Daily Current Affairs 09 October 2023 – IAS Current Affairs

Current Affairs 09 October 2023 focuses on the Prelims-Mains perspective. Major events are :

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Israel-Palestine Conflict

Source: Indian Express
GS II: International Relation

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Israel-Palestine Conflict timeline

Why in the News?

The October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, in which more than 700 Israelis are estimated to have been killed.

News in Brief

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• It is believed to be the Palestinian militant group’s response to attempts at achieving normalisation of relations between Israel and other Muslim countries in West Asia.
• The Iran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah, which has also attacked Israeli forces in the north.
• UN Security Council has met behind closed doors in an emergency session amid the war between Israel and Hamas but failed to achieve the unanimity needed for a joint statement.
• Iran has denied any involvement in the unprecedented attacks launched by Hamas within Israel.

Israel-Palestine Conflict Timeline

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The Israel-Palestine conflict is a long-standing and deeply rooted dispute over territory and sovereignty in the Middle East. Its origins can be traced back to the late 19th century, with several key milestones and events marking the evolution of this complex conflict:

• Late 19th Century
  • The Zionist Movement, led by Theodor Herzl, emerged in Europe.
  • It aimed to establish a Jewish homeland in Palestine, then part of the Ottoman Empire, due to the historical and religious significance of the region to Jews.
• Balfour Declaration (1917)
  • During World War I, the British government issued the Balfour Declaration.
  • Declaration expressing support for the establishment of a national home for the Jewish people in Palestine.
  • This declaration laid the foundation for future tensions.
• British Mandate (1920-1948)
  • After World War I, the League of Nations granted Britain a mandate over Palestine.
  • During this period, tensions between Jewish immigrants and Arab residents escalated as more Jews settled in the region.
• United Nations Partition Plan (1947)
  • The UN proposed a plan to partition Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, with Jerusalem under international administration.
  • The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by Arab leaders, leading to the first Arab-Israeli war.
• Declaration of the State of Israel (1948)
  • On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister, declared the establishment of the State of Israel.
  • This declaration was followed by attacks from neighboring Arab states.
• 1948 Arab-Israeli War
  • The Arab-Israeli War of 1948-1949 (also known as the War of Independence or Nakba) resulted in Israel’s victory.
  • The war displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians, who became refugees.
• Six-Day War (1967)
  • Israel launched a preemptive strike against Egypt, Jordan, and Syria, resulting in a swift victory and the occupation of the West Bank, Gaza Strip, Sinai Peninsula, and Golan Heights.
  • This marked the beginning of the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.
• First Intifada (1987-1993)
  • A Palestinian uprising against Israeli rule in the occupied territories began in 1987.
  • This uprising led to negotiations and the Oslo Accords in 1993, which created the Palestinian Authority.
• Second Intifada (2000-2005)
  • A violent uprising erupted after the collapse of peace talks, resulting in a significant loss of life and damage to infrastructure.
• Abrahamic Accords
  • The two countries signed a normalisation deal in 2020 that came into effect the following year.
  • Also brokered by the US, the “Abrahamic Accords” led to the UAE becoming the third Arab country, after Egypt in 1979 and Jordan in 1994, to agree to formally normalise its relationship with Israel.
  • The two countries also signed a trade deal in May 2022.
• 11 days war
  • May 2021, Israeli police raided Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem
  • The third-holiest site in Islam, which set off an 11-day war between Israel and Hamas.
  • It killed more than 200 Palestinians and more than 10 Israelis.
• Recent Developments
  • The conflict continues to this day, marked by periodic flare-ups of violence, settlement expansion in the West Bank, disputes over Jerusalem, and efforts to restart peace negotiations.
  • The status of Palestinian territories and the right of return for Palestinian refugees remain central issues.

 

Way Forward

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• Efforts to resolve the Israel-Palestine conflict through diplomacy, negotiations, and peace initiatives have faced numerous obstacles.
• The conflict’s deep historical and emotional roots make it one of the most challenging and enduring conflicts in the world.

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National Framework for Climate Services

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Environment

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. About National Framework for Climate Services
3. Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS)

Why in the News?

India is embarking on a major programme to launch its maiden national-level framework towards providing climate services and information.

News in Brief

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• Spearheaded by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS)
  envisions bringing a seamless working platform for users of climate information and services.
• It helps decide and mitigate climate risks for key sectors of agriculture, energy, disaster management, health and water.
• This comprehensive program aims to provide climate services and information to various sectors, including agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water resources.

