Daily Prelims Notes 6 January 2025

Daily Prelims Notes

6 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. Why is the Rupee Weakening Against the Dollar?
2. Indus Valley Civilization: Script and Continuity with Indian Culture
3. South African Court’s Landmark Judgment: Transitioning Away from Coal
4. Avian Influenza in Animals
5. India-France Defence Deals Near Finalization Ahead of PM Modi’s Paris Visit
6. Why Arunachal Pradesh is bringing back 1978 Act against ‘forceful’ religious conversion
7. NPP Minister faces flak for calling Meghalaya a ‘Christian State’

1. Why is the Rupee Weakening Against the Dollar?

Sub: Eco

Sec: External sector

Context and Current Status

• The rupee breached the 85 marks against the U.S. dollar in December 2024, reaching an all-time low of ₹85.81.
• The currency depreciated by about 3% in 2024, continuing its long-term trend of gradual depreciation.

Factors Behind Currency Depreciation

• Forex Market Dynamics: A currency depreciates when its demand (relative to its supply) decreases in the forex market.
• Type of Monetary Policy followed by Central Banks:
  • Loose Monetary Policy: Increases currency supply, depreciating its value.
  • Tight Monetary Policy: Restricts currency supply, appreciating its value.
• Demand for Goods and Assets:
  • High demand for a country’s goods or assets boosts currency value.
  • Declining demand reduces the currency’s value.

Current Drivers of Rupee Depreciation

• Foreign Investor Exit:
  • Global investors are reallocating funds as central banks adjust monetary policies.
• Monetary Policy Divergence:
  • The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) maintained a looser policy compared to the U.S. Federal Reserve.
• India’s Import-Export Dynamics:
  • High-value Imports: Crude oil and gold imports increase demand for the dollar.
  • Stagnant Exports: Limited export growth fails to generate demand for the rupee.

Role of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI)

• Market Intervention and Exchange rate management:
  • The RBI used dollar reserves to stabilize the rupee, injecting dollars into the forex market to meet demand.
  • RBI aims for gradual rupee depreciation with minimal volatility to safeguard economic stability.

2. Indus Valley Civilization: Script and Continuity with Indian Culture

Sub: History

Sec: Ancient India

Context:

• Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin announced a $1 Million prize for anyone who can decipher the Indus Valley script.
• Mr. Stalin said at an event in Chennai to mark the centenary of the discovery of the Indus Valley Civilisation by Sir John Marshall

Overview of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC)

• The IVC thrived between 3300 BCE and 1300 BCE, with prominent urban centers like Mohenjo-Daro, Harappa, and Dholavira.
• It is known for its advanced urban planning, standardized weights, and an undeciphered script.
• Despite extensive scholarly efforts, the linguistic affiliation of the Indus script remains unresolved.
• Indus Valley Script:
  The Indus script is predominantly found on seals, pottery, amulets, tablets, and larger artifacts like signboards.
• Harappan seals usually have a line of writing, probably containing the name and title of the owner. Scholars have also suggested that the motif (generally an animal) conveyed a meaning to those who could not read.
• Most inscriptions are short, the longest containing about 26 signs. Although the script remains undeciphered to date, it was evidently not alphabetical (where each sign stands for a vowel or a consonant) as it has just too many signs – somewhere between 375 and 400.
• It is apparent that the script was written from right to left as some seals show a wider spacing on the right and cramping on the left, as if the engraver began working from the right and then ran out of space. Consider the variety of objects on which writing has been found: seals, copper tools, rims of jars, copper and terracotta tablets, jewellery, bone rods, even an ancient signboard

Types of Symbols

Pictorial Symbols:

• Represent animals such as bulls, elephants, fish, rhinoceroses, and tigers, as well as human-like figures.
• The worship of animals is evident from the many terracotta figurines and seals that have been excavated.

Geometric Signs:

• Include straight lines, triangles, circles, and intersecting patterns.
• Likely denote abstract ideas or numerical values.

Composite Symbols:

• Combine pictorial and geometric elements, suggesting complex meanings or linguistic constructs.

Indus Valley Civilization: Locations and Scripts Found

Potential Continuity Between Indus Valley and Later Cultures
Evidence from Keezhadi (Tamil Nadu):

• Archaeological excavations unearthed 72 inscribed potsherds with Tamil-Brahmi script and graffiti marks.
• Archaeologists suggest that symbols engraved on pottery from the Indus Valley and Tamil Nadu share up to 90% similarity.
• These findings support hypotheses of cultural and linguistic continuity.

Conclusion

• Discoveries from Keezhadi have reignited discussions on cultural and linguistic continuity between the Indus Valley Civilization and later South Indian cultures.
• While initial findings are promising, establishing definitive links requires research and additional evidence.
• Deciphering the Indus script remains crucial for understanding the cultural legacy of the IVC and its possible connections to subsequent Indian civilizations.

3. South African Court’s Landmark Judgment: Transitioning Away from Coal

Sub : Env

Sec: Climate change

Why in News

• South Africa’s High Court in Pretoria delivered a landmark judgment by rejecting the government’s plan to expand coal-fired power generation. The court declared the proposal inconsistent with the country’s Constitution, marking a significant victory for civil society organizations advocating against fossil fuels.

Background of the Case:

• South Africa’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) of 2019 proposed adding 1,500 MW of coal power—750 MW by 2023 and another 750 MW by 2027—to the national grid.
• This proposal was backed by the Ministry of Mineral Resources and Energy and the National Energy Regulator of South Africa in 2020.

The ‘Cancel Coal’ Initiative:

• Organizations such as the African Climate Alliance, Vukani Environmental Justice Movement in Action, and the Groundwork Trust, represented by the Centre for Environmental Rights, filed a case challenging the coal expansion.
• The groups highlighted environmental degradation, public health concerns, and constitutional violations, especially concerning children’s rights.

South Africa’s Energy Landscape:

• Approximately 71% of South Africa’s energy supply comes from coal, as per the International Energy Agency (2022).
• South Africa is the 16th largest emitter of greenhouse gases, as per Climate Watch.
• South Africa is legally obligated to reduce greenhouse gas emissions under the agreement.
• National Goals: Reduce 350–420 MtCO2e of emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
• In July 2024, President Cyril Ramaphosa enacted the Climate Change Act to institutionalize emission reductions.

About Climate Watch:

• Climate Watch is an open online platform developed by the World Resources Institute (WRI) that provides users with comprehensive climate-related data, visualizations, and resources.
• Its primary goal is to support countries, policymakers, researchers, and the public in accessing reliable information to achieve climate and sustainable development objectives.
• Offers detailed information on national and global greenhouse gas emissions, enabling users to analyse trends and identify key emission sources.
• Provides insights into countries’ Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement, facilitating comparisons and assessments of climate commitments.

About Coal:

• Coal is a sedimentary, organic rock which is flammable composed primarily of carbon along with other elements such as hydrogen, sulphur, oxygen, and nitrogen.
• It is used mainly in the generation of thermal power and smelting of iron ore.
• Also called black gold.

Formation Of Coal:

• Coal is formed from dead plants remains.
• These dead plants get compressed beneath rocks in a low oxygen environment.
• Due to high pressure and heat, this organic matter gets converted into Peat(partially decayed organic matter).
• This peat is converted into low carbon coal i.e., lignite.
• More heat and pressure convert lignite into bituminous and then to anthracite.

Types Of Coal:

• On the basis of carbon content and order of formation:
  • PEAT– 40% CARBON (NE)
  • LIGNITE– 40-60% CARBON – Low Quality – Brown in colour- found in Neyveli in TN.
  • BITUMINOUS– 60-80% CARBON. It is soft coal. In India, much of the coal comes under this category.
  • ANTHRACITE– 80-90% CARBON. It is mainly found in the district of Reasi in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

4. Avian Influenza in Animals

Sub : Sci

Sec: Health

Why in News

• India has reported its first case of avian influenza (bird flu) among animals. The Union Ministry of Animal Husbandry has issued directives to all states to quarantine infected tigers and other feline species to prevent the transmission of the H5N1 virus to humans and other animals.

About Avian Influenza:

• The case was reported at an animal rescue centre in Nagpur, Maharashtra.
• Samples were tested and confirmed at the National Institute of High-Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal.
• This marks the first recorded instance of bird flu in animals in India. Similar cases have been observed in the U.S. and Vietnam, where the virus has infected cattle, goats, and wild species, including tigers.
• Avian influenza, commonly known as bird flu, is an infectious disease caused by influenza Type A viruses that primarily affect birds but can also infect humans and other animals.
• Natural Hosts: Wild aquatic birds, especially waterfowl, serve as natural reservoirs.
• The virus spreads through direct contact with infected birds, contaminated environments, or, less commonly, through intermediate hosts.
• Historical Overview:
  • 1918 Pandemic: An influenza A virus strain caused a human pandemic, resulting in approximately 50 million deaths worldwide.
  • 1997 H5N1 Outbreak: The first known human infections with H5N1 occurred in Hong Kong, leading to severe respiratory illness and high mortality rates.
  • 2013 H7N9 Outbreak: China reported human infections with the H7N9 virus, resulting in over 1,500 cases and numerous deaths.
  • Highly contagious among birds, leading to severe outbreaks in poultry farms and wild bird populations.
  • Human infections are rare and typically result from direct contact with infected birds or contaminated environments.
  • Human infections have a high mortality rate, with approximately 50% of reported cases resulting in death.

5. India-France Defence Deals Near Finalization Ahead of PM Modi’s Paris Visit

Sub : Sci

Sec: Defence

Why in News

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Paris, to attend the Artificial Intelligence (AI) Action Summit hosted by French President Emmanuel Macron. Two major defence deals between India and France, worth over $10 billion.

Rafale-M Fighter Jets:

• 26 Rafale-M fighter jets, including 22 single-seater jets and 4 twin-seater trainer jets.
• These jets will bridge the capability gap until the indigenous Twin Engine Deck-Based Fighter (TEDBF) is developed and inducted.
• Enhances operational capability of India’s two aircraft carriers:
  • INS Vikramaditya (procured from Russia).
  • INS Vikrant (indigenously built, commissioned in September 2022).
• The Rafale M, developed by Dassault Aviation, is a naval adaptation of the Rafale fighter jet specifically designed for carrier-based operations. It incorporates unique modifications to meet the demanding requirements of maritime environments.

Key Features of Rafale M:

• Reinforced Nose and Tail: Strengthened to withstand the stress of catapult launches and arrested landings on aircraft carriers.
• Landing Gear: Specially designed to endure the high-impact forces during carrier landings.
• Operates seamlessly on carriers equipped with CATOBAR (Catapult Assisted Take-Off But Arrested Recovery) Used on the French Navy’s flagship carrier, Charles de Gaulle.
• Maximum speed: Mach 1.8, enabling rapid interception and engagement.
• Combat radius: 1,000+ km, suitable for long-range naval operations.
• Equipped with state-of-the-art radar and electronic warfare systems for superior situational awareness and survivability.
• Features an Active Electronically Scanned Array (AESA) radar for tracking multiple targets simultaneously.
• Capable of carrying a diverse range of armaments, including air-to-air missiles, precision-guided bombs, and anti-ship missiles. Compatible with nuclear payloads, adding to its strategic significance.
• Corrosion-resistant coating to withstand the harsh marine environment.
• Folding wings for efficient storage aboard aircraft carriers.

Scorpene-Class Submarines:

• Three additional Scorpene-class diesel-electric submarines.
• Addresses delays in Project-75I for six advanced submarines, where the decision between German and Spanish designs is still pending.
• The first of the additional Scorpene submarines is expected to be delivered by 2031.
• Diesel-electric attack submarines optimized for stealth, versatility, and operational efficiency in Indian waters.

Key Features:

• Stealth Capabilities: Advanced acoustic silencing techniques and low radiated noise make them difficult to detect. Designed for anti-submarine warfare, anti-surface warfare, and intelligence-gathering missions.
• Speed: Over 20 knots (submerged).
• Endurance: Equipped with an Air Independent Propulsion (AIP) system for prolonged underwater operations.
• Armament: Capable of deploying torpedoes, anti-ship missiles, and laying mines.

6. Why Arunachal Pradesh is bringing back 1978 Act against ‘forceful’ religious conversion

Sub: Polity

Sec: Legislation in news

Context:

• The Arunachal Pradesh government is planning to revive a 1978 law against forceful religious conversions by creating rules for its enforcement, 46 years after it was first passed.
• The Act has remained dormant for nearly five decades due to political opposition, particularly from Christian groups in the state who viewed it as discriminatory.

About the Act:

• The Arunachal Pradesh Freedom of Religion Act, 1978, was enacted by the first Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh.
• This law was introduced to address the issue of religious conversions in the region, specifically to prohibit conversions that were seen as forceful.
• The Act was enacted at a time when Arunachal Pradesh was witnessing significant changes in its religious landscape, especially in terms of increasing missionary activity.
• The number of Christians in the state has grown rapidly over the years, and in the last census of 2011, they were enumerated as 26% of the population, making Christianity the largest religion in the state.

Key Provisions of the Act:

• The Act prohibits the conversion of individuals from one religious faith to another through force, inducement, or fraudulent means.
• Those found guilty of attempting to force conversions can face imprisonment for up to two years and a fine of up to Rs. 10,000.
• Any act of conversion must be reported to the Deputy Commissioner of the district concerned. Failing to do so can lead to penalties for the person conducting the conversion.
• The Act defines “indigenous faiths” as the religions and beliefs practiced by the indigenous communities of Arunachal Pradesh. This includes Buddhism, nature worship (Donyi-Polo), and Vaishnavism, among others.
• The Act defines “religious faiths” to include indigenous beliefs practiced by Arunachal Pradesh’s communities, such as Buddhism among Monpas, Membas, and others; Donyi-Polo nature worship; and Vaishnavism among Noctes and Akas.

Diverse Religious Practices in Arunachal Pradesh:

• Monpas and Sherdukpens in West Arunachal Pradesh practice Mahayana Buddhism.
• Khamptis and Singphos in East Arunachal Pradesh practice Theravada Buddhism.
• Many tribes engage in polytheistic nature and ancestor worship, including the institutionalized Donyi Polo faith practiced by the Tani tribes (Nyishis, Adis, Apatanis, Galos, Misings, Tagins).

7. NPP Minister faces flak for calling Meghalaya a ‘Christian State’

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

• A Meghalaya-based NGO, Thma U Rangli-Juki (TUR), has criticized the State’s Education Minister, Rakkam A. Sangma, for planning to consecrate a university with a Christian prayer service.
• The NGO also condemned the Minister, for claiming that Meghalaya was a Christian State.

Violation of constitution:

• TUR stated that while Meghalaya has a majority Christian population, this does not make it a “Christian State.” The Christian population in Meghalaya is estimated at 21 million which forms 74.59% of the state population (2011 census). (Note Three northeastern states have majority Christian populations:  Nagaland (90 percent), Mizoram (87 percent), and Meghalaya (70 percent).)
• TUR condemned the minister’s statement as “fundamentalist” and claimed it violates the constitutional principle of secularism.
• The Indian Constitution enshrines the idea of a secular state, ensuring that government institutions are not aligned with any particular religion.

Secularism in India:

• Indian philosophy of secularism is related to “Sarva Dharma Sambhava”, which means equal respect to all religions.
• India does partially separate religion and state. For example, it does not have an official state religion and state-owned educational institutions cannot impart religious instructions.

Constituional provisions:

• Preamble: The Preamble to the Constitution of India declares that India is a sovereign, socialist, secular, democratic republic. The term “secular” in the Preamble signifies that the government of India does not favour any religion and treats all religions equally.
• Article 25: guarantees freedom of conscience and free profession, practice and propagation of religion.
• Article 26: every religious denomination has the freedom to manage its religious affairs.
• Article 27: Freedom from payment of taxes for promotion of any particular religion.
• Article 28: Freedom as to attendance at religious instruction or religious worship in certain educational institutions.

Judicial Interpretations:

• Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973): The Supreme Court held that secularism is a basic feature of the Indian Constitution and cannot be altered or amended by any government.
• R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994): The Supreme Court reaffirmed that secularism is part of the basic structure of the Constitution, and the state cannot adopt any religion as its own.