1 April 2024 : Daily Current Affairs
Daily Current Affairs
1-April -2024- Top News of the Day
1. Genetic profiling of captive jumbos of Kerala to begin soon
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Topic: GS3 – Environment – Conservations, GS3 – Science and Technology Understanding genetic profiling of captive elephants is significant for wildlife conservation and management, relevant to UPSC’s environment syllabus. |
| Context |
| ● The news pertains to the initiation of genetic profiling for Kerala’s captive elephant population by the Wildlife Institute of India, aiming to add details to a national database. |
Additional information on this news:
- The Wildlife Institute of India (WII) will conduct genetic profiling of Kerala’s 400 captive elephants.
- WII provided forensic kits to the Kerala Forest Department for this purpose.
- Assistant conservators (social forestry) will collect blood and dung samples from elephants across districts.
- Online training for forest officials on sample collection and report updating is scheduled for April 5 and 6.
- Sample collection will commence during the second week of April, coinciding with Kerala’s temple festival season.
- Kerala’s captive elephant population has declined to 407, with about 25 deaths annually.
- Once home to the largest captive elephant population, Kerala’s numbers have dwindled.
- Similar profiling efforts have been undertaken in other states, with an estimated 3,000 captive elephants nationwide.
| What is genetic profiling? |
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Genetic profiling, also known as genetic testing or genetic analysis, involves examining an individual’s DNA to identify variations, mutations, or genetic markers associated with specific traits, diseases, or conditions. Here’s more about genetic profiling an it’s advantages for human health: ● DNA Analysis: Genetic profiling analyses an individual’s DNA, which contains the genetic information inherited from parents, to identify variations or mutations. ● Trait Identification: It helps identify genetic variations associated with physical traits, such as eye colour, hair texture, and susceptibility to certain diseases. ● Disease Risk Assessment: Genetic profiling can assess an individual’s risk of developing certain diseases or medical conditions, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and genetic disorders. ● Personalised Medicine: By understanding an individual’s genetic makeup, healthcare providers can tailor medical treatments and interventions to suit their genetic predispositions, leading to more effective and personalised healthcare. ● Family History Evaluation: Genetic profiling can reveal inherited genetic mutations or conditions, providing insights into family medical history and aiding in genetic counselling. ● Forensic Applications: Genetic profiling is used in forensic science to identify individuals or establish familial relationships in criminal investigations or missing persons cases. ●Ethical Considerations: There are ethical concerns surrounding genetic profiling, including privacy issues, potential discrimination based on genetic information, and psychological impacts of discovering disease risks. ●Research Advancements: Genetic profiling contributes to advancements in medical research, enabling the identification of new genes associated with diseases and facilitating the development of targeted therapies and interventions. ● Consumer Applications: Direct-to-consumer genetic testing services offer individuals insights into their ancestry, traits, and health risks, though interpretation and regulation of these services remain important considerations. ● Continued Advancements: As technology evolves, genetic profiling techniques become more sophisticated, allowing for more comprehensive and accurate analysis of an individual’s genetic information. |
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PYQ: What is the Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in the news? (a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing. Answer: A (UPSC Prelims 2019) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance and ethical considerations associated with genetic profiling in contemporary healthcare and forensic science. (250 Words /15 marks) |
2. President Murmu confers Bharat Ratna on L.K. Advani
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Topic: GS2 – Governance. Significant for UPSC as it highlights national recognition, political contributions, and socio-cultural impact of prominent Indian leaders. |
| Context |
| ● Former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani was conferred with the Bharat Ratna by President Droupadi Murmu at his residence, attended by dignitaries and lauded by PM Modi. |
Additional information on this news:
- President Droupadi Murmu awarded Bharat Ratna to former Deputy Prime Minister L.K. Advani at his residence in Delhi.
- The ceremony was attended by dignitaries including Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, and Home Minister Amit Shah, along with Advani’s family members.
- PM Modi, sitting beside Advani, lauded his enduring contributions to the nation’s progress and public service, emphasising his pivotal role in shaping modern India.
