UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 1 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024)

1. Impacts of Declining Population

GS Paper 3:

2. Wind Energy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Comics Commandos

2. Opting Out of Traditional Masculinity

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Shahjahanpur & 1857 Rebellion

2. QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025

3. ‘EV as a Service’ Programme

4. Article 6 – Carbon Credits

5. Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher

6. Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative

7. State of Food and Agriculture 2024

Mapping:

1. Sirpur Ramsar Site

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024

GS Paper 1:

Impacts of Declining Population

Syllabus: Population and Associated Issues

Source:  TH

 Context: India is witnessing a demographic shift, with falling fertility rates and a rapidly ageing population in several states, especially in the south. Policymakers are grappling with the implications of this transition, including its socio-economic and political impacts.

Present Demographic Status in India

• Declining Fertility Rates:
  • National average: 2.0 (below replacement level of 2.1).
  • Southern states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala): 1.4-1.5.
  • Bihar and Uttar Pradesh: Above 2.5.
• Ageing Population:
  • Senior citizens in India: 10.1% in 2021, projected to rise to 15% by 2036 (UNFPA).
  • Kerala: Elderly population projected to be 22.8% by 2036.
  • States like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh face high old-age dependency ratios.
• Old-Age Dependency Ratio:
  • Kerala: 26.1%, Tamil Nadu: 20.5%, compared to 7.7% in Bihar.

Impacts of Declining Population:

• Positive Impacts

• • Reduced Strain on Resources: Slower population growth reduces pressure on infrastructure, natural resources, and basic services.
  • Increased per capita resources: Smaller population size allows for better distribution of resources per individual.
  • Environmental benefits: Reduced demand for energy, water, and land leads to lower ecological footprints.

• Negative impacts

• • Economic slowdown: Lower working-age population reduces productivity and GDP growth. Decline in sectors reliant on youth demand (education, entertainment, sports).
  • Federal issue: Uneven population growth is set to shake up the federal structure, with the current freeze on the number of seats in Parliament set to expire in 2026.
  • Higher healthcare costs: Increased focus on geriatric care and rising health expenses for ageing populations.
  • Labour shortage: Shrinking workforce impacts industries, services, and agriculture.
  • Social security challenges: Fewer contributions to pension systems strain financial resources for elderly care.
  • Geopolitical risks: Reduced youthfulness may weaken national defense capabilities, increasing susceptibility to threats.

Case studies:

Way ahead:

• Pro-natalist policies with caution: Incentivize childbearing but focus on gender-equitable policies like parental leave, affordable childcare, and workplace flexibility.
• Leverage migration: Attract and retain economic migrants to balance population gaps and meet labour demands.
• Extend working lifespan: Encourage policies for delayed retirement and retraining older workers to remain economically active.
• Strengthen social security: Develop robust pension systems and healthcare frameworks to support the ageing population.
• Boost Productivity with Technology: Invest in automation, AI, and robotics to offset labour shortages and enhance efficiency.

 Conclusion:

While India transitions to an ageing society, proactive measures are essential to harness opportunities and mitigate challenges. Policies must balance promoting sustainable fertility rates, improving social security, and ensuring economic stability to maintain India’s growth trajectory.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

Wind Energy

Syllabus: Renewable Energy

Source:  TH

Context: Tamil Nadu, a pioneer in wind power, is facing challenges regarding outdated wind turbines, repowering policies, and land constraints. The Tamil Nadu Repowering, Refurbishment and Life Extension Policy – 2024 aims to address these issues but has received opposition from stakeholders citing financial and operational concerns.

India’s Wind Energy Capacity and Potential: (Source: National Institute of Wind Energy)

• Potential:
  • At 150m height: 1,163.86 GW
  • At 120m height: 695.51 GW (including 68.75 GW in Tamil Nadu).
  • Utilized nationally: ~6.5%; Tamil Nadu: ~15%.
• Installed Capacity:
  • Total: 44.89 GW (as of 2024).
  • Tamil Nadu: 10,603.5 MW, second largest in India.
  • Leading states: Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh (~93% of total).

(Source:  MNRE Database – Read image from prelims perspective too, Eg: highest wind potential state at 120m and 150m, order wise potential etc..)

Maintenance of Wind Turbines:

• Repowering: Complete replacement of old turbines (<2 MW) with modern ones for higher efficiency.
• Refurbishing: Enhancements such as taller towers, new blades, or upgraded gearboxes.
• Life Extension: Safety measures to extend the lifespan of existing turbines.
• Challenges: Requires investment in land, technology, and evacuation infrastructure.

