World Heritage Site (WHS):

• World Heritage Sites are places of cultural and/or natural importance that are protected by law and listed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
• These sites are recognized by UNESCO for their cultural, historical, scientific, or other significant value.
• They are designated as having outstanding universal value according to the Convention Concerning the Protection of the World Cultural and Natural Heritage (known as the World Heritage Convention).
• This convention was accepted by UNESCO in 1972 and started in 1975 after being approved by 20 nations.
• The convention offers a way for countries to work together to preserve and protect cultural and natural treasures around the globe.
• There are three main types of World Heritage Sites:
  • Cultural heritage sitesinclude:
    • Historic buildings
    • Important archaeological locations
    • Famous sculptures or paintings
  • Natural heritage sitesare those that:
    • Show exceptional examples of the Earth’s history or geological processes
    • Demonstrate important ecological and biological evolution
    • Feature rare, unique, or stunning natural phenomena
    • Provide homes for rare or endangered species or contain sites of high biodiversity
  • Mixed heritage sites combine elements of both cultural and natural significance.
• As of July 2024, there are a total of 1,199 World Heritage Sitesglobally, which include:
  • 933 cultural sites
  • 227 natural sites
  • 39 mixed sites
• The countries with the highest number of World Heritage Sites are:
  • Italy - 59 sites
  • China - 57 sites
  • Germany - 52 sites
  • France - 52 sites
  • Spain - 50 sites
  • India - 42 sites
  • Mexico - 35 sites
  • United Kingdom - 33 sites
  • Russia - 31 sites

Key Facts about World Heritage Committee:

• The Committee is a part of UNESCO.
• It is in charge of putting the World Heritage Convention into action.
• The Committee decides how to use the World Heritage Fund.
• It provides financial help to States Parties when they request it.
• The Committee has the final decision on whether a site is added to the World Heritage List.

GS1/Geography

Key Facts about Gulf of Mexico

Source: Forbes

Why in News?

About 42% of crude oil production and 53% of natural gas output in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico were shut in recently in the wake of Hurricane Francine.

About Gulf of Mexico:

• The Gulf of Mexico is a partially landlocked body of water located on the southeastern edge of North America.
• It is a marginal sea of the Atlantic Ocean and is recognized as the largest gulf in the world.
• The gulf is bordered by:
  • West: The Mexican Yucatan and Veracruz regions
  • North: The United States
  • East: The Caribbean islands and Cuba
  • South: The narrow Mexican mainland
• It connects to the Caribbean Sea through the Yucatán Channel (between Cuba and Mexico) and to the Atlantic Ocean via the Straits of Florida (between Cuba and the US).
• The Gulf of Mexico is one of the largest and oldest water bodies on Earth, formed around 300 million years ago during the late Triassic period.
• Its formation was caused by the subsidence of the seafloor due to tectonic plate movements.
• Often called the “Mediterranean of the Americas”, it ranks as the ninth largest body of water, stretching about 1,600 km from west to east and around 900 km from north to south.
• The gulf covers an area of approximately 600,000 square miles (1,550,000 square km).
• It is relatively shallow in its coastal areas, with an average depth of 1,615 m.
• The climate in the region ranges from tropical to subtropical.
• This area is known for experiencing some of the most severe weather globally, including strong hurricanes, tornadoes, and thunderstorms.
• The seawater from the Caribbean enters the Gulf through the Yucatán Channel and circulates in a clockwise loop before leaving through the Florida Straits, forming the Gulf Stream.
• The Gulf Stream is one of the strongest and warmest ocean currents, flowing from the Gulf of Mexico to the northern Atlantic Ocean.
• The major rivers that flow into the gulf are the Mississippi and the Rio Grande.
• The shallow continental shelf areas in the Gulf of Mexico are rich in petroleum and natural gas.
•  This region is the center of the oil refining and petrochemical industry in the United States, with over 18% of US oil production coming from offshore wells in the Gulf of Mexico.

GS1/Indian Society

Key Facts about Irula Tribe

Source: Times of India

Why in News?

The Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society, a cooperative society of Irula tribals located on Chennai's outskirts, is facing an uncertain future.

About Irula Tribe:

• Irulas are one of the oldest native groups in India.
• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• Their main habitat is in the northern parts of Tamil Nadu, with some living in Kerala and Karnataka.
• Language: The Irula people speak a language called Irula, which is similar to Tamil and Kannada, both of which belong to the Dravidian language family.
• Religious Beliefs:
  • The Irula community does not worship a single god; instead, they are pantheists, believing in spirits residing in humans and objects.
  • Their main deity is a virgin goddess named Kanniamma, who is closely linked to the cobra.
• Housing: Irula homes are grouped together in small villages called mottas. 
  • These mottas are usually located on steep hills and are surrounded by dry fields, gardens, and forests.
• Traditional Lifestyle:
  • Historically, they have been skilled in hunting, gathering, and collecting honey, depending on the forest for food and income.
  • They are experts in herbal medicine and traditional healing methods.
• Expertise in Snakes:
  • The Irulas have a well-known reputation for their knowledge of snakes and snake venom.
  • They often assist in snake rescue and rehabilitation efforts.
  • The Irula Snake Catchers' Industrial Cooperative Society is a key producer of anti-snake venom (ASV) in India, supplying about 80% of the venom used to make anti-venom.
  • They apply traditional methods to catch snakes, collect venom, and safely return the snakes to their natural habitat.

GS2/ Polity and Governance

National Instructional Media Institute

Source: AIR

Why in News?

Recently, the National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI) launched YouTube Channels for Industrial Training Institute (ITI) Students.

About National Instructional Media Institute (NIMI):

• It was previously called Central Instructional Media Institute (CIMI) and was set up in December 1986 by the Government of India. It started as a Subordinate Office under the Directorate General of Employment and Training (DGE&T), which is part of the Ministry of Labour & Employment.
• Currently, NIMI operates as an autonomous institute under the Directorate General of Training (DGT) within the Ministry of Skill Development & Entrepreneurship (MSDE), also part of the Government of India.
• It serves as the main organization for creating Instructional Media Packages (IMP). This includes the development of digital content and Question Banks for evaluating various Vocational courses.

The recent initiative of NIMI

• YouTube Channels have been launched for the Industrial Training Institute. 
•  These channels will offer high-quality training videos to millions of learners within India's Industrial Training Institute (ITI) skill ecosystem, available in nine languages. 
•  The new channels are provided in English, Hindi, Tamil, Bengali, Marathi, Punjabi, Malayalam, Telugu, and Kannada. 
•  Their purpose is to help learners enhance their technical skills through free and easily accessible digital resources. 
•  Each channel features tutorials, skill demonstrations, and theoretical lessons, all created by industry experts to ensure they are relevant to today’s vocational training needs. 
•  This initiative supports India’s National Skill Development Mission and the aims of the New Education Policy (NEP). 
• NIMI encourages ITI students, teachers, and those interested in skills to subscribe to their favorite regional channels to keep up with the latest content.