Weekly Current Affairs (22nd to 31st October 2024) Part - 1 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

GS2/International Relations

India-Bhutan Relations

• Bhutanese Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay's recent visit to India emphasized the robust diplomatic ties and cooperation between the two nations. His visit featured several key events and discussions that reinforced their shared commitment to sustainability, particularly in green energy, and the strengthening of bilateral relationships.

What are the Key Highlights of the Bilateral Meeting?

• Showcasing India's Green Hydrogen Advancements: India presented its progress in green hydrogen technology, including a hydrogen-fueled bus, underlining its commitment to sustainable mobility and expressing a desire to collaborate with Bhutan for a greener future.
• Opportunities for Energy Collaboration: Discussions included expanding cooperation in the energy sector, with Bhutan showing interest in adopting green hydrogen mobility, reflecting its commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy solutions.
• Significance: India aims to establish itself as a leader in green hydrogen production, demonstrating this to Bhutan's leadership and highlighting the mutual benefits of such cooperation. The shared vision for sustainable development lays a strong foundation for collaboration in renewable energy, making Bhutan a crucial partner in India's energy transition.

How Have India-Bhutan Relations Been?

• Diplomatic Background: India and Bhutan established diplomatic ties in 1968, rooted in the 1949 Treaty of Friendship and Cooperation, which was updated in 2007 to better align with modern needs.
• Cultural Ties: The India-Bhutan Foundation, set up in 2003, fosters educational, cultural, and scientific exchanges, with pilgrimage to Buddhist sites in India serving as a significant cultural connection.
• Recognition and Awards: On Bhutan's 114th National Day, India's Prime Minister was awarded the Order of the Druk Gyalpo, Bhutan’s highest civilian honor, recognizing his contributions to the relationship.
• Development Partnership: India has consistently supported Bhutan's socio-economic development, contributing to its Five-Year Plans since 1971, including Rs 5,000 crores for the 12th Five-Year Plan (2018-2023) for various projects.
• Hydropower Cooperation: Hydropower cooperation is vital, with India assisting in the construction of four major hydroelectric projects, allowing Bhutan to sell electricity in India's Day Ahead Market.
• Cooperation in New and Emerging Areas: Space cooperation was highlighted by the launch of the India-Bhutan SAT in November 2022, which aids in natural resource management. Financial technology initiatives such as the RuPay Card and BHIM app were also launched to facilitate cashless transactions.
• Commerce and Trade: India is Bhutan's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade increasing significantly from USD 484 million in 2014-15 to USD 1,615 million in 2022-23, supported by the 2007 Friendship Treaty and the 2016 Trade Agreement.
• Financial Support: A USD 200 million arrangement was made in November 2022 under the SAARC currency swap to manage liquidity and foreign exchange pressures.
• Healthcare Cooperation: India provided Covishield vaccines and medical supplies to Bhutan during the COVID-19 pandemic and assisted in building hospitals.
• Indian Diaspora in Bhutan: Approximately 50,000 Indians work in Bhutan across various sectors, significantly contributing to its economy. In 2023, Indian academic Sanjeev Mehta received the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman for his educational contributions.

What are the Challenges in India-Bhutan Relations?

• Boundary Disputes with China: China's infrastructure development in disputed areas, particularly around the strategic Doklam plateau, is a concern due to the increased presence of the PLA, while China and Bhutan pursue a diplomatic resolution to boundary issues.
• Geopolitical Implications for India: The situation in Doklam poses risks for India, especially regarding the Siliguri corridor, which links northeastern states, making strong India-Bhutan relations crucial for India's strategic interests.
• Concerns Over Hydropower Project: Bhutan's dependency on hydropower has raised public dissent over certain projects favoring India, impacting the perception of Indian involvement.
• BBIN Initiative: The BBIN Motor Vehicles Agreement faced challenges in Bhutan due to environmental concerns, leading to Bhutan's parliament not endorsing the plan while other nations moved forward with a vehicular movement initiative.

What can be the Way Forward?

• Addressing Economic Concerns: Ensure trade agreements and hydropower projects are equitable, addressing Bhutan's concerns about dependency, while promoting Indian investments in diverse sectors.
• Adapting to Global Changes: Monitor China's growing influence in the region, ensuring Bhutan feels secure and supported by India in its foreign policy.
• Promoting Tourism: Develop joint tourism initiatives to encourage Indian tourists to visit Bhutan, enhancing economic ties and cultural exchanges through festivals and events.

Conclusion

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss key areas of collaboration and the challenges between India and Bhutan. What steps need to be taken for a mutually beneficial and strong partnership?

GS1/Indian Society

India’s Ageing Population

Why in News?

• Recently, politicians from a Southern state in India have voiced concerns regarding the ageing and diminishing population. They called for legislation to encourage residents to have more children. The ageing population signifies a demographic trend where the proportion of individuals aged 65 and older is increasing relative to the working-age population (ages 15-64).

What do Data Say on Ageing and Overall Population Size in India?

• Increase: India's population is projected to rise by 31.1 crore (311 million) from 2011 to 2036.
• Concentration of Growth: Nearly half of this increase, totaling 17 crore, will occur in five states: Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Madhya Pradesh.
• Regional Disparities: Uttar Pradesh is expected to account for 19% of the total population growth, while the five Southern states—Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu—will contribute only 29 million to the total growth.
• Ageing Population Trends: The number of individuals aged 60 years and older is anticipated to more than double from 10 crore (100 million) to 23 crore (230 million), increasing their share of the total population from 8.4% to 14.9%.
• State Variations in Ageing Population: The proportion of individuals aged 60 and older is projected to rise from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036, indicating that nearly one in four individuals will belong to this age group.
• North-South Divide: The rise in the proportion of people aged 60 and above will be less pronounced in Northern states compared to the South, which transitioned to lower fertility rates earlier. For example, a Southern state is expected to reach the Replacement Level of Fertility (2.1 children per woman) in 2025, significantly earlier than Andhra Pradesh, which achieved this in 2004.

What are the Causes of Ageing and Shrinking Population?

• Contraception and Family Planning: Greater access to contraception and abortion services empowers individuals to make informed reproductive choices.
• Women's Economic Participation: As women increasingly enter the workforce, many opt to delay childbirth or choose not to have children, driven by career ambitions and financial stability.
• Improved Child Survival Rates: The World Health Organization reported a decline in India’s under-five mortality rate from 126 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 34 in 2019. This improvement leads families to have fewer children, as more children survive infancy.
• Urbanisation: Growing urbanization raises the cost of living, making it difficult for families to afford more children. Urban lifestyles often prioritize career advancement over family growth.
• Migration: Emigration to countries like the UAE and the USA contributes to the decline in India's population rates.

What Concerns are Associated with the Ageing Population?

• Small Representation in Parliament: Southern states with ageing populations fear losing political representation in the Lok Sabha due to a smaller population, potentially sidelining their policy priorities.
• Slowing GDP Growth: An ageing population can slow economic growth due to a shrinking labor force. For instance, in the US, the growth rate of the 20 to 64-year-old population is expected to drop from 1.24% per year (1975-2015) to just 0.29% (2015-2055).
• High Dependency Ratio: As the population ages, there will be a higher ratio of dependents (both elderly and children) to working-age individuals, increasing the financial burden on the working-age demographic.
• Higher Public Expenditure: The financial demands for healthcare, pensions, and long-term care will surge, requiring governments to either raise taxes or reduce benefits.
• Intergenerational Equity Issues: Younger generations may feel overburdened by taxes to support older generations, leading to societal divides regarding resource distribution.
• Pressure for Institutional Reform: As the population ages, there may be increased demands for reforms in retirement age, social security benefits, and healthcare systems.

How do Countries Respond to Ageing Population?

• China’s Three-Child Policy: In 2016, China allowed two children per family, and in 2021, this was expanded to three children following decades of the one-child policy, which had slowed population growth.
• Japan's Parental Leave: Japan mandates a twelve-month parental leave and provides direct financial assistance to parents while heavily investing in subsidized childcare.
• Extended Retirement Age: Countries like France and the Netherlands have raised the retirement age to relieve pressure on their pension systems.
• Open Immigration Policy: Countries such as Australia and Canada have adopted more lenient immigration policies to address labor shortages from declining populations.

What can be done to Arrest Ageing and Shrinking Population?

• Pro-Natalist Policies: Scandinavian nations show that support for families, childcare, gender equality, and parental leave can help sustain fertility rates.
• Leveraging Internal Migration: Encouraging migration from populous Northern states to more developed Southern states can boost the working-age population without the need for significant investment in education.
• Promoting Gender Equality: Initiatives that encourage shared parenting responsibilities can potentially lead to higher fertility rates.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the causes of shrinking populations in certain states of India. What are the potential socio-economic implications of this demographic shift?

