In News: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has recently published its State of the Global Climate 2023 report, indicating that the heat content of the Earth's oceans attained an unprecedented peak in the same year.

Key Highlights of the Report

• Oceanic Changes
• Record-high ocean heat content attributed to anthropogenic climate drivers.
• Contrasting heating and cooling patterns observed in the North Atlantic.

• Global Surface Temperature
• Global average sea-surface temperatures reached record highs.
• Significant heating observed in various regions worldwide.

• Marine Conditions
• Increase in marine heatwaves with negative impacts on ecosystems.
• Ocean acidification worsened due to carbon dioxide absorption.

• Temperature Trends
• Global mean near-surface temperature recorded its warmest year on record.

• Glacial Retreat and Sea Ice Loss
• Accelerated glacial retreat worldwide, notably in North America and Europe.
• Antarctic and Arctic sea ice extents remained below normal.

• Extreme Weather Events
• Increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events globally.
• Socio-economic impacts evident across all inhabited continents.

• Renewable Energy Surge
• Substantial growth in renewable energy generation indicating progress towards decarbonization targets.

• Climate Financing Challenges
• Despite increased climate-related finance, significant financing gap remains.
• Adaptation finance continues to fall short of required levels.

Socioeconomic Impacts of Weather and Climate Hazards

• Food Insecurity
• Climate-related events exacerbate global food insecurity, doubling acute food insecurity since pre-pandemic levels.

• Population Displacement
• Climate-related displacements strain resources and exacerbate social tensions, particularly in conflict-prone regions.

• Economic Losses
• Infrastructure damage, agricultural losses, and disrupted supply chains hinder economic recovery and exacerbate poverty.

• Inequality
• Climate-related shocks widen inequality gaps, impacting various Sustainable Development Goals.

• Global Economic Impact
• Climate-related disasters extend beyond individual regions, affecting global economic stability through rising food prices and disrupted supply chains.

Source: DTE

In News: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) arrested Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal in connection with a money laundering case linked to the Delhi Excise policy.

Enforcement Directorate (ED)

• Established in 1956 as an ‘Enforcement Unit’ under the Department of Economic Affairs.
• Renamed as ‘Enforcement Directorate’ in 1957.
• Presently under the administrative control of the Department of Revenue (Ministry of Finance).
• Responsible for enforcing the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA), and certain provisions under the PMLA.
• Empowered to attach assets of culprits violating FEMA and undertake enforcement actions under PMLA.

Appointment of Director of ED

• The ED Director is appointed by the central government based on the recommendation of a committee chaired by the Central Vigilance Commissioner.
• Committee members include Vigilance Commissioners, Home Secretary, Secretary DOPT, and Revenue Secretary.

Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22

• Implemented on November 17, 2021, withdrawing government involvement in liquor sales.
• Aimed to enhance customer experience and curb black marketing.
• Divided Delhi into 32 zones for private operators to bid on.
• Issued licenses for 849 retail vends through open bidding.
• Introduced discounts to retail customers and reduced dry days from 21 to 3.
• Proposed home delivery of liquor and lowering of drinking age to 21, but not implemented.

Controversy surrounding Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22

• Chief Secretary found procedural lapses and irregularities in the policy.
• Allegations against Delhi Deputy CM Sisodia for making unauthorized changes.
• Accusations of financial losses to the exchequer and kickbacks received by the Delhi government.
• Alleged use of kickbacks to influence Assembly elections in Punjab and Goa in 2022.
• Report referred to CBI leading to the arrest of the then Delhi Dy CM Manish Sisodia and others.

Involvement of Enforcement Directorate (ED)

• ED investigating alleged money laundering cases related to the excise policy.
• Alleged proceeds of crime amounting to over Rs 292 crore.
• Investigation aims to establish the modus operandi of the alleged scam.
• Allegations of AAP leaders receiving kickbacks from identified groups.

Source: Frontline

In News: Researchers recently examined 91 pairs of stars originating from the same stellar nursery, possessing comparable sizes and compositions.

Stability of Planetary Systems

• Earth's solar system has remained stable over its 4.5 billion years.
• A new study reveals instability in other planetary systems, particularly those with twin stars.
• An international team used large telescopes to observe 91 pairs of twin stars, finding evidence of planets being 'ingested.'

Discovery of Cosmic Cannibalism

• Among the studied twin stars, approximately eight percent showed compositional differences.
• One star in each pair displayed a tendency to 'devour' planets or planetary material.
• This phenomenon of cosmic cannibalism was observed in seven out of the 91 pairs of twin stars.

Characteristics of Twin Stars

• Twin stars formed from the same interstellar cloud, sharing the same chemical makeup, mass, and age.
• While moving together within the Milky Way Galaxy, these pairs are not binary systems gravitationally bound to each other.

Reasons Behind Cosmic Cannibalism

• Potential causes include orbital disturbances caused by larger planets or passing stars destabilizing the planetary system.
• Observations were made using the Gaia space observatory and telescopes in Chile and Hawaii.

Implications and Significance

• Stars observed ranged from 70 to 960 light years away from our solar system.
• While mostly indicating whole planets being ingested, it's possible planetary building blocks were consumed during system formation.
• This phenomenon suggests a non-negligible fraction of planetary systems may be unstable, with planets being ejected or ingested by host stars.
• The study implies that there may be more planetary exiles than previously estimated, with potential implications for our understanding of planetary formation and evolution.

Source: DH

In News: Astronomers have announced the identification of four white dwarf stars belonging to a newly found and uncommon DAQ spectral subgroup.

Overview of White Dwarfs

• White dwarfs are remnants of dying stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and shed their outer layers to form a planetary nebula.
• They represent the final stage in the evolution of stars like the Sun after they have consumed their nuclear fuel.
• Despite no longer undergoing nuclear fusion reactions, white dwarfs remain incredibly hot.
• Typically, white dwarfs are about half as massive as the Sun but only slightly larger than Earth, making them one of the densest forms of matter, surpassed only by neutron stars.
• Newly formed white dwarfs consist mainly of helium, carbon, and oxygen nuclei surrounded by highly energetic electrons.
• Unlike other stars supported by normal gas pressure, white dwarfs are upheld by the degeneracy pressure of their electron gas.
• Over time, white dwarfs cool down unless they are accreting matter from nearby stars.
• Eventually, white dwarfs are expected to evolve into "black dwarfs," although the universe may not yet be old enough for any to exist.
• The luminosity of white dwarfs serves as a valuable tool for astronomers to measure the age of star formation in specific regions.
• Many young white dwarfs emit soft X-rays, providing insight into their formation and evolution.
• White dwarfs also act as "fossil" records of the stars from which they originated, aiding in cosmological studies.
• In 2006, the Hubble Space Telescope observed white dwarfs in globular star clusters, identifying them as the dimmest stars ever observed in such clusters.

Source: PO

In News: Scientists have developed a novel method for quantifying the volume of water stored in snowpacks and determining its duration. 

Overview of Snowpacks

• In regions with winter seasons and mountainous terrain, precipitation falls as snow.
• Snow that remains on the ground for extended periods due to below-freezing temperatures is known as a snowpack.
• Snowpacks comprise multiple layers of snow from different snowfall events, compacted under subsequent layers.
• They persist until spring when rising temperatures cause melting, resulting in snowmelt.
• Snowmelt serves as a crucial water source, sustaining streams and replenishing reservoirs.
• The depth of a snowpack is influenced by snowfall, temperature, and wind conditions.
• Strong winds can erode snow cover, while warmer temperatures accelerate melting.
• In suitable conditions, snowpacks can accumulate to depths exceeding three meters (10 feet).
• Snowpack density increases with more layers, exerting pressure on lower layers.
• Weak layers, like surface hoar, heighten the risk of avalanches.
• Snowpack data is essential for monitoring the impacts of climate change.

Source: PTI

In News: Researchers have recently discovered a novel mechanism through which Ebola replicates within the human body, pinpointing a potential candidate for drug targeting to mitigate the viral infection.

Overview of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD)

• Ebola virus disease (EVD, or Ebola) is a rare yet severe illness affecting humans.
• It is caused by various species of viruses belonging to the genus Ebolavirus, primarily found in sub-Saharan Africa.
• The disease derived its name from the Ebola River, located near one of the villages in the Democratic Republic of Congo where it was initially identified.
• Transmission of Ebola:
  • Ebola is not as easily transmissible as common viruses like colds, influenza, or measles.
  • Transmission occurs through contact with the skin or bodily fluids of an infected animal, such as a monkey, chimp, or fruit bat.
  • It can spread from person to person through similar means, often affecting caregivers or individuals involved in burial rites of deceased patients.
  • Air, water, or food does not transmit the Ebola virus, and asymptomatic individuals cannot spread the disease.
• Symptoms of Ebola:
  • Symptoms typically manifest within two to 21 days after viral exposure.
  • Initially, symptoms resemble those of the flu but may progress to severe manifestations such as vomiting, bleeding, and neurological complications.
• Treatment and Management:
  • Currently, there is no specific treatment for Ebola, although experimental vaccines and therapeutics are under investigation.
  • Patient recovery may hinge on factors such as the initial viral exposure, prompt initiation of treatment, age, and immune response.
  • Treatment mainly involves maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and administering blood and plasma to manage bleeding.
• Mortality Rates:
  • Mortality rates associated with EVD vary widely, ranging from 25 percent to 90 percent, with an average of around 50 percent.
  • Fatalities typically result from shock induced by fluid loss rather than hemorrhaging.

Source: TOI

In News: The Supreme Court emphasized that for an offense to be established under Section 153A of the Indian Penal Code, the crucial element is the generation of animosity and discord among two or more groups or communities.

Overview of Section 153A of the IPC

• Section 153A of the IPC aims to prosecute individuals involved in inciting animosity among various groups based on factors such as religion, caste, race, place of birth, residence, or language.
• This provision holds accountable those who:
• Disseminate hatred through spoken or written words, visual representations, or symbols with the intent of sowing discord, hatred, or unrest among individuals of different groups, religions, castes, or communities.
• Foster disharmony and disrupt public peace among people of diverse racial and religious backgrounds.
• Assist in the organization of movements or drills that encourage and train participants to employ criminal force and violence against individuals from other racial and religious groups and communities.
• Covers offenses involving moral turpitude.
• Offenders may face a punishment of up to three years' imprisonment, a fine, or both.
• However, if the offense occurs in a place of worship, the punishment may be extended to five years' imprisonment along with a fine.
• Additionally, offenses under Section 153A are non-bailable, and the accused is tried by a first-class magistrate.

Source: LL

In News: Western authorities have recently verified reports indicating that Russia has relocated tactical nuclear weapons from its own territory to the neighboring country of Belarus, bringing them several hundred miles closer to NATO territory.

Overview of Tactical Nuclear Weapons

• Classification of Nuclear Weapons:

• Nuclear weapons are divided into two main types: strategic and tactical.

• Strategic Nuclear Weapons:

• These weapons are intended for larger objectives, such as the destruction of cities or other significant targets, with broader war-waging purposes.

• Tactical Nuclear Weapons (TNWs):

• TNWs are utilized for specific tactical advantages on the battlefield.
• Their purpose is to target enemy assets in a precise area without causing extensive destruction or radioactive fallout.
• They are designed to be employed alongside conventional military forces during combat operations.
• TNWs can be delivered through various means, including missiles, torpedoes, gravity bombs, or ground-based detonation.

• Characteristics of TNWs:

• The explosive yield of tactical nuclear weapons typically ranges from under one kiloton to about 100 kilotons.
• Delivery systems for TNWs often have shorter ranges, typically under 310 miles (500 kilometers), compared to strategic nuclear weapons.

• Regulation and Control:

• TNWs are the least-regulated category of nuclear weapons under arms control agreements.

• Countries Possessing TNWs:

• According to the Federation of American Scientists, nine countries possess tactical nuclear weapons.
• These countries include Russia, the United States, China, France, the United Kingdom, Pakistan, India, Israel, and North Korea.
• Russia is reported to have an estimated stockpile of around 2,000 tactical nuclear missiles, while the U.S. is estimated to possess approximately 200 tactical nuclear bombs, with half of them stationed in Europe.

Source: FP

In News: The Press Information Bureau’s Fact Check Unit was recently notified under the IT Rules of 2021 by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology.

PIB’s Fact Check Unit: Fighting Misinformation

• Establishment: Founded in November 2019 with the goal of combating fake news and misinformation.
• Objective: Its primary objective is to deter the creation and dissemination of false information while providing an avenue for reporting suspicious content related to the Government of India.
• Mandate: Tasked with countering misinformation regarding government policies, initiatives, and schemes either proactively or in response to complaints.
• Operations: Led by a senior DG/ADG level officer of the Indian Information Service (IIS), with day-to-day operations managed by IIS officers at various levels.
• Reporting Structure: The Unit reports to the Principal Director General, PIB, who serves as the Principal Spokesperson of the Government of India.
• Fact-Check Mechanism: Users can submit requests via WhatsApp, email, or a web portal, with each request treated as a 'Query'. The Unit categorizes queries based on their relevance to Government of India matters, taking action only on those deemed actionable.

Source: TH

In News: A recent article discusses the need for an unbiased selection panel free from any influence from the executive branch for the Election Commission of India.

Achievements of the Election Commission of India

• The Election Commission of India (ECI) has effectively organized numerous elections across the country, ensuring they are conducted fairly and impartially.
• It has maintained the integrity of 17 national and over 370 state elections since 1947, earning recognition as an "undocumented wonder."
• Through initiatives for inclusive participation, the ECI has encouraged enthusiastic voter turnout among marginalized communities and implemented measures to prevent electoral malpractices.
• Introduction of initiatives like Voter ID Cards and Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) has streamlined the voting process and enhanced the credibility of elections.
• Implementation of the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) ensures fair play during elections, promoting ethical practices among political parties and candidates.
• Utilization of technology, such as voter registration portals and mobile apps, has improved accessibility and transparency in the electoral process.
• Extensive voter education programs have raised awareness about voting rights and the importance of informed choices during elections.

Issues Associated with the Election Commission of India

• Constitutional limitations, dominated selection committees, and lack of financial independence pose challenges to the independence and effectiveness of the ECI.
• Electoral malpractices, including irregularities in voter rolls and instances of fraud and violence, threaten the integrity of elections.
• Allegations of political bias and favoritism, coupled with limited authority to deregister political parties, raise concerns about the impartiality of the ECI.
• Accessibility and inclusivity issues hinder voter participation, particularly among marginalized communities.

Steps to Strengthen the Election Commission of India

• Establishment of an independent selection committee comprising diverse stakeholders to oversee appointments.
• Enactment of legislation providing statutory safeguards for Election Commissioners and transparent funding mechanisms.
• Empowerment of the ECI to impose proportional punishments for electoral violations and enhance electoral integrity through technological integration.
• Promotion of inclusive participation by addressing accessibility issues and collaborating with international electoral management bodies.
• Embracing international collaboration to facilitate knowledge exchange and capacity-building initiatives.
• Conclusion
• The future of the Election Commission of India hinges on its ability to adapt to technological advancements, strengthen regulatory frameworks, and promote inclusive participation.
• By empowering the ECI and enhancing its capacity to regulate elections effectively, India can reaffirm its commitment to democratic governance and foster trust among its citizens in the electoral system.

Source: TH