Daily Current Affairs UPSC 06 June 2024

Parole

Karnataka High Court Orders Parole Release

• The Karnataka High Court has ordered the release of a convict on parole under extraordinary circumstances.
• Parole is the temporary release of a convict for a short period of time to attend to familial and social obligations, such as a death in the family.
• Parole is not a guaranteed right for all convicts.
• Parole is governed by the Prisons Act of 1894 and the Prisoner Act of 1900.
• Each state government has its own rules for granting parole under their respective Prisons Acts.
• Prisoners convicted of multiple murders or under anti-terror laws like the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act are not eligible for parole.

Pump and Dump Scheme

SEBI Imposes Fine for 'Pump and Dump' Scheme

• SEBI fined individuals for allegedly running a 'pump and dump' scheme.
• Scheme operated through Telegram channels, leading to inflated stock prices.

Pump and Dump Scheme Overview

• Involves artificially inflating stock prices with false information.
• Done to sell stock at higher prices.
• Common in micro-cap and small-cap sectors with limited information.
• Results in financial market confidence loss and investor losses.

Regulation by SEBI

• SEBI guidelines completely ban 'pump and dump' schemes.
• Aim to protect investors and maintain market integrity.

Clearing Corporations

SEBI Committee on Clearing Corporations Review

• SEBI has established a committee led by Usha Thorat to examine the ownership and economic structure of clearing corporations.

Clearing Corporation (CC)

• CCs are entities responsible for clearing and settling trades in securities and other instruments traded on stock exchanges.
• CCs, along with stock exchanges and depositories, are considered Market Infrastructure Institutions.
• CCs play a crucial role as central risk management institutions and act as a first line regulator.
• The Securities Contracts (Regulation) (Stock Exchanges and Clearing Corporations (SECC)) Regulations, 2018, outline the norms for the ownership and governance framework of CCs.

Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project

Completion of Last Blast of Head Race Tunnel in Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project

• Prime Minister of Nepal oversaw the completion of the last blast in the Head Race Tunnel of the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project.
• Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project.
• Located in Sankhuwasabha district of Eastern Nepal, the Arun-3 Hydro Electric Project is a 900 MW run-of-the-river hydropower project on the Arun River.
• Run-of-the-river system generates electricity from flowing water without the need for a large dam and reservoir.
• Developed by SJVN Arun-III Power Development Company (SAPDC), a subsidiary of India's Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam, on a Build-Own-Operate-Transfer basis.
• SAPDC will operate the project for 25 years, excluding the construction period of five years, before transferring ownership to the Nepal government.

QS World University Rankings (WUR), 2025

Released by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS).

Based on 9 Performance indicators

• Academic Reputation.
• Employer Reputation.
• Faculty Student Ratio.
• Citations per Faculty.
• International Faculty Ratio.
• International Student Ratio.
• International Research Network.
• Employment Outcomes.
• Sustainability.
• Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT-B) ranked at 118.
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) USA topped for 13th consecutive year.

Global Annual to Decadal Climate Update (2024-2028)

Annual Report by WMO on Global Predictions

• Issued annually by the World Meteorological Organization.
• Provides a summary of global annual to decadal predictions.

Key Findings from the Report

• 80% likelihood of global temperature exceeding 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels between 2024-2028.
• 86% chance that at least one year between 2024-2028 will be warmer than 2023, the current warmest year on record.
• Predicts reductions in sea-ice concentration in the Barents Sea, Bering Sea, and Sea of Okhotsk.

Bioremediation

Bioremediation of Plastics Using Marine Fungus

• Bioremediation is the process of using microorganisms to reduce and eliminate contaminants in the environment.
• Researchers have discovered that the marine fungus Parengyodontium album can break down plastic polyethylene after exposure to UV radiation.
• This discovery opens up the possibility of using plastic degrading microorganisms for bioremediation of plastics.

Advantages of Bioremediation

• Bioremediation offers advantages such as minimal disruption of ecosystems, permanent elimination of contaminants, and low operation costs.
• Various plastic degrading bacteria and fungi have been identified by researchers for use in bioremediation of plastics.
• By utilizing these microorganisms, we can work towards reducing plastic pollution in a cost-effective and environmentally friendly manner.

Environmental Performance Index (EPI), 2024

• The EPI 2024 report, published by the Yale Center for Environmental Law & Policy, evaluates 180 countries on climate change performance, environmental health, and ecosystem vitality using 58 performance indicators across 11 issue categories.
• Estonia has been ranked at the top of the list in the EPI 2024 report.

India's Ranking and Emissions:

• India has been ranked at 176 in the EPI 2024 report.
• India is currently the world's third-largest greenhouse gas emitter, with total emissions increasing by 32 percent over the past decade.
• In 2022, India surpassed China as the world's largest emitter of anthropogenic sulfur dioxide.

Narayan Malhar Joshi (1879 - 1955)

Celebrating the Birth Anniversary of N.M. Joshi

• N.M. Joshi, also known as Nana Saheb Joshi, was a trade unionist and freedom fighter from Maharashtra.

Key Contributions of N.M. Joshi

• Represented India at the first International Labour Conference in 1919.
• Established the Social Service League in 1911.
• Co-founded the All India Trade Union Congress in 1920 and helped establish the Bombay Textile Labour Union.
• Was a prominent member of the Bombay Provincial Congress Committee, People's Volunteer Brigade, and Servants of India Society.
• Known for his work in the Royal Commission on Labour in India, describing the conditions of workers.

Values of N.M. Joshi

• N.M. Joshi was known for his patriotism, compassion, and commitment to justice.

"Global Debt Report 2024: UNCTAD's Warning"

Alarming Surge in Global Public Debt

• The report highlights a significant increase in global public debt and suggests a plan to address the current debt crisis.
• Public debt includes both domestic and external debt of the general government.

Key Findings of the Report

• Global public debt reached a record high of $97 trillion in 2023.
• The surge in debt is driven by multiple crises and the slow and uneven performance of the global economy.
• Developing countries are experiencing a faster increase in public debt compared to developed countries, accounting for 30% of the global total.
• India's public debt reached $2.9 trillion in 2023, representing 82.7% of its GDP.

Implications of High Public Debt

• High public debt leads to a heavy fiscal burden, with more than half of developing countries spending at least 8% of government revenues on interest payments.
• Decreased spending on development areas like education and health, affecting 3.3 billion individuals in countries where interest payments exceed these investments.
• Climate action is hindered as interest payments surpass investments in climate initiatives in emerging and developing countries.

Proposed Solutions for Sustainable Development Financing

• The report suggests creating an Inclusive International Financial Architecture that involves developing countries in its governance.
• Providing more liquidity during crises by expanding contingency finance through IMF instruments.
• Increasing affordable long-term financing by transforming and expanding Multilateral Development Banks.

Initiatives to solve debt crisis:

• HIPC Initiative by IMF and World Bank: A program aimed at reducing the debt burden of heavily indebted poor countries by providing debt relief and financial assistance.
• DMFAS programme of UNCTAD: A debt management and financial analysis system implemented by the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development to help countries effectively manage their debt and financial resources.
• Global Sovereign Debt Roundtable (GSDR): An initiative launched in February 2023 by the IMF, World Bank, and India's G20 presidency to address global sovereign debt issues and promote cooperation among countries to find solutions to the debt crisis.

"Nanoparticle Formation from Common Minerals: IIT Madras Study"

Charged Water Microdroplets for Nanoparticle Formation

• Researchers have discovered that common minerals can be instantly broken down by charged water microdroplets to create corresponding nanoparticles.
• Microdroplets are tiny water droplets around 10μm in size that enhance chemical reactions and are naturally generated by crashing ocean waves and atmospheric processes.
• The use of microdroplets in nanoparticle formation could revolutionize soil formation techniques, improve industrial nanoparticle production, and enhance crop growth by providing essential mineral nanoparticles.

