DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 1st August 2024

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Ministry of Mines was forced to scrap the auction for the lithium block in Jammu and Kashmir’s (J&K’s) Reasi district for the second time, following weak investor response.

Background:-

• This comes nearly 18 months after former Mines Secretary revealed the discovery of an inferred lithium ore deposit of 5.9 million tonnes in Reasi, last February.

Key takeaways

• The first auction was annulled on March 13 because fewer than the required minimum of three bidders cleared the first round. The very next day, the Mines Ministry put the block for auction again.
• The second attempt was also annulled last week, after failing to clear the first round despite the minimum bidder requirement being waved off this time around, as per auction rules. The second attempt saw no qualified bidders at all.
• Challenges in extracting and processing lithium from hard rock pegmatite deposits, such as those in Reasi, coupled with underdeveloped mineral reporting standards used in the tender documents, significantly deterred investors.
• Some other reasons cited for lack of investors are:
  • Bid document had limited information of the block
  • block in auction is too small to apply modern mineral systems-based tools.
  • No beneficiation study conducted to assess feasibility of extracting and processing lithium from the resources identified.
• According to experts, India’s current resource classification rules largely based on the United Nations Framework Classification for Resources (UNFC) do not provide sufficient information to determine the economic viability of mining a mineral block.
• Clarity on the economic viability of mining lithium is crucial due to the high costs of the extraction process. With global lithium prices having fallen significantly in recent months, miners are increasingly focused on maintaining their margins.
• Most mining companies, stock exchanges, and regulatory bodies worldwide follow the Committee for Mineral Reserves International Reporting Standards (CRIRSCO) template. Unlike the UNFC system, the CRIRSCO template requires the reporting of economically viable reserves with high geological confidence confirmed through studies to at least a pre-feasibility level.
• Experts say that to attract private investment, India should adopt CRIRSCO-aligned internationally-compliant mineral reporting standards.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – AGRICULTURE

Context: In her Budget proposals for 2024-25, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that over the next two years, one crore farmers nationwide will be introduced to natural farming, supported by certification and branding initiatives.

Background:

• Among states,Andhra Pradesh is a front runner in adopting natural farming but studies have raised concerns about the sustainability and yield (productivity) potential of this farming method.

National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Government through the mission intends to motivate farmers to adopt chemical-free farming.
• The natural farming scheme under the ‘Bharatiya Prakritik Krishi Paddhati’ has a total outlay of ₹4,645.69 crore for six years (2019-20 to 2024-25).
• Government believes that the success requires a behavioural shift from chemical-based to cow-based, locally-produced inputs.

What are the features and benefits of  Natural Farming?

• No chemical fertilizers and pesticides used.
• Promotes traditional indigenous practices.
• Emphasizes on-farm biomass recycling, biomass mulching, cow dung-urine formulations, botanical pest control, and exclusion of synthetic chemicals.
• Improves natural nutrient cycling and soil organic matter.
• It is a a diversified farming system integrating crops, trees, and livestock allowing the optimum use of functional biodiversity.
• Potential benefits: increased farmer income, restored soil fertility, improved environmental health, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions.

Challenges and Concerns:

• Large-scale transition is a matter of concern due to India’s large population and food security needs.
• Divergent results from studies on Zero Budget Natural Farming (ZBNF):
  • CESS Study (Andhra Pradesh): Lower costs of biological inputs, improved yields and incomes for farmers.
  • ICAR-IIFSR Study: Significant decline in wheat (59%) and basmati rice (32%) yields, raising concerns about sustainability and productivity.

Lessons from Sri Lanka:

• Complete shift to organic farming led to economic and political turmoil in Srilanka.
• Ban on chemical fertilizers resulted in fertilizer shortages, reduced crop yields, food security risks, price escalations, and protests.

Way Forward:

• Extensive studies and scientific assessments needed before large-scale adoption.
• Natural farming could be beneficial locally but may not be viable nationwide due to food security concerns.
• Noted economist M.S. Sidhu recommends rigorous scientific tests, especially on crop yields, before nationwide implementation.
• Suggests using natural farming for supplementary foodstuffs rather than staple cereals like wheat and rice.

Source: Hindu

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – ART & CULTURE

Context: Union Minister of Culture and Tourism recently inaugurated the sprawling 100,000 square feet state of the art – Humayun’s Tomb World Heritage Site Museum at the Humayun’s Tomb, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Delhi.

Background:

• Inspired from the ancient ‘Baolis’ or stepped wells of Delhi, this underground museum is designed to retain the visual integrity of the monuments located in the complex, as per the UNESCO recommendation that site museums be provided at World Heritage Sites to provide the cultural context of the heritage edifice.

About Humayuns tomb

• Humayun’s tomb is the tomb ofMughal emperor, Mirza Nasir al-Din Muhammad commonly known as Humayun situated in Delhi, India.
• Commissioned by: The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s first wife and chief consort, Empress Bega Begum, in 1558.
• Architects: It was designed by Persian architects Mirak Mirza Ghiyas and his son, Sayyid Muhammad.
• Architecture: Humayun’s Tomb is notable for being the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent and the first structure to use red sandstone at such a scale.It features high arches and double domes, showing considerable Persian influence.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site: The tomb was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1993.
• Location: It is situated in Nizamuddin East, Delhi, near the Dina-panah Citadel, also known as Purana Qila.
• Significance
  • The complex encompasses the main tomb of the Emperor Humayun, which houses the graves of EmpressBega Begum and also Dara Shikoh, great-great-grandson of Humayun and son of the later Emperor Shah Jahan, as well as numerous other subsequent Mughals.
  • It represented a significant advancement in Mughal architecture. Along with its expertly designed Charbagh garden, which was characteristic of Persian gardens but unprecedented in India, it set a new standard for subsequent Mughal architecture.
  • The site was chosen on the banks of the Yamuna River due to its proximity to Nizamuddin Dargah, the mausoleum of the celebrated Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, who was revered by the rulers of Delhi. His residence, Chilla Nizamuddin Auliya, is located just northeast of the tomb.

Source: PIB

 Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT

Context: The Union environment ministry’s approval for exploratory oil and gas drilling in parts of Assam could further endanger the hoolock gibbon. Cairn India, part of Vedanta Ltd, seeks to use around 5 hectares of reserved forest land for drilling within the eco-sensitive zone of the Hoollongapar Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary, according to official documents.

Background:

• While the area may seem small, experts cite that the gibbon is a canopy dweller, and that any break, however small, in the existing canopy in its habitat could be a risk.

About Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary :

• TheHollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary, formerly known as the Gibbon Wildlife Sanctuary is an isolated protected area of evergreen forest located in Assam,
• The sanctuary was officially constituted and renamed in 1997. Set aside initially in 1881, its forests used to extend to the foothills of thePatkai mountain range.
• Since then, the forest has been fragmented and surrounded bytea gardens and small villages. In the early 1900s, artificial regeneration was used to a develop well-stocked forest, resulting in the site’s rich
• The Hollongapar Gibbon Sanctuary contains India’s only ape and gibbon specie – thehoolock gibbons and Northeastern India’s only nocturnal primate – the Bengal slow loris.
• The habitat is threatened byillegal logging, encroachment of human settlements, and habitat fragmentation.

Source: Hindustan Times

 Syllabus

• Prelims – CURRENT EVENT

Context: Recently, the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav launched Ideas4LiFE at IIT Delhi.

Background:

• The portal ‘Ideas4Life.nic.in’ will allow participants to submit their ideas and innovations online.

About Ideas4LiFE initiative

• The Ideas4LiFE initiative aims to collect innovative ideas that encourage environmentally friendly behaviours.
• The Ideas4LiFE Ideathon covers seven themes of Mission LiFE- Save Water, Save Energy, Reduce Waste, Reduce E-Waste, Say No to Single-Use Plastics, Adopt Sustainable Food Systems, and Adopt Healthy Lifestyles.
• Winning ideas under each of the seven themes of Mission LiFE will be recognized and awarded with attractive prizes for individuals as well as for institutions.

Purpose of Ideas4LiFE:

• Inspiration for Sustainability: Ideas4LiFE is set up to gather creative ideas and innovations online, inspiring people to live more sustainably.
• Resource Wisdom: It aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of using resources wisely.
• Inclusive Participation: Students, researchers, teachers, and innovators are invited to share their ideas, fostering a culture of innovation focused on protecting the environment.

Global Movement: Mission LiFE:

• Ideas4LiFE is part of a larger global movement called Mission LiFE, which promotes environmental sustainability.
• Participants worldwide are encouraged to think creatively and contribute to this vital effort.

Source: PIB

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Context: 2024 is the tenth anniversary year of the Act East Policy (AEP).

Background:

• The AEP, which replaced the Look East Policy (LEP) in 2014, has laid the foundations for India’s engagements with the East.

About Act East policy

• India’s Act East policy is a diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region.
• It serves as a modern version of the Look East Policy, which was launched in 1991 by then Prime Minister V. Narasimha Rao.
• While the Look East Policy primarily focused on economic integration with Southeast Asian countries, the Act East Policy expands its scope to include both economic and security integration.
• The Act East Policy was announced in November 2014 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Objectives:

• Economic Cooperation: The policy aims to enhance economic cooperation with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Cultural Ties: It seeks to strengthen cultural ties and foster people-to-people connections.
• Strategic Relationships: The Act East Policy aims to develop strategic relationships with neighbouring countries, including those in Southeast Asia and East Asia.
• Connectivity: Enhanced connectivity is a key focus, especially for the North Eastern Region of India, including Arunachal Pradesh.
• Countering China: By cultivating extensive economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations, India aims to bolster its regional standing and act as a counterweight to China’s influence in the region.

Interface with ASEAN:

• The Act East Policy provides an interface between North-Eastern India (including Arunachal Pradesh) and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region.
• This interface facilitates economic, cultural, and strategic cooperation.

Source: India Mission to ASEAN

Q1.) Consider the following statements Humans tomb

1. The tomb was commissioned by Humayun’s wife Empress Bega Begum.
2. Humayun’s Tomb is notable for being the first garden-tomb on the Indian subcontinent

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Q2.) With reference to the Act East Policy (AEP), consider the following statements:

1. The Act East Policy is a diplomatic initiative aimed at promoting economic, strategic, and cultural relations with the vast Asia-Pacific region.
2. It serves as a modern version of the Look East Policy.
3. By cultivating extensive economic and strategic ties with Southeast Asian nations, India aims to bolster its regional standing and act as a counterweight to China’s influence in the region.

How many of the statements given above are not correct?

1. Only one
2. Only two
3. All three
4. None

Q3.) With reference to the Ideas4LiFE initiative, consider the following statements:

1. The Ideas4LiFE initiative to collect innovative ideas that encourage environmentally friendly behaviours.
2. Ideas4LiFE is part of a larger global movement called Mission LiFE, which promotes environmental sustainability.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  1st August 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  c

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – d