Daily Current Affairs UPSC 18 April 2024

Hubble Tension

• Hubble tension is a term used to describe the difference in estimates of the rate at which the universe is expanding.
• The Hubble constant is used to measure the expansion of the universe.

Methods of Measurement:

• Cosmic Microwave Background: This method is based on the radiation left over from the Big Bang.
• Cosmic Distance Ladder: This method uses various techniques to measure the distance to objects at different distances from Earth.

Need for a New Model:

• Scientists are looking for a new model to explain the Hubble tension that is not accounted for by the current lambda CDM model.
• The lambda CDM model explains various features of the universe, including the radiation leftover from the Big Bang.

Nagorno-Karabakh Region

Russian peacekeepers are leaving Nagorno-Karabakh.

• Nagorno-Karabakh Region:
• Known as Artsakh by Armenians.
• Landlocked mountainous region officially part of Azerbaijan.
• Inhabitants are predominantly ethnic Armenians.
• Claimed by both Azerbaijan and Armenia after the fall of Russian Empire in 1917.
• Point of tension between Azerbaijan and Armenia since then.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI)

IBBI Disciplinary Action on Insolvency Professionals

• Established in 2016 under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (Code).
• Responsible for implementation of Code that amends laws relating to reorganization and insolvency resolution of corporate persons, partnership firms and individuals in time bound manner.

Governing Board of IBBI Composition

• Chairperson.
• Three members from amongst the officers of Central Government not below the rank of Joint Secretary or equivalent.
• One member to be nominated by RBI.
• Five other members to be nominated by Central Government, of whom at least three shall be whole-time member.

Disciplinary Action on Insolvency Professionals

• IBBI took disciplinary action on Insolvency Professionals for misconduct or violation of Code of Conduct
• This action is taken to ensure that the insolvency process is carried out in a fair and transparent manner
• The aim is to maintain the integrity and credibility of the insolvency resolution process.

Submersible Platform for Acoustic Characterisation and Evaluation (SPACE)

• SPACE is a testing and evaluation hub for sonar systems for the Indian Navy, established by DRDO.
• It includes two components: a floating platform on the water surface and a submersible platform that can be lowered to depths up to 100 meters.
• The significance of SPACE includes the evaluation of sonar systems with quick deployment and easy recovery, as well as the ability to survey, sample, and collect data on various parameters using modern scientific instruments.
• It also enhances anti-submarine warfare research capabilities for the Indian Navy.

Global Positioning System (GPS) Spoofing

1. Israel's Use of GPS Spoofing Against Iran

• Reports indicate that Israel employed GPS spoofing tactics against Iran.
• GPS is a system of satellites that provides precise positioning, navigation, and timing information globally, owned by the United States.

2. Understanding GPS Spoofing

• GPS spoofing, also known as GPS simulation, involves manipulating or deceiving a GPS receiver by transmitting false GPS signals.
• This type of cyber-attack undermines the accuracy and reliability of GPS data, which is crucial for various applications.
• It is important to note that GPS spoofing differs from GPS jamming, where GPS signals are intentionally blocked or disrupted.

Bitcoin Halving

• Experts are anticipating the upcoming Bitcoin halving event.
• This event involves a 50% reduction in the reward given to Bitcoin miners for processing transactions.
• Bitcoin halving occurs every four years as part of the mining algorithm to control inflation and maintain scarcity.
• The reduction in Bitcoin issuance is expected to lead to an increase in price if demand remains constant.

Combined Maritime Forces (CMF)

• Indian Navy seized drugs in Arabian Sea as part of CMF-150.
• Operation Crimson Barracuda is the first such operation by Indian Navy in CMF.
• CMF is a multinational maritime partnership.
• Aims to uphold Rules-Based International Order.
• Focus areas include defeating terrorism, preventing piracy, regional cooperation, and safe maritime environment.
• Members from 42 countries.
• Comprises five Combined Task Forces.
• Participation is voluntary.
• Commanded by a U.S. Navy Vice Admiral.

Kesariya Stupa

1. Location of Kesariya Stupa

• Situated in Bihar, India.
• Known as the tallest and largest Buddhist stupa in the world.

2. Construction of Kesariya Stupa

• Built in a circular shape using bricks, mud, and lime mortar.
• Stands at a height of 104 feet, surpassing the Borobodur Stupa in Java.

3. Historical Significance

• Constructed in the 3rd Century BC by Mauryan emperor Ashoka.
• Ashoka played a key role in the spread of Buddhism in the Indian subcontinent.

4. Purpose of Kesariya Stupa

• Believed to have been built to commemorate the location where Lord Buddha delivered his 22nd sermon.
• Also marks the spot where Buddha announced his impending death.

Dheeran Chinnamalai (1756 - 1805)

• Birth Anniversary of Dheeran Chinnamalai.
• Background of Dheeran Chinnamalai.
• Born as Theerthagiri in Tirupur district, Tamilnadu.
• Master in guerrilla warfare.
• Palayakaarar and ruler of Kongu Nadu region.
• Executed by British at Sankagiri Fort.
• Contribution of Dheeran Chinnamalai.
• Helped Tipu Sultan in war against British.
• Instrumental in victories at Chitheswaram, Mazahavalli, and Srirangapatna.

Values of Dheeran Chinnamalai

• Courage.
• Leadership.
• Patriotism.

