Daily Prelims Notes 29 April 2023

April 29, 2023
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

Daily Prelims Notes

29 April 2023

Table Of Contents

1. Bauxite mining in Jharkhand is impacting soil fertility, people’s health

Subject: Environment

Sec: Pollution

Context: Bauxite mining in Gumla district of Jharkhand is making the land barren and affecting the health of the people.

More on the News:

Mining activities say that companies are not following norms that include backfilling of fields after the conclusion of mining, which is affecting their livelihood.
Obtaining leases for mining on forest land is a complicated process and while procuring leases for mining on farming land is comparatively easier.
The forest department is responsible for monitoring the loss of forest land due to mining and preparing an action plan. However, only wildlife and vegetation come under its ambit. Monitoring the impact on farmers and tribal communities does not come under its purview.

Bauxite:

Bauxite is an important ore that is used for making aluminium. It is an oxide of aluminium.
Bauxite appears dull in luster and is reddish-brown, white, or tan in color.
It is not a specific mineral but a rock consisting mainly of hydrated aluminium oxides.
The deposits of Bauxite are mainly associated with laterites and occur as capping on hills and plateaus, except in coastal areas of Gujarat and Goa.
Bauxite is primarily used to produce alumina through the Bayer process.
Australia is the largest producer of bauxite, followed by China.

Bauxite reserves in India

There are abundant bauxite reserves in the country. However since they are located in heavily forested areas, inhabited by indigenous people; mining has been unable to start in these regions.
By States, Odisha alone accounts for 53% of country’s resources of bauxite. The ranking of states in terms of bauxite resources is as following
- Odisha (53%)
- Andhra Pradesh (16%)
- Gujarat (8%)
- Jharkhand (5%)
- Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh (4% each).

2. Pollution control boards aren’t underfunded but investing their surplus into fixed deposits

Subject : Environment

Sec: Pollution

Context: An amount of Rs 2,893 crore found to be invested in fixed deposits by 10 pollution regulators

More on the News:

A research paper, has raised questions as to whether State Pollution Control Boards and Pollution Control Committees (SPCBs/PCCs) in India are effectively fulfilling their mandate to control pollution.
It found that 10 SPCBs/PCCs, all in the Indo-Gangetic Plain (IGP), had invested their annual substantial surplus in the form of short, medium-term fixed deposits to the tune of Rs 2,893 crore as of March 31, 2021. The amount should ideally have been invested in manpower, infrastructure and equipment.
A majority of the Boards examined were found to generate nearly half of their revenues by issuing polluting industries no objection certificates and granting consent to establish and operate.
This is because central government funding while regular, is inadequate as it is provided only for existing centrally sponsored schemes.
On the other hand, consistent funding from state governments is largely non-existent. The authors found that no financial support was provided by state governments to their respective SPCBs/PCCs in all but two states.
Most of the Boards studied struggled to spend the entirety of the surplus they generated for each of the three years. Pay and allowances for staff comprise over half of SPCB/PCC expenditure, with some skewing upwards of 80 per cent.
Despite the poor state of infrastructure in many states, spending on new infrastructure including lab facilities is low, with some exceptions. Spending on research, development and studies comprise a tiny fraction of overall expenditure across the board.
All this led to the surplus being invested into fixed deposits.

Central Pollution Control Board: https://optimizeias.com/indias-pollution-control-boards-were-weakened-over-the-last-14-years/

3. Forest fires now pose a threat to the very survival of Uttarakhand’s unique biodiversity

Subject : Environment

Sec: Biodiversity

Context: Forest fire season in Uttarakhand coincides with flowering & breeding months of several vulnerable species, many of them native to Himalayas.

More on the News:

Forest fires are becoming more frequent and fierce in Uttarakhand. Such regular burnings can be catastrophic for the state as well as the rich biodiversity it harbours.
With 7,000 species of plants, Uttarakhand contributes 31 per cent of the country’s floral diversity. As many as 119 flowering plants are endemic to the state.
The impact of recurrent forest fires in Uttarakhand is therefore not limited to the direct loss of trees and wildlife, their displacement and subsequent colonisation of unwanted species.
By destroying the leaves and foliage, a forest fire can significantly reduce the photosynthetic activity of surviving trees and thereby affect their growth.
It can also damage the seed bank, both above and below the ground, and wipe out the seedlings and saplings growing on the forest floor. Species that are sparsely distributed and have small or patchy populations suffer the worst impacts as they lose their habitat, territories, shelter and food.
The loss of keystone organisms in forest ecosystems, such as invertebrates, pollinators, and decomposers, can significantly slow the recovery rate of the forest.

Endemic Species:

Taxus baccata L, a conifer native to the Himalayas. The plant, known for anti-cancerous properties, starts flowering from March, when the peak fire season in Uttarakhand typically begins. A massive forest fire during the flowering season can severely impede propagation of the species.
Fruiting in Asparagus adscendensRoxb, a native plant of the Himalayas used for vigour and vitality, also occurs in March. A forest fire can damage its mature fruits and hinder fruiting. Researchers have already recorded scarce germination of the plant because of forest fires.
B aristata, whose roots, stem and leaves are used in the treatment of various ailments, is already at risk from overexploitation.
Stephania glabra is another medicinal plant whose tuber is used in the treatment of asthma, tuberculosis, dysentery, hyperglycemia, cancer, fever, intestinal complaints, sleep disturbances and inflammation.

About Forest Fire: https://optimizeias.com/forest-fire-in-odisha/

4. Wildlife translocation programmes benefit if they incorporate human dimensions

Subject :Environment

Sec: International convention

Context: Efforts to translocate wildlife benefit if human-related factors, biological and environmental considerations are incorporated, according to a new study by the University of California-Berkeley (UCB).

More on the News:

Wildlife translocation is the intentional movement of animals for conservation purposes. It has been used as a technique to mitigate the loss and depletion of endangered species.
Success of wildlife translocations hinges is coexistence with people. Human dimensions are considered integral to the design, implementation and evaluation of wildlife translocations according to the IUCN Guidelines for Reintroductions and Other Translocations.
However, despite the recognised importance of human dimensions, these factors are still largely missing from many conservation initiatives, according to the UCB study.
The researchers synthesised information from case studies reported in the IUCN Global Re-Introduction Perspective Series to identify relationships between the inclusion of human dimension objectives in wildlife translocation efforts and programme outcomes.
They analysed 305 case studies of wildlife translocations from seven IUCN reports published between 2008 and 2021.Of the 305 case studies, 127 case studies (42 per cent) included human dimension objectives when planning their translocation.
The study found that translocation efforts that included human dimension objectives were significantly more likely to have a positive outcome than the translocation efforts that did not include human dimension objectives.
Of the six key strategies the study identified for including human dimension objectives, education was the most common, followed by engaging locals, providing economic benefits, increasing social tolerance, enforcing regulations and supplying cultural benefits.

5. Book hate speech cases even without complaint: SC

Subject :Polity

Sec: Constitution

Concept :

Calling hate speech a serious offence that can affect the secular fabric of India, the Supreme Court directed all states to suo moto register cases of such offences even if there is no formal complaint.

Key highlights of the SC Order

Any hesitation to act will be viewed as contempt of the top court and appropriate action will be taken against the erring officers.
All states and UTs shall ensure that immediately as and when any speech or any action takes place which attracts offences such as Sections 153A, 153B and 295A and 505 of the IPC, suo motu action will be taken to register cases even if no complaint is forthcoming and proceed against the offenders in accordance with law.

Legal Provisions of Hate Speech in India:

Article 21: Responsible speech is the essence of the liberty granted under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Article 19(2): It guarantees freedom of speech and expression to all citizens of India.
Exception: Hate speech has not been defined in any law in India. However, legal provisions in certain legislations prohibit select forms of speech as an exception to freedom of speech.

Legislations around Hate speech: The Indian Penal Code, 1860

Section 124A IPC penalises sedition
Section 153A IPC penalises ‘promotion of enmity between different groups on grounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language, etc., and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony’.
Section 153B IPC penalises ‘imputations, and assertions prejudicial to national integration.
Section 295A IPC penalises ‘deliberate and malicious acts, intended to outrage the religious feelings of any class by insulting its religion or religious beliefs.
Section 298 IPC penalises ‘uttering, words, etc., with deliberate intent to wound the religious feelings of any person’.
Section 505(1) and (2) IPC penalises the publication or circulation of any statement, rumour or report causing public mischief and enmity, hatred or ill-will between classes.

6. Women’s reservation Bill cannot wait any longer

Subject :polity

Sec: Parliament

Concept :

It is disheartening to witness that even 75 years after Independence, Parliament lacks substantial representation from half the population, with women holding just 14% of the seats.

