Daily Current Affairs UPSC 07 & 08 April 2024

Eco-Sensitive Zone (ESZ)

•    ESZ are important and fragile areas around protected areas.
•    About ESZ:
o    Notified by central government under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
o    Guidelines classify activities into prohibited, regulated, and permitted categories.
o    Prohibited activities include commercial mining and setting up industries causing pollution.
o    Regulated activities include felling of trees and establishment of hotels and resorts.
o    Permitted activities include ongoing agriculture and horticulture practices by local communities and dairy farming.

Chital (Spotted Deer)

•    Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Island is facing an invasion of chital deer.
•    About Chital:
o    Chital are native to the Indian subcontinent and found in Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
o    They inhabit riverine forests during the hot dry season and Sal forests during the monsoon season.
o    Features include a gestation period of around 231-235 days, feeding on grasses, forbs, leaves, flowers, and fruits, and males having antlers.
o    Status: Least Concern according to IUCN.
o    Threats include illegal hunting, habitat loss and degradation due to human encroachment, and spread of invasive alien plant species.

Polar Vortex

•    Scientists found a sudden reversal in the direction of the Arctic Polar Vortex spin.
o    Sudden Stratospheric Warming events may have caused more ozone from lower latitudes to move around the Arctic, leading to the change in direction.
•    About Polar Vortex:
o    The Polar Vortex refers to the low pressure and cold air surrounding the Earth's poles.
o    It is held by strong wind currents that flow anti-clockwise around the polar region.
o    The Polar Vortex is weaker in the summer and stronger during the winter.

Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)

•    Enrollment under PMFBY in FY 2023-24 increased by 27% compared to the previous fiscal year.
•    About PMFBY
o    Launched in 2016 as a Central Sector Scheme.
o    Conceptualized and administered by the Central Government, implemented by State/ UT Governments.
o    Objective: Provide insurance coverage and financial support to farmers in case of crop failure due to natural calamities, pests, or diseases.
•    Features of PMFBY:
o    Covers all stages of the crop production cycle.
o    Uniform premium rates: 2% for Kharif crops, 1.5% for Rabi crops, and 5% for Horticultural crops.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

•    IIT Madras study finds PFAS in Buckingham Canal, Adyar River, and Chembarambakkam Lake.
•    About PFAS:
o    PFAS are synthetic chemicals found in everyday products.
o    PFAS do not easily degrade in the environment.
o    Health concerns associated with PFAS exposure include liver damage, low infant birth weights, hormonal imbalance, fertility issues, immune system effects, and cancer.

Damodar River

•    Restoration and Conservation Efforts for Damodar River in Jharkhand.
•    Damodar River:
o    Origin: The Damodar River originates from Khamarpat Hill on Chotanagpur Plateau in Palamau district of Jharkhand.
o    Sub-basin: It is a sub-basin and part of the Ganges River System.
o    Tributaries: The river is fed by tributaries like Barakar, Konar, Bokaro, Haharo, Jamnia, Ghari, etc.
o    Historical Name: Damodar River was previously known as the "River of Sorrows".
o    Pollution Concerns: The river faces severe pollution issues due to industrial activities in the mineral-rich areas it flows through.

Changpa

•    The events of climate change have disrupted the normal life of the Changpa tribe.
•    About Changpa Tribe:
o    Semi-nomadic Tibetan origin tribe in eastern Ladakh.
o    Majority are pastoralists who rear Changra goats for Pashmina and yaks.
o    Profess Tibetan Buddhism and live in yak-skin tents called reboo.

Sittwe Port, Myanmar

•    India secures right to operate Sittwe Port after MEA approval.
•    About Sittwe Port:
o    Deep water port at Kaladan River estuary in Rakhine State.
o    Part of Kaladan Multi-Modal Transit Transport Project funded by GoI.
o    Significance: Opens trade opportunities for India's Northeast, enhances India-Myanmar trade relations.

Ecuador (Capital: Quito)

•    Mexico suspends diplomatic ties with Ecuador after police raid in Mexican embassy in Quito.
•    Ecuador's Political Features:
o    Located in North-western South America.
o    Neighboring countries: Colombia (North) and Peru (East and South).
o    Situated on the Equator.
o    Galápagos Islands are part of Ecuador.
o    Bounded to the West by the Pacific Ocean.
•    Ecuador's Geographical Features:
o    Equator passes through Ecuador.
o    Andes mountain range crosses through Ecuador.
o    Major Rivers: Amazon, Guayas, Putumayo, etc.
o    Active Volcanoes: Cotopaxi, Tungurahua, etc.
o    Highest Peak: Mount Chimborazo.

Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) launched its ‘Vision for Regional Security’.

•    GCC's 'Vision for Regional Security' Adopted in Dec 2023.
•    Focuses on promoting negotiation and dialogue to address disagreements, violence, and conflict.
•    Key Highlights of the Vision:
o    Based on shared destiny and indivisible security of member states.
o    Emphasizes avoiding the use of force and prioritizing dialogue and negotiation.
o    Urges combating terrorism, extremism, and money laundering.
o    Supports non-proliferation efforts and aims for a region free of weapons of mass destruction.
o    Calls for activating the Arab Peace Initiative for a just resolution of the Palestinian cause.
o    Prioritizes issues like climate change, water and food security, energy security, economic resources, and investment opportunities.
•    Significance of the 'Vision for Regional Security':
o    Encourages collaboration for a secure and prosperous future.
o    Provides an opportunity to resolve historical regional conflicts like the Palestinian problem.

About GCC:

•    GCC Background:
o    Formed in 1981.
o    Consists of 6 Gulf states (UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Qatar, and Kuwait).
•    Objectives of GCC: Aim for coordination, integration, and inter-connection between Member States in all areas.
•    Organisational Structure:
o    Supreme Council: Highest authority includes heads of states.
o    Ministerial Council: Consists of foreign ministers, responsible for decision-making and policy implementation.

Scientists discover the reason behind the cleanest air in the Southern Ocean region

•    Clean air refers to the presence of low levels of aerosols in the atmosphere.
o    Aerosols are fine solid particles or liquid droplets suspended in the air.
•    Reasons for Clean Air in Southern Ocean Region:
o    Reduced Human Activity: Minimal emissions and fossil fuel usage in the region contribute to low aerosol levels.
o    Phytoplankton Levels: Fewer phytoplankton in winter result in fewer airborne sulfate particles.
•    Role of Clouds and Rain:
o    Honeycomb-Structured Clouds: Open honeycomb clouds allow sunlight to pass and produce intense rainfall, washing out aerosols.
o    Open honeycomb clouds allow sunlight to pass through and produce intense, sporadic rainfall that washes out aerosols.
o    Closed Honeycomb Clouds: Reflect sunlight and lead to low rainfall, less effective at removing aerosols.
•    About the Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean):
o    Geologically Youngest Ocean: The Southern Ocean is the youngest of the world's oceans.
o    Antarctic Circumpolar Current: Dominated by the clockwise circulating Antarctic Circumpolar Current.
o    Climate: Known for strong winds, intense storms, dramatic seasonal changes, and cold temperatures.

98% of Urban Women involved in Household Financial Decisions: Report by AMFi-CRISIL

•    AMFi-CRISIL released a report titled ‘Mutual Growth’ highlighting the increasing role of women in financial decision-making in India.
•    Key Highlights of the Report:
o    Female LFPR has risen to 41.5% from 24.6% five years ago.
o    47% of women make financial decisions independently.
o    Autonomy in financial decisions is influenced by income source, age, and affluence stage.
•    Significance of Women's Role in Financial Decision-Making:
o    Social impact: Empowerment, reduced gender disparities, and improved family well-being.
o    Economic impact: Better financial planning, wealth management, and increased market depth.
•    Challenges in Women's Financial Autonomy:
o    Socio-cultural barriers: Patriarchy, gender stereotypes.
o    Economic disparities: Lower workforce participation, gender pay gap, and unpaid domestic work burden.

Steps Taken for Women’s Financial Autonomy:

•    Financial Inclusion Initiatives: Initiatives like PM Jan Dhan Yojana, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, and Business Correspondent (BC) Sakhi program have been implemented to ensure women have access to financial services.
•    Self-Help Groups (SHGs): NABARD promotes SHGs to encourage women to make collective credit decisions and engage in microfinance activities.
•    Entrepreneurial Support: Schemes such as Stand-up India and MUDRA Yojana provide support to women entrepreneurs to start and grow their businesses.

Land portions from 10 cantonment boards to be merged with concerned State local bodies

•    Conversion of military areas within cantonments into "exclusive military stations".
•    Reasons for the move:
o    Undo colonial legacy and usher in governance reforms.
o    Provide civilians in cantonments access to more welfare schemes from state governments.
o    Help defense forces focus on security, land management, and prevent encroachments.
o    Reduce strain on defense budget.
•    About Cantonments:
o    Areas primarily for housing soldiers, but also have civilian populations.
o    Established by East India Company after battle of Plassey in 1757.
o    Currently 61 cantonments in India.
o    Administered by Cantonment Boards under Ministry of Defence.
o    Perform civic duties like public health, water supply, and education.

Categories of Cantonment Board:

•    Category I: Cantonment boards with a population exceeding 50,000 residents.
•    Category II: Cantonment boards with a population ranging from 10,000 to 50,000 residents.
•    Category III: Cantonment boards with a population ranging from 2,500 to 10,000 residents.
•    Category IV: Cantonment boards with a population of less than 2,500 residents.

Microsoft released a report about the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to disrupt elections

•    Key Observations:
o    China used AI in a disinformation campaign during the Taiwan presidential election.
o    Various AI methods were used to influence different aspects of the elections.
•    Threats of AI in Election:
o    Manipulation of electoral behavior through deceptive political advertisements.
o    Misleading public opinion on candidates and issues.
o    Easier creation and dissemination of fake news.
o    Cybersecurity threats targeting election infrastructure.
o    Increased foreign influence on elections.
•    Steps to Reduce AI Threats in Elections:
o    Election Commission of India should involve AI experts.
o    Government regulations for transparency in AI usage for political purposes.
o    Technological companies implementing measures to stop misinformation.
o    Government increasing public awareness about deceptive AI.

Right against adverse effects of Climate Change part of Right to Life and Equality: Supreme Court (SC)

•    SC heard application for modification by Union MoEFCC, Ministry of Power, and Ministry of New and Renewable Energy against April 2021 order.
o    April 2021 order-imposed restrictions on setting up of overhead transmission lines in certain areas of Rajasthan for conservation of Great Indian Bustard (GIB).
•    Key highlights of SC judgment:
o    Articles 14 (Right to Equality) and Article 21 (Right to Life and Personal Liberty) are important sources of right to a clean environment and right against adverse effects of climate change.
o    Inability of underserved communities to adapt to climate change or cope with its effects violates rights granted under Article 14 and 21.
o    For example, food and water shortages due to climate change and environmental degradation affect poorer communities more, impacting right to equality.
•    Important SC judgments regarding constitutionalization of environmental problems:
o    M.C. Mehta v. Kamal Nath (1996): Any disturbance of basic environment elements would be hazardous to "life" within meaning of Article 21.
o    Virender Gaur v. State of Haryana (1994): Right to clean environment is an integral facet of right to a healthy life.

Constitutional Provisions on Environment:

•    Article 48A: The government must work to protect and enhance the environment, as well as preserve forests and wildlife.
•    Article 51A (g): It is the responsibility of every Indian citizen to protect and enhance the natural environment, including forests, lakes, rivers, and wildlife, and to show compassion towards all living beings.