Daily Prelims Notes 18 November 2024

November 18, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

18 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. New infectious diseases among bees threaten world’s economies

Sub: Sci

Sec: health

Context:

A study in Switzerland found 10-times higher viral loads (e.g., deformed wing virus, black queen virus) in wild pollinators when sharing floral resources with managed honey bees.

Details:

Habitat Loss exacerbates the overlap between wild and managed bees, increasing the risk of pathogen spillover.
Research has uncovered the transmission of pathogens between managed honey bees and wild pollinators, a process called pathogen spillover and spillback.
- Western honey bees are often viral reservoirs and can infect wild species when they share habitats.
- These emerging infectious diseases also threaten the wider pollinator community.

Significance of insect pollinators:

A significant chunk of the world’s agricultural productivity and nutritional security relies on small insect pollinators. Over 75% of food crops, fruits, and flowering plants depend on small insect pollinators like bees, wasps, beetles, flies, moths, and butterflies for successful yields.
Threats to pollinators such as pesticides, pollution, climate change, and infectious diseases pose a serious risk to global agricultural productivity and nutritional security.
Data Scarcity: Most research on bees focuses on managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera), with limited data from biodiversity-rich regions like the Indian subcontinent.
Wild bees often outperform western honey bees in pollination efficiency. Research emphasises the need to study wild bee health and populations.

Indian Context:

Native Bee Species: India has over 700 bee species, including four indigenous honey bees:
- Asiatic honey bee (Apis cerana indica)
- Giant rock bee (Apis dorsata)
- Dwarf honey bee (Apis florea)
- Stingless bee (Trigona species)
Western honey bees were introduced to India in 1983, increasing honey production but also raising concerns about disease transmission.
The Thai sacbrood virus has devastated up to 90% of Asiatic honey bee colonies in South India, with reemergence in 2021.

Migration and Competition:

Migration Impact: Managed honey bees often migrate along routes with rich floral resources, which can disrupt local bee populations and increase competition.
Decline in Native Populations: In regions like Kolhapur, Maharashtra, the introduction of western honey bees led to a decline in indigenous pollinators and honey production due to diseases.

Managed Honey Bees:

Primarily Apis mellifera (Western honey bee), kept in human-made hives
Used extensively in commercial agriculture for crop pollination
Live in large colonies (up to 60,000 bees)
Produce honey and wax for human use
More generalist pollinators, visiting many types of flowers
Face challenges like Colony Collapse Disorder, parasites (especially Varroa mites), and pesticide exposure
Require human management for disease control and feeding

Wild Bees:

Incredibly diverse group with over 20,000 known species worldwide
Include solitary bees, bumblebees, and other native species
Many are specialist pollinators adapted to specific plants
Often more efficient pollinators for certain crops (e.g., mason bees for orchards)
Various nesting habits (ground, wood, plant stems)
Most don’t produce honey for human harvest
Face threats from habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change

Key Environmental Considerations:

While managed honey bees are important for agriculture, they can compete with wild bees for resources
Wild bees provide crucial ecosystem services and are essential for native plant reproduction
Both groups need diverse flower resources and pesticide-free environments
Conservation efforts should focus on protecting both managed and wild bee habitats

Source: TH

2. Kaalinga will be scientific name for Kalinga Sarpa

Sub : Env

SEC: Species in news

Context:

The Western Ghats king cobra, locally called Kalinga Sarpa in Kannada, has been officially named Ophiophagus kaalinga.
This distinct species of king cobra was identified through nearly a decade of research led by herpetologist Dr. P. Gowri Shankar.

About Ophiophagus kaalinga:

It is a species native to the Western Ghats in southwestern India and is found in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and parts of Maharashtra.
The Western Ghats king cobra has fewer than 40 bands on its body, a blackish brown body, pale bands, and a creamy yellow belly. It can grow to over 10 feet in length.

Early Classification:

Until recently, all king cobras across South and Southeast Asia were considered a single species (Ophiophagus hannah), first named in 1836 by Danish naturalist Theodore Edward Cantor.

New findings:

The study revealed four distinct lineages of king cobras:
- Western Ghats (Ophiophagus kaalinga)
- Indo-Chinese lineage
- Indo-Malaysian lineage
- Luzon Island lineage (Salvatana)

3. Why CO2 is the primary driver of climate change

Sub : Env

SEC: Climate change

Context:

India’s CO2 emissions from burning fossil fuels are projected to increase by 6% in 2024, the highest growth among major economies.
This projection comes from the Global Carbon Project, an organization that quantifies global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
It also predicts that global fossil-based CO2 emissions are set to reach a record high of 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, a 0.8% increase from 2023.

Greenhouse Effect:

The Sun emits shortwave radiation absorbed by the Earth’s surface, which is then re-emitted as longwave infrared radiation.
Greenhouse gases (GHGs) such as CO2 and methane trap this infrared radiation, preventing heat from escaping into space.
GHGs have three or more atoms, which gives them a larger variety of ways to stretch and bend and twist, allowing them to absorb and trap a wider range of infrared wavelengths.
These gases maintain Earth’s temperature, enabling life. However, excessive GHG concentrations cause global warming.

Global warming:

Since the industrial revolution, there has been a constant rise in the amount of some of the GHGs, especially CO2, due to human activities like burning fossil fuels.
As a result, more heat is getting trapped in the atmosphere, leading to a rise in global temperatures.

Why CO2 drives Global Warming:

Abundance: CO2 is responsible for 70% of global warming, as it is more prevalent than other GHGs. Since the Industrial Revolution, human activities have increased atmospheric CO2 by 50%.
Longevity: CO2 persists in the atmosphere far longer than other GHGs: 40% remains for 100 years, 20% for 1,000 years, and 10% for 10,000 years. In contrast, methane (CH4) lasts a decade and nitrous oxide (N2O) about a century.
According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) CO2 has the greatest warming effect or Radiative Forcing (RF) among GHGs.

Water vapour:

Water vapour is the most abundant GHG in the atmosphere. However, water vapor has a short atmospheric cycle, averaging about 10 days, and does not accumulate in the atmosphere like CO2. As a result, its heating effect is significantly less than that of CO2.

4. India sets sights on Green Steel with pilot projects and mission to define low-carbon standards

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate change

Green Steel Mission:

Objective: India’s Steel Ministry is working on its first-ever Green Steel Mission to promote the production of low-carbon steel.
- The focus is on defining and standardising “green steel” and expediting pilot projects using hydrogen in steel-making.
There is no universally accepted definition of “green steel.”
- It is broadly understood as steel produced using low-carbon energy sources like renewables or electric arc furnaces.
The Ministry aims to establish a clear definition by the end of the year.

Defining Green Steel:

The Ministry is considering defining green steel based on percentage terms of emission intensity, with a benchmark of 2.2 tonnes of CO₂ emissions per tonne of crude steel produced.
There may be a grading system based on the emission levels to classify steel as “green.”

Public Procurement Policy:

Green steel is expected to be costlier than conventional steel.
The Ministry is deliberating a public procurement policy that might incentivize the use of green steel despite the higher costs.

Hydrogen Pilot Projects:

National Green Hydrogen Mission: As part of this initiative, the Ministry approved three pilot projects with a financial outlay of ₹347 crore to use hydrogen in steel production.
Pilot Project Components:
- 100% Hydrogen for DRI (Direct Reduced Iron) via vertical shaft.
- Use of hydrogen in blast furnaces to reduce coal/coke consumption.
- Injection of hydrogen in vertical shaft-based DRI units.

Selected Pilot Projects:

Matrix Gas and Renewable Ltd Consortium:
- Capacity: 50 TPD (Tonnes Per Day)
- Members: Gensol Engineering Ltd, IIT-Bhubaneswar, Metsol AB (Sweden)
Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL), Ranchi:
- Capacity: 3200 TPD
Simplex Castings Ltd Consortium:
- Capacity: 40 TPD
- Members: BSBK Pvt Ltd, Ten Eight Investment, IIT Bhilai
- Estimated Cost: ₹230 crore (with 70% funding or ₹161 crore from government support)

Key Technologies to produce Green Steel:

Hydrogen-based Production:
- Using green hydrogen instead of coal as a reducing agent
- H2 reacts with iron ore to produce iron and water vapor
- Requires renewable energy to produce green hydrogen
Electric Arc Furnaces (EAF):
- Uses electricity instead of coal for heating
- Can be powered by renewable energy
- Often used with recycled steel/scrap metal

Major Global Initiatives:

HYBRIT (Sweden):

Partnership between SSAB, LKAB, and Vattenfall
First fossil-free steel delivery in 2021
Plans for commercial-scale production by 2026

H2 Green Steel (Sweden):

Large-scale green steel plant under development
Plans to produce 5 million tonnes annually by 2030

ArcelorMittal:

Multiple decarbonization projects across Europe
Investing in various technologies including hydrogen-based production

National Green Hydrogen Mission:

The National Green Hydrogen Mission (NGHM) is India’s significant initiative toward a clean energy transition.
Launched: January 2023
Budget Allocation: ₹19,744 crore ($2.3 billion) until 2030
Primary Goal: Make India a global hub for green hydrogen production and export

Key Targets by 2030:

Production Capacity:

5 million tonnes of green hydrogen annually
Development of at least 125 GW of renewable energy capacity
Creation of over 6 lakh jobs

Manufacturing Capabilities:

Establish domestic manufacturing for electrolyzers
Target: 60-100 GW of electrolyzer capacity

Strategic Components:

Green Hydrogen Production:

Focus on renewable energy-powered electrolysis
Development of production hubs and infrastructure
Integration with existing industrial clusters

Strategic Interventions:

SIGHT Program (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition)
R&D initiatives
Public-private partnerships
Pilot projects and demonstrations

Financial Support:

Production-linked incentive schemes
Viability gap funding
Infrastructure development support
Research funding

Source: TH_BL

5. Nations adopt Jeddah Commitments to accelerate action on AMR

Sub: Sci

Sec: health

Context:

The Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR took place in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Nov 15-16, 2024), following momentum from the UNGA High-Level Meeting on AMR in September.
Host: Saudi Arabia’s Minister of Health, Fahad bin Abdurrahman Al-Jalajel.
Participants: Representatives from 57 countries, 450 participants from UN bodies, and experts from health, environment, and agriculture sectors.
Theme: “From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multi Sectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR”.
The conference concluded with a call for all member states to adhere to their commitments and work towards achieving the UN General Assembly Political Declaration’s target of reducing AMR-related deaths by 10% by 2030.
Next Summit: Nigeria will host the next ministerial conference in 2026.

Key Outcome: Jeddah Commitments:

Adoption: The conference adopted the Jeddah Commitments, a comprehensive framework aimed at translating the Political Declaration of the UNGA AMR meeting into actionable steps.
Focus Areas:
- Establishing an Independent Panel for Evidence on Action Against AMR by 2025.
- Creation of operational national AMR mechanisms and data-sharing platforms like GLASS AMR/AMC, ANIMUSE, and INFARM.
- Adherence to Codex Alimentarius Commission guidelines for responsible antimicrobial use.
- Setting up a One Health AMR Learning Hub for sharing best practices and developing multi sectoral National Action Plans (NAPs).
- Proposing a Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub for sustainable procurement.

India’s Involvement:

India was represented by Anupriya Singh Patel, Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare.
Proposals: Strengthening AMR detection and surveillance, sustainable financing, support for the AMR Multi-Partner Trust Fund, and ensuring affordable access to antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines, especially in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs).

Political Declaration Commitments

Key Goals:
- Establishing an Independent Panel on Evidence for Action Against AMR (IPEA) by 2025.
- Developing multi sectoral NAPs with national targets and sustainable financial resources.
- Recognizing the disproportionate burden of AMR on LMICs.
Support for Countries: The AMR Policy Accelerator assists in NAP development, providing evidence-informed guidance on One Health Governance and prioritizing equity.

Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is when microorganisms, like bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, become resistant to antimicrobial medicines, such as antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals, and antiparasitics. This makes infections harder to treat, and can increase the risk of disease spread, severe illness, disability, and death.
In 2019, 1.27 million deaths were directly caused by bacterial AMR, with 4.95 million associated deaths, heavily impacting children under five.
AMR could lead to a global economic loss of up to $1.2 trillion annually.
WHO’s Global Action Plan: The WHO’s Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS system) highlights critical challenges, including limited diagnostic capacity, workforce shortages, and inadequate information systems.

Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS)

Introduction: The Global Antimicrobial Resistance and Use Surveillance System (GLASS) is an initiative by the World Health Organization (WHO), launched in 2015, aimed at supporting global efforts to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR). GLASS provides a standardized framework for collecting, analyzing, and sharing data on AMR and antimicrobial use (AMU), enabling countries to strengthen their surveillance systems and guide policy decisions.

Objectives of GLASS:

To establish a globally standardized approach for AMR and AMU data collection and reporting.
To facilitate the sharing of AMR data across countries to provide a clearer picture of global resistance patterns.
To provide reliable data to inform national and international policies on AMR.
To strengthen the capacities of participating countries in conducting surveillance and using data for informed decision-making.

Key Components of GLASS:

AMR Surveillance:
- Focuses on the collection of data from priority pathogens that cause common infections (e.g., bloodstream infections, urinary tract infections, respiratory infections).
- Monitors antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) results from clinical laboratories.
- Priority pathogens include Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella spp., Shigella spp., and Neisseria gonorrhoeae.
Antimicrobial Use (AMU) Surveillance:
- Tracks the consumption of antimicrobials in human health, focusing on outpatient and hospital settings.
- Provides insights into prescribing practices, overuse, or misuse of antimicrobials.
Surveillance Sites:
- GLASS engages participating laboratories and surveillance sites across member countries to report AMR and AMU data.
- Data from these sites is submitted to a centralized GLASS platform for global analysis.
Data Sharing and Reporting:
- GLASS collects data and generates annual reports that provide insights into the status of AMR globally.
- The data is available publicly and helps in identifying trends, resistance hotspots, and emerging threats.

Key Achievements:

Global Participation: As of 2024, over 120 countries are enrolled in GLASS, reflecting growing international commitment to tackling AMR.
Enhanced Surveillance: GLASS has contributed to improved diagnostic capacities and laboratory practices in participating countries.
Integrated Surveillance: Incorporates the One Health approach, linking human health data with information on AMR in animal health and the environment.

Source: DTE

6. Enhancing Immunisation Coverage in India: A Strategy to Combat Antibiotic Misuse and Antimicrobial Resistance

Sub : Sci

Sec : Health

Why in News

The focus on immunisation and its indirect benefits, especially during the post-pandemic period, has gained attention due to its role in reducing the misuse of antibiotics and combating the growing issue of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). Recent studies indicate that insufficient vaccination coverage not only exposes children to preventable diseases but also contributes to unnecessary antibiotic use, escalating the AMR crisis.

Immunisation Data Gaps:

Despite the progress in recovering childhood vaccination rates, India lacks comprehensive data on the disease burden for vaccines like the Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV) and the Haemophilus Influenzae Vaccine (Hib).
These vaccines, crucial for preventing serious respiratory and brain infections, were added to the government’s immunisation program amid the COVID-19 crisis. However, precise data on their effectiveness is unavailable.
Vaccination programs have eradicated diseases like polio in India. The COVID-19 pandemic also underscored the importance of vaccines for all age groups, highlighting the need for public awareness.
The pandemic-induced lockdowns disrupted routine childhood vaccination worldwide. According to 2023 UNICEF data, 73 countries experienced over a 5% decline in childhood vaccination rates. India, however, showed a notable recovery, achieving success in delivering the third dose of the DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus) vaccine.

About Haemophilus Influenzae Vaccine (Hib):

The Hib vaccine prevents infections caused by Haemophilus influenzae type b bacteria.
Hib bacteria can cause pneumonia, meningitis (brain infection), septicemia (bloodstream infection), and epiglottitis (swelling in the throat).
Children under 5 years of age are most at risk for Hib infections, particularly those under 2 years.
Typically administered in multiple doses starting from 6 weeks of age, often combined with other vaccines like DPT (Diphtheria, Pertussis, Tetanus).
The Hib vaccine has been highly effective in reducing cases of Hib meningitis, one of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in young children.
The Hib vaccine was introduced in India’s national immunization program to reduce child mortality and combat the spread of respiratory infections.

About Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine (PCV):

PCV is designed to prevent infections caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which includes diseases like pneumonia, meningitis, and sepsis.
The vaccine is conjugate, meaning it combines several different strains of pneumococcal bacteria to provide broad immunity.
Children under 5, adults over 65, individuals with chronic illnesses, and smokers are most susceptible to pneumococcal infections.
Typically involves a series of doses starting from infancy, with additional doses recommended for older adults and at-risk populations.
PCV has been effective in preventing pneumococcal diseases, reducing hospitalizations, and decreasing the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains.
Major burden states include Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Jharkhand.

Threat of Inadequate Immunisation:

Children who are not fully vaccinated face a higher risk of contracting preventable diseases. This often leads to increased medical visits and the overuse of antibiotics, which fuels antimicrobial resistance.
Vulnerable groups, particularly the economically disadvantaged, are most affected, leading to higher healthcare costs and a disproportionate impact on poorer communities.

Impact of Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

South and Southeast Asia, including India, account for 6.5% of global antibiotic consumption. The region also uses 54.9% of WHO’s “Watch” classified antibiotics, indicating a preference for high-risk antibiotics.
If AMR is not controlled, it could cause an annual loss of 5-7% of India’s GDP by 2050. Addressing AMR is critical to maintaining economic stability.

About Anti-microbial resistance:

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) threatens the effective prevention and treatment of an ever-increasing range of infections caused by bacteria, parasites, viruses and fungi.
AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi and parasites change over time and no longer respond to medicines making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness and death.
As a result, the medicines become ineffective and infections persist in the body, increasing the risk of spread to others.
Antimicrobials – including antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals and antiparasitic – are medicines used to prevent and treat infections in humans, animals and plants. Microorganisms that develop antimicrobial resistance are sometimes referred to as “superbugs”.

7. India’s Successful Test of a Hypersonic Missile

Sub : Sci

SEC : DEFENCE

Why in News

India has successfully conducted a flight test of its first long-range hypersonic missile with a range of 1,500 km, marking a significant technological advancement in defence capabilities.

About the Hypersonic Missile

The missile has been indigenously developed by the DRDO, representing India’s progress in homegrown defence technology.
It is designed to carry various payloads and has a range of over 1,500 km, capable of serving all branches of the Indian armed forces.
The test was conducted by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast.
Hypersonic weapons are those that travel at speeds of at least Mach 5 (five times the speed of sound).
They are Hard to stop and they fly and manoeuvre to avoid detection.
They can also dodge defensive countermeasures.

Types of Hypersonic Missiles:

Hypersonic Cruise Missiles (HCM): It is a cruise missile powerful enough to achieve hypersonic speeds of Mach 5 or higher.
Hypersonic Glide Vehicles (HGV): The missiles possess a boost-glide system. Their launch is similar to a traditional ballistic missile. The re-entry vehicle is put on a trajectory, instead of following an arc high above the atmosphere, which allows it to enter Earth’s atmosphere quickly.
India has launched the Hypersonic Technology Demonstrator Vehicle (HSTDV) programme, under which it is developing an indigenous, dual-capable hypersonic cruise missile.
India successfully tested a Mach 6 scramjet in 2019 and 2020.
The BrahMos, a supersonic cruise missile, will also be developed in a hypersonic version.
Hypersonic technology so far has been developed and tested by both DRDO and ISRO India.
With this test, India joins an elite group of countries, including the United States, Russia, and China, that possess advanced hypersonic weapon technology.

8. Andaman and Nicobar Islands: India’s Emerging Tuna Export Hub

Sub :Geo

Sec : Mapping

Why in News

The Union Government has recently emphasized its aim to make the Andaman and Nicobar Islands a central hub for tuna exports. This follows a 31.83% rise in India’s tuna exports in 2023-24. A key meeting with investors in the region signals this initiative.

About Tuna Fish:

Tuna are pelagic fish, living in the upper layers of tropical, subtropical, and temperate oceans.
Seven main species are commercially important, including Albacore, Skipjack, Yellowfin, and three species of Bluefin tuna.
Found in tropical and temperate regions of all oceans, they inhabit open waters and rarely come close to shore.
Unlike most fish, tuna is warm-blooded, maintaining body temperatures up to 12°C higher than the surrounding water.
Tuna is known for their extensive migration patterns, covering vast distances across oceans.
Tuna is among the fastest fish in the ocean, capable of speeds up to 75 km/h.

India’s Tuna Export Potential:

The global tuna market is valued at $41.94 billion. The Indian Ocean ranks as the second-largest tuna-producing region globally, accounting for 21% of the world’s tuna supply.
The Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) around the Andaman and Nicobar Islands hosts a variety of tuna species, offering untapped opportunities in the fisheries sector.
Tuna Resources in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands: The Union Fisheries Department estimates the region’s annual tuna yield potential at 64,500 tonnes.
- Yellowfin Tuna: 24,000 tonnes – consistently high global demand.
- Skipjack Tuna: 22,000 tonnes – widely used in canned products.
- Bigeye Tuna: 500 tonnes – sought for sashimi.
- Neritic Tuna: 18,000 tonnes – commonly found closer to the coast.
Export Statistics: In 2023-24, India exported 51,626 tonnes of tuna, valued at $87.96 million.
Species Harvested: The Andaman and Nicobar Islands mainly produce neritic tuna. Limited quantities of other high-value oceanic species, including skipjack, bigeye, and yellowfin, are also harvested.
Global Tuna Production: The world’s largest producer of tuna is Indonesia, followed by countries like Japan, the Philippines, and Taiwan.
India’s Position: India ranks among the top 15 tuna-producing countries, contributing significantly to the Indian Ocean’s tuna supply.
Largest Tuna Market: Japan is the largest global consumer and market for tuna, particularly for Bluefin tuna used in sushi and sashimi.

About Andaman and Nicobar Islands:

It is located in the Indian Ocean, in the southern reaches of the Bay of Bengal, nearer to Indonesia and
This comprises of two island groups – the Andaman Islands and the Nicobar Islands – which separates the Andaman Sea to the east from the Indian Ocean.
These two groups are separated by the 10° N parallel, the Andamans lying to the north of this latitude, and the Nicobar to the south.
The capital of this territory is the Andamanese town of Port Blair.
There are 836 Islands/Islets/Rocky Outcrops in the territory, of which only some 38 are permanently inhabited.
The smaller Nicobar comprise some 22 main islands (10 inhabited).
The Andamans and Nicobar are separated by a channel (the Ten Degree Channel) some 150 km wide.

9. Cultural experts ask UN to shield war-torn Lebanon’s heritage

Sub : IR

SEC: Places in news

Context:

Hundreds of cultural professionals, including archaeologists and academics, have urged the United Nations to protect Lebanon’s heritage amidst ongoing conflict.
In a petition sent to UNESCO, they call for safeguarding ancient UNESCO World Heritage sites like Baalbek, Tyre and Anjar, which have been endangered by the conflict.
It proposes measures such as designating “no-target zones,” deploying international observers, and enforcing the 1954 Hague Convention on cultural heritage in conflict.

