West Asia
Why in the news?
Israel’s ground incursion into Lebanon escalated tensions in West Asia, leading to the deaths of eight Israeli soldiers.
Israeli Ground Incursion:
- Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
- Eight Israeli soldiers were killed, including seven in two separate attacks and a 22-year-old captain.
- The incursions occurred just before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.
Iran’s Ballistic Missile Attack:
- Iran carried out its largest missile attack on Israel, targeting three military bases.
- Most missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, supported by a U.S.-led coalition.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the attack “a big mistake” and promised retaliation.
Responses and Warnings:
- Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated the attack was over unless provoked further, warning of a stronger response.
- Hezbollah claimed to have repelled an Israeli infiltration in southern Lebanon, destroying three Merkava tanks.
- Israel conducted two brief incursions into Lebanon and urged evacuation from over 20 areas.
U.S. Position:
- President Joe Biden announced new sanctions on Iran but opposed Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
- Biden emphasized the need for Israel to respond proportionally, with ongoing discussions among G-7 nations.
India Calls For Restraint:
- India expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia after Iran’s missile strikes on Tel Aviv.
- India urged all parties to exercise restraint and called for a peaceful resolution to prevent a broader regional conflict.
Impact on Lebanon:
- Nearly 1,900 people have been killed and over 9,000 wounded in Lebanon due to nearly a year of cross-border fighting.
- More than one million people have been displaced, with significant escalation in the past two weeks.
Israeli Ground Incursion:
- Israel launched a ground operation in Lebanon against Hezbollah.
- Eight Israeli soldiers were killed, including seven in two separate attacks and a 22-year-old captain.
- The incursions occurred just before Rosh Hashana, the Jewish New Year.
Iran’s Ballistic Missile Attack:
- Iran carried out its largest missile attack on Israel, targeting three military bases.
- Most missiles were intercepted by Israeli air defenses, supported by a U.S.-led coalition.
- Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu labeled the attack “a big mistake” and promised retaliation.
Responses and Warnings:
- Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian stated the attack was over unless provoked further, warning of a stronger response.
- Hezbollah claimed to have repelled an Israeli infiltration in southern Lebanon, destroying three Merkava tanks.
- Israel conducted two brief incursions into Lebanon and urged evacuation from over 20 areas.
U.S. Position:
- President Joe Biden announced new sanctions on Iran but opposed Israeli strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
- Biden emphasized the need for Israel to respond proportionally, with ongoing discussions among G-7 nations.
India Calls For Restraint:
- India expressed deep concern over the escalating crisis in West Asia after Iran’s missile strikes on Tel Aviv.
- India urged all parties to exercise restraint and called for a peaceful resolution to prevent a broader regional conflict.
Impact on Lebanon:
- Nearly 1,900 people have been killed and over 9,000 wounded in Lebanon due to nearly a year of cross-border fighting.
- More than one million people have been displaced, with significant escalation in the past two weeks.
Nanodiamonds
Why in the news?
Recent advancements in fluorescent nanodiamonds (FNDs) have demonstrated their unique properties, such as stability under light and long fluorescence lifespan.
What are Nanodiamonds
Nanodiamonds are minuscule diamond particles measured at the nanoscale, mainly made of carbon. They are formed under conditions of high temperature and pressure, giving them distinctive properties that make them useful in various scientific and industrial fields, especially in imaging, sensing, and biological tracking.
Properties of Nanodiamonds
- Size: Typically between 1 and 100 nanometers.
- Stability: Remain stable under prolonged exposure to light.
- Non-Toxic: Safe for biological applications.
- Fluorescence: Emit light with a duration of over 10 nanoseconds.
- Dopability: Can be modified with elements like nitrogen to enhance their properties.
- High Surface Area: Provide a significant reactive surface for interactions.
- Thermal Conductivity: Exhibit efficient heat conduction.
- Mechanical Strength: Display high toughness and hardness.
- Biocompatibility: Compatible with biological tissues.
How Nanodiamond Spin Can Aid Scientific Research
- Quantum Computing: Spin qubits in nanodiamonds can encode and process quantum information.
- Berry Phase Measurement: Facilitate the measurement of Berry phase, essential for understanding quantum effects and topological materials.
- Gravity Testing: Potential for exploring the reconciliation of quantum mechanics and gravity through rapidly rotating spin qubits.
- Sensor Development: Sensitivity to acceleration and electric fields contributes to the creation of advanced sensors for high-value industries.
- Gyroscopes: The Berry phase effect from rotation can be utilized to develop precise gyroscopes for detecting rotation.
- Long-term Observations: The stable behavior of spin qubits allows for extended tracking and observation in experimental setups.
- Innovative Materials: Doping nanodiamonds can result in new materials with customized properties for various scientific applications.
Controversy over New Food Safety Directives
Why in the news?
The Uttar Pradesh government has mandated that food establishments clearly display the names of key personnel, including the operator, proprietor, and manager, a requirement echoed in Himachal Pradesh.
This development raises concerns regarding the regulatory framework established by the Food Safety and Standards Act (FSSA), 2006, and the authority of state governments to implement supplementary regulations.
Regulatory Framework for Food Businesses in India
- Registration and Licensing: Food businesses must register or obtain a license from the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) under the FSSA, 2006.
- Small vs. Large Businesses: Small-scale vendors need registration, while larger businesses require a license.
- Display Requirement: Both the registration certificate and license must be prominently displayed at the business premises.
State Government Powers Under FSSA
- Rule-Making Authority: State governments can create additional rules with approval from the Food Authority, as outlined in Section 94 of the FSSA.
- Compliance with Central Regulations: State rules must not contradict central regulations and must be presented to the legislature for approval.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
- Legal Consequences: Operators without proper registration or a license can face up to six months in prison and fines up to Rs. 5 lakh (Section 63 of the FSSA).
- Improvement Notices: Violations of other provisions may lead to an Improvement Notice, potentially resulting in license suspension or cancellation.
Controversy Over the Directives
- Concerns of Discrimination: The requirement to display owner details has raised issues regarding potential discrimination, especially against minority communities.
- Constitutional Violation Claims: Petitioners argue this violates Article 15(1) of the Constitution by forcing the disclosure of religious or caste identities.
Rationale Behind the New Directives
- Public Health Justification: The UP government cited food adulteration incidents as a reason for implementing stricter regulations.
- Additional Measures: Initiatives like requiring CCTV cameras in food establishments have also been introduced.
Conclusion
- Goals of the Directives: The directives aim to enhance transparency and food safety.
- Legal and Social Debate: They have sparked discussions regarding discrimination and constitutional rights.
What is the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India?
- Establishment: FSSAI is an autonomous body created under the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006, consolidating various food laws.
- Purpose: It serves as a single reference point for food safety and standards, moving to a unified command system.
- Regulatory Role: FSSAI regulates food safety and quality in India under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare.
- Structure: The headquarters is in New Delhi, with regional offices across eight zones; the Chairperson is appointed by the central government and holds the rank of Secretary to the Government of India.
Drop in Elephant Population
Why in the news?
The news highlights a significant 20% decline in India’s elephant population, primarily due to habitat loss and developmental activities, based on an unreleased government census report.
Key Findings
- Elephant Population Decline: The report reveals a 20% decrease in the national elephant population compared to five years ago.
- Central India & Eastern Ghats: These areas experienced a 41% decline, with West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Odisha seeing the largest reductions (84%, 68%, and 54%, respectively).
- Western Ghats: There was an overall decline of 18%, with Kerala facing a 51% drop.
- Shivalik Hills & Gangetic Plains: The population in these regions remained stable, with only a 2% decrease.
Causes of Decline
- Developmental Threats: The report identifies “unmitigated mining” and “linear infrastructure construction” as significant threats to elephant habitats, leading to fragmentation and disruption of movement corridors.
- Human-Wildlife Conflicts: Habitat loss has forced elephants into new areas, resulting in increased conflicts with humans.
- Other Threats: Poaching, railway collisions, and electrocution are also major concerns.
Regional Threats and Fragmentation
- Central and Eastern Ghats: Habitat destruction due to mining and infrastructure development has dislocated elephants, intensifying conflicts.
- Western Ghats: Changes in land use, including plantations and encroachment, have fragmented elephant populations.
- Northeast: The region is heavily impacted by human settlements, plantations, and mining, complicating elephant movements. Poaching for ivory remains a significant issue.
Call for Action
- Habitat Protection: The report advocates for improved protection, habitat restoration, and enhanced movement corridors to preserve elephant populations.
- Conservation Strategies: It emphasizes the need for community support, addressing developmental impacts, and focused conservation efforts in areas at high risk.
Significance of Elephants in Ecosystem
- Elephants are crucial grazers and browsers, consuming large amounts of vegetation daily and dispersing seeds as they move.
- They play a vital role in shaping the vegetation of the Asian landscape, creating clearings in forests that allow sunlight to reach new seedlings, promoting plant growth and forest regeneration.
- Elephants also dig for water in dry conditions, providing access to water sources for themselves and other wildlife.
Elephants in India
- India is home to the largest population of wild Asian elephants, estimated at 29,964 according to the 2017 census conducted by Project Elephant, accounting for about 60% of the global population.
- Karnataka has the highest number of elephants, followed by Assam and Kerala.
Delay in Publication
- Reason for Delay: The publication of the report has been postponed due to incomplete census data from the Northeast. The Ministry indicated that new methods, such as DNA profiling and camera traps, require additional time and resources.
- Northeast Data Extrapolation: Data for the Northeastern states were derived from the 2017 census, as primary data collection was limited.
2 women Navy officers begin voyage around the world
Why in the news?
Lieutenant Commanders Dilna K. and Roopa A. of the Indian Navy are undertaking a significant circumnavigation expedition aboard the INSV Tarini.
News Analysis:
- The voyage, called Navika Sagar Parikrama, was inaugurated by Navy Chief Admiral Dinesh K. Tripathi at INS Mandovi in Goa.
- Participants will be aboard the INSV Tarini, a 56-foot vessel outfitted with advanced navigation, safety, and communication technologies.
- The expedition is divided into five legs, with stops for refueling at four ports: Fremantle (Australia), Lyttleton (New Zealand), Port Stanley (Falkland), and Cape Town (South Africa).
- The journey aims to enhance national scientific research, including investigations into marine microplastics and large sea mammals.
- Both officers have significant sailing experience and have undergone more than three years of training in preparation for this voyage.
Brazil’s coast eroding
Why in the news?
Brazil’s coast eroding faster than ever as Atlantic Ocean advances.
More about the news:
- Coastal erosion in Atafona, Brazil, is intensified by climate change and river silting.
- Sea levels have risen by 13 cm in the last 30 years, with predictions of an additional 16 cm by 2050.
- Coastal areas may experience up to 150 meters of inland ocean advance in the next 28 years.
- Ponta Negra beach has lost 15 meters of sand over the past two decades, necessitating costly restoration efforts.
- Saltwater intrusion into the Amazon River threatens biodiversity and local fishing communities, especially during severe droughts.
- The IPCC reports that sea level rise has accelerated to 0.48 cm annually, more than double previous rates.
Little Prespa Lake
Why in the news?
Little Prespa Lake on the Albanian-Greek border is rapidly drying up, transforming from a vibrant fishing lake into a marsh.
More about the news:
- Little Prespa Lake is located on the border between Albania and Greece, primarily within Greek territory.
- The lake has transformed from a clear body of water into a marshy area, with only 20 hectares remaining as water.
- The deterioration of the lake began in the 1970s when the Devoll River was diverted for irrigation.
- Climate change, characterized by rising temperatures and reduced precipitation, has worsened the lake’s condition.
- Local fishing communities have been severely impacted, with declining fish populations leading to livestock becoming the main source of livelihood.
- Abandoned boats are now found on dry land, symbolizing the lake’s decline.
- Experts warn that continued dry winters and hot summers could result in the complete desiccation of the lake.
Rhesus Monkey Menace
Why in the news?
The article discusses the use of langurs to control the increasing rhesus monkey menace in urban areas, highlighting ethical concerns, legal protections, and the need for better long-term solutions.
Langur Physical Characteristics
- Coloration: Langurs are generally gray or black, with some species displaying white markings on their faces or bodies.
- Tail: They have long, slender tails that can be as long as their bodies, which aid in balance.
- Face: Langurs possess relatively flat faces with narrow, pointed noses.
- Eyes: Their eyes are large and adapted for good vision.
Rhesus Monkey Physical Characteristics
- Coloration: Rhesus macaques usually have brown or grayish fur, with pinkish faces.
- Tail: They have shorter tails compared to langurs.
- Face: Their faces are rounder and less pointed than those of langurs.
- Eyes: Rhesus macaques have distinctive red or brown eyes.
Use of Langurs to Ward Off Monkeys
- The UP Cricket Association employed langurs to deter food-stealing rhesus monkeys during a cricket match at Kanpur’s Green Park Stadium.
- Langurs have been used throughout India to scare away rhesus monkeys, particularly in urban areas like Lutyens’ Delhi.
Are Langurs Natural Enemies of Rhesus Monkeys?
Coexistence in Nature
- Contrary to common belief, langurs and rhesus monkeys often coexist peacefully in the wild.
- Research, including studies from Michigan University, indicates amicable interactions, including grooming and play behaviors between the two species in their natural habitats.
Why Are Langurs Effective Against Rhesus Monkeys?
The Role of Training
- Langurs are effective against rhesus monkeys due to trained behaviors rather than natural hostility.
- Rhesus monkeys tend to be jumpy and nervous, prompting them to react to the presence of langurs.
