Daily Prelims Notes 4 December 2024

December 4, 2024
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

4 December 2024

Table Of Contents

1. Militants capture four Syrian towns, Army reclaims some lost territory

Sub : IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Syrian Islamist militants, including Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), an al-Qaeda-linked jihadi group, along with Turkey-backed opposition fighters, captured four new towns in Syria.

Details:

The towns, Halfaya, Taybat al-Imam, Maardis, and Soran are located in the Hama province. Their capture brings the insurgents within approximately 10 km of Hama, Syria’s fourth-largest city.
This push is part of a larger campaign that has also seen insurgents take significant areas of northern Aleppo and southern Idlib. In response, government forces retook the village of Khanaser, a key position leading to Aleppo.
The ongoing conflict, which has lasted over 13 years, has resulted in an estimated half-million deaths.

Syria: Places in news

2. South Africa assumes presidency of G20 and chair of B20

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Groupings

Context:

South Africa has assumed the presidency of the Group of 20 (G20) and is now leading the Business 20 (B20), the official private sector engagement group of the G20.

Theme for South Africa’s presidency:

The theme under South Africa’s G20 presidency is “Solidarity, Equality, and Sustainability.” This theme underscores the country’s commitment to fostering inclusive economic growth and promoting sustainability in global trade, with a focus on addressing climate challenges and promoting equality in agricultural development.

About G20:

The G20 is an informal grouping of 19 countries and two bodies, the African Union and the European Union.
The G20 membership comprises a mix of the world’s largest advanced and emerging economies, representing about two-thirds of the world’s population, 85% of global gross domestic product, 80% of global investment and over 75% of global trade.
The member countries are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Turkey, the United Kingdom and the United States.
The G20 does not have a permanent secretariat or Headquarters.

G20 Presidency:

The G20 Presidency rotates annually according to a system that ensures a regional balance over time.
For the selection of presidency, the 19 countries are divided into 5 groups, each having no more than 4 countries. The presidency rotates between each group. Every year the G20 selects a country from another group to be president.
TROIKA: Every year when a new country takes on the presidency, it works hand in hand with the previous presidency sand the next presidency and this is collectively known as TROIKA. This ensures continuity and consistency of the group’s agenda.

About B20:

The Business 20 (B20) is the official private sector engagement group of the G20.
Established in 2010, B20 is among the most prominent Engagement Groups in G20, with companies and business organizations as participants.
The B20 formulates policy recommendations on key issues such as trade, innovation, sustainable development, digitalization, and climate change. These recommendations are presented to G20 leaders during their summits, aiming to shape the global economic agenda.
Each year, the G20 Presidency appoints a B20 Chair, who is supported by a B20 Sherpa and the B20 secretariat.

3. Hamas and Fatah agree to create a joint committee to run post-war Gaza

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

Negotiators from Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas and Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas’s Fatah party announced an agreement to establish a joint committee to govern Gaza in the post-war period.
This committee is part of efforts to ensure the smooth reconstruction and management of Gaza following ongoing conflicts.
The agreement follows talks in Cairo, where Egypt facilitated negotiations between the two rival factions.

Composition and responsibilities of the Committee:

The committee would consist of 10 to 15 non-partisan figures who will have authority in key sectors such as economy, education, health, humanitarian aid, and reconstruction.
The committee would also be tasked with managing the Rafah checkpoint, the only border crossing from Gaza that does not share a border with Israel, and it will be the primary entry point for humanitarian assistance and goods into Gaza.

Hamas-Fatah rivalry:

After Hamas’s victory in the 2006 Palestinian elections, violent clashes broke out between Hamas and Fatah, resulting in Hamas seizing control of the Gaza Strip in 2007.
Since then, Fatah has governed the Palestinian Authority and holds partial administrative control over the West Bank, while Hamas has retained power in Gaza.
This division has created significant political fragmentation within Palestinian governance.

