Daily Prelims Notes 7 January 2025

January 7, 2025
Posted by: OptimizeIAS Team
Category: DPN

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Daily Prelims Notes

7 January 2025

Table Of Contents

1. No sanction given for death sentence, Houthis handling nurse’s case: Yemen Embassy

Sub: IR

Sec: Places in news

Context:

The Embassy of Yemen in India has clarified that Rashad al-Alimi, Chairman of Yemen’s Presidential Leadership Council, has not approved the death sentence of Indian nurse Nimisha Priya.

Background of the Case:

Nimisha Priya, an Indian nurse, was sentenced to death in Yemen for the alleged murder of her business partner, Talal Abdo Mahdi, in 2017.
The Houthi militias, who control Sanaa, the area where Ms. Priya is detained, have been handling the entire case. The Yemeni government, under the internationally recognized leadership of Rashad al-Alimi, has stated that it has not ratified the death sentence.
With competing political claims and a divided governance structure, resolving the case will require navigating the complexities of Yemen’s internal conflict.

Civil war in Yemen:

The Yemen Civil War began in 2014 when the Houthi movement, a Zaidi Shia group from northern Yemen, seized the capital, Sana’a, and later ousted the government of President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi.
In 2015, a Saudi-led coalition of mostly Sunni Arab states intervened militarily to restore Hadi’s government.
The war has evolved into a complex conflict involving various factions, including the Houthi rebels, the Hadi government, southern separatists (STC).

Current Political Situation in Yemen:

Houthi Militias (Ansar Allah): A Shia Muslim political and armed group that controls the capital, Sanaa, and about 50% of the country’s population. They are aligned with Iran and are one of the primary factions in the ongoing civil war.
Internationally Recognized Government: Based in the southern and eastern parts of Yemen, this government is supported by Saudi Arabia and is internationally acknowledged as the legitimate authority.
Southern Transitional Council (STC): Backed by the UAE, it controls parts of southern Yemen and is involved in the broader conflict.

Yemen Embassy in India:

The Yemeni Embassy in India represents the Saudi-backed government of Yemen, not the Houthi militants. This is significant because the Houthi militia, which controls Sanaa, does not have any official representation in India.

2. Indo-US nuclear deal: Law that bars manufacturing here, Indian law on liability

Sub : Sci

Sec: Nuclear sector

Context:

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan meets Jaishankar in Delhi as Biden administration prepares to hand over charge to Trump.
One of the key objectives of the visit was to strengthen the US-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technologies (iCET).

Legal Barriers to Indo-US Nuclear Collaboration:

10CFR810 Authorization:

The10CFR810 authorisation (Part 810 of the US Atomic Energy Act of 1954) governs the export of nuclear technology and equipment by US entities.
The authorization allows US nuclear vendors to export equipment to countries like India under strict safeguards, but it prohibits the manufacturing of nuclear equipment or performing nuclear design work in India.
India wants to be involved in the manufacturing value chain for nuclear projects, which includes co-producing nuclear components. The current limitation under 10CFR810 restricts India’s ability to participate fully in these efforts.

Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act, 2010:

The Civil Liability for Nuclear Damage Act (2010) establishes a framework for compensating victims in case of a nuclear accident in India. It outlines liability for nuclear operators and the procedures for compensation.
Foreign companies have expressed concerns over the act, particularly because it channels operator liability to equipment suppliers. This creates a risk for foreign vendors of being held liable for any nuclear accidents, which deters investment in India’s nuclear sector.

About iCET:

U.S.-India initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) was launched in 2022.
It aims to elevate and expand Indo-U.S. strategic technology partnership and defence industrial cooperation between the governments, businesses, and academic institutions of the two countries.
The initiative would help forge links between the government, academia, and industry in areas such as AI, quantum computing, 5G/6G, biotech, space, and semiconductors.
The initiative will be spearheaded by the National Security Council Secretariat in India and the US National Security Council.

India’s Push for Nuclear collaboration:

India is keen to position itself as a hub for manufacturing small modular reactors (SMRs). These reactors, with capacities between 30 MWe and 300 MWe, are seen as a cost-effective solution for nuclear power.
While India has expertise in manufacturing Pressurised Heavy Water Reactors (PHWRs), the country’s reactor technology, based on heavy water and natural uranium, is becoming less compatible with the more globally dominant Light Water Reactors (LWRs).
The US, along with Russia and France, are leaders in LWR technology, creating a potential avenue for collaboration.

3. The mystery of the Indus script: Dravidian, Sanskrit or not a language at all?

Sub : History

Sec: Ancient India

Context:

The remains of the Indus Valley Civilization (IVC) were first discovered in the The Indus script, found on seals, tablets, and other artifacts, has remained undeciphered for nearly a century despite numerous attempts.
Recent research by Bangalore-based software engineer Bahata Ansumali Mukhopadhyay presents a new interpretation.
She argues that the Indus script was not a phonetic system encoding words, but rather a symbolic script used mainly for commercial purposes, such as tax stamps and permits.

Indus script:

The IVC, which peaked between 2600 BCE and 1900 BCE, spanned a vast area across modern-day Pakistan and northwestern India.
The script is typically found on seals, tablets, and metal objects, often featuring animal or human motifs.
Scholars disagree on the number of symbols in the script, with estimates ranging from 62 to 676. The language of the script is also debated, with some connecting it to Brahmi or Sanskrit, while others argue it had Dravidian roots.

Language of the Indus Script:

Brahmi Connection: Some early scholars, including Sir Alexander Cunningham, suggested links between the Indus script and the Brahmi script (the ancestor of South Asian scripts). However, Asko Parpola refuted this, arguing that Brahmi is based on Aramaic, a script introduced by the Persian Empire much later than the Indus Civilization.
Sanskrit Connection: Scholars like R. Rao and others attempted to connect the script to Sanskrit. However, evidence points to the Aryans arriving in the Indus region only after the decline of the Indus Civilization, making this link unlikely.
Dravidian Language Theory: Asko Parpola and other researchers, including Iravatham Mahadevan, argue that the Indus script may be related to Dravidian languages, based on similarities in vocabulary and structure.

Mukhopadhyay’s Critique of Phonetic Decoding:

Mukhopadhyay rejects the idea that the Indus script is phonetic or encodes specific words or names, including the names of deities.
According to her, the Indus signs were likely pictorial and symbolic, serving practical purposes like commercial record-keeping, not religious or literary functions.
The debate about the Indus script continues, with scholars divided on whether it represents a language, a system of symbols, or something else entirely.

4. Twigstats: Revolutionizing High-Resolution Ancestry Analysis with Ancient DNA

Sub : Sci

Sec : Biotech

Why in News

The development of Twigstats, a groundbreaking analytical tool, has enabled researchers to achieve an unprecedented level of precision in tracing individual-level ancestry through genetic data.

Ancient DNA:

Prehistoric human burials and mass graves provide ancient DNA (aDNA), which is crucial for studying population dynamics.
Applications: aDNA helps analyse:
- Population expansions and replacements.
- Admixture events and cultural transitions.
- Historical migrations and wealth distributions.

Geographical populations often exhibit genetic similarities, making differentiation difficult.
Ancient DNA samples are limited and have lower sequencing quality compared to modern genomes.

Traditional Methods:

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs): SNPs are natural genetic variations widely used to reconstruct ancestry models. Requires high-quality DNA and struggles with closely related ancestral groups.
Haplotypes and Rare Variants: More effective than SNPs in understanding population structures and demographics.
Genealogical Tree Inference: Incorporates haplotype sharing and time-resolved ancestry data. Provides detailed insights into shared ancestry and population movements.

Twigstats:

Time-Stratified Analysis: Boosts statistical power and reduces errors in genetic analysis.
Population Coalescence: Accounts for recent merging of populations.
Study on Ancient DNA: Analysed 1,556 aDNA samples from Europe (500 BC–1000 AD). Revealed migration patterns and genetic shifts during the Iron, Roman, and Viking Ages.
Twigstats can reconstruct high-resolution genetic histories worldwide.
Combines genetic data with archaeological and historical evidence. Enhances our understanding of how population dynamics and cultural transitions shaped human history.

5. Why Are Major Banks Like Citi Quitting the Net Zero Banking Alliance?

Sub: Env

Sec: Climate change

Why in News

In recent weeks, several leading American banks, including Citigroup, Goldman Sachs, Wells Fargo, Bank of America, and Morgan Stanley, have exited the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA). This withdrawal comes amidst shifting political dynamics in the United States, raising concerns about the country’s commitment to global sustainability goals.

What Is the Net Zero Banking Alliance?

The Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA) was founded on April 21, 2021, under the auspices of the United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI).
It aims to bring together leading financial institutions globally to combat climate change and align with the Paris Agreement’s

Objectives of the NZBA:

Align lending, investment, and capital markets activities with net-zero emissions by 2050.
Set interim targets for 2030 or earlier, focusing on the most carbon-intensive sectors.
Annually report progress and emissions reductions.
Facilitate the decarbonization of the global economy through collaborative frameworks.
Membership: Initially founded by 43 global financial institutions, including Citibank and Bank of America.
Grew to include 142 members from 44 countries, representing nearly half of global banking assets (~USD 64 trillion).
India is not directly a part of the Net Zero Banking Alliance (NZBA), as no Indian banks have formally joined the initiative.

Why Did Major Banks Exit the NZBA?

The exits occurred between the U.S. presidential election and inauguration of a pro-fossil-fuel administration.
The incoming President has expressed scepticism about climate change and Favors oil and gas investments, creating an unfavourable policy environment for sustainable finance.
The withdrawal of U.S. banks has shifted the balance of power within the alliance to European banks, such as HSBC and Barclays.

UNEP Finance Initiative:

The United Nations Environment Programme Finance Initiative (UNEP FI) was established in 1992 to engage the finance sector with sustainability principles.
It promotes responsible finance through frameworks like:
- Principles for Responsible Banking (PRB)
- Principles for Sustainable Insurance (PSI)
Over 500 banks and insurers with assets exceeding USD 170 trillion are implementing UNEP FI’s principles.
UNEP FI remains a pioneer in integrating sustainability into global financial practices.

6. Decoding the National Anthem Controversy

Sub: Polity

Sec: Constitution

Context:

The TN Raj Bhavan has alleged that “the Constitution of Bharat and the National Anthem were once again insulted in the Tamil Nadu Assembly.” As per convention, the State anthem, Tamil Thai Vazhthu, is played at the beginning of the Governor’s address, and the national anthem is played at the end of the address.

About the National Anthem

Composition:

‘Jana Gana Mana,’ India’s national anthem, was composed by Rabindranath Tagore in Bengali.
It was first sung on December 27, 1911, during the Indian National Congress session in Kolkata.

Adoption:

The anthem was officially adopted on January 24, 1950, by the Constituent Assembly of India.
The Hindi version includes only the first stanza of Tagore’s original five-stanza poem.
The official duration is 52 seconds when sung or played in full.

Constitutional Provisions Regarding the National Anthem

Fundamental Duty (Article 51A(a)):

It is the duty of every citizen to respect the Constitution, the national flag, and the national anthem.
While the Constitution does not prescribe specific rules for singing or playing the anthem, such details are governed by statutes and guidelines.

Occasions for Playing the National Anthem

As per the Ministry of Home Affairs, the full version of the national anthem shall be played during:

Civil and Military Investitures
National Salute: When the command “Rashtriya Salute – Salami Shastr” is given on ceremonial occasions to the President, Governor, or Lieutenant Governor.
Parades: Regardless of whether the dignitaries mentioned above are present.
Arrival and Departure of the President: At formal state functions and government-organized events.
Presidential Address: Before and after the President addresses the nation on All India Radio.
Arrival and Departure of the Governor/Lieutenant Governor: At formal state functions.
During Parade Events: When the national flag or regimental colors are presented.
Naval Ceremonies: During the hoisting of colours in the Navy.

Code of Conduct for Singing the National Anthem

Standing at Attention:

Everyone present should stand at attention when the anthem is played or sung.
Exceptions are made for persons with disabilities.

Newsreels or Documentaries:

The audience is not required to stand when the anthem is part of a newsreel or documentary.

Shortened Version:

A version lasting approximately 20 seconds is allowed for ceremonial purposes.

Legal Safeguards

Prevention of Insults to National Honour Act, 1971:

Intentionally skipping the anthem or disturbing an assembly engaged in its singing is punishable with imprisonment (up to three years), a fine, or both.

About Tamil Thai Vazhthu

Tamil Thai Vazhthu (Invocation to Mother Tamil) is the State Anthem of Tamil Nadu. – Composition:
The song was written by Manonmaniam Sundaram Pillai, a Tamil scholar and writer.
It is part of the prologue to his 1891 Tamil drama, Manonmaniam.

Official Recognition:

In 2021, the Tamil Nadu government declared Tamil Thai Vazhthu as the State Anthem, mandating that everyone present should stand while it is sung, except for those with disabilities.