MLC Daily Current Affairs – 16 December 2024

Today in History (December 16^th,1971)

“Today, on Vijay Diwas, we honour the courage and sacrifices of the brave soldiers who contributed to India’s historic victory in 1971. Their selfless dedication and unwavering resolve safeguarded our nation and brought glory to us. This day is a tribute to their extraordinary valour and their unshakable spirit. Their sacrifices will forever inspire generations and remain deeply embedded in our nation’s history.”

Let’s Revise

1. Which country developed the Dark Eagle Anti-Missile System?
a) Russia
b) China
c) United States
d) India
Answer: c)
Explanation: The United States has developed the Dark Eagle Anti-Missile System and is nearing operational readiness after a successful test flight.

2.What approval did the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) grant to the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL)?
a) Athlete Training Unit (ATU)
b) Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU)
c) Anti-Doping Research Unit (ADRU)
d) Sports Medicine Unit (SMU)
Answer: b)
Explanation: The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) has granted approval for the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) as an Athlete Passport Management Unit (APMU).

3. What is the primary purpose of the Athlete Biological Passport (ABP)?
a) Enhancing athlete performance
b) Monitoring an athlete’s biological markers over time
c) Providing nutrition advice
d) Offering psychological support
Answer: b)
Explanation: The Athlete Biological Passport (ABP) is an advanced anti-doping tool that monitors an athlete’s biological markers over time.

4. What method of fishing involves dragging heavy weighted nets across the sea floor?
a) Longline fishing
b) Gillnet fishing
c) Bottom trawling
d) Spearfishing
Answer: c)
Explanation: Bottom trawling is a method of fishing that involves dragging heavy weighted nets across the sea floor to herd and capture target species like ground fish or crabs.

5.Which of the following is a major ecological impact of bottom trawling?
a) Increased fish populations
b) Habitat destruction
c) Enhanced coral growth
d) Reduced pollution
Answer: b)
Explanation: Bottom trawling can cause physical damage to the seabed and the structures that support marine life, leading to habitat destruction.

6.How does bottom trawling impact carbon sequestration?
a) Increases carbon storage in sediments
b) Enhances carbon uptake by marine plants
c) Disturbs sediments and releases stored carbon
d) Promotes carbon sequestration by corals
Answer: c)
Explanation: Bottom trawling disturbs sediments and releases stored carbon, contributing to climate change and reducing the ability of deep-sea habitats to sequester carbon effectively.

Summary of Today’s News

Simultaneous Polls Bill Not in LS List for Today

Context
The Union government has not included the Constitution amendment Bill on holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and Assemblies in the revised list of business for Monday, indicating that the Bill could be delayed.
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill) were earlier listed for Monday in the Lok Sabha.
•Discussion Invitation: Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has invited Mallikarjun Kharge for discussions to end the impasse.
Bill Status
• Dropped from List: The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill were earlier listed for Monday in the Lok Sabha but were dropped from the revised list of business.
• Possible Delay: The Union government has not included the Constitution amendment Bill on holding simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and Assemblies in the revised list of business for Monday, indicating a potential delay.
Legislative Process
• Introduction of Bills: The Centre may introduce the Bills after the Rajya Sabha completes the discussion on the Constitution and after the passage of supplementary demands for grants in the Lok Sabha.
• Speaker’s Permission: If the Centre wants to bring the Bills on Monday, permission from Speaker Om Birla is necessary to introduce a supplementary list of business.
Historical Context
• Simultaneous Elections History: General elections to the House of the People and all State Assemblies were held simultaneously in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967.
• The cycle was disrupted due to the premature dissolution of some Assemblies in 1968 and 1969.
• Law Commission’s Suggestion: The Law Commission, in its 170th report, suggested that holding separate elections for State Assemblies should be an exception rather than the rule.
Current Legislative Agenda
• Rajya Sabha Agenda: The first item on the agenda after the question hour and zero hour is the discussion and voting on Supplementary Demands for Grants — First Batch for 2024-2025.
• Appropriation Bills: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will move two Appropriation Bills along with the Supplementary Grants.
• Goa Bill: The Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of the State of Goa Bill, 2024, will be moved by Mr. Meghwal.
Political Developments
• Kharge Invited for Talks: Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar has invited Leader of the Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge for another round of discussions to end the impasse.
• No-Confidence Motion: The Opposition has moved a no-confidence motion against Mr. Dhankhar, alleging partisan chairing of proceedings.
• BJD’s Stance: The Biju Janata Dal (BJD) has decided not to support the no-confidence motion proposed by the INDIA bloc against Mr. Dhankhar, citing a lack of consultation.

SCHENGEN AREA

Context Romania and Bulgaria will become full members of Europe’s Schengen free-travel area from next month.

Background
• Although the Schengen agreements guarantee free travel, several members including Germany and the Netherlands have recently increased controls to stem illegal immigration.
About Schengen Area
• The Schengen Area is a zone comprising 29 European countries that have officially abolished border controls at their mutual borders.
• Establishment: The Schengen Area was established on March 26, 1995.
• Member Countries: The Schengen Area includes 25 EU member states and 4 non-EU countries (Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway, and Switzerland).
Key Features
• Free Movement: Citizens of Schengen countries can travel freely within the area without needing to show a passport or go through border checks.
• Common Visa Policy: The Schengen Area has a common visa policy, allowing travelers to use a single visa to visit multiple Schengen countries.
• External Borders: Schengen countries have harmonized controls at their external borders, ensuring security while allowing free movement within the area
Significance:
• Economic Benefits: The Schengen Area facilitates trade and tourism, benefiting the economies of member states.
• Cultural Exchange: It promotes cultural exchange and strengthens ties between European countries.
• Security: Harmonized external border controls enhance security while maintaining the freedom of movement within the area.

BEIJING’S WAR AGAINST AIR POLLUTION: If Beijing can do why not Delhi?

• Beijing, with a yearly average air quality index (AQI) of 144 in 2015, was as polluted then as Delhi is today (Delhi’s average AQI is 155 for 2024). However, Beijing has successfully reduced its pollution level by one-third between 2013 and 2017.
Background
• Emerging Economies: Both Beijing and Delhi are capitals of emerging economies. If Beijing could achieve significant pollution reduction at its development stage, Delhi can and should do the same.
Similarities between Beijing and Delhi
• Urbanization and Economic Growth: Both cities have seen rapid industrialization and urbanization, leading to increased emissions.
• Dependence on Fossil Fuels: Both cities rely heavily on fossil fuels for energy and transportation, contributing to air pollution.
• Regional Pollution Impact: Both cities are affected by regional pollution sources, particularly during winter.
Beijing’s Successful Strategies
• Long-Term Planning and Implementation: Beijing’s 20-year anti-pollution program was executed in three phases: 1998-2008, 2009-12, and 2013-17. It was a gradual plan with public participation, managed by the local government.
• Targeted Pollution Sources: Pollution sources were categorized into energy and coal combustion, transportation, and industrial structures.
• Energy Structures: Implemented ultra-low emission renovation and clean energy alternatives in power plants, renovated coal-fired boilers, and eliminated residential coal consumption.
• Transportation Structures: Retrofitted cars and public service vehicles with diesel particulate filters (DPF), tightened emission standards, scrapped old vehicles through subsidies, and expanded subway and bus infrastructure.
• Industrial and Construction Activities: Tightened environmental requirements, intensified end-of-pipe (EOP) treatment, eliminated obsolete industrial capacity, created a green construction model, and enforced video monitoring with penalties for violators.
• Regional Cooperation: Focused on regional cooperation during the last phase (2013-17), with five neighboring provinces working together to reduce pollution.
Lessons for Delhi
• Political Will and Leadership: Strong government commitment is essential to implement and enforce effective policies.
• Transport System: An efficient bus-metro integrated transport system is needed. Delhi’s DTC bus fleet is outdated and insufficient, and the metro lacks last-mile connectivity.
• Vehicle Scrapping: Implement a well-thought-out subsidy-for-scrap program for old vehicles.
• Cycling and Walking Lanes: Build exclusive cycling and walking lanes and explore ideas like cross-subsidization through affordable public transport and expensive private transport using congestion or high parking charges.
• Urban Layout: Develop an urban layout that brings places of work and residence closer to reduce long commutes.
• Energy Supply Overhaul: Overhaul Delhi’s coal-fired electricity supply from both the supply and demand sides. Promote solar rooftops connected to the grid with electricity bill discounts.
• Regional Coordination: Coordinate with neighboring regions to control pollution sources originating there, similar to Beijing’s plan.