Daily Prelims Notes 1 October 2024

October 1, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

Daily Prelims Notes

1 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. SEBI Tightens Noose on Insider Trading

Sub : Eco

Sec: Capital Market

In a bid to strengthen regulations and curb insider trading, SEBI (Securities and Exchange Board of India) has introduced significant amendments.

Expansion of the Definition of “Connected Persons”:
- SEBI has expanded the definition of “connected persons” to include entities and individuals with potential access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI).
New inclusions under “connected persons”:
- A firm or its partner or employee in which a “connected person” is also a partner.
- A person sharing household or residence with a “connected person”.
Amendments to Prohibition of Insider Trading (PIT) Regulations, 2015:
- SEBI has made significant updates to the PIT Regulations to ensure that more people potentially exposed to price-sensitive information are covered under the regulations.
- The term “immediate relative” has been replaced by “relative”, expanding the scope of individuals affected by the regulation.
Expanded Definition of Relatives:
- As per the new norms, the definition of “relative” includes:
  - Spouse, parents, and in-laws.
  - Siblings of both the person and their spouse, and their respective spouses.
  - Children of the person and their spouse, and their spouses.
- Improved Investigation and Enforcement:
  - These changes are designed to include persons who have access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) but were not previously categorized as “connected persons” or “immediate relatives”.
  - The broader definition will enable more effective investigation and enforcement of insider trading violations.
  - These amendments aim to tighten control over individuals with access to UPSI, thus facilitating better regulatory oversight and ensuring stronger enforcement actions against insider trading violations.

SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015

The SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015 were established by the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to prevent insider trading in securities markets and ensure transparency and fairness in the trading process.

Key Provisions of SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015

Definition of Insider:
- An insider is defined as a person who is or was connected with the company or has access to unpublished price-sensitive information (UPSI) about the company.
Prohibition of Insider Trading:
- No insider shall trade in securities of a company when in possession of UPSI.
- Trading based on the information that is not generally available is strictly prohibited.
Unpublished Price-Sensitive Information (UPSI):
- UPSI is information related to a company that is not public and could materially affect the price of its securities.
- Examples include financial results, mergers and acquisitions, changes in the board of directors, etc.
Communication of UPSI:
- Insiders are prohibited from communicating or procuring UPSI to/from others, except in the ordinary course of business or under a legal obligation.

2. Painful Choices Loom After China’s ‘Monumental’ Stimulus

Sub : Eco

Sec: Fiscal Market

China’s recent stimulus plan to shift towards consumer-driven growth marks a significant break from its traditional economic policies.

Focus on Stimulating Household Demand:
- Beijing plans to issue sovereign bonds worth about 2 trillion yuan ($284 billion) in 2024 to subsidize consumer goods purchases and child support, effectively transferring funds to households.
- This marks a shift towards stimulating consumption, a move economist has been advocating for over a decade.
China’s Long-standing Growth Model:
- Since the 1980s, China has relied heavily on investment in property, infrastructure, and industry, often at the expense of consumer demand.
- Economists argue that this model has led to overcapacity in sectors like infrastructure and manufacturing, and unsustainable debt since the global financial crisis.
Economic Challenges and Potential Growth:
- The current consumer-focused stimulus is expected to help China meet its 2024 growth target of 5%, despite recent below-forecast data.
- However, China’s household spending remains less than 40% of annual economic output, 20 percentage points below the global average, while investment stands 20 points above. Bridging this gap will be a long-term challenge.
Comparative Insights:
- Historical data shows that it took Japan 17 years to increase its consumption share by 10 percentage points from its low point in 1991.
- Analysts warn that China may face a prolonged period of low growth, similar to Japan’s experience in the 1990s.
Structural Issues Hampering Consumption:
- China’s socioeconomic structure has historically favored investment over consumption:
  - Low deposit rates, weak labor rights, and frail social safety nets have kept household incomes low.
  - The tax system encourages high investment with low wages.
  - Capital gains tax is 20%, compared to 30% in India and 37% in the U.S.
  - The upper personal income tax rate in China is among the world’s highest at 45%.
  - Strategic industries, like electric vehicles, green energy, and robotics, are frequently supported by tax exemptions and government incentives, reinforcing the focus on investment over consumption.
Policy Rebalancing Challenges:
- Rebalancing the economy towards consumer-driven growth will require a coordinated, long-term effort involving various policy changes.
- Analysts argue that halting subsidies to manufacturing and shifting focus to households could lead to a recession due to reduced investment in the manufacturing sector.
Likely Economic Outcome:
- Experts predict that China may choose a protracted period of rebalancing, leading to a scenario similar to Japan’s “lost decade” or “Japanification”, with sluggish growth but gradual adjustment.
- To support the current stimulus, Beijing is expected to issue more debt rather than significantly alter the income distribution mechanisms between businesses, government, and households.

In conclusion, China’s transition from an investment-driven economy to one focused on household consumption presents monumental challenges. While this strategy aims to spur growth in the short term, the long-term structural changes required for a sustainable shift will involve painful choices and years of rebalancing.

Japanification

It refers to the economic phenomenon that mirrors Japan’s prolonged period of stagnation and low growth following the asset bubble collapse in the early 1990s.

This term describes various characteristics and consequences observed in Japan’s economy over the last few decades, which some analysts warn could befall other economies, particularly those facing similar structural challenges.

Key Characteristics of Japanification

Prolonged Economic Stagnation:
- A sustained period of low or negative economic growth, often accompanied by persistent deflation.
Low Interest Rates:
- Central banks maintain ultra-low or negative interest rates in an effort to stimulate growth, which can lead to diminished effectiveness of monetary policy.
Deflationary Pressures:
- Falling prices can create a cycle of reduced consumer spending as people wait for prices to drop further, exacerbating economic stagnation.
Aging Population:
- A demographic shift towards an older population, resulting in lower workforce participation and increased social security and healthcare costs.
High Public Debt:
- Rising government debt levels, often as a result of stimulus measures aimed at reviving the economy.
Corporate Sector Weakness:
- Companies may become complacent, leading to inefficiencies and a lack of innovation, often referred to as “zombie companies” that rely on low borrowing costs to survive.
Low Productivity Growth:
- Stagnant or declining productivity levels, which can hinder economic growth potential.

3. U.S. Stays India’s Top Trading Ally, Export Destination in 2024

Sub : Eco

Sec: External Sector

The U.S. continues to hold its position as India’s top trading partner in the first seven months of 2024, with bilateral goods trade exceeding $190 billion.

Growth in Indian Exports to the U.S.:
- Indian exports to the U.S. grew by 9.3%, reaching $48.2 billion during the January-July 2024 period.
- Major export items included garments and textiles, pharmaceuticals, precious and semi-precious stones, smartphones, and mineral fuels.
Decline in U.S. Exports to India:
- India’s imports from the U.S. fell by 5%, from $25.9 billion to $24.6 billion during the same period.
Long-Term Export Growth:
- From2018 to 2023, India’s merchandise exports to the U.S. saw substantial growth, increasing from $54.3 billion to $83.8 billion, marking a 54.4% increase.
- Services exports to the U.S. also rose by 25.6%, from $28.9 billion in 2018 to $36.3 billion in 2023.
- Combining both merchandise and services, India’s total exports to the U.S. surged from $83.2 billion in 2018 to $120.1 billion in 2023, reflecting a 44.3% overall increase.
Impact of Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) Withdrawal:
- The withdrawal of the GSP scheme by the U.S. in 2019 had minimal economic impact on India.
- Although India was the largest user of the GSP program, accounting for $5.7 billion in exports, this figure is considered negligible in the context of India’s broader export portfolio.
India’s Imports from the U.S. (January-July 2024):
- Key import items from the U.S. include mineral fuels, precious and semi-precious stones, mechanical and electrical machinery, aircraft and parts, ships and boats, chemicals, pharmaceuticals, and edible fruits and nuts.
Significance of the U.S. Market for India:
- The U.S. remains a significant market for Indian goods, particularly in technology and engineering products.
- India’s rising demand for advanced technology, energy, and capital goods from the U.S. presents opportunities to further boost bilateral trade.

In summary, the U.S. continues to be India’s most important trading partner, with robust growth in Indian exports. The evolving trade relationship highlights opportunities in technology, engineering, and advanced capital goods. Despite the GSP withdrawal, the broader trade dynamics remain strong.

