Daily Current Affairs UPSC 23 April 2024

Golden trevally (Gnathanodon speciosus)

CMFRI successfully achieved captive breeding of high-value marine fish golden trevally

• This accomplishment will support sustainable seafood production and enhance India's mariculture activities.
• Golden trevally, also known as golden king fish, is a reef-associated fish that typically lives in the company of larger fishes like skates and groupers.
• It is used for consumption as well as ornamental purposes.

CMFRI's role and responsibilities

• The institute monitors and assesses marine fisheries resources within the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
• It operates under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• CMFRI became a part of the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) in 1967.

Padma Awards

President Presents Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan

• The President of India presented the Padma Awards at Rashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi.
• The Padma Awards are prestigious civilian honors in India that were established in 1954 and are announced annually on Republic Day.
• The awards are given in three categories: Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, recognizing exceptional and distinguished service in various fields such as art, medicine, literature, education, and sports.
• While the awards are typically not given posthumously, in exceptional cases, the government may consider honoring individuals posthumously.
• It is important to note that receiving a Padma Award does not grant the recipient a title and cannot be used as a prefix or suffix to their name.

Trends in World Military Expenditure, 2023 Report

Source of the Report: SIPRI

• The report was released by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), an independent international institute established in 1966 that focuses on research related to conflict, armaments, arms control, and disarmament.

India's Military Spending

• India was ranked as the fourth largest military spender in the world in 2023, with an expenditure of $83.6 billion, following the United States, China, and Russia.

NATO Member States Military Expenditure

• In 2023, military expenditure by NATO member states totaled $1341 billion, accounting for 55% of global military spending.

Global Military Expenditure

• World military expenditure reached an all-time high of $2443 billion in 2023, driven by factors such as Russia's invasion of Ukraine and geopolitical tensions.

Mount Erebus

Mount Erebus emits crystallized gold gas worth $6,000 daily

• Mount Erebus, located in Antarctica, releases pockets of gas containing crystallized gold on a daily basis, with a value of approximately $6,000. This unique phenomenon sets it apart from other volcanoes.

Characteristics of Mount Erebus

• Mount Erebus is an active volcano situated in Antarctica, making it the southernmost active volcano in the world. It is part of Ross Island, located off the coast of West Antarctica. The volcano is classified as a stratovolcano, consisting of layers of solidified ash, hardened lava, and rocks ejected from previous eruptions.

50th year of Aryabhata Launch

• ISRO celebrated Satellite Technology Day to mark the 50th anniversary of the launch of Aryabhata in 1975.
• Aryabhata was India's first satellite, named after a renowned Indian astronomer from the 5th century.
• The satellite was constructed by ISRO and launched using a Soviet Kosmos-3M rocket from Kapustin Yar in Russia.
• Aryabhata's mission was to conduct experiments in X-ray astronomy, aeronomics, and solar physics.

Neptis Philyra

Discovery of Neptis Philyra in India

• Neptis Philyra was recently discovered in India for the first time.
• The butterfly species was found in the Tale Valley wildlife sanctuary in the lower Subansiri district of Arunachal Pradesh.

Characteristics of Neptis Philyra

• Neptis Philyra is commonly known as the long-streak sailor.
• It has serrated wings with rich brownish-black coloring on the upper side and yellow-brown coloring on the underside.
• The butterfly species is typically found in east Asia, including regions such as eastern Siberia, Korea, Japan, central, and southwest China.

Habitat of Neptis Philyra

• Neptis Philyra is known to inhabit evergreen forests, riverine vegetation, and rocky streams.

Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP)

C-CAMP's Participation in Blockchain for Impact Biome Virtual Network Program

• C-CAMP has recently joined the Blockchain for Impact Biome Virtual Network Program in order to accelerate transformative healthcare solutions through biomedical innovation.
• C-CAMP was established by the Department of Biotechnology in 2009 with the goal of facilitating cutting-edge research and innovation in the life sciences field.
• It is a member of the Bangalore Life Science Cluster (BLiSC).
• The organization's mandate includes promoting entrepreneurship and innovation through initiatives such as Seed Funding Schemes for Startups, Entrepreneur Mentorship program, and Bio-Incubation facility.

State of Global Climate Report 2023

Released by: World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

1. Record Warmth in 2023.

• The year 2023 was the warmest on record, with the global average near-surface temperature reaching 1.45 degrees Celsius above the pre-industrial baseline.

2. Impact on Humanitarian Crises.

• Extreme climate conditions in 2023 worsened humanitarian crises, leading to millions experiencing acute food insecurity and hundreds of thousands being displaced from their homes.

3. Record High Levels of Greenhouse Gases and Climate Indicators.

• Greenhouse gas levels, surface temperatures, ocean heat, and acidification all reached record highs in 2023, indicating a concerning trend in climate change.

Pandita Ramabai (1858-1922)

Celebrating the 166th Birth Anniversary of Pandita Ramabai Sarasvati

• Pandita Ramabai was a multifaceted individual, known for her roles as a social reformer, educator, and freedom fighter.
• She was a significant figure in history, being one of the ten women representatives at the 1889 Congress.

Key Contributions of Pandita Ramabai

• In 1889, she established Sharada Sadan, a significant institution.
• She testified before the Hunter Commission on Women's Education, advocating for women's rights.
• Pandita Ramabai published 'Stree Dharma Niti', a book on morals for women.
• Her contributions were recognized when she was awarded the Kaiser É Hind Medal in 1919.

Values Upheld by Pandita Ramabai

• Throughout her life, Pandita Ramabai embodied values such as compassion, patriotism, and humanity.
• These values guided her actions and fueled her dedication to social reform and education.

"Breakthrough: Sodium ion battery charges in seconds"

1. High-power hybrid sodium-ion battery technology

• This technology refers to a type of battery that combines the use of sodium ions for energy storage, allowing for rapid charging capabilities.

2. Cost-effective and practical energy source

• The goal of this technology is to provide a more affordable and viable alternative to Lithium-Ion batteries, making it a more accessible option for various applications.

Differences between Sodium Ion and Lithium-Ion Batteries

Sodium Ion Battery: 

• Sodium is more abundant than lithium.
• Charges faster.
• Safer, less likely to explode or catch fire.
• Can operate in more extreme temperatures.
• Can be used in small and large-scale energy storage applications.

Lithium-Ion Battery:

• Lithium availability limited to few countries.
• Slow charging rate.
• Prone to catching fire or exploding.
• Lower operating temperature range.
• Suitable for portable devices and electric vehicles.

Limitations of Sodium Ion Battery

• Shorter lifespan compared to Lithium-ion batteries.
• Infant technology with lack of established supply chain.
• Limited flexibility in shapes.
• Cycle life of 5,000 times, lower than commercial lithium iron phosphate batteries. which have a cycle life of 8,000-10,000 times.

INC-4 Meeting in Ottawa on UN Plastics Treaty

Resolution by United Nations Environment Assembly on Plastic Pollution.

• In 2022, the United Nations Environment Assembly passed a resolution mandating the creation of an Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC) to develop a legally binding instrument to address plastic pollution throughout its life cycle.

Impact of Plastic Pollution

• The annual production of plastic has doubled from 234 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2000 to 460 MMT in 2019, with projections to reach 1,261 MMT by 2060.
• China has become a major hub for plastic manufacturing, accounting for 32% of global production in 2022.
• India ranks third globally in contributing 5.5 million tonnes of single-use plastic waste, with a per capita single-use plastic waste of 4 kg per year.

Initiatives to Combat Plastic Pollution

Global Efforts

• The Basel Convention regulates the movement and disposal of hazardous waste, including plastic waste.
• The Global Partnership on Marine Litter aims to share knowledge and coordinate efforts to reduce marine litter.

Efforts in India

• The Plastic Waste Management Rules of 2016 mandate the implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by producers, importers, and brand owners.
• India has banned single-use plastic products such as bags, straws, cups, and plates.
• Campaigns like "Beat Plastic Pollution" and "Plastic-Free India" have been launched to raise awareness and promote sustainable practices.

Chemicals in Plastics and Human Health

• Vinyl chloride monomer in liquid and vapor form increases the risk of liver and brain cancer.
• Benzene and butadiene are linked to leukemias and lymphomas.
• Styrene is neurotoxic and a potential human carcinogen.

ISRO monitors growth of glacial lakes in Indian Himalayas

Expansion of Glacial Lakes in Indian Himalayan River Basins.

• ISRO's long-term satellite imagery from 1984 to 2023 shows a significant increase in the size of glacial lakes in the catchments of Indian Himalayan river basins.
• The Indian Himalayas are often referred to as the Third Pole due to their vast glaciers and snow cover.
• Satellite remote sensing technology plays a crucial role in monitoring glacier retreat rates, assessing risks of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs), and understanding the impacts of climate change.

