Daily Prelims Notes 20 June 2024

Daily Prelims Notes

20 June 2024

1. Elephant have names for each other -Animal behaviour of elephant in depth

Sub: Environment 

Sec: Species in news

Context:

• Wild African elephants use name-like calls to address each other, a rare behaviour among nonhuman animals.
• This remarkable behaviour was observed by scientists from Colorado State University (CSU), in collaboration with Save the Elephants and Elephant Voices. 

Elephants use names just like humans:

• Dolphins and parrots call one another by ‘name’ by imitating the signature call of the addressee.
• The ability to produce new sounds, necessary for identifying individuals by name, is uncommon among animals. 
• Arbitrary communication, where a sound represents an idea without imitating it, greatly expands communication capability and is considered a next-level cognitive skill.

Complex social interactions:

• Elephant evolution diverged from human evolution tens of millions of years ago, yet both species have developed complex social networks and communication systems.
• Researchers propose that the development of arbitrary vocal labeling in both species may have been driven by similar social pressures.
• Elephants communicate using a broad range of vocalizations that convey identity, age, sex, emotional state, and behavioral context.
• Their calls, which span a wide frequency spectrum including infrasonic sounds, can coordinate group movements over long distances.

Elephants respond to their names:

• The experts also observed that elephants are more likely to address each other by name over long distances or when adults are communicating with calves.

Strengthening conservation efforts:

• The researchers believe that understanding elephant communication and cognition can strengthen conservation efforts. 
• Elephants are classified as endangered due to poaching and habitat loss, and effective communication could aid in their protection.
• Further research is needed to isolate the names within the calls and explore whether elephants name other things they interact with, such as food, water, and places.
• Despite the challenges in collecting data, the study provides new insights into elephant behavior and the importance of social reinforcement in their communication.

About Elephant Communication:

• Elephants communicate using a rich array of vocalizations, gestures, and chemical signals. They produce a range of sounds, from low-frequency rumbles that can travel over long distances to higher-pitched trumpets and roars.

Social bonds

• These low-frequency rumbles, often below the range of human hearing, play a crucial role in maintaining social bonds and coordinating movements, especially within their herds.

Body language 

• In addition to vocal sounds, elephants use body language to convey information and emotions.
• They flap their ears, raise their trunks, and make specific postures to signal aggression, submission, or excitement.

Physical touch 

• Physical touch is also important; elephants often greet each other by entwining trunks, and they use trunk touches to reassure and comfort one another.

Chemical communication 

• Chemical communication is another vital aspect of elephant interaction.
• Elephants have highly developed olfactory senses and use scent to convey information about reproductive status, individual identity, and emotional states.
• They can detect pheromones in urine, dung, and secretions from glands located near their eyes and feet, which help them communicate over long distances.

About Elephants:

• India is home to nearly 60% Asian elephants and the last count of the species in 2017 had put the number at 29,964.
• While the number of elephants in India has increased in the past few years, the species is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List Of threatened species and Schedule I of The Wildlife Protection Act.
• The South Indian States Of Karnataka, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu are home to nearly 44% of India’s elephant population.
• The number of elephant reserves in India is 32 with the latest addition being the Agasthyamalai Elephant Reserve in 2022.

2. How will AlphaFold 3 change life sciences research?

Sub : Science and tech

Sec: Awareness in IT and computer

Context:

• In a Nature paper published in May 2024, scientists at DeepMind led by John Jumper introduced AlphaFold 3, building on its predecessors with even more transformative capabilities.

More on news:

• AlphaFold uses machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) to accurately predict protein structures from an amino acid sequence, seemingly solving the protein-folding problem without learning any of the deeper physical principles that drive this biological process.

What are proteins?

• Proteins are one of the most important molecules of life, with almost every biological function from birth to death being regulated by them in some way.
• Each protein is made up of a string of smaller building blocks called amino acids, which contain all the information to transform proteins — from a single sequence to a folded, functional 3D structure.

About AlphaFold:

• AlphaFold is an artificial intelligence (AI) program developed by DeepMind, a subsidiary of Alphabet, which performs predictions of protein structure.
• The program is designed as a deep learning system.
• AlphaFold software has had three major versions.
• A team of researchers that used AlphaFold 1 (2018) placed first in the overall rankings of the 13th Critical Assessment of Structure Prediction (CASP) in December 2018.

About AlphaFold 2:

• AlphaFold 2 predicts the structure of proteins with revolutionary levels of accuracy.But it was limited to proteins only.

About AlphaFold 3:

• AlphaFold 3 is more accurate than AlphaFold 2  for predicting the structure of proteins.
• It can also predict the structure of DNA, RNA, and all the other molecular components that make up biology. The interaction of all these biomolecules is what makes up the processes of life, so it is important to be able to predict the structure of these interactions.
• The new AlphaFold is also more usable by scientists who aren’t experts in machine learning.
• AlphaFold 3 predicts protein structures and interactions better than other models used right now.
• Academics and companies can potentially use it to find drug candidates that can bind to proteins and help cure diseases.
• DeepMind’s spin-off company Isomorphic Labs is using AlphaFold 3 for this very purpose: drug discovery.

Application of AlphaFold 3:

• Drug Discovery:
  • AlphaFold 3 can drastically reduce drug discovery time by simulating and predicting the action of substances on proteins.
• Genomics: 
  • Genomics can be revolutionized if all genes’ DNA and RNA structure is predicted. Such insights can also be used to treat, develop drugs for genetic diseases, or create individualized medicine.
• Test a wider range of molecules:
  •  Test more molecules: more RNA molecules can be tested.

3. Manipur conflict a ‘law and order problem’, says Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram

Sub: Polity

Sec: Federalism

Context:

• Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram said on Wednesday the ethnic conflict raging in Manipur for more than a year now is a “law and order situation” that is being dealt with by the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).

More on news:

• This is the first time a Union Tribal Affairs Minister has spoken about the conflict between the valley-based Meitei people and the hills-based Scheduled Tribe Kuki-Zo that has killed over 220 people.
• The ethnic conflict in Manipur recently flared up after a spate of violence escalated tensions in Jiribam, a district known to have maintained relative peace throughout last year.
• The country’s first Tribal Affairs Minister after the Ministry was created in 1999, also held the portfolio between 2014 and 2019 in the first Narendra Modi-led Union Cabinet.
• “Police’ and ‘Public order’ are State subjects under the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution of India. The responsibilities to maintain law and order, protection of life and property of the citizens including crime against women are with the respective State Governments.

About Manipur Conflict:

• The conflict in Manipur began on May 3, 2023, after a State-wide protest march was held by all tribal communities, including Naga tribes, of the State against an order of the Manipur High Court that directed the State government to consider the inclusion of the Meitei community in the Scheduled Tribes list.
• The process of inclusion of communities in the ST list requires any recommendation to originate from the concerned State government but the Union Tribal Affairs Ministry takes the process forward – coordinating with the National Commission for Scheduled Tribes and the Office of the Registrar General of India – before bringing it before the Cabinet.

Communities in news:

Kukis:

• The Kuki people are an ethnic group in the Northeastern Indian states of Manipur, Nagaland, Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura and Mizoram, as well as the neighboring countries of Bangladesh and Myanmar.
• The Kukis form one of the largest hill tribe communities in this region.

Meities:

• The Meitei people, Meetei, Manipuri people are an ethnic group native to Manipur.
• They form the largest and dominant ethnic group of Manipur in Northeast India.
• They speak the Meitei language, one of the 22 official languages of the Indian Republic and the sole official language of the Government of Manipur.

4. India getting close to developing gene therapy for sickle cell disease, say officials

Sub: Science and tech

Sec: Health

Context:

• India is getting closer to developing a gene therapy for sickle cell disease which is a genetic blood disorder with a high prevalence rate among the Scheduled Tribes.

More on news:

• The National Conclave on Generating Awareness on Sickle Cell Disease was organized by the Tribal Affairs Ministry in collaboration with the Birsa Munda Centre at the AIIMS.
• Developing a gene therapy using CRISPR has been part of India’s mission to eradicate sickle cell disease by 2047.
• A government dossier on the mission, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in July 2023.
• Part of this mission is to also conduct over seven crore screenings among vulnerable tribal populations across 17 States and Union Territories.

What is Sickle Cell Anemia?

• The genetic error in sickle cell disease leads to red blood cells assuming a crescent shape.
• Unlike the disc shaped normal cells, the sickle-like cells cannot move around easily in the vessels, resulting in blocked blood flow.
• This can lead to episodes of severe pain, life-threatening infections, anemia, or a stroke.
• An estimated 30,000-40,000 children in India are born with the disorder every year.
• The symptoms manifest in people who inherit a pair of damaged genes from both parents.
• Those who carry only one copy of the gene from one parent can lead a normal life.
• This is the same as thalassaemia, in which people who inherit a pair of genes from both parents experience symptoms like severe anemia.

About the CRISPR CAS9 technology:

• The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of an enzyme that behaves like molecular scissors which can be directed to cut a piece of DNA at a precise location.
• This will then allow a guide RNA to insert a changed genetic code at the sites of the incision.
• While there are a few ways to effect such changes, the CRISPR system is believed to be fast and the most versatile of all.

Other efforts taken:

• Apart from the gene therapy being developed by India, the sickle cell disease eradication mission also includes developing two coded formulations — AYUSH-RP and AYUSH-SC3 — for managing the disease through a systemic drug development process.
• For this continued testing will be undertaken by the Central Council for Research in Ayurvedic Sciences in collaboration with the Indian Council of Medical Research.

5. Gujarat govt orders restoration of Jain idols at Pavagadh

Sub: History

Sec: Ancient India

Context: Jain idols, centuries-old and revered by the community, were allegedly removed from their original places near the stairs leading to Kalika Mata temple on Pavagadh hill in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district.

More in news

• Jain idols, centuries-old and revered by the community, were allegedly removed from their original places near the stairs leading to Kalika Mata temple on Pavagadh hill in Gujarat’s Panchmahal district.
• Community members protested, alleging the removal was part of a temple renovation project.

About Pavagadh Jain temples

• Overview of Pavagadh Jain Temples:
  • Situated on Pavagadh Hill in Gujarat, part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Champaner-Pavagadh Archaeological Park.
  • Known as a significant Jain pilgrimage site due to its spiritual importance in Jainism, it is considered one of the four sacred regions where moksha (liberation) can be attained.
• Historical Significance:
  • The site’s Jain history dates back to the 3rd century BC, with continuous contributions and constructions over centuries.
  • It has been a center for Jain religious activities, marked by the consecration of important idols and temples by revered Jain monks and historical figures.
• Key Events and Constructions:
• King Samprati (3rd century BC):
  • Constructed and installed the idol of Sambhavnatha, a significant Jain Tirthankara, consecrated by Acharya Suhastisuri.
• 1055 AD:
  • Śvetāmbara monk Acharya Gunsagarsuri reconstructed the temple of Jirawala Parshvanath and restored an ancient 52-shrine temple dedicated to
• 10th Century AD:
  • Acharya Aryakashitsuri founded the Achalgacch sect of Jainism at Pavagadh after ascending the hill to perform Sallekhana (a Jain practice of fasting unto death). 
  • He was inspired by a vision of demi-goddess Mahakali, who instructed him to reform Jain practices and start a new order. 
  • This marked the installation of Mahakali as the protecting deity (adhishthayika) and the establishment of a new Jain sect.
• 12th Century AD:
  • Minister Tejpal built the “Sarvatobhadra” temple, contributing to the architectural and religious landscape of Pavagadh.
• 1581 AD:
  • Acharya Vijaysensuri consecrated a temple built by Jayawant Seth, further enriching the religious structures on Pavagadh Hill.
• 16th Century AD:
  • Under the guidance of Acharya Kalyansagarsuri, significant reconstruction efforts were undertaken, including the restoration of the shrine of Mahakali, supported by devotees Sheth Vardhaman and Sheth Padamshin.
• 1689 AD:
  • Gani Shilvijay Maharaj noted the existence of a temple dedicated to Neminatha, another revered Jain Tirthankara.
• Late 18th Century AD:
  • Jain monk Dipvijay Kaviraaj composed a detailed poem praising the temples of Jirawala Parshvanatha and describing the architectural and spiritual significance of the existing Jain temples at Pavagadh.
• Cultural and Religious Contributions:
  • Over the centuries, Pavagadh has been a hub of religious and cultural activities for Jainism, attracting pilgrims and monks who consecrated numerous temples and idols.
  • The shrines on Pavagadh Hill were historically considered of equal rank and importance to those at Palitana, according to Śvetāmbara scriptures, emphasizing their cultural and religious significance in Jainism.
• Preservation Efforts:
  • Court interventions have protected Pavagadh’s Jain heritage from destruction, ensuring the preservation of historical facts and structures associated with Jainism. This legal protection has safeguarded the religious and cultural identity of Pavagadh as a significant Jain pilgrimage site.

6. India pushing to get yogasana recognised as Olympic sport

Sub: History

Sec: Art and culture

Context: India is working towards getting yogasana recognised as an Olympic sport before India hosts the games possibly in 2036.

More in news

• India aims to have yogasana recognized as an Olympic sport by 2036, aligning potentially with hosting the games.
• The Ayush ministry is working with the Sports ministry to launch a Yogasana Super League later this year.
• Yogasana has been distinguished from yoga’s spiritual aspects and recognized as a separate sport by the Sports and Youth Affairs Ministry.
• It has already been integrated into various national sports events including Khelo India, university games, and school games.
• The Ayush ministry is developing an AI-based system to ensure accurate assessment of yogasana performances.
• Efforts are ongoing to explore yogasana practices in space and understand their benefits for astronauts’ physical and mental well-being.

Background of Yogasana Recognition:

• Yogasana is deeply rooted in India’s cultural and spiritual heritage, focusing on physical postures and breath control for holistic health.
• Formal recognition by the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports as a competitive sport aims to modernize and introduce Yogasana into mainstream sports.

Inclusion in Khelo India and University Games:

• Yogasana will be introduced as a competitive discipline in Khelo India, a national sports development program.
• University games will also feature Yogasana, providing a platform for collegiate-level competition and talent scouting.

Events in Competitive Yogasana:

• Competitive Yogasana will encompass various events: traditional, artistic, rhythmic, and free flow.
• Traditional Yogasana emphasizes precision in classic postures, while artistic and rhythmic forms allow for creativity and synchronization.
• Free flow Yogasana highlights dynamic transitions between postures.

Benefits of Yogasana as a Competitive Sport:

• Encourages youth participation in physical fitness and well-being.
• Creates career opportunities in teaching, coaching, and sports therapy related to Yogasana.
• Potential international recognition could lead to inclusion in global sporting events.

Future Prospects of Yogasana Competitions:

• Development of structured training programs and standardized competition rules.
• Establishment of national and state-level championships.
• Accreditation system for Yogasana institutes and promotion of research and development in the field.

By focusing on these points, India aims to elevate Yogasana from a traditional practice to a respected and competitive sport on both national and international stages.

• Yoga school, founded by the Sage Patanjali, is one of the orthodox schools in Indian philosophy.
• It presents a method of physical and mental discipline. Yogic techniques control the body, mind, and sense organs, and are thus thought to be a means of achieving freedom or mukti. Yoga acknowledges God’s existence as a teacher and guide.

Patanjali’s Yoga-Sutras consist of four parts.

These are:  i) Samadhipada ii) Sadhanapada iii) Vibhutipada iv) Kaivalyapada

The first part deals with the introduction to the nature and methods of yoga in its various forms. It describes the various modifications of the organs including citta which is an internal organ of human being.

The second part explains the causes of suffering and how to eradicate them. It talks about the law of karma and human bondage.

The third part elucidates the concept how to achieve the supra-normal powers and in which ways yoga helps it. The last or the final part describes the nature of liberation and spiritual union with the supreme soul/self.

7. Highest minimum temperature: Why Delhi’s warm nights are cause of worry

Sub: Geography

Sec : Climatology

Context:

• Delhi recorded its highest minimum temperature since 1969 on Tuesday, reaching 35.2°C.

Details:

• The city is experiencing unusually high day and night temperatures, with seven heatwave days in June and six consecutive warm nights.
• The previous highest minimum temperature was 34.9°C on May 23, 1972. Records before 1969 are not analyzed, so it’s unclear if this is the highest ever. Two Haryana stations recorded even warmer mornings.

What is a ‘warm night’?

• A warm night is when the minimum temperature is 4.5 to 6.4°C above normal; a severe warm night exceeds this by more than 6.4°C. The day temperature must be 40°C or higher for these conditions.
• Northwest India is experiencing a significant rain deficit and consistently high temperatures. Increased night temperatures are causing more heat stroke cases, as people find no respite from the heat.

Urban Heat Island effect in Delhi:

• IMD data shows June 2024 has had 12 days with minimum temperatures over 30°C, a first since 2011.
• The urban heat island effect, where densely built areas trap heat, is contributing to the rising temperatures.
• Studies indicate that cities now cool down more slowly than between 2001 and 2010, leading to warmer nights.

What us Urban Heat Island effect?

• Urban heat island may be defined as the local and temporary phenomenon in which certain pockets within a city are experiencing higher heat load than its surrounding area.
• This rise of heat basically happens due to buildings and houses of cities made up of concrete where the heat is trapped and not able to dissipate easily.
• Urban heat island is basically induced due to trapped heat between establishments made up of concrete.
• The temperature variation can range between 3 to 5 degrees Celsius.

Source: IE

8. India and the U.S. work out strategies to scale up collaboration on critical minerals under iCET

Sub: IR

Sec: Bilateral Relations

India-U.S. Cooperation on Critical Minerals

• India and the U.S. are aiming to quickly finalize a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation on critical minerals.
• The focus is on supply chains for graphite, gallium, and germanium.
• Key Objectives:
  • Promote India’s role in the mineral security partnership.
  • Co-invest in lithium projects in South America and rare earth deposits in Africa to diversify supply chains responsibly and sustainably.

India’s Strategic Initiatives:

• In July 2023, India released a list of 30 critical minerals.
• India-U.S. Initiative for Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET).
• Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2023: Amended the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957, to facilitate mineral exploration and acquisition.
• KABIL: India has established Khanij Bidesh India Ltd. (KABIL), a joint venture from three Central Public Sector Enterprises– National Aluminium Company Ltd, Hindustan Copper Ltd and Mineral Exploration and Consultancy Ltd- to acquire critical mineral assets abroad, focusing on lithium and cobalt in Australia, Argentina, and Chile.

Critical mineral list of India

International Collaboration:

• Mineral Security Partnership: India’s Ministry of Mines has joined this U.S.-led partnership to secure critical mineral supply chains through investments in resource-rich countries.
• Advanced Materials R&D Forum: A forum to foster collaboration between American and Indian universities, national laboratories, and private sector researchers.
• Geological Surveys Collaboration: Collaborative program between the Geological Survey of India and the U.S. Geological Survey to explore and evaluate rare earth elements and critical mineral deposits.

Research and Development:

• Technological Collaboration: Joint efforts in neodymium-iron-boron metal, alloy, and magnet-making technologies.
• Research Studies: Collaboration with U.S. entities for beneficiation of critical minerals like lithium, titanium, gallium, and vanadium.

Auction and Exploration

• E-Auction of Mineral Blocks: Launched the first tranche of e-auction for 20 blocks of critical minerals including lithium, rare earth elements, and nickel.
• Exploration Challenges: Emphasis on the difficulty of exploring and mining deep-seated minerals such as cobalt, lithium, and nickel compared to surface minerals.

Environmental Goals

• Green Technologies: Securing a steady supply of critical minerals is vital for India to scale up green technologies and reduce its carbon footprint.

About the U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET):

• It was launched by the US President and Indian Prime Minister on the sidelines of the Quad summit in May 2022.
• Goal: To elevate and expand Indo-U.S. strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of the two countries.
• The initiative will be spearheaded by the National Security Council Secretariat in India and the US National Security Council.
• The initiative would help forge links between the government, academia, and industry in areas such as AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G, biotech, space, and semiconductors.
• Under iCET, the two sides have identified six focus areas of co-development and co-production:
  • strengthening innovation ecosystems;
  • defence innovation and technology cooperation;
  • resilient semiconductor supply chains;
  • space;
  • STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) talent;
  • next-generation telecom.

Source: TH

9. India’s ‘heat trap’ cities make summers worse, says government official

Sub: Economy

Sec: Monetary Policy

Unbalanced Urban Growth:

• Indian cities are becoming “heat traps” due to unbalanced growth, reducing water bodies, and increasing greenhouse gas emissions.
• Wetlands and water bodies have diminished, and permeable spaces have decreased significantly.

Scorching Summer Impact:

• India faces an intense summer, with dozens of deaths reported.
• The India Meteorological Department (IMD) predicts above-normal temperatures for June in northwest and central regions, including Delhi, marking one of the longest heatwave spells.
• Delhi’s daily temperatures have stayed above 40°C since May 12, with a forecasted drop below this mark only on June 26.
• On a recent day, Delhi recorded 44°C, but it felt like 49.2°C due to the heat index.
• Climate change and urban development are key factors in rising temperatures.
• Cities experience heat retention, making nights almost as hot as days.
• Study Findings
• A study by the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) shows that night temperatures in cities cooled less between 2014-2023 compared to 2001-2010, with a reduction in cooling by up to 7°C.
• Hot nights pose significant health risks as they prevent recovery from daytime heat.

Heat Action Plans:

• To manage and mitigate the impact of heatwaves, which are increasing in frequency and severity, India employs Heat Action Plans (HAPs).
• These plans are developed at state, district, and city levels with the collaboration of the National Disaster Management Authority and the IMD. 
• Currently, 23 states are involved in developing these plans, though no centralized database of HAPs exists. 
• Plans typically include a heat profile of the region, historical data on heat waves, and a vulnerability assessment to identify high-risk areas.
• They also outline detailed response strategies to be implemented before, during, and after heatwave events and define the roles of various governmental departments, such as disaster management, labour departments, and police, in managing the heatwave response.

What do the HAPs recommend?

• Heat Action Plans (HAPs) recommend a multifaceted approach to manage and mitigate the effects of heat waves. Key recommendations include:
  • Early Warning and Communication
  • Public Education
  • Establishing heat shelters and cooling centers, and ensuring the availability of clean drinking water to prevent dehydration.
  • Healthcare Preparedness
  • Implementing long-term urban planning strategies that include tree planting, using heat-resistant building materials, and applying cool roofing technologies to minimize the urban heat island effect and reduce indoor temperatures.

Source: TH

10. What are the findings of the 2024 Hindu Kush Himalayas snow update?

Sub: Economy

Sec: Monetary Policy

Record Low Snow Persistence in the Ganga River Basin:

• The Ganga River basin recorded its lowest snow persistence, with similar declines in the Brahmaputra and Indus basins, threatening the water supply to millions. This as a symptom of accelerating climate change.
• Importance of Snow Persistence:

• Snow persistence measures how long snow remains on the ground, crucial for the water supply in the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region.
• Snowmelt contributes 23% of annual runoff to the region’s 12 major river basins, providing water to a quarter of the world’s population.
• Impact on Water Supply:
  • Ganga Basin: Snowmelt accounts for 10.3% of its water.
  • In the Brahmaputra and the Indus basins as well, snowmelt brings 13.2% and around 40% of the water, respectively, versus 1.8% and 5% from glaciers.

2024 Report Findings:

• Ganga Basin: Snow persistence was 17% below the long-term average, the lowest in 22 years.
• Brahmaputra Basin: Snow persistence was 14.6% below normal.
• Indus Basin: Snow persistence fell 23.3% below normal, though lower altitude areas had excesses.
• Other Basins: Amu Darya (28.2% below normal) and Helmand (32% below normal) also saw record lows.

Causes of Lower Snow Persistence

• Reduced and delayed winter precipitation due to high sea-surface temperatures and disrupted weather patterns.
• Global warming and intensified La Niña–El Niño conditions destabilize snow accumulation.
• Higher Snow Persistence in Other Regions:
• Yellow River Basin: Snow persistence exceeded normal by 20.2%, due to the East Asian winter monsoon bringing cold, dry air from Siberia and Mongolia.

Long-term Solutions:

• Reforestation: Planting native trees to help retain snow.
• Weather Forecasting: Improved forecasting and early warning systems.
• Water Infrastructure: Enhancing infrastructure and protecting snow-receiving areas.
• Emission Reduction: Reducing greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate rising temperatures.

Hindukush-Himalaya Region:

• Stretching over 3500 kilometres and across eight countries – Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, India, Nepal, Myanmar and Pakistan – the Hindu Kush Himalaya is arguably the world’s most important ‘water tower’, being the source of ten of Asia’s largest rivers as well as the largest volume of ice and snow outside of the Arctic and Antarctica.
• Together these rivers support the drinking water, irrigation, energy, industry and sanitation needs of 1.3 billion people living in the mountains and downstream.

Biodiversity of HKH region:

• The mountain ecosystems of the Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) are diverse with one of the highest diversity of flora and fauna providing varied ecosystem services to one fourth of humanity. With four out of 36 global biodiversity hotspots the HKH is a cradle for 35,000+ species of plants and 200+ species of animals.
• At least 353 new species—242 plants, 16 amphibians, 16 reptiles, 14 fish, two birds, and two mammals, and at least 61 invertebrates—have been discovered in the Eastern Himalayas between 1998 and 2008, equating to an average of 35 new species finds every year.
• The Hindu Kush Himalaya (HKH) region is of global importance due to its unique biodiversity and is home to 4 of 34 global biodiversity hotspots, 6 UNESCO natural World Heritage sites, 30 Ramsar sites, 330 Important Bird Areas (IBAs) and 53 Important Plant Areas (IPAs).
• In total, there are 60 ecoregion types (6 per cent of the world total), of which 30 are critical ecoregions.
• HKH countries have established roughly 488 protected areas in the region with varying degrees of protection and status, covering 39 per cent of HKH terrestrial land.

Source: TH

11. Russia, N. Korea sign defence pact, vow to assist each other if attacked

Sub: Economy

Sec: Monetary Policy

Russia-North Korea Mutual Defence Pact:

• Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un signed a partnership agreement promising mutual aid against aggression.
  • The deal includes a clause requiring the countries to come to each other’s aid if either is attacked
• The deal marks a significant upgrade in their relations, covering security, trade, investment, and cultural ties, and could be the strongest connection since the Cold War.

Summit Details:

• Putin visited North Korea for the first time in 24 years.
• The summit occurred amidst escalating tensions with the West and concerns over potential arms deals between North Korea and Russia.

Historical Context:

• North Korea and the Soviet Union had a 1961 treaty requiring Soviet military intervention if North Korea was attacked, which was replaced by a weaker pact in 2000 after the USSR’s collapse.

Implications:

• The U.S. and its allies worry North Korea might supply Russia with munitions for its war in Ukraine, in exchange for economic assistance and technology that could enhance North Korea’s nuclear capabilities.
• Kim Jong-un described the deal as the “strongest ever treaty” between the two nations, indicating full support for Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
• This partnership signals a significant geopolitical shift, potentially impacting global security dynamics.

Source: TH

12. Climate activists vandalise Stonehenge monument

Sub: Economy

Sec: Monetary Policy

Context:

• Climate activists from the ‘Just Stop Oil’ group sprayed orange powder on the prehistoric Stonehenge monument, at Stonehenge, Wiltshire, England.
• The act occurred a day before the summer solstice, a significant time when crowds gather at the site for rituals.

Details of the events:

• The group called for an end to oil and gas burning and extraction by 2030.
• Message: “Standing inert for generations works well for stones- not climate policy.”

Stonehenge monument:

• Stonehenge, built between 3000 BCE and 1500 BCE, aligns with the sun’s trajectory during solstices, marking its importance for historical rituals.
• Stonehenge is a prehistoric megalithic structure on Salisbury Plain in Wiltshire, England, two miles (3 km) west of Amesbury.
• The whole monument, now ruinous, is aligned towards the sunrise on the summer solstice and sunset on the winter solstice.
• The stones are set within earthworks in the middle of the densest complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred tumuli (burial mounds).
• Stonehenge is regarded as a British cultural icon.
• The site and its surroundings were added to UNESCO’s list of World Heritage Sites in 1986. Stonehenge is owned by the Crown and managed by English Heritage; the surrounding land is owned by the National Trust.

Just Stop Oil:

• Launched in 2022, Just Stop Oil describes itself as “a coalition of groups working together to ensure the government commits to halting new fossil fuel licensing and production”.
• Led by organisers from climate groups Extinction Rebellion and Insulate Britain and funded through donations, the group propagates “Non-Violent Direct Action” and asserts non-violent civil resistance as a way to “demand their rights, freedom and justice… use tactics such as strikes, boycotts, mass protests and disruption to withdraw their cooperation from the state”.

Source: TH

13. RBI Cancels Licence of City Co-operative Bank

Sub: Economy

Sec: Monetary Policy

Key Points:

• Licence Cancellation:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has cancelled the licence of The City Co-operative Bank Ltd, Mumbai.
  • The cancellation is due to the bank not having adequate capital and earning prospects.
• Banking Operations Cease:
  • As a result of the licence cancellation, the bank ceases to carry on banking business effective from the close of business on June 19, 2024.
• Winding Up and Liquidation:
  • The Commissioner for Cooperation and Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra, has been requested to issue an order for the winding up of the bank.
  • A liquidator will be appointed for the bank as per the RBI’s request.
• Non-Compliance with Banking Regulation Act:
  • The RBI stated that the bank failed to comply with the requirements of specific sections of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

Implications:

• For Customers:
  • Customers will need to seek alternative banking options and will have to follow the procedure set by the liquidator for claiming their deposits.
• For Employees:
  • Employees of The City Co-operative Bank Ltd will be directly affected by the cessation of operations and the subsequent winding up of the bank.
• For the Cooperative Banking Sector:
  • This action underscores the RBI’s stringent oversight and regulatory measures to ensure the financial health and stability of banks in India.
• For the Regulatory Framework:
  • Reinforces the importance of compliance with the Banking Regulation Act to maintain a bank’s licence and operate within the financial system.

Conclusion:

The RBI’s decision to cancel the licence of The City Co-operative Bank Ltd, Mumbai highlights the critical importance of maintaining adequate capital and earning prospects. This move serves as a reminder of the stringent regulatory environment within which banks must operate, ensuring the stability and trust in the financial system.

Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR)

• Definition:
  • Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR): Ratio of a bank’s capital to its risk-weighted assets and current liabilities.
  • Also known as Capital-to-Risk Weighted Asset Ratio (CRAR).
• Purpose:
  • Ensures banks do not take excessive leverage and risk insolvency.
• Regulatory Requirements:
  • Basel III Norms: Stipulate a minimum CAR of 8%.
  • RBI Norms: Require Indian scheduled commercial banks to maintain a CAR of 9%.

Co-operative Banking

• Definition:
  • Financial entities belonging to members who are both owners and customers.
• Regulation:
  • Registered under the States Cooperative Societies Act.
  • Regulated by both Registrar of Co-operative Societies and Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
  • Governed by Banking Regulations Act, 1949 and Banking Laws (Co-operative Societies) Act, 1955.
• Features:
  • Customer Owned Entities: Members are both customers and owners.
  • Democratic Member Control: Members elect a board of directors democratically.
  • Profit Allocation: Profits are allocated to reserves, and sometimes distributed to members.
  • Financial Inclusion: Significant role in financial inclusion of rural populations.
  • Classified into Urban and Rural co-operative banks based on region.

Difference Between UCBs and Commercial Banks

• Regulation:
  • Urban Co-operative Banks (UCBs): Partly regulated by RBI. Banking operations regulated by RBI; management and resolution by Registrar of Co-operative Societies.
• Ownership and Borrowing:
  • In UCBs, borrowers can be shareholders, unlike in commercial banks where shareholders and borrowers are distinct groups.

14. Insurance Body Seeks Cut in GST on Health Policies

Sub: Economy

Sec: Fiscal Policy

Key Points:

• Reduction in GST:
  • The Confederation of General Insurance Agents’ Associations of India has urged the government to reduce GST on individual health insurance policies from 18% to 5%.
  • This reduction aims to encourage people to avail health insurance policies as a measure of social security.
• Growth in Premiums vs. Coverage:
  • The general insurance industry collected ₹109,000 crore in premiums under the health portfolio in fiscal 2023-24 (FY24).
  • Despite the gross premium doubling over the last five years, the number of lives covered and policies issued remained meager.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses:
  • Out-of-pocket expenses for health remain high at 48.2%, leading to substantial medical bills for common people.
  • Senior citizens with health insurance often face high premiums of ₹12,000 to ₹15,000 per lakh from their limited income resources.
• Regional Disparities:
  • The stagnation in the share of health insurance is restricted to only five states in India.
  • Vast areas of other states remain underpenetrated in terms of health insurance coverage.
• Decline in Policy Renewals:
  • The renewal rate of health insurance policies is declining alarmingly due to frequent premium hikes and medical inflation.
• Global Context of GST on Insurance:
  • India has the highest GST on insurance in the world.
  • The confederation argues that this needs to be addressed to attain the goal of “Insurance for all by 2047”.
• Recommendations by the Standing Committee on Finance:
  • The committee, in its 66th report submitted to both houses of Parliament in February 2024, recommended the rationalization of GST on health insurance.

Implications:

• For Policymakers:
  • Lowering the GST on health insurance can make these policies more accessible, improving social security and health coverage.
• For the General Public:
  • A reduction in GST could lead to lower premium costs, making health insurance more affordable, especially for senior citizens and low-income groups.
• For the Insurance Industry:
  • Reduced GST could boost policy renewals and expand coverage, addressing the current decline in policy renewals due to high costs.
• For Regional Development:
  • Addressing regional disparities in health insurance coverage can lead to more equitable access to health services across the country.

Conclusion:

The Confederation of General Insurance Agents’ Associations of India’s call to reduce GST on health insurance from 18% to 5% highlights a critical step towards making health insurance more affordable and widespread. This measure, aligned with the goal of “Insurance for all by 2047”, can significantly impact social security, economic burden on families, and the overall growth of the insurance sector in India.

IRDAI Vision 2047: Insurance for All

Objective:

• Insurance for All by 2047 aims to ensure every citizen has appropriate life, health, and property insurance coverage.
• Every enterprise is supported by suitable insurance solutions.
• Make the Indian insurance sector globally attractive.

Pillars:

• Insurance Customers (Policyholders)
• Insurance Providers (Insurers)
• Insurance Distributors (Intermediaries)

 Focus Areas:

• Making available the right products to the right customers.
• Creating a robust grievance redressal mechanism.
• Facilitating ease of doing business in the insurance sector.
• Ensuring the regulatory architecture is aligned with market dynamics.
• Boosting innovation.
• Enhancing competition and distribution efficiencies while mainstreaming technology.
• Moving towards a principle-based regulatory regime.

 Significance:

• Affordable Insurance Access: Helps households across the country access affordable policies covering health, life, property, and accidents.
• Faster Claim Settlements: Policies offer faster claim settlements, sometimes within hours.
• Additional Benefits: Includes benefits like gym or yoga memberships.

State of the Insurance Sector in India

Growth and Density:

• Life insurance density increased from USD 11.1 in 2001 to USD 91 in 2021.
• Total global insurance premiums in 2021 increased by 3.4% in real terms, with non-life insurance growing by 2.6%. 

Significance of IRDAI in Transforming the Insurance Sector

Insurance Growth:

• Insurance penetration (percentage of insurance premium to GDP) at 4.2% in 2021-22 compared to 2.71% in 2001-02.
• Insurance Density (ratio of premium to population) at $91 in 2021-22 compared to $11.5 in 2001-02.
• ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047: IRDAI has committed to enable ‘Insurance for All’ by 2047, where every citizen has appropriate life, health, and property insurance cover etc.

Expanded Regulatory Role:

• New intermediaries have started operating in the market, like corporate agents, Bancassurance (selling insurance products through banks), online sales, etc.
• Digital Transformation: Accelerated by the authority’s guidance on e-KYC, paperless policies, digital payments, etc.

Major Initiatives by IRDAI

Bima Sugam:

• An online insurance marketplace for buying, selling, and servicing insurance policies as well as settling claims.
• Part of IRDAI’s Bima Trinity – Bima Vistaar, Bima Vahak, and Bima Sugam.

 Saral Jeevan Bima:

• Provides basic protection to self-employed individuals or people in low-income groups.

Integrated Grievance Management System:

• To create a central repository of grievances across the country and provides various analyses of data indicative of areas of concern to the insurance policyholder.

Pan India Survey:

• Conducted through the National Council of Applied Economic Research (NCAER) to improve its strategy of creating insurance awareness.

Mandating Board Approved Policy for Insurers:

• Insurers are mandated to have a Board approved Insurance Awareness Policy with an action plan for organizing various activities promoting consumer awareness on various aspects of insurance. 

Conclusion

As the insurance sector continues to evolve, IRDAI remains committed to adapting and enhancing its regulations to meet the changing needs. IRDAI’s initiatives in areas such as promoting financial inclusion, encouraging innovation, etc., will be instrumental in driving the sustainable growth of the insurance sector.

15. Decline in Inequality: Is it a Good Thing? – Debroy’s Insights

Sub: Economy

Sec: National Income and Indian economy

Key Points:

• Review of Poverty Line:
  • Bibek Debroy, the Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Economic Advisory Council (PMEAC), suggests a need to revisit India’s official poverty line.
  • The current poverty line, based on the Tendulkar Committee’s 2009 recommendations, is considered outdated. The expenditure threshold is set at ₹33 a day in urban areas and ₹27 a day in rural areas.
  • The Rangarajan Committee’s 2014 revisions were not officially accepted, and the Niti Aayog’s Multidimensional Poverty Index (MDPI) is not recognized as a poverty line.

• Inequality Debate:
  • Debroy raises the question of whether the decline in inequality, as indicated by the latest Household Consumption Expenditure Survey (HCES), is necessarily a good thing.
  • He highlights the common debate on the gap between survey findings and national income accounts, terming it “sterile.”
  • Inequality as measured by the distribution of consumption expenditure may differ from that measured by personal incomes, which India does not officially track.
• Data Utility:
  • Household expenditure surveys provide inputs for various analyses beyond inequality and poverty.
  • Despite some standard perennial issues, such as the gap between aggregate consumption expenditure and national income accounts, these surveys remain crucial.
• Consideration of Gini Coefficient:
  • Debroy questions whether a decline in the Gini coefficient, a measure of economic inequality, is always positive.
  • He points out that inequality often increases as economies grow and prosper.
  • Additionally, he suggests examining Gini coefficients separately for different states to get a more nuanced understanding of inequality across regions.

Implications:

• For Policymakers:
  • Revisiting the poverty line could provide a more accurate measure of poverty in India, leading to better-targeted policies.
  • Understanding the implications of inequality trends is crucial for designing policies that balance growth and equity.
• For Economists and Researchers:
  • The debate over measurement methodologies highlights the need for robust and comprehensive data collection and analysis.
  • Analyzing inequality at both national and state levels can provide deeper insights into regional disparities.
• For the General Public:
  • A clearer understanding of poverty and inequality metrics can inform public discourse and expectations regarding economic policies.
  • Awareness of regional inequalities might drive demand for more localized policy interventions.

Conclusion:

Bibek Debroy’s call to revisit India’s poverty line and his questions on the implications of declining inequality open important discussions on economic measurement and policy. By addressing these issues, India can better tailor its economic policies to foster both growth and equitable development.