GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

The rapid increase in satellites and space debris is making Low Earth Orbit (LEO), the region where most satellites orbit, increasingly congested and unsafe. If this issue isn’t managed, it could make this critical space unusable for communication, navigation, and scientific exploration.

What is Low Earth Orbit (LEO)?

• LEO is the region between 160 km and 2,000 km above Earth's surface, where most satellites, including those for internet, weather, and GPS, are located.
• It is ideal for satellites due to its low cost and proximity to Earth. However, it is becoming crowded with both active satellites and debris.
• Low Earth orbit must remain safe to prevent costly disruption to the technology behind global communication, navigation and scientific exploration
• The Problem:

• More than 14,000 satellites are currently in LEO, with 3,500 inactive.
• Additionally, there are around 120 million pieces of debris, including rocket fragments and broken satellite parts. Only a few thousand of these are large enough to track.
• The increasing number of satellites, especially from companies like SpaceX with their Starlink internet satellites, is causing collisions and risking the safety of all space activities.

Recent Developments:

• Space Debris from Explosions: A Chinese rocket stage exploded in August, creating thousands of debris pieces. A Russian satellite exploded in June, forcing astronauts on the International Space Station (ISS) to shelter for an hour due to flying debris.
• The Growing Risk of Collisions: Data shows a 17% rise in the number of satellites getting close to each other over the past year. Projections suggest tens of thousands more satellites will be launched in the coming years, increasing the collision risk. The potential financial damage from such collisions could be $556 million over five years.
• SpaceX and Starlink: SpaceX has already launched 6,764 Starlink satellites and plans to add thousands more. To avoid collisions, Starlink satellites perform collision-avoidance maneuvers — nearly 50,000 in the first half of 2024 alone. Other space agencies, like the European Space Agency, are also increasing their maneuvers.

The Need for International Coordination:

• The United Nations (U.N.) has called for urgent action to manage this growing congestion. They propose:
  • Creating a shared database of all objects in space to track them effectively.
  • Forming an international framework to ensure countries and companies cooperate in managing space traffic.
• The N. Panel on Space Traffic in October 2023 emphasized that this coordination is essential for space safety and to avoid costly disruptions in global communication, navigation, and scientific research.
• The N. panel suggested using existing tools like telescopes, radars, and sensors to track objects in space. The goal is to create a system similar to air traffic control for space, ensuring safe passage for all objects and reducing the risk of collisions.

Barriers to Cooperation:

• Geopolitical Tensions: Some countries hesitate to share data due to security concerns, especially since satellites may also have military uses.
• Commercial Concerns: Private companies are reluctant to share sensitive data for fear of compromising their competitive advantage.
• Inconsistent Data: Operators currently rely on informal methods to avoid collisions, using data from sources like the S. Space Force, but these methods lack consistency and accountability.

US President-elect Donald Trump has issued a strong warning to BRICS countries, threatening to impose 100% tariffs on them if they create or support any currency that could challenge the US dollar's dominance. Trump’s statement suggests that if BRICS countries attempt to weaken the dollar's position, they could lose access to the US market—making it difficult for them to export goods to the US.

Background on US Dollar Dominance:

• After World War II, the Bretton Woods Agreement (1944) established the US dollar as the central currency for global trade. This system initially pegged the dollar to gold, and other currencies were linked to the dollar.
• Though the gold standard ended in 1971, the dollar continued to dominate because of its stability and trust.
• The US dollar became the world's primary reserve currency, with over 58% of global foreign exchange reserves held in dollars.
• In the 1970s, the US made deals with oil-exporting countries (especially Saudi Arabia) to sell oil only in US dollars. This created a constant demand for the dollar, known as the "petrodollar" system.
• Many global systems, like SWIFT (for international payments), the IMF, and the World Bank, still operate primarily in dollars.

What is De-dollarisation?

• The US dollar, which accounts for around 58% of global foreign exchange reserves, is a cornerstone of international trade and finance.
  • It is involved in nearly 90% of global forex transactions and remains the primary currency for commodities like oil. However, its share of global reserves has dropped to a 20-year low of 58%.
• De-dollarisation refers to countries reducing their dependence on the US dollar for trade, reserves, and financial transactions.
• Countries are shifting to using their own currencies or regional currencies in trade, rather than relying on the US dollar. They might also explore cryptocurrencies or other systems.
• Key aspects of de-dollarisation include:
  • Reduced use of the US dollar in trade: Countries are forming bilateral trade agreements to settle transactions in their own currencies.
  • Diversifying reserves: Instead of holding most reserves in US dollars, countries are investing in other currencies like the euro, yuan, or even gold.
  • Alternative payment systems: Countries are developing or joining payment systems that don’t depend on US dollar-dominated networks like SWIFT. For example, China's CIPS is an alternative to SWIFT.
  • Economic sovereignty: De-dollarisation helps countries protect themselves from US economic sanctions and the instability of dollar fluctuations.

