Daily Prelims Notes 31 October 2024

October 31, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

31 October 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Why is there an Upward Rally in Gold Prices?

Sub : Eco

Sec: External sector

Geopolitical Tensions and Economic Uncertainty:
- Gold prices surged to an all-time high, due to heightened geopolitical tensions and global economic instability.
- In India, gold mirrored this trend, marking a 40% increase from last year’s price.
Inverse Relationship with Interest Rates:
- Lower interest rates and a weaker U.S. dollar make gold more attractive, driving up demand as it provides a safety net amidst low yields on other assets.
- While gold doesn’t yield returns, it gains appeal as a store of value when interest rates fall, prompting investors to seek the “safe haven” of gold.
Global Demand for Safe-Haven Assets:
- Amid global uncertainties, investors are drawn to gold due to its low correlation with other asset classes and ability to hedge against inflation and currency fluctuations.

Why is Gold Considered a Safety Cushion by Central Banks?

Hedge Against Global Uncertainties:
- Central banks accumulate gold to mitigate risks from economic and political crises, benefiting from its stability and long-term value.
- August Net Purchases: According to the World Gold Council (WGC), central banks acquired 8 tonnes of gold in August, with Poland, Turkey, and India as major buyers.
Diversification of Foreign Exchange Reserves:
- Holding gold diversifies central banks’ reserves, reducing dependence on volatile currency values and other assets that are more impacted by economic downturns.

When Does Demand for Gold Peak in India?

Festive and Wedding Seasons:
- High Demand Period: Gold demand typically spikes in the second half of the year, coinciding with Indian festivals like Diwali and the wedding season.
- Buffer Period: The period from mid-September to early October is often a lull, as it’s considered inauspicious for purchases according to the Hindu calendar.
Price Impact:
- Gold prices generally increase during these peak periods, reflecting heightened demand and strong cultural significance tied to the yellow metal.

Why Does the World Gold Council Expect Increased Demand for Gold from Rural Areas?

Favourable Monsoon and Crop Production:
- Good monsoon seasons and higher crop sowing are expected to enhance rural incomes, thereby boosting the purchasing power for gold in rural India.
- Rural Spending Power: Strong harvests and improved incomes can lead to higher gold consumption, especially in rural and Tier II and III cities.
Impact of Reduced Import Duties:
- The reduction in gold import duties in July has already boosted domestic demand, making gold more accessible and attractive to Indian buyers.

What Factors Determine Gold Prices?

Supply and Demand Dynamics:
- Finite Resource: Gold’s limited availability adds a scarcity factor to its valuation, with the long gestation period from mining to production making it less responsive to short-term market changes.
Dollar Value and Interest Rates:
- Gold prices are globally referenced in U.S. dollars; hence, a weaker dollar often leads to higher demand for gold as a hedge against currency depreciation.
- An inverse relationship with interest rates also influences prices; lower rates make non-yielding assets like gold more appealing.
Investor Appetite:
- Investor sentiment compared to other assets (such as bonds) plays a role, especially during periods of geopolitical unrest or financial instability, where gold acts as a store of value.

2. What’s behind the deaths of 7 elephants in 2 days in Madhya Pradesh’s Bandhavgarh National Park?

Sub : Env

Sec: Protected Areas

Context:

The death toll of elephants in Bandhavgarh National Park, Madhya Pradesh, has risen to seven.
Potential Causes of Death:
- Elephants may have consumed pesticide-infected crops outside the forest, but further investigation is needed.

Bandhavgarh National Park:

Located in the Vindhya Hills of Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh, Bandhavgarh was declared a national park in 1968, covering 105 square kilometers.
Known for its Royal Bengal Tiger population, it saw its first herd of elephants in 2018, which migrated from Chhattisgarh and settled in the park. Currently, around 60 elephants reside there.
History & Geography:
- Originally a hunting ground for the Maharajas of Rewa
- Features the ancient Bandhavgarh Fort, believed to be over 2000 years old
- Covers approximately 450 sq km of core area, plus a larger buffer zone
- Known for its varied topography including steep ridges, dense bamboo forests, and grasslands
Wildlife:
- Famous for having one of India’s highest densities of Bengal tigers
- Home to other big cats like leopards
- Large population of deer species including spotted deer, sambar, and barking deer
- Rich bird life with over 250 species
- Other wildlife includes sloth bears, wild boars, and various primates
Notable Features:
- Divided into several tourism zones including Tala, Magdhi, and Khitauli
- Best known for tiger sightings and wildlife photography opportunities
- Ancient caves with human artefacts and rock paintings
- The highest density of Royal Bengal Tigers in India

