UPSC: Nakuru Dam, MMPA, EAEU, ARCs, Calcium Carbide & More

Table of Contents

UPSC GS 1

Nakuru Dam

News: A blockage in an underpass or tunnel that channels water to the Tongi river led to the bursting of a Nakuru dam in Kenya’s Nakuru County.
Cause of Failure: Nakuru Dam experienced a catastrophic failure due to a heavy blockage in an underpass tunnel diverting water to the Tongi River.
Blockage Details: The blockage resulted from severe rainfall and the accumulation of debris and soil.
Regional Impact of Heavy Rains and Flash Floods
Kenya: The failure of Nakuru Dam.
Neighbouring Countries Affected:
- - Tanzania
  - Uganda
  - Ethiopia
  - Somalia
  - These countries are also experiencing significant damage due to heavy rains and flash floods.

UPSC GS 2

Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA)

News: On May 23, 2023, Australia and India entered into a Migration and Mobility Partnership Arrangement (MMPA).
Mobility Arrangement for Talented Early-Professionals Scheme (MATES)
Overview: A new scheme established under the MMPA.
Purpose: Supports and promotes two-way migration and mobility between the two countries while addressing issues related to illegal and irregular migration.
Eligibility: Indian graduates and early career professionals (aged 18 to 30 years) with knowledge and skills in targeted fields of study.
Benefits:
- - Offers a new temporary mobility pathway to live and work in Australia for up to two years.
  - No requirement for sponsorship by an Australian employer to apply for a visa under MATES.
  - Participants can apply to bring dependents (spouses and children), who will also have work rights in Australia.

Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)

News: During his recent two-day visit to India, the Foreign Minister of Belarus announced that India is “seriously considering” initiating talks for a free trade agreement with the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).
Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU)
Composition: An international economic union and free trade zone comprising Russia, Armenia, Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
Establishment: Founded in 2015, building on the earlier Eurasian Economic Community.
Objectives:
- - Ensure the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor within the union.
  - Coordinate economic policies.
  - Develop common policies in key sectors.
Structure and Governance
- - Governing Body: The Eurasian Economic Commission, a supranational entity, regulates trade and economic policies.
  - Single Market: Facilitates a single market with a unified customs territory, common product regulations, and coordinated macroeconomic policies.
Currency: Unlike the European Union (EU), the EAEU does not share a common currency.
Judicial Body: The Court of the EAEU, based in Minsk (Belarus), serves as the judicial authority. However, the Commission cannot bring a member state before the Court in cases of non-compliance; disputes are often resolved bilaterally.
Strategic Significance for Russia
- - Counterbalance to China: Aims to counter the growing influence of China in the Central Asian region.
  - EU Counteraction: Seeks to counter the European Union’s Eastern Partnership initiative.
Economic Significance
- - Natural Gas: The EAEU is the world’s largest producer of natural gas, accounting for over 20% of global production.
  - Agriculture: Leading producer of sunflower seeds and sugar beet.
  - Energy Market Goals: Aims to create a single market for hydrocarbons and electricity by 2025.
  - UPSC GS 3

Solid Waste Management in India: Concept, Harmful Effects, Challenges and Policy Interventions | UPSC

Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)

News: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is in talks with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to permit mutual funds to sell their debt to asset reconstruction companies (ARCs).
Definition:
- - An Asset Reconstruction Company is a specialized financial institution that buys the NPAs or bad assets from banks and financial institutions so that the latter can clean up their balance sheets.
  - Or in other words, ARCs are in the business of buying bad loans from banks.
Working:
- - Banks sell these stressed assets to ARCs at a mutually agreed price.
  - ARCs deploy various strategies to recover the debt, such as: Negotiation and restructuring of loans, Legal action and Asset sale.
Regulation:
- - ARCs are regulated by the Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (“SARFAESI”).
  - ARCs fall under the regulation of RBI.
Significance of Asset Reconstruction Companies (ARCs)
- - Frees Up Capital for Banks: Allows banks to focus on their core lending activities.
  - Alternative Investment Opportunity: Provides a new avenue for investors.
  - Healthier Banking Sector: Improved liquidity contributes to economic growth.
What is a Non-Performing Asset (NPA)?
- - An NPA is a loan or advance for which the principal or interest payment has remained overdue for a period of 90 days.
  - They can include various types of loans, such as personal loans, business loans, mortgages, and credit card debt.When the ratio of NPAs in a bank’s loan portfolio rises, it leads to:
    - Decreased income and profitability for the bank.
    - Reduced capacity to lend.
    - Increased possibility of loan defaults and write-offs.
Asset Reconstruction vs. Securitization
Asset Reconstruction:
- - Refers to the acquisition of any right or interest of a bank or financial institution in loans, advances, debentures, bonds, guarantees, or any other credit facility extended by banks.
  - The purpose is to recover the funds.
  - These loans, advances, bonds, guarantees, and other credit facilities are collectively referred to as ‘financial assistance.’
Securitization:
- - Involves the acquisition of financial assets through the issuance of security receipts to Qualified Buyers or by other means.
  - These security receipts represent an undivided interest in the financial assets.

Calcium Carbide

News: Food regulator Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has asked traders and food business operators not to use the banned product ‘calcium carbide’ for ripening of fruits.
Overview of Calcium Carbide
- - Chemical Formula: CaC2
  - Also Known As: ‘Masala’
  - Manufacturing Process: Produced by heating a lime and carbon mixture to 2000 to 2100°C (3632 to 3812°F) in an electric arc furnace.
Uses of Calcium Carbide
- - Production of Acetylene Gas: Calcium Carbide reacts with water to produce acetylene gas (C2H2).
  - Acetylene is a raw material for synthesizing many organic chemicals, plastics, and synthetic rubber.
  - Also used in oxy-acetylene welding and cutting torches.
Artificial Ripening of Fruits: Acetylene gas from CaC2 can mimic the ripening effects of ethylene (C2H4), a natural ripening hormone produced by fruits.
Desulfurizing Agent in Steel Production: Used as a desulfurizing agent in the production of steel.
Production of Calcium Cyanamide: Calcium cyanamide (CaCN2), a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, is produced by heating calcium carbide in an atmosphere of nitrogen gas.
Regulation: Calcium carbide as a ripening agent is banned under the Food Safety and Standards Regulation, 2011.
Health Impacts
- - Exposure to calcium carbide can cause dizziness, frequent thirst, irritation, weakness, difficulty in swallowing, vomiting, and skin ulcers.
  - There is a risk that calcium carbide may come into direct contact with fruits during application, leaving residues of arsenic and phosphorus on the fruits.
Regulation and Alternatives for Fruit Ripening in India
- - Due to the widespread use of banned calcium carbide, the FSSAI has approved the use of ethylene gas as a safer alternative for ripening fruits in India.
  - Permitted Concentration: Ethylene gas can be used at concentrations up to 100 ppm, depending on the crop, variety, and maturity.
  - Function: Ethylene, a natural hormone in fruits, regulates ripening by initiating and controlling various chemical and biochemical processes.

Pokhran-I

News: It has completed 50 years.
Pokhran-I: On this day in 1974, India conducted its landmark first nuclear tests in Pokhran, Rajasthan, as part of the ‘Smiling Buddha’ operation.
- - Device Type: Fission bomb; Yield: Estimated 8-10 kilotons of TNT (33-42 terajoules)
Significance of Pokhran-I: India’s First Nuclear Test: Made India the first nation to conduct a nuclear test outside the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (P-5).
Factors Driving India’s Pokhran-I:
- - Concerns about China’s Nuclear Program: Heightened security concerns.
  - Lack of Security Guarantees from Major Powers: No reliable protection from global powers.
  - Deterrent Capability: Establishing a deterrent against potential adversaries.
  - Objection to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT): Viewed the NPT as discriminatory towards countries other than the P-5.
Response to the Test
- - Western Condemnation: Many western countries condemned the test, seeing it as a proliferation threat.
  - Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) Establishment: In 1975, 48 countries formed the NSG to prevent nuclear proliferation by controlling the export of nuclear materials, equipment, and technology.
  - India’s NSG Status: India is not a member of the NSG but received a waiver for nuclear trade in 2008 (India-US Nuclear Deal).
Pokhran-II: Subsequent Nuclear Tests
- - Year: 1998
  - Code Name: Operation Shakti (Pokhran-II)
  - Outcome: Provided India the capability to build nuclear weapons with yields ranging from low to approximately 200 kilotons.
India’s Nuclear Doctrine
- - Credible Minimum Deterrence: Building and maintaining a credible minimum nuclear deterrence.
  - No First Use Policy: Nuclear weapons will only be used in retaliation against a nuclear attack on Indian territory or Indian forces anywhere.
  - Negative Security Assurance: India will not use nuclear weapons against non-nuclear weapon states.
  - Retaliation Option: In the event of a major attack on India or Indian forces by biological or chemical weapons, India retains the option to retaliate with nuclear weapons.
  - Civilian Control: Nuclear retaliatory attacks can only be authorized by the civilian political leadership.
  - Commitment to Disarmament: Commitment to the goal of a nuclear weapon-free world.

Vishing

News: Scammers are constantly seeking ways to steal people’s information and money. A prevalent method they’re using now is known as vishing.
Definition: Vishing, short for voice phishing, is an identity fraud scam utilising a phone call or voicemail.
Working: Scammers will call and leave a voicemail and impersonate someone they are not, and attempt to elicit sensitive information, like log-in credentials, personal identifying information, credit card numbers or other banking details.
- - Sometimes, these imposters pretend to be Postal Inspectors or other people in authority who go as far as trying to coerce the target with threats of arrest or some other punishment.
  - The imposter’s phone number is typically blocked and may be spoofed or faked, displaying a number other than the actual one used by the imposter.
  - There are even cases where a legitimate number is spoofed to make it look like a known entity is calling.

Russian AK-203 Assault Rifles

News: The Indian Army has started receiving the Russian AK-203 assault rifles.

Description: The AK-203 is an advanced version of the AK-47 rifle, designed for improved ergonomics and accuracy. It is developed by the Russian company Kalashnikov Concern.
Manufacture: These rifles are being manufactured in India as part of a joint venture named Indo-Russian Rifles Private Ltd. (IRRPL).
Current Delivery: As of now, 27,000 AK-203 rifles have been delivered to the Indian Army. An additional 8,000 rifles are expected to be handed over in the next two weeks.
Indigenisation Efforts: The current level of indigenisation in the production of AK-203 rifles is approximately 25%. The aim is to increase this to 70% within the next two years.
Strategic Importance
- - Modernization Initiative: The induction of AK-203 rifles is part of the Indian Army’s broader initiative to modernize its infantry weapons and replace the older INSAS rifles.
  - Enhanced Combat Readiness: These rifles are crucial for enhancing the combat readiness of the Army, particularly for troops involved in counter-insurgency operations.
  - Technological and Defense Boost: The AK-203 rifles represent a significant upgrade in the Indian Army’s arsenal, combining local manufacturing with critical technology transfer, thereby boosting both defense capabilities and domestic defense production.
Other Rifle Acquisitions
- - Concurrently, the Indian Army has also inducted 66,400 SIG-716 assault rifles for frontline troops, highlighting ongoing efforts to bolster its small arms capabilities.

Critical Priority Pathogens

News: The latest update to the Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL) by the World Health Organization (WHO) highlights critical priority pathogens as major global threats. These pathogens pose a significant danger due to their high burden, resistance to treatment, and ability to spread resistance to other bacteria.
Definition: Critical priority pathogens are bacteria that pose significant global health threats due to their ability to resist current treatments and spread their resistance to other bacteria.
WHO’s Updated List:
- - WHO has updated its Bacterial Pathogens Priority List (BPPL), which includes 15 families of antibiotic-resistant bacteria.
  - These are categorized into critical, high, and medium priority groups to help prioritize responses.
High Burden in Specific Regions: The list highlights that certain high-priority pathogens, such as Salmonella and Shigella, carry a particularly high burden in low- and middle-income countries, posing major challenges in healthcare settings.
Resistance to Antibiotics: The pathogens include gram-negative bacteria resistant to last-resort antibiotics and Mycobacterium tuberculosis resistant to Rifampicin, a key antibiotic.
Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR): AMR occurs when bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to medicines, making infections harder to treat and increasing the risk of disease spread, severe illness, and death. Misuse and overuse of antimicrobials are significant drivers of AMR.
Challenges: Pathogens like antibiotic-resistant Neisseria gonorrhoeae and Enterococcus faecium are known for causing persistent infections and showing resistance to multiple antibiotics, necessitating targeted research and public health interventions.
WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogens List
Purpose: The 2024 WHO Bacterial Priority Pathogens List (WHO BPPL) serves as an essential resource in the global battle against antimicrobial resistance.
Update: This version updates the 2017 edition and enhances the ranking of antibiotic-resistant bacterial pathogens to address the evolving threats posed by antibiotic resistance.

National Savings Certificate (NSC)

News: PM Narendra Modi declared Rs 9.12 lakh investment in the National Savings Certificate (NSC) scheme in his nomination filing.
Definition: The NSC is a fixed-income investment scheme introduced by the Government of India to encourage investment and tax savings, particularly for low- to mid-income investors.
Investment Process: NSCs can be purchased at any post office. They are available for individuals, minors, or jointly with another adult.
Eligibility Criteria: Only individual Indian citizens who are residents of India are eligible to invest.
- There is no age restriction. Hindu Undivided Families (HUFs), trusts, and private and public limited companies cannot invest.

Features of NSC
- - Secure Investment: NSC is a government-backed investment offering fixed returns and significant tax benefits, making it popular among conservative investors seeking low-risk options.
  - Interest Rates: Certificates earn fixed annual interest, revised quarterly by the government.
  - Maturity Period: Investments mature after five years.
  - Investment Limit: No maximum limit on the investment amount.
  - Tax Benefits: Investments qualify for tax savings under Section 80C of the Income Tax Act, up to ₹1.5 lakhs annually.
  - Accessibility: NSCs are easily transferable between post offices and individuals without affecting interest or maturity.
  - Collateral: They can be used as collateral for loans in banks and non-banking financial companies (NBFCs). Investors can nominate family members, including minors, as beneficiaries.
  - Premature Withdrawal: Not allowed except under specific conditions such as the investor’s death, court orders, or forfeiture by a Gazetted Government Officer who is a pledgee.

Naegleria Fowleri

News: Recently, a tragic incident occurred at the Government Medical College Hospital in Kozhikode, where a five-year-old girl receiving treatment for primary amoebic meningoencephalitis (PAM) passed away.
Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (PAM): PAM is a rare brain infection caused by Naegleria fowleri.
Naegleria fowleri: It is a free-living amoeba or single-celled organism.
Naegleria fowleri is commonly found in warm freshwater and soil worldwide.
Transmission: Enters the body through the nose, usually during activities like swimming.
Preferred Environment: Thrives in warm freshwater environments such as lakes, rivers, poorly maintained swimming pools, and recreational venues with minimal chlorination.
Symptoms: Headache, fever, nausea, and vomiting, stiff neck, confusion, seizures, hallucinations, coma.
- - According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most individuals with PAM succumb to the disease within 1 to 18 days after symptoms emerge. Death typically occurs within 5 days.
Treatment: Scientists have yet to identify effective treatments for PAM. Doctors currently employ a combination of drugs, including:
- - Amphotericin B
  - Azithromycin
  - Fluconazole
  - Rifampin
  - Miltefosine
  - Dexamethasone