Daily Prelims Notes 25 November 2024

November 25, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

No Comments

Daily Prelims Notes

25 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Why satellite space junk may be bad news for the environment

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

With the rapid increase in satellite launches, concerns are growing about the environmental impact of these spacecraft, particularly at the end of their lifecycle.

Rising Numbers of Satellites

Over 10,000 active satellites are currently orbiting Earth.
By the 2030s, this number is expected to exceed 100,000, and could rise to 500,000 in the following decades.
Most satellites burn up during re-entry, releasing pollutants into the upper atmosphere.

Pollution from Satellite Re-entry:

10% of aerosol particles in the stratosphere contain metals like aluminum from disintegrated satellites and rocket stages.
Emissions of aluminum and nitrogen oxides from satellite reentry increased from 3.3 billion grams (2020) to 5.6 billion grams (2022).
Rocket launches also release pollutants such as:
- Black carbon
- Nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide
- Aluminum oxide
- Chlorine gases

Impact of Satellite Pollution on the Atmosphere

Ozone Layer Threat:
- The ozone layer protects life by absorbing up to 99% of UV rays from the Sun.
- Pollutants like aluminum oxide from satellites act as catalysts for ozone depletion, reversing progress made under the Montreal Protocol (1987) that banned harmful chemicals like
Atmospheric Chemistry Disruption:
- Soot from rocket engines: Absorbs solar energy, warming the atmosphere.
- Metals like copper: Released from spacecraft wiring, catalyze atmospheric reactions, including the formation of cloud-seeding particles.
Ripple Effects:
- Changes in atmospheric chemistry can disrupt Earth’s delicate balance, potentially causing widespread environmental and ecological chaos.

Global Initiatives to Address Space Debris

Space debris is a growing concern due to its potential to harm operational satellites, spacecraft, and future missions. Various organizations and countries are working on initiatives to mitigate, manage, and remove space debris.

International Guidelines and Agreements:

United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)

Guidelines for Long-term Sustainability of Outer Space Activities (2019):
- Encourages nations to design satellites with de-orbiting mechanisms.
- Promotes the prevention of debris generation during space missions.

Inter-Agency Space Debris Coordination Committee (IADC)

A global forum of space agencies including NASA, ESA, and others.
Develops best practices for debris mitigation such as:
- Limiting post-mission orbital lifetimes.
- Minimizing debris creation during launches and operations.

Liability Convention (1972)

Holds states responsible for damage caused by their space objects, motivating better debris management.

Active Debris Removal (ADR) Projects:

Remove DEBRIS (ESA and University of Surrey):
- A demonstration mission testing technologies like:
  - Net capture for debris collection.
  - Harpoons to grab large objects.
  - Drag sails to accelerate de-orbiting.

ClearSpace-1 (ESA):
- Planned mission to capture and deorbit a defunct satellite using robotic arms.
Astroscale (Japan):
- ELSA-d Mission: Tests magnetic docking and capture systems for deorbiting debris.
China’s SJ-21 Satellite:
- Demonstrated the capability to relocate large debris into graveyard orbits.

Source: IE

2. UP Sambhal violence: what is the row around the Shahi Jama Masjid

Sub : Art and Culture

Sec : History

Context:

Three people were killed in Sambhal district, Uttar Pradesh due to violent clashes involving stone pelting and vehicle torching. The unrest erupted as a survey team arrived in Chandausi town for a second survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid, following a court order.

Background:

The Sambhal Masjid controversy centres around a court-ordered survey of the Shahi Jama Masjid in Chandausi, Uttar Pradesh, sparked by a petition filed by eight individuals.
The petition alleges that Babur’s lieutenant, Hindu Beg, partly demolished the Shri Hari Har Temple in 1527-28 to convert it into a mosque.

Details of the petition:

The petitioners have asked the court to grant public access to the Shri Hari Har Temple, which they believe remains under the mosque structure. The petition also requests a permanent injunction against any hindrances to public access to the site.
It quotes section 18 of the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958, under which the public has the “right of access to protected monument”.
The petitioners argue that this site has deep significance for Hindus and should be considered a temple, not a mosque.
Petitioners claim that the temple is future site of manifestation of Kalki, the tenth and final incarnation of Lord Vishnu, who will appear during the Kalyuga. His arrival is said to mark the end of this dark age and the beginning of Satyuga.

Historical Significance of the Jama Masjid:

The Shahi Jama Masjid is a “protected monument” under the Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1904.
It has also been notified as a monument of national importance by the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1920.

