Current Affairs Reverse Engineering- CARE (25-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| Science and Technology: Goa Maritime Symposium – 24 |
| About butterfly effect |
| Environment and Ecology: Elephants in religious festivals: Could mechanical jumbos be the ethical way ahead? |
| Geography: Assam boiling hot- Heat dome effect |
| Economy: Unemployment rate stagnant, reveals government survey |
GOA MARITIME SYMPOSIUM – 24
Source: PIB
https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetailm.aspx?PRID=2058348
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Science and Technology
Context: Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS)
Why in News
- The fifth edition of Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024 was hosted by the Indian Navy under the aegis of Naval War College, Goa.
Overview
- The Fifth Edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024 was held from September 23 to 24, organized by the Indian Navy under the auspices of the Naval War College, Goa.
- This year’s symposium took place in the newly inaugurated Chola building, a state-of-the-art facility designed to enhance discussions and collaborations among regional maritime stakeholders.
Theme and Objectives
- The central theme for this edition was “Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) – Progressing Lines of Effort to Mitigate Dynamic Threats such as IUU Fishing and Other Illegal Maritime Activities.”
- This theme reflects a commitment to addressing the diverse and evolving maritime security challenges faced by countries in the IOR.
- It is based on the principle of “Security and Growth for All in the Region” (SAGAR), a vision articulated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India aimed at promoting prosperity and stability in the Indian Ocean.
Participation and Collaborations
Delegations from several countries participated, including:
- Bangladesh
- Indonesia
- Madagascar
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Mauritius
- Myanmar
- Seychelles
- Singapore
- Sri Lanka
- Thailand
- Kenya
- Tanzania
These representatives included officers of Captain or Commander equivalent rank from the Navies and Maritime Security Agencies of friendly foreign nations.
Key Discussions
The symposium served as a platform to discuss various strategies aimed at addressing non-traditional maritime threats in the IOR. Key focus areas included:
- Collaborative Information-Sharing Mechanisms: Enhancing communication and information sharing among nations to effectively combat maritime threats.
- Strengthening Regional Cooperation: Discussing various measures to bolster cooperation among IOR nations for collective maritime security.
- Mitigating Emerging Non-Traditional Threats: Addressing challenges like Illegal, Unreported, and Unregulated (IUU) Fishing, piracy, and other illegal maritime activities that threaten regional stability and security.
Future Implications
- The deliberations and insights gained during the Goa Maritime Symposium are expected to serve as a foundation for the upcoming Goa Maritime Conclave scheduled for 2025.
- This forthcoming event aims to further deepen the cooperation and collaborative strategies discussed at the symposium, paving the way for enhanced maritime security in the Indian Ocean Region.
Significance of the Secured Indian Ocean Region for India
Maritime Security:
- There is no universal definition of maritime security, but it classifies issues in the maritime domain comprising national security, marine environment, economic development, and human security.
- Besides the world’s oceans, it also deals with regional seas, territorial waters, rivers and ports.
National Security:
- For India, maritime security is an important aspect of national security as it has a coastline of over 7,000 km.
- With advancement in technology, physical threats in the maritime region have now been overshadowed by technological threats.
For Trade Purpose:
- India’s exports and imports have remained mostly across the shipping lanes of the Indian Ocean.
- Therefore, Securing Sea Lanes of Communication (SLOCs) have been an important issue for India in the 21st century.
Countering China’s Growing:
- India has expressed concerns about China’s growing presence in the Indian Ocean region, particularly in countries like Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and Maldives.
- The development of Chinese-controlled ports and military facilities in these areas has been seen as a challenge to India’s strategic interests and regional security.
Present Maritime Security Mechanism in India:
- Currently, coastal security of India is governed by a three-tiered structure.
- The Indian Navy patrols the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL), while the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) is mandated to do patrolling and surveillance up to 200 nautical miles (i.e., Exclusive Economic Zone).
- Simultaneously, the State Coastal/Marine Police (SCP/SMP) performs boat patrolling in shallow coastal areas.
- The SCP have jurisdiction up to 12 nautical miles from the coast; and the ICG and the Indian Navy have jurisdiction over the entire maritime zone (up to 200 nautical miles), including the territorial waters (with the SMP).
India’s Recent Maritime Engagements:
- To address shared concerns over maritime security, Indian naval ships conducted coordinated patrols with countries like Mozambique, Seychelles, and Mauritius in 2023.
- These patrols aimed to combat piracy, smuggling, and illicit trafficking in the Indian Ocean region.
- India has been actively involved in capacity-building activities to support African nations in achieving self-sufficiency and enhancing their maritime capabilities.
SAGAR Initiative:
- Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR) was launched in 2015. It is India’s strategic vision for the Indian Ocean Region (IOR).
- Through SAGAR, India seeks to deepen economic and security cooperation with its maritime neighbors and assist in building their maritime security capabilities.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q1. What was the primary theme of the Fifth Edition of the Goa Maritime Symposium (GMS) 2024?
A) Strengthening Maritime Trade Routes in the Indian Ocean B) Common Maritime Security Challenges in the Indian Ocean Region C) Enhancing Naval Capabilities of Friendly Countries D) Regional Cooperation for Disaster Management |
Q. With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)’, consider the following statements: (2015)
Which of the statements given above is/ are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (d) |
| Answer 1-B
Explanation:
|
Elephants in religious festivals: Could mechanical jumbos be the ethical way ahead?
Source: Down To Earth
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Environment and Ecology
Context: Issue of using elephants in temple festivals
Why in News
- The issue of using elephants in temple festivals across South India has gained significant attention recently due to concerns regarding animal welfare.
Historical Context and Cultural Significance
- Elephants have played a pivotal role in temple festivals in South India for centuries, symbolizing grandeur and tradition.
- Events such as Mysuru Dasara and celebrations in Kerala, Udupi, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka feature elephants as part of religious processions and rituals.
- However, this age-old practice faces scrutiny as the welfare of these animals comes under question.
Incidents and Concerns
- Recent incidents, including a viral video showing two elephants, Kanjan and Dhananjaya, in a distressing encounter during Dasara festivities, have reignited discussions about the safety and treatment of captive elephants.
- Such events can lead to dangerous situations for both the elephants and festival attendees, with panic often ensuing in crowded areas.
- Physical and Psychological Strain: During festivals, elephants are made to walk long distances—up to 5.6 kilometers—carrying heavy loads, such as a 750-kilogram golden howdah.
- This practice poses serious physical risks and causes significant psychological distress, violating guidelines meant to protect captive elephants.
- Fatalities and Accidents: According to Karnataka and Kerala Forest Department officials, over 350 people have died due to elephant-related incidents at festivals over the past 14 years.
- The stress and mistreatment of elephants can lead to erratic behavior, resulting in tragic accidents.
Ethical and Legal Issues
Despite the cultural significance of using elephants in festivals, ethical concerns abound:
- Cruelty and Neglect: Captive elephants often face harsh conditions, such as being kept in chains, subjected to sharp tools like ankus, and enduring stressful environments filled with loud noises and large crowds. These factors can lead to aggressive behavior and accidents, highlighting a critical need for reform in how these animals are treated.
- Legal Violations: The practices surrounding the use of elephants in festivals often violate the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 and the Wildlife Protection Act of 1972, which are designed to safeguard animal welfare. Despite existing legal frameworks, incidents of mistreatment continue, resulting in injuries and fatalities.
Responses and Alternatives
In light of the ongoing concerns, several initiatives have emerged:
- Karnataka Elephant Task Force (KETF): This body has recommended the establishment of specific zones for elephant conservation and coexistence, addressing the need for a balance between human activities and elephant welfare. It advocates for responsible management practices to mitigate human-elephant conflicts.
- Mechanical Elephants: In a bid to alleviate the suffering of captive elephants, some temples, including those in Karnataka, have begun using mechanical elephants for rituals. This shift has been supported by animal welfare organizations, including PETA India, and represents a significant step towards reducing reliance on live elephants in religious ceremonies.
Significance
- The use of elephants in temple festivals is a deeply rooted tradition that now faces challenges from both ethical and welfare perspectives.
- As awareness grows regarding the implications of these practices, there is a pressing need for reforms that prioritize the well-being of elephants while respecting cultural traditions.
- The introduction of mechanical alternatives may provide a pathway towards more humane practices in celebrating these age-old customs.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q2. Consider the following statements:
Statement 1: The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act of 1960 provides legal protections against the mistreatment of elephants in captivity. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are true. B) Statement 1 is true, but Statement 2 is false. C) Statement 1 is false, but Statement 2 is true. D) Both Statement 1 and Statement 2 are false. |
Q. With reference to Indian elephants, consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 4 only (c) 3 only (d) 1, 3 and 4 only Ans: (a) |
| Answer 2 – A
Explanation:
|
Assam boiling hot- Heat dome effect
Source: Down To Earth
https://www.downtoearth.org.in/climate-change/why-is-assam-boiling-hot-heat-dome-effect-say-experts
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 1 Geography
Context: Heat dome effect.
Why in News
- The unprecedented high temperatures in Assam have led to health crises and fatalities due to a phenomenon known as the heat dome effect.
Heat Dome
- A heat dome occurs when an area of high-pressure traps warm air over a region, just like a lid on a pot, for an extended period of time.
- The longer that air remains trapped, the more the sun works to heat the air, producing warmer conditions with every passing day.
- Heat domes generally stay for a few days but sometimes they can extend up to weeks, which might cause deadly heat waves.
- Scientists suggest that any region of high pressure, whether a heat dome or not, forces air to sink and once it reaches the ground, it gets compressed and becomes even warmer.
- Moreover, when air sinks, it gets drier and further raises the temperature of the area.
Heat Dome Effect
- The heat dome effect is characterized by a high-pressure system (anti-cyclone) that traps hot air in a large area, leading to extremely hot and dry conditions.
- Impact in Assam: Temperatures have reached around 40 degrees Celsius, with mobile apps indicating it “feels like 50 degrees.” This unusual heat, especially without nighttime cooling, has led to seven fatalities.
Contributing Factors
- Monsoon Circulation Weakening: Typically, air circulation from the Bay of Bengal brings moisture and cooling to the region. However, this year, the circulation has been absent, replaced by a high-pressure system.
- Soil Moisture Absence: Lack of soil moisture, which usually helps cool down temperatures at night, has exacerbated heat retention.
- Local Factors: Heavy deforestation, industrialization, and urban heat islands have further intensified the heat conditions. Over 2,690 square kilometers of forest in Assam have been lost to human activities since 2000.
Health and Socio-Economic Impact
- Vulnerability of Underprivileged: The heatwave has disproportionately affected daily wage laborers and low-income groups.
- Several individuals have succumbed to heat strokes while performing their daily tasks, revealing a critical intersection of climate effects and social disparities.
Official Response
- IMD Warnings: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued warnings about the heat conditions and reported record-breaking temperatures across major cities in Assam.
- ASDMA’s Actions: The Assam State Disaster Management Agency (ASDMA) has started documenting health impacts related to heat, despite not officially declaring a heatwave due to existing protocols. The agency is now tracking heat-related deaths and health incidents in the state.
Future Projections
- Expected Rainfall: The IMD forecasts increased rainfall in the coming days, which may alleviate some of the heat but does not address the long-term climate change impacts causing these conditions.
- Challenges in Declaration: The article emphasizes the criteria used by authorities to declare heatwaves, which currently do not consider the extreme temperatures being experienced in Assam as sufficient for such a declaration.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q3. Consider the following statements regarding the heat dome effect and its impact on Assam:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) Only statement 1 |
Q. Consider the following statements:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? a. 1 only b. 2 only c. Both 1 and 2 d. Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: C |
| Answer 3- D
Explanation
|
What is the butterfly effect?
Source: The Hindu
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/what-is-the-butterfly-effect/article68670326.ece
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS3 Science and Technology
Context: Butterfly Effect and Its Significance
Why in News
The butterfly effect, a core concept in chaos theory, suggests that even tiny changes in a system’s initial state can lead to dramatically different outcomes over time.
What is Butterfly Effect?
- The butterfly effect is a fundamental concept in chaos theory that illustrates how small changes in initial conditions can lead to vastly different outcomes in complex systems.
- This principle has profound implications in various scientific fields, particularly in meteorology, where it is essential for understanding the unpredictability of weather patterns.
Edward Lorenz’s Contribution:
- The butterfly effect was popularized by American mathematician Edward Lorenz in the early 1960s. While working on weather prediction models using computers, he discovered that slight variations in input values could lead to significantly divergent weather predictions.
- For instance, changing an initial parameter from 0.506127 to 0.506 resulted in a drastically different forecast for weather conditions two months later. This observation highlighted the sensitivity of chaotic systems to initial conditions.
Historical Context:
- The groundwork for understanding chaotic behavior was laid by earlier mathematicians such as Henri Poincaré and Norbert Wiener, who recognized that the Earth’s atmosphere is inherently unstable and influenced by minute changes.
Characteristics of Classical Chaos
- Classical chaos refers to deterministic systems governed by classical mechanics that exhibit extreme sensitivity to initial conditions.
- This means that, while the underlying rules are known, predicting the long-term behavior of such systems becomes nearly impossible due to their complexity.
Deterministic Chaos:
- In classical chaos, despite the deterministic nature of the governing equations, the outcomes become unpredictable over time.
- This characteristic is particularly evident in meteorological systems, where slight changes in atmospheric conditions can yield significantly different weather outcomes.
Quantum Chaos
- The concept of chaos extends into the realm of quantum mechanics, leading to the field of quantum chaos.
- This branch of study aims to understand how quantum systems can display chaotic behavior analogous to classical chaos while adhering to the principles of quantum mechanics.
- Unlike classical chaos, which involves macroscopic systems, quantum chaos focuses on microscopic particles.
- The outcomes in quantum systems also show sensitivity to initial conditions, but quantum uncertainty adds a layer of complexity that distinguishes it from classical chaos.
Implications and Applications
- The butterfly effect is not limited to meteorology; it has implications across various fields, including ecology, economics, and engineering. It emphasizes the interconnectedness of systems and how small events can trigger significant changes.
Understanding Complex Systems
- Insights from the study of classical and quantum chaos enable researchers to better model and predict behaviors in complex systems.
- This understanding is crucial for addressing challenges in climate science, natural disaster prediction, and even financial markets.
Conclusion
- The butterfly effect serves as a potent reminder of the intricacies of chaotic systems and the unpredictability inherent in complex environments.
- Edward Lorenz’s pioneering work laid the foundation for recognizing the profound impact of initial conditions on system behavior.
- As scientific inquiry continues to explore both classical and quantum chaos, the implications of the butterfly effect remain significant, offering valuable insights into the behavior of systems across various disciplines.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
| Q4. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Butterfly Effect in chaos theory?
A) It describes how large-scale changes in systems always lead to predictable outcomes. |
Q. ‘Aerial metagenomics’ best refers to which one of the following situations? (2023)
Ans: (a) |
| Answer 4- C
Explanation
|
Unemployment rate stagnant, reveals government survey
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3 Economy
Context: Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) and Employment Rate
Why in News
The recent release of the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) for the period between July 2023 and June 2024 reveals a complex picture of employment trends in India.
Key Findings from the PLFS
- Unemployment Rate Stability:
- The survey reports no significant change in the overall unemployment rate, which remains at 3.2%, similar to the previous year.
- In rural areas, the unemployment rate has decreased from 5.3% in 2017-18 to 2.5% in 2023-24, while urban areas saw a decline from 7.7% to 5.1% over the same period.
- Labor Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
- The Labor Force Participation Rate in rural areas increased significantly from 50.7% in 2017-18 to 63.7% in 2023-24.
- For urban areas, LFPR rose from 47.6% to 52.0% during the same period.
- Notably, the LFPR for males increased from 75.8% to 78.8%, while for females, it rose from 23.3% to 41.7%.
- Improvement in Women’s Workforce Participation:
- The survey highlights a marked increase in the participation of women in the workforce, particularly among different religious communities:
- Muslim women: LFPR increased from 15% in 2021-22 to 21.4% in 2023-24.
- Hindu women: LFPR increased from 26.1% to 33.3%.
- Sikh women: LFPR rose from 19.8% to 26.7%.
- Christian women: LFPR grew from 34.2% to 38.3%.
- The survey highlights a marked increase in the participation of women in the workforce, particularly among different religious communities:
- Challenges in the Employment Scenario:
- Despite the increase in LFPR, experts argue that the situation remains grim. Labour economist Santosh Mehrotra emphasizes that there is no real improvement in the unemployment scenario or youth unemployment.
- The rise in the LFPR is attributed to a growth in unpaid family labor in agriculture rather than an expansion of formal employment opportunities.
Critiques and Implications
- Increase in Agricultural Employment:
- The survey indicates a continued trend of workers returning to agriculture, suggesting a lack of non-farm job opportunities. The number of individuals returning to agriculture has reportedly increased from 20 crore in 2012 to nearly 27 crore in 2024.
- This trend raises concerns about the quality of jobs being created, as many may not provide adequate financial security or working conditions.
- Stagnation in the Manufacturing Sector:
- The manufacturing sector’s contribution to employment remains stagnant at 11.4%, showing little recovery from its 12.8% share in 2012.
- The construction sector, while showing some resilience, is also not expanding significantly, maintaining its share at 12%.
- Expert Analysis:
- Experts, including Prof. Mehrotra, express concern that the increase in agricultural labor indicates a reversal of trends toward urbanization and formal employment. The growth in LFPR could be misleading if it reflects an increase in low-quality jobs rather than robust economic growth.
- Social and Economic Disparities:
- The survey’s findings indicate that socio-economic disparities persist, with rural areas and specific demographics, such as women and lower-income families, facing the most challenges in terms of stable employment.
Conclusion
- The PLFS 2023-24 highlights both improvements and ongoing challenges in the Indian labor market.
- While there are positive signs, particularly regarding women’s participation, the underlying issues of unemployment and the quality of jobs need urgent attention.
- The government and policymakers must address these challenges to ensure sustainable economic growth and equitable employment opportunities for all segments of society.
- The trend of increasing agricultural employment should also be examined closely to understand the implications for economic mobility and overall labor market health.
What is the Periodic Labour Force Survey?
- It is a survey conducted by the NSO under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) to measure the employment and unemployment situation in India.
- The NSO launched the PLFS in April 2017.
- To estimate the key employment and unemployment indicators (viz. Worker Population Ratio, Labour Force Participation Rate, Unemployment Rate) in the short time interval of three months for the urban areas only in the ‘Current Weekly Status’ (CWS).
- To estimate employment and unemployment indicators in both ‘Usual Status’ and CWS in both rural and urban areas annually.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5 Which of the following is true regarding the unemployment scenario in India according to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) 2023-24?
Select the correct answer using the code given below: A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Disguised unemployment generally means (2013)
(a) large number of people remain unemployed Ans: (c) |
| Answer 5- D
Explanation
|