GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

June 6, 2024, marks the 80th anniversary of D-Day, the pivotal moment in World War II when Allied forces launched the largest amphibious invasion in history, marking the beginning of the end for Nazi Germany.

The Invasion:

• On June 6, 1944, Allied troops from various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada, stormed five stretches of the Normandy coastline, codenamed Utah, Omaha, Gold, Juno, and Sword beaches.
• Allied Forces and Participation: Over two million troops were stationed in the UK for the invasion, with significant contributions from American, British, and Canadian forces. Troops from other Allied nations, including Australia, Belgium, France, and Poland, also played vital roles in Operation Overlord.
• Challenges and Losses: While some landings were successful, particularly at Utah and Gold beaches, others faced significant challenges. Omaha Beach, in particular, witnessed heavy casualties due to strong currents and fierce German resistance. Thousands of Allied troops lost their lives on D-Day, with estimates of German casualties ranging from 4,000 to 9,000.
• German Defense and Reaction: Germany's response to Operation Overlord was hindered by poor weather conditions, strategic misinformation, and the diversionary tactics of Operation Fortitude. Despite their efforts, German coastal defenses were eventually overwhelmed by Allied advances.
• Legacy and Impact: D-Day marked a turning point in World War II, paving the way for the liberation of France and the eventual defeat of Nazi Germany. The successful invasion allowed the Allies to gain a foothold in northwest Europe and accelerate their advance towards victory.

In the realm of astrophysics, Scientists are puzzled by how galaxies move. They spin faster than expected based on normal gravity rules or they does not align with predictions based on Newton's laws of gravity when applied to visible matter. Galaxies rotate at velocities far exceeding what Newtonian physics anticipates, suggesting the presence of additional, unseen mass. To explain this, they came up with dark matter, an invisible substance. Another idea is MOND, a tweak to gravity's rules.

Dark Matter vs. MOND

1. Dark Matter Theory

• It says invisible stuff called dark matter holds galaxies together. Even though it's successful, we haven't seen dark matter directly.
• Dark matter serves as a theoretical solution to the discrepancy in galactic rotation rates. It proposes the existence of invisible mass that provides the necessary gravitational pull to prevent galaxies from flying apart.
• Despite its success in explaining various astrophysical phenomena, dark matter remains elusive, with no direct observational evidence.

2. MOND Theory

• Modified Newtonian Dynamics (MOND), proposed by Mordehai Milgrom, is an alternative theory to explain galactic dynamics. It suggests a modification of gravity's behavior at low accelerations, particularly at the edges of galaxies.
• It suggests gravity works differently in weak places like galaxy edges.
• Testing MOND: The Cassini mission, orbiting Saturn, provided an opportunity to test MOND's predictions through precise measurements of Saturn's orbit. However, analysis of Cassini's data did not reveal the expected deviations, reinforcing the efficacy of Newtonian physics in explaining Saturn's orbit.

Recent Studies and Challenges to MOND

• Galactic Mass Calculations: A study explored the possibility of adjusting galactic mass calculations to accommodate MOND's predictions. Despite these adjustments, MOND still failed to align with Cassini's data.
• Binary Star Orbits: Another study scrutinized the orbits of wide binary stars, finding no support for MOND's prediction of faster orbital speeds. The results strongly contradict MOND's expectations.
• Outer Solar System and Galaxy Clusters: MOND also faces challenges in explaining the behavior of small bodies in the outer Solar System and the motions within galaxy clusters. Newtonian gravity, coupled with the presence of dark matter, offers a more consistent explanation for these phenomena.

Conclusion

While the concept of dark matter presents its own set of challenges, MOND, in its current form, fails to provide a viable alternative. Despite its initial promise, recent studies and observations highlight significant discrepancies between MOND's predictions and empirical data. Thus, the enigma of dark matter persists, suggesting that our understanding of the universe's gravitational dynamics remains incomplete.

The recent report by the European Union's climate change monitoring service indicates a worrying trend: each of the past 12 months has been the warmest on record. This sustained rise in temperatures, culminating in a 12-month average of 1.63 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels, calls for urgent action to avert “climate hell”.

What is climate change?

• Climate change is not just a natural science problem. It is a social, economic, geopolitical, and national security problem, besides being an ethical and justice issue. 
• Over the last decade, the world was on average around 1.2C warmer than during the late 19th Century.
• It has now been confirmed that global warming exceeded 1.5C across the 12 month period between February 2023 and January 2024. That followed 2023 being declared the warmest year on record.
• The temperature increase was driven by human-caused climate change and boosted by the natural El Niño weather phenomenon.
• Effects of climate change
  • more frequent and intense extreme weather, such as heatwaves and heavy rainfall
  • rapid melting of glaciersand ice sheets, contributing to sea-level rise
  • huge declines in Arctic sea-ice
  • Economic crisis, Affected global health, Migration
  • Rising Temperatures, Shifting Rainfall Patterns, Thawing Permafrost
  • Impact on Ecosystems (disrupting biodiversity and ecological balance)
  • Human Health Impacts
  • Ocean Acidification (endangering marine life and ecosystems)
  • Food System Disruption
  • Threat to Animals (habitat loss, altered migration patterns, and changing ecosystems)

Imminent Risk of Exceeding Critical Threshold:

• The UN's World Meteorological Organization (WMO) warns that there's an 80% chance of surpassing the critical 1.5-degree mark within the next five years.
• 12-month heat streak: Every single month from June 2023 to May 2024 was the world's hottest such month on record.
• In India, dozens have dies over the past few weeks as temperatures pushed towards 50 degrees Celsius.
• Hotter air and oceans also fuel heavier rainfall and destructive storms like those that have battered the United States, Brazil, Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, among other nations, this year.
• Call for Drastic Reduction in Fossil Fuel Usage: To address this urgent situation, there is a pressing need for a significant reduction in global fossil fuel production and usage by 2030. The call for a 30% cut underscores the severity of the situation and the necessity for decisive action to curb greenhouse gas emissions.
• Urgent Need to Mitigate Economic and Environmental Costs: The repercussions of failing to address climate change are dire. Urgent action is needed to mitigate the economic costs, environmental damage, and increased vulnerability to extreme weather events that result from rising global temperatures.

Challenges:

• The world is “decades behind” in the transition to clean energy.
• Discrepancy Between Commitments and Actions: Despite global agreements and efforts to curb carbon dioxide emissions, the reality paints a different picture. Carbon emissions from fossil fuels reached a record high last year, indicating a significant gap between commitments and actions in the fight against climate change.
• Temporary Respite vs. Long-term Trend: While temporary cooling effects like La Nina may provide brief relief, they do not alter the overall upward trajectory of global temperatures. It's crucial to recognize these fluctuations as mere deviations from the long-term trend of escalating climate change.
• Projection of Worsening Conditions: Projections indicate that at least one of the next five years could surpass the record-breaking temperatures observed in 2023. This projection underscores the urgency of the situation and the need for immediate action to address climate change.
• Concerning Developments and Future Outlook: Scientists highlight alarming developments, such as the rapid loss of Antarctic sea ice, which further exacerbates the climate crisis. It's imperative to acknowledge these developments and take decisive action to reverse the trend of rising global temperatures.

Chile is all set to install the largest digital camera for astronomy (resolution above 3.2 gigapixels), on the edge of Atacama desert.

Key Details:

• Location: Cerro Pachón in the Coquimbo region, Chile.
• Camera: It's massive, weighing almost three tons, with a resolution of over 3.2 gigapixels.
• Purpose: The camera is part of a decade-long exploration to study dark energy, dark matter, and potential asteroid collisions.
• Data: It will generate 20 terabytes of data nightly, creating a 15 petabyte database over the decade.
• Aim: Understand how the universe began and its future development.
• Operator: The observatory is managed by AURA, a consortium of U.S. and international institutions.
• Location Choice: Chile's Atacama Desert offers clear skies, ideal for astronomy. Chile hosts much of the world’s investment in astronomy due to the clear skies of its Atacama Desert, the driest desert on earth.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) signed an agreement (MoU) to establish Tele MANAS Cell in Pune. The military faces unique challenges that can affect mental health. These challenges need special attention and support.

What is Tele MANAS?