Places of Worship Act of 1991:

the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 declares that places of worship existing in 1947 shall maintain their status, and no changes to the religious character of these places shall be made. The Jama Masjid, being a centuries-old mosque, is protected under this Act.

3. Bangladeshi tolerance music festival scrapped after threats from Islamists

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

A Bangladeshi mystic sect promoting religious tolerance has cancelled their popular music festival after Islamist threats. The cancellation occurred in the aftermath of the overthrow of long-time Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August.
There has been a rise in religious violence, including attacks against Hindus (seen as supporters of the ousted government) and attacks on Muslim Sufi shrines by Islamic hardliners.

About the festival:

The two-day music festival was organized by followers of Lalon Shah, a 17th-century Bengali mystic and social reformer.
It celebrates Lalon Shah’s philosophy of religious tolerance and is a blend of Hinduism and Sufism rather than any specific religion.

About Lalon Shah:

Fakir Lalon Shah, also known as Mahatma Lalon, was a Bengali philosopher, social reformer, and mystic song composer who is considered a prominent figure in the Baul tradition.
He was born in Harishpur, Jhenaidah district, which is now part of modern Bangladesh.
He who promoted a message of religious tolerance and social reform through his songs. His philosophy combined elements of Hinduism and Sufism, emphasizing a spiritual connection over rigid religious doctrines.
The Bauls, ascetic followers of Lalon Shah, are known for their wandering lifestyle, singing songs of love and devotion while often defying traditional religious boundaries.

4. Palestinian pottery sees revival in war-ravaged Gaza

Sub : IR

Sec : Places in news

Context:

In the Gaza Strip, traditional clay pottery is experiencing a revival due to a shortage of basic household items like plates, bowls, and cups, exacerbated by the ongoing war.

Impact of the war:

Over 2.4 million Palestinians in Gaza have been displaced multiple times due to the ongoing war, which began with Hamas’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
The war has resulted in the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including homes, businesses, and everyday household items like crockery.
Israeli restrictions have made it increasingly difficult for Gaza to receive imports, exacerbating shortages of basic goods, including essential household items like plates and bowls.
With the blockade and restrictions on imports, people in Gaza have turned to pottery as a solution.

Economic Impact:

Due to the war and ongoing shortages, the price of pottery has increased Each item, such as a plate or bowl, is sold for 10 shekels (approximately $2.70), nearly five times its pre-war price.

Social and cultural significance

The resurgence of pottery highlights the resilience and resourcefulness of the people of Gaza, utilizing traditional craftsmanship to meet modern-day needs during a time of crisis.
Pottery represents not just a means of survival, but also an effort to preserve cultural heritage in the face of adversity.

History of pottery in Palestine:

Pottery in Levant region (East of Mediterranean Sea) has deep historical roots, with evidence of ceramic production dating back thousands of years.
Pottery remains found in archaeological sites across the West Bank and Gaza Strip indicate that the craft has been practiced since ancient times, serving both functional and decorative purposes.

5. India’s 6GHz Spectrum Dilemma

Sub : Sci

Sec : Awareness in IT and Computer

Why in News

The launch of Sony’s PlayStation 5 Pro in India has been delayed due to the ongoing restrictions on the 6GHz spectrum for WiFi use. While several countries have adopted the 6GHz band for advanced WiFi capabilities, India has yet to make this frequency available, affecting the release of technology relying on this spectrum.

WiFi Bands in India:

2.4GHz Band: Long coverage area; ideal for penetrating walls and obstacles.
Lower data speeds compared to higher bands. Suitable for general browsing and IoT devices due to its stability over distance.
More prone to interference since many devices, including Bluetooth, use this band.
5GHz Band: Shorter coverage area compared to 2.4GHz.
Higher speeds, supports faster data transfer. Ideal for high-bandwidth activities like video streaming and online gaming.
Less crowded, reducing interference from other devices.
6GHz Band (WiFi 6E): Similar to 5GHz but more restricted.
Significantly higher potential speeds, up to 9.6Gbps. Supports next-generation WiFi 6E and WiFi 7 technologies.
Only allowed in some countries (e.g., US, UK, South Korea); not yet available in India.

Evolution of WiFi Technologies

WiFi 6 (2020): Uses both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands with improved efficiency.
WiFi 6E (2021): Introduced 6GHz band for enhanced performance.
WiFi 7 (Upcoming): Expected to leverage 6GHz for advanced speeds and reduced latency.

Regulatory Context in India

2.4GHz and 5GHz: De-licensed for public use since 2002.
6GHz Spectrum: Not yet de-licensed; reserved for satellite communication by ISRO.
Global Standards: Countries vary in their allocation; some de-license 6GHz, while others, including India, hold regulatory restrictions.

What is the 6GHz Spectrum?

The 6GHz band covers frequencies from 5,925 MHz to 7,125 MHz. It’s an essential development for modern WiFi as it:

Offers enhanced data transmission capacity.
Reduces congestion on existing WiFi bands.
Improves the performance of new technologies like WiFi 7.

India has not yet authorized the use of the 6GHz spectrum for WiFi, unlike many other nations.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) uses this band for satellite communication. The risk of interference between satellite and WiFi applications remains low.
Although the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) seeks uniform spectrum allocation, global consensus on the 6GHz division is still lacking.
India, along with other nations, secured an extension until 2027 for deciding the future of this spectrum.
Telecom Operators: Interested in acquiring the 6GHz spectrum for advanced 5G and 6G networks.
India may follow models like Australia, which partially de-licensed the 6GHz band while keeping some portions under review.
The PS5 Pro’s reliance on the 6GHz band for WiFi 7 has delayed its Indian release. Alternatives like reprogramming the console to avoid the 6GHz band or releasing a modified variant are possible solutions.

WiFi 7 Technology in India:

WiFi 7 is the upcoming generation of WiFi technology, officially known as IEEE 802.11be.
It aims to offer significantly faster speeds, lower latency, and enhanced network efficiency compared to previous generations.
Multi-Link Operation (MLO): Uses multiple frequency bands (2.4GHz, 5GHz, and 6GHz) simultaneously, boosting speed and reliability.
Supports up to 320 MHz channels, double that of WiFi 6, enabling greater data throughput.
Higher Modulation (4096-QAM): Increases data transmission capacity, resulting in faster speeds.
Advanced mechanisms to reduce network delays, benefiting online gaming and video streaming.
Theoretical Maximum Speed: Up to 46 Gbps, nearly 4 times faster than WiFi 6.
Efficiently manages more devices simultaneously, ideal for smart homes and dense environments.
Works with previous WiFi standards (WiFi 6, 5, etc.), ensuring smooth transitions for users.
6GHz Band Utilization: Benefits from the 6GHz spectrum (if available), enhancing speed and performance.
WiFi 7 does not necessarily require 6GHz access. It focuses on increased efficiency in using existing frequencies.
Indian consumers can still access WiFi 7-enabled devices, but they will operate without the 6GHz band.

6. Air Pollution in India: A Health and Economic Crisis

Sub : Env

Sec :Pollution

Why in News

The recent reports from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) highlight the alarming increase in global emissions, with India experiencing a more than 6% rise from the previous year. This growing air pollution problem is not only a major environmental issue but also a severe health and economic crisis affecting millions across the nation.

Health Impacts of Air Pollution:

Premature Deaths: Air pollution is a leading cause of premature deaths in India, affecting vulnerable groups such as children, pregnant women, and the elderly. In 2021, nearly 2 million lives were lost due to pollution-related illnesses.
Respiratory and Cardiovascular Diseases: Exposure to pollutants can lead to respiratory conditions, asthma, and cardiovascular problems. Children exposed to poor air quality may suffer lifelong health impairments.
Impact on Vulnerable Communities: Low-income groups are the hardest hit, often living closer to pollution sources and lacking resources to protect themselves.
Increased Healthcare Expenditure: Poor air quality raises healthcare costs due to higher rates of hospitalization and treatment for pollution-induced illnesses.
Productivity Losses: Economic productivity is affected by increased absenteeism from work and school due to health complications.

Government Initiatives: NCAP launched in 2019 to reduce particulate matter by 20-30% by 2024, later adjusted to 40% by 2026.

About National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):

It was launched by the MoEFCC in January 2019 as a long-term, time-bound, national level strategy that features:
- Making determined efforts to deal with the air pollution problem across the country in a comprehensive manner.
Achieving 20% to 30% reduction target in Particulate Matter concentrations by 2024 where 2017 is kept as the base year for the comparison of concentration.
Identification of 122 non-attainment cities (presently 131 non-attainment cities) across the country based on the 2014-2018 Air Quality data.
Non- Attainment Cities are the cities which do not meet the National Ambient Air Quality Standards.
Preparation of the city-specific action plans including measures to strengthen the monitoring network, reduce vehicular/industrial emissions, increase public awareness etc.
Implementation of the city specific action plans to be regularly monitored by Committees at Central and State level namely Steering Committee, Monitoring Committee and Implementation Committee.
Facilitating collaborative, multi-scale and cross-sectoral coordination between the relevant central ministries, state governments and local bodies.

Establishing the right mix with the existing policies and programmes which include the National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC) and other government initiatives related to climate change.

The NCAP tracker is a joint project of the Carbon Copy portal and Maharashtra-based Respirer Living Sciences.

Objective:

To augment and evolve effective and proficient ambient air quality monitoring networks across the country.
To have efficient data dissemination and public outreach mechanisms for timely measures for prevention and mitigation of air pollution.
To have a feasible management plan for prevention, control and abatement of air pollution.

Proposed Reforms for Air Quality Management:

Stricter Implementation and Enforcement: A focus on health-centric policies, stricter enforcement, and integrating public health outcomes into pollution control efforts is needed.
Unified Regulatory Framework: Suggestions have been made to establish a regulatory body similar to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for consistent environmental standards.
Local and Regional Targets: Prioritizing interventions at state and local levels can lead to more targeted solutions for specific pollution challenges.

7. Exported Emissions: A Rising Concern for Climate-Vulnerable Nations

Sub : Env

Sec : Climate change

Why in News

The recent United Nations Climate Conference in Baku has brought attention to the issue of “exported emissions.” Delegates and activists from climate-vulnerable countries are calling for accountability over pollution exported by fossil fuel-producing nations to developing countries. This topic is gaining momentum for inclusion in future climate summit agendas.

About Exported Emissions:

Exported emissions refer to greenhouse gases generated from fossil fuels extracted in one country and then exported to others. These emissions are not counted in the producer country’s national carbon footprint.
Climate-vulnerable nations argue that fossil fuel-exporting countries should be responsible for the emissions resulting from their exports, as these significantly contribute to global warming.
The 2015 Paris Agreement requires countries to set targets for reducing their domestic greenhouse gas emissions and report progress. However, it does not address emissions from exported fossil fuels.
Exclusion of Exported Emissions: This loophole allows countries to claim progress in reducing domestic emissions while continuing to export large quantities of fossil fuels, contributing to global carbon emissions.

Global Distribution of Fossil Fuel Exports:

The S. is the world’s largest oil and gas producer. Its fossil fuel exports have consistently increased due to high global demand.
According to Climate Action Tracker, S. fossil fuel exports in 2022 resulted in emissions equivalent to one-third of its domestic emissions.
Norway, Australia, and Canada are also significant fossil fuel exporters. In 2022, emissions from their exports exceeded their domestic emissions, highlighting the global impact of their fossil fuel production.
A substantial portion of S. gas exports is directed to European nations seeking alternatives to Russian energy supplies.
China is a major buyer of U.S. crude oil and coal. In North Africa, demand for U.S. coal has surged, particularly in Egypt and Morocco, driven by industries like cement and brick manufacturing.
In the first half of 2024, S. coal exports reached around 52.5 million short tonnes, up by nearly 7% compared to the previous year.

Responsibility for Exported Emissions:

Activists and delegates from climate-sensitive nations are pushing for accountability over exported emissions, urging fossil fuel producers to take responsibility for the climate impact of their exports.
Countries like Norway argue that managing emissions should be the responsibility of the importing nations, stating, “Each country is responsible for reducing its own emissions.”
At the Baku summit, Azerbaijan’s President criticized Western countries for what he perceived as hypocrisy, noting their continued reliance on fossil fuels while criticizing other nations’ carbon footprints.
Europe’s increasing reliance on U.S. gas highlights the geopolitical dimensions of energy supply, particularly in the context of reducing dependency on Russian resources.

About Climate Action Tracker:

The Climate Action Tracker is an independent scientific analysis that tracks government climate action and measures it against the globally agreed Paris Agreement aim of “holding warming well below 2°C, and pursuing efforts to limit warming to 1.5°C.”
A collaboration of two organisations, Climate Analytics and New Climate Institute, the CAT has been providing this independent analysis to policymakers since 2009.
CAT quantifies and evaluates climate change mitigation targets, policies and action.
It also aggregates country action to the global level, determining likely temperature increases during the 21st century using the MAGICC climate model.
CAT further develops sectoral analysis to illustrate required pathways for meeting the global temperature goals.