Daily Current Affairs UPSC 06 April 2024

United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP)

•    UNESCAP released the "Economic and Social Survey of Asia and the Pacific 2024".
•    The Survey has been published annually since 1947 and is the flagship publication of UNESCAP.
•    About UNESCAP:
o    Headquarters of UNESCAP is located in Bangkok, Thailand.
o    Established in 1947 as the Economic Commission for Asia and Far East (ECAFE) and later became ESCAP in 1976.
o    UNESCAP provides a platform for governments in the region to discuss economic and social issues and enhance regional cooperation.
o    Members: It has 53 members and 9 associate members, with India being a member.

Securities Appellate Tribunal (SAT)

•    The Finance Ministry has appointed a new presiding officer for SAT.
•    About SAT:
o    SAT is a statutory body under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act, 1992.
o    Its function is to hear and dispose of appeals against orders from SEBI, Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority, and Insurance Regulatory Development Authority of India.
o    The SAT bench is located in Mumbai.
o    The composition includes a Presiding Officer and a determined number of Judicial Members and Technical Members appointed by the Central Government.

Phanigiri (Telangana)

•    Coin hoard unearthed at Phanigiri site in Suryapet district, Telangana.
•    About Phanigiri:
o    Meaning of Phanigiri: hillock of snake hood.
o    Buddhist site located around 110 kms from Hyderabad.
o    Excavations revealed Mahastupa, Chaitya Grihas, viharas, and life-size Stucco of Bodhisattva.
o    Inscriptions from Satavahana and Ikshvaku times (2nd - 3rd Century A.D.).
o    Thorana's panel shows co-existence of Mahayana and Hinayana sects.

Syama Prasad Mookerjee Port (SMP)

•    Record cargo of 66.4 million Metric Tonnes (MMT) handled in 2023-24.
•    About SMP:
o    Formerly known as Kolkata Port Trust, oldest operating port in India since 1870.
o    Governed under Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.
o    Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
o    Two Dock complexes: Kolkata Dock System and Haldia Dock Complex.
o    Only riverine Major Port in India.

Project Akashteer

•    The Indian Army has initiated the implementation of Project Akashteer to enhance its air defence capabilities.
•    Project Akashteer:
o    Indigenously developed with advanced capabilities.
o    Monitors low level airspace in battle areas and controls Ground Based Air Defence Weapon Systems.
o    Enables integrated operation of Air Defence units in the Indian Army.
o    Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) is responsible for the development of Project Akashteer.

Gulf of Khambhat

•    The Indian Coast Guard recently evacuated a fishing boat crew in the Gulf of Khambhat.
•    About Gulf of Khambhat:
o    The Gulf of Khambhat, also known as the Gulf of Cambay, is a funnel-shaped indentation of the Arabian Sea that separates the Saurashtra Peninsula and Gujarat mainland.
o    The Narmada, Tapi, Mahi, and Sabarmati Rivers drain into the Gulf of Khambhat, carrying heavy loads of suspended sediment.
•    The famous Harappan port town of Lothal was situated at the head of the Gulf of Khambhat, highlighting its historical significance.

Erez Crossing

•    Israel has approved the reopening of Erez crossing for humanitarian aid flow into Gaza.
o    Ashdod Port also approved for aid use.
•    About Erez Crossing:
o    Also known as Beit Hanoun.
o    Border crossing between Israel and northern Gaza Strip.
o    Only crossing allowing travel from Gaza to West Bank without passing through Egypt or Jordan.
•    Other key crossings include Rafah crossing and Karem Abu Salem crossing.

Purple Jelly fish

•    Bloom of venomous purple jellyfish reported along Visakhapatnam coast.
o    Seawater temperature variations may induce jellyfish blooms.
•    About Purple Jellyfish (Pelagia noctiluca):
o    Found worldwide in tropical and warm-temperature seas.
o    Bioluminescent, able to produce light in the dark.
o    Sting can cause illnesses like diarrhoea, extreme pain, vomiting, and anaphylactic shock.

Laxman Nayak (1899-1943)

•    Ministry of Tribal Affairs recognizes his contributions.
•    About Laxman Nayak Bhumia:
o    Tribal leader of Bhumia community from Odisha.
o    Known as the Gandhi of Malkangiri region for following Gandhian principles.
•    Contributions:
o    Participated in individual Satyagraha in 1940.
o    Urged fellow tribesmen to join Quit India Movement in 1942.
o    Promoted Swaraj through Charkha campaigns.
•    Values: Demonstrated courage and leadership in advocating for non-violence and peaceful non-cooperation.

UNHRC adopted first Resolution of its kind for Intersex Rights

•    Adopted at the 55th Session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
•    Resolution calls on states:
o    Calls on states to combat discrimination, violence, and harmful practices against intersex individuals.
o    Aims to address root causes of discrimination and help intersex people achieve the highest standard of physical and mental health.
•    Intersex People: 
o    Born with sex characteristics that do not fit typical binary notions of male or female bodies.
o    May have any gender identity or sexual orientation.
o    Estimated that up to 1.7% of the population are born with intersex traits.
o    Different from transgender individuals.
•    Key Issues:
o    Subjected to human rights violations due to physical characteristics.
o    Society has created harmful stereotypes and pathologization towards intersex individuals.
o    Face issues such as infanticide, forced medical interventions, discrimination, legal recognition, etc.

About UNHRC:

•    Establishment: The UNHRC was created in 2006 by the General Assembly to replace the United Nations Commission on Human Rights.
•    Purpose: The UNHRC is the primary intergovernmental body within the United Nations dedicated to promoting and protecting human rights.
•    Mandate: The UNHRC reviews the human rights records of all UN Member States through the Universal Periodic Review and authorizes commissions of inquiry and fact-finding missions on issues such as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
•    Membership: The UNHRC consists of 47 Member States who work together to address human rights issues on a global scale.

Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) issued Heatwave alert

•    IMD predicted that above normal heatwave days are likely to occur over most parts of south peninsula, central India, east India and plains of northwest India during April to June hot weather season.
•    IMD Heatwave Alert Criteria:
o    Heatwave declared when temperature crosses 40°C in plains, 37°C in coastal areas, and 30°C in hills.
•    Based on departure from Normal Temperature:
o    Heat Wave: 4.5°C to 6.4°C above normal temperature.
o    Severe Heat Wave: >6.4°C above normal temperature.
•    Based on departure from Actual Maximum Temperature (for plains only):
o    Heat Wave: ≥ 45°C actual maximum temperature in plains.
o    Severe Heat Wave: ≥47°C actual maximum temperature in plains.
•    Favorable Conditions for Heatwaves:
o    Transportation of hot dry air over a region.
o    Absence of moisture in upper atmosphere.
o    Cloudless sky for maximum insulation.
o    Large amplitude anti-cyclonic flow over the area.
•    Impacts of Heatwaves:
o    Health hazards like heat stroke.
o    Strain on water and energy sources.
o    Food insecurity due to crop wilting, stunting, or early ripening.

Key Initiatives:

•    IMD and NDMA issue heat warning colour codes.
o    Green (No action required).
o    Yellow Alert (Stay updated).
o    Orange Alert (Be prepared).
o    Red Alert (Take immediate action).
•    NDMA provides guidelines for preparing action plans for heat waves.
•    States prepare Heat Wave Action Plans.
•    National Action Plan on Heat Related Illnesses for health facility preparedness and management of cases.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Statement sets out various developmental and regulatory policy measures

Development and Description of RBI Policy Measures:
•    Trading of Sovereign Green Bonds(SGrBs) in International Financial Services Centre (IFSC)
o    Foreign portfolio investors can invest in SGrBs in IFSC.
o    SGrBs are bonds issued by governments for environmentally sustainable projects.
•    RBI Retail Direct Scheme - Introduction of Mobile App
o    Individual investors can maintain gilt accounts with RBI and invest in government securities.
o    Scheme launched in 2021.
•    Dealing in Rupee Interest Rate Derivative products – Small Finance Banks (SFBs)
o    SFBs can use Interest Rate Futures (IRFs) for proprietary hedging.
o    IRF contract allows locking in the price of interest-bearing asset for a future date.
•    Enabling UPI for Cash Deposit Facility
o    Cash deposit facility available through UPI.
o    UPI is an instant real-time payment system for inter-bank transactions.
•    Distribution of Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC) through Non-bank Payment System Operators
o    CBDC pilot project ongoing for Retail and Wholesale segments.
o    CBDC is a digital form of currency notes issued by a central bank.

India has highest failed dope tests: World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA)

•    India has the highest percentage of failed dope tests among countries with over 2000 tests.
•    Doping involves using substances or physiological mediators not normally present in the body to enhance athletic performance.
•    Reasons for doping: Publicity in sports, recovery from injury, advancements in technology, winning at all cost mindset, lack of knowledge about chemicals, etc.
•    Methods used include manipulation of blood and blood components, chemical and physical manipulation, and gene doping.
•    Impact of doping on Sport Ethics:
o    Undermines fair play and compromises the spirit of sport.
o    Contradicts the pursuit of excellence and goes against values like perseverance and courage.
o    Hampers moral values of sports and changes the nature of sport as an educative and health-promoting activity.
o    Rewards wrongdoers who participate in doping.
•    Way Forward:
o    Implement effective anti-doping programs.
o    Provide an Anti-Doping helpline for athletes.
o    Regularly inform athletes about prohibited substances.

Anti-doping Agencies:

•    World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA): Founded in 1999 to promote clean sports by creating and enforcing anti-doping rules globally.
o    Goals of WADA: Develop, harmonize, and coordinate anti-doping policies across all sports and countries, and ensure compliance with the World Anti-Doping Program.
•    National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA): Established in 2005 as an independent organization to conduct anti-doping awareness programs in collaboration with the Sports Authority of India and National Sports Federations.

Mumbai set to witness first installation of 210 artificial reefs

•    Artificial reefs to be deployed near Worli Koliwada in the Arabian Sea.
•    About Artificial Reefs:
o    Engineering technology interventions used to rehabilitate or improve natural habitats.
o    Placed on seabed with fixed scientific design, mimicking characteristics of natural reefs.
o    Materials used include rocks, cinder blocks, wood, old tires, limestone, steel, and concrete.
•    Benefits of Artificial Reefs:
o    Marine Habitat Restoration and Biodiversity Enhancement.
o    Provides firm substrates for corals, algae, plankton, etc.
o    Acts as carbon sink, helps in nutrient recycling, water quality maintenance, and waste management.
o    Development of Fisheries: Provides nursery grounds for fish, increasing catch rates and saving fuel and energy costs.
o    Enhances recreational fisheries such as snorkeling.
o    Other Benefits: Reduces wave damage on coasts, restricts bottom trawling, promotes eco-tourism, etc.

Key Initiative:

•    Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana (PMMSY) supports the development of artificial reef units for coastal states.
•    This initiative falls under the "Integrated Modern Coastal Fishing Villages" component of the scheme.
•    The Department of Fisheries collaborates with the Fishery Survey of India and ICAR-Central Marine Fisheries Research Institute to implement this sub-activity. 
•    The goal is to enhance marine biodiversity and promote sustainable fishing practices in coastal areas.
Chief of Defence Staff General highlighted the need to adapt to the changing character of war
•    Evolution of Warfare:
o    Traditionally kinetic military engagements.
o    Emergence of 5th Generation War (5GW) with non-kinetic forms of warfare.
•    Non-Kinetic Forms of Warfare in 5GW:
o    Cyber Warfare: Attacking information networks.
o    Psychological Operations: Using propaganda to influence behaviour.
o    Hybrid Warfare: Blending conventional warfare with other methods.
o    Emerging Challenges of Warfare: Impact of Disruptive Technologies like AI, drones, nuclear, space war.
•    Indian Initiatives in Tackling Warfare Challenges:
o    Strategic Forces Command (SFC) for nuclear forces.
o    DRDO Young Scientists' Laboratories for advanced technology solutions.
o    Defence Cyber Agency for protecting ICT assets.
o    Defence Space Agency for integrating space assets from Army, Navy, Air Force.