GEOGRAPHY

Cyclone Kyaar

GS PAPER - 01 GEOGRAPHY - Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

Context :

Cyclone Kyarr, the super cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea, is making its way to the Oman coast and has caused heavy rainfall in three states located on India’s west coast — Goa, Maharashtra and the north-coastal districts in Karnataka.

How are cyclones named ?

World Meteorological Weather Organization and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific began to name cyclonic storms since 2000.
Cyclonic storms rising in the North Indian Ocean are named by the Indian Meteorological Department.
In the Indian Ocean region 8 countries (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman and Thailand) started the process of giving names to cyclonic storms since 2004 on the initiative of India.
- All countries contributed a set of names which are assigned sequentially on the basis of the first Alphabet of the member country.
As soon as the cyclone reaches into area of these 8 countries, predefined name is given to this cyclone. These 8 countries have suggested 8 names each.
The naming culture of the cyclones not only recognizes the threat but compels the countries to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate the damage.

Arabian Sea Cyclones :

Cyclonic activity is comparatively less intense in the Arabian sea, as compared to the Bay of Bengal, where high-intensity severe cyclones originate frequently.
In the last 120 years, just about 14% of all cyclonic storms, and 23% of severe cyclones, around India have occurred in the Arabian Sea.
Arabian Sea cyclones are also relatively weak compared to those emerging in the Bay of Bengal.
Gujarat coastline, where most of the cyclones emerging in the Arabian Sea are headed, is not very densely populated, ensures that the damage potential of the cyclones on the western coast is comparatively low.

Source :- PIB

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Nagaland, Manipur brace ahead of likely Naga accord

GS PAPER - 02 POLITY - issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context :

The Centre is bracing for a slowdown in the north-eastern states of Nagaland and Manipur, with the Union home ministry determined to conclude the Naga peace talks by 31 October, amid resistance.

Background :

The National Socialist Council of Nagaland (Isak-Muivah) (NSCN-IM) — one of the largest Naga groups with which the Centre had signed a framework agreement on August 3, 2015 has been fighting for ‘Greater Nagaland’ or Nagalim — where it wants to extend Nagaland’s borders by including Naga-dominated areas in neighbouring Assam, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh — to unite 1.2 million Nagas.
NSCN-IM has also demanded a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.
NSCN-IM signed a Ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997.
Interlocutor R.N. Ravi inks framework agreement in 2015. Also signs Preamble in 2017 with six Naga National political groups to continue discussions for finding a solution to the issue.

Source :- The Hindu

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Indian Ocean Rim to get boost with UAE, Bangladesh at helm

GS PAPER - 02 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Context :

The upcoming Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi on Nov 7.

Key Highlights :

The 19th IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting will be held on November 7 in Abu Dhabi with the theme of “Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean”.
The United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh, will take charge as the new chair and vice-chair of one of the largest regional maritime organizations for the duration of 2019-21.
Indian policy takes into consideration that IOR is not an India-run maritime domain and that is reflected in the Narendra Modi government's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) programme, which aims to turn the region more inclusive.

Indian Ocean Rim Association :

IOR-ARC, a regional cooperation initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim countries, was established in Mauritius in March 1997 with the aim of promoting economic and technical cooperation.
IOR-ARC is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping. It brings together countries from three continents having different sizes, economic strengths, and a wide diversity of languages, cultures.
It aims to create a platform for trade, socio-economic and cultural cooperation in the Indian Ocean rim area, which constitutes a population of about two billion people.
The Indian Ocean Rim is rich in strategic and precious minerals, metals and other natural resources, marine resources and energy, all of which can be sourced from Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), continental shelves and the deep seabed.
Presently it has 19 members- Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE and Yemen.
There are five Dialogue Partners namely China, Egypt, France, Japan and UK and two Observers namely, Indian Ocean Research Group (IORG) and Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation (IOTO), Oman.

