CURRENT AFFAIRS - 15 May 2024

Coir Geotextiles:
• Material: Coir geotextiles are made from coconut fibers, which are biodegradable, eco-friendly, and provide good
mechanical strength.
• Function: When laid on the sides of waterbodies, these textiles stabilize the soil, preventing erosion caused by water
flow, and help in vegetative growth by retaining soil moisture.
• Benefits:
◦ Erosion Control: Reduces soil erosion on slopes and banks.
◦ Water Management: Helps in controlling surface runoff during heavy rains.
◦ Vegetation Support: Facilitates the growth of vegetation which further stabilizes the soil.
• Applications: Commonly used for protecting the banks of rivers, ponds, streams, and slopes along roads and
embankments.
Similar Practices:
1. Jute Geotextiles: Made from jute fibers.
• Similar to coir geotextiles in function and benefits.
• Used for soil stabilization, erosion control, and promoting vegetation growth.
2. Synthetic Geotextiles: Made from synthetic materials like polyester or polypropylene.
• Durable and used in a variety of civil engineering projects including road construction, drainage, and erosion control.
• Non-biodegradable but effective in areas requiring long-term stabilization.
3. Mulching: Using organic or inorganic materials to cover the soil surface.
• Helps retain soil moisture, control weeds, and reduce soil erosion.
• Common materials include straw, wood chips, and plastic sheets.
4. Riprap: Involves placing large stones or boulders along shorelines, riverbanks, and slopes.
• Provides immediate protection against erosion from water flow.
• Often used in combination with other methods like geotextiles for enhanced stability.
 • Former Army officer Colonel Waibhav Anil Kale was killed and another staff member injured when their vehicle was struck.
◦ He was working with the United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)
• They were travelling to the European Hospital in Rafah, the southernmost city in the Gaza Strip.
• This makes it the first international casualty for the world body - (UNDSS) - since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas
conflict on October 7, 2023

United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS)

The United Nations Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS) is a crucial entity within the UN system, responsible for
providing leadership, operational support, and oversight of the security management system to enable the safest and most
efficient conduct of UN operations globally.
• Established in 2005 to unify and professionalize security management within the UN system.
Primary Functions:
1. Security Management:
• Develops and implements security policies and procedures to protect UN personnel, assets, and operations.
• Coordinates global security operations across various UN agencies and entities.
2. Risk Assessment and Analysis:
• Conducts threat and risk assessments to determine the security needs and measures required in different regions and
countries.
3. Operational Support:
• Provides guidance and support during crises, including natural disasters, conflicts, and other emergencies.
• Ensures preparedness and response capabilities through training and capacity building.
4. Crisis Management:
• Manages the UN’s response to security incidents and crises, ensuring coordinated action and communication.
• Establishes and operates emergency operations centers when necessary.
5. Training and Development:
• Offers security training programs for UN personnel to enhance their safety awareness and capabilities.
• Develops specialised training for security professionals within the UN system.
6. Policy Development:
• Formulates and updates security policies to adapt to changing global security landscapes.
• Ensures consistent application of security protocols across all UN operations.
Significance:
• Safety of Personnel: Ensures the safety and security of UN staff, enabling them to operate effectively in challenging
environments.
• Operational Continuity: Supports the uninterrupted conduct of UN missions and programs, particularly in high-risk
areas.
• Crisis Response: Enhances the UN’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to security emergencies, protecting both
personnel and operations.
• Global Presence: Operates in various countries worldwide, providing localized security support tailored to specific
regional threats and challenges.
Key Areas of Operation:
• Conflict zones
• Natural disaster areas
• Locations with significant political instability
• Regions with high crime rates
Collaborations:
• Works in partnership with host governments, local authorities, and other international organizations to ensure a
comprehensive security approach.
• Collaborates with UN agencies, funds, and programs to maintain a unified security strategy.
The UNDSS plays a vital role in ensuring the security and safety of UN operations around the globe. By providing risk
assessments, policy guidance, and crisis management support, the UNDSS enables the UN to carry out its mission in even the
most volatile and dangerous environments.

India-Iran Chabahar Port Agreement and Potential U.S. Sanctions

• New Agreement: India and Iran have signed a new 10-year agreement to develop the Chabahar port, involving a $120
million investment in equipment and a $250 million credit window from India.
• U.S. Sanctions Risk: The U.S. State Department has indicated potential risks of sanctions associated with this new
agreement, questioning whether the special exemption granted to India in 2018 will apply to this phase of development.
• Historical Context:
◦ 2018 Exemption: India previously received a carve-out exemption from U.S. sanctions, allowing it to operate the
Shahid Beheshti Terminal at Chabahar despite sanctions on Iran.
◦ Purpose of Exemption: The exemption was part of U.S.-India diplomatic efforts to support Afghanistan's democratic
government and reconstruction.
• Current U.S. Position:
◦ The U.S. maintains that sanctions on Iran are still in place and warns of the potential risks for entities engaging in
business with Iran.
◦ The specific carve-out clause in the Iran Freedom and Counter-Proliferation Act (IFCA) allows exemptions for
humanitarian aid to Iran and assistance for Afghanistan, if deemed in the U.S. national interest.
• Uncertainty Ahead:
◦ The Indian External Affairs Ministry is analyzing the U.S. response.
 ◦ With upcoming elections in both India and the U.S., the situation may remain unclear for several months.
• Strategic Importance:
◦ Chabahar Port: Strategically significant for India’s access to Afghanistan and Central Asia, bypassing Pakistan.
◦ Geopolitical Implications: The development of Chabahar port is critical for India’s regional strategy and trade routes.

NISAR Satellite
• Full Name: NASA-ISRO Synthetic Aperture Radar (NISAR) satellite
• Launch Site: Sriharikota, India
• Development: Joint project between NASA (USA) and ISRO (India)
• Payloads:
◦ S-band radar: Developed by ISRO
◦ L-band radar: Developed by NASA
◦ Large deployable antenna: Contributed by NASA

Unique Features:
1. Dual-band Radar: Utilizes both S-band and L-band radars for detailed Earth observation.
2. Global Coverage: Can cover the entire Earth approximately every 14 to 15 days.
3. High-Resolution Monitoring: Can detect tectonic movements with centimeter-level accuracy.
Applications:
• Environmental Monitoring: Assesses vegetation cover, water bodies, snow cover, and surface changes.
• Agricultural Insights: Tracks agricultural patterns, yield predictions, and desertification.
• Geological Studies: Measures tectonic plate movements and other geological phenomena.
• Water Resource Management: Identifies water stress and deficiency areas.
• Climate Change Research: Provides data on various climate-related changes.
Launch Timeline:
• Expected Launch: Initially planned for July, but possibly delayed to October-November due to corrections needed on the
U.S. side of the spacecraft.
Significance:
• Collaborative Effort: Strengthens international cooperation between NASA and ISRO.
• Advanced Capabilities: Enhances both countries' abilities to monitor and manage environmental and geological
changes.
• Comprehensive Data: Offers extensive and precise data for a variety of scientific and practical applications, benefiting
both India and the U.S.
Bio-Energy Projects Using Pine Needles in Uttarakhand
Overview:
• Initiative: Set up by the Uttarakhand Renewable Energy Development Agency (UREDA)
• Purpose: To generate electricity using flammable pine needles
• Outcome: Unsuccessful due to lack of sustainable technology
Key Points:
• Project Implementation:
◦ Plants Commissioned: Six bio-energy plants have been set up so far.
◦ Future Expansion: Unlikely to add more plants due to technological challenges.
• Resource Potential:
◦ Forest Area: 16.36% (approximately 3,99,329 hectares) of Uttarakhand’s forest area is covered by chir pine (Pinus
roxburghii) forests.
◦ Biomass Generation: Annually, over 15 lakh tonnes of pine leaves are produced.
◦ Utilization Potential: If 40% of the estimated pine needles, along with other agricultural residues, were utilized, it
could significantly contribute to the State’s power requirements and provide employment opportunities.
Significance:
The Uttarakhand government has faced reprimands from the Supreme Court regarding forest fire management.
• Valuable Resource: Pine needles represent a potentially valuable resource for energy generation and employment.
• Technological Development: The need for advanced and sustainable technology to effectively use pine needles for bio-
energy.
• Environmental Management: Reducing pine needle load could help mitigate forest fire risks.
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• A Prairie Forest is an ecological transition zone where prairie grasslands meet forested areas.
◦ These regions are characterised by a mix of grasses, shrubs, and scattered trees.
 ◦ Prairie forests often have a diverse range of plant and animal species due to the blending of grassland and forest
ecosystems.
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