UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 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 – 19 October 2024)

1. Supreme Court’s Assam verdict

GS Paper 3:

2. Oceans on Brink

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

1. Compassion case

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. National Green Hydrogen Mission

2. ‘Karmayogi Saptah’

3. Haemodialysis (HD) Machines

4. ‘E-Cube Hindi Language Lab’

5. Artificial Stone

6. Non-Kinetic Warfare

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 October 2024

GS Paper 2:

Supreme Court’s Assam verdict

Syllabus: Judicial verdicts

 Source: IE

Context: The Supreme Court has upheld Section 6A of the Citizenship Act, 1955, which grants citizenship to migrants who entered Assam between January 1, 1966, and March 24, 1971, under the Assam Accord. This decision addresses Assam’s unique demographic and migration history, balancing regional concerns with national unity.

Background

1. Assam Accord (1985): Set March 24, 1971, as the cut-off date for citizenship, aiming to resolve tensions between indigenous Assamese people and migrants.
2. Section 6A: Added to the Citizenship Act to implement the Assam Accord, establishing special criteria for Assam, different from India’s post-Partition cut-off.
3. NRC (2019): Updated to identify legitimate citizens in Assam, excluding 1.9 million people, raising questions about human rights and citizenship.
4. Legal Challenges: Petitioners argued Section 6A violates Articles 14 (equality) and 29 (cultural rights) of the Constitution, singling out Assam and threatening its indigenous identity.

Arguments Against Section 6A

1. Violation of Article 14: Creates an unequal framework by applying different rules for Assam.
2. Cultural Erosion: Threatens the cultural identity of indigenous Assamese under Article 29.
3. External Aggression: Cites illegal immigration as “external aggression,” threatening Assam’s security.
4. Accord Betrayal: Seen as undermining the original spirit of the Assam Accord.
5. Implementation Issues: Misuse and bureaucratic delays create unrest in Assam.

Arguments in Favor of Section 6A

1. Parliamentary Competence: Parliament has the authority to regulate citizenship under Article 11.
2. Unique Situation: Assam’s demographic challenge justifies a special framework.
3. Controlled Process: Section 6A provides a regulated, time-bound process for citizenship.
4. Alignment with Constitution: Articles 6 and 7 align with Section 6A.
5. National Unity: The ruling upholds fraternity and national cohesion.

Supreme Court Verdict

1. Affirmation of Legislative Power: Reaffirms Parliament’s right to legislate on citizenship.
2. Balance of Concerns: The ruling balances Assam’s demographic concerns with national unity.
3. Judicial Precedent: Differentiates Section 6A from earlier cases on illegal immigration.
4. Dissenting Opinion: Justice Pardiwala called for its prospective invalidation due to outdated relevance.

Way Forward

1. Strengthen border controls to prevent further illegal immigration.
2. Periodic review of Section 6A for effective implementation.
3. Safeguard Assam’s linguistic and cultural identity.
4. Broaden national discussions on citizenship policies, including the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA).
5. Increase public awareness to promote understanding and reduce tensions.

Conclusion

The Supreme Court’s verdict on Section 6A acknowledges Assam’s unique demographic challenges while affirming Parliament’s legislative authority. It balances regional concerns with national unity and may influence future discussions on citizenship laws in India.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 October 2024 GS Paper 3:

Oceans on Brink

 Syllabus: Environment and ecology

 Source:  DTE

 Context: The report titled On Track or Off Course? Assessing Progress Toward the 30×30 Target in the Ocean showed that while governments have made pledges, many protections exist only on paper.

Key Findings

1. Limited protection: Only 2.8% of oceans are effectively protected; 8.3% are designated MPAs, but most lack enforcement.
2. Slow progress: Since COP15, protected areas increased by just 0.5%, making the 30% target unlikely.
3. Blue-washing: Countries like the UK declare large MPAs, but less than 1% are managed effectively.
4. Regional disparities: Latin America, Caribbean, North America, and Europe show gaps between declared and managed MPAs.
5. Few leaders: Only 14 countries have met the 30% target; Palau and the UK have effectively safeguarded significant portions.

Impact

1. Climate regulation: Oceans absorb 90% of heat from human activities and 30% of global CO2 emissions. Weak protection undermines this function.
2. Biodiversity loss: Poorly managed MPAs leave species vulnerable to overfishing and habitat destruction.
3. Livelihoods at risk: Coastal communities dependent on oceans for fishing and tourism face jeopardized food security and income.
4. Economic costs: Inaction increases disaster response costs and the burden of ecosystem restoration.

Challenges

1. Weak enforcement: MPAs exist on paper but lack proper monitoring.
2. Geopolitical barriers: Weak governance in international waters hinders protection.
3. Economic vs. conservation: Industrial activities like mining often take precedence.
4. Lack of funding: Developing nations lack resources to manage MPAs; promised financial aid is slow.
5. Delayed agreements: The High Seas Treaty, crucial for protecting international waters, faces slow progress.

Solutions

1. Expand MPAs: Increase both the number and size of MPAs, following Panama’s example of expanding Banco Volcán.
2. Strengthen management: Enforce proper management of MPAs; the UK’s Blue Belt Programme is a model.
3. Incorporate Indigenous knowledge: Communities play a key role in conservation, as seen in Canada’s Gitdisdzu Lugyeks MPA.
4. Deliver financial aid: Developed nations must meet funding commitments for conservation.
5. Improve monitoring: Better data collection is needed to assess and enhance MPAs.

Conclusion

Achieving the 30×30 target is crucial for marine ecosystems and the planet. While progress has been slow, effective strategies and models exist. Governments must act by expanding MPAs, ensuring management, providing financial support, and fostering global cooperation.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Compassion case

Context:  R Prakash, a police head constable in Tiruppur city, was on patrol under the Dedicated Beat System when he encountered a disabled woman named G Amutha, living under a Neem tree with only an umbrella for shelter. Moved by her plight, Prakash took it upon himself to build her a small shelter using his own funds. Amutha, despite her physical challenges, earns a meager income by turning knitwear waste into yarn. Prakash’s actions not only exemplify compassion but also the dedication of public servants who go beyond their duty to improve the lives of the needy.

 Usage in UPSC essay exam:

1. Empathy and Public Service: This anecdote can be used to highlight how compassion and empathy are key traits in effective public service.
2. Social Responsibility: Can be linked to essays on social justice and responsibility of public officials in uplifting marginalized individuals.
3. Example of Citizen-Police Relations: Demonstrates the role of police in society as not only protectors but also enablers of welfare.

Usage in Ethics Case Study:

1. Demonstrating Ethical Leadership: The anecdote can be used to show how individuals in positions of responsibility can take initiative to act beyond their defined roles for the public good.
2. Compassionate Public Service: This example can be cited to emphasize the importance of empathy, integrity, and duty towards vulnerable sections.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

National Green Hydrogen Mission

Source: PIB

 Context: As part of the National Green Hydrogen Mission, the Union Government has sanctioned three pilot projects aimed at using hydrogen in steel production.

About National Green Hydrogen Mission:

• Budget: Outlay of ₹19,744 crore up to FY 2029-30 for green hydrogen initiatives.
• Objectives:
  • Establish India as a global hub for green hydrogen production, utilization, and export.
  • Foster decarbonization across industries, especially steel, mobility, and energy sectors.
• Pilot Projects:
  • Focus on demonstrating green hydrogen use in sectors like steel, mobility, and shipping.
  • Three sanctioned steel sector projects with financial support of ₹347 crore.
• SIGHT (Strategic Interventions for Green Hydrogen Transition):
  • Incentivizes the domestic manufacturing of electrolysers.
  • Promotes the production and usage of green hydrogen.
• Expected Outcomes by 2030:
  • Green Hydrogen Production: At least 5 MMT per year.
  • Renewable Energy: Addition of around 125 GW of capacity.
  • Investment: Over ₹8 lakh crore in green hydrogen.
  • Employment: Creation of 6 lakh jobs.
  • Reduction in fossil fuel imports: Exceeding ₹1 lakh crore.
  • GHG Emissions: Averting nearly 50 MMT of annual greenhouse gas emissions.
• Phase-wise Implementation:
  • Phase I (2022-26): Focuses on demand creation and deployment in existing hydrogen-using sectors.
  • Phase II (2026-30): Expands to new sectors with commercialization of green hydrogen

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‘Karmayogi Saptah’

Source: PIB

 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the ‘Karmayogi Saptah’ – National Learning Week on 19th October 2024 at Dr. Ambedkar International Centre, New Delhi.

 About Karmayogi Saptah:

• Launch Date: 19th October 2024 by Prime Minister Modi.
• Objective: Promote individual and organizational capacity-building for civil servants through competency-linked learning.
• National Learning Week (NLW):
  • Largest learning event for civil servants.
  • Aims to create a “One Government” message, aligning civil servants with national goals.
  • Focuses on lifelong learning and continuous development.
• Learning Targets:
  • Each Karmayogi is expected to achieve at least 4 hours of competency-linked learning during the week.
  • Learning methods include role-based modules on iGOT, webinars, public lectures, and policy masterclasses by eminent speakers.
• Workshops & Seminars:
  • Ministries and departments will organize seminars and workshops to enhance domain-specific competencies.
  • Emphasis on improving citizen-centric service delivery through knowledge sharing and skill development.

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Haemodialysis (HD) Machines

Source:  News on Air

Context: India is extending humanitarian assistance to two countries by providing 33 tonnes of medical supplies to Lebanon and haemodialysis (HD) machines to Papua New Guinea.