Role of BRICS in De-dollarisation

• The BRICS group (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) has been leading efforts to move away from the dollar. They have discussed creating a shared currency to facilitate trade within their group, which could reduce their exposure to US financial systems.
• At a recent BRICS summit, a symbolic banknote was introduced, but there are no immediate plans for a unified BRICS currency or for replacing SWIFT with a BRICS alternative.
• BRICS currency
  • The idea of a shared BRICS currency gained traction during the 2023 Johannesburg summit, where Brazilian President proposed a common currency to shield member states from dollar fluctuations. Advocates argue that such a currency could enhance financial stability and reduce vulnerability to external shocks.

The Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) in Hyderabad recently conducted DNA profiling for a family in which the father was offering to donate an organ to his son. DNA profiles of the father, son, and the mother were created. The analysis revealed an unexpected result: the man who was believed to be the father of the son was not the biological father, but likely a close relative, possibly the brother of the actual father. This unexpected revelation pointed to a practice called levirate marriage.

What is Levirate Marriage?

• Levirate marriage is a custom in some cultures, including parts of India, where a woman whose husband is deceased or incapacitated may have children fathered by her husband's brother. This ensures the family line continues, especially if the deceased or incapacitated husband cannot produce heirs.
• In this case, the DNA suggested the woman’s husband was not the biological father but a close male relative, likely the brother of the actual father. This finding, while not affecting the organ transplant, could lead to a breach of the family's privacy.

What is DNA Profiling?

• DNA profiling is a technique used to identify individuals based on the unique patterns in their DNA.
• Each person has two copies of each chromosome: one from their mother and one from their father. These chromosomes contain DNA, which is made up of long sequences of chemicals called adenine (A), cytosine (C), guanine (G), and thymidine (T).
• Specific regions of chromosomes, called STR loci (Simple Tandem Repeats), have repeated sequences of DNA.
• The number of repeats at each locus varies between individuals, and this variation is used to create DNA profiles.

The DNA Profile Results in This Case:

• The DNA profile showed that the father (the man thought to be the biological father) and the son did not share the expected genetic markers.
• For example, one of the loci (D18S51) had 14 and 15 repeats for the mother, and 15 and 17 repeats for the son. The father only had 14 and 14 repeats, so he couldn't be the biological father.
• This inconsistency in the DNA suggested that the father was not the biological parent, but someone closely related, likely a brother of the actual father. This is where the practice of levirate marriage came into play.

The Role of DNA in Revealing Levirate Marriages:

• DNA analysis exposed the biological relationship, which might have been kept private due to cultural practices.
• Families in certain cultures, like in India, may not openly discuss the true paternity due to cultural and social reasons. They may prefer to keep the biological relationship private to avoid any social stigma or embarrassment.
• In India, the practice of levirate marriage is sometimes seen as a way to ensure that a family continues to have a male heir to perform important cultural rituals. This was discussed by historian Projit Bihari Mukharji in his book Brown Skins, White Coats.

Cultural and Social Impact:

• DNA testing brought to light a genetic fact that contradicted the family’s social narrative. This raised the issue of genetic privacy, as families may prefer to keep certain aspects of their ancestry and relationships hidden, especially when traditional practices like levirate marriage are involved.
• The case shows how DNA analysis is powerful but can sometimes reveal uncomfortable truths that might breach privacy, especially in cultures where family and ancestry hold significant importance.

The Uttar Pradesh government has declared the Maha Kumbh area a new district ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. The district will be known as Maha Kumbh Mela district, marking preparations for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.

What is Maha Kumbh Mela?

• The Maha Kumbh Mela is a major Hindu religious festival held once every 12 years.
• It is the world’s largest public gathering, attracting millions of pilgrims, including ascetics, saints, pilgrims, and other devotees, from across India and the world.
• The festival is centered around bathing at sacred rivers, which is believed to cleanse sins and bring spiritual benefits.
• Locations of the Kumbh Mela: The Kumbh Mela is celebrated at four locations in India, rotating every 12 years. These locations are:
  • Haridwar (Uttarakhand) – on the banks of the Ganges
  • Ujjain (Madhya Pradesh) – on the banks of the Shipra river
  • Nashik (Maharashtra) – on the banks of the Godavari river
  • Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) – at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati river (which is invisible)
• The festival at each location is based on specific astrological positions of the Sun, Moon, and Jupiter, and occurs at a particular moment when these planets align in a way considered holy in Hinduism.
• Historical Significance
  • The origins of the Kumbh Mela can be traced back to ancient times.
  • It is mentioned in texts dating back to the Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE).
  • Over the centuries, the Mela grew in size and significance.
  • Rulers, including the Guptas, supported the festival, and during the medieval period, various dynasties like the Cholas, Vijayanagar, Delhi Sultanate, and Mughals patronized it.
  • Even Emperor Akbar participated in the Mela, emphasizing unity among different religious and cultural communities.
• Modern Relevance
  • After India’s independence, the Kumbh Mela became a symbol of national unity and the country’s cultural heritage.
  • It was recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, further cementing its importance.
• The Maha Kumbh Mela will be held in January 2025 in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

