Daily Current Affairs UPSC 30 May 2024

Lignosat

• Researchers in Japan have successfully created the world's first wooden satellite called Lignosat.
• NASA and JAXA Collaboration.

About Lignosat

• Lignosat is a small cuboid spacecraft that will be launched into space by a SpaceX rocket.
• The initiative behind Lignosat aims to address space clutter and promote environmentally friendly space activities.
• Material: Lignosat is made from Magnolia wood, chosen for its strength and resilience.
• Benefits: Unlike traditional satellites made of aluminum that release harmful particles during re-entry, Lignosat will burn harmlessly.
• The structure of Lignosat allows electromagnetic waves to easily pass through, enabling instruments to be contained within the satellite's structure. This eliminates the risk of instruments detaching and becoming debris.

RudraM-II

• Successful Flight Test of RudraM-II Missile from Su-30 MK-I.
• RudraM-II is an indigenously developed solid-propelled air-launched missile designed for air-to-surface operations.
• Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO).
• In 2020, RudraM, a new-generation anti-radiation missile (NGARM), was successfully tested.
• It is the first indigenous ARM of the Indian Air Force.
• Equipped with an Inertial Navigation System (INS)-Global Positioning System (GPS) navigation system and Passive Homing Head (PHH).
• The PHH can detect, classify, and engage targets over a wide band of frequencies as programmed.

Colombo Process

• India takes on leadership role in Colombo Process for 2024-26
• The Colombo Process is a regional consultative process focused on overseas employment and contractual labor management.
• It includes 12 member states from Asia, with India being one of the founding members.
• Thematic priority areas for the Colombo Process include skills recognition, ethical recruitment practices, and more.
• The UN's International Organization for Migration provides technical and administrative support to the Colombo Process.

RBI launches various Initiatives

RBI has introduced three new initiatives to improve public access to the central bank and streamline regulatory approvals. These initiatives include the PRAVAAH portal, a secure online platform for seeking authorization and regulatory approval. Additionally, a mobile application has been launched for the RBI Retail Direct portal, allowing retail investors to easily transact in government securities. The Fintech Repository is a comprehensive database that aims to provide a better understanding of the Indian fintech sector from a regulatory perspective.

• RBI's Initiatives for Public Access and Regulatory Approvals.
• PRAVAAH Portal for Authorization and Approval.
• Mobile App for Retail Investors.
• Fintech Repository for Regulatory Understanding.

Alaska’s rivers turning orange`

Alaska's Rivers Turning Orange Due to Thawing Permafrost.

• The rivers in Alaska are changing color to orange as a result of permafrost thawing caused by climate change.
• This thawing is releasing toxic metals that have been trapped in the permafrost for thousands of years, leading to highly acidic rivers.
• Chemical analysis of the river water has shown elevated levels of zinc, nickel, copper, cadmium, and iron.

Alaska's Geographic Location

• Alaska is a state in the USA located at the extreme northwest of the North American continent.
• It is bordered by the Beaufort Sea and Arctic Ocean to the North, Gulf of Alaska and the Pacific Ocean to the South, and the Bering Sea and Chukchi Sea to the West.
• Alaska shares a land boundary with Canada and a maritime boundary with Russia.

World Employment and Social Outlook: May 2024 Update

Report published by the International Labour Organisation.

• World unemployment expected to decrease slightly in 2024.
• 183 million people actively looking for work.
• Gender gap in employment: 45.6% of women employed compared to 69.2% of men.
• Reasons for gender gap: family responsibilities such as marriage and parenthood.
• Women receive lower labor income than men, especially in developing countries.
• Informal workers have increased from 1.7 billion in 2005 to 2.0 billion in 2024.

Sharavathi River

• The National Green Tribunal has instructed the Karnataka government to take action to stop illegal sand mining in the Sharavathi River.
• The Sharavathi River is a west flowing river that originates from Ambutirthha in the Western Ghats in Shimoga district of Karnataka.
• It has tributaries such as Haridravathi, Yennehole, and Nagodi.
• The river is known for Jog Falls, one of the highest plunge waterfalls in India.
• The Sharavathi Valley Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the river valley.
• The Mahatma Gandhi Hydroelectric Power Station is built on the Sharavathi River.

Microcephaly

• Recent studies suggest that the SASS6 gene may be linked to microcephaly.
• SASS6 is a Protein Coding gene that plays a key role in centrioles.
• Centrioles are barrel-shaped organelles found in animal cell cytoplasm.

Microcephaly Overview

• Condition where baby's head is smaller than normal.
• Caused by issues with brain development in womb or after birth.
• Causes include genetic factors and viral infections like Zika.

Raghoji Bhangre

Observance of Raghoji Bhangre's Martyrdom by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs

• Raghoji Bhangre (1805-1848).
• Born in Devgaon village of Ahmednagar district, Maharashtra.
• Belonged to the Koli community.
• Son of Ramji Rao Bhangre, who also resisted British rule and was executed in Cellular Jail.