Baalbek:

Baalbek is a historic city in eastern Lebanon, renowned for its ancient Roman ruins.
It is home to the UNESCO-listed Baalbek Roman temples, including the Temples of Bacchus, Jupiter, and Venus, showcasing intricate architecture.
It was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.

Tyre:

Tyre, a city in southern Lebanon, is one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
Tyre was a major Phoenician city, known for the invention of the Tyrian purple dye, highly valued in ancient times.

Anjar:

Anjar is an ancient city in the Beqaa Valley of Lebanon. Anjar was founded by the Umayyad Caliph Al-Walid I in the early 8th century.
It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site (designated in 1984).

10. What is the Maori Haka dance, which New Zealand’s MPs performed in parliament in protest of a bill?

Sub : IR

SEC: Places in news

Context:

A viral video showcased New Zealand MPs performing the Māori haka in Parliament, drawing global attention to the traditional dance.
The dance was performed to protest a bill redefining the Treaty of Waitangi.

About haka dance:

The haka is a traditional dance with origins in pre-battle rituals of the Māori people, the indigenous Polynesian inhabitants of New Zealand (Aotearoa).
The haka was historically performed by warriors before battle to intimidate opponents with synchronized movements, chants, and fierce expressions.
The haka is also a medium for storytelling, celebrating victories, honouring ancestors, or expressing grievances.
The haka has been used in political protests, honouring Maori rights and advocating for social justice.

Global recognition:

Haka was popularized internationally by the New Zealand rugby team, the All Blacks, as a pre-match ritual symbolizing unity and respect.

Symbolism:

Chants (Waiata) convey deep messages about Māori heritage, values, and connection to the land.
Gestures such as wide eyes, protruding tongues, and forceful stomps represent strength, defiance, and solidarity.

Types of Haka:

Ka Mate: The most famous haka, composed by Māori chief Te Rauparaha, symbolizes resilience and unity.
Haka pōwhiri: Performed to welcome visitors.
Haka taparahi: A ceremonial haka for social occasions.
Peruperu: A war haka with weapons and leaping movements.

11. Will India be a Winner or Loser in Trump’s Trade War?

Sub : Eco

Sec: External sector

The prospect of a new trade war under US President-elect Donald Trump has significant implications for global economies, including India.

Historical Context and Revival of Tariff Wars:

Tariff wars — where countries impose high taxes on imports — have historically led to economic tensions and retaliatory tariffs. For example:
- Fordney-McCumber Act (1922) raised US tariffs to protect domestic industries.
- Smoot-Hawley Tariff Act (1930) raised tariffs further, leading to retaliations that hurt global trade during the Great Depression.

Trump’s Tariff Proposals:

Trump has announced plans for 10%-20% tariff hikes on all imports, with a 60% increase on Chinese goods. If enacted, this could lead to the most extensive tariff increases since the Cold War era.

Potential Impacts on the US and Global Economy:

Higher tariffs lead to increased import costs, which are typically passed on to consumers. For instance, a Brookings study in 2020 found that the US-China trade war significantly impacted the American economy without resolving underlying issues.
Retaliatory tariffs from affected countries could reduce the benefits for the US and lead to price increases for consumers in both countries, offsetting any gains from protectionist policies.

Effects on India:

India may face heightened trade tensions if the proposed 10%-20% tariff hikes are imposed, especially in sectors where India has maintained high tariffs.
India’s trade surplus with the US (valued at $35.3 billion in FY24) could attract attention, possibly leading to higher customs duties on Indian exports like automobiles, textiles, and pharmaceuticals.

India’s Vulnerabilities:

High-tariff sectors such as agriculture and manufacturing
Pharmaceuticals (India’s leading export as a generic drug producer)
Steel and aluminum exports

India’s Growing Trade Partnerships:

While the US is a significant trading partner, India has diversified its trade relationships:
- China is India’s largest trading partner, with bilateral trade at $118.4 billion, surpassing trade with the US ($118.3 billion).
- Trade with Russia has increased fivefold in five years, aiming to reach $100 billion by 2030.

Trade wars

Trade wars are economic conflicts where countries engage in tit-for-tat trade barriers to protect their domestic industries, generally in response to perceived unfair trade practices by another country. These trade barriers often take the form of tariffs, import quotas, domestic subsidies, currency devaluation, and sometimes embargos.
While trade wars aim to make imports more expensive and protect domestic jobs, they often escalate, leading to retaliatory barriers that can negatively impact both economies.

Key Types of Trade Barriers in Trade Wars:

Tariffs: Taxes on imports make foreign goods more expensive, shielding local industries from competition.
Import Quotas: These set limits on how much of a product can be imported, reducing competition for domestic producers.
Domestic Subsidies: Government support allows local businesses to offer lower prices, encouraging exports while discouraging imports.
Currency Devaluation: Lowering a country’s currency value makes exports cheaper and imports costlier, favoring domestic goods.
Embargos: A strict ban on trade with a specific country, typically as a form of political protest.

Short-term and Long-term Impacts:

Short-term: Trade barriers may protect domestic industries, reduce competition, and create jobs in certain sectors.
Long-term: They can slow economic growth, reduce GDP, and hurt consumers with higher prices and fewer choices. Trade wars disrupt comparative advantage, the principle that countries benefit by producing goods they can make most efficiently, leading to less innovation and slower overall economic progress.

12. Dabba Trading: Resurgence, Risks, and Regulatory Challenges

Sub : Eco

Sec: Capital market

Overview of Dabba Trading

Dabba trading is an illegal, off-market trading practice where transactions occur outside recognized stock exchanges like NSE or BSE.
Operation Mechanism:
- Investors bet on stock price movements without actual investments.
- Profits or losses depend on price differences, with no formal execution on the exchange.
- Legal Status: It is banned under the Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act (SCRA), 1956.

Scale of Resurgence

Daily Volumes: Estimated at ₹100 lakh crore per day, equivalent to 20% of the regulated F&O market turnover.
Historical Comparison: Its scale is reminiscent of the 1990s and early 2000s, where it accounted for 33% of overall market trades.
Current F&O Market Turnover:
- October 2024: ₹518.63 lakh crore.

Reasons for Popularity

Lower Entry Barriers:
- No formal paperwork, margin requirements, or taxes/fees.
- Lower lot sizes make it attractive to retail participants.
Speculative Flexibility:
- Offers anonymity and freedom beyond regulated exchanges’ limits.
Regulatory Tightening:
- SEBI’s stricter F&O guidelines (expected to reduce F&O volumes by 40%) have pushed traders to alternative avenues like dabba trading.
Accessible Technology:
- Training software and trading platforms mimicking official exchanges are widely available.
- Simple internet searches for “dabba trading app” yield numerous options.

Risks and Challenges

Investor Vulnerability:
- No grievance redressal mechanism for investors.
- Losses from disappearing dabba traders are irrecoverable, including margin payments.
Economic and Legal Risks:
- Lack of regulatory oversight undermines investor protection and tax revenue.
- Conviction under Section 23(1) of SCRA, 1956 can lead to:
  - Imprisonment: Up to 10 years.
  - Fine: Up to ₹25 crore.
Market Disruption:
- Undermines formal securities markets, impacting legitimate trading volumes and investor confidence.

Regulatory Concerns

Past Actions:
- SEBI conducted its first-ever search and seizure operation in 2003 to curb dabba trading.
Recent Warnings:
- Stock exchanges have cautioned investors to avoid dabba trading or schemes promising assured returns.
Current Monitoring Gaps:
- Increased use of technology and anonymity makes it challenging to track illegal trading platforms.

Recommendations for Addressing Dabba Trading

Tax Reforms
Investor Awareness
Technological Surveillance
Stringent Enforcement