Current Affairs – January 07, 2025

{GS1 – A&C – Architecture} Brutalist architecture

Context (IE): ‘The Brutalist’ won three awards – best film in the drama category, best actor (Brody) and best director (actor-turned-filmmaker Brady Corbet).

Brutalism as an architectural style emerged in the 1950s in the United Kingdom during the post-World War II reconstruction.
Brutalist architecture aims at celebrating and exposing the “brutal” truth of the buildings.
Some scholars credit the British architectural critic Reyner Banham with coining the term in 1955. ‘Brutalism’ is also a play on the French phrase for raw concrete: “béton brut”.
The idea was to keep things basic and affordable and avoid the ornamentation of neoclassical styles.
The distinction between exterior and interior materials was erased; concrete and brick were the primary architectural vocabulary.
Brutalism in India: Brutalism came to India through Le Corbusier (the Architect of Chandigarh) and continues influencing many architects, especially in Delhi and Ahmedabad. Some examples include Tibet House and the Shri Ram Centre.

Source: Abirpothi

Characteristics of Brutalist Architecture

The materials’ quality, nature, and texture were given importance over their use.
Simple lines form gigantic geometry that may take outlandish shapes.
High ceilings and open spaces.
Rugged look and rough surfaces without embellishments.
It may also showcase the construction material and concrete used.
Monochromatic buildings.
Priority to function over form.

{GS1 – A&C – Personalities} Discovery of Saint Narahari Tirtha’s Statue

Context (DC): A three-foot idol of 13^th century saint Narahari Tirtha, holding a script on palm leaves, flanked by devotees, has been discovered at the Simhachalam Temple, Visakhapatnam.
Simhachalam Temple is a significant cultural and architectural landmark, renowned for its unique blend of Kalinga and Chola styles and its rich Hindu worship and sculpture heritage.

Source: Deccan Chronicle

Biography of Saint Narahari Tirtha

Born in: Chikakolu (modern Srikakulam), Andhra Pradesh.
Period: 13th century, disciple of Madhvacharya.
Aristocrat Background: Ancestors were aristocrats in the Gajapati Empire (Odisha).
Role in Administration: Helped kings of the Eastern Ganga dynasty follow Sanatana Dharma and managed temple administration.
Philosophy: A key figure in Dvaita Vedanta, spread Madhva philosophy in eastern India, especially the Kalinga region (modern Odisha and Andhra Pradesh).
Final Resting Place: Consecrated near Chakratirtha rock at Hampi, on the banks of Tungabhadra River.

Also, refer to Advait Vedant.

Contributions and Legacy

Literary Works: Composed 15 books; Gita Bhasya and Bhavaprakasika are extant.
Music & Dance: First to compose Devaranamas in Kannada. Promoted Yakshagana Bayalatta (dance-drama) and Kuchipudi (classical dance form).
Strengthened Madhva influence in Odisha, linked to Puri Jagannath temple traditions.
Honorifics: ‘Loka Surakshana Ati Nipunah’, ‘Yo Avati Kalinga Bhu Sambhavan’.

{GS2 – IR – India-China} Yarlung Tsangpo Project and its implications **

Context (IE): China’s proposed construction of the world’s largest dam on the Yarlung Zangbo or Tsangpo (Brahmaputra in India) River in Medog County of the Tibetan Autonomous Region (TAR) presents one of the most serious challenges of the 21^st century.

Understanding Tsangpo Dam

Scale and Investment: The Tsangpo Dam is slated to be the world’s largest infrastructure project, with a staggering investment of $137 billion.
Location: Situated in a gorge where the Brahmaputra River makes a U-turn, flowing through Arunachal Pradesh and into Bangladesh.
Geographical Features: The Brahmaputra descends 25,154 feet across the Tibetan Plateau, forming the Earth’s deepest canyon.
Hydroelectric Potential: The lower reaches of the river exhibit a vertical drop of 2,000 meters over a 50 km stretch, holding an immense hydroelectric potential of nearly 70 million kilowatts. This is more than three times the installed capacity of China’s Three Gorges Dam (22.5 million kilowatts).
Power Generation: The Tsangpo Dam is expected to generate a colossal 60,000 MW (60 GW) of electricity, making it a key player in global energy production.

Source: Indian Express

Geopolitical Impact of the Tsangpo Dam

Hydro-Hegemony by China

Control over Water Flow: China’s dominance over the upper Brahmaputra grants it substantial power over downstream countries, enabling it to regulate water availability at will.
Geopolitical Leverage: By building a dam of such magnitude, China could manipulate the timing and volume of water flowing into India, using this control to gain leverage in geopolitical negotiations.

India-China Rivalry

Exacerbating Tensions: The Tsangpo Dam deepens existing India-China tensions, already strained by issues such as border disputes (E.g., Doklam, Galwan) and China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
Increased Vulnerability: India’s heavy reliance on the Brahmaputra makes it highly susceptible to China’s actions, further amplifying the power imbalance in their bilateral relationship.

Strategic Use of Water Resources

Weaponisation of Water: Water is a strategic asset. China could manipulate the Brahmaputra’s flow, releasing or withholding water during conflicts to create floods or droughts in India, leveraging geopolitical power.
Territorialisation of Rivers: The dam could accelerate the territorialisation of rivers, heightening regional disputes over water rights and control.

Regional Implications for Bangladesh

Impact on Relations: As a downstream nation, Bangladesh is vulnerable to changes in river flow. If India is perceived as failing to address the impacts of China’s actions, it could strain India-Bangladesh relations.
Dam Construction Race: The project could trigger a rush to build dams along the river, threatening the ecosystem. India has already proposed a mega-dam in Upper Siang (11,000 MW) on a Brahmaputra tributary, escalating the issue.
Displacement of Marginalised Communities: These large-scale projects will likely displace tribal and marginalised populations, further exacerbating social and environmental concerns.

Absence of a Legal Framework

Lack of Formal Agreement: Unlike the Indus Waters Treaty between India and Pakistan, there is no formal water-sharing agreement between India and China on the Brahmaputra.
Expired MoU: While an MoU for hydrological information during flood seasons was signed in 2002 and renewed several times, it expired in 2023 and remains unrenewed. These agreements are non-binding, with no mechanism to resolve disputes.
Ineffective Expert Level Mechanism: The Expert Level Mechanism (ELM) has been in place since 2006 to address water issues but has failed to resolve major disputes between the two nations.
Absence of Global Framework: Neither India, China, nor other riparian countries are signatories to the UN Watercourses Convention (1997), which governs use & conservation of international watercourses.

Environmental Consequences of the Tsangpo Dam

Ecosystem Disruption: Altering the Brahmaputra’s flow threatens habitats, species, and ecological balance, especially in the Eastern Himalayas Ecological Hotspot.
Sediment Flow Reduction: The dam would trap sediments, reducing fertility in downstream floodplains and harming agriculture and the livelihoods of communities in Assam and Bangladesh.
Natural Disaster Risk: Situated on a tectonic plate boundary, the dam could trigger earthquakes, landslides, or catastrophic failure, endangering millions downstream.
Climate Change Impacts: Large dams contribute to deforestation and greenhouse gas emissions, exacerbating climate change. Altered river dynamics may increase extreme weather events.
Water Pollution: Stagnant water behind the dam could accumulate pollutants, negatively impacting water quality for downstream populations.

Impact on Water and Food Security

Alteration of Water Flow: The dam will grant China control over the timing and rate of water release, disrupting agricultural cycles and drinking water availability in India.
Flood and Drought Risks: Mismanagement or deliberate manipulation of the dam’s operations could lead to severe floods during the monsoon or drought-like conditions during dry seasons.
Impact on Hydropower: Reduced water flow due to the dam may affect India’s hydropower projects in the Northeast, undermining energy security and economic development.
Dependence on China: India’s reliance on China for hydrological data could hinder its preparedness for water-related challenges, especially due to a potential lack of transparency or accuracy.

