UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 April 2024

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 4:

• Sibling Relationships are Important

• Ethical concerns regarding Misuse of social media

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Kuchipudi

• Volcanic vortex rings

• Adjudicating Authority under PMLA, 2002

• Home voting

• Prerana Program

• Hydrogel

• Gravitational waves

• Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite

• Doxxing

Mapping

• Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Sibling Relationships are Important

#### GS Paper 4

Syllabus: Family relations

Source: First Post

Context: A recent study proves that Sibling Rivalry is Good for Children

Sibling relationships offer a blend of camaraderie and competition, shaping identity and social skills while providing companionship and support. Celebrations like National Siblings Day in the U.S., Brothers and Sisters Day in Europe, and Raksha Bandhan in India highlight the importance of cherishing these bonds.

Fighting among siblings is not just inevitable, it is educational. How?

Aspect | Explanation

Development of Conflict Resolution Skills | Sibling fights often serve as a training ground for conflict resolution. Children learn negotiation, compromise, and problem-solving skills by resolving disputes with their siblings.

For example, two siblings arguing over sharing toys might learn to negotiate and find a compromise where they take turns playing with the toys.

Understanding of Different Perspectives | Sibling conflicts provide opportunities for children to understand different viewpoints and empathize with others

For instance, if siblings disagree over which TV show to watch, they learn to consider each other’s preferences and compromise, enhancing their empathy and understanding.

Assertion of Personal Boundaries | Sibling fights help children establish and assert personal boundaries. Through disagreements, they learn to communicate their needs and preferences assertively, fostering independence and self-confidence.

For example, if siblings argue over borrowing clothes, they learn to respect each other’s belongings and set boundaries.

Preparation for Real-world Challenges | Dealing with conflicts among siblings prepares children for challenges they may encounter in other relationships and social settings. By navigating disagreements with siblings, children develop skills to handle conflicts with peers, colleagues, and friends in the future.

For instance, resolving disputes over chores with siblings can teach children how to negotiate and collaborate in group projects at school or work.

Cultivation of Resilience | Sibling conflicts teach children to cope with adversity and bounce back from disagreements. Through conflicts, they learn to manage emotions, adapt to changing situations, and maintain relationships despite disagreements, fostering resilience.

For example, siblings who argue over sharing snacks may learn to forgive and forget, strengthening their bond and resilience.

Sibling rivalry arises from competition for parental attention, resources, and status. It can stem from perceived inequalities or differences in treatment. While it may lessen with age, it can persist into adulthood, albeit in different forms such as jealousy or comparison.

Views of Thinkers:

Thinker | Perspective

Confucius | Emphasized the importance of family harmony and filial piety, considering sibling relationships as foundational for societal harmony

Mahatma Gandhi | Advocated for strong family bonds, including sibling relationships, as a source of support and solidarity

Rabindranath Tagore | Highlighted the role of siblings in shaping one’s identity and values: Bonds formed in childhood have a lasting impact on an individual’s character and worldview.

Sigmund Freud | Acknowledged the complex dynamics of sibling relationships: Rivalry and affection playing crucial roles in shaping behaviour.

Jean Piaget | Noted that sibling interactions contribute to cognitive development, as children learn social skills, perspective-taking, and problem-solving through their interactions and conflicts with siblings.

Margaret Mead | Recognized siblings as influential socializing agents, shaping attitudes, beliefs, and behaviours, and contributing to the transmission of cultural norms and values within a family and society.

Ethical concerns regarding Misuse of social media

#### GS Paper 4

Syllabus: Application of Ethics

Source: TOI

Context: The Supreme Court has expressed concern over the misuse of social media platforms, initiating contempt proceedings against an Assam legislator for a misleading Facebook post about a pending case.

Factors responsible for misuse of Media:

The misuse of social media platforms stems from various factors, including the rapid growth of the internet coupled with the anonymity it provides, the expanding user base, and the ambiguity surrounding the legal responsibilities of social media platforms. Additionally, advancements in artificial intelligence, such as deepfake technology, have exacerbated the issue, while the absence of robust grievance redressal mechanisms further compounds the problem.

Negative Impact of Misuse of Media:

The negative impacts of this misuse are far-reaching, leading to the propagation of prejudiced narratives based on incomplete or inaccurate information, excessive trolling, and unjustified public opinions. Furthermore, it results in defamation, invasion of privacy, the dissemination of morphed images, and disrespect to religious sentiments. There is also a growing concern about the fear of bias in judicial decisions due to public pressure and the spread of disharmony, financial fraud, and incitement of violence.

In response, governments have implemented measures such as the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules 2021 and the establishment of PIB’s Fact Check Unit to address misinformation. They have also issued advisories to intermediaries and taken actions like blocking OTT platforms from publishing obscene or vulgar content.

The ethical issues in the case include:

• Misuse of Freedom of Expression: Posting misleading information on social media under the guise of freedom of speech can mislead the public and undermine the integrity of the judiciary.

• Integrity of the Judiciary: False claims about court proceedings can erode public trust in the judicial system and compromise the administration of justice.

• Accountability of Public Figures: Elected officials, like the Assam legislator in this case, have a responsibility to uphold ethical standards and avoid spreading misinformation, especially regarding legal matters.

• Social Media Abuse: The case highlights the broader issue of social media abuse, including trolling and spreading false information, which can have serious consequences for individuals and institutions.

Views of Thinkers:

Thinker | Perspective

Mahatma Gandhi | Warned about the potential misuse of technology for nefarious purposes, emphasizing the need for ethical considerations and responsible use to prevent harm to society.

Plato | Expressed concerns about the power of rhetoric and persuasion in shaping public opinion, cautioning against the manipulation of truth and dissemination of false information through media.

Swami Vivekananda | Highlighted the importance of moral and ethical values in technological advancements, urging individuals to use social media responsibly and ethically to promote positive social change.

Marshall McLuhan | Introduced the concept of the “global village” and the pervasive influence of media on society, raising concerns about the homogenization of culture and the loss of critical thinking skills.

Amartya Sen | Stressed the importance of freedom of expression in a democratic society but cautioned against the unchecked spread of misinformation, advocating for measures to ensure media accountability.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Kuchipudi, a traditional dance-drama performance, has evolved from being male-dominated to a classical dance form with the prominence of female dancers across India.

• However, in the village of Kuchipudi in Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh, the art form faces challenges, including a lack of interest among the younger generation and insufficient government support.

Volcanic vortex rings

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Mount Etna, Europe’s largest and among the most active volcanoes, has been producing rare smoke rings known as volcanic vortex rings.

• These circular rings of gas, primarily water vapour, emerge from a newly formed pit crater on the volcano’s north side.

How Volcanic Vortex Rings are formed?

• The phenomenon occurs when gas is rapidly released through a nearly circular vent, forming perfectly circular rings.

• Volcanic vortex rings were first observed at Etna in 1724 and have since been documented at various volcanoes worldwide.

• They can linger in the air for up to 10 minutes but may disintegrate quickly in windy conditions.

About Mount Etna:

Mount Etna is an active volcano on the east coast of Sicily, Italy, and the tallest active volcano in Europe at 3,329 meters (11,014 feet).

It’s also the largest of Italy’s three active volcanoes and is about twice the height of Mount Vesuvius.

Mount Etna is known for its volcanic activity, which has been documented since 1500 BCE, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Adjudicating Authority under PMLA, 2002

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) has confirmed the attachment of assets belonging to the Congress party-promoted National Herald newspaper.

What is Adjudicating Authority under PMLA, 2002?

The Adjudicating Authority under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002 (PMLA) is responsible for confirming provisional attachment orders (within 180 days) issued by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) in cases of suspected money laundering. It ensures that assets suspected to have been acquired through proceeds of crime are properly dealt with according to the law. Once confirmed by the authority, the attachment order allows the ED to take possession of the assets, leading to potential confiscation if the accused is convicted.

The accused can continue to use the property until the adjudicating authority approves the seizure. After, the adjudicating authority’s approval, ED will take control of it.

After the Adjudicating Authority confirms the attachment, the accused can take the following actions:

• Right to appeal: The accused can challenge the confirmation order at the PMLA’s Appellate Tribunal within 45 days

• Appellate tribunal: If the Appellate Tribunal confirms the order, the accused can appeal to the High Court.

• Status of property: The owner cannot access the property until the trial is completed unless it’s released.

• Final confirmation: Once confirmed, for residential property, the ED takes possession after the owner vacates.

• Conviction outcome: If convicted, the trial court may order confiscation and transfer ownership to the central government.

Home voting

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Election Commission of India (ECI) has introduced a ground-breaking initiative for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, providing the option of home voting for elderly citizens above 85 years of age and Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) with a 40% benchmark disability.

• This initiative aims to enhance inclusivity and accessibility in the electoral process.

Additional steps taken by the Election Commission (EC) to promote inclusive voting include:

• Abolishing Form-M requirement for Kashmiri migrants residing in Jammu and Udhampur, simplifying the voting process for them.

• Implementing Systematic Voter’s Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) to engage Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) and educate their friends, families, and polling officials.

• Introducing the proposed Multi-Constituency Remote Electronic Voting Machine (RVM), enabling migrant voters to vote from their current place of residence.

• Allowing voting by postal ballot for special voters, service voters (including members of the armed forces, police forces serving outside their states, and government employees serving outside India), voters on election duty, and electors subjected to preventive detention.

• Facilitating proxy voting, allowing registered electors, particularly service voters, to delegate their voting rights to a representative of their choice.

Prerana Program

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: Recently the inaugural alumni meet of the Prerana Program was conducted virtually.

• The event aimed to assess the program’s impact and facilitate the exchange of insights among participants.

• It featured students sharing positive experiences and the transformative effects of the program on their lives.

About Prerana Program:

• The Prerana Program, which began its pilot phase in January 2024, has involved students from various states and Union Territories, focusing on nine value-based themes.

• It aimed to foster mentorship, encourage alumni engagement, and highlight the program’s influence in driving positive change within communities.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have developed a sustainable hydrogel to address the issue of microplastic pollution in water.

• Microplastics, posing significant threats to human health and the environment, can enter our bodies through water consumption.

• The three-layer polymer hydrogel, consisting of chitosan, polyvinyl alcohol, and polyaniline, forms an interpenetrating polymer network (IPN) architecture.

• Infused with nanoclusters of copper substitute polyoxometalate (Cu-POM), the hydrogel can bind and degrade microplastics under UV light irradiation.

• The team ensured efficient microplastic removal and degradation by tracking their adsorption and degradation using fluorescent dye.

• The hydrogel exhibited high efficiency, removing about 95% and 93% of two different microplastic types at near-neutral pH levels.

Hydrogels are three-dimensional networks composed of hydrophobic polymers synthesized by crosslinking water-soluble polymers.

Hydrogels can retain a large quantity of water within their network without disturbing their original structure.

This imparts flexibility and swelling properties to the hydrogel structures.

Gravitational waves

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: An international team of astrophysicists, has made a ground-breaking discovery using gravitational waves.

• They detected a merger between a neutron star and a mysterious object located in the “mass gap,” which is the range between the heaviest neutron stars and the lightest black holes.

• Named GW230529, this merger occurred about 650 million light-years away from Earth.

• While the lighter object is likely a neutron star, the more massive one could be a black hole within the mass gap, possibly the lightest ever discovered.

Gravitational waves are ripples in space-time caused by the acceleration of massive objects, such as black holes or neutron stars.

They are so faint that Albert Einstein, who first predicted their existence in 1916, believed they would never be detected.

Plankton, Aerosol, Cloud, ocean Ecosystem (PACE) satellite

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: NASA**

Context: NASA’s PACE satellite is now providing publicly available data, offering unprecedented insights into ocean health, air quality, and climate change effects.

• Equipped with advanced instruments, including the Ocean Color Instrument (OCI) and two multi-angle polarimeters, PACE can detect various wavelengths of light to study microscopic life in the ocean and atmospheric particles.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH**

Context: Doxxing, the act of publicly revealing a person’s private information online, poses significant risks to victims, including physical, digital, and emotional harm.

• Perpetrators often share personal data such as addresses, phone numbers, and financial information obtained through illegal means like hacking.

• Victims may face harassment, threats, and even job loss as a result.

Platforms like Meta and Google offer tools for reporting and removing doxxing content, and victims can also seek legal recourse through cybercrime reporting portals.

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

#### Mapping

Source: TH

Context: In Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Asiatic wild dogs are affected by mange disease, likely spread by feral dogs.

About Mange Disease

It is a skin disease caused by mite infestations, leading to inflammation, itching, and hair loss. It can be severe, caused by Sarcoptes scabiei mites, which also cause human scabies. It affects various domestic animals and spreads through direct contact or contaminated objects. Treatment is available in most forms.

About Asiatic wild dogs:

It is also called Indian wild dogs, and are found in forests across central, south, and southeast Asia. They’re known by various names like red wolf or mountain wolf. They’re clustered in India’s Western and Eastern Ghats, central Indian landscape, and North East India. They’re endangered according to the IUCN Red List, protected under the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and listed under CITES Appendix II.

About Mudumalai Tiger Reserve

Mudumalai Tiger Reserve is located in the Nilgiris District of Tamil Nadu state at the tri-junction of three states, viz, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. It is a part of the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve (1st Biosphere Reserve in India). The Reserve has tall grasses, commonly referred to as ‘Elephant Grass’