UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 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 – 15 November 2024)

1. Guru Nanak

GS Paper 2:

2. Diabetes – A Non communicable Disease

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. IPS officer Archana Tyagi

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Dual Approval Exemption

2. Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act

3. Graded Response Action Plan

4. Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR)

5. Birsa Munda

6. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

7. Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa Program

Mapping:

1. Solomon Islands

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

Guru Nanak

Syllabus: Bhakti Movement

Source:  News on Air

 Context: Guru Nanak Jayanti or Gurpurab is being celebrated with religious fervour across India and the world today. This year marks the 555th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji.

About Guru Nanak Dev:

• Birth: Born in Talwandi (now Nankana Sahib, Pakistan) in 1469.
• Founder of Sikhism: Initiated a new faith emphasizing equality and devotion to one God.
• Revolutionary Leader: Challenged caste discrimination, idol worship, and ritualistic practices.
• Death: Passed away in 1539 at Kartarpur, Punjab.
• Legacy: His teachings are enshrined in the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of Sikhism.

 Teachings of Guru Nanak Dev:

• Oneness of God and Humanity:
  • Guru Nanak Dev emphasized the concept of Ek Onkar Satnam – “There is One Creator, One Truth.”
  • He believed that God resides in everyone and that all humans are equal, irrespective of caste, creed, religion, or gender.
• Equality and Brotherhood:
  • Guru Nanak advocated for a casteless and egalitarian society. He introduced practices such as:
    • Langar: Community kitchen offering free meals, symbolizing equality.
    • Pangat: Eating together without distinctions of caste or social status.
    • Sangat: Collective worship and decision-making.
• Honest Living and Hard Work (Kirat Karni):
  • He urged his followers to earn an honest livelihood through physical or mental labor while upholding moral and ethical principles.
• Sharing and Community Service (Vand Chakna):
  • Guru Nanak encouraged his followers to share their earnings and resources with the needy.
  • He institutionalized Dasvandh (donating one-tenth of one’s income) to support community welfare and uplift the less fortunate.
• Spirituality with Responsibility (Naam Japna):
  • He emphasized Naam Japna – meditating on God’s name – as a way to stay connected to the divine while fulfilling worldly responsibilities.
  • Guru Nanak taught that spirituality and worldly duties go hand in hand and should not be viewed as separate pursuits.
• Rejecting Ritualism and Blind Faith:
  • He opposed ritualistic practices, idol worship, and pilgrimages without purpose.
  • He taught that true devotion comes from within through love, selflessness, and ethical living.
• Gender Equality:
  • Nanak stressed that men and women are equal before God. He declared, “Why call her inferior, who gives birth to kings?”
  • He uplifted women’s status by encouraging their participation in spiritual and social activities.
• Social Justice and Environmental Harmony:
  • Guru Nanak viewed the world as God’s creation and encouraged people to live harmoniously with nature.
  • He criticized exploitation and oppression, advocating for justice and fair treatment of all.

Relevance of Guru Nanak Dev’s Teachings

• Social Equality: His principles of egalitarianism can inspire the fight against caste and gender discrimination.
• Justice and Sharing: Encourages creating a just society through honest work and sharing resources.
• Environmental Harmony: His belief in the oneness of creation aligns with modern environmental ethics.
• Peace and Tolerance: His teachings on universal brotherhood promote communal harmony in a diverse world.
• Women’s Empowerment: His respect for women highlights the importance of gender equality in contemporary society.

 Conclusion:

Guru Nanak Dev’s teachings transcend time, offering lessons on equality, compassion, and responsibility. His vision of a harmonious and inclusive society is a guiding light for addressing modern societal challenges.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024 GS Paper 2:

Diabetes – A Non communicable Disease

Syllabus: Health

Source:  TH

Context: World Diabetes Day, observed on November 14 to honour Sir Frederick Banting, highlights the global fight against diabetes and its management.

Diabetes Data: Key Points

• Global Prevalence:
  • Total adults with diabetes globally (2022): 828 million.
  • India: 212 million (25% of global cases).
  • Other nations: China (148M), USA (42M), Pakistan (36M), Indonesia (25M), Brazil (22M)
• Risk Factors:
  • Global: Obesity and poor diets.
  • India: Dietary habits, lack of exercise, and socio-economic disparities.
• Treatment Gap:
  • Global untreated cases (2022): 445 million (59% of diabetics).
  • India untreated cases (2022): 133 million (64M men, 69M women).
  • Lack of treatment leads to severe complications like heart disease, kidney failure, and premature death.

Source: Lancet Report

About Diabetes:

• What is Diabetes?
  • Diabetes is a chronic condition where the body fails to regulate blood glucose levels effectively due to insufficient insulin production or impaired insulin response.
• Types of Diabetes:
  • Diabetes mellitus:
    • Diabetes mellitus, the most prevalent form of diabetes, occurs when the body cannot effectively produce or utilize insulin, leading to unregulated blood sugar levels.
    • It is categorized into two main types:
    • Type 1 Diabetes (T1D):
      • Autoimmune condition; pancreas produces little or no insulin.
      • Typically affects children and young adults.
    • Type 2 Diabetes (T2D):
      • Caused by insulin resistance and reduced insulin production.
      • Associated with lifestyle factors like obesity and inactivity.
  • Gestational Diabetes:
    • Gestational diabetes occurs in pregnant women, leading to elevated blood sugar levels without an obvious cause.
    • Develops during pregnancy and usually resolves after childbirth.
  • Diabetes Insipidus:
    • Diabetes insipidus arises when the hypothalamus fails to produce or respond to antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which helps the kidneys regulate body water levels.
    • Without this hormone, the kidneys excrete a large volume of diluted and odourless urine.

Symptoms:

• • Frequent urination.
  • Excessive thirst and hunger.
  • Unexplained weight loss.
  • Blurred vision.
  • Fatigue.
  • Slow-healing wounds.

Role of Insulin in Resolving Diabetes:

• Function:
  • Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that facilitates glucose absorption into cells for energy production.
• In Diabetes:
  • Type 1 Diabetes: Insulin injections or pumps are essential for survival.
  • Type 2 Diabetes: Insulin or other medications may be needed alongside lifestyle modifications.

Government Initiatives to Counter Diabetes:

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS):
  • Focuses on awareness, early diagnosis, and management.
• National Health Policy (2017):
  • Aims to reduce premature deaths from non-communicable diseases by 25% by 2025.
• Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres:
  • Provides free screenings and consultations for diabetes and other non-communicable diseases.
• Eat Right Movement:
  • Promotes healthier dietary habits to combat obesity and diabetes.
• School Health Programs:
  • Focuses on inculcating healthy lifestyles among children to prevent early onset of Type 2 Diabetes.

Way Ahead:

• Awareness and Education:
  • Increase awareness about diabetes prevention and management.
  • Promote regular screenings for early detection.
• Policy Interventions:
  • Strengthen healthcare infrastructure for diabetes care.
  • Subsidize medications and treatments for low-income groups.
• Lifestyle Modifications:
  • Encourage healthier diets and physical activity.
  • Develop urban planning that facilitates outdoor exercise.
• Research and Innovation:
  • Invest in diabetes cure research.
  • Expand access to technologies like continuous glucose monitors.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

IPS officer Archana Tyagi

Context: IPS officer Archana Tyagi, faces allegations of misusing her position. A viral video purportedly shows her utilizing a fire brigade to fill the water tank at her Dehradun residence.

Ethical issues involved:

• Misuse of Public Resources:

• • The fire brigade, meant for emergencies, was allegedly diverted for personal use, undermining its intended purpose.

• Breach of Public Trust:

• • As a public servant, her actions may erode trust in law enforcement officials entrusted with ethical responsibilities.

• Accountability and Transparency:

• • The act, if verified, highlights a lack of accountability and misuse of discretionary power.

• Inequity and Privilege:

• • The alleged act exemplifies inequitable access to public resources, which should be equally available to all citizens.

• Conflict of Interest:

• • Leveraging a public position for personal gain contradicts the principles of impartiality and service ethics.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Dual Approval Exemption

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) has issued a notification addressing a long-standing industry demand by removing the requirement for dual compliance of Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE).

Exempts Industries from Dual Approvals: Key Points

• What is Dual Approval?
  • Dual approval refers to the mandatory requirement for industries to obtain both Environmental Clearance (EC) and Consent to Establish (CTE) from State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) under the Air Act, 1981 and Water Act, 1974 before starting operations.
• Relevant laws governing approvals:
  • The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 and Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 mandate dual approvals to prevent pollution from industrial operations.
• Exemption given:
  • Non-polluting ‘white category’ industries are exempted from obtaining CTE and Consent to Operate (CTO).
  • Industries with Environmental Clearance (EC) will no longer require a separate CTE.
• Industries exempted:
  • 39 categories of white category industries including:
    • Solar cell and module manufacturing
    • Wind and hydel power units
    • Fly ash brick manufacturing
    • Leather cutting and stitching
    • Air-cooler and air-conditioner assembling, repairing, and servicing.
• Process of exemption:
  • State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) will be consulted during the EC process to ensure all aspects covered by CTE are addressed.
  • A Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been issued for this integrated process.
  • Industries will still pay a CTE fee to ensure no revenue loss for States.

Insta links:

Armed Forces Special Powers Act

Source:  TH

 Context: The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) has been reimposed in six police station limits in Manipur amidst escalating ethnic violence between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo-Hmar communities.

About AFSPA:

• Enactment: Passed by the Parliament in 1958.
  • AFSPA grants special powers to armed forces in disturbed areas to maintain public order.
• Application:
  • Applied after an area is declared “disturbed” under Section 2 of the Act, due to issues like ethnic, religious, or communal tensions.
• Declaration of Disturbed Areas:
  • The Central Government, State Governor, or UT Administrator can declare an area as disturbed.
• Special Powers Under AFSPA:
  • Armed forces can:
    • Prohibit gatherings of five or more people.
    • Use force or open fire after due warning if laws are contravened.
    • Arrest individuals or search premises without warrants on reasonable suspicion.
    • Seize firearms and ban their possession.
    • Hand over arrested persons to local police with a detailed report.
• Immunity Clause:
  • Armed forces personnel are protected from prosecution unless sanctioned by the Union Government.
• Current Enforcement:
  • Enforced in Jammu & Kashmir, Assam, Nagaland, parts of Manipur (excluding Imphal), and parts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Insta links:

Graded Response Action Plan

Source:   News on Air

Context: To address the worsening air quality in Delhi NCR, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage III of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).

About Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):

• What is GRAP?
  • A framework of emergency measures aimed at preventing the further deterioration of air quality in Delhi NCR.
  • Approved by the Supreme Court in 2016 following the M.C. Mehta vs. Union of India case.
  • Initially implemented by the Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority (EPCA); now managed by CAQM since 2021.
• Implementation:
  • Based on real-time AQI data and meteorological forecasts by IITM and IMD.
  • GRAP measures are incremental, requiring compliance with measures from all lower stages as air quality worsens.
• New Revised GRAP:
  • Came into effect on October 1, 2023, across NCR.
  • Strengthened to handle AQI deterioration during winter.

• Revised GRAP Stages:

Insta links:

Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR)

Source:  New Indian Express

Context: The Government of India has launched the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program to strengthen the research and innovation capabilities of universities.

About Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR):

• Launched In: November 2024
• Ministry/department: Department of Science and Technology (DST)
• Aim: Boost research capabilities and innovation in universities with limited research infrastructure through mentorship by established institutions.
  • PAIR aligns with the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), established under the ANRF Act 2023, to foster a research culture nationwide.
• Funds:
  • Maximum of ₹100 crore per PAIR network.
  • Budget distribution: 30% for Hub, 70% for Spokes.
  • Private institutions as hubs must share 25% of their allocated budget.
• Criteria:
  • Hub Institutions:
    • NIRF top 25 institutions or Institutions of National Importance ranked 26-50 in NIRF.
  • Spoke institutions:
    • Central and State Public Universities ranked within:
      • Top 200 (NIRF Overall)
      • Top 100 (NIRF University or State Public University Ranking).
    • At least one spoke must be outside the hub’s state.
  • Inclusion of one promising but non-eligible university from Category III is allowed.

Insta Links:

Birsa Munda

Source:  DD News

Context: To honor the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, Prime Minister will interact with beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyay Maha Abhiyan and launch the ‘Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan’ to uplift tribal communities across India.

About Janjatiya Gaurav Divas:

• Launched In: 2021
• Aim: To honor the contributions of tribal leader Birsa Munda and celebrate the cultural heritage and history of tribal communities.

About Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan:

• Objective: To enhance the socio-economic well-being of tribal communities through targeted development programs.
• Scope: National campaign focusing on education, healthcare, employment, and preservation of tribal traditions.
• Significance: Encourages inclusive development and empowerment of tribal regions.

About Birsa Munda:

• Tribal Leader: Folk hero and freedom fighter from the Munda tribe in the Chotanagpur Plateau.
• Contributions:
  • Led the Munda Rebellion (Ulgulan) against British land policies and taxes.
  • Advocated for tribal rights, self-rule, and ownership of land.
  • Instrumental in the Chotanagpur Tenancy Act (1908) that restricted tribal land transfer to non-tribals.
• Religious Role:
  • Founded the Birsait faith, emphasizing monotheism and tribal traditions.
  • Revered as ‘Dharti Aba’ (Father of the Earth) among tribal followers.
• Legacy:
  • Passed away at age 25 in 1900.
  • His birth anniversary, November 15, is celebrated as Janjatiya Gaurav Divas.
  • The state of Jharkhand was created on his birth anniversary in 2000 in his honor.

Insta Links:

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

Source:  The Week

Context: Rafael Mariano Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), has warned about diminishing opportunities for negotiation regarding Iran’s nuclear program.

About International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA):

• Established: 1957 as an autonomous body under the UN system.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
• Purpose: Promote peaceful nuclear energy use and prevent nuclear weapons development.
• Mandate:
  • Encourage peaceful nuclear energy applications.
  • Ensure nuclear materials are not misused for military purposes.
  • Promote nuclear safety, security, and radiation protection standards.
  • Provide technical support, training, and research in nuclear technology globally.
• Missions:

• Peaceful Uses: Support peaceful nuclear energy development.
• Safeguards: Monitor and verify nuclear programs to prevent military use.
• Safety: Promote nuclear safety and radiation protection.

• Role in Non-Proliferation:
  • Oversees compliance with the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of nuclear weapons (NPT).
  • Conducts inspections and monitors nuclear facilities.
• Global Impact: Works extensively with developing nations to enhance nuclear technology for energy, medicine, and agriculture.

Insta Links:

Student Direct Stream (SDS) Visa Program

Source:  TH

Context: The Canadian government recently announced the discontinuation of the Student Direct Stream (SDS) visa program, impacting a significant number of Indian students who seek higher education in Canada.

About SDS Visa:

• Country: Canada
• Launched: 2018
• What is SDS Visa: A fast-track study permit application program for students from select countries, including India, offering expedited visa processing.
• Features:
  • Faster processing time for eligible students (reduced from months to weeks).
  • Lower application fees compared to regular student visas.
  • Simplified documentation requirements (proof of funds, English proficiency, admission to a Designated Learning Institution).

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 November 2024 Mapping:

Solomon Islands

Source:  TOI

Context: Scientists have uncovered the largest coral colony on Earth in the Solomon Islands, offering insights into marine ecosystems’ resilience and the threats posed by climate change.

New Discovery of Coral Colony:

• Location: Solomon Islands, Southwest Pacific Ocean.
• Region and Depth: Found 42 feet underwater, near the Macquarie Ridge.
• Size and Structure: Measures 112 feet by 105 feet, rising 16 feet above the ocean floor.
• Age: Estimated to be around 300 years old or older.
• Features: Composed of hard coral Pavona clavus, with colors ranging from brown, yellow, red, pink, and blue. Often referred to as “shoulder blade coral.”
• Discovery: Made during an October 2024 expedition by National Geographic’s Pristine Seas team.

About Corals:

• Nature: Corals are sessile animals that attach permanently to the ocean floor.
• Symbiosis: Corals share a mutualistic relationship with algae (zooxanthellae), which provide nutrients through photosynthesis.
• Structure:
  • Polyps: Individual coral animals that form large colonies.
  • Skeletons: Hard corals create reefs with limestone skeletons, providing habitats for marine life.
• Classification: Divided into hard corals (reef-building) and soft corals (non-reef-building).
• Ecological role:
  • Serve as rainforests of the sea, home to thousands of marine species.
  • Play a crucial role in marine biodiversity and shoreline protection.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 15 Nov 2024

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