DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS BITS
TOPIC – 1- World Wildlife Day 2023
World Wildlife Day is celebrated every year on March 3 to raise awareness about the importance of protecting the world’s flora and fauna.
About World Wildlife Day :
- It is a United Nations International day to celebrate all the world’s wild animals and plants and the contribution that they make to our lives and the health of the planet.
- It is celebrated every year on March 3.
- This date was chosen as it is the birthday of CITES, the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, signed in 1973.
- The theme of World Wildlife Day 2023 is ‘Partnerships for Wildlife Conservation’.
Key facts about CITES:
- CITES (the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) is an international agreement between governments.
- Aim: To ensure that international trade in specimens of wild animals and plants does not threaten the survival of the species.
- It was drafted as a result of a resolution adopted in 1963 at a meeting of members of IUCN (The World Conservation Union). It entered into force in July 1975.
- Although CITES is legally binding on the Parties– in other words, they have to implement the Convention – it does not take the place of national laws.
- The CITES Secretariat is administered by UNEPand is located in Geneva, Switzerland.
- The Conference of the Parties to CITES is the supreme decision-making body of the Convention and comprises all its parties.
TOPIC – 2- Pusa basmati 1847
There was a high demand for the pusa basmati 1847 variety at the Pusa Krishi Vigyan Mela (PKVM) 2023 held at Indian Agriculture Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi.
About pusa basmati 1847:
- It is an improved version of the popular Basmati rice variety, Pusa Basmati 1509 with inbuilt resistance to bacterial blight and blast disease.
- This variety possesses two genes each for bacterial blight resistance, namely, xa13 and Xa21, and blast resistance, namely, Pi54 and Pi2.
- It is an early maturing and semi-dwarf basmati rice variety.
- It has an average yield of 5.7 tonnes/ ha.
- This variety was released for commercial cultivation in 2021.
What is the Uniqueness of Basmati Rice?
- It is cultivated in the Himalayan foothillsof the Indian sub-continent and is universally known for its long grain size, fluffy texture, and unique inherent aroma and flavor.
What are the Climatic conditions required for rice cultivation?
- Temperature: Between 22-32°Cwith high humidity.
- Rainfall: Around 150-300 cm.
- Soil Type:Deep clayey and loamy soil.
- Top Rice Producing States: West Bengal > Punjab > Uttar Pradesh > Andhra Pradesh
TOPIC – 3- 13th Century Hindu Temple
Recently, a 13th-century Hindu temple was discovered at Pushpagiri Kshetram in the Kadapa district.
Why in News?
- 13th century Hindu temple ruins have been unearthed amidst a shrub jungle northeast of the Durga temple, atop a hillock in the Pushpagiri Kshetram in Kadapa district, Andhra Pradesh.
- The architectural features of the ruins reveal a style that is contemporary to a temple at Vallur, built by the Kayastha rulers.
About Kayastha rulers:
- The Kayasthas (1239 AD – 1297 AD) were subordinates to the rulers of the Kakatiya dynasty.
- In the history of the Kakatiyas, the Kayastha played a prominent role both as loyal subordinates and traitors.
- It is believed that they originally belonged to a class of warriors of Western India.
- They ruled the region with Vallur as the capital.
- Some rulers of this community were -Ganagaya Sahini (1239 – 1258 AD), Jannigadeva (1258 – 1268 AD), and Ambadeva II (1272 – 1294 AD). The last ruler was Trupurari II (1294 – 1297 AD).
Pushpagiri Kshetram:
- Pushpagiri is referred to as Hari-Hara Kshetra, as there are a number of temples dedicated to both Shiva and Vishnu.
- It is located on the banks of the Pennar river.
- Pushpagiri is also called the second Hampi due to its beautiful architecture.
TOPIC – 4 – PMLA Appellate Tribunal
Recently, Delhi High Court has directed the Union Government to take expeditious steps for appointing Chairperson and other members of the Appellate tribunal under PMLA 2002.
About PMLA Appellate Tribunal:
- The Central Government has been given the power to set up an Appellate Tribunal under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA).
- Composition: The Tribunal consists of a Chairperson and two other Members.
- Qualifications for appointment:
- A person shall not be qualified for appointment as Chairperson unless he is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or of a High Court judge or is qualified to be a Judge of the High Court.
- A person shall not be qualified for appointment as a Member unless he/she has been a member of the Indian legal service/Indian revenue service/Indian economic service/Indian Customs and central excise service/Indian Audit and accounts Service.
- Tenure: They are appointed for a term of five years or till the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- Functions: Appellate Tribunal has been constituted to hear appeals against the orders of the Adjudicating Authority and the authorities under the PMLA.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002:
- PMLA, 2002 was enacted in January 2003 to prevent money laundering in India.
Objective:
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- To prevent and control money laundering.
- To confiscate and seize the property derived from, or involved in, money laundering.
- To provide punishment for the offense of money laundering.
- To appoint the Adjudicating Authority and Appellate Tribunal to deal with the matter connected with money laundering.
- To put obligations on banking companies, financial institutions, and intermediaries to maintain records.
- To deal with any other issue connected with money laundering in India.
- PMLA empowers certain officers of the Directorate of Enforcement to carry out investigations in cases involving the offense of money laundering and also to attach the property involved in money laundering.
TOPIC – 5 – Sisupalgarh
Land mafias have damaged a portion of the wall of the fortified ancient city of Sisupalgarh.
About Sisupalgarh:
- It is located near the city of Bhubaneswar in Odisha.
- It was once the capital of Kalinga, which is the ancient name of Odisha.
- It is considered one of the largest and best-preserved ancient fortifications inIndia.
- The fortifications are over 2,000 years old and date back to the 3rd or 4th century BC.
- The remains of the fortification were discovered in 1948 by the Indian archaeologist B.B. Lal.
Features:
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- It was designed and constructed in a complete square shape that was surrounded by defensive walls.
- Each side spreads for over half a mile, and the interior is full of stone ruins and sculptures.
- The walls of the fortification are a little over nine meters (30 feet) tall.
- There were eight gateways into the city, two in each of the four sides of the wall.
- The gateways were connected by streets in a grid-like arrangement with the palace in the center.
- The gates were elaborate structures made of brick and stone.
- There is evidence of stone-lined reservoirs that were likely used for harvesting rainwater.
- Intelligent traffic management, pedestrian-friendly pathways, grand gateways with guard houses, wide roads, and a vast open space were some of the key features of this ancient city.
- The city is believed to have a population of around 20,000 to 25,000.
TOPIC – 6 – SATHEE (Self Assessment Test and Help for Entrance Exams) Platform
The Ministry of Education (MoE) is set to launch a self-assessment platform for Indian students.
About the SATHEE Platform:
- SATHEE is a new initiative by the Ministry of Education in association with IIT Kanpur.
- It provides Indian students with a self-paced interactive learning and assessment platform to prepare for competitive and other exams.
- It will help students gain access to training and coaching for competitive examinations for free.
- SATHEE aims to make the students learn the concepts and focus on their weak topics so they feel confident to give any exams by watching videos prepared by IIT and IISc faculty members.
- It provides free learning resources, including 800 videos in 12 regional languages.
- The platform will also provide regular all-India mock tests to help prepare for competitive exams, in addition to mentorship sessions by IIT and AIIMS students who shall act like SATHEES.
- The interactive programme is currently open for coaching help for JEE and NEET.
- It makes use of an indigenously-developed AI programme called Prutor, which was developed by IIT-Kanpur.
TOPIC – 7 – India’s DNA Vaccine against Dengue
India’s first prospective DNA vaccine against dengue is under clinical trials.
Why in News?
- The DNA vaccine has been in development since 2019 by scientists from the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), Bengaluru, in collaboration with nine institutions in India, Africa, and the US.
About DNA Vaccine:
- DNA vaccines use engineered DNA to induce an immunologic response in the host against bacteria, parasites, and viruses.
- The basic working principle behind DNA vaccine involves the use of a DNA plasmid that encodes for a protein that originated from the pathogen in which the vaccine will be targeted.
- DNA vaccine will avoid extracellular degradation and successfully enter the nucleus of target cells to induce a long-term immune response.
- It is considered to be more stable, cost-efficient, and easier to handle than traditional vaccines.
Dengue disease:
- Dengue is a mosquito-borne viral infection found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, mostly in urban and semi-urban areas.
- The primary vectors that transmit the disease are Aedes aegypti mosquitoes.
- The virus responsible for causing dengue is called the dengue virus (DENV).
- It can be transmitted to humans through the bite of infected mosquitoes.
- The World Health Organization (WHO) also states that the virus can transmit from pregnant mother to baby.
- There is no specific treatment for dengue/severe dengue. Early detection of disease progression associated with severe dengue and access to proper medical care lowers fatality rates of severe dengue to below 1%.
TOPIC – 8 – SWAYATT
A function was recently held to commemorate the success of the “SWAYATT” initiative.
About SWAYATT:
- It was launched in February 2019 by the Union Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
- It is an initiative to promote Start-ups, Women, and Youth advantage through e-transactions on Government e-Marketplace (GeM).
- The intent was to promote the inclusiveness of various categories of sellers and service providers on the portal.
Government e-Marketplace (GeM):
- GeM is an Online Market platform set up under the Directorate General of Supplies and Disposals (DGS&D), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, in 2016.
- It is a one-stop portal to facilitate online procurement of common-use Goods & Services required by various Government Departments / Organizations / PSUs.
- The purchases through GeM by Government users were made mandatory by the Ministry of Finance.
- It aims to enhance transparency, efficiency, and speed in public procurement.
- GeM is a completely paperless, cashless, and system-driven e-market place.
TOPIC – 9 – Exercise SHINYUU MAITRI
The Indian Air Force is participating in Exercise Shinyuu Maitri with the Japan Air Self Defence Force(JASDF) between 01 and 02 March.
About Exercise SHINYUU MAITRI:
- It is the joint Air force exercise between India and Japan which is being conducted at Komatsu Island, Japan this year.
- The exercise gives an opportunity to interact and study each other’s operational philosophies, best practices and also enhance mutual understanding and interoperability between the IAF and the JASDF.
- The IAF contingent is participating with one C-17 Globemaster III aircraft.
- The exercise is being conducted at a time when the IAF’s heavy lift transport aircraft fleet is also taking part in Exercise Desert Flag VIII in UAE and Exercise Cobra Warrior in the UK.
Other Exercises between India and Japan:
- Malabar:India and Japan with the United States and Australia participate in the naval war gaming exercise named Malabar.
- JIMEX: Naval Exercise
- Dharma Guardian:Military exercise
TOPIC – 10 – How are the CEC and ECs appointed?
The Supreme Court recently ruled that the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and election commissioners (ECs) will be done by the President on the advice of a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.
About Election Commission of India (ECI):
- It is an autonomous and permanent constitutional body responsible for organizing free and fair elections in India.
- The Constitution grants the ECI with the power of direction, superintendence, and control of elections to Parliament, state legislatures, the office of president of India, and the office of vice-president of India.
Powers and responsibilities ECI:
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- Determining the Electoral Constituencies’ territorial areas throughout the country.
- Preparing and periodically revising electoral rolls and registering all eligible voters.
- Notifying the schedules and dates of elections and scrutinizing nomination papers.
- Granting recognition to the various political parties and allocating them election symbols.
- The Commission also has advisory jurisdiction in the matter of post-election disqualification of sitting members of Parliament and State Legislatures.
- It issues the Model Code of Conduct in elections for political parties and candidates so that no one indulges in unfair practice or there is no arbitrary abuse of powers by those in power.
Composition:
- The commission consists of a Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and two Election Commissioners (ECs).
How are the CEC and ECs currently appointed?
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- Under Article 324 (2), the President appoints the CEC and other
- The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- The Constitution does not prescribe any qualifications, academic or otherwise, for appointment to these offices.
- The tenure of office and the conditions of service of all the commissioners is determined by the President.
- The tenure of commissioners is 6 years or up to the age of 65, whichever is earlier.
- The CEC and the two other ECs have the same powers and emoluments, including salaries, which are the same as a Supreme Court judge.
- All three commissioners have the same right of taking a decision. In case of a difference of opinion amongst the three members, the matter is decided by the Commission by a majority.
Can CEC and ECs be removed?
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- Article 324 of The Constitution of India mentions the provisions to safeguard and ensure the independent and impartial functioning of the Election Commission.
- The CEC is provided with security of tenure. He cannot be removed from his office except in the same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
- Any other election commissioner or a regional commissioner cannot be removed from office except on the recommendation of the CEC.
What does the recent Supreme Court ruling say?
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- The CEC and other ECs should be appointed by the President on the advice of a committee comprising the prime minister, the leader of the opposition in the Lok Sabha, and the Chief Justice of India.
TOPIC – 11 – Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA)
Why in News ?
Recently, the Ministry of Home Affairs suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the Centre for Policy Research (CPR).
- CPR (not-for-profit society), along with Oxfam India and the Independent and Public-Spirited Media Foundation (IPSMF), was surveyed by the Income Tax department earlier.
What is the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act?
About:
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- FCRA was enacted during the Emergency in 1976 amid apprehensions that foreign powers were interfering in India’s affairs by pumping money into the country through independent organisations.
- The law sought to regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations so that they functioned in a manner consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
Amendments:
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- An amended FCRA was enacted in 2010 to “consolidate the law” on utilisation of foreign funds, and “to prohibit” their use for “any activities detrimental to national interest”.
- The law was amended again in 2020, giving the government tighter control and scrutiny over the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by NGOs.
Criteria:
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- The FCRA requires every person or NGO seeking to receive foreign donations to be:
- registered under the Act
- to open a bank account for the receipt of the foreign funds in State Bank of India, Delhi
- to utilize those funds only for the purpose for which they have been received and as stipulated in the Act.
- FCRA registrations are granted to individuals or associations that have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programmes.
- The FCRA requires every person or NGO seeking to receive foreign donations to be:
Exceptions:
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- Under the FCRA, the applicant should not be fictitious and should not have been prosecuted or convicted for indulging in activities aimed at conversion through inducement or force, either directly or indirectly, from one religious faith to another.
- The applicant should also not have been prosecuted for or convicted of creating communal tension or disharmony.
- Also, should not be engaged or likely to be engaged in the propagation of sedition.
- The Act prohibits the receipt of foreign funds by candidates for elections, journalists or newspaper and media broadcast companies, judges and government servants, members of legislature and political parties or their office-bearers, and organisations of a political nature.
Validity:
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- FCRA registration is valid for 5 years, and NGOs are expected to apply for renewal within six months of the date of expiry of registration.
- The government can also cancel the FCRA registration of any NGO if it finds that the NGO is in violation of the Act, if it has not been engaged in any reasonable activity in its chosen field for the benefit of society for two consecutive years, or if it has become defunct.
- Once the registration of an NGO is cancelled, it is not eligible for re-registration for three years.
FCRA 2022 Rules:
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- In July 2022, the MHA effected changes to FCRA rules which increased the number of compoundable offences under the Act from 7 to 12.
- The other key changes were exemption from intimation to the government for contributions less than Rs 10 lakh – the earlier limit was Rs 1 lakh — received from relatives abroad, and increase in time limit for intimation of opening of bank accounts.
TOPIC – 12 – NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer
Why in News?
Recently, researchers studied a supernova explosion that occurred over 450 years ago using NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE).
- The explosion, called Tycho, was visible to people on Earth in 1572, and the shock wave from the blast is still propagating through the cosmos.
What is Tycho?
- Tycho is classified as a Type Ia supernova, which occurs when a white dwarf star shreds its companion star, triggering a violent explosion and sending debris hurtling into space at tremendous speeds.
- Tycho released as much energy as the Sun would emit over ten billion years and blasted particles out into space near the speed of light.
- Researchers used IXPE to reveal the magnetic field geometry close to Tycho’s shock wave to investigate further how particles are accelerated there and to study polarised X-rays from the supernova remnant.
What is Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer?
About:
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- IXPE Space Observatory is a joint effort of NASA and the Italian Space Agency.
- It studies “the most extreme and mysterious objects in the universe – supernova remnants, supermassive black holes, and dozens of other high-energy objects.”
Significance:
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- It will help observe polarised X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes.
- Measuring the polarization of X-rays traces the story of where the light came from, including the geometry and inner workings of its source.
- It will help scientists understand how black holes spin and their location in the past and also unravel how pulsars shine so brightly in X-rays.
- It will help observe polarised X-rays from neutron stars and supermassive black holes.
TOPIC – 13 – Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment) Bill
Why in news?
The central government is expected to reintroduce the AMASR (Amendment) Bill in Parliament during the second half of the Budget Session.
What is the AMASR (Amendment) Bill?
- The AMASR Act was passed by the Parliament in 1958.
- Aim of AMASR – It aims protection and preservation of archaeological and historical monuments and sites.
- It also provides for the regulation of archaeological excavations and for protection of sculptures, carvings and other such objects.
- Amendments to AMASR – It includes, allowing the construction of public works in prohibited areas, and the approval and impact assessment of such public works.
- The original Act prohibits construction in an area of 100 metres around protected monuments, and the central government can extend this area beyond 100 metres.
- Now, the government will be allowed to take up infrastructure projects for public works in this prohibited area.
- Public Works – The Bill introduces a definition of public works.