• Tele Mental Health Assistance and Networking Across States (Tele-MANAS) is a service that provides mental health support over the phone. It's part of a larger program called the District Mental Health Programme (DMHP).
• National Apex Centre: National Institute of Mental Health and Neuro Sciences (NIMHANS), Bengaluru
• Current Situation:
  • There are already 51 Tele MANAS cells working across all States and UTs, offering services in 20 languages.
  • Since it started in October 2022, Tele MANAS has received over 10 lakh calls (a lakh is 100,000) and handles more than 3,500 calls every day.
  • This shows there's a big need for mental health support, especially in places like the Armed Forces.

Scenario of Mental Health

• Mental health comprises our emotional, psychological, and social well-being.
• Types of mental health issues: Anxiety Disorder, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Schizophrenia, Eating Disorders, Disruptive behaviour and dissocial disorders, Neurodevelopmental disorders
• Factors increasing vulnerability: emotional skills, substance use and genetics.
• Numbers:
  • 1 in every 5 individuals suffers from some form of mental health illness symptoms.
  • 50% of mental health conditions begin by age 14 and 75% of mental health conditions develop by age 24.
  • 970 million people around the world struggle with some mental illness.
  • One in four people are affected by a mental illness at some point in their lives.
  • 3% of deaths worldwide, or approximately 8 million deaths each year, are attributable to mental disorders
• Challenges:
  • Stigmatisation of mental illness, social exclusion and isolation
  • Financial barriers
  • Limited availability of mental health education and awareness
  • Lack of good mental health care professionals and services
    • There are just 0.3 psychiatrists, 0.07 psychologists and 0.07 social workers per 100,000 people in India.
    • To compare, the ratio of psychiatrists in developed countries is 6.6 per 100,000 and the average number of mental hospitals globally is 0.04 per 100,000 while it's only 0.004 in India.
  • Government Health Initiatives:
    • India’s Mental Healthcare Act, 2017
    • National Mental Health Programme (NMHP)
    • National Tele Mental Health Programme
    • NIMHANS and iGOT-Diksha Collaboration
    • Ayushman Bharat - Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs)
    • World Health Day
    • Kiran Helpline, Manodarpan Initiative

A global human rights group accused Israel of using white phosphorus incendiary shells on residential buildings in conflict-hit southern Lebanon, possibly harming civilians and violating international law.

What is White Phosphorus?

• White phosphorus is a solid waxy substance that looks yellowish or colorless.
• It has a distinct garlic-like smell.
• Uses and Properties:
  • White phosphorus ignites instantly when it touches oxygen.
  • Militaries use it for lighting up battlefields, creating smoke screens, and as an incendiary.
  • Once ignited, it's hard to put out, and it sticks to surfaces like skin and clothes.
• Health Risks: White phosphorus is harmful to humans in all forms of contact.
• Its smoke contains phosphoric acids and phosphine, which can harm the eyes and respiratory system.
• Contact with white phosphorus can cause deep and severe burns, even penetrating through bone.
• Ban: The incendiary substance is not banned, but its use in densely populated areas has been widely condemned.

International Law and White Phosphorus:

• While international law doesn't outright ban incendiary weapons like white phosphorus, its use in densely populated areas has been widely condemned.
• When white phosphorus is used as an incendiary weapon (not for chemical warfare), it's regulated by Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
• Violation of the convention happens only if it's deliberately used as an incendiary weapon against humans in civilian areas like cities or residential areas.

Oleg Kononenko, a Russian cosmonaut, became the first person to spend 1,000 days in space, according to the Russian space agency Roscosmos. He achieved this milestone during his current trip to the International Space Station (ISS), which began on September 15, 2023.

International Space Station (ISS):

• The ISS serves as a spacecraft, observatory, laboratory, and living quarters for astronauts.
• It floats approximately 240 miles above the Earth's surface and can accommodate up to 10 people at once.
• Objective: to facilitate long-term exploration of space and provide tangible benefits to people on Earth through scientific research.
• Collaborative Effort: Built and operated by 15 countries, including the US, Russia, and Japan, the ISS was initiated in 1998 to serve as a hub for various space-based research initiatives.
• Orbital Dynamics: The ISS orbits the Earth 16 times a day, traveling at a staggering speed of 28,000 km/h, which is equivalent to ten times the speed of a bullet on Earth's surface.
• Bright Night Sky Object: As it orbits the Earth, the ISS is the third brightest object visible in the night sky and can be observed with the naked eye by people on the ground.

