Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (15-10-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: India-Russia discuss training of Indian sailors for polar navigation |
| Columbus Day: Story of Christopher Columbus, why he is a controversial figure |
| Awards and Honour: Three share Economics Nobel for research into differences in prosperity between nations |
| Polity and Governance: Who gets the preferred symbol when there are two factions? |
| Science and Technology: NASA’s Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter |
India-Russia discusses training of Indian sailors for polar navigation
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: Northern Sea Route (NSR)
Why in News
- The India-Russia working group on cooperation in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) held the first meeting last week and discussed targets for Indian-Russian cargo transit
Overview
- The recent India-Russia working group meeting on cooperation in the Northern Sea Route (NSR) marks a significant step in strengthening bilateral maritime collaboration, particularly in the Arctic region.
- This cooperation involves multiple facets such as cargo transit, sailor training, and joint Arctic shipbuilding projects.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU):
- The working group drafted an MoU between the governments of India and Russia for cooperation in cargo shipping in the NSR waters.
- This is aimed at formalizing the collaboration and setting the groundwork for future joint initiatives.
NSR’s Strategic Importance:
- The NSR is the shortest maritime route connecting the western parts of Eurasia to the Asia-Pacific region, made increasingly navigable due to melting Arctic ice.
- Russia, through its state corporation Rosatom (which was appointed as the infrastructure operator of the NSR in 2018), seeks to develop the NSR into an efficient shipping corridor connecting Europe, Russia, and Asia.
- This includes building supporting infrastructure such as nuclear icebreakers and cargo services.
Indian-Russian Cooperation on NSR:
- India and Russia are looking to enhance their logistics links through this route, particularly as India increases its investments in Russia’s Far East region.
- Cooperation on the NSR was emphasized in the joint statement issued after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Moscow in July 2024, where both countries outlined a “new architecture of stable and efficient transport corridors.”
- This includes other initiatives like the Chennai-Vladivostok Corridor and the International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC), both key routes in boosting connectivity between India and Russia.
Training and Development
- The working group also discussed possible training programs for Indian sailors in polar navigation, recognizing the importance of preparing sailors to operate in challenging Arctic conditions.
Expanding the NSR Freight Corridor:
- Russia has been developing the NSR as a vital freight corridor by implementing regular cargo services, building nuclear-powered icebreakers, and upgrading existing infrastructure.
- In 2023, international cargo transit along the NSR exceeded two million tonnes. Additionally, from January to June 2024, nuclear icebreakers facilitated 438 vessel calls, with the total gross tonnage amounting to over 50 million tons.
Potential Benefits for India:
- Utilizing the NSR could significantly reduce shipping time and costs for India, especially in terms of trade with Europe and Russia.
- The Chennai-Vladivostok corridor and the INSTC could be complemented by the NSR, making it a strategic asset for India’s trade routes.
Northern Sea Route (NSR)
- The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is a vital Arctic shipping lane that runs along Russia’s northern coast, connecting the western part of Eurasia with the Asia-Pacific region.
- It is the shortest maritime route between Europe and Asia, significantly reducing the distance and shipping time compared to traditional routes like the Suez Canal.
- The melting of Arctic ice due to climate change has made this route more navigable for longer periods each year, increasing its strategic importance for global trade.
- Russia, through its state corporation Rosatom, is developing the NSR into a major commercial shipping corridor by enhancing infrastructure, building nuclear icebreakers, and managing regular cargo services.
- The NSR is seen as a critical component of Russia’s plans to connect Europe and Asia while promoting economic development in the Arctic region.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. Which of the following statements regarding the India-Russia cooperation on the Northern Sea Route (NSR) is correct?
A) The Northern Sea Route (NSR) is the longest shipping route connecting Europe and the Asia-Pacific region. B) In 2018, the Indian government appointed Rosatom as the infrastructure operator of the NSR. C) The NSR offers a shorter maritime connection between the western part of Eurasia and the Asia-Pacific region, made possible due to the melting icecaps. D) The International North-South Transport Corridor (INSTC) is aimed solely at enhancing the shipping routes between India and Russia via the Arctic. |
Q. Consider the following countries: (2022)
Which of the above are members of the Organization of Turkic States? A. 1, 2 and 4 only B. 1 and 3 only C. 2 and 5 only D. 3, 4 and 5 only Ans: C
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| Answer – 1-C
Explanation –
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Columbus Day: Story of Christopher Columbus, why he is a controversial figure
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Relevance: GS 2- International Events
Context: Columbus Day
Why in News
- The second Monday of October is observed in the United States as Columbus Day, a federal holiday to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
Overview
- Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday of October in the United States to commemorate the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas on October 12, 1492.
- While initially celebrated as a symbol of exploration and the “discovery” of the Americas, recent critical perspectives have questioned Columbus’ legacy due to the violent colonization that followed his arrival.
The ‘Discovery’ of the Americas
- During the late 15th century, traditional trade routes between Europe and Asia were disrupted by the rise of the Ottoman Empire.
- European nations were eager to find new routes to reach Asia’s wealth, leading explorers like Bartolomeu Dias and Vasco da Gama to chart new maritime paths around Africa.
- However, Christopher Columbus, a Genoese sailor, proposed a different idea: sailing westward across the Atlantic to reach Asia.
- Supported by the Spanish Crown, Columbus set sail in August 1492 and, on October 12, arrived in the Bahamas. Over the next few months, he explored other Caribbean islands like Cuba and Hispaniola.
- Columbus believed he had reached the East Indies and referred to the native populations as “Los Indios” (Indians), despite being in an entirely new land.
The Myth of Columbus
- For centuries, Columbus was a relatively minor figure in history.
- His significance grew during the American Revolution (1775-83) when the United States sought to create a national identity distinct from its British colonial past.
- Columbus, who was viewed as a pioneering explorer, became a symbol of the values the new nation wanted to project: courage, independence, and innovation.
- By the late 18th century, “Columbusmania” had gripped the United States.
- Towns, universities, and even the nation’s capital were named after him, such as Columbia University and the District of Columbia.
- The publication of Washington Irving’s highly inaccurate biography of Columbus in 1828 further cemented his status as a national hero.
Columbus Day Becomes a Federal Holiday
- The 400th anniversary of Columbus’ voyage in 1892 led President Benjamin Harrison to declare October 12 as a national celebration.
- For Italian-Americans, Columbus became a significant figure, symbolizing their contribution to American society and helping them gain acceptance amid widespread discrimination.
- Columbus Day became an official federal holiday in 1971.
Legacy of Brutality and Controversy
- As time progressed, the myth of Columbus began to unravel, revealing the darker side of his expeditions.
- Columbus’ arrival marked the beginning of European colonization, leading to violence, exploitation, and the decimation of native populations through slavery, forced conversions, and the spread of diseases like smallpox.
- On his first day in the Americas, Columbus wrote in his journal about capturing six natives, whom he intended to enslave.
- Subsequent expeditions led to the enslavement and massacre of indigenous populations.
- By some estimates, within 60 years of Columbus’ arrival, only a few hundred of the original 250,000 Taino people in the Caribbean remained alive. Columbus was even stripped of his governorship by the Spanish Crown due to the extreme brutality of his rule.
- The diseases brought by Columbus and other European colonists devastated indigenous populations who had no immunity to these illnesses, wiping out entire civilizations.
Indigenous Peoples’ Day
- In recent decades, there has been a growing movement to replace Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples’ Day in recognition of the suffering and destruction caused by European colonization.
- While many see it as a necessary corrective to the glorification of Columbus, the issue remains politically divisive, often split along racial and party lines in the U.S.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements regarding Columbus Day and the legacy of Christopher Columbus:
1. Columbus Day is observed in the United States on the second Monday of October to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ landing in the Americas in 1492. 2. Columbus’ expeditions were directly responsible for the widespread decline of the indigenous Taino population due to the introduction of European diseases and violence. 3. The observance of Columbus Day was first introduced as a federal holiday by President Benjamin Harrison in 1892. 4. In recent years, Indigenous Peoples’ Day has been proposed as an alternative to Columbus Day to recognize the suffering of native populations. Which of the statements given above are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which one of the following statements best reflects the issue which Senkaku Islands, sometimes mentioned in the news? (2022)
(a) It is generally believed that they are artificial islands made by a country around South China Sea. (b) China and Japan engage in maritime disputes over these islands in East China Sea (c) A permanent American military base has been set up there to help Taiwan to increase its defence capabilities. (d) Through International Courts of Justice declared them as no man’s land, some South-East Asian countries claim them. Answer: (b)
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| Answer 2– C
Explanation – · Statement 1 is correct. Columbus Day is observed on the second Monday of October in the U.S. to commemorate Christopher Columbus’ arrival in the Americas on October 12, 1492. · Statement 2 is correct. Columbus’ expeditions contributed to the decline of the Taino population due to violence, enslavement, and the introduction of European diseases. · Statement 3 is incorrect. While the 400th anniversary of Columbus’ landing was celebrated in 1892, Columbus Day did not become a federal holiday until 1971. · Statement 4 is correct. Indigenous Peoples’ Day has been proposed as an alternative to Columbus Day to honor the lives and cultures of native populations affected by European colonization. · Therefore, option C is the correct answer. |
Three share Economics Nobel for research into differences in prosperity between nations
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS 3- Economy, Awards and Honours
Context: Economics Nobel Prize
Why in News
- The Nobel memorial prize in economics has been awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson and James A. Robinson for research into differences in prosperity between nations.