About National Framework for Climate Services

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• The National Framework for Climate Services (NFCS) is led by the India Meteorological Department (IMD).
• Draws inspiration from the Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS), a global partnership established during the third World Climate Conference in 2009.
• Its primary goal is to establish an integrated operational system for users of climate information and services.
• This system aims to facilitate decision-making and the management of climate-related risks in crucial sectors such as agriculture, energy, disaster management, health, and water.
• Following the introduction of climate service frameworks in 2009, countries like Switzerland, China, Germany, and the United Kingdom have already implemented their NFCS.
  • India has now become part of this group.

Need for NFCS

• Through the IMD, which will mark its 150th anniversary in December 2023
• India has a long history of weather forecasting.
• Despite significant progress, there are still gaps in the meteorological data.
• Especially on treacherous terrain and at sea.
• In areas like the Himalayas, the seas, and there is minimal radar and satellite-based climatology, there is a shortage of long-term climatological data.
• By bolstering observational networks on land and at sea, enhancing data collecting, and utilizing it to run weather and climate models for precise forecasts, the NFCS seeks to close these gaps.
• To assist agricultural production, healthcare trends, population distribution, infrastructure development, and socioeconomic factors, NFCS will offer specialized climate data and information.

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Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)

Source: PIB
GS III: Environment

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Overview

1. News in Brief
2. Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)
3. Prevention and Mitigation Strategies by NDMA

Why in the News?

A disastrous flood caused by a glacial lake outburst that occurred in Sikkim in the early hours of October 4 has resulted in more than 25 verified deaths, and many more are still unaccounted for. 

News in Brief

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• The Teesta 3 hydroelectric project’s crucial Chungthang dam was demolished by the massive discharge,.
• Also left many other hydropower plants along the river inoperable.
• In the four most affected districts of Mangan, Gangtok, Pakyong, and Namchi, water pipes, sewage lines, and 277 homes have been damaged.
• The flood formed as a result of Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)

Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF)

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• Events, which are formally known as Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF), occur when sizable lakes created by glacier melting abruptly burst through the natural moraine barriers made of rock, silt, and other debris.
• These floods can cause significant damage to infrastructure, property, and human life.
• GLOFs are becoming more frequent due to climate change, which is causing glaciers to melt at an accelerated rate.
• The resulting increase in water volume in glacial lakes is putting pressure on natural dams, making them more susceptible to failure.
• GLOFs are a serious threat to communities living downstream from glacial lakes.
• Early warning systems and disaster preparedness plans can help mitigate the impact of these floods.
• There are currently more than 300 glacial lakes in Sikkim Himalayan, according to the Sikkim State Disaster Management Authority.

Glacier Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF) Phenomenon in Himalaya

• One of the glaciers that is apparently disappearing the quickest is the South Lhonak glacier in north Sikkim.
• Between 1962 and 2008, the glacier shrank by over two kilometres.
• From 2008 to 2019, it further receded by around 400 m.
• The Himalayas are thought to have 7,500 glaciers, and GLOFs have historically been linked to significant catastrophes.
• The 1926 Jammu and Kashmir flood, the 1981 Kinnaur valley floods in Himachal Pradesh, and the 2013 Kedarnath eruption are among the disasters included in a study in the magazine Nature.

Prevention and Mitigation Strategies by NDMA

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Factors Contributing

• Large lake volume
• Narrow and high moraine dam
• Stagnant glacier ice within the dam
• Limited freeboard between the lake level and the crest of the moraine ridge.
• hanging glaciers, Rock falls and Melting ice-core
• Settlement and/or piping within the dam
• Catastrophic glacial drainage into the lake from sub-glacial or englacial channels or supraglacial lakes

Prevention and Response plan

• Reduce the volume of water in the lake
  • The most important structural mitigation measure for reducing GLOF risk is to reduce the volume of water in the lake in order to reduce the peak surge discharge.
  • Any one or combination of the following methods may be applied to reduce the volume of water in the lake
    • Controlled breaching
    • Construction of an outlet control structure, pumping or siphoning out the water from the lake
• Identification of Potentially Dangerous Lakes
  • The hazard and risk assessment provide the basis for prioritising, designing, and implementing risk management strategies, and is therefore considered as a cornerstone of Disaster Risk Management (DRM).
  • Identifying where from and how likely hazard processes are to initiate, is based on an assessment of wide-ranging triggering and conditioning factors.
  • Hazard mapping: Identifying the potential threat from the hazard for downslope and downstream areas, and providing the scientific basis for decision-making and planning.
• Channeling Potential Floods
  • Methods such as controlled breaching, pumping or siphoning out water.
  • Creating a tunnel through the moraine barrier or under an ice dam can decrease water volume.
• Awareness & Peparedness
  • Automated Alert Services: In collaboration with the various government and private travel agencies including Indian Airlines, Indian Railways and mobile network operators, NDMA can send automated SMS and email messages on precautions to be taken while travelling in the GLOF/LLOF vulnerable areas at the time of booking of travel tickets to these areas.
  • Use of local mass media: A well-designed mass media campaign (both print & electronic) can be undertaken in the vulnerable and affected states.
  • Medical DisasterManagement Plans: 
  • Patient Evacuation Plan: Heli-ambulances need to be deployed to aid in the evacuation of casualties

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Intense Cyclones on India’s Western Coast

Source: Indian Express
GS II: Environment

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Overview of Intense Cyclones on India’s Western Coast

1. News in Brief
2. Findings in the report
3. What are Cyclones?

Why in the News?

According to a new study, Changes in ocean and atmosphere warming are causing more frequent and severe tropical cyclones in the Eastern Arabian Sea, next to India’s west coast.

News in Brief

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• The Arabian Sea experiences tropical cyclones during specific times of the year, namely at the start of the southwestern monsoon, between March and June, and after the season, between October and December.
• In 2019, the Arabian Sea witnessed five cyclones, which is higher than the usual count of three.
• This increase was caused by a positive IOD (Indian Ocean dipole) phase during the same year.
• The warming of the Arabian Sea under favourable natural climate modes can intensify and increase the frequency of tropical cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
• A recent study has highlighted the need for changes in development strategies to account for the dangers posed by more frequent and intense cyclones.
• The North Indian Ocean (NIO) Tropical Cyclone (TC) trends pose significant challenges in forecasting, disaster risk reduction, and humanitarian interventions on the densely populated coasts on the ocean rim.

Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal (BOB) are relatively more frequent and intense than those of the Arabian Sea. This is due to higher sea surface temperatures that the water in the ocean convert to mositure which is important for a cyclone. 

Findings in the report

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• Indian Ocean Dipole Impact
  • The temperature of various parts of the ocean differs, with the sea surface temperature in the western Indian Ocean region increasing during its positive phase, leading to a rise in precipitation.
  • This increase in rainfall then spreads to the eastern Indian Ocean, resulting in more rain in that region as well.
• Frequent and Severe Cyclones
  • It is a well-known fact that human activities have played a significant role in climate change, resulting in an increase in the frequency and intensity of cyclones.
  • Consequently, the densely populated coastal areas along the western coast of India, from Thiruvananthapuram to the coast of Gujarat, are at an increasing risk of the threat of cyclones.
  • To mitigate this issue, there is a pressing need to implement new policies and develop technological initiatives that focus on improving storm warning systems, impact-based local weather services, and reliable localized weather services.
  • By doing so, these coastal regions can be better prepared and protected from the potential devastation caused by cyclones.
• Coastal Communities Concerns
  • Cyclones present a serious danger to both human life and the economy due to their strong winds, heavy rainfall, and storm surges, which can result in loss of life and extensive damage to crops, livestock, and fisheries, resulting in significant economic losses.
  • Additionally, cyclones can contribute to the spread of waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever, having adverse health effects.

What are Cyclones?

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• Cyclones are a type of tropical weather system characterized by strong winds and heavy rainfall.
• They are also known as hurricanes or typhoons, depending on the region where they occur.
• Cyclones form over warm ocean waters and can cause significant damage to coastal areas.
• They are classified based on their wind speed, with Category 5 cyclones being the most severe.
• Cyclones can also cause storm surges, which are large waves that can inundate low-lying areas and cause flooding.

Formation of Cyclones

• They are fueled by the heat and moisture from the ocean, which causes the air to rise and form clouds.
• As the air continues to rise, it creates an area of low pressure at the surface.
• This low-pressure area draws in more warm, moist air from the surrounding area, which fuels the cyclone and causes it to spin.
• The rotation of the Earth causes the cyclone to spin
  • Counterclockwise in the Northern Hemisphere
  • Clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere.
• Cyclones can cause significant damage to coastal areas due to their strong winds and heavy rainfall.

How is a cyclone named?

• Who/Authority: World Meteorological Organisation, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (WMO/ESCAP) Panel on Tropical Cyclones (PTC).
• Why name Cyclone?
  • Avoid confusion if two or more cyclones are occurring simultaneously over the region.
  • Naming helps in future reference.
• Who are the member countries? : India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Pakistan, the Maldives, Oman, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Yemen.
• Naming from the list
  • With 8 countries in 2004, there was a list of 64 names eight names from each country.
  • In later years the member countries increased to 13 combined releasing 169 names of cyclones with 13 names from each country.
• Conditions for naming :
  • Names of the cyclones should be short, simple and easily understood.
  • Culturally sensitive or convey any inflammatory meaning.
• India has, so far, proposed the names Gati (speed), Tej (speed), Marasu (musical instrument in Tamil), Aag (fire), Jhar (storm), Ghurni (whirlpool), Vega (speed) and Neer (water).

What is the difference between Cyclone, Hurricane, and Typhoon?

• Depending on its location and strength, a tropical cyclone is referred to by names such as hurricane, tropical storm, cyclonic storm, tropical depression, and simply cyclone.
• A hurricane is a storm that occurs in the Atlantic Ocean and northeastern Pacific Ocean.
• Typhoon occurs in the northwestern Pacific Ocean.
• Cyclone occurs in the South Pacific or Indian Ocean.

Mains Previous Year Question

Q. Tropical cyclones are largely confined to the South China Sea, Bay of Bengal and Gulf of Mexico. Why? (2014)

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Prelims Focus

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Operation Iron Swords

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News: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have launched Operation ‘Iron Swords’ in retaliation for an unprecedented and surprise attack by Hamas, a Palestinian Islamist militant organisation, on Israel.

• The ruling Hamas in the Gaza Strip launched a multi-front attack on Israel, firing nearly 5,000 rockets.
• Besides Hamas has claimed to have “captured” civilians and soldiers during their infiltration into Israel. 
• The counteroffensive has been named Operation ‘Iron Swords.
• In response to the barrages of rockets launched by Hamas from Gaza at Israel, the IDF is striking Hamas targets in Gaza.

Asiatic wild dog (Dhole)

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News: Overlapping prey availability or habitat suitability could dictate a positive association between dholes and tigers, facilitating co-existence or even cooperative behaviours between the two species of carnivores, a new study has found. 

• The Asiatic wild dog, also known as the dhole, is a canid species native to Asia.
• They are highly social animals and live in packs of up to 40 individuals.
• Dholes are known for their unique vocalizations, which include whistles, screams, and clucks.
• They are also skilled hunters and can take down prey much larger than themselves.
• Dholes are classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss, hunting, and disease.
• Conservation efforts are underway to protect dhole populations and their habitats.

World Post Day

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News: World Post Day is celebrated each year on 9 October.

• World Post Day is celebrated every year on October 9th to commemorate the establishment of the Universal Postal Union (UPU) in 1874.
• The UPU is a specialized agency of the United Nations that coordinates postal policies among member nations and ensures the smooth functioning of international mail delivery.
• World Post Day aims to raise awareness about the role of postal services in connecting people and promoting social and economic development.
• The theme for World Post Day 2023 is “Delivering for People and Planet”
  • It highlights the importance of sustainable postal services that support environmental protection and social equity.

Yom Kippur War

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News: The surprise attack by Hamas on Israel Saturday (October 7) has brought back memories of the Yom Kippur War, which started 50 years and a day ago, and reset equations in the Middle East forever.

• The Yom Kippur War was a military conflict fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria.
• The war began on October 6, 1973, when the Arab coalition launched a surprise attack on Israel on the Jewish holy day of Yom Kippur.
• The conflict lasted for three weeks and ended with a ceasefire on October 25, 1973.
• The war resulted in significant losses for both sides, but Israel ultimately emerged as the victor.
• The conflict had far-reaching political and military implications for the Middle East, including the establishment of closer ties between Egypt and the United States and the eventual peace treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979.

Burevestnik Missile

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News: President Vladimir V. Putin claimed Russia had successfully tested the Burevestnik, an experimental nuclear-powered cruise missile, and had almost completed work on a new type of nuclear-capable ballistic missile.

• The 9M730 Burevestnik is a cruise missile that derives its power from a nuclear source and has the capability to transport nuclear warheads.
• This missile is part of a group of six advanced Russian weaponry referred to as “super weapons.”
• Notably, it possesses an unlimited operational range thanks to its nuclear reactor.
• NATO designates this missile as SSC-X-9 Skyfall.
• The Burevestnik missile is equipped with a compact nuclear propulsion system featuring a solid-fuel booster engine.
• Its launch sequence begins with the missile taking off from an inclined launcher, assisted by a detachable rocket booster.
• What sets it apart is its use of a ramjet engine, which distinguishes it from conventional propulsion systems for nuclear arms.
• This type of engine operates by drawing in air for combustion as it moves forward, producing thrust for propulsion.
• This missile’s unique capabilities include the ability to launch surprise attacks from unexpected angles and to sustain flight for extended periods, essentially allowing for prolonged missions.

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