- However, training langurs often involves cruelty, including capturing them from the wild and subjecting them to harsh conditions.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
Protection and Prohibition
- Langurs are protected under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and their use to scare monkeys is prohibited by the Wildlife Crime Control Bureau (WCCB).
- Despite these legal protections, enforcement is often lax; authorities sometimes resort to using langur cutouts or impersonators to deter monkeys.
The Rising Rhesus Monkey Problem
Habitat Loss and Human Interaction
- Deforestation and urban development have brought rhesus monkeys into closer contact with humans, leading to conflicts in rural and urban areas.
- Cultural reverence for monkeys and poor waste management contribute to a consistent food source, worsening the issue.
Human-Monkey Conflict
Impact on Humans
- Rhesus monkeys cause significant damage to crops, invade urban areas, and can attack humans; monkey bites represent a notable portion of animal bite injuries in India.
- It is estimated that cities in India face around 1,000 monkey bites daily.
Recommendations for Mitigating the Monkey Menace
Conservation and Management Solutions
- Conservationists advocate for enhancing habitat protection, implementing mass translocation measures, and enforcing restrictions on feeding monkeys to address the problem at its source.
NET Result
Why in the news?
The use of the National Eligibility Test (NET) for PhD admissions in India has sparked debate due to concerns over its efficacy in assessing research potential.
Use of NET for PhD Admissions
- The National Eligibility Test (NET) has emerged as a key criterion for PhD admissions in India, leading to considerable debate within the academic community.
- Historically, NET was used to qualify candidates for Junior Research Fellowships (JRF) and assess eligibility for assistant professorships.
- Its expanding role in PhD admissions raises concerns about its effectiveness in evaluating genuine research potential.
Limitations of NET in Assessing Research Potential
- NET consists solely of multiple-choice questions (MCQs), which primarily test memory and recall, lacking the assessment of critical thinking and analytical skills.
- PhD research necessitates deep engagement with complex concepts, creativity, and the ability to critique existing knowledge—attributes that the current NET format does not sufficiently evaluate.
- In disciplines like literature, social sciences, and humanities, where interpretation and analysis are vital, MCQs simplify intricate topics into trivial questions.
- This method restricts the test’s ability to measure candidates’ skills in developing nuanced arguments and engaging with broader theoretical frameworks.
Disadvantages for Marginalised Communities
- The dependence on NET scores for PhD admissions disproportionately affects students from marginalized backgrounds.
- These students often encounter significant barriers in accessing resources for exam preparation, with the high cost of coaching intensifying inequality.
- Many capable students from underprivileged backgrounds are excluded from PhD programs not due to a lack of intellect, but because of systemic obstacles.
Impact on Institutional Autonomy
- Centralizing PhD admissions through NET diminishes the autonomy of higher educational institutions, which traditionally select candidates based on research proposals, interviews, and discipline-specific assessments.
- This “one-size-fits-all” method threatens the diversity and innovation essential for academic research in India.
- Institutional autonomy is vital for shaping research programs and recruiting candidates based on specific needs.
Failure to Prepare Students for Doctoral Research
- The current focus on NET scores restricts the range of skills necessary for doctoral research, such as original insight, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, and engaging in scholarly discourse.
- These tasks require strong analytical abilities, creativity, and effective communication—skills that NET does not promote.
- Instead, NET encourages rote learning and superficial engagement with subjects.
Concerns about Brain Drain
- As India aims to become a leader in education and research, many students are increasingly choosing to pursue PhDs abroad due to limitations in the domestic system.
- The emphasis on standardized testing like NET may hinder creativity and critical thinking, which are better nurtured through holistic and flexible admission processes abroad.
- If the trend of rigid, centralized PhD admissions continues, more students may seek opportunities overseas where their research potential is assessed more comprehensively.
Narrowing the Scope of Academic Inquiry
- The reliance on NET scores as the main criterion for PhD admissions may unintentionally limit the breadth of research in India.
- Research flourishes on diversity—in thought, methodology, and perspective—but standardized testing prioritizing rote memorization restricts this diversity.
- This could lead to a generation of scholars who excel at passing exams rather than advancing knowledge.
- The narrowing of academic inquiry threatens the development of original ideas and innovative research, essential for progress in any field.
The Need for a Holistic Approach
- The challenge lies not just in selecting candidates who perform well on standardized tests but in creating a system that nurtures the diverse talents essential for groundbreaking research.
- By adopting a more holistic approach, India can retain its brightest minds and foster a dynamic, inclusive, and globally competitive higher education system.
- To maintain its global academic standing, India must embrace PhD admissions that prioritize creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful contributions to academic research.