UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 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 – 22 November 2024)

1. Delhi Air Pollution

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. India-CARICOM Summit

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Kanhirapoil Megalithic Site

2. Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

3. VISION Portal

4. Marine Fisheries Census 2025

5. International Criminal Court

6. The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

7. Honorary Army General

8. Mealworm Larvae

9. RS-26 Rubezh

Mapping:

1. Reykjanes Peninsula

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

Delhi Air Pollution

Syllabus: Air Pollution

Source:  TH

 Context: Delhi’s air pollution crisis is worsening, with high levels of particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) and other pollutants creating severe health and environmental issues.

 Delhi Air Pollution Status:

• Air Quality Index (AQI): Frequently hovers between 300-500, indicating “very poor” to “severe” air quality.
• PM2.5 Dominance: Major contributor to unhealthy AQI levels.
• Seasonal Variation: Worse during winters due to temperature inversion and slow wind speeds.
• Health Impact: Significant rise in cardio-respiratory and neurological issues.

Causes of air pollution in Delhi:

• Natural causes:

• • Temperature inversion: Traps pollutants close to the surface during winters.
  • Low wind speed: Reduces dispersion of pollutants.
  • Dust storms: Transport particulate matter from surrounding regions.

• Anthropogenic causes:

• • Vehicle emissions: Accounts for 58% of PM2.5 levels.
  • Stubble burning: Seasonal contribution from neighbouring states.
  • Industrial emissions: Pollutants from power plants and factories.
  • Construction activities: Dust and particulate emissions.
  • Waste burning: Unregulated burning of municipal and agricultural waste.

Consequences of Air Pollution:

1. Health impacts:
   • Increased risk of cardiovascular diseases, strokes, asthma, and lung cancer.
   • Vulnerable populations (children, elderly) disproportionately affected.
   • Cognitive decline linked to prolonged exposure.
2. Environmental damage:
   • Reduced visibility, soil acidification, and water pollution.
   • Impacts biodiversity, including urban greenery.
3. Economic costs:
   • Healthcare expenses for pollution-related illnesses.
   • Productivity loss due to poor health.

Government measures to reduce pollution:

1. Initiatives for Controlling Air Pollution

• National Clean Air Programme (NCAP):
  • Aims to reduce particulate matter (PM2.5 and PM10) by 20-30% by 2024 in 122 cities.
  • Focuses on long-term measures, including city-specific action plans.
• System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research (SAFAR):
  • Provides real-time air quality monitoring and forecasting.
  • Helps public and authorities take timely measures to combat pollution.
• Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM):
  • A statutory body to monitor and control air pollution in Delhi-NCR and adjoining areas.
  • Facilitates inter-state coordination for pollution management.
• Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP):
  • Implements emergency measures like banning diesel generators and stopping construction activities based on AQI levels.

2. Initiatives for reducing vehicular pollution:

• BS-VI Emission Standards:
  • Strict emission norms for vehicles to reduce pollutants like nitrogen oxides and particulate matter.
• National Electric Mobility Mission Plan (NEMMP):
  • Promotes the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce dependency on fossil fuels.
  • Includes subsidies and incentives for EV buyers and manufacturers.
• Promotion of Public Transport:
  • Expansion of metro networks, introduction of e-buses, and carpooling incentives.

3. Legal and policy support:

• Right to Pollution-Free Environment: Declared as part of the fundamental Right to Life (Article 21) by the Supreme Court in C. Mehta vs. Union of India.

Resolving the issue of air pollution:

• Promote public transport: Expand metro, bus services, and electric fleets with last-mile connectivity.
• Adopt clean energy: Transition to solar and wind energy in industries and households.
• Enforce green construction practices: Strict monitoring of dust control and material usage.
• Encourage behavioural changes: Promote carpooling and ban single-use plastic.
• Enhance monitoring and data use: Leverage AI and IoT for real-time air quality tracking and actionable insights.

Conclusion

Delhi’s air pollution crisis demands comprehensive solutions, combining government action, community participation, and sustainable practices. Only a multi-stakeholder approach can protect public health and restore environmental balance.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

India-CARICOM Summit

Context: Prime Minister, during the India-CARICOM Summit held in Georgetown, Guyana, introduced a seven-pillar framework to enhance cooperation between India and Caribbean nations.

• He proposed redefining the acronym “CARICOM” to signify key areas of collaboration, reflecting India’s commitment to strengthening ties with the Caribbean Community.

Seven Pillars (acronym “CARICOM“) Proposed by PM:

1. Capacity Building:
   • Announced 1,000 IT scholarships and proposed a regional forensic centre.
   • Expanded India’s technology centre in Belize to include all CARICOM members.
   • Online training for civil servants.
2. Agriculture and Food Security:
   • Shared India’s advancements in agriculture technology like drones.
   • Promoted millet cultivation for nutrition and sustainability.
3. Renewable Energy and Climate Change:
   • Invited CARICOM to join the International Solar Alliance and other global initiatives like the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure and the Global Biofuel Alliance.
4. Innovation and Technology:
   • Shared India’s digital payment systems (UPI) and eMarketplace model.
   • Proposed collaboration on “Stack” infrastructure to support SMEs.
5. Cricket and Culture:
   • Offered 11 women’s cricket scholarships for each CARICOM nation.
   • Proposed cultural exchanges through Festivals of India and Bollywood film festivals.
6. Ocean Economy and Maritime Security:
   • Positioned CARICOM as “large ocean countries” with potential for marine resource development.
   • Pledged support for maritime security against piracy and trafficking.
7. Medicines and Healthcare:
   • Shared affordable healthcare solutions via the Janaushadi scheme.
   • Proposed telehealth programs and advanced cancer treatment technologies.
   • Suggested adopting the Indian Pharmacopeia to reduce healthcare costs.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Kanhirapoil Megalithic Site

Source:  TH

Context: Megalithic carvings unearthed at Kanhirapoil, Kerala, reveal India’s rich prehistoric heritage, offering insights into ancient rituals and cultural practices.

About Kanhirapoil megalithic site:

• Discovery details: 24 pairs of carved footprints and a human figure were found on a private property in Madikkai grama panchayat, Kasaragod, Kerala.
• Artistic features: Carvings include footprints of varying sizes (6–10 inches), likely representing both children and adults, with a human figure accompanied by circular pits.
• Cultural parallels: The findings resemble prehistoric rock art at Avalakki Pera in Udupi and other sites in Kerala, including Edakkal Caves and Erikulam Valiyapara.

About Megaliths:

• Definition: Megaliths are monuments made of large stones, often serving as burial sites away from settlements.
• Chronology:
  • Megalithic cultures in South India date from the 3rd B.C. to the 1st A.D. as per Brahmagiri excavations.
• Geographical spread:
  • Found in Deccan (south of Godavari), Punjab Plains, Indo-Gangetic basin, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Burzahom in Jammu and Kashmir.
• Iron usage:
  • A hallmark of this period, with iron tools for agriculture and weapons discovered across sites like Junapani (Vidarbha) and Adichanallur (Tamil Nadu).
• Cultural elements:
  • Subsistence through agriculture, hunting, and animal husbandry; rock paintings depict hunting scenes, cattle raids, and group dances.

Insta links:

Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI)

Source:  IE

 Context: Recently, SECI has been linked to allegations of bribery involving the Adani Group, highlighting governance challenges in public sector operations.

• SECI has been granted the Navratna status on 30^thAugust 2024 by the Ministry of Finance.

About Solar Energy Corporation of India (SECI):

• Establishment: Founded on 20th September 2011 under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE).
• Purpose: Facilitates implementation of the National Solar Mission (NSM) and other renewable energy targets.
• CPSU for Renewables: The only Central Public Sector Undertaking (CPSU) dedicated to renewable energy.
• Mission objectives:
  1. Lead in large-scale solar installations, plants, and parks.
  2. Promote solar energy use in remote areas.
  3. Deploy new technologies to harness solar energy.
• Structure: Initially a not-for-profit Section-25 company under the Companies Act, 1956; later restructured in 2015 into a Section-3 company under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Mandate expansion: Broadened to cover the entire renewable energy sector, including project development and power trading.
• Power trading role: Trades solar power generated under MNRE schemes.

Insta links:

VISION Portal

Source:   PIB

 Context: Union Minister launched the VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network) to democratize startup skills and innovation among underprivileged children.

About VISION Portal:

• Launch: Inaugurated on November 21, 2024.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology.
• Aim:
  1. Promote education, skill development, and innovation for underprivileged children.
  2. Democratize access to startup ecosystems and enable inclusivity.
• Features:
  1. Provides mentorship and training for students from remote areas.
  2. Facilitates access to startup opportunities across sectors like IT, agriculture, and biotechnology.
  3. Aligns with India’s aspirations for Vision India 2047, promoting economic growth and sustainability.

Insta links:

Marine Fisheries Census 2025

Source:  TH

Context: On World Fisheries Day 2024, the Centre launched transformative initiatives in the fisheries sector, including the Marine Fisheries Census 2025 and the National Plan of Action on Sharks

About Marine Fisheries Census:

• History of Census:
  • 1948-49: Initial survey by CMFRI on village-wise fishing data.
  • 1980 Census: Covered 2132 villages, 333,038 households, and 1442 fish landing centers.
  • 2005 Census: Collaboration between CMFRI and DAHDF, covering 3202 villages.
  • 2010 Census: Expanded coverage to 3288 villages, emphasizing socio-economic data.
  • 2016 Census: Joint effort by CMFRI and DAHDF, encompassing 1.2 million households.
• Department Involved:
  • Conducted by CMFRI and the Union Ministry of Fisheries, with support from 3,500 staff for the 2025 census.
• Features of 2025 Census:
  • Fully digital process using mobile apps and virtual servers for real-time data collection.
  • Covers 1.2 million households across India’s coastline, including remote locations like Bitra Island and Campbell Bay.
  • Collects data on household sizes, socio-economic status, and fisherfolk engagement.
  • 80% faster data processing compared to previous censuses.

 National Plan of Action on Sharks (NPOA-SHARKS):

• This is a follow-up of the International Plan of Action for Sharks, a voluntary instrument adopted by the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in

• Scope:
  • Conservation and sustainable management of shark populations based on an Ecosystem Approach to Fisheries (EAF).
  • Covers sharks, skates, rays, and chimaeras within India’s EEZ, territorial waters, and the High Seas by Indian-flagged vessels.
  • Aims to bridge research gaps, understand socio-economic implications, and manage negative impacts of shark fishing.

• Actions:
  • Avoid promoting direct shark fishing until sufficient scientific data is available.
  • Implement monitoring, control, and surveillance (MCS) plans promptly.
  • Identify shark breeding grounds and seasons; adopt conservation measures like seasonal bans and area closures.
  • Initiate species cataloging through genetic coding and develop species-specific indicators using survey data.
  • Conduct awareness drives for stakeholders, fishermen, and associations to encourage monitoring and reporting of shark catches.
  • Research value addition for sharks and explore eco-tourism opportunities like reef shark diving.
  • Enforce the fin-attached policy and review shark export policies to encourage value-added products.
  • Introduce logbook systems, develop a national shark identification kit, and build research capacity in taxonomy and data collection.
  • Align with the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972, and promote regional cooperation for better shark conservation.

Insta Links:

International Criminal Court

Source:  DD News

Context: The International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister and his former defense chief, as well as a Hamas leader, for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza conflict.

About International Criminal Court (ICC):

• Establishment: Created by the Rome Statute in 1998; began operations in 2003.
• Headquarters: Located in The Hague, Netherlands.
• Purpose: Prosecutes individuals for genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and crimes of aggression.
• Membership: 123 countries recognize ICC authority; key non-members include the US, China, Russia, and India.
• Structure:
  • Judges: 18 judges elected for non-renewable nine-year terms.
  • Presidency: Comprises a President and two Vice-Presidents.
  • Registry: Manages administrative and operational support.
• Jurisdiction:
  • Covers crimes committed in member states or by nationals of member states.
  • Operates only when national courts are unable or unwilling to act.
  • Jurisdiction applies only to crimes committed after July 1, 2002.
• Relationship with UN:
  • Not a UN body but cooperates through agreements.
  • The UN Security Council can refer cases to the ICC if outside its jurisdiction.

Insta Links:

The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

Source:  IE

Context: The Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Summit 2024 in Rio de Janeiro under Brazil’s presidency.

• It aims to address the urgent global challenges of hunger and poverty exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, economic disparities, conflicts, and climate change.

About Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty:

• Launch: Introduced at Brazil G20 Summit 2024.
• Objective: Connect countries in need with partners offering technical expertise or financial support to eradicate hunger and poverty.
• Membership: 81 countries (including India), 26 international organizations, 9 financial institutions, and 31 NGOs and philanthropic foundations.
• Function: Acts as a matchmaking platform for sharing proven policies, facilitating technical assistance, and mobilizing financial aid.
• Key Initiatives (Sprints 2030):
  1. School meals programs.
  2. Cash transfer schemes.
  3. Support for smallholder and family farming.
  4. Socio-economic inclusion initiatives.
  5. Maternal and early childhood interventions.
  6. Water access solutions.
• Funding: Operational costs ($2-3 million annually) are covered by member countries and global institutions like FAO, UNICEF, and the World Bank.

Insta Links:

Honorary Army General

Source:  NIE

Context: The Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, has been conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army by President Ramchandra Paudel during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, Nepal.

About Honorary Army General:

• Origin: The tradition of exchanging honorary generalships between the Indian and Nepali armies began in the 1950s to symbolize mutual respect and cooperation.
• Nations: Exclusively practiced between India and Nepal, with reciprocal conferral every three years.
• Term: Conferred upon the Chief of Army Staff of each nation during their tenure; symbolic in nature, without operational command.
• Significance: Highlights shared military values, open borders, and cooperation in training, exercises, and disaster response.

Insta Links:

Mealworm Larvae

Source:  DTE

Context: Researchers at the International Centre of Insect Physiology and Ecology in Kenya have discovered that the Kenyan lesser mealworm larvae can degrade polystyrene plastic, offering a potential solution to plastic pollution.

 About Mealworm Larvae:

• Species: The Kenyan lesser mealworm is the larval form of the Alphitobius darkling beetle.
• Habitat: Found in poultry rearing houses; thrives in warm, food-rich environments.
• Plastic Consumption: Capable of degrading polystyrene with assistance from gut bacteria like Proteobacteria and Firmicutes.
• Significance: Shows potential for scalable solutions to plastic degradation without direct release of insects into the environment.

Plastic-Decomposing Insects:

1. Yellow Mealworms (Tenebrio molitor): Break down polystyrene with gut bacteria.
2. Superworms (Zophobas morio): Known to digest synthetic plastics like polystyrene.
3. Kenyan Lesser Mealworm: The first African-native species identified to degrade polystyrene.

Insta Links:

[/su_note]

RS-26 Rubezh

Source:   DD News

 Context: In a significant escalation of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Russia reportedly used a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro, Ukraine.

About RS-26 Rubezh:

• Reported Weapon:

• • The RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.
  • Capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).

• Specifications:

• • Range: 5,800 km, classified under nuclear arms treaties as an ICBM.
  • Payload: Can carry an 800-kg nuclear warhead or heavier conventional payloads.

• Global Significance:

• • First-ever reported use of an ICBM in an active conflict, primarily designed as a deterrent weapon.
  • The MIRV capability signals advanced nuclear escalation potential.

About Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM):

• Definition: Long-range ballistic missile primarily designed for delivering nuclear weapons.
• Range: Over 5,500 km, maximum ranges between 7,000 and 16,000 km.
• Speed: Exceeds 20,000 km/h.
• Countries with ICBMs: Russia, United States, China, France, India, United Kingdom, Israel, North Korea.
• India’s ICBMs:
  • Agni V: Solid-fuelled missile with a range of 7,000–10,000 km.
  • Agni VI: Upcoming iteration with MIRV capability (Multiple Independently Targetable Re-entry Vehicles).

Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 November 2024 Mapping:

Reykjanes Peninsula

Source:  TH

 Context: The Reykjanes Peninsula in Iceland witnessed a new volcanic eruption on Wednesday, marking the seventh eruption since December 2023.

About Reykjanes Peninsula:

• Location: Southwest Iceland; continuation of the submarine Reykjanes Ridge (part of the Mid-Atlantic Ridge).
• Geography: Home to volcanic systems like Reykjanes, Svartsengi, Fagradalsfjall, Krýsuvík, Brennisteinsfjöll, and Hengill; characterized by en-echelon fissure systems.
• Tourism: Popular attractions include volcano tours, hiking trails, and the Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
• Population: Around 27,829 (2020); largest settlement is Reykjanesbær, created by merging Keflavík, Njarðvík, and Hafnir.
• Economy: Strong fishing industry centered in Grindavík.

Insta Links:

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (22 Nov 2024)

Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE

Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Official Facebook Page HERE

Twitter Account HERE

Instagram Account HERE

LinkedIn: HERE