UPSC Current Affairs – March 18, 2021

Recent data from the Reserve Bank of India shows that bank credit and deposits grew in February 2021 compared to January 2021 and even the pre-pandemic level of February 2020. Bank credit stood at Rs.107.75 lakh crore in February 2021, a 6.63% growth from February 2020, driven by an increase in retail loans like personal loans, mortgages, and credit cards.

Bank deposits also rose by 12.06% to Rs.149.34 lakh crore compared to February 2020. The rise in credit and deposits indicates recovering economic activity after the pandemic shock.

National Non-ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework

The Ministry of Mines has issued a framework to promote recycling of non-ferrous metals like aluminum, copper, and zinc. It aims to create jobs, contribute to GDP, and reduce imports by developing an organized recycling industry.

It proposes setting technical and environmental norms, registering recyclers, developing urban mines and online metal exchanges, and clarifying stakeholder roles. It will streamline clearances and skill development. The recyclers may tie up with industrial units for scrap collection. Overall, it seeks to reduce scrap imports and environmental damage through responsible recycling.

Illegal Influx from Myanmar

The MHA has directed NE states to check illegal immigration from Myanmar after the military coup there. It cited India’s non-signatory status to the UN refugee convention, disallowing refugee status.

However, NE states have cultural ties with Myanmar and took a sympathetic view earlier of those fleeing. But more influx could exacerbate existing community clashes. Over 40,000 Rohingya refugees stay in India already. The porous 1,643 km India-Myanmar border has a Free Movement Regime allowing border tribes to cross. But citizenship issues remain unaddressed.

State Election Commission Appointment Issue

The Supreme Court ruled that serving bureaucrats must not be appointed election commissioners, compromising their independence. Hearing a case against additional charge given to a bureaucrat as Goa election commissioner, the SC directed states to appoint independent election commissioners who resign government service first.

It upheld constitutional provisions vesting superintendence of local body elections to autonomous election commissions. The order aims to ensure free and fair local polls.

New Technique for Monitoring of Power Transmission Cables

IIT Madras researchers have demonstrated Raman thermometry technique using optical fibers in power cables to remotely monitor cable temperatures. Current flow causes resistive heating in cables. Raman scattering phenomenon is utilized to determine local temperature by analyzing backscattered light’s Stokes and anti-Stokes bands.

The anti-Stokes component indicates temperature. Optical fibers in cables propagate pulsed light all along the length, with time of flight providing distributed measurement up to 10s of kms. This economical real-time method helps operators monitor cables better than cumbersome thermal cameras.

Seabuckthorn Plantation in the Cold Desert

The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to plant seabuckthorn shrubs in cold desert regions like Lahaul-Spiti. Seabuckthorn produces an edible orange berry and grows above the tree line in the Himalayas. It has ecological benefits like soil binding, biodiversity preservation, and suitability for water-scarce regions.

Medicinally, its fruit and leaves treat digestive, cardiac and skin issues, besides helping troops acclimatize. Commercially, its berries make nutritious products. But industry demand cannot be met from wild shrubs alone. Large-scale cultivation like in China is needed. With willow trees dying in Lahaul from pests, hardy seabuckthorn is a good alternative.

Bhadar Dam: Gujarat

The Dam Safety Organisation has recommended replacing floodgates damaged in the 2015 flash flood at Gujarat’s Bhadar dam, the second largest in Saurashtra after Shetrunji.

Located on the Bhadar river originating from Rajkot district, the dam caters to irrigation and water needs of nearby areas. Flash floods, caused by intense, short duration rainfall, are highly localised events with a quick surge in water levels, giving little reaction time for precautions. Timely repairs as suggested will improve the dam’s safety and resilience in the future.

Flash Flood

A flash flood refers to a sudden, violent flood with high peak happening within 6 hours of a rainfall event. Intense, short duration localized rainstorms typically trigger flash floods.

They are extremely dangerous as the sudden surge of water levels gives very little warning for people to move to safety in time. Drainage chokepoints, encroachments obstructing water flow, and proximity to rainfall location exacerbate the flood severity. These are distinct from seasonal floods in aspects like rapid rise, short longevity and small geographic extent.

Central Water Commission (CWC)

The Central Water Commission is the apex body under the Ministry of Water Resources handling water resource management in India. It coordinates with state governments on formulating plans and schemes for irrigation, flood control, hydro power generation etc.

It provides technical inputs and advice to states on topics like river management, reservoir operations, hydrological observation stations etc. As the dam safety organisation also comes under it, the CWC inspects and evaluates safety status of dams. Its recommendations help state governments to keep dams well maintained and prevent dam related disasters.

Tree Line

The tree line refers to the upper elevation or latitude limit where trees can grow, determined by temperatures and available moisture. At high altitudes/latitudes, there are harsh conditions like extreme cold, heavy snow, short growing seasons etc. which trees cannot tolerate, and only low shrubs and grasses occur beyond the tree line.

In the Himalayas, the tree line is typically around 4500m though it varies by region and species. Global warming is feared to shift tree lines higher up mountains, endangering cold-adapted alpine ecosystems. Monitoring the tree line helps assess climate impacts.

India’s Arms Imports Drop by a Third According to SIPRI Report

A recent report by the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) found that India’s arms imports decreased by 33% between 2011-2015 and 2016-2020. India remains the second largest arms importer after Saudi Arabia. Russia accounted for 49% of imports compared to 70% earlier. France and Israel became the second and third largest suppliers.

The US is now the fourth largest supplier. The drop is attributed to India’s push for self-reliance and complex procurement processes rather than an attempt to reduce Russian dependence. India now accounts for 0.2% of global arms exports, a 200% increase over 2011-2015. But imports are expected to rise again due to threats from Pakistan and China, and delays in domestic defence manufacturing.

China Alters Hong Kong’s Electoral System to Tighten Control

China recently made changes to Hong Kong’s electoral system to tighten its authoritarian control after imposing a national security law last year. The number of Hong Kong’s Legislative Council members will increase with additional nominated members, reducing elected representatives. The Election Committee will expand to include Beijing-nominated members and will choose some legislature members.

A committee will vet candidates for “patriotism”. This will weaken opposition power and erode Hong Kong’s autonomy under “One Country, Two Systems”. The EU warned of broader sanctions over eliminating dissent. India sees Hong Kong as a gateway to China for trade. Political unrest in Hong Kong impacts India’s global trade and ties with China.

Wholesale Inflation Rises to 4.17% in February

India’s wholesale inflation rose to 4.17% in February 2021, the highest since November 2018, driven by rising food and fuel prices. It was 2.03% in January. Food inflation turned positive after three months of deflation. Retail inflation based on CPI was 5.03% in February.

Wholesale inflation is measured by WPI published by the Office of Economic Adviser. It tracks producer prices but ignores services. Consumer inflation or CPI calculates retail price changes for goods and services bought by consumers. RBI uses CPI to target inflation but a moderate level ensures production growth.

Statue of Unity Crosses 50 Lakh Visitors Since 2018 Unveiling

The Statue of Unity monument in Gujarat commemorating Sardar Patel has attracted over 50 lakh visitors since its inauguration in 2018. At 182 metres, it is the world’s tallest statue, nearly twice as tall as the Statue of Liberty.

Located on Sadhu Bet island in the Narmada river, it was designed by Ram V Sutar and built by a Chinese company. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel is credited with integrating over 500 princely states into the Indian Union and served as Deputy PM and Home Minister. The statue honours his contribution to India’s unity. Its growing popularity boosts tourism in the state.

Kenya Rejects ICJ Jurisdiction in Border Case with Somalia

Kenya has declined to participate in an International Court of Justice case over its maritime border dispute with Somalia. The contested triangular area of over 1.6 lakh sq km is rich in marine resources and speculated to have oil and gas deposits. Kenya wants the border to run parallel to the equator.

But Somalia insists it should extend southeastwards along the land border. The Hague-based ICJ settles disputes between countries but has no enforcement mechanism if verdicts are ignored. The stand-off between the two Eastern African nations persists despite ICJ attempts at resolution.