Daily Prelims Notes 8 January 2025

January 8, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

No Comments

Daily Prelims Notes

8 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Why the Location of China’s Earthquake Matters

Sub: Geo

Sec: Disaster Management

Why in News

On January 7, a magnitude 7.1 earthquake struck Tibetan China and Nepal. The epicentre was located near Mt. Everest, causing significant loss of life and property.

Key Details:

Epicentre: Located 10 km below the surface, approximately 80 km north of Mt. Everest.
Location: Tingry County in the Shigatse region, Tibet, 4-5 km above sea level.
Lhasa Terrane: The epicentre may have been located in this fragment of the Earth’s crust.
Himalayan Region: Known as the ‘third pole’ due to its vast water reserves in rivers, glaciers, and lakes.

Tingry County:

Situated in the southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region, China; lies at the northern foot of Mount Everest in the middle section of the Himalayas.
Serves as a gateway for expeditions to Mount Everest and other Himalayan peaks; popular among trekkers and mountaineers.

Shigatse Region:

Second-largest city in Tibet, located in the southwestern part of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, a key figure in Tibetan Buddhism; houses the Tashilhunpo Monastery, an important religious site.
Agriculture is predominant, with vast grasslands and fertile river valleys; also known for semi-tropical jungles and snowfields at high altitudes.

Lhasa Terrane:

A geological terrane, or fragment of crustal material, that forms present-day southern Tibet; sutured to the Eurasian Plate during the Cretaceous period.
The northern part may have originated in the East African Orogeny, while the southern part appears to have been part of Australia; these parts joined and later attached to Asia.
The collision of the Indian Plate with the Eurasian Plate impacted the Lhasa Terrane, contributing to the formation of the Himalayas.
Home to the Gangdese Batholith, a major geological structure formed around 100 million years ago due to subduction-related volcanism; experienced two stages of plutonism in the Late Cretaceous and early Paleogene periods.
Research suggests that the Lhasa Terrane’s drift history from Gondwana to Asia plays a crucial role in understanding Tethys evolution and true polar wander.

Earthquake:

An earthquake is shaking or trembling of the earth’s surface, caused by the seismic waves or earthquake waves that are generated due to a sudden movement (sudden release of energy) in the earth’s crust (shallow-focus earthquakes) or upper mantle (some shallow-focus and all intermediate and deep-focus earthquakes).
The point where the energy is released is called the focus or the hypocentre of an earthquake.
The point on the surface directly above the focus is called epicentre (first surface point to experience the earthquake waves).
A line connecting all points on the surface where the intensity is the same is called an isoseismic line.

Waves:

There are several different kinds of seismic waves, and they all move in different ways. The two main types of waves are body waves and surface waves.
Body waves can travel through the earth’s inner layers, but surface waves can only move along the surface of the planet like ripples on water
The first kind of body wave is the P wave or primary wave. This is the fastest kind of seismic wave, and, consequently, the first to ‘arrive’ at a seismic station. The P wave can move through solid rock and fluids, like water or the liquid layers of the earth. It pushes and pulls the rock it moves through just like sound waves push and pull the air.
The second type of body wave is the S wave or secondary wave, which is the second wave felt in an earthquake. An S wave is slower than a P wave and can only move through solid rock, not through any liquid medium. It is this property of S waves that led seismologists to conclude that the Earth’s outer core is a liquid.
S waves move rock particles up and down, or side-to-side–perpendicular to the direction that the wave is traveling in (the direction of wave propagation)

Measuring earthquake:

The Mercalli scale bases its measurement on the observed effects of the earthquake and describes its intensity. It is a linear measurement.
On the other hand, the Richter scale measures the seismic waves, or the energy released, causing the earthquake and describes the quake’s magnitude.

2. How Curiosity-Driven Research on a Worm Won Four Nobel Prizes

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun were awarded the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for discovering microRNAs and their role in gene expression using Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans). This tiny nematode has contributed significantly to biological research, leading to four Nobel Prizes, showcasing how fundamental, curiosity-driven studies can have profound societal impacts.

