Current Affairs 17 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. Simultaneous Elections in India
2. Jute Cultivation
3. Typhoon Yagi’s Devastating Impact Across Southeast Asia
4. India Promotes Digital Public Infrastructure at G20 Presidency
5. Supreme Court Establishes New Standards for Preventive Detention
6. Siddha Medicine
7. Assam Cascade Frog

Simultaneous Elections in India

Context:

As per the government official, the concept of simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, referred to as “One Nation, One Election” will be implemented within the current term of the present government. 

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About ‘one-nation, one- election’
2. Merits of ‘one-nation, one- election’
3. Demerits of ‘one-nation, one- election’

About ‘one-nation, one- election’

• The concept of “One Nation One Election” proposes the synchronization of elections for all states and the Lok Sabha within a five-year span. This entails restructuring the electoral cycle in India so that elections at both the state and central levels align. This would mean voters casting their ballots for members of both the Lok Sabha and state assemblies on a single day, concurrently or in phases if necessary.
• Recent developments have seen Prime Minister Narendra Modi advocating for “One Nation One Election,” underscoring its significance during the 80th All India Presiding Officers Conference.
•  

Historical background of ‘one-nation, one- election’

• Historically, simultaneous elections have occurred in India in the years 1952, 1957, 1962, and 1967. However, this practice was discontinued following the dissolution of certain Legislative Assemblies in the late 1960s, leading to separate elections for the Centre and states.
• The idea of returning to simultaneous elections was initially suggested in the Election Commission’s 1983 report and was mentioned in the Law Commission’s 1999 report as well. Since 2014, the BJP government has ardently supported the notion.
• In 2018, the Law Commission released a draft report endorsing the implementation of simultaneous elections and suggesting necessary amendments to electoral laws and relevant Articles. The report addressed legal and constitutional challenges linked with conducting simultaneous elections and advocated for constitutional amendments ratified by at least 50% of the states.

Merits of ‘one-nation, one- election’

• Cost Reduction: The concurrent conduct of elections minimizes expenses associated with multiple elections, including time, labor, and financial costs, which arise due to movement of security personnel and diversion of state resources.
• Enhanced Voter Turnout: Simultaneous polls could potentially boost voter participation.
• Better Use of Security Forces: Frequent elections limit the availability of security forces for other crucial tasks.
• Focus on Governance: Continuous elections divert the focus of governance towards short-term electoral gains, sidelining long-term policies and programs.

Demerits of ‘one-nation, one- election’

• Constitutional and Anti-Federal Concerns: Critics argue that the move might impact the federal nature of the Indian political system, as national and state issues differ.
• Accountability: Fixed tenures might lead to a lack of accountability among government officials.
• Difficulty in Synchronization: Maintaining synchronized elections is challenging, especially given the likelihood of government assemblies losing confidence.
• Tampering with Democracy: Altering the election system could impact people’s democratic will.

-Source: The Hindu

Jute Cultivation

Context:

Recently, jute cultivation and the challenges faced by the sector was highlighted by the Indian Jute Mills Association.

Relevance:

GS III: Agriculture

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of Jute
2. Advantages of Jute Fibers
3. Challenges in Jute Production

Overview of Jute

• Jute belongs to the category of natural bast fibers, similar to flax, hemp, kenaf, and ramie.
• It is Cultivated predominantly in the eastern regions of the Indian subcontinent, notably West Bengal, India, and Bangladesh.
• The first jute mill was founded in 1855 in Rishra, near Kolkata, India.

Cultivation Details

• Soil Requirements: Thrives best in fertile, loamy alluvial soils.
• Climate Conditions: Optimal growth conditions include relative humidity of 40-90%, temperatures between 17°C and 41°C, and annual rainfall exceeding 120 cm.
• Varieties: Primarily consists of two species, Tossa and White jute, cultivated for commercial use.
• Additional Varieties: Includes Mesta, another bast fiber crop with species such as Hibiscus cannabinus and Hibiscus Sabdariffa.

Harvesting Insights

• Growth Cycle: Can be harvested between 100 and 150 days post-planting.
• Optimal Harvesting Time: The pre-bud or bud stage is ideal for high-quality fiber; however, this stage typically results in lower yields.
• Mature Plant Harvest: Older plants yield more but have coarser fibers with inadequate retting.

Retting Process

• Method: Involves soaking jute stems in water to facilitate fiber separation via microbial action.
• Conditions for Retting: Most effective in slow-moving, clean water at around 34 degrees Celsius.
• Completion: Once fibers detach smoothly from the wood, the retting process is considered complete.

Utilization and Economic Impact

• Plant Utilization: Each part of the plant is used, including the outer layer for fibers and inner woody stems for paper production.
• Culinary Uses: Leaves are used in cooking various dishes.
• Agricultural Benefits: Roots enhance the soil quality for future crops.

Regional and Economic Significance

• Main Cultivation States: West Bengal, Assam, and Bihar, with cultivation primarily by marginal and small-scale farmers.
• Economic Role: Supports approximately 14 million people, reflecting its status as a labor-intensive crop.
• Global Standing: Recognized as the world’s largest producer of jute and the second most significant cash crop in India after cotton.

Advantages of Jute Fibers

• Eco-friendly Choice: Jute serves as a biodegradable and environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags, aiding in the global effort to reduce plastic waste.
• Versatility in Production: Jute is utilized in creating various products such as textiles, wall coverings, flooring, and more, demonstrating its wide range of applications.
• Efficiency in Cultivation: It requires substantially less land and water than cotton, making it a more sustainable choice. Additionally, it yields a significant amount per acre with lower chemical inputs.
• Carbon Sequestration: Jute plants are carbon-neutral and capable of sequestering up to 1.5 tons of CO2 per hectare annually, contributing positively to climate change mitigation.

Challenges in Jute Production

• Changing Agricultural Practices: Traditionally, jute farming benefited from natural river flooding, which facilitated the retting process. Modern practices now require transporting jute to artificial ponds due to reduced natural flooding, impacting the efficiency of the process.
• Operational Inefficiencies: The jute industry often operates below full capacity, with many mills using outdated machinery, leading to decreased production efficiency and increased costs.
• Underutilization and Market Access: Despite its potential, a significant portion of jute remains underutilized. Jute mills, primarily located in West Bengal, face logistical challenges in distributing raw materials and finished products. Additionally, farmers in northeastern India encounter difficulties accessing resources and markets.
• Regulatory Challenges: The sector struggles with implementing policies effectively, despite regulations intended to boost domestic jute usage, such as the Jute Packaging Materials Act.

-Source: Indian Express

Typhoon Yagi’s Devastating Impact Across Southeast Asia

Context:

Typhoon Yagi, marked as the strongest tropical cyclone in Asia for the year and ranking second globally after Hurricane Beryl, has unleashed severe devastation across Southeast Asia. The storm has significantly impacted several countries including the Philippines, China, Laos, Myanmar, and Thailand. Vietnam, however, has experienced the most severe effects, with approximately 233 reported fatalities. The region has been further troubled by torrential rains, floods, and landslides, intensifying the hardships for millions living in the affected zones.

Relevance:

GS-I: Geography (Physical geography – Climatology, Important Geophysical phenomena), GS-III: Disaster Management

Dimensions of the Article:

1. What are Tropical Cyclones?
2. Conditions for cyclone formation
3. How are Tropical Cyclones Formed?
4. Why tropical cyclones don’t form in the eastern tropical oceans?
5. Names of Tropical Cyclones
6. Structure of the tropical cyclone
7. Landfall, what happens when a Cyclone reaches land from the ocean?
8. Cyclone Management in India

What are Tropical Cyclones?

• The Tropical Cyclones are violent storms that originate over oceans in tropical areas and move over to coastal areas bringing about large-scale destruction caused by violent winds, very heavy rainfall and storm surges.
• These are low pressure weather systems in which winds equal or exceed speeds of 62kmph.
• Winds circulate around in anti-clockwise direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in clockwise direction in the Southern Hemisphere.
• “Tropical” refers to the geographical origin of these systems, which form almost exclusively over tropical seas.
• “Cyclone” refers to their winds moving in a circle, whirling round their central clear eye, with their winds blowing counter clockwise in the Northern Hemisphere and clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• The opposite direction of circulation is due to the Coriolis effect.

Tropical Cyclones in India

• Tropical cyclones striking India generally originate in the eastern side of India.
• Bay of Bengal is more prone to cyclone than Arabian Sea because it gets high sea surface temperature, low vertical shear winds and has enough moisture in middle layers of its atmosphere.
• The frequency of cyclones in this region is bi-modal, i.e., Cyclones occur in the months of May–June and October–November.

