Current Affairs – November 01-04, 2024

{GS1 – Geo – PG – Climatology} DANA (Cold Drop)

• Context (IE): Valencia (eastern Spain) received a year’s worth of rainfall within just 8 hours, which can be attributed to an event known locally as “Depresión Aislada en Niveles Altos” (DANA).

About DANA

• Depression Aislada en Niveles Altos (DANA) is commonly referred to in English as the “cold drop.” Spanish meteorologists coined the term to describe this weather phenomenon specifically.
• It forms when a mass of cold air descends over the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, leading to rapid atmospheric instability.
• Polar Jet Stream Influence: The phenomenon involves the polar jet stream, which acts as a boundary between polar and tropical air. Occasionally, a pocket of cold air detaches and moves over the Mediterranean, triggering DANA.
• Period: It typically occurs in the autumn and spring months in the western Mediterranean region.

{GS2 – IR – Israel-Palestine} Balfour Declaration

• Context (IE): The Balfour Declaration, announced 107 years ago in 1917 by the British government, supported a Jewish national home in Palestine. It was a turning point in the Zionist movement and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Arthur James Balfour authored it.

Legacy of the Balfour Declaration in Modern Geopolitics

• Symbol of Colonial Intervention: The Declaration is widely criticised as an example of colonial powers making decisions for territories without local representation or consent.
• Foundation for Israel’s Creation: Although not the only factor, the Balfour Declaration was a major step toward Israel’s establishment in 1948.
• Persistent Israel-Palestine Conflict: Many view the declaration as the root of the Israel-Palestine conflict, as it marked the beginning of disputed claims over land and political rights.
• Global Polarization: The ongoing conflict is central to Middle Eastern politics, with countries around the world divided on their stances regarding Israel and Palestine.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – FRs} Caste-based Discrimination in Prisons

• Context (TH): SC in the Sukanya Shantha case ruled against caste-based discrimination in prisons.

Key Observations by the SC

• Unfulfilled Aspirations: Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of a casteless society is still unrealised.
• Manual Scavenging and Forced Labor: Referencing the Prohibition of Employment as Manual Scavengers and their Rehabilitation Act 2013, the SC stated that no community should be stigmatised as a ‘scavenger class’, especially in prisons.
• Caste-based labour assignments in prisons undermine human dignity and violate fundamental rights:
  • Article 15(1): The practice of assigning menial tasks based on caste was found discriminatory.
  • Article 17: Segregating prisoners and assigning work based on caste amounted to untouchability.
  • Article 23: Forced labour based on caste was deemed a violation of this article.
  • Article 14: Categorising prisoners based on caste instead of merit breaches the principle of equality before the law and undermines substantive equality.
• Examples of State-Specific discrimination cited by SC: Thevars, Nadars, and Pallars were segregated in TN’s Palayamkottai Central Jail, and specific castes were assigned sweeping duties in WB.
• Outdated Prison Manuals: Provisions in state prison manuals retain colonial casteist legacies.
• Investigative Journalism is crucial in prompting legal action and driving reforms.

Supreme Court Directives

• Mandated Reforms:
  • Revision of State Prison Manuals within 3 months to eliminate discriminatory practices.
  • Removal of Caste References/caste-related columns from prisoner records.
  • Regular Inspections by District legal services authorities and visitor boards to ensure compliance with the new directives.
• Need for Substantive Equality (which addresses underlying systemic and social discrimination) to effectively combat social inequities rather than focusing solely on formal equality (non-discriminatory laws).
• Data Collection to address disparities and improve legal aid for marginalised communities in prisons.
• Adoption of modern Manual: States are encouraged to implement the 2016 Model Prison Manual (aligns with the Nelson Mandela Rules) and the Model Prisons and Correctional Services Act of 2023 to uphold prisoners’ dignity.
• Compliance Reports: States should submit reports verifying adherence to mandated reforms.

Challenges for implementation

• Legacy of Colonial Laws: The Prisons Act of 1894 established caste-based practices.
• Removing caste references may mask systemic discrimination rather than resolve it.
• Judicial Bias: Need to recognise and counteract biases within the judiciary to prevent casteist remarks.

{GS2 – Social Sector – Health – Diseases} Global Tuberculosis Report-2024

• Context (IE | TH): WHO 2024 Global TB Report reveals that India had the highest TB burden in 2023.

Highlights of the 2024 Report

• New Diagnoses: 8.2 million people were newly diagnosed with TB in 2023. This is the highest number recorded by the WHO since it began global TB monitoring in 1995.
• TB Deaths: 1.25 million TB-related deaths in 2023, down from 1.32 million in 2022. Despite the decline, TB deaths remain much higher than the 320,000 COVID-19 deaths reported to WHO in 2023.
• Prevalence: 30 mostly low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) bear 87% of the global TB burden. India (26%), Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan—combine for 56% of the burden.
• Five primary risk factors driving new TB cases globally: Undernutrition, HIV infection, Alcohol use disorders, Smoking and Diabetes.

India’s TB Statistics

• Estimated TB Cases: India had approximately 27 lakh TB cases in 2023. Of these, 25.1 lakh cases were diagnosed and initiated on treatment.
• Treatment Coverage Improvement: Treatment coverage in India rose to 89% in 2023, up from 72% in 2015, closing the gap of undiagnosed/missing cases.
• Decline in TB Incidence: TB incidence in India reduced from 237 cases per lakh population in 2015 to 195 cases per lakh in 2023. This reflects a 17.7% decline over the period.

Source: IE

Government Strategies and Programs to Reduce TB Incidence

• National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP): This program aims to eradicate TB in India by 2025 through early diagnosis, treatment support, and preventive measures.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Programs like the Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan foster community support for TB patients. Initiatives such as Ni-kshay Mitras encourage public involvement in TB care and awareness.
• Project Axshya Plus: Supported by the Global Fund, this project includes comprehensive interventions like contact tracing, testing, and managing latent TB infections.
• TB Preventive Therapy (TPT): It provides preventive treatment to individuals at high risk of developing active TB and targets vulnerable populations to curb the spread of the disease before it manifests.
• Digital Health Initiatives: Digital tools like the Nikshay portal, part of the NTEP, monitor patient progress and help ensure treatment adherence.

Also Refer TB for more details.

{GS3 – Envi – Conservation} Key Takeaways from COP-16

• Context (TH): COP-16, the Sixteenth Conference of the Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), was held in Cali, Colombia.

• Originating from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, the CBD aims to conserve biodiversity, use biological resources sustainably, and ensure equitable sharing of benefits.
• Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (KMGBF), adopted at COP15 (2022) set 23 targets to be completed by 2030, including the ’30-by-30′ agreement to protect 30% of land and water by 2030.

Highlights of COP-16

• Global Ecosystems Atlas (GEA): Launched as the first comprehensive tool for mapping and monitoring ecosystems, facilitating informed decision-making to address biodiversity loss and climate change.
• Indigenous Representation: Established a subsidiary body to involve Indigenous communities in conservation and biodiversity discussions.
• Digital Sequence Information (DSI): DSI (pertains to digital genetic data used in commercial products) was discussed, yet still lacks consensus on establishing a multilateral benefit-sharing mechanism.
• Reiterated the need for Integrated policies linking climate change and biodiversity loss.
• Invasive Species Control: Strengthened efforts to curb invasive species in line with KMGBF targets.
• Technical Implementation Support: Adopted measures to enhance technical capabilities for effective KMGBF target achievement.

India’s Role and Contributions

• Updated Biodiversity Plan: India presented a plan with ₹81,664 crore allocated for FY 2025-30, up from ₹32,207 crore spent between 2018-22.
• Call for financial mobilisation: As laid down in target 19 of the KMGBF to support the implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan.
• Achievements:
  • Ramsar Sites Expansion: Increased from 26 to 85 since 2014, aiming for 100 soon.
  • Big Cat Conservation: The International Big Cat Alliance was highlighted to protect big cat species.

Persisting challenges

• Funding Deficit: Commitments remain below the $200 billion annual target, with less than 10% secured.
• Policy Integration: Integrating biodiversity into national policies and planning is challenging.

{GS3 – IE – Inclusive Growth} GDP as an Economic Measure

• Context (DTE): GDP fails to capture the well-being of individuals and the state of the planet.

• Gross Domestic Product (GDP) is the total monetary value of all goods and services produced within a country over a specific period, typically used to gauge economic performance

Criticisms of GDP as an Economic Indicator

• Narrow Economic Focus: GDP measures output but misses health, education, and poverty. India’s high GDP ($3 trillion in 2020) contrasts sharply with its low HDI ranking (132 in 2021).
• Exclusion of Unpaid Work: According to the International Labour Organisation, 16.4 billion hours of unpaid care work are performed daily, greatly benefiting society but remaining uncounted in GDP.
• Income Inequality: GDP doesn’t capture wealth gaps. In India, the top 1% holds 21% of wealth, while the bottom 50% holds only 13%, masking severe inequality.
• Short-term Over Sustainability: GDP promotes immediate gains, neglecting sustainability. India’s industrial growth depleted groundwater by 32% (1993–2018).
• Wellbeing and Social Outcomes: India’s low rank (126th) in the World Happiness Report 2023 shows that high GDP doesn’t equate to improved well-being.

Alternatives to GDP

• Wellbeing Indicators: Countries like New Zealand use wellbeing indicators, such as income, job quality, health, and environmental quality, to assess societal progress beyond GDP.
• Human Rights Framework: This approach evaluates economic policies based on their effectiveness in fulfilling essential rights, like adequate living standards and healthcare, prioritising social justice.
• Genuine Progress Indicator (GPI) adjusts GDP by accounting for environmental degradation, income distribution, and unpaid work, offering a more comprehensive representation of societal progress.
• Buen Vivir (Ecuador): “Buen Vivir” emphasises community well-being and harmony with nature, advocating for rights to nutrition, health, and education as alternatives to traditional economic growth.

Limitations of Alternative Approaches to GDP

• Challenges in Measurement: Wellbeing indicators often rely on economistic frameworks that lack clarity and precision, particularly in addressing gender equality issues.
• Buen Vivir Scalability: While rich in cultural significance, the Buen Vivir concept faces scalability challenges due to its reliance on regional traditions and specific gender roles.
• Data Availability: Many alternative approaches depend on comprehensive data, often unavailable or inconsistent in India, limiting their effectiveness.
• Integrating alternative indicators into existing policy frameworks is complex, as most current policies prioritise GDP, making it difficult to shift focus.

Way Forward

• Integrated Approach: India should adopt an integrated strategy that combines wellbeing, human rights, and sustainability, exemplified by the National Health Mission’s focus on improving healthcare access.
• Policy Rethink: Policies reduce inequality, as demonstrated by the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, which aims to provide housing for over 20 million people.
• Enhancing Data Collection on wellbeing indicators through initiatives like the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, which aims to create a digital health ecosystem.
• Aligning national policies with the UN’s SDGs Goal 3 and Goal 4 about health education to increase the welfare of all. E.g. the New Education Policy 2020 for inclusive education.
• Community-based approaches such as the Self-Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) to enhance economic empowerment and well-being by aligning local needs with national policies.

{Prelims – In News} First Asian Buddhist Summit

• Context (TH): Ministry of Culture, in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC), is organising the First Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) on 5th – 6th November 2024 in New Delhi.

• Theme: Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.
• It will bring together Buddhist ‘Sangha’ leaders, scholars, experts, and practitioners from various traditions across Asia to foster dialogue and promote understanding.
• The Summit is a manifestation of India’s Act East Policy, which is principled on the collective, inclusive and spiritual development of Asia with Dhamma as the guiding light.

{Prelims – PIN World – NA} Puerto Rico

• Context (IE): During a recent election rally in the U.S., a comedian joked about Puerto Rico.

About Puerto Rico

• Unincorporated territory of the US, the US acquired it in 1898 due to the Spanish-American War.
• The people of Puerto Rico have been granted U.S. citizenship but do not have the right to vote in presidential elections or to be represented in the U.S. Congress.
• It could become a state with the approval of the U.S. Congress and the people of Puerto Rico.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Kodo Millet

• Context (IE): Ten wild elephants died in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve. The deaths were suspected to be caused by mycotoxins associated with Kodo millet.

What is Kodo Millet?

• It is also known as Kodra and Varagu and is a staple food for many tribals.
• It is grown in India, Pakistan, the Philippines, Indonesia, Vietnam, Thailand, and West Africa.
• Major producer states: Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Chhattisgarh, and parts of Tamil Nadu.
• Hardiest crops: Drought-tolerant with high yield potential and excellent storage properties.
• Nutritional benefits: Rich in vitamins and minerals, gluten-free, easy to digest, and a great source of antioxidants. It might have anti-carcinogenic properties and beneficial dietary fibre.

Why Do Kodo Millets Become Poisonous?

• Environmental conditions: Spring and summer conditions can lead to fungal infections.
• Fungal infection: Ergot, a parasitic fungal endophyte, grows in the ear heads of Kodo millet. Mycotoxin cyclopiazonic acid (CPA) is one of the mycotoxins associated with kodo millet seeds.

Impact of Toxic Grain on Animals

• Nervous and cardiovascular systems: Symptoms include vomiting, giddiness, unconsciousness, small and rapid pulse, cold extremities, shaking limbs, and tremors.
• Liver dysfunction: Degeneration, necrosis, and lesions of the myocardium.
• Gastrointestinal disorders: Inflammation and damage to the gastrointestinal tract.

{Prelims – Sci – Physics} LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) Technology

• Context (IE): Scientists have detected a lost Mayan city named Valeriana using LiDAR.

What is LiDAR?

• It is a remote sensing technology that uses light in the form of pulsed laser beams to measure distances from the sensor, often mounted on an aircraft, to the Earth’s surface.
• It produces high-resolution 3D models of ground elevation with vertical accuracy of up to 10 cm, offering a precise representation of terrain features.
• Usage: Initially developed for geological surveying and topographical mapping, It also expanded into archaeology, allowing researchers to discover hidden landscapes and structures.

Credits: rvslandsurveyors

How Does LiDAR Work?

• Core Components: LiDAR instrumentation typically consists of a laser, a scanner, and a GPS receiver, working together to capture the terrain’s topography.
• Data Collection Process:
  • The system emits rapid pulses of light that travel to the ground and reflect off various surfaces, including vegetation, buildings, and natural features.
  • The LiDAR sensor records the reflected light, calculating the travel time to estimate the distance between the sensor and each surface point. The data is then combined with GPS and Inertial Measurement System (IMS) information to create an elevation map.
• Point Cloud Data: Initially, LiDAR data appears as a “point cloud,” showing all individual points where light is reflected off objects, including trees, buildings, and ground features.
• Refinement of Data: The data can be processed to produce a “bare earth” Digital Elevation Model (DEM), removing structures and vegetation to reveal only the ground beneath. This is crucial for archaeological exploration in dense, forested regions where trees often obscure structures.