4. Saudi Arabia tries to make its deserts bloom, but climate solutions still far

Sub: IR

Sec: Int Org

Context:

Saudi Arabia is investing heavily in green technology, aiming to transform its desert landscape and address environmental challenges such as drought and desertification.
The country is also hosting the United Nations COP16 conference on these issues, which are particularly relevant for the Gulf kingdom.
However, critics accuse the kingdom of greenwashing, suggesting that its efforts might not result in climate solutions due to limited scope of some projects and continued reliance on oil.

What is Greenwashing:

Greenwashing refers to the practice where companies, governments, or organizations promote themselves as environmentally friendly or sustainable, while their actions or policies do not significantly contribute to environmental protection.
It is often a deceptive marketing tactic designed to create a positive public image without making substantial or meaningful changes to reduce environmental impact.
Examples of Greenwashing include misleading claims by companies that their products are “eco-friendly” or “sustainable” without providing clear evidence or certifications to support these claims.

Middle East Green Initiative:

The Middle East Green Initiative (MGI) is a regional effort led by Saudi Arabia to mitigate the impact of climate change on the region and to collaborate to meet global climate targets.
The Initiative aims to plant 10 billion trees and rehabilitate 74 million hectares of land.
To accelerate the implementation of initiatives to achieve the MGI goals, Saudi Arabia announced that it will establish and host a dedicated MGI Secretariat and will allocate US $2.5 billion to support MGI projects and governance.

5. The toxins of the Bhopal disaster

Sub : Env

Sec: Pollution

Context:

Hundreds of tonnes of toxic waste remain around the Union Carbide plant, even 40 years after the Bhopal gas disaster.

Details:

Only a small fraction of the waste has been disposed of despite directives from courts and pleas from locals and activists.
In 2023, ₹126 crore was allocated to incinerate 340 tonnes of aboveground waste, but concerns persist over the release of harmful fumes during incineration.
The plant manufactured carbaryl, an insecticide, using methyl isocyanate (MIC).
MIC, a highly toxic chemical, reacts with water, releasing heat and vapors.

Contamination at the Site:

Toxic Substances Found:
- Soil and Groundwater: High concentrations of mercury, chromium, copper, nickel, lead, and other heavy metals.
- Organic Compounds: Hexachlorobutadiene, chloroform, carbon tetrachloride, and trichlorobenzene.
- Persistent Waste: Over 11 lakh tonnes of contaminated soil, 1 tonne of mercury, and nearly 150 tonnes of underground toxic waste remain.
Water Contamination:
- Higher-than-permitted levels of nitrate, chloride compounds, and heavy metals were detected in multiple communities.
- Reports of persistent organic pollutants spreading to newer areas.

Health and Environmental Impacts:

Heavy Metals:
- Mercury: Accumulates in tissues, disrupting cellular function and damaging organs.
- Chromium: Can promote insulin action but in excess, causes immune system damage and cancer.
- Lead: Affects plants, animals, and humans, causing structural cell damage and potential cancers.
- Copper: High levels harm the liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal system.
Organic Compounds:
- Hexachlorobutadiene: Damages liver, kidneys, and brain; corrosive and possibly carcinogenic.
- Chloroform (trichloromethane): Affects the central nervous system and may cause cancer.
- Carbon Tetrachloride: Causes acute liver damage and is linked to cancer.
- Trichlorobenzene: Builds up in fatty tissues, damaging the liver and kidneys.
Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs):
- Long-lasting in the environment, associated with cancers, nervous system damage, reproductive disorders, and immune suppression.

Source: TH

6. On World Wildlife Day, making a clarion call to protect India’s critically endangered species

Sub : Env

Sec: Biodiversity

Context:

Wildlife Conservation Day (December 4): A day to evaluate India’s efforts in protecting critically endangered species.

India’s Biodiversity:

India has only 2.4% of the world’s land area but accounts for 7-8% of all recorded species.
Hosts 45,000 plant species and 91,000 animal species.
Recognized as a megadiverse country with 4 of the 34 globally identified biodiversity hotspots:
- Himalayas
- Indo-Burma
- Western Ghats-Sri Lanka
- Sundaland

Contribution to Species Groups:

India has 10 biogeographic zones.
Mammals: 8.58% of global species, Birds: 13.66%, Reptiles: 7.91%, Amphibians: 4.66%, Fish: 11.72%, Plants: 11.8%.

Conservation Efforts:

Reverence for wildlife deeply ingrained in Indian mythology and traditions.
Wildlife sanctuaries in India are unfenced, unlike African reserves, ensuring minimal human interference.
Hunting is prohibited as a licensed sport, preserving wildlife populations.

Threats to Wildlife:

Economic Growth vs. Conservation:
- India’s economic expansion and resource demands (land, timber, coal, forest produce) conflict with wildlife habitats.
- Human-wildlife conflict is rising as species are pushed closer to human settlements.
Risk of Extinction:
- India has 73 critically endangered species (2022, Ministry of Environment, Forests, and Climate Change).
- The number rose from 47 in 2011, partly due to better monitoring and data availability.

Critically Endangered Species

Mammals (9 species):
- Endemic species (8): Kashmir stag (Hangul), Malabar large-spotted civet, Andaman shrew, Jenkins’ shrew, Nicobar shrew, Namdapha flying squirrel, Large rock rat, Leafletted leaf-nosed bat
- Carnivores (e.g., lions, tigers, cheetahs) receive more attention due to tourism appeal but are not the majority.
Birds:
- Species like the Great Indian Bustard face threats such as power lines in Rajasthan.
- Often neglected compared to charismatic megafauna.

Conservation Challenges

Balancing economic aspirations with ecological preservation.
Mitigating threats from urbanization, deforestation, and infrastructure development.
Raising awareness and resources for less-publicized endangered species.

Source: TH

7. The Controversies Surrounding Pardoning Power

Sub : Polity

Sec : executive

Why in News

The controversy surrounding the U.S. President Joe Biden’s recent decision to grant an unconditional pardon to his son Hunter Biden for federal tax and gun convictions has sparked widespread debate. This has raised questions about the use and misuse of the pardoning power, both in the U.S. and globally.

What is the Pardoning Power?

The power to pardon allows an authority, such as the head of a state, to forgive individuals convicted of crimes.
It absolves the convicted individual of punishment and its associated disqualifications but does not erase the criminal record.
The practice stems from the ‘royal prerogative of mercy’, historically exercised by British monarchs to grant clemency, particularly to mitigate death sentences.
In democratic systems like the U.S. and India, pardoning powers are codified in their respective constitutions but have often sparked controversies.

Pardoning Power in the United States

The U. S. President has absolute power to grant pardons for federal criminal offenses, as per the U.S. Constitution.
This power is only limited in cases of impeachment.
A pardon can be issued at any stage—before legal proceedings begin, during a trial, or after conviction.
While it provides relief from punishment and disqualifications, the conviction record remains intact.

Past Controversies:

George Washington (1795): Pardoned leaders of the Whiskey Rebellion.
Bill Clinton (2001): Pardoned his half-brother Roger on the last day of his presidency.
Donald Trump (2020): Pardoned his son-in-law’s father.
Joe Biden’s Decision: Pardoned his son, Hunter Biden, for tax and gun offenses and any potential federal crimes committed between 2014 and 2024.

Pardoning Power in India:

Articles 72 and 161: The President (Article 72) and Governors (Article 161) have the power to pardon, commute, remit, respite, or reprieve sentences.

Clemency powers of the President under article 72:

It says that the President shall have the power to grant pardons, reprieves, respites or remissions of punishment or to suspend, remit or commute the sentence of any person convicted of any offence.
Pardon –A pardon completely absolves the offender from all sentences and punishment and disqualifications and places him in the same position as if he had never committed the offence.
Commutation– Commutation means exchange of one thing for another. In simple words to replace the punishment with less severe punishment. For example, for Rigorous imprisonment-simple imprisonment.
Reprieve– Reprieve means temporary suspension of death sentence. For example- pending a proceeding for pardon or commutation.
Respite – Respite means awarding a lesser punishment on some special grounds. For example- the Pregnancy of women offender.
Remissions– Remission means the reduction of the amount of sentence without changing its character, for example, a sentence of 1 year may be remitted to 6 months.
The President can exercise these powers:
- In all cases where the punishment or sentence is by a court martial;
- In all cases where the punishment or sentence is for an offence against any law relating to a matter to which the executive power of the Union extends;
- In all cases where the sentence is a sentence of death.

The pardoning power of President is wider than the governor and it differs in the following two ways:
The power of the President to grant pardon extends in cases where the punishment or sentence is by a Court Martial but Article 161 does not provide any such power to the Governor.
The President can grant pardon in all cases where the sentence given is sentence of death but pardoning power of Governor does not extend to death sentence cases.
This power of pardon shall be exercised by the President on the advice of Council of Ministers.
Further, the constitution does not provide for any mechanism to question the legality of decisions of President or governors exercising mercy jurisdiction.
But the SC in Epuru Sudhakar case has given a small window for judicial review of the pardon powers of President and governors for the purpose of ruling out any arbitrariness.
The court has earlier held that court has retained the power of judicial review even on a matter which has been vested by the Constitution solely in the Executive.

Key differences between US and Indian pardon systems

Jurisdiction: The US President’s power is restricted to federal crimes, while the Indian President can grant clemency for both Union and state offences.
Death Sentences: Only the Indian President can pardon death sentences, including those involving state laws. In the US, state governors may pardon death sentences for state crimes.
Independence: The US President exercises clemency independently. The Indian President acts based on ministerial advice

Conclusion:

While the US and Indian presidents both hold the power to pardon, the Indian framework is broader in scope but tied to executive advice. The US system, by contrast, is more limited in jurisdiction but allows the president greater independence in decision-making.

8. ecDNA: A New Challenge to the Law of Genetics

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

Recent groundbreaking studies published in Nature by an international collaboration, eDyNAmiC, led by Stanford University, have revealed critical insights into extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA). These findings not only challenge the foundational laws of genetics but also shed light on ecDNA’s significant role in cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance.

What is extrachromosomal DNA (ecDNA)?

ecDNA refers to small, circular fragments of genetic material that are separate from chromosomal DNA and float freely within the nucleus.
DNA damage from processes like chromothripsis (chromosomal breakage and rearrangement) or replication errors can cause fragments to break away from chromosomes.
These fragments form ecDNA, often enriched with oncogenes.
Initially dismissed as insignificant, ecDNA was identified 50 years ago in only 1.4% of tumours.
Advances in genomic techniques have since revealed that ecDNA is present in 40% of cancer cell lines and up to 90% of brain tumour samples, underscoring its pivotal role in cancer biology.

Role of ecDNA in Cancer Progression

ecDNA often contains multiple copies of oncogenes, promoting tumour growth and drug resistance.
Unlike chromosomal DNA, ecDNA moves freely, forming hubs where oncogene expression is amplified.
A 2021 study found that ecDNA transcription to mRNA results in oncogene overexpression, accelerating tumour evolution and drug resistance.

Violation of Mendel’s Laws

Unlike chromosomal genes, ecDNA is passed on in clusters during cell division, ensuring coordinated inheritance.
This phenomenon, termed the “jackpot effect”, enhances gene interactions and supports cancer cell survival.

Vulnerability in Cancer Cells

The unique structure of ecDNA and its interactions create stress on cellular machinery, causing DNA damage.
Cancer cells heavily rely on CHK1 protein to repair this damage.
Using a drug called BBI-2779 to block CHK1 selectively killed ecDNA-dependent cancer cells in mice, significantly reducing tumour size.

Way Forward

Improved Diagnostic Techniques: Use advanced methods like fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) for better detection of ecDNA in tumours.
- Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (FISH): Involves labelling DNA probes with fluorescent dyes to locate specific genes on chromosomes.
Targeted Therapies: Focus on disrupting ecDNA formation and oncogene hubs. Explore CHK1 inhibitors for clinical use.
Collaborative Research: Strengthen international collaborations to accelerate discoveries.

9. UN Highlights Alarming Costs of Drought and Desertification: Call for Global Action at COP16

Sub : Env

Sec : Int conventions

Why in News

The 16th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD COP16) is being held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, amid growing concerns over the escalating costs and impacts of drought and desertification.