A promising start

Leading CMs: Just a decade ago, three of India’s largest States, West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh, were in the spotlight for being led by women Chief Ministers.
Leading Leaders: While Sushma Swaraj led the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Sonia Gandhi served as both President of the Congress Party and Chairperson of the United Progressive Alliance.
President of India: Also, India had its first woman President, Pratibha Patil around the same time.

Historical Background

Pre-Independence era: From the pre-Independence era when several women’s organisations demanded political representation for women.
Rising demand: It can be traced back to 1955 when a government appointed committee recommended that 10% of seats in the Lok Sabha and State legislative assemblies should be reserved for women.
In 1996, the Women’s Reservation Bill (introduced in Lok Sabha) proposed to reserve one-third of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies for women. However, the bill lapsed due to strong opposition from some political parties.
Again the issue gained momentum in the 2000s and the bill was passed in Rajya Sabha.
National Perspective Plan for Women (1988): The National Perspective Plan for Women (1988) recommended that 30% of seats in all elected bodies should be reserved for women. This recommendation was reiterated in the National Policy for the Empowerment of Women, which was adopted in 2001.

Global Examples

Outperforming their male counterparts: The Scandinavian countries have implemented policies and governance structures that support gender equality and women’s empowerment, which includes women’s representation in political and leadership positions.
Implementing best policies: Countries led by women have shown to have some of the best policies and governance practices. The deep scars in Rwanda, a central African nation, from the genocide, are being healed by predominantly a leadership that comprises women.
Norway quota: Norway implemented a quota system in 2003 that required 40% of seats on corporate boards to be occupied by women.

7. PM launches 91 new FM transmitter in 18 states

Subject : Science and technology

Sec: Computer and AI

Concept :

The PM of India inaugurated 91 FM transmitters spread across 18 states and two UTs and asserted that the government was working towards giving people in every nook and corner of the country affordable access to technology.
With this, All India Radio was well on its way to expand its FM footprint nationally.
These FM transmitters will play a key role in a range of services be it timely dissemination of information, weather forecast for agriculture or connecting the women SHGs with new markets.

Frequency Modulation (FM)

It is the encoding of information in a carrier wave by varying the instantaneous frequency of the wave.
The technology is used in telecommunications, radio broadcasting, signal processing, and computing.
In analog FM (radio broadcasting), the instantaneous frequency deviation – the difference between the frequency of the carrier and its center frequency – has a functional relation to the modulating signal amplitude.
Digital data can be encoded and transmitted with a type of FM known as frequency-shift keying (FSK), in which the instantaneous frequency of the carrier is shifted among a set of frequencies.

FM Transmitter

It is a low-power FM radio transmitter that broadcasts a signal from a portable audio device (such as an MP3 player) to a standard FM radio.
Most of these transmitters plug into the device’s headphone jack and then broadcast the signal over an FM broadcast band frequency, so that it can be picked up by any nearby radio.
This allows portable audio devices to make use of the louder or better sound quality of a home audio system or car stereo without requiring a wired connection.
Being low-powered, most transmitters typically have a short range of 100-300 feet (30–91 metres), depending on the quality of the receiver, obstructions and elevation.

8. Star rating system for water taps

Subject :schemes

Concept :

The Centre is in the process of bringing in a star rating system for water fixtures similar to the ratings for electrical appliances.

Key details:

The new rating system would have 3, 4 and 5 star water fixtures based on their water efficiency.
This rating system would come under one umbrella called Bharat Tap.

Need:

Data showed that on average over 30% of water can be saved.
However, there was not enough data available to assist consumers in making informed decisions when purchasing sanitary fixtures.
We need to start quantifying how much water is wasted in each activity and how it adds to the overall cost of water.

Star rating system:

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) has developed a star rating system for electrical appliances that will help recognise an energy-efficient appliance.
The appliance efficiency ratings are labelled in a range of 1 to 5 stars.
An energy star refers to the appliance’s energy efficiency, with 1 star being the least efficient and 5 stars being the most efficient.

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency

The Bureau of Energy Efficiency is a government agency under the Ministry of Power.
It acts as an intermediary body between the Government, manufacturers and consumers with the goal of energy efficiency.
The main goal of this agency is to set norms and standards for energy ratings and act as an enforcement body.
BEE is also responsible for making consumers aware of the importance of energy efficiency.

9. India’s Healthcare Sector

Subject :government schemes

Why in News?

National Health Account Estimates 2019-20 was released recently. The health account estimates describe the country’s total expenditure on healthcare – whether by the government, private sector, NGOs, or individuals – and the flow of these funds. The government spent 1.35% of the country’s Gross Domestic Product on healthcare during the year, bouncing back from a slight drop seen in 2018-19 as per the report.

