Syria and Middle East Tension | UPSC Current Affairs 2024, GS Paper 3 Updates | allindiaserviceexam.blogspot.com

 The Syria and Middle East tension is a complex geopolitical issue involving a multitude of countries, factions, and interests. It has evolved over several decades and continues to shape the region’s political, economic, and social landscape. Here is an overview of the situation:

1. Background to Tensions

The tensions in Syria and the broader Middle East are rooted in a combination of historical, political, religious, and socio-economic factors, including:

• Colonial Legacy: The drawing of borders by colonial powers like Britain and France in the early 20th century created artificial boundaries that did not reflect ethnic, religious, or tribal realities on the ground.
• Ethnic and Religious Divisions: The region is home to a mix of Sunni Muslims, Shia Muslims, Christians, Kurds, and various minority groups. The competition for power and resources between these communities has often led to violence.
• Authoritarian Regimes: Many Middle Eastern countries, including Syria, have been ruled by authoritarian leaders for decades. The lack of political freedoms and economic opportunities has fueled discontent.

2. The Syrian Civil War (2011-Present)

The Syrian conflict is at the heart of the Middle East’s recent tensions and has had profound consequences for both the region and the world:

• Origin of the Conflict: The war began in 2011 as part of the wider Arab Spring protests, when Syrians called for reforms and the end of President Bashar al-Assad’s authoritarian rule. The Assad regime's violent crackdown on protesters escalated into a full-blown civil war.
• Involvement of External Powers:
  • Russia: Russia is a key ally of Bashar al-Assad, providing military support and diplomatic backing. Russia’s intervention in 2015 turned the tide in favor of Assad, helping him regain control of much of the country.
  • United States: The U.S. has supported Kurdish forces (like the Syrian Democratic Forces or SDF) and other opposition groups, primarily aiming to combat the Islamic State (ISIS) and counter Iranian influence.
  • Iran: Iran has been a staunch supporter of the Assad regime, sending troops and military advisors to Syria and providing financial aid. Iran sees the survival of Assad as crucial for maintaining its influence in the region.
  • Turkey: Turkey has been involved in northern Syria, supporting rebel groups and military operations against Kurdish forces, which it considers a terrorist organization (due to their links with the PKK, a Kurdish separatist group).
  • Saudi Arabia and Gulf States: These countries have supported various opposition factions, including Islamist groups, in an effort to weaken Iranian influence in Syria and to counter Shia dominance in the region.

3. Broader Middle East Tensions

House Disruption | UPSC Current Affairs 2024 | allindiaserviceexam.blogspot.com

House disruptions refer to interruptions or disturbances that occur during the functioning of a legislative body, such as a parliament or state assembly. These disruptions can manifest in various forms, including protests, walkouts, adjournments, or the suspension of proceedings. They are often caused by disagreements or conflicts between lawmakers, or by protests over specific issues or policies.

Key Aspects of House Disruptions:

1. Types of Disruptions:

   • Walkouts: When a group of legislators leaves the House in protest against a decision or issue, effectively halting proceedings.
   • Protests and Rallies: Members of the House may gather or shout slogans during debates to express their disagreement with a particular issue.
   • Ruckus and Chaos: This can include shouting, slogans, or even physical disruptions, leading to adjournment or suspension of the session.
   • Refusal to Participate in Debates: Members may intentionally avoid debating or discussing issues to show their discontent with the proceedings.

2. Causes of Disruptions:

   • Policy Disagreements: Disputes over proposed policies, such as new laws, amendments, or budgetary allocations, often lead to disruptions.
   • Controversial Issues: Issues like corruption, governance failures, or sensitive matters (e.g., national security, religious or social rights) can spark protests and disruptions.
   • Unfair Practices or Bias: Members may protest if they feel that the House is not functioning fairly or is biased toward certain parties.
   • Opposition to Government Actions: In many cases, disruptions occur when the opposition party disagrees with the ruling government's decisions or leadership.

3. Impact of Disruptions:

   • Delays in Legislation: Frequent disruptions can delay the passage of important laws, budgets, or reforms.
   • Loss of Productivity: The time spent in disruptions is often unproductive, impacting the efficiency of the legislative process.
   • Negative Public Perception: Prolonged disruptions can damage the reputation of lawmakers and the institution, leading to criticism from the public and media.
   • Legal or Constitutional Implications: If disruptions prevent the House from meeting quorum or completing its work, there could be constitutional or procedural issues related to the functioning of the legislature.

4. Solutions to Prevent Disruptions:

What are the disadvantages of Tungsten Mining ?

 Tungsten mining, while valuable for its industrial applications, presents several environmental and social challenges. Some of the disadvantages of tungsten mining include:

1. Environmental Impact:

   • Habitat Destruction: Mining operations can lead to deforestation, soil erosion, and the destruction of local ecosystems, particularly in areas rich in biodiversity.
   • Water Pollution: The use of chemicals in mining, such as solvents and heavy metals, can contaminate water sources. This can affect aquatic life and local communities dependent on these water supplies.
   • Air Pollution: Dust and particulate matter from mining can pollute the air, impacting both the environment and the health of nearby communities.
   • Waste Disposal: The extraction of tungsten generates large amounts of waste, which can be difficult to manage and often contains toxic substances that can leach into the soil and water.

2. Health Risks:

   • Occupational Hazards: Miners are exposed to harmful substances, such as arsenic and radon, which are sometimes found in tungsten ores. Long-term exposure can lead to respiratory diseases, cancers, and other health problems.
   • Lead and Heavy Metal Exposure: Workers may also be exposed to other heavy metals like lead, which can have severe health consequences over time.

3. Energy Intensive:

Doklam Plateau Issue

1. The region falls within Bhutanese Territory.
   
2. India and Bhutan 2007 Friendship Treaty, Which provide regulations for border dispute
3. The India side puts it near Batangla, while China claims that it is located at Mt.Gipmochi further south.
4. The Chumbi Valley is vital for India, and any change is fraught with dangerous possibilities.
5. The incident stems from difference between India and Bhutan on the one hand and China on the other hand as to the exact location of the tri-junction at BATANG LA between three countries .

ISSUES : 

INDIA - National Security .

CHINA- Sovereignty.

NOTE :

It would bring China within striking distance of India's vulnerable "Chicken Neck", the SILIGURI Coridor, the life line of North-East. This has always been seen as India's "ACHILLES HEEL(a weakness or vulnerable point.)" 

Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate (PETN)

1. PETN is one of the most powerful explosive materials.
2. It is also used as a Vasodilator drug to treat certain heart conditions, such as for management of Angina.

Goldilocks Zone

The Goldilocks Zone is distance from our star means , it is neither too hot, nor too cold to support liquid water- thought to be a key ingredient of life.

Proxima Centauri:

A cool dwarf star, situated near sun.

It is observed by the Astrosat, Chandra and Hubble Space Telescope.

SVAROP: Scientific Validation and Research on PANCHAGAVYA

" National Programme" Conducted by Department of Science and Technology, Department of Bio-Technology and CSIR of the Ministry of Science and Tech in collaboration with IIT-Delhi.

It will cover, " Scientific Validation of Panchagavya for Medicines and Health, Scientific Validation of its Agriculture Products and Applications , and Scientific Validation of Food and Nutrition.