Daily Current Affairs UPSC 21 May 2024

International Criminal Court (ICC)

• ICC Prosecutor Seeks Arrest Warrants for Israeli Prime Minister and Hamas Leaders.
• The International Criminal Court (ICC) is a permanent international court that was established to investigate, prosecute, and try individuals accused of committing genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and crimes of aggression.
• The ICC is headquartered in The Hague, Netherlands and was established by the Rome Statute of the ICC in 1998.
• There are currently 124 countries that are States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC, with India not being a member.
• The ICC has 18 judges who serve 9-year, non-renewable terms.
• The ICC does not replace national criminal justice systems but rather complements them.

Lushai Triibe

• A rare hemi-parasitic terrestrial plant, Phtheirospermum lushaiorum, was recently discovered in Phawngpui National Park in Mizoram.
• The plant is named after the Lushai tribe of Mizoram.
• The Lushai tribe is part of the Kuki-Chin group of tribes in Mizoram.
• They are commonly known as Mizos and are believed to have Mongoloid origins.
• The main occupations of the Lushai tribe are Jhum cultivation and orange cultivation.
• The Lushai tribe is known for their history as a Head Hunter community.
• The popular dance of the Lushai tribe is the Bamboo Dance (Cheraw-dance).
• The basic unit of Lushai (Mizo) society is a patrilocal joint family with patrilineal descent and inheritance rules.

Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary

• The Sri Lankan golden backed frog, which had not been seen for 200 years, was found in India at the Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary.
• The Koundinya Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the Kuppam and Palmaner Ranges of Chittoor district, Andhra Pradesh.
• It is the only sanctuary in Andhra Pradesh known for housing Asian elephants.
• The sanctuary is crossed by the Kaundinya and Kaigal tributaries of the Palar River.
• The sanctuary is home to a variety of fauna including birds like partridges and quails, and mammals such as Indian elephants, panthers, sloth bears, wild boars, nilgai, hyenas, and jackals.
• The sanctuary features dry deciduous forests with thorny scrub vegetation.

Meitei Sagol

• The Manipur Government has partnered with various organizations to safeguard the Manipuri Pony, also known as Meitei Sagol.
• Meitei Sagol is one of the seven recognized horse and pony breeds in India, alongside breeds like Marwari Horse and Bhutia Pony.
• Despite their short height, Meitei Sagol are known for their exceptional stamina, agility, intelligence, and speed.
• They are considered the original polo pony, as modern polo is said to have originated from the traditional Sagol Kangjei sport of Manipur.
• Threats to Meitei Sagol include the shrinking of wetlands and a lack of polo grounds, which are essential for their preservation.

Furlough

• The Supreme Court has overturned the extension of furlough for a double murder convict.
• The furlough system is governed by The Prisons Act of 1894 and is typically granted for long-term imprisonment cases.
• During furlough, a prisoner's sentence is considered to be temporarily suspended.
• Each State has its own rules and guidelines for prisoners to apply for furlough.

Doppler effect

• The Consumer Affairs Ministry is asking for input from the public on proposed regulations for Doppler radar equipment used to measure vehicle speeds.
• Doppler radar technology utilizes the Doppler effect to collect data on the velocity of objects.
• The Doppler effect is the alteration in wave frequency that occurs when there is relative motion between a wave source and an observer.
• Johann Christian Doppler first introduced the concept of the Doppler effect in 1842.
• The Doppler effect can be observed in both sound waves and electromagnetic waves.
• Doppler radar technology has various applications, including in astrophysics and by law enforcement to monitor vehicle speeds.

Baobab Tree

• Research indicates that baobab trees, originally from Madagascar, spread to Africa and Australia approximately 12 million years ago.
• Baobab trees are long-lived deciduous trees that can range in size from small to large, reaching heights of 20 to 100 feet with broad trunks and compact tops.
• The massive root systems of baobab trees help to slow down soil erosion and facilitate nutrient recycling.
• Baobab trees are often referred to as "upside-down trees" because during the dry season, they shed their leaves, leaving behind bare grey and gnarled branches that resemble roots.
• The fiber from the bark of baobab trees is utilized in the creation of various items such as rope, baskets, cloth, musical instrument strings, and waterproof hats.

Venus

• Recent research indicates that Venus is losing water at a faster rate than previously believed.
• Venus is the second planet from the Sun and the closest to Earth.
• It is known as the brightest planet in the night sky.
• Venus does not have any natural satellites.
• The planet's atmosphere is primarily composed of carbon dioxide, with clouds made of sulfuric acid droplets.
• Venus and Uranus are unique in that they rotate from east to west, unlike other planets.
• Venus, along with Mercury, Earth, and Mars, are classified as inner planets or terrestrial planets.

Iran (Capital: Tehrān)

Iran President Dies In Helicopter Crash.

Political Features

• Iran shares land boundaries with Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Turkey.
• The country has maritime borders with Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia.
• Surrounding water bodies include the Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman.

Geographical Features

• The highest peak in Iran is Mount Damavand in the Alburz Mountain Range, which is also the highest volcano in the Middle East.
• Major rivers in Iran include the Dez, Karkheh, Karun, and Diyala.
• Iran is rich in natural resources such as oil, natural gas, coal, chromium, copper, iron ore, lead, manganese, zinc, and sulphur.

