Daily Prelims Notes 23 October 2024

October 23, 2024
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Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

23 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. India to Establish Its First Coal Exchange

Sub: Eco

Sec: Infra

Overview:

Union Coal and Mines Minister announced that India’s first coal exchange is set to be established soon.

Key Features and Objectives:

Online Trading Platform:
- The coal exchange will be an online trading platform that allows coal to be traded like any other commodity.
- It will include a clearing and settlement mechanism, ensuring smooth transactions and easy availability of coal in the market.
Market Liberalization:
- The introduction of the exchange is part of the Coal Ministry’s action plan for 2024-25 to open up the coal market, making it more transparent and competitive.
- This initiative is expected to attract more sellers and buyers, improving the efficiency of coal distribution across the country.
Regulation and Supervision:
- The Coal Controller Organisation will supervise the operations of the coal exchange, ensuring adherence to regulatory norms.
- The minister also mentioned that if necessary, India would consider importing coking coal from Russia to meet domestic demand, especially for steel manufacturing.

Implications:

Enhanced Market Dynamics:
- The coal exchange is likely to streamline coal trading, reducing reliance on traditional supply chains and improving accessibility for various industries.
- By introducing a formal market platform, it aims to provide more price transparency and efficient coal procurement.
Reduced Bottlenecks:
- With online trading, issues related to supply bottlenecks can be minimized, ensuring that coal reaches buyers across different regions without significant delays.
Support for Industrial Growth:
- The exchange can contribute to the growth of industries dependent on coal by providing a steady and reliable supply, crucial for sectors like power generation and steel production.

Coal Controller Organisation

Coal Controller Organisation, Ministry of Coal collects and maintains coal production data of all private and public sector coal mines in the country. The information is collected on monthly basis.

To ensure fair production and commercial transaction, Coal Controller Organisation, a subordinate office under Ministry of Coal, has been entrusted with the following responsibilities:

Inspection of collieries so as to ensure the correctness of the class, grade or size of coal.
To issue directives for the purpose of declaration and maintenance of grades of coal of a seam mined in a colliery.
To act as the appellate authority in case of dispute between consumers and owner arising out of declaration of grade and size of coal.
To regulate disposal of stock of coal or the expected output of coal in the colliery.
Quality surveillance with respect to maintenance of grade, loading of coal in wagons/ trucks according to laid down procedures regarding grades and sizes.
To grant opening / re-opening permission of coal mine, seam or a section of seam or to sub-divide a mine.
Assessment and collection of excise duty levied on all raw coal raised and dispatched.
Submission of monthly coal data to different ministries of Central and State Government, national and international organization.

Directorate General of Mines Safety [DGMS] is the Indian Government Regulatory agency for safety in mines. The mission of the DGMS is to continually improve safety and health standards, practices and performance in the mining industry and upstream petroleum industry by implementing pro-active safety and health strategies, continuous improvement of processes, effective use of resources and commitment and professional behaviour in its personnel.

2. The Biodiversity COP

Sub : Env

Sec : Int Conventions

Context:

Ahead of the annual climate change meeting in Baku, Azerbaijan (scheduled for November 11), countries are currently gathered in Cali, Colombia, for the UN Biodiversity Conference, held every two years.

Key points:

