Today's Brief 11/1/2024

IE Analysis:https://youtu.be/3OWZybt8u9s?si=wSdNiC2WQ6RODxFe

JN Analysis: https://youtu.be/HSJwPMYNCMw?si=XwoR0DrUWN7-i05d

1 .Santa Ana Winds:

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

are hot, dry winds that blow from the northeast into Southern California, particularly in the fall and winter. They are known for their ability to fan wildfires and create dangerous conditions for outdoor activities.   

The winds are caused by a high-pressure system that forms over the Great Basin, a region east of the Sierra Nevada mountains. This high pressure pushes air down the mountains and into Southern California, where it is warmed and dried by compression. The resulting winds can be very strong, with gusts reaching up to 100 miles per hour.   

Santa Ana winds are a major cause of wildfires in Southern California. The dry air and high winds can quickly spread flames, making it difficult for firefighters to control the fires. In addition, the winds can also make it difficult for people to breathe, and they can cause power outages and other problems.   

2 .Section 152 of BNS should not become a proxy for sedition:

(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

The Rajasthan High Court has indeed expressed concern about the potential misuse of Section 152 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), warning against its use to suppress valid criticism or peaceful dissent.

This concern stems from the section's broad language, which criminalizes acts that "endanger the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India." Critics argue that this vague wording could lead to the criminalization of legitimate expressions of dissent, similar to how the now-suspended sedition law (Section 124A of the Indian Penal Code) was often misused.

The inclusion of the term "knowingly" in Section 152 lowers the threshold for prosecution compared to the previous sedition law, which required proof of intent to incite disaffection. This means that even if a person does not intend to incite secession or rebellion, merely sharing information that could potentially provoke such feelings can lead to arrest.

This has raised concerns about a potential chilling effect on free speech, as individuals may self-censor to avoid potential legal repercussions for expressing dissenting opinions or criticism of the government.1 The fear is that Section 152 could become a tool for stifling dissent and suppressing legitimate criticism, undermining the fundamental right to free expression in a democratic society.

3 .Polar Vortex:

(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

 is a large area of low pressure and cold air that swirls around the Earth's poles. It's like a giant whirlpool of frigid air, and it's always there, but sometimes it weakens and dips southward, bringing bitterly cold temperatures to places that aren't used to them.

The polar vortex is a large area of low pressure and cold air that spins around the Earth's poles, primarily in the stratosphere. This constant swirling mass of frigid air typically remains confined near the poles, but during certain periods,

it can weaken and dip southward, bringing unusually cold temperatures and severe weather conditions to regions accustomed to milder climates.

This southward plunge can lead to record-breaking low temperatures, heavy snowfall, and dangerous wind chills, significantly impacting daily life in affected areas.

4 .Export Inspection Council: Commerce Ministry to Bolster Food Testing Infrastructure for Export Growth

(GS Paper II: Governance, Constitution, Polity, Social Justice and International Relations)

The Export Inspection Council (EIC), under the commerce ministry, is taking steps to enhance food testing infrastructure to support export growth, according to a senior official. A detailed study is underway to identify deficiencies in current food testing systems for exports. "We anticipate completing the study within two to three months, after which we will present a comprehensive plan to expand infrastructure more effectively," said Nitin Kumar Yadav, Joint Secretary in the Department of Commerce.

The EIC, an advisory body to the central government, oversees the quality control and inspection of commodities before export. It sets quality standards and determines the necessary inspection methods. To streamline operations, the council is also launching an integrated traceability module for testing, inspection, and certification.

As part of its initiatives, new laboratories are being developed in Ahmedabad, Faridabad, and Mangalore. Advanced technologies such as IoT-based sampling are being incorporated to improve efficiency. Furthermore, the council is establishing mutual recognition agreements (MRAs) and memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with other nations to achieve global recognition of its processes.

The EIC's certification system is widely recognized by regulatory bodies in regions like the European Union, USA, Australia, Turkey, Korea, and Japan, underscoring its adherence to international quality benchmarks. Over the past decade, the number of export certificates accepted globally has doubled, rising from 61,000 in 2013-14 to over 120,000 in 2023-24.

India has significantly enhanced its testing facilities, with 78 accredited labs now operational across the country. The number of export establishments approved through the EIC system has grown from 794 to 1,446 in the last decade.

5.Desertification

(General Studies-I (250 marks)Indian Heritage and Culture, History, and Geography of the World and Society)

(General Studies-III (250 marks)Technology, Economic Development, Biodiversity, Environment, Security, and Disaster Management)

is a significant global problem that threatens the livelihoods of millions of people and degrades the environment. It is the process by which fertile land becomes desert, typically as a result of deforestation, drought, or inappropriate agriculture

Climate change and desertification have strong interactions. Desertification affects climate change through loss of fertile soil and vegetation. Soils contain large amounts of carbon, some of which could be released to the atmosphere due to desertification

Ways To Reduce it?

Sustainable land management practices help improve ecosystems services and protect biodiversity.

For example,

• conservation agriculture and better rangeland management can increase the production of food and fibres.

  
  

• Planting trees on degraded lands can improve soil fertility and fix carbon in soils.

  
  

• Sustainable land management practices also support biodiversity through habitat protection.

  
  

• Biodiversity protection allows for the safeguarding of precious genetic resources, thus contributing to human well-being.

International Bodies Associated with Conservation

Several international organizations are working to combat desertification and promote sustainable land management. Some of the key players include:   

• The United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD): This is the primary international legal framework for addressing desertification. It promotes sustainable land management practices and aims to improve the living conditions of people affected by desertification.   

• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): The FAO works to improve food security and reduce poverty by promoting sustainable agricultural practices and combating desertification.   

• The World Bank: The World Bank provides financial and technical assistance to developing countries to address desertification and promote sustainable land management.   

• The Global Environment Facility (GEF): The GEF provides financial support to projects that address environmental challenges, including desertification

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