Key Contributions of Raghoji Bhangre

• Campaign against exploitative moneylenders and colonial rule.
• Leadership of the Koli community against British oppression.
• Captured in 1847 and later executed.

Values Represented by Raghoji Bhangre

• Courage.
• Patriotism.
• Resistance against injustice and exploitation.

 "India's Farm Input Subsidies Under Scrutiny by WTO Members"

During the Committee on Agriculture meeting, countries such as the US and the UK expressed worries about India's 50 percent rise in farm subsidies for 2022-23. India defended its actions by stating that the subsidies were intended for farmers with low income or limited resources, as outlined in the Agreement on Agriculture.

About:

Negotiation and Ratification of the Agriculture Agreement

• The Agriculture Agreement was negotiated during the Uruguay round of trade talks and officially ratified in Marrakesh, Morocco in 1994.

Provisions of the Agriculture Agreement

• The agreement covers three main areas of agriculture and trade policy: Market Access, Domestic Access, and Export Subsidies.
• Market Access includes measures such as tariffication, tariff reduction, and access opportunities to promote fair trade.
• Domestic Access focuses on subsidies and support programs that can distort trade, with different categories based on the type of subsidies provided.
• Export Subsidies address methods that artificially make exports competitive, with developed and developing countries agreeing to eliminate these subsidies as of the Nairobi Ministerial Decision in 2015.

Peace Clause for Developing Countries

• Developing countries' public stockholding programs are protected under the peace clause as an interim solution.
• This means that other members of the Agriculture Agreement will not legally challenge these programs, providing some stability for developing countries.

Different Types of Boxes:

• Amber Box: These supports have restrictions and are limited to a minimal level of support as a percentage of agricultural production value.
• Blue Box: Support that would typically fall under the amber box is categorized in the blue box if it involves production limitations for farmers.
• Green Box: Consists of government-funded subsidies that do not distort trade or cause minimal distortion.

"2024 LS Election Candidate Analysis Report"

• The analysis was carried out by the Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) and National Election Watch.

Key Findings

• 104% increase in political parties contesting LS polls from 2009 to 2024.
• 14% of candidates have declared serious criminal cases, including charges related to rape, murder, attempt to murder, kidnapping, etc.
• 20% of candidates have declared criminal cases against themselves.

Key Issues:

Not Following Supreme Court Order

• Political parties have not fully complied with the Supreme Court's 2020 order to provide reasons for selecting candidates with criminal backgrounds.

Criminalisation of Politics

• There is a higher likelihood of lawbreakers becoming lawmakers, leading to the criminalization of politics.

Unchecked Growth of Registered, Unrecognized Political Parties (RUPPs)

• There has been over a 100% increase in RUPPs from 2010 to 2021, raising concerns about potential tax evasion and money laundering.
• RUPPs are either newly-registered parties or those that have not secured enough votes in elections.
• Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951 lays down requirements for the registration of a political party with the Election Commission of India (ECI).
• The RP Act does not give explicit powers to the ECI to deregister a political party for not contesting elections, holding inner-party elections, or submitting required returns.

Recommendation of report:

1. Permanent disqualification of candidates convicted for serious crimes: 

• Candidates who have been convicted of crimes such as murder, rape, smuggling, dacoity, kidnapping, etc. should be permanently disqualified from running for political office. This will help ensure that individuals with criminal backgrounds do not hold positions of power.

2. Bringing political parties under the Right to Information Act:

• Political parties should be subject to the Right to Information Act, which will increase transparency and accountability in their operations. This will help prevent corruption and ensure that parties are held accountable to the public.

3. Ensuring timely trial of cases involving politicians:

• Cases in which politicians are accused should be concluded in a time-bound manner to ensure swift justice. This will help prevent delays in the legal system and ensure that politicians are held accountable for their actions.

4. SC reprimanding political parties and politicians for non-compliance:

• The Supreme Court, as the ultimate custodian of justice and the rule of law, should reprimand political parties and politicians who do not follow its orders. This will help uphold the integrity of the legal system and ensure that all individuals, regardless of their status, are held accountable for their actions.

"Manama Declaration Urges UN Peacekeepers in Palestine"

• The Arab League adopted a declaration calling for the deployment of UNPK until a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict is implemented.
•  The Arab League was founded in 1945 to promote regional cooperation and resolve disputes among countries in the Middle East and North Africa.

UN Peacekeeping Overview

• Genesis: UN peacekeeping began in 1948 with military observers deployed to West Asia to observe the Armistice Agreement.
• Aim: UNPK helps countries transition from conflict to peace.
• Guiding Principles: Consent of parties, Impartiality, Non-use of force except in self-defence and defence of the mandate.
• Deployment: The Security Council determines UNPK deployment through a resolution, with budget and resources approved by the General Assembly.
• Member State Obligations: Every UN member state is legally obligated to pay their share towards peacekeeping.
• Department of Peace Operations (DPO): Provides political and executive direction to peacekeeping operations.
• Success: Over 70 peacekeeping operations have been deployed since 1948, with the UNPK receiving the Nobel Peace Prize in 1988.