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD):
- Originated from the 1992 Rio Earth Summit, alongside the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).
- Aims to protect biodiversity, restore ecosystems, and ensure equitable distribution of biological resources.
COP16 (Conference of Parties to CBD):
- The 16th meeting and the first after the landmark Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
- Framework set in 2022 (COP15) with four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030.
- Key target: 30 x 30 – conserving 30% of land and oceans and restoring 30% of degraded ecosystems by 2030.
Biodiversity and Climate Change:
- Both crises are linked, driven by unsustainable resource use and feeding into each other.
- Climate change exacerbates biodiversity loss, while ecosystem changes contribute to global warming.
- Increasing convergence of biodiversity and climate goals.
Momentum for 30 x 30:
- COP16 will push for progress on the 30 x 30 targets.
- Countries must submit National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), similar to climate-related NDCs (Nationally Determined Contributions).
- Only 32 of 196 countries have submitted their NBSAPs so far, with more expected during COP16.
High Seas Treaty:
- Finalized last year to protect biodiversity in international waters.
- Aims to establish protected areas in oceans and regulate human activities.
- Ensures equitable sharing of benefits from genetic resources found in international waters.
Genetic Resources Sharing:
- Discussion on sharing benefits from genetic information (e.g., plants and organisms).
- Nagoya Protocol (2010) established basic principles for bioresource rights.
- COP16 will address digital genetic sequences, their use, and equitable profit sharing, particularly for indigenous communities.
Finance for Biodiversity:
- One of the Kunming-Montreal Framework’s goals is to mobilize at least $200 billion per year for biodiversity conservation by 2030.
- Developed countries are expected to contribute at least $20 billion annually to developing nations, increasing to $30 billion by 2030.
- Discussions at COP16 will include new finance mechanisms, a possible biodiversity fund, and biodiversity credits similar to carbon credits.
Elimination of Harmful Subsidies:
- Focus on phasing out incentives harmful to biodiversity (e.g., over-fishing, deforestation, fossil fuel subsidies).
- Aim to scale up these efforts to at least $500 billion by 2030.

3. The world needs blue helmets who act as blue helmets

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Org

Context:

The role of the United Nations (UN) in global peacekeeping and its failures in certain conflicts.

UN’s stand on peacekeeping:

The UN has two relevant chapters:
- Chapter VI: Commitment to peaceful settlement of disputes.
- Chapter VII: Allows armed force with Security Council authorization in cases of aggression.
- Chapter VIII: Prescribes regional arrangements for enforcing peace.

UN Peacekeeping: Hits and Misses

Successes: The UN has established peace in areas like Cambodia, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, Angola, Timor Leste, Liberia and Kosovo.
Failures: In Rwanda (1994) and Bosnia (1995), the UN failed to protect vulnerable populations, particularly civilians.
Improvement: Later missions, such as in Sierra Leone, Darfur, and South Sudan, focused more on protecting civilians.

Current Conflicts: Ukraine and West Asia

The UN has been criticized for its lack of action in the conflicts involving Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine.
Despite having over 100,000 peacekeepers ready for deployment, the UN has failed to take decisive action to protect civilians in these regions.

UN Security Council and the Veto Power:

The veto power of the P5 (permanent members of the UN Security Council) often obstructs peacekeeping efforts.
Example: During the Rwandan genocide, the veto system allowed inaction, leading to massive civilian deaths.
Proposed Reforms:
- Expanding the Permanent Membership of the Security Council to include countries like India and South Africa.
- Limiting the use of veto power by requiring a majority decision among the expanded permanent members (P7).

Blue Helmets:

UN peacekeepers serve as an international force working to maintain peace and security in conflict zones. The blue helmet and insignia were first adopted in 1947 and have become a globally recognized symbol of UN peacekeeping operations.
The first UN peacekeeping mission was established in May 1948.
India is one of the largest troop contributors with approximately 275,000 troops to various peacekeeping missions, and almost 5900 personnel are serving in 12 UN missions.

Key aspects of UN peacekeeping forces include:

Mandate and Mission

Monitor ceasefires
Protect civilians
Support peace agreements
Assist in stabilization and state-building efforts

Composition

Military, police and civilian personnel
Contributed voluntarily by UN member states
Currently around 90,000 personnel serving worldwide

Core Principles

Consent of parties
Impartiality
Non-use of force except in self-defense and defense of the mandate

Source: TH

4. 4300 tonnes of space junk and rising: Another satellite breakup adds to orbital debris woes

Sub: Sci

Sec: Space sector

Context:

A major communications satellite, Intelsat 33e, has broken up in orbit, impacting users in Europe, Central Africa, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, while adding to the growing amount of space debris.

Details about Intelsat 33e:

Launched in August 2016 by Boeing.
Operated in geostationary orbit, 35,000 km above the Indian Ocean.
Experienced significant technical problems since 2017, including issues with its primary thruster and fuel consumption, leading to an insurance claim of $78 million.
It was not insured at the time of its breakup, which occurred after a sudden power loss on October 20, 2024.

Breakup Confirmation:

U.S. Space Forces confirmed the satellite broke into at least 20 pieces.
No confirmed cause for the breakup yet, though it could be due to past technical issues or external factors like collisions or solar activity.

Space Debris Concerns:

The European Space Agency (ESA) estimates there are over 40,000 pieces of debris larger than 10 cm and 130 million smaller than 1 cm orbiting Earth.
Total mass of human-made objects in orbit is about 13,000 tonnes, one-third of which is debris.
Intelsat 33e’s breakup likely produced debris too small to track, adding to the growing concern over space junk.

Recent Similar Incidents:

June 2024: RESURS-P1 satellite fractured, producing over 100 trackable pieces.
July 2024: Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) 5D-2 F8 spacecraft broke up.
August 2024: Upper stage of a Long March 6A rocket fragmented, generating over 283 trackable debris pieces.

Responsibility for Space Debris:

According to the 1972 Convention of International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects, the launching country is responsible for debris.
In practice, accountability is often lacking. The U.S. issued its first fine for space debris in 2023, though it’s unclear if similar action will follow for Intelsat 33e.

1972 Convention of International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects (Liability Convention):

The Liability Convention was considered and negotiated by the Legal subcommittee from 1963 to 1972.
Agreement was reached in the General Assembly in 1971, and the Convention entered into force in September 1972.
As of 1 January 2021, 98 States have ratified the Liability Convention, 19 have signed but not ratified and four international intergovernmental organizations (the European Space Agency, the European Organisation for the Exploitation of Meteorological Satellites, the Intersputnik International Organization of Space Communications, and the European Telecommunications Satellite Organization) have declared their acceptance of the rights and obligations provided for in the Agreement.
India has signed and ratified the convention.
Key provisions:
- Elaborating on Article 7 of the Outer Space Treaty, the Liability Convention provides that a launching State shall be absolutely liable to pay compensation for damage caused by its space objects on the surface of the Earth or to aircraft, and liable for damage due to its faults in space.
- The Convention also provides for procedures for the settlement of claims for damages.
- If two states work together to launch a space object, then both of those states are jointly and severally liable for the damage that object causes. This means that the injured party can sue either of the two states for the full amount of damage.
- Claims under the Liability Convention must be brought by the state against a state.

Source: DTE

5. Why Big Tech Companies are Exploring Nuclear Power for Energy Needs

Sub: Sci

Sec: Nuclear

Why in News

Big tech companies like Google, Microsoft, and Amazon are exploring nuclear energy, specifically Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), to power their energy-intensive operations such as AI training, data centers, and online services. These companies are recognizing nuclear energy as a potential source of clean, round-the-clock, carbon-free power.

Growing Energy Demands of Big Tech

Training AI models, ensuring constant online services, and maintaining large-scale data centres require enormous amounts of energy. In 2023, Google’s total global greenhouse gas emissions increased by 13%, reflecting the challenges of reducing emissions amidst growing computational demands.

Why Nuclear Energy?

Nuclear energy is seen as clean, carbon-free, and available round-the-clock, unlike solar and wind energy, which are intermittent. Small Modular Reactors (SMRs), with their smaller sizes and modular designs, allow for faster deployment and can cater to the energy needs of tech companies efficiently.

What are Small Modular Reactors (SMRs)?

SMRs are nuclear reactors with a maximum capacity of 300 MW, designed for modularity and flexibility.
Unlike conventional NPPs, which have larger capacities, SMRs offer enhanced safety, scalability, and ease of deployment.
SMRs often have passive safety features, simplified designs, and reduced potential for radioactive material release.
Their smaller size allows for modular construction and potentially shorter construction timelines.
SMRs can be installed at brownfield sites and repurpose existing infrastructure, reducing land acquisition challenges associated with larger NPPs.
These differences make SMRs particularly suited for supporting grid stability, complementing intermittent renewables, and enhancing energy security.
SMRs boast improved safety through innovative design features, leading to a lower likelihood of core damage and contamination.
The reduced amount of spent nuclear fuel generated by SMRs simplifies waste management and reduces long-term storage requirements.
Higher capacity factors and extended operational lifespans enhance their economic viability.
According to the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, SMRs can potentially operate for up to 60 years, maintaining high-capacity factors.

Concerns Surrounding Nuclear Energy:

Public perception of nuclear energy is tainted by historic disasters like Ukraine’s Chernobyl (1986) and Japan’s Fukushima (2011). These incidents had long-term environmental and health impacts, which still influence public opinion on nuclear power.
In 1979, the Three Mile Island accident in the U.S. was caused by human error and equipment malfunction, releasing radioactive gases. Although it had limited impact on the population, it is considered one of the worst nuclear incidents in U.S. history.
Organizations like ‘Friends of the Earth’ argue that nuclear energy is dangerous, expensive, and has a history of accidents and leaks. They also highlight concerns about nuclear plants being built in earthquake-prone regions.

6. India Launches Its Fourth Nuclear Submarine with Advanced Ballistic Capabilities

Sub: Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

India recently launched its fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), named S4*, at the Ship Building Centre (SBC) in Visakhapatnam. This development marks a significant advancement in India’s undersea nuclear deterrence capabilities.

Launch of INS Aridhman (S4*):

India’s fourth SSBN, the S4*, was launched into water at the SBC in Visakhapatnam.
It has significant indigenous content, showcasing the involvement of Indian industry in its construction.
It has a submerged displacement of around 7,000 tons, which is larger than its predecessor, INS Arihant, and allows for the inclusion of advanced systems.
The submarine will carry the K-4 submarine-launched ballistic missile (SLBM) with a range of 3,500 km, crucial for India’s undersea nuclear deterrence.
The S4* forms a key part of India’s nuclear triad, enabling second-strike capability from underwater, significantly boosting India’s strategic defence posture.
It is one of the latest in a line of advanced SSBNs under construction, with plans to eventually integrate the K-5 SLBM, extending the strike range to 5,000 km

Current Operational SSBNs

India has two operational SSBNs:

INS Arihant (S2): Commissioned in August 2016.
INS Arighaat (S3): Commissioned in late August 2024.

About SSBN (Ship Submersible Ballistic Nuclear) –

Its primary role is to serve as a strategic deterrent by providing second-strike capability, ensuring a nation can retaliate with nuclear weapons even after a nuclear attack. SSBNs can remain submerged for extended periods, making them harder to detect and adding to their effectiveness as part of a country’s nuclear triad.

Commissioned in 2016, INS Arihant is India’s nuclear-powered ballistic missile-capable submarine, classified under the SSBN programme.

The SSBN is a hull classification symbol for nuclear-powered ballistic missile-carrying submarines.

The SSBN are under the purview of India’s Strategic Forces Command.

The family of indigenously developed Submarine Launched Ballistic Missiles (SLBMs), sometimes referred to as K family missiles are code-named after Dr A P J Abdul Kalam, a key figure in India’s missile and space programmes who also served as the 11th President of India.

It is said that more members of the K-family with higher ranges are also on the cards. Launched in 2009, INS Arihant was commissioned in 2016.

About INS Arihant (S2):

It has a displacement of 6,000 tonnes and is powered by an 83 MW pressurised light-water reactor with enriched uranium.

Retains the same reactor and dimensions, but has several technological upgrades.

The advanced technology project began in the 1980s and its first product, the Arihant vessel, was launched in 2009 by then-Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh, and eventually commissioned in 2016.

The third of these submarines, which is at an advanced stage of construction, is set to be larger and more capable than the current two submarines in the same class.

About INS Arighaat (S3):

INS Arighaat is a 6,000-tonne Arihant-class ballistic missile submarine.
Arighaat will be armed with indigenously built K-15 missiles, with a range of more than700km.
It can reach a speed of 12–15 knots (22–28 km/h) on the surface and up to 24 knots (44 km/h) when submerged.
It is powered by 83 MW pressurised light-water nuclear reactors, which allow it to remain submerged and undetected for much longer than conventional diesel-electric submarines.
Compared to Arihant, the indigenisation content has doubled in Arighaat (from 30% to 60%)
INS Arighaat will enhance the Navy’s nuclear strike capability and will serve as a vital component of India’s nuclear triad.
Arighaat adds to India’s sea-based nuclear deterrent, which is the most credible and survivable leg of the nuclear triad.

7. FDA Approval of Cobenfy: A New Milestone in Schizophrenia Treatment

Sub: Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved Cobenfy, a novel antipsychotic drug designed to treat schizophrenia by targeting cholinergic receptors, making it the first of its kind. This breakthrough comes at a time when addressing the limitations of traditional schizophrenia treatments remains a priority in medical research.

About Schizophrenia:

Schizophrenia is a severe psychiatric disorder that affects approximately 1 in 100 people globally. It has debilitating effects on a person’s social, mental, and physical well-being.

The disorder typically manifests in late adolescence or early adulthood, with men often affected in their early 20s and women experiencing a second peak in their 40s.

Symptoms of schizophrenia fall into three categories: positive symptoms (hallucinations, delusions), negative symptoms (apathy, lack of motivation), and cognitive symptoms (impaired memory and judgment).

Schizophrenia is a polygenic disorder, meaning it is influenced by hundreds or even thousands of small-effect genes. A 2014 genome-wide study identified 108 genetic loci linked to schizophrenia.

Traditional treatments have primarily focused on dopamine receptor antagonism, which led to the development of drugs like antipsychotics. However, these drugs often come with severe side effects, including weight gain, metabolic issues, and cognitive dulling.

About Cobenfy:

Cobenfy, approved by the FDA, combines two compounds, xanomeline and trospium chloride. Unlike traditional drugs that target dopamine, Cobenfy targets cholinergic receptors.

Xanomeline activates muscarinic receptors, which may address all types of schizophrenia symptoms, while trospium chloride minimizes adverse effects.

Cobenfy marks a significant shift in the treatment of schizophrenia. By avoiding dopamine receptor modulation, it offers a new hope for patients who are resistant to or unable to tolerate dopamine-based treatments.

8. Three scientists discover new genus of jumping spiders ‘Tenkana’ in South India

Sub : Env

Sec: Species in news

Context:

A team of arachnologists has discovered a new genus of jumping spiders, named Tenkana, which is found across southern India. It also introduced a new species, Tenkana jayamangali, identified in Karnataka.
The research was conducted by a collaborative team from various institutions in India and Canada and findings published in the journal Zookeys.

Tenkana spiders’ Habitat:

Unlike related species that typically inhabit forest environments, Tenkana spiders are adapted to drier areas and ground habitats.
Their presence has been confirmed in several regions, including Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, Karnataka, Telangana, and Andhra Pradesh.

Etymology:

The name Tenkana is derived from the Kannada word for “south,” signifying that all identified species are endemic to southern India and northern Sri Lanka.
The newly identified Tenkana jayamangali has been named after the Jayamangali river in Karnataka.

Taxonomy and Classification:

Tenkana belongs to the Plexippina subtribe of jumping spiders. It is distinct from related genera such as Hyllus and Telamonia.

Research Methodology:

The research team utilized both genetic studies and physical examinations to establish the characteristics of the new genus.

Species Classification

The newly established genus Tenkana incorporates two species that were previously classified under the genus Colopsus:
Tenkana manu: Found in southern India and Sri Lanka, named after retired professor Dr. Manu Thomas in 2014.
Tenkana arkavathi: Identified in Karnataka.

9. If PKK’s Ocalan renounces violence, he may get parole, says Erdogan ally Bahceli

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

The leader of Turkiye’s far right nationalist party that’s allied with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan raised the possibility of parole for Abdullah Ocalan, the imprisoned leader of the militant Kurdish group Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK).
This development comes amidst speculation about President Recep Tayyip Erdogan seeking support from pro-Kurdish political factions.

Details:

Bahceli suggested that Ocalan could be granted parole if he renounces violence and disbands the PKK.
The proposal is linked to Erdogan’s efforts to engage Turkiye’s pro-Kurdish party, Peoples’ Equality and Democracy Party (DEM), to facilitate constitutional changes.
The DEM, the third-largest party in Parliament, has long advocated for better conditions for Ocalan, who has been serving a life sentence in isolation on an island near Istanbul since 1999.

Need for constitutional changes:

The existing constitution restricts Erdogan from seeking re-election unless early elections are called.
Changes could potentially allow Erdogan to extend his rule beyond the current constitutional limits, as he has been in power since 2003.

Background on PKK:

The Kurdistan Workers’ Party, or PKK is a Kurdish militant political organization, originally founded in 1978 by the Marxist revolutionary Abdullah Ocalan.
It emerged from a leftist ideology and aimed to establish an independent Kurdish state in southeastern Turkey.
The PKK has been engaged in an armed struggle for autonomy in southeastern Turkiye since 1984, leading to significant violence and loss of life, with tens of thousands affected.
The group is classified as a terrorist organization by Turkiye and its Western allies.

10. India-China Border Patrol Agreement: What It Means, Why It Is Important

Sub : IR

Sec: India neighbouring countries

Context:

In a notable development, India and China have established a new patrolling arrangement along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) four years after the Galwan Valley clash.
The arrangement allows Indian and Chinese soldiers to resume patrols as they did prior to the May 2020 conflict, aiming to reduce tensions between the two nations.

Context of the Galwan Clash:

The Galwan Valley clash on June 15, 2020, was a significant escalation along the LAC, resulting in the first deadly confrontation in the region since 1975.
Border infrastructure developments and differing perceptions of the LAC had triggered the clash.

Significance of the new Agreement:

De-escalation: The agreement marks a significant step towards de-escalation in a region heavily fortified by both countries as it is expected to reduce skirmishes.
Stabilisation: This arrangement is expected to stabilize conditions along the LAC, particularly at friction points like the Depsang Plains and Demchok. Enhanced stability may facilitate broader negotiations on long-standing boundary issues.
Confidence-Building: Resuming patrolling under pre-2020 terms serve as a confidence-building measure, reflecting a mutual commitment to return to a previously acceptable status quo.

Political Implications:

The agreement could lead to enhanced diplomatic interactions at various international forums and improve bilateral relations outside military contexts.
For India, this means better management of border infrastructure development without the looming threat of conflict.
For China, it represents a strategic decision to stabilize its border with India amid various global tensions.

About LAC:

The Line of Actual Control (LAC) is the demarcation that separates Indian-controlled territory from Chinese-controlled territory.
It is not agreed upon by the two countries, and is neither delineated on a map nor demarcated on the ground.
India considers the LAC to be 3,488 km long, while the Chinese consider it to be only around 2,000 km.
It is divided into three sectors: the eastern sector which spans Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the middle sector in Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh and the western sector in Ladakh.
The alignment of the LAC in the eastern sector is along the 1914 McMahon Line.
The western sector witnesses the highest transgressions between the two sides.

Other friction points along the LAC:

Demchok: Demchok is divided by the LAC, with India controlling the western part and China claiming both the eastern and western regions. The dispute centres on historical treaties and the precise alignment of the LAC, along the Charding Nullah.
- The Charding Nullah is a stream traditionally known as the Lhari stream and called Demchok River by China.
Pangong Lake: Pangong Lake is a contested area where approximately 50% is under Chinese control, 40% is in Ladakh, and 10% remains disputed.
Hot Springs: The Hot Springs area near Gogra Post is strategically important for India in enhancing its surveillance capabilities over the LAC. India’s control over this region enhances its defence posture, providing vantage points for monitoring movements in Aksai Chin.
Depsang Plains: The Depsang Plains are crucial for India due to their strategic access to the Daulat Beg Oldie (DBO) airstrip and the Darbuk-Shyok-DBO road. Maintaining control over Depsang prevents potential threats from Chinese forces to these key logistics lines.