CURRENT AFFAIRS – 05/10/2023

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CURRENT AFFAIRS – 05/10/2023

CURRENT AFFAIRS – 05/10/2023

2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Nobel Prize in Chemistry for 2023 has been awarded to three distinguished scientists: Moungi G. Bawendi, Louis E. Brus, and Alexei I. Ekimov.

The prestigious accolade was granted in recognition of their groundbreaking work on the discovery and synthesis of quantum dots.

Key Highlights

Quantum Dots’ Unique Properties:
- Quantum dots, nanoscale semiconductor particles, possess exceptional characteristics.
- They emit light used in television screens and LED lamps.
- They also play a pivotal role in catalyzing chemical reactions and can illuminate tumor tissue, aiding surgeons in cancer surgery.
Applications:
- The potential applications of quantum dots are broad and promising.
- They are already used for generating colored light but hold promise for flexible electronics, minuscule sensors, thinner and more efficient solar cells, and even encrypted quantum communication.
Nanotechnology’s Toolbox:
- Quantum dots have become an integral part of nanotechnology, significantly expanding the capabilities of researchers in this field.
- Their versatility makes them invaluable for a wide range of applications.
Pioneering Work:
- The Nobel laureates, Louis Brus and Alexei Ekimov, made independent breakthroughs in the early 1980s by successfully creating quantum dots.
- These nanoparticles are so minuscule that their characteristics are determined by quantum effects.
- In 1993, MoungiBawendi further revolutionized quantum dot manufacturing methods, ensuring their high quality, which is crucial for their use in today’s advanced nanotechnology.
Previous Year’s Nobel Prize in Chemistry (2022)
- Recipients: Carolyn R. Bertozzi, Morten Meldal, and K. Barry Sharpless.
- Achievement:
  - The 2022 Nobel Prize in Chemistry was awarded for the development of click chemistry and bioorthogonal chemistry.
  - Click chemistry has been instrumental in pharmaceutical development, while bioorthogonal chemistry has improved the effectiveness of cancer treatment pharmaceuticals.
- Nobel Prize in Physics 2023
  - Recipients: The Nobel Prize in Physics for 2023 was shared among Pierre Agostini, FerencKrausz, and Anne L’Huillier.
  - Achievement:
    - They were recognized for their pioneering work in developing experimental methods that generate attosecond pulses of light.
    - These ultra-short pulses of light are crucial for studying the dynamics of electrons in matter on timescales as short as attoseconds (billionths of a billionth of a second).
  - Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology 2023
    - Recipients:
      - KatalinKarikó and Drew Weissman were awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine or Physiology for their groundbreaking discoveries concerning nucleoside base modification.
      - These discoveries played a pivotal role in enabling the development of highly effective mRNA vaccines against COVID-19.

What are Quantum Dots?

Quantum dots are nanoscale semiconductor particles with unique properties that arise from their small size, typically on the order of a few nanometers in diameter.
These tiny structures are often composed of materials like cadmium selenide, cadmium telluride, or indium arsenide.
Quantum dots exhibit several distinctive characteristics:
- Size-Dependent Optical Properties:
  - Quantum dots’ size dictates the wavelengths of light they absorb and emit.
  - As the size of a quantum dot changes, so does its color emission.
- Quantum Confinement:
  - Due to their small size, quantum dots confine electrons and holes (positively charged vacancies) in a restricted space.
  - This confinement leads to discrete energy levels, reminiscent of the quantum behavior seen in atoms.
  - It enables precise control over the energy states and optical properties of quantum dots.
- Bright and Efficient Light Emission:
  - Quantum dots can emit exceptionally bright and efficient light, making them superior to traditional fluorescent dyes and phosphors.
- Tunable Properties:
  - Researchers can fine-tune quantum dots’ optical properties by adjusting their size and composition.
  - This tunability allows for the creation of quantum dots with specific optical characteristics tailored to various applications.
- Nanotechnology Building Blocks:
  - Quantum dots have become essential building blocks in the field of nanotechnology.
  - They offer precise control over nanoscale structures and have opened up new possibilities for designing novel materials and devices.

In Image: Varying the size of quantum dots can lead to generating different colours.

Retribution for the south, accolade for the north

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

In the Indian federal democracy, a State’s relative population size holds political and economic significance.

Southern States have shown strong linguistic identities and regional renaissances, propelling them to greater heights in development.
Population control in southern States contrasts sharply with the northern States, achieved through social development and economic growth.
Changes in population geography have a lasting impact on political and economic geography.

Key Highlights

Delimitation and Political Representation
- Article 81 of the Indian Constitution requires Lok Sabha constituencies to be equal in size by population.
- Based on the 1971 Census, the number of Lok Sabha constituencies was determined and frozen through the 42nd Amendment Act 1976.
- The 84th Amendment Act in 2001 further prolonged the freeze until the first Census after 2026.
- Population growth rates differ between non-Hindi speaking southern States and Hindi-speaking northern States.
- From 1971 to 2011, the proportion of population in northern States increased while that of southern States declined.
- Enforcing equal-sized Lok Sabha constituencies by population today, as projected in 2023, would result in the southern States losing 23 seats, while the northern States gain 37.
- This would increase the proportion of political representation for northern States by 6.81% and decrease that of southern States by 4.24%.
Population Control and Social Change
- Family planning and population control are national and regional government policies in India.
- States that effectively implement these policies and control their population should not be penalized through reduced political representation.
- Population control is not solely due to family planning programs but also social change engineered by societal leaders.
- Southern States serve as a classic example of population control achieved through social change.
- Reducing proportional representation for southern States is counterproductive and discourages other States from taking population control and social change seriously.
- Continuing the freeze on seat distribution among States as of 1971 until population stabilizes in all States is proposed as a solution.
Role of Population in Fiscal Transfers
- Every five years, the Union government establishes a Finance Commission in India to make recommendations, including the allocation of tax revenue among states.
- Population and per capita income are crucial factors considered in the distribution formula, with varying weights assigned over the years.
Population as a Determinant
- Population of a state is a key indicator of its demand for public expenditure, making it a significant variable in the distribution formula.
- Initially, the first Finance Commission based a state’s share on its population size.
- Successive Finance Commissions reduced the weight of population while introducing other variables into the formula.
- From the Eighth Finance Commission (1984-89) to the Thirteenth (2010-15), the 1971 population was used, rewarding southern states for controlling population growth.
Shift in Population Policy
- The Fourteenth Finance Commission (2015-20) marked a change, using both the 1971 population and considering demographic changes since 1971.
- The Fifteenth Finance Commission (2020-25) openly incorporated the 2011 population, ending the practice of rewarding southern states for population control.
- Southern states now face reduced financial transfers as a result of this shift.
Per Capita Income as a Factor
- Per capita income is seen as a proxy for a state’s capacity to generate its own revenue.
- Higher per capita income implies a lower share in Union tax revenue, while lower per capita income may be due to a higher population.
- The distribution formula often assigns a significant weight to per capita income, benefiting northern states.
Impact on Regional Finances
- The combined share of the five southern states in Union government’s tax revenue declined from 21.1% to 15.8% between 2000-05 and 2021-26.
- In contrast, the combined share of northern states like Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, and Uttar Pradesh increased from 51.5% to 53.2% during the same period.
- The use of current population in the distribution formula appears to be retribution for the population control efforts of southern states and a reward for the higher population growth rate in northern states.

