UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 October 2024)

1. Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2024

2. India – Canada

3. Korean Peninsula

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

1. World Energy Outlook 2024

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. Five Eye Alliance

2. Battle of Walong

3. Drugs Technical Advisory Board

4. Kaziranga National Park

5. Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory

6. Minimum Support Prices

Mapping:

1. Italy-Albania Migration Pact

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 October 2024

GS Paper 2:

Global Hunger Index (GHI), 2024

Syllabus: Food security.

Source:  TH

Context: The Global Hunger Index (GHI) 2024 reports that India continues to face a serious level of hunger, ranking 105th out of 127 countries with a score of 27.3.

India’s Status in GHI 2024 (Crisp Points):

• Rank: India ranks 105th out of 127 countries with a score of 27.3.
• Child wasting: India has the highest global rate of child wasting at 18.7%.
• Stunting: 35.5% of children under five are stunted.
• Undernourishment: 13.7% of India’s population is undernourished.
• Child mortality: 2.9% of children die before their fifth birthday.
• Comparison: India lags behind South Asian neighbors like Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka, which fall into the moderate hunger category.

Methodology used:

• Indicators: GHI uses four indicators – undernourishment, child stunting, child wasting, and child mortality.
• Data sources: Data is sourced from UNICEF, WHO, World Bank, and FAO, ensuring comparability across countries.
• Child wasting: The GHI uses survey estimates vetted for inclusion in the Joint Malnutrition Estimates and WHO Global Database.

Limitations of the report:

• Data discrepancies: The Ministry of Women and Child Development raised concerns about GHI not using data from the Poshan Tracker, which shows lower child wasting rates (7.2% vs. GHI’s 18.7%).
• Survey-based estimates: Reliance on survey data might not fully reflect real-time data from government tracking systems.
• National representation: The GHI’s methodology may not capture regional variations and improvements in India’s nutrition programs.

Way Ahead:

• Improved data collection: India should integrate real-time data from systems like Poshan Tracker to improve hunger and nutrition estimates.
• Focus on maternal health: Address the intergenerational transfer of undernutrition by improving maternal health and nutrition.
• Agricultural investments: Increase focus on sustainable agriculture and nutritious crop production like millets to improve dietary diversity.
• Social safety nets: Strengthen access to Public Distribution Systems (PDS) and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS) for better coverage of vulnerable populations.

Conclusion:

India’s performance in the Global Hunger Index highlights serious challenges, especially in child malnutrition. By improving data transparency, maternal health, and investing in sustainable food systems, India can enhance its hunger and nutrition outcomes, aligning better with global targets like Zero Hunger by 2030.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

India – Canada

 Syllabus: International relations.

 Source:   IE

 Context: Relations between India and Canada are at a nadir, amidst the row regarding India’s alleged involvement in the murder of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Background of Bilateral Relations:

• Diplomatic Relations: Established in 1947, upgraded to a strategic partnership in 2015.
• Trade: India was Canada’s 10th largest trading partner in 2022-23, with bilateral trade worth US$ 8.15 billion. CEPA/EPTA trade negotiations are on hold.
• Nuclear cooperation: Began in 1956, paused after India’s 1974 nuclear test, resumed in 2010.
• Diaspora: 1.6 million Indian diaspora members in Canada, with 22 Indian-origin MPs in its House of Commons.

Current issues:

• Khalistani extremism: Canada’s perceived support for Khalistani groups has strained ties.
• Nijjar killing: Relations worsened after the June 2023 killing of Nijjar. PM Trudeau accused Indian agents, which India denied.
• Diplomatic expulsions: Both countries expelled diplomats, further escalating tensions.

• Western double standards: India pointed out the hypocrisy of Western democracies, including Canada, when security concerns outweigh their commitment to freedoms.

Impacts:

• Diplomatic fallout: Reduced diplomatic engagement, withdrawal of senior diplomats.
• Economic impact: Paused trade talks could hurt bilateral trade and market access.
• Diaspora concerns: Rising tensions may affect Indian diaspora in Canada specially students abroad.
  • Canada hosts 1.6 million Indian-origin people, making up over 3% of its population.
  • Indian students make up 40% of all international students in Canada, contributing significantly to remittances.
• Strategic cooperation: Strain on cooperation in nuclear energy, education, and technology.

Way ahead:

• Diplomatic engagement: Both nations must initiate high-level dialogue to ease tensions.
• Security concerns: Canada should address anti-India elements, while India should cooperate transparently.
• Focus on trade: Resume trade talks to rebuild economic ties.
• People-to-People ties: Strengthen diaspora ties and encourage cultural exchanges.

Conclusion:

The diplomatic row between India and Canada poses a significant challenge to bilateral relations, yet both countries stand to benefit from restoring trust and cooperation. By addressing core issues related to extremism and diplomacy, they can work towards stabilizing ties for mutual benefit.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

Korean Peninsula

Syllabus: International relations.

Source: IE

 Context: Simmering tensions between North and South Korea, are now seemingly boiling over. The North Korea has adopted a renewed aggressive stance in the face of tensions with its neighbour, South Korea.

History:

1. Japanese occupation: Korea was under Japanese control from 1910 to 1945.
2. Post-WWII division: After Japan’s defeat, Korea was split along the 38th parallel. The USSR controlled the North, and the USA controlled the South.
3. Korean war: In 1950, North Korea, backed by the USSR, invaded South Korea. The war ended with an armistice in 1953, creating the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) but no formal peace treaty was signed.
4. Nuclear development: North Korea has pursued nuclear weapons, leading to international sanctions.

Present status:

• Military build-up: North Korea has ramped up its nuclear program, conducting multiple missile tests, and fortifying its borders.
• Diplomatic stalemate: Despite previous peace talks, North Korea declared South Korea as its “primary foe” in 2024, ending hopes for reunification.
• Nuclear tests: North Korea has withdrawn from the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has tested nuclear weapons multiple times.

International Implications

• Global conflicts:Rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula coincide with other global conflicts, such as Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Palestine.
• Major power involvement:Key stakeholders in the Korean Peninsula, including the U.S., China, and Russia, are involved in a broader strategic competition.
• Conflict possibilities:While a major conflict may be avoided due to alliances and nuclear deterrence, incidents or skirmishes are possible.
• Complex alliances:North Korea’s ties with China and Russia and South Korea’s alignment with the U.S. add complexity to ongoing global conflicts.

India’s stand:

• Neutral position: India opposes North Korean nuclear tests but has maintained a neutral stance on sanctions.
• Diplomatic relations: India maintains diplomatic ties with both Koreas. It played a significant role in the 1953 ceasefire and helped negotiate peace.
• Strategic partnerships: India has a special strategic partnership with South Korea, playing a role in South Korea’s Southern Policy and India’s Act East Policy. India also has diplomatic relations with North Korea.

Way ahead:

• Diplomatic engagement: Resume dialogue to reduce military tensions and avoid further escalation.
• International cooperation: Leverage diplomatic ties with major players like China, Russia, and the US to mediate peace.
• Denuclearization talks: Revive international talks on North Korea’s denuclearization.

Conclusion:

North and South Korea remain in a delicate and volatile situation, with military tensions rising. A sustained diplomatic effort is crucial for reducing hostility and avoiding a potential conflict, while India can play a supportive role in maintaining regional stability.

NOTE: No need to memorise everything in topic but make sure you know context so that GS1 world history and prelim’s theme will be covered in this.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

World Energy Outlook 2024

Context: The International Energy Agency (IEA) in its World Energy Outlook 2024 highlights the rapid transition toward clean energy, projecting that more than half of the world’s electricity will come from low-emission sources by 2030.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Five Eye Alliance

Source: TH

Context: U.K. is the latest to declare its confidence in the judicial process by Ottawa, which is investigating the alleged involvement of Indian diplomats in the 2023 killing of a pro-Khalistan preacher.

About Five Eyes Intelligence Alliance:

1. Members: The alliance includes five English-speaking countries — Australia, Canada, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
2. Purpose: It is a multilateral intelligence-sharing network, primarily focused on surveillance and signals intelligence (SIGINT).
3. Classified information: Intelligence shared is marked as ‘Secret—AUS/CAN/NZ/UK/US Eyes Only,’ giving the alliance its name.
4. Background:
   • Evolved during World War II to counter the Soviet threat during the Cold War.
   • The U.S. and U.K. collaborated after breaking German and Japanese codes.
5. Formation:
   • In 1946, the BRUSA Agreement (now UKUSA Agreement) formalized the intelligence-sharing partnership between the U.S. and U.K.
   • Initially focused on signals intelligence like radio and satellite communications.
6. Expansion:
   • Canada joined in 1948, followed by Australia and New Zealand in 1956, making it a five-nation alliance.
7. Scope: The alliance covers six key areas, including traffic analysis, cryptanalysis, decryption, and acquisition of communication-related information.
8. Significance: The Five Eyes Alliance is one of the most extensive intelligence-sharing networks in the world, key in modern global surveillance and intelligence operations.

Insta links:

Battle of Walong

Source: TH

Context: To mark the 62nd anniversary of the iconic Battle of Walong during the 1962 war with China, the Army is planning a month-long series of commemorative events.

About Battle of Walong:

• Location: Walong, Arunachal Pradesh, near the McMahon Line, was a key battleground in the 1962 Sino-Indian War.
• Indian Forces: The 11th Infantry Brigade, comprising the 4th Sikh, 6th Kumaon, and 3rd Battalion of 3 Gorkha Rifles, defended Walong with about 800 men.
• Chinese Offensive: On October 21, 1962, over 4,000 Chinese troops attacked. Despite limited resources, Indian forces resisted for 27 days.
• Tactics: Indian troops used the terrain to set up ambushes and defensive positions, slowing the Chinese advance.
• Outcome: Indian forces withdrew on November 16, 1962, after inflicting heavy casualties and delaying the Chinese significantly.
• Significance: The Indian defense forced China to divert additional troops from Tawang, demonstrating India’s bravery and resilience in its only counterattack of the war.

Insta links:

Drugs Technical Advisory Board

Source:  TH

Context: The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB) has recommended bringing all antibiotics under the definition of “new drug” in the New Drugs and Clinical Trial (NDCT) Rules, 2019 to combat antimicrobial resistance (AMR).

Recent Recommendations by DTAB:

• Inclusion of antibiotics as “New Drugs”:
  All antibiotics would fall under the category of “new drugs,” requiring manufacturing, marketing, and sale to be more strictly documented and regulated.
• Union government control:
  Manufacturing and marketing approvals for antibiotics would need clearance from the Union government, rather than state authorities.
• Prescription mandatory:
  Antibiotics would only be available with a valid prescription, curbing over-the-counter purchases and indiscriminate use.
• Labeling changes:
  A blue strip or box would be added to antibiotic packaging to distinguish antimicrobial products, improving public awareness.
• Focus on AMR:
  This move is part of efforts to address rising antimicrobial resistance in India, where common infections like UTIs, pneumonia, and typhoid are becoming resistant to standard treatments.

Significance:

• Curbing Antimicrobial Resistance: Reducing misuse of antibiotics will help slow the rise of drug-resistant infections.
• Centralized Regulation: Bringing antibiotics under central control ensures uniform regulation across the country.
• Public Health Protection: Mandatory prescriptions and labeling aim to safeguard public health by preventing self-medication and misuse.

About Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB):

• Role: It is the highest statutory body for advising on technical drug-related matters in India.
• Established under: The Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940.
• Part of: Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).
• Nodal ministry: Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Functions: Advises the central and state governments on technical matters related to the administration of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act and performs other assigned functions under the Act.

Insta Links:

Kaziranga National Park

Source: New Indian Express

 Context: Kaziranga National Park in Assam, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros, has now earned recognition as the second-largest butterfly diversity hub in India, after Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.

Butterflies in Kaziranga:

1. Species diversity: Kaziranga is home to 446 butterfly species, making it the second-most diverse butterfly hub in India.
2. Newly recorded species: 18 new species, including Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, and Peacock Oakblue, have been documented.
3. Butterfly conservation: The first-ever Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024 highlighted the importance of butterfly conservation and raised awareness of Kaziranga’s butterfly diversity.

About Kaziranga National Park:

1. Location:
   • Situated in Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam.
2. UNESCO World Heritage Site:
   • Declared a national park in 1974 and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, housing two-thirds of the world’s one-horned rhinoceros’ population.
3. Biodiversity:
   • Hosts a variety of fauna, including royal Bengal tigers, leopards, capped langurs, and migratory birds.
   • Known for its tall elephant grass, water lilies, and wet alluvial grasslands.
4. Flora and Fauna:
   • Famous for elephant grasses, rattan cane, and aquatic plants like water hyacinths.
   • Important species include Bengal florican and western hoolock gibbon, India’s only ape species.
5. Ecological importance:
   • Largest undisturbed area in the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains, offering critical habitats for diverse wildlife.

Insta links:

Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory

Source:  DD News

Context: The Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO) in China is set to begin operations in 2025, aiming to gather data on neutrinos to solve fundamental mysteries in particle physics.

Jiangmen Underground Neutrino Observatory (JUNO):

• Location: Built 700 meters underground in China’s Guangdong province.
• Purpose: Designed to detect neutrinos emitted by nearby nuclear power plants, the sun, and Earth’s mantle.
• Detector: Features a 600 metric ton spherical detector with thousands of light-detecting tubes.
• Timeline: Expected to start operations in late 2025.
• Collaboration: Scientists from France, Germany, Italy, Russia, and the U.S. are involved.
• Global impact: Aims to surpass similar projects in the U.S. and Europe in neutrino research.

About Neutrinos:

• Fundamental particle: Neutrinos are elementary particles produced in high-energy processes like nuclear reactions in stars.
• Hard to detect: Neutrinos rarely interact with matter due to their lack of electrical charge.
• Origins: Produced by stars, supernovae, and on Earth in nuclear reactors and accelerators.
• Key in physics: Studying neutrinos helps understand processes in the sun, the universe’s formation, and Earth’s interior.
• Future applications: Could revolutionize astronomy and medical imaging; potential for long-distance communication via neutrinos.

Indian Neutrino Observatory (INO):

• Proposal: Conceived in 2005 to study neutrinos using a detector under Tamil Nadu’s Bodi West Hills.
• Budget: Initially funded at Rs 1,500 crore by the Indian government.
• Approval: Received environment ministry clearance in 2018.
• Challenges: Faces opposition due to environmental concerns, including its location in a tiger corridor and potential impact on local ecology.
• Status: Construction is stalled due to opposition from environmentalists and local government, with no significant progress to date.

Insta Links:

Minimum Support Prices

Source:  PIB

Context: The Indian government has recently approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for six Rabi crops for the 2025-26 marketing season.

• Recent revision in MSP for Rabi crops: Wheat, Rapeseed & Mustard, Lentil (Masur), Barley, Gram, and Safflower.

About Minimum Support Price:

• Definition: MSP is the guaranteed price paid to farmers for their produce when purchased by the government, ensuring they receive a minimum income.
• Determination: MSP is recommended by the Commission for Agricultural Costs and Prices (CACP) based on factors like cost of production, demand and supply, and market trends.
• Approval process: The final decision on MSP is made by the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by the Prime Minister.
• Crops under MSP: MSP is announced for 22 crops, including 14 Kharif, 6 Rabi, and 2 commercial crops. Fair Remunerative Price (FRP) is set for sugarcane.
• Types of Production Costs:
  CACP uses three cost projections:

• • A2: Paid-out costs for inputs like seeds, labor, and fertilizers.
  • A2+FL: Includes unpaid family labor.
  • C2: Comprehensive cost including rent and capital interest, used as a benchmark reference.

• Budget 2018-19:
  The MSP is set at 1.5 times the All-India weighted average cost of production, ensuring farmers receive fair returns for their produce.

Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 17 October 2024 Mapping:

Italy-Albania Migration Pact

Source: New Indian Express

 Context: The first people to be intercepted at sea by the Italian navy under a controversial migration deal with Albania are on their way to the Balkan nation to have their asylum claims processed.

About Pact:

1. Migration pact signed: Italy’s far-right Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, and Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, signed a pact in November 2022 to manage asylum claims of migrants.
2. Asylum processing in Albania: Under the agreement, migrants intercepted at sea are sent to Albania, where their asylum claims are processed.
3. Screening criteria: Only men from “safe” countries such as Bangladesh and Egypt are sent to Albania; vulnerable individuals, including women, children, and men with illnesses or signs of torture, are taken to Italy.
4. Places in news:
   1. Schëngjin: Port where intercepted migrants arrive in Albania.
   2. Gjadër: Location of the former Albanian air force site used to hold migrants while processing their asylum claims.
   3. Lampedusa: Southern Italian Island where vulnerable migrants are taken after screening.

Insta links:

1. Albania

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