Daily Prelims Notes 2 January 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

2 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Russian gas era in Europe ends as Ukraine stops transit
2. Supreme Court to hear if pressing a bribe on a public official is abetting corruption
3. The IAF’s Fighter Jet Modernization Dilemma
4. Groundwater Contamination in India: Excessive Nitrates and Emerging Concerns
5. Indian Navy to Induct Three Advanced Frontline Platforms

1. Russian gas era in Europe ends as Ukraine stops transit

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

• On New Year’s Day, Russian gas exports to Europe via Soviet-era pipelines running through Ukraine were halted, marking the end of Moscow’s decades-long dominance over European energy markets.
• This stoppage came after Ukraine refused to renew a transit agreement with Russia.

Impact on European Union:

• The European Union is unlikely to face any major disruptions in energy prices. This is in stark contrast to the gas supply disruptions in 2022, which sent energy prices skyrocketing and worsened the EU’s cost-of-living crisis.
• The EU, prepared for this scenario and has reduced its dependence on Russian energy by sourcing gas from Norway, Qatar, and the U.S.
• Many EU nations, such as Slovakia and Austria, have already secured alternative energy supplies. Hungary, however, will continue receiving Russian gas through the Turk Stream pipeline under the Black Sea.
• However, Transnistria, a pro-Russian breakaway region in Moldova, was affected, with heating and hot water services cut off for households.

Nord Stream pipeline:

• The Nord Stream pipeline, which connected Russia to Germany via the Baltic Sea, was sabotaged in 2022.

Yamal-Europe pipeline:

• The Yamal–Europe natural gas pipeline is a 4,107-kilometre-long pipeline connecting Russian natural gas fields in the Yamal Peninsula and Western Siberia with Poland and Germany, through Belarus. The pipeline was shut down in 2022.

Major gas pipelines from Russia to Europe:

2. Supreme Court to hear if pressing a bribe on a public official is abetting corruption

Sub: Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context:-

• The Supreme Court has agreed to examine if pressing a bribe on a public official, who has explicitly refused it, will amount to the criminal offence of abetting corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act.
• The case pertains to a person who allegedly offered a bribe of ₹2 lakh to a police officer in 2016 in connection with illegal manufacturing and hoarding of gutkha in Odisha.

Provisions for Abetment of Corruption:

• Section 12 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, addresses the punishment for abetment of offenses under the Act.
• The 2018 amendment to this section increased the imprisonment term from a minimum of six months to three years, and from a maximum of five years to seven years, with or without a fine.

Opposing Views:

• There are conflicting views on whether Section 12 can be invoked for offenses committed prior to the 2018 amendment.
• The Supreme Court is set to consider whether a person who, despite the public servant’s refusal, voluntarily offers a bribe to a public servant, should be held liable for abetment for an offense under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, when the bribe amount is recovered from the officer’s desk.

Other Important Provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act

Definitions (Section 2)  

The Act has a broad definition of “public servant”, including private individuals discharging public duties.
Public servants under this Act include not just government employees but also employees of statutory bodies and those performing public functions.

Offenses:

• Offence relating to public servant being bribed (Section 7):Any public servant who accepts or attempts to obtain, for themselves or any other person, any undue advantage, for performing or refraining from performing an official act, commits an offense.
• Offense Relating to Bribing of Public Servants (Section 8):Any person who gives or promises to give an undue advantage to a public servant, with an intent to induce or reward the performance of a public duty, commits an offense.

Sanction and Procedure:

Previous Sanction Necessary for Prosecution (Section 19):
No court shall take cognizance of an offense alleged to have been committed by a public servant, except with the previous sanction of the authority competent to remove the person from their office.

Special Provisions:

Corporate Criminal Liability (Section 9):
Any commercial organization, if found guilty of giving an undue advantage to a public servant, shall be punishable.

In summary, the Supreme Court’s examination will clarify whether offering a bribe to a public official who refuses it constitutes abetting corruption under the Prevention of Corruption Act, especially concerning offenses committed before the 2018 amendment.

3. The IAF’s Fighter Jet Modernization Dilemma

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

• The Indian Air Force (IAF) faces significant challenges in modernizing its fighter jet fleet amidst China’s rapid advancements in military aviation technology. Recently, China unveiled two stealth fighter jets and other high-tech platforms, underscoring the widening technological gap between the two nations.

China’s Advancements in Military Aviation:

• China unveiled two new stealth fighter jets, likely classified as sixth-generation fighters.
  • Large Jet: Delta-wing design with three engines, developed by Chengdu Aircraft Corporation.
  • Smaller Jet: Twin-engine design with swept wings, developed by Shenyang Aircraft Corporation.
• Other technological breakthroughs include:
  • Supersonic civil jet prototype.
  • World’s fastest bullet train.
  • New amphibious naval ship and deep-sea exploration vessel.

India’s Ongoing Modernization Efforts:

• LCA Mk1A and Mk2 to form the bulk of the fleet.
• Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA) and Twin-Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TED-BF) under development. Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and DRDO working on indigenous platforms.
• Procurement of 12 additional Su-30MKIs to replace accident losses. Sukhoi upgrade program in the final stages of approval.
• Plans to produce 24 LCAs annually, scaling up to 30 units once engine supplies stabilize.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk1A:

• The LCA Tejas Mk1A is an upgraded version of the indigenous Tejas Mk1, designed to bolster the IAF’s operational capabilities.
• Key Features:
  • Advanced Avionics: Equipped with modern avionics for improved mission performance.
  • Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) Radar: Incorporates AESA radar for enhanced target detection and tracking.
  • Electronic Warfare (EW) Suite: Features an integrated EW suite for superior self-protection.
  • Beyond Visual Range (BVR) Combat Capability: Enhanced for effective engagement in BVR scenarios.
  • Capable of carrying a payload of up to 4,000 kg.
  • Powered by the GE F404-GE-IN20 engine, providing reliable thrust and performance.

Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) Tejas Mk2:

• The LCA Tejas Mk2 is an advanced iteration of the Tejas platform, featuring significant enhancements in capabilities and performance.
• Key Features:
  • Length of approximately 14.65 meters and wingspan of 8.5 meters.
  • Powered by the GE F414-INS6 engine, offering increased thrust.
  • Capable of speeds exceeding Mach 1.8 and operational altitudes over 55,000 feet.
  • Incorporates state-of-the-art avionics, sensors, and weapon systems.

General Electric (GE) F404 and F414 Engines:

• GE F404 Engine: Afterburning turbofan engine.
  • Provides static thrust ranging from 10,500 to 19,000 pounds.
  • Powers the LCA Tejas Mk1 and Mk1A variants.
• GE F414 Engine: Advanced afterburning turbofan engine.
  • Delivers thrust in the 22,000-pound class.
  • Selected to power the LCA Tejas Mk2 and other next-generation combat aircraft.

Multi-Role Fighter Aircraft (MRFA):

• The MRFA program is an initiative by the Indian government to procure 114 multi-role fighter aircraft for the IAF. This program aims to address the depleting strength of the IAF’s fighter squadrons and enhance its operational capabilities.
• Several international aerospace manufacturers are vying for the contract, including Dassault Rafale, Eurofighter Typhoon, Boeing F/A-18E/F Super Hornet, and Saab JAS 39 Gripen E/F.
• The MRFA program is critical for modernizing the IAF’s fleet, maintaining air superiority, and addressing emerging regional threats. The procurement process emphasizes transparency and efficiency to ensure the timely induction of these aircraft into service.

Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft (AMCA):

• India’s indigenous fifth-generation stealth fighter project, aiming to enhance air superiority and strike capabilities.
• Incorporates geometric stealth and advanced materials to reduce radar cross-section.
• Designed to sustain supersonic speeds without afterburners.
• The first prototype is expected by 2028. Planned to commence by 2035.

Sukhoi Su-30MKI:

• A twin-engine, multirole air superiority fighter developed by Russia’s Sukhoi and built under license by India’s Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL).
• Key Specifications:
  • Length of 21.9 meters, wingspan of 14.7 meters, and height of 6.4 meters.
  • Maximum Take-off Weight: 38,800 kg.
  • Unrefuelled range of 3,000 km; with in-flight refuelling, it extends up to 8,000 km.
  • Equipped with a 30mm GSh-30-1 cannon and 12 hardpoints capable of carrying up to 8,000 kg of external stores, including various missiles and bombs.

4. Groundwater Contamination in India: Excessive Nitrates and Emerging Concerns

Sub: Env

Sec: Pollution

Why in News

• A recent report by the Central Groundwater Board (CGWB) highlights the alarming rise in excessive nitrate levels in groundwater across India, increasing from 359 districts in 2017 to 440 districts in 2023.

Nitrate Contamination:

• About 56% of India’s districts reported nitrate levels exceeding the safe limit of 45 mg per litre in groundwater.
• Sources:
  • Excessive use of synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture.
  • Improper disposal of human and animal waste.
  • Industrial effluents and sewage discharge.
• Health Impacts: Methemoglobinemia or “blue baby syndrome” in infants. Potential links to certain cancers and thyroid disorders.
• Highest Nitrate Contamination: Rajasthan > Karnataka > Tamil Nadu.
• Central and southern states, such as Maharashtra (35.74%), Telangana (27.48%), Andhra Pradesh (23.5%), and Madhya Pradesh (22.58%), show increasing trends in contamination.
• Monsoon rain exacerbates nitrate contamination, with contamination levels rising from 77% in the pre-monsoon period to 32.66% post-monsoon.
• The excessive use of subsidized synthetic nitrogenous fertilizers in agriculture is the major contributor to nitrate contamination.

Fluoride Contamination:

• Sources:
  • Natural geological formations rich in fluoride-bearing minerals.
  • Industrial activities releasing fluoride compounds.
• High fluoride concentrations are a major concern in Rajasthan, Haryana, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
• Health Impacts:
  • Dental fluorosis: discoloration and pitting of teeth.
  • Skeletal fluorosis: joint pain, stiffness, and bone deformities.
• Mitigation Measures: De-fluoridation of drinking water using techniques like activated alumina adsorption.

Uranium Contamination:

• Twelve Indian states have uranium levels beyond permissible limits in their groundwater.
• Rajasthan and Punjab recorded the highest number of samples with uranium levels above 100 ppb (parts per billion), far exceeding the safe limit of 30 ppb.
• Sources:
  • Natural leaching from uranium-rich granitic rocks into aquifers.
  • Over-extraction of groundwater leading to increased uranium mobilization.
  • Use of phosphate fertilizers containing trace amounts of uranium.
• Health Impacts:
  • Nephrotoxicity: impaired renal function and kidney disease.
  • Potential bone toxicity and increased cancer risk.
• Mitigation Measures: Implementing reverse osmosis (RO) water purification systems. Regulating groundwater extraction to prevent over-exploitation.

Groundwater in India:

• India is the world’s largest user of groundwater, accounting for about 25% of global extraction. Approximately 60% of the country’s irrigated agriculture and 85% of rural drinking water depend on groundwater sources.
• According to the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), 14% of India’s 7,089 groundwater assessment units are classified as over-exploited, with an additional 4% deemed critical.
• Studies reveal a net loss of approximately 450 cubic kilometres of groundwater in north India between 2002 and 2021, equating to a depletion rate of about 1.5 cm per year.

Central Ground Water Board (CGWB):

• The CGWB, a multidisciplinary scientific organization under the Ministry of Jal Shakti, was established in 1970. It comprises experts in hydrogeology, geophysics, chemistry, hydrology, and engineering.
• Conducts surveys and evaluations to map and quantify groundwater resources across India.
• Maintains a network of observation wells to monitor groundwater levels and quality.
• Through the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA), it regulates and controls groundwater development and management.

5. Indian Navy to Induct Three Advanced Frontline Platforms

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

The Indian Navy is set to commission three advanced frontline platforms on January 15, 2025, at the Naval Dockyard in Mumbai. These platforms include:

• The sixth and final Scorpene-class submarine, Vagsheer.
• The fourth and final Project-15B stealth destroyer, Surat.
• The lead ship of the Project-17A stealth frigates, Nilgiri.

Scorpene-class Submarine: Vagsheer

• Vagsheer is named after the sand fish, a deep-sea predator of the Indian Ocean.
• The first submarine Vagsheer, from Russia, was commissioned into the Indian Navy on December 26, 1974, and was decommissioned on April 30, 1997.
• Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Ltd. (MDL), Mumbai, under license from the Naval Group of France.
• Vagsheer is a diesel attack submarine, designed to perform sea denial as well as access denial warfare against the adversary.
• It can do offensive operations across the spectrum of naval warfare including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, intelligence gathering, mine laying and area surveillance.
• It is enabled with a C303 anti-torpedo counter measure system.
• It can carry up to 18 torpedoes or Exocet anti-ship missiles, or 30 mines in place of torpedoes.
• Its superior stealth features include advanced acoustic absorption techniques, low radiated noise levels, hydro-dynamically optimised shape.
• It has the ability to launch a crippling attack using precision guided weapons, underwater or on surface.

Project-15B Stealth Destroyer: Surat:

• An improved version of the Kolkata-class (Project-15A) destroyers.
• Enhanced stealth technology for reduced radar signature.
• Equipped with advanced sensors and indigenously developed weapon systems.
• Designed by the Navy’s Warship Design Bureau.
• Displacement: Approximately 7,400 tonnes.
• Capable of speeds over 30 knots.
• Range: Approximately 4,000 nautical miles at 18 knots.
• Propulsion: Powered by four gas turbines in a Combined Gas and Gas (COGAG) configuration.
• Surface-to-Air Missiles: Equipped with Barak 8 missiles for aerial threats.
• Anti-Ship Missiles: BrahMos supersonic cruise missiles.
• Guns: Advanced gun systems for surface engagements.
• Radar Systems: Equipped with state-of-the-art radar and electronic warfare suites for comprehensive surveillance and threat detection.
• Sonar Systems: Advanced sonar systems for sub-surface detection.

Project-17A Stealth Frigate: Nilgiri

• An advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates. State-of-the-art features for radar signature reduction.
• Operates a range of helicopters, including Chetak, Dhruv, Sea King, and MH-60R.
• Incorporates a Rail-Less Helicopter Traversing System and Visual Aid and Landing System for seamless operations.
• Displacement: Approximately 6,670 tonnes.
• Capable of speeds up to 28 knots.
• Range: Approximately 5,500 nautical miles at 16 knots.
• Propulsion: Combined Diesel or Gas (CODOG) system, featuring two LM2500 gas turbines.
• Surface-to-Air Missiles: Equipped with 32 Barak 8 missiles launched from vertical launch systems.
• Anti-Ship/Land Attack Missiles: 8 BrahMos missiles.
• Close-In Weapon Systems: Two AK-630 systems.
• Primary Radar: EL/M-2248 MF-STAR active electronically scanned array (AESA) radar.
• Secondary Radar: Indra LTR-25 ‘Lanza’ surface-search radar.
• Sonar: BEL HUMSA-NG hull-mounted sonar system.