- The Rashtrapati Bhavan described Advani as a doyen of Indian politics, highlighting his unwavering dedication and distinction in serving the nation for over seven decades.
- Advani’s prioritisation of national interest, his role in the reconstruction of the Shri Ram Temple in Ayodhya in 2024, and his efforts in reshaping the national agenda towards development were underscored.
- His vision of cultural nationalism and relentless efforts during the Emergency to safeguard India’s democracy against authoritarian tendencies were acknowledged.
- Advani’s leadership in spearheading the Ram Janmabhoomi movement and his pivotal role in the reconstruction of the Ram temple in Ayodhya were highlighted as significant milestones in his political career, fulfilling the aspirations of countless Indians.
| More about Bharat Ratna award: |
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● Highest Civilian Award: Bharat Ratna is India’s highest civilian award, instituted in 1954 to recognize exceptional service in various fields. ● Criteria: It is conferred for outstanding contributions in fields such as arts, literature, science, and public services. ●Selection Process: The recommendations for Bharat Ratna are made by the Prime Minister himself to the President. No formal recommendations for this are necessary. The number of annual awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year. ● Not Limited to Indian Citizens: Non-Indians can also receive Bharat Ratna for their contributions to India. ● Previous Recipients: Notable recipients include Mother Teresa, Nelson Mandela, and Amartya Sen, among others. ●Recognition of Service: It symbolizes national recognition and appreciation for exceptional service and achievements. ● Symbol of Prestige: Being awarded Bharat Ratna is considered a prestigious honor and a significant milestone in one’s career. ● Impact: Recipients often have a lasting impact on Indian society and culture through their work and contributions. ●Inspiration: The award serves as an inspiration for future generations to strive for excellence and contribute to the nation’s progress. |
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PYQ: Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards: 1.Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. Which of the above statements are not correct? (UPSC Prelims 2021) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the significance and impact of Bharat Ratna as India’s highest civilian award, highlighting its role in honouring exceptional contributions to society. (150 Words /10 marks) |
3. Russia’s invasion impaired scientists’ ability to collect climate data
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Topic: GS2 – International relations, GS3 – environment From a UPSC perspective, this topic underscores geopolitical impacts on climate research, vital for understanding and mitigating climate change effects. |
| Context |
| ● The news highlights how the Russian-Ukrainian conflict disrupts global collaborations, hindering accurate measurement of Arctic climate change and exacerbating biases in climate data. |
Introduction
- Human-induced climate change is escalating, particularly evident in the Arctic, where temperatures are rising at an alarming rate.
- The Russian invasion of Ukraine has severed global collaborations in Arctic research, hindering data flow and impeding accurate climate measurements.
Collapse of Collaborations
- The International Network for Terrestrial Research and Monitoring in the Arctic (INTERACT) monitors environmental conditions across Arctic countries.
- Russian field stations, vital for data collection, became inaccessible to foreign scientists post-invasion, disrupting global collaborations.
- Exclusion of Russian data leads to biases in climate data, diminishing the ability to track Arctic changes accurately.
Hidden Bias in Arctic Data
- Researchers utilized earth-system models (ESMs) to assess Arctic ecosystem variables.
- INTERACT stations, primarily located in warmer and wetter Arctic regions, exhibit biases in representing ecosystem conditions.
- Excluding Russian data exacerbates biases, significantly affecting the accuracy of climate projections.
Impact on Climate Research
- Exclusion of Russian data distorts estimations of ecosystem variables, akin to the impact of 80 years of climate change.
- Biases hinder effective management, conservation, and mitigation strategies against climate change consequences.
Addressing the Bias
- In the absence of Russian data, researchers propose collecting data from regions with similar environments to Siberia, like northern Scandinavia and Canada.
- Enhanced coordination, standardisation of methodologies, and open-source data sharing are crucial for better understanding Arctic conditions and preparing for future changes.
Recommendations and Insights
- Distribution of research stations across regions should consider spatial variability to mitigate biases.
- Protocols ensuring continuous observation network and data sharing, even during conflicts, are imperative due to interdependence among countries in addressing climate change impacts.
- Lack of data due to geopolitical conflicts compounds challenges already faced by Arctic researchers, emphasizing the importance of sustained data collection efforts.
Conclusion
- The Russian-Ukrainian conflict has disrupted global collaborations crucial for monitoring climate change, particularly in the Arctic.
- Excluding Russian data from climate models introduces biases, impeding accurate assessments of Arctic ecosystem variables and hindering effective climate change mitigation strategies.
| Practice Question: Discuss the repercussions of geopolitical conflicts on global climate research, focusing on the implications for accurate measurement and mitigation strategies. (150 Words /10 marks) |
4. Workers, not tech, should be state’s priority
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Topic: GS2 – Governance. This topic is crucial for UPSC as it addresses challenges in implementing welfare schemes amidst technological complexities, emphasising socioeconomic equity. |
| Context |
| ● This news discusses challenges in integrating the Aadhaar-Based Payment System with the MGNREGS, emphasizing the need for a worker-centric approach amidst technological complexities. |
Introduction
- The Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) faces scrutiny due to challenges in linking it with rural employment schemes like MGNREGS.
- Critics highlight various issues such as internet connectivity, fingerprint recognition, and errors in data management.
Challenges in ABPS Implementation
- Numerous challenges hinder the seamless integration of ABPS with MGNREGS, affecting millions of workers.
- Issues include internet connectivity, fingerprint recognition, disability considerations, unrecorded working days, and errors in data management.
Deletion of Workers from Database
- In 2022-23, over 5.2 crore workers were deleted from the MGNREGS database, exacerbating the challenges in ABPS implementation.
- Nearly 34.8% of job card holders remain ineligible for ABPS, indicating significant exclusion.
Technological Overemphasis
- ABPS prioritizes technology over the welfare of workers, undermining the purpose of employment guarantee schemes.
- The state must reconsider its approach to technology, ensuring it empowers workers rather than complicating their lives.
Balancing Technological Intervention and Social Objectives
- Employment guarantee schemes like MGNREGS aim to mitigate socio-economic distress and empower marginalized communities.
- Overemphasis on techno-solutionism risks undermining the core principles of these schemes, such as inclusion and socioeconomic equity.
Potential of Technology in Development
- While technology can support progressive goals, including the SDGs, it must not overshadow the fundamental objectives of livelihood security and socioeconomic empowerment.
- Rectifications in both technological and non-technological aspects are necessary to ensure the effective implementation of MGNREGS.
Worker-Centric Approach
- In addressing socioeconomic inequality and rural distress, the state must prioritize the well-being of workers over technological advancements.
- Technological interventions should serve as tools to enhance the efficacy of employment guarantee schemes without overshadowing their core objectives.
Conclusion
- The ABPS-MGNREGS integration faces significant challenges, highlighting the need for a balanced approach that prioritizes the welfare of workers.
- Technology should complement, not overshadow, the objectives of socioeconomic empowerment and livelihood security in employment guarantee schemes.
| PYQ: Has digital illiteracy, particularly in rural areas, coupled with lack of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) accessibility hindered socio-economic development? Examine with justification. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-2 2021) |
| Practice Question: Discuss the challenges and implications of integrating Aadhaar-Based Payment System with MGNREGS, emphasising socioeconomic equity. (150 Words /10 marks) |
5. Brussels Nuclear Energy Summit: Paving the Way for a Global Clean Energy Shift
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Topic: GS2 – International Relations – Important International institutions, agencies and fora – their structure, mandate. GS3 – Science and Technology This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains as this analysis covers international relations aspects by highlighting the involvement of various countries and international organizations in the Brussels Nuclear Energy Summit, providing insights into global cooperation and diplomacy in the field of nuclear energy. |
| Context: |
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More about the news:
The Clean Energy Argument:
- Advocates for nuclear energy, led by the IAEA, have been emphasizing its potential to accelerate the transition to clean energy.
- Nuclear power is touted as a clean energy source, with negligible emissions during electricity generation.
- Even when considering the entire life cycle, including construction, uranium mining, and waste disposal, nuclear power emits significantly fewer greenhouse gases compared to coal-fired electricity, and even rivals solar and wind generation.
Reliability and Contribution to Decarbonization:
- Unlike solar or wind energy, nuclear power provides consistent energy output, making it suitable for baseload electricity generation.
- It features prominently in decarbonization pathways recommended by the UN’s IPCC, helping to avoid substantial CO2 emissions.
- However, despite these advantages, the global uptake of nuclear energy has been modest.
Challenges and Opportunities in Nuclear Energy:
Limited Global Uptake
- Despite its potential, nuclear energy has faced limited adoption globally.
- Only 31 countries currently use nuclear energy for electricity generation, with few new reactors coming online in recent years.
- This limited uptake is attributed to high costs, technological complexities, and regulatory constraints associated with nuclear power.
Cost and Technology Hurdles:
- Nuclear power remains the costliest form of electricity generation, requiring substantial investments and facing technology-related challenges.
- Unlike solar and wind energy, which have witnessed significant cost reductions in recent years, nuclear power has not experienced similar breakthroughs.
India’s Nuclear Energy Ambitions:
- India acknowledges the role of nuclear energy in its decarbonization plans and is planning for rapid expansion in the coming years.
- Despite its ambitions, the share of nuclear energy in India’s electricity generation is expected to remain modest.
- India aims to triple its current nuclear power capacity by 2030, with aspirations for a significant share of nuclear energy in its electricity mix by 2047.
Potential for Accelerated Growth:
- Former heads of the Department of Atomic Energy (DAE) in India have expressed the view that the country has the potential and imperative to accelerate its nuclear energy sector’s growth.
- They argue that while renewables have a role to play, nuclear energy will be indispensable in meeting the growing demand for clean energy in the long term.
Conclusion:
- The Brussels Nuclear Energy Summit underscores a renewed global interest in nuclear energy as a clean and reliable source of power.
- While challenges persist, particularly regarding costs and technology, advocates remain optimistic about nuclear energy’s potential contribution to decarbonization efforts worldwide.
- India, among other nations, stands poised to play a significant role in shaping the future of nuclear energy as part of its sustainable energy transition strategy.
| Status in India |
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Status
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| PYQ: With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2018) |
| Practice Question: What are the advantages and challenges associated with nuclear energy? Discuss its potential role in addressing India’s energy needs and its contribution to sustainable development. (250 words/15 m) |
6. Vaikom Satyagraha: Pioneering Struggle Against Caste Discrimination in Travancore
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Topic: GS1 – History – Modern Indian History – Significant events This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of knowing facts about the Vaikom Satyagraha which is a significant event in the modern history of India, highlighting the struggles against caste-based discrimination and the quest for social justice during the early 20th century. |
| Context: |
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More about the news:
Emergence of Educated Elite and Ezhavas’ Education:
- By the early 20th century, an educated elite began to emerge among various caste groups in Travancore.
- Notably, the Ezhavas emerged as one of the most educated and organized lower caste communities in the region.
- However, despite educational advancements, socio-economic advancement remained limited due to reserved government jobs and persistent ritual discrimination.
Issue of Temple Entry: Road to Agitation:
- The issue of temple entry gained prominence when Ezhava leader TK Madhavan advocated for it through his paper, Deshabhimani, in 1917.
- Inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s Non-Cooperation Movement, Madhavan initiated direct methods to challenge temple entry restrictions.
- Despite initial attempts, caste Hindu counter-agitations hindered progress.
Mass Agitation and Satyagraha at Vaikom:
- In 1921, Madhavan secured Mahatma Gandhi’s support for a mass agitation to enter temples.
- The Kerala Provincial Congress Committee passed a resolution in 1923, making anti-untouchability a key issue.
- Vaikom was chosen as the site for the first satyagraha, where protesters attempted to use the roads surrounding the temple, resulting in arrests.
600-Day Satyagraha and Compromise:
- Protesters sustained a 600-day satyagraha, facing violence and intimidation from caste Hindus.
- Despite efforts and external support from leaders like Periyar and C. Rajagopalachari, the Maharaja’s refusal to open temples to lower castes persisted until Gandhi brokered a compromise in 1925.
- Three out of four roads surrounding the temple were opened, with the fourth reserved for Brahmins.
Legacy and Aftermath:
- The Vaikom satyagraha, although marked by compromises, brought untouchability to the forefront of political issues in India.
- Its sustained efforts and unprecedented unity across caste lines paved the way for significant social reforms.
- In 1936, the historic Temple Entry Proclamation was signed, opening Travancore’s temples to lower castes for the first time in history.
Conclusion:
- The Vaikom satyagraha stands as a pivotal moment in India’s struggle against caste-based discrimination.
- Despite challenges and compromises, it laid the foundation for subsequent social reforms and highlighted the importance of non-violent resistance in addressing systemic injustices.
| Significance or Impact of Vaikom Movement |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the significance of the Vaikom Satyagraha in the context of India’s struggle against caste-based discrimination and its impact on the broader spectrum of social reform movements during the early 20th century. (250 words/15 m) |
7. UNCTAD Report: India’s Trade Reliance on China and EU Surges Amid Global Geopolitical Shifts
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Topic: GS2 – International Relations – This topic is relevant for both Prelims and Mains in the context of understanding India’s trade relations with major partners like China and the EU. |
| Context: |
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More about the news:
India’s Growing Dependence on China and the EU:
- UNCTAD’s estimates reveal a rise in India’s trade dependence on China and the EU by 1.2 percent, despite efforts to reduce reliance on Chinese imports through initiatives like the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and Quality Control Orders (QCOs).
- These measures aimed to curb the influx of inexpensive Chinese products into the Indian market but seem to have had limited success in altering the trade dynamics significantly.
Geopolitical Proximity in Trade:
- The report underscores a noticeable shift in the political proximity of trade, with bilateral trade relationships increasingly favoring countries sharing similar geopolitical stances.
- While geographical proximity has remained relatively constant, trade patterns have shown a tendency to align with political alliances, suggesting a preference for trade among nations with comparable geopolitical interests.
Impact of Russia-Ukraine Conflict:
- The ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict has resulted in a substantial reshaping of global trade dynamics.
- Russia’s trade dependence on China surged by a record 7.1 percent, while its reliance on the EU declined by 5.3 percent.
- This shift can be attributed to Russia’s strategic realignment of trade, with increased exports to China and India, particularly in the energy sector.
Global Trade Trends and Sectoral Analysis:
- UNCTAD’s report indicates a decline in global merchandise trade across various sectors, except for pharmaceuticals, transportation equipment, and electric vehicles.
- Sectors such as apparel, chemicals, energy metals, office equipment, and textiles experienced significant contractions, reflecting the broader challenges faced by the global economy.
Outlook for Global Trade:
- Despite the overall decline in merchandise trade, the services sector is expected to witness growth, with an anticipated gain of approximately $500 billion or 8 percent.
- However, the contraction in goods trade is projected to amount to around US$ 1.3 trillion or 5 percent in 2023, highlighting the continued volatility and uncertainty in global trade dynamics.
Conclusion:
- The UNCTAD report underscores the evolving nature of global trade, with geopolitical considerations playing an increasingly influential role in shaping trade relationships and patterns.
- The findings suggest a need for countries to adapt to these shifting dynamics and explore avenues for diversifying trade partnerships to mitigate risks and capitalize on emerging opportunities.
| About the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD): |
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| Practice Question: Discuss the findings and implications of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) report regarding India’s trade reliance on China and the European Union. (250 words/15 m) |
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