About the Finance Commission

The Finance Commission is a statutory body mandated by Article 280 of the Indian Constitution.
It is constituted by the President of India every five years or at such intervals as deemed necessary.
Composition:
- The Finance Commission typically consists of a Chairman and four other members, each appointed by the President.
- The members of the Commission have expertise in various aspects of finance, economics, and public administration.
Functions: The primary functions of the Finance Commission include:
- Recommending the distribution of net proceeds of taxes between the Union and States.
- Suggesting principles for sharing non-tax revenue between the Union and States.
- Making recommendations on grants-in-aid to states.
- Evaluating the financial position of the Union and States and suggesting measures to improve fiscal discipline.
Reports:
- The Finance Commission submits its reports to the President of India, and these reports are then presented to both houses of Parliament.
- The recommendations made by the Commission have significant implications for the fiscal policies of the central and state governments.
Terms of Reference:
- The Finance Commission is given specific Terms of Reference (ToR) by the President of India, which guide its work during each term.
- These ToRs outline the specific areas and issues that the Commission should focus on.

About the 15th Finance Commission for 2021-26

The Fifteenth Finance Commission of India, which covered the period from 2020-21 to 2025-26, used a combination of factors and methods to determine the share of states in the distribution of tax revenue from the Union government.

The primary method used by the Fifteenth Finance Commission to grant states their share was based on the following criteria:
- Population:
  - The Fifteenth Finance Commission incorporated the 2011 population census data as a significant criterion in its distribution formula.
  - This marked a shift from the previous Finance Commissions, which had primarily used the 1971 population data.
  - Using the 2011 population figures meant that states with higher current populations would receive a larger share of the tax revenue.
- Demographic Performance:
  - In addition to considering the 2011 population, the Commission also factored in demographic performance, recognizing states that had effectively controlled their population growth since 1971.
  - This was a departure from the strict use of current population figures and aimed to incentivize states that had successfully implemented population control measures.
- Income Distance:
  - The Commission assessed the per capita income of states as a measure of their economic well-being.
  - States with lower per capita income were given a higher share of tax revenue to help bridge the income gap and promote balanced development across states.
- Area and Forest Cover:
  - The Commission also considered the geographical area of states and their forest cover.
  - States with larger areas and higher forest cover were allocated additional funds to address the challenges associated with their geography and environment.
- Tax Effort and Fiscal Discipline:
  - The Commission examined states’ efforts in revenue collection and their fiscal discipline.
  - States that demonstrated a greater effort in generating revenue and maintaining fiscal discipline were rewarded with a higher share.
- Efforts for Population Control:
  - The Commission recognized the importance of population control as a policy goal and encouraged states to continue their efforts in this regard.
- Special Grants:
  - The Commission could recommend special grants to states for specific purposes or projects, as deemed necessary.

In Image: Criteria for devolution

Keeping tabs on carbon with an accounting system

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The climate “polycrisis” is a term popularized by Adam Tooze, describing interconnected and compounding climate-related crises affecting multiple sectors.

It includes physical impacts (rising temperatures, sea-level rise, extreme weather) and the resulting social, economic, and political challenges.
India exemplifies how various sectors (energy, infrastructure, health, migration, food production) are interlinked and impacted by climate change.

Key Highlights

Need for a Holistic Approach
- Recognizing complexity and interconnectedness is crucial for a holistic response.
- A sectoral approach may lead to unintended consequences due to the nature of the polycrisis.
- Deep transformation is needed to create a carbon-sensitive economy.
- “Carbon infrastructure” should be developed to account for carbon flows in policy at all levels, from households to countries.
Measurement as the First Step
- Measurement is essential, as what cannot be measured cannot be accounted for.
- Carbon emissions need to be measured at various levels, from individuals to the nation as a whole.
- An accounting system, similar to financial balance sheets, can help balance carbon books.
- Existing carbon accounting methodologies can be expanded to create a national carbon accounting (NCA) system.
National Carbon Accounting (NCA) System
- NCA is a paradigm shift, bringing everyone under one carbon accounting framework.
- It encompasses individuals, households, corporations, and the nation.
- NCA is essential to internalize carbon reduction goals at the national and global levels.
- Imagining a world where carbon tax returns are filed alongside or instead of income tax returns can revolutionize public finance.
Carbon Accounting: A Missing Element
- Unlike money, carbon stocks and flows are not granularly tracked globally.
- Absence of detailed tracking hinders progressive carbon tax implementation.
- Progressive carbon tax requires granular tracking of carbon inflows and outflows, termed national carbon accounting (NCA).
- NCA extends the concept of carbon accounting to nations, making it mandatory for businesses and individuals to declare their carbon impacts.
Benefits of National Carbon Accounting (NCA)
- NCA will render carbon circulation visible, akin to financial accounting.
- Convertibility between carbon and monetary accounts enables financing goods and services using carbon surpluses.
- NCA facilitates setting targets, predicting emission reductions, and monitoring progress towards environmental goals.
- A future national carbon budget can reshape the economy, drive new technologies, and encourage collective action.
- NCA could lead to a parallel goal alongside economic GDP: Carbon GDP.
- Countries strive to reduce Carbon GDP, aligning development with ecological sustainability.
NCA as a Polysolution
- NCA can also aid India in achieving its commitment to becoming net-zero by 2070.
- Globally adopted, it creates new livelihoods and economic organization models.
- By revealing carbon footprints, NCA fosters a new discourse aligning development and ecological sustainability.

More about National Carbon Accounting (NCA)

National Carbon Accounting (NCA) is a systematic approach to quantifying, tracking, and managing carbon emissions and carbon-related activities at the national level.
It involves the measurement and accounting of carbon flows, including the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide (CO2) and other greenhouse gases (GHGs) within a country.
NCA is crucial for understanding a nation’s carbon footprint, setting emissions reduction targets, and formulating policies to mitigate climate change.

The impact of the Bihar caste survey

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The Bihar government released the ‘Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022’ on October 2, revealing significant caste demographics.

The survey highlights that Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) and Other Backward Classes (OBCs) constitute nearly 63% of the state’s population, making them the largest caste group.

Key Highlights

Legislative Support for the Caste Census
- The Bihar legislature passed resolutions in favor of a caste census twice, in February 2019 and February 2020.
- An all-party delegation, including the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for a caste census in August 2021.
- However, the Union government later stated that it had decided not to conduct a caste-wise census, prompting the Bihar government to initiate a state-specific caste survey in June 2022.
State-Initiated Caste Survey
- The Bihar government allocated ₹500 crore from its contingency fund for the caste survey.
- The survey, conducted in two phases and completed in August 2022, engaged around 2.64 lakh enumerators who documented details of 29 million registered households.
- All 214 castes mentioned in the survey form were assigned individual codes, and the survey was segmented into 17 points to assess the socio-economic profile of the population.
Caste Demographics
- The Bihar Caste-based Survey 2022 reveals the following caste demographics in the state:
  - Extremely Backward Classes (EBCs) consist of 112 castes, comprising 36.01% of the population.
  - Other Backward Classes (OBCs) comprise 29 castes and account for 27.12% of the population.
  - Yadavs, a dominant caste within OBCs, constitute 14.26% of the population.
  - Scheduled Castes (SCs) make up 19.65% of the population.
  - The general unreserved population comprises 15.52% of the population.
- Impact on Reservation Quota
  - The report is expected to lead to an increase in the reservation quota in Bihar, aligning it with the population proportion revealed in the survey.
  - The report may also trigger political demands to reconsider the 50% ceiling on reservations imposed by the Supreme Court.
- Expectation of More Welfare Schemes
  - The survey is likely to compel political parties to announce and initiate more welfare schemes for marginalized sections of society.
  - Approximately 85% of Bihar’s population comprises OBCs, EBCs, SCs, and STs, making their welfare a political priority.
  - Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s “social engineering plan” may face challenges as EBCs seek greater representation in government and the assembly.
- Government’s Socio-Economic Profile
  - The government is yet to release the socio-economic profile of the surveyed population, which is expected to provide additional insights.
  - The release of this data is anticipated during the upcoming winter session of the State legislature.

In first election since2019, Ladakh queues up,registers 77.61% voting

(General Studies- Paper II)

Source : TH

The fifth Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council-Kargil (LAHDC-K) elections witnessed a significant turnout of over 77.61%.

These elections were the first since Ladakh became a Union Territory in 2019.

Key Highlights

High Voter Turnout
- Kargil recorded a remarkable 77.61% voter turnout, a significant increase from around 70% during the 2018 council elections.
- The elections saw a total of 85 candidates, with Congress fielding the highest number (22), followed by 17 each from the National Conference (NC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). About 24 candidates contested as independents.

Overview of the Union Territory of Ladakh

Geography of Ladakh
- Ladakh is a region located in northern India and part of the larger region of Jammu and Kashmir.
- It is situated in the northernmost part of India, sharing borders with China (Tibet) to the east and Pakistan-occupiedGilgit-Baltistan to the west.
- The region is known for its stunning landscapes, including high mountains, vast plateaus, and deep valleys.
Formation of the Union Territory
- On October 31, 2019, the Indian government bifurcated the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate Union Territories – Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh.
- This decision was made under the provisions of Article 370 of the Indian Constitution, which had granted special autonomy to the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Demography of Ladakh
- Ladakh has a diverse population with a mix of ethnicities and religions.
- The majority of the population in Ladakh practices Buddhism, particularly in the Leh district.
- The Kargil district of Ladakh has a predominantly Muslim population, with a significant Shia Muslim community.
- Ladakh is known for its cultural diversity, with influences from Tibet, and India.
- The region is home to several distinct ethnic groups, including Ladakhis, Baltis, and Tibetans.
Administrative Structure
- As a Union Territory, Ladakh has a Lieutenant Governor appointed by the President of India as the head of the administration.
- Ladakh is further divided into two districts: Leh and Kargil.
- The Union Territory enjoys greater administrative and financial autonomy compared to when it was part of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.
Economy and Tourism
- Ladakh’s economy is primarily based on agriculture, livestock farming, and tourism.
- Tourism is a major source of revenue for the region, with visitors attracted to its scenic beauty, monasteries, and adventure activities.
- The region is famous for its trekking trails, including the Chadar Trek, Pangong Lake, and Nubra Valley.
- Additionally, the Indian government has been working on promoting sustainable tourism in Ladakh to preserve its fragile ecosystem.
Challenges and Opportunities
- Ladakh faces unique challenges, including its remote location, harsh climate, and limited connectivity.
- The region is vulnerable to environmental changes, and there are concerns about the impact of climate change on its glaciers and water resources.
- However, Ladakh also presents opportunities for economic development, particularly in sectors like renewable energy, agriculture, and eco-tourism.

Govt. eases aircraft recovery rules

(General Studies- Paper III)

Source : TH

The Ministry of Corporate Affairs in India has issued a notification exempting certain provisions of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) related to aircraft, engines, airframes, and helicopters.

This development is in response to concerns raised by the Aviation Working Group (AWG), a global oversight body for aviation manufacturers, leasing firms, and financial institutions.
AWG had downgraded India’s compliance rating due to delays in insolvency proceedings involving Go First (formerly known as GoAir), which hindered lessors’ ability to repossess their aircraft.

Key Highlights

Notification Details
The notification, dated October 3 and passed on Wednesday, states that provisions of sub-section (1) of section 14 of the IBC shall not apply to transactions, arrangements, or agreements under the convention and protocol related to aircraft, aircraft engines, airframes, and helicopters.
This exemption is aimed at facilitating the recovery of assets, especially aircraft and engines, even when an airline goes through insolvency.
Impact on the Aviation Industry
- This move is expected to have a significant impact on the Indian aviation industry as it simplifies the process of recovering assets in cases of airline insolvency.
- It addresses concerns raised by AWG and aims to improve India’s compliance with international norms related to aircraft repossession.
Go First (Formerly GoAir) Case
- In the case of Go First, which filed for bankruptcy in May, the court had ruled that the moratorium extended to leased aircraft and engines prevented lessors from reclaiming their assets.
- The exemption from certain IBC provisions is expected to rectify such issues in the future.
Positive Reactions
- Legal experts and industry professionals have welcomed this move, stating that it brings India in line with legislation in other parts of the world, such as the UK and the US.
- It is seen as a positive step towards reducing the cost of new aircraft and making it easier for lessors to repossess planes from insolvent airlines.
- The exemption is expected to enhance India’s attractiveness as a hub for aircraft leasing and may attract more international players to set up operations in the country.
Cape Town Convention and Its Aim
- The primary aim of the Cape Town Convention, which India’s exemption is aligned with, is to resolve issues related to obtaining certain and opposable rights to high-value aviation assets, including airframes, aircraft engines, and helicopters.
- These assets, by their nature, have no fixed location, and the convention seeks to provide clarity and legal protection for lessors and financiers.

Glacial lake outburst in Sikkim

(General Studies- Paper I)

Source : The Indian Express

Ten people have lost their lives, and 80 individuals, including 23 Army personnel, are missing in Sikkim due to a Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF).

The incident was triggered by the bursting of South Lhonak Lake, a glacial lake located at an altitude of 17,000 ft in northwest Sikkim.
The GLOF led to the release of water downstream, causing the Teesta river’s water levels to rise and flood several districts, including Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi.

Key Highlights

Introduction to GLOF
- Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOFs) are sudden and catastrophic events resulting from the release of water from glacial lakes.
- These lakes form in front of, on top of, or beneath melting glaciers, often dammed by unstable ice or sediment composed of loose rock and debris.
- When the natural boundary around a glacial lake breaks, it can lead to the rapid discharge of massive volumes of water down the mountainside, causing flooding downstream.
Triggers for GLOF
- GLOFs can be triggered by various factors, including:
- Earthquakes
- Extremely heavy rains
- Ice avalanches
- Glacial lakes, often situated in steep, mountainous regions, are susceptible to disturbances like landslides or ice avalanches, which can displace water, over-top the natural dam, and result in downstream flooding.
Uttarakhand’sKedarnath Disaster
- In 2013, the Kedarnath region in Uttarakhand witnessed a devastating event that combined flash floods and a GLOF.
- This disaster was caused by the Chorabari Tal glacial lake’s outburst, resulting in significant casualties and damage.
Susceptibility of South Lhonak Lake
- South Lhonak Lake is located in the Sikkim Himalayas, a region experiencing rapid glacier melting due to global temperature rise.
- Glacial lakes, including South Lhonak Lake, have been expanding in the region, posing increased GLOF risks.
- The Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority identified over 300 glacial lakes in the Sikkim Himalayas, with 10 of them recognized as vulnerable to outburst floods.
- The area of South Lhonak Lake has significantly increased over the past five decades.
- Earthquakes, such as a magnitude 4.9 event in 1991 and a magnitude 6.9 earthquake in 2011, have been identified as potential triggers for GLOF events in the region.
ISRO’s Observations
- The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) reported that approximately 105 hectares of water were drained from South Lhonak Lake during the GLOF event.
- ISRO provided satellite imagery comparisons from September 28 to October 4, highlighting the significant reduction in the lake’s water volume.
- This sudden drainage contributed to the flash flood downstream, leading to the tragic consequences in the affected districts.
Action Taken by Sikkim Government
- In response to the expanding South Lhonak Lake and its susceptibility to glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs), the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority (SDMA) and other relevant agencies took action in 2016.
- The initiative aimed to mitigate the potential risks associated with the lake’s growth and was carried out with technical guidance from innovator SonamWangchuk.
Key actions taken include:
- Installation of three High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipes
- These pipes were eight inches wide and 130-140 meters long.
- The primary purpose was to siphon off water from the South Lhonak Lake.
- The system allowed for the removal of approximately 150 liters of water per second from the lake.