[Question: 1813915]

GS3/Environment

Global Hunger Index 2024

Why in News?

• Recently, India ranks 105th out of 127 countries in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) with a score of 27.3, highlighting a "serious" hunger crisis driven by ongoing challenges of food insecurity and malnutrition.

What are the Key Findings of the Report?

India-Specific Findings:

• GHI Score (2024) - 27.3 ('serious') shows slight improvement from GHI Score (2023) - 28.7 ('serious').
• Undernourished children - 13.7%.
• Stunted children - 35.5%.
• Wasted children - 18.7% (highest globally).
• Child mortality rate - 2.9%.

Global Trends in GHI 2024:

• The world GHI score is 18.3, showing slight improvement from 18.8 in 2016, categorized as "moderate".
• India's South Asian neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka perform better, ranking in the "moderate" category.

Recognizing India's Efforts:

The report acknowledges India's significant initiatives to enhance food and nutrition, such as:

• Poshan Abhiyan (National Nutrition Mission).
• PM Garib Kalyan Yojana (PMGKAY).
• National Mission for Natural Farming.

Insufficient GDP Growth:

• The report emphasizes that economic growth alone does not guarantee reduced hunger or improved nutrition, stressing the need for policies aimed at pro-poor development and addressing social and economic inequalities.

What is India's Response to GHI 2024?

Faulty Methodology:

• The Ministry of Women and Child Development criticized the absence of data from their Poshan Tracker, which reportedly indicates a much lower child wasting rate of 7.2%.

Focus on Child Health:

• The government pointed out that three out of the four GHI indicators relate to children's health and may not fully reflect the overall population's status.

Small Sample Size:

• The government questioned the accuracy of the "Proportion of Undernourished Population" indicator, which relies on a small opinion poll sample.

What are the Challenges Related to Hunger in India?

Inefficient Public Distribution System (PDS):

• Despite improvements, challenges persist in India's PDS, which struggles to reach all intended beneficiaries.
• The National Food Security Act covers 67% of the population, yet over 90 million eligible individuals are excluded from legal entitlements under the Targeted Public Distribution System (TPDS).

Income Inequality and Poverty:

• While India has made progress in poverty reduction (24.82 crore Indians escaping Multidimensional Poverty in the last nine years), significant income disparities remain, affecting food access.

Nutritional Challenges and Dietary Diversity:

• Food security efforts often emphasize calorie sufficiency rather than nutritional adequacy.

Urbanization and Changing Food Systems:

• Rapid urbanization is altering food systems and consumption patterns. A study by the Tata-Cornell Institute found that 51% of urban slum households in Delhi faced food insecurity.

Gender-Based Nutritional Gap:

• Disparities based on gender exacerbate hunger and malnutrition. Women and girls frequently encounter unequal access to food in households, receiving smaller portions or lower-quality meals.
• This inequity, compounded by maternal and child care demands, increases their vulnerability to chronic undernutrition.

Way Forward

PDS Enhancement:

• Revamp the Public Distribution System (PDS) to improve transparency, reliability, and affordability of nutritious food for the economically disadvantaged.

Social Audit and Awareness:

• Conduct social audits of the mid-day meal scheme in all districts with local authority involvement, enhance program monitoring through IT, and establish community-driven nutrition education initiatives in local languages, focusing on balanced diets for women and children.

Complementing With SDGs:

• The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) and SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), emphasize sustainable consumption patterns.

Investment in Agriculture:

• Adopt a holistic food systems approach that promotes diversified and nutritious food production, including nutri-cereals and millets.
• Addressing food wastage is essential, with a key approach being the improvement of warehousing and cold storage infrastructure to minimize post-harvest losses.

Health Investments:

• Focus on maternal and child health through improved water, sanitation, and hygiene practices.

Interlinking Factors:

• It is crucial to recognize the interconnectedness of gender, climate change, and nutrition in policy-making, as these factors significantly influence public health, social equity, and sustainable development.

Mains Question:
Q. Critically analyze India's 2024 Global Hunger Index ranking and its implications for food security and nutrition. Evaluate the effectiveness of government initiatives like the National Food Security Act and suggest strategies for improvement.

