Daily Prelims Notes 19 November 2024

November 19, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

No Comments

Daily Prelims Notes

19 November 2024

Table Of Contents

1. African penguins, listed ‘endangered’, seek peace, food

Sub: Env

Sec: Species in news

Context

Rangers capture penguins and then the captured penguins are sent to the Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB) for medical care.

Critical Decline of African Penguins:

Population Status:
- Listed as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).
- Fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remain globally, down from 42,500 in 1991.
- Risk of extinction in the wild by 2035, according to BirdLife NGO.
Main Threats:
- Lack of food (mainly sardines and anchovies) leading to abandoned breeding.
- Other threats include climate change, oil spills, predators, disease, and disturbances.

Conservation Measures:

Fishing Ban: A 10-year commercial fishing ban around six penguin colonies started in January 2024:
- Conservationists argue the ban zones are insufficient and have filed a lawsuit for larger no-fishing areas.
- Fishing industry representatives claim their impact on penguin food sources is minimal.
Other Initiatives:
- Artificial nests and efforts to establish new colonies.
- Proposed government discussion groups to address the issues, with a court hearing set for March 2025.

Tourism and Public Awareness:

Impact of “Critically Endangered” Status:
- Increased awareness could bring funding but also boosts tourist activity, potentially disturbing the penguins.
- Tourists with selfie sticks and excessive close interactions pose challenges to penguin well-being.
Economic Role: Penguin tourism contributes millions of dollars annually to South Africa’s economy.

African Penguin (Spheniscus demersus)

Physical Features:

Medium-sized, flightless seabird with black and white plumage and distinctive black spots on the chest.
Also known as the “jackass penguin” due to its donkey-like braying call.

Habitat:

Found along the southwestern coast of Africa.
Primary habitats: Offshore islands and coastal areas in South Africa and Namibia.

Diet:

Feeds mainly on small fish like sardines and anchovies.
Also consumes squid and crustaceans.

Breeding and Behaviour:

Breeds in burrows, under rocks, or in vegetation to protect from predators and the sun.
Monogamous, often returning to the same mate and nesting site every year.
Both parents share incubation duties and chick-rearing.

Population Status:

Critically Endangered (IUCN, 2023):
- Fewer than 10,000 breeding pairs remain globally.
- Population declined from 42,500 pairs in 1991.
- At risk of extinction in the wild by 2035.

Threats:

Food Scarcity: Decreasing fish stocks (sardines, anchovies) due to overfishing and climate change.
Climate Change: Impacts on ocean temperatures and fish distribution.
Predators: Seals, sharks, and land predators like cats and dogs.
Human Activity: Habitat disturbance from tourism, oil spills, and industrial activities.
Disease: Outbreaks affecting penguin health and reproduction.

Significance:

Ecosystem Indicator: Health of penguin populations reflects marine ecosystem conditions.
Tourism Value: Major attraction, contributing to local economies.
Global Symbol of Conservation: Highlighting the need for sustainable practices to protect marine biodiversity.

2. Assessing the Sustainability of India’s Path to Net-Zero by 2070

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate Change

Why in News

India’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2070 is a critical focus for policymakers, especially as global climate negotiations intensify. With increasing power demand and a complex web of priorities including food security, forest conservation, and biodiversity, India’s strategy for a sustainable pathway to net-zero is under scrutiny.

Net zero emissions:

‘Net zero emissions’ refers to achieving an overall balance between greenhouse gas emissions produced and greenhouse gas emissions taken out of the atmosphere.
Net zero or carbon neutrality is when more carbon is sucked out from the atmosphere or prevented from being emitted than what a country emits and is critical to ensuring that the planet does not heat up an additional half a degree by 2100.
Net-zero, which is also referred to as carbon-neutrality, does not mean that a country would bring down its emissions to zero.
Gross-zero means reaching a state where there are no emissions at all.
Therefore, net-zero is a state in which a country’s emissions are compensated by absorption and removal of greenhouse gases from the atmosphere.

Need for Net-Zero:

The global scientific community agrees that limiting the average temperature rise to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels is crucial to avoid severe climate impacts. Currently, temperatures have already risen by 1°C since 1880.
According to the Sixth Assessment Report by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the remaining global carbon budget for a 50-67% chance of keeping temperature rise within 5°C is only 400-500 billion tonnes of CO₂ from 2020 onwards. Annual global emissions stand at around 40 billion tonnes.
India’s move to net-zero is essential in contributing to global efforts, yet it requires balancing economic growth, social development, and environmental conservation.

Challenges in India’s Path to Net-Zero:

Achieving net-zero involves significant investment in green infrastructure. The required financial assistance from developed nations has not been provided at the expected scale.
India’s energy consumption could rise tenfold by 2070 if consumption trends remain unchecked, necessitating over 5,500 GW of solar and 1,500 GW of wind capacity. Meeting these targets solely through renewables requires significant land, which can conflict with agricultural and ecological needs.
Developed countries, historically responsible for higher emissions, are expected to achieve net-zero earlier and support developing nations financially. This expectation remains unmet, causing inequity in global climate action.
Despite low per-capita emissions, there is a significant inequality within India. The richest 10% of the population contribute 20 times more emissions than the poorest 10%, exacerbating vulnerabilities for economically weaker sections.

