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Current Affairs – December 20, 2024
{GS1 – Geo – EG} Hydrothermal Vents
- Context (IE): Indian oceanographers have captured the image of an active hydrothermal vent located 4,500 metres below the surface of the Indian Ocean.
- This site holds potential for mineral exploration as part of the Deep Ocean Mission.
- Hydrothermal vents are underwater springs located primarily near tectonic plates. These vents occur where cold water, about 2 degrees Celsius, meets magma in a tectonically active region.
- The cold water trickles through cracks and fissures in the ocean crust and mixes with magma, getting heated up. This heated water can reach temperatures up to 370 degrees Celsius.
- The super hot water emerges as plumes, rich in minerals and gases, through chimneys and vents.
Significance
- Rich Mineral Deposit: Deposits from hydrothermal venting are rich in copper, zinc, gold, silver, platinum, iron, cobalt, nickel, and other economically beneficial minerals and metals.
- Ecosystem Insights: The unique chemosynthetic organisms (produce their own food through chemosynthesis, i.e., using chemical energy) in these areas help us better understand life in harsh environments.
- Economic Potential: The long-lasting activity spans, spanning hundreds to thousands of years, make them highly valuable for ongoing exploration.
National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR)
- It plays a leading role in deep ocean surveys and exploration, including hydrothermal minerals and geoscientific surveys, especially in polar and Southern Ocean regions.
- Ice core samples: It stores the samples from Antarctica and the Himalayas.
- Research stations: It operates the Indian Antarctic Research Bases “Maitri” and “Bharati” and the Indian Arctic base “Himadri“.
- Oceanic research vessel: It manages the ORV Sagar Kanya, India’s flagship oceanographic study vessel.
{GS2 – IR – India-China} India-China Special Representatives Dialogue
- Context (IE | TH): Indian NSA Ajit Doval & Chinese Foreign Minister met for the 23rd Special Representative (SR) dialogue in Beijing.
Background
- SR Mechanism: Established in 2003 to address 3,488 km India-China border dispute comprehensively.
- Previous Dialogue: The last SR-level meeting occurred in December 2019 in New Delhi.
- Disengagement Agreement: Post-October 2024, both sides disengaged from friction points in Demchok and Depsang in Eastern Ladakh.
Significance for Indo-China SR Dialogue
- Restoration of Relations: To rebuild ties affected by the 2020 military standoff in Ladakh and the subsequent Galwan Valley clash.
- Boundary Management: A fair, reasonable & mutually acceptable solution to the border question.
- Leadership Consensus: The parties are committed to implementing the agreements reached during the October 2024 meeting in Russia between the Indian PM and President Xi.
Long-standing Issues in Bilateral Relations
- LAC Standoff: Ongoing disputes over the Line of Actual Control since May 2020.
- Military Tensions: Strain caused by deadly Galwan clash & prolonged military presence in sensitive areas.
- Distrust: Erosion of trust due to incidents of incursions and lack of transparency.
Also, refer to Indo-Chinese Issues.
Challenges in Restoring Peace
- Boundary Complexity: The undefined and contested LAC poses challenges for consensus.
- Historical Disputes: Differing interpretations of border agreements and past incidents.
- Public Sentiment: Domestic pressures in both nations against perceived concessions.
- Geopolitical Context: China’s actions in the Indo-Pacific and India’s strengthening of Quad alliances complicate negotiations.
Significance of the Meeting
- First High-Level Engagement: Marks the revival of structured dialogue after five years.
- Peace in Border Areas: Aims at maintaining tranquillity and preventing escalation.
- Symbolic Value: Demonstrates willingness to engage diplomatically despite challenges.
Way Forward
- Enhanced Communication: Strengthen dialogue mechanisms like the SR and Working Mechanism for Consultation & Coordination (WMCC).
- Commitment to Agreements: Both sides must honour disengagement agreements and confidence-building measures.
- Effective Border Management: Institutionalise clear protocols to avoid future confrontations.
- Building Trust: Transparent discussions on contentious issues to foster mutual confidence.
- Inclusive Diplomatic Engagements: Regular high-level meetings to maintain momentum and address emerging concerns.
{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Policy for Managing Sacred Groves in India **
- Context (TH | IE): SC has directed the Centre to draft a national policy for managing sacred groves, emphasising their ecological, cultural and social significance.
Sacred Groves
- These are forested patches preserved by local communities due to cultural and religious beliefs.
- Ecological Role: They serve as biodiversity hotspots, regulate local climates & prevent soil erosion.
- Cultural Importance: These are integral to community rituals, symbolising respect for nature.
Sacred Groves Across India
| State | Sacred Groves | Key Features |
| Tamil Nadu | Puthupet Sacred Grove | Revered for its native flora and rituals for local deities. |
| Kerala | Kavus (e.g., Iringole Kavu) | Home to native biodiversity; linked with Theyyam rituals. |
| Karnataka | Devara Kadu | Maintained by communities for forest deities and habitats for rare wildlife. |
| Maharashtra | Devrais (e.g., Amboli Devrai) | Biodiversity hubs with medicinal plants are linked to the worship of local gods. |
Rajasthan |
Orans (e.g., Khejarli) | Serve as grazing grounds and water sources, associated with Bishnoi community conservation ethos. |
| Himachal Pradesh | Dev Van | Associated with the worship of local deities, it protects unique Himalayan flora. |
| Meghalaya |
Law Kyntang |
Sacred spaces preserved by Khasi tribes are central to local animistic traditions. |
| Odisha |
Jahera |
Worshipped as abodes of village deities, ensuring community-based protection. |
Issues with Sacred Grove Management
- Lack of Legal Recognition: Most groves are not formally identified or classified as protected areas.
- Cultural decline: Modernisation & urbanisation threaten communities’ traditional stewardship.
- Encroachment: Expansion of agriculture, urbanisation & infrastructure reduces grove areas.
- Climate Change: Rising temperatures and erratic weather patterns impact biodiversity within groves.
Need for a Policy
- Biodiversity Conservation: Sacred groves protect endemic flora & fauna, including endangered species.
- Cultural Preservation: Safeguards traditional knowledge and practices passed through generations.
- Ecological Services: Natural climate regulators, groundwater recharge zones, and erosion barriers.
- Community Livelihoods: Provide non-timber resources like medicinal plants and sustainable employment opportunities.
- Govt Emphasis: National Forest Policy, 1988 advocates for participatory conservation of forests.
- SC Rulings: Emphasize the dual cultural & ecological value of sacred groves for sustainable management.
Supreme Court Directives
- National Policy: Formulate a framework under MoEF&CC.
- Mapping: Conduct surveys to identify, demarcate, and classify sacred groves for protection.
- Legal Protection: Designate sacred groves as community reserves under Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
Best Practices for Policy Reference
| Region | Model | Impact |
| Rajasthan |
Piplantri Model |
Combines tree plantation with community empowerment, improving biodiversity and social metrics. |
| Himachal Pradesh | Dev Van Policy | Enhances sacred grove protection through participatory conservation. |
| Meghalaya | Community Forests | Khasi and Garo tribes sustainably manage sacred forests, maintaining biodiversity. |
Way Forward for Grove Conservation
- Survey and Legal Recognition: Map groves using satellite and ground surveys and legally designate them as protected areas or community reserves.
- Empowering Communities: Ensure community rights under the Forest Rights Act 2006 and provide incentives for sustainable grove management.
- Conservation Initiatives: Implement plantation drives with indigenous species and create buffer zones to protect groves from external threats.
- Cultural Revival: Promote festivals, rituals, and traditions linked to groves and integrate awareness programs into school and community education.
- Policy Integration: Align grove conservation with existing schemes like CAMPA & Green India Mission.
- Public-Private Partnerships: Collaborate with NGOs and private entities for grove restoration and sustainable tourism.
{GS3 – Envi – Degradation} Biodiversity, Climate and Human Health
- Context (IE | IPBES): A recent report from the Intergovernmental Science-Policy Platform on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services (IPBES) highlights the interconnected risks of biodiversity loss, climate change, food insecurity, water scarcity and health.
Key Points highlighted by the Report
- Direct Drivers of Biodiversity Loss: Land & sea-use changes, pollution & climate change.
- Indirect Drivers of Biodiversity Loss: Economic, demographic, cultural & technological shifts.
- Deforestation: Disrupts ecosystems and contributes to carbon emissions.
- Water Scarcity: Threatened by pollution and over-extraction of freshwater ecosystems.
- Ecosystem Services: Decline in essential services such as clean air, water, and food.
- Biodiversity and Health: Importance of the One Health approach linking human, animal, and environmental health.
- Fragmented Siloed Governance: Resulting in unintended consequences and trade-offs.
- Disproportionate Impact: Developing countries and Indigenous communities face more severe impacts.
- Global Cooperation: Urgent need for collective action on climate change, biodiversity loss, and sustainable development.
Key Highlights on the Asian Region
- Biodiversity: Asia contains half of world’s biodiversity but is threatened by habitat loss & climate change.
- Pollution and Urbanisation: Rapid urbanisation is increasing pollution, negatively impacting health and the environment.
- Climate Change: Vulnerable to natural disasters like floods, droughts, and rising sea levels affecting agriculture and settlements.
- Forest Loss: Deforestation in Indonesia, India and Malaysia threatens ecosystems.
- Marine Biodiversity: Marine life is pressured by overfishing and pollution.
