Daily Current Affairs UPSC 20 and 21 October 2024

Kala-azar

• India is making progress towards eradicating Kala-azar as a public health issue.
• The country has met the WHO's criteria for elimination certification by maintaining fewer than one case per 10,000 people for two consecutive years.
• Kala-azar is caused by a protozoa parasite from over 20 Leishmania species and is transmitted through the bites of infected female phlebotomine sandflies.
• Symptoms of Kala-azar include irregular fever, weight loss, spleen and liver enlargement, and anaemia.
• Most cases of Kala-azar occur in Brazil, east Africa, and India, with four endemic states in India being Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
• In India, Kala-azar is the second deadliest parasitic disease after malaria.

African Baobab

• Recent research from South African ecologists challenges the idea that African Baobab trees are dying due to climate change, highlighting their ability to survive extreme climate fluctuations.
• The African Baobab, also known as the 'Tree of Life,' plays a crucial role in the dry African savanna by helping to maintain soil moisture, recycle nutrients, and prevent erosion.
• The tree's trunk acts as a succulent, storing water from the rainy season to sustain it during dry periods.
• Baobab trees regenerate bark in the space between their stems, known as false cavities.
• The tree produces large, white flowers that bloom at night and fall within a day.
• Baobab fruit is rich in tartaric acid and Vitamin C, providing essential nutrients and serving as a food source for many species.

‘eShram-One Stop Solution’

• The Ministry of Labour & Employment is preparing to introduce the 'eShram-One Stop Solution'.
• The goal of the 'eShram-One Stop Solution' is to consolidate information on beneficiaries of various social security and welfare schemes for Unorganised Workers (UW) onto a single platform.
• This initiative is important because it will help Unorganised Workers (UW) become aware of the schemes available to them and make it easier for them to access these programs.
• The eShram portal serves as a centralized database, with Aadhaar as a key identifier, for all Unorganised Workers (UWs) including Gig and Platform workers. Since its launch in 2021, more than 30 crore UWs have been registered on the platform.

International Telecommunication Union (ITU)

• The World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 was held in New Delhi, which is the governing conference for the standardization work of the ITU and takes place every four years.
• This was the first time that ITU-WTSA was hosted in India and the Asia-Pacific region.
• The ITU, established in 1865 with the signing of the first International Telegraph Convention in Paris, is the UN's specialized agency for digital technology.
• The ITU's role is to harness innovation and connect everyone to ensure a better future for all.
• The ITU has 193 Member States, including India, and its headquarters are located in Geneva, Switzerland.

Sky Shield

• Switzerland has become a part of the European Sky Shield Initiative (ESSI).
• ESSI was established in 2022 in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
• The initiative, led by Germany, is similar to the Iron Dome defense system.
• The goal of ESSI is to enhance Europe's defense against air attacks and support NATO's air and missile defense.
• There are 21 member states in ESSI, including the UK.
• The Arrow 3, an Israeli-American missile defense system capable of intercepting long-range ballistic missiles, is a key component of the initiative.

Lighthouse Tourism

• The 2nd National Lighthouse Festival, along with the 'Lighthouse Tourism Conclave 2024', has started in Puri, Odisha, organized by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• The goal of the event is to highlight the potential of lighthouse tourism and its importance in India's maritime heritage.
• Lighthouses have historically guided ships through dangerous waters and are now being repurposed into facilities like maritime museums and cultural centers as part of the Maritime India Vision 2030.
• Currently, 75 iconic lighthouses in 10 coastal states and union territories have been developed for tourism.

Ramgarh Vishdhari tiger reserve

• The death of a tigress and a missing cub has impacted the reintroduction plan in Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve.
• Ramgarh Vishdhari Tiger Reserve is the fourth tiger reserve in Rajasthan and the 52nd in the country.
• Located in Bundi district, Rajasthan, the reserve represents both Vindhyan and Aaravalli elements.
• It is connected to the buffer areas of Ranthambore Tiger Reserve and Mukundara Hills Tiger Reserve.
• The Mez River, a tributary of the Chambal River, flows through the reserve.
• The reserve is home to major tree species such as Dhok, Khair, and Amaltas, as well as animal species like tigers, panthers, and sloth bears.

Pyromes

• A recent study found that global CO2 emissions from forest fires have increased by 60% since 2001.
• The study categorized forest and non-forest fires into 12 different pyromes, which are regions where similar factors influence forest fire patterns.
• Pyromes help researchers understand the factors contributing to the rise in forest fires and can assist in assessing fire risk, predicting the effects of climate change on fire behavior, and developing fire management strategies.

UV photodetector

• MoU signed with IIT-Delhi to develop diamond-based deep UV photodetectors in India for the first time
• Photodetectors are devices that convert light or electromagnetic radiation into an electrical signal
• Diamond-based UV photodetectors are able to specifically detect deep UV light due to diamond's high UV photon sensitivity
• These photodetectors are durable in harsh conditions and exhibit high efficiency at room and higher temperatures
• Applications of diamond-based UV photodetectors include UV imaging, secure communications, biological and military detection, etc.

Trojan asteroid

• The discovery of the Trojan asteroid 2019 UO14 near Saturn confirms the presence of celestial bodies near all giant planets.
• Trojan asteroids are located at stable Lagrange Points in a planet's orbit around the sun, typically at L4 and L5.
• Lagrange Points are positions in space where objects can remain relatively stable without drifting away.
• Studying Trojan asteroids can offer valuable information about the evolution of the solar system due to their long-term gravitational stability.
• The Lucy mission, launched in 2021, is the first mission to explore Jupiter's Trojan asteroids.

"Shift in Focus: Genuine PILs Overlooked, Says CJI"

Concerns were raised about the potential misuse of Public Interest Litigations (PIL) when a PIL requesting the government to establish an independent regulatory body for overseeing content on OTT and other platforms was dismissed.

About PIL

• Public Interest Litigation (PIL) refers to lawsuits filed by parties who are not directly affected by the issue but are seeking to protect the general public interest.
• The concept of PIL was first established in the case of Mumbai Kamgar Sabha v. Abdulbhai Faizullabhai in 1976, where the Supreme Court relaxed the requirement of 'locus standi'.
• The first PIL in India was Hussainara Khatoon v. State of Bihar, which addressed the inhumane conditions in prisons and was filed by an activist lawyer.
• PIL is significant as it helps bring justice to those who may be unaware, impoverished, or unable to advocate for themselves.

Misuse of PIL

• Since PIL is not specifically defined in any legislation, there have been numerous cases of misuse of this practice.
• In the 2010 case of State of Uttaranchal vs Balwant Singh Chaufal & Ors, the Supreme Court provided eight guidelines to High Courts in order to maintain the integrity and importance of PIL.

Directives to HC: Courts must-

• Implement new strategies such as imposing high costs to reduce unnecessary petitions
• Ensure that there is no personal or hidden agenda involved
• Prioritize petitions that have a significant impact on the public interest and are urgent
• Only entertain petitions that have substantial public interest at stake
• Verify the accuracy of the information provided in the petition
• Confirm the credibility of the petitioner
• Establish guidelines to promote genuine public interest litigation and discourage petitions with ulterior motives
• Support and promote authentic and sincere public interest litigation efforts

MHA Advisory: Relief for Undertrial Prisoners

• The Ministry of Home Affairs recently issued an advisory regarding the long detention of undertrial prisoners, drawing attention to a recent Supreme Court order.
• The order clarifies that Section 479 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) applies to all undertrials, regardless of when the case was registered.

Bail Provisions for Undertrial Detainees under BNSS

• In regular cases, undertrials must be released if their detention period reaches half of the maximum specified imprisonment.
• First-time offenders are eligible for release if their detention reaches 1/3rd of the maximum imprisonment, except for offenses with death or life imprisonment.

Undertrials in India and Reasons for High Numbers

• According to the National Crime Records Bureau, India's prisons are overcrowded with a 131.4% occupancy rate, with around 75% of inmates being undertrials.
• Undertrial prisoners are held in custody while their charges are being tried in court, leading to a high number of individuals awaiting trial.

Reasons for the high number of undertrial prisoners in India 

It include indiscriminate arrests by police, lack of awareness of legal rights, delays in the trial process, courts' reluctance to grant bail, and inability to provide surety.

Measures taken to alleviate hardships faced by the Undertrials

• The Support to Poor Prisoners Scheme offers assistance to inmates who are unable to pay fines or obtain bail due to financial constraints.
• The E-prisons portal allows for easy access to inmate data, making it simpler to identify those who are eligible for bail.
• The Model Prison Manual 2016 provides comprehensive guidelines on the facilities that should be available to undertrial inmates.
• State Legal Services Authorities have set up Legal Service Clinics in Jails to offer free legal aid to inmates.

"Rocket and Satellite Launch Emissions: A Growing Threat"

• The number of rockets launched per year has nearly tripled in the past 15 years, while the number of satellites orbiting the planet has increased by 10 times.
• This increase in space activities has led to a rise in space debris re-entry, which has doubled in the past decade.

Atmospheric Impact of Rocket Launches

• Alumina and black carbon emitted during rocket launches absorb and trap long-wave radiation from Earth, leading to warming of the atmosphere.
• A warmer stratosphere accelerates ozone depletion by speeding up chemical reactions.
• Rocket emissions containing alumina, chlorine, nitrogen oxides, and other pollutants contribute to stratospheric ozone depletion, which is not addressed by the Montreal Protocol.
• Each rocket launch produces 50-75 tonnes of CO2 per passenger, significantly more than airplane flights.
• Propellant exhaust released into the stratosphere and mesosphere persists for at least 2-3 years, contributing to upper atmospheric pollution.
• Even "green rockets" using liquid hydrogen produce water vapor, a greenhouse gas at high altitudes.
• Metallic ash from rocket launches may disrupt Earth's magnetic field, allowing more harmful cosmic radiation to reach the planet's surface.

Measures for controlling Pollution

• Small satellites are launched horizontally from under the wing of a Boeing 747, using significantly less fuel compared to traditional ground-launched rockets.
• To control the trajectory for reentry, there are new proposals to burn satellites at lower altitudes (12-18 miles) so that metal oxides can return to Earth more quickly.
• Alternative fuels like Bio propane and the development of reusable launch systems are being explored to improve efficiency and reduce waste in satellite launches.

"8 Years of RCS-UDAN: Connecting the Nation"

PM Modi officially opened the airports in Saharanpur, Rewa, and Ambikapur in Uttar Pradesh as part of the RCS-UDAN celebrations.

Key Features of the Schem

• Responsible Ministry: Ministry of Civil Aviation
• Origin: Established in 2016 as a key element of the National Civil Aviation Policy (NCAP) 2016.
• The inaugural RCS-UDAN flight took place in 2017, linking Shimla and Delhi.
• Scheme Type: Central Sector Scheme
• Objective: Enhance infrastructure and connectivity across India, particularly in remote and underserved areas, to make air travel more accessible to the general public.
• Benefits:
  
  • Passengers receive subsidised seats with a capped travel fee, originally set at Rs.2500 per passenger.
  • Airlines are supported by the government through Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to cover losses resulting from low fares.
• The Regional Connectivity Fund (RCF) supports the scheme's self-financing by using a levy on certain domestic flights to fund the VGF.
• Airlines use a market-driven model to evaluate demand on specific routes and submit proposals during bidding rounds.
• The 5th phase of the scheme is currently underway, with changes including a reduction in the distance gap of 600 km and enhanced VGF.
• The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is the implementing agency for the scheme.

Key achievements of the scheme

• Increased demand for new aircraft across all sizes due to the success of the scheme.
• Introduction of tourism routes under UDAN 3.0 has connected popular destinations like Khajuraho, Deoghar, Amritsar, and Agatti Island.
• RCS-UDAN has improved air connectivity by connecting 34 States/UTs, including routes from Mundra to Tezu and Kullu to Salem.
• A total of 86 aerodromes have been made operational under UDAN, further enhancing air travel accessibility.

"Launch of Global Family Farming Forum at FAO's World Food Forum"

• GFFF recognizes the important contribution of family farmers in creating sustainable agrifood systems and addressing the challenges of climate change.
• The event also commemorated the halfway point of the United Nations Decade of Family Farming 2019-28 (UNDFF).
• UNDFF, established by the United Nations General Assembly, provides a roadmap for countries to implement policies and investments that benefit family farming.

About Family farming

• Family farming is a form of agriculture where production is managed and operated by a family, relying on the labor of both men and women.
• Family farming is crucial for food security, as it accounts for the majority of food production worldwide.
• Family farming promotes nutritional diversity by growing a variety of nutritious foods and supporting crop biodiversity.
• Family farmers practice sustainable stewardship by using traditional methods and minimal external inputs to maintain their land.
• Obstacles encountered by family farming include financial obstacles, restricted access to resources and information, genetic and knowledge limitations, land fragmentation, challenges in accessing markets, climate-related risks, and a lack of support for generational succession.

In a related news

• The Rome Declaration on Water Scarcity in Agriculture was adopted by the WFF, FAO, and WASAG on the sidelines.
• The WASAG initiative was introduced at the United Nations Climate Conference in Marrakesh in 2016 to assist nations in tackling water scarcity issues.
• The goals of the initiative include rallying more political backing for policies, legal and institutional structures, funding access, and responsible water management.

"India Chem 2024: A Joint Initiative by Department of Chemicals & Petrochemicals and FICCI"

'India Chem' is a major industry event in the Asia-Pacific region that includes both an International Conference and Exhibition.

About India’s chemical and petrochemical industry

• Chemical and Petrochemical Industry in India: The chemical and petrochemical industry in India is a crucial part of the country's growing manufacturing sector.
• Market Segments
  
  • Bulk Chemicals: These chemicals are produced in large quantities but have lower value, such as alkali, organic, and inorganic chemicals. They are essential for downstream industries.
  • Petrochemicals: Also known as petroleum distillates, these chemicals are derived from petroleum and natural gas through refining. They include polymers, synthetic fibers, performance plastics, and more. There has been a negative production-consumption gap in this sector over the years.
  • Specialty Chemicals: These chemicals have high value but low production volume, such as surfactants, textile chemicals, paints, dyes, and agrochemicals.
• Economic Significance: The chemical and petrochemical industry contributes over 9% to manufacturing gross value added and 7% to total exports in India.
• Growth Potential: Currently valued at $178 billion, the industry is projected to exceed $300 billion by 2028 and is on track to reach $1 trillion by 2040.

Initiatives taken to promote the chemical and petrochemical industry

• Allowing 100% foreign direct investment in manufacturing without prior approval has resulted in $12.48 billion in investments over the last ten years.
• Petroleum, Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Regions (PCPIRs) provide top-notch infrastructure to attract new businesses and promote competition.
• Plastic Parks have been established to increase investment, production, and exports in the plastics industry.