Measures to Address the Challenges

Diplomatic Initiatives

Bilateral Negotiations: India must diplomatically engage China to establish a binding water-sharing agreement or a code of conduct for transboundary river management.
Confidence-Building Measures: Enhanced data-sharing on river flow and dam operations can reduce mistrust and promote cooperation.

Strengthening Regional Cooperation

Collaborate with Bangladesh to form a regional bloc advocating equitable river management.
Encourage multilateral discussions under platforms like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation), BRICS, AIIB (Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank), SCO (Shanghai Cooperation Organisation), etc. to address transboundary water challenges collectively.

Enhancing Domestic Preparedness

Water Storage Infrastructure: Develop reservoirs and water management systems in the Northeast to counteract disruptions in water flow.
Flood Control: Build embankments and improve flood forecasting systems to minimise the impact of unexpected water releases.

Leveraging International Forums

India can raise the issue of the Tsangpo dam on global platforms like the UNSC to highlight the project’s environmental, economic, and humanitarian risks to everyone around.
Pursuing for international norms on transboundary rivers, such as the UN Watercourses Convention.

Environmental Advocacy

Conduct and publish detailed studies on the ecological risks of the dam to generate global awareness and pressure China to reconsider its plans.
Collaborate with international environmental NGOs to amplify concerns.

Disaster Management and Risk Mitigation

Strengthen early warning systems for floods & droughts caused by potential changes in river flow.
Invest in community-based disaster preparedness programs in vulnerable regions.

Scientific and Technological Interventions

Use satellite imagery and advanced hydrological modelling to monitor dam construction and assess its potential impacts on water flow.
Develop predictive tools to simulate the effects of altered water flow and plan adaptive measures.

Way Forward

Institutionalising a Water-Sharing Framework: Advocate for a legally binding India-China water-sharing treaty based on mutual trust and equitable river management, similar to the Indus Waters Treaty.
Regional Cooperation and Multilateral Advocacy: Establish a Brahmaputra River Basin Authority with Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal to enhance regional water governance and jointly raise the issue in multilateral forums like the UN, BRICS, and G20.
Strengthening Hydrological Infrastructure: Build advanced water storage systems, flood control measures, and hydroelectric projects in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam to counteract disruptions and improve domestic water security.
Leveraging Technological Solutions: Deploy satellite monitoring systems, AI-based flood prediction tools, and real-time hydrological data sharing with downstream countries to mitigate risks effectively.
Global Environmental Advocacy: Engage international environmental organisations and forums to publicise ecological risks of the Tsangpo Dam, pressuring China to adopt sustainable & cooperative practices.

{GS2 – IR – India-Sri Lanka} Karainagar Boatyard in Sri Lanka

Context (IE): India will provide financial assistance to Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) of 290 million to rehabilitate and develop the Karainagar Boatyard in Sri Lanka’s Northern Province.

Significance

Manufacturing Boost: Karainagar Boatyard in Sri Lanka is historically important for boat manufacturing.
Livelihood Enhancement: Increased livelihood opportunities for local fishermen in Northern Province.
Employment: Creation of jobs directly in the boatyard & indirectly through ancillary businesses.
India-Sri Lanka Relations: India’s assistance aligns with its Neighbourhood First Policy and promotes regional cooperation.
Fisheries Sector Growth: Improved supply of quality fisheries products.

Other Indian Assistance in Sri Lanka

Indian Development Assistance: India has provided over USD 4 billion in aid and lines of credit to Sri Lanka, covering infrastructure, education, health, and community development projects.
Thiruketeeswaram Temple Restoration: India supports the restoration of the historic Hindu temple in Mannar district, one of the five ancient Ishwaram temples dedicated to Lord Shiva in Sri Lanka.
Agricultural Support: Distribution of agricultural equipment & supplies to the farming community.
Fishing Community Assistance: Provision of boats, nets, outboard motors & freezers to local fishermen.

Context (IE | TH): Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced two special visa categories, ‘e-student visa’ and ‘e-student-x visa’, to facilitate international students pursuing higher education in India through Study in India (SII) portal.

Study in India (SII) Portal

It is a one-stop platform for admission and visa-related applications, reducing procedural hurdles.
Comprehensive Access: Connects students with 600+ partner institutions offering 8,000+ courses, including engineering, sciences, law, and niche fields like Yoga.
Streamlined Registration: Students register with basic details to receive a unique SII-ID for tracking admissions and visas.
Eligibility Criteria: Applicable for students enrolling in full-time programs at SII-listed institutions.

Features of the New Visas

e-Student Visa

Granted to international students admitted to full-time undergraduate, postgraduate, PhD, or other recognised academic programs.
Valid for up to five years, extendable based on course duration.
Allows entry into India through any immigration check post.

e-Student-X Visa

Issued to dependents of e-student visa holders, enabling family support.

Advantages of the New Visa System

Simplified Process: The SII portal integrates admissions and visa applications, reducing paperwork.
Access to Diverse Options: Wide range of courses at India’s premier institutions ensures flexibility.
Long-Term Stability: 5-yr visa validity minimises need for frequent renewals, allowing academic focus.
Promoting International Education: Positions India as a global hub for higher education.

Issues

Mandatory SII Registration: Students unfamiliar with digital systems may face difficulties.
Limited Institutions: Admission restricted to SII partner institutions narrows choices.
Bureaucratic Hurdles: Despite online applications, traditional visa processing delays persist.

{GS2 – Vulnerable Sections – Women} ‘Panchayat se Parliament 2.0’ Programme

Context (ET): Lok Sabha Speaker, at the ‘Panchayat se Parliament 2.0’ programme, urged women representatives from Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRI) to embrace AI and innovation for better governance and socio-economic development.

Other Initiatives Driving Women’s Empowerment in India

Entrepreneurial Growth for Tribal Women: Encouraging tribal women to drive economic growth by promoting traditional crafts, local enterprises, and online businesses for self-reliant villages.
Launch of Inclusive Communication Tools: Introduction of ‘Sansad Bhashini,’ an AI-powered tool translating speeches into multiple Indian languages to ensure wider inclusivity.
Legislative Support for Women Leadership: The Nari Shakti Vandan Act is a transformative step toward empowering women in leadership and promoting rural self-reliance.
Promoting Women-Led Governance: Strengthening democracy by encouraging women leaders in rural and tribal communities, with notable success exceeding the 33% reservation for women in PRIs.
Technological Integration for Development: Urging women PRI leaders to adopt AI and technological innovations for sustainable development and better local governance.

{GS3 – Envi – CC} Impact of Climate Change on the Water Cycle

Context (IE | SD): The 2024 Global Water Monitor Report highlights how climate change is disturbing Earth’s water cycle, contributing to more extreme weather events like floods and droughts.

Water Cycle

The water cycle involves water’s continuous movement in various forms: solid, liquid, and gas. It regulates Earth’s weather and ensures water availability for life.
Water evaporates from bodies of water and soil, then condenses as clouds before falling as precipitation.
Precipitated water replenishes oceans, rivers, and soils while also being absorbed by plants.

Climate Change’s Impact on the Water Cycle

Increased Evaporation: Higher temperatures cause more water to evaporate, intensifying water cycle.
More Moisture in the Atmosphere: For every 1°C increase, the air can hold 7% more moisture, resulting in more intense storms.
Extreme Weather Patterns: More frequent & intense droughts and storms put communities, infrastructure, and ecosystems at risk, disturbing soil moisture & increasing the risk of floods and dry spells.
Water Scarcity and Flooding: As regions face water shortages, floods in other areas create unmanageable water surpluses.
Agricultural Impact: Droughts & floods severely disrupt food production & water supplies for irrigation.

Findings of the 2024 Report

2024 as Hottest Year: 2024 marked the hottest year on record, with temperatures 1.2°C higher than the start of the century.
Water-related Disasters: Over 8,700 deaths, 40 million displaced people & $550 billion lost in damages.

Scientific Findings

Intensified Water Cycle: A study from 2022 showed a 7.4% increase in global water cycle intensity due to climate change.
Ocean & Atmospheric Changes: Rising sea temp intensified cyclones, further disrupting water patterns.
Growing Extremes: The frequency of both severe droughts and floods is expected to continue growing as global temperatures rise.
- Extreme Precipitation: Record-high rainfall occurred 27% more often than in 2000; daily rainfall records set 52% more frequently.
- Water Scarcity: Many dry regions showed low water storage, increasing drought severity in areas like the Amazon Basin and southern Africa.

Regional Impacts

Flooding: Flash floods and river floods displaced tens of thousands in Bangladesh, China, and Brazil.
Drought: Severe droughts in southern Africa & Amazon, led to food shortages & ecosystem disruptions.
Economic Losses: Droughts impact crop production, hydropower & lead to livestock culling in Africa.

Adaptation Strategies

Stronger Flood Defenses: Investment in infrastructure to resist floods and better manage excess water.
Drought-Resilient Practices: Implementing better water conservation, irrigation practices, and drought-resistant crops.
Mitigation Efforts: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions can slow the progression of climate change and its impacts on water systems.
International Cooperation: The Global Water Monitor highlights the importance of data-sharing between nations and organisations for real-time insights.
Early Warning Systems: Developing systems to predict extreme events, giving communities time to prepare and mitigate damage.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Conservation Colonialism **

Context (TH): Andaman and Nicobar administration’s unilateral decision to declare wildlife sanctuaries in southern Nicobar exemplifies conservation colonialism, imposing top-down conservation models.

Conservation Colonialism: The displacement or marginalisation of indigenous communities in the name of environmental conservation, often ignoring sustainable practices and traditional rights.
Indigenous peoples globally manage lands that hold 80% of the planet’s biodiversity, yet their rights are often violated under the pretext of conservation and development.

Issues with Conservation Colonialism

Guised Displacement: Conservation colonialism displaces Indigenous communities from their ancestral lands under the guise of environmental protection.
Ignoring Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional ecological knowledge and sustainable practices of indigenous people are overlooked, undermining effective conservation efforts.
Encroachment on Territories: Illegal land encroachments and large-scale development projects jeopardise indigenous communities’ territorial integrity.
Cultural and Economic Impact: Loss of land leads to cultural erosion and economic hardships for the indigenous communities, violating their rights and heritage.

Benefits of Empowering Indigenous Communities

Sustainable Conservation: Indigenous management of territories enhances biodiversity preservation.
Traditional Knowledge: Indigenous expertise in plant and medicinal conservation sustains ecosystems.
Guardians of Biodiversity: Communities act as natural stewards with centuries of ecological wisdom.
Balanced development: Ensures harmony between conservation & sustainable development.
Collaboration: Partnerships with Indigenous communities strengthen conservation strategies.

Issues with Great Nicobar Project

Weak Ecological Justification: Meroë and Menchal sanctuaries show insufficient ecological significance due to low Megapode bird populations and unclear coral diversity.
Threat to Ecosystems: The ₹72,000-crore Great Nicobar Project threatens vital ecosystems like the Galathea Bay Wildlife Sanctuary and endangered species habitats.
Legal and Institutional Barriers: Inadequate implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA) and conflicts between development and conservation hinder recognising indigenous rights.
Impact on Indigenous Livelihoods: The project endangers the traditional homelands and livelihoods of the Nicobarese people, particularly the Shompen, who face displacement.

Ecological Concerns

Deforestation and Biodiversity Loss: Unsustainable development linked to the project threatens forests and biodiversity.
Destruction of Marine Ecosystems: Coral reefs, leatherback turtle habitats & marine life face damage.
Impact on Megapode Birds: Decline in habitats of the Megapode bird due to ecosystem disruption.

Also, refer to Galathea National Park.

{Prelims – Awards} US Presidential Medal of Freedom

Context (IE): On January 5, 2025, US President Joe Biden awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to 19 individuals, including Hillary Clinton, George Soros, Lionel Messi and others.

Presidential Medal of Freedom

Origin: Created in 1945 by President Harry S. Truman, it is the highest civilian honour in the United States, awarded for exceptional contributions to the nation.
Re-named and expanded by President John F. Kennedy in 1963.
Recognises contributions to:
- Security or national interests of the United States.
- World peace.
- Significant cultural, public, or private endeavours.
Award Process: No formal nomination procedure; Selection is based on the President’s discretion under Executive Order 11515 (1970).
Past awardees: Civil rights icons (Rosa Parks), entertainers (Elvis Presley, Oprah Winfrey), sports legends (Muhammad Ali, Lionel Messi), and tech innovators (Bill Gates).

{Prelims – In News} Discovery of Dinosaur Highway

Context (TH): Scientists discovered over 200 dinosaur footprints in Oxfordshire, dating back 166 million years to the Middle Jurassic period. The site, known as the “dinosaur highway,” provides key insights into ancient dinosaur behaviour.

Also, refer to The Age Of Dinosaurs.

Significance of the Discovery

Megalosaurus Footprint: The Megalosaurus footprint is notable as 2024 marks 200 years since William Buckland’s pioneering study in 1824, which initiated modern dinosaur research.
Size Variations: Sauropod footprints showed varying sizes, indicating that adult and juvenile dinosaurs were walking, not running, in a herd.
The discovery is part of ongoing efforts to study the prehistoric past, with further research likely to uncover more details about the lives of dinosaurs.

Challenges in Dinosaur Footprint Preservation

Fragile Nature: Dinosaur footprints are highly fragile and vulnerable to environmental damage.
Mining Activities: Quarrying activities, if not carefully monitored, can lead to the destruction of such footprints and other fossil records.

{Prelims – In News} DRS Technology in Cricket

Context (IE): Yashasvi Jaiswal’s controversial dismissal at the MCG reignites debates about the reliability and accuracy of DRS technologies.

DRS (Umpire Decision Review System) refers to a technology-based system used in cricket to assist umpires in making accurate decisions, particularly when the on-field umpires are uncertain. It allows players to challenge on-field decisions which are reviewed using various technologies.

Key DRS Technologies

Snicko (Snickometer): Detects sound patterns (or ‘snicks’) when the bat contacts the ball, helping identify whether a batsman has edged the ball. Detects edges through audio waveform patterns using resonance filters and an oscilloscope.
Hot Spot: Uses infrared thermal imaging to detect heat signatures when the ball touches the bat or pad.
HawkEye: A ball-tracking technology is used to predict the ball’s trajectory, mainly for LBW (Leg Before Wicket) decisions. It provides a 3D simulation of the ball’s path.

{Prelims – In News} Water sprout in Jaisalmer

Context (IE): Rajasthan’s Jaisalmer witnessed water gushing out from underground. It is being attributed to an “artesian condition”.

Source: GroundReport

Scientists believe this water is millions of years old and not linked with the Saraswati River.

What are artesian conditions?

“Artesian” is when water is “confined under pressure below layers of relatively impermeable rock.
When a rupture (like drilling) happens, underground pressure forces water upward toward land.

What happened in Jaisalmer?

Here, the water is confined underneath a geological layer of sandstone. As soon as the top layer is punctured during borewell drilling, water starts flowing upwards due to heavy pressure.
A small amount of non-inflammable gas was released along with the water.
Earlier, such incidents occurred in surrounding areas, however not to this scale. Similar incidents have also been spotted in the desert regions of Australia and Africa.