2023 06 10

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 1:

Impact of Cyclones on the Onset of the Monsoon

GS Paper 2:

Thaw in US-China Ties and Impact on India

GS Paper 3:

CACP Report on Price Policy for Kharif Crop 2023-24

GS Paper 4:

EU Commission proposes a common ethics body

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Jagdish Bakan
Accountability in State Administration

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Bagh print
ASI stumbles upon 13th Century tomb-like structure in Siri Fort
Birsa Munda
Water Crisis in Meghalaya
Atlantic declaration
“Virgin Birth” by a crocodile
Trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise

Mapping

Serbia

Impact of Cyclones on the Onset of the Monsoon

GS Paper 1

Syllabus: Indian Geography: Climatology

Source: TH

Context: The article discusses the impact of cyclones on the onset of the monsoon season and how global warming is affecting this relationship.

What are Tropical Cyclones?

Tropical cyclones are powerful storms that form over warm ocean waters near the equator. They are characterized by strong winds, heavy rainfall, and a well-defined centre called the eye.

Positive Impact of Tropical Cyclones on the Monsoon:


Positive Impact	Example
Accelerates the onset of the monsoon	If a cyclone lies further north in the Bay of Bengal, the back winds blowing from the southwest to the northeast can pull the monsoon trough forward, and assist in the monsoon’s onset. E.g., Cyclone Mawar pulled winds across the equator into the North Indian Ocean, setting up southwesterly winds over parts of the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal.
Brings large quantities of moisture	Southwesterly winds associated with tropical cyclones over the Arabian Sea bring ample moisture onto the Indian subcontinent, enhancing the monsoon rainfall.

Negative Impact of Tropical Cyclones on the Monsoon:


Negative Impact	Example
Disrupts the monsoon trough	Some cyclones in the North Indian Ocean can pull the monsoon trough forward or delay its progression, affecting the overall monsoon rainfall e.g., Cyclone Biparjoy.
Alters wind patterns	Cyclones in the Bay of Bengal can cause winds to turn around, inhibiting the northward progression of the monsoon winds over the region.
Creates uncertainty	Unfavourable tropical cyclone activity and its associated atmospheric and oceanic effects can introduce uncertainty in the monsoon season, making it difficult to predict its behaviour accurately.

Impact of Global Warming on the Formation of Cyclones and the Monsoon Season:


Impact	Description
Increased frequency and intensity of cyclones	Both the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal have warmed by more than 1º C in the pre-monsoon season. E.g., Rapid intensification of cyclones, as seen in Cyclone Amphan in 2020, causing widespread damage.
Changes in monsoon onset, withdrawal, and rainfall patterns	Global warming influences the timing and duration of the monsoon season, leading to altered monsoon onset and withdrawal dates.
Disruption of atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns	Global warming affects atmospheric and oceanic circulation patterns, such as the ‘atmospheric bridge’ from the Arctic and the ‘oceanic tunnel’ from the Southern Ocean, which can impact the monsoon dynamics.
Increase in extreme weather events	Severe storms and rainfall events cause flash floods, mudslides, and infrastructure damage.
Impact of El Nino	Global warming intensifies the impact of El Nino on the Indian Monsoon, resulting in less than average rainfall.

The ‘Onset of the Monsoon’:

The onset of the monsoon over the Kerala coast marks the beginning of the southwest monsoon season in India, which lasts from June to September and provides more than 70% of the country’s annual rainfall.

IMD criteria for the onset of the monsoon:

Rainfall: The onset is declared if at least 60% of 14 designated meteorological stations in Kerala and Lakshadweep record at least 2.5 mm of rain for two consecutive days at any time after May 10.
Wind field: The IMD says that the depth of westerlies should be up to 600 hectopascal (1 hPa is equal to 1 millibar of pressure) in the area that is bound by the equator to 10ºN latitude, and from longitude 55ºE to 80ºE.
Heat: The INSAT-derived Outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value should be below 200 watts per sq m (wm2) in the area between the 5ºN and 10ºN latitudes, and 70ºE and 75ºE longitudes.
- The outgoing Longwave Radiation (OLR) value is a measure of the energy emitted to space by the Earth’s surface, oceans, and atmosphere.

Impact of early or late monsoon on the volume of rainfall?

The northward progression of the monsoon depends on various factors and can vary regionally. Consequently, early onset or late onset does not impact the volume of monsoon rain, as the timing of the onset does not directly correlate with the overall quality or amount of rainfall.

What is Atmospheric Bridge?

It is a connection in the Earth’s atmosphere that allows the exchange of air and weather elements between distant regions.

g., The connection between the Arctic region and the Indian subcontinent through the atmosphere can influence the Indian monsoon by affecting wind patterns and moisture transport, potentially impacting the timing and intensity of the monsoon rains.
Another example of an atmospheric bridge is the phenomenon known as the “Pineapple Express” in the USA

What is Oceanic Tunnel?

It refers to a connection or pathway between two distant regions in the Ocean that allows the exchange of water, heat, and other oceanic properties.

g., The oceanic tunnel and atmospheric bridge from the Southern Ocean (Antarctic Ocean) can affect the moisture availability, wind patterns, and climate conditions in the Indian Ocean region
Another example of an Oceanic tunnel is the Gulf Stream. It acts as an oceanic tunnel, transporting warm water from the tropics to higher latitudes, affecting the climate and weather patterns in those regions.

Conclusion:

Cyclones play a crucial role in influencing the monsoon’s onset, with their position and wind circulation around them impacting the transition of the monsoon trough. Climate change introduces new uncertainties, challenging the predictability of the monsoon’s behaviour. However, a late monsoon onset does not necessarily imply a deficit, and India remain watchful and hopeful for the arrival of the monsoon.

Insta Links

Cyclones

Mains Links

Troposphere is a very significant atmospheric layer that determines weather processes. How? (UPSC 2022) (200 WORDS)

Prelims Links

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)

Jet streams occur in the Northern Hemisphere only.
Only some cyclones develop an eye.
The temperature inside the eye of a cyclone is nearly 10°C lesser than that of the surroundings.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 and 3 only
3. 2 only
4. 1 and 3 only

Answer: C

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Cyclone Biparjoy, Monsoon rain, the impact of global warming on monsoon rain, Today's Article

Thaw in US-China Ties and Impact on India

GS Paper 2

Syllabus: International Relations

Source: IE

Note: The article is in continuation to yesterday’s article USA’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Context: As the Indian PM prepares for his official state visit to Washington DC, India and the US are considering building their relationship in light of a greater alignment in Asia and the Indo-Pacific.

Need for greater alignment in Asia and the Indo-Pacific:

Rise in China’s assertiveness:
- China has been grabbing disputed territories from its neighbours.
- However, there is a reluctance in the region to jeopardise the deep economic relationship with Beijing and avoid politically offending China.
US-China conflict: The 20th edition of the annual Shangri-La Dialogue (SLD) in Singapore highlighted the deepening tensions between the US and China.

USA’s Indo-Pacific strategy:

Despite the continuing crises in the Middle East and a major war in Europe, Washington has repeatedly reaffirmed that the Indo-Pacific remains the highest priority.
Removing the Asian fear by explicitly challenging China’s claim to regional hegemony has been at the core of the US Indo-Pacific strategy.

USA approach towards China:

National actions include measures for control of technology exports to China and growing military support for Taiwan.
The US is mobilising a broad-based coalition to balance China. For example, it has drawn (the UK, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada) into the grand regional coalition.

Change in USA’s approach:

However, at the G7 meeting in Hiroshima, the US President appeared to suggest a change of approach by using the word “de-risk” for their economic engagement with China instead of the more combative “decouple”.
The US is also resuming high-level talks on confidence-building measures to prevent the tensions from escalating.

Why a change in USA’s approach?

Economic engagement forms a substantial part of the US-China relationship.
Bilateral trade was almost $700 billion in 2022. The US imports more from China than any other country.
American companies have long seen China as a top investment destination.

China’s suspicion:

China is unwilling to accept the US terms of engagement and sees USA’s persistent call for high-level dialogue as a trap.
China criticises the resurgent “cold war mentality” and demands that “mutual respect should prevail over bullying and hegemony”.
It sees the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad) as a mechanism to contain it in the Indo-Pacific.

The current state of US-China relations:

A Cold War-style détente emerged between today’s two superpowers.
The détente reduced tensions and led to a period of cooperation (between the then superpowers – the US and USSR), even as proxy conflicts played out in their respective spheres of influence.

Where do other Asian countries stand?

Many Asian nations have stepped up political and military engagement [trilateral coordination with Seoul and Tokyo, a local quad (Australia, Japan, Philippines)] with the US despite Chinese warnings.
Japan: The US has been encouraging Japan too –
- Raise its military capabilities,
- Modernising the military alliance with South Korea,
- Revitalising military partnership with Manila and
- Enhancing security cooperation with Indonesia.
India:
- The US and India have come closer over a shared perception of China’s rise.
- India’s embrace of Quad and the US Indo-Pacific strategy came after the Doklam standoff in 2018 and the PLA’s incursions into eastern Ladakh in 2020.
- The shared interests in stabilising the Asian balance of power are objective realities demanding a solid India-US strategic partnership.
- Currently, both are in talks for a significant elevation of bilateral defence cooperation, including technology transfers and joint defence industrial production.

How would an improvement in US-China relations play out for India?

It would be “counterproductive” to India’s interests.
India’s worst nightmare in the years to come would be the emergence of a US-China G2 for global stability.

Conclusion:

The USA’s recent approach towards China is seen as an attempt to build a ‘New Asia’, where two superpowers (US and China) indirectly accept each other’s spheres of influence.
India requires a counterbalancing strategy against China that involves cooperating with the US and others with similar interests, while also maintaining strategic autonomy and national interests.

Insta Links:

USA’s Indo-Pacific Strategy

Mains Links:

“The USA is facing an existential threat in the form of China, that is much more challenging than the erstwhile Soviet Union.” Explain. (UPSC 2021)

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, 10 June CA, Asian balance of power, AUKUS, GS 2, New Asia, Quad, Today's Article, Today’s article, US-China-India relations

CACP Report on Price Policy for Kharif Crop 2023-24

GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Issues related to Minimum Support Prices

Source: IE

Context: India’s Union government announced the minimum support prices (MSPs) for 17 crops in this year’s Kharif season and CACP (Commission for Agriculture Cost and Prices) released Report on Price Policy for Kharif Crop 2023-24

Key Policy Recommendations:

Promote Production and Consumption of Nutri-Cereals/ Millets (Shree Anna)
Push Towards Pulses and Oilseeds (by launching National Mission on Edible Oils (NMEO))
Promote rice cultivation in suitable areas and reduce the area under rice in Haryana, Punjab and western Uttar Pradesh
Address Low Yield and Yield Gap Issues (by promoting integrated crop management, new technologies etc.)
Improve Access to Institutional Agricultural Credit
Bring urea under the nutrient-based subsidy (NBS) regime to address the issue of imbalanced use of nutrients in agriculture
Expand Coverage of Crop Insurance [under PM Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)]
Accelerate Farm Mechanization [under the Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization (SMAM)]
Strengthen Market Intelligence and Outlook Systems [with the help of tech solutions like AI, Big Data analytics, Machine Learning, block chain]
Collective/group ownership of machinery through SHGs, FPOs, cooperative societies etc. should be encouraged
Strengthen Procurement Operations in North-Eastern Region

About Minimum Support Prices:


MSP
Meaning	It is a policy decision (not enforceable by law), that ensures market intervention by the Government of India to insure agricultural producers against any sharp fall in farm prices.
Announced by	The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (chaired by the PM) on the basis of the recommendations of the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) at the beginning of the sowing season for certain crops.
Background	The MSP regime came into existence as a policy decision in 1967 [on the recommendations of the Food Grain Price Committee (constituted in 1964 under LK Jha)] and the government set up the Agricultural Prices Commission (renamed as the CACP in 1985) for fixing MSP for crops.
Objectives	A guaranteed price/safety net to prevent the farmers from distress sales and to procure food grains for public distribution.
Crops covered	7 types of cereals (paddy, wheat, maize, bajra, jowar, ragi and barley), 5 types of pulses (chana, arhar/tur, urad, moong and masur), 7 oilseeds (rapeseed-mustard, groundnut, soybean, sunflower, sesamum, safflower, nigerseed) and 4 commercial crops (cotton, sugarcane [FRP], copra, raw jute)
How is it calculated?	The CACP considers both ‘A2+FL’ and ‘C2’ costs while recommending MSP. A2 costs cover all paid-out expenses, incurred by farmers on seeds, fertilisers, etc. A2+FL covers actual paid-out costs plus an imputed value of unpaid family labour. The C2 costs account for the rentals and interest forgone on owned land and fixed capital assets respectively, on top of A2+FL.
Concerns	Not all crops benefit from MSPs: While around 45% of the paddy produced is procured at MSP, it is about 25% in the case of cotton and only 1-3% in the case of pulses.
Procurement is concentrated in only a few states: For example, Punjab, Haryana, western UP, Chhattisgarh and Telangana for paddy; Telangana and Maharashtra for cotton, etc.
The majority of farmers remain uncovered: According to an NSSO, ~6% of Indian farmers have benefited directly from selling their wheat or rice under the MSP regime.
Low MSP: For example, Maharashtra expects a 10% fall in cotton acreage in the upcoming kharif season. This is mainly because of the low MSP for cotton when compared with pulses (like tur) and soybean.
Executing the recommendations of the MS Swaminathan Commission half-heartedly: It recommended that MSP should be at least 50% more than the weighted average cost of production.

The announcement:

The government announced that MSPs for the Kharif season will go up by an average of 7%.
This is the highest MSP increase in the last 5 years and the second highest in the last decade.

The economic and political significance of MSP announcements:

The economic aspect of MSPs is not limited to farmers alone. While a sharp rise in MSPs does alleviate farm distress, it can also lead to a spike in food inflation.
- Hence, there is a trade-off between the interests of the farmer and consumers.
Closer to elections, it is natural for governments to announce high MSPs to win over the farmer’s vote.

Challenges ahead:

El Nino: Though the MSP hike is unlikely to spike inflation by itself, food inflation may still spike if the normal monsoon is affected by El Nino. This may be a cause of worry for the Monetary Policy Committee.
For the government’s finances: Higher MSPs and more procurement as well as the storage and disbursal of subsidised food grains are all expenses that harm the financial health of the government.
The impact of the MSP hike on the rural economy will be uneven: This is because the rural economy is lagging behind urban India (in consumption growth).

About CACP:

It is an attached office of the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare. The Agricultural Prices Commission (APC) was set up in 1965 to advise the Government on the price policy of major agricultural commodities. Since March 1985, the Commission has been known as CACP.

Insta Links:

MSP

Mains Links:

What do you mean by the Minimum Support Price (MSP)? How will MSP rescue the farmers from the low-income trap? (UPSC 2018)

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, 10 June CA, GS 3, Minimum Support Prices (MSPs), Today's Article, Today’s article

EU Commission proposes a common ethics body

GS Paper 4

Syllabus: International Ethics, Medical Ethics

Source: TH

Context: The European Union’s (EU) executive arm proposed to create an ethics body that would set up common rules of conduct for institutions after the cash-for-influence scandal.

With the establishment of the Ethics Body there will, for the first time, be common standards for the ethical conduct of members and a formal mechanism for coordination and exchange of views on ethical requirements among institutions.

The new Body will have three main tasks:

Develop common minimum standards– applicable to the members of participating EU Institutions and bodies, as well as update them when needed.
Exchange of views on each institution’s internal rules in light of the standards to allow them to learn and benefit from each other’s experience.
Promote a common ethics culture of all members of EU institutions, facilitating the public understanding of the framework both to those inside and outside the institutions. Transparency will apply also to the application of these rules in the institutions.

The standards will relate to several fields:

acceptance of gifts, hospitality and travel offered by third parties
conditionality and transparency measures, in particular for meetings with interest representatives: the Commission, the European Parliament and the Council already have common standards as regards meetings with interest representatives and their publication thanks to the Transparency Register.
interests and assets to be declared, establishing the categories, as well as the procedures applied to check these declarations.
side or external activities, in order to ensure that members’ availability and independence are not compromised.
post-mandate activities of former members, establishing conditions, and transparency requirements.
implementation of the common framework, including monitoring compliance and follow-up, also as regards possible cases of harassment and sanctions, in case of breaches within each institution.
on the publicity of information: each institution will need to make public how they apply the standards.

Other measures taken with respect to Ethical Standards:

Code of Conduct for the Members of the European Commission

Related News:

UNESCO to develop an ethical framework on neurotech devices

Source: DTE

Context: The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) is all set to host an international conference to develop an ethical framework for the usage of neurotech devices that feed brain-wave data to computers through dry electrodes and implants.

It will be guided by a report by UNESCO’s International Bioethics Committee on the “Ethical Issues of Neurotechnology.”

Neurotechnology could help solve many health issues, but it could also access and manipulate people’s brains, and produce information about our identities, and our emotions. It could threaten our rights to human dignity, freedom of thought and privacy,

Neurotechnology covers any kind of device or procedure which is designed to “access, monitor, investigate, assess, manipulate, and/or emulate the structure and function of neural systems”.
Neurotechnological devices range from “wearables”, to non-invasive brain-computer interfaces such as robotic limbs, to brain implants currently being developed with the goal of treating disabilities such as paralysis.

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, EU, GS4, International Ethics, Medical Ethics, Today's Article

Accountability in State Administration

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: TH

Context: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has removed Rohit Pujari from the position of Higher Education Minister in the Council of Ministers.

The decision was made following a review of departmental performances, which revealed that the higher education department ranked poorly. None of the state-run universities has come in the top 100 of the recent NIRF ranking.

Ministers’ argument: He took charge of the education department only last year and needs more time to bring about radical changes in the education of the state.

Ethical issues concerning the case:

Fairness and Transparency in Appointment and Removal of Ministers after objective evaluation.
Accountability: While it is crucial to hold individuals accountable for their performance, it is also important to consider the broader systemic issues that may have contributed to the poor ranking of the higher education department.
Time and Expectations: It is important to strike a balance between accountability and providing adequate opportunities for improvement and reform.
Impact on Education: The removal of a minister and potential changes in leadership can have implications for the continuity and stability of policies and initiatives in the education sector.

Usage: You can use such examples in ethics case studies

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Today's Article

Jagdish Bakan

Source: TH

Jagdish Bakan, the Wildlife Warden and District Forest Officer (DFO) of Ramanathapuram district, has been awarded the 2023 Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management by UNESCO.

He is recognized for his work in managing the Gulf of Mannar Biosphere Reserve, known for its diverse marine biodiversity. Mr Bakan’s achievements include interventions in community development, ecotourism, and marine animal rescue efforts, with the profits from ecotourism being used for conservation and community welfare.

About the award:

Michel Batisse Award for Biosphere Reserve Management is a US$12,000 award, given every two years (by UNESCO), in memory of Dr Michel Batisse, for outstanding achievements in the management of the biosphere reserves in line with the recommendations of the Seville Strategy.

The basic principle of ‘The Seville Strategy’: Biosphere reserves should preserve and generate natural and cultural values through management that is scientifically correct, culturally creative and operationally sustainable.

Usage: You can cite his example in Ethics/ Environment paper or quote his story in an essay paper.

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Michel Batisse Award, Seville Strategy, Today's Article

Bagh print

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Bagh print

Context: Madhya Pradesh Women learn to make Bagh print bags under the ‘Safe Tourist Places project’.

Bagh Prints of Madhya Pradesh

Bagh Prints derived its name from the village Bagh on the banks of the Bagh River.
Bagh print and associated bags are known as an important part of Dhar’s identity.
The cloth used is usually cotton and silk cloth. However, it could be Kosa silk, bamboo chicks, cotton rugs, chiffon, crepe, georgette tissue, mulberry silk etc.
It is considered a 1000-year-old wooden hand-block print and is believed to be started by the Khatri community around the Indus Valley times.
This handicraft style is Geographically tagged and registered.

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Arts and Culture, Bagh Prints, GS1, Madhya Pradesh, Today's Article

ASI stumbles upon 13th Century tomb-like structure in Siri Fort

Source: IE

Context: A tomb-like structure was accidentally discovered in the Siri Fort area while the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) was carrying out renovation work.

About Siri Fort:

Siri Fort was built in the 13th Century by Alauddin Khilji, considered to be the most powerful ruler of the Khilji dynasty.
It was used as a garrison town where his army used to reside. Hauz Khas village was an extension of the fort, which was designed to meet the water needs of the army. The fort is currently in ruins and the only structure that remains is its boundary walls.

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Arts and Culture, GS1, Khilji Dynasty, Siri Fort, Today's Article

Birsa Munda

Source: ET

About Aadi Mahotsav:

It is a national tribal festival and a joint initiative of the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India & Tribal Cooperative Marketing Development Federation of India (TRIFED). The festival showcases traditional art and handicrafts and the cultural heritage of the country.

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Aadi Mahotsav, Birsa Munda, Today's Article

Water Crisis in Meghalaya

Source: DTE

Context: Meghalaya is facing a severe water crisis, with a significant decline in rainfall and depleted water sources.

Reasons for the water crisis:

A significant decrease in rainfall, climate change, deforestation, and unsustainable water management practices.
Meghalaya heavily relies on monsoons for its water supply, power, and agriculture. The decline in rainfall has led to depleted water sources, particularly in urban areas.
Operational concerns within the Public Health Engineering department, such as water losses and unaccounted-for water, also contribute to the crisis.
Insufficient rainfall has also caused a power crisis (using hydropower), with the main power source at risk of being shut down, further compounding the water crisis.

Why meghalaya is called the ‘abode of clouds’?

Meghalaya is called the ‘abode of clouds’ because it receives heavy rainfall throughout the year, leading to a cloudy and misty atmosphere.

Geographical reason:

Meghalaya receives rainfall throughout the year due to its geographical location and topography. The region is surrounded by hills and mountains. It is influenced by the southwest monsoon winds that bring moisture from the Bay of Bengal. The hilly terrain and dense forests of Meghalaya act as barriers, causing the moisture-laden clouds from the Southwest monsoon to rise and condense, resulting in continuous rainfall. This geographical setup creates a unique microclimate in Meghalaya, making it one of the wettest places on Earth.

About Mawsynram:

Mawsynram, in Meghalaya, receives the highest rainfall in India. It is reportedly the wettest place on Earth, with an average annual rainfall of 11,872 millimetres. Mawsynram lies in the funnel-shaped depression caused by the Khasi range in Meghalaya.

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Mawsynram, Today's Article, Water Crisis in Meghalaya

Atlantic declaration

Source: Whitehouse

Context: US and UK forged the ‘Atlantic Declaration’ with an aim to counter Russia, China and economic instability.

“The Atlantic Declaration: A Framework for a Twenty-First Century U.S.-UK Economic Partnership” outlines the commitment of the United States and the United Kingdom to strengthen their economic alliance to address global challenges.

It emphasizes the need for cooperation in critical and emerging technologies, economic security, digital transformation, clean energy, and defence.

Other such agreements: The Five Eyes Agreement (intelligence alliance comprising the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand); Open Skies Agreement (US-UK aviation agreement, 2007); UK-US Data Sharing Agreement (2019)

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Atlantic declaration, Today's Article

“Virgin Birth” by a crocodile

Source: TH

Context: Scientists have documented the first-known instance of a “virgin birth” by a crocodile, which had been living in isolation for 16 years at Costa Rican Zoo.

Scientists found DNA sequences showing it was a result of facultative parthenogenesis or reproduction without the genetic contribution of males.

About Facultative Parthenogenesis:

Facultative parthenogenesis is the term for when a female can produce offspring either sexually or via asexual reproduction. The phenomenon of FP has also been documented in other species of fish, birds, lizards and snakes. The scientists said this is the first-known example of a crocodile.

June 10, 2023 /“Virgin birth" by a crocodile, 10 June 2023, Facultative Parthenogenesis, GS3, SCIENCE, Today's Article

Trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise

Source: PIB

Context: India, France, and UAE successfully concluded their first-ever trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise between their navies

The exercise involved a range of operations at sea, including surface warfare, missile engagements, close-quarter manoeuvres, air defence exercises with French Rafale and UAE Dash 8 MPA, helicopter cross-landing operations, and drills for replenishment at sea.

Other similar exercises are: Varuna Exercise (Indian and French Navy); Desert Eagle Exercise (India and UAE armed forces); Al Nagah Exercise (Indian Army and Omani Army)

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Today's Article, Trilateral Maritime Partnership Exercise

Serbia

Mapping

Source: PIB

Context: The President of India, Smt Droupadi Murmu visited Belgrade, Serbia recently (1st by an Indian President)

Serbia, officially the Republic of Serbia, is a landlocked country in South-eastern and Central Europe, situated at the crossroads of the Pannonian Basin and the Balkans. Countries bordering it are Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, North Macedonia, Kosovo, Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. The Rivers flowing through it are the Danube, Sava and Tisa etc.

Tags: Serbia

June 10, 2023 /10 June 2023, Today's Article