23 November 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. A lake ecosystem gasping for breath

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 9)

Topic: GS3 – Environment – Environmental pollution and degradation

Context

Ashtamudi Lake, a Ramsar site in Kerala, faces severe pollution from untreated sewage, plastic waste, and sedimentation. This has led to biodiversity loss, algal blooms, and declining livelihoods for fishers.

Deterioration of Ashtamudi Lake Ecosystem:

Water Pollution

• The lake suffers from untreated sewage discharge, with many households directing septic waste and toilet pits into the water.
• Plastic waste, poultry refuse, and abattoir by-products are frequently dumped into the lake, contributing to its pollution.
• Microplastic pollution is a significant concern, with high levels detected in fish, shellfish, sediment, and water samples. Polymers like nylon and polypropylene, along with heavy metals such as barium and iron, pose risks to aquatic life and public health.

Algal Blooms and Fish Mortality

• Excessive nutrient inflow from pollutants has led to frequent algal blooms, depleting dissolved oxygen levels in the water.
• Algal blooms suffocate aquatic organisms, resulting in mass fish mortality.
• Streptococci and E. coli bacteria, indicators of sewage contamination, have also been found in the lake water.

Habitat Degradation

• Sediment buildup in canals and channels impedes water flow, disrupting the estuarine ecosystem.
• Invasive species like water hyacinth have spread rapidly, restricting fishing activities and damaging equipment.

Impact of Anthropogenic Activities

• Illegal encroachments along the lake’s banks disrupt natural water flow and exacerbate waste accumulation.
• Unsustainable tourism practices and unregulated aquaculture activities contribute significantly to the lake’s deterioration.

Threats to Biodiversity and Livelihoods

• Habitat degradation has led to the extinction of several fish species and reduced yields for fishers.
• Contamination of fish tissues with harmful substances, including heavy metals, threatens public health and aquatic biodiversity.
• Fishers and cage farmers face declining livelihoods due to pollution, sediment buildup, and invasive plant growth.

Ashtamudi Lake

Location: Ashtamudi Lake is in Kollam district, Kerala, India. Significance: It is the second-largest estuarine ecosystem in Kerala and a Ramsar Wetland of International Importance. Name Origin: “Ashtamudi” translates to “eight braids” in Malayalam, referring to the lake’s eight arms or channels. Biodiversity: Rich in flora and fauna, the lake supports mangroves, fish, and bird species, vital for local livelihoods. Economic Role: It sustains fishing, coir-making, and tourism. Houseboats and backwater cruises are key attractions. Ramsar Site: Designated in 2002, it underscores the lake’s ecological and cultural value.

Practice Question:  Discuss the ecological challenges faced by Ramsar wetlands in India, with specific reference to the causes and consequences of pollution in Ashtamudi Lake. Suggest measures for sustainable wetland management. (150 Words /10 marks)

2. India-China Relations: Navigating Trust Deficit Amid Efforts to Normalize Ties Post-Border Standoff

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 17)

Topic: GS2 – International Relations

Context:

The article discusses the cautious efforts by India and China to rebuild trust and normalize bilateral ties amid the ongoing border standoff and lingering mistrust following the 2020 Galwan clashes

Analysis of News:   

Background: Trust Deficit and Border Standoff

• The ongoing India-China border standoff in Ladakh since 2020 has significantly strained bilateral relations.
• The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which resulted in fatalities on both sides, marked the most severe conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) since 1967.
• Trust between the nations remains fragile, with India emphasizing border stability as a prerequisite for normalizing ties.

Efforts to Rebuild Bilateral Relations

• Chinese officials, during interactions with an Indian media delegation, expressed willingness to restore ties to pre-standoff levels.
• They highlighted the “chemistry” between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi Jinping and proposed steps like resuming direct flights, easing visa restrictions, and encouraging media and cultural exchanges.
• India remains cautious, emphasizing border de-escalation and disengagement as essential.
• Recent breakthroughs, including agreements on patrolling arrangements and dialogue mechanisms, signal tentative progress.

Convergences and Divergences in Priorities

• Both nations agree on practical steps like direct flights, journalist exchanges, and visa facilitation. However, divergence persists:
• India’s Focus: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, river data-sharing, and conditional normalization based on border stability.
• China’s Focus: Celebrating the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties and emphasizing broader exchanges.
• India’s cautious approach reflects domestic concerns and public sentiment, whereas China frames the situation as a “restart and re-launch.”

Next Steps: De-escalation and Confidence-Building

• The ongoing troop presence along the LAC underscores the need for significant de-escalation.
• Recent meetings, such as those between Defence Ministers, underscore the mutual desire to prioritize cooperation over conflict.
• India views de-escalation as the next critical step to building trust and advancing diplomatic and economic ties.

Conclusion: Fragile Optimism Amid Persistent Caution

• While both nations have signaled a willingness to engage, the path forward hinges on resolving the border issue.
• India’s guarded stance reflects its focus on sovereignty and security, while China seeks broader normalization.
• Meaningful progress will depend on sustained dialogue, trust-building, and visible de-escalation measures.

Significance of India-China Relations

Geopolitical Neighbour: China shares a 3,488 km border with India, affecting regional stability. Balancing Power: India views China as a balancing force, prompting it to enhance its capabilities and forge strategic alliances. Economic Relations: China is India’s second-largest trading partner, making bilateral trade and investment crucial for mutual growth. Border Disputes: Ongoing border issues generate tensions, necessitating effective regional peace and stability management. Indian Ocean Dynamics: China’s naval expansion poses significant challenges to India’s traditional dominance in the Indian Ocean region as it seeks to establish a stronger maritime presence.

Practice Question:  Discuss the key challenges in rebuilding trust and normalizing relations between India and China in the aftermath of the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. Suggest measures to address the trust deficit and ensure long-term stability in bilateral ties. (250 words/15 m)

3. CULMINATION OF PAN-INDIA COASTAL DEFENCE EXERCISE – ‘SEA VIGIL 24’

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2076147&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS3 – Internal Security

Context

Sea Vigil 24, a Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise, demonstrated India’s dedication to maritime security through multi-agency participation and community engagement. It highlighted enhanced coordination, asset deployment, and grassroots awareness to strengthen India’s Coastal Defence Architecture against evolving threats.

:

Exercise Sea Vigil – Key Highlights

• Fourth Edition: Sea Vigil 24 concluded on 21 November 2024, emphasizing India’s commitment to maritime security and coastal defence.
• Duration and Scope: Conducted over 36 hours, it spanned India’s 11,098 km coastline and a 2.4 million sq. km Exclusive Economic Zone.
• Multi-Agency Participation: Over 21 agencies from six ministries, including the Navy, Army, Air Force, Coast Guard, Marine Police, BSF, and Customs, participated.
• Security Focus: Prioritized securing oil rigs, ports, nuclear installations, and merchant ships. Simulated scenarios included hijacking and vessel re-routing.
• Community Outreach: Engaged fishing communities, NCC cadets, Scouts, and coastal youth to enhance grassroots maritime security awareness.
• Inter-Agency Coordination: Evaluated cooperation and readiness among agencies to address maritime threats.
• Legacy and Vision: Established in 2018, Sea Vigil strengthens India’s Coastal Defence Architecture through real-time scenario simulations.

Prelims Facts

1. Young Balinese girls preserve traditional Rejang Dewa festival

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 13)

Context

The news highlights Bali’s Rejang Dewa festival, showcasing sacred dances by pre-pubescent girls as part of a thanksgiving ritual. It explores cultural pride amid concerns about youth migration threatening these traditions.

Rejang Dewa Festival Information

• Purpose: The Rejang Dewa is part of the Ngusaba Goreng festival, a two-week-long thanksgiving celebration for a rich harvest in Bali.
• Meaning of Ngusaba: “Ngusaba” refers to a gathering of gods and goddesses, central to the festival.
• Sacred Dance: Rejang Dewa is a sacred Balinese dance performed by young girls who have not yet reached puberty, signifying purity.
• Ritual Significance: It is performed as an offering to the gods, emphasising the connection between the people, their heritage, and the divine.
• Rejang Forms: Various forms of Rejang are performed, with Rejang Dewa and Rejang Pucuk reserved for young girls.
• Concerns for Tradition: There is a growing concern that younger generations may move to cities, risking the fading of these traditions.

2. Argentina’s Reconsideration of Paris Agreement Raises Global Climate Concerns

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 17)

Context:

Argentina, under its far-right President Javier Milei, is reconsidering its commitment to the Paris Agreement, a global treaty aimed at reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and limiting global warming. This decision, driven by skepticism over climate change and economic considerations, has sparked international concerns about its implications for global climate efforts.

Analysis of News:   

Overview of the Paris Agreement

• Adopted in 2015, the Paris Agreement seeks to limit global warming to below 2°C, with an aspirational target of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Participating countries must submit increasingly ambitious nationally determined contributions (NDCs) every five years to combat climate change.
• Withdrawal from the treaty is allowed under Article 28, requiring a formal notification and a one-year waiting period before taking effect.

Reasons Behind Argentina’s Reconsideration

• Argentina’s government, led by Milei, has expressed dissatisfaction with the Paris Agreement, citing ideological differences and economic priorities.
• Climate Change Denial: President Milei has previously dismissed climate change as a “socialist lie” and favors a natural cycles argument for global warming.
• Economic Factors: Argentina’s significant fossil fuel resources and exports, including shale gas and oil, may conflict with the emission reduction goals of the Paris Agreement.
• Political Stance: Argentina’s government has indicated the need to reassess its climate strategy without making definitive decisions yet.

Potential Impacts of Withdrawal

• Global Climate Goals: Argentina’s exit, as the 24th-largest GHG emitter, could weaken international climate efforts and embolden other nations to reconsider their commitments, threatening the 1.5°C target.
• Economic Isolation: Withdrawal may harm Argentina’s trade relations, particularly with regions like the EU that impose tariffs on carbon-intensive imports.
• Domestic Challenges: Given Argentina’s constitutional status for ratified treaties, Milei’s proposal would face significant hurdles in parliament, where domestic opposition to withdrawal is strong.