Observations on Glacial Lakes

• Glacial lakes are bodies of water formed from the melting of glaciers and are categorized into Moraine-dammed, Ice-dammed, Erosion, and other types based on their formation process.
• Moraine is the material, typically soil and rock, left behind by a moving glacier.
• Out of 2,431 lakes studied, 676 glacial lakes have expanded since 1984, with 130 of them located in the Indus, Ganga, and Brahmaputra River basins.
• The majority of expanding lakes are Moraine-dammed, followed by Erosion-dammed glacial lakes, and they serve as freshwater sources for rivers in the Himalayan region while also posing risks like GLOFs.

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs)

• GLOFs occur when glacial lakes release large amounts of meltwater due to the failure of natural dams made of moraine or ice, leading to sudden and severe flooding downstream.
• Factors such as avalanches of ice or rock, extreme weather events, and earthquakes can trigger these dam failures.
• GLOFs are recognized as a potential climatological disaster in India's National Disaster Management Plan 2019.

"Workplace Safety in a Changing Climate"

Impact of Climate Change on Occupational Safety and Health (OSH).

Climate-related threats:

• Excessive heat alone leads to 2.09 million disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) annually.
• Workers in hot climates, such as agricultural workers, are at higher risk.
• Health conditions like cancer, cardiovascular disease, and mental health issues are linked to climate change.

Vulnerable sections:

• Women workers in roles like subsistence agriculture may face increased risks.
• Workers with disabilities are vulnerable due to poverty and lower education levels.

India Related Findings

• An estimated 100,000 farmers committed suicide between 1993 and 2003 due to issues like water shortages and decreased crop yields.

Existing International Labor Standards Related to Climate Change and OSH

• Climate-related OSH Hazards covered by conventions like the Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 198, and the Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006.
• Specific conventions address issues like excessive heat and air pollution in the workforce.

Recommendations

• Coordinate OSH policies and programs among government departments for policy coherence.
• Implement targeted national-level policies and effective workplace preventive measures.
• Implement a global multisectoral response using mitigation and adaptation strategies to address the impacts of climate change.

SC allows abortion beyond 24 weeks of Pregnancy

Special powers used by SC for medical termination of minor rape survivor.

• The Supreme Court utilized its special powers under Article 142 to allow for the medical termination of a pregnancy for a 14-year-old minor who survived rape. This decision was made due to the rare relief provided by Indian abortion laws, which cap the upper limit for termination of pregnancy at 24 weeks.

Overview of India's abortion laws

• The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act of 1971 allows for the termination of certain pregnancies by registered Medical Practitioners. The 2021 amendment of the MTP Act raised the upper gestation limit from 20 to 24 weeks. The amendment also outlines the requirements for medical opinions based on the gestation period, with different criteria for pregnancies under 20 weeks, between 20 to 24 weeks, and after 24 weeks. The MTP (Amendment) Rules, 2021 also list categories of forced pregnancies, such as rape in cases of minors, sexual assault, incest, women with disabilities, and changes in marital status during pregnancy.

Significance of recent judgement

• The recent judgement holds significance as it ensures dignity, autonomy, confidentiality, and justice for women who need to terminate a pregnancy. This decision aligns with the principles of Article 142, which provides the Supreme Court with the unique power to ensure "complete justice" in cases where the law may not provide a remedy.

India-China Trade Gap Widens

Status of India- China Trade

• India's exports to China increased from $15.33 billion in FY23 to $16.67 billion in FY24.
• Key items exported to China include iron ore, cotton yarn, cotton, quartz, etc.
• India’s imports from China rose from $98.51 billion in FY23 to $101.75 billion in FY24, widening trade deficit by to $85.08 billion in FY 24 (i.e. 2.3%).
• Key items imported from China include plastics, steel products, fertilisers etc.

Reasons for increasing Trade Deficit

• Narrow basket of commodities, mainly raw material and minerals are exported from India to China.
• Increased imports of material for solar energy, electric vehicles etc. due to focus on renewable energy and carbon neutrality.
• Growth of manufacturing units in India has led to increased raw material imports from China.
• Preference of firms in sourcing supplies from China due to less cost.

Measures taken by India

• Production-Linked Incentive scheme to make Indian manufacturers globally competitive, attract investment, promote exports.
• Expanding India’s trade partners by signing and negotiating trade facilitation agreements with European Union, Canada etc.

Way ahead

• Explore alternative sources of imports from the ASEAN countries.
• Boosting India's domestic manufacturing base and exports.