DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam –13th June 2024

Syllabus

• Prelims – ENVIRONMENT

Context: Grethel Aguilar, the director general of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), urged countries worldwide “to strive for a fully functional High Seas Biodiversity Treaty”.

Background:-

• The high seas are those areas of the world’s oceans that are outside national jurisdictions. They constitute a huge chunk of the world’s oceans and are home to a wide variety of biodiversity.

About HIGH SEAS BIODIVERSITY TREATY

• The United Nations agreement on biodiversity beyond national jurisdiction or BBNJ Agreement, also referred to by some stakeholders as the High Seas Treaty or Global Ocean Treaty, is a legally binding instrument for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biological diversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.
• It is an agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). The text was finalised during an intergovernmental conference at the UN on 4 March 2023 and adopted on 19 June 2023

Here are some key points about the treaty:

• Protection Beyond Borders: While countries are responsible for the conservation and sustainable use of waterways under their national jurisdiction, the high seas now have added protection from such destructive trends as pollution and unsustainable fishing activities.
• Cleaner Oceans: The treaty aims at strengthening resilience and contains provisions based on the polluter-pays principle as well as mechanisms for disputes. It addresses the issue of toxic chemicals and plastic waste flooding into coastal ecosystems.
• Sustainable Management of Fish Stocks: More than one third of global fish stocks are over-exploited, according to the UN. The treaty underlines the importance of capacity building and the transfer of marine technology.
• Legal Framework: The treaty provides a legal framework for addressing various stressors affecting the marine environment in the high seas.
• Addressing Planetary Crisis: The treaty is crucial for addressing the triple planetary crisis of climate change, biodiversity loss, and pollution.

• The treaty recognizes traditional knowledge. It has articles regarding the “polluter-pays” principle, and different impacts of human activities including areas beyond the national jurisdiction of the countries making those activities.
• The agreement was adopted by the 193 United Nations Member States.
• Before the treaty can enter into force, it needs to be ratified by at least 60 UN member states.
• However, only seven countries — Belize, Chile, Mauritius, Federated States of Micronesia, Monaco, Palau and the Seychelles — have ratified the treaty. India has neither signed nor ratified the treaty.
• Greenpeace called it “the biggest conservation victory ever”. The main achievement is the new possibility to create marine protected areas in international waters.

Source: Down To Earth

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY

Context: RBI in its recent monetary policy review decided to retain the repo rate, for eighth time in a row, due to concerns of sticky inflation.

Background:

• Therepo rate is the interest rate at which the RBI lends money to commercial banks. When RBI wants to incentivise economic activity in the broader economy, it reduces the repo rate, which makes it cheaper for banks to borrow from it and lend onwards to customers. When it wants to disincentivise economic activity, it raises the repo rate, which makes it costly for everyone in the economy to borrow money.

Key Takeaways

• Sticky inflation refers to a phenomenon where prices do not adjust quickly to changes in supply and demand, leading to persistent inflation.
• When prices are sticky, inflation can persist even if the economy operates below its potential level.
• Sticky inflation has been a concern for many central banks, making it difficult to control inflation.
• Simply put, if inflation stays persistently high (‘sticky’), it would necessitate the RBI to keep raising interest rates — or, at the very least, keep them at a high level for a longer period — and, in doing so, hurt India’s economic
• There is a constant tradeoff between maintaining price stability (read containing inflation) and boosting growth (which hopefully creates jobs and reduces unemployment).

Why is the RBI not cutting interest rates?

• Currently, the retail inflation rate has been coming down closer to the 4% mark. In fact, it has stayed within the so-called “comfort zone” of the RBI — anywhere between 2% and 6% — since September 2023 and yet, the RBI has not changed the repo rate since February 2023.

There are four broad reasons for it:

• One, despite keeping the repo rate consistently high, the retail inflation has not dropped to touch the 4% mark since January 2021. Although it has declined, the rate of its decline has been very gradual. In fact, the RBI has expressed its concern over the stickiness of inflation.
• Two, the RBI does not cut the repo rate as soon as the overall inflation rate falls to (or below) the 4% target in any one month. The RBI has to be convinced that inflation rate will stay around the 4% mark sustainably. The RBI’s policy statement predicts that inflation is likely to fall below the 4% target in the near future but that fall would only be due to temporary reasons.
• Three, as explained earlier, the RBI typically cuts the repo rate when it finds that economic activity needs a boost. However, India’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth rate has been surprisingly strong over the past year in particular. Under the circumstances, it is unlikely that repo rates are holding back India’s economic growth.
• Four, although not articulated by the RBI per se, the decision may have to do with India’s forthcomingUnion Budget. Most economists are waiting to see how the political compulsions of a coalition government will impact the Centre’s commitment to fiscal deficit — the amount of money the government intends to borrow from the market. Higher than anticipated fiscal deficit has implications for both inflation (if more fresh money is printed) or interest rates (if there is less money for the private sector to borrow).

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – INTERNATIONAL

Context: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported at least 49 migrants died and 140 others were missing after their boat capsized off the coast of Yemen.

Background:

• The vessel had departed from Bossaso in northeast Somalia, bound for Yemen, a journey of about 330 kilometers (approximately 205 miles).

About INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF MIGRATION (IOM)

• The International Organization for Migration (IOM) is a United Nations related organization that works in the field of migration.
• It is established in 1951.
• It is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration.
• It is dedicated to promoting humane and orderly migration for the benefit of all.
• The IOM operates in 171 countries with 175-member states.
• It provides support to migrants across the world, develops effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration, and provides advice on migration policy and practice.
• The IOM has a strategic plan for 2024-2028, aimed at delivering on the promise of safe, orderly, and regular migration while supporting the world’s most vulnerable.
• The organization’s work is focused on three main objectives:
  • Saving lives and protecting people on the move: IOM prioritizes the safety, dignity, and protection of people, especially in challenging crisis response contexts.
  • Driving solutions to displacement: IOM works to reduce the risks and impacts of climate change, environmental degradation, conflict, and instability for communities affected by or at risk of displacement.
  • Facilitating pathways for regular migration: IOM seeks to safely connect people, goods, services, knowledge, and innovation.

Source: Live Science

Syllabus

• Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: A new type of portable atomic clock has been introduced that offers very accurate timekeeping at sea.

Background:

• The introduction of a new type of portable atomic clock marks a significant advancement in maritime timekeeping. This iodine-based optical atomic clock is designed to be robust and mobile, making it suitable for use at sea.

About ATOMIC CLOCK :

• An atomic clock is a highly precise timekeeping device.
• An atomic clock maintains time by measuring the vibrations of atoms, specifically the oscillations of electrons within these atoms.
• Atomic clocks measures time based on the resonant frequency of atoms, typically caesium-133 or rubidium-87.
• Atomic clocks are essential in various fields due to their unparalleled accuracy.

Key uses of atomic clocks

• Global Positioning System (GPS): Atomic clocks are crucial for GPS satellites, providing the precise timing needed for accurate location determination.
• Telecommunications: They synchronize the time in telecommunications networks, ensuring the smooth transmission and reception of data.
• Scientific Research: Atomic clocks are used in experiments where precise timing is critical, such as in particle physics and astronomy.
• Time Standards: Cesium atomic clocks define the international time standard, Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), which is used worldwide.
• Financial Markets: They provide the exact time stamps necessary for the synchronization of financial transactions.
• Internet: For managing the timing of data transfer across the global network, ensuring consistency and reliability.
• Space Exploration: Used in space missions to ensure accurate timing for navigation and scientific measurements.
• Deep Space Network: Helps in tracking and communicating with interplanetary spacecraft.
• Quantum Computing: Atomic clocks are used in the development of quantum computers for timing the operations at quantum scales.

Source: Live Law

Syllabus

• Prelims – SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY

Context: Researchers recently used CRISPR-Cas9 to alter photosynthesis for the first time.

Background:

• This is the first time an unbiased gene-editing approach has been used to increase gene expression and improve photosynthetic activity.

About CRISPR-Cas9

• CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology that can alter the genetic sequence of a specific gene by removing, adding, or altering sections of the DNA sequence.
• It was developed from a similar gene-editing system in bacteria that they use to respond to invading pathogens like viruses.
• The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of two key molecules that introduce a change (mutation) into the DNA:
  • Cas9: An enzyme that acts as a pair of ‘molecular scissors’ that can cut the two strands of DNA at a specific location in the genome so that bits of DNA can then be added or removed.
  • Guide RNA (gRNA): A piece of RNA that consists of a small piece of pre-designed RNA sequence (about 20 bases long) located within a longer RNA scaffold. The scaffold part binds to DNA and the pre-designed sequence ‘guides’ Cas9 to the right part of the genome.
• The guide RNA is designed to find and bind to a specific sequence in the DNA.
• Cas9 follows the guide RNA to the same location in the DNA sequence and makes a cut across both strands of the DNA. Once the DNA is cut, researchers use the cell’s own DNA repair machinery to add or delete pieces of genetic material, or to make changes to the DNA by replacing an existing segment with a customized DNA sequence.
• CRISPR-Cas9 has a lot of potential as a tool for treating a range of medical conditions that have a genetic component, including cancer, hepatitis B, or even high cholesterol.

Source: Science Daily

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: The Supreme Court has cautioned judges against using the court-ordered counselling of members of the LGBTQ+ community as a way to turn them against their own identity and sexual orientation. In such cases, they are often in distress or have been separated from their partners by their own relatives, it observed.

Background:

• A three-judge Bench headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud said that ascertaining the wishes of a person is one thing; however, it would be completely inappropriate to attempt to overcome the identity and sexual orientation of an individual through a process of counselling.

LGBTQIA+:

• It is an acronym that represents lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual.
• The “+” represents the many other identities that are still being explored and understood. The acronym is constantly evolving and may include other terms like non-binary and pansexual.

Issues/Challenges faced by LGBTQIA+:

• There is a lack of legal recognition of same-sex relationships and marriage.
• They face significant social stigma and discrimination, including ostracization from families, workplace discrimination, and verbal or physical harassment.
• The social stigma faced by them can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.
• They often encounter difficulties accessing healthcare services that are sensitive to their needs and many healthcare providers lack awareness and training on LGBTQ+ issues, leading to inadequate or discriminatory care.
• They often face discrimination and bullying in educational institutions, which can negatively impact their academic performance and mental well-being.
• There is a lack of legal protection against discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in areas such as employment, housing, and public accommodations.
• There is still a lack of legal recognition and protections for non-binary and gender non-conforming individuals.

Way Forward:

• Introducing LGBTQIA+ inclusive education in schools and universities to foster understanding, empathy, and acceptance from a young age.
• Legislatures can pass separate comprehensive anti-discrimination laws that explicitly protect individuals based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
• Ensuring easy access to LGBTQIA+-friendly healthcare services, including mental health support, hormone therapy, and gender-affirming surgeries.
• Encouraging entrepreneurship and economic empowerment within the LGBTQIA+ community by providing them access to mentorship, funding, and resources for starting LGBTQIA+-owned businesses and ventures.
• Establishment of support networks, community centers, and helplines for LGBTQIA+ individuals, particularly those facing family rejection or homelessness.

Source: Hindu

Q1.) Consider the following statements:

Statement-I:

CRISPR-Cas9 is a gene-editing technology that can alter the genetic sequence of a specific gene by removing, adding, or altering sections of the DNA sequence.

Statement-II:

CRISPR-Cas9 was developed from a similar gene-editing system in bacteria that they use to respond to invading pathogens like viruses.

Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Q2.) With reference to atomic clocks, consider the following statements:

1. It provides the precise timing needed for accurate location determination.
2. It helps in tracking and communicating with interplanetary spacecraft.
3. It can used for the development of quantum computers.

How many of the above statements are correct?

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

Q3.) With reference to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), consider the following statements:

1. It is the leading intergovernmental organization in the field of migration.
2. It provides support to migrants across the world, develops effective responses to the shifting dynamics of migration, and provides advice on migration policy and practice.

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 ’  13th June 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – c

Q.3) – d