Generalized System of Preferences (GSP)

Introduction:
- Instituted in 1971 under the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD).
- A voluntary trade measure implemented by developed countries to provide preferential tariff treatment to imports from developing countries.
Key Features:
- Preferential Tariffs:
  - Includes either elimination or reduction in customs duty for eligible products exported from beneficiary developing countries (BDCs).
- Rules of Origin:
  - Exporters must fulfill rules of origin criteria to ensure the product originates from the country of export and is not diverted from another country.
- Unilateral Scheme:
  - It is a unilateral customs duty preference scheme, meaning no reciprocal customs duty preferences are required from India or other BDCs for the developed country.
- Countries Granting GSP:
  - Major countries providing GSP preferences include Armenia, Australia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Canada, EU, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyz Republic, New Zealand, Norway, Russian Federation, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, UK, US, and Uzbekistan.
  - Each developed country has its own regulatory framework for GSP tariff preferences.
- Importance of GSP Schemes:
  - Varies in terms of product preferences and the exports from developing countries eligible for tariff preferences.
  - GSPs from the EU and US are particularly comprehensive and important for developing countries.
  - Some schemes offer additional tariff preferences to a specified class of developing countries, notably providing extensive coverage to Least Developed Countries (LDCs).
- India’s GSP Benefits:
  - India is a major beneficiary, realizing significant export volume under the GSP.
  - Approximately 40% of India’s exports to the EU are under the EU GSP.
  - Prior to the withdrawal of the US GSP, around 10% of India’s total exports to the US were under this program.

United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)

Overview:
- UNCTAD is the UN’s leading institution dealing with trade and development.
- Established in 1964 by the United Nations General Assembly.
Objectives:
- Assist developing countries, particularly the least developed countries and countries with economies in transition, to integrate beneficially into the global economy.
- Promote a global partnership for development and enhance coherence in global economic policy making.
- Ensure development gains from trade are realized by all.

4. Sri Lanka’s economy marks first deflation in 39 years

Sub : Eco

Sec: Inflation and Unemployment

Context:

Sri Lanka’s economy recorded falling consumer prices for the first time in 39 years, with the September inflation figure dipping to negative 0.5%. Sri Lanka last recorded deflation in 1985.

Inflation in Sri Lanka:

In 2022, inflation in Sri Lanka peaked at 69.8% at the height of an unprecedented economic crisis marked by an acute shortage of food, fuel and medicines.
The crisis was exacerbated by political instability and public unrest.
The government has implemented various measures, including adjusting interest rates and seeking assistance from international organizations like the IMF, to stabilize the economy and control inflation.

Inflation:

Inflation refers to the rise in the prices of most goods and services of daily or common use, such as food, clothing, housing, recreation, transport, consumer staples, etc.
Inflation measures the average price change in a basket of commodities and services over time.
Inflation is indicative of the decrease in the purchasing power of a unit of a country’s currency. This could ultimately lead to a deceleration in economic growth.
However, a moderate level of inflation is required in the economy to ensure that production is promoted.
In India, inflation is primarily measured by two main indices, WPI & CPI which measure wholesale and retail-level price changes, respectively.
As per RBI, inflation target of 4 per cent with a +/-2 per cent tolerance band is set for 2021-2025 period.

Deflation:

Deflation happens when the general price level of goods and services decreases, and the inflation rate falls below 0%.
Deflation increases the value of currency, allowing people to buy more goods and services with the same amount of money.

Deflation vs Disinflation:

Disinflation refers to a decrease in the level of inflation whereas deflation implies negative inflation.

Causes of Deflation:

Decreased money supply
Decreased consumer demand
Increased productivity
Unemployment
Debt deflation

Effects of deflation include:

Lower spending and investment
Higher unemployment
More difficult debt repayment
Bank runs

5. Demand for ST Status for Tea Tribes

Sub :Geo

Sec: Human geo

Why in News

Jharkhand Chief Minister has raised the long-pending demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status for Assam’s “tea tribes.”

Tea Tribes of Assam:

The tea garden workers, now known as the “tea tribes” or “ex-tea garden tribes,” were originally brought to Assam by British colonialists during the mid-19th century. These workers were primarily from regions such as Odisha, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, and West Bengal, and they were employed as indentured labourers in Assam’s tea plantations. Over time, many of them permanently settled in Assam, forming a distinct community.

The tea tribes are officially recognized as Other Backward Classes (OBC) by the Government of India. Despite their significant contributions to Assam’s economy—particularly in the tea industry, where they contribute to over 53% of India’s total tea production—the community faces considerable socio-economic challenges.

Demand for ST Status: Due to their socio-economic disadvantages and historical roots, the tea tribes have been demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status in Assam. Gaining this status would provide them with additional political, economic, and social benefits, including reservations in education, employment, and political representation.

Some of the prominent tea tribes in Assam include:Santhal, Munda, Oraon, KurukhGond and Kharia.

Constitutional Provisions for ST Status

Article 341 (1): Empowers the President to specify which castes, races, or tribes in each state or union territory shall be classified as Scheduled Castes (SCs).

Article 341 (2): Any subsequent inclusion or exclusion from the SC list can be done by Parliament through a law.

Article 342 (1): The President, after consultation with the Governor of the respective state, specifies tribes or tribal communities to be classified as Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Criteria for ST Classification: Tribes are identified based on factors such as geographical isolation, distinctive culture, backwardness, and socio-economic deprivation.

The tea tribes of Assam, descendants of labourers brought during the British era, are classified as OBCs and have been demanding ST status for years.

The Scheduled Tribes Amendment Bill (2019) was introduced in the Rajya Sabha to grant ST status, but it has yet to be passed.

Assam Tea Gardens:

Assam tea is renowned for its robust, malty flavor and deep color. It is one of the finest black teas globally and is widely consumed both as single-estate tea and in blends like English Breakfast Tea.

Location: Assam is situated along the Brahmaputra River, with tea gardens mostly on its fertile plains.

Climate: The region’s tropical climate, characterized by heavy rainfall and humidity, creates ideal conditions for tea cultivation

Historical Background: The British established tea production in Assam in the 19th century, making it the first large-scale tea cultivation area outside of China.

Production:Assam is one of the largest tea-producing regions in the world, contributing significantly to India’s tea exports.

Special Time Zone: Assam’s tea gardens operate in a separate time zone, “Tea Garden Time” (an hour ahead of Indian Standard Time), to optimize daylight usage.

About Tea:

Tea is a tropical and sub-tropical plant and grows well in moderatelyhot and humid climates.

The ideal temperature for its growth is 20°-30°C and temperatures above 35°C and below 10°C are harmful for the bush.

It requires 150-300 cm annual rainfall which should be well distributed throughout the year.

The most suitable soil for tea cultivation is slightly acidic soil (without calcium) with porous sub-soil which permits a free percolation of water.

The major tea-producing states in India are: Assam, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Karnataka, Sikkim, Nagaland, Uttarakhand, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Bihar, Orissa.

6. Supreme Court Criticizes Delhi Government Over Neglect of Capital’s Green Cover

Sub :Env

Sec: Ecosystem

Why in News

The Supreme Court reprimanded the Delhi government’s Forest Department for its lack of action in improving the city’s green cover. This rebuke comes after the department failed to submit a report detailing comprehensive steps taken to enhance the capital’s greenery, which the court had previously requested over three months ago.

What is Green Cover?

Green cover refers to all vegetation, including trees, forests, grasslands, wetlands, and farmlands, that contributes to the greening of an area. It includes natural forests, man-made forests (plantations), and other vegetation that helps maintain ecological balance and provide various environmental benefits.

Components of Green Cover

Forest Cover: This includes natural forests and plantations with a canopy density above 10%.

Tree Cover: Refers to trees growing outside forests, including urban trees, farmland, and roadside plantations.

Grasslands and Shrubs: Vegetation that contributes to ecological balance but doesn’t qualify as forest cover.

Importance of Green Cover

Carbon sequestration to mitigate climate change.

Improving air quality by absorbing pollutants.

Regulating the water cycle and preventing soil erosion.

As of 2023-2024, Delhi’s green cover stands at around 23.06% of its total geographical area, with various efforts being made to increase this figure.

On a national scale, India’s overall forest and tree cover increased to 24.62% of its total land area, according to the 2021 report by the Forest Survey of India. The country has been working toward achieving the national goal of 33% green cover.

Supreme Court’s Reprimand

The Supreme Court, criticized the Forest Department for showing a “complete lack of interest” and a “lacklustre” approach in increasing Delhi’s green cover.Despite directions issued in June 2024, the Forest Department had not yet provided a plan or steps to enhance the green cover in the city.

Constitutional Provisions Related to Forest Conservation:

Article 48-A: Directs the state to protect and improve the environment and safeguard forests and wildlife.

Article 51-A(g): Lays down the duty of every citizen of India to protect and improve the natural environment, including forests.

India State of Forest Report

It is an assessment of India’s forest and tree cover, published every two years by the Forest Survey of India under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change.

The first survey was published in 1987, and ISFR 2021 is the 17th.

India is one of the few countries in the world that brings out such every two years, and this is widely considered comprehensive and robust.

With data computed through wall-to-wall mapping of India’s forest cover through remote sensing techniques, the ISFR is used in planning and formulation of policies in forest management as well as forestry and agroforestry sectors.

Forest Cover is defined as “An area more than 1 ha in extent and having tree canopy density of 10 percent and above”.

Tree Cover is defined as “Tree patches outside recorded forest areas exclusive of forest cover and less than the minimum mappable area of one hectare”.

Three categories of forests are surveyed

Very Dense Forests (canopy density over 70%),

Moderately Dense Forests (40-70%) and Open Forests (10-40%),

Scrubs (canopy density less than 10%)

7. Karnataka’s Rejection of Eco-Sensitive Area Notification for Western Ghats

Sub : Env

Sec: Environmental legislation

Why in News

On September 26, 2023, the Karnataka government formally requested the withdrawal of a draft notification from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), which aimed to designate parts of the Western Ghats as Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs). This development follows the government’s rejection of the Kasturirangan committee report regarding environmental management in the region.

Key points from Kasturirangan committee report

The Kasturirangan committee report proposes 37 per cent of the total area of Western Ghats, which is roughly 60,000 square kilometres, to be declared as eco-sensitive area (ESA).

The state of Karnataka has the highest percentage of the ESA- 46.50 per cent.

The report recommended a blanket ban on mining, quarrying, setting up of red category industries and thermal power projects.

It also stated that the impact of infrastructural projects on the forest and wildlife should be studied before permission is given for these activities.

It also stated that the UNESCO Heritage tag is an opportunity to build global and domestic recognition of the enormous natural wealth that exists in the Western Ghats.

The39 sites are located across the Western Ghats and distributed across the states (Kerala 19), Karnataka (10), Tamil Nadu (6) and Maharashtra (4).

What is an Eco-Sensitive Zone:

The basic aim of ESZ is to regulate certain activities around National Parks and Wildlife Sanctuaries so as to minimise the negative impacts of such activities on the fragile ecosystem encompassing the protected areas

ESZs are notified by MoEFCC, Government of India under Environment Protection Act 1986

The guidelines include a broad list of activities that could be allowed, promoted, regulated or promoted. This is an important checklist for conservationists to keep in mind while identifying threats in ESZs.

For this purpose, the ministry has asked all states to constitute a committee comprising the wildlife warden, an ecologist and a revenue department official of the area concerned to suggest the requirement of an eco-sensitive zone and its extent.

The width of the ESZ and type of regulation may vary from protected area to area. However, as a general principle, the width of the ESZ could go up to 10 kms around the protected area.

About Western Ghats:

Mountain chain running parallel to India’s western coast, extending from the Satpura Range to Kanyakumari.Approximately 1,600 km, covering an area of around 140,000 km².

Divided into northern Maharashtra (Sahyadri), Konkan Coast, Kanara, Malabar Coast, and Nilgiri Malai in Tamil Nadu.

Formation: Considered either block mountains due to land down-warping or faulted edges of the Deccan Plateau.

Key role in intercepting southwest monsoon winds, significantly influencing Indian weather patterns.

Hotspot Status: Recognized as one of the world’s eight ‘hottest hotspots’ of biodiversity.

Flora and Fauna: Home to over 1,500 endemic species, including 325 globally threatened species (IUCN Red List).

Forests: Tropical evergreen forests on western slopes and deciduous forests on eastern slopes.Includes Rosewood, Mahogany, Teak, and Sandalwood.

Endemic Species: Features unique species like Nilgiritahr and lion-tailed macaque.

Major Rivers

West-Flowing Rivers: Includes Periyar, Netravati, and Mandovi; essential for hydroelectricity due to steep gradients.

East-Flowing Rivers: Includes Godavari, Krishna, and Kaveri; slower-moving rivers contributing to larger water bodies.

Home to India’s two biosphere reserves(Agasthya Mala BR and Nilgiris BR) and 13 national parks.

Hill Stations: Known for popular hill stations like Mahabaleshwar, Lonavala, and Kodagu, attracting tourism and contributing to local economies.

8. Who is an Overseas Citizen of India? What are the rights and privileges of OCI card holders?

Sub :Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

Recently, false reports were circulating on social media regarding OCIs becoming reclassified as “foreigners” in India.
Consulate General of India in New York clarified that the provisions of a gazette notification from 2021 continue to remain in force, and that no new change has been introduced in the recent past for OCI card holders.

What is an OCI card?

An OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card is a form of citizenship status offered to individuals of Indian origin who are citizens of other countries, under Section 7A of the Citizenship Act 1955.
It was introduced in 2005 with an aim to provide dual citizenship for the Indian diaspora.
If an individual is registered as an OCI for a period of five years, he/she is eligible to apply for Indian citizenship.

Eligibility:

It is available to people who were Indian citizens or their descendants. This includes children and grandchildren of Indian citizens.
The spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or an OCI, whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for not less than two years, can apply for an OCI card.
An applicant is not eligible to get an OCI card if his/her parents or grandparents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh.
Foreign military personnel either in service or retired are not entitled for grant of OCI.

Benefits:

Multiple entry, life-long visa for visiting India.
No restrictions on the length of stay in India.
Access to various economic, financial, and educational benefits, similar to Indian citizens.

Restrictions:

The OCI card holder is not entitled to vote, be a member of a Legislative Assembly or a Legislative Council or of Parliament.
OCI cannot hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court.
He or she cannot normally hold employment in the government.

Current Status:

As per government records, there were more than 45 lakh registered OCI card holders in2023, from 129 countries.
The US topped the list with over 16.8 lakh OCI card holders, followed by the UK (9.34 lakh), Australia (4.94 lakh) and Canada (4.18 lakh).

Recent amendment:

In 2021, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a gazette notification amending the rules regarding OCI card holders.
The amendment put OCIs at par with “foreign nationals” under the Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA).
Earlier, OCI card holders had general parity with Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in economic, financial, and educational fields, except for agricultural property.
It required OCI card holders to seek permission or a permit to visit protected areas in India. Special permit is also needed for research and missionary activities.

Previous amendments:

OCI rules have been amended in 2005, 2007 and 2009 prior to this.
2005: Established multiple-entry visas and exemptions from FRRO registration.
2007: Parity with NRIs for inter-country adoption, airfare on domestic flights, and entry fees to wildlife parks.
2009: Parity with NRIs for monument entry fees, professional opportunities, and eligibility for all-India tests.

9. Ocean warming rate nearly doubled since 2005: report

Sub: Geo

Sec: Oceanography

Context:

A recent report by the European Union’s Copernicus Monitor says that the rate at which oceans are warming has almost doubled since 2005 due to human-caused climate change.

Findings of the report:

Ocean warming has increased continuously since the 1960s but sharply accelerated after 2005.
In the last two decades, the rate of warming has nearly doubled, increasing from a long-term average of 58 watts per m² to 1.05 watts per m².
In 2023, more than 20 percent of the world’s oceans experienced at least one severe to extreme marine heatwave.
These findings align with an IPCC report which said that since 1970, around 90% of excess heat trapped in the atmosphere due to the release of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases has been absorbed in the oceans.

Consequences of warmer oceans:

The report highlighted the impacts of a warming planet on the oceans, which cover 70% of the Earth’s surface and play a crucial role in regulating the climate.
Warmer oceans intensify storms and other extreme weather events, and alter rainfall patterns.
Marine heatwaves have ripple effects for marine life and fisheries.
Unprecedented sea ice loss and deep ocean heat storage.

About European Union’s Copernicus Atmosphere Monitoring Service:

Copernicus is the Earth observation component of the European Union’s Space programme.
It provides comprehensive data on ocean conditions and climate monitoring.
Focus Areas: Ocean temperature monitoring, tracking marine heatwaves, observing sea ice loss and analysing ocean heat storage.

About IPCC:

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations.
It was set up by World Meteorological Organization and the United Nations Environment Programme in 1988.
It aims to advance scientific knowledge about climate change caused by human activities.
The IPCC does not conduct its own research, rather compiles scientific data from research conducted by other institutions into its Assessment reports.
Sixth Assessment Report (AR6), which was recently released, highlighted the urgency of climate action.

10. Tsetse fly present in 34 countries in Africa, confirms FAO atlas

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

New Atlas Reveals Tsetse Fly Distribution in Africa:

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) has published a new atlas showing the presence of tsetse flies in 34 African countries. This is a significant update, as the last comprehensive map was created over 50 years ago.

What are Tsetse Flies?

Tsetse flies belong to the genus Glossina
They transmit trypanosomes, unicellular parasites that cause:
- Sleeping sickness in humans
- Nagana in African livestock

Impact:

Human cases: Sleeping sickness is no longer a major public health issue, with annual cases below 2,000
Livestock: Tsetse flies continue to have a significant impact, causing estimated annual agricultural losses in the billions of dollars

The New FAO Atlas:

Data sources: 669 scientific papers from 1990 to 2020
Methods: Combines Google Earth geolocation data with entomological fieldwork
Scope: Analyzed7,386 sites across Africa

Key Findings:

Confirmed presence of Glossina species in 34 countries
Geographical range: From Northern Senegal (15°N) to South Africa (Kwazulu-Natal province at 5 degrees south)
Most widespread species:
- West Africa: Glossina palpalis and Glossina tachinoides
- Central Africa: Glossina fuscipes
- East and Southern Africa: Glossina morsitans and Glossina pallidipes

Data Gaps and Limitations:

No published data was found for Burundi, Guinea-Bissau, Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Somalia (These countries are still considered affected by tsetse flies)
Limited information for:Angola, Congo, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and South Sudan
North African countries historically free of tsetse flies were not included

Importance of the Atlas:

Aids veterinary practitioners and policymakers in affected countries
Assists international organisations like WHO in fighting sleeping sickness and animal trypanosomiasis
Helps establish a reference for tsetse fly and African animal trypanosomosis distribution (e.g., in western Ethiopia)

Source: DTE

11. Germany extends temporary control on all land borders to ‘limit migration’

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Germany‘s introduction of temporary border controls with its nine neighbouring countries has sparked a mix of political reactions and concerns.

Details:

Extension of Border Controls:
- Previously, Germany had controls with Poland, Czech Republic, Austria, and Switzerland.
- From September 16, 2024, these controls were expanded to include France, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, and Denmark.
- These controls are aimed at limiting irregular migration and enhancing internal security, according to the German Interior Ministry.
- These controls will remain in effect until at least March 2025, with ongoing debates about their effectiveness and legal standing.
Security Concerns:
- Interior Minister Nancy Faeser highlighted threats from Islamist terrorism and cross-border crime as motivations for the measure.
- These controls will be in place for six months, with a possibility of extension up to three years under Schengen Area regulations.

Political Context:

Immigration has been a central political issue in Germany since 2015-16, when over a million Syrian refugees were accepted.
The Dublin Regulation holds that the first EU countryan asylum seeker enters is responsible for processing their application, but Germany argues the system is flawed.
Racial profiling concerns are also being raised, with fears that random border checks could disproportionately target certain ethnic groups.
Rise of Extremism and Asylum Processing:
- The combination of extremist threats and migration policies complicates the situation.
- While asylum applications have dropped in Germany, bureaucratic challenges remain. First-time asylum applications decreased by 19% in the first half of 2024.

The Immigration Crisis in Europe:

The crisis peaked in 2015 when over 1 million migrants and refugees entered Europe, mainly fleeing conflicts in Syria, Afghanistan, and Iraq. While numbers have decreased since then, the issue remains a critical challenge for European countries.

Key Policies and Agreements:

Dublin Regulation: This EU law determines which member state is responsible for examining an asylum application. Generally, it’s the country where the asylum seeker first entered the EU.
EU-Turkey Deal (2016): An agreement to stem the flow of irregular migrants from Turkey to Greece. Turkey agreed to accept the return of migrants in exchange for financial aid and political concessions.
European Agenda on Migration (2015): A comprehensive plan to improve migration management, including measures to reduce incentives for irregular migration, save lives at sea, and reform the asylum system.

Recent Developments and Acts

UK-Rwanda Migration and Economic Development Partnership (2022)
- Announced in April 2022 by the UK government as part of its strategy to deter illegal entry and break people-smuggling networks.
- Key features:
  - Asylum seekers who arrive in the UK through unauthorized routes may be relocated to Rwanda for processing and potential resettlement.
  - Rwanda agrees to process these claims and, if successful, to grant asylum and support integration.
  - The UK provides funding to Rwanda for processing and integration costs.
New Pact on Migration and Asylum (2020): Proposed by the European Commission to overhaul the EU’s asylum system. Key features include:
- Faster border procedures for asylum screening
- Fair sharing of responsibility among member states
- Increased focus on returns for those not eligible for protection
Frontex Scrutiny Working Group (2021): Established by the European Parliament to investigate allegations of human rights violations by Frontex.

12. As CERN turns 70, it searches for ways to finance the next big thing

Sub :Sci

Sec: Nuclear sector

Context:

CERN, the world-renowned particle physics lab, faces a significant challenge: securing $17 billion in funding for its next major project, the Future Circular Collider (FCC).

About CERN:

CERN, the European Organization for Nuclear Research, is one of the world’s largest and most respected centres for scientific research.
Founded in 1954, CERN’s main focus is particle physics – the study of the fundamental constituents of matter and the forces between them.
Location:Geneva, Switzerland (main site), straddling the Franco-Swiss border
Founded: 1954
Member States: 23 as of 2024, with several associate and observer states

Major Facilities:

Large Hadron Collider (LHC):
- The world’s largest and most powerful particle accelerator
- 27 km circumference ring located 100m underground
- Capable of colliding protons at energies up to 13 TeV
ATLAS (A Toroidal LHC ApparatuS) and CMS (Compact Muon Solenoid):
- Two large general-purpose detectors used to look for signs of new physics
A Large Ion Collider Experiment (ALICE):
- Detector specialized for studying heavy-ion collisions
Large Hadron Collider beauty (LHCb):
- Detector for studying the slight differences between matter and antimatter
Other Accelerators:
- Proton Synchrotron (PS)
- Super Proton Synchrotron (SPS)
- Isotope Separator On-Line DEvice (ISOLDE) (for research with radioactive ions)

The Importance of Fundamental Research:

CERN’s work spans critical areas like dark matter research and cosmic ray effects, offering insights into the universe’s building blocks.
According to Gianotti, fundamental research drives innovation, and history shows that breakthroughs, like the World Wide Web, stem from such research.

Major Discoveries and Contributions

Discovery of the Higgs Boson (2012)
- Confirmed the existence of the Higgs field, which gives particles mass
Creation of Antimatter (1995)
- First creation of anti-hydrogen atoms
Discovery of W and Z Bosons (1983)
- Confirmed the electroweak theory
Invention of the World Wide Web (1989)
- Tim Berners-Lee developed the WWW to help scientists share information
Advancements in Superconducting Magnets
- Crucial for the operation of the LHC and with applications beyond particle physics

Plans for the Future Circular Collider:

The FCC is set to be a 90-kilometer underground ring beneath France and Switzerland, far larger than the LHC’s 27-kilometer ring.
A feasibility study will conclude in 2025, and a decision on construction is expected by 2027 or 2028.

Geopolitical Competition in Particle Physics:

Europe risks losing its leadership in particle physics to China, which has the resources and ambition to build a rival collider.
Former European Central Bank President Mario Draghi highlighted CERN’s leadership as a critical success for the EU in particle physics.
Should China complete its circular collider first, Europe’s dominance could be jeopardized.

Source: BS