Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Environment

Context: At least five people have lost their lives in the fires that have now spread over 1,000 hectares of forests in much of Uttarakhand. There is a danger of the blaze fanning out to heavily populated urban centres including Nainital city. Poor visibility has constrained the Air Force’s firefighting efforts.

Background:-

• Higher forest fire incidents are reported in India during March, April and May, due to the ample availability of dry biomass following the end of winter and the prevailing summer season.

Key takeaways

• According to experts, three factors cause the spread of forest fires — fuel load, oxygen and temperature. Dry leaves are fuel for forest fires. The Forest Survey of India (FSI) website states that nearly 36 per cent of India’s forests are prone to frequent fires.
• Experts believe that burning forests intensifies heat and leads to black carbon emissions, adversely affecting water systems and air quality. However, some of the combustion is necessary for the forest to regenerate — the burning of litter promotes the growth of fresh grasses.
• The state government has blamed the fires on human activities and banned people from setting fire to fodder for a week. Urban bodies have been asked to stop people from burning solid waste in and around forests. These are much-needed emergency measures.
• Nearly 95 percent of forest fires in the country, including in Uttarakhand, are initiated by human activities. Historically, the accumulation of pine needles on the forest floor during the summer months was the main reason for the fires in the Himalayan season.
• Forest fires are, however, a far too serious problem to be doused by bans and punitive measures. The gutting of Uttarakhand’s forests is a sign of the aggravating climate crisis.
• Severe fires occur in many forest types particularly dry deciduous forest, while evergreen, semi-evergreen and montane temperate forests are comparatively less prone.
• The monsoon was deficient in large parts of the state last year. Uttarakhand has witnessed its driest April in five years. In such moisture-deficient conditions, fire spreads fast, especially in oxygen-rich environs such as forests.

How are forest fires prevented and doused?

• The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) lists the following methods to prevent and control a forest fire: construction of watch towers for early detection; deployment of fire watchers; involvement of local communities, and the creation and maintenance of fire lines.
• According to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) website, two types of fire lines are in practice – Kachha or covered fire lines and Pucca or open fire lines. In Kaccha fire lines, the undergrowth and shrubs are removed while trees are retained to decrease the fuel load.
• The Pucca fire lines are clear felled areas separating a forest/compartment/block from another to control the spread of potential fires.
• The FSI website says: “Satellite based remote sensing technology and GIS tools have been effective in better prevention and management of fires through creation of early warning for fire prone areas, monitoring fires on real time basis and estimation of burnt scars.”

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice.

Context: In election season, India is debating fundamental constitutional questions around reservation. Can a secular country like India have religion-based reservation? Have Muslims ever been given reservation by reducing the quota for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), or Other Backward Classes (OBCs)?

Background:

• The Justice Rajinder Sachar Committee (2006) found that the Muslim community as a whole was almost as backward as SCs and STs, and more backward than non-Muslim OBCs. The Justice Ranganath Misra Committee (2007) suggested 15% reservation for minorities, including 10% for Muslims.

Key takeaways :

• The Constitution of India moved away from equality, which refers to equal treatment for all, to equity, which ensures fairness and may require differential treatment or special measures for some groups.
• The Supreme Court has held that equality is a dynamic concept with many aspects and dimensions, and it cannot be “cribbed, cabined and confined” within traditional and doctrinaire limits (E P Royappa vs State Of Tamil Nadu, 1973).
• Formal equality is concerned with equality of treatment — treating everyone the same, regardless of outcomes — which can at times lead to serious inequalities for historically disadvantaged groups. Substantive equality, on the other hand, is concerned with equality of outcomes. Affirmative action promotes this idea of substantive equality.
• The first constitutional amendment inserted Article 15(4), which empowered the state to make “any special provision for the advancement of any socially and educationally backward classes of citizens or for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes”.
• Article 15 specifically prohibits the state from discriminating against citizens on grounds only of both religion and caste (along with sex, race, and place of birth). After the Supreme Court’s judgment in State of Kerala vs N M Thomas (1975), reservation is considered not an exception to the equality/ non-discrimination clauses of Articles 15(1) and 16(1), but as an extension of equality.
• The crucial word in Articles 15 and 16 is ‘only’ — which implies that if a religious, racial, or caste group constitutes a “weaker section” under Article 46, or constitutes a backward class, it would be entitled to special provisions for its advancement.
• Some Muslim castes were given reservation not because they were Muslims, but because these castes were included within the backward class, and reservation was given without reducing the quota for SCs, STs, and OBCs by creating a sub-quota within the OBCs.
• The Mandal Commission, following the example set by several states, included a number of Muslim castes in the list of OBCs.
• The Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney (1992) laid down that any social group, whatever its mark of identity, if found to be backward under the same criteria as others, will be entitled to be treated as a backward class.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus

• Prelims – Current Event

Context: The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has recently announced a $10 million reward for information leading to the apprehension of Dimitry Yuryevich Khoroshev, an alleged creator of the LockBit ransomware group.

Background:

• FBI Director Christopher Wray emphasized the agency’s commitment to disrupting ransomware organizations. The substantial reward underscores the severity of Khoroshev’s alleged crimes and the urgency in bringing him to justice.

About LOCKBIT RANSOMWARE

• LockBit ransomware is a malicious software designed to block user access to computer systems in exchange for a ransom payment.
• LockBit automatically vets valuable targets, spreads the infection, and encrypts all accessible computer systems on a network.
• It primarily targets enterprises and government organizations rather than individuals.
• LockBit operates as a Ransomware-as-a-Service (RaaS) model.RaaS is a business model where cybercriminals create and distribute ransomware, allowing other individuals (affiliates) to use it for their attacks.

The threats posed by LockBit include:

• Operations disruption: Essential functions come to a sudden halt.
• Extortion: The hacker seeks financial gain.
• Data theft and illegal publication: Blackmail if the victim does not comply.

Origins and Notable Targets:

• Attacks using LockBit began around September 2019, initially known as the “abcd virus.”
• Notable past targets include organizations in the United States, China, India, Indonesia, and Ukraine.
• LockBit has reportedly targeted India’s National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL).
• LockBit avoids attacking systems local to Russia or other countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States, presumably to avoid prosecution there.

Source: The Hindu

Syllabus

• Prelims – Geography

Context: According to recent reports, Positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) or Indian Nino may re-emerge for the second consecutive year in the latter half of 2024.

Background:

• It is for the first time since 1960 that the event is recurring for a second consecutive year since record-keeping began.

About INDIAN OCEAN DIPOLE (IOD) :

• The Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), also known as the Indian Niño, is an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer (positive phase) and then colder (negative phase) than the eastern part of the ocean.
• During a positive phase, warm waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean, while cold deep waters are brought up to the surface in the Eastern Indian Ocean. This pattern is reversed during the negative phase of the IOD.
• The IOD can modulate the impact of El Niño on the Indian monsoon. When a positive IOD coincides with an El Niño event, it can partially offset the negative effects of El Niño.
• The IOD influences local weather, causing heavy rains and/or droughts in Africa and Australia.
• Additionally, associated sea-level changes can lead to increased threats of coastal flooding and related impacts.

Source: Hindu Businessline

Previous Year Question

1. Q) With reference to ‘Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD)’ sometimes mentioned in the news while forecasting Indian monsoon which of the following statements is/are correct?
2. IOD phenomenon is characterised by a difference in sea surface temperature between tropical Western Indian Ocean and tropical Eastern Pacific Ocean.
3. An IOD phenomenon can influence an EI Nino’s impact on the monsoon.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

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

Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains – Economy

Context: India has become the first country to receive over $100 billion in remittances in 2022, according to the United Nations migration agency.

Background:

• The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) revealed in its World Migration Report 2024 that India’s remittances surged to $111 billion in 2022.

About REMITTANCES

• Foreign remittances refer to funds sent from one country to another, often by migrant workers to their families back home.
• These remittances play a crucial role in the economies of many countries, including India.

Top Sources of Remittances to India:

• United Arab Emirates (UAE): Migrant workers from India contribute significantly to the UAE’s economy, and their remittances form a substantial portion of India’s inflow.
• United States: Indian diaspora in the US sends substantial remittances back home.
• Saudi Arabia: Another major destination for Indian migrant workers, contributing to remittance inflows.
• Oman and Kuwait: These Gulf States also play a significant role in India’s remittance landscape.

India’s Role as a Source of Migrants:

• India has the largest number of international migrants, with nearly 18 million people living abroad.
• Major diasporas from India are located in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.
• India is also the 13th most popular destination for immigrants, with people coming from other countries to live in India.

Challenges and Risks:

• While remittances provide vital support to families and communities, migrant workers face numerous risks:
• Financial Exploitation: Some workers may be exploited financially.
• Migration Costs: Excessive financial debt due to migration costs.
• Xenophobia and Workplace Abuses: Migrants encounter challenges related to xenophobia and workplace mistreatment.
• The Gulf States, common destinations for Indian migrant workers, have faced criticism for rights violations.

Source: Times of India

Syllabus

• Mains – GS 3

Context: The issue of climate migration has garnered significant attention, yet the world still lacks a comprehensive legal framework to protect individuals forced to flee their homes due to increasingly severe weather disasters.

Background:

• According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), “climate migration” refers to the movement of a person or group of people who are predominantly forced to leave their homes due to sudden or gradual environmental changes caused by climate change. This movement can be temporary or permanent and can occur within a country or across borders.
• This definition highlights that climate migrants are primarily those who have little choice but to leave their homes due to the impacts of climate change.

Causes of Climate Migration:

• Reports by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) highlight that sudden-onset disasters like floods, hurricanes, and earthquakes often cause significant internal displacement. People flee to safer grounds within their countries, but returning home can be difficult due to destroyed infrastructure and livelihoods.
• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) emphasises how disasters often disproportionately affect vulnerable populations. These populations, lacking resources or living in high-risk areas, are more likely to be displaced and struggle to recover.
• The IOM reports that slow-onset disasters like droughts, desertification, and salinisation degrade land and water resources. This makes it difficult for people to sustain their livelihoods, pushing them to migrate in search of better opportunities.
• Reports by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) warn of rising sea levels threatening coastal communities. This can lead to permanent displacement as homes and farmland become submerged.
• The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) acknowledges that migration due to climate change is rarely caused by a single factor. Poverty, political instability, and lack of social safety nets often combine with disasters to force migration.
• World Bank highlights the challenges in accurately quantifying climate migration. This makes it difficult to develop effective policies to support displaced people and build resilience in vulnerable communities.

Issues/Challenges Faced by the Climate Migrants:

• The International Labour Organization (ILO) warns that climate migrants often lose their skills and assets due to displacement. This makes it difficult for them to find new jobs and rebuild their livelihoods in unfamiliar environments.
• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that climate migrants often end up in informal work sectors with low wages and poor working conditions. They may also be more vulnerable to exploitation due to their precarious situation.
• The World Bank highlights that climate migrants often struggle to access basic services like healthcare, education, and housing in their new locations. This can lead to social exclusion and marginalisation.
• The IOM emphasises the difficulties climate migrants face adapting to new cultures and languages. This can hinder their ability to integrate into new communities.
• Reports by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) point out that there’s no clear legal framework to protect climate migrants. They don’t qualify for refugee status under current international law.
• The Journal of Environmental Law claims that climate change-induced displacement can lead to statelessness, particularly for those who move across borders. In 2021, the World Bank, in its Groundswell report, estimated that by 2050, some 216 million people worldwide would be internally displaced due to the impacts of climate change.
• The WHO highlights the psychological distress and trauma climate migrants experience due to displacement and loss. Access to mental health services is often limited, further exacerbating their struggles.
• Climate migrants may be exposed to new health risks in their new locations, such as infectious diseases or extreme weather events. This is especially concerning for children and the elderly.

Way Forward:

• IPCC emphasises the importance of aggressive mitigation strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change.
• The UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) promotes adaptation strategies to help communities become more resilient to climate impacts and reduce displacement risks.
• The UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) emphasises the importance of disaster preparedness plans, early warning systems, and risk reduction measures to minimise displacement caused by sudden-onset disasters.
• The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the IOM advocate for developing legal frameworks to protect climate migrants. This could involve extending refugee status or creating a new protection category for those displaced due to climate change.
• The World Bank’s Groundswell Report acknowledges that some communities will become permanently uninhabitable due to climate change. Planned relocation and resettlement programs may be necessary in these extreme cases.
• The UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) emphasises the importance of investing in sustainable development and climate-smart agriculture. This can create opportunities for people to adapt to climate change and reduce the need for migration.
• Encouraging labour migration among countries as an adaptation measure for climate-displaced populations can help mitigate the impacts of climate change on vulnerable communities.

Source: Down To Earth

Q1.) Consider the following statements:

1. India became the first country to receive over $100 billion in remittances in 2022.
2. India is the origin of the largest number of international migrants.
3. Major Indian diasporas are located in the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Saudi Arabia.

How many statements given above are correct?

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

Q2.) With reference to the Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD), consider the following statements:

1. The Indian Ocean Dipole is an irregular oscillation of sea surface temperatures in which the western Indian Ocean becomes alternately warmer and then colder than the eastern part of the ocean.
2. During a positive phase, warm waters are pushed to the Western part of the Indian Ocean.
3. The IOD influences local weather, causing heavy rains and/or droughts in Africa and Australia.

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 LockBit ransomware, consider the following statements:

1. It is a malicious software designed to block user access to computer systems in exchange for a ransom payment.
2. It primarily targets enterprises and government organizations rather than individuals.
3. LockBit avoids attacking systems local to India.

How many of the statements given above are correct?

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

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

ANSWERS FOR ’  9th May 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs.st

Q.1) – c

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c