Overview
- The Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences for 2024 has been awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson for their research on understanding the differences in prosperity between nations.
- Their work focuses on the role of societal institutions—such as the rule of law and governance—in shaping economic growth and development.
Key Contributions of the Laureates:
The Nobel committee highlighted that the laureates have shown how:
- Institutions matter: Societies with poor institutions that exploit their populations, rather than protect them, fail to generate sustainable economic growth.
- Importance of rule of law: Countries with strong institutions that enforce laws fairly and protect property rights create environments where economic progress is possible.
- Their research explains why some countries prosper while others remain stuck in poverty, linking the differences in economic outcomes to the quality of institutions.
- The laureates’ works have become essential in the fields of economics, political science, and development studies, helping policymakers understand how governance and institutions affect long-term prosperity.
Broader Context of the Nobel Memorial Prize in Economic Sciences:
- The prize, although commonly referred to as a “Nobel Prize,” is formally known as the Bank of Sweden Prize in Economic Sciences in Memory of Alfred Nobel. It was established in 1968 by Sweden’s central bank to honor Alfred Nobel, the inventor of dynamite and the creator of the original Nobel Prizes (in fields like physics, chemistry, peace, etc.).
- This economics award, along with the original Nobel Prizes, will be presented in December in Stockholm and Oslo during a ceremony commemorating the anniversary of Alfred Nobel’s death.
Overview of Other 2024 Nobel Prize Winners:
This year’s Nobel Prize announcements included various fields, such as:
- Physics: John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were awarded for their pioneering work in artificial neural networks, crucial for advancements in machine learning.
- Chemistry: David Baker was recognized for computational protein design, while Demis Hassabis and John Jumper were honored for breakthroughs in protein structure prediction.
- Literature: Han Kan from South Korea won the Nobel Prize in Literature, being the only woman laureate in 2024.
- Medicine: Discoveries in gene regulation were celebrated, although the specifics of the recipients were not mentioned in this text.
- Peace Prize: The Japanese group Nihon Hidankyo received the Peace Prize for their efforts to combat nuclear weapons.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||||
Q3. Match the following Nobel Prize winners of 2024 with their respective fields:
Options: (a) 1-D, 2-C, 3-E, 4-B, 5-A
|
Q. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards. (2021)
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India. 2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once. 3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year. Which of the above statements are not correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 and 3 (c) 1 and 3 (d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans. (d)
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| Answer 3-A
Explanation · A – (Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences): Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James A. Robinson were awarded for their contributions to economics. · B – (Nobel Prize in Physics): John Hopfield and Geoffrey Hinton were recognized for their work in physics, particularly in areas related to neural networks. · C – (Nobel Prize in Chemistry): David Baker, Demis Hassabis, and John Jumper were awarded for their breakthrough in determining protein structures using AI. · D – (Nobel Prize in Literature): Han Kan was honored for his literary contributions. · E – (Nobel Peace Prize): Nihon Hidankyo, an organization of atomic bomb survivors, received the Peace Prize for its work. Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
Who gets the preferred symbol when there are two factions
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2-Polity and Governance
Context: Allocation of party symbols
Why in News
- Sharad Pawar has approached the Supreme Court to request a freeze on the use of the ‘clock’ symbol by the Ajit Pawar faction in the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections, citing concerns about voter confusion and symbol misallocation during recent elections.
How Are Symbols Allotted?
- Symbols play an essential role in Indian elections, especially since a large part of the electorate is illiterate. Symbols help voters identify political parties and their candidates.
- Symbols are allotted by the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the provisions of the Symbols Order.
- A national or state-recognized political party has a reserved symbol that cannot be allotted to any other candidate or party in any constituency.