CBDT signs 125 APAs in FY 2023-24

Highest ever APA signings in a financial year

• 125 APAs signed, including 86 Unilateral APAs and 39 Bilateral APAs
• APA is an agreement between Tax Authority and taxpayer to determine arm's length price

Key Features of APA

• Signed under Income-tax Act, 1961
• Voluntary in nature
• Duration of maximum 5 future years, extendable for 4 more years

Types of APAs

• Unilateral: Involves taxpayer and tax authority of taxpayer's country
• Bilateral: Involves taxpayers, tax administration of host country, and foreign tax administration
• Multilateral: Involves taxpayers, tax administration of host country, and multiple foreign tax administrations

Key Benefits

• Supplements Double Taxation Avoidance Agreement mechanism
• Promotes ease of doing business for Multi National Enterprises

About CBDT

• Statutory body established under Central Board of Revenue Act, 1963
• Ministry: Works under Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance
• Functions: Formulating policies for assessment and collection of direct taxes

India's Tree Cover Decline: 2.33 Mha Lost since 2000

Tree cover loss from 2001-2023 equates to a 6% decrease in tree cover, which includes tree patches less than 1 hectare and isolated trees outside of recorded forests.

Forest cover is defined as an area greater than 1 hectare with a tree canopy density of 10% or more.

Key Findings:

• Five states, including Assam, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Manipur, contributed to 60% of tree cover loss from 2001-2023.
• A net carbon sink of 89.9 million tons was observed between 2001-2022.
• Lakshadweep has the largest relative plantation area at 76%.

Drivers of Tree cover loss:

• Deforestation accounted for 3.3% of tree cover loss from 2001-2022.
• Climate change, leading to extreme heat and wildfires, also contributes to tree cover loss.
• According to Global Forest Watch (GFW), Odisha and Arunachal Pradesh had the highest tree cover loss due to fires from 2001-2022.

India's initiatives to improve Tree cover:

• The Green India Mission aims to increase forest/tree cover by 5 million hectares and enhance the quality of forest/tree cover on another 5 million hectares of forest/non-forest lands.
• The Nagar Van Yojana focuses on enhancing green cover in urban and peri-urban areas.

Global Forest Watch:

• Established by the World Resources Institute (WRI) in 1997, GFW is an online platform that provides data and tools for monitoring forests.
• It offers near real-time information on forest changes worldwide.

New FDI Rules for Space Sector announced by Ministry of Finance

• New rules amend Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) Rules, 2019.
• Government notifies new rules under Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA), 1999.
• FDI in India governed by FDI Policy and provisions of FEMA, 1999.
• Amended FDI policy allows 100% FDI through automatic and government route.
• Earlier, FDI for satellites required government approval.

a. Need for FDI in Space Sector:

• Integrate Indian companies into global value chains. 
• Attract foreign investors in Indian space companies.
• Enhance Ease of Doing Business.
• FDI inflows generate employment and enhance global space economy share.

888 Table

Arctic's Plastic Crisis: Threats to Health, Rights, and Lands

Key Findings:

• Petrochemical industries are causing environmental violations in the Arctic, including oil spills and release of hazardous substances.
• Plastic and toxic chemicals from around the world are accumulating in the Arctic, posing a threat to the environment and health of Arctic people.
• Rapid warming of the Arctic is displacing indigenous people and threatening their food security.

Recommendations:

• End government subsidies to fossil fuel and petrochemical industries.
• Adopt the Louisville Charter for Safer Chemicals to eliminate toxic chemicals and plastics.
• Integrate Just Transition framework principles into policies.
• Strengthen and ensure strong implementation of the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants.
• Adopt a legally binding Global Plastics Treaty.

Initiatives for the Arctic Region:

• The Arctic Council facilitates cooperation among Arctic states for environmental protection and sustainable development.
• Members of the Arctic Council include Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden, and the United States of America.
• Support the UN High Seas Treaty to mitigate the impacts of climate change.

"UNFPA Report: State of World Population 2024"

• Report titled "Interwoven Lives, Threads of Hope: Ending Inequalities in Sexual and Reproductive Health (SRH) and Rights".
• Women's SRHR includes various rights such as right to health, privacy, education, life, and prohibition of discrimination.

Key Findings:

• India has the largest population globally at 144.17 crore, followed by China at 142.5 crore.
• India's population is estimated to double in 77 years.
• Majority of India's population (68%) belongs to the age group of 15-64 years.
• India's Total Fertility Rate is 2.0.
• Life expectancy at birth in India is 71 years for men and 74 years for women.
• Child marriage rates in India were 23% between 2006-2023.
• Women with disabilities experience up to 10 times more gender-based violence.
• 30 years of progress in SRH has largely ignored marginalized communities.

Initiatives to Improve SRH:

• India has implemented initiatives like Janani Suraksha Yojana and Surrogacy (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2024.
• Globally, initiatives like the International Conference on Population and.
• Development Programme of Action in Cairo, Egypt, 1994 and Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, 1995 have been taken.

About UNFPA:

• UNFPA is the United Nations sexual and reproductive health agency headquartered in New York, USA.
• Established in 1969, it supports access to sexual and reproductive health services including family planning and maternal health care.
• Mandate established by United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC).

South Korea launches second military spy satellite into orbit

Launch of Satellite by SpaceX Falcon 9 Rocket

• The satellite was sent into orbit using the SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket.
• Equipped with Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR).
• The satellite has SAR technology that allows it to produce images in any weather conditions.

Spy or Reconnaissance Satellite

• Provides intelligence on military activities of foreign countries.
• Can be a communications or Earth observation satellite.
• Can intercept radio and radar transmissions.
• Major types include optical-imaging, radar-imaging, and signals-intelligence satellites.

Examples of Reconnaissance Satellites

• Countries like US, China, and Russia have launched reconnaissance satellites.
• India's RISAT-2 is considered a reconnaissance satellite equipped with SAR technology.

Concerns with Reconnaissance Satellites

• Militarization of space and promotion of mistrust among countries.
• Potential for dual use technology, such as using satellites as orbital weapons.
• China's reconnaissance satellite could gather military information about India.