GS2/International Relations

Nuclear Disarmament

Why in News?

• The Nobel Peace Prize 2024 was awarded to Nihon Hidankyo, an organization representing Japanese atomic bomb survivors, in recognition of its dedicated efforts to achieve a nuclear-free world. This award emphasizes the critical importance of advocacy for nuclear disarmament, which is deeply rooted in the catastrophic impacts of nuclear weapons experienced during the bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

What is Nuclear Disarmament?

About: Nuclear disarmament involves reducing or eliminating nuclear weapons to enhance global security and avert the catastrophic consequences of nuclear warfare. It includes various initiatives aimed at controlling and ultimately abolishing nuclear arsenals, with the ultimate objective of achieving a nuclear-free world.

Need:

• Humanitarian Impact: Immediate effects of a nuclear explosion include widespread casualties, massive destruction, severe burns, and radiation sickness. Long-term consequences such as cancer and genetic damage can affect survivors and their descendants for generations.
• Environmental Consequences: A nuclear explosion can lead to extensive environmental devastation, potentially causing a "nuclear winter." This phenomenon occurs when smoke from explosions blocks sunlight, resulting in significant global cooling, agricultural collapse, and disruptions to ecosystems.
• Ethical and Moral Considerations: The extreme destructiveness of nuclear weapons raises ethical dilemmas regarding their usage. Their indiscriminate impact conflicts with the principles of just war theory and humanitarian law.
• Economic Costs: The maintenance and enhancement of nuclear arsenals demand considerable financial resources that could otherwise be allocated to development and resolving pressing issues such as poverty and climate change.

What are the Historical Efforts of Nuclear Disarmament Efforts?

• Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT): Enforced in 1970, this treaty aims to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons and promote disarmament. However, it has faced criticism for being discriminatory, creating a divide between nuclear-armed and non-nuclear states.
• Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT): Although not fully in force, this treaty prohibits all nuclear explosions, aiming to limit the development of new nuclear weapons.
• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW): This treaty establishes comprehensive prohibitions on all nuclear weapon activities, including the development, testing, production, acquisition, possession, stockpiling, use, or threat of use of nuclear weapons.

What are the Different Frameworks for Nuclear Proliferation and Nuclear Disarmament?

Global:

• International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA): This agency plays a vital role in monitoring adherence to nuclear agreements and ensuring that nuclear technology is utilized for peaceful purposes.
• Regional Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs): These zones are agreements where countries commit to abstaining from nuclear weapons, representing substantial progress towards disarmament. The first NWFZ was established in Latin America through the Treaty of Tlatelolco.

India’s Stance:

• No First Use (NFU) Policy: India has committed not to initiate the use of nuclear weapons but maintains the right to respond if attacked. This policy aims to lower the risk of nuclear conflict while ensuring deterrence.
• Refusal to Join the NPT as a Non-Nuclear Weapon State: India has opted not to sign the NPT, arguing it is discriminatory by allowing the five permanent members of the UN Security Council (P5) to retain their nuclear arsenals while requiring others to disarm.
• Promotion of Peaceful Nuclear Energy: India advocates for the peaceful use of nuclear technology for energy generation and scientific development under international safeguards.

Other Related Initiatives:

• Wassenaar Arrangement & the Australia Group: While these initiatives do not directly focus on nuclear disarmament, they support efforts to prevent nuclear proliferation and enhance global security.

What are the Challenges Related to Nuclear Disarmament?

Global Scenario:

• Geopolitical Rivalries: Some nations perceive nuclear weapons as essential deterrents against aggression, prompting an arms race. The nuclear arms competition among countries like the US, Russia, and Pakistan complicates disarmament efforts.
• Verification and Compliance Issues: Ensuring adherence to disarmament treaties is challenging due to the secretive nature of nuclear weapons programs, complicating verification processes.
• Technological Developments: Advances in technology, such as hypersonic missiles and cyber capabilities, complicate the nuclear arms landscape, making negotiations for disarmament more difficult.

India’s Scenario:

• China-Pakistan Nexus: The rapid modernization of China's nuclear arsenal and its military partnership with Pakistan present a dual strategic challenge for India. Ongoing border tensions compel India to strengthen its nuclear capabilities.
• India’s Dual Approach: India balances its nuclear deterrence strategy with its advocacy for global disarmament. While modernizing its arsenal, it promotes universal nuclear disarmament at international forums, which can create diplomatic tensions.
• Absence of Formal Arms Control Agreements: Unlike the bilateral arms control treaties between the US and Russia during the Cold War, India lacks such agreements with its nuclear neighbors, complicating trust-building and risk management.

What can be the Way Forward?

• Investing in Peaceful Nuclear Technologies: Advancing peaceful nuclear technologies for energy generation can demonstrate that nuclear capabilities have beneficial uses beyond military purposes. Encouraging global cooperation in nuclear research for non-military applications can foster trust among nations.
• Enhancing Verification and Compliance Mechanisms: Investing in technologies and methodologies that improve monitoring and verification of nuclear disarmament agreements is essential. Collaboration with organizations like the IAEA can enhance compliance, and independent bodies could be established to oversee nuclear arsenals and adherence to commitments.
• Fostering Dialogue and Diplomacy: Regular dialogues between nuclear and non-nuclear states can address nuclear weapon concerns and promote disarmament. Forums such as the UN and regional organizations can facilitate these discussions, fostering transparency through shared information on nuclear arsenals and military doctrines.
• Promoting Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zones (NWFZs): Expanding regional NWFZs can significantly contribute to global disarmament efforts. India can advocate for the establishment of such zones in South Asia, reducing nuclear threats and promoting peaceful cooperation among nations.

Conclusion

Mains Question:
Q. Examine India's position on nuclear disarmament. What challenges does the world face in its goal of global nuclear disarmament?

GS3/Environment

Cyclone Dana

• According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), Cyclone Dana is anticipated to make landfall as a severe cyclone (with wind speeds ranging from 89 to 117 km/h) along the Odisha coast, specifically near Bhitarkanika National Park and Dhamra Port.

What are Key Facts About Cyclone Dana?

About:

• Emergence: Cyclone Dana marks the third cyclone to develop in the North Indian Ocean and is the second to impact the Indian coast in 2024, following Cyclone Remal. This is also the first cyclone of the post-monsoon season.
• Naming of Dana: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) indicates that the name "Dana" was given by Qatar. In Arabic, "Dana" translates to 'generosity' and also denotes 'the most perfectly sized, valuable, and beautiful pearl.'

Reasons for Intense Rainfall:

• Intense Convection: The cyclone exhibits significant convection in its western sector, extending to the upper atmospheric layers. This process begins when warm, moist air ascends, cools, and expands, leading to moisture condensing into water droplets and forming clouds. The continuous cooling and condensation of rising air create cumulonimbus clouds, typical of thunderstorms, resulting in conditions favorable for heavy rainfall.
• Warm Moist Air: An influx of warm, moist air into the cyclone's core enhances convection, heightening the intensity of rainfall. This warm, moist air sustains and amplifies the cyclone, causing concentrated heavy rainfall over smaller areas.
• Madden Julian Oscillation (MJO) Influence: The current phase of MJO supports convection, thereby increasing heavy rainfall. MJO consists of two phases: an enhanced rainfall phase and a suppressed rainfall phase. The enhanced phase sees surface winds converging, causing air to rise and produce more rainfall, while the suppressed phase leads to sinking air, resulting in reduced rainfall. This alternating structure moves from west to east in the tropics, causing variability in cloudiness and rainfall.

What Factors are Responsible for Formation of Tropical Cyclones?

• Warm Ocean Waters: Tropical cyclones require sea surface temperatures of at least 27°C to form, as warm waters provide the essential heat and moisture needed for the storm's convection process.
• Coriolis Force: The Coriolis effect, caused by Earth's rotation, is crucial for imparting spin to the cyclone. This effect is weak near the equator, which is why tropical cyclones generally form at least 5° north or south of it.
• Low Wind Shear: Low vertical wind shear (the variation in wind speed and direction at different altitudes) is vital; high wind shear can disrupt the cyclone's structure, preventing it from strengthening.
• Pre-existing Disturbance: A tropical disturbance, such as a low-pressure system, initiates the organization of air circulation necessary for cyclone formation.
• Convergence of Air: The convergence of warm, moist air at the surface, which rises and cools to create clouds and thunderstorms, is fundamental in developing the cyclone's core.

What are the Impacts of Cyclone?

