Current Affairs Reverse Engineering – CARE (16-09-2024)
| News at a Glance |
| International Relations: Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre launched |
| Science and Technology: iDEX, Defence Innovation Unit ink MoU to increase cooperation in defence innovation |
| Polity and Governance: ICF, maker of Vande Bharat trains, wins The Hindu businessline’s Changemaker of the Year award |
| Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram: name — and its connection with imperial Cholas |
| Ecology and Environment: India may have most people exposed to high temperature if warming crosses 1.5°C: study |
| Disaster Management: Typhoon Yagi becoming the most powerful storm in Asia this year |
Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre launched
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2 International Relations
Context: Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC)
Why in News
- The Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) was launched at the 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting.
Overview
- The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) meeting in Goa saw the launch of key initiatives like the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) and the Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), aiming to streamline and enhance maritime operations in India.
Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC)
- Objective: The IIMDRC, to be established in Mumbai, is designed to resolve maritime disputes effectively.
- It will handle the complexities associated with the multi-modal, multi-contract, multi-jurisdictional, and multi-national nature of maritime transactions.
- Significance: This center will provide a specialized platform governed by merit-based, industry-driven solutions, enhancing India’s position as a regional hub for maritime dispute resolution. It will work in collaboration with the India International Arbitration Centre, strengthening India’s capability in resolving international maritime disputes.
Indian Maritime Centre (IMC)
- Objective: The IMC, launched as a Policy Think Tank, will bring together maritime stakeholders who are currently operating in silos. It will focus on fostering innovation, sharing knowledge, and promoting strategic planning across the sector.
- Significance: The IMC will act as a catalyst for growth and development in India’s maritime industry by coordinating efforts across different stakeholders and regions. This will help align maritime policy with national economic and security objectives.
Mega Shipbuilding Park
- Objective: This initiative aims to consolidate India’s shipbuilding capabilities across multiple states, integrating resources and expertise from various regions.
- Significance: It will help India emerge as a significant player in global shipbuilding, making the country a hub for ship repair, maintenance, and construction. This move will support the ‘Make in India’ vision by boosting domestic manufacturing, innovation, and economic growth in the maritime sector.
Mega Shipbuilding Park
- Objective: This addresses the need for establishing Places of Refuge for ships in distress, ensuring they have safe havens during emergencies or accidents.
- Significance: This step is crucial for improving maritime safety and disaster management. It will enhance India’s capacity to handle maritime emergencies and secure its vast coastal regions.
National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC), Lothal
- Objective: Located in Lothal, Gujarat, the NMHC aims to showcase India’s rich maritime heritage and serve as an international tourist destination.
- Significance: This complex will foster global collaboration with over 25 countries, including Portugal, UAE, and Vietnam, to highlight India’s maritime history. It will also promote regional tourism and strengthen India’s cultural and diplomatic ties through the maritime sector.
Sagarmala Program
- Objective: Launched in 2015, the Sagarmala Program focuses on port-led development through infrastructure development, port modernization, and the creation of coastal employment opportunities.
- Significance: Of the 839 projects envisaged, 262 have been completed, with many more under active implementation. This program is critical for driving India’s blue economy and integrating it into the global maritime supply chain.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q1. Consider the following statements regarding the Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC):
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 2 only D) 3 only |
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
|
iDEX, Defence Innovation Unit ink MoU to increase cooperation in defence innovation
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Relevance: GS3- Science and Technology
Context: Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)
Why in News
- A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between the Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) under the Defence Ministry and Defence Innovation Unit (DIU).
Findings of the Study
- The India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) summit marks a significant collaboration between India and the U.S. in the field of defence innovation.
Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between iDEX and DIU:
- iDEX (Innovations for Defence Excellence), under India’s Defence Ministry, and the Defence Innovation Unit (DIU) under the U.S. Department of Defence signed an MoU at this summit.
- This MoU aims to enhance cooperation in defence innovation, particularly by facilitating partnerships between industries, research institutions, and investors in both countries.
- The collaboration will focus on increasing innovation in defence technologies, an area that requires cutting-edge solutions.
Summit Organisation:
- The summit was jointly organised by the U.S.-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and Stanford University.
- This reflects the importance of both government and academic cooperation in fostering technological advancement.
INDUS-X Overview:
- Launch in June 2023: INDUS-X was initially launched during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to the U.S. in June 2023.
- Its aim is to expand the strategic technology partnership between the two countries and foster defence industrial cooperation.
- INDUS-X is designed to create a platform where governments, businesses, and academic institutions from both countries collaborate on next-generation defence technologies.
Key Challenges under INDUS-X:
- In 2023, two key defence innovation challenges were launched under INDUS-X:
- Underwater communications for the Indian Navy
- Oil spill detection for the Coast Guard
- These challenges target the maritime domain, emphasizing the importance of enhancing maritime security and operational capabilities.
Platform for Startups and MSMEs:
- The INDUS-X summit serves as a platform for startups and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to showcase their next-generation technologies.
- This provides these companies with an opportunity to contribute to the defence sector by introducing innovative solutions.
Advisory Forums:
- The summit features two advisory forums: Senior Advisory Group and Senior Leaders Forum.
- These forums encourage critical dialogue on topics such as:
- Future technology trends
- Capacity building for startups
- Funding opportunities for defence innovations
- Strengthening of defence supply chains
Strategic Importance:
- This summit is a key initiative to foster industrial cooperation in defence technologies, research, and innovation between India and the U.S.
- By bringing together stakeholders from multiple sectors, it ensures that the two countries remain at the forefront of defence technology, which is crucial for both national security and global strategic interests.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q2. Consider the following statements regarding the India-U.S. Defence Acceleration Ecosystem (INDUS-X) summit:
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only B) 2 and 3 only C) 1 and 3 only D) 1, 2, and 3 |
Q. Atal Innovation Mission is set up under the (2019)
(a) Department of Science and Technology Ans: (c) |
| Answer 2– A
Explanation –
|
ICF, maker of Vande Bharat trains, wins The Hindu businessline’s Changemaker of the Year award
Source: The Hindustan Times
UPSC Relevance: Awards and Honours, GS2- Polity and Governance
Context: The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards 2024
Why in News
- The event discussed is The Hindu businessline Changemaker Awards 2024, which honors individuals and organizations for their contributions to transforming various sectors in India.
Changemaker of the Year Award:
- Winner: Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai
- Reason: ICF was recognized for its contribution to redefining travel in India by manufacturing the Vande Bharat trains. This new generation of high-speed trains has significantly improved railway travel.
- Context: U. Subba Rao, General Manager of ICF, received the award on behalf of the factory. He emphasized ICF’s commitment to producing more Vande Bharat trains, announcing that 12 more will be rolled out soon.
Iconic Changemaker of the Year Award:
- Winner: Ashok Jhunjhunwala
- Jhunjhunwala, a teacher, inventor, and mentor, is known for leading the IIT Madras Research Park, which developed numerous cutting-edge technologies and fostered several startups, making him an iconic figure in India’s innovation ecosystem.
Other Award Categories and Winners:
- Digital Transformation Award: Molbio Diagnostics (Goa-based company) for early detection of infectious diseases by providing doorstep diagnostic services.
- Social Transformation Award:
- Wildlife Trust of India: Known for rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife, such as elephants, rhinos, and other endangered species.
- Design for Change: A movement by Kiran Bir Sethi, empowering children to become future changemakers.
- Financial Transformation Award: Mann Deshi Mahila Sahakari Bank, which transformed financial opportunities for rural women.
- Young Changemaker Award: D. Gukesh, India’s youngest chess player to challenge for the World Championship.
- Chairperson’s Award: A new special category, though the winner was not explicitly mentioned in the description.
Significance of the Event:
- The awards ceremony was an opportunity to recognize changemakers from various fields who have had a significant impact on society.
- It was attended by important dignitaries, including Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who highlighted the importance of recognizing grassroots efforts and the drive for improvement in post-COVID India.
- Nirmala Lakshman, Chairperson of THG Publishing, inaugurated the event, emphasizing that impactful change begins with a vision and that changemakers are those who strive to change the existing paradigm.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ | ||||||||||||
Q3. Match the following awards with their recipients:
Select the correct matching pairs: a) A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1, E-5 |
Q. With reference to the government’s welfare schemes, consider the following statements. (2002)
1. Under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana, the food grains are available to the poorest of the families at 2 per kg for wheat and 3 per kg for rice. Under the National Old Age Pension Scheme, the 2. old and destitute are provided 75 per month as central pension, in addition to the amount provided by most State Government 3. Government of India has allocated 25 kg food grain per below poverty line family per month, at less than half the economic cost. Which of these statements are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 1 and 3 (c) 2 and 3 (d) 1,2 and 3 Ans. (d) |
| Answer 3 A
Explanation
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India may have most people exposed to high temperature if warming crosses 1.5°C: study
Source: The Hindu
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Ecology and Environment
Context: The Lancet Planetary Health journal
Why in News
- The study published in The Lancet Planetary Health journal highlights several critical aspects related to climate change, environmental boundaries, and their impact on India.
Exposure to High Temperatures
- Hot Exposure Metric: The study indicates that India will experience the highest number of people exposed to mean annual temperatures exceeding 29°C if global warming surpasses 1.5°C. This metric, referred to as the “hot exposure metric,” is significant because such high temperatures can adversely affect human health and living conditions.
- Historical Context: Historically, human population density has been highest when mean annual temperatures were between 11°C and 15°C. As global temperatures rise due to climate change, a significant portion of India’s population will face temperatures well above this historical range.
- Regional Impact: Besides India, other regions expected to experience similar high temperatures include large parts of South Asia, Southeast Asia, West Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula.
Functional Integrity of Ecosystems
- Ecosystem Integrity: The study reported that the functional integrity of ecosystems, which refers to their ability to maintain essential processes, has been compromised globally. India is among the countries with the highest number of people living in areas with less than 20% functional integrity, indicating severe degradation of ecosystem functions.
Vulnerability to Sea-Level Rise
- Future Projections: Under projected global warming scenarios of 2°C by 2100, India is expected to be the third-most vulnerable country to sea-level rise. This increased vulnerability poses significant risks to coastal areas and communities.
Exposure to High Wet-Bulb Temperatures
- Wet-Bulb Temperature: More than 200 million Indians will be exposed to high wet-bulb temperatures (a measure of heat and humidity) in a 2°C warmer world. This is the second-largest population group globally exposed to such conditions, with China being the most affected.
Phosphorus Pollution
- Sources and Effects: India, like many parts of Asia, faces high levels of phosphorus pollution, particularly in surface water runoff. This pollution mainly comes from sewage (more than 70%) rather than agriculture (17%). Excess phosphorus can lead to freshwater eutrophication, harming ecosystems and requiring more fertilizers for crop production.
- Global Context: Phosphorus pollution is a significant issue in East and South Asia, Europe, and North America, with consequences for water quality and ecosystem health.
Aerosols and Monsoon Rainfall
- Impact on Monsoon: The study notes that aerosols, which are tiny particles suspended in the air, have likely contributed to a decline in summer monsoon rainfall in India since the 1950s. Sulphate aerosols, in particular, have been linked to significant reductions in monsoon precipitation.
PM2.5 Pollution
- Air Quality: India has the highest number of people exposed to PM2.5 levels that exceed the suggested environmental boundary. PM2.5 refers to fine particulate matter that can penetrate deep into the respiratory system, leading to severe health problems.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q4. Which of the following statements regarding the study published in The Lancet Planetary Health is correct?
