Current Affairs 26 September 2024

CONTENTS

1. The Rising Concern Over Methane Emissions in Climate Goals
2. Legal Setback for CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Scam Case
3. ISRO’s Venus Mission
4. Bombay High Court Strikes Down IT Rules on Fact Checking
5. Nagar Van Yojana
6. Mankidia Tribe
7. MAPCIS Crater

The Rising Concern Over Methane Emissions in Climate Goals

Context:

Methane (CH4) emissions are currently on the rise, posing a significant threat to achieving the global climate targets established by the Paris Agreement. Historically, carbon dioxide (CO₂) has been the primary focus of climate discussions; however, methane, which is a much more potent greenhouse gas (GHG), is now receiving increased attention. Addressing methane emissions is crucial because of its strong impact on global warming, and targeting reductions in methane could lead to swift and significant progress in global climate action efforts.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Impact of Methane on Climate Change
2. Initiatives to Tackle Methane Emissions
3. Why Did India Decline the Global Methane Pledge?

Impact of Methane on Climate Change:

• Methane Potency:
  • Methane is 80 times more potent than CO₂ as a greenhouse gas.
  • It has contributed to 30% of global warming since the Industrial Revolution.
• Atmospheric Lifespan:
  • Methane stays in the atmosphere for only 7 to 12 years.
  • Reducing emissions or increasing sinks of methane can provide a short-term impact on climate while allowing time to address long-term CO₂ reduction.
• Climate Action Goals:
  • Reducing methane emissions by 45% by 2030 could help meet the Paris Agreement target of limiting warming to 1.5°C.

Benefits of Reducing Methane:

• Immediate Climate Benefits:
  • Methane reduction or removal can help mitigate global warming quickly, turning methane into an essential ally in maintaining safe global temperatures.
• Air Quality Improvement:
  • Lower methane emissions improve air quality by reducing the formation of ground-level ozone, which is harmful to respiratory health.

Methane Emission Sources:

• Primary Sectors:
  • Energy Sector: Oil, gas, and coal production.
  • Agriculture: Primarily from livestock and rice cultivation.
  • Waste Management: Emissions from landfills.

Global Methane Emission Statistics:

• Annual Emissions:
  • Global methane emissions are around 580 million tonnes per year.
  • 40% of these emissions come from natural sources, while 60% are due to human activities.
• Largest Sources:
  • Agriculture is the largest human-induced source, responsible for 25% of emissions.
  • The energy sector follows closely, with significant emissions from coal, oil, natural gas, and biofuels.

Initiatives to Tackle Methane Emissions

Indian Initiatives:

• Harit Dhara (HD):
  • Developed by the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR), it’s an anti-methanogenic feed supplement.
  • Reduces cattle methane emissions by 17-20% and enhances milk production.
• National Mission on Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA):
  • Implemented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, it promotes climate-resilient practices, including methane reduction in rice cultivation.
• National Innovations in Climate Resilient Agriculture (NICRA):
  • Developed by ICAR under NICRA project.
  • Technologies to mitigate methane emissions from rice cultivation:
    • System for Rice Intensification: Increases rice yield by 36-49% with 22-35% less water.
    • Direct Seeded Rice: Reduces methane emissions by eliminating traditional methods.
    • Crop Diversification Programme: Shifts from paddy cultivation to alternative crops, minimizing methane emissions.
• Bharat Stage-VI Norms:
  • India transitioned from Bharat Stage-IV (BS-IV) to Bharat Stage-VI (BS-VI) emission norms to reduce vehicular methane emissions.

Global Initiatives:

• Methane Alert and Response System (MARS):
  • Integrates data from satellites to detect methane emission events worldwide and notifies stakeholders for action.
• Global Methane Pledge:
  • A voluntary commitment by nearly 100 countries, established at the Glasgow climate conference (UNFCCC COP 26) in 2021.
  • Aims to cut methane emissions by at least 30% by 2030 from 2020 levels.
  • India is not part of the Global Methane Pledge.
• Global Methane Initiative (GMI):
  • An international public-private partnership focused on overcoming barriers to recovering and using methane as a clean energy source.

Why Did India Decline the Global Methane Pledge?

• Main Methane Sources in India:
  • India’s methane emissions primarily come from enteric fermentation in livestock and paddy cultivation. These practices are essential for small and marginal farmers, forming the core of the nation’s agricultural economy.
• Survival Emissions:
  • Methane emissions from agriculture are considered “survival” emissions as they directly impact food production and farmers’ livelihoods, rather than being linked to luxury or excessive consumption.
• Rice Cultivation and Food Security:
  • India, as one of the largest producers and exporters of rice, argues that reducing methane emissions from rice fields could harm food security, affecting both domestic supply and export potential.
• Impact on Farmers and Rural Economy:
  • Any reduction in agricultural production, due to methane mitigation, could threaten farmers’ incomes and subsequently disrupt rural economies.
• CO₂ vs. Methane:
  • India believes that CO₂, which has a longer lifespan (100-1000 years), is the main driver of climate change, while the Global Methane Pledge places undue emphasis on methane reduction, a gas with a shorter lifespan, potentially shifting the burden away from CO₂ mitigation.
• Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
  • India’s climate actions under the Paris Agreement are not tied to sector-specific emission reduction targets, allowing the country flexibility to address emissions based on national priorities.
• Alignment with National Interests:
  • After evaluation, the Indian government concluded that signing the Global Methane Pledge would not be in alignment with the country’s national interests.

-Source: Down To Earth

Legal Setback for CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA Scam Case

Context:

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah of Karnataka faced a significant legal setback when the Karnataka High Court dismissed his petition challenging the sanction for investigation granted by Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot. This decision pertains to the allegations involving the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam case. The court’s ruling allows for the continuation of the investigation, marking a critical moment in the ongoing legal proceedings related to this high-profile case.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Background of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Scam Case
2. Karnataka High Court’s Decision
3. Impact of HC’s Decision on Karnataka Politics

Background of the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Scam Case

• Origin of the Case:
  • Three anti-corruption activists sought the Karnataka governor’s permission to file a complaint against the state’s Chief Minister (CM).
  • They claimed that the CM’s wife had received 14 housing plots from MUDA in exchange for 3.16 acres of land that MUDA acquired illegally in 2021, during the tenure of the previous BJP-led government.
  • This allegedly caused a loss of ₹55.80 crore to the state treasury.
• Governor’s Action:
  • The Governor of Karnataka issued a show-cause notice to the CM, initiating proceedings under the Prevention of Corruption Act (PCA), 1988, and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023.
  • The CM contested the governor’s sanction on the grounds that the governor must act upon the advice of the Council of Ministers. As a result, the Karnataka High Court placed a hold on the trial.

Karnataka High Court’s Decision

• Issue Before the Court:
  • The main question was the interpretation of Section 17A of the PCA, which concerns the requirement for sanction before investigating a public official.
  • It raised the issue of whether sanction can be granted when a private individual is the complainant.
• Court’s Ruling:
  • The PCA does not limit the authority to seek approval for investigations to police officers. Even private citizens are required to get approval.
  • After evaluating the facts, the court found that an investigation into the alleged scam and the involvement of the CM’s family was necessary.
  • The governor’s sanction was deemed valid and did not suffer from any flaws.
• Impact of the Ruling:
  • The ruling allows the three activists to approach an anti-corruption body, such as the Karnataka Lokayukta, to investigate the MUDA scam case.

Impact of HC’s Decision on Karnataka Politics

• Options for the Chief Minister:
  • Siddaramaiah, a prominent Backward Class leader, is expected to defend himself legally.
  • The Congress party may adopt an ethical position, potentially asking the CM to step down if an FIR is filed.
  • There is precedent for this— in 2010, Maharashtra’s CM Ashok Chavan was asked to resign over the Adarsh housing scam allegations involving his relatives.
• Political Implications:
  • The current political discourse favors the CM, as it portrays investigative bodies as being used to target opponents or force them to join the BJP.
  • Congress has framed this case as part of a broader conspiracy by the BJP to unseat non-BJP Chief Ministers across India.

-Source: The Hindu

ISRO’s Venus Mission

Context:

Recently, the Union Cabinet had approved India’s first mission to Venus, which ISRO plans to launch in March 2028. This will be India’s second interplanetary mission, following the 2013 Mars Orbiter Mission.

Relevance:

GS-III: Science and Technology (Space Technology and advancements in Space Technology)

Dimensions of the Article:

1. About Venus
2. Observations and explorations of Venus
3. What does the Shukrayaan-I Mission entail?

About Venus

• Venus is the second planet from the Sun and is the brightest natural object in Earth’s night sky after the Moon. It can cast shadows and can be seen with the naked eye on rare occasions, even during daylight.
• Venus has a unique rotation pattern, where the Sun rises in the west and sets in the east. This is because it rotates in the opposite direction (East to West/Clockwise) to all but Uranus.
• Venus has the densest atmosphere of the four terrestrial planets, consisting of more than 96% carbon dioxide. This causes a strong greenhouse effect, making Venus the hottest planet in the Solar System despite being farther from the Sun than Mercury.
• The atmospheric pressure at the planet’s surface is about 92 times that of Earth’s sea level pressure.
• Venus is covered by an opaque layer of highly reflective clouds made of sulfuric acid, which prevents its surface from being seen in visible light.
• The planet lacks a planetary magnetic field, which caused the water to photo dissociate and the free hydrogen to be swept into interplanetary space by the solar wind.
• Venus has been a significant fixture in human culture for as long as records have existed.

Observations and explorations of Venus

Early Exploration:

• Due to its proximity to Earth, Venus has been a prime target for early interplanetary exploration.
• It was the first planet beyond Earth visited by a spacecraft (Mariner 2 in 1962), and the first to be successfully landed on (by Venera 7 in 1970).
• Venus’s thick clouds render observation of its surface impossible in visible light, and the first detailed maps did not emerge until the arrival of the Magellan orbiter in 1991.
• Plans have been proposed for rovers or more complex missions, but they are hindered by Venus’s hostile surface conditions.

Methods of Observation:

• Observations of the planet Venus include those in antiquity, telescopic observations, and from visiting spacecraft.
• Spacecraft have performed various flybys, orbits, and landings on Venus, including balloon probes that floated in the atmosphere of Venus.
• After the Moon, Venus was the second object in the Solar System to be explored by radar from the Earth.

Missions to Venus:

• Ten Soviet probes have achieved a soft landing on the surface, with up to 110 minutes of communication from the surface, all without return.
• U.S.’s missions to Venus: Mariner series 1962-1974, Pioneer Venus 1 and Pioneer Venus 2 in 1978, Magellan in 1989.
• Russia’s mission to Venus: Venera series of space crafts 1967-1983, Vegas 1 and 2 in 1985.
• Japan’s Akatsuki was launched in 2010, however, the orbital insertion maneuver failed and the spacecraft was left in heliocentric orbit.
• Venus Express was a mission by the European Space Agency to study the atmosphere and surface characteristics of Venus from orbit.

Significance of Exploring Venus

• It will help to learn how Earth-like planets evolve and what conditions exist on Earth-sized exoplanets (planets that orbit a star other than our sun).
• It will help in modelling Earth’s climate, and serves as a cautionary tale on how dramatically a planet’s climate can change.

What does the Shukrayaan-I Mission entail?

• After dispatching similar missions to the Moon and Mars, Shukrayaan will be India’s first orbiter mission to Venus.
• The mission’s goal is to investigate the surface of our solar system’s hottest planet and decipher the mysteries hidden beneath the Sulphuric Acid clouds that surround it.
• The orbiter is the third mission to Venus, following NASA’s announcement of two probes and the European Space Agency’s announcement of a spacecraft.
• The probes will travel the globe in search of clues to the destructive past of Earth’s strange twin, which scientists believe previously had massive water reserves similar to our own.
• The ISRO plans to launch in December 2024, with orbital manoeuvres scheduled for the following year.
• When the earth and Venus are perfectly aligned, the spaceship can be placed in the orbit of the neighbouring planet with the least quantity of propellant.

Objectives

• Investigation of the surface processes and shallow sub-surface stratigraphy, including active volcanic hotspots and lava flows
• Studying the structure, composition, and dynamics of the atmosphere
• Investigation of solar wind interaction with the Venusian Ionosphere

-Source: Indian Express

Bombay High Court Strikes Down IT Rules on Fact Checking

Context:

The Bombay High Court recently invalidated the Amended Information Technology Rules, 2023, which had enabled the central government to establish a Fact Check Unit (FCU). This unit was intended to detect and address fake, false, and misleading information about the government on social media platforms.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. High Court’s Observation on the Fact Check Unit (FCU)
2. What is the Fact Check Unit (FCU)?
3. About Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2023
4. Concerns regarding IT Rules, 2023

High Court’s Observation on the Fact Check Unit (FCU):

• Violation of Constitutional Rights:
  • The Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 were deemed in violation of Article 14 (right to equality), Article 19 (freedom of speech and expression), and 19(1)(g) (freedom of profession) as per the Indian Constitution.
• Ambiguity in Definition:
  • The terms “fake” or “misleading” news remain unclear, lacking precise definitions.
• Absence of a “Right to Truth”:
  • Since no legally recognized “right to the truth” exists, the state isn’t mandated to ensure that only information verified by the FCU is shared with citizens.
• Proportionality Standard:
  • The court noted that the measures proposed by the FCU do not meet the necessary standard of proportionality.

What is the Fact Check Unit (FCU)?

• Purpose:
  • The FCU is tasked with combating misinformation, especially content related to the Indian government.
• Main Function:
  • The FCU’s primary role is to verify facts and ensure that accurate information is disseminated in public discourse.
• Establishment:
  • In April 2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) established the FCU by modifying the Information Technology Rules, 2021.
• Supreme Court Stay:
  • In March 2024, the Supreme Court issued a stay on the establishment of the FCU under the Press Information Bureau.
• Government’s Stance:
  • The government defended the creation of the FCU, arguing that it serves to curb the spread of misinformation and is one of the least restrictive approaches.
• Enforcement:
  • The FCU will oversee content adjudication, and non-compliance by intermediaries with its guidelines may lead to legal action under Section 79 of the IT Act, 2000, which addresses the violation of safe harbour provisions.

About Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2023

The Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2023 have several provisions aimed at regulating online content and activities. These rules include:

• No platform can allow harmful unapproved online games and their advertisements.
• Sharing false information about the Indian government is prohibited as confirmed by a fact-checking unit.
• Platforms should make reasonable efforts to not host content related to the Central Government that is identified as fake or misleading by a fact-check unit.
• Online gaming platforms will have to register with a Self-Regulatory Body (SRB) to ensure the games are permissible.
• Online games should not involve gambling or betting elements and should comply with legal requirements, standards, and safety precautions such as parental controls.
• If any information is marked as fake, intermediaries will be required to take it down, or they risk losing their safe harbour protection.
• Social media sites will have to take down such posts, and internet service providers will have to block URLs of such content.

Key IT Rules of 2021:

• Social media platforms must exercise greater diligence with respect to the content on their platforms.
• Intermediaries must remove or disable access within 24 hours of receipt of complaints of content that exposes private areas of individuals, shows individuals in full or partial nudity or in sexual act, or is in the nature of impersonation including morphed images, etc.
• Social media platforms must ensure that their privacy policies educate users about not circulating copyrighted material and anything that can be construed as defamatory, racially or ethnically objectionable, paedophilic, threatening the unity, integrity, defence, security or sovereignty of India or friendly relations with foreign states, or violative of any contemporary law.

Concerns regarding IT Rules, 2023

The Information Technology Amendment Rules, 2023 have raised concerns about the potential for government censorship and arbitrary exercise of power.

Lack of clear definition of “fake news”

• The amendment fails to define “fake news”, leaving room for arbitrary determination by the government’s fact-check unit.
• The phrase “in respect of any business” gives the government unchecked power to decide what content can be accessed online.

Concerns about arbitrary power and censorship

• Intermediaries are required to remove information deemed false by the Fact Check Unit, effectively leaving the state as the sole determiner of what is true or false.
• The IT Rules give the government the power to decide what information is bogus and exercise censorship by compelling intermediaries to take down posts deemed fake or false.

Shreya Singhal vs Union of India (2015) case

• The Supreme Court held that a law that limits speech cannot be vague or over-broad.
• The lack of clear definitions and guidelines in the IT Rules, 2023 raises concerns about potential violations of free speech and expression.

-Source: The Hindu

Nagar Van Yojana

Context:

Recently, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Government of India achieved a 100-Day Target of 100 Nagar Vans under Nagar Van Yojana (NVY) with the objective to Enhance Urban Greenery.

Relevance:

GS II: Government Policies and Interventions

Nagar Van Yojana (NVY):

• Launch and Purpose:
  • Initiated in 2020, NVY focuses on enhancing urban greenery to improve the quality of life and foster social cohesion in urban areas.
• Financial Assistance:
  • The scheme offers Rs. 4 lakh per hectare for the development and upkeep of urban forests, encouraging the participation of local communities, students, and other stakeholders in managing green spaces.
• Area Coverage:
  • The size of each Nagar Van varies, covering areas from 10 to 50 hectares.
• Target Cities:
  • NVY is applicable in all cities governed by Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).
• Biodiversity and Engagement:
  • A key focus is on biodiversity by planting fruit-bearing, medicinal, and native species to promote ecological balance and attract wildlife.
  • The scheme promotes community engagement through tree planting, educational initiatives, and sustainable management practices.
• Forest Design:
  • Each Nagar Van must dedicate two-thirds of its area to tree cover and incorporate elements like Biodiversity Parks, Smriti Vans, Butterfly Conservatories, and Herbal Gardens.
  • The initiative also includes Matri Van, created as part of the Ek Ped Ma Ke Naam campaign.
• Goal by 2027:
  • The scheme aims to establish 1,000 Nagar Vans by 2027 with financial backing from the National Fund for National Compensatory Afforestation Management and Planning Authority (National CAMPA).

-Source: Indian Express

Mankidia Tribe

Context:

Recently, the Mankidia community became the 6th particularly vulnerable tribal group (PVTG) PVTG to get habitat rights over forests in Odisha.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

Overview of Mankidia Tribe

• The Mankidia tribe belongs to the Austro-Asiatic ethnic group and primarily depends on forest resources for survival.
• They form a semi-nomadic subsection of the Birhor tribe, moving frequently in search of sustenance.
• The tribe is designated as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) in Odisha, highlighting their marginalized status.

Livelihood and Occupation

• The Mankidia tribe’s main source of livelihood comes from food gathering and hunting. They are among the lesser-known forest-dwelling and nomadic communities in both Odisha and India.
• They roam in small groups within forest areas and set up temporary settlements called Kumbhas, characterized by dome-shaped leaf huts.

Language and Spiritual Beliefs

• The Mankidia tribe speaks a dialect derived from the Munda language, with some members also fluent in Odia.
• Their spiritual beliefs encompass both benevolent and malevolent deities. Logobir and Budhimai are their principal gods.
• They honor their ancestors to ensure health and success in hunting and gathering forest produce.

Geographical Distribution

• The Mankidia tribe predominantly inhabits Odisha, but they are also found in the states of Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, and West Bengal.

-Source: Indian Express

MAPCIS Crater

Context:

Recently, Australian researchers have uncovered evidence of a massive impact crater which is named as MAPCIS, which could revolutionise our understanding of Earth’s geological history.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and technology

MAPCIS Crater Overview:

• MAPCIS is a nonconcentric complex crater that may offer crucial insights into Earth’s geological and biological history.
• It spans an impressive 600 kilometers across central Australia.
• Referred to as the Massive Australian Precambrian-Cambrian Impact Structure (MAPCIS).
• The event that caused the crater is believed to have occurred towards the end of the Ediacaran period.
• It contains pseudotachylite breccia (melt rock) deposits, lonsdaleite (shocked diamonds), and notable concentrations of iridium—all indicative of a high-impact event.

Key Facts About the Ediacaran Period:

• Geological Timeline: The Ediacaran period spans from 635 to 541 million years ago, marking the end of the Proterozoic Eon.
• Significance: This period saw the earliest known development of multicellular life.
• Biological Transition: It represents a time of major geological and biological transformation, transitioning from a world dominated by microscopic life to one teeming with Cambrian animals.

-Source: India Today