Understanding Nanoparticles

• Nanoparticles are particles with sizes ranging from 1 to 100 nanometers, and their properties are influenced by factors such as shape, size, surface characteristics, and inner structure.
• Nanoparticles can exist in various forms, including aerosols (solids or liquids in air), suspensions (solids in liquids), and emulsions (liquids in liquids).

Formation of Nanoparticles

• Nanoparticles can be formed naturally through processes like erosion and weathering, or through human activities such as cooking, manufacturing, and transportation.
• There are two main approaches to manufacturing nanoparticles: top-down, which involves breaking down large particles into nanostructures, and bottom-up, which involves assembling small atoms or molecules into nanostructures.

Applications of Nanoparticles

• Medical Applications of Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles are used in targeted drug delivery, gene therapy, and tissue engineering in the medical field. They can help deliver medication directly to specific areas of the body, manipulate genes for therapeutic purposes, and aid in the regeneration of tissues.
• Industrial Applications of Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles have the ability to induce unique electrical and mechanical properties in materials, creating stronger, lighter, and cleaner surfaces. This can be beneficial in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and automotive.
• Food Processing Applications of Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles can be used in food packaging to place anti-microbial agents and control gas permeability. This can help increase the shelf life of food products and maintain their freshness for longer periods.
• Environmental Applications of Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles can be used in air purification by releasing ions that help remove pollutants from the air. They can also be used in wastewater purification through nanobubbles or nanofiltration systems to remove heavy metals and other contaminants from water sources.
• Electronics Applications of Nanoparticles: Nanoparticles, such as Carbon Nanotubes, are used in printed electronics to create advanced electronic devices. These nanoparticles can improve the performance and efficiency of electronic components, leading to advancements in technology.

2023-24 Horticultural Crop Estimates Released

Estimates Released by Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare

• Horticultural production for 2023-24 has decreased to 352.23 million tonnes, a 0.91% decrease from the previous year.
• Production has increased for Fruits, Honey, Flowers, Plantation Crops, Spices, and Aromatics & Medicinal Plants, but decreased for Vegetables.

Horticulture Sector Overview

• Horticulture involves the production, utilization, and improvement of various crops like fruits, vegetables, spices, ornamental plants, and more.
• It contributes about 33% to the Gross Value Added in Indian agriculture.
• India is the second largest producer of vegetables and fruits globally, following China.

Importance of Horticulture Crops

• Horticulture crops are high-value, high-productivity crops that require less irrigation, increasing profitability for farmers.
• They are rich in nutrients, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fibers.
• These crops are in high demand internationally, contributing to foreign exchange earnings.
• Horticultural produce serves as raw material for various industries like food processing and pharmaceuticals.

Challenges in the Horticulture Sector

• Outdated harvesting practices and inadequate cold chain infrastructure lead to annual wastage of 4.6-15.9%.
• Lack of high-quality seedlings and rootstock is a challenge.
• Climate change and persistent pests contribute to infestations and plant diseases, reducing crop yield and quality.

Initiatives taken to promote Horticulture Sector

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

• A government scheme aimed at promoting the overall growth of the horticulture sector, including fruits, vegetables, root crops, tuber crops, and mushrooms.

Horticulture Cluster Development Programme

• A program designed to take advantage of geographical specialization and encourage the integrated and market-driven development of horticulture clusters.

"Rising Temperatures Impact Global Groundwater: Study"

Groundwater Temperature Projection

• A study in Nature Geosciences predicts a 2.1 degree Celsius increase in groundwater temperature from 2000-2100 due to climate change.

Implications of Groundwater Warming

• Rising temperatures can lead to reduced oxygen levels in water, harmful algal blooms, and impact food and reproductive cycles of species.
• Increased growth of pathogens can deteriorate water quality.
• Groundwater warming has the potential to sustainably satisfy local heating demands.

Status of Groundwater in India

• India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation globally.
• 14% of assessed units are overexploited and 4% are critical according to the Dynamic Groundwater Resource assessment 2022.

Importance of Groundwater

• Groundwater helps replenish and maintain surface water levels.
• Nearly 50% of the global population relies on groundwater for drinking water.
• It is used in various sectors such as food production, crop irrigation, and industrial processes like oil and gas extraction and energy generation.

Initiatives for Groundwater Conservation in India

• Atal Bhujal Yojana: A program by the Ministry of Jal Shakti aimed at sustainable groundwater management.
• Groundwater Management and Regulation: A scheme focusing on aquifer mapping and monitoring of groundwater levels and quality, funded by the central government.
• National Aquifer Mapping Program: A program designed for sustainable management of aquifers in the country.

"Record Number of Women Elected to 18th Lok Sabha"

Women's Representation in the 18th Lok Sabha

• In the 18th Lok Sabha, 74 women were elected, which is a slight decrease from the 78 women elected in the 17th Lok Sabha.
• This represents a 9.7% win rate for women contestants in the 18th Lok Sabha, compared to 10.74% in the 17th Lok Sabha.

Importance of Women's Representation in Legislature

• Women's representation in the Lok Sabha has increased from 5% in the first Lok Sabha to its highest at 14.4% in the 17th Lok Sabha.
• Currently, women make up 14.05% of Rajya Sabha members, while globally, women hold 26.9% of seats in national parliaments.
• Women legislators have been shown to perform better in their constituencies on economic indicators compared to their male counterparts.

Challenges to Women's Legislative Representation

• Societal prejudices, male-dominated political structures, and family obligations are some of the challenges women face in achieving representation in legislatures.
• Structural disadvantages such as costly and time-consuming election campaigns, inappropriate comments, hate speeches, and threats also hinder women's participation.
• Internalized patriarchy can also influence women to conform to patriarchal societal norms, impacting their ability to enter politics.

Steps taken for increasing women political representation:

1. Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam, 2023 (106th Amendment Act).

• This legislation aims to reserve one-third of seats for women in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, including the Legislative Assembly of Delhi.

2. 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments.

• These amendments made it mandatory to reserve 1/3rd of seats in Panchayats and Municipalities for women.

3. India's commitment to SDG target 5.5.

• India has pledged to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) target 5.5, which calls for women's full and effective participation at all levels of decision-making in politics and public life.

"SCS Demand Gains Momentum Post-2024 Elections"

SCS Classification by Centre

• SCS is a classification given by the Centre to help develop states facing geographical and socio-economic disadvantages.
• Introduced in 1969 based on recommendations of the Fifth Finance Commission.
• Initially granted to Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, and Nagaland, later extended to states like Sikkim and Tripura.
• SCS States used to receive grants based on the Gadgil-Mukherjee formula.
• Constitution does not have provisions for categorizing states as SCS, but special provisions are available under Articles 371 and others.
• SCS ceased to exist after recommendations of the 14th Finance Commission.

Benefits of Granting SCS to States

• In SCS States, Centre-State funding for schemes is divided 90:10, more favorable than general category states.
• SCS states can carry forward unspent money.
• SCS states are exempt from certain taxes to attract investment.

Criteria for Special Category Status:

• Challenging Geographic Features: This includes hilly and difficult terrain that makes development and infrastructure projects more costly and difficult to implement.
• Low Population Density or Tribal Population: States with a low population density or a significant share of tribal population may be considered for special category status due to the unique challenges they face in providing services and infrastructure.
• Strategic Border Location: States located along borders with neighboring countries may be considered for special category status due to the strategic importance of their location and the need for additional resources for security and development.
• Economic and Infrastructural Backwardness: States that are economically and infrastructurally backward may be eligible for special category status to help them catch up with more developed regions.
• Non-Viable State Finances: States with non-viable state finances may be considered for special category status to provide them with additional financial support to meet their development needs.