Code: A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Which of the following statements is/are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? (2019)
Select the correct answer using the code given below. (a) 1 and 2 only Ans: (d) |
| Answer 4 D
Explanation
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Port Blair renamed as Sri Vijaya Puram: How the city got its name — and its connection with imperial Cholas
Source: Indian Express
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 2- Polity and Governance
Context: Port Blair’s Renaming and Historical Significance
Why in news
- The renaming of Port Blair to Sri Vijaya Puram reflects a shift from colonial to indigenous historical recognition.
Renaming of Port Blair
- Sri Vijaya Puram: Port Blair, the capital of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, will be renamed Sri Vijaya Puram. This name change was announced by Union Minister Amit Shah on September 13, 2024.
Reason for Renaming:
- Colonial Legacy: The decision to rename Port Blair aims to move away from its colonial legacy. The name ‘Sri Vijaya Puram’ is intended to honor the historical and cultural significance of the region, symbolizing the victory achieved in India’s freedom struggle.
- Historical Significance: By choosing this name, the government seeks to acknowledge the unique role that the Andaman and Nicobar Islands played in the Indian freedom movement and to highlight its historical importance beyond its colonial past.
Origin of the Name:
- Archibald Blair: Port Blair was named after Archibald Blair, a naval surveyor and lieutenant in the Bombay Marine. Blair was instrumental in mapping the Andaman Islands, which were previously uncharted in detail.
- Survey and Naming:
- 1778: Blair conducted a survey of the Andaman Islands. Initially, he named the natural harbor he discovered as Port Cornwallis in honor of Commodore William Cornwallis, a senior British officer. Later, it was renamed Port Blair in his honor due to his significant contributions to surveying the region.
Strategic Importance:
- The British East India Company (EIC) recognized the strategic importance of the Andaman Islands as a potential harbor and refuge for maritime activities.
- 1799: The EIC decided to establish a penal colony on the islands to serve as a base for monitoring activities and providing shelter for shipwrecked individuals. The colony was initially set up at a location known as Port Cornwallis but was eventually relocated due to harsh conditions.
Revolt of 1857:
- Following the Revolt of 1857, which resulted in a large number of prisoners, the EIC re-established Port Blair as a penal colony.
- The notorious Cellular Jail, also known as Kaala Paani, was constructed to house freedom fighters and other prisoners under severe conditions.
Connection with the Imperial Cholas and Srivijaya
Historical Records:
- Chola Empire:
- During the 11th century, the Andaman Islands were strategically used by Rajendra Chola I, the Chola emperor, in his expedition against Srivijaya, which is present-day Indonesia.
- Ma-Nakkavaram Land: Historical inscriptions from the Chola period refer to the Andaman Islands as Ma-Nakkavaram Land, which translates to “great open land” or “naked land.” This term likely influenced the modern name Nicobar.
- Motives for Chola Expedition:
- Trade and Influence: The Chola expedition to Srivijaya might have been motivated by a desire to secure trade routes or extend Chola influence. Some historians suggest that Srivijaya may have obstructed Chola trade or that Rajendra sought to enhance his empire’s prestige.
- Expansionism: The expedition is also seen as part of the Chola Empire’s broader expansionist strategy, which included military campaigns across South Asia and Southeast Asia.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q5. The renaming of Port Blair to “Sri Vijaya Puram” has been announced to honor historical and cultural significance. Consider the following statements:
Which of the above statements is/are correct? A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. The Prime Minister recently inaugurated the new Circuit House near Somnath Temple Veraval. Which of the following statements are correct regarding Somnath Temple? (2022)
1. Somnath Temple is one of the Jyotirlinga shrines. 2. A description of Somnath Temple was given by Al-Biruni. 3. Pran Pratishtha of Somnath Temple (installation of the present day temple) was done by President S. Radhakrishnan. Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 and 2 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1,2 and 3 Answer: (a) |
| Answer 5 D
Explanation
|
Typhoon Yagi becoming the most powerful storm in Asia this year
Source: Indian Express
https://indianexpress.com/article/explained/explained-climate/typhoon-yagi-9567876/
UPSC Syllabus Relevance: GS 3- Disaster Management
Context: Typhoon Yagi
Why in news
- Millions of people in Southeast Asia continue to struggle with torrential rains, floods, and landslides triggered by Typhoon Yagi.
Formation of Tropical Cyclones
- Tropical cyclones are large, organized systems of clouds and thunderstorms characterized by a clearly defined circulation pattern.
- They form over warm ocean waters near the equator due to the following process:
- Warm Ocean Water: Tropical cyclones typically develop over ocean waters that are at least 26.5°C (about 80°F). Warm waters provide the necessary heat and moisture to fuel the storm.
- Rising Warm, Moist Air: Warm, moist air from the ocean surface rises upward, reducing the air pressure in the area below. This low-pressure system draws in cooler, higher pressure air from the surrounding regions.
- Formation of Clouds and Thunderstorms: As the warm, moist air rises, it cools and condenses to form clouds and thunderstorms. This process releases latent heat, which further warms the surrounding air and promotes more rising air.
- Cyclonic Circulation: The Earth’s rotation causes the system to acquire a spinning motion, or cyclonic circulation. This is due to the Coriolis effect, which causes the storm to rotate in a counterclockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and a clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
- Intensification: The storm strengthens as it continues to draw heat and moisture from the ocean. The sustained wind speeds and organized circulation pattern classify it into different categories based on its intensity.
Classification of Tropical Cyclones
Tropical cyclones are classified based on their sustained wind speeds:
- Tropical Depression: Winds less than 39 mph (63 km/h).
- Tropical Storm: Winds between 39 mph (63 km/h) and 73 mph (118 km/h).
- Hurricane/Typhoon/Cyclone: Winds of 74 mph (119 km/h) or higher, depending on the region. These are further classified into five categories on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale:
- Category 1: Winds 74-95 mph (119-153 km/h)
- Category 2: Winds 96-110 mph (154-177 km/h)
- Category 3: Winds 111-129 mph (178-208 km/h) — Major Cyclone
- Category 4: Winds 130-156 mph (209-251 km/h) — Major Cyclone
- Category 5: Winds 157 mph (252 km/h) or higher — Major Cyclone
Typhoon Yagi
Typhoon Yagi became one of the most powerful storms of the year:
- Formation and Intensification: Typhoon Yagi began as a tropical storm in the western Philippine Sea and intensified into a Category 5 typhoon due to unusually warm waters in the South China Sea. It reached peak wind speeds of 260 km/h (160 mph), making it one of four Category 5 storms recorded in the South China Sea.
- Impact: The typhoon made landfall in the Philippines and later in China’s Hainan province before hitting Vietnam with severe intensity. It caused extensive damage, particularly in Vietnam, and led to a significant death toll and widespread flooding.
Climate Change and Tropical Cyclones
Climate change influences tropical cyclones in several ways:
- Increased Sea Surface Temperatures: Rising global temperatures have increased the sea surface temperature, which provides more heat and moisture to fuel tropical cyclones. This leads to more intense storms.
- Rapid Intensification: Studies suggest that tropical cyclones are intensifying more rapidly due to higher ocean temperatures. This results in storms that strengthen quickly and become more severe.
- Longer Duration and Greater Intensity: Warmer Ocean temperatures and higher humidity levels contribute to storms lingering longer over land, leading to prolonged impacts and increased rainfall.
- Marine Heat Waves: Higher sea surface temperatures can cause marine heat waves, which can further intensify storms by increasing the amount of water vapor available for cyclones to absorb.
| CARE MCQ | UPSC PYQ |
Q6. Which of the following statements about Typhoon Yagi and tropical cyclones is/are correct?
Correct Options A) 1 and 2 only |
Q. Consider the following statements: (2020)
Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only Ans: (c) |
| Answer 6 A
Explanation
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