Daily Prelims Notes 10 December 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

10 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy: Bima Sakhi Yojana Launched by PM Modi
2. Antibiotic Usage in Livestock
3. Antimatter Mystery: Cracking the Cosmic Puzzle
4. On reforms in merchant shipping
5. Son’s illness prompts Haiti gang leader to go on a killing spree of 184 people
6. Scientists find how soil, a sink for GHGs, also contributes to climate change
7. UN Talks in Riyadh: Addressing Global Land Degradation and Aridity
8. 250 protected monuments registered as Waqf properties, finds ASI survey

1. Empowering Women Through Financial Literacy: Bima Sakhi Yojana Launched by PM Modi

Sub : Scheme

Sec: Eco

Key Objectives of the Scheme

• Empowering Women:
  • Targeted at women aged 18 to 70, with a minimum qualification of class 10 pass.
  • Aims to economically empower women by training them as volunteer insurance agents.
• Increasing Financial Inclusion:
  • Focus on promoting financial literacy in underserved rural and semi-urban areas.
  • Enhances insurance awareness and penetration in India.

Key Features of the Bima Sakhi Yojana

• Stipend Support:
  • ₹7,000 per month in the first year.
  • ₹6,000 per month in the second year.
  • ₹5,000 per month in the third year.
• Appointment Plan:
  • Aim to appoint 200,000 women as Bima Sakhis over the next three years.
  • 25,000 appointments planned in the first year.
• Insurance Target:
  • Each Bima Sakhi must insure two individuals per month or 24 individuals per year to earn a commission.
  • If the target is not met, the stipend will still be provided during the initial three years.
• Career Growth Opportunities:
  • Graduates from the program may qualify for development officer roles within LIC.

Career Transition and Long-Term Benefits

• Transition into LIC Agents:
  • After the three-year period, women will no longer receive a stipend but will earn through commissions.
  • If the annual target is not met after the stipend period, their agent registration may be canceled.
• Building Economic Independence:
  • The scheme fosters self-sufficiency among women by transitioning them into sustainable earning roles.

The Bima Sakhi Yojana is a landmark initiative, combining financial empowerment with employment opportunities. It sets a precedent for leveraging grassroots networks to drive national objectives of inclusion and economic security.

2. Antibiotic Usage in Livestock

Sub :Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• A recent report has highlighted that India used 114 mg of antibiotics per kilogram of meat in 2020, ranking 30th among 190 countries in antibiotic usage in livestock. This raises significant concerns about antibiotic resistance and its impact on public health and food security.

Antibiotic Usage in Livestock:

• Around 70% of global antibiotic usage in the 2010s was for livestock, and this trend is likely ongoing.
• India’s Usage: India used 114 mg of antibiotics per kg of meat in 2020. This is significantly higher than Norway’s 4 mg per kg, making India’s usage 30 times more.
• Animal-Specific Usage:

Global Variations in Antibiotic Usage

• Regional Trends:
  • High Usage: Asia, Oceania, and the Americas.
  • Low Usage: Europe and Africa (below 50 mg per kg).

• Europe has significantly reduced antibiotic usage due to stricter regulations.
• Sales of veterinary antibiotics dropped by over 50% between 2011–2022 in several European countries.
• Critical antibiotics used in human medicine fell by 80–90% in the same period.
• Countries like Thailand (pigs: 50% of meat supply) and China (pigs: two-thirds of meat supply) use higher antibiotics due to livestock preferences.

About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

• Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) is the ability of a microbe to resist the effects of medication previously used to treat them. It is also known as antibiotic resistance.
• As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body.
• The WHO defines antimicrobial resistance as a microorganism’s resistance to an antimicrobial drug that was once able to treat an infection by that microorganism.
• The resistance to antimicrobials is a natural biological phenomenon. However, the misuse and overuse of antibiotics accelerates the development of AMR.
• Microbial resistance to antibiotics has made it harder to treat infections such as pneumonia, tuberculosis (TB), blood poisoning (septicaemia) and several food-borne diseases.

3. Antimatter Mystery: Cracking the Cosmic Puzzle

Sub :Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

• A recent study published in August 2024 explores the longstanding mystery of antimatter in the universe. By addressing gaps in the Standard Model of particle physics, the study proposes a new mechanism that could explain the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry, meeting one of the three essential conditions described by Soviet physicist Andrei Sakharov.

About Antimatter:

• Antimatter consists of antiparticles, which are counterparts to regular particles with the same mass but opposite charge.
• Example: The positron is the antiparticle of the electron, having a positive charge.
• Theorized: By Paul A.M. Dirac in 1928.
• Observed: By Carl Anderson in 1932 in cosmic rays.
• Antiparticles annihilate their corresponding particles upon contact, releasing energy in the form of photons.
• Governed by quantum mechanics and special relativity.
• Formation: Antimatter is created in natural processes like radioactive decay (e.g., potassium-40 decay) and cosmic rays. High-energy particle collisions, such as those in particle accelerators, also produce antimatter.
• Scarcity in the Universe: Antimatter is rare in observable space; galaxies and stars are composed of matter. The early universe likely had equal amounts of matter and antimatter, but an imbalance caused matter to dominate.
• Applications:
  • Medical: Used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) scans for imaging tissues.
  • Scientific Research: Particle colliders like the Large Hadron Collider (LHC) study antimatter to understand the universe’s origins.

About Sakharov Conditions:

• Developed by Soviet physicist Andrei Sakharov in 1967, these three theoretical conditions are necessary to explain the observed matter-antimatter asymmetry in the universe:

1. Baryon Number Violation: The universe must allow processes where the baryon number (difference between particles like protons and neutrons and their antiparticles) is not conserved.

Protons and neutrons have a baryon number of +1, while their antiparticles have -1. A significant violation in baryon numbers is required.

Example: Decays that convert protons into other particles.

2. C and CP Symmetry Violation: Discovered to be violated in 1964 by James Cronin and Val Fitch, CP symmetry violations are essential for asymmetry but insufficient in the Standard Model.
   • C (Charge conjugation) symmetry: Laws of physics must differentiate between particles and antiparticles.
   • CP (Charge-Parity) symmetry: The combined symmetry of swapping particles with antiparticles and reflecting the universe must be violated.
3. Thermal Nonequilibrium: Interactions must occur in conditions where the system is not in thermal equilibrium.

Example: During the early universe, as it expanded and cooled rapidly.

4. On reforms in merchant shipping

Sub : Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Why in the news?

• The Government plans to introduce two significant bills:
  • Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024
  • Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024
• These bills aim to replace outdated laws (Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and Coasting Vessels Act, 1838) and modernize the shipping sector.

Why are New Bills Needed?

• Outdated Framework: Existing laws fail to address contemporary needs, especially for the offshore sector (50% of Indian-flagged vessels).
• Regulatory Gaps:
  • Maritime training liberalized without proper legal provisions for private sector regulation.
  • Welfare provisions limited to Indian-flagged ships, excluding the majority (85%) of Indian seafarers working on foreign-flagged vessels.
• International Commitments: Existing laws lack enabling provisions for implementing international conventions India has signed or plans to ratify.
• Ease of Doing Business: License-era provisions hinder modernization and efficiency in maritime administration.

Key Features of the Merchant Shipping Bill

Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024:

• Purpose: Separates technical regulation of ships from commercial utilization of coastal waters.

Key Features:

• Focuses on: 
  • Licensing and operational permissions for Indian coastal waters and Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ).
  • Integration of inland and coastal shipping.
  • Coastal plans involving both Union and State governments.
• Aligns with the Sagarmala Program to promote:
  • Dedicated berths for coastal vessels.
  • Enhanced hinterland connectivity for coastal cargo.

Significance of the Reforms:

• Boosting Maritime Development: Encourages investment, innovation, and modernization in the shipping sector.
• Strengthening Security: Ensures comprehensive oversight of vessels and coastal regions.
• Promoting Sustainability: Aligns India’s maritime policies with global environmental standards.
• Empowering Seafarers: Improves welfare, safety, and career opportunities for Indian seafarers.

Source: TH

5. Son’s illness prompts Haiti gang leader to go on a killing spree of 184 people

Sub :IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• Close to 200 people were killed in brutal weekend violence in Haiti’s capital and largest city is Port-au-Prince.
• Massacre Location: Cite Soleil, a western coastal neighborhood of Haiti’s capital.
• Perpetrator: A gang leader, reportedly targeting voodoo practitioners, blaming them for his son’s illness.

Voodoo Culture:

• Voodoo (Vodou or Vodun) is a spiritual and religious tradition deeply rooted in the history and culture of African diaspora communities, especially in Haiti. It blends African traditions with elements of Christianity and indigenous beliefs, forming a unique and complex system of worship and practice.

Origins

• African Roots:
  • Voodoo originated in West Africa, primarily among the Fon, Yoruba, and Ewe ethnic groups.
  • It was brought to the Caribbean, especially Haiti, by enslaved Africans during the transatlantic slave trade.
• Colonial Influence:
  • It was banned during French colonial rule and officially recognized as a religion in 2003.
  • Enslaved Africans secretly practiced Voodoo while outwardly adhering to Catholic rituals, leading to a syncretic blend of the two faiths.

