Anti-Semitism and Zionism are two distinct but interconnected concepts related to Jewish history, identity, and politics. Here's an explanation of each term:

Anti-Semitism:

Anti-Semitism is the prejudice, hatred, or discrimination directed against Jews based on their religious, ethnic, or cultural identity. It has a long history dating back centuries, and it has manifested in various forms, including verbal and physical violence, discriminatory laws, and social exclusion. Anti-Semitic beliefs and actions have had devastating consequences, including the persecution, expulsion, and murder of Jewish populations in different parts of the world.

Anti-Semitism can take many forms, including religious anti-Semitism, economic anti-Semitism, and racial anti-Semitism. Religious anti-Semitism is based on religious differences and stereotypes, while racial anti-Semitism is rooted in the idea of Jews as a distinct race. Economic anti-Semitism often involves blaming Jews for economic problems or portraying them as profiteers.

Zionism:

Zionism is a political and ideological movement that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in historic Palestine. The movement sought to address the vulnerability and persecution Jews faced in various parts of the world, including the rampant anti-Semitism in Europe.

The term "Zion" is a reference to Jerusalem, and the movement aimed to return Jews to their ancestral homeland. Theodor Herzl, considered the father of modern political Zionism, published "The Jewish State" in 1896, in which he argued for the creation of a Jewish state. Zionism gained momentum over time, leading to the Balfour Declaration in 1917, which expressed British support for a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine.

The Zionist movement ultimately led to the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948. There are various strands of Zionism, ranging from religious Zionism that sees the return to Israel as a religious imperative to secular Zionism that views it as a solution to the problems of anti-Semitism and Jewish statelessness.

3. Jewish migration

Before World War I

• Soon, Jewish migration (Aliyah) to Palestine began. The first wave of arrivals, from 1881 to 1903, is known as the First Aliyah.
• The migrants began to buy large tracts of land and set to farming it. Very soon, these arrivals meant losses for the native Palestinians, but it was some years yet before the conflict would be framed in these terms.
• Palestine at this time was just one province of the vast and not-well-governed Ottoman empire
• The residents did not necessarily see themselves as ‘Palestinians’, identifying more as Ottoman subjects, Arabs, Muslims, or along clan and family lines
• Absentee landlordism was common. Thus, land was being sold to Jews by landowners who did not live in those parts and by Ottoman officials who were open to bribing
• Local residents and actual tillers of the land rural, poor, and not very literate had little say in it
• As the new settlers came in, it soon became clear they were not here to assimilate. Unlike the Jews who had always lived in Palestine, these new residents spoke little Arabic and mingled only among themselves
• While earlier, Arab labourers were hired to work on their farms, as more and more Jews poured in, this too became infrequent
• Also, earlier, when land changed hands, the tenants had stayed on to work under the new master. However, when a Jew bought land, the Arab tenants were often let go, dispossessed of their home and community.
• The Jews marked out their different and ‘superior’ status in many other ways. Agriculture was mechanised, electricity brought in, Driven by the mission to create an ideal homeland, they did not take to the local ways
• Their towns and settlements followed European sensibilities  Tel Aviv, founded in 1909, being a case in point and gleamed distinct from the humble Arab neighbourhoods. The enterprise in Israel was being funded by wealthy Jews abroad, like the Rothschild family
• Local alarm and resentment against the newcomers grew. Ottoman officials did forbid the sale of land to foreign Jews, but the order was never effectively implemented. In 1908, after the Young Turks revolution overthrew the Ottoman Sultan, Jewish migration efforts became more streamlined.
• Outside Palestine, Jews in other countries worked to gain international support for their cause.

 The Balfour Declaration

• The Balfour Declaration was a public statement issued by the British government during World War I on November 2, 1917.
• It expressed British support for the establishment of a "national home for the Jewish people" in Palestine, then a part of the Ottoman Empire.
• The declaration was conveyed in a letter from Arthur Balfour, the British Foreign Secretary at the time, to Lord Lionel Walter Rothschild, a prominent British Jewish leader and a supporter of Zionism
• The declaration was made during World War I when the British government sought to gain support from various groups and nations for its war efforts, including Jewish communities.
• It was also influenced by the Zionist movement's advocacy for a Jewish homeland in Palestine
• What possibly changed the face of West Asia forever was the Balfour Declaration of 1917, when a letter sent by a British official to a wealthy British Jew sealed the fate of lakhs of Palestinians.
• The British government needed Jewish support in its World War I efforts. To secure that, Foreign Secretary Arthur James Balfour backed the Zionist cause.
• This would become the template for many future resolutions on Palestine — while there would always be some lines about the “rights of Palestinians”, little would be done on the ground about it.

British Mandate and World War II

• After the defeat of the Ottoman empire in World War I, its erstwhile domains were divided among the Allies, with the eventual aim of promoting self governance. Palestine fell under the British mandate.
• The three decades of the Mandate saw various commissions, white papers, and resolutions, even as violence raged and thousands of lives were lost, only for the ‘Palestine question’ to end up at the UN in 1947.
• After World War I, the Arab frustration and feelings of being cheated were erupting into attacks on Jewish settlements, on railroad tracks, on civilians. They were also resisting the British, believing that freedom from the British was essential in solving the Zionist problem
• Jews by now had efficient intelligence wings and trained, disciplined militias
• Moderate Jews had long advocated that Arab rights should be accommodated. They began losing influence in the community
• On the Arab side, broadly two rival factions emerged, under the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem Mohammed Amin al-Husseini and the influential Nashashibi family. The armed resistance groups were often entirely dissociated from the political resistance factions
• There were some attempts at talks between Jews and Arabs, notable being a 1919 pact, that soon came to nothing
• World War II and the Holocaust brought much international sympathy to the Jewish cause. Training with British soldiers also brought much more discipline and lethal power to the Jewish armed groups
• The years 1936 to 1938 saw immense bloodshed, with Palestinians attacking Jews and the British, the British imposing collective punishment on Palestinian villages, and the Jews carrying out killings of their own.
• The Palestinians call this period ‘al-thawra al-kubra’, or great rebellion.
• One of the armed groups was called Black Hand, led by Izzedin al-Qassam. The military wing of Hamas today is called the al-Qassam Brigades
• Around this time, the Peel Commission, set up by the British, proposed partition as the only solution to the problem
• The Jewish side negotiated for better terms, but the Palestinian side boycotted the suggestion
• In May 1939, a White Paper released by the British was much more favourable to the Palestinian side. However, the divided Palestinian leadership did not capitalise on the chance
• Eventually, the British did what they had with Partition violence in India — let trouble simmer to breaking point and then withdraw.
• In 1947, with neither side agreeing to a partition or any other solution, and distrust and hostility at an all-time high, the British announced they were exiting Palestine, and the question would be settled by the UN

• The Jews were very much a minority, but whenever violence broke out, they dominated. A crucial factor was they also mobilised better medical treatment facilities, while for the Palestinians, even treatable injuries could mean disaster.
• On November 29, 1947, the UN General Assembly voted to divide Palestine into Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under UN control
• According to Black’s book, “The proposed Jewish state was to consist of 55 per cent of the country, including the largely unpopulated Negev desert. Its population would comprise some 500,000 Jews and 400,000 Arabs…
• The Arab state was to have 44 per cent of the land and a minority of 10,000 Jews.” The Arab areas would include the West Bank and Gaza.
• The outraged Palestinian side rejected the resolution. Israel, on the other hand, declared independence on May 14, 1948
• This entire period by was marked by civil war, and the Israeli military groups managed to drive out a large number of Palestinians
• The creation of Israel is called Naqba, or the catastrophe, by Palestinians, who see it as the day they lost their homeland.
• Immediately after Israel’s declaration of independence, it was invaded by Egypt, Jordan, Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon. However, the determined Israeli side, bolstered by arms and funds from the US, managed to beat them back
• This was followed by more Arab-Israeli wars, with Israel capturing large territories

GLOBAL HUNGER INDEX 2023

 

 

1. Context

India ranked 111th out of 125 countries in the Global Hunger Index 2023, a standing the government termed “erroneous and having malafide intent”.

 

2. Global Hunger Index

The Global Hunger Index (GHI) is a tool that measures and tracks hunger at both global and national levels. It is designed to provide a comprehensive assessment of the state of hunger and undernutrition worldwide. The GHI is published annually by Concern Worldwide and Welthungerhilfe and is an important resource for policymakers, researchers, and organizations working to address hunger and malnutrition.

The GHI takes into account several key indicators to calculate and rank countries according to their hunger levels. The indicators include:

1. Undernourishment: This indicator measures the proportion of the population with insufficient caloric intake, often expressed as the percentage of the population with a caloric intake below the minimum dietary energy requirements.

2. Child Stunting: Stunting is a condition in which children experience impaired growth due to chronic undernutrition. It is assessed by measuring the height-for-age ratio of children under five.

3. Child Wasting: Wasting is a condition characterized by low weight-for-height, often resulting from acute malnutrition, illness, or inadequate food intake. It is also assessed among children under five.

4. Child Mortality: The child mortality rate is an important component of the GHI, as children who are undernourished are more vulnerable to illnesses and have a higher risk of mortality.

The GHI then combines these indicators to calculate a score for each country, which is used to rank them. The GHI is scored on a scale from 0 to 100, with 0 being the best possible score (no hunger) and 100 being the worst (severe hunger). Countries with higher scores are considered to have more severe hunger and undernutrition issues.

3. Global Hunger Index 2023

• India has a score of 28.7, indicating a serious level of hunger. The country came after neighbouring countries Pakistan (102nd), Bangladesh (81st), Nepal (69th) and Sri Lanka (60th).
• However, India fared better than South Asia and Africa South of the Sahara, which recorded a score of 27 each
• While the rate of undernourishment in India stood at 16.6 percent and under-five mortality at 3.1 percent, the prevalence of anaemia in women aged between 15 and 24 years stood at 58.1 percent
• As per the index, India also has the highest child wasting rate in the world at 18.7 percent, reflecting acute undernutrition. Wasting is measured based on children’s weight relative to their height.
• India ranked 107th out of 121 countries in the 2022 edition of the Global Hunger Index (GHI), a tool for comprehensively measuring and tracking hunger at global, regional, and national levels
• The 2023 Global Hunger Index (GHI) shows that, after many years of advancement up to 2015, progress against hunger worldwide remains largely at a standstill. The 2023 GHI score for the world is 18.3, considered moderate and less than one point below the world’s 2015 GHI score of 19.1

4. Other terms related to Hunger

 

Term	Definition
Undernutrition	Undernutrition refers to a state in which an individual does not receive adequate nutrition, which can lead to malnutrition. It encompasses various forms, including stunting, wasting, and micronutrient deficiencies
Malnutrition	Malnutrition is a broader term that encompasses both undernutrition (inadequate food intake or nutrient absorption) and overnutrition (excessive food intake or consumption of unhealthy foods). It includes conditions like stunting, wasting, and obesity.
Anemia	Anemia is a condition characterized by a deficiency in the number or quality of red blood cells, which can result from a lack of iron, vitamin B12, or other essential nutrients
Obesity	Obesity is the condition of having an excessive amount of body fat, often resulting from excessive food consumption, particularly of high-calorie and low-nutrient foods

 

5. What are the Factors Responsible for Hunger in India?

Hunger in India is a complex issue influenced by various interrelated factors. The causes of hunger in India can be categorized into several key factors:

1. Poverty: Poverty is a major driver of hunger in India. A significant portion of the population lives below the poverty line, which limits their ability to access adequate and nutritious food. Many people struggle to afford a balanced diet, leading to chronic food insecurity.

2. Unequal Distribution of Resources: The unequal distribution of wealth and resources exacerbates hunger. Disparities in income and land ownership lead to unequal access to food, with marginalized and disadvantaged communities often suffering the most.

3. Healthcare and Sanitation: Inadequate healthcare and sanitation can lead to poor health and malnutrition, especially among children. Without access to clean water and sanitation facilities, the risk of waterborne diseases and malnutrition increases.
4. Agricultural Challenges: Agriculture is a crucial sector in India, but it faces challenges such as low productivity, lack of modern farming techniques, and dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Crop failures due to droughts, floods, or other weather-related events can result in food shortages.
5. Climate Change: India is vulnerable to climate change, which can lead to more frequent and severe weather events, including droughts and floods. Climate-related disasters can negatively affect crop yields and food production.

6. Indian Government Initiatives to Address Hunger

 

Public Distribution System (PDS) Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) Mid-Day Meal Scheme National Nutrition Mission (Poshan Abhiyaan) MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) National Food Security Act (NFSA)

 

7. Way forward

 Addressing hunger in India requires a multi-pronged approach that involves improving agricultural practices, reducing poverty, enhancing food distribution systems, promoting education and health, and addressing the social and economic determinants of food insecurity. 

While significant progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly related to program implementation, reaching the most vulnerable populations, and ensuring that food programs are efficient and effective in meeting their objectives. The government continues to refine and expand these programs to enhance their impact

 

 

For Prelims: Global Hunger Index, Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS), MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) For Mains: All the related issues regarding Poverty and hunger in India

 

Previous Year Questions 1. Which of the following is/are the indicator/indicators used by IFPRI to compute the Global Hunger Index Report? (UPSC CSE 2016) Undernourishment Child stunting Child mortality Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1, 2 and 3 (d) 1 and 3 only Answer : (c) 1.Food Security Bill is expected to eliminate hunger and malnutrition in India. Critically discuss various apprehensions in its effective implementation along with the concerns it has generated in WTO. (UPSC CSE Mains 2013)

 

Source: indianexpress

INDIAN OCEAN RIM ASSOCIATION (IORA)

 

 

1. Context

‘Reinforcing Indian Ocean Identity’ was the banner theme at the Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) Council of Ministers (COM) held in Colombo on October 11 2023, that was attended by foreign ministers and senior officials of the 23-nation grouping of countries. 

 

2. Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA) 

• The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) is an international organization consisting of countries that have coastlines along the Indian Ocean. Its primary aim is to promote regional cooperation and sustainable development in the Indian Ocean region. The organization was established in 1997 and is headquartered in Ebene, Mauritius.
• The Indian Ocean Rim Association includes 23 countries from Africa, West Asia, South Asia, South East Asia, Australia and littoral states situated in and around the Indian Ocean.
• The grouping, whose apex body is the Council of Foreign Ministers that meet once a year, moves by rotation through members every two years
•  Sri Lanka took charge as Chair this year from Bangladesh, and India is Vice-Chair, meaning that the troika of IORA is within the South Asian region
•  IORA’s membership includes 23 countries: Australia, Bangladesh, the Comoros, France, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Madagascar, Malaysia, the Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, Somalia, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, the UAE and Yemen. It also has 11 dialogue partners: China, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Germany, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Russia, Türkiye, the U.K. and the U.S.
• While the IORA was formed in 1997 (then called the Indian Ocean Region-Association for Regional Cooperation) in Mauritius, its genesis came from a speech Nelson Mandela gave in Delhi in 1995

3. Significance of Indian Ocean Rim Association’s (IORA)

A third of the world’s population (2.6 billion people) live in the region, and 80% of global oil trade, 50% of the world’s containerised cargo and 33% of its bulk cargo passes through it. The region produces a combined total of $1 trillion in goods and services and intra-IORA trade is billed at around $800 billion

India’s other regional organisations, like SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) and BIMSTEC (Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation), face their own challenges. While the QUAD (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue), has made progress, it remains U.S.-led, along with military allies Australia and Japan. 

Meanwhile, China is actively trying to rope in India’s neighbours with groupings like the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), China-Indian Ocean Region Forum on Development Cooperation, China-South Asian Countries Poverty Alleviation and Cooperative Development Centre, which exclude India

IORA, however, remains a “safe space” for India and other countries of the region that wish to keep out the constant challenge of big-power rivalries

ORA membership is based on consensus, and Pakistan has not been admitted to the grouping since it first applied in 2001, on the basis that it has not extended MFN (most favoured nation) status to India, making the IORA a less contentious space for India as well, compared to groupings like the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO)

The Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA) holds significant importance for the countries in the Indian Ocean region and the global community for several reasons:

1. Economic Significance:

   • The Indian Ocean is home to some of the world's most important shipping lanes, making it a critical hub for global trade. Many of the world's busiest and most strategically significant maritime trade routes, such as the Strait of Hormuz and the Strait of Malacca, are situated in this region.
   • IORA fosters economic cooperation and trade among member countries, aiming to boost economic growth, investment, and regional integration. This is vital for the prosperity of the region and its ability to engage in international trade.

2. Strategic Significance:

   • The Indian Ocean region holds strategic significance for global powers due to its geopolitical location. It connects the major economies of Asia, the Middle East, and Africa.
   • Ensuring the safety and security of the Indian Ocean is crucial for global stability and trade. IORA plays a role in addressing issues related to maritime security, piracy, and regional stability.

3. Resource Management:

   • The Indian Ocean region is rich in marine resources, including fisheries and hydrocarbons. Cooperative management of these resources is vital to ensure their sustainability and to prevent conflicts over resource use.

4. Climate Resilience:

   • The region is prone to various climate-related challenges, including cyclones, tsunamis, and rising sea levels. IORA facilitates cooperation in disaster risk management and climate resilience efforts.

5. Cultural Exchange:

   • The diverse member countries of IORA represent a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and traditions. Promoting cultural exchange and understanding through IORA fosters people-to-people connections, which can contribute to global harmony.

4.Way forward

IORA’s seven priority areas are maritime safety and security; trade and investment facilitation; fisheries management; disaster risk management; academic, science and technology; tourism and cultural exchanges; and gender empowerment

The IORA also runs a special fund in addition, disbursing $80,000-$150,000 for project grants to members, and has a particular focus on climate change. It is clear that strategic issues and the importance of keeping a free and open sea lane, guarding against piracy, have become an integral part of the discussions

 

 

Previous Year Questions 1.With reference to 'Indian Ocean Rim Association for Regional Cooperation (IOR-ARC)', consider the following statements: (UPSC CSE 2015) 1. It was established very recently in response to incidents of piracy and accidents of oil spills. 2. It is an alliance meant for maritime security only. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 Only B. 2 Only C. Both 1 and 2 D. Neither 1 nor 2 Answer (D)

Source: The Hindu

OZONE HOLE OVER ANTARCTICA

 

 

1. Context

Satellite measurements over Antarctica have detected a giant hole in the ozone layer.

The hole, which scientists call an “ozone-depleted area” was 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles) in size, roughly three times the size of Brazil

 

2. Key Takeaways

 

• The hole, which scientists call an “ozone-depleted area” was 26 million square kilometers (10 million square miles) in size, roughly three times the size of Brazil.
• The European Space Agency Copernicus Sentinel-5P satellite made the recordings on September 16, 2023, as part of the EU’s environmental monitoring program.
• Claus Zehner, the agency’s mission manager for Copernicus Sentinel-5P, told DW that this is one of the biggest ozone holes they’ve ever seen.
• Experts believe the hole in the ozone is not likely to increase warming on the surface of Antarctica.
• The ozone layer is a trace gas in the stratosphere, one of the four layers of the Earth’s atmosphere.
• It functions as a protective gas shield that absorbs ultraviolet radiation, protecting humans and ecosystems from dangerous amounts of UV. Most skin cancers are caused by exposure to high amounts of UV radiation, so anything that shields us from UV rays helps reduce cancer rates.
• The size of the ozone hole over Antarctica fluctuates each year, opening each year in August and closing again in November or December.
•  Zehner said the ozone hole opens up because of the rotation of the Earth causing specials winds over the closed landmass of Antarctica.
• Scientists believe this year’s big ozone hole could be due to the volcanic eruptions at Hunga Tongain Tonga during December 2022 and January 2023
• The water had an impact on the ozone layer through chemical reactions and changed its heating rate. The water vapor also contained other elements that can deplete ozone like bromine and iodine
• While this year’s Antarctic ozone hole was likely due to a volcanic eruption, scientists became aware that human activities were creating huge ozone holes in the 1970s
• Ground and satellite-based measurements detected the holes, which were caused by widespread use of chemicals called chlorofluorocarbons
• The world took action after scientists raised alarm over the ozone holes, and quickly. In 1987,The Montreal Protocol was created to protect the ozone layer by phasing out the production of these harmful substances

3.Is climate change reopening ozone holes?

• Ozone depletion primarily relates to the thinning of the ozone layer in the Earth's stratosphere, particularly in the polar regions, due to the release of human-made chemicals called ozone-depleting substances (ODS).
• These substances, such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs), were used in products like aerosol sprays and refrigerants but were phased out under the Montreal Protocol, an international treaty signed in 1987.
• This treaty has been successful in reducing the production and use of ODS, and the ozone layer has shown signs of recovery.
• Climate change, on the other hand, is driven by the buildup of greenhouse gases in the Earth's atmosphere, such as carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O).
• These gases trap heat and lead to global warming and other climate-related effects like more frequent and severe heatwaves, extreme weather events, and rising sea levels.

4.How Heatwaves Affect Ozone

4.1. Formation of Ground-Level Ozone 

• Heatwaves can contribute to the formation of ground-level ozone, also known as tropospheric ozone.
• Ground-level ozone is different from the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, which shields us from harmful ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
• Ground-level ozone is formed when certain pollutants, such as nitrogen oxides (NOx) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs), react in the presence of sunlight and high temperatures.
• During heatwaves, these conditions are conducive to the production of ozone near the Earth's surface.

4.2. Increased Ozone Levels

• The combination of high temperatures, sunlight, and the presence of precursor pollutants leads to elevated ground-level ozone levels during heatwaves.
• Ozone is a key component of smog, and high concentrations of ozone can have detrimental effects on air quality and human health.

5. About Ozone Pollution

• Ozone pollution refers to the presence of elevated concentrations of ground-level ozone in the Earth's lower atmosphere, or troposphere.
• Ground-level ozone is a secondary pollutant formed through chemical reactions involving precursor pollutants, primarily NOx and VOCs, in the presence of sunlight.
• Unlike the protective ozone layer in the stratosphere, ground-level ozone is harmful to human health and the environment.

 

Image source: Climate Central

6. Effects of Ozone Pollution

Respiratory Issues: Ozone pollution can lead to a range of respiratory problems, particularly in individuals with pre-existing conditions such as asthma and bronchitis. It can irritate the respiratory system, causing coughing, throat irritation, and difficulty breathing.

Cardiovascular Effects: Ozone exposure has been linked to cardiovascular issues, including heart attacks and irregular heart rhythms.

Reduced Lung Function: Long-term exposure to ozone pollution can lead to reduced lung function and may impair lung development in children.

Agricultural and Environmental Impact: Ozone pollution can harm vegetation and crops, leading to reduced agricultural yields. It can also damage forests and natural ecosystems.

Air Quality: High levels of ground-level ozone contribute to poor air quality, leading to smog formation. This can reduce visibility and have economic impacts on industries such as tourism.

Climate Change: Ground-level ozone is a potent greenhouse gas, contributing to climate change when present in high concentrations. It can also harm the environment by damaging plant life and ecosystems.

7. Conclusion

• The report serves as a stark reminder that climate change and air quality are inextricably linked, demanding a collective effort to break this vicious cycle.
• Urgent action, including reducing emissions, monitoring air quality, and raising public awareness, is essential to safeguarding our health, ecosystems, and the well-being of future generations.
• The report reinforces the critical need for a holistic approach to address these interconnected challenges effectively.

For Prelims: Ozone, Pollution, Climate Change, Air Quality, Heat waves, World Meteorological Organization, wildfires, carbon emissions, Greenhouse gas, World Health Organization, ultraviolet radiation, nitrogen oxides,  volatile organic compounds,  For Mains:  1. Explore the role of ozone pollution as a greenhouse gas and its contribution to climate change. How do ozone-induced crop losses affect staples and key agricultural regions in countries like India and China? (250 Words)

 

Previous Year Questions 1. In the cities of our country, which among the following atmospheric gases are normally considered in calculating the value of Air Quality Index? (UPSC 2016) Carbon dioxide Carbon monoxide Nitrogen dioxide Sulfur dioxide Methane Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2 and 3 only      B. 2, 3 and 4 only   C. 1, 4 and 5 only     D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: B 2. Which of the following are the reasons/factors for exposure to benzene pollution? (UPSC 2020) Automobile exhaust Tobacco smoke Wood burning Using varnished wooden furniture Using products made of polyurethane Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1, 2 and 3 only  B. 2 and 4 only   C. 1, 3 and 4 only     D. 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 Answer: A 3. What is the ‘Greenhouse Gas Protocol’? (UPSC 2016) (a) It is an international accounting tool for government and business leaders to understand, quantify and manage greenhouse gas emissions (b) It is an initiative of the United Nations to offer financial incentives to developing countries to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and to adopt eco-friendly technologies. (c) It is an inter-governmental agreement ratified by all the member countries of the United Nations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to specified levels by the year 2022 (d) It is one of the multilateral REDD+ initiatives hosted by the World Bank Answer: A 4. Photochemical smog is a resultant of the reaction among (UPSC 2013) (a) NO2, O3 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (b) CO, O2 and peroxyacetyl nitrate in the presence of sunlight (c) CO, CO2 and NO2 at low temperature (d) high concentration of NO2 O3 and CO in the evening Answer: A   5. Acid rain is caused by the pollution of the environment (UPSC 2013, 2022) (a) Carbon Dioxide and Nitrogen (b) Carbon Monoxide and Carbon Dioxide (c) Ozone and Carbon Dioxide (d) Nitrous Oxide and Sulphur Dioxide  Answer: D   6. Biological Oxygen Demand (BOD) is a standard criterion for (UPSC 2017) (a) Measuring oxygen level in blood (b) Computing oxygen levels in forest ecosystems (c) Pollution assay in aquatic ecosystem (d) Assessing oxygen levels in high-altitude regions Answer: C 7. The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change recently published the draft Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) Notification, in 2020. Which of the following statements is correct about EIA? (Punjab Civil Service 2020) 1. It predicts the effect of a proposed industrial/infrastructural project on the environment. 2. It prevents the proposed activity/project from being approved without proper oversight or taking adverse consequences into account. 3. It compares various alternatives for a project and seeks to identify the one which represents the best combination of economic and environmental costs and benefits. 4. As per the new notification, Coal and non-Coal mineral prospecting and solar photovoltaic projects do not need prior environmental clearance. Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. Only 1 and 2 B. Only 2, 3 and 4 C. Only 1, 2 and 3 D. Only 1, 2 and 4 Answer: D   8.  Headquarters of the World Meteorological Organization is located in (NDA 2017) A. Washington        B. Geneva         C. Moscow         D.  London   Answer: B     9. With reference to the 'Global Climate Change Alliance', which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC 2017) 1. It is an initiative of the European Union. 2. It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets. 3. It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD) Select the correct answer using the code given below: A. 1 and 2 only            B. 3 only           C. 2 and 3 only              D. 1, 2 and 3 Answer: A   10. The IPCC is the United Nations body for assessing the science related to climate change. IPCC stands for: (RRB NTPC CBT 2 2022) A. Intergovernmental Provision on Climate Change B. International Panel on Climate Change C. International Provision on Climate Change D. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change   Answer: D     11. Comprehension (SSC CHSL 2020)   Direction: In the following passage some words have been deleted. Fill in the blanks with the help of the alternatives given. Select the most appropriate option for each blank. Forest fire always (1) ______ by one of two reasons-naturally caused or human-caused. Natural fire is generally (2) ______ by lightning, with a very small percentage (3) ______ by spontaneous combustion of dry fuel such as sawdust and leaves. (4) ______, human-caused fire can happen (5) ______ any number of reasons. Select the most appropriate option for blank No. 1. A. takes up    B. happens    C. causes    D. creates   Answer: B   12. Which of the following statements best describes the term 'Social Cost of Carbon'? It is a measure, in monetary value, of the (UPSC 2020)  A. long-term damage done by a tonne of CO2 emission in a given year. B. requirement of fossil fuels for a country to provide goods and services to its citizens, based on the burning of those fuels. C. efforts put in by a climate refugee to adapt to live in a new place. D. contribution of an individual person to the carbon footprint on the planet Earth.   Answer: A   13. The increasing amount of carbon dioxide in the air is slowly raising the temperature of the atmosphere, because it absorbs (UPSC 2012) A. the water vapour of the air and retains its heat B. the ultraviolet part of the solar radiation C. all the solar radiations D. the infrared part of the solar radiation   Answer: D   14. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommendation of a balanced diet, to avoid unhealthy weight gain, total fat should NOT exceed _______ of total energy intake. (UPSSSC Mandi Inspector 2019) A. 20%         B.  30%        C. 10%          D. 40%   Answer: B   15. What is the role of ultraviolet (UV) radiation in the water purification systems? (UPSC 2012) 1. It inactivates/kills the harmful microorganisms in water. 2. It removes all the undesirable odours from the water. 3. It quickens the sedimentation of solid particles, removes turbidity and improves the clarity of water. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 only        B. 2 and 3 only          C. 1 and 3 only         D. 1, 2 and 3   Answer: A   16. Which of the following ultraviolet rays is more dangerous? (UPTET 2017) A. UV-A        B. UV-B          C.  UV-C          D.  None of the above   Answer: C   17. Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2019)  1. Agricultural soils release nitrogen oxides into environment. 2. Cattle release ammonia into environment. 3. Poultry industry releases reactive nitrogen compounds into environment. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? A. 1 and 3 only         B. 2 and 3 only          C. 2 only          D.  1, 2 and 3   Answer: D   18. Which of the following is a VOC? (MP Vyapam 2022)  A. Toulene          B. Water            C. Carbon dioxide          D. Carbon monoxide   Answer: A   19. Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) are of great concern because (UGC NET  Environmental Science  2020) A. Once such compounds are in the vapour state, they are difficult to control in the environment. B. Most of them are ozone depleting substances C. They contribute to a general increase in reactive hydrocarbons in the atmosphere. D. They are less soluble in water.   Answer: C

 

Source: Down to Earth

ANGEL TAX

1. Context 

Amid notices being sent to start-ups, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has stepped in to direct its officers to not carry out scrutiny of angel tax provisions for start-ups recognised by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT)

2. The Proposed Change

• The Finance Bill, 2023, has proposed to amend Section 56(2) VII B of the Income Tax Act.
• The provision states that when an unlisted company, such as a start-up, receive equity investment from a resident for the issue of shares that exceeds the face value of such shares, it will be counted as income for the start-up and be subject to income tax under the head "Income from other Sources" for the relevant financial year.
• However, with the latest amendment, the government has proposed to also include foreign investors in the ambit, meaning that when a start-up raises funding from a foreign investor, that too will now be counted as income and be taxable.

For instance, if the fair market value of a start-up share is Rs 10 apiece and in a subsequent funding round they offer it to an investor for Rs 20, then the difference of Rs 10 would be taxed as income.

• Section 56 (2) VII B of the Income Tax Act, colloquially known as the "angel tax" was first introduced in 2012 to deter the generation and use of unaccounted money through the subscription of shares of the closely held company at a value that is higher than the fair market value of the firm's shares.

3. Start-ups Concerns

• The change comes as the funding for India's startups dropped by 33 per cent to $24 billion in 2022 as compared to the previous year, according to a PwC India report released in January.
• Foreign investors are a key source of funding for start-ups and have played a big role in increasing the valuation.

For instance, Tiger Global, one of the most prolific foreign investors in India has invested in over a third of the start-ups that have turned unicorns with a valuation of at least $1 billion.

 

• Non-resident investors were never under the scope of this tax.
  This could compel more startups to flip overseas, as foreign investors may not want to deal with additional tax liability through their investment in the startup.
• The reintroduction is completely counter-intuitive to the entire move of reverse-flipping. This will accelerate flipping overseas.

For Prelims & Mains

For Prelims: Angel Tax, Section 56 (2) VII B of the Income Tax Act, Start-ups, Finance bill 2023 For Mains: 1. What is Angel Tax and discuss the reasons for start-ups' concerns in India (250 Words)

 

Source: The Indian Express

RARE EARTH ELEMENTS

 

 

1.Context

The Centre has amended a key law so that it can specify competitive royalty rates for the mining of three strategically significant minerals — lithium, niobium, and rare earth elements (REEs). The decision comes after the government removed six minerals, including lithium and niobium, from the list of ‘specified’ atomic minerals, which could set the stage for private sector participation through auctioning of concessions for these minerals.

2.About rare earth metals

Rare earth elements or rare earth metals are a set of 17 chemical elements in the periodic table  the 15 lanthanides, plus scandium and yttrium, which tend to occur in the same ore deposits as the lanthanides, and have similar chemical properties

 

The 17 rare earths are cerium (Ce), dysprosium (Dy), erbium (Er), europium (Eu), gadolinium (Gd), holmium (Ho), lanthanum (La), lutetium (Lu), neodymium (Nd), praseodymium (Pr), promethium (Pm), samarium (Sm), scandium (Sc), terbium (Tb), thulium (Tm), ytterbium (Yb), and yttrium (Y)

 

Despite their classification, most of these elements are not really “rare”. One of the rare earths, promethium, is radioactive

Source:Thermo Fisher Scientific

 

 

3.Applications of rare earths

• These elements are important in technologies of consumer electronics, computers and networks, communications, clean energy, advanced transportation, healthcare, environmental mitigation, and national defence, among others
• Scandium is used in televisions and fluorescent lamps, and yttrium is used in drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis and cancer
•  Rare earth elements are used in space shuttle components, jet engine turbines, and drones
• Cerium, the most abundant rare earth element, is essential to NASA’s Space Shuttle Programme
• In recent years, rare earths have become even more important because there has been an increase in demand for green energy
• Elements like neodymium and dysprosium, which are used in wind turbine motors, are sought-after more than ever as wind mills across the world continue to grow
• Moreover, the push for switching from internal combustion cars to electric vehicles has also led to a rise in demand for rare earth magnets made from neodymium, boron, and iron and batteries

 

 

 

For Prelims: Applications of rare earths, rare earth elements For Mains: 1.Europe’s largest known deposit of rare earth elements found in Sweden: Could the discovery change geopolitics?

 

 

 

Source:indianexpress