GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

India has launched its first comprehensive survey of high-risk glacial lakes in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tawang and Dibang Valley districts. The move is part of initiatives undertaken by the National Disaster Management Authority after the glacial lake outburst flood in Sikkim’s South Lhonak lake in October last year.

About the Survey

• This initiative is part of the National Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) Mission and led by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
• It aims to assess and mitigate risks associated with potential glacial lake outburst floods.
• The survey is designed to evaluate the risks posed by glacial lakes in Tawang and Dibang Valley. It will assess the feasibility of installing early warning systems and other mitigation measures to prevent potential flooding.
• Methodology: The survey includes evaluating accessibility, geocoordinates, lake boundaries, elevation, and land use patterns to facilitate the installation of Automatic Early Warning Systems and Automatic Weather Stations.
• Need for Glacial Lake Surveys
  • Recent satellite data analyzed by ISRO revealed concerning trends: glacial lakes in the Indian Himalayas have been growing significantly.
  • Between 1984 and 2023, many of these lakes have expanded in size, with 676 out of 2,431 lakes showing notable increases.
  • Specifically, 130 of these expanding lakes are in India, with 65 in the Indus basin, 58 in the Brahmaputra basin, and 7 in the Ganga basin.
    • For example, the Ghepang Ghat lake in Himachal Pradesh grew by 178% from 1989 to 2022, expanding at a rate of about 1.96 hectares per year.
  • Studies highlight that GLOFs threaten around 15 million people worldwide, with those in the Himalayas being particularly at risk. Approximately one million people live near glacial lakes in this region, and the impacts of GLOFs can extend up to 120 km downstream.
  • Issue: The survey's geopolitical significance is heightened due to the strategic location of Tawang and Dibang Valley near the India-China border, an area of historical tensions and concern regarding Chinese infrastructure projects in the region.

What is the Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF)?

• A Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) occurs when a glacial lake’s natural dam (often formed by glacial debris or ice) suddenly fails, releasing a massive volume of water downstream.
• This sudden release can lead to catastrophic flooding, damaging infrastructure, ecosystems, and communities located downstream. GLOFs are particularly concerning in glaciated regions due to their potential for large-scale destruction.
• National Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Risk Mitigation Programme (NGRMP): The Centre has now approved the ?150-crore National Glacial Lake Outburst Floods Risk Mitigation Programme (NGRMP) on July 25.
  • The programme aims at detailed technical hazard assessments, and installing automated weather and water level monitoring stations (AWWS) and early warning systems (EWS) at the lakes and in downstream areas.
  • The primary objective of this programme is to attempt lake-lowering measures to reduce the risk of GLOF from such lakes.

Factors responsible for GLOF

• Glaciers in the Himalayas are shrinking very fast at the rate of 20 metre per year due to global warming. This increases the threat of a GLOF. 
• Hydropower projects are being relentlessly commissioned in a region that is prone to seismicity, landslides, and climate change-related disasters.

The Kerala High Court has ordered the state to submit the full Hema Committee report, including confidential sections, for review. This comes as the court is considering a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) demanding criminal proceedings against those named in the report. The Justice Hema Committee report, released on August 19, 2024, highlights serious issues of discrimination and exploitation of women in the Malayalam film industry.

Formation of the Justice Hema Committee

• In 2017, a prominent Malayalam actress was abducted and sexually assaulted, leading to widespread outrage.
• In response to this incident, the Women in Cinema Collective (WCC), comprising women from the film industry, petitioned the Kerala Chief Minister, calling for an investigation into the broader gender issues in the industry.
• The Kerala government formed the Justice Hema Committee, headed by retired Kerala High Court Judge Justice K Hema, to investigate sexual harassment and gender inequality in the Malayalam film industry.
• The report was not released until August 2024, leading to criticism. The government cited concerns over sensitive information and privacy as reasons for the delay. Justice Hema had requested in February 2020 that the report not be released due to its sensitive content.
• In response to RTI requests and the Kerala State Information Commission’s ruling, the report was released with certain sections redacted.

Key Findings of the Report

• Culture of Harassment: The report describes a pervasive culture of sexual harassment in the Malayalam film industry, including practices like casting couch and inappropriate behavior from male colleagues.
• Fear of Retaliation: Victims often fear retribution, both direct and through cyber harassment, which silences them from reporting incidents.
• Male-dominated Power Structure: The industry is controlled by a powerful male-dominated group, making it difficult for others to challenge their actions without facing severe consequences.
• Inadequate Facilities: Women in the industry lack basic facilities, such as proper toilets and changing rooms on film sets, leading to health risks.
• Gender Inequality: There is significant gender disparity in pay and working conditions, exacerbated by the lack of formal contracts.

Parts of India’s northeast border state of Tripura and districts in eastern Bangladesh have recorded heavy rainfall of up to nearly 200 millimeters (about 8 inches) in recent days, which has caused perilous floodwaters to rise.

What caused flooding?

• Bangladesh attempted to blame India for opening the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River that led to the flooding.
• However, India’s Ministry of External Affairs clarified that the opening of the Dumbur dam upstream of the Gumti River in Tripura has not caused the current flood situation in districts on Bangladesh's eastern borders.
• The catchment areas of the Gumti River that flows through India and Bangladesh have witnessed the heaviest rains of this year over the last few days. The flood in Bangladesh is primarily due to waters from these large catchments downstream of the dam.
• Dumbur dam is located quite far from the border - over 120 Km upstream of Bangladesh. It is a low-height (about 30m) dam that generates power that feeds into a grid from which Bangladesh also draws 40 MW of power from Tripura.
• The common problem:
  • Floods on the common rivers between India and Bangladesh are a shared problem inflicting suffering to people on both sides and requires close cooperation towards resolving them.
  • India and Bangladesh share 54 common cross-border rivers.
  • India has three water-level observation sites along the 120-km stretch of the river from the Dumbur dam to the Bangladeshi border at Amarpur, Sonamura, and Sonamura 2.
  • The Amarpur station is part of a bilateral protocol under which India provides real-time flood data to Bangladesh.

The Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) is conducting a detailed study of the magnetic fields associated with sunspots to address the longstanding problem of coronal heating and to gain deeper insights into the solar wind. This research, conducted at the Kodaikanal Solar Observatory, aims to improve understanding of the physical mechanisms driving these solar phenomena.

Key-highlights of the Study

• The Indian Institute of Astrophysics is focusing on sunspots' magnetic fields to investigate their role in solar phenomena.
• Solar Wind and Coronal Heating: The study seeks to resolve the coronal heating problem, where the Sun's outer atmosphere (the corona) is unexpectedly hotter than the Sun's surface (the photosphere).
• The solar wind, a stream of charged particles emitted by the Sun, is driven by magnetic fields. By analyzing how these magnetic fields operate, researchers aim to clarify the mechanisms that heat the corona and contribute to the solar wind.
• Observations and Techniques: Researchers are utilizing data from spectral lines, specifically Hydrogen-alpha and Calcium II 8662 Å, to assess the magnetic fields at various heights in the solar atmosphere.
  • The Hydrogen-alpha line is particularly useful for studying the chromospheric magnetic field during events like solar flares due to its reduced sensitivity to temperature fluctuations.

India is celebrating its inaugural National Space Day on August 23, 2024, to mark the successful landing of the Chandrayaan-3 mission’s Vikram Lander on the Moon’s southern polar region. This achievement is significant as India became the first country to land in this uncharted region and the fourth overall to achieve a lunar landing. The occasion is commemorated with the theme "Touching Lives while Touching the Moon: India's Space Saga".

About Chandrayaan-3

• Chandrayaan-3, developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), successfully landed the Vikram Lander and the Pragyaan Rover on the Moon.
• This mission not only accomplished a soft landing but also made India the first nation to land on the Moon's southern polar region, highlighting India's growing capabilities in space exploration.

Major Space Missions and Achievements

• Aditya-L1: This mission aims to study the Sun from the first Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1), a stable point in space that allows continuous observation of the Sun. Aditya-L1 reached L1 and has been conducting observations, including the study of a solar storm that occurred in May 2024.
• Gaganyaan TV-D1: As part of the Gaganyaan human spaceflight program, this mission tested the Crew Escape System (CES) of the spacecraft.
  • The test demonstrated the CES’s ability to safely separate from the test vehicle, protect the crew module, and ensure it decelerates effectively before splashing down into the Bay of Bengal.
  • The crew module was successfully recovered by the Indian Navy vessel INS Shakthi.
• XPoSat: The X-ray Polarimeter Satellite (XPoSat) was launched to study the polarization of X-ray radiation. This mission aims to enhance our understanding of various cosmic sources of radiation.
  • XPoSat is India’s second X-ray polarimeter satellite, following NASA’s IPEX launched in 2021.
  • It carries two main instruments: XSPECT and POLIX, which began operations shortly after the launch.
• INSAT-3DS: This meteorological satellite was launched to test the capabilities of the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV).
  • INSAT-3DS plays a crucial role in validating the GSLV before the critical launch of the NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) mission, scheduled for early 2025.
• RLV-TD: The Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD), specifically the Pushpak variant, underwent two landing experiments.
  • These tests simulated the vehicle’s landing from space, with one test dropping the vehicle along its intended landing path and another offset by 500 meters.
  • These tests are pivotal for developing reusable launch vehicles for future space missions.
• SSLV: The Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) successfully launched the EOS-08 and SR-0 Demosat satellites into orbit.
  • This mission concluded the development phase of the SSLV, which is now ready for commercial use. EOS-08 includes payloads for earth observation in the infrared range and other advanced technologies.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ukraine on its Independence Day marks the first visit by an Indian head of state to the country. This visit comes amidst a delicate balancing act between India’s relations with Russia and Ukraine, as well as its strategic positioning with China and the US.

Diplomatic Balancing Act:

• Historical Context: Modi’s recent visit to Moscow, amid the Russian missile attack on Kyiv and the ongoing war, highlighted India's complex diplomatic balancing act between Russia and Ukraine. The visit aimed to reassure Ukraine and its Western allies after Modi’s perceived closeness to Russia.
• Strategic Realignment: The visit to Kyiv is a strategic move to restore India's image as a balanced global player and strengthen ties with Europe. This includes reassessing economic and military cooperation with Ukraine while addressing past diplomatic strains.
• Future Cooperation: Modi’s visit is expected to focus on enhancing bilateral relations, including military trade and technological collaboration. Ukraine's need for defense equipment and India's interest in upgrading its military inventory are central to these discussions.

Historical and Current Relations:

• Past Grievances: Historical grievances, such as Ukraine's criticism of India’s nuclear tests and military sales to Pakistan, are being reconsidered. Despite these issues, Ukraine has been a significant supplier of military equipment to India, with recent arms deliveries increasing.
• Russian Influence: Russia’s strategic arms sales to Pakistan and its military cooperation with Islamabad contrast with its past support for India. This historical context underscores the geopolitical complexities India faces in balancing its relations with both Ukraine and Russia.
• Military and Economic Opportunities: The ongoing war in Ukraine presents new opportunities for India to replace obsolete Soviet-era weapons and engage in defense cooperation. India’s potential involvement in Ukraine’s post-war reconstruction also offers economic benefits.

Strategic and Technological Cooperation:

• Defense Technology: Ukraine’s advances in low-cost defense technology and its maritime successes provide opportunities for India to enhance its defense capabilities. Cooperation in military technology, including the potential transfer of advanced systems, is a key focus.
• Digital and Economic Cooperation: Ukraine's innovations in digital governance and India’s expertise in electronic voting machines offer avenues for mutual benefit. Joint efforts in these areas could significantly impact both countries' technological landscapes.
• Symbolic and Practical Implications: Modi’s visit aligns with Ukraine's Independence Day, symbolizing a fresh start for bilateral relations. It reflects India’s commitment to strengthening ties with Ukraine while navigating its complex global alliances.

Mains Question:

Q. Evaluate the implications of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ukraine for India’s foreign policy and strategic interests.

The recent murder and rape of a resident doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata have sparked widespread protests and highlighted the pervasive issue of sexual violence in India. This case has led to public outcry and demands for justice, with the investigation now under the jurisdiction of the CBI following Calcutta High Court directions.

Legislative and Institutional Shortcomings:

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS): The BNS, introduced to enhance gender justice, has been criticized for not effectively addressing sexual violence. It introduced the death penalty for rape but failed to incorporate key feminist recommendations or create a real deterrent against sexual violence.
• Neglect of Recommendations: The BNS ignored critical recommendations from the Verma Committee and women’s movements for addressing systemic sexual violence. The lack of emphasis on command responsibility and institutional accountability undermines efforts to combat sexual violence.
• Failure to Address Workplace Harassment: The BNS has shifted the responsibility for addressing workplace sexual harassment to employers, creating conflicts of interest. This approach undermines efforts to create safe and supportive environments for women.

State’s Inadequate Support and Funding:

• Lack of Resources for Survivors: The state’s heavy investment in forensic technologies contrasts with its neglect of essential support for rape survivors. There are no funds for providing basic necessities like clothing and sanitary products to survivors during forensic investigations.
• Defunding of Women’s Groups: The reduction in funding for women’s organizations working with rape survivors has led to a significant loss of expertise and support. This defunding has weakened the infrastructure needed to support survivors and prevent sexual violence.
• Insufficient Shelter and Compensation: The state fails to provide adequate shelter homes, safe houses, and financial support for survivors. Compensation is often treated as discretionary rather than a right, reflecting a broader failure to support survivors adequately.

Broader Implications and Challenges:

• Institutional Impunity: The existence of “impunity institutions” that perpetuate unsafe conditions for women indicates systemic issues. The interplay between defunding and institutional capture contributes to the persistence of gendered violence.
• Intersectionality and Systemic Bias: The legal system’s response to intersectional issues, such as the safety of Muslim and Dalit women, is inadequate. This reflects broader systemic biases that fail to address the specific needs and vulnerabilities of marginalized groups.
• Sexual Violence in Public Discourse: The portrayal of sexual violence in public discourse often perpetuates patriarchal and sensationalist narratives. The use of forensic details in a voyeuristic manner contributes to the normalization of violence and undermines serious discussions about justice and reform.

Mains Question:

Q. What are the limitations of recent legal and institutional reforms in addressing sexual violence in India, focusing on the impact of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)? Analyze how intersectionality and systemic biases affect the legal response to sexual violence.

The recent case of acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) in a child from Tikrikilla, Meghalaya, has brought renewed attention to polio in India. The State government reported this case on August 14, and it raises questions about the source of the virus, whether it is vaccine-derived or wild poliovirus, given the global eradication status of wild poliovirus types 2 and 3.

Current Situation:

• Virus Source: The case has not yet been officially confirmed as either vaccine-derived or wild poliovirus. Since wild poliovirus types 2 and 3 were eradicated globally, the case could be due to imported wild poliovirus type 1 or vaccine-derived poliovirus.
• Genetic Analysis: Genetic sequencing of the April 2022 environmental sample in Kolkata identified a likely immunodeficiency-related vaccine-derived poliovirus (iVDPV). The Meghalaya case’s genetic details remain pending, complicating the determination of the virus type and its origin.
• Global Polio Status: With the switch in 2016 from trivalent to bivalent oral polio vaccine in India, only types 1 and 3 are present in the vaccine. However, type 2 vaccine-derived poliovirus (cVDPV2) continues to circulate globally, posing risks of its importation.

Implications and Urgent Actions:

• Vaccine Implications: The delay in confirming whether the Meghalaya case is caused by iVDPV or cVDPV is significant. cVDPV indicates community circulation, while iVDPV is restricted to an individual with immunodeficiency.
• Public Health Measures: India’s reliance on oral polio vaccine (OPV) continues despite the availability of inactivated polio vaccine (IPV). OPV can cause polio in immune-deficient children, highlighting the need for a transition to IPV.
• Policy Recommendations: The case underscores the necessity for India to switch to IPV exclusively, as most developed countries have done, to avoid risks associated with OPV and ensure better control over polio.

Mains Question:

Q. Discuss the significance of the recent case of acute flaccid paralysis in Meghalaya in the context of India’s polio eradication efforts. Evaluate the implications of the ongoing use of oral polio vaccine (OPV) versus inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) and suggest policy measures to address potential vaccine-derived poliovirus risks.