UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024)

1. Technologies to Resolve Stubble Burning

2. China and Renewable Energy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Women in Urban Governance

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Green World Environment Award 2024

2. Biofloc Technology and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

3. Jeddah Commitments on AMR

4. Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration

5. ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems)

6. Nigeria Nation

7. Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, 2023

Mapping:

1. El Cajas National Park

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024

GS Paper 3:

Technologies to Resolve Stubble Burning

Syllabus: Science and Technology, Air Pollution

Source:  DTE

 Context: Stubble burning, especially in northern India, contributes significantly to air pollution and haze during October and November. Despite government measures, the practice persists due to economic and operational challenges faced by farmers.

Stubble Burning

• Stubble burning is the deliberate setting of fire to crop residue after the harvest, predominantly in Punjab, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh.
• Farmers burn paddy straw as a quick and economical way to prepare fields for the next crop cycle, especially for wheat sowing.

Reasons for Stubble Burning:

• Short Crop Cycles: Limited time between paddy harvest and wheat sowing.
• Economic Constraints: High cost of alternative residue management techniques.
• Lack of Awareness: Farmers lack knowledge about sustainable practices.
• Inadequate Mechanization: Limited availability of crop residue management machinery.
• Policy Implementation Gaps: Ineffective enforcement of regulations and insufficient incentives.

Consequences of Stubble Burning:

• Air Pollution: Emission of fine particulate matter (PM2.5, PM10), CO2, CO, and other pollutants.
• Health Hazards: Increased respiratory diseases and reduced visibility.
• Soil Degradation: Loss of essential nutrients and organic matter.
• Climate Impact: Contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic Costs: Burden on public health systems and loss of soil fertility.

Technologies to Resolve Stubble Burning:

Large-Scale Technologies:

• Direct Combustion: Burns rice straw in controlled environments to generate heat for cooking and industrial purposes.
• Pyrolysis and Gasification: Converts rice straw into syngas or bio-oil with high heating value through controlled heating.
• Biochar Production: Produces biochar as a soil conditioner to enhance fertility and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
• Power Generation: Uses biomass-based power plants to convert rice straw into electricity, supporting rural energy needs.
• Pellet Production: Compresses rice straw into compact, energy-dense pellets suitable for fuel and easy transportation.
• Biofuels: Processes rice straw into bioethanol, biogas, and other renewable fuels, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
• Paper Production: Utilizes rice straw’s high cellulose content as a sustainable raw material for pulp and paper production.

Small-Scale Technologies:

• Composting: Converts rice straw into nutrient-rich organic compost for agricultural use.
• Mushroom Cultivation: Uses rice straw as a substrate for cultivating edible mushrooms, offering a cost-effective farming option.
• Silica Extraction: Extracts silica particles from rice straw for use in industrial applications like construction and electronics.
• Fodder for Ruminants: Enhances the digestibility of rice straw for use as animal feed through physical or chemical treatments.
• As an Adsorbent: Applies rice straw to remove heavy metals and toxins from contaminated water, improving water quality.
• Soil Incorporation: Incorporates rice straw into the soil to improve fertility, moisture retention, and aeration.

Conclusion:

Stubble burning remains a significant environmental challenge in India. Sustainable technologies and alternative uses for crop residue, coupled with robust policies and farmer awareness, can mitigate its adverse effects. A multi-stakeholder approach involving farmers, industries, and governments is essential for long-term solutions.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

China and Renewable Energy

Syllabus: Renewable energy

Source:  IE

Context: China, the largest greenhouse gas emitter and a renewable energy leader, plays a pivotal role in global climate action. Reducing its emissions is vital but poses challenges for renewable energy supply chains and global transitions.

China’s Status in Solar Power:

• Global Leader: China dominates over 80% of global solar panel manufacturing and 60% of wind turbine production.
• Renewable Growth: Added 300 GW of renewable energy capacity in 2023, nearly meeting its 1,200 GW renewable energy target six years ahead of schedule.
• Cost Competitiveness: Solar PV production costs in China are 10–35% lower than in India, the US, and Europe.

China Paradox:

• Necessity of Emission Reductions: Needs to reduce emissions by 66% by 2030 to comply with the Paris Agreement 1.5°C target.
• Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Despite renewables growth, coal still generates over half of China’s electricity, supporting industries like solar and wind manufacturing.
• Impact on Global Supply Chains: Reducing emissions too rapidly could disrupt China’s fossil fuel-dependent manufacturing processes, slowing renewable energy deployment globally.

Unique Advantages of China in Renewable Energy:

• Cost Leadership: Solar PV manufacturing costs are 10-35% lower than in India, the US, and Europe.
• Manufacturing Dominance: Controls over 80% of global solar panel and 60% of wind turbine production.
• Integrated Supply Chain: Monopoly across all steps of the solar PV supply chain, from raw materials to finished products.
• Scale of Production: Massive industrial scale enabling economies of scale and competitive pricing.
• Government Support: Proactive policies and subsidies driving renewable energy growth and exports.
• Technological Edge: Advanced manufacturing techniques and extensive R&D in clean energy technologies.

Impact of China’s Emission Reductions and Transition to Renewables:

• Impact on China:

• • Industrial Slowdown: Rapid fossil fuel phase-out could hinder manufacturing, including renewable energy equipment.
  • Economic Challenges: Strain on industries heavily dependent on coal and fossil fuels.

• Impact on India:

• • Supply Chain Vulnerability: India’s solar module imports (85% from China) could face disruptions, affecting its renewable energy goals.
  • Rising Costs: Dependence on Chinese imports makes it vulnerable to cost escalations in solar PV and wind equipment.

• Impact on the World:

• • Global Renewable Targets: Reduced Chinese production might delay the global renewable energy tripling target by 2030.
  • Dependency Risks: Highlights the need for diversifying supply chains and reducing over-reliance on China for critical technologies.

India’s Potential as a Competitor to China:

• Ambitious Goals: Aims to achieve 280 GW of solar energy out of 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
• Domestic Manufacturing Push: Current annual solar module manufacturing capacity of 15 GW, with plans to scale up.
• Government Support: Policies and subsidies to promote renewable energy and reduce import dependence.
• Geographical Advantage: High solar insolation and vast land availability for renewable energy projects.

Conclusion:

While China’s emission cuts are vital for global climate goals, they pose risks to renewable energy supply chains. Diversifying production and enhancing India’s manufacturing capacity are critical to reducing global dependency on China and ensuring a balanced energy transition.

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PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Women in Urban Governance

Context: The report “Roadmap for India’s City Systems Reforms,” released by the non-profit organization Janaagraha, highlights significant insights into urban governance in India

 Key Data from the Report:

• Women Representation:
  • Nearly 46% of councillors in India are women.
  • In 19 out of 21 capital cities with active ULBs (e.g., Patna, Shimla, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar), over 60% of councillors are women.
  • Top 10 States with the highest number of women councillors:

• • Women’s Quota in ULBs:
    • 17 States have legislated 50% women’s reservation in ULBs, exceeding the constitutional minimum of 33%.

Usage in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper II:
  • Constitutional Amendments: 74th Amendment and decentralization.
  • Governance: Role of urban local bodies in democracy and citizen participation.
  • Social Justice: Women’s representation in governance and gender quota in local bodies.
• Essay Writing:
  • Topics on women in governance, urban governance, and decentralization.
• Ethics Case Studies (GS Paper IV):
  • Role of women leaders in local governance and participatory decision-making.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Green World Environment Award 2024

Source:  PIB

Context: Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category.

About Green World Environment Award:

• Award Significance: Recognizes organizations for outstanding contributions to environmental sustainability and CSR initiatives globally.
• Recipient: Coal India Limited in 2024 for its Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, which supports curative treatments for Thalassemia through Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT).
  • Support: Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna provide financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh provided for BMT operations across 17 partner hospitals.
• Presented by: The Green Organisation at Kensington Palace, London.

About The Green Organisation:

• Founded: 1994.
• Nature: An independent, non-political, and non-profit group.
• Objective: Recognizing, rewarding, and promoting environmental and CSR best practices worldwide.
• Initiatives: Includes global awards like the Green World Awards to encourage sustainability and CSR excellence.

About Coal India Limited (CIL):

• Establishment: Formed in November 1975.
• Largest Producer: World’s single largest coal producer and one of the largest corporate employers in India.
• CIL has seven producing subsidiaries.
• Production status:
  • Produces around 83% of India’s overall coal production in India where approximately 57% of primary commercial energy is coal dependent, CIL alone meets to the tune of 40% of primary commercial energy requirement.

Insta links:

Biofloc Technology and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems

Source:  DTE

Context: India’s aquaculture sector has undergone a significant transformation, becoming a global leader in fish production. Innovations like Biofloc Technology (BFT) and Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS) are at the forefront of modern aquaculture practices.

About Biofloc Technology (BFT):

• What it is:
  A closed-tank aquaculture method using beneficial bacteria to convert organic waste into microbial biomass for fish consumption.
• How it works:

• • Beneficial heterotrophic bacteria convert waste into biomass.
  • Aeration and microbial activity maintain water quality.
  • Reduces reliance on antibiotics and chemicals.

About Recirculating Aquaculture Systems (RAS):

• What it is:
  A tank-based farming system that recycles water through mechanical and biological filtration.
• How it works:

• • Water is filtered to remove waste and pathogens.
  • Provides controlled conditions for temperature, oxygen, and water cleanliness.
  • Ensures biosecurity with reduced need for antibiotics.

Insta links:

Jeddah Commitments on AMR

Source:   DTE

 Context: Building on the momentum from the United Nations General Assembly High-Level Meeting on AMR in September 2024, the Fourth Global High-Level Ministerial Conference on AMR was held in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

About Jeddah Commitments:

• Host: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
• Theme: From Declaration to Implementation – Accelerating Actions Through Multisectoral Partnerships for the Containment of AMR.
• Aim: Translate the UNGA Political Declaration on AMR into actionable global steps.
• Outcomes:
  • Adoption of Jeddah Commitments focusing on:
    • Strengthening governance, stewardship, and surveillance.
    • Establishing an Independent Panel for Evidence on Action Against AMR by 2025.
    • Promoting data sharing via GLASS AMR/AMC, ANIMUSE, and INFARM platforms.
    • Adherence to Codex Alimentarius guidelines for prudent antimicrobial use.
    • Establishment of the One Health AMR Learning Hub for capacity building.
    • Creation of a Regional Antimicrobial Access and Logistics Hub for sustainable procurement.
  • Increased emphasis on investments in research, innovation, and manufacturing of antimicrobials and diagnostics.
  • Focus on affordable and equitable access to antimicrobials, diagnostics, and vaccines, especially for LMICs.
• Next Summit: To be hosted by Nigeria in 2026.

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Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration

Source:  DD News

Context: The COP29 Presidency launched the Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration, with over 30 countries committing to set sectoral targets for reducing methane emissions from organic waste.

About Reducing Methane from Organic Waste Declaration:

• Launch: COP29, by the Presidency in collaboration with UNEP-convened Climate and Clean Air Coalition (CCAC).
• Signatories: Over 30 countries, including 8 of the top 10 organic waste methane emitters.
• Goal: To reduce methane emissions from organic waste and meet targets in future Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
• Focus Areas:
  1. NDC Integration: Inclusion of waste sector targets in climate action plans.
  2. Regulation: Development of policies for better waste management.
  3. Data: Improving data collection on waste generation and methane sources.
  4. Finance: Mobilizing funds for solid waste management and reduction projects.
  5. Partnerships: Promoting cross-country collaboration to share best practices.
• Alignment with GMP: Supports the 2021 Global Methane Pledge to reduce methane emissions by 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
• Priority Actions:

• • Preventing organic waste generation.
  • Promoting separate waste collection.
  • Improving management of organic waste in landfills and wastewater facilities.

• India has not joined the COP29 Declaration on Reducing Methane from Organic Waste.

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ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems)

Source:  NYT

Context: Ukraine’s military used American-made ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems) to strike a Russian ammunition depot in Bryansk, marking a significant development in the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

About ATACMS (Army Tactical Missile Systems):

• Manufacturer: Produced by Lockheed Martin, developed in the 1980s.
• Type: Short-range ballistic missile.
• Range: Up to 190 miles (300 km), depending on the model.
• Warhead: Carries approximately 375 pounds of explosives.
• Launch Platforms: Compatible with HIMARS mobile launchers and older M270 systems provided by the U.S., Britain, and Germany.
• Purpose: Designed to target high-value military and paramilitary facilities deep within enemy lines.
• Flight Characteristics: Travels higher into the atmosphere than artillery rockets and descends at high speed due to gravity.

Insta Links:

Nigeria Nation

Source:  HT

Context: Prime Minister of India has been conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria, signifying strong diplomatic ties between the two nations.

• Also in news: Nigeria’s Borno state experienced severe flooding due to the collapse of the Alau Dam.

NOTE: “Grand Commander of the Order of Niger” is given by Nigeria nation not Niger nation.

About Nigeria:

• Capital: Abuja.
• Location: West Coast of Africa.
• Border Nations: Niger, Chad and Cameroon, Benin and Gulf of Guinea (Atlantic Ocean).

• Major Plains: Sokoto Plains (Northwest), Borno Plains (Northeast).
• Highest Point: Chappal Waddi.
• Major Rivers:
  • Niger River: Forms the Niger Delta and drains into the Gulf of Guinea.
  • Sokoto River: A significant tributary of the Niger.
• Major Lake: Lake Chad shared with Chad, Cameroon, and Niger, this freshwater lake is crucial for regional water resources.

About Alau Dam:

• Location: Situated on the Ngadda River in Borno State, Nigeria.
• Purpose: Built for irrigation, flood control, and water supply to Maiduguri.

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Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, 2023

Source:  TH

Context: The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023 was awarded to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad.

About Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development:

• Established: 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
• Objective: To recognize individuals or organizations for their efforts toward peace, disarmament, and development.
• Components: Includes a monetary award of ₹25 lakh and a citation.
• Categories: Peace, Disarmament, and Development.
• Criteria: Awardees are selected based on sustained efforts that positively impact global challenges, benefiting human welfare and international peace.
• Significance: Regarded as one of the highest accolades in the field of peace and development.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 November 2024 Mapping:

El Cajas National Park

Source:  TH

Context: El Cajas National Park, located in the highlands of Ecuador near Cuenca, has been severely impacted by wildfires exacerbated by a prolonged and severe drought.

• The Ecuadorian government has declared a 60-day national emergency to address the raging forest fires, which threaten not only the park’s ecological integrity but also its critical water resources.

About El Cajas National Park:

• Location: Highlands of Ecuador, 30 km west of Cuenca in Azuay province.
• Area: Spans 285.44 km² with altitudes between 3100m and 4450m.
• Declared: National Park status granted on November 5, 1996.
• Topography: Features páramo vegetation, jagged hills, valleys, and about 270 lakes and lagoons, with Luspa as the largest lake.
• Rivers: The Tomebamba and Yanuncay rivers originate here, contributing to the Amazon basin. Western drainage connects to the Pacific Ocean.
• Highest Point: Cerro Arquitectos (4450m).

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 20 Nov 2024

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