Current Affairs 15 July 2024

CONTENTS

1. India’s Ambitious Airport Expansion Plan
2. Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024
3. Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling on PwDs in Media
4. Squalus Hima
5. NASA’s CHAPEA Project
6. Quantum Navigation
7. Upper Siang Hydropower Project

India’s Ambitious Airport Expansion Plan

Context:

India aims to double its number of operational airports to 300 by 2047, driven by an anticipated eightfold increase in passenger traffic. This ambitious expansion involves both developing existing airstrips and constructing new airports across the country to accommodate the growing demand.

Relevance:

GS III: Infrastructure

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Factors Driving the Expansion of India’s Aviation Sector
2. Challenges for the Expansion of Airports in India
3. Way Forward

Factors Driving the Expansion of India’s Aviation Sector

India’s aviation sector is undergoing significant expansion driven by multiple factors, aiming to meet the rising demand for air travel and enhance connectivity across the country.

Infrastructure Development and Upgradation

• Development of Airstrips: The Airports Authority of India (AAI) plans to upgrade 70 airstrips into airports capable of handling narrow-body aircraft like A320 or B737, enhancing connectivity to underserved regions.
• New Greenfield Airports: Locations such as Kota, Parandur, Kottayam, Puri, Purandar, Car Nicobar, and Minicoy are identified for new greenfield airports to support growing air travel demand where existing infrastructure is inadequate.
• UDAN Scheme: The implementation of the UDAN scheme has significantly improved connectivity to tier-II and -III cities, connecting 68 underserved/unserved destinations across India.

Projected Growth in Passenger Traffic

• Massive Increase in Passenger Traffic: Passenger traffic is expected to increase from 376 million annually to 3-3.5 billion by 2047, driven by economic growth and increasing affordability of air travel.
• International Traffic Growth: International traffic is projected to constitute 10-12% of this growth, reflecting India’s integration into the global aviation network.

Economic Factors

• Economic Growth: India’s robust economic growth is projected to increase per capita income substantially by 2047, making air travel more accessible to a larger segment of the population.
• Disposable Income: Rising disposable incomes are making air travel an affordable option for more people, particularly the growing middle class opting for air travel for business and leisure.

Cargo Sector Expansion

• Growing Air Cargo Demand: Beyond passenger traffic, there is a significant focus on expanding the air cargo sector driven by e-commerce growth and India’s ambition to become a key player in global air freight markets.
• Enhanced Cargo Infrastructure: New and expanded airports will incorporate enhanced cargo-handling capabilities to meet the rising demand for efficient air freight services.

International Hub Development

• Hub Development Strategy: India aims to position its major airports as international hubs, competing with global counterparts in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, to attract more international airlines, increase transit traffic, and boost tourism and business travel.

Under-Penetration of Air Travel

• Low Air Travel Penetration: Despite being one of the largest aviation markets, India’s air travel penetration remains low compared to developed countries. As income levels rise, there is considerable growth potential in air travel adoption.
• Projected Growth Opportunity: With rising incomes and increased affordability, there is expected to be a surge in demand for air travel, positioning the expansion plan to capitalize on this anticipated growth.

Challenges for the Expansion of Airports in India

India’s ambitious plans to expand its airport infrastructure face several challenges that need to be addressed for successful implementation and operation:

Land Acquisition and Urbanization

• Land Shortage: Increasing urbanization has exacerbated the shortage of suitable land for airport expansion, especially in larger towns and cities. The availability and cost of land can significantly impact the feasibility and timeline of airport projects.

Financial Requirements

• High Development Costs: India needs over USD 40 billion in airport development by 2047, with total expenditure potentially reaching USD 70-80 billion when including upgrades to airspace infrastructure and ground transportation. Securing adequate funding poses a significant challenge.

Saturation of Existing Airports

• Saturation of Key Hubs: Many existing airports, including critical hubs like Mumbai, are reaching or have reached saturation levels. The urgent need for new airports or substantial expansions of existing ones in several cities complicates development efforts.

Air Navigation Services (ANS) and Infrastructure

• Investment in ANS: Significant investments, estimated at USD 6-7 billion, are required in air navigation technology, human resources, and training to enhance operational efficiency and safety.
• Ground Transportation: Investments in ground transportation infrastructure to and from airports are essential and could be nearly as substantial as investments in the airports themselves. Lack of adequate surface connectivity can hinder airport viability and convenience.

Environmental Concerns

• Environmental Impact: Airport expansions often face opposition due to potential environmental impacts such as noise pollution and disruption to local habitats. Balancing development with environmental sustainability is crucial.

Way Forward

To overcome these challenges and ensure sustainable growth in the aviation sector, the following strategies can be considered:

• Development of Aerotropolis: Create special economic zones around airports, integrating business, logistics, and residential areas. This approach, similar to the “Aerotropolis” concept, can justify land acquisition and maximize economic benefits.
• Integrated Transportation Hubs: Develop integrated transportation hubs that connect airports directly to national rail networks, similar to Frankfurt Airport’s long-distance train station. This enhances airport accessibility and addresses surface transportation challenges.
• Sustainable Airport Design: Prioritize sustainable and environmentally friendly airport designs, akin to Oslo Airport’s use of biomass heating systems and eco-friendly technologies. Sustainable materials and practices can mitigate environmental impacts.
• Flexibility in Design: Design airports with flexibility for future expansion and adaptability to changing aviation trends. This ensures long-term viability and reduces the need for frequent large-scale expansions.
• Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs): Leverage PPP models, such as build-operate-transfer (BOT), to attract private investment and expertise. A robust PPP framework can help meet significant investment requirements while ensuring efficient operation and maintenance.
• Technological Advancements: Maximize airport capacity through advanced air traffic management systems and operational improvements. Technologies like biometric boarding and automated baggage handling systems enhance operational efficiency and passenger experience.

-Source: The Hindu

Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024

Context:

The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry (MoHUA) is working on a law – the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024,that would bring all urban land and building records in the national capital under a single Authority.

Relevance:

GS II Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Major Impediments in Urban Planning in India
2. Current Situation in the National Capital
3. Proposals in the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024
4. Significance of the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024

Major Impediments in Urban Planning in India

Lack of Accurate and Usable Maps

• According to the NITI Aayog’s ‘Urban Planning Capacity in India’ report, many major cities in India lack accurate and usable maps, which are crucial for effective urban planning.

Issues with Record of Rights (RoR)

• In some states, RoR is either non-existent or not updated after areas are urbanized.
• Revenue Departments often believe that urban records should be maintained by municipalities or urban development authorities, leading to gaps in crucial land records essential for urban planning.

Alignment of Spatial Plans with Land Records

• The absence of detailed and robust land records poses a significant challenge to urban planning processes and capacity.
• Successful execution of urban planning requires spatial plans to be aligned with accurate and updated land records.

Current Situation in the National Capital

Geographical Spread

• The National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi covers 1,483 sq km, with 1,114 sq km designated as urban areas.

Management of Land Records

• Rural land records are managed under the Delhi Land Reforms Act 1954 and Punjab Land Revenue Act 1887.
• However, there is currently no unified urban land and buildings records law or system in Delhi.
• Multiple agencies, including the Revenue Department, NDMC, MCD, L&DO, and DDA, manage different aspects of land records in Delhi.

Proposals in the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024

Establishment of a Single Authority

• The Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Authority will be established to oversee the creation and maintenance of urban land records.
• Chaired by the Delhi LG, the authority will include officials from DDA, MCD, NDMC, Delhi Cantonment Board, L&DO, and Revenue Department.

Urban Record of Rights (RoR)

• The proposed Bill will introduce provisions for an urban RoR containing comprehensive information on land holders, occupants, owners, mortgagees, and assignees of rent revenue.

Significance of the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Bill 2024

Uniformity in Land Records

• Currently, the absence of a single custodian for land records in Delhi results in fragmented records across various governance and planning entities.
• The Bill aims to establish uniform and comprehensive urban land records across all notified urban areas within the NCT of Delhi.

Centralized Authority

• With the enactment of this Bill, the Delhi Urban Land and Immovable Property Records Authority will streamline land administration and facilitate property title searches, addressing current inefficiencies.

Constitutional Framework

• Land in Delhi being a central subject under Article 239AA of the Constitution ensures that the proposed law does not alter the fundamental control of land policy in the capital.

-Source: The Hindu

Supreme Court’s Landmark Ruling on PwDs in Media

Context:

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court issued comprehensive guidelines to prevent stereotyping and discrimination against persons with disabilities (PwDs) in visual media, including films and documentaries. The guidelines were issued while hearing a plea to ban the film “Aaankh Micholi” for its derogatory portrayal of PwDs. However, the SC declined to interfere with the Central Board of Film Certification’s (CBFC) decision to clear the movie for public screening.