Objective :

To promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the region and of the Member States, and to create common ground for regional economic cooperation.
To focus on those areas of economic co-operation which provide maximum opportunities to develop shared interests and reap mutual benefits.
To explore all possibilities and avenues for trade liberalisation, to remove impediments to, and lower barriers towards, freer and enhanced flow of goods, services, investment, and technology within the region.
To encourage close interaction of trade and industry, academic institutions, scholars and the peoples of the Member States without any discrimination among Member States and without prejudice to obligations under other regional economic and trade co-operation arrangements.
To strengthen cooperation and dialogue among Member States in international fora on global economic issues, and where desirable to develop shared strategies and take common positions in international fora on issues of mutual interest; and
To promote cooperation in the development of human resources, particularly through closer linkages among training institutions, universities and other specialised institutions of the Member States.

Source :- The Hindu

Sakhalin oil field in Russia

GS PAPER - 02 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Context :

Recently the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas has visited Sakhalin oil field in Russia.

Sakhalin oil field in Russia :

It is a prolific oil producing field like Bombay High. Exxon Mobil, Rosneft, Japanese SODECO and ONGC Videsh are the partners in this field which will continue to produce oil and gas till 2055.
During the recent Vladivostok Summit, there was agreement on a roadmap of cooperation over the next five years in the hydrocarbon sector.

Source :- PIB

ECONOMY

Assam tea eyes AI route to recovery

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context :

India’s oldest tea company has begun the process of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to help take the industry to a sustainable future from its ‘past perfect’ present state.

Background :

The tea industry is currently going through a “bad patch” because of falling prices of tea, rising cost of production due to non-availability of sufficient labour in this labour intensive industry and aged tea bushes.
The present attempt is hoping that technology would help add value to the tea industry that is currently going through a bad phase.

Concern :

The move might lead to large scale retrenchment of labourers in this labour intensive field.
There are challenges in replicating the AI, deployed in farming in developed nations, for use in the tea sector. Initial cost and Technical capability are impeding factors.
The technology to implant molecular or genetic markers in plants is existent but tea is a new area for this technology.

Conclusion :

The “embrace” of cutting-edge technology in the tea industry must be encouraged and should be aimed at dealing with a shortage of farmhands and ensuring a scenario where workers find it more remunerative to return to the plantations.

Source :- The Hindu

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

29th BASIC Ministerial Meet on Climate Change

GS PAPER - 03 ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Context :

The Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), participated in the 29th ministerial meeting of the BASIC (Brazil, South Africa, India, China) countries on Climate Change at Beijing, China.

Key Highlights :

BASIC Ministers expressed their concern for the global challenge of climate change and its adverse effects, and confirmed their commitments to multilateralism in order to address the issue and to foster climate resilience and promote greenhouse gas emissions reduction, low-carbon and sustainable development, with a view to collectively work towards preparedness of the international community for the wellbeing of all.
Ministers underscored that all parties should jointly defend the international system underpinned by the United Nations, in accordance with the principles of equity, Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC), in the light of different national circumstances.
- They felt that Unilateralism and protectionism undermine the open and free international trade system and the prospect of global economic development and growth, which will end up with damaging global efforts against climate change.
- It is imperative to focus on safeguarding the multilateral process and the fulfillment of commitments.
The BASIC Ministers reaffirmed and emphasized the need for people’s participation and climate friendly lifestyles for addressing the challenge of climate change acknowledging that Paris Agreement embodies and calls for sustainable lifestyles and consumption patterns.

What has been done so far to combat climate change ?

BASIC countries actively engaged and contributed, and are ready to further strengthen international cooperation to explore solutions which are cost-effective and with lower risks, such as nature-based solutions, and technology innovation in industry transition.
In 2018, China has reduced carbon dioxide emissions per unit of GDP by 45.8% from the 2005 level, increased the share of non-fossil fuels in primary energy consumption to 14.3%.
South Africa has recently implemented carbon tax, and announced massive renewable energy program in its latest electricity plan.
India has already achieved 21% reduction in emission intensity of GDP in 2014 compared to 2005 levels, thereby achieving its pre-2020 voluntary target.
In 2015, Brazil had already achieved a 58% emission reduction in the business as usual scenario set for its NAMAs, thereby overachieving its target of 36%- 39% reductions set for 2020.

More in the news:

Ministers underscored that as developing countries are the most adversely affected by climate change, adaptation is a key imperative but is neglected with imbalanced allocation of resources compared to mitigation.
They reiterated that balanced allocation should be made for adaptation and mitigation in terms of support provided by developed countries, including through Green Climate Fund (GCF).
- The Group encouraged other fora, including the Global Commission on Adaptation to play their part in supporting developing countries on adaptation.
BASIC countries have urged the developed countries to take urgent action to close gaps and provide support to developing nations as a part of the commitment under the Paris agreement on climate change.
Ministers urged developed countries to propose the new collective quantified goal on finance as soon as possible, including detailed roadmap and timetable.

BASIC :

The BASIC group was formed as the result of an agreement signed by the four countries on November 28, 2009.
They are a bloc of four large newly industrialized countries – Brazil, South Africa, India and China.

Significance of Grouping :

The signatory nations have a broadly common position on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and raising the massive funds that are needed to fight climate change.
The BASIC countries constituted one of the parties in the Copenhagen Accord reached with the US-led grouping; the Accord, was, however, not legally binding.
The BASIC group wields considerable heft purely because of the size of the economies and populations of the member countries.
Brazil, South Africa, India and China put together has one-third of the world’s geographical area and nearly 40% of the world’s population, and when they unitedly speak in one voice this shows their determination.
BASIC is one of several groups of nations working together to fight climate change and carry out negotiations within the UNFCCC.

Source :- PIB

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

New class of quantum materials for clean energy technology

GS PAPER - 03 SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY - Awareness in the fields of IT, Space, Computers, robotics, nano-technology, bio-technology and issues relating to intellectual property rights.

Context :

Researchers from IIT Bombay have discovered special properties in a class of materials called “semi-Dirac metals” that have been recently talked about in the scientific literature.

Semi - Dirac Metal :

The term Dirac matter refers to a class of condensed matter systems which can be effectively described by the Dirac equation.
- Dirac metals differ from normal metals in that the energy carried depends linearly on the momentum of the transfer medium.
- This difference is responsible for their unique properties. The velocities of the energy carriers can be over a100 times more than normal metals, thus increasing the mobility and currents that can be carried across devices made of these so-called Dirac materials.
Semi-Dirac metals behave like Dirac metals in one direction and like normal metals in the perpendicular directions (since their microscopic structure is different along the two directions).
- In the semi-Dirac metals, the properties are direction dependent. Direction-dependence of the microscopical properties gives the material special optical properties.
Research has discovered special properties in a class of materials called “semi-Dirac metals”. Examples of semi-Dirac metals are systems such as TiO2/V2O3 nanostructures.
A very high optical conductivity of semi-Dirac materials for electromagnetic waves [light waves] of a specific frequency and specific polarization has been observed. Optical conductivity is a measure of the opacity offered by the material to the passage of light through it.
Semi-Dirac materials can display such thermoelectric properties. Thermoelectricity is a clean energy technology that uses waste heat to produce electricity typically in low power applications.

Significance:

The he researchers have shown that such materials would be transparent to light of a given frequency and polarization when it is incident along a particular direction.
The material would be opaque to the same light when it falls on it from a different direction.
There are many known applications for transparent conducting films – the common example being touch screens used in mobiles.
Optical conductivity is a measure of the opacity offered by the material to the passage of light through it.
The research shows a very high optical conductivity of semi-Dirac materials for electromagnetic waves [light waves] of a specific frequency and specific polarization.
The researchers show theoretically that semi-Dirac materials can display such thermoelectric properties.
The study of thermoelectrics dwells on the heat-to electricity conversion efficiency, for which there has been recent and tremendous interest due to the advent of nanomaterials and quantum materials.
Thermoelectricity is a clean energy technology that uses waste heat to produce electricity typically in low power applications.

27th OCTOBER 2019 DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS

GEOGRAPHY

Cyclone Kyaar

GS PAPER - 01 GEOGRAPHY - Important Geophysical phenomena such as earthquakes, Tsunami, Volcanic activity, cyclone etc.,

Context :

Cyclone Kyarr, the super cyclonic storm over the east-central Arabian Sea, is making its way to the Oman coast and has caused heavy rainfall in three states located on India’s west coast — Goa, Maharashtra and the north-coastal districts in Karnataka.

How are cyclones named ?

World Meteorological Weather Organization and United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia Pacific began to name cyclonic storms since 2000.

Cyclonic storms rising in the North Indian Ocean are named by the Indian Meteorological Department.

In the Indian Ocean region 8 countries (India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman and Thailand) started the process of giving names to cyclonic storms since 2004 on the initiative of India.

All countries contributed a set of names which are assigned sequentially on the basis of the first Alphabet of the member country.

As soon as the cyclone reaches into area of these 8 countries, predefined name is given to this cyclone. These 8 countries have suggested 8 names each.

The naming culture of the cyclones not only recognizes the threat but compels the countries to take necessary precautionary measures to mitigate the damage.

Arabian Sea Cyclones :

Cyclonic activity is comparatively less intense in the Arabian sea, as compared to the Bay of Bengal, where high-intensity severe cyclones originate frequently.

In the last 120 years, just about 14% of all cyclonic storms, and 23% of severe cyclones, around India have occurred in the Arabian Sea.

Arabian Sea cyclones are also relatively weak compared to those emerging in the Bay of Bengal.

Gujarat coastline, where most of the cyclones emerging in the Arabian Sea are headed, is not very densely populated, ensures that the damage potential of the cyclones on the western coast is comparatively low.

Source :- PIB

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

Nagaland, Manipur brace ahead of likely Naga accord

GS PAPER - 02 POLITY - issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure, devolution of powers and finances up to local levels and challenges therein.

Context :

The Centre is bracing for a slowdown in the north-eastern states of Nagaland and Manipur, with the Union home ministry determined to conclude the Naga peace talks by 31 October, amid resistance.

Background :

NSCN-IM has also demanded a separate flag and constitution for the Nagas.

NSCN-IM signed a Ceasefire agreement with the Centre in 1997.

Interlocutor R.N. Ravi inks framework agreement in 2015. Also signs Preamble in 2017 with six Naga National political groups to continue discussions for finding a solution to the issue.

Source :- The Hindu

INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS

Indian Ocean Rim to get boost with UAE, Bangladesh at helm

GS PAPER - 02 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Context :

The upcoming Indian Ocean Rim Association ministerial meeting to be held in Abu Dhabi on Nov 7.

Key Highlights :

The 19th IORA Council of Ministers (COM) meeting will be held on November 7 in Abu Dhabi with the theme of “Promoting a Shared Destiny and Path to Prosperity in the Indian Ocean”.

The United Arab Emirates and Bangladesh, will take charge as the new chair and vice-chair of one of the largest regional maritime organizations for the duration of 2019-21.

Indian policy takes into consideration that IOR is not an India-run maritime domain and that is reflected in the Narendra Modi government's SAGAR (Security and Growth for All in the Region) programme, which aims to turn the region more inclusive.

Indian Ocean Rim Association :

IOR-ARC, a regional cooperation initiative of the Indian Ocean Rim countries, was established in Mauritius in March 1997 with the aim of promoting economic and technical cooperation.

IOR-ARC is the only pan-Indian ocean grouping. It brings together countries from three continents having different sizes, economic strengths, and a wide diversity of languages, cultures.

It aims to create a platform for trade, socio-economic and cultural cooperation in the Indian Ocean rim area, which constitutes a population of about two billion people.

The Indian Ocean Rim is rich in strategic and precious minerals, metals and other natural resources, marine resources and energy, all of which can be sourced from Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ), continental shelves and the deep seabed.

Presently it has 19 members- Australia, Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Iran, Kenya, Malaysia, Madagascar, Mauritius, Mozambique, Oman, Seychelles, Singapore, South Africa, Sri Lanka, Tanzania, Thailand, UAE and Yemen.

There are five Dialogue Partners namely China, Egypt, France, Japan and UK and two Observers namely, Indian Ocean Research Group (IORG) and Indian Ocean Tourism Organisation (IOTO), Oman.

Objective :

To promote the sustained growth and balanced development of the region and of the Member States, and to create common ground for regional economic cooperation.

To focus on those areas of economic co-operation which provide maximum opportunities to develop shared interests and reap mutual benefits.

To explore all possibilities and avenues for trade liberalisation, to remove impediments to, and lower barriers towards, freer and enhanced flow of goods, services, investment, and technology within the region.

To encourage close interaction of trade and industry, academic institutions, scholars and the peoples of the Member States without any discrimination among Member States and without prejudice to obligations under other regional economic and trade co-operation arrangements.

To strengthen cooperation and dialogue among Member States in international fora on global economic issues, and where desirable to develop shared strategies and take common positions in international fora on issues of mutual interest; and

To promote cooperation in the development of human resources, particularly through closer linkages among training institutions, universities and other specialised institutions of the Member States.

Source :- The Hindu

Sakhalin oil field in Russia

GS PAPER - 02 INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS - Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India's interests

Context :

Recently the Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas has visited Sakhalin oil field in Russia.

Sakhalin oil field in Russia :

It is a prolific oil producing field like Bombay High. Exxon Mobil, Rosneft, Japanese SODECO and ONGC Videsh are the partners in this field which will continue to produce oil and gas till 2055.

During the recent Vladivostok Summit, there was agreement on a roadmap of cooperation over the next five years in the hydrocarbon sector.

Source :- PIB

ECONOMY

Assam tea eyes AI route to recovery

GS PAPER - 03 ECONOMY - Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context :

India’s oldest tea company has begun the process of deploying artificial intelligence (AI) to help take the industry to a sustainable future from its ‘past perfect’ present state.

Background :

The tea industry is currently going through a “bad patch” because of falling prices of tea, rising cost of production due to non-availability of sufficient labour in this labour intensive industry and aged tea bushes.

The present attempt is hoping that technology would help add value to the tea industry that is currently going through a bad phase.

More in the news:

The proposal includes developing two types of drones — one that analyses plant health, soil conditions and other natural factors and the other that sprays fertilizers or targets pests from 6-8 ft with precision so that other bushes are not affected.

Drones can address shortage of workers as well as spray hazardous pesticides with precision.

Investing in robotic drones for precision treatment of a diseased tea bush and implanting molecular markers in leaves to develop traits for mass production. Such markers control the genes of a plant for developing resistance to pests and diseases, improving the quality and quantity of the yield.

Concern :

The move might lead to large scale retrenchment of labourers in this labour intensive field.

There are challenges in replicating the AI, deployed in farming in developed nations, for use in the tea sector. Initial cost and Technical capability are impeding factors.

The technology to implant molecular or genetic markers in plants is existent but tea is a new area for this technology.

Conclusion :

The “embrace” of cutting-edge technology in the tea industry must be encouraged and should be aimed at dealing with a shortage of farmhands and ensuring a scenario where workers find it more remunerative to return to the plantations.

Source :- The Hindu

27^th OCTOBER 2019 DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS