Current Affairs 13 August 2024

CONTENTS

1. World Biofuel Day
2. Madras High Court Raises Concerns Over Sole Reliance on DNA Evidence
3. Warning Issued for Potential Mega Earthquake in Japan
4. Unprecedented Deep-Winter Heatwave Strikes Antarctica
5. NEOWISE Telescope
6. Grain ATM

World Biofuel Day

Context:

World Biofuel Day, observed on August 10, 2024, serves as an important occasion to promote non-fossil fuel energy solutions, highlighting biofuels as sustainable alternatives. This day also underscores significant government efforts to support the biofuel industry. Additionally, the commemoration honors a pivotal moment in history: the successful operation of an engine using peanut oil by Sir Rudolf Diesel on August 9, 1893, marking a landmark achievement in the development of biofuels.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Biofuel
2. Most Common Biofuels
3. Environmental and Economic Significance
4. Challenges and Considerations

Biofuel:

• Biofuel is a type of fuel produced from biomass within a relatively short timeframe, in contrast to the slow natural processes involved in the formation of fossil fuels like oil.
• Biomass refers to organic materials, primarily derived from plants and animals, which can be used as a source of energy.

Generations of Biofuel:

First Generation:

• First-generation biofuels are produced from consumable food items that contain starch (e.g., rice and wheat) or sugar (e.g., beets and sugarcane) for bioalcohols, as well as vegetable oils for biodiesel.
• These biofuels are primarily derived from crops that are traditionally considered food sources.

Second Generation:

• Second-generation biofuels are mainly obtained from non-food feedstocks, such as agricultural residues, forest biomass, and industrial waste, as well as used vegetable oils.
• This generation of biofuels focuses on using non-food sources to avoid competition with food production.

Third Generation:

• Third-generation biofuels, often referred to as “algae fuel,” are derived from algae and can take the form of both biodiesel and bioalcohols.
• Algae-based biofuels are seen as a more sustainable and efficient source of bioenergy.

Fourth Generation:

• Fourth-generation biofuels are also produced from non-arable land, similar to third-generation biofuels.
• However, unlike third-generation biofuels, fourth-generation biofuels do not require the destruction of biomass, making them more environmentally friendly and sustainable.

Most Common Biofuels:

• Ethanol and Biodiesel: Main biofuels where ethanol is derived from crop residues like corn and sugarcane, and biodiesel is made from recycled oils and fats.
• Production Methods:
  • Ethanol: Fermentation followed by blending with petroleum to make fuels like Ethanol-10.
  • Biodiesel: Produced by reacting fats or oils with alcohol in the presence of a catalyst.

Environmental and Economic Significance

• Sustainability: Biofuels reduce reliance on fossil fuels, cutting greenhouse gas emissions and promoting waste management.
• Energy Security: They offer an alternative to imported oil, potentially reducing India’s substantial oil import costs.
• Agricultural Impact: Supports farmers by providing a market for surplus crops and waste products.

Challenges and Considerations

• Resource Intensive: High water requirement for ethanol production, particularly from sugar (around 2,860 liters of water per liter of ethanol).
• Feedstock Variability: Costs and availability of biofuel sources can vary significantly due to environmental and market factors.
• Complex Production Processes: Involves steps like pretreatment, hydrolysis, fermentation, and distillation, each impacting the overall efficiency and yield.
• Infrastructure Needs: Biofuel use requires specific handling and storage facilities due to corrosive properties of substances like ethanol.
• Vehicle Adaptation: Modifications necessary for vehicles to run efficiently on biofuel blends.
• Energy Density Concerns: Ethanol has a lower energy density compared to gasoline, necessitating greater volumes for equivalent energy output.

-Source: Indian Express

Madras High Court Raises Concerns Over Sole Reliance on DNA Evidence

Context:

The Madras High Court, in a recent decision from June 2024, overturned a conviction under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, bringing to the forefront the ongoing debate about the reliability of DNA profiling in legal settings. The court’s ruling emphasized the importance of not solely depending on DNA evidence for securing convictions and underscored the necessity for additional corroborative evidence to ensure fairness and accuracy in the judicial process.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Overview of DNA Profiling
2. Legal Applications of DNA Profiling
3. Limitations of DNA Profiling

Overview of DNA Profiling

• Definition: DNA profiling, also known as DNA fingerprinting, is the process of identifying individuals by examining specific areas of their DNA. Despite the fact that human DNA is overwhelmingly similar (99.9% identical), the critical 0.1% comprises Short Tandem Repeats (STRs), essential for forensic analysis.
• DNA Structure: DNA, the hereditary material, is located within the nucleus of eukaryotic cells and the cytoplasm of prokaryotic cells, forming a double helix configuration.
• Chromosomal Arrangement: It is segmented into 23 chromosome pairs, received equally from each parent, encoding genetic data through sequences of nucleotides—Adenine (A), Guanine (G), Thymine (T), and Cytosine (C).
• Sample Collection: DNA is harvested from biological substances like blood, saliva, and semen to create profiles. ‘Touch DNA’ collected from physical contacts often provides insufficient material for effective profiling due to possible contamination.
• Profiling Focus: The process emphasizes specific DNA segments known as genetic markers, predominantly STRs, notable for their distinctness among individuals except in identical twins.

DNA Profiling Methodology

• Extraction: DNA is isolated from collected biological specimens.
• Purification: The extracted DNA is purified to remove any contaminants and its concentration measured.
• Amplification: Specific genetic markers are replicated to produce adequate DNA quantities for detailed analysis.
• Analysis: The unique sequences within the DNA markers are identified.
• Comparison: DNA profiles are compared to determine a potential match by evaluating the probability of similarity.

Special Considerations in DNA Profiling

• Degraded Samples: For samples that are environmentally compromised, miniSTRs, which are more resistant to degradation, are utilized. Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) is also employed for maternal lineage tracing when nuclear DNA is inadequate.

Legal Applications of DNA Profiling

• Forensic Analysis: DNA profiles derived from crime scene evidence are matched against known references to determine three possible outcomes:
  • Match: Profiles that are identical suggest a single source.
  • Exclusion: Differing profiles imply different origins.
  • Inconclusive Results: Sometimes, the data does not yield clear conclusions.
• Statistical Analysis: Matches do not definitively establish identity but provide a statistical likelihood, expressed as a “random occurrence ratio,” which estimates the frequency of the DNA profile within the general population.
• Legal Implications: As emphasized by the Madras High Court and the Law Commission of India, a DNA match alone is insufficient for conclusively proving identity or guilt beyond a reasonable doubt due to the potential commonality of DNA profiles within the broader population.

Limitations of DNA Profiling

• Environmental Vulnerability: DNA samples can degrade due to environmental factors, resulting in incomplete profiles.
• Analytical Techniques: Methods like miniSTRs and mtDNA are alternatives for compromised samples, yet they have inherent limitations.
• Process Complexity: The precision required in DNA profiling means that contamination, mishandling, or procedural delays can undermine the accuracy of results.
• Cost Concerns: The high cost of DNA analysis can restrict its availability and application.
• Judicial Consideration: DNA evidence, while powerful, is not foolproof and must be evaluated alongside additional evidence to ensure equitable legal judgments.
• Legal Framework Gaps: Current laws acknowledge the use of DNA in legal settings but do not provide a thorough regulatory basis.

DNA Regulation Legislation

• DNA Technology Regulation Bill, 2019: This bill, which has been presented multiple times in Parliament, seeks to refine the regulatory context for DNA technology. It has sparked debate regarding the accuracy of DNA techniques, privacy concerns, and the potential for misuse.

-Source: The Hindu

Warning Issued for Potential Mega Earthquake in Japan

Context:

Following a recent 7.1 magnitude earthquake in southern Japan, the nation’s meteorological agency has issued a significant warning about the increased likelihood of a “mega earthquake.” Earthquakes that reach a magnitude of 8 or higher on the Richter scale are classified as megaquakes. This announcement underscores the urgent need for preparedness in the face of potentially catastrophic seismic activity, marking a critical moment in Japan’s ongoing efforts to manage and mitigate earthquake risks.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Current Seismic Concerns in Japan
2. Earthquake
3. Earthquake Waves
4. Earthquake zones of India
5. Measurement of earthquakes
6. About the Ring of Fire

Current Seismic Concerns in Japan

• Frequent Seismic Activity: Japan routinely experiences around 1,500 earthquakes each year, most of which are minor and result in little to no damage.
• Historic Disasters: Notable exceptions include the catastrophic 9.0 magnitude earthquake in 2011, which led to a devastating tsunami and nuclear disaster, claiming over 18,000 lives on the northeast coast.

The Nankai Trough Threat

• Geographical Significance: The Nankai Trough, located off Japan’s southwest Pacific coast, stretches approximately 900 kilometers (600 miles).
• Tectonic Dynamics: It is formed by the subduction of the Philippine Sea Plate beneath the Eurasian Plate, leading to significant tectonic tension.
• Historical Context: The strain along the trough has historically resulted in major seismic events, such as the second largest earthquake recorded in Japan in 1707, which was triggered by a complete rupture along the trough.
• Risk of Megaquake: Accumulated tectonic strains could potentially set off a massive earthquake, estimated to occur roughly every 100 to 150 years.
• Probability of Occurrence: Experts predict a 70% to 80% chance of a magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake occurring along the Nankai Trough within the next three decades.

Earthquake

• An earthquake is shaking of the earth. It is a natural event. It is caused due to release of energy, which generates waves that travel in all directions.
• The release of energy occurs along a fault. Rocks along a fault tend to move in opposite directions. This causes a release of energy, and the energy waves travel in all directions.
• The point where the energy is released is called the focus of an earthquake, alternatively, it is called the hypocentre.
• The point on the surface, nearest to the focus, is called epicentre. It is the first one to experience the waves. It is a point directly above the focus.

Earthquake Waves

• All-natural earthquakes take place in the lithosphere.
• Earthquake waves are basically of two types body waves and surface waves.

Body Waves

Body waves are generated due to the release of energy at the focus and move in all directions travelling through the body of the earth.

There are 2 types of body waves and they are, Primary waves [P] and Secondary [S] waves

Primary waves [P]: 

• Primary waves are the first to appear on the surface and hence the name P waves.
• P-waves vibrate parallel to the direction of the wave.
• This exerts pressure on the material in the direction of the propagation
• P waves can travel through gaseous, liquid and solid materials.

Secondary waves [S]: 

• Secondary waves or S waves appear after P waves. 
• The direction of vibrations of S-waves is perpendicular to the wave direction in the vertical plane.
• Hence, they create troughs and crests in the material through which they pass

Surface waves

• The body waves interact with the surface rocks and generate new set of waves called surface waves. These waves move along the surface.
• The velocity of waves changes as they travel through materials with different densities. The denser the material, the higher is the velocity.
• Their direction also changes as they reflect or refract when coming across materials with different densities.
• Surface waves are considered to be the most damaging waves.

Earthquake zones of India

• The major reason for the high frequency and intensity of the earthquakes is that the Indian plate is driving into Asia at a rate of approximately 47 mm/year.
• Geographical statistics of India show that more than 50% of the land is vulnerable to earthquakes.
• The latest version of seismic zoning map of India divides India into 4 seismic zones (Zone 2, 3, 4 and 5).

Zones of Seismicity

1. Zone 1: Currently the Division does not include a Zone 1. NO area of India is classed as Zone 1.
2. Zone 2: This region is liable to MSK VI or less and is classified as the Low Damage Risk Zone.
3. Zone 3: This zone is classified as Moderate Damage Risk Zone which is liable to MSK VII.
4. Zone 4: This zone is called the High Damage Risk Zone and covers areas liable to MSK VIII. Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Sikkim, the parts of Indo-Gangetic plains (North Punjab, Chandigarh, Western Uttar Pradesh, Terai, North Bengal, Sundarbans) and the capital of the country Delhi fall in Zone 4.
5. Zone 5: Zone 5 covers the areas with the highest risks zone that suffers earthquakes of intensity MSK IX or greater. The region of Kashmir, the Western and Central Himalayas, North and Middle Bihar, the North-East Indian region, the Rann of Kutch and the Andaman and Nicobar group of islands fall in this zone.

Measurement of earthquakes

The earthquake events are scaled either according to the magnitude or intensity of the shock.

1. Richter scale – The magnitude scale is known as the Richter scale. The magnitude relates to the energy released during the quake. The magnitude is expressed in absolute numbers, 0-10.
2. Mercalli scale – The intensity scale is named after Mercalli, an Italian seismologist. The intensity scale takes into account the visible damage caused by the event. The range of intensity scale is from 1-12.
3. Medvedev–Sponheuer–Karnik scale – This is a macroseismic intensity scale used to evaluate the severity of ground shaking on the basis of observed effects in an area of the earthquake occurrence.

About the Ring of Fire

• Many volcanoes in the Ring of Fire were created through a process of subduction. And most of the planet’s subduction zones happen to be located in the Ring of Fire
• It is a string of at least 450 active and dormant volcanoes that form a semi-circle, or horse shoe, around the Philippine Sea plate, the Pacific Plate, Juan de Fuca and Cocos plates, and the Nazca Plate.
• There is a lot of seismic activity in the area.
• 90 per cent of all earthquakes strike within the Ring of Fire

-Source: The Hindu

Unprecedented Deep-Winter Heatwave Strikes Antarctica

Context:

Antarctica has been experiencing an extraordinary deep-winter heatwave, marking a significant climatic event with record-breaking temperatures for the second time in two years. Since mid-July 2024, ground temperatures in the region have surged, averaging 10 degrees Celsius above normal, with some localities witnessing increases of up to 28 degrees Celsius. This unusual warming during what is typically the coldest time of the year highlights ongoing changes in global climate patterns and raises concerns about their profound impacts on polar ecosystems.

Relevance:

GS I: Geography

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Causes of Deep-Winter Heat Waves in Antarctica
2. Consequences of Heat Waves in Antarctica

Causes of Deep-Winter Heat Waves in Antarctica:

• Polar Vortex Dynamics: The polar vortex, a large area of low pressure surrounding the poles, experiences a weakening in summer and strengthening in winter. Its disruption by atmospheric waves allows warm air to descend and cold air to escape, raising regional temperatures.
• Decline in Sea Ice: Antarctic sea ice is at record low levels, diminishing its role as a reflective barrier and contributing to global temperature rises.
• Rate of Warming: Antarctica’s warming rate is nearly double the global average, significantly influenced by human-induced climate change.
• Southern Ocean’s Role: Increased heat absorption by the warming Southern Ocean, due to less sea ice, creates a feedback loop that escalates local and global temperatures and extreme weather risks.

Consequences of Heat Waves in Antarctica:

• Ice Mass Loss Acceleration: Warming has significantly increased ice mass loss, with a notable rise compared to the 1980s and 1990s.
• Rising Sea Levels: A heat wave in March 2022 led to the collapse of a large ice section, underlining the potential rise in global sea levels that could displace millions living near coastlines.
• Ocean Circulation Impacts: Freshwater from melting ice is altering ocean salinity and density, slowing global circulation, reducing heat, carbon, and nutrient transport, and enhancing global warming.
• Ecosystem Disruption: Local ecosystems are destabilized due to temperature fluctuations and ice loss, impacting species reliant on stable ice conditions and triggering biodiversity declines.
• Albedo Effect Reduction: The loss of ice increases heat absorption by the earth’s surfaces, worsening the cycle of climate change.

-Source: Indian Express

NEOWISE Telescope

Context:

Nasa’s Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE) has concluded its mission, marking the end of a journey spanned over a decade.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

NEOWISE Telescope:

• Originally launched by NASA in 2009 as the Wide-Field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE), it was intended for infrared astronomical observations, focusing on asteroids, stars, and distant galaxies.
• Its initial mission concluded in February 2011 after achieving its objectives.
• In December 2013, the telescope was reactivated from hibernation and repurposed under the NEOWISE project to study near-Earth objects (NEOs) and other celestial bodies.

Adjustments and Discoveries:

• Orbital Adjustments: Initially orbiting at 310 miles, NEOWISE is currently positioned about 217 miles above Earth’s surface due to increased solar activity impacting its orbit.
• Scientific Achievements: During its initial mission, it identified over 158,000 minor planets, including 34,000 that were previously unknown.

Impact of NEOWISE Data:

• Contributions to Astronomy: The data collected by NEOWISE has been critical in determining the quantity, trajectory, size, and composition of various asteroids within our solar system.
• Notable Discoveries: This included the first identification of an Earth Trojan asteroid, expanding our understanding of near-Earth objects.

-Source: Indian Express

Grain ATM

Context:

Recently, India’s first round-the-clock grain ATM was opened at Mancheswar in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Grain ATM

• Name and Development: Known as Annapurti Grain ATM, this device is a creation of the World Food Programme in India.
• Accessibility: The machine offers universal access to individuals holding a Public Distribution System ration card valid anywhere in India, enabling them to obtain their entitled grain portions.

Functionality and Design

• Dispensing Capability: Annapurti can dispense up to 50 kilograms of grain in just five minutes and operates around the clock, thereby reducing wait times by approximately 70%.
• Technology: This automated system handles multiple commodities like rice, wheat, and other grains, available to users after biometric verification.
• Design Features: Featuring a modular design, Annapurti is adaptable to various spatial configurations and is energy-efficient. It can also integrate with solar panels for automatic refilling.

Advantages of Annapurti Grain ATM

• Queue Reduction: It significantly cuts down the long lines typically seen at traditional grain distribution centers.
• Security and Accuracy: The system reduces theft and black marketing, ensures precise measurements, and minimizes potential fraud.
• Constant Availability: Provides 24/7 access to essential grains, dramatically enhancing convenience and reducing waiting times by 70%.

-Source: Business Standards