- Sustainable Agriculture: Need to promote sustainable farming practices to minimise the impact.
- Protected Areas: Conservation remains challenging despite progress in establishing protected areas.
Challenges
- Biodiversity Loss: Affects food systems, water availability, human health and climate stability.
- Funding Deficit: Funding for biodiversity is much lower than the estimated $300 billion to $1 trillion required annually.
- Economic Systems: Existing economic models prioritise short-term financial gains, worsening environmental damage.
- Unsustainable Practices: Intensive agricultural practices increase biodiversity loss, pollution and climate change impacts.
Five Key Strategies for Global Sustainability
- Conserve and Restore Biocultural Diversity: Focus on places with biocultural diversity, integrating restoration efforts with cultural values & sustainable practices, like Nepal’s Community Forestry Programme.
- Mainstream Biodiversity in Key Sectors: Drive systematic change in agriculture, fisheries, mining, and infrastructure to incorporate biodiversity and sustainable practices.
- Transform Economic Systems for Nature and Equity: Reallocate subsidies, adopt true cost accounting, and engage the private sector to close the biodiversity funding gap and promote sustainability.
- Transform Governance Systems for Inclusivity and Accountability: Integrate biodiversity into policy, engage diverse actors, and ensure accountability, as seen in the Galapagos Marine Reserve’s governance.
- Human-Nature Interconnectedness should be recognised to change social norms and behaviours through education, nature-based activities, and combining Indigenous and local knowledge systems.
Advantages of Sustainable Practices
- Sustainable Healthy Diets: Improve food security and health and reduce emissions.
- Ecological Intensification: Leveraging ecosystem functions to sustainably increase food production without harming biodiversity.
- Restoration: Restoring ecosystems provides co-benefits for climate change mitigation & adaptation.
Way Forward
- Financial Systems: Align global financial flows with biodiversity conservation; reduce harmful subsidies.
- Investment in Nature: Increase investments in biodiversity-positive activities and facilitate innovative financial instruments.
{GS3 – Envi – Species} Tagging of Ganges River Dolphin
- Context (TH): The Ganges river dolphin was tagged for the first time in India.
- The tagging under Project Dolphin is expected to help understand the dolphin’s seasonal and migratory patterns, range, distribution, and habitat utilisation, particularly in fragmented or disturbed river systems.
- These lightweight tags emit signals compatible with Argos satellite systems even with limited surfacing time and are designed to minimise interference with dolphin movement.
Project Dolphin
- It is a wildlife conservation movement initiated in India to protect the riverine and oceanic dolphins.
- Initiated by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change.
- This project includes strengthening patrolling and surveillance, improving habitat through restoration of coastal ecosystems, removing ghost nets, and encouraging local involvement with incentives.
- It also involves aquatic habitats through modern technology, especially in anti-poaching activities and enumeration. It will engage fishermen and other river—and ocean-dependent populations to improve the livelihoods of the local communities.
- Funding: Union government will contribute 60% of the amount, & State will bear the remaining cost.
Challenges of Project Dolphin
- Lack of Awareness: Many local communities are unaware of the importance of dolphin conservation, leading to unintentional harm.
- Habitat Degradation: Pollution, habitat fragmentation, and changes in water quality due to industrial activities and agricultural runoff threaten dolphin habitats.
- Regulatory Challenges: Enforcing strict measures to protect dolphins from various threats necessitates strong implementation frameworks.
- Data Gap: Insufficient information on dolphin populations and their habitats hinders conservation.
{GS3 – S&T – BioTech} Xenotransplantation *
- Context (TOI): Women receive gene-edited pig kidney through Xenotransplantation in the US.
- Xenotransplantation, also known as heterologous transplant, is the process of transplanting living cells, tissues, or organs from one species to another.
Source: FDA
- Pigs are often the preferred donor species because of their anatomical and physiological similarities to humans. However, humans naturally produce antibodies against pig cells due to a carbohydrate moiety (carbohydrate chain covalently linked to a protein, forming a glycoprotein) in pig cells.
- Xenotransplantation shows promise for treating conditions like neurodegenerative diseases and diabetes, where human cells and tissues are often unavailable.
Other types of transplantation
|
Challenges
- Zoonotic Diseases: The risk of transmitting diseases from animals to humans is another concern.
- Ethical Concerns: Raises ethical questions about animal rights and welfare. Additionally, there are concerns regarding the genetic modification of animals for this purpose.
- Psychological Impact: Recipients of animal organs might face psychological challenges and social stigma, which can negatively affect their mental health and overall quality of life.
- Long-Term Viability: The long-term function and survival of xenotransplanted organs are uncertain. These organs may not perform as efficiently or last as long as human organs, presenting a challenge for patients and medical practitioners.
{GS3 – S&T – NanoTech} Scotch Tape Technique for Ultra-Thin Diamond Films
- Context (IE): Scientists have developed a Scotch tape method to create ultra-thin diamond films, advancing diamond-based electronics for semiconductors and quantum technology.
Key Details of the Technique
- Discovery by Accident: Electrical engineer Jing Jixiang discovered the method accidentally while peeling a diamond with Scotch tape.
- Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD): Nano-sized diamonds implanted in silicon wafers; Methane gas is blown at high temperatures to form a continuous thin diamond sheet.
- Extraction Process: Wafer edges were cut to expose the diamond. Scotch tape was used to peel a thin diamond layer. The tape was dissolved chemically to isolate a freestanding diamond film.
- Similarity to Graphene Production: Similar methods have been applied to produce graphene.
Advantages of Diamond Films
- Thickness: Less than 1 micrometre thick and smooth, suitable for semiconductor applications.
- Flexibility: Films are ultra-flexible, enabling deformation sensing and strain engineering.
- Workable Surface: Supports micromanufacturing techniques, unlike bulky diamonds.
Significance
- The technique resolves challenges in producing high-quality freestanding diamond films.
- Enables scalable and cost-effective manufacturing of diamond-based devices.
- Greater control in quantum sensors utilising diamonds.
- Diamond Electronics are more efficient, low-resistance diamond chips with enhanced electronic properties but are costlier than conventional silicon chips.
{Prelims – Envi – Species} Jungli Murga (Grey Junglefowl)
- Context (TH): A controversy has emerged surrounding the alleged consumption of the Jungli Murga by the Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh.
Source: ebird
- The grey junglefowl (Gallus sonneratii) is one of the wild ancestors of the domestic chicken, along with the red junglefowl and other junglefowl.
- Grey junglefowl are native to India. They occur mainly in the Deccan Peninsula but extend into Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, and southern Rajasthan.
- Conservation Status: IUCN: Least Concern | WPA,1972: Schedule l.
About Red Junglefowl (Gallus gallus)
- It is a tropical pheasant species native to India, Indo-China, Malaysia, and neighbouring areas.
- Habitat: Primaeval forests, dry scrublands, and secondary-growth woodlands.
- Threats: The interbreeding between wild Red Junglefowl and feral domestic chickens threatens the genetic purity of the species.
- IUCN Status: Least Concern | WPA,1972: Schedule II.
{Prelims – In News} Kisan Kavach
- Context (TH): Scientists affiliated with the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have developed an ‘anti-pesticide’ suit called Kisan Kavach.
- It is made of oxime fabric, which can chemically break down common pesticides sprayed onto cloth or body during spraying operations. This prevents chemicals from leaching into the skin.
- Effective in a wide temperature range under UV light exposure and even after 150 washes.
- Developed by Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC-inStem), Bangalore, with Sepio Health Pvt. Ltd.
Source: AgroSpectrum
National Institute of Nutrition
Overview of Pesticides in India
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Read More > Pesticide Poisoning.
{Prelims – In News} Milkweed Fibre *
- Context (PIB): The Ministry of Textiles is encouraging by extending its R&D efforts into new natural fibres, including milkweed fibre. It is a natural, renewable, and biodegradable material, making it an environmentally friendly alternative to synthetic fibres.
- It is found as a wild plant in India’s states of Rajasthan, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu.
- The milkweed seed pods produce a silky, lightweight fuzz called silk or floss. The soft, lustrous fibres are yellowish-white in colour. Milkweed fluff has been used to make life jackets since World War II.
- It is the primary food source for Monarch butterfly larvae, making it a critical plant for their survival.
- Milkweed fibres are brittle and difficult to spin, which has limited their use in textiles.
Application of Milkweed Fibre
- Water-Safety Equipment: It can float in water 30 times more than its own weight.
- Medicinal Uses: Milkweed plant is potentially poisonous. But it is also used for medicinal purposes.
- Mosquito Repellent Fabric: Experimental fabrics made from milkweed fibre have been developed for their potential to repel mosquitoes.
- Sportswear Insulation: It is utilised in sportswear for its superior insulation, six times warmer than wool.
- Oil Absorption: The fibre’s absorbent properties are useful for oil spill clean-ups.
Read More > Textile Industry.
{Prelims – PIN World – Europe} Country Moldova
- Context (ANI): European country Moldova joins the International Solar Alliance (ISA).
- Location: It is a landlocked country in Eastern Europe, bordered by Romania and Ukraine.
- Historical Background: It was part of the USSR until 1991 when it gained independence.
- Economy: Moldova is one of the poorest countries in Eastern Europe, and its economy largely depends on agriculture and wine production.
- Geography: Moldova is mostly hilly plains with fertile lands. It has a well-developed network of rivers and streams, all draining to the Black Sea.