Key Points:

Global losses from drought now stand at $307 billion annually, a figure far higher than earlier estimates.
Up to 40% of the world’s land is degraded, threatening agriculture and water security.
Droughts have increased by 29% since 2000 due to climate change and unsustainable land practices.
Livelihoods of 1.8 billion people are at risk, with poorer nations disproportionately affected.

UNCCD COP16:

COP16 features a Negotiation Track for formal decisions and a parallel Action Agenda for voluntary commitments across thematic areas.
The summit, described by UN Secretary-General António Guterres as a “moonshot moment,” seeks to promote drought resilience and land restoration.
Discussions aim to build on agreements reached at the previous summit in Ivory Coast in 2022.
COP16 has seen its largest-ever attendance, including delegates from governments, private sectors, and civil society.
The summit emphasizes achieving land and drought goals as a critical step toward global climate and biodiversity targets.
Saudi Arabia launched the Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership, aiming to mobilize public and private finance to assist 80 of the most vulnerable and drought-affected countries.

About the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD):

Adopted in 1994, it is the only legally binding international agreement connecting environmental management to sustainable land use.
Objective: Aims to combat desertification, land degradation, and drought (DLDD) while promoting land degradation neutrality (LDN) and improving livelihoods globally.
Scope: Focuses on areas vulnerable to DLDD, particularly arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid regions.
Key Initiatives:
- LDN: Encourages countries to maintain a balance between degraded and restored land.
- Science-Policy Interface (SPI): Supports data-driven policymaking.
- Global Collaboration: Engages with organizations like the Global Environment Facility (GEF) to promote capacity building and effective land management practices.

Riyadh Global Drought Resilience Partnership:

Announced during the UNCCD COP16 in December 2024 in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Aims to address global drought challenges by transitioning from reactive measures to proactive preparedness.
Initial funding of $2.15 billion from Saudi Arabia, the Islamic Development Bank, and the OPEC Fund for International Development.
Focus on securing additional voluntary contributions from governments, financial institutions, and charities.
Designed to assist 80 vulnerable and drought-stricken nations, particularly those classified as least developed and lower-middle-income countries.
Strengthening drought resilience through:
- Risk assessment and early warning systems.
- Sustainable water management and nature-based solutions.
- Economic resilience and business responses.
- Drought financing and insurance mechanisms.
- Emergency and humanitarian responses.

10. Lok Sabha Passes Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill 2024

Sub : Eco

Sec: Monetary Policy

Key Highlights of the Bill

Increased Nominee Limit: Bank account holders can now nominate up to four nominees.
Substantial Interest Redefined: The limit for “substantial interest” in directorships raised from ₹5 lakh to ₹2 crore.
Extended Director Tenure: Tenure of directors (excluding chairpersons and whole-time directors) in cooperative banks increased from 8 years to 10 years.
Central-State Cooperative Bank Link: Directors of Central Cooperative Banks can now serve on State Cooperative Bank boards.
Statutory Auditor Remuneration: Banks will have greater freedom in determining remuneration for statutory auditors.
Updated Reporting Dates: Regulatory compliance reporting dates revised to the 15th and last day of each month, replacing the second and fourth Fridays.

Reasons for the Amendment

Enhancing Governance:
- Strengthens governance within banks to protect depositors and investors while improving audit quality.
Improving Customer Convenience:
- Simplifies inheritance processes by allowing multiple nominees, reducing unclaimed deposits.
Constitutional Alignment:
- Director tenure extension aligns banking laws with the Constitutional amendments governing cooperative societies.

Significant Impacts

Enhanced Customer Experience:
- Multiple nomination options offer smoother transitions in account management after the account holder’s death.
Stronger Governance Framework:
- Redefining “substantial interest” and extending director tenure improves decision-making and accountability in cooperative banks.

Substantial Interest:

“Substantial Interest” typically refers to a significant level of ownership, control, or stake in a business or entity by an individual or another entity.

Under Indian tax laws (Income Tax Act, 1961), a person is considered to have a substantial interest in a business if they, either individually or along with their relatives, own 20% or more of the company’s voting power or capital and is used to regulate related party transactions, avoid conflicts of interest, and monitor income attribution for tax purposes.