Repowering and Refurbishing:

• Advantages:
  • Increased generation capacity (e.g., replacing a 250kW turbine with a 2.5 MW turbine).
  • Efficient land use at high-potential sites.
• Challenges:
  • Land constraints due to habitation.
  • Loss of banking facilities for repowered turbines (Tamil Nadu).
  • Inadequate transmission infrastructure (e.g., Aralvaimozhi site).

Pros and Cons of Wind Energy:

Way ahead:

• Policy refinements: Address financial and operational challenges to incentivize repowering.
• Infrastructure development: Strengthen evacuation and transmission networks at high-potential sites.
• Sustainability measures: Ensure balance between environmental concerns and energy needs.
• Technology adoption: Leverage modern turbines for higher efficiency and land optimization.

Conclusion:

India’s wind energy sector holds immense potential to drive renewable energy goals. While repowering and refurbishing offer significant benefits, addressing financial, land, and infrastructure challenges is crucial for long-term sustainability and increased contribution to energy needs.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Comics Commandos

Context: In Assam’s Goalpara district, a unique initiative called “Comics Commandos” has been launched to combat child labour and child marriage.

About Comics Commandos

• Purpose: To campaign against social evils like child labour and child marriage using grassroots comics.
• Execution: Thirty local youths trained to create comic strips with minimum text and humour for better public engagement.
• Approach: Visual storytelling resonates more effectively with the community, focusing on local issues like child abuse and economic hardships.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus

• Social Issues: Use of innovative tools in combating child labour, child marriage, and dropout rates (GS-I).
• Governance: Role of grassroots initiatives in empowering local communities and addressing rights violations (GS-II).
• Ethics and Society: Promoting ethical awareness through creative methods (GS-IV).
• Essay Writing: Demonstrates creative approaches to tackling social challenges.
• Case Studies: Example of community-driven solutions for ethical dilemmas like child rights and education.

Opting Out of Traditional Masculinity

Anecdote: Lalita Iyer’s journey of raising her son exemplifies the shift from enforcing traditional masculinity to nurturing good human beings. As a single mother, she created an ecosystem where her son could thrive beyond the constraints of gender roles. From rejecting the pink-and-blue binary to teaching him life skills like cooking, managing finances, and fostering empathy, she reshaped the narrative of masculinity. Her son, in turn, became an advocate of feminism, rejecting toxic masculinity and embracing values of equality and inclusivity. This story emphasizes that breaking societal norms starts at home, challenging patriarchy one step at a time.

Relevance to UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• Ethics and Integrity (GS-IV):

• Topics on gender sensitivity, breaking stereotypes, and fostering inclusivity in personal and societal spheres.
• Use in case studies related to parenting and societal change.

• Society (GS-I): Questions on gender roles, patriarchy, and redefining masculinity in Indian society.
• Essay Paper: Themes like gender equality, toxic masculinity, and raising empathetic individuals.

• Interview: Discussions around personal views on gender norms, patriarchy, and role of parenting in societal reform.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Shahjahanpur & 1857 Rebellion

Source: FPJ

Context: In Shahjahanpur, Uttar Pradesh, a remarkable cache of weapons believed to be from the 1857 Indian Rebellion was unearthed by a farmer.

Shahjahanpur in the 1857 Rebellion:

• Formation and Context: Shahjahanpur district, formed in 1813-14 under British administration, became a key site of the 1857 uprising due to local grievances and revolutionary fervour.
• Role of Sepoys: The 28th Indian Infantry, stationed in Shahjahanpur, was central to the rebellion, angered by rumours of greased cartridges and adulterated flour.
• Initial Uprising: On May 31, 1857, sepoys attacked the European gathering at the Roman Catholic Church, seized the treasury, and released prisoners from the jail.
• Governance by Revolutionaries: Revolutionary leaders Qadir Ali Khan and Ghulam Husain Khan were appointed joint governors, declaring British rule overthrown in the district.
• Resistance Against British Recapture: Freedom fighters confined British troops in a fortified jail for 10 days during the British counterattack in 1858. Betrayal by locals and reinforcements eventually allowed the British to regain control.
• Violent Repression: After recapturing Shahjahanpur, the British brutally suppressed the self-rule movement, quelling the revolutionary fervor in the region.
• Significance:
  • Shahjahanpur played a key role in the 1857 Rebellion, housing revolutionaries like Maulvi Ahmadullah Shah and Nana Sahib.
  • It showcased widespread discontent and the symbolic destruction of British authority.

Insta links:

QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025

Source:  PIB

Context: The QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025 celebrates India’s significant progress in higher education, with seven institutions in the top 100 and two in the top 50.

• Indian universities excelled in metrics like “Papers per Faculty” and “Staff with PhD,” highlighting the nation’s focus on academic and research excellence.

Key Points from QS World University Rankings: Asia 2025:

• Coverage: Assessed 984 institutions across 25 Asian countries.
• Top Rankings for India:
  • IIT Delhi: Ranked 44th, India’s highest, with a 99% employer reputation score.
  • IIT Bombay: Ranked 48th, achieving 99.5% in employer reputation.
  • University of Delhi: Moved up to 81st with a 96.4% score in International Research Network.
• Top 100 Institutions: Seven Indian institutions made the cut, including IIT Madras (56), IIT Kharagpur (60), IISc Bangalore (62), and IIT Kanpur (67).
• Emerging Leaders: University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES) climbed 70 spots to 148th.
• Research Excellence:
  • Anna University: Achieved a perfect score of 100 in “Papers Per Faculty.”
  • 15 universities scored above 99% in “Staff with PhD.”
  • North Eastern Hill University and University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore scored 100 in the “Faculty-Student” indicator.
• Decade of Growth: India now has 46 institutions in the rankings, up from 11 in 2015, marking a 318% increase.

About QS World University Rankings:

• Organization: Published annually by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), a global higher education analytics firm based in London.
• Focus Areas: Evaluates universities on four core dimensions:
  • Research
  • Teaching
  • Employability
  • International Outlook
• Performance Indicators: Uses six weighted metrics for assessment:

• Academic Reputation (40%): Reflects opinions of academic experts on teaching and research quality.
• Faculty/Student Ratio (20%): Assesses teaching capacity based on student-to-teacher ratio.
• Citations Per Faculty (20%): Measures research impact via citations over a five-year span.
• Employer Reputation (10%): Surveys employers to gauge the perceived employability of graduates.
• International Faculty (5%): Tracks the diversity of teaching staff.
• International Students (5%): Indicates an institution’s global appeal to students.

Insta links:

‘EV as a Service’ Programme

Source:   PIB

 Context: The Government of India, through CESL, launched the ‘EV as a Service’ programme to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption in government offices, contributing to the nation’s sustainability goals and commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2070.

About ‘EV as a Service’ Programme:

• Launched by: Convergence Energy Services Limited (CESL), under Energy Efficiency Services Limited (EESL).
• Ministry: Ministry of Power and Housing & Urban Affairs.
• Aim: To deploy 5,000 E-Cars in Central and State Government ministries/departments over the next two years to promote e-mobility and reduce emissions.
• Implementation: Flexible procurement model, allowing government departments to choose from a variety of E-Car makes/models suitable for their operational needs.
• Features:
  • Supports government sustainability and net-zero targets by 2070.
  • Focuses on reducing carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels.
  • CESL has already deployed 2,000 E-Cars and facilitated 17,000 E-Buses across India.
  • Includes an EV rally featuring a range of electric vehicles to showcase e-mobility diversity.

Insta links:

Article 6 – Carbon Credits

Source:  DD News

Context: At the COP29 climate summit in Azerbaijan, countries aim to finalize rules for a global carbon offset trading system under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enhancing international cooperation in emission reductions.

About Carbon Offsets:

• Definition: Mechanisms enabling governments or companies to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by funding emission reduction projects elsewhere.
• Examples: Solar installations, electric vehicle adoption, mangrove restoration.
• Purpose: Support emission reduction goals and facilitate global climate finance.

About Article 6 of the Paris Agreement:

• Purpose: Framework for international carbon trading to meet climate goals.
• Mechanisms:
  • Article 6.2: Bilateral agreements for trading carbon credits.
  • Article 6.4: UN-managed centralized trading system.
• Significance: Drives climate finance to developing countries and ensures compliance with NDCs.

Decisions so far:

• COP26 (Glasgow): Established a broad framework for carbon credit trading.
• COP28 (Dubai): Failed to operationalize the central trading system or clarify bilateral trading rules.
• Current Progress:
  • 91 bilateral agreements across 56 countries.
  • Concerns remain about double-counting and the robustness of credit verification.

Insta Links:

Pinaka Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher

Source:  TH

Context: France is evaluating India’s Pinaka multi-barrel rocket launcher (MBRL) system for its military requirements, highlighting the growing defense ties between India and France.

About Pinaka Rocket Missile System:

• Type: Multi-Barrel Rocket Launcher (MBRL) designed by DRDO’s Armament Research and Development Establishment (ARDE).
• First Use: Played a crucial role in neutralizing enemy positions during the Kargil War.
• Targets: Effective against enemy troops, vehicles, communication centers, air terminals, and ammunition depots.
• Features:
  • Launcher system includes a multi-tube launcher vehicle, command post vehicle, and replenishment vehicles.
  • Can fire 12 rockets in 48 seconds, covering an area of 700 × 500 square meters.
  • Mounted on a Tatra truck for mobility with hydraulically actuated outriggers for stability during firing.
• Range:
  • Current range of 38-75 km.
  • Guided extended-range variants in development to increase range to 120 km and eventually to 300 km.

Insta Links:

Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response Initiative

Source:  IE

Context: The Government of India has launched the “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” initiative to bolster animal health security as a preventive measure against future pandemics

About the ‘Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response’ Initiative:

• Launched in: October 25, 2024
  • The project was approved by the Pandemic Fund, created by G20 countries under Indonesian presidency in 2022.
• Ministry: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying
• Aim:
  • Enhance capacity to prevent, detect, and respond to animal health threats.
  • Reduce risks of zoonotic disease transmission to humans.
• Implementing agencies: Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)
• Timeline: Expected completion by August 2026
• Funds: $25 million from the Pandemic Fund under the G20 initiative
• Features:
  • Strengthen disease surveillance and early warning systems.
  • Upgrade laboratory networks and vaccine manufacturing facilities.
  • Improve interoperable data systems and analytics.
  • Build human resources capacity and address institutional gaps.
  • Foster regional cooperation for cross-border disease management.

Insta Links:

State of Food and Agriculture 2024

Source:  DTE

Context: The State of Food and Agriculture 2024 report by the FAO highlights the hidden costs of agrifood systems globally, particularly in India, where dietary risks contribute to a $1.3 trillion burden annually, largely due to non-communicable diseases linked to unhealthy diets.

State of Food and Agriculture 2024: Key Highlights

• Hidden Costs in Agrifood Systems:
  • India: $1.3 trillion annually (third highest globally, after China and the USA).
    • 73% of costs stem from unhealthy dietary patterns, including overconsumption of processed foods and insufficient intake of plant-based foods.
  • Global Estimate: $12 trillion annually, with $8.1 trillion arising from dietary risks.
• Health Impacts:
  • Non-communicable diseases (heart disease, diabetes) dominate the hidden costs in India.
  • High processed food consumption ($128 billion cost) and low plant-based food intake ($846 billion cost).
• Environmental and Social Costs:
  • Greenhouse gas emissions and nitrogen runoff from food production significantly contribute to environmental degradation.
• Recommendations:
  • Sustainable Practices: Provide financial incentives to promote eco-friendly food supply chain practices.
  • Healthier Diets: Enact policies making nutritious food affordable and accessible.
  • Environmental Action: Encourage reductions in emissions and harmful land use through certifications and industry-wide initiatives.
  • Consumer Awareness: Empower consumers with transparent information about the environmental and social impacts of food choices.

About Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO):

• Mandate: Improve global nutrition, agricultural productivity, rural living standards, and economic growth.
• Functions:
  • Conducts research, provides technical assistance, and coordinates global agricultural efforts.
  • Maintains data on production, trade, and agricultural consumption.
  • Publishes major reports, including The State of the World’s Forests, State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture and State of Agricultural Commodity Markets.
• Established: October 1945.
• Headquarters: Rome, Italy.
• Members: 194 countries and the European Union.
• Funding: 100% funded by member contributions.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 November 2024 Mapping:

Sirpur Ramsar Site

Source:  TOI

Context: In a decisive move to protect the ecological significance of the Sirpur Ramsar site, the Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) launched a demolition drive on Saturday to remove unauthorized encroachments.

About Sirpur Wetland:

• Location: A 670-acre lake in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, over 130 years old.
• Created by: Maharaja Shivajirao Holkar for water supply and recreation.
• Ramsar recognition: Declared a Ramsar site in 2022.
• Ecological importance: Inhabited by 189 bird species from 55 families alongside reptiles, insects, butterflies, and fish.
• Restoration: Revived from severe deterioration to an urban wetland of international ecological importance.
• Water sources: Fed by three channels, with Sukhniwas Lake being the most significant.

Insta Links:

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 11 Nov 2024

Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE

Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Official Facebook Page HERE

Twitter Account HERE

Instagram Account HERE

LinkedIn: HERE