UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 November 2024)

1. Decline In Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure

2. Antimicrobial Resistance

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Prevalence Of Violence

2. Social Engineering

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Dicliptera polymorpha

2. Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

3. Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Eurasian Otter

4. Eurasian Otter

5. Digital Euro

6. Lightning Rods

Mapping:

1. Mattupetty Dam

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

Decline In Out-Of-Pocket Expenditure

Syllabus: Health

Source:  PIB

 Context: The National Health Accounts (NHA) 2021-22 data highlights a significant decline in Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE) on healthcare, attributed to increased government investments, enhanced public healthcare infrastructure, and expanded health insurance coverage.

What is Out-of-Pocket Expenditure (OOPE)?

• Definition: OOPE refers to direct payments made by individuals for healthcare services such as consultations, medicines, diagnostics, and hospitalizations.
• Impact: High OOPE often burdens low-income families, leading to financial hardships, debt, and reduced access to essential healthcare services.

Recent trends in OOPE:

• OOPE as a percentage of Total Health Expenditure (THE) has consistently declined over the years.
• Increased government spending and social security initiatives have helped reduce the financial burden on individuals.
• Per capita health expenditure tripled from ₹1,108 in 2014-15 to ₹3,169 in 2021-22.

Reasons for Decline in OOPE:

• Increased Government Health Expenditure (GHE): GHE as a percentage of GDP rose from 1.13% in 2014-15 to 1.84% in 2021-22. Greater funding improved public healthcare services and affordability.

E.g. Investments in rural healthcare centres.

• Expansion of Social Security Expenditure (SSE): SSE on health grew from 5.7% to 8.7% of THE between 2014-15 and 2021-22. Shielded vulnerable populations from catastrophic health expenditures.

E.g. Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana.

• Government-funded insurance schemes: Programs like Ayushman Bharat provided insurance coverage to economically weaker sections. Reduced dependence on personal savings for healthcare.

E.g. Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY covering 50 crore beneficiaries.

• Focus on Public Health Infrastructure: Investments in healthcare facilities and workforce training made services more accessible.

E.g. Setting up primary healthcare centres in underserved regions.

• Covid-19 response: Pandemic-driven health investments laid the groundwork for affordable long-term healthcare.

E.g. Increased funding for ICU and ventilator facilities.

Implications of Reduced OOPE:

• Improved Healthcare Accessibility: Affordable services encourage timely medical interventions, especially in rural areas.

E.g. Free diagnostic services in government hospitals.

• Stronger public healthcare system: Reduced OOPE allows public health systems to cater to broader populations.

E.g. Enhanced capacity for vaccination drives.

• Better health outcomes: Access to preventive care reduces severity and costs of illnesses.

E.g. Regular screenings for non-communicable diseases.

• Increased financial stability: Families can allocate resources toward essentials like education and nutrition.

E.g. Low-income families spending less on emergency healthcare.

• Foundation for Universal Health Coverage (UHC): Strengthened public funding aligns with India’s goal of achieving UHC.

E.g. Affordable healthcare for marginalized groups.

Way ahead:

• Expand health insurance coverage: Ensure broader access to government-funded health insurance programs.
• Strengthen primary healthcare: Enhance rural healthcare infrastructure and workforce training.
• Public awareness campaigns: Educate citizens about health schemes and preventive care.
• Digital health solutions: Leverage technology for accessible and cost-effective healthcare delivery.
• Focus on Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDS): Increase investment in NCD prevention and management programs.

Conclusion:

The declining OOPE reflects India’s commitment to an inclusive healthcare system. With continued investments in public health infrastructure and insurance schemes, the nation is moving closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage (UHC). This shift ensures financial protection for households, equitable access to quality healthcare, and a healthier population.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

Antimicrobial Resistance

Syllabus: Health

Source:  DTE

Context: Antimicrobial Resistance (AMR) poses a grave threat to human, animal, and environmental health worldwide, including India. Despite advancements in medical sciences, AMR challenges global health progress, with projections of 10 million deaths annually by 2050.

What is AMR?

• Definition: AMR occurs when microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites evolve to resist antimicrobial drugs, rendering them ineffective.
• Impact: AMR complicates treatments, increases healthcare costs, prolongs illnesses, and risks lives globally.

Causes of AMR:

• Overuse of Antibiotics: Unregulated sale and over-the-counter availability of antibiotics. Over-prescription for minor or non-bacterial infections.
• Underuse or Misuse: Non-adherence to prescribed dosages or courses.
• Industrial Agriculture Practices: Antibiotics used as growth promoters in livestock, fisheries, and poultry. Poor waste management from farms increases AMR in the environment.
• Lack of Diagnostic Infrastructure: Inadequate facilities for proper disease diagnosis and treatment.
• Inadequate Training: Healthcare providers often lack awareness of rational antibiotic use.
• COVID-19 Pandemic Misuse: Rampant and indiscriminate use of antibiotics during the pandemic exacerbated AMR.

India’s Approach to AMR:

• National Action Plan (NAP): Launched in 2017, it focuses on rational antibiotic use and AMR surveillance.
• AMR Surveillance and Research Network (AMRSN): Established by ICMR in 2013, monitoring resistance patterns across 30 tertiary hospitals.
• One Health Approach: Focus on interconnected health across human, animal, and environmental sectors. Collaborative initiatives like Integrated One Health Surveillance Network.
• National One Health Mission: Approved in 2022, it targets AMR, zoonotic diseases, and environmental health.
• Policy Guidelines: NCDC developed national guidelines for treatment and infection control.
• Zoonotic Disease Programmes: National Programme for Prevention and Control of Zoonoses under One Health.

Challenges yet to be addressed:

• Lack of behavioural and social science data: Limited understanding of community-level antibiotic usage patterns.
• Structural disparities: Unequal access to healthcare, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
• Insufficient community engagement: Poor implementation of awareness campaigns and behavioural change initiatives.
• Inadequate workforce training: Outdated curricula and lack of inter-sectoral training for professionals.
• Surveillance gaps: Inconsistent data collection from community and tertiary levels.

Way ahead:

• Strengthen surveillance systems: Expand monitoring to include community-level data for better health planning.
• Enhance public awareness: Implement targeted campaigns on antibiotic stewardship and AMR risks.
• Policy implementation: Enforce stricter regulations on over-the-counter antibiotic sales.
• Inter-sectoral collaboration: Strengthen the One Health approach across human, animal, and environmental sectors.
• Update curricula and training: Regularly revise professional training to include AMR and integrated health strategies.
• Focus on resource allocation: Ensure equitable distribution of resources for implementing AMR strategies effectively.

Conclusion

Addressing AMR is critical for sustaining global health progress and achieving SDG targets. India’s initiatives, including the One Health Mission and AMR surveillance, provide a robust foundation. However, success requires bridging regulatory, social, and infrastructural gaps through a collaborative, multi-sectoral approach that ensures equitable healthcare for all.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Prevalence Of Violence

Context: A study published in BMC Public Health highlights the high prevalence of violence, particularly sexual violence, against gay and bisexual men across six Indian cities.

Key Data Insights: (Source: BMC Public Health Study)

• Prevalence of Violence:
  • Sexual violence: Highest in Delhi (44% of men sampled).
  • Any violence (verbal, physical, or sexual):
    1. Kolkata: 80%
    2. Delhi: 72%
    3. Mumbai: 58%
  • Specific groups affected:
    1. Gay men: 78.7% faced some form of violence.
    2. Bisexual men: 44% faced some form of violence.
• Demographics:
  • Age group 18-24: Most affected by violence.
  • Openly expressing sexuality: 5x more likely to face violence.
  • Muslims: 2.6x more likely to face sexual violence than Hindus.
  • Caste-based prevalence:
    1. General: 48.8%
    2. OBC: 84.1%
    3. SC/ST: 71.6%
• Legal Provisions:
  • The BNS, replacing the IPC, lacks provisions for addressing rape against men or transgender persons.
  • Men can only complain under Sections dealing with grievous hurt, which do not directly address rape.

Social Engineering

Anecdote: a cyber scam at Bengaluru airport highlighted the misuse of social engineering and malicious APKs (Android Package files) to defraud unsuspecting users.

About Social Engineering:

• Definition: Manipulating individuals into revealing confidential information or granting access to systems by exploiting trust.
• Techniques used:
  • Fake websites: Creating replicas of trusted platforms (e.g., Loungepass.in in this case).
  • Pretexting: Posing as customer service representatives to gain credibility.
  • Phishing links: Sending links to malicious APKs via communication platforms like WhatsApp.
  • Call forwarding manipulation: Using network codes to intercept OTPs.
• Impact:
  • Financial theft through unauthorized transactions.
  • Access to personal information like messages, photos, and sensitive data.
  • Loss of control over phone calls and outgoing communication.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus

• General Studies Paper II (Governance):
  • Digital literacy and cybercrime regulation in India.
  • Policies for safe use of technology.
• General Studies Paper III (Security):
  • Challenges in cybersecurity.
  • Techniques of cybercrimes and preventive measures.
• Ethics Paper IV:
  • Ethical challenges in technology use.
  • Personal responsibility in digital safety.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Dicliptera polymorpha

Source: PIB

Context: A unique plant species, Dicliptera polymorpha, has been discovered in the Western Ghats, showcasing remarkable adaptations to fire-prone grassland ecosystems.

About Dicliptera polymorpha:

• Scientific name: Dicliptera polymorpha
• Found in: Grasslands of the northern Western Ghats, particularly Talegaon-Dabhade (Maharashtra).
• Features of the Plant:
  • Fire-resilient and pyrophytic.
  • Exhibits dual-blooming patterns.
  • Unique spicate inflorescence structure, a rarity among Indian species.
  • Morphological diversity reflected in its naming.

• Characteristics:
  • Blooming Cycles:
    1. Post-monsoon: November to April.
    2. Post-fire: May and June.
  • Survives extreme climatic conditions like summer droughts and frequent fires.
  • Rootstocks produce dwarf flowering shoots during the fire-triggered cycle.
• Significance:
  • Demonstrates rare fire-adaptive traits.
  • Highlights the importance of conserving grassland ecosystems in the Western Ghats.
  • Informs fire management practices to support biodiversity.

Insta links:

Antariksha Abhyas – 2024

Source:  PIB

Context: India has launched its first-ever space exercise, Antariksha Abhyas – 2024, to address the growing challenges to space-based assets and ensure the integration of its space capabilities with military operations.

About Antariksha Abhyas – 2024:

• Organized by: Defence Space Agency under Headquarters Integrated Defence Staff.
• Location: New Delhi.
• Purpose:
  • War-game threats to and from space-based assets and services.
  • Enhance understanding of operational dependency on space assets.
  • Identify vulnerabilities in space operations during disruptions or denials.
• Participants:
  • Defence Space Agency and allied units.
  • Army, Navy, Air Force, Defence Cyber Agency, Defence Intelligence Agency, and Strategic Forces Command.
  • Representatives from ISRO and DRDO.
• Significance:
  • Establishes India’s commitment to securing national interests in space.
  • Highlights the need for cutting-edge innovation and collaboration with ISRO, DRDO, and academia.
  • Reinforces preparedness for the increasingly contested and competitive nature of space.

 About Defence Space Agency:

• Headquarters: Bengaluru, Karnataka, India.
• Purpose:
  • Operates space warfare and satellite intelligence assets of the Indian Armed Forces.
  • Draws personnel from the Army, Navy, and Air Force.
• Historical background:
  • Originates from recommendations of the Naresh Chandra Task Force (2012), which suggested creating tri-service commands for cyber, aerospace, and special operations.
  • Approved in 2018 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the Combined Commanders’ Conference.
• Integrated facilities:
  • Subsumed the Defence Imagery Processing and Analysis Centre (Delhi) and Defence Satellite Control Centre (Bhopal).

Insta links:

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad

Source:   PIB

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid tribute to Maulana Abul Kalam Azad on his birth anniversary, recognizing his contributions to India’s freedom movement and his legacy as a beacon of knowledge and education reform.

About Maulana Abul Kalam Azad:

• Birth and early life:
  • Born in 1888 in Mecca, Saudi Arabia; original name: Muhiyuddin Ahmad.
  • Known as “Abul Kalam” for his eloquence and debating skills.
• Role in Journalism and Nationalism:
  • Founded Urdu weekly Al-Hilal (1912) and Al-Balagh (1914) to promote Indian nationalism and Hindu-Muslim unity.
  • Both journals were banned by the British for their revolutionary content.
• Political contributions:
  • Strong advocate for Hindu-Muslim unity and opposed Partition.
  • Joined the Indian National Congress in 1920 and became its youngest President in 1923.
• Imprisonment:
  • Arrested in 1930 during Gandhiji’s Salt Satyagraha and detained in Meerut jail for 1.5 years.
• Educationist and Reformer:
  • First Education Minister of Independent India (1947-58); emphasized universal and liberal education.
  • Played a major role in founding IITs, IISc, and UGC.
• Cultural and Academic Contributions:
  • Helped establish Jamia Millia Islamia University.
  • Founded Sahitya Akademi, Sangeet Natak Akademi, and Lalit Kala Akademi.
  • Initiated the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).
• Literary works:
  • Authored India Wins Freedom, Basic Concept of Quran, and Ghubar-e-Khatir.
• Recognition:
  • Posthumously awarded Bharat Ratna in 1992.

Insta links:

Eurasian Otter

Source:  IE

Context: A rescue operation conducted by the Pune Forest Department and RESQ Charitable Trust has revealed a rare Eurasian Otter in Indapur, Pune District, a species previously unrecorded in this area.

About Eurasian Otter:

• Scientific name: Lutra lutra
• Habitat: Found in streams, rivers, lakes, freshwater and peat swamps, ocean shores, and rice fields; prefers areas near waterways.
• Distribution:
  • Global: From Ireland to China, across Europe, North Africa, and Asia.
  • India: Present in northern, northeastern, and southern regions, especially cold hills and mountain streams.
• Physical features:
  • Long body, thick tail, short legs.
  • Brown upper body, cream-colored underside.
  • Sensitive whiskers and two layers of fur (outer waterproof layer and inner warm layer).
• Diet: Predominantly fish, crustaceans, and amphibians; occasionally reptiles, birds, eggs, insects, and worms.
• Behavior: Solitary, but occasionally seen in family groups (mother and offspring).
• Conservation Status:
  • IUCN: Near Threatened
  • Wildlife Protection Act (India): Schedule II
  • CITES: Appendix I

Insta Links:

Digital Euro

Source:  TH

Context: The European Central Bank (ECB) has introduced the digital euro as a central bank digital currency (CBDC) aimed at revolutionizing payment systems.

About Digital Euro:

• What it is: A CBDC issued directly by the ECB, enabling digital transactions without intermediaries like banks or payment gateways.
• Launch: The preparation phase began in November 2023, with a focus on replacing cashless payment systems and reducing dependency on non-EU financial service providers.
• Features:

• • Facilitates direct payments via digital wallets.
  • Allows both online and offline transactions, ensuring anonymity for offline payments.
  • Offers cost-effective micropayments by bypassing conventional service providers.
  • Emphasizes European sovereignty in digital payments by reducing reliance on foreign financial entities.

About India’s Digital Currency:

• India launched its Central Bank Digital Currency (CBDC), e₹ (Digital Rupee), under the Reserve Bank of India in 2022.

• Features:
  • Legal tender backed by the RBI, exchangeable 1:1 with physical currency.
  • Operates through blockchain-based wallets for seamless transactions.
  • Reduces costs associated with handling, transporting, and phasing out physical currency.
• Significance:
  • Mitigates risks of cryptocurrencies by providing a regulated digital alternative.
  • Simplifies cross-border payments and enhances transaction efficiency.
  • Boosts financial inclusion by enabling digital transactions for the unbanked.

Insta Links:

Lightning Rods

Source:  TH

Context: In 2022, lightning strikes claimed 2,887 lives in India, highlighting the urgent need for safety measures. Petitions in India seek to classify lightning as a natural disaster, enabling better institutional support for affected individuals.

Geographical distribution of lightning in India:

• Lightning is not a notified disaster in India.

• High frequency regions: Northeastern states and eastern states (West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha) experience frequent lightning due to climatic factors.
• High fatality regions: Central Indian states like Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha report higher lightning-related deaths due to open agricultural fields.
• Most vulnerable state: Bihar faces the highest vulnerability, with significant fatalities annually due to population density and frequent thunderstorms.
• In World: Lake Maracaibo in Venezuela is the place on Earth that receives the most lightning strikes.

 Science behind lightning rods:

• Electric potential and current flow: Electric current naturally flows from a region of higher electric potential (e.g., a charged cloud) to a lower electric potential (e.g., the earth).
• The earth as a ground: The earth serves as an abundant reservoir of low electric potential, capable of absorbing virtually infinite charges without becoming electrically saturated.
• Structure of the lightning rod: The rod is connected to a conductive wire that runs through the building and is grounded in the earth. This ensures the safe dissipation of electrical charges.
• Ionization of air: The sharp tip of the rod ionizes the surrounding air, creating a conductive path for the lightning discharge to follow, minimizing resistance.
• Energy dissipation: The rod channels the intense electric energy directly into the earth, preventing damage to the structure and surrounding environment.
• Protection mechanism: By being the path of least resistance, the rod attracts lightning strikes away from other nearby structures, ensuring safety.
• Types of Lightning Rods:
  • Franklin Rods and Meshed Conductors: Use grids or spikes to dissipate the discharge.
  • Early streamer emission (ESE) rods: Emit a continuous upward tracer to capture lightning more efficiently.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 November 2024 Mapping:

Mattupetty Dam

Source:  TH

Context: The trial run of Kerala’s first seaplane service at Mattupetty Dam in Idukki district has sparked ecological concerns due to its proximity to sensitive wildlife habitats, despite its potential to boost tourism.

About Mattupetty Dam:

• Location: Near Munnar, in Idukki district, Kerala, India.
• Type: Storage concrete gravity dam.
• Purpose: Built for water conservation and hydroelectric power generation.
• Rivers: Located near the confluence of Muthirappuzha, Chanduvarai, and Kundale rivers.
• Ecological significance: Provides habitat and sustenance for a variety of wildlife, including elephants and birds.

More locations in news:

• Mattupetty Dam: Site of Kerala’s first seaplane service trial.
• Munnar: Closest hill station, benefitting from the project.
• Anamudi Shola National Park: Located 3.5 km north of Mattupetty.
• Pampadum Shola National Park & Kurinjimala Sanctuary: East of Mattupetty, designated as eco-sensitive zones.
• Kanan Devan Hills Reserve Forest: Surrounds Mattupetty and serves as a habitat for protected species.

Insta Links:

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 12 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