3. What is DANA, the weather pattern which caused flash floods in Spain?

Sub : Geo

Sec: Climatology

Torrential Rain in Spain:

Since Monday night (October 28), heavy rains in southern and eastern Spain have caused severe flooding, affecting millions, submerging towns, and cutting off roads.
Flash floods have led to at least 64 deaths in Valencia, eastern Spain.

Rainfall Intensity:

Some areas received over a month’s worth of rain in a single day.
Andalusia, the southernmost region, recorded four times the typical October rainfall.
Spain’s meteorological agency noted rainfall between 150-200 liters per square meter (about 40-50 gallons per square yard) within two hours.

Weather Phenomenon – DANA (Cold Drop):

What is DANA?
- Known as “gota fría” or “cold drop,” DANA is an annual phenomenon caused by cold air descending over the warm Mediterranean Sea, leading to atmospheric instability.
- This instability causes warm, moist air over the sea to rise quickly, forming dense cumulonimbus clouds that release heavy rainfall.
How it Forms?
- Related to the polar jet stream, which separates cold polar air from warm tropical air.
- When a pocket of cold air detaches from this jet stream and meets warmer air over the Mediterranean, DANA forms, often bringing intense rain.

Increasing Intensity of DANA:

Traditionally, cold drops are common in Spain during autumn and spring.
DANA events are now more frequent, intense, and geographically widespread.
Rising global temperatures mean warmer air retains more moisture, contributing to intense rainfall.
Increased Mediterranean Sea surface temperatures exacerbate this; in August, the sea reached its highest recorded temperature.

Source: IE

4. Carbon sink broken? Last year, trees and land barely absorbed any CO2

Sub : Env

Sec: Climate change

Context:

A recent study shows that critical natural processes that help cool the Earth are weakening. In 2023, trees and land absorbed almost no carbon dioxide (CO₂).
The absorption of CO₂ by trees and zooplankton feeding on algae (which removes millions of tonnes of CO₂ annually) are key cooling processes.

Key Findings of the Study:

The study, titled Low latency carbon budget analysis reveals a large decline of the land carbon sink in 2023, reported a CO₂ growth rate of 3.37 ± 0.11 PPM at Mauna Loa, Hawaii, an 86% increase from the previous year.
This growth rate is the highest recorded since measurements began in 1958, indicating a significant weakening of land and ocean CO₂ sinks.

Wildfires and Land Sink Collapse:

The study noted that global CO₂ emissions rose only 0.6 ± 0.5% in 2023.
The 2023 northern hemisphere wildfires are believed to have played a role in the land sink’s sharp decline.

Long-term Implications:

Although current data suggests an unprecedented weakening, researchers advise caution in concluding that this collapse will continue regularly.

5. How the United States’ electoral college works

Sub : IR

Sec :Places in news

Overview of the Electoral College:

The Electoral College is a unique system used in the United States to elect the President and Vice President. It allows for electors, chosen based on the popular vote in each state, to formally cast votes for these candidates.
The U.S. is the only democracy where a candidate can win the popular vote but still lose the presidency, a situation that has occurred four times, notably in 2000 and 2016.

Structure of the Electoral College:

The Electoral College consists of 538 electors, with a majority of 270 electoral votes needed to win the presidency.
Each state has a number of electors equal to its total Congressional delegation (House Representatives + 2 Senators). California has the most electors (54), while six states, including Wyoming and Vermont, have the smallest allocation (3 electors).

Selection of Electors:

Political parties select a slate of electors prior to the election, typically comprised of dedicated party members and affiliates.
The U.S. Constitution specifies that certain individuals, such as members of Congress and federal officeholders, cannot serve as electors.
While electors usually vote for their party’s candidate, there are no federal laws requiring them to do so.

Election of Electors:

The Electoral College is effectively chosen through the popular vote during the presidential election on November 5.
On Election Day, voters cast ballots for their preferred presidential candidate, which actually elects the electors pledged to that candidate.
Most states use a winner-takes-all system, where the candidate with the most votes in a state receives all of that state’s electoral votes, except in Maine and Nebraska, which use a proportional system.

Role of Electors:

Electors meet in their state capitals in December to cast their votes for President and Vice President, a process largely seen as a formality.
Most electors vote according to the popular vote, though there is no federal mandate requiring them to do so. Some states impose penalties for faithless electors who do not vote as pledged.

6. Rules to get disability certificates tweaked: the changes, why they are being opposed

Sub : Schemes

Sec :Vulnerable population

Context:

The government has introduced the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (Amendment) Rules, 2024 (RPwD Rules), aiming to enhance the processes for applying for disability certificates and Unique Disability Identity (UDID) cards.
These amendments come in light of recent controversies, including the dismissal of IAS probationer Puja Khedkar for alleged forgery of disability and caste certificates.

Key changes in the RPwD rules:

The RPwD Amendment Rules have made changes in Rule 17 and Rule 18.
Rule 17 relates to the mode of application, the authority to apply to, and the documents to be submitted.
Rule 18 relates to the issuance of disability certificates and UDID cards once the applications are received, and the timeframe to issue them.

Colour-coded cards:

The amended rules specify the issuance of color-coded UDID cards based on the severity of disability:
- White Card: For disabilities below 40%.
- Yellow Card: For disabilities between 40% and 80%.
- Blue Card: For disabilities of 80% and above.
The severity of disability is examined using the government’s assessment guidelines, which assess twenty-one different kinds of disabilities and their extent or severity.

Changes in submission of application:

Applications must be submitted exclusively through the UDID portal and statutory backing has been given to UDID cards.
Applications can only be made to a notified competent medical authority in the applicant’s district. This clarifies the previous ambiguity about the competent authority.
Additional documents required: Proof of identity, a recent photograph (not older than six months) and Aadhaar number.
UDID card can now be issued within three months as opposed to a month previously.
An application can be considered void if no decision is taken by the relevant medical authority for two years.

Criticism of the amendment:

The requirement to submit applications solely through the UDID portal assumes that all applicants are comfortable with digital technology, which may not be the case for many individuals in the disability community.
The emphasis on submitting applications to a notified competent medical authority limits access to independent medical experts from trusts and non-profits, who often assist in the certification process
Activists also argue that extending the issuance period to three months could delay urgent certifications needed for educational purposes or reservation benefits.

7. China’s Advancements in Space: New Crew Sent to Tiangong Space Station

Sub : Sci

Sec: Space sector

Why in News

China successfully launched a three-member crew to its Tiangong Space Station on Tuesday, marking a significant step in its competitive space program. As China continues to bolster its presence in space exploration, the mission reflects China’s ambition to establish itself as a space power, paralleling the U.S. and other nations.

Launch Details:

The Shenzhou-19 spaceship, carrying two male and one female astronaut, launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China on Tuesday. The mission relied on a Long March-2F rocket, the backbone of China’s crewed space launches, and successfully docked with the Tiangong Space Station shortly afterward.

Shenzhou 19 is part of China’s Shenzhou program, initiated in 1992, which supports its national human spaceflight ambitions and advances space exploration capabilities.

About Tiangong Space Station:

The Tiangong space station is a Chinese space station built in low Earth orbit between 340 and 450 kilometres above the earth.

It is part of China Manned Space Program and is the country’s first long-term space station.

The three modules of the Tiangong Space Station are

The Tianhe means “Harmony of the Heavens” is the core module.
Wentian means “Quest for the Heavens” is a laboratory cabin module.
Mengtian means “Dreaming of the Heavens” is a laboratory module.

With the fully functioning of the Space station China will become only the third country in history to have put both astronauts into space and to build a space station, after Russia and the US.

It is one-fifth the mass of the International Space Station

About Long March-2F rocket:

The Long March-2F rocket is China’s only crew-rated launch vehicle, specifically designed to carry astronauts to space.

It was first launched in 1999 and is part of the Long March rocket family, which supports China’s human spaceflight missions.

The Long March-2F has a height of approximately 62 meters and can carry a payload of up to 8.4 tons to Low Earth Orbit (LEO).

It is powered by four liquid-fueled boosters and two stages, using nitrogen tetroxide and unsymmetrical dimethylhydrazine (UDMH) as propellants.

Future Prospects and Global Space Competition:

As China moves forward with its lunar and Mars missions, the U.S. remains a leading space power, with NASA planning its own lunar mission by 2026. China’s advancements underscore a growing global interest in space, pushing boundaries in exploration and international competition.

8. High-Level Committee to Decide on L3 Classification for Wayanad Landslides Disaster

Sub : Geo

Sec: Indian physical geo

Why in News

The Union Government has informed the Kerala High Court that a high-level committee will make a decision within two weeks on categorizing the July 30 Wayanad landslides as a Level 3 (L3) disaster. This classification could pave the way for enhanced relief measures, including potential international aid.

Wayanad Landslide: The landslides occurred on July 30 in the Wayanad district of Kerala, an area prone to landslides due to heavy monsoon rains and its mountainous terrain.

Disaster Classification in India

India’s disaster classification system, managed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Ministry of Home Affairs, categorizes disasters to streamline response efforts. The categories are based on disaster severity and the scale of response required.

National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Categories of Disasters:

Level 1 (L1) Disaster: Small-scale disaster managed at the district level.

Examples: Local floods, minor landslides, fires.

Management: Handled by local and district authorities with minimal external assistance.

Level 2 (L2) Disaster: Medium-scale disaster needing state-level intervention and resources.

Examples: Severe droughts, large floods, major landslides.

Management: State government handles with some central government support.

Level 3 (L3) Disaster: Large-scale disaster exceeding state capacity, needing national and possibly international aid.

Examples: Cyclones, earthquakes, tsunamis.

Management: Central government leads response, including NDMA and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF).

If the Wayanad landslide is classified as an L3 disaster, the State would gain access to various forms of relief and rehabilitation assistance, including international aid. This support would enable more comprehensive efforts in disaster recovery, infrastructure restoration, and humanitarian relief for affected communities.

Suggestions for Improved Disaster Preparedness:

The High Court discussed the need for parametric insurance to provide financial protection against natural disasters.

A parametric insurance scheme, developed in collaboration with the Union Government and private insurers, could mitigate financial constraints faced by the State during disaster recovery.

The court suggested exploring insurance models that cover potential natural disasters, thereby ensuring quick compensation and easing the financial burden on the State post-disaster.

9. Former Tripura CM Biplab Deb Calls for Urgent Renovation of Border Fencing Amid Security Concerns

Sub : Geo

Sec: Mapping

Why in News

Former Tripura Chief Minister and Lok Sabha MP, Biplab Kumar Deb, has raised concerns about the deteriorated border fencing along the Bangladesh border, urging the Union government for immediate renovation to ensure security amidst rising instability in Bangladesh.

Border Security:

Tripura shares an 856 km border with Bangladesh, which includes vulnerable stretches due to old fencing.

Regional Concerns: Political instability in Bangladesh, including potential changes in the Sheikh Hasina government, has heightened security concerns along this border.

Deterioration of Fencing: Existing barbed wire fencing along the Tripura-Bangladesh border has degraded, leading to security risks.

He suggested increasing the BSF presence along the border to strengthen surveillance and prevent any potential security breach due to the current situation in Bangladesh.

Strategic Implications:

Regional Stability: With the political scenario in Bangladesh uncertain, reinforced fencing and additional border security could prevent illegal activities and bolster the region’s stability.

National Security: Ensuring a well-guarded border in Tripura is critical for India’s national security, given the proximity to potential areas of unrest across the border.

About Bangladesh–India border:

The Bangladesh–India border, known locally as the International Border (IB), is an international border running between Bangladesh and India.

Bangladesh and India share a 4,096-kilometre-long (2,545 mi) international border, the fifth-longest land border in the world, including 262 km (163 mi) in Assam, 856 km (532 mi) in Tripura, 318 km (198 mi) in Mizoram, 443 km (275 mi) in Meghalaya, and 2,217 km (1,378 mi) in West Bengal.

The Border Security Force (BSF) of India and the Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) of Bangladesh are involved in the patrolling of the border area.

The border divides the Sundarbans mangrove forest and the Ganges delta region and is crisscrossed by many rivers.