CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/04/2024

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15/04/2024

Concurrent heatwaves, sea level rises pose a threat to coastlines

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Researchers from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University, conducted a study investigating Concurrent Heatwave and Extreme Sea Level (CHWESL) events worldwide.

• These events, where both a heatwave and extreme short-term sea level rise occur simultaneously at coastal locations, pose a serious threat to coastal communities.

Key Highlights

• Research Scope
  • The study examined CHWESL events between 1979 and 2017 and projected future occurrences between 2025 and 2049 under a high emissions climate scenario (IPCC’s SSP5-8.5 scenario).
  • They focused on the extended summer season in the Northern Hemisphere (May to September) and the Southern Hemisphere (November to March).
• Findings
  • Between 1998 and 2017, concurrent heatwaves and extreme short-term sea level rise significantly increased compared to the preceding twenty years (1979-1998).
  • This trend is alarming as it indicates heightened risks to coastal areas.
  • Global Impact:
    • Around 88% of the world’s coastlines experienced CHWESL events during 1979-2017, highlighting the widespread nature of this phenomenon.
    • Tropical regions showed a higher likelihood of experiencing increased CHWESL events.
  • Association with Heatwave Intensity:
    • The study found a significant association between heatwave intensity and the probability of CHWESL events occurring.
    • A 1% increase in heatwave intensity corresponds to approximately a 2% increase in the likelihood of CHWESL events.
  • Projection for Future Events:
    • Under the high emissions scenario, global coastal areas could expect an average of 38 days of CHWESL conditions annually between 2025 and 2049.
    • This represents a substantial increase from historical periods, with a projected rise of 31 days compared to the period of 1989-2013.
  • Implications
    • Threat to Coastal Communities:
      • CHWESL events pose significant threats to coastal communities, particularly in terms of human health risks due to excess heat.
    • Regional Vulnerabilities:
      • Tropical countries are likely to be the most severely affected by CHWESL events.
      • Many of these nations are low or middle-income countries, potentially facing challenges in coping with the adverse effects.

What is IPCC’s SSP5-8.5 scenario?

• The SSP5-8.5 scenario, also known as “Shared Socioeconomic Pathway 5-8.5,” is one of the scenarios developed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to explore different potential futures of human society and the environment based on varying socioeconomic and climate factors.
• SSPs are part of the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) and are used as a framework for climate modeling and impact assessment.
• Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 5:
  • SSP5 represents a future world where socioeconomic development follows a path of rapid and unconstrained growth, with high energy demand, high emissions of greenhouse gases, and limited concern for environmental sustainability.
  • It is characterized by high population growth, rapid urbanization, and intensive use of fossil fuels.
  • Economic and technological development is prioritized over environmental concerns, leading to increased emissions of greenhouse gases and environmental degradation.
• RCP 8.5 (Representative Concentration Pathway):
  • The RCP 8.5 is a greenhouse gas concentration trajectory used in climate modeling.
  • It represents a scenario where greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise throughout the 21st century, leading to high radiative forcing levels.
  • In the context of SSP5-8.5, this pathway aligns with the high emissions trajectory characterized by continued reliance on fossil fuels and limited efforts to mitigate climate change.

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Decoding the judgment on Jim Corbet

(General Studies- Paper II and III)

Source : The Hindu

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The Supreme Court’s recent ruling in March shed light on the illicit collaboration between politicians, forest officials, and local contractors, leading to the felling of 6,000 trees in Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park.

• This act underscores a concerning reality: despite the existence of conservation-oriented policies and laws such as the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, Project Tiger, and the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, the state’s primary focus often remains on revenue generation.

Key Highlights

• Contravention of Environmental Laws:
  • The illegal deforestation in Jim Corbett National Park starkly contradicts the principles laid out in the landmark Supreme Court case of Rural Litigation and Entitlement Kendra vs. State of Uttar Pradesh.
  • This case emphasized that economic growth must not come at the expense of environmental degradation and the public’s right to a healthy environment.
• Shift Towards Eco-Centrism:
  • In its recent judgment, the Supreme Court signaled a departure from anthropocentric approaches towards conservation and revenue generation.
  • Instead, it advocated for an eco-centric perspective, emphasizing the need to prioritize environmental well-being over human-centric interests.
  • Ban on Tiger Safaris in Core Areas:
    • The Supreme Court directed the prohibition of tiger safaris in core areas of national parks, opting instead to form a committee to explore the feasibility of conducting such safaris in peripheral zones, not just limited to Jim Corbett but nationwide.
    • It also disapproved of the 2019 guidelines by the National Tiger Conservation Authority, which allowed tiger safaris akin to zoo experiences within national parks.
    • The Court invoked the precautionary principle, as advocated by British environmentalist Norman Myers, to justify its decision to ban safaris in core areas.
    • This principle asserts that in the face of potential irreversible harm, lack of complete scientific certainty should not hinder the implementation of cost-effective measures to prevent environmental degradation.
    • The ruling’s emphasis on the precautionary principle extends beyond tigers to encompass all endangered species.
  • Challenges in Assessing Environmental Damage:
    • While the Supreme Court’s decision to evaluate the damage caused to Jim Corbett’s green cover and recover costs for restoration from responsible individuals is commendable, there are concerns regarding the lack of a well-defined methodology.
    • The recovery of restoration costs does not necessarily address the loss of the environment’s ability to provide essential goods and services.
    • Limitations of Current Valuation Frameworks:
      • Existing valuation frameworks in India, such as compensatory afforestation levy and net present value (NPV), do not adequately account for the correlation between tree removal and the broader harm inflicted on environmental goods and services.
      • While these methods aim to replace lost forest land, they fall short in comprehensively addressing the impact on ecosystem services.
    • Need for Ecosystem Services Valuation:
      • Given the escalating degradation of biodiversity hotspots and the promotion of revenue-generating eco-tourism, there is a pressing need for a valuation method based on ecosystem services.
      • Ecosystem services encompass the benefits humans derive from natural ecosystems, including food, water, climate regulation, and flood mitigation, among others.
    • Leveraging International Precedents:
      • The reasoning provided by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in cases like Costa Rica v. Nicaragua (2018) could be utilized to understand methodologies for evaluating environmental damage.
      • The ICJ asserted that damage to the environment and the subsequent loss of its ability to provide goods and services should be compensable, underscoring the importance of adopting comprehensive valuation approaches.

About the Jim Corbet National Park

• Jim Corbett National Park, located in the state of Uttarakhand, India, is one of the oldest and most renowned national parks in the country.
• It is the first national park in India, established in 1936 during the British Raj and named Hailey National Park after William Malcolm Hailey, a governor of the United Provinces in which it was then located.
• In 1956, it was renamed Corbett National Park after the hunter and naturalist Jim Corbett, who had played a leading role in its establishment and had died the year before.
• The park was the first to come under the Project Tiger initiative.
• Geography and Location:
  • Jim Corbett National Park is situated in the foothills of the Himalayas, covering an area of approximately 520 square kilometers (200 square miles).
  • It spans across the districts of Nainital and PauriGarhwal in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
• Biodiversity:
  • The park has sub-Himalayan belt geographical and ecological characteristics.
  • Dense moist deciduous forest mainly consists of Shorearobusta (the sal tree), haldu, peepal, rohini, and mango trees.
  • Forest covers almost 73 per cent of the park, while 10 per cent of the area consists of grasslands.
  • Jim Corbett National Park is renowned for its rich biodiversity, including over 600 species of birds, numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians, as well as a diverse array of plant species.
  • Major wildlife species found in the park include the Bengal tiger, Indian elephant, leopard, sloth bear, Himalayan black bear, spotted deer, sambar deer, wild boar, and more.
  • The park is also home to a significant population of critically endangered species such as the gharial (a type of crocodile) and the mugger crocodile.

In Image: Some of the important National Parks.

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What is doxxing and what measures can you take if it happens to you?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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The act of digitally publicizing an individual’s private details, known as doxxing or doxing, involves revealing highly personal information such as home addresses, phone numbers, email IDs, medical conditions, and more.

• Typically, this information is obtained through illegal means like hacking or theft.

Key Highlights

• Expanding Definition of Doxxing:
  • In addition to traditional forms of doxxing, publicizing private or semi-public content that an individual did not intend for public consumption can also constitute doxxing and lead to harassment.
  • For instance, sharing a video of someone at a private event, like a house party, without their consent for public consumption on platforms like X or YouTube, could be considered doxxing if it results in harassment or discomfort for the individual.
• Legal Implications and Intentions:
  • While the user who shares already public content may not be legally liable, their intentions can be malicious and pose a threat to others.
  • This highlights the discrepancy between legal responsibility and the potential for harm inflicted through malicious intent.
• Extended Impact of Doxxing:
  • Doxxing extends beyond simply identifying and punishing the perpetrator. It often leads to further attacks from individuals worldwide, complicating law enforcement’s efforts to hold all responsible parties accountable.
  • Moreover, it poses a direct threat to an individual’s physical, digital, and emotional security.
  • Multifaceted Consequences for Victims:
    • Victims of doxxing face a myriad of challenges, including the need to relocate, protect family members, address concerns with employers, secure financial information, report incidents to the police, enhance internet security measures, and contend with ongoing threats and harassment.
    • Additionally, doxxing may expose individuals who live or work near the victim, putting them at risk of eviction or termination.
  • Guidance from Experts:
    • Experts advise victims of doxxing to maintain an incident log documenting evidence and involved parties.
    • This documentation can be presented to law enforcement authorities for assistance.
    • They also recommend reporting accounts on all platforms where doxxing occurs, as it violates the policies of most social media platforms, prompting swift action.
    • Additionally, victims should prioritize changing passwords and enabling two-factor authentication to enhance security measures.
    • Password and Authentication Security:
      • When posting on social media, it’s crucial to prioritize security by using strong, unique passwords for each platform and enabling multi-factor authentication where available.
      • This helps safeguard your accounts against unauthorized access.
    • Location and Environment Privacy:
      • Avoid sharing photos that reveal identifiable details about your location, such as landmarks, neighborhood scenery, or the view from your window.
      • Additionally, refrain from disclosing sensitive information like your exact workstation or frequented establishments, as these details can compromise your privacy and security.
    • Content Sensitivity and Doxxing Risks:
      • Exercise caution when sharing potentially sensitive content, such as apartment tours, daily commute routes, or screenshots of text conversations.
      • Consider the potential risks of posting controversial material that may inadvertently lead to doxxing or legal repercussions, even after deleting the content.
    • Reporting and Legal Recourse:
      • In the event of doxxing or privacy violations, individuals in India can report incidents through the National Cyber Crime Reporting Portal and have the legal right to file a First Information Report (FIR).
      • Maintaining an incident log can aid in documenting evidence for legal action.
    • Platform Responsibility and Oversight:
      • Social media platforms like Meta (formerly Facebook) acknowledge the importance of protecting users from doxxing incidents.
      • The company’s oversight board has advocated for stricter rules to address data leaks and emphasized the disproportionate impact of doxxing on vulnerable groups, including women, children, and LGBTQIA+ individuals.
      • Harm resulting from doxxing can include emotional distress, loss of employment, and physical harm, underscoring the need for robust platform policies and user awareness.
      • Platform Support for Doxxing Victims:
        • Major tech companies like Google, which owns YouTube, offer tools and processes for individuals who have been doxxed to submit removal requests.
        • These requests are reviewed by the company, and appropriate action is taken to address the issue.
        • Additionally, social media platforms like X, Reddit, and messaging platform Discord provide in-app reporting mechanisms and complaint forums to address instances of doxxing.
      • Compliance with India’s IT Rules:
        • Social media companies operating within India are bound by the country’s IT Rules.
        • Victims of doxxing can expedite action from platforms by submitting cybercrime complaints, ensuring prompt response and resolution.
      • Returning to Social Media:
        • While being doxxed can be traumatic, victims do not necessarily have to abandon social media permanently.
        • After taking necessary precautions and ensuring their security, individuals can gradually reintegrate into social media platforms when they feel mentally prepared.

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Fertility levels drop below one in many Asian nations

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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Many countries in East and Southeast Asia are facing a population crisis characterized by declining birth rates and record-low fertility rates.

• In March of the current year, several hospitals in China ceased offering newborn delivery services due to diminishing demand, highlighting the severity of the situation.

Key Highlights

• Historical Context:
  • Contrasting the current situation, between 1950 and 1970, fertility rates in East Asian and Southeast Asian countries were significantly higher, ranging from 3.5 to 7.5.
  • The total fertility rate (TFR), which represents the average number of children a woman is expected to have in her lifetime, was comparatively higher during this period.
• Current Fertility Rates:
  • Presently, the fertility rates in four countries — South Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan — have plummeted below one.
  • This indicates that while many women in these countries have only one child, a significant portion are choosing not to have children at all, dragging the average below one.
  • Record Lows in South Korea and Hong Kong:
    • In South Korea, the TFR reached a historic low of 0.72 in 2023, while Hong Kong recorded a TFR of 0.701 in 2022.
    • Both countries now have some of the lowest fertility rates globally, exacerbating concerns about population decline.
  • In the six considered countries, the TFR is notably lower than the replacement level of 2.1, and it has experienced a significant decline over time.
  • This trend is starkly evident when comparing the TFR of these countries with that of Ukraine, Finland, Italy, and Spain, which also have some of the lowest TFRs globally.

• Historical TFR Trends:
  • Over a span of 50 years, China dramatically reduced its TFR from 6.51 in 1968 to 1.16 in 2021, largely due to various government policies aimed at controlling population growth.
  • Similarly, Spain’s TFR gradually decreased from 2.87 to 1.28 over time.
  • India also experienced a decline in TFR, albeit less sharp than China’s, dropping from over 5.7 to 2.03 within the same period.
  • Impact of Government Policies:
    • China’s stringent population control policies, such as the one-child policy, played a significant role in the sharp decline of its TFR.
    • South Korea and Singapore also implemented strict family planning measures in the 1980s, emphasizing the need for smaller family sizes through slogans like “Even two children per family are too many for our crowded country” and “The more you have, the less they get — two is enough.”
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  • Factors Contributing to Declining Fertility Rates:
    • Multiple factors contribute to the drastic drop in fertility rates, including increased opportunities for women to pursue careers, declining marriage rates, the rising cost of raising children, and the potential income loss when a pregnant woman’s career is interrupted.
    • These societal shifts have led to a reevaluation of traditional family structures and priorities.
  • Impact of Poor Fertility Rates:
    • Poor fertility rates result in an imbalance in the population, characterized by a larger proportion of older individuals.
    • For instance, as of 2023, approximately one-third of Japan’s population was aged over 65.
    • By the early 2030s, both South Korea and Hong Kong are projected to have around 30% of their population aged over 65, further exacerbating the issue.
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  • Government Initiatives to Incentivize Childbirth:
    • Governments have introduced various financial support and expensive programs to incentivize childbirth.
    • For example, South Korea has invested a substantial amount, totaling $211 billion since 2006, to increase fertility rates.
    • However, despite these efforts, the fertility curves of these countries have not shown signs of reversal yet, indicating the complexity of addressing the issue.

Understanding the terminologies

• Fertility Rate:
  • Fertility rate refers to the average number of children born to women of childbearing age in a given population during a specific period of time.
  • It is often expressed as the number of live births per 1,000 women of reproductive age (usually ages 15 to 49) in a given year.
  • Fertility rates are essential indicators of population growth, demographic trends, and reproductive health.
• Crude Birth Rate (CBR):
  • The crude birth rate is the number of live births occurring in a population during a specific period, usually a year, per 1,000 people in the population.
  • CBR does not account for the age distribution of women in the population and may be influenced by factors such as age structure and population size.
• Replacement Level Fertility:
  • Replacement level fertility is the fertility rate at which each generation exactly replaces itself without any increase or decrease in population size.
  • It is typically estimated to be around 2.1 children per woman in populations with low mortality rates.
  • When the total fertility rate is below the replacement level, it indicates population decline, while TFR above the replacement level suggests population growth.

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Why is there a WHO alert on viral hepatitis?

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : The Hindu

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According to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) Global Hepatitis Report 2024, India accounted for 11.6% of the total viral hepatitis disease burden globally in 2022, ranking as the country with the second highest disease load after China.

• Collectively, countries including Bangladesh, China, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, the Russian Federation, and Vietnam shoulder nearly two-thirds of the global burden of hepatitis B and C.

Key Highlights

• Key Findings of the Report:
  • The report highlights that viral hepatitis is the second leading infectious cause of death globally, causing 1.3 million deaths annually, equivalent to tuberculosis, another top infectious killer.
  • Data from 187 countries indicate an increase in estimated deaths from viral hepatitis from 1.1 million in 2019 to 1.3 million in 2022.
  • Hepatitis B accounts for 83% of these deaths, while hepatitis C accounts for 17%.
  • Globally, 3,500 people die every day due to hepatitis B and C infections.
  • Half of the burden of chronic hepatitis B and C infections lies among individuals aged 30-54 years, with 12% occurring in children under 18 years. Men represent 58% of all cases.
• Understanding Hepatitis:
  • Hepatitis is characterized by inflammation of the liver caused by various infectious viruses and non-infectious agents, leading to a range of health problems, some of which can be fatal.
  • There are five main strains of the hepatitis virus: A, B, C, D, and E.
  • These strains differ in transmission modes, severity of illness, and geographical distribution.
  • Hepatitis B and C are particularly concerning as they often lead to chronic disease, liver cirrhosis, liver cancer, and related fatalities.
  • An estimated 354 million people worldwide live with hepatitis B or C, with treatment remaining inaccessible for most individuals, according to the WHO.
• Factors Contributing to India’s Vulnerability:
  • Chronic infections of hepatitis B and C are prevalent in India, often remaining asymptomatic for decades.
  • Lack of widespread screening programs and limited awareness about the importance of testing contribute to undiagnosed cases, perpetuating transmission and increasing the overall disease burden.
  • Rise in Non-Viral Forms of Hepatitis:
    • Non-viral forms of hepatitis, such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), are becoming increasingly common in India.
    • High alcohol consumption, particularly in urban areas, contributes to a rise in ALD cases.
    • The prevalence of obesity, metabolic disorders, sedentary lifestyles, and dietary changes has fueled an epidemic of NAFLD in both urban and rural populations.
    • These conditions can progress to severe liver disease, exacerbating the hepatitis burden.
  • High-Risk Behaviors:
    • Men report a larger number of hepatitis cases due to high-risk behaviors such as intravenous (IV) drug use, sharing injections, and risky sexual behaviors.
    • Practices like having multiple sex partners or engaging in male-to-male sex pose significant risks for hepatitis B and C infections.
  • Preventive Measures:
    • Vaccination for Hepatitis B:
      • Prevention of hepatitis B is achievable through vaccination.
      • The report underscores the importance of ensuring vaccination coverage to prevent new infections.
    • Treatment for Hepatitis C:
      • Hepatitis C is curable with medicines, and the report emphasizes the need for access to treatment.
      • India’s generic drug production lowers treatment costs, making it more accessible.
    • Government Initiatives:
      • India’s viral hepatitis control program offers vaccines to high-risk adults like healthcare workers and provides treatment for both hepatitis B and C under the program.
      • The inclusion of the hepatitis B vaccine in the childhood immunization program further enhances prevention efforts.
    • Actions Outlined by WHO:
      • WHO outlines actions to advance public health approaches to viral hepatitis, including expanding access to testing and diagnostics, implementing equitable treatment policies, strengthening prevention efforts, and improving funding globally and within national health budgets.

About the World Health Organization (WHO)

• The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations responsible for international public health.
• History:
  • WHO was established on April 7, 1948, with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.
  • It was created in response to the need for a coordinated international effort to address global health challenges, particularly in the aftermath of World War II and the devastating effects of infectious diseases on populations worldwide.
• The WHO’s official mandate is to promote health and safety while helping the vulnerable worldwide.
  • It provides technical assistance to countries, sets international health standards, collects data on global health issues, and serves as a forum for scientific or policy discussions related to health.
  • Its official publication, the World Health Report, provides assessments of worldwide health topics.

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