The Present Issue:
- Background: NCP, founded by Sharad Pawar, is a state-recognized party in Maharashtra and Nagaland. In July 2023, a split occurred within the party, with Ajit Pawar, nephew of Sharad Pawar, claiming the support of 41 out of 53 NCP MLAs in Maharashtra.
- In February 2024, the ECI recognized the Ajit Pawar faction as the real NCP and allotted the NCP’s reserved symbol, the ‘clock,’ to his group during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Sharad Pawar’s faction (NCP-SP) was allotted a new symbol, ‘man blowing turha’ (a traditional trumpet).
- The Sharad Pawar faction claims that this led to voter confusion during the 2024 elections, as both factions claimed to be the real NCP. Now, they are asking the Supreme Court to freeze the ‘clock’ symbol for the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
Past Instances of Symbol Disputes:
- The ECI has been involved in similar cases in the past where it had to intervene in party symbol disputes:
- AIADMK (1989, 2017): The ‘two leaves’ symbol of the AIADMK was frozen when the party split, and there were competing claims over the symbol.
- Shiv Sena (2022): The ‘bow and arrow’ symbol of Shiv Sena was frozen before a by-election following the party’s split.
- In these cases, the ECI temporarily froze the symbols until it could determine which faction represented the original party.
Supreme Court’s Role:
- The Supreme Court’s 1971 ruling in Sadiq Ali vs. ECI laid down a 3-test formula to decide which faction of a split party should be recognized as the original party:
- Aims and objectives of the party.
- Functioning as per the party’s constitution and reflecting inner-party democracy.
- Majority in the legislative and organizational wings of the party.
- In this case, the ECI in its February 2024 order found:
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- No dispute on the first test.
- Neither faction followed the party’s constitution, making the second test irrelevant.
- The third test of majority in the legislature was applied, and since Ajit Pawar had the majority of MLAs supporting him, the ECI recognized his faction as the real NCP.
- However, the Sharad Pawar faction (NCP-SP) outperformed Ajit Pawar’s NCP in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections (NCP-SP won 8 seats, while Ajit’s NCP won just 1 seat). This raises doubts about the majority test, especially when deciding the real support base within the electorate.
Way Forward:
- The Supreme Court has traditionally avoided interfering in the election process, considering it the domain of the ECI. But in exceptional cases, it has given directions to the ECI to ensure a fair election.
- In this case, based on the performance of the Sharad Pawar faction in the Lok Sabha elections, the third test of legislative majority can be reconsidered. There is a possibility that the court may direct the ECI to freeze the ‘clock’ symbol for the upcoming 2024 Assembly elections in Maharashtra.
- Experts also suggest that internal democracy in political parties should be strengthened through regular and transparent inner-party elections. However, it is debated whether the ECI should monitor these elections, as it may drag the constitutional body into the realm of party politics. Instead, political parties should institutionalize democratic practices on their own, driven by the members of the parties.
Conclusion:
- This case sheds light on the internal disputes within political parties and the importance of symbols in Indian elections.
- The Supreme Court’s decision in this matter will not only impact the NCP but may also set a precedent for resolving future party disputes.
- The broader issue of promoting internal democracy within parties remains a crucial reform for ensuring transparency and accountability in the political system.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Consider the following statements regarding the allocation of political party symbols in India:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only
|
Q. Consider the following statements: (2021)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a. 1 only b. 2 only c. 1 and 3 only d. 2 and 3 only Ans: (b) |
| Answer 4-A
Explanation · Statement 1 is Correct. The ECI is responsible for the allocation of symbols to political parties in India, as per the provisions of the Symbols Order. A recognized national or state political party has a reserved symbol, which is exclusively allocated to it and can be used by its candidates across all constituencies. · Statement 2 is correct. In the Sadiq Ali vs. ECI case (1971), the Supreme Court established a three-test formula to resolve disputes within split political parties. This formula includes assessing the aims and objectives of the party, adherence to the party’s constitution, and the majority in legislative and organizational wings. · Statement 3 is Incorrect. While the ECI does have the authority to allocate symbols during a split, it does not automatically freeze the symbols used by both factions. The ECI assesses which faction is the original party and allocates the reserved symbol accordingly. In some cases, it may freeze the symbols if there are competing claims, but this is not an automatic action. · Therefore, option A is the correct answer. |
NASA’s Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter
Source: NYTimes
https://www.nytimes.com/2024/10/14/science/nasa-europa-clipper-jupiter.html
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Space technology, Science and Technology
Context: Europa Clipper spacecraft
Why in news
- NASA successfully launched the Europa Clipper spacecraft from Florida on a mission to assess whether Jupiter’s moon, Europa, has conditions suitable for life.
Mission Overview
- This mission focuses on a vast subsurface ocean believed to exist beneath Europa’s thick icy shell.
- The spacecraft launched on a SpaceX Falcon Heavy rocket and will travel approximately 1.8 billion miles to reach Jupiter’s orbit in about five and a half years.
Importance of Europa
- Europa is one of Jupiter’s 95 known moons and is nearly the size of Earth’s moon.
- It is covered by an ice sheet estimated to be between 10 and 15 miles (15 to 24 kilometers) thick. Beneath this frozen surface, scientists believe there may be an ocean that is 80 miles (120 kilometers) deep or more.
- The Hubble Space Telescope has observed geysers erupting from Europa’s surface, indicating that there may be exchange between the surface and the subsurface ocean.
Potential for Life
- For life to exist, three essential components are needed: water, organic compounds, and an energy source.
- Europa’s subsurface ocean is believed to contain water, and potential energy sources could include thermal vents on the ocean floor.
- Although the mission will not directly search for life forms, it aims to determine whether Europa could be habitable today.
Spacecraft Specifications
- The Europa Clipper is NASA’s largest spacecraft designed for planetary exploration, equipped with large solar panels that extend over 100 feet (30 meters) when fully deployed.
- It weighs nearly 13,000 pounds (6,000 kilograms) and carries nine scientific instruments, including radar to penetrate the ice and cameras to map Europa’s surface.
Mission Journey and Operations
- The spacecraft will take a roundabout journey to Jupiter, passing by Mars and Earth to boost its speed before reaching its destination.
- It is expected to arrive at Jupiter in 2030 and begin its scientific investigations in 2031, performing 49 flybys of Europa.
- The mission is set to conclude in 2034 with a planned crash into Ganymede, Jupiter’s largest moon.
Challenges and Protection
- Jupiter’s radiation environment is the most intense in the solar system, presenting a significant risk to the spacecraft.
- To protect it, the electronics are housed in a vault made of dense aluminum and zinc.
- Although the radiation could eliminate life on Europa’s surface, it may also break down water molecules, potentially releasing oxygen into the ocean, which could support sea life.
Historical Context and Previous Missions
- Previous explorations of Jupiter include NASA’s Pioneer spacecraft and the Voyagers, which captured the first images of Europa.
- The Galileo spacecraft conducted multiple flybys in the 1990s, and currently, the Juno spacecraft is orbiting Jupiter.
- The European Space Agency’s Juice spacecraft, launched last year, will arrive at Jupiter a year after Clipper.
Other Ocean Worlds
- In addition to Europa, other moons such as Ganymede and Callisto may also harbor subsurface oceans, though they are more challenging to explore due to thicker ice layers.
- Saturn’s moons, like Enceladus and Titan, are also suspected of having subterranean seas.
Messages to Humanity
- In keeping with the tradition of robotic explorers, the Europa Clipper carries messages from Earth.
- Attached to its electronics vault is a triangular metal plate featuring “water words” in 104 languages and a poem about the moon written by US poet laureate Ada Limon.
- It also contains a silicon chip with the names of 2.6 million people who signed up to ride along vicariously.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. Consider the following statements regarding NASA’s Europa Clipper mission:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. In the context of space technology, what is “Bhuvan”, recently in the news? (2010)
(a) A mini satellite launched by ISRO for promoting the distance education in India (b) The name given to the next Moon Impact Probe, for Chandrayaan-II (c) A geoportal of ISRO with 3D imaging capabilities of India (d) A space telescope developed by India Ans: (c) |
| Answer 5-B
Explanation · Statement 1: Correct. The Europa Clipper spacecraft aims to assess the conditions beneath Europa’s icy shell to determine its habitability, particularly focusing on the subsurface ocean believed to exist there. · Statement 2: Incorrect. The mission is designed to study the surface and subsurface but will not directly sample the ocean beneath the ice due to the challenges associated with penetrating the thick ice layer. · Statement 3: Correct. The Europa Clipper is equipped with nine scientific instruments, including radar designed to penetrate the ice and other tools for mapping and analyzing the surface and atmosphere. · Therefore, option B is the correct answer. |