Conditions for cyclone formation:

• A warm sea surface (temperature in excess of 26o –27o C) and associated warming extending up to a depth of 60m with abundant water vapour.
• High relative humidity in the atmosphere up to a height of about 5,000 metres.
• Atmospheric instability that encourages the formation of cumulus clouds.
• Low vertical wind between the lower and higher levels of the atmosphere that do not allow the heat generated and released by the clouds to get transported from the area.
• The presence of cyclonic vorticity (rate of rotation of air) that initiates and favours rotation of the air cyclonically.
• Location over the ocean, at least 4–5 o latitude away from the equator.

How are Tropical Cyclones Formed?

1. Tropical cyclones typically form over large bodies of relatively warm water. Warm water > Evaporation > Rising up of air > Low Pressure area.
2. They derive their energy through the evaporation of water from the ocean surface, which ultimately re-condenses into clouds and rain when moist air rises and cools to saturation.
3. Water takes up heat from the atmosphere to change into vapour.
4. When water vapour changes back to liquid form as raindrops, this heat is released to the atmosphere.
5. The heat released to the atmosphere warms the air around.
6. The air tends to rise and causes a drop in the pressure.
7. More air rushes to the centre of the storm.
8. This cycle is repeated.

Why tropical cyclones don’t form in the eastern tropical oceans?

• The depth of warm water (26-27°C) should extend for 60-70 m from surface of the ocean/sea, so that deep convection currents within the water do not churn and mix the cooler water below with the warmer water near the surface.
• The above condition occurs only in western tropical oceans because of warm ocean currents (easterly trade winds pushes ocean waters towards west) that flow from east towards west forming a thick layer of water with temperatures greater than 27°C. This supplies enough moisture to the storm.
• The cold currents lower the surface temperatures of the eastern parts of the tropical oceans making them unfit for the breeding of cyclonic storms.
• ONE EXCEPTION: During strong El Nino years, strong hurricanes occur in the eastern Pacific. This is due to the accumulation of warm waters in the eastern Pacific due to weak Walker Cell.

Names of Tropical Cyclones

Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by different names:

1. Cyclones in the Indian Ocean
2. Hurricanes in the Atlantic
3. Typhoons in the Western Pacific and the South China Sea
4. Willy-willies in Western Australia

Structure of the tropical cyclone

Tropical cyclones are compact, circular storms, generally some 320 km (200 miles) in diameter, whose winds swirl around a central region of low atmospheric pressure. The winds are driven by this low-pressure core and by the rotation of Earth, which deflects the path of the wind through a phenomenon known as the Coriolis force. As a result, tropical cyclones rotate in a counter clockwise (or cyclonic) direction in the Northern Hemisphere and in a clockwise (or anticyclonic) direction in the Southern Hemisphere.

1. The Eye: A characteristic feature of tropical cyclones is the eye, a central region of clear skies, warm temperatures, and low atmospheric pressure. Typically, atmospheric pressure at the surface of Earth is about 1,000 millibars.
2. The Eyewall: The most dangerous and destructive part of a tropical cyclone is the eyewall. Here winds are strongest, rainfall is heaviest, and deep convective clouds rise from close to Earth’s surface to a height of 15,000 metres.
3. Rainbands: These bands, commonly called rainbands, spiral into the centre of the storm. In some cases the rainbands are stationary relative to the centre of the moving storm, and in other cases they seem to rotate around the centre.

Landfall, what happens when a Cyclone reaches land from the ocean?

• Tropical cyclones dissipate when they can no longer extract sufficient energy from warm ocean water.
• A storm that moves over land will abruptly lose its fuel source and quickly lose intensity.
• A tropical cyclone can contribute to its own demise by stirring up deeper, cooler ocean waters. tropical cyclone can contribute to its own demise by stirring up deeper, cooler ocean waters.

Cyclone Management in India

India is highly vulnerable to natural disasters especially cyclones, earthquakes, floods, landslides, and drought. Natural disasters cause a loss of 2% of GDP every year in India. According to the Home ministry, 8% of total area in India is prone to cyclones. India has a coastline of 7,516 km, of which 5,700 km are prone to cyclones of various degrees.

• Loss due to cyclones: Loss of lives, livelihood opportunities, damage to public and private property and severe damage to infrastructure are the resultant consequences, which can disrupt the process of development
• Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) is the nodal agency for early warning of cyclones and floods.
• Natural Disaster Management Authority is mandated to deal with the disaster management in India. It has prepared National Guidelines on Management of Cyclone.
• National Cyclone Risk Mitigation Project (NCRMP) was launched by Home ministry to upgrade the forecasting, tracking and warning about cyclones in states.
• National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has done a commendable performance in rescuing and managing relief work.
• National Disaster Response Reserve (NDRR)– a fund of 250 crores operated by NDRF for maintaining inventory for an emergency situation.
• In 2016, a blueprint of National Disaster Management Plan was unveiled to tackle disaster. It provides a framework to deal with prevention, mitigation, response and recovery during a disaster. According to the plan, Ministry of earth science will be responsible for disaster management of cyclone. By this plan, India joined the list of countries which follow the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction 2015-2030.
• Due to increased awareness and tracking of Cyclone, the death toll has been reduced substantially. For example, Very severe cyclone Hudhud and Phailin claimed lives of around 138 and 45 people respectively, which might have been more. It was reduced due to the early warning and relocation of the population from the cyclone-hit areas. Very severe cyclone Ockhi claimed many lives of people in Tamil Nadu and Kerala. This was due to the unprecedented change in the direction of the cyclone.
• But the destruction of infrastructure due to cyclonic hit is not been reduced which leads to increase in poverty due to the economic weakening of the affected population.

-Source: Indian Express

India Promotes Digital Public Infrastructure at G20 Presidency

Context:

India utilized its presidency of the G20 to champion Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a crucial mechanism for promoting inclusive and sustainable development. This initiative underscores the country’s commitment to leveraging technological innovation to drive developmental agendas on a global scale.

Relevance:

GS III: Indian Economy

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Digital Public Infrastructure

About Digital Public Infrastructure

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) is a collection of platforms and systems that enable the delivery of essential services to people, promoting digital inclusion and empowering citizens. It encompasses various components that facilitate the flow of people, money, and information. Here are key aspects of DPI:

Digital Identification:

• DPI includes a digital ID system that enables the secure and efficient identification of individuals in the digital realm.
• This system allows for seamless authentication and verification processes, enhancing access to services and enabling digital interactions.

Payment Infrastructure:

• DPI incorporates a real-time fast payment system that facilitates swift and convenient financial transactions.
• This infrastructure enables individuals and businesses to transfer funds quickly and securely, fostering economic activities and financial inclusion.

Data Exchange Solutions:

• DPI encompasses a consent-based data sharing system that governs the flow of personal information.
• This system ensures that individuals have control over their data and can choose how and when their information is shared.
• By empowering citizens with data control, DPI enables the realization of its benefits while ensuring privacy and security.

India’s DPI Implementation (India Stack):

• India has been a pioneer in developing a comprehensive DPI ecosystem known as India Stack.
• India Stack includes three foundational DPI components: digital identity (Aadhaar), real-time fast payment (UPI), and account aggregation built on the Data Empowerment and Protection Architecture (DEPA).
• DEPA establishes a digital framework that allows users to share their data on their own terms through consent managers, which are third-party entities.
• This approach ensures privacy, security, and user control over data while facilitating the seamless flow of information.

-Source: The Hindu

Supreme Court Establishes New Standards for Preventive Detention

Context:

The Supreme Court of India has established new standards for preventive detention through its ruling in the 2024 case, Jaseela Shaji vs the Union of India. This pivotal decision was in response to an appeal against a preventive detention order, which was initially upheld by the Kerala high court under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities (COFEPOSA) Act, 1974.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. New Standards for Preventive Detention
2. About Preventive Detention in India

New Standards for Preventive Detention

• Mandatory Documentation: The Supreme Court mandates that detaining authorities must provide detainees with all documents used as a basis for detention. Non-compliance with this requirement results in the invalidation of the detention.
• Protection of Personal Liberty: Emphasizing personal liberty as a paramount constitutional right, the Supreme Court declared that failing to furnish all necessary documents for a detainee to effectively challenge their detention breaches Article 22(5) of the Constitution.
• Prevention of Arbitrary Detention: Authorities are tasked with actively preventing arbitrary actions and upholding the rights of detainees throughout the detention process.
• Accessibility of Information: All documents must be provided in a language understandable to the detainee to ensure they can fully comprehend the reasons for their detention.
• Timely Communication: The authorities are responsible for ensuring that all communications related to the detention are conveyed promptly, utilizing available technology to minimize delays.

About Preventive Detention in India

• As the term suggests – Preventive detention helps to prevent a person from committing a crime.
• Article 22 deals with 2 kinds of detentions:
  • Preventive
  • Punitive
• Article 22 (3) (b) of the Constitution allows for preventive detention and restriction on personal liberty for reasons of state security and public order.
• According to Article 22 (4)– in case of preventive detention as well, the person being detained should be informed of the grounds of arrest, however, in case the authorities consider that it is against the public interest to disclose certain facts, they need not reveal them.
• The person cannot be detained under preventive detention for more than 3 months unless permission to do so has been granted by an advisory board consisting of 3 judges of the Supreme Court.
• The other way by which the period of detention can be extended beyond 3 months is if the Parliament prescribes a law for it.
• Acts by the Parliament which provide for extension of Preventive detention period beyond 3 months:
  • National Security Act (NSA) 1980;
  • Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) 1974;
  • Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA) 1967, etc.
• Many State legislatures have enacted similar laws that authorize preventive detention.

Criticisms of Preventive detention

• Preventive detention becomes a human rights concern as there have been various incidents of misuse of such laws in India.
• Preventive detention represents the police power of the State.
• No other democratic country mentions preventive detention in its constitution and such laws come into effect only under emergency conditions in democratic countries.

The argument in favour of Preventive detention

• Arbitrary action the State is prevented in India as the areas in the context of which Preventive detention laws can be made are laid down in the 7th Schedule of the Constitution itself.
• In the Union list – laws for Preventive detention can be enacted only for reasons connected with Defence, Foreign Affairs, or the Security of India.
• In the Concurrent list – laws for Preventive detention can be enacted only for reasons connected with Security of a State, the Maintenance of Public Order, or the Maintenance of Essential Supplies and Services.

-Source: The Hindu

Siddha Medicine

Context:

A combination of ‘Siddha’ drugs can reduce anaemia among adolescent girls, according to a recent study.

Relevance:

GS II: Health

Siddha Medicine

• Siddha medicine is an ancient form of healing that originated in South India, tracing back to around 10,000 BC according to literary evidence from the Sangam Era.
• Predominantly developed by Siddhars from Tamil Nadu, with notable figures like Nandi, Agasthyar, Agappai, and Pumbatti contributing to its practices.

Core Principles and Practices

• Siddhars: These were spiritual masters endowed with special abilities known as ‘siddhis.’ The system’s knowledge has traditionally been passed down from these sages within local communities.
• Holistic Approach: The Siddha system integrates ancient medicinal practices, spiritual disciplines, alchemy, and mysticism. It emphasizes a holistic approach to health, considering the patient’s lifestyle, environmental factors, and personal habits alongside physical symptoms.
• Foundational Elements:
  • Panchamahabhootam: This refers to the five basic elements—soil, fire, water, sky, and air—which are integral to both the universe and human constitution.
  • Thathuvas and Mukkuttram: Comprising 96 principles and three humors respectively, these form the theoretical basis for diagnosing and treating ailments within Siddha medicine.
  • Arusuvai (Six Tastes): These are used to balance the body’s humors through diet and are a key component in treatment strategies.

Therapeutic Applications

• Comprehensive Treatment: Siddha medicine utilizes elements found in herbal, animal, and inorganic substances, including sulfur and mercury, to craft remedies that address a wide range of illnesses.
• Cultural Significance: This system not only serves as a medical practice but also as a cultural heritage that encapsulates the traditional knowledge of Tamil Nadu and its surroundings.

-Source: The Hindu

Assam Cascade Frog

Context:

Scientists from the Wildlife Institute of India studied the Amolops formosus in two Himalayan streams of the Churdhar Wildlife Sanctuary to gain insights into how water flow impacts the presence and abundance of the species in Western Himalayan streams.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Assam Cascade Frog:

Distribution

• Habitat: The Assam cascade frog is predominantly found in the Himalayan regions of India, extending into high-gradient streams of northern Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Nepal.

Ecological Significance

• Indicator Species: This frog serves as a crucial indicator for assessing the health and condition of hilly stream environments.

Biological Characteristics

• Genus Diversity: Belongs to the genus Amolops, which includes 72 distinct species that inhabit fast-flowing streams across southern and Southeast Asia.
• Adaptations: Adapted to their aquatic habitats with special features like adhesive disks and circum-marginal grooves on their digits, which facilitate attachment to rocky substrates in swift stream currents.

Names and Identification

• Synonyms: Known variously as the Assam sucker frog, beautiful stream frog, or hill stream frog.

Conservation Status

• IUCN Classification: Listed as Least Concern, indicating that it currently faces no immediate threat of extinction.

-Source: The Hindu