Strategies for a Sustainable Future:

Promoting energy-efficient appliances, using better construction materials, and integrating passive cooling designs can reduce energy needs.
Encouraging public and non-motorized transportation in cities, alongside railways for intercity travel, can significantly cut emissions.
Prioritizing locally produced goods, mindful dietary choices, and reducing long-haul freight can contribute to lower carbon footprints.
Expanding rooftop solar installations and using solar pumps for agriculture can decentralize energy production and lessen dependence on fossil fuels.
Increasing nuclear power capacity provides a stable, low-carbon energy source to complement variable renewable sources like solar and wind.
India’s sustainable development hinges on balancing the goals of economic growth, climate mitigation, and environmental preservation.

3. Successful Launch of India’s GSAT-N2 Satellite by SpaceX’s Falcon-9

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space tech

Why in News

India’s communication satellite, GSAT-N2, was successfully launched into orbit by SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket, marking a significant collaboration between the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and SpaceX.

Key Points:

Launch Vehicle: SpaceX’s Falcon-9 rocket.
Launch Site: Space Launch Complex 40 (SLC-40) at Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida, USA.
Launch Time: 12:01 a.m. Indian Standard Time.

GSAT-N2 (GSAT-20) Satellite:

Type: High Throughput Communication Satellite.
Operating Band: Ka-band.
Weight: 4,700 kg at lift-off.
Mission Life: 14 years.
Developer: New Space India Ltd., the commercial arm of ISRO.
Objective: To enhance broadband services, boost in-flight connectivity, and provide high-speed communication across India using advanced Ka-band technology.
Multi-beam Architecture: Equipped with multiple spot beams and Ka x Ka transponders, which enable:
- Frequency reuse for increased system capacity.
- Support for a large subscriber base using compact user terminals.
- Enhanced overall system throughput.

The satellite will significantly improve broadband connectivity, reaching underserved and remote areas.

Aims to offer better internet services on aircraft flying over the Indian region.
This mission marks India’s first venture with SpaceX, opening possibilities for future international partnerships in space technology and exploration.
The satellite was placed in a geosynchronous transfer orbit, a crucial step before moving it to its final geostationary position.
GSAT-N2’s advanced Ka-band technology facilitates high-speed data transfer, essential for modern communication needs.

Ka-Band Communication:

The Ka-band is a part of the microwave segment of the electromagnetic spectrum, operating at frequencies between 5 GHz and 40 GHz.
It is widely used in satellite communication for a variety of applications, including broadband services, military uses, and remote sensing.
The Ka-band offers a broader bandwidth compared to lower-frequency bands like C-band and Ku-band. This wider bandwidth enables high data transfer rates, allowing for faster communication, which is ideal for applications requiring large volumes of data, such as video conferencing and satellite internet
Due to the shorter wavelengths in the Ka-band, it supports smaller antennas and ground equipment. This makes it easier to deploy in compact or mobile systems while reducing infrastructure costs
The Ka-band’s high frequency is suitable for modern communication technologies like phased-array antennas and multi-beam satellites, enhancing the capacity and flexibility of satellite networks. It supports various advanced applications, including telecommunication networks, wireless systems, and direct-to-home (DTH) TV services

About Falcon 9:

Falcon 9 is a partially reusable rocket developed and operated by SpaceX, designed to carry both cargo and crew to a variety of orbits, including Low Earth Orbit (LEO) and Geostationary Transfer Orbit (GTO), as well as interplanetary destinations like Mars.
Falcon 9 is a two-stage rocket. The first stage is equipped with nine Merlin 1D engines, while the second stage has a single Merlin Vacuum engine optimized for space.
It uses a combination of liquid oxygen (LOX) and RP-1 (refined kerosene) as propellants.
The first stage is designed to be reusable, capable of returning to Earth and landing vertically for refurbishment and reuse. This feature significantly reduces launch costs.
The Falcon 9 can carry a payload of up to 22,800 kg to LEO and 8,300 kg to GTO. For missions to Mars, its capacity is around 4,020 kg.
Its height is 70 meters with a diameter of 3.66 meters and a total mass of about 549,000 kg.

4. Utilizing Pandemic-Era Genomic Labs to Combat Antimicrobial Resistance

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

Chairperson of the M.S. Swaminathan Research Foundation, highlighted the potential use of genomic laboratories established during the COVID-19 pandemic to monitor and control Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR).

Key Points:

Genomic testing labs, set up to detect COVID-19 variants, can now be repurposed to monitor AMR. By examining water discharged by pharmaceutical industries and hospitals, data on AMR levels can be collected.
Testing effluents and wastewater can provide insights into antibiotic use and resistance patterns, aiding in effective AMR monitoring.
India faces a high neonatal mortality rate due to drug-resistant infections, with approximately 30,000 newborn deaths annually in intensive care units.
Routine infection surveillance in hospitals is crucial, with results needing to be publicly available for transparency.
India witnessed unique AMR challenges during the pandemic, including cases of ‘black fungus’ linked to steroid overuse.

About Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR):

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

5. India restricts WhatsApp sharing data with other Meta entities, imposes $25.4 mn fine

Sub : Eco

Sec : National Income and Indian Economy

Context:

Competition Commission of India (CCI) has fined Meta $25.4 million and ordered WhatsApp to stop sharing user data for advertising purposes with other Meta-owned apps for five years.
Meta, the parent company of WhatsApp, was fined for antitrust violations related to the messaging application’s 2021 privacy policy.

Background of the issue:

The CCI initiated an investigation in March 2021 into WhatsApp’s updated privacy policy, which allowed data sharing with Facebook and its subsidiaries.
The policy change sparked global backlash, leading to concerns over user privacy and competition.

Regulatory developments in India:

A recent report by a panel under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs highlighted the need for stricter digital competition regulations.
The Indian government is considering a new Digital Competition Bill, proposed to complement existing antitrust laws.
The bill aims to address concerns raised by large tech companies operating in India, similar to EU antitrust frameworks.

Competition Commission of India (CCI):

The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is a regulatory body established by the Government of India to enforce the Competition Act, 2002.
The CCI was constituted in March 2009 as a statutory body responsible for promoting and sustaining competition in markets, preventing anti-competitive practices, and protecting the interests of consumers.
It replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices Act, 1969 (MRTP Act), following the recommendations of the Raghavan Committee.
The Commission consists of one Chairperson and six Members who shall be appointed by the Central Government.

6. Around 6.5 lakh applications come in for PM’s Internship Scheme pilot project

Sub: Schemes

Sec: Economy

Context:

The PM Internship Scheme pilot project received 6.5 lakh applications for 1.27 lakh opportunities offered by 280 firms.
Applicants could apply for up to five internships, and the selection process will now begin.

PM Internship Scheme:

The scheme aims to provide on-the-job training to one crore individuals over five years.
It is designed to enhance employability among unemployed youth by offering practical experience in top companies.
Interns will receive a ₹5,000 monthly stipend, combining ₹500 from companies’ CSR funds and ₹4,500 through direct government transfer. Additionally, a ₹6,000 one-time grant will cover incidental expenses.

Eligibility Criteria:

Applicants must be unemployed youth between 21 and 24 years of age.
Annual family income must not exceed ₹8 lakh.
Only individuals not enrolled in full-time academic programs are eligible.

Internship opportunities:

280 major companies, including Tata Steel, ITC Limited, ICICI Bank, and the Mahindra Group, have participated in the pilot phase.
Internships are distributed across States and Union Territories, with Maharashtra (14,694) and Tamil Nadu (13,263) offering the highest numbers.
The lowest number of internships was in Lakshadweep, with only two offers.

7. Rajoana plea: SC calls for decision, Centre seeks adjournment

Sub : Polity

Sec : Executive

Context:

A Special Bench of the Supreme Court directed the President’s office to decide within two weeks on the mercy plea of death row convict Balwant Singh Rajoana, after the Union government failed to represent itself during the hearing.
The court emphasized that if no decision is made by the President within this period, it would consider Rajoana’s plea for interim relief.
The case highlights the Supreme Court’s role in ensuring timely decisions on mercy petitions, a fundamental aspect of justice for death row convicts.

Case Background:

Balwant Singh Rajoana, a death row convict, was sentenced for the assassination of Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in 1995.
His mercy petition has been pending with the President of India for an extended period.

What is Mercy petition:

A mercy petition is filed by a convict to change his/her punishment (especially capital) into a lesser form of punishment. It is also called clemency petition/plea or executive clemency.
Mercy Petition can be exercised after all the legal remedies were exhausted.
A petition can be filed with the President (Article 72) or the governor (Article 161).

Procedure to apply for mercy petition:

A convict under the sentence of death is allowed to file a mercy petition within a period of seven days after the date on which the Superintendent of Jail informs him about the dismissal of the appeal or special leave to appeal by the Supreme Court.
The petitions are to be presented to the President of India. The President’s office seeks the cabinet’s advice.
The appeal is examined by the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry before giving recommendations to the President, takes the view of State concerned.
There is no written procedure to deal with mercy petition.

Judicial review:

President’s pardon/rejection/delay is also subjected to judicial review.
However, if a court finds that the process of the decision taken by the President under Article 72 was not arbitrary or unreasonable; the decision then cannot be interfered with.

Pardoning Power of the President:

Pardon: The president can totally acquit the person for the offence and let him go free.
Commute: To reduce the type of punishment into a less harsh one. For example, Rigorous imprisonment to simple imprisonment.
Remission: To reduce the punishment without changing the nature of the punishment. For example, 20 years rigorous imprisonment to 10 years rigorous imprisonment.
Respite: Reduce the degree of punishment looking at specific grounds like pregnancy, old age
Reprieve: A delay is allowed in the execution of a sentence, usually a death sentence for a guilty person to prove his innocence.