Caenorhabditis elegans:

Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) is a small, transparent nematode (roundworm), approximately 1 mm long.
It is widely used as a model organism in biological research due to its simplicity, rapid lifecycle, and genetic tractability.
First introduced as a model organism by Sydney Brenner in the 1960s.
Comprises 959 somatic cells in adults (hermaphrodite).
Contains ~20,000 protein-coding genes.
Has 302 neurons, making it ideal for studying neural circuits.
Short lifecycle of 3-4 days, enabling rapid generation turnover.
Can reproduce through self-fertilization (hermaphrodites) or cross-fertilization (males).

Why C. elegans is Ideal for Research:

Can be grown on agar plates or in liquid media.
Economical to maintain compared to higher organisms.
Availability of mutants and tools for genetic manipulation.
Many genes and pathways are conserved between C. elegans and humans, making findings relevant across species.

Major Contributions to Science:

Programmed Cell Death (Apoptosis): Research by H. Robert Horvitz, John Sulston, and Sydney Brenner (2002 Nobel Prize). Identified genes regulating cell death, with parallels in human biology.
RNA Interference (RNAi): Andrew Fire and Craig Mello demonstrated gene silencing using double-stranded RNA (2006 Nobel Prize). Applications include gene therapy and cancer research.
- Introduced double-stranded RNA to silence specific genes, a process called RNA interference (RNAi).
MicroRNAs (miRNAs): Victor Ambros and Gary Ruvkun (2024 Nobel Prize). Identified miRNAs’ role in regulating gene expression.
Ageing and Lifespan: Research by Cynthia Kenyon and others identified insulin signaling pathways involved in lifespan regulation.
Neuronal Circuits and Behavior: Mapping of the elegans connectome provided insights into neural network functions and behaviors.
Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) Technology (2008 Nobel Prize): Osamu Shimomura isolated GFP from jellyfish. Martin Chalfie introduced it into live C. elegans in 1994. Enabled tracking of gene expression and cellular processes in real-time.

3. The latest science on climate change

Sub : Geo

Sec: Climatology

Context:

The latest climate research highlights that global warming is progressing faster than expected, with a record-breaking year for global temperatures in 2024.
The critical threshold of 1.5°C of warming above pre-industrial temperatures may already have been surpassed, based on new data from Antarctic ice cores.

The 1.5°C Threshold:

A critical and often cited temperature threshold is 5°C above pre-industrial levels.
This is considered a tipping point beyond which the effects of climate change become severe and irreversible.
Recent research, based on an analysis of 2,000 years of atmospheric gas trapped in Antarctic ice cores, suggests that the world may have already crossed this 1.5°C threshold.
Scientists typically use the 1850-1900 period as the baseline to measure temperature changes, new findings suggest that using a longer pre-industrial baseline (spanning from the year 13 to 1700) shows a warming of 49°C by 2023.

Weakening of AMOC:

The Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) plays a vital role in keeping European winters milder by transporting warm water from the tropics to the North Atlantic.
However, AMOC has been weakening for decades, with studies indicating a 15% reduction in its strength since 1950.

Coral Bleaching and Ocean Warming:

The world is currently experiencing its fourth and largest mass coral bleaching event.
Scientists fear that many of the world’s coral reefs have reached a point of no return, with ongoing ocean warming exacerbating the situation.
Ocean warming is also contributing to more intense storms, with some tropical storms increasing in strength within hours and leaping over strength categories.

Increased Wildfires:

Global warming is contributing to the intensification of wildfires. The increased frequency and severity of wildfires are linked to higher temperatures, reduced rainfall, and drier conditions in forests.
In 2024, the Amazon rainforest faced its worst and most widespread drought since records began in 1950, with river levels sinking to historic lows.

Carbon Absorption Capacity:

Forests globally are facing difficulties in absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.
A study published in July 2024 revealed that forests were not able to absorb as much carbon as in previous years.
The loss of this natural carbon sink further exacerbates the climate crisis by reducing the planet’s ability to mitigate the effects of rising CO2 levels.

Increased Volcanic Activity:

Climate change may even be influencing volcanic eruptions. In Iceland, scientists have observed that rapid glacier retreat appears to be triggering volcanic activity.
As glaciers melt, they exert less pressure on the Earth’s crust and mantle, which can lead to increased volcanic eruptions.

4. They fled violence; now they are non-existent for Burkina Faso govt.

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Burkina Faso is grappling with severe internal conflict, where over 1 million people have been displaced by years of violence from Islamic extremists and government-affiliated fighters.
Burkina Faso’s military junta, which took power two years ago, promised to bring stability to the country. However, the reality on the ground contradicts the official narrative.

Displaced People in Ouagadougou:

Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso, has remained largely shielded from the violence that has affected much of the rest of the country. However, displaced people who have sought refuge in the capital often live in dire conditions.
The government does not provide support to these individuals, and international aid organizations are not authorized to work with them.

Fulani Ethnic Group and Discrimination:

The Fulani ethnic group, often accused of ties to militants, faces particular discrimination in Ouagadougou.
The junta and pro-government forces often target Fulani civilians, viewing them as potential sympathizers or members of extremist groups such as Al-Qaeda or ISIS.

Burkina Faso:

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa, bordered by Mali to the northwest, Niger to the northeast, Benin to the southeast, Togo and Ghana to the south, and Ivory Coast to the southwest.

5. Over 5600 killed last year in Haiti gang violence, says UN

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

In 2024, gang violence in Haiti resulted in over 5,600 deaths, marking a significant increase from 2023. This represented an additional 1,000 deaths compared to the previous year.
The Kenyan-led police support mission in Haiti, which is backed by both the United States and the United Nations, has been unable to stem the rising tide of violence.

Massacre in Cite Soleil:

A particularly brutal incident took place in Cite Soleil, an area in Port-au-Prince, in early December 2024.
Many of the victims were elderly individuals accused by the gang of practicing voodoo and allegedly poisoning the gang leader’s child.

About Haiti:

Located in the Caribbean, occupying the western part of the island of Hispaniola, which it shares with the Dominican Republic.
Capital: Port-au-Prince.

6. Bharatpol to aid in nabbing fugitive criminals ‘wherever they hide’: Home Minister

Sub : Schemes

Sec: Security

Context :- Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, inaugurated the BHARATPOL portal developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

What is Bharatpol?

Bharatpol, launched on January 7, 2025, is an advanced online platform developed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to enhance India’s capabilities in combating transnational crimes.
It facilitates real-time information sharing among Indian law enforcement agencies and their international counterparts, streamlining the process of obtaining international police assistance through Interpol.

Need for Bharatpol

The need to develop rapid and real-time international assistance in criminal investigations was felt due to the growing footprint of transnational crimes including cyber-crime, financial crimes, online radicalization, organised crimes, drug trafficking, human trafficking etc.

Key Features of Bharatpol:

Real-Time Interface: Bharatpol provides a real-time interface that enables seamless communication among agencies, enhancing the efficiency of law enforcement efforts. The portal will significantly expedite responses to domestic and international requests for real-time data sharing, including the issuance of Red Corner Notices and other alerts through a global network.
Five Key Modules: The platform comprises five key modules—Connect, Interpol Notices, References, Broadcast, and Resources—offering a technological platform to support all law enforcement agencies.
Streamlined Requests: It allows police forces at the state, Union Territory, and central levels to submit requests for international police assistance directly through a platform, reducing reliance on traditional communication methods like letters, faxes, and emails.
Trial in Absentia: In conjunction with the three new criminal laws, Bharatpol supports the provision of ‘Trial in Absentia,’ allowing the prosecution of fugitive criminals even in their absence. This measure simplifies the process of extraditing convicted criminals from foreign countries to India.
Assist to State Police Forces:-By facilitating collaboration with law enforcement agencies in 195 countries through real-time information sharing on such crimes.
Access to Interpol Databases: Bharatpol provides access to 19 types of Interpol databases, enabling officers to analyze data, develop crime prevention strategies, and apprehend criminals more effectively.

About Interpol:-

Interpol, or the International Criminal Police Organization, is an international police agency that facilitates cooperation between the criminal police forces of its member countries

Who Makes Up INTERPOL?

General Secretariat

The General Secretariat coordinates INTERPOL’s day-to-day activities aimed at combating a wide range of crimes.

Leadership: Run by the Secretary General.
Staff Composition: Includes both police personnel and civilians.
Locations:
- Headquarters in Lyon, France.
- Global Complex for Innovation in Singapore.
- Satellite offices in various regions worldwide.

National Central Bureaus (NCBs)

Each member country of INTERPOL has a National Central Bureau (NCB) that serves as the central point of contact for the General Secretariat and other NCBs.

Responsibilities:
- Facilitates communication and coordination among member countries.
- Acts as a liaison with the General Secretariat.
Leadership: Run by national police officials.
India’s NCB: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) serves as the National Central Bureau for India and handles all INTERPOL-related matters.

General Assembly

The General Assembly serves as INTERPOL’s governing body.

Function: Brings representatives from all member countries together.
Meetings: Convened once a year to make key decisions.

7. Digital Personal Data Protection Rules: Tokenisation for Child Age Verification

Sub: Sci

Sec: Awareness in IT AND COMPUTER

Why in News

The Government of India released the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules, 2025, under the Digital Data Protection Act, 2023, outlining provisions for data privacy, compliance, and processing mechanisms.
The said rules introduced tokenization of identity documents as a proposed solution for verifying the age of minors under the draft Digital Personal Data Protection Rules.
This initiative aims to ensure minors do not access age-restricted online services or social media platforms without parental consent.

What is Tokenisation:

Tokenisation is a process that replaces sensitive data (such as personal identity details or payment information) with a unique digital identifier, known as a “token.” This token retains the essential information for verification or authentication purposes but does not reveal the actual data.
In short, Tokenisation involves creating a digital representation of identity documents to verify a user’s age or confirm parental consent for minors.

Features

Data Substitution:
- The actual data (e.g., Aadhaar number or credit card details) is not shared.
- Instead, a randomly generated token represents the original data.
Privacy Protection:
- Since tokens do not contain the actual data, even if they are intercepted, they cannot be reverse-engineered to extract sensitive information.
Limited Use:
- Tokens are often created for specific purposes (e.g., age verification or a single transaction).
- They can be designed to expire or become invalid after their purpose is fulfilled.
Enhanced Security:
- By using tokens, sensitive information remains secure in a protected database and is not exposed during transmission or processing.

Current Verification Practices

Platforms typically rely on self-declared age verification (e.g., users declare they are at least 13).
The proposed rules mandate age verification for all new applicants on platforms operating in India.

Concerns

Privacy Issues: Critics argue the requirement might force all individuals (including adults) to verify their age, raising concerns over data privacy.

8. Duty Cut on Smartphone Parts: Impact on Local Firms and Jobs – GTRI Report

Sub: Eco

Sec: External sector

Why in News

The Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has raised concerns over a proposed customs duty cut on smartphone parts in the upcoming Union Budget FY26, stating it could harm India’s local manufacturing ecosystem, increase imports, discourage investment, and result in job losses.

Context

India’s smartphone industry, a ‘Make in India’ success story, achieved $49.2 billion in production and $15.6 billion in exports in FY24. Proposed duty cuts on components risk undermining the growth of local firms and jeopardizing self-reliance efforts in the electronics sector.

Key Points

GTRI’s Concerns Over Duty Cuts

Harm to Local Ecosystem: Reduction in customs duties could harm the developing component manufacturing ecosystem, discourage investments, and make local firms uncompetitive.
Job Losses: Mid- and low-end phone segments heavily rely on local components and provide significant employment.

Data Highlights

Production & Exports (FY24):
- Production: $49.2 billion.
- Exports: $15.6 billion, making smartphones the fourth-largest export category after diesel, aviation fuel, and polished diamonds.
Component Usage in Smartphones:
- Premium phones: 5–30% local components.
- Mid-range phones: 50% local components.
- Low-end phones: 70% local components.

Import Trends

Electronics imports increased from $15.8 billion (FY19) to $34.4 billion (FY24).
Further duty cuts could worsen dependency on foreign suppliers, increasing vulnerability to global supply chain disruptions.

Risks of Tariff Reductions

Encourages Imports: Could increase import dependency and disrupt self-reliance goals.
Unsustainable Operations: Promotes assembly-based manufacturing, weakening the focus on local production.
Reversal of Gains: Could undo progress made under the Phased Manufacturing Programme (PMP).

GTRI Recommendations

Setting up of Component Hubs Near Ports will lead to reduce import delays and warehousing costs and follow the models of Vietnam and China to support local manufacturing.
Focus on Local Production: Promote indigenous components instead of encouraging duty-free imports and reduce import dependency.