Researchers and artists teamed up for a project called "Painting with Light" to visualize air pollution in India and other countries. They used digital light painting and low-cost air pollution sensors to create striking images showing pollution levels.

Key Findings:

• In India, they found significant differences in air quality between urban Delhi and rural Palampur, with Palampur having much lower pollution levels.
• Similar variations were observed in Ethiopia and Wales, highlighting the impact of different environments on air quality.
• Particulate Matter (PM) pollution, particularly PM2.5, was the main focus due to its severe health impacts.

Why it matters?

• The team used low-cost sensors to measure PM concentrations in real-time. LED lights were controlled by these sensors to create visual representations of pollution levels.
• Long exposure photography captured these light patterns, with more dots indicating higher PM concentrations.
• The project makes invisible air pollution visible, sparking discussions and raising awareness about its health risks.
• It provides a simple way for people to understand and compare air pollution levels in different locations.

Philanthropy has a rich history in India, with corporate foundations playing a significant role. In recent years, women have emerged as influential leaders in philanthropy, contributing distinct perspectives and innovative approaches.

Distinctive Styles and Innovative Approaches in Women-led Philanthropy:

• Introduction to the Issue: Historically, Indian companies have engaged in philanthropy, often through corporate foundations led by women spouses of business leaders. Today, women in India and globally are leading philanthropic efforts independently with innovative methods.
• Case Study of Melinda French: Post-divorce from Bill Gates, Melinda French announced her disengagement from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation to focus on her nonprofit, Pivotal Philanthropies Foundation, with $12.5 billion for gender development and other causes.
• MacKenzie Scott's Approach: After her divorce from Jeff Bezos, MacKenzie Scott revolutionized philanthropy by distributing $16.6 billion to over 2,000 NGOs with a 'no strings attached' policy, allowing recipients full control over the funds.

 Impact of Women-led Philanthropy on Social Development:

• Rohini Nilekani's Contributions: Rohini Nilekani, leveraging wealth from Infosys, has significantly impacted philanthropy in India, being named "most generous woman" for three consecutive years by the Hurun India Philanthropy Report. Her focus on early critical areas like the environment and climate change has been pioneering.
• Role of Rajashree Birla: Rajashree Birla led the Aditya Birla Group’s CSR initiatives after her husband's death, showcasing the impact of women-led CSR efforts in India.
• Data Supporting Women-led Philanthropy: Studies from GivingPi and Bain & Company-Dasra indicate women’s higher involvement in philanthropy, greater accountability, and a clearer focus on complex societal challenges. Women tend to give a higher proportion of their net worth compared to men.

Factors Driving Women-led Philanthropy:

• Ownership and Influence: The shift towards professional-led companies and startups has resulted in significant equity shares held by women, enabling independent philanthropic activities. Role models like Rohini Nilekani and Rajashree Birla inspire this trend.
• Government and Industry Support: Government policies and industry associations like CII and FICCI support CSR activities, often led by women, enhancing philanthropic efforts.
• Financial Independence and Passion for Giving: Greater financial means and freedom allow women to leave corporate jobs and focus on philanthropy. Examples include Vidya Shah of EdelGive and women billionaires like Savitri Jindal, who contribute significantly to philanthropy after inheriting wealth.

Challenges of Implementation and Ensuring Inclusivity:

• Implementation Hurdles: Ensuring effective use of philanthropic funds and overcoming traditional tracking and review systems require innovative approaches and careful consideration.
• Promoting Inclusivity: Recognizing diverse societal needs and tailoring support to address specific challenges fosters a more inclusive and supportive philanthropic environment.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Discuss the impact of women-led philanthropy on social development in India. How do innovative approaches by women philanthropists differ from traditional practices?

While the Right to Education (RTE) Act of 2009 has improved access to schools, the quality of education remains uneven across Indian states. Empirical evidence underscores the urgency of prioritizing learning outcomes.

Disparities in Educational Outcomes:

• Introduction to the Issue: The National Achievement Survey (NAS) 2021 highlights significant disparities in educational outcomes across states. Leading states like Punjab, Rajasthan, and Haryana outperform others in subjects like Mathematics and Science, while states like Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Chhattisgarh lag behind.
• Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic: NAS 2021 indicates a decline in student performance compared to NAS 2017. The pandemic and a shift from rote learning to competency-based assessments have contributed to significant learning losses.
• Decline in Performance with Progression: There is a consistent decline in average scores as students progress from Class 3 to Class 10. For instance, the average score in Language drops from 64.6% in Class 3 to 52% in Class 10, highlighting issues in building foundational skills.

Theoretical Insights and Policy Frameworks:

• Spiral Curriculum Theory: Jerome Bruner’s theory, advocating the recurrent revisitation of fundamental ideas, is pertinent as NAS data shows declining scores. Existing strategies may inadequately reinforce essential concepts, leading to knowledge gaps.
• Bloom’s Educational Psychology: Benjamin Bloom’s insights emphasize securing mastery in lower-order cognitive skills before advancing to higher-order thinking skills. The noted decline in performance suggests a premature progression to complex tasks.
• National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: NEP 2020 aims to address these issues by ensuring foundational literacy and numeracy by Grade 3, promoting experiential learning, and shifting from rote learning to competency-based education.

Strategies for Improving Educational Quality:

• Professional Development for Teachers: Continuous professional development and the establishment of National Professional Standards for Teachers (NPST) are crucial for improving teaching practices. Regular in-service training is mandated.
• Competency-Based Education: NEP 2020 promotes competency-based education to ensure students master essential skills before progressing to advanced topics, thus preparing them for higher education and the workforce.
• National Curriculum Framework (NCF) 2023: NCF 2023 aligns educational aims, curricular goals, competencies, and specific learning outcomes. This structured approach ensures transparency, accountability, and targeted interventions to address learning gaps.

Steps for Addressing Disparities:

• Utilizing NAS Data: States should use NAS data to identify and target lagging areas, ensuring focused interventions and resource allocation.
• Teacher Training: Emphasizing modern and competency-based teaching methods through continuous professional development and mentorship programs is essential.
• Engaging Parents and Communities: Active engagement of parents and communities as partners in the educational process is crucial for improving educational outcomes.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Analyze the role of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 in addressing the decline in learning outcomes as highlighted by NAS 2021. What measures can be taken to ensure the effective implementation of NEP 2020?

As India enters its third Lok Sabha term under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, it has the opportunity to solidify its position as a global climate leader. Modi’s visionary ‘Panchamrit’ strategy, combined with India’s impressive climate action, can set a benchmark for sustainable development worldwide.

Panchamrit Vision and Climate Strategy:

• Introduction to Panchamrit Vision: Central to Modi 3.0’s climate strategy, Panchamrit outlines five key elements: reaching 500GW of non-fossil energy capacity, sourcing 50% of energy from renewable sources, reducing carbon emissions by 1 billion tonnes, decreasing the carbon intensity of the economy by 45% (over 2005 levels) by 2030, and achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
• Commitment to Climate Action: These targets highlight India’s dedication to climate action, setting ambitious goals to significantly lower carbon emissions and shift to renewable energy sources.
• Global Impact: The strategy sets a global benchmark, showcasing India's role in leading international efforts towards sustainable development.

Major Determinants and Actions:

• Balancing Sustainability and Development: India faces the dual challenge of maintaining economic growth while ensuring environmental sustainability. Science-driven, evidence-based policies guide India’s climate actions.
• International Climate Initiatives: India has spearheaded initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI), advocating for a global alliance on biofuels to accelerate energy transition.
• Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA): Launched during the 2023 G20 summit, GBA promotes biofuel trade and best practices, enhancing energy transition, job creation, and economic growth.

Renewable Energy Accomplishments and Future Challenges:

• Renewable Energy Growth: India’s solar capacity has increased 26-fold, and wind energy capacity has doubled in the last decade. The country achieved its target of 40% installed power generation capacity from non-fossil fuels ahead of schedule.
• Challenges and Investments: Despite achievements, reliance on coal remains a challenge. Substantial investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, and sustainable land-use practices are required to meet climate goals.
• Indian Carbon Market (ICM): The proposed ICM aims to lower India’s emission intensity by 45% by 2030, supporting the net-zero carbon emissions goal by 2070 through a robust carbon trading mechanism.

UPSC Mains Questions:

Q. Examine the impact of international initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA) and Global Biofuels Alliance (GBA) on global energy transition. How can India leverage these platforms to enhance its climate resilience?