Core Beliefs:

• Supreme Creator:
  • Voodoo acknowledges a supreme, distant creator called Bondyè (from the French “Bon Dieu,” meaning “Good God”).
  • Bondyè does not directly interfere in human affairs, leaving that role to intermediary spirits.
• Spirits (Loa/Lwa):
  • Loa are powerful spirits that govern various aspects of life, such as family, nature, and health.
  • Examples include Papa Legba (guardian of the crossroads) and Erzulie (spirit of love and beauty).
  • These spirits are revered, invoked, and served through rituals, offerings, and dances.
• Ancestral Worship:
  • Honoring ancestors is central to Voodoo. Practitioners believe ancestors continue to influence and guide the living.
• Balance of Nature and Spirits:
  • Voodoo emphasizes harmony between humans, nature, and the spiritual world.

Practices:

• Rituals:
  • Ceremonies involve drumming, singing, dancing, and animal sacrifices to appease the spirits or seek their blessings.
  • Rituals are led by priests (Houngan) or priestesses (Mambo).
• Offerings: Common offerings include food, rum, and candles, given to spirits during ceremonies.
• Healing and Divination: Voodoo practitioners often act as healers, using herbs and spiritual guidance to treat illnesses.

Role in Haiti:

• Cultural Identity: Voodoo is a cornerstone of Haitian identity and is deeply integrated into daily life and festivals.
• Historical Significance:
  • It played a critical role in the Haitian Revolution (1791–1804), uniting enslaved Africans against colonial powers.
  • Leaders of the rebellion often sought guidance through Voodoo rituals.

Misconceptions and Stereotypes:

• Western Misrepresentation:
  • Hollywood has often portrayed Voodoo as sinister or malevolent, focusing on aspects like curses and “zombies.”
  • These depictions distort the religion’s true essence, which revolves around harmony, healing, and spiritual connection.
• Modern Challenges:
  • Despite official recognition, practitioners often face stigma and discrimination, both within and outside Haiti.

Source: TH

6. Scientists find how soil, a sink for GHGs, also contributes to climate change

Sub : Env

Sec : Climate change

Context:

• A new groundbreaking study has revealed the critical role soil plays in contributing to global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, accounting for about 15% of global climate warming. The findings highlight the dual nature of soil as both a reservoir for carbon and a significant source of GHG emissions.

Key Findings:

• Dominant Greenhouse Gases from Soil:
  • Carbon Dioxide (CO2): Contributes 74% of soil-derived warming, mainly due to the loss of Soil Organic Carbon (SOC) from land-use changes.
  • Nitrous Oxide (N2O): Accounts for 17%, primarily from inefficient nitrogen fertilization.
  • Methane (CH4): Contributes 9%, mainly from rice paddies.
• Historical Emissions:
  • CO2 emissions peaked between 1800 and 1900 due to large-scale land-use changes, particularly in countries like Brazil and Argentina.
  • These historical emissions still influence current atmospheric GHG levels.
• Land-use Demand:
  • By 2050, the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) estimates an additional 165-600 million hectares of land will be required for food production, intensifying soil emissions.

Challenges and Implications:

• Soil emissions pose a significant barrier to achieving international climate goals, including limiting global warming to 1.5-2°C above pre-industrial levels.
• The need to balance increased food production for a growing population with reduced soil-based emissions creates a “wicked problem.”

Recommendations for Mitigation:

• Prevent Land-Use Changes: Avoid land-use changes for agriculture and biofuel production to preserve SOC and prevent further CO2 release.
• Increase Nitrogen Fertilizer Efficiency: Optimize nitrogen use to curb nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions.
• Reduce Methane from Rice Paddies: Implement water management and alternative farming practices to limit CH4 emissions.
• Prevent Permafrost Thawing: Take actions to maintain permafrost integrity and avoid massive carbon and methane releases.
• Soil Carbon Management: Develop strategies to enhance soil as a carbon sink while minimizing its GHG emissions.

Source: DTE

7. UN Talks in Riyadh: Addressing Global Land Degradation and Aridity

Sub :Env

Sec: Int conventions

Why in News

• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) summit held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, has highlighted the alarming trend of global land degradation due to climate change, deforestation, and water scarcity. A recent UN report presented at the summit warns of dire consequences for biodiversity, agriculture, and human survival if these issues are not urgently addressed.

UN Report on Land Degradation:

• Over three-quarters of the world’s land experienced drier conditions between 1970 and 2020 compared to the previous 30 years.
• Drier climates are now irreversible, fundamentally altering ecosystems and redefining life on Earth.
• By the end of the century, 5 billion people across regions like Europe, the western U.S., Brazil, eastern Asia, and central Africa could face severe drying conditions.
• Currently, a quarter of the global population is already affected.
• Water Scarcity: Increased evaporation due to rising global temperatures has reduced water availability for humans, plants, and animals.
• Biodiversity Loss: Plant and animal species struggle to adapt to rapidly changing environmental conditions.
• Farming Productivity: Drier lands result in reduced crop yields and lower availability of food for livestock.

Food insecurity is likely to worsen globally, affecting vulnerable communities the most.

• Degraded lands force communities to migrate, especially in southern Europe, the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia, exacerbating social and economic challenges.

Causes of Land Degradation:

• Human-Caused Climate Change: Emissions from burning coal, oil, and gas are driving temperature increases, leading to more evaporation and reduced soil moisture.
• Deforestation: The removal of trees exacerbates soil erosion and reduces the ability of land to retain water.
• Unsustainable Water Usage: Over-extraction of groundwater and poor irrigation practices worsen arid conditions.

About Riyadh UNCCD (COP 16) Summit:

• COP16 features a Negotiation Track for formal decisions and a parallel Action Agenda for voluntary commitments across thematic areas.
• The summit, described by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a “moonshot moment,” seeks to promote drought resilience and land restoration.
• Discussions aim to build on agreements reached at the previous summit in Ivory Coast in 2022.
• COP16 has seen its largest-ever attendance, including delegates from governments, private sectors, and civil society.
• The summit emphasizes achieving land and drought goals as a critical step toward global climate and biodiversity targets.
• Saudi Arabia launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, aiming to mobilize public and private finance to assist 80 of the most vulnerable and drought-affected countries.

About the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

• Adopted in 1994, it is the only legally binding international agreement connecting environmental management to sustainable land use.
• Objective: Aims to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) while promoting land degradation neutrality (LDN) and improving livelihoods globally.
• Scope: Focuses on areas vulnerable to DLDD, particularly arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions.
• Key Initiatives:
  • LDN: Encourages countries to maintain a balance between degraded and restored land.
  • Science-Policy Interface (SPI): Supports data-driven policymaking.
  • Global Collaboration: Engages with organizations like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to promote capacity building and effective land management practices.

8. 250 protected monuments registered as Waqf properties, finds ASI survey

SUB : HISTORY

Sec : Art and culture

Context:

• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has identified in an internal survey that 250 of its protected monuments are currently listed as Waqf properties. The ASI’s official records, titled “Waqf properties in India under unauthorised possession of ASI,” also include several monuments mentioned in the 2006 Sachar Committee report on the socio-economic and educational status of the Muslim community in India.
• Prominent sites in Delhi, such as Jama Masjid at Ferozeshah Kotla, Chhoti Gumti Mukbara in RK Puram, Hauz Khas Masjid, and Idgah, are among the affected properties.
• The ASI is expected to present this information to the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024. In the forthcoming JPC meeting, the ASI plans to brief members of Parliament on how these overlapping claims complicate the management and conservation of these monuments.
• In a JPC meeting held in September, the ASI reported that approximately 120 of its protected monuments are claimed by different state Waqf boards. During this meeting, the ASI presented the challenges it faces in preserving and conserving these monuments. The opposition INDIA bloc criticized the ASI’s position, arguing that its claims about Muslim bodies asserting ownership of any property were misleading. They also accused the Culture Ministry of spreading misinformation by asserting that Waqf boards have unchecked authority to declare properties as theirs.
• The ASI’s presentation to the JPC included a list of over 50 monuments claimed by Waqf boards, some of which were declared Waqf properties nearly a century after being designated as protected monuments by the ASI. The ASI, established in 1861 by Alexander Cunningham, has a history predating India’s independence. The Waqf Act of 1995 empowers Waqf boards to declare properties as Waqf in the name of charity. However, this authority has led to conflicts with the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR), 1958, which governs the protection of heritage sites.

Centrally Protected Monuments

• The Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act (AMASR Act) 1958 regulates the preservation of monuments and archaeological sites of national importance.
• The Act protects monuments and sites that are more than 100 years old, including temples, cemeteries, inscriptions, tombs, forts, palaces, step-wells, rock-cut caves, and even objects like cannons and mile pillars that may be of historical significance.
• The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), which is under the Union Ministry of Culture, functions under this Act.

ASI

• ASI, under the Ministry of Culture, is the premier organization for the archaeological research and protection of the cultural heritage of the nation.
• It was founded in 1861 by a British Army engineer Alexander Cunnigham who is also known as the ‘Father of Indian Archaeology’.
• It engages in archaeological research and conservation, and protection and preservation of ancient monuments and archaeological sites in the country.
• It is Custodian of all Centrally Protected Monuments in India.
•  It regulates all archaeological activities in the country as per the provisions of the,
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
  • Antiquities and Art Treasure Act, 1972.
  • Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains (AMASR) (Amendment) Act, 2010.
• Takes actions against encroachments and issues demolition orders to the Collector requesting for the demolition of the encroachments.