AMIGOS IAS Daily Current Affairs (30^th July 2024)

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Rising Tensions

GS 2: International Relations: Israel-Hezbollah

Why is it in the news?

• A deadly rocket strike in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights has raised fears of a full-scale war between Israel and Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese group.
• Israel accused Hezbollah of killing 12 children in Majdal Shams, the deadliest attack since Hamas’ assault in October. However, Hezbollah has denied responsibility.

More about the news

• Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8, following Hamas’ attack on southern Israel. Claiming to support Palestinians under Israeli bombardment in Gaza, Hezbollah has declared it will continue its attacks unless a Gaza ceasefire is enacted.
• The conflict, rooted in a history of warfare, last saw a major clash in 2006. Israel views Hezbollah as a significant threat due to its growing arsenal and foothold in Syria. Founded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards in 1982, Hezbollah aims to eliminate Israel.
• The conflict has displaced tens of thousands on both sides. For instance, Israeli airstrikes have targeted Hezbollah areas in southern Lebanon and the Bekaa Valley, killing around 350 Hezbollah fighters and over 100 civilians. Hezbollah’s attacks have resulted in 23 Israeli civilian deaths and at least 17 soldiers. The displacement of Israelis remains a significant issue.
• Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned of severe consequences for Beirut if Hezbollah initiates an all-out war. Although not seeking to widen the conflict, Hezbollah is prepared for war and has used only a fraction of its capabilities. Past conflicts, like the 2006 war, inflicted heavy damage on both sides, and Hezbollah now possesses a larger arsenal.
• However, de-escalation largely depends on developments in Gaza. A Gaza ceasefire could reduce tensions in southern Lebanon.
• Further, the U.S. leads diplomatic efforts to ease the conflict, with both Hezbollah and Israel indicating openness to a diplomatic resolution. Proposals include a 2022 maritime boundary deal and a French plan for Hezbollah to withdraw from the frontier and resolve land border disputes.

Additional Information:

About Hezbollah:

• Hezbollah translating to “Army of God” is a heavily armed militant group and Shia Islamist political party based in Lebanon Israel’s northern neighbour, emerged in the 1980s as a response to the Israeli occupation of southern Lebanon.
• Hezbollah originated during the Lebanese civil war as a Shiite group funded by Iran’s Revolutionary Guard to resist Israel’s 1982 invasion of Lebanon.
• Hezbollah and its supporters consider it a legitimate resistance movement against Israel, which it claims still occupies part of Lebanese territory. Hezbollah is a strong supporter of Hamas and the Palestinians and rejects Israel’s right to exist.
• It is designated a terrorist organisation by Western states, Israel, Gulf Arab countries and the Arab League.

Prelims Practice Questions:

Q. Which one of the following countries of South-West Asia does not open out to the Mediterranean Sea? (UPSC 2015)

(a) Syria

(b) Jordan

(c) Lebanon

(d) Israel

Answer: B

Q. Mediterranean Sea is a border of which of the following countries? (UPSC 2017)

1. Jordan

2. Iraq

3. Lebanon

4. Syria

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 3 and 4 only

(d) 1, 3 and 4 only

Answer: C

Q. The term “two-state solution” is sometimes mentioned in the news in the context of the affairs of (UPSC 2018)

(a) China

(b) Israel

(c) Iraq

(d) Yemen

Answer: B

Mains Practice Question

Q. “India’s relations with Israel have, of late, acquired a depth and diversity, which cannot be rolled back.” Discuss. (UPSC 2018)

Oropouche Fever

GS 3: Science and technology: Health

Why is it in the news?

• Two women in Brazil’s Bahia state recently died from Oropouche fever, marking the first reported fatalities from the disease. The women, both under 30 and without comorbidities, had symptoms similar to dengue fever.
• As of late July, Brazil has reported 7,236 cases, mostly in Amazonas and Rondônia, compared to 840 cases in 2023.

Understanding Oropouche fever

• About:
• Oropouche fever, was first identified in Trinidad and Tobago in 1955 and has recently been detected in Europe, including Italy.
• It is an emerging zoonotic arboviral disease caused by the Oropouche Virus (OROV) which is part of the orthobunya virus family, with an incubation period of 4 to 8 days.
• Transmission:
• It is spread to humans through the bite of an infected midge (small fly) or mosquito.
• It’s spread is not fully understood, but most cases have been linked to tropical climates. Outbreaks have also occurred outside these areas, with vegetation loss and deforestation appearing to be associated with the disease transmission, though more research is needed. 
• Symptoms:
• The disease causes symptoms similar to dengue, such as fever, headaches, and joint pain, typically most patients recovering within about a week, though symptoms may persist for weeks in some cases.
• However, severe cases may result in meningitis or encephalitis, posing significant health risks, particularly to vulnerable populations, with most patients recovering within about a week, though symptoms may persist for weeks in some cases.
• Treatment:
• Currently, Oropouche fever lacks both preventive vaccines and specific treatments, with medical care focusing on symptom management and supporting recovery, as no targeted vaccine or antiviral therapy currently exists.

Indian scientists build breakthrough gene-editor, are aiming for patent

GS 3: Science and Technology: Gene editing

Why is it in the news?

• Indian scientists from CSIR-Institute of Genomics and Integrative Biology, New Delhi andthe L.V. Prasad Eye Institute have developed an advanced genome-editing system using the enhanced FnCas9 enzyme, which demonstrates greater precision and efficiency compared to existing CRISPR technologies.

More about the news

• The new CRISPR system outperforms traditional Cas9 enzymes by reducing off-target effects and improving editing accuracy, making it a promising tool for therapeutic applications.
• CRISPR-Cas9, originally derived from bacterial immune systems, is widely used for precise genetic modifications. However, its off-target effects, especially with the SpCas9 enzyme, have been a significant challenge.
• Researchers have turned to FnCas9 from Francisella novicida bacteria, known for its high specificity but initially low efficiency. By engineering FnCas9 to enhance its binding affinity and flexibility, the team has significantly improved its performance, achieved higher editing rates and targeted harder-to-access genomic regions.
• Testing the enhanced FnCas9, the team found it effective in correcting genetic mutations in human cells, including those causing Leber congenital amaurosis type 2 (LCA2), a hereditary blindness.
• The corrected cells showed normal levels of the RPE65 protein, essential for vision, with minimal off-target effects. This precision suggests that using enhanced FnCas9 for gene therapy could be safer and more effective than current methods.
• The researchers are now working on refining delivery methods for the enzyme and exploring patenting the technology in India. This development could enable the creation of affordable, high-precision therapies for genetic disorders, potentially benefiting low- and middle-income countries.

What is CRISPR-Cas9?

• Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) is a unique genome editing technology utilised to change genetic code or edit Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequence at particular locations.
• CRISPR-Cas9 technology is often described as ‘Genetic Scissors’.
• Emmanuelle Charpentier and Jennifer Doudna’s research on CRISPR-Cas9 as a ‘molecular scissor’ led to their award of the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.
• The CRISPR-Cas9 system consists of two key molecules that introduce a change into the DNA.
• Cas9 enzyme that acts like a pair of molecular scissors, precisely cuts DNA at targeted locations in the genome, enabling the addition, removal, or modification of genetic material with precision.
• The guide RNA (gRNA) is a specialized RNA molecule comprising a short pre-designed sequence within a longer scaffold, which directs the Cas9 enzyme precisely to the targeted DNA sequence, ensuring accurate editing at the desired location in the genome.
• Mechanism of CRISPR-Cas9 Editing:
• The process initiates with the design of a guide RNA (gRNA) that complements the specific DNA sequence requiring modification.
• Upon entering the cell, Cas9 forms a complex with the gRNA, enabling precise recognition and binding to the target DNA sequence, followed by cleavage at that site.
• Subsequently, the cell’s inherent repair mechanisms are employed to facilitate the addition, removal, or alteration of genetic material, achieving targeted modifications to the DNA.
• CRISPR’s applications include editing genes in human embryos, altering genetic codes in crops to enhance resilience, and treating diseases such as sickle cell disease.

Prelims Practice Question

Q. What is Cas9 protein that is often mentioned in news? (UPSC 2019)

(a) A molecular scissors used in targeted gene editing

(b) A biosensor used in the accurate detection of pathogens in patients

(c) A gene that makes plants pest-resistant

(d) An herbicidal substance synthesized in genetically modified crops

Answer: A

Mains Practice Question:

Q. What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of society? (UPSC 2021)

The SC verdict on States’ power to tax mining activities 

GS 2: Polity and Governance: SC on State’s tax on mining

Why is it in the news?

• On July 25, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark ruling declaring that States possess the authority to impose taxes on mineral rights in addition to the royalties collected by the Centre.
• This 8:1 decision clarified that the legislative power of State governments to tax mineral activities within their territories is not constrained by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957.

More about the news

• Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud authored the majority opinion, while Justice B.V. Nagarathna provided a dissenting view, expressing concerns that allowing States to levy additional taxes could impede the development of the nation’s mineral resources and disproportionately benefit mineral-rich States.
• The case originated from a dispute between India Cement Ltd and the Tamil Nadu government regarding the imposition of a cess on royalties. India Cement challenged the additional tax, arguing that it constituted a tax on royalties beyond the State’s legislative authority.
• Initially, a 1989 Supreme Court ruling in the India Cement case determined that States could only collect royalties and not impose extra taxes. This interpretation was later reassessed, leading to the recent clarification.
• The Court differentiated between royalties, which are contractual payments for mineral extraction, and taxes, which are sovereign impositions for funding public services.
• The Court upheld that States can levy taxes on mineral rights under Entry 50 of the State List, with the 1957 Act providing a revenue source through royalties but not affecting the States’ tax authority.
• It affirmed that while the Centre regulates mining, it does not have the power to impose taxes on mineral rights, which remains within the State’s jurisdiction. However, Parliament could potentially amend the legislative framework to alter this authority.
• Justice Nagarathna’s dissent cautioned that allowing States to impose additional levies could undermine national mineral development objectives and lead to competitive imbalances among States. She highlighted concerns that such a scenario might disrupt market stability by creating uneven pricing and exploiting national markets for profit.
• The Court is scheduled to decide on July 31 whether the ruling will be applied retroactively or prospectively. If applied retroactively, it could significantly benefit mineral-rich States such as West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand, which have enacted local laws imposing additional taxes on mining leases.

Additional Information:

Difference Between Royalty and Tax:

In 2021, the Supreme Court of India clarified the distinction between ‘royalty’ and ‘tax’:

Royalty:

• Origin: Arises from an agreement between parties.
• Nature: It is compensation paid for the rights and privileges granted to the grantee.
• Relationship: Directly linked to the benefit or privilege conferred upon the grantee.
• Specificity: Tied to the exploitation of resources or usage of a privilege specified in the agreement.
• Precedents: The Court cited cases such as Hingir-Rampur Coal Co. Ltd. vs. State of Orissa (1961) and State of West Bengal vs. Kesoram Industries Ltd. (2004) to illustrate that royalties are contractual obligations with direct benefits.

Tax:

• Origin: Imposed under statutory authority without reference to any special benefit granted to the payer.
• Nature: Enforced by law and does not require the taxpayer’s consent.
• Purpose: Collected for public purposes, representing a common burden borne by all citizens.
• Specificity: Unlike royalties, taxes do not involve a quid pro quo arrangement. Payments are mandatory and not linked to specific privileges or benefits.
• Precedents: The Court referenced cases like State of Himachal Pradesh vs. Gujarat Ambuja Cement Ltd. (2005) and Jindal Stainless Ltd. vs. State of Haryana (2017) to define the characteristics of taxes.

About Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957:

• MMDR 1957 is a cornerstone legislation in India that regulates the mining sector. This Act has been amended several times to address evolving needs and challenges, ensuring it aligns with national economic and security interests.
• Primary Objectives:
• Develop the mining industry.
• Ensure mineral conservation.
• Enhance transparency and efficiency in mineral exploitation.

Key Amendments:

• 2015 Amendment:
• Auction Method: Mandated the auctioning of mineral concessions to improve transparency.
• District Mineral Foundation (DMF): Established DMF to benefit regions and communities affected by mining.
• National Mineral Exploration Trust (NMET): Created NMET to promote mineral exploration.
• Penalties for Illegal Mining: Imposed stringent penalties to combat illegal mining activities.
• 2016 and 2020 Amendments: Addressed specific sectoral issues to ensure effective functioning.
• 2021 Amendment:
• Captive and Merchant Mines: Unified the categories, allowing captive mines to sell up to 50% of their production in the open market after meeting their own needs. Merchant mines produce minerals for open market sale.
• Auction-Only Concessions: Ensured that all private-sector mineral concessions are granted exclusively through auctions.
• 2023 Amendment:
• Exploration Licenses for Critical Minerals: The amendment adds provisions for Exploration Licenses, to attract foreign direct investment and engage junior mining companies in exploring critical minerals.
• Revised Mineral List: Removes 6 specific out of 12 atomic minerals, including lithium, beryllium, and titanium, from the atomic minerals list, thereby facilitating broader exploration and development.
• Centralized Auction with State Implementation: Grants the Central Government the authority to exclusively auction mining leases and composite licenses for certain critical minerals, while the State governments will handle the grant of these licenses.
• Strategic Importance: Emphasized the exploration and extraction of minerals such as lithium, graphite, cobalt, titanium, and rare earth elements to support India’s economic development, energy transition, and net-zero emissions goal by 2070.

These amendments collectively aim to enhance exploration, reduce import dependence, and encourage private sector involvement in the mining of critical minerals.

Mains Practice Question:

Q. Though the federal principle is dominant in our Constitution and that priniciple is one of its basic features, but it is equally true that federalism under the Indian Constitution leans in favour of a strong Centre, a feature that militates against the concept of strong federalism. (UPSC 2024)

Quad calls for end to violence in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar

GS 2: International Relations: QUAD

Why is it in the news?

• The Foreign Ministers of India, the U.S., Australia, and Japan announced plans to expand the Indo-Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness (IPMDA) into the Indian Ocean Region.
• The Quad nations, meeting in Tokyo, emphasized their role as stabilizing forces and called for an immediate halt to violence in Ukraine, Gaza, and Myanmar.

More about the news

• The IPMDA aims to enhance maritime security and safety across critical sea lanes. The ministers stressed the importance of maintaining freedom of navigation and lawful sea usage, especially in light of concerns about China’s maritime activities in the South China Sea.
• The joint statement condemned the recent Hamas attacks on Israeli targets and expressed concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, calling for increased humanitarian aid and an immediate ceasefire.
• It also highlighted the need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict in Ukraine and expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and humanitarian issues in Myanmar.

Additional Information:

What is QUAD?

• About: QUAD, or the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue, is a strategic forum involving the United States, Japan, India, and Australia.
• Genesis: The Quad, originating from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s 2007 proposal and formalized in 2017 to address regional security challenges, evolved into a strategic ‘quadrilateral’ coalition involving India, Japan, the US, and Australia, culminating in joint military exercises and high-level meetings and later released a joint statement titled ‘The Spirit of the Quad’ in 2021.
• Objectives:
• include promoting a “free and open Indo-Pacific region” based on international law and democratic values, ensuring freedom of navigation, and peaceful dispute resolution.
• It seeks to enhance regional security, foster economic cooperation, and counterbalance China’s expanding influence through collaborative efforts among member countries.
• Key Prospects of the QUAD Grouping:
• Enhancing Regional Security: It seeks to bolster security and stability in the Indo-Pacific through a rules-based order, freedom of navigation, and adherence to international law.
• Balancing China’s Influence: It serves as a strategic response to China’s increasing assertiveness in the region, aiming to uphold the existing regional order and prevent unilateral changes by China.
• Fostering Economic Collaboration: The QUAD member countries, as significant regional economies, aim to promote economic cooperation through initiatives like allocating $50 billion for Indo-Pacific infrastructure and managing debt under the ‘Quad Debt Management Resource Portal’.
• Enhancing Maritime Security: The QUAD member countries engage in joint naval exercises and maritime patrols to boost their capacity and interoperability in maritime security operations.
• Fostering People-to-People Connections: It aims to strengthen people-to-people ties through academic and cultural exchanges, while also enhancing capabilities in disaster relief and humanitarian assistance.

Significance of QUAD for India:

• Strategic importance: The QUAD serves as a platform to discuss and tackle common challenges in the Indo-Pacific, including China’s assertiveness and strategic initiatives like the ‘String of Pearls’ theory.
• Promoting Economic Development: QUAD member countries have initiated projects such as the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, the Blue Dot Network, and the Supply Chain Resilience Initiative to foster economic development in the region, with India primarily benefiting from investments.
• Enhancing Maritime Security: QUAD enhances Indian maritime security through joint naval exercises and cooperation on issues like freedom of navigation, piracy, and illegal fishing, reinforcing a commitment to a free, open, and inclusive Indo-Pacific amid China’s assertive behavior in the region.
• India as a Net Security Provider in the Indo-Pacific: India, centrally positioned in the Indo-Pacific region, leverages QUAD to strengthen regional security partnerships, asserting itself as a key security provider.
• This role extends to humanitarian aid, disaster relief, anti-piracy efforts, infrastructure development, and countering China’s assertive policies, ensuring security and prosperity for all in the region.
• Post-COVID Pandemic Diplomacy: With Japan and the US seeking to relocate manufacturing from China to mitigate risks and assertiveness due to supply chain disruptions, India stands to benefit by attracting these investments and enhancing its industrial base.

Mains Practice Question:

Q. Security Dialogue (Quad) is transforming itself into a trade bloc from a military alliance, in present times Discuss. (UPSC 2020)

Indexation

GS 3: Economy: Indexation

Why is it in the news?

• The withdrawal of the indexation benefit in the long-term capital gains (LTCG) tax regime has stirred significant controversy.

Indexation

About:  

• Indexation involves adjusting the original purchase price of an asset or investment to account for inflation.
• This adjustment helps neutralize the effects of inflation, ensuring that the real value of money remains consistent over time.

Working of Indexation:

• Inflation diminishes the purchasing power of money over time. When an asset is sold or an investment is redeemed, this loss of purchasing power can impact the perceived returns.
• Indexation addresses this by recalculating the cost of acquisition to reflect inflation during the holding period.
• The adjusted cost, known as the indexed cost of acquisition, provides a more accurate measure of returns compared to calculations based solely on the original purchase price.

Benefits of Indexation:

• Indexation mitigates the erosion of investment returns caused by inflation, thereby reducing the tax burden on long-term investments.
• It is particularly beneficial for long-term assets like debt funds, as it ensures the purchase price is adjusted for inflation, resulting in a more realistic calculation of capital gains.

Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site

GS 1: Culture : UNESCO World Heritage List

Why is it in the news?

• The World Heritage Committee (WHC) has recently decided to include the Palestinian site of Tell Umm Amer on both the UNESCO World Heritage Site List and the List of World Heritage in Danger during its 46th session in New Delhi.

More about the news:

About Tell Umm Amer Heritage Site:

• Tell Umm Amer, located on the coastal dunes of Nuseirat Municipality just 10 km south of Gaza City, is notable for its ancient Christian monastery founded in the fourth century by Hilarion the Great.
• Known as the ‘Monastery of Saint Hilarion,’ it holds historical significance as the first monastic community in the Holy Land, which set the stage for the spread of monastic practices throughout the region.
• The monastery was strategically positioned at crucial trade and communication crossroads between Asia and Africa.

International Protection and Support:

• The decision to list Tell Umm Amer underscores the urgent need for its protection. The World Heritage Convention of 1972, to which Israel is a party, requires the identification, protection, and preservation of World Heritage sites and prohibits any actions that could cause damage.
• In December 2023, UNESCO’s Intergovernmental Committee for the Protection of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict granted provisional enhanced protection to the monastery under the 1954 Hague Convention and its Second Protocol.

Benefits of Inclusion:

• The designation of Tell Umm Amer as a World Heritage site in danger allows it to receive increased international technical and financial support for its protection and rehabilitation.
• This status brings global attention and resources, which are crucial for preserving the site amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
• UNESCO emphasized that this inclusion is essential for safeguarding the monastery’s cultural and historical significance for future generations.