UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 October 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 3: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 October 2024)

1. Renewable Energy

2. Indian Thali in Global Spotlight for Sustainability

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

1. Internet Vigilantism

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics

2. PMECRG & MAHA-EV Mission

3. Samarthak Vessel

4. e-Migrate Portal v2.0

5. World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

6. Mechazilla

Mapping:

1. Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 October 2024

GS Paper 3:

Renewable Energy

 Syllabus: Renewable energy

 Source: PIB

 Context: India has reached a significant milestone in its renewable energy journey, with the country’s total renewable energy capacity crossing the 200 GW (gigawatt) mark as of October 10, 2024.

India’s renewable energy targets:

• By 2030: Achieve 500 GW of installed electricity capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.
• Net-Zero by 2070: As per India’s commitments at COP26.

Present status of renewable energy in India (as of October 2024):

Government steps:

1. National Green Hydrogen Mission: Focuses on developing green hydrogen to reduce carbon emissions and enhance energy security.
2. PM-KUSUM: Provides solar irrigation pumps to farmers, promoting solar energy use in agriculture.
3. PLI Schemes: Encourages domestic manufacturing of solar PV modules by offering production-linked incentives.
4. 100% FDI: Allows full foreign direct investment in renewable energy through the automatic route to attract capital.
5. Waiver of ISTS Charges: Exempts renewable projects from inter-state transmission system charges until June 2025 to promote clean energy growth.
6. Renewable Purchase Obligation: Mandates power utilities to purchase a set percentage of their energy from renewable sources until 2029-30.
7. Viability Gap Funding: Provides financial assistance for offshore wind energy projects to make them commercially viable.
8. Green Energy Open Access Rules 2022: Facilitates easier access to renewable energy for businesses, promoting greater usage.

 Challenges of renewable energy:

1. High upfront costs: Significant initial investments are required for solar and wind energy infrastructure, which can be prohibitive.
2. Intermittency & variability: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are dependent on weather and time, making them less predictable.
3. Infrastructure needs: Renewable energy projects require large areas of land and skilled technicians for installation and maintenance.
4. Policy & Regulatory hurdles: Inconsistent policies and bureaucratic delays create uncertainty and slow project implementation.
5. Raw material access: The renewable sector faces shortages of rare earth materials critical for manufacturing technologies.
6. Geographical disparities: Renewable resources like wind and solar are unevenly distributed across regions, limiting adoption in certain areas.

Way ahead:

1. Technological advancements: Invest in energy storage solutions and smart grids to manage renewable energy variability.
2. Policy consistency: Develop stable, long-term policies to create a favorable investment environment in the renewable sector.
3. Capacity building: Enhance training programs for skilled technicians to ensure smooth deployment and maintenance of renewable energy systems.
4. International collaboration: Foster partnerships with global entities to access technology and raw materials, boosting the renewable energy sector.

Conclusion:

            India’s renewable energy journey has reached a significant milestone, marked by the impressive achievement of over 200 GW of installed capacity. This accomplishment is a testament to the nation’s commitment to a sustainable energy future, driven by a diverse array of renewable sources, including solar, wind, hydro, and bioenergy.

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Indian Thali in Global Spotlight for Sustainability

Syllabus: Agriculture, Sustainable development

Source:  PIB

 Context: The WWF’s 2024 Living Planet Report highlights India’s food practices as a model of sustainability. Remarkably, if the world adopted India’s consumption habits, we would only need 0.84 of an Earth by 2050 to sustain global food production.

Key highlights of Global Food System:

• Biodiversity loss: The food system is responsible for habitat loss, with 71% of habitable land used for livestock grazing.
• Food waste: 30-40% of food produced globally is wasted, contributing to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Nutritional deficiency and obesity: Despite abundant food production, malnutrition and obesity remain major global issues.
• Freshwater depletion: Agriculture uses 70% of global freshwater, leading to declining water levels.
• Overfishing: 37.7% of marine fish stocks are overexploited, threatening marine biodiversity.
• Species extinction: The food system is the main driver of biodiversity loss, endangering 80% of terrestrial bird and mammal species.

 Indian Thali and Food Sustainability:

• The traditional Indian thali is a largely plant-based diet, relying on grains, pulses, vegetables, and lentils, which are environmentally sustainable compared to animal-based diets.
• According to the WWF’s 2024 Living Planet Report, if the world followed India’s consumption habits, only 0.84 of an Earth would be required to sustain global food production by 2050.
• The Indian diet helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels, lowers greenhouse gas emissions, and conserves natural resources.

 Shree Anna (Millet Mission):

• India has positioned millets, also known as “Shree Anna,” as a crucial element of sustainable nutrition.
• The government has promoted millets through initiatives like the National Millet Campaign and the International Year of Millets in 2023.
• Millets are resilient crops that contribute to environmental sustainability and provide high nutritional value, supporting India’s efforts towards food security.

 India paving way for sustainable farming:

• National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Focuses on improving climate-resilient farming.
• Organic Farming Initiatives: Programs like Parampragat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) and Jaivik-Kheti portal promote organic farming practices.
• Climate-Resilient Agriculture: India has developed over 2,000 crop varieties resistant to climate stress.
• Namami Gange Programme: Integrates sustainable agriculture with efforts to rejuvenate the Ganga River.
• Centre of Excellence for Millets: The Indian Institute of Millets Research (IIMR) in Hyderabad promotes global millet best practices.

Conclusion:

The WWF Living Planet Report 2024 commends India for its holistic and sustainable approach to food production, positioning the nation as a global example for others to follow. As India continues to champion sustainable food practices, it inspires other nations to embrace similar strategies that respect both people and the planet.

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

Internet Vigilantism

Context: In Pakistan, internet vigilantism has surged, with groups and individuals tracking online content to accuse people of blasphemy, a crime punishable by death. These vigilantes, led mostly by private organizations like the Legal Commission on Blasphemy Pakistan (LCBP), search for online offenders, often entrapping unsuspecting individuals into sharing or engaging with blasphemous content. The cases are largely driven by financial, ideological, or personal motivations.

Relevance to UPSC exam:

1. Governance & Ethics (GS-4): The rise of internet vigilantism in Pakistan poses ethical challenges regarding misuse of power, human rights violations, and abuse of blasphemy laws.
2. Polity & International Relations (GS-2): Highlights the need to understand religious laws, legal systems, and the influence of vigilante justice on state governance in neighboring countries.
3. Internal Security (GS-3): Demonstrates how misuse of digital platforms can escalate social and legal conflicts, relevant to discussions on cybersecurity, law enforcement, and human rights.

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

2024 Nobel Prize in Economics

Source: TH

 Context: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Economics was awarded to Daron Acemoglu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson for their research on wealth inequality between nations. Their work explores the impact of political and economic systems, particularly those introduced by European colonizers, on long-term prosperity and societal institutions.

About their work:

1. Study of institutions: The laureates analyzed how political and economic institutions shape nations’ prosperity and development.
2. Impact of colonialism: They examined the systems imposed by European colonizers and their long-term effects on wealth inequality.
3. Comparative studies: A key example includes comparing the city of Nogales, divided by the U.S.-Mexico border, to show how different institutional frameworks lead to varying levels of prosperity on either side.
4. Focus on democracy: Their research suggests that nations transitioning to democracy experience faster economic growth compared to non-democratic regimes.
5. Publication: Acemoglu co-authored “Why Nations Fail,” a seminal book that explores the roots of economic disparity between nations.

Significance of their work:

1. Understanding wealth inequality: Their work highlights how differences in institutions explain why some countries prosper while others do not.
2. Role of institutions: It underscores the importance of inclusive political and economic institutions for sustainable growth and reducing inequality.
3. Practical implications: The research offers insights into policies needed to reform institutions in poorer countries to foster development.
4. Global relevance: Their findings are crucial for addressing one of the world’s greatest challenges—narrowing the income gap between nations.
5. Support for democracy: Their work emphasizes the positive impact of democratic institutions on economic growth and development.

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PMECRG & MAHA-EV Mission

Source: PIB

 Context: The newly operationalised Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) has launched two initiatives: the Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG) and the Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission.

 About Prime Minister Early Career Research Grant (PMECRG):

• Origin: Launched under ANRF to support early career researchers and boost scientific research.
• Aim: To foster high-quality innovative research, drive technological progress, and contribute to India’s global leadership in science and technology.
• Features:
  • Flexible budget for ease of research.
  • Focus on nurturing young researchers.
  • Encourages groundbreaking discoveries and research excellence.
  • Positions India as a leader in Science & Technology by supporting early career researchers.

About Mission for Advancement in High-Impact Areas – Electric Vehicle (MAHA-EV) Mission:

• Origin: Part of ANRF’s MAHA scheme designed to address critical scientific challenges and align with national priorities like Atmanirbhar Bharat.
• Aim: To develop domestic EV technologies, reduce import dependency, and position India as a global hub for EV component development.
• Features:
  • Focus on three critical verticals: EV Batteries and Cells, Power Electronics, Machines, and Drives (PEMD), and EV Charging Infrastructure.
  • Encourages multi-institutional collaboration.
  • Supports India’s transition to electric mobility and fosters domestic innovation in the EV sector.
  • Enhances competitiveness and aligns with India’s goal of achieving a Viksit Bharat by 2047.

About Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF):

• Origin: Operationalised in 2024, chaired by the Prime Minister during its first Governing Board meeting.
• Ministry: Ministry of Science & Technology.
• Aim: To bridge the gap between academic research and industrial applications, aligning R&D with national priorities.
• Function:
  • Promotes inclusive growth, scientific advances, and innovation.
  • Facilitates industry-aligned translational research.
  • Supports capacity building and global positioning of India in key sectors.

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Samarthak Vessel

Source: PIB

Context: The first of two multi-Purpose Vessels (MPVs) for the Indian Navy, built by L&T Shipyard, was launched at Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.

• The ship, named ‘Samarthak,’ is part of India’s broader efforts to promote indigenous shipbuilding in line with the ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’ initiatives.

About Samarthak Vessel:

• Name: Samarthak, meaning ‘Supporter,’ symbolizing its multi-dimensional capabilities.
• Shipyard: L&T Shipyard, Kattupalli, Tamil Nadu.
• Specifications:
  • Length: 106 meters.
  • Width: 16.8 meters.
  • Speed: Maximum of 15 knots.
• Capabilities:
  • Towing ships.
  • Launching and recovering targets.
  • Operating unmanned autonomous vehicles.
  • Serving as a platform for trials of indigenous weapons and sensors.
• Significance: The ship demonstrates India’s growing capabilities in indigenous shipbuilding, aligned with national defense and economic strategies.

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e-Migrate Portal v2.0

Source:  News on Air

Context: External Affairs Minister Dr. S Jaishankar launched the revamped eMigrate v2.0 web portal and mobile app, aimed at promoting safe and legal migration for Indian workers.

• This initiative is part of the government’s commitment to protecting the rights and welfare of Indian migrant workers, aligning with global migration goals under the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

e-Migrate Portal v2.0:

• Launch date: October 2024.
• Objective: Promote safe, transparent, and inclusive migration for Indian workers abroad.
• Ministry: Ministry of External Affairs
• Key features:
  • Provides a platform for safe and legal migration channels.
  • 24×7 Multilingual helpline: Offers support for migrant workers in multiple languages, with real-time solutions for urgent issues.
  • Integration with Digilocker: Enables paperless submission of documents like passports and employment contracts.
  • Social Security Net: Expands social security for migrants through insurance policies and partnerships with the State Bank of India for zero-fee digital payment services.
  • Mobile app: Developed for the first time, offering easy access to services, including a job search marketplace for overseas employment.
• Global need: The platform aligns with India’s global negotiations on migration and the growing demand for domain-specific knowledge in the international workforce.

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World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly

Source:  PIB

Context: Prime Minister will inaugurate the International Telecommunication Union – World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA) 2024 at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi.

About World Telecommunication Standardization Assembly (WTSA):

• Frequency: Held every four years, with the first assembly in 2002.
• Role: Governing conference for the ITU Telecommunication Standardization Sector (ITU-T), setting work programs, working methods, and study group structures.
• Significance: Sets global telecommunication standards to ensure interoperability and promote innovation.
• WTSA 2024: Scheduled from October 14-24, 2024, in New Delhi, marking the first time hosted in the Asia-Pacific region.
• Focus Areas: 6G, AI, IoT, big data, cybersecurity, machine-to-machine communications, and quantum technologies.

About International Telecommunication Union (ITU):

• Establishment: Founded in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union, became a UN specialized agency in 1947.
• Mission: Coordinates global standardization and development of telecommunication and ICT services.
• Membership: Comprises 193 countries and over 1,000 companies, universities, and international organizations.
• Headquarters: Located in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Mechazilla

Source:  BT

Context: SpaceX has achieved a significant milestone in space exploration by landing its Starship rocket using an innovative structure called “Mechazilla.”

About Mechazilla:

• Mechazilla is the massive 400-ft tall rocket-catching structure at SpaceX’s Starbase in Texas.
• Equipped with giant mechanical arms known as “chopsticks,” it is designed to catch the Super Heavy booster midair as it returns to Earth after launch.

Working of Mechazilla:

• Launch & Ascent: Starship and its Super Heavy booster launch from the ground.
• Booster separation: The booster detaches from the Starship upper stage at a high altitude.
• Controlled descent: The booster descends using precision thrusters to steer its path back to the landing site.
• Booster catching: Mechazilla’s mechanical arms move into position and catch the booster as it hovers, ensuring a controlled landing.

Significance of Mechazilla:

• Quick reusability: Reduces turnaround time for rocket refurbishment and re-launch, making missions more efficient.
• Cost reduction: Enables rapid reuse of boosters, lowering overall launch costs significantly.
• Sustainability: Enhances the sustainability of space missions by minimizing wear and tear on reusable components.
• Future of space travel: Could enable more frequent, affordable, and scalable space missions, bringing humanity closer to interplanetary travel goals.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 15 October 2024 Mapping:

Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement

Source: TH

 Context: The Nile River Basin Cooperative Framework Agreement (CFA) came into force on October 13, 2024, after over a decade of negotiations, aiming to promote equitable and sustainable use of the Nile’s water resources.

About Nile River Agreement:

1. Origin: The CFA replaces colonial agreements from 1929 and 1959 that gave Egypt veto powers over Nile usage.
2. Amendments: The CFA introduces Article 14b, ensuring no significant effect on water security for any Nile Basin State.
3. Nations involved: Negotiated among nine Nile Basin countries (Burundi, DR Congo, Egypt, Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda, Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda) and later ratified by five nations (Burundi, Ethiopia, Rwanda, Tanzania, Uganda) and South Sudan acceded.
4. Nations rejecting: Egypt and Sudan opposed the CFA, particularly Article 14b, citing concerns about water security.

Nile River Facts:

1. Length: The Nile is one of the world’s longest rivers, stretching approximately 6,695 kilometers.
2. Sources: Main sources include Lake Victoria, the Blue Nile, the White Nile, and the Kagera River.
3. Countries involved: The Nile Basin includes parts of Tanzania, Burundi, Rwanda, Congo (DRC), Kenya, and Egypt.
4. Delta: The river forms an arcuate delta as it flows into the Mediterranean Sea.
5. Principal streams: The Nile is fed by three main tributaries – the Blue Nile, Atbara, and White Nile.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 15 Oct 2024

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