Preventing Nuclear Material Theft: IAEA's Call for Vigilance

• In 2023, the IAEA's ITDB reported 168 incidents involving nuclear and radioactive materials by 31 states.
• ITDB, established in 1995, tracks illicit trafficking and unauthorized activities outside regulatory control.

Challenges of Nuclear Theft

• The co-existence of terrorism and weapons of mass destruction increases the risk of nuclear theft.
• Nuclear theft can lead to an arms race between nations and improper radiological dispersal or exposure.
• It may also promote transnational organized crime such as illicit drugs, money laundering, and illegal arms trade.

IAEA's Role in Nuclear Safety

• The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is the main international organization promoting peaceful uses of nuclear energy and preventing military use.
• Established in 1957, IAEA reports annually to the UN General Assembly and Security Council.
• Functions include encouraging research, development, and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses.
• IAEA also provides independent verification of governments' commitments to peaceful nuclear technology and enhances capacities to respond to nuclear incidents.

Funtcions:

1. Promotes the advancement of atomic energy for peaceful purposes.

• Encourages and supports research, development, and practical application of atomic energy for peaceful uses.

2. Ensures compliance with commitments to peaceful use of nuclear technology.

• Provides independent, international verification that governments are following through on their commitments to use nuclear technology for peaceful purposes.

3. Strengthens response capabilities to nuclear and radiological incidents.

• Enhances national, regional, and international capacities to effectively respond to nuclear and radiological emergencies.

Treaties to stop nuclear proliferation:

• Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): This treaty is the only binding agreement aimed at disarmament by nuclear-weapon States. It seeks to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.
• Missile Technology Control Regime (MTCR): This regime is designed to reduce the risks of weapons of mass destruction proliferation by controlling the export of missile technology.
• Nuclear Supplier Groups (NSG): These groups work to prevent the use of nuclear exports for commercial and peaceful purposes from being used to create nuclear weapons.
• Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons: This treaty, established by the UN, prohibits the use, possession, testing, and transfer of nuclear weapons. It aims to eliminate the threat of nuclear weapons globally.

EU investigates Meta platforms for child safety

Social media platforms such as Facebook and Instagram may have violated the Digital Services Act (DSA), which was implemented by the EU last year. The DSA holds digital companies accountable for spreading disinformation, engaging in shopping scams, promoting child abuse, and other harmful activities online.

Reasons for the investigation against Meta platforms:

• The investigation against Meta platforms is due to worries about the effectiveness of their age-verification tools.
• Facebook and Instagram require users to be at least 13 years old, but there are concerns about how this rule is enforced.
• There is a fear that children's vulnerability and lack of experience could be taken advantage of, leading to addictive behaviors.
• The platform's algorithms may also push children towards more extreme and harmful content, known as the "Rabbit hole effect."

Social media’s Impact on children

• Cyberbullying and online harassment can cause emotional distress, anxiety, and depression.
• Children are missing out on the benefits of cuddling due to phones replacing physical affection, which releases the bonding hormone Oxytocin to help manage stress.
• Excessive screen time can result in reduced physical activity, disrupted sleep patterns, and health issues like obesity and diabetes.
• Children may develop a distorted sense of reality, making it difficult for them to distinguish between what is normal and abnormal.
• Social media platforms can enhance creativity in children by allowing them to express themselves, share ideas, and showcase talents through various mediums such as art, writing, or video content.

Indian Government's Efforts to Protect Children Online

• Section 67B of the Information Technology (IT) Act, 2000: This section imposes strict penalties for those who publish, transmit, or view child sexual abuse material online.
• The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021: These rules hold social media platforms accountable for ensuring the safety of their users.
• Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023: This act requires verifiable consent from a legal guardian before processing a child's personal data.

"Hydrogen Summit 2024: Rotterdam Hosts Global Event"

• The Sustainable Energy Summit was organized by the Sustainable Energy Council in partnership with the Netherlands government.
• At the summit, the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy set up an Indian pavilion to showcase the country's advancements in green hydrogen technology.

Green Hydrogen Technology

• Green Hydrogen (GH2) is defined as hydrogen produced by splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen using renewable electricity.
• It is produced using solar or wind-powered photo-catalysis and electro-catalysis of water.
• GH2 can serve as fuel for internal combustion engines, be blended with natural gas for lower emissions, and used in fuel cells to run vehicles.
• The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is responsible for accrediting agencies for monitoring, verification, and certification of processes for GH2 production projects.

India's Initiatives for Green Hydrogen

• The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) aims to achieve a GH2 production capacity of 5 MMT by 2030.
• The Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition Programme (SIGHT) provides financial incentives for manufacturing electrolysers and GH2 production.
• A dedicated portal for NGHM serves as a one-stop location for information on the mission.
• The Department of Science and Technology has initiated Hydrogen Valley Innovation Clusters to foster innovation and promote the GH2 ecosystem in India. 

Hydrogen is a colorless, odorless, tasteless, and flammable gas.

• It is the most abundant element in the universe and the third most abundant on the surface of the globe.
• Hydrogen resembles alkali metals and halogens.
• India needs H2 based fuel as an alternative to fossil fuels and to meet its National Energy Security goals.
• The goal is to reduce emissions intensity to 45% by 2030 and reduce the import bill, as India currently imports 80% of crude oil and 54% of natural gas.
• Concerns with H2 based fuel include lack of infrastructure for production, transportation, flammability, storage of hydrogen, and high costs.

"World Bank Report: Water For Prosperity"

• The report was presented at the 10th World Water Forum in Bali, Indonesia.
• The World Bank defines Shared prosperity as boosting prosperity, particularly for the poorest, to achieve more equitable societies.

Key Findings on Water Access Disparity

• The report identifies four interconnected building blocks of prosperity: Health and Education (human capital), Jobs and Income, Peace and Social cohesion (social capital), and Environment (natural capital).
• Factors such as population growth, urbanization, and climate change are leading to disparities in global water access.
• In 2022, 197 million people lacked safe drinking water, and 211 million lacked basic sanitation.
• Approximately 450 million people globally live in high-poverty and low-water-access hotspots.
• In low-income countries, access to water services is available in less than half of schools.
• Inadequate and unsafe water affects early childhood development.
• Climate change is causing extreme weather events like floods and droughts, disrupting children's learning, leading to school dropouts, damaging crops, and increasing conflicts.

Recommendations for Inclusive Water Security

• Improve resilience to extreme hydro-climatic risks by establishing early warning systems.
• Enhance water resources development and allocation by integrating nature-based solutions and adopting water accounting methods.
• Ensure safely managed water supply and sanitation by reforming water information systems to target the pro-poor.

Word Water Forum:

• The World Water Forum takes place every three years and is organized by the World Water Council and a host country.
• The main goals of the forum include highlighting the significance of water on the political agenda and facilitating conversations to address global water challenges.

 "Indian Space Pioneer: Gopichand Thotakura Makes History"

• He comes from Andhra Pradesh and was chosen as one of six crew members for the Blue Origin New Shepard -25 (NS-25) Mission.
• The NS-25 mission involves a rocket system designed to carry astronauts and research payloads beyond the Karman line.
• The Karman line is located approximately 100 kilometers above sea level and marks the boundary between Earth's atmosphere and outer space.

Space Tourism

• Space tourism involves sending private individuals to space for recreational or leisure purposes as a commercial activity.

Types of Space Tourism

• Sub-orbital spacecraft bring passengers just beyond the Kármán line, with the NS-25 mission being an example of a sub-orbital mission.
• Orbital spacecraft take passengers even further than the Kármán line for space tourism experiences.

Benefits of Space Tourism

• Advanced spacecraft production creates job opportunities, encourages innovation, and attracts investment.
• The development of technologies by NASA for small businesses promotes advancements in space exploration and climate research.
• Space tourism increases public interest and understanding of space science.

Steps taken by India in line with Space tourism:

• Gaganyaan Mission: India's Gaganyaan mission is focused on sending astronauts into orbit at a distance of 400km for a mission lasting 3 days. This initiative is a significant step towards space tourism.
• IN-SPACe: The Indian National Space Promotion and Authorisation Centre (IN-SPACe) plays a crucial role in enabling the involvement of private companies in the country's space exploration efforts. This move opens up opportunities for collaboration and innovation in the field of space tourism.

Challenges:

• Space tourism faces the obstacle of a steep price tag, with each seat costing at least a million dollars to travel to outer space.
• The depletion of the ozone layer and the rise in harmful UV radiation on Earth's surface are additional challenges posed by space tourism.
• There is a lack of accountability and oversight in place to guarantee the safety of passengers and the environment in the realm of space tourism.

AI Pilot Controls F-16 Fighter Jet Experiment

The AI-operated F-16, known as Vista, is a fourth-generation fighter jet used by the USA. AI technology in defense can be utilized for various purposes such as training, surveillance, logistics, cybersecurity, UAVs, advanced military weapons, autonomous combat vehicles, robotics, and more.

Significance of AI in Defence:

• Warfare systems, including weapons and sensors, utilize AI to improve efficiency and reduce the need for human involvement.
• Autonomous decision-making helps minimize the risk of human error in military operations.
• AI assists humans in making accurate and suitable decisions in warfare situations.
• Military robots equipped with AI can carry out operations, ultimately saving human lives.

Challenges of AI in Defence:

• Moral and legal issues arise when autonomous weapon systems are able to make critical decisions that could result in life or death situations.
• The use of large amounts of data in warfare can create vulnerabilities that can be exploited.
• The increasing use of AI technology in military settings raises worries about its potential spread to non-state actors and rogue nations.

AI Adoption in the Indian Military:

• The Indian Military has embraced AI technology with the establishment of the Defence AI Project Agency (DAIPA) and Defence AI Council (DAIC) in 2019.
• In 2022, the government released a list of 75 key projects focused on utilizing AI for defense purposes.
• The Defence Research and Development Organisation has specialized labs like the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics (CAIR) in Bengaluru for AI research.