Nations Involved

• Lebanon: Recipient of 33 tonnes of Indian medical aid to improve healthcare services.
• Papua New Guinea: Recipient of HD machines and portable RO units, fulfilling India’s healthcare commitments under the Forum for India-Pacific Islands Cooperation (FIPIC).

About Haemodialysis (HD) Machines:

• Function: HD machines filter blood to remove wastes, excess fluids, and toxins for patients with kidney failure.
• Components:
  • Uses a dialyzer, also known as an artificial kidney.
  • Blood flows through hair-thin hollow fibers inside a clear plastic cylinder.
  • Dialysate fluid cleans the blood by surrounding the fibers.
  • Wastes diffuse through pores and are flushed away.
• Outcome: With each pass through the dialyzer, the blood is gradually cleaned, supporting patients with severe kidney dysfunction.

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‘E-Cube Hindi Language Lab’

Source: IE

 Context: To facilitate easy learning of Hindi for school students, Kerala’s general education department has launched the ‘E-Cube Hindi Language Lab’ for students of classes 5 to 7.

E-Cube English Language Lab: Key Points

• Objective: Provides an interactive language learning environment for English, now extended to Hindi.
• Developer: Created by KITE (Kerala Infrastructure and Technology for Education).
• Audience: Targets students in schools, primarily using school laptops.
• Interactive Features:
  • Includes game-based activities for practicing listening, speaking, reading, writing, and discourse creation.
  • Students can record their voices and save activities in audio/video formats.
  • Supports animated conversations to help students speak confidently in real-life situations.
• Monitoring:
  • Teachers and head teachers have separate logins to track student progress.
  • Provides feedback mechanisms for teachers to review and guide students.
• FOSS-based: Entirely developed using Free and Open-Source Software.

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Artificial Stone

Source:  ToI

Context: A recent study published in Thorax highlights the emergence of a severe form of silicosis—a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust. This is attributed to the high silica content (over 90%) in artificial stone, compared to natural stones like marble and granite, which contain much less silica

About Artificial Stone:

• Artificial stone, also known as engineered stone or quartz, is widely used in kitchens due to its aesthetic appeal and durability. However, it poses significant health risks to workers involved in its cutting and polishing.

• Material Composition:
  • Made from crushed rocks bound with resins.
  • Contains over 90% silica, compared to 3% in marble and 30% in granite.
• Advantages:
  • Aesthetic appeal: Smooth, polished look.
  • Durability: More resistant to damage than natural stone.
  • Ease of handling: Lacks natural imperfections found in natural stone.
• Health Risks:
  • Generates fine silica dust when cut or polished.
  • High risk of silicosis, a progressive lung disease caused by silica inhalation.
  • Workers face increased risks due to dry cutting without dust suppression measures like water.
• Thorax Study Findings:
  • Documented eight cases of workers, average age 34, with severe lung disease.
  • Conditions include lung transplants, autoimmune diseases, and lung infections.
• Preventive Measures:
  • Use of water to suppress dust during cutting.
  • Adoption of nasal filters and other technologies to minimize silica exposure.
  • Advocating for stricter safety measures to protect workers.

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Non-Kinetic Warfare

Source:  TH

Context: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Defence has prioritized the discussion on the Indian armed forces’ readiness to tackle “hybrid warfare,” specifically focusing on non-kinetic warfare.

About Non-Kinetic Warfare:

• Definition:
  • Warfare that goes beyond physical combat and involves electronic warfare, cyberattacks, psychological, information, and economic tactics.
  • It can include non-military stakeholders and aims to disrupt or cripple a country’s infrastructure or governance.
• Methods Used:
  • Cyber warfare: Attacking critical infrastructure like power grids, hospitals, and communication networks.
  • Information warfare: Spreading disinformation or controlling the narrative to influence public perception and decision-making.
  • Electronic warfare: Jamming or intercepting communication systems.
  • Psychological warfare: Manipulating public opinion and morale through fear, misinformation, or propaganda.
  • Economic warfare: Disrupting a nation’s economy by targeting financial systems or trade.
• Impact:
  • Non-kinetic warfare can be deadlier than traditional combat, as conflicts can be won without physical confrontation.
  • A well-coordinated cyber or economic attack can destabilize a nation without the need for conventional military force.
• Examples:
  • Russia-Ukraine conflict: Use of cyberattacks and disinformation.
  • Israel-Palestine conflict: Psychological and information warfare tactics.
  • Lebanon: Use of pager blasts as a form of disruption.
• Counter-Drone Technologies:
  • Kinetic options: Shooting down drones physically.
  • Non-kinetic options: Jamming, taking control, or using laser and electromagnetic waves to disrupt drone operations.
• Importance for India:
  • As non-kinetic warfare becomes a key component of modern conflicts, India’s armed forces must develop both kinetic and non-kinetic capabilities to counter these emerging threats.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 19 Oct 2024

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