• Human Impact: Cyclones can lead to widespread casualties due to strong winds, storm surges, and flooding, often resulting in the evacuation or displacement of thousands, leading to temporary or permanent loss of homes.
• Infrastructure Loss: Powerful winds can cause power outages and structural damage, while flooding disrupts transportation and communication networks.
• Environmental Impact: High winds and storm surges can erode coastlines, damaging natural habitats and human structures along the shore. Cyclones may also inflict long-term harm on forests, wetlands, and marine ecosystems, affecting biodiversity.
• Agriculture Loss: Low-lying agricultural regions are particularly susceptible to seawater intrusion and waterlogging from heavy rains, which can destroy crops and diminish agricultural productivity. Sustained rainfall may lead to water accumulation in fields, harming soil health and crops.

What Measures are Needed for Effective Cyclone Disaster Preparedness and Mitigation?

Before Cyclone:

• Land Use Planning: Implement land use regulations and building codes to limit habitation in vulnerable areas, designating these zones for parks or flood diversion.
• Cyclone Early Warning System: Utilize an Impact-Based Cyclone Warning System to effectively communicate risks and preparedness actions to local populations, considering land use patterns.
• Engineered Structures: Construct buildings designed to withstand cyclone winds, including critical public infrastructure like hospitals and communication towers.
• Mangrove Plantation: Encourage initiatives for mangrove planting to protect coastal regions from storm surges and erosion, involving community participation in these efforts.

During Cyclone:

• Cyclone Shelters: Set up cyclone shelters in high-risk zones, ensuring they are accessible via major roads for quick evacuation during emergencies.
• Flood Management: Develop sea walls, embankments, and drainage systems to manage water flow and mitigate flooding caused by storm surges and heavy rainfall.

After Cyclone:

• Hazard Mapping: Create maps indicating the frequency and intensity of cyclones based on historical data, including risks associated with storm surges and flooding.
• Retrofitting Non-Engineered Structures: Educate communities on retrofitting methods, such as building steep-slope roofs and anchoring poles, to enhance the resilience of non-engineered homes.

Conclusion

The significance of proactive disaster management strategies is highlighted, encompassing effective early warning systems, land use planning, and community engagement. By improving infrastructure resilience, implementing hazard mapping, and promoting mangrove conservation, we can enhance our preparedness and mitigate cyclone impacts on vulnerable coastal areas.

Mains Question:
Q. Discuss the factors contributing to cyclone formation and intensification, along with measures needed for effective disaster preparedness and mitigation.

[Question: 1813916]

GS3/Environment

Carbon Dioxide Emissions From Forest Fires

Why in News?

• Recently, a study by the Centre for Wildfire Research has highlighted a significant rise in global CO₂ emissions from forest fires, which have increased by 60% since 2001. Emissions from boreal forests in Eurasia and North America have nearly tripled, with climate change identified as a key factor driving this surge.

What are the Key Findings of the Study?

• Pyromes and Global Fire Patterns: The research utilizes machine learning to categorize global forest ecoregions into 12 distinct "pyromes." These zones exhibit similar fire patterns influenced by climate, vegetation, and human activities. This classification helps in understanding fire behavior and predicting the impacts of climate change or land use, which supports improved fire management and risk assessment.
• Geographical Shift in Fire Emissions: The analysis indicates that carbon emissions from extratropical forest fires outside the tropics have risen significantly, alongside emissions from tropical and subtropical forest areas, attributed to climate change.
• Fire Severity and Carbon Combustion: The global carbon combustion rate in forest fires has increased by 47%. Forests are now contributing more to fire emissions than savannahs and grasslands, with increased fire severity resulting in more fuel being consumed per unit of burned forest area.
• Climate Change and Fire Weather: Anthropogenic climate change is leading to more frequent and severe droughts, creating conditions known as "fire weather," characterized by low fuel moisture and dry, flammable vegetation. Additionally, the frequency of lightning, especially in high-altitude regions, is increasing, further contributing to the rise in forest fires.
• Forest Carbon Stock Destabilization: Carbon stocks in various forest types, including temperate coniferous, boreal, Mediterranean, and subtropical dry and moist broadleaf forests, are becoming unstable due to heightened fire severity.
• Impact on Carbon Accounting: The increase in carbon emissions from forest fires poses challenges for carbon accounting and greenhouse gas (GHG) inventories that are reported to the United Nations. For instance, the wildfires in Canada during 2023 are believed to have negated much of the carbon sink that its forests had accumulated over the past decade.

What Are the Challenges Related to Forest Fires?

• Environmental Impact: Forest fires lead to significant biodiversity loss, ecosystem damage, and substantial carbon dioxide emissions, which contribute to climate change. They also release harmful pollutants, such as particulate matter and greenhouse gases, which degrade air quality and can cause respiratory issues.
• Soil Degradation: Intense fires can destroy essential nutrients in the soil, reducing fertility and disrupting local ecosystems.
• Resource Loss: Forests are crucial for providing resources like timber, food, and livelihoods for local communities, which are threatened by fires.
• Difficult Management: The increasing frequency and intensity of fires, exacerbated by climate change, complicate effective management and control efforts.
• Human Health: Fires pose health risks to nearby communities, contributing to air pollution and heat exposure, which can increase healthcare burdens.
• Economic Loss: The economic impact of forest fires is significant, including firefighting costs, property damage, and recovery efforts.

Way Forward

• Management Strategies: Effective forest management is essential, particularly in extratropical regions. Monitoring vegetation and prioritizing intervention areas can help mitigate risks.
• Tropical Strategies: In tropical regions, it is crucial to reduce ignitions during extreme fire-prone weather and to prevent further fragmentation of forests to safeguard these ecosystems.
• Fire Management Shifts: In areas with a history of heavy fire suppression, adopting ecologically beneficial fire practices may help prevent forests from becoming carbon sources.
• Need for Accurate Reporting: The study emphasizes the importance of improved reporting of forest fire emissions to address the gaps in current carbon budget reports related to human-induced climate change.
• Carbon Credits Risk: The increasing likelihood of fire disturbances must be considered in reforestation carbon credit schemes, especially in extratropical regions, to avoid overestimating the potential for carbon storage.

Mains Question:
Q. What are the implications of increasing global forest fire emissions on climate change, and how should policies be adjusted to mitigate these risks?

GS3/Science and Technology

Cancer Detection with Ultrasound

Why in news?

• Recently, scientists have introduced an advanced ultrasound technique designed for cancer detection, providing a less invasive and more cost-effective option compared to standard biopsies. This method works by detecting biomarkers such as RNA, DNA, and proteins that are released from tissues into the bloodstream.

What is Cancer?

About:

• Cancer is a medical condition characterized by the uncontrolled growth of specific cells in the body, which can spread to other regions.

Cause:

• Cancer can initiate in any part of the body when the normal processes of cell growth and division go awry, resulting in the formation of abnormal cells that may lead to tumors. These tumors can be classified as either malignant (cancerous) or benign (non-cancerous).

Types of Cancer

• Carcinoma - This type of cancer originates in epithelial cells, which comprise the skin and glands. Common examples include breast, lung, and prostate cancer.
• Sarcoma - Sarcomas develop in bone and soft tissues such as muscles or fat.
• Leukemia - This cancer affects blood-forming tissues and leads to the production of abnormal white blood cells.
• Lymphoma - Lymphomas begin in lymphocytes, a type of immune cell. The main types include Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
• Multiple Myeloma - This cancer impacts plasma cells located in the bone marrow.
• Melanoma - Melanoma starts in the pigment-producing cells of the skin.

Normal Cells vs. Cancer Cells

GS1/Indian Society

Chenchu Tribe

Why in news?

• The Chenchu tribe in Andhra Pradesh is facing significant challenges due to the discontinuation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) Chenchu Special Project. This change has adversely affected their livelihoods, food security, and access to crucial services such as healthcare and education.

Who are Chenchus?

• The Chenchus, also known as 'Chenchuvaru' or 'Chenchwar', are the smallest Scheduled Tribe in Odisha.
• This tribe has a traditional lifestyle centered around hunting and gathering food.
• They are recognized as one of the oldest tribes that speak Telugu.
• As one of the 12 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) in Andhra Pradesh, they face challenges such as low literacy rates, stagnant population growth, and limited access to developmental resources.
• Chenchus primarily inhabit forested areas, including the Nallamala forest, relying heavily on forest resources for their livelihood.

What is MGNREGS?

About:

• MGNREGS stands for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• This initiative is one of the largest work guarantee programs globally, providing a legal assurance of 100 days of employment per financial year for every rural household willing to engage in unskilled manual work.

Legal Right to Work:

• Unlike previous employment guarantee schemes, MGNREGS is designed to tackle the root causes of chronic poverty through a rights-based approach.
• It mandates that at least one-third of the beneficiaries must be women.
• Wages under this scheme are to be paid according to the minimum wage standards set for agricultural laborers in the state, following the Minimum Wages Act, 1948.

[Question: 1813917]

GS2/International Relations

United Nations Day 2024

Why in News?

• United Nations Day is observed annually on 24th October to commemorate the establishment of the UN Charter in 1945, following World War II. This day serves to enhance public awareness about the UN's goals and achievements.

What is the UN Charter?

Background:

• The UN Charter was signed on 26 June 1945 in San Francisco at the conclusion of the UN Conference on International Organization and took effect on 24 October 1945.
• India is a founding member and ratified the UN Charter on 30 October 1945.
• The League of Nations, established in 1919 under the Treaty of Versailles, was the UN's predecessor, aimed at fostering international cooperation and achieving peace and security.

About:

• The Charter is the foundational document of the UN, acting as an instrument of international law that binds UN Member States.
• It delineates vital principles of international relations, such as the equal rights of all nations and the prohibition of force between countries.
• The Charter has been amended three times—in 1963, 1965, and 1973.

Significance:

• The UN has focused on maintaining global peace and security, providing humanitarian aid, protecting human rights, and upholding international law, playing a significant role in international cooperation, peace, and development for over 75 years.

What are the Different Organs of the UN?

General Assembly:

• The UN General Assembly (UNGA) serves as the primary policy-making body of the organization, comprising all Member States and providing a unique forum for multilateral discussions on a wide range of international issues covered by the Charter.
• Each of the 193 Member States has an equal vote.

The UN Security Council:

• This council consists of 15 members, including five permanent members (China, France, Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States) and ten non-permanent members elected for two-year terms.
• India has held the position of a non-permanent member of the UNSC eight times.

UN Economic and Social Council:

• ECOSOC comprises 54 UN Members elected by the UNGA and serves as the main body for coordinating economic, social, and environmental policies.

Trusteeship Council:

• This council was established to oversee the administration of trust territories as they transitioned from colonies to independent nations.

International Court of Justice:

• The ICJ is the only international court that resolves disputes between the UN Member States.
• It can address two types of cases: "contentious cases," which involve legal disputes between states, and "advisory proceedings," which are requests for legal opinions referred to it by UN organs or specialized agencies.

Secretariat:

• The Secretary-General, appointed by the UNGA based on a recommendation from the Security Council, serves as the chief administrative officer of the UN.

What are the Challenges Related to the UN?

Power Alignments:

• The UN faces challenges related to power imbalances between wealthy and developing nations, which can hinder its ability to act impartially and effectively address global issues.

Security and Terrorism:

• The organization contends with evolving security threats, including terrorism and ideological conflicts, while also needing to address broader issues like human security, poverty, and disease.

Peacekeeping:

• Modern peacekeeping operations encounter difficulties, especially in internal conflicts where combatants may disregard UN neutrality.
• The challenge lies in transitioning from traditional peacekeeping to peace observation, utilizing rapidly deployable teams to effectively address conflict zones.

Human Rights Challenges:

• Establishing and reinforcing national human rights institutions, particularly in post-conflict countries, is a significant challenge for the UN.
• Ensuring these institutions comply with international norms is crucial for the long-term protection and promotion of human rights globally.

Financial Constraints and Arrears:

• The UN experiences financial instability due to delays in contributions from member states, which hampers its operational effectiveness and ability to fulfill global commitments.

What are the Proposals to Reform the UN?

Expanding Permanent Membership & Inclusive Representation:

• There is a proposal to expand the number of permanent members beyond the current P5 and address the veto power, which could lead to a more representative and democratic Security Council.
• This change might provide more countries, particularly from underrepresented regions like Africa, a voice in global decision-making.

Reducing Inefficiencies in Administrative Processes:

• Streamlining the UN's administrative procedures and minimizing bureaucratic complexities could enhance its operational efficiency.

India's Role in UN Reform:

• India has shown its commitment to global peace, security, and development through active participation in UN peacekeeping missions and humanitarian assistance programs.
• India seeks a permanent seat on the Security Council, arguing that such a change would make the Council more representative and responsive to the challenges of the 21st century.

Mains Question: 
Q. What are the main challenges faced by the UN in fulfilling its objectives? Analyze the proposed reforms to enhance its effectiveness.