In News: Snowfall Shortage in Kashmir is Impacting the Tourism, Environment, and Economy

Causes of Snowfall Absence in Kashmir

• Climate and Weather Patterns
  • The Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh regions experienced a significant deficiency in rainfall and snow during this winter season.
  • December 2023 recorded an 80% rainfall deficit, and January 2024 has seen a complete absence of rain.
• Decline in Western Disturbance
  • The diminishing trend in snowfall is linked to a decrease in Western Disturbance events and rising temperatures, possibly influenced by Climate Change.
  • Western Disturbances, crucial for winter precipitation in the Himalayan region, have been on the decline, impacting overall winter precipitation.
• Role of Climate Change and El Nino
  • Climate change contributes to the declining snowfall in Kashmir, with higher temperature increases in upper elevations affecting snowfall.
  • The current El Nino event in the Pacific Ocean adds to the global atmospheric changes, contributing to the precipitation deficit in the region.

Implications of No Snowfall in Kashmir

• Short and Long Term Impact
  • Short-term effects include increased forest fires, agricultural drought, and reduced crop production.
  • Long-term consequences involve decreased hydroelectricity generation, glacier melting, and adverse effects on drinking water supply due to reduced groundwater recharge.
• Vital for Winter Crops
  • Winter snow is crucial for moisture in the soil, vital for winter crops, especially horticulture.
  • The absence of sufficient snowfall adversely affects yields of apples and Saffron, significant contributors to the local economy.
• Impact on Tourism
  • Gulmarg, a key winter tourism spot, experiences a sharp decline in tourist visits due to insufficient snow.
  • Despite substantial tourist numbers in 2023, officials project at least a 60% reduction in footfall, adversely affecting ski resorts and related businesses, impacting the local economy.

Source: IE

In News: The Punjab and Haryana High Court has instructed the Central government to review the appointment of a Haryana resident as an Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) constable. 

Concerning Case: Appointment Revocation of Constable with Criminal Acquittal

• Appointment Revocation
• A constable, appointed on compassionate grounds in 2022, faced the cancellation of his appointment due to his acquittal in a 2018 criminal case under Section 4 of the POCSO Act, 2012, involving penetrative sexual assault.
• Additional charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, including poison-related offenses, kidnapping, and criminal intimidation, led to the threat of appointment revocation.
• Despite being acquitted by a Kaithal Court (Haryana) in 2019, the Ministry of Home Affairs enforced a policy for Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) appointments, scrutinizing individuals with criminal cases, even if acquitted later.

Mandates for Appointing Individuals with Criminal Cases in Public Jobs

• Supreme Court Rulings
• The Supreme Court, in the case of Avtar Singh vs. Union of India (2016), mandated truthful disclosure of a candidate's criminal history to the employer.
• Convictions, especially in non-trivial cases, can result in candidature cancellation or termination.
• Acquittals in cases of moral turpitude or serious offenses warrant a thorough assessment by the employer to determine the candidate's suitability.
• In Satish Chandra Yadav vs. Union of India (2023), the court emphasized that acquittal in a criminal case does not automatically guarantee appointment; the employer retains the discretion to consider antecedents.

Protection of Children From Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012

• Overview and Amendments
• Enacted on November 14, 2012, in response to India's ratification of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child in 1992.
• Addresses sexual exploitation and abuse of children, providing punishment based on the gravity of the offense.
• Amended in 2019 to introduce harsher penalties, including the death penalty, to deter perpetrators of sexual crimes against children.
• The Government of India notified the POCSO Rules, 2020.

Key Features

• Gender-Neutral Nature: Recognizes both girls and boys as potential victims, ensuring equal protection.
• Ease in Reporting: Encourages reporting of child sexual exploitation cases, making non-reporting a specific offense.

Source: IE

In News: Global surgery is the overlooked aspect of global health, with South Asia, having the world's largest population lacking access to essential surgery, experiencing particularly alarming neglect.

Understanding Global Surgery

• Overview
• Global surgery aims to ensure Equitable Access to Emergency and essential surgery, focusing on both Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) and addressing disparities in high-income countries (HICs). 
• It encompasses critical procedures like surgery, obstetrics, trauma, and anaesthesia (SOTA).

• Historical Transformation
• In 2015, recognized as the "Annus Mirabilis" for global surgery, key developments occurred.
• The Disease Control Priorities Network (DCPN) report, sponsored by the World Bank (WB), emphasized the cost-effectiveness of essential surgery.
• The Lancet Commission on Global Surgery (LCoGS) assessed global surgical care access and proposed strategies like the National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anaesthesia Plan (NSOAP).
• The World Health Organization (WHO) Declaration on Safe Surgery (WHO Resolution 68.15) emphasized the role of surgical systems in achieving Universal Health Coverage.

Challenges and Disparities in Global Surgery

• Inaccessibility
  • Over 70% of the global population lacks timely access to safe and affordable surgical care.
  • In Low- and lower-middle-income countries (LLMICs), 99% and 96% face access gaps, compared to 24% in high-income countries (HICs).
  • In South Asia, over 98% lack access to safe and affordable surgical care.
• Disease Burden
  • Surgically treatable conditions caused around 17 million deaths in 2010, surpassing the combined mortality burden of HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria.
  • LMICs have over 77 million surgically avertable Disability-Adjusted Life-Years (DALY), with South Asia contributing significantly.
• Economic Burden
  • The absence of scaling up surgical care may result in a cumulative loss of USD 20.7 trillion to global GDP by 2030.
  • Annual loss in societal welfare is estimated at USD 14.5 trillion, with South Asia contributing about 7%.
• Limited Representation in Reports
  • Surgery contributes to less than 1% of indicators in major international health reports, impacting prioritization in global health initiatives.
• Neglect in National Policy Making
  • National Health Strategic Plans often lack emphasis on surgery, hindering comprehensive healthcare system development.
• Research Disparities
  • Significant research attention and funding gaps exist between global surgery and broader global health topics.
  • Limited 'global surgery' titles in databases like PubMed highlight the need for more evidence-based practices.
• Interconnected Challenges
• • Neglect in one aspect, such as policy or research, can perpetuate neglect in other areas, creating a cycle of under prioritization.

Path Forward for Global Surgery

• Promoting Research and Innovation
  • Support and promote research in global surgery to create evidence-based practices, innovations, and solutions.
  • Prioritize research funding for surgical interventions, outcomes, and healthcare delivery models adaptable to resource-limited settings.
• National Commitment through NSOAPs
  • Encourage countries to develop and implement National Surgical, Obstetrics, and Anaesthesia Plans (NSOAPs) to showcase commitment to enhancing surgical care nationally.
  • NSOAPs serve as a roadmap for fortifying surgical systems, improving infrastructure, and bolstering the surgical workforce.
• Sustainable Financing Advocacy
  • Advocate for sustained and increased financing for surgical care.
  • Develop funding mechanisms that prioritize surgical infrastructure, training, and service delivery.
  • Engage with international donors, governments, and philanthropic organizations to allocate resources for global surgery initiatives.

Source: TH

In News: As per ASER 2023, within rural communities, 25% find it challenging to read a text equivalent to a Class 2 level in their regional language.

Overview of ASER 2023

• ASER Background
  • ASER surveys, conducted by NGO Pratham since 2005, track trends in school enrollment, attendance, and literacy and numeracy skills among children aged 6 to 14.
  • These reports are instrumental in shaping government policies.
• Survey Details
  • ASER 2023 covered 28 districts across 26 states, reaching 34,745 youths aged 14-18.
  • One rural district was surveyed in each major state, except Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where two districts were surveyed.
  • The survey focused on four points, including basic reading, math, and English abilities, application of skills to everyday calculations, reading and understanding instructions, and financial calculations.

Findings of ASER 2023

• Trends in Basic Learning
  • Among those aged 14-18, 26.5% couldn't read a Class 2-level textbook in their regional language, and 42.7% struggled with sentences in English.
  • Of those who could read, 26.5% did not comprehend the meaning.
  • More than half (56.7%) couldn't solve a simple 3-digit by 1-digit division problem.
• Arithmetic Proficiency
  • 45% demonstrated basic arithmetic proficiency, while others need improvement for everyday calculations.
• Application of Basic Skills
  • 85% could measure length using a scale from 0 cm, but this dropped to 39% with a shifted starting point.
  • A decline compared to 2017.
• Enrollment in Different Streams
  • 55.7% of youths were enrolled in Arts/Humanities, followed by STEM (31.7%) and Commerce (9.4%).
  • More males enrolled in STEM (36.3%) than females (28.1%).
• Smartphone Usage
  • Around 89% had a smartphone, with 92% knowing how to use it.
  • Males more likely to own smartphones and spend more time on them.
• Social Media Usage
• 90.5% reported using social media, with slightly more males (93.4%) than females (87.8%).
• About half were familiar with online safety settings.