A recent University of Oxford study, "From Gridlock to Growth: How Leadership Enables India's PRAGATI Ecosystem to Power Progress," highlights PRAGATI platform has revolutionized project execution in India.

What is PRAGATI Platform?

• India's PRAGATI (Pro-Active Governance and Timely Implementation) platform was launched in 2015
• PRAGATI uses real-time data, drone feeds, and video conferencing to monitor projects, streamline processes, and ensure timely execution.
• It connects multiple government agencies, enabling quicker decision-making and better accountability in project execution.

Achievements of PRAGATI

• By June 2023, PRAGATI had reviewed over 340 projects worth ?17.05 lakh crore (approx. $205 billion), spanning sectors like railways, roads, power, and aviation.
• PRAGATI’s efforts have significantly improved the implementation of several key infrastructure projects, some of which had been delayed for decades.
• Notable Projects Transformed by PRAGATI
• Bogibeel Rail and Road Bridge, Assam: Delayed since 1998, the project was fast-tracked under PRAGATI, leading to its inauguration in December 2018.
• Jammu Udhampur Srinagar Baramulla Rail Link, J&K: Approved in 1995, the project faced challenges until PRAGATI's intervention in 2015. It will connect Kashmir Valley to the rest of India and is expected to be completed by 2025.
• Bengaluru Metro Rail Project, Karnataka: Phase 1 was operationalized in 2017 after resolving land acquisition challenges. PRAGATI’s support is helping complete Phase 2 by 2026.
• Haridaspur-Paradeep Rail Line, Odisha: Stalled for over 10 years, this 82 km project was completed after PRAGATI’s intervention, halving travel time between mining hubs and Paradeep Port.
• Dahisar-Surat Highway, Maharashtra-Gujarat: A 239 km highway expansion project, delayed due to land acquisition issues, was completed after PRAGATI’s review in 2014.
• Varanasi-Aurangabad Highway, UP-Bihar: Stuck for years due to land acquisition challenges, this road project is nearing completion after PRAGATI's review in 2016.
• North Karanpura Thermal Power Plant, Jharkhand: Approved in 2014, the 1,980 MW plant faced delays until PRAGATI expedited necessary approvals. It is expected to begin operations in 2024.
• Navi Mumbai International Airport, Maharashtra: Delayed since 2007 due to land disputes, PRAGATI’s intervention in 2015 led to the resolution of disputes, with the airport set to open by December 2024.
• Environmental and Sustainable Impact: PRAGATI has not only fast-tracked stalled projects but also promoted sustainable practices by integrating green technologies and facilitating necessary environmental clearances for projects.

A spade-toothed whale, believed to be the world's rarest whale species, is being examined in New Zealand. This is the first time that a complete specimen of the spade-toothed whale is being dissected, providing scientists with valuable insights into the species.

Key Facts About the Species

• Spade-toothed whales are named after their spade-shaped teeth, resembling the "flensing" blade once used to strip whales of their blubber.
• Almost nothing is known about the enigmatic species. 
• Only seven specimens of this species have been documented since the 1800s, with all but one found in New Zealand.
  • New Zealand is a whale-stranding hotspot, with more than 5,000 episodes recorded since 1840.
  • The first spade-toothed whale bones were found in 1872 on New Zealand’s Pitt Island. Another discovery was made at an offshore island in the 1950s, and the bones of a third were found on Chile’s Robinson Crusoe Island in 1986.
• These whales are deep divers, rarely seen at sea, and live in some of the deepest ocean trenches in the South Pacific Ocean, where they hunt squid and small fish.

The Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 (RPWD Act), passed to align with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, aims to enhance disability inclusion in India. However, the State Commissioners for Disabilities, tasked with monitoring and enforcing the law, have faced challenges in fulfilling their role due to delays in appointments, lack of independence, and insufficient capacity. Recent reports highlight the need for improvements in the functioning of these offices.

Challenges in Implementation

• Underutilization of State Commissioners: Many State Commissioners have failed to meet the expectations outlined in the RPWD Act due to insufficient empowerment and laxity by state governments.
• Appointment Issues: Commissioners are often civil servants with limited experience in disability rights, conflicting with the law’s intention to have independent and impartial overseers.
• Delayed Appointments: The delay in appointing Commissioners, as highlighted in a recent writ petition (WPC 29329/2021), has hindered the effective enforcement of the law.

Role and Powers of State Commissioners

• Judicial Powers: Under Section 82 of the RPWD Act, State Commissioners possess civil court powers, enabling them to intervene in cases where laws and policies discriminate against persons with disabilities.
• Suo Motu Intervention: Commissioners are authorized to take action independently to address discriminatory practices and ensure the full implementation of the RPWD Act, yet this provision has not been fully utilized.
• Need for Accountability: Commissioners must engage consistently with persons with disabilities and their organizations to identify violations and take corrective action.

Best Practices and Recommendations

• Karnataka’s Approach: The State of Karnataka has successfully implemented mobile adalats and district-level disability management reviews, promoting disability-inclusive governance and expediting grievance redress.
• Collaboration with Legal Experts: Strengthening the capacity of State Commissioners by partnering with law schools and legal experts is vital for enhancing their effectiveness in their quasi-judicial role.
• Research and Advocacy: Commissioners should focus on research in disability inclusion, collaborating with international bodies to promote inclusive policies and raise awareness on issues like disability-inclusive social protection.

Practice Question

Q. Discuss the challenges faced by State Commissioners for Disabilities in implementing the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016, and suggest measures to improve their functioning.

India's judiciary faces significant case pendency due to structural inefficiencies. Proposed solutions such as measuring judge performance by case disposal rates and recruiting retired officials to address delays have sparked concerns about balancing speed with fairness. Additionally, the absence of video conferencing facilities in district courts and challenges in undertrial legal aid highlight key barriers.

Speed vs Fairness in Judicial Disposal

• Balancing Speed and Fairness: Focusing on speeding up case disposal may undermine fairness if the quality of trials suffers. Rushed judgments could lead to increased appeals, thereby further clogging the system.
• Performance Metrics for Judges: Evaluating judges based on their case disposal rates may incentivize them to prioritize easier cases, potentially neglecting complex or sensitive cases, which would affect the fairness of the judicial process.
• Impact of Frequent Adjournments: Frequent adjournments, often necessary for gathering evidence or waiting for significant events, ensure a fair trial. Limiting adjournments could lead to hasty decisions, harming the justice system.

Structural Issues and Alternatives

• Involvement of Retired Officials: Appointing retired officials for administrative roles could lead to inefficiencies, as they may not be well-versed in judicial procedures, potentially complicating efforts to streamline case disposal.
• Structural Bottlenecks in the Judicial Process: Delays in case disposal are often due to bottlenecks at different stages, such as investigation, evidence gathering, and missing files. Identifying and addressing these critical delays could improve efficiency without compromising fairness.
• Challenges with Video Conferencing: While video conferencing can expedite proceedings, it risks undermining the rights of undertrials, as they may not receive adequate legal counsel or suffer from mistreatment in custody. Physical presence ensures better oversight of the accused’s condition.

Practice Question

Q. Critically examine the challenges posed by structural inefficiencies in India's judicial system, with regard to case pendency, fairness, and the proposed solutions to improve the system.

India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) plan was approved by the Union Cabinet to provide public access to expensive research journals through a centralized, government-funded subscription model, replacing consortia-based negotiations by libraries. However, the plan has sparked debate regarding its implications on public access, commercial publisher dominance, and the effectiveness of current research funding.

Objectives and Challenges of ONOS

• Centralization and Accessibility: The ONOS plan seeks to reduce the burden of high fees for access to research papers by centralizing subscriptions through the national government, enabling public-funded institutes to access journals.
• Limited Reach and Commercial Control: ONOS is restricted to publicly funded institutions and does not address the ongoing stranglehold of commercial publishers, which continue to profit from publicly funded research.
• Funding Allocation Concerns: While ONOS provides Rs 6,000 crore over three years for 30 major publishers, this is viewed as disproportionate compared to India's stagnating investment in research and development.

Criticism and Alternatives to ONOS

• Lack of Support for Open-Access Models: Critics argue that the government should have promoted ‘green’ and ‘diamond’ open-access models, which ensure free public access to research without relying on commercial publishers.
• Absence of Consultation and Transparency: There was no consultation with research institutes regarding their needs, and concerns remain about the inclusion of irrelevant or predatory journals in the ONOS list, as well as the opacity of the selection process.
• Weak Justification Amid Changing Publishing Trends: With the rise of ‘gold’ open-access models, where researchers pay for publication, and the growing popularity of preprints, the government’s strategy for ONOS appears outdated and misaligned with current trends in scholarly publishing.

Practice Question

Q. Critically evaluate the implications of India’s ‘One Nation, One Subscription’ (ONOS) plan for public access to research and its impact on the scholarly publishing ecosystem.