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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS - 27/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/02/2024

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  1. CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/02/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27/02/2024

An expansive land management policy is overdue

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

Land plays a crucial role in ecological, economic, social, and cultural aspects of human activities.

  • However, its multi-dimensional character is often overlooked in land management practices, leading to excessive stress, land degradation, and environmental depletion.

Key Highlights

  • Global Impact and Urgency:
    • Globally, the annual losses of ecosystem services due to land degradation are estimated at $6 trillion.
    • International efforts, such as the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (COP14), emphasize the need to achieve land degradation neutrality.
    • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change’s special report on ‘Climate Change and Land’ proposes country-level stocktaking of land management practices and advocates for options minimizing negative impacts on ecosystem services.
    • The Food and Agriculture Organization’s report, ‘State of the World’s Land and Water Resources for Food and Agriculture,’ underscores the urgency in addressing the neglected area of public policy concerning the long-term future of land, soil, and water.
  • Land Management Challenges in India:
    • India, with only 2.4% of the world’s geographical area but over 17% of the world’s population, faces significant land management challenges.
    • Arable land constitutes 55% of the total geographical area, and forest cover accounts for an additional 22%.
    • However, approximately 30% of the total geographical area is degraded land.
  • Pressure Points and Conflicts:
    • The demand for land in India is intensifying due to development targets, population growth, infrastructure, urbanization, and diverse socio-cultural and environmental aspects.
    • This surge in demand leads to heightened competition among farmers and various land-based sectors, resulting in conflicts, escalating land prices, and changing land rights.
    • Natural areas are shrinking across the country, compromising ecological functions and adversely affecting livelihoods and environmental resilience against disasters.
    • The challenges in India are exacerbated by the impacts of climate change, introducing a new set of complexities to land management.
  • Current Land Management Practices in India:
    • Land management practices in India are sectoral, with each department following its own approach.
    • Land management falls under the jurisdiction of state governments, and ownership decisions are constitutionally vested with private landowners.
    • This administrative complexity, coupled with challenges such as knowledge gaps, short-term planning bias, fragmented approaches, lack of preparedness for unforeseen events, and regulatory barriers, hinders the adoption and implementation of appropriate land management practices in the country.
  • Multi-Stakeholder Approach for Integrated Land Management:
    • To address the challenges in land management, establishing a multi-stakeholder platform at district and sub-district levels is crucial.
    • This platform would bring together farmers, land managers, policymakers, civil society organizations, business leaders, and investors.
    • Article 243ZD (1) of the Constitution allows for district planning committees, which can be activated to consolidate plans from panchayats and municipalities.
    • These committees can play a pivotal role in preparing a comprehensive land management plan, encompassing both agricultural and non-agricultural sectors.
  • Landscape Approach for Informed Decision-Making:
    • Adopting a landscape approach is deemed essential for assessing land potential, allocation, and reallocation for various uses.
    • This approach facilitates deep insights, enabling evaluation, negotiation, trade-offs, and informed decision-making.
    • A climate-smart landscape approach, in particular, aligns with climate objectives, enhances agricultural production, improves local livelihoods, and contributes to biodiversity conservation.
  • Institutional Support for Integrated Landscape Management:
    • Science emphasizes considering land as a system, promoting integrated landscape management.
    • Despite on-ground experiences supporting this approach, systematic institutional support is lacking.
    • The European Landscape Convention underscores the role of landscapes in individual and social well-being.
    • The U.K. Parliamentary Office of Science and Technology highlights in its Brief 42 that addressing climate change, ensuring food security, and tackling the biodiversity crisis hinge on effective land management.
    • It cautions against the inadequacy of existing government policies in addressing the complexities of land management, farming, and the natural environment.
  • Parliamentary Initiatives for Sustainable Land Management:
    • There is a call for Indian parliamentarians to deliberate on emerging challenges in integrated land management practices.
    • By involving all stakeholders horizontally and vertically, parliamentary discussions can contribute to devising appropriate long-term sustainability policies.
    • This collaborative approach is seen as pivotal in navigating the intricacies of land management and fostering holistic solutions for the benefit of society and the environment.

About the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD)

  • The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) is a legally binding international agreement established in 1994 to address desertification and the effects of drought.
  • The convention entered into force on December 26, 1996.
  • Key objectives of the UNCCD include:
    • Combating Desertification:
      • The convention seeks to prevent, control, and reverse land degradation in arid, semi-arid, and dry sub-humid areas through various measures and actions.
    • Mitigating the Effects of Drought:
      • Recognizing the severe impacts of drought on affected regions, the UNCCD aims to enhance the resilience of communities and ecosystems to drought and reduce the vulnerability of populations to its effects.
    • Promoting Sustainable Land Management:
      • The convention encourages the adoption of sustainable land management practices to ensure the productivity of land over the long term and to support the livelihoods of those living in affected areas.
    • Facilitating International Cooperation:
      • The UNCCD promotes international cooperation to address desertification and drought by fostering partnerships between affected countries, donor countries, and international organizations.
      • It emphasizes the sharing of knowledge, experiences, and technologies.
    • Mobilizing Resources:
      • The convention recognizes the need for financial and technical assistance to support affected countries in implementing effective measures.
      • It encourages the mobilization of resources from both public and private sectors.
    • Parties:
      • There are 197 Parties to the Convention, including 196 country Parties and the European Union.
    • Implementation: Parties meet in Conferences of the Parties (COPs) every two years to advance the aims of the Convention.
    • Gender Perspective:
      • Women’s Role: The convention recognizes the important role played by women in regions affected by desertification and drought, particularly in rural areas.
      • Impact on Women: Women are disproportionately affected due to their significant role in agriculture, food production, vulnerability to poverty, and weaker legal protections.
    • Recent Sessions:
      • COP 14 (2019): Held in New Delhi, India, focused on gender-responsive land degradation neutrality projects.
      • COP 13 (2017): Held in Ordos, China, adopted a decision on gender equality and women’s empowerment for effective implementation.

About the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

  • The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) is an intergovernmental body of the United Nations established in 1988 by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) and the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
  • Purpose:
    • The IPCC’s role is to advance scientific knowledge about climate change caused by human activities.
  • Structure:
    • It consists of three Working Groups: Working Group I assesses the physical scientific basis, Working Group II assesses vulnerability, and Working Group III assesses mitigation options.
  • Reports:
    • The IPCC produces comprehensive assessments on climate change, its impacts, and mitigation options.
    • These reports are policy-relevant but not policy-prescriptive.
  • Recent Developments:
    • Sixth Assessment Report: The latest report synthesizes findings from the IPCC’s sixth assessment cycle, highlighting current climate science, threats from climate change, and strategies to limit temperature rises.
    • The IPCC’s reports are crucial inputs for international negotiations on climate change and provide guidance for policymakers worldwide.

About the Food and Agriculture Organization

  • The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations that leads international efforts to defeat hunger and achieve food security.
  • Founded in 1945, the FAO is a neutral intergovernmental organization dedicated to combating hunger and improving local economies through sustainable agriculture.
  • Membership:
    • The FAO has 195 members, including 194 countries and the European Union, working in over 130 countries worldwide.
  • Focus Areas:
    • The FAO aims to ensure food security for all, promote sustainable agriculture, increase agricultural productivity, reduce rural poverty, and protect livelihoods from disasters.
  • Strategic Framework:
    • The FAO’s Strategic Framework 2022-2031 focuses on sustainable agri-food systems, food security, ecosystem protection, economic growth, and reducing inequalities.
  • The FAO collaborates with countries, organizations, and stakeholders to address food security challenges globally.
  • It implements programs to enhance resources, knowledge sharing, gender equality, climate change resilience, and nutrition.

What is the latest row between Trump and NATO?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

Former U.S. President Donald Trump issued a threat to withdraw support for NATO, citing the perceived failure of European NATO allies to increase their defense expenditure.

  • In response, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg emphasized that any suggestion of allies not defending each other undermines overall security, including that of the United States.
  • The context of these statements is crucial, given the challenges faced by President Biden in obtaining Congressional approval for the Ukraine aid bill.

Key Highlights

  • Trump’s Persistent Demands on NATO Spending:
    • Trump’s recent threat is not the first time he has warned NATO’s trans-Atlantic members to enhance their defense spending.
    • Throughout his presidential term from 2017 to 2021, he consistently advocated for reducing or withdrawing aid to NATO.
    • National security advisors Keith Kellogg and Robert O’Brien even proposed a ‘tiered alliance’ concept, seeking to modify Article 3 and Article 5 of NATO’s framework.
    • Article 3 mandates members to make efforts to boost defense capabilities, while Article 5 considers an attack against one member as an attack against all.
    • The suggested modification would make protection under Article 5 contingent on meeting specified defense contribution thresholds.
  • Challenges in Funding NATO Operations:
    • While NATO members have fulfilled the direct funding requirement of €3.8 billion as outlined in the 2024 budget to sustain NATO operations and military commands, the issue of equal contribution to indirect funding persists.
    • The U.S. remains a major contributor to indirect funding, providing €800 billion (68%) out of the total €1,173 billion.
    • This financial imbalance raises concerns about the sustainability of NATO’s operations and the equitable burden-sharing among member countries.
    • The persistent disagreement on defense spending creates uncertainties about the alliance’s cohesion and effectiveness in addressing shared security challenges.
  • Historical Funding Trends and Current Pledges:
    • Since NATO’s inception in 1949, the U.S. has been its primary contributor.
    • The 2% of GDP target was introduced in 2006, but meaningful increases occurred only after Russia’s 2014 invasion of Ukraine.
    • From 2006-2014, except for a few countries, NATO members saw declining trends in their defense spending.
    • European allies and Canada have contributed an additional $600 billion since 2014, yet they are yet to meet the 2% threshold.
    • European NATO members have now pledged $380 billion for the current year, committing to spend 2% of their GDP on defense.
    • Germany and Finland have specifically assured increases in military expenditure, reflecting a renewed commitment to strengthening defense capabilities.
  • A notable shift in Europe’s stance is evident, emphasizing the fortification of defense capabilities internally and reducing dependence on the U.S.
    • This represents a strategic move towards greater self-reliance in ensuring European security.
  • Consequences of Trump’s Withdrawal:
    • If Mr. Trump follows through on his threat and withdraws support from NATO, severe consequences could unfold.
    • Failure to meet the GDP target risks the loss of U.S. military support, potentially leading to the disintegration of the united front that has stood strong against Russia.
    • The withdrawal of U.S. military contribution, a major pillar of NATO’s defense, would have lasting repercussions.
    • Replacing the U.S.’s military role would take decades, considering its substantial historical contribution.
    • The ambiguity over leadership arises, questioning who could lead NATO post-U.S. or which group of countries would step forward to ensure a secure security landscape for Europe.

About the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

  • NATO is a collective security system comprised of 31 member states—29 European and two North American.
  • Established in 1949 following World War II, NATO operates under the North Atlantic Treaty, which stipulates that an attack against one member nation is considered an attack against all members.
  • The organization serves to safeguard the freedoms and security of its allies through political and military means.
  • Collective Defense:
    • An attack against one ally is viewed as an attack against all, and members assist the targeted member with armed forces if necessary.
  • Article 5 Invocation:
    • Article 5 has been invoked only once, in response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States.
  • Mission Expansion:
    • Beyond its initial focus on deterring Soviet expansion, NATO now addresses various global challenges, including terrorism, cybersecurity, and regional conflicts.
  • Organizational Structure:
    • NATO has both civil and military components, with the North Atlantic Council being the principal political decision-making body.
  • Open Door Policy: NATO welcomes new members who share its values and are willing to fulfill the organization’s requirements.

What is Bitcoin halving and what does it mean for the crypto community?

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

Similar to the anticipation surrounding the Olympics every four years in the sporting world, cryptocurrency enthusiasts eagerly await their own quadrennial event known as the ‘Bitcoin Halving.’

  • As athletes prepare for the 2024 Paris Games, crypto traders and Bitcoin miners are gearing up for this significant event predicted to occur in April.

Key Highlights

  • Understanding the Bitcoin Halving:
    • The Bitcoin Halving involves a 50% reduction in the reward provided to Bitcoin miners for successfully processing cryptocurrency transactions.
    • These transactions are added to the public digital ledger, the blockchain.
    • To sustain Bitcoin’s blockchain and ecosystem, miners use advanced computer equipment to solve a complex mathematical puzzle through the ‘Proof of Work’ process.
    • This computational intensity results in significant carbon footprints and substantial electricity consumption, despite the term “mining” being metaphorical.
  • Proof of Work Process: The Puzzle-Solving Competition:
    • Bitcoin miners, operating on an industrial scale with cutting-edge computer equipment, engage in a puzzle-solving competition to claim a prize, currently set at 6.25 Bitcoin (BTC).
    • The actual value of this prize fluctuates based on BTC market prices and when the owner chooses to sell.
  • Analogy to Grocery Store Contest: A Simplified Explanation:
    • A simplified analogy compares the Bitcoin Halving to a contest among grocery store cashiers.
    • The cashiers aim to efficiently process a set of items, with the first accurate cashier receiving a prize of ten gold coins.
    • They can use various tools for billing, from paper and pencil to advanced computer systems attached to price scanners.
    • The cashier with the most advanced equipment is likely to win, but others still have a chance.
    • After four years, the contest continues, but the prize is reduced to five gold coins, raising questions about the effort’s worth based on the market value of gold and the cost of the equipment.
  • Significance of Bitcoin Halving for Crypto Investors:
    • Impact on Bitcoin Supply and Scarcity:
      • The Bitcoin Halving holds importance for crypto investors as it directly affects the supply of BTC in circulation.
      • While Bitcoin mining increases the supply, the Halving reduces the rate at which new coins are released, making the asset more scarce.
      • This scarcity is often associated with pushing up prices, similar to the dynamics observed with precious metals like gold.
    • Finite Supply and Halving Cycles:
      • The finite supply of Bitcoin, capped at 21 million, contributes to its perceived value.
      • Over 19 million BTC have already been mined, and the Bitcoin Halving, occurring every four years, extends the time required for the remaining coins to be mined.
      • This event takes place after 210,000 blocks are mined and has occurred in 2012, 2016, and 2020.
      • In 2009, a successful Bitcoin miner could claim 50 BTC as a reward, but after recent Halvings, this has reduced to 3.125 BTC.
      • However, the increased value of Bitcoin over the years mitigates the impact on miners.
      • As of February 14, with 1 BTC priced at around $49,528, a mining reward would be worth approximately $309,550 (6.25 x price of 1 BTC).
      • The post-Halving impact on investors depends on the subsequent price movements of Bitcoin.
    • Global Distribution of Bitcoin Miners:
      • Bitcoin miners, both corporate and independent, are globally distributed, seeking locations with cheap electricity, such as Kazakhstan and Iran.
      • Government crackdowns in China led to a significant migration of crypto miners to other countries.
    • Varied Impact on Different Investors:
      • The impact of the Bitcoin Halving varies among different investors based on their involvement and knowledge of the crypto ecosystem.
      • Corporate miners, heavily invested in mining hardware and electricity costs, may be eager to maximize block rewards before further reductions.
      • New investors, unfamiliar with blockchain technology, might not react significantly to the news.
      • Experienced traders, having observed past Halvings, may adjust their Bitcoin investments, anticipating potential price spikes or crashes.
    • The Crypto Market and Bitcoin Halving: Uncertain Future:
      • The post-Bitcoin Halving scenario remains uncertain, with almost nobody able to provide a definitive answer.
      • Despite numerous self-proclaimed experts in the crypto space, including traders, financial analysts, fintech engineers, and influencers, claiming to predict Bitcoin’s price trajectory using various models and metrics, it’s crucial for investors to recognize that these are essentially educated guesses at best.
      • Challenges in Predicting Bitcoin Price:
        • The complex nature of Bitcoin’s price movements makes accurate predictions challenging.
        • Despite references to a recurring 4-year cycle tied to Halvings and claims that prices tend to spike afterward, the actual journey of Bitcoin has been highly unpredictable.
        • Factors contributing to this unpredictability include blockchain-related developments, global regulatory changes, increased awareness of cryptocurrency investments, growing Bitcoin adoption, and various geopolitical and economic events.
      • Bitcoin’s Price Influenced by Investor Emotions:
        • Bitcoin’s value is significantly influenced by investor emotions, contributing to a market characterized by sudden shifts.
        • The existence of a ‘Fear and Greed’ indicator underlines the role of emotional sentiment in driving price movements.
      • Diverse Factors at Play:
        • Each Bitcoin Halving has been unique, influenced by a mix of factors, making it challenging to draw consistent patterns.
        • The evolving landscape of blockchain technology, regulatory environments, and broader global dynamics further contributes to the complexity of predicting market outcomes.
      • Cautionary Approach for Crypto Watchers:
        • While the upcoming Bitcoin Halving is anticipated as a noteworthy event, it is advised for crypto watchers to approach predictions with caution.
        • Relying on individual research and personal understanding of the implications of the Halving can empower investors to make informed decisions aligned with their financial goals.
        • The diverse and evolving nature of the cryptocurrency market demands a discerning approach rather than reliance on generalized predictions.

What is Bitcoin mining?

  • Bitcoin mining is the process by which new bitcoins are created, and it also serves as the mechanism for validating and confirming transactions on the Bitcoin network.
  • Miners use powerful computers to solve complex mathematical problems, and when they successfully solve a problem, they add a new block to the Bitcoin blockchain.
  • In return for their computational efforts and the resources expended, miners are rewarded with newly minted bitcoins.
  • This process is known as “proof-of-work.”
  • Key points about Bitcoin mining:
    • Miners compete to solve mathematical problems and add new blocks to the blockchain.
    • The difficulty of these problems adjusts over time to maintain a roughly 10-minute block creation time.
    • Mining is resource-intensive, requiring specialized hardware (ASICs) and consuming a significant amount of electricity.

What is Blockchain?

  • Blockchain is the underlying technology that enables the existence of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin.
  • It is a decentralized and distributed ledger that records transactions across a network of computers (nodes) in a secure and transparent manner.
  • Each group of transactions is grouped into a “block,” and these blocks are linked together in chronological order to form a chain, hence the name “blockchain.”
  • Key features of blockchain:
    • Decentralization: No single entity or authority controls the entire blockchain network. Nodes collectively maintain and validate the transactions.
    • Immutability: Once a block is added to the blockchain, it is extremely difficult to alter or tamper with previous transactions, providing a high level of security and trust.
    • Transparency: All participants in the network can view the entire transaction history, promoting transparency and accountability.
    • Security: The use of cryptographic techniques ensures the integrity and security of the data stored on the blockchain.

India-specific AI model to find gestational age developed

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : The Hindu

Researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Madras and the Translational Health Science and Technology Institute, Faridabad, have collaborated to develop an India-specific artificial intelligence (AI) model for precise determination of foetal gestational age (GA) during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

  • This initiative is part of the DBT India initiative (GARBH-Ini) programme, focusing on advanced research related to birth outcomes.

Key Highlights

  • Garbhini-GA2 Model:
    • The developed model, named Garbhini-GA2, is specifically tailored for the Indian population, distinguishing it from existing models designed for Western populations.
    • Unlike current models, Garbhini-GA2 is the first late-trimester GA estimation model that has been developed and validated using Indian population data.
    • The researchers emphasize the potential errors in applying Western models during the later stages of pregnancy due to variations in foetal growth among the Indian population.
  • Accuracy Improvement and Reduction in Error:
    • Garbhini-GA2 demonstrates enhanced accuracy in estimating foetal age, reducing errors by almost three times compared to existing models.
    • This improvement is crucial for providing appropriate care to pregnant women, ensuring precise determination of the date of birth, and consequently reducing maternal and infant mortality rates.
  • Potential Impact on Maternal and Infant Health:
    • The utilization of an India-specific AI model for foetal GA estimation is expected to have a significant impact on maternal and infant health outcomes.
    • The ability to tailor care based on accurate gestational age information is crucial for addressing the unique characteristics of the Indian population and promoting better health outcomes.
  • The GARBH-Ini programme, led by the Department of Biotechnology, is being validated across the country.
    • This initiative represents a flagship programme for the department, aiming to advance research and technology related to birth outcomes in the Indian context.

What is foetal gestational age (GA)?

  • Fetal gestational age (GA) refers to the age of a developing fetus, usually measured in weeks, from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period (LMP).
  • It is a way of estimating the time elapsed since conception.
  • Gestational age is commonly used in obstetrics and prenatal care to monitor fetal development and determine the due date of the baby.
  • The duration of a human pregnancy is typically measured in weeks.
    • However, since it is often challenging to determine the exact day of conception, gestational age is calculated from the first day of the mother’s last menstrual period.
    • This is because the last menstrual period is a more easily identifiable and measurable event than the exact moment of conception.