Significance of ASER 2023

• Long-standing Deficiencies
  • ASER reports for nearly two decades highlight deficiencies in foundational skills, even at higher education levels.
• Learning Gaps Persist
  • The report emphasizes that children struggle with basic skills well into their teenage years, impacting their readiness for the job market.

Source: IE

In News: Cabo Verde has recently been officially recognized by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a country that has successfully eliminated Malaria.

Malaria Elimination Certification Process

• Certification Criteria
  • WHO grants malaria-free certification to a country when it demonstrates the interruption of nationwide malaria transmission for a continuous period of at least 3 years.
  • The country must have a fully functional surveillance and response system to prevent the re-establishment of indigenous transmission.
• Global Recognition
• Currently, WHO has acknowledged 43 countries and 1 territory as officially 'malaria-free.'
• In the South East Asian Region, Maldives (2015) and Sri Lanka (2016) have received WHO certification.
• India, however, has not yet achieved the status of being malaria-free.

Understanding Malaria

• Definition and Causes
  • Malaria is a life-threatening blood disease transmitted through the bite of infected mosquitoes carrying Plasmodium parasites.
  • Among the five Plasmodium species causing malaria in humans, P. falciparum and P. vivax pose the greatest threat.
• Geographical Prevalence
  • Predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions of Africa, South America, and Asia.
• Transmission Mechanism
  • Spread occurs through the bite of an infected female Anopheles mosquito.
  • The mosquito becomes infected by biting an individual with malaria, and when it bites another person, the parasites enter their bloodstream, mature in the liver, and infect red blood cells.
• Symptoms and Cure
• Symptoms include fever, flu-like illness, shaking chills, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue.
• Malaria is both preventable and curable through timely intervention and appropriate medications.

Source: DTE

In News: The Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF) is taking place in Davos, Switzerland, from January 15th to January 19th, 2024.

Overview of the World Economic Forum (WEF)

• Introduction
• WEF serves as the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation, engaging prominent leaders across various sectors to influence global, regional, and industry agendas.
• Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.

• Foundation and Concept
• Founded in 1971 by Klaus Schwab, originally named the European Management Forum.
• Schwab introduced the concept of "stakeholder capitalism," emphasizing long-term value creation and considering the needs of all stakeholders and society.

• Evolution of Focus
• Events in 1973 led to a shift from management to economic and social issues.
• In 1975, membership for the world's top 1,000 companies was introduced.
• In 1987, it officially became the World Economic Forum, broadening its vision to provide a platform for global dialogue.
• Formally recognized as an international organization in 2015.

• Funding
• Primarily supported by partnering corporations with annual turnovers exceeding USD 5 billion.

• Annual Meeting in Davos
• The Davos Annual Meeting brings together approximately 3,000 participants, including investors, business leaders, political figures, economists, and celebrities.
• Over 500 sessions are conducted to discuss global issues.

Key Diplomatic Moments at WEF

• Korean Diplomacy
• Davos witnessed the first ministerial-level meetings between North and South Korea.

• German Reunification (1989)
• East German Prime Minister and German Chancellor met at WEF to discuss reunification.

• South African Milestone (1992)
• South African President de Klerk, Nelson Mandela, and Zulu prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi made their inaugural joint appearance outside South Africa, marking a significant milestone in the country's political transition.

• G20 Genesis (1998)
• WEF emphasized the involvement of major developing countries, contributing to the emergence of the G20 concept initially limited to finance ministers.

Major Reports by WEF

• WEF regularly publishes globally recognized reports, including the Global Competitiveness Report, Global Gender Gap Report, Energy Transition Index, Global Risk Report, and Global Travel and Tourism Report.

Source: IE

In News: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has introduced the 'One Vehicle, One FASTag' initiative, designed to discourage the practice of using a single FASTag for multiple vehicles or associating multiple FASTags with a specific vehicle.

Understanding FASTag

• Introduction
• FASTag is a technological device utilizing Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for seamless toll payments while a vehicle is in motion.
• NHAI has introduced two mobile apps, namely MyFASTag and FASTag Partner, to enhance the accessibility of FASTags.
• The tag remains valid for five years from the date of issuance and is available in seven different color codes

Benefits of FASTag

• For Road Users
  • Allows near non-stop motion through toll plazas.
  • Provides convenience for cashless toll fee payment.
  • Contributes to reduced traffic congestion and shorter commute times.
• For Toll Operator
  • Reduces operating costs.
  • Enhances audit control through centralized user accounts.
  • Improves capacity without the need for additional infrastructure.
• For Government
• Promotes fuel savings and reduces emissions from idling and repeated stops at toll plazas.
• Enhances transparency in toll transactions.