Relevance:

GS II: Polity and Governance

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Supreme Court’s Ruling on Representation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)
2. Significance of the Supreme Court’s Ruling
3. Shortcomings of the Ruling
4. Way Forward – Guidelines to Prevent Stereotyping and Discrimination of PwDs

Supreme Court’s Ruling on Representation of Persons with Disabilities (PwDs)

Emphasis on Authentic Representation

• The Supreme Court stressed the importance of authentic and respectful portrayal of individuals with disabilities in films and media.
• It underscored the societal impact of cinematic representations, emphasizing inclusivity and realism.

Limitations on Creative Freedom

• The court clarified that creative freedom does not extend to lampooning, stereotyping, misrepresenting, or disparaging marginalized communities, including PwDs.
• It recognized cinema’s influential role in shaping public perceptions and warned against perpetuating harmful stereotypes.

Constitutional Perspective

• According to Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, stereotyping undermines dignity and contradicts anti-discrimination principles.
• The ruling distinguishes between ‘disability humor’ that fosters understanding and ‘disablement humor’ that denigrates.

Significance of the Supreme Court’s Ruling

Industry and Activist Reception

• Welcomed by industry insiders and disability rights activists, the ruling marks a pivotal step in transforming the narrative around disability in India.
• It aligns with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016, aiming to safeguard the rights and dignity of PwDs in all facets of life.

Human Rights Model of Disability

• The ruling reinforces the human rights model of disability, obliging governments and private entities to ensure full participation of PwDs in society.
• This model contrasts with the medical model, asserting that PwDs are integral members of society with equal rights.

Shortcomings of the Ruling

Abstract Nature of Human Rights Model

• Implementation challenges arise due to the abstract nature of the human rights model of disability.
• The guidelines primarily address visual media, potentially limiting their scope in other forms of representation.

Creative Freedom Concerns

• Critics argue that the ruling may conflict with the principle of creative freedom, essential for artistic expression.

Way Forward – Guidelines to Prevent Stereotyping and Discrimination of PwDs

Seven-Point Guidelines for Filmmakers

• Filmmakers are expected to adhere to specific guidelines when portraying PwDs in visual media:
  • Avoiding derogatory language that perpetuates institutional discrimination and negative self-image.
  • Addressing social barriers in language and portrayal.
  • Ensuring accurate portrayal by consulting reliable medical information.
  • Avoiding myths and stereotypes, such as attributing enhanced sensory abilities to PwDs.
  • Practicing inclusion by involving PwDs in the creative process (“nothing about us, without us”).
  • Consulting disability rights advocacy groups to ensure accurate and respectful representation.
  • Providing training and sensitization programs for creators to enhance awareness and understanding.

-Source: Times of India

Squalus Hima

Context:

Scientists from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) recently discovered a new species of deep-water dogfish shark Squalus hima from a fishing harbour in Kerala along the Arabian Sea.

Relevance:

Facts for Prelims

About Squalus Hima

Discovery and Habitat

• Discovery: Squalus hima is a newly discovered species of dogfish shark found off the southwest coast of India.
• Genus: It belongs to the genus Squalus within the family Squalidae, commonly known as spurdogs.
• Characteristics: These sharks are characterized by smooth dorsal fin spines, an angular short snout, and a small mouth almost as wide as the snout.

Commercial Importance

• Exploitation: Squalus species are exploited for their liver oil, which is rich in squalene, highly valued in the pharmaceutical industry for making high-end cosmetics and anti-cancer products.
• Demand: They are in high demand due to their squalene content, which is essential in various pharmaceutical applications.

Distinguishing Features

• Physical Characteristics: Squalus hima differs from other species in the genus by several morphological features:
  • Number of precaudal vertebrae
  • Total vertebrae count
  • Teeth structure
  • Trunk and head heights
  • Fin structure and coloration

Comparison with Squalus lalannei

• Similarities and Differences: While similar to Squalus lalannei, Squalus hima exhibits distinct differences in various anatomical characteristics, highlighting its unique identity within the Squalus genus.

-Source: The Hindu

NASA’s CHAPEA Project

Context:

After a year-long simulated Mars mission as part of the CHAPEA project, a Nasa crew emerged from their 17,000 sq ft habitat at Johnson Space Centre.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Overview of NASA’s CHAPEA Project

Purpose and Objectives

• Crew Health and Performance Exploration Analog (CHAPEA) is a series of analog missions conducted by NASA.
• These missions simulate year-long stays on the surface of Mars to assess NASA’s food systems and human physical and behavioral health patterns for future space missions.

Mission Structure

• Each mission involves four crew members residing in Mars Dune Alpha, a 3D-printed habitat located at Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas.
• Mars Dune Alpha:
  • Structure: A 1,700-square-foot facility designed to simulate a realistic Mars habitat.
  • Features:
    • Four private crew quarters
    • Dedicated workstations
    • Medical station
    • Common lounge areas
    • Galley and food-growing stations

Simulation Details

• The analog missions aim to replicate Mars-realistic conditions, including environmental stressors such as resource limitations, isolation, equipment failures, and high workloads.
• Crew members will conduct simulated spacewalks and provide comprehensive data on physical and behavioral health, as well as performance metrics.

Upcoming Missions

• Following the recent successful mission, NASA has scheduled two more missions for 2025 and 2026 to further study and refine operational strategies for long-duration space exploration.

-Source: Times of India

Quantum Navigation

Context:

The United Kingdom recently carried out two separate quantum navigation tests, one aboard a Royal Navy ship and another on a small jet plane.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Quantum Navigation vs. GPS: Key Differences
2. What is GPS (Global Positioning System)?

Quantum Navigation vs. GPS: Key Differences

Quantum Navigation

• Principle: Quantum navigation focuses on tracking the movement of a single atom under cryogenic conditions, rather than relying on signals bouncing back from satellites in space.
• Location of System: Unlike satellite-based GPS, quantum navigation systems are embedded within individual vehicles, operating “at point of use”.
• Signal Stability: Signals in quantum navigation systems do not drift, making interception difficult and ensuring robust security against jamming.
• Susceptibility: Quantum navigation is ‘unjammable’ compared to traditional GNSS systems like GPS.
• Limitations: Current technology requires ultra-cold atoms and sizable equipment, limiting immediate widespread deployment.

What is GPS (Global Positioning System)?

Overview

• Definition: GPS is a space-based radio-navigation system consisting of satellites that broadcast signals used for determining precise location, velocity, and time information worldwide.
• Satellite Constellation: Approximately 31 GPS satellites orbit Earth at an altitude of about 11,000 miles.
• Operation: Managed by the U.S. Department of Defense (USDOD), GPS originally served military purposes but became available for civilian use in the 1980s.
• Functionality: Provides uninterrupted positioning and timing information under all weather conditions, globally, without subscription fees.
• Working Mechanism:
  • Satellites orbit the Earth in precise paths, transmitting unique signals and orbital data.
  • GPS receivers on Earth calculate their location by measuring the time it takes for signals from multiple satellites to reach them.
  • Through trilateration, receivers pinpoint exact coordinates by comparing distances from at least four satellites.

-Source: The Print

Upper Siang Hydropower Project

Context

Locals are protesting against the Upper Siang hydropower project in Arunachal Pradesh.

Relevance:

GS III: Science and Technology

Upper Siang Hydropower Project

Location and Scope

• The Upper Siang Hydropower Project is a proposed 11,000-megawatt hydropower project located on the Siang River in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh.
• The Siang River is part of the Brahmaputra River system in Arunachal Pradesh, India.
• The area is primarily inhabited by the Adi tribe, a prominent indigenous community in Arunachal Pradesh.

Project Management

• The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and North Eastern Electric Power Corporation (NEEPCO) have been jointly tasked with the construction and implementation of this ambitious project.

Pre-feasibility Report

• On 30 December 2022, NHPC submitted a pre-feasibility report detailing the project’s key parameters:
  • Installed Capacity: 11,000 MW
  • Reservoir Capacity: 9 billion cubic meters (BCM)
  • Estimated Cost: Approximately Rs. 1,13,000 crores

Strategic Importance

• The project is viewed as a strategic initiative to counterbalance China’s extensive hydropower developments on the Yarlung Zangbo River (Brahmaputra River) in Tibet.
• Of particular concern is China’s plan for a massive 60,000 MW ‘super dam’ in Tibet’s Medog county, which could have significant downstream implications.

-Source: The Hindu