- It defines public works as the construction works related to infrastructure financed.
- Such work should be carried out by any department of the central government for public purposes, such as the safety or security of the public at large.
- Assessment – The Bill seeks to add the archaeological impact, visual impact and heritage impact assessment of the proposed public works to the functions and powers of the authority.
What qualifies as an Ancient Monument (AM) and Archaeological Sites (AS) and remains?
- Ancient Monument – AM is defined as any structure, erection, or monument, or tumulus, or cave, rock-sculpture, inscription, or monolith which is of historical, archaeological, or artistic interest.
- Such things should have been in existence for not less than 100 years.
- Archaeological Sites – AS mean any area which contains ruins or relics of historical or archaeological importance which have been in existence for not less than 100 years.
Why does the government want to amend the AMASR Act?
- The prohibition of new construction within prohibited areas of a protected monument is adversely affecting the various public works and developmental projects of the central government.
What is the current status of the Amendment Bill?
- The Amendment Bill was introduced in 2017 and was passed in the Lower House in 2018 and later referred to a Select Committee.
- Report of the Committee – It recommended deciding the area limit for prohibiting construction on a case-by-case basis rather than drawing a blanket limit of 100 metres.
- The committee also questioned the definition of public works specified in the Amendment.
- The committee noted that the definition does not cover public utility projects, like Metro construction, that do not specifically fall under safety and security.
- The committee recommended the passage of the Act after consultation with central and State governments and various relevant departments.
TOPIC – 14 – FCRA
The Centre suspended the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) licence of the think tank Centre for Policy Research (CPR).
About –
- The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) was enacted during the Emergency in 1976.
- The law sought to regulate foreign donations to individuals and associations.
- The act ensures them to function in a manner consistent with the values of a sovereign democratic republic.
- 2010 amendment – It was to consolidate the law on utilisation of foreign funds, and to prohibit their use for any activities detrimental to national interest.
- 2020 Amendment – The government was given tighter control and scrutiny over the receipt and utilisation of foreign funds by NGOs.
- Registration – FCRA registrations are granted to individuals or associations that have definite cultural, economic, educational, religious, and social programmes.
- NGOs that want to receive foreign funds must apply online and the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) makes inquiries through the Intelligence Bureau.
- The MHA is required to approve or reject the application within 90 days.
- Criteria – The FCRA requires every person or NGO seeking to receive foreign donations to be registered under the Act and open a bank account for it in State Bank of India, Delhi.
- NGO’s should utilise those funds only for the purpose for which they have been received and as stipulated in the Act.
- They are also required to file annual returns, and they must not transfer the funds to another NGO.
- Validity – FCRA registration is valid for 5 years.
- Renewal – Can be renewed within six months of the date of expiry of registration.
- In case of failure to apply for renewal, the registration is deemed to have expired.
- Cancellation – For violation of the Act, defunct or misutilisation of foreign funds.
- Once the registration of an NGO is cancelled, it is not eligible for re-registration for 3 years.
- Suspension – The ministry also has powers to suspend an NGO’s registration for 180 days pending inquiry, and can freeze its funds.
- All orders of the government can be challenged in the High Court.
TOPIC – 15 – Anti-defection Law
The Constitution Bench was hearing political dispute in Maharashtra held that Anti-defection law applies even if a faction splits from a party.
About –
- The anti-defection law was added by 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act as the Tenth Schedule in 1985.
- Its purpose was to bring stability to governments by discouraging legislators from switching parties.
- It was a response to the toppling of multiple state governments by party-hopping MLAs after the general elections of 1967.
- The anti-defection law punishes individual MPs/MLAs for leaving one party for another.
- Deciding Authority – The Presiding Officers of the Legislature (Speaker, Chairman).
- The decision can be challenged before the higher judiciary.
- The law contemplates two kinds of defection:
- by a member voluntarily giving up membership of the party on whose symbol he got elected
- by a member violating a direction (whip) issued by his party to vote in a particular way or to abstain from voting
- Split – If one-thirds of a legislature party leaves it or joins another party, it amounts to a ‘split’.
- Originally, in the 10th Schedule a ‘split’ in a legislature party is an exception to the disqualification rule.
- This was deleted by the Constitution (91st Amendment) Act, 2003.
- Exemption– The law allows a group of two-third MP/MLAs to join (i.e. merger) another political party.
- The merger has to take place between 2 parties and after that, two-third of the members, if they agree with the merger, then they are exempted from disqualification.
- SC observation – The anti-defection law applies even if a faction splits from a political party and manages to cobble up a majority within the party itself.
- Irrespective of the faction being majority or minority, anti-defection law applies.
TOPIC – 16 – Global Security Initiative
China has put forward the Global Security Initiative at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (G20FMM).
About –
- China’s Foreign Minister Qin Gang took part and spoke at the G20 Foreign Ministers’ Meet (G20FMM) event.
- The Chinese Foreign Minister put forward the Global Security Initiative (GSI).
- China also issued the concept paper on Global Security Initiative.
- He also put forward the Global Development Initiative proposed by the Chinese President Xi Jinping to make global development more inclusive, resilient and beneficial for all.
- G20FMM – The G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting took place in New Delhi under India’s G20 Presidency.
TOPIC – 17 – Ornamental fish aquaculture and Agatti Island
Community-based ornamental fish aquaculture, using local resources, is expected to help women in the Lakshadweep islands.
About –
- Women in the islands have limited resources to generate income, mostly in the form of coconut and tuna fish.
- To expand the activity and enhance the income of women, community-based breeding of marine ornamentals is done.
- Aquaculture – It is a first-of-its-kind experiment in community-based breeding and sale of ornamental fish, including shrimps.
- In addition to the 2 species of ornamental shrimps, captive-raised clownfish seeds were also supplied to the groups for further rearing.
- Islanders mostly women, were chosen for intensive training and have formed them into groups for ornamental fish aquaculture.
- Support – The ICAR-National Bureau of Fish Genetic Resources (NBFGR) maintains a germplasm resource centre for marine ornamental organisms on Agatti Island for conservation.
- NBFGR provides the technical support for the clusters.
- NBFGR also gives capacity building and hand-holding community aquaculture units maintained by local women.
- The NBFGR project team on Agatti Island will monitor the units and provide technical inputs, till the organisms reach the marketable size.
- The aquaculture is done in an environment-friendly manner by using coconut fronds and leaves as well as deploying solar panels.
Agatti Island
- Agatti, a 5.6 km long island in Lakshadweep is in the Laccadive group.
- Agatti Island is the gateway to Lakshadweep.
- Agatti is a small chain of islands that lies about 459 km off Cochin from the mainland and the nearest island is Bangaram.
TOPIC – 18 – Supernova and effects
Context
A team of researchers has unveiled new light on the explosion of a star in a supernova more than 450 years ago using equipment by the United States National Aeronautics and Space Administration.
- The blast was visible to people on our planet way back in 1572.
Details of the study:
- The shock wave from the blast is still propagating through the cosmos from the initial explosion, meaning it can be observed from Earth even now.
- The team used NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) to study polarised X-rays from the supernova remnant.
- Agencies involved: IXPE is a collaboration between NASA and the Italian Space Agency with partners and science collaborators in 12 countries.
Key findings:
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- The blast from the supernova named Tycho released as much energy as the Sun would emit over ten billion years.
- The explosion blasted particles out into space near the speed of light.
- Researchers used IXPE to reveal the geometry of the magnetic fields close to Tycho’s shock wave.
- Understanding the magnetic field geometry allows scientists to investigate further how particles are accelerated there.
- The overall direction of the magnetic fields in supernova remnants appears to be radial, stretched out along a path extending outward.
Tycho Supernova (Death of a Star):
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What does a Supernova mean?
- A supernova is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space.
Where Do Supernovas takes place?
- Supernovas are often seen in other galaxies. But supernovas are difficult to see in our own Milky Way galaxy because dust blocks our view.
- In 1604, Johannes Kepler discovered the last observed supernova in the Milky Way.
- NASA’s Chandra telescope discovered the remains of a more recent supernova.
- It exploded in the Milky Way more than a hundred years ago.
What Causes a Supernova?
- A supernova happens when there is a change in the core, or centre, of a star.
- A change can occur in two different ways, with both resulting in a supernova.
- The first type of supernova happens in binary star systems.
- Binary stars are two stars that orbit the same point. One of the stars, a carbon-oxygen white dwarf, steals matter from its companion star.
- Eventually, the white dwarf accumulates too much matter. Having too much matter causes the star to explode, resulting in a supernova.
- The second type of supernova occurs at the end of a single star’s lifetime.
- As the star runs out of nuclear fuel, some of its mass flows into its core. Eventually, the core is so heavy that it cannot withstand its own gravitational force.
- The core collapses, which results in the giant explosion of a supernova.
- The sun is a single star, but it does not have enough mass to become a supernova.
Significance:
- One kind of supernova has shown scientists that we live in an expanding universe, one that is growing at an ever-increasing rate.
- Scientists also have determined that supernova play a key role in distributing elements throughout the universe.
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Coral reefs are continuously damaged due to increases in ocean temperature and Climate Change.
What are coral reefs?
- Coral reefs are essentially just big limestone structures built by thousands of tiny coral creatures called polyps.
- Coral reefs are colonies of tiny living creatures that are found in oceans.
- They are underwater structures that are formed of coral polyps that are held together by calcium carbonate.
- Coral reefs are also regarded as the tropical rainforest of the sea and occupy just 0.1% of the ocean’s surface but are home to 25% of marine species.
- They are usually found in shallow areas at a depth of fewer than 150 feet. However, some coral reefs extend even deeper, up to about 450 feet
Types of Coral reefs in India:
India has three major prevailing types of coral reefs:
- Fringing reefs: Fringing reefs evolve and develop near the continent and remain close to the coastline. These reefs are separated from the coastline by small, shallow lagoons. They are the most commonly found reefs in the world.
- Barrier reefs: Barrier reefs are found offshore on the continental shelf. They usually run parallel to the coastline at some distance. A deep and wide lagoon is located between the coastline and the barrier reef.
- Atolls: Atolls are formed on mid-oceanic ridges. They are shaped circularly or elliptically and are surrounded by seas on all four sides and have shallow waters in the centre called a lagoon.
Factors affecting Coral Reefs:
- Extreme climate conditions: High temperature of water leads to the decline of these corals as they cannot survive in high temperatures. As estimated by scientists, most of the coral reefs of the world will soon decline with the increasing rates of ocean warming.
- Overfishing: It is another major concern as it is leading to an ecological imbalance of the coral reefs.
- Coastal development: The development of coastal infrastructure and tourist resorts on or close to these coral reefs causes significant damage.
- Pollution: The toxic pollutants which are dumped directly into the ocean can lead to the poisoning of the coral reefs as it increases the nitrogen level of the seawater leading to an overgrowth of algae.
- Sedimentation: Construction along the coasts and islands leads to soil erosion increasing the sediments in the river. As a result, it can smother corals by depriving them of the light needed to survive.
Importance of Coral Reefs:
Coral Reefs play an important role in the following ways.
- They protect coastlines from the damaging effects of wave action and tropical storms.
- They provide habitats and shelter for many marine organisms.
- They are the source of nitrogen and other essential nutrients for marine food chains.
- They assist in carbon and nitrogen-fixing.
- They help with nutrient recycling.
- The study of coral reefs is essential for scientifically testable records of climatic events over the past million years.
- The fishing industry depends also on coral reefs. Many fish spawn there, and juvenile fish spend time there before making their way to the open sea. The Great Barrier Reef generates more than 1.5 billion dollars annually for the Australian economy from fishing and tourism.
- Coral reefs are also key indicators of global ecosystem health. They serve as an early warning sign of what may happen to other less sensitive systems, such as river deltas if climate change is not urgently addressed.
DAILY EDITORIAL BITS
EDITORIAL – 1 – Russia-China derails joint statement
Context
In the ongoing meeting of G20 countries for security discussions, India issues a chairman’s summary naming Russia and China for not joining the consensus on Ukraine from the Bali document.
About
- India has mentioned due to “divergences” among G20 members on the question of the Russia-Ukraine war, a joint statement could not be issued after the meeting of foreign ministers.
- This is the second ministerial-level meeting where Russia and China refused to countenance Western criticisms of the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
- The recently concluded G20 Finance Ministers meeting in Bangalore also saw similar tensions, with the attendant countries unable to agree on a joint communique after the meeting ended.
Western countries on Ukraine’s invasion:
- The U.S. administration has formally concluded that Moscow had committed “crimes against humanity” during its year-long invasion of its neighbour.
| February 24 will mark one year since Russia mounted a large-scale invasion of Ukraine, beginning a ground war in Europe that Putin still refers to as a “special military operation.” |
- NAFTA, a security alliance between North America and Europe, was formed in order to safeguard and defend democratic freedoms.
- Signed on April 4, 1949, the treaty attempted to thwart any further Soviet incursion.
- It formed a power balance in Europe and guaranteed the safety of all its members.
- As a result, member nations pool their military resources and strengthen their defences.
- As a result, NATO served as a democratic engine that promoted common ideals and interests while also indirectly rebuffing communism.
The USSR signed the Warsaw pact in 1955 because it considered NATO a danger.
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Russia on Western countries:
- To prevent NATO’s “eastward expansion” and to deny alliance membership to the states of the former Soviet Union, Russia used the treaty as a vehicle to request that the United States refrain from deploying forces of international organisations and military coalitions in areas where they could be perceived as a threat to national security.
- In addition, Russia demanded that the United States refrain from deploying missiles launched from the ground that may strike targets on the other party’s national territory.
- The deal was slammed as ‘unreasonable’ and rejected
- Since NATO’s behaviour and claims do not coincide, it looks that the organisation simply values diplomacy on paper.
EDITORIAL – 2 – Expert panel against regulatory failure
Context
In response to a report by Hindenburg Research, the Supreme Court established an expert committee to examine the causes and existence, if any, of regulatory failure that resulted in investors losing billions of dollars due to market volatility.
About the committee:
- The committee’s four broad mandates cover everything. Investigate whether there has been a regulatory failure in dealing with the alleged violation of laws protecting the securities market in relation to the Adani Group of companies;
- Provide an overall assessment of the situation, including the pertinent causal factors that contributed to the volatility in the securities market in the recent past; suggest measures to strengthen Indian investor awareness;
- Market regulator Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI), agencies connected with financial regulations, fiscal agencies, and law enforcement agencies should cooperate with the expert committee.
Securities and Exchange Board of India:
- SEBI is a statutory body established on April 12, 1992, in accordance with the provisions of the Securities and Exchange Board of India Act, 1992.
- The regulatory body prior to the establishment of SEBI was the Controller of Capital Issues, which received its jurisdiction from the 1947 Capital Issues (Control) Act.
Powers & Functions:
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- It is a quasi-legislative and quasi-judicial body which can draft regulations, conduct inquiries, pass rulings and impose penalties.
- To safeguard Indian investors’ interests in the securities industry.
- To encourage the growth and smooth operation of the securities market.
- To control the securities market’s commercial activities.
- Providing a platform for individuals such as portfolio managers, bankers, stockbrokers, investment advisers, merchant bankers, registrars, and share transfer agents.
- To oversee the duties assigned to participants, including foreign portfolio investors, credit rating companies, custodians of assets, and depositors
Why in news?
- Since the 2021 military coup in Myanmar prompted Western sanctions on timber trade from that country, India has emerged as a favourite pit-stop for Myanmar’s teak.
- This was revealed by an investigation by a leading Indian News Paper, in collaboration with International Consortium of Investigative Journalists.
What’s in today’s article:
- News Summary
News Summary: Myanmar teak trade
- Report by investigative journalists, has revealed that India has become the second largest importer of conflict wood from Myanmar.
- China is the largest importer.
- India has not banned teak imports from Myanmar – for exports to the US and EU.
Why is teak imported from Myanmar described as “conflict wood”?
- Since the February 2021 coup in Myanmar, the military junta has also taken control of Myanmar Timber Enterprises (MTE).
- MTE the state-owned company has exclusive rights over the country’s precious timber and teak trade.
- The MTE has held an estimated dozen timber auctions since the coup. The revenue generated after the sales are a key revenue stream for the military regime.
- Hence, pro-democracy supporters have termed the imported teak from Myanmar as “Conflict Wood.” Sometimes, it is also called known as “blood teak.”
- The term used to describe teak timber that has been illegally harvested in conflict zones or other areas of instability, such as Myanmar’s ethnic conflict zones.
- The term “blood teak” is used to draw parallels to “blood diamonds,” which are diamonds mined in war zones and sold to finance armed conflict.
What is so special about Myanmar teak?
- Teak from Myanmar’s deciduous and evergreen forests is considered the most tensile and durable hardwood, resistant to water and termites.
- This prized wood is in demand for high-end furniture, veneer and ship-decking – much sought-after by the luxury yacht industry.
- Adding to its value, ironically, is Myanmar’s shrinking forest cover and depleting teak reserves.
- Global Forest Watch says the country, over the last two decades, has lost forest cover roughly the size of Switzerland.
What steps have been taken to check illegal harvesting of timber and teak from Myanmar?
- In 2013, the European Union introduced the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), which put the onus on timber merchants to do sufficient due diligence to disallow illegal timber from entering their markets.
- A year later, Myanmar itself banned the export of whole logs.
- Finally, months after the February 2021 military coup, both the EU and the US imposed sanctions on all timber trade with Myanmar and categorised MTE as a banned entity.
What are the loopholes which are being exploited by the teak traders?
- DNA testing on the hardwood
- Timber traders often claim that their buyers were free to do DNA testing on the hardwood for traceability of origins.
- However, this science is a nascent one even in the developed world and has not been introduced in India either by timber traders or by police forces.
- False claim by traders
- The traders often put a false claim that the shipment being exported to EU was paid for before the 2021 coup.
- Origin of the wood
- Trade data reveals some Indian companies simply put Asia in the column for origin of the wood, without specifying which country.
- Also, traders wrote “imported” in the space for declaring where the teak was purchased from.
Role of the Forestry Stewardship Council (FSC)
- FSC is an international, non-governmental organisation dedicated to promoting responsible management of the world’s forests.
- Since its foundation in 1994, FSC has grown to become the world’s most respected and widespread forest certification system.
- The FSC has made significant efforts to prevent the trade of the illegally harvested teak from Myanmar, but the trade continues to persist.
- One of the challenges faced by FSC is the limited resources and capacity to monitor and enforce its certification standards across the entire supply chain.
- FSC relies on third-party certification bodies to verify compliance with its standards, and there have been cases where these bodies have failed to identify or address violations of FSC’s standards.
EDITORIAL – 4 – Methane emission: IEA’s annual report shows that fossil fuels firms failed to curb emissions
Why in News?
- The annual Methane Global Tracker report 2023 of the International Energy Agency (IEA) states that fossil fuel companies released 120 million metric tonnes of methane into the atmosphere in 2022.
What’s in Today’s Article?
- What is the Background in which the Report Came Out?
- What are the Findings of the Report?
- What are the Measures Suggested in the Report to Reduce Methane Emissions?
- What will be the Probable Benefits of Reducing Emissions?
- How are Methane Emissions Driving Climate Change?
What is the Background in which the Report Came Out?
- The report has come just weeks after energy giants (Shell, BP, ExxonMobil) reported record profits last year as the Russia-Ukraine war drove up oil and natural gas prices.
- Though some progress is being made, methane emissions are still high and not falling fast enough even as methane cuts are among the cheapest options to limit near-term global warming.
What are the Findings of the Report?
- The energy sector accounts for around 40% of the total average methane emissions from human activity.
- Oil and natural gas companies release methane into the atmosphere when natural gas is flared or vented.
- The greenhouse gas (GHG) is also released through leaks from valves and other equipment during the drilling, extraction and transportation process.
- More than 260 billion cubic metres (bcm) of natural gas (mostly composed of methane) is wasted globally.
- The fossil fuel companies have done little to tackle the problem despite their pledges to find and fix leaking infrastructure.
What are the Measures Suggested in the Report to Reduce Methane Emissions?
- The right policies and implementation can bring 200 bcm of additional gas to markets.
- Emissions can be reduced by over 75% with the help of cheap and readily available technology for leak detection, repair programmes and upgrading leaky equipment.
- The implementation of such measures would cost less than 3% of the net income received by the oil and gas industry in 2022.
- 80% of the available options to curb the emissions could be implemented by the fossil fuel industry at net zero cost.
- This is because the outlays for the abatement measures are less than the market value of the additional gas that is captured.
What will be the Probable Benefits of Reducing Emissions?
- This could lower global temperature rise by nearly 0.1 degree Celsius by mid-century.
- This would have the same effect on the soaring global temperatures as immediately stopping GHG emissions from vehicles across the world.
How are Methane Emissions Driving Climate Change?
- Methane is a GHG, which is responsible for 30% of the warming since preindustrial times, second only to CO2.
- While CO2 remains in the atmosphere for much longer than methane, methane is roughly 25 times more powerful at trapping heat in the atmosphere, and has an important short-term influence on the rate of climate change.
- In recent years, scientists have repeatedly sounded the alarm regarding the increasing amount of methane in the atmosphere.
EDITORIAL – 5 – How are the CEC and ECs appointed, and what has the Supreme Court order changed?
Why in News?
- The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, ruled that the selection of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners be done by a three-member committee comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha and the Chief Justice of India.
What’s in today’s article?
- About Election Mission (Constitutional Provisions, Appointment, Tenure, Composition, etc.)
- News Summary (Supreme Court’s Order)
About Election Commission of India:
- Election Commission is a permanent and independent body.
- By Article 324 of the Constitution of India, it is vested with the power of conducting elections to –
- Parliament,
- State Legislatures,
- Office of President and Vice-President of India.
Appointment and Tenure of Commissioners:
- The Constitution does not lay down a specific legislative process for the appointment of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners.
- The President makes the appointment on the advice of the Union Council of Ministers headed by the Prime Minister.
- They have tenure of six years, or up to the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
- They enjoy the same status and receive salary and perks as available to Judges of the Supreme Court of India.
- The CEC can be removed from office except in same manner and on the same grounds as a judge of the Supreme Court.
- The Constitution has not debarred the retiring Election Commissioners from any further appointment by the Government.
Composition of Election Commission:
- Since the inceptions and till 15th October 1989, the EC functioned as a single member body consisting of the CEC.
- On 16th October 1989, the President appointed two more commissioners to cope with the increased work of the EC, on account of lowering of the voting age from 21 to 18 years.
- In case of difference of opinion amongst the CEC and/or two other election commissioners, the matter is decided by the Commission by majority.
News Summary:
- The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, ruled that the selection of Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners be done by a three-member committee. This committee will comprise of:
- Prime Minister
- Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha/Leader of the Single Largest Opposition Party
- Chief Justice of India
- Currently, appointments of CEC and ECs are done by the President on the aid and advice of the Union Cabinet headed by the Prime Minister.
Why did the Supreme Court Pass such an Order and its Implications:
- A five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court was hearing a bunch of petitions seeking a selection process similar to what is followed in the case of the Director, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
- The Director of CBI is selected by a committee which consists of Prime Minister, Leader of the Single Largest Opposition Party and the Chief Justice of India.
- The Court has unanimously disapproved of the present system of the Centre appointing members of the poll watchdog.
- Pointing to Article 324(2) of the Constitution, the Court has called upon Parliament to make a law regarding the criteria for selection, conditions for service and tenure of the CEC and ECs.
- According to Article 324(2) of the Constitution, the CEC and ECs shall be appointed by the President, with the aid and advice of the Council of Ministers, till Parliament enacts a law fixing the criteria for selection, conditions of service and tenure.
- Justifying its decision, the bench said there is a legislative vacuum as Parliament, in the last seven decades, did not frame a law as envisaged in the Constitution.
- The Supreme Court ruling, for now, will bring to an end the decades-old practice of the CEC and ECs being appointed on the advice of the Council of Ministers, as is laid down in the Constitution.
EDITORIAL – 6 – State Visit of Prime Minister of Italy to India
Why in news?
- President of the Council of Ministers (Prime Minister) of the Italian Republic, Giorgia Meloni, paid a State visit to India.
- This was the first bilateral VVIP visit from Italy to India after 5 years; the last Prime Ministerial visit from Italy to India took place in October 2018.
- PM Meloni was also the Chief Guest and Keynote Speaker at the 8th Raisina Dialogue, 2023.
- Raisina Dialogue is India’s flagship conference on geopolitics and geo-strategy.
- It is organized by the Ministry of External Affairs in collaboration with Observer Research Foundation.
- The theme of the 2023 Edition of Dialogue is Provocation, Uncertainty, Turbulence: Lighthouse in the Tempest.
What’s in today’s article?
- India-Italy bilateral relation
- News Summary
India-Italy bilateral relation
Political relation
- Political relations between India and Italy were established in 1947. India and Italy are celebrating 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations this year.
- PM Modi and then PM Conte co-chaired a Virtual Summit between India and Italy in November 2020.
- During the visit, 2020-2025 Action Plan was adopted that set an ambitious agenda for an enhanced Partnership between the countries.
- PM Modi paid his first official visit to Italy in October 2021 to attend the G20 Summit.
- During this visit, PM Modi held bilateral meeting with then PM Draghi.
- A Joint Statement announcing a Strategic Partnership on Energy Transition was issued and a Statement of Intent on Textiles cooperation was released.
Economic Relations
- Bilateral trade between the countries has reached USD 13.229 bn in 2021-22, with the balance in India’s favour. It has reached an all-time high of $15bn in calendar year2022.
- India’s primary exports to Italy comprise metals such as iron and steel, leather, chemicals, gems, and jewellery.
- Certain Indian exports like steel are increasing against the backdrop of Russia-Ukraine war.
- Ukrainian steel industries were Europe’s main steel exporters.
- Machinery equipment comprise 36 percent of total Italian exports to India, and both economies are structured around SMEs.
- Italy is India’s 4th largest trading partner in EU, after Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.
- India ranks 15th as country of origin of Italian imports, accounting for 1.5% of Italian imports.
- Italy ranks 17th in FDI inflows in India during April 2000 to June 2022 with FDI inflow of US $ 3.20 bn during this period.
- India’s “Make in India” initiative and modernisation drive can be complemented by Italian expertise in areas like manufacturing, green tech and defence.
- India also intends to focus more on food processing and sustainable farming, sectors where Italy has substantial knowhow.
Defence
- Then Chief of Army Staff, General M.M. Naravane, visited Italy in July 2021. The visit of COAS took place after 14 years.
- India and Italy are also exploring joint productions in defence and aerospace sectors as well as technology transfers.
- India and Italy also have a Joint Working Group on Counter Terrorism.
Energy cooperation
- In 2021, the two countries inked a Strategic Partnership on Energy Transition to advance collaboration on areas like green hydrogen and bio-fuels.
Cooperation in the Indo-Pacific
- So far, Italy’s commitment to ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region is through the framework of the common EU strategy that was released in 2021.
- In 2021, the India-Italy-Japan trilateral partnership was launched. However, it has not been operationalised yet.
Cooperation in Science and Technology
- The first India-Italy Innovation Day was held virtually on 14th July 2021. Since then, both the countries are celebrating this event every year.
Indian Community
- The Indian community in Italy (estimated at 180,000 including PIOs) is the third largest community of Indians in Europe after UK and the Netherlands.
News Summary: State Visit of Prime Minister of Italy to India
- During her visit to India, the Italian PM held bilateral talks with PM Modi.
List of Outcomes: State visit of Prime Minister of Italy to India
- Elevation of India-Italy bilateral ties to “Strategic Partnership“.
- Italy joining the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI) under Science, Technology and Academics cooperation pillar.
- In November 2019, while participating in 14th EAS, PM Modi launched the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative (IPOI).
- IPOI seeks to ensure security and stability of the regional maritime domain.
- It is an open, non-treaty-based initiative for countries to work together for cooperative and collaborative solutions to common challenges in the region.
- It draws on existing regional architecture and mechanisms to focus on seven pillars:
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- Maritime Security
- Maritime Ecology
- Maritime Resources
- Capacity Building and Resource Sharing
- Disaster Risk Reduction and Management
- Science, Technology and Academic Cooperation
- Trade Connectivity and Maritime Transport
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- Declaration of Intent (DOI) on Migration and Mobility.
- Announcement of India – Italy Start Up Bridge.
- MoU on defence cooperation
- Both the countries have also decided to organise the joint military exercises and training courses on a regular basis. It also includes maritime cooperation.
- This cooperation will also promote co-production, co-design, and co-innovation in defence manufacturing.