National Highways Authority of India (NHAI)

• Background
  • NHAI was established by an Act of Parliament in 1988 under the administrative control of the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
  • It operates as a central authority mandated to develop, maintain, and manage the National Highways assigned by the Government of India.
• Operational Commencement
  • Although constituted in 1988, NHAI became operational in February 1995.
• Structure

Comprises a full-time Chairman, along with a maximum of five full-time Members and four part-time Members appointed by the Central Government.

Source: PIB

In News: The four Shankaracharyas have recently announced their decision not to participate in the inauguration ceremony of the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

Understanding Shankaracharyas

• Title and Origin
  • Shankaracharya, meaning 'teacher of the way of Shankara,' is a religious title held by the heads of the four Hindu maths (monasteries) founded by the eighth-century saint Adi Shankara.
• Establishment and Purpose
  • Adi Shankara established these maths with the primary purpose of imparting knowledge.
  • Each math comprises religious shrines, temples, libraries, and residential quarters.
• Geographical Locations
  • The four maths are situated in Dwarka (Gujarat), Joshimath (Uttarakhand), Puri (Odisha), and Sringeri (Karnataka).
• Responsibilities of Maths
  • Each math, known as peetha or pitha in Sanskrit, is assigned the task of serving as the custodian of one Veda and preserving Vedic literature.
  • Govardhan Math in Puri oversees the Rig Veda.
  • Dwarka Sharada Peetham in Gujarat is responsible for the Sam Veda.
  • Sringeri Sharada Peetham in Karnataka manages the Yajur Veda.
  • Jyotir Math in Joshimath, Uttarakhand, is entrusted with the Atharva Veda.
• Patronage and Historical Significance
  • The Vijayanagara kingdom was the first to provide patronage to the Sringeri math in the 14th century CE.
• Dashanami Sampradaya Oversight
  • The Shankaracharyas also supervise the Dashanami Sampradaya, an order of renunciates who have chosen to renounce the secular way of life.

Source: IE

In News: The Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has recently provided guidelines for Residential Private Schools expressing interest in becoming a part of the SHRESHTA Scheme.

Scheme for Residential Education for Students in High Schools in Targeted Areas (SHRESHTA)

• Objective
  • The scheme aims to grant meritorious students from Scheduled Caste (SC) communities access to the best private residential schools.
• Targeted Classes
  • Provides scholarships for students from SC communities to pursue education in private and NGO-run residential schools, specifically for Classes 9-12.
• Expected Impact
  • Anticipates offering admissions to approximately 3,000 students annually in Classes 9 and 11.
• Core Objectives
  • Enhance the government's development initiatives by addressing service gaps in education in SC dominant areas.
  • Collaborate with voluntary organizations to create an environment conducive to the socio-economic upliftment and overall development of SC communities.
• Implementation Agency
  • The Department of Social Justice and Empowerment under the Ministry of Social Justice & Empowerment.

Implementation Modes

• SHRESHTA Schools
  • Involves the best CBSE/state board-affiliated private residential schools.
  • Selection of outstanding SC community students through the National Entrance Test for SHRESHTA (NETS).
  • Admissions for education in Classes 9 through 12.
  • School selection based on a performance score of above 75 percent pass rate in Class 10 and 12 board examinations over the past three years.
• NGO and Voluntary Organization-Run Schools and Hostels
  • Includes institutions operated by NGOs and voluntary organizations up to Class 12.
• Eligibility Criteria
  • Students with annual parental income less than Rs 2,50,000 and belonging to SC communities.
  • Eligible candidates are those who have passed or are appearing in Class VIII/X in the current academic session, applying for admission to Class IX/XI.
• Financial Coverage
  • The scheme covers tuition fees, hostel fees, and mess fees for qualifying students.
  • Students have the flexibility to choose from various schools based on merit.

Source: FPJ

In News: The China National Space Administration (CNSA) has recently declared that the Chang'e 6 sample return mission is progressing as planned and is expected to achieve a lunar surface landing in the first half of 2024.

Chang'e 6 Mission Overview

• Objective
  • The Chang'e 6 mission is a planned lunar lander aiming to retrieve samples from the lunar south pole.
• Mission Components
  • Landing and Sample Collection
    • Intends to land on the Moon's surface, collect lunar samples, and bring them back to Earth.
    • The collected samples are pivotal for advancing our understanding of the Moon's geological mysteries.
  • Far Side Exploration
    • Marks the initial endeavor to retrieve samples from the far side of the Moon.
    • Aims to gather up to two kilograms of lunar samples, employing a configuration similar to the successful Chang'e 5 mission.
• International Collaboration
  • The mission involves collaboration with international partners, including the European Space Agency (ESA) and the French space agency CNES.
• ESA Contribution
  • ESA contributes a lunar surface ion tester, enhancing the mission's scientific capabilities.
• CNES Contribution
  • CNES provides equipment for measuring radon gas and its decay products, contributing valuable scientific data.
• Additional Collaborations
  • Inclusive of an Italian laser corner reflector for radar instrument calibration.
  • Pakistan's ICUBE-Q CubeSat is also part of the mission, showcasing diverse international participation.
• Mission Configuration
  • Chang'e 6 comprises both a lander and a rover.
• Lunar Surface Operations
  • The lander is tasked with touching down on the lunar surface.
  • The rover will explore specific regions, conduct experiments, and assist in the sample collection process.
• Global Scientific Access
  • The retrieved lunar samples will be accessible to the global scientific community, fostering collaborative research and exploration.

Source: News9live

In News: South Africa and Israel's Ongoing Legal Dispute at the International Court of Justice (ICJ): Allegations of Genocide and Violations of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide

South Africa’s Allegations Against Israel

• Assertion of Israel’s Genocidal Intent
  • South Africa's claims at the ICJ focus on accusing Israel of committing genocidal acts against Palestinians, especially in Gaza.
  • Allegation of Israel's genocidal intent, seeking the destruction of a significant part of the Palestinian group.
• Violations of the Genocide Convention
  • South Africa explicitly invokes the Genocide Convention of 1948, accusing Israel of repeatedly violating its provisions.
  • Charges encompass not only direct military actions but also condemn Israel for adopting and condoning genocidal acts.
• Intentional Civilian Targeting and Infrastructure Destruction
  • Accusations include Israel intentionally targeting civilians and destroying vital infrastructure in Palestinian society.

Israel’s Defence Against Allegations

• Historical Context and Moral Obligation
  • Israel invokes the Holocaust, emphasizing its commitment to preventing genocide and protecting its citizens.
  • Phrase 'Never Again' signifies Israel's highest moral obligation.
• Emphasis on Commitment to the Genocide Convention
  • Israel highlights early ratification of the Genocide Convention without reservation.
  • Proactive incorporation of Convention's provisions into domestic legislation.
• Complex Nature of Armed Conflict in Gaza
  • Acknowledgment of civilian suffering, attributing challenges to Hamas's strategy.
  • Contention that the Genocide Convention wasn't designed for civilian impacts but rather for acts of exceptional severity.
• Assertion of the Right to Self-Defence
  • Emphasis on the right to self-defence in the face of terror attacks.
  • Cites specific incidents to illustrate challenges in protecting Israeli citizens.
• Countering Weak Data Collection and Analysis by SA
  • Israel challenges SA's allegations, pointing out weaknesses in data collection and analysis.
  • Questions accuracy of casualty figures and distinction between civilians and militants.
• Accusation of Distorting Genocide Terminology
  • Accuses SA of attempting to distort the term genocide
  • Argues that the term should be reserved for situations genuinely meeting Genocide Convention criteria.

Complexities of Legal Proceedings at ICJ

• Lengthy Process
  • Several months may be required to decide preliminary jurisdictional issues.
  • The Bosnia case took 14 years to reach a resolution.
• Complex Process of Determining Criminal Genocidal Intent
  • Legal battle extends beyond jurisdictional matters to determine criminal genocidal intent.
  • Complex process involving a high standard of proof.
• Lack of Rule Establishing Proof of Genocidal Intent
  • No rule establishing proof of genocidal intent, except a very high standard as considered in each case.
• Weak Provisional Measures
  • Both SA and Israel seek provisional measures until the case is decided.
  • Challenges in enforcing provisional measures based on past experiences.

Conclusion

• The legal battle underscores complexities in applying international law to conflicts with deep roots.
• Highlights contrasting narratives, data analysis challenges, and extended legal processes.
• Outcome remains uncertain, with potential implications for international law interpretation and enforcement in such conflicts.

Source: IE