Issues with UNPK

• Troop contributing countries may not be fully involved in all stages of mission planning.
• Lack of financial and human resources can be a challenge for UNPK operations.

India and UNPK

• India has provided over 200,000 troops to UN peacekeeping missions, making it one of the top contributors.
• In 2007, India made history by sending the first all-women contingent to a UN Peacekeeping Mission.
• India has set up a Centre for UN Peacekeeping (CUNPK) in New Delhi to provide specialized training in peacekeeping operations.

CDRI's $8 Million Funding Boost for SIDS

• Announcement made by Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) at UN conference in Antigua and Barbuda.
• Funding part of CDRI's Infrastructure for Resilient Island States Programme (IRIS).

About IRIS:

• Aims to support disaster and climate resilience of infrastructure in SIDS.
• Launched at COP26 in Glasgow, UK.
• Contributes to UN's SAMOA Pathway initiative.
• Supported by countries like UK, Australia.

About SIDS:

• Group of 39 States and 18 Associate Members of UN regional commissions
• Dependent on funding due to vulnerabilities.
• Face threats like sea level rise, requiring drastic measures.
• Recognized as special case for environment and development at Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil (1992).

About Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)

• Collaboration between national governments, UN agencies, and multilateral development banks to enhance the resilience of infrastructure systems.
• Initiative introduced by India at the UN Climate Action Summit in 2019.
• India serves as the permanent co-chair of the CDRI Governing Council and Executive Committee.
• Membership includes 39 countries and 7 organizations.
• Reports such as the Global Infrastructure Resilience Report are produced.
• Secretariat based in New Delhi.

"EarthCARE Mission Takes Flight"

EarthCARE Mission Collaboration

• The EarthCARE Mission is a collaboration between the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA).
• This joint venture aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between clouds, aerosols, and radiation on Earth, offering new insights into the planet's radiation balance in the face of the climate crisis.

Mission Objectives

• The main objective of the EarthCARE Mission is to offer a holistic view of the complex interplay between clouds, aerosols, and radiation on Earth.
• By studying these interactions, the mission seeks to provide valuable information on Earth's radiation balance, particularly in the context of the ongoing climate crisis.

Orbit Type and On-board Instruments

• The EarthCARE Mission operates on a sun-synchronous orbit, allowing for consistent and reliable data collection.
• On-board instruments include an Atmospheric Lidar, cloud profiling radar, multispectral imager (MSI), and broad-band radiometer, which are essential for studying clouds, aerosols, and radiation in detail.

Relationship between Clouds, Aerosols, and Earth's Radiation Balance

Clouds 

• Clouds are an important factor in Earth's heat budget as they can either cool or warm the Earth's surface by reflecting incoming sunlight or trapping outgoing infrared radiation.
• The warming or cooling effect of clouds depends on various factors such as their shape, location, altitude, water content, and particle size.

Aerosols

•  Aerosols are tiny particles like dust and pollutants suspended in the atmosphere that can directly reflect and absorb solar radiation and trap outgoing radiation.
• Aerosols also play an indirect role in climate by acting as nuclei for cloud formation, which has a significant impact on the climate.
• Human activities such as industrialization and agriculture can alter atmospheric aerosol concentrations, affecting regional climate patterns.

"Daksha Project: IIT Bombay Takes the Lead"

• Collaboration with Physical Research Laboratory (PRL), Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), Raman Research Institute (RRI), etc.

About the Daksha Project

• Proposal to build two high-energy space telescopes for studying explosive astrophysical sources.
• Each telescope will have three types of sensors covering low to high-energy bands.

Objectives of the Daksha Project

• Detect, localize, and characterize high-energy counterparts to gravitational wave sources.
• High sensitivity detection and studies of Gamma Ray Bursts (GRB).

1. 1. GRB are short-lived bursts of gamma-ray light, the most energetic form of light.

Importance of the project:

• Two satellites will circle the earth on opposite sides to provide more comprehensive coverage than current missions.
• The satellites will help pinpoint the origin of intense gravitational waves caused by events like neutron star mergers.
• Neutron stars are created when a large star exhausts its fuel and collapses.
• The mission will also allow for the investigation of Primordial Black Holes (PBH) for the first time.
• PBH are a specific type of black hole that formed in the early stages of the universe's existence.

Other gamma ray detection mission

• Astrosat is a space observatory from India that studies celestial sources in X-ray, optical, and UV bands simultaneously.
• The Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope by NASA observes gamma rays across a broad energy range.
• NASA's Swift observatory focuses on studying gamma-ray bursts.