UPSC Daily Current Affairs: 25th November 2024 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS1/Geography

DAL LAKE

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

The renowned Chinar boat race for 2024 was recently held at Dal Lake in Jammu and Kashmir, organized by the Army. This event is part of the Army's efforts to foster better relationships with the local community in J&K through sports and entertainment activities.

Dal Lake, located in Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, is a freshwater lake and stands as the second largest lake in the region. It is a prominent tourist destination in the Kashmir Valley, often celebrated with titles such as the "Lake of Flowers," "Jewel in the Crown of Kashmir," and "Srinagar's Jewel."

Primary Inflows and Outflows:

• Inflows: The main source of water is the Telbal Nallah, which originates from Marsar Lake.
• Outflows: Water is managed and released through Dal Gate and Nalla Amir.

Ecological Significance:

• Ramsar Site: In 2002, Dal Lake was designated as a Wetland of International Importance under the Ramsar Convention.
• Biodiversity: The lake supports a rich variety of plant and animal life, including lotus flowers, water lilies, and various fish species.
• Floating Gardens: Known locally as "Rad," these gardens flourish with lotus flowers from July to August.
• Islands: The lake features islands such as Char Chinar (Roph Lank) and Sona Lank (Gold Island).

Tourism and Activities:

• Houseboats and Shikaras: Dal Lake is famous for its traditional houseboats and colorful shikaras (wooden boats) that provide picturesque boat rides.
• Mughal Gardens: Surrounding the lake are historic Mughal gardens like Shalimar Bagh and Nishat Bagh, which were constructed during Emperor Jahangir's reign.
• Floating Market: A distinctive market where vendors offer fresh produce and handicrafts from their shikaras, providing a unique shopping experience.

GS3/Environment

Phytoplankton Bloom

Source: DTE

Why in news?

The recent research highlighted that a drought in the drylands of southern Africa has triggered the most significant phytoplankton bloom in approximately 27 years off the coast of south-east Madagascar.

About Phytoplankton Bloom:

• Phytoplankton are tiny, microscopic plants that play a vital role in the ocean's food web.
• Similar to land plants, phytoplankton perform photosynthesis, utilizing sunlight to create energy essential for their growth.

Phytoplankton bloom

• A phytoplankton bloom refers to a rapid increase in the population of phytoplankton, which occurs when there is a surplus of sunlight and nutrients.
• Optimal conditions for phytoplankton include adequate light, nutrients, and favorable temperatures, allowing them to proliferate swiftly.
• During a bloom, the density of phytoplankton can become so high that it alters the color of the water in which they reside.
• These blooms can be short-lived, emerging and dissipating within a few days, or they may persist over several weeks.

Ecological significance

• Phytoplankton are responsible for producing approximately 50% of the oxygen found on Earth.
• They play a crucial role in the global carbon cycle, helping to regulate the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.
• Phytoplankton serve as a fundamental food source for various marine organisms, including zooplankton.
• Like terrestrial plants, phytoplankton exhibit seasonal growth patterns, thriving more in certain times of the year.

GS1/Indian Society

How should India tackle diabetes load?

Source:The Hindu

Why in News?

On International Diabetes Day (November 14), the Lancet published a global study indicating that over 800 million adults worldwide suffer from diabetes, with more than half not receiving adequate treatment.

The study reported diabetes prevalence significantly higher than the estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), which noted just over 100 million cases. This discrepancy raises concerns about the accuracy and methods used in both studies.

The difference primarily arises from the methodologies for measuring blood sugar levels. The Lancet study utilized various methods, including fasting glucose tests and HbA1C levels, which provide a three-month average of blood sugar. In contrast, the ICMR relied on fasting and two-hour post-prandial blood sugar tests through the Oral Glucose Tolerance Test (OGTT), regarded as the standard in India. Experts point out that measuring HbA1C can inflate numbers due to its sensitivity to factors such as age and anemia. For example, individuals without diabetes may still show elevated HbA1C levels influenced by their physiological traits, which can distort prevalence estimates.

Key issues highlighted in the Lancet study are as follows:

• Global Inequalities in Treatment: The study underscores significant disparities in access to diabetes treatment, particularly in low- and middle-income nations, where treatment rates have stagnated despite the rise in diabetes cases. This situation raises concerns about long-term health complications for those who remain untreated.
• Rising Rates of Diabetes: The findings reveal a dramatic increase in diabetes rates, especially Type 2 diabetes, which is emerging as a serious public health challenge. This trend is particularly concerning as many affected individuals are younger and susceptible to severe complications.
• Complications and Healthcare Burden: Many individuals will require treatment, leading to an impending healthcare crisis as complications such as kidney failure, heart disease, and vision loss threaten to overwhelm healthcare systems.

Steps that need to be taken (Way forward):

• Enhanced Awareness and Education: There is an urgent need for broad education on diabetes prevention through nutrition and physical activity. Public health campaigns should aim to promote healthy lifestyles to reduce diabetes risk factors.
• Policy Changes: Governments must introduce policies that limit unhealthy food options while making healthy foods more affordable. This includes providing subsidies for nutritious foods and creating safe environments for physical activity.
• Targeted Interventions for Vulnerable Populations: Special focus should be on vulnerable groups, particularly women, who may be at greater risk following pregnancy or during menopause. Tailored interventions can effectively address specific risk factors prevalent in these demographics.
• Investment in Healthcare Infrastructure: To manage the increasing burden of diabetes effectively, there must be substantial investment in healthcare infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where resources are constrained.
• Long-Term Strategic Planning: A comprehensive long-term strategy is crucial to combat the escalating diabetes epidemic, requiring collaboration among governments, healthcare providers, and communities to ensure sustainable health outcomes.

Mains PYQ:

Appropriate local community-level healthcare intervention is a prerequisite to achieve ‘Health for All’ in India. Explain.

GS3/Economy

India’s Urban Infrastructure Financing, Needs, and Reality

Source:The Hindu

Why in news?

India is nearing an urban transformation, with projections indicating that its urban population will double from 400 million to 800 million over the next 30 years. This demographic change presents both significant opportunities to reshape urban areas and serious challenges in financing the necessary infrastructure to support this growth. Addressing these financial needs is crucial for achieving sustainable and inclusive urban development, necessitating an examination of the financial gaps, local issues, and required reforms.

The Financial Gap

• According to a World Bank report, India will require around ₹70 lakh crore by 2036 to fulfill its urban infrastructure demands.
• This amounts to an annual requirement of ₹4.6 lakh crore, while current government investment is only ₹1.3 lakh crore per year, which is merely 25% of what's needed.
• About half of the investment is allocated to basic urban services, with the other half focused on urban transport projects.

An Assessment of Challenges at the Local Level

• Stagnation in Municipal Finances: Municipal finances have stagnated at around 1% of GDP for the past two decades, indicating systemic neglect of Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Dependency on Central and State Transfers: Although central and state transfers to municipalities slightly increased from 37% to 44% of their total revenue, this has not significantly improved financial health.
• Low Revenue Generation and Collection Inefficiencies: Municipal tax revenues grew modestly by 8% from 2010 to 2018, while grants and non-tax revenues increased by 14% and 10.5%, respectively. However, tax collection inefficiencies mean ULBs only collect 5%-20% of potential tax revenue in cities like Bengaluru and Jaipur.
• Poor Cost Recovery for Services: Urban local bodies face challenges in recovering costs for essential services, with recovery rates for services such as water supply and waste management ranging from 20% to 50%.
• Underutilisation of Funds: Despite being allocated funds, ULBs often do not utilize them effectively. The Fifteenth Finance Commission found that around 23% of total municipal revenue remains unspent, with only 50% of capital expenditure budgets utilized in cities like Hyderabad and Chennai.
• Suboptimal Utilization of Central Schemes: Key urban development initiatives like the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Mission face implementation issues, with fund utilization rates of 80% and 70%, respectively.
• Decline in Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): There has been a significant drop in urban PPP projects, which saw investments peak at ₹8,353 crore in 2012 but fall to ₹467 crore by 2018 due to various factors, including inadequate revenues and weak project viability.

Pathways to Reform

• Long-term Reforms: Structural reforms are essential to enhance municipal financial autonomy and capacity, which includes empowering municipal governments to better manage resources and enabling them to raise funds through mechanisms like debt borrowing and municipal bonds.
• Medium-term Strategies: Developing a robust project pipeline is critical to meet the ₹70 lakh crore urban investment requirement, necessitating a steady flow of 600-800 projects annually, with approximately 15% of investments potentially from PPPs.
• Decoupling project preparation from financial assistance will allow for better planning and execution of projects, particularly in light of climate change vulnerabilities.
• Leveraging Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) can enhance efficiency and transparency in urban service delivery, positioning India as a leader in smart urban solutions.
• Integrating land value capture in transport projects is vital, especially as urban transport investments, particularly in metro rail projects, account for a significant portion of the required funding.

Conclusion

India's urban future depends on its capacity to confront these financial and structural challenges decisively. The importance of pursuing both immediate and long-term strategies cannot be overstated, as it will enable the development of urban infrastructure that meets the needs of its expanding cities. This approach will foster sustainable and inclusive growth in the coming decades, requiring collaboration among various government levels, private sector input, and a steadfast emphasis on innovation and governance efficiency.

GS3/Environment

COMMISSION FOR AIR QUALITY MANAGEMENT AND DELHI’S POLLUTION

Source:India Today

Why in news?

Delhi has faced severe air pollution levels, categorized as ‘severe’ and ‘severe plus’ for the majority of the past ten days. Recently, the Supreme Court criticized the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) for its inadequate response to pollution control measures. The court highlighted that various stakeholders have failed to comply with the CAQM's directives, despite the specific legal provisions established under the 2021 Act.

Overview of the CAQM

• The CAQM was established in the National Capital Region (NCR) and surrounding areas through an ordinance in 2020, later formalized by an Act of Parliament in 2021.
• The primary aim of the CAQM is to enhance coordination, conduct research, and effectively identify and resolve air quality issues.
• This commission succeeded the Environmental Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA), which was formed by the Supreme Court in 1998 but lacked statutory backing and enforcement power.
• Many initiatives, including the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP)—a set of temporary emergency measures to combat air pollution—originated under the EPCA.
  • Powers of CAQM
  • Under the Commission for Air Quality Management in National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act, 2021, the CAQM is empowered to implement necessary measures, issue directives, and address complaints to safeguard and enhance air quality.
  • Section 14 of the Act grants the CAQM the authority to take disciplinary action against officials who fail to comply with its orders.

Accountability of CAQM in Delhi’s Pollution

• While the CAQM develops strategies and coordinates with various agencies, the onus of implementing these plans lies with the respective agencies.
• A CAQM official noted improvements in coordination and planning, particularly in working with states like Punjab and Haryana to create action plans aimed at reducing stubble burning.
• Despite its focus on stubble burning, the CAQM must widen its approach to tackle other significant pollution sources, such as dust and vehicular emissions.

GS2/International Relations

Crimes against humanity

Source:Times of India

Why in News?

The UN General Assembly (UNGA) committee has recently approved a resolution aimed at initiating discussions for the first treaty dedicated to preventing and punishing crimes against humanity. This development follows Russia's withdrawal of amendments that could have hindered these negotiations.

What are the present laws governing the conflict?

• The 1949 Geneva Conventions lay the groundwork for humanitarian protection during armed conflicts, specifying the obligations of states to safeguard civilians and ensure humane treatment for non-combatants.
• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is responsible for addressing war crimes and genocide. However, there is presently no specific treaty that comprehensively addresses crimes against humanity.
• Crimes against humanity are recognized by the ICC as acts committed as part of a widespread or systematic campaign against civilians, including serious offenses like murder, torture, and sexual violence.
• The ICC functions as a last resort, intervening only when national courts are either unable or unwilling to prosecute these grave violations.

Why is there a need for a treaty dealing with the Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?

• Legal Gaps: Current international treaties address war crimes and genocide but lack specific provisions for crimes against humanity. This gap allows perpetrators to escape accountability for serious offenses against civilian populations.
• Increasing Incidence of Crimes:There has been a significant rise in crimes against humanity globally, with alarming reports emerging from countries such as Ethiopia, Sudan, Ukraine, and Myanmar. A dedicated treaty would enhance international cooperation in prosecuting these offenses and establish a framework for justice.
• Strengthening International Law:A new treaty would bolster the international justice framework by imposing obligations on states to prevent and punish these crimes, thus raising global standards for protecting human rights.

What would be the steps towards a Crimes Against Humanity Treaty?

• Preparatory Sessions:Scheduled for 2026 and 2027, these sessions will set the foundation for formal treaty discussions.
• Formal Negotiating Sessions: Planned for 2028 and 2029, these three-week sessions will aim to finalize the treaty’s text.
• Broad International Support:The initiative has garnered backing from Mexico, Gambia, and 96 other countries, signifying strong international commitment to address these severe human rights violations.

Way forward:

• Adopt a Survivor-Centric and Inclusive Approach: The treaty should prioritize victims' rights, involve survivor input, and mandate comprehensive support mechanisms while establishing a strong, enforceable legal framework.
• Strengthen Global Collaboration: It is essential to mobilize international cooperation, with developed nations providing financial and technical assistance to enhance national capacities for prosecuting crimes against humanity and preventing impunity.

GS3/Environment

Need for a Global Plastic Treaty - Securing a Sustainable Future

Source:World Economic Forum

Why in news?

Representatives from over 170 countries have convened in Busan, South Korea, for the fifth and final round of negotiations aimed at establishing a legally binding global treaty to combat plastic pollution, including that in marine environments. This initiative is a follow-up to the agreement made at the 2022 UN Environmental Assembly to finalize the treaty by the end of 2024.

Background:

• The United Nations Environment Assembly (UNEA) passed a resolution in 2022 aimed at ending plastic pollution.
• An Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) was formed to create a legally binding instrument—essentially, a global treaty—to manage plastic production and usage worldwide.

Global Plastics Treaty:

• In 2022, 175 nations committed to developing a legally binding agreement to address plastic pollution by 2024, focusing on reducing greenhouse gas emissions associated with plastic production, usage, and disposal.

The Growing Dependence on Plastic:

• Plastic production surged from 234 million tonnes in 2000 to 460 million tonnes in 2019, with projections of reaching 700 million tonnes by 2040.

Plastic Waste and Environmental Crisis:

• Plastic takes between 20 to 500 years to decompose, with less than 10% currently being recycled.
• Approximately 400 million tonnes of plastic waste are generated annually, a figure that could rise by 62% by 2050.
• A considerable portion of this waste ends up in rivers and oceans, where it breaks down into harmful microplastics and nanoplastics.

Impact on Environment and Health:

• Chemicals found in plastics can lead to endocrine disruption, cancers, diabetes, reproductive issues, and neurodevelopmental impairments.
• Various species across marine, freshwater, and terrestrial ecosystems are significantly affected by plastic pollution.

Plastic's Role in Climate Change:

• Plastic production and waste management are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
• In 2020, plastics were responsible for 3.6% of global emissions, largely from fossil fuel-based production, with emissions expected to increase by 20% by 2050 if current trends persist.

India's Contribution to Plastic Pollution:

• India is the largest contributor to global plastic pollution, responsible for 20% of emissions, equating to 9.3 million tonnes annually, outpacing Nigeria, Indonesia, and China.

What is on the negotiating table?

• Focus of Negotiations:
  • The discussions aim to establish global standards to address plastic pollution throughout its lifecycle, from production to disposal.
  • Proposed actions include banning certain types of plastics, implementing binding recycling targets, and regulating chemical additives in plastics.
• ‘Just Transition’ Considerations:
  • The negotiations also consider ensuring a fair transition for workers and communities impacted by reduced plastic production and the phase-out of specific products.
• Diverging Positions Among Nations:
  • Countries are divided on several crucial issues, particularly regarding production limits for plastics:
    • Opposition to Production Caps: Nations rich in oil and gas, including Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, and India, resist strict production limits, preferring downstream strategies like enhanced waste management.
    • Support for Ambitious Targets: Countries such as Rwanda, Peru, and the EU support strong pollution reduction measures, with Rwanda proposing a 40% reduction by 2040 based on 2025 levels.

India's Stance on the Global Plastic Treaty:

• India opposes restrictions on polymer production, arguing that such measures exceed the UNEA 2022 resolution's intended goals.
• India calls for the inclusion of financial assistance, technology transfer, and technical support in the treaty's core provisions.
• Decisions regarding harmful chemicals in plastic production should be guided by scientific research and should be regulated at the national level.
• While India has banned 19 categories of single-use plastics in 2022, it stresses that any phase-out stipulated in the treaty should be practical and context-driven.
• India has also implemented the Plastic Waste Management Amendment Rules (2021), which prohibit 19 categories of single-use plastics.

Safe Waste Management Mechanism:

• India emphasizes the need for mechanisms to evaluate infrastructure requirements, financial needs, and reliable funding for effective and safe waste management.

GS2/Governance

CBSE Merit Scholarship Scheme for Single Girl Child

Source:Hindustan Times

Why in News?

In a recent announcement, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has opened online applications for the single girl child merit scholarship scheme.

Objective of the Scheme:

• The scheme is designed to provide financial support to outstanding female students who are the only child of their parents.
• Eligible candidates must have achieved 60% or more in the CBSE Class X examination.
• This initiative encourages the continuation of their education in Class XI and Class XII.
• It acknowledges the contributions of parents in fostering education for girls and aims to motivate deserving students.
• The scholarship provides monthly financial assistance, enabling students to pursue their higher education.

Eligibility Criteria:

• The applicant must be the only girl child of her parents and a citizen of India.
• Students need to have scored at least 60% in their CBSE Class 10 Examination to qualify.
• Applicants must be enrolled in Class 11 or 12 at CBSE-affiliated schools, with tuition fees not exceeding Rs 1,500 per month.
• NRI candidates are also eligible, provided their tuition fees do not exceed Rs 6,000 per month.
• The family's total income must be less than Rs 8 lakh per year to apply for the scholarship.

Scholarship Amount:

• Selected students will receive a monthly scholarship of Rs 500.
• The scholarship is available for a maximum duration of two years.
• Payments will be processed via Electronic Clearing Service (ECS) or National Electronic Funds Transfer (NEFT).

Renewal Options:

• Students currently receiving the scholarship can renew it for Class XII if they achieve at least 50% in their Class XI examinations.

GS2/International Relations

THE TRUMP EFFECT ON INDIA

Source:Indian Express

Why in news?

The potential influence of Donald Trump's presidency is a topic of significant discussion around the world, even before he officially takes office. As his inauguration approaches, there are various concerns regarding how his administration might affect global dynamics, particularly in relation to India.

Background:

• Trump's campaign slogan, 'Make America Great Again', suggests a focus on U.S. interests, potentially at the expense of global stability and prosperity.

Core Trump ideas

Trump, the Mercantilist and the impact

• Belief in High Tariffs: Trump supports imposing high tariffs to safeguard U.S. interests, especially against imports from China.
• Impact on U.S. Economy: The imposition of high tariffs could lead to increased costs for both industries and consumers, resulting in inflation. This inflation might provoke the Federal Reserve to raise interest rates, thereby reversing previous cuts.
• Effect on Developing Countries: Higher interest rates could result in capital flight from developing countries like India, causing the Indian rupee to depreciate against a stronger dollar.
• China's Export Strategy: In response to U.S. tariffs, China may redirect its exports to other nations, leading to increased dumping practices. India has already enforced substantial anti-dumping duties on Chinese products.
• World Trade Disruption: The implementation of high tariffs by the U.S. could provoke retaliatory actions from other countries, disrupting global trade networks.

Trump, the Protectionist

• Industrial Policies: Trump's focus on boosting domestic manufacturing might negatively affect foreign direct investments in nations like India.
• Immigration and Deportation: Trump has pledged to deport up to one million undocumented immigrants within his initial hundred days in office, which could strain U.S.-India relations.
• Visa Regulations: There may be tightening of H1B visa regulations, which could conflict with the needs of U.S. industries that rely on skilled Indian workers.

Trump, the Climate Sceptic

• Energy Policy: Trump's nomination of Chris Wright, an advocate for fracking and drilling, as Energy Secretary could signal a shift away from climate change initiatives.
• Impact on Climate Change Efforts: His denial of the climate crisis may undermine global efforts such as COP agreements, aligning with India's stance for a more gradual approach to these commitments.
• Pharmaceutical Industry Effects: Anticipated deregulation in the pharmaceutical sector could lead to higher drug prices, impacting healthcare affordability worldwide.

GS1/History & Culture

Guru Tegh Bahadur

Source: India Today

Why in News?

Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom Day is commemorated annually on November 24 to pay tribute to the sacrifice made by the ninth Sikh Guru.

About Guru Tegh Bahadur:

• Originally named Teyag Mal, Guru Tegh Bahadur was the ninth of the ten Gurus in Sikhism.
• His father, Guru Hargobind Sahib, the sixth Sikh Guru, renamed him Teg Bahadur.
• He earned the name due to his exceptional skills in combat and sword fighting.
• Revered as "Hind ki Chadar," meaning the 'Shield of India', he is celebrated for his contributions to the protection of religious freedoms.

Works:

• He established Anandpur Sahib, a city located on the edge of the Shivalik Hills near the Sutlej River in Punjab, which became significant in Sikh history.
• At Anandpur Sahib, the last two Sikh Gurus resided, and it was here that Guru Gobind Singh founded the Khalsa Panth in 1699.
• Religiously, he contributed over 100 poetic hymns to the Granth Sahib, addressing themes such as the essence of God, human emotions, and the values of dignity and service.
• As a diplomat, he played a crucial role in mediating disputes between Raja Bishan Singh and Raja Paranpal, thus preventing conflict.

Martyrdom:

• Guru Tegh Bahadur was first detained by Mughal authorities at the behest of Emperor Aurangzeb in 1665.
• He was executed by beheading in 1675 under Aurangzeb's orders in Delhi.
• His martyrdom is annually observed on November 24 as Shaheedi Divas, in accordance with the Nanakshahi calendar established by the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee in 2003.

GS1/History & Culture

Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex

Source:The Print

Why in news?

The Prime Minister recently emphasized the significance of Lothal in India's maritime history as it is recognized as the location of the world's earliest dockyard. This site is now home to the National Maritime Heritage Complex, developed under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.

About Lothal’s Maritime Heritage Complex:

• Facts about Lothal
  • Dockyard Evidence: A recent study by IIT Gandhinagar has confirmed the existence of a dockyard that measures approximately 222 by 37 meters.
  • River Shift: During the Harappan period, the Sabarmati River flowed closer to Lothal, but it is now situated about 20 kilometers away.
  • Trade Route: The ancient trade route connected Ahmedabad, Lothal, Nal Sarovar, Little Rann, and Dholavira.
  • Satellite Imagery: Recent satellite images have revealed ancient channels of the Sabarmati River, further validating Lothal’s strategic position in trade.
  • Trade Connections: Traders are believed to have utilized the Gulf of Khambhat, sourcing materials from Ratanpura and shipping them to Mesopotamia.
• Historical Significance
  • Lothal was constructed around 2200 BC and served as a major trading hub for beads, gems, and ornaments.
  • The name "Lothal" translates to "mound of the dead" in Gujarati, similar to the name of Mohenjodaro.
  • The site was discovered by archaeologist S.R. Rao, who conducted excavations from 1955 to 1960.
  • Lothal is recognized as the world’s earliest known dock and was linked to the ancient maritime activities of the Indus Valley Civilization.
  • In 2014, Lothal was nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, distinguished as the only port-town from this ancient civilization.
• Features of the Present Complex
  • Location: It is situated in the Bhal region of Gujarat, India.
  • Objective: The complex aims to showcase India's 5,000-year-old maritime history, with a specific focus on the first dockyard at Lothal.
  • Developed by: The project has been developed by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
  • Components: The complex features exhibition halls, a maritime park, an amphitheater, and educational spaces to enhance visitor experience and learning.