About NHA

The National Health Account (NHA) estimates for India 2019-20 is the seventh consecutive NHA estimates report prepared by National Health Systems Resource Centre, designated as the National Health Accounts (NHA) Technical Secretariat in 2014 by the Health Ministry.

The NHA estimates are prepared by using an accounting framework based on the internationally accepted standard of System of Health Accounts, 2011, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO).

Bullets

Share of Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) in Total Health Expenditure declines from 62.6% in 2014-15 to 47.1% in 2019-20.
Government Health Expenditure’s (GHE) share in country’s total GDP increases from 1.13% (2014-15) to 1.35% (2019-20).
Share of Government Health Expenditure in Total Health Expenditure increases from 29% (2014-15) to 41.4% (2019-20).
Per capita Government spending on healthcare doubles.
In per capita terms, GHE has doubled from Rs. 1,108 to Rs. 2,014 between 2014-15 to 2019-20. The government spending on health between 2018-19 and 2019-20 increased by 12%, more than double the growth rate between 2017-18 and 2018-19 which was at 5%.

Figure 1: Government Health Expenditure and Out-of-pocket expenditure as % of Total Health Expenditure (%) (Source: PIB)

The share of primary healthcare in Current Government Health Expenditure (CGHE) has increased from 51.3% in 2014-15 to 55.9% in 2019-20. The increased focus on primary healthcare reinforces the government’s decisions to prioritize primary healthcare in the country.

Figure 2: Share of Primary Health Care in Current Government Health Expenditure (%) Source: PIB

The share of Social Security Expenditure (SSE) on health, which includes government-funded health insurance, medical reimbursement to government employees, and social health insurance programs, in THE, has increased from 5.7% in 2014-15 to 9.3% in 2019-20. This increase in social security has a direct impact on reducing out-of-pocket payments.
State governments urged to move ahead in healthcare spending as percentage of their total budget.

The report highlights the increased public spending in primary healthcare, which is in line with National Health policy 2017 where it states that two-thirds of public health spending must be in Primary Health systems. This is also a result of great developments/initiatives taken at grassroot level such as opening of over 1.6 lakh Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs) which are providing plethora of health services to the people

Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres

In order to expand access to Comprehensive Primary Health Care (CPHC), under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs), Sub Health Centres (SHCs) and Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are being strengthened as Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs).
The HWCs are to provide preventive, promotive, rehabilitative and curative care for an expanded range of services encompassing reproductive and child health services, communicable diseases, non-communicable diseases, palliative care and elderly care, oral health, ENT care, and basic emergency care.
The services in HWCs will be provided through a Mid-level Health Care Provider (MLHP)/Community Health Officer (CHO) placed at a HWC-SHC and Medical Officer at PHC (Rural/Urban).
The MLHP/CHO will undergo a Certificate in Community Health through IGNOU or public university.

National Health policy 2017

It intends on gradually increasing public health expenditure to 5% of the GDP.
It proposes free drugs, free diagnostics and free emergency and essential healthcare services in public hospitals.
The policy advocates allocating two-thirds (of resources to primary care.
It proposes two beds per 1,000 of the population to enable access within the first 60 minutes after a traumatic injury.
To reduce morbidity and preventable mortality of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) by advocating pre-screening.
It highlights AYUSH as a tool for effective prevention and therapy that is safe and cost-effective.
It proposes introducing Yogain more schools and offices to promote good health.
It also proposed reforming medical education.
The policy also lists quantitative targets regarding life expectancy, mortality and reduction of disease prevalence in line with the objectives of the policy.

10. Apes Like to Spin Like Humans

Subject :Science and Technology

Section: Msc

Why in News?

Just like humans, great ape species also seem to regularly enjoy stimulating their senses through spinning, possibly even in pursuit of altered mental states. Many animals, especially humans’ closest relatives like chimpanzees, display behavioural attributes similar to humans. Studying these behaviours provides scientists with not just a greater understanding of the animals but also of evolution and human beings themselves.

News in Brief

Videos of gorillas, chimpanzees and other animals engaging in human-like spinning around in circles, somersaulting, etc. went viral.
They do so for stimulating their senses just like humans.
400 videos showing great apes and other primates engaged inspinning behaviors were amassed by cognitive scientists. Mostly captive apes, but a few were wild mountain gorillas.
This led to a research by primatologist and evolutionary psychologist to find if other primates also do so for the same reason, that is for a fun and exhilarating experience felt by children evidenced by the enduring popularity of playground merry-go-rounds.
The new research suggests that humans are not alone in their pursuit of spin-induced buzzes.

Research Findings

Other great ape species also seem to regularly enjoy stimulating their senses through spinning, possibly even in pursuit of altered mental states.
Spinning, whirling, backflipping, somersaulting are not distinctly human activity as thought of so far.
Spinning speed was rivaling professionally trained human dancers and aerialists – average rotation velocity of 1.43 revolutions per second.
The longest spin session lasted 28 revolutions, and the fastest was a brain-scrambling 4 revolutions per second by a bonobo.
The longer an ape spun, the more likely it was to show signs of dizziness, such as letting go of the rope and immediately sitting or lying down.
Apes tended to repeat the process of spinning and stopping, engaging in an average of three bouts of spinning per session.
“Play faces” made by the animals while spinning – Imply that they were having fun rather than only seeking a way to relieve themselves of boredom in captivity.

Animals Getting High

These animals also engage in other activities that can scramble the senses, including consuming fermented fruits containing alcohol and ingesting naturally occurring psychedelic substances.
It is debated if this behavior is done on purpose or by accident.

Future Prospects of Research

Such studies may provide data needed to explore behaviors that may be evolutionary precursors to the human desire to experience altered mental states.
Collecting evidence of other species, including grizzly bears and pandas, that appear to enjoy activities that may make them dizzy may open a larger study.
Researching such behavior may reveal that we are not the only animals who engage in behaviors that intentionally produce altered states of consciousness.
Systematic research will help us learn more about the taxonomy of getting high and change the feeling that we are all that unique.

11. Gum Arabic: why Sudan war could hit your fizzy drinks and candy

Subject :International relations

Sec: Places in news

Why in News?

About 70% of the world’s supply of gum arabic, for which there are few substitutes, comes from the acacia trees in the Sahel region that runs through Africa’s third-largest country, which is being torn apart by fighting between the army and a paramilitary force.

What is Gum Arabic

Gum Arabic is a natural gum originally consisting of the hardened sap of two species of the Acacia tree, Senegaliasenegal and Vachelliaseyal.
The term “gum arabic” does not legally indicate a particular botanical source.
The gum is harvested commercially from wild trees, mostly in Sudan (80%) and throughout the Sahel, from Senegal to Somalia.

Health benefits of Gum Arabic

Gum arabic is a rich source of dietary fibers.
It is also used in food and pharmaceutical industries as a safe thickener, emulsifier, and stabilizer.
It is regarded as a prebiotic that enhances the growth and proliferation of the beneficial intestinal microbiota and therefore its intake is associated with many useful health effects.

These health benefits include:

Improved absorption of calcium from the gastrointestinal tract
Anti-diabetic
Anti-obesity (gum arabic lowers the body mass index and body fat percentage)
Lipid lowering potential (gum arabic decreases total cholesterol, LDL, and triglyceride)
Antioxidant activities
Kidney and liver support
Immune function via modulating the release of some inflammatory mediators
Prebiotic improving the intestinal barrier function, preventing colon cancer, and alleviating symptoms of irritable bowel diseases.
In rats, a protective effect on the intestine against the adverse actions of the NSAID drug meloxicam.

Other uses:

Food

Gum arabic is used in the food industry as a stabiliser, emulsifying agent, and thickening agent in icing, fillings, soft candy, chewing gum, and other confectionery and to bind the sweeteners and flavourings in soft drinks.

Painting and art

Gum arabic is used as a binder for watercolor painting because it dissolves easily in water.

Ceramics

Gum arabic has a long history as additives to ceramic glazes. It acts as a binder, helping the glaze adhere to the clay before it is fired, thereby minimising damage by handling during the manufacture of the piece.

Photography
Print making
Pyrotechnics

Gum arabic is also used as a water-soluble binder in fireworks composition.

Fuel Charcoal

Distribution

The trees are native of North Africa and grow mainly in the sub.Sahara or Sahel zone of Africa and also in Australia, India and South America. The main populations of gum-producing Acacia species are found in Mauritania, Senegal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Niger, Nigeria, Chad, Cameroon, Sudan, Eritrea, Somalia, Ethiopia, Kenya, and Tanzania.

Acacia senegal is found in some parts of India mainly in the dry rocky hills of south east Punjab, in the northern Aravalli hills and other drier parts of Rajasthan and Gujarat.

About Sudan

It shares its border with seven countries: Libya, Egypt, Chad, the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea.