UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 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 – 22 October 2024)

1. Declining South Indian Population

GS Paper 3:

2. India’s Rise: A New Era of Economic Prosperity

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Joint survey by Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Shadow Fleet

2. Advance Booking System

3. Z-Morh tunnel

4. Cyclone Dana

5. Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services

6. Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

Mapping:

1. Bioluminescent Waves

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 October 2024

GS Paper 1:

Declining South Indian Population

 Syllabus: Demography and Population

 Source:  IE

 Context: The Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, recently announced plans to incentivize residents to have more children due to concerns about a declining young population in Southern India.

Present trends in South India:

• Lower fertility rates: Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala have achieved or are near replacement-level fertility (2.1 children per woman). Andhra Pradesh did so in 2004, and Kerala in 1988.
• Aging population: Kerala’s 60+ population is expected to rise from 13% in 2011 to 23% by 2036. Andhra Pradesh is also experiencing population aging due to lower fertility rates and higher life expectancy.
• Population growth: Southern states will contribute only 9% to India’s population growth from 2011-2036, while states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar will account for a larger share.
• Migration trends: Southern states increasingly rely on migration from the North to balance their workforce as the working-age population declines.

Issues with population decline:

• Aging workforce: A declining young population means fewer individuals in the working-age bracket, leading to a potential labor shortage and higher dependency ratios (Ministry of Labor Statistics).
• Economic strain: An aging population will increase healthcare and social security expenditures, putting a strain on state budgets, especially in Kerala.
• Political representation: Slower population growth in Southern states raises concerns about reduced representation in Parliament after the delimitation of constituencies, which could benefit populous Northern states like UP and Bihar.
• Labor market imbalance: Fewer young workers could result in labor shortages, increasing dependence on internal migration or outsourcing (Ministry of Employment Report).
• Healthcare burden: The rising share of the elderly population increases healthcare costs and demand for specialized medical services (WHO Report on India).

Impact on India:

• North-South divide: As Northern states like Uttar Pradesh contribute more to India’s population, the political and economic focus may shift further north, affecting resource distribution.
• Internal migration: Migration from Northern to Southern states could alleviate labor shortages but may cause social and cultural tensions (2023 Government Migration Report).
• Electoral representation: The northern states (Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh) might gain more political representation at the expense of Southern states, affecting policy priorities.
• Economic shifts: Slower population growth in the South, combined with Northern states’ higher growth, could shift India’s economic balance, impacting national-level decisions (National Population Commission Report).
• Education and workforce: Southern states could face a dwindling youth population, leading to fewer entrants in the labor market, affecting industries dependent on younger workers (NITI Aayog Report).

Way ahead:

• Encouraging migration: Southern states can ease workforce shortages by attracting workers from Northern India, benefiting from their working-age population.
• Policