Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Houthi Rebels
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The United States and the United Kingdom have initiated military strikes against Houthi groups in Yemen on January 11.
- This action is a response to the Houthis’ continued aggression towards maritime vessels in the Red Sea, a crucial global trade route.
Background of the Conflict
- Houthi Attacks on Shipping: Since November 2023, Houthi forces have targeted ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, disrupting one of the world’s busiest maritime trade routes.
- Israeli-Hamas Conflict: The Houthis’ actions are in response to the Israeli military’s bombardment of Gaza following an attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in significant casualties.
Houthi Group and Regional Dynamics
- Who Are the Houthis?: The Houthis are a Shia militant group engaged in the civil war in Yemen, controlling significant parts of the country, including the capital Sana’a.
- Regional Rivalries: The conflict reflects long-standing regional rivalries, with Iran backing the Houthis and Saudi Arabia supporting the Yemeni government. The Houthis’ involvement in the Israel-Hamas war is also seen as part of these broader regional dynamics.
Concerns for Global Trade
- Impact on World Trade: Approximately 12% of global trade passes through the Red Sea and Suez Canal, making the security of this route critical.
- Alternative Routes: Due to safety concerns, some ships have been rerouted around the Cape of Good Hope, leading to increased transit times and fuel costs.
Implications for the Region
- Operation Prosperity Guardian: Launched by the US, this coalition aims to ensure maritime security in the region, but partner countries have shown reluctance to contribute significantly.
- Risks of Wider Conflict: There are concerns about the conflict spreading beyond Israel and Gaza, with the potential for unpredictable outcomes in the Middle East.
- Impact on Yemeni Peace Negotiations: The strikes may affect ongoing peace negotiations in Yemen, mediated by Oman and the United Nations.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: NA
Mains level: India-Bhutan Relations and China Factor
Introduction
- In a significant political development, Tshering Tobgay and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) emerged victorious in Bhutan’s recent runoff election, marking a pivotal moment in the country’s young democracy.
- Bhutan’s election not only reflects the evolving political dynamics within but also has broader implications for the region, particularly in terms of Bhutan’s relations with India and China.
Bhutan’s Democratic Evolution
- Fair Elections: Unlike some neighbouring countries, Bhutan’s elections have been largely free from tampering or political violence.
- Monarchy to Democracy: Since transitioning from a monarchy to a parliamentary democracy in 2008, Bhutan has seen its democratic processes evolve, with increased party participation and voter choice.
- Challenges: Despite progress, concerns about media censorship and discrimination against minorities persist.
Economic Context of the Elections
- Economic Challenges: Bhutan faces economic difficulties, including a struggling tourism sector, high youth unemployment, and significant emigration for better opportunities.
- Tobgay’s Economic Focus: Tobgay’s campaign centred on addressing these economic issues, promising investment and solutions to curb the emigration trend.
India’s Role and Regional Implications
- India-Bhutan Relations: India remains Bhutan’s largest donor and ally, playing a crucial role in Bhutan’s economic recovery and infrastructure development.
- Hydroelectric Potential: Bhutan’s untapped hydroelectric resources present opportunities for energy trade with India.
- China Factor: Recent years have seen heightened tensions between India and China over Bhutan, especially in the disputed Doklam region.
- Tobgay’s Pro-India Stance: Tobgay is perceived as pro-India, which aligns with India’s strategic interests in the region. His election has been positively received by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Conclusion
- Tshering Tobgay’s election victory in Bhutan is a testament to the country’s maturing democracy and its ability to navigate complex economic and geopolitical challenges.
- As Bhutan continues to balance its relationships with major powers like India and China, Tobgay’s leadership will be pivotal in shaping the nation’s future trajectory, both domestically and in the broader South Asian context.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Kalaram Mandir's Legacy
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- The Kalaram Mandir, located on the banks of the Godavari in Nashik’s Panchavati area, has recently garnered attention with visits from prominent political leaders, including Prime Minister.
- This temple, steeped in historical, religious, and social significance, has been a focal point for major political and social movements in India.
Kalaram Mandir’s Legacy
- Temple’s Name and Idol: The temple gets its name from the black statue of Lord Ram (‘Kala Ram’ means ‘Black Ram’). The sanctum sanctorum houses statues of Ram, Sita, Lakshman, and a black idol of Hanuman.
- Construction and Features: Built-in 1792 by Sardar Rangarao Odhekar, the temple features 14 steps representing Ram’s years of exile and 84 pillars symbolizing the cycle of rebirth in Hinduism.
- Historical Significance: The temple is renowned for its association with the epic Ramayana, where Lord Ram, along with Sita and Lakshman, is said to have spent time during their exile.
Panchavati’s Role in the Ramayana
- Significance in the Epic: Panchavati, the area where the temple is located, is significant in the Ramayana. It’s believed to be the site where Sita was abducted by Ravan, leading to the epic war in Lanka.
- Name Origin: The name ‘Panchavati’ is derived from the presence of five banyan trees, making the region auspicious according to the epic.
Temple as a Site of Social Reform
- Dalit Satyagraha: In 1930, Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and social activist Pandurang Sadashiv Sane (Sane Guruji) led a historic agitation at the Kalaram Mandir, demanding temple entry rights for Dalits.
- Ambedkar’s Protest: The protest involved a sit-in outside the temple, with participants singing songs and raising slogans for equality.
- Continued Relevance: The temple remains a symbol of the struggle for Dalit rights, highlighted by Uddhav Thackeray’s plan to visit on the day of the Ram temple consecration in Ayodhya.
Political Significance
- Recent Political Visits: The temple has seen visits from major political figures, reflecting its continued relevance in contemporary politics and social issues.
- Symbol of Unity and Equality: Leaders visiting the temple often emphasize its role in symbolizing unity and the fight for social justice in India.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Thirty Meter Telescope
Mains level: Read the attached story
Introduction
- India’s Department of Science and Technology (DST) has shown a renewed interest in the global scientific endeavor, the Thirty Meter Telescope (TMT) project, as evidenced by their recent visit to Mauna Kea in Hawai’i.
- This visit marks a significant step in addressing the challenges faced by this ambitious astronomical project.
Overview of the TMT Project
- Project Description: The TMT is envisioned as a 30-metre diameter primary-mirror optical and infrared telescope, designed for deep space observations.
- International Collaboration: It is a joint venture involving the U.S., Japan, China, Canada, and India, with India’s participation approved by the Union Cabinet in 2014.
Key facts related to TMT
- Its 30m diameter prime-mirror will allow it to observe wavelengths ranging from ultraviolet to mid-infrared with up to 80 times more sensitivity of today’s largest telescopes.
- It can deliver images at infrared wavelengths more than 12 times sharper than the famed Hubble Space Telescope and 4 times sharper than James Webb Space Telescope (JSWT).
Challenges and Controversies
- Location Issues: Mauna Kea, the proposed site for the TMT, is an inactive volcano considered sacred by local communities. The site has faced opposition due to its cultural and religious significance.
- Legal Hurdles: The Supreme Court of Hawaii invalidated the construction permits in 2015, although they were later restored in 2018. Despite this, local opposition has continued to impede construction.
Alternate Site Consideration
- Plan B: The Observatorio del Roque de los Muchachos (ORM) on La Palma in Spain’s Canary Islands is being considered as an alternative site for the TMT.
- India’s Stance: As per statements made in 2020, India prefers moving the project to an alternate site, subject to the availability of necessary permits and procedures.
India’s Role and Contribution
- Major Contributor: India is expected to play a significant role in the TMT project, contributing hardware, instrumentation, and software worth $200 million.
- Mirror Production: Of the 492 required mirrors, India will contribute 83, showcasing its capabilities in precision engineering and technology.
Current Status and Future Prospects
- Ongoing Discussions: Efforts are being made to reach a consensus that respects the concerns of the local people in Hawai’i.
- Progress in Component Development: Despite the delay in construction, significant advancements have been made in developing essential components for the TMT.
- Decision Timeline: A firm decision on the project’s site is anticipated within the next two years, as per Annapurni Subramaniam, director of the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIAP).
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Himalayan Wolf
Mains level: NA
Introduction
- The Himalayan Wolf (Canis lupus chanco), a distinct lupine species inhabiting the Himalayas, has recently been classified as ‘Vulnerable’ on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)’s Red List.
- This classification highlights the urgent need for conservation efforts to protect this unique predator.
About Himalayan Wolf
- Taxonomic Status: Long a subject of taxonomic ambiguity, the Himalayan Wolf has been confirmed as a genetically unique lineage of wolves.
- Population Estimate: The IUCN Red List estimates the population of mature individuals to be between 2,275 and 3,792, acknowledging the uncertainty of this figure.
- Geographical Range: The Himalayan Wolf is found across the Himalayan range of Nepal and India and extends across the Tibetan Plateau.
- Population in India: In the Indian Himalayas, the population is estimated to be between 227 and 378 mature individuals, primarily in Ladakh and the Spiti Valley of Himachal Pradesh, with potential small populations in Uttarakhand and Sikkim.
Conservation Challenges
- Habitat Decline: The species faces a continuing decline in habitat quality and extent.
- Conflict with Livestock: Livestock depredation conflicts are significant, exacerbated by habitat modification and depletion of wild prey.
- Hybridization Threats: Increasing populations of feral dogs in regions like Ladakh and Spiti pose a threat of hybridization.
- Illegal Hunting: The Himalayan Wolf is hunted illegally for its fur and body parts, contributing to its declining numbers.
Conservation Strategies Proposed
- Habitat and Prey Restoration: Securing and restoring healthy wild prey populations and landscapes, and establishing wildlife habitat refuges.
- Improved Livestock Management: Enhancing livestock guarding methods, including predator-proof corral pens, sustainable herding practices, and holistic management practices.
- Feral Dog Population Management: Addressing the growing challenge of feral dogs that threaten the Himalayan Wolf through hybridization.
- Trans-boundary Conservation Efforts: Collaborative efforts among range countries for research, monitoring, and conservation.
- Herding/Pasture Management: Improving practices in regions where wolves are heavily dependent on livestock, such as in Ladakh.
- Inclusion in Conservation Programs: Incorporating the Himalayan Wolf in conservation programs to promote public acceptance and reduce persecution.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Operation AMRITH
Mains level: Not Much
Introduction
- The Kerala Drug Control Department launched Operation Amrith (Antimicrobial Resistance Intervention For Total Health), a significant initiative to curb the overuse of antibiotics in the state.
Operation AMRITH
- Objective: The initiative aims to optimize antibiotic use by preventing over-the-counter (OTC) sales and ensuring compliance with prescription requirements.
- Pharmacy Regulations: Pharmacies are required to maintain accurate records of antibiotic sales and display notices stating that antibiotics will not be sold without a doctor’s prescription.
- Public Participation: The initiative encourages public involvement by allowing individuals to report pharmacies that sell antibiotics without a prescription.
Enforcement and Compliance
- Surprise Raids: The program includes conducting surprise checks in retail medical shops to detect OTC sales of antibiotics.
- Toll-Free Complaint Number: A toll-free number (18004253182) is provided for the public to lodge complaints against medical shops violating the rules.
- Immediate Action: Complaints are swiftly transferred to relevant zonal offices for verification, followed by immediate departmental action upon confirmation of violations.
Background and Context
- Kerala’s AMR Strategy: Kerala was the first state in India to develop a state action plan on AMR, the Kerala Anti-Microbial Resistance Strategic Action Plan (KARSAP), in 2018.
- Multi-Sectoral Approach: The plan, aligned with India’s National Action Plan on AMR, addresses human, animal, and environmental aspects of AMR containment.
- Support and Collaboration: The plan was developed with contributions from the Centre for Science and Environment and involves various state departments in its implementation.
- Surveillance Networks: The Kerala Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (KARS-NET) monitors AMR in humans, while an integrated plan covers non-human sector surveillance.
- AMR Laboratory: The Kerala State Pollution Control Board (KSPCB) inaugurated an AMR laboratory for environmental surveillance in August 2023.
- PROUD Initiative: The Programme on Removal of Unused Drugs (PROUD) is a drug take-back program piloted in Thiruvananthapuram for the proper disposal of unused antibiotics.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: National Determined Contributions (NDCs):
Mains level: 16th Finance Commission should prioritize incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity into tax devolution formulas
Central Idea:
The article emphasizes the pivotal role that fiscal federalism, particularly through Finance Commissions (FC), plays in India’s efforts to combat climate change by promoting forest conservation. It highlights the need for the 16th Finance Commission to adopt innovative approaches, such as incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity into tax distribution formulas, to align with India’s environmental goals.
Key Highlights:
- India actively participates in global initiatives to enhance forest cover, combat climate change, and build community resilience.
- Finance Commissions have historically allocated funds for forest conservation, evolving from grants to a dedicated share of the central tax pool.
- The 15th Finance Commission became the world’s largest payment for ecosystem services (PES) system, distributing funds based on both forest cover and density.
- The 16th Finance Commission, appointed in 2021, is crucial for shaping tax distribution principles for 2026-31, coinciding with India’s commitments under the Paris Agreement.
- The article suggests incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity as key parameters in the tax devolution formula to drive action toward India’s National Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Key Challenges:
- Balancing conservation efforts with opportunity costs, which can be substantial and potentially prohibitive.
- Addressing pollution challenges, especially the need for funds to tackle issues like crop burning and mangrove restoration.
- Adapting to changing climate patterns leading to forest fires, necessitating innovative solutions and funding.
Key Terms:
- Fiscal federalism: The distribution of fiscal responsibilities and resources between different levels of government.
- National Determined Contributions (NDCs): Commitments made by countries under the Paris Agreement to mitigate climate change.
- Payment for Ecosystem Services (PES): Systems where individuals or entities are compensated for protecting or enhancing ecosystem services.
- Tax devolution: The distribution of tax revenues among different levels of government.
Key Phrases:
- “Largest payment for ecosystem services (PES) system in the world.”
- “Tax devolution formula as a tool to align with India’s NDCs.”
- “Finance Commission evolving from a fiscal arbitrator to an orchestrator of climate readiness.”
Key Quotes:
- “The 16th FC can be pivotal in creating a basis for market instruments like National Carbon Market and National Green Credit Market to succeed.”
- “The Commission needs to metamorphose from a conventional fiscal arbitrator to an orchestrator of India’s climate readiness.”
Key Statements:
- “The 15th FC effectively became the largest payment for ecosystem services (PES) system in the world.”
- “The 16th FC can be pivotal in creating a basis for these market instruments to succeed.”
Key Facts:
- India’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 33-35% and building an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3 billion tonnes of CO2 by 2030.
- The role of Finance Commissions in mobilizing and distributing funds to states for forest conservation and combating air pollution.
Critical Analysis:
The article underscores the evolving role of Finance Commissions in environmental conservation and suggests innovative approaches for the 16th FC. However, challenges such as balancing conservation with opportunity costs and addressing pollution issues require careful consideration.
Way Forward:
The 16th Finance Commission should prioritize incorporating climate vulnerability and emission intensity into tax devolution formulas. It must transform into a key player in India’s climate readiness by aligning economic growth with environmental imperatives, supporting clean energy initiatives, and addressing regional climate challenges.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Director General of Police (DGP)
Mains level: persistent challenges in the relationship between the Centre and Opposition-led States, particularly in the context of federal policing.
Central Idea:
The article by R.K. Raghavan discusses the state of policing in India, focusing on a recent conference in Jaipur attended by high-ranking police officers. It highlights the challenges faced by the police in terms of public trust, federal-state relations, and the need for a more inclusive and technology-driven approach. Raghavan emphasizes the growing importance of law enforcement in the country while acknowledging the persistent issues that hinder the improvement of the police force’s image.
Key Highlights:
- The three-day conference in Jaipur centered around contemporary issues in Information Technology for the police.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s interaction with police officers signals the increasing significance of law enforcement.
- Despite honest intentions, the police struggle to gain the trust of the majority, and the public’s perception remains negative.
- The article discusses the discord between the Centre and some Opposition-led States, especially regarding the Indian Police Service (IPS).
- The author points out the need for a balance between federal governance and state autonomy, particularly concerning the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Key Challenges:
- Lack of public trust and a negative image of the police force.
- Growing discord between the Centre and Opposition-led States, especially regarding the IPS.
- Unequal attention and glory given to IPS officers, limiting opportunities for lower-ranking personnel.
- Politicization of the police force and the challenge of resisting illegal demands from grassroots politicians.
Key Terms/Phrases:
- Information Technology (IT)
- Director General of Police (DGP)
- Indian Police Service (IPS)
- Enforcement Directorate (ED)
- Federal Governance
- Grassroots Politicians
- Policing Hierarchy
Key Quotes:
- “The police have still to earn the trust and confidence of a majority of the populace.”
- “The ‘New Delhi-conceived and managed’ Indian Police Service (IPS) is perceived to be ‘a permanent irritant’ to some States.”
- “It is unfortunate that even seven decades after India’s Independence, citizens do not have a guardian organisation that will reach out to the poorest in the community.”
Key Statements:
- “The police force needs to balance federal governance and state autonomy to avoid conflicts.”
- “The negative public image of the police hinders effective law enforcement.”
- “There is a need for a major restructuring to bridge the gap between higher and lower ranks within the police force.”
Key Examples and References:
- Attacks on ED officers in some places in India pose a danger to relations between New Delhi and States.
- The article mentions the lack of attention given to the constabulary, as IPS officers tend to hog all the glory.
Key Facts/Data:
- The three-day conference in Jaipur took place in the first week of January.
- The article suggests that high unemployment rates in India drive many individuals to opt for a career in the police force.
- The negative public perception of the police force persists even after seven decades of India’s Independence.
Critical Analysis:
- The article acknowledges the positive shift towards technology adoption within the police force but raises concerns about the unequal distribution of attention and opportunities among ranks.
- The author highlights the persistent challenges in the relationship between the Centre and Opposition-led States, particularly in the context of federal policing.
Way Forward:
- The police force should focus on building trust through transparency and community engagement.
- There is a need for a restructuring that ensures opportunities for lower-ranking personnel to prove themselves.
- Policymakers should address the discord between the Centre and States to promote effective law enforcement.
In summary, R.K. Raghavan’s article underscores the need for comprehensive reforms in India’s police force, considering issues of public trust, federal-state relations, and the need for a more inclusive and technology-driven approach. The author suggests that a balanced and transparent approach can contribute to a positive transformation of the police force in the country.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now
Note4Students
From UPSC perspective, the following things are important :
Prelims level: Places of Worship Act
Mains level: principles of Lord Ram's governance (Ram Rajya)
Central Idea:
The article discusses the resolution of the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute in Ayodhya, emphasizing the significance of mediation in preventing bloodshed. It highlights the positive outcomes, including the absence of violence post the Supreme Court judgment in favor of Hindus. The author, Sriram Panchu, reflects on the factors contributing to the peaceful resolution, such as Muslim forums advocating against similar disputes and the recognition that ending the conflict is in the nation’s interest. The Places of Worship Act 1991 is cited as a crucial legislative tool, and the author stresses the need for its strict implementation to prevent similar disputes.
Key Highlights:
- Successful mediation in the Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute avoided violence.
- Factors contributing to the resolution include Muslim forums discouraging similar conflicts and the national interest in ending the dispute.
- The Places of Worship Act 1991 played a vital role in preventing such disputes but had an exception for the Ayodhya case.
- The article mentions the initial hasty end to mediation, but a subsequent agreement was reached with significant support from both Muslim and Hindu parties.
- The Supreme Court’s acknowledgment of the settlement effort and its decision to grant the disputed land to Hindus are discussed.
Key Terms:
- Babri Masjid-Ram Janambhoomi dispute: The longstanding conflict over the Ayodhya site between Hindus and Muslims.
- Places of Worship Act 1991: Legislation prohibiting the conversion of places of worship with an exception for the Ayodhya dispute.
- Mediation: A process involving positive communication and negotiation to reach a resolution.
Key Phrases:
- “Last of such disputes”: The voiced utterance in Muslim forums that the Ayodhya case should set a precedent for ending similar disputes.
- “Primordial interest of the nation”: Recognizing that resolving the Ayodhya dispute is crucial for the nation’s well-being.
- “Basic Structure of the Constitution”: Referring to the Places of Worship Act’s status as a constitutional safeguard against majority decisions.
- “Maryada Purushottam”: Referring to Lord Ram as the ideal man.
Key Quotes:
- “Even though a settlement may ‘seem to pass on the wings of the wind’, it shall return.” – Reference to the return of the settlement effort after the initial hasty end to mediation.
- “Building a temple and installing a statue and creating an airport and the like is of far less worth than following the dharma of Ram Rajya.” – Emphasizing the importance of embodying Lord Ram’s principles.
Key Statements:
- “Building the Ram Temple is a landmark achievement, but not the only important thing here.” – Stresses the importance of preventing similar disputes through the strict implementation of the Places of Worship Act.
Key Examples and References:
- Reference to Kashi and Mathura as places with historical temples rebuilt on adjoining land, distinguishing them from Ayodhya.
Key Facts:
- The Places of Worship Act 1991 prohibits the conversion of places of worship, except for the Ayodhya dispute.
Key Data:
- The Kashi Vishwanath temple was built in 1780, and the Srikrishna Janmasthan in 1982.
Critical Analysis:
- The article does not deeply analyze the critique of the Supreme Court’s judgment, leaving room for further exploration of its implications.
- Specific instances or challenges in implementing the Places of Worship Act are not detailed, limiting a comprehensive understanding.
Way Forward:
- Emphasizes the need for strict implementation of the Places of Worship Act to prevent the recurrence of similar disputes.
- Encourages following the principles of Lord Ram’s governance (Ram Rajya) as a more valuable achievement than building physical structures.
Get an IAS/IPS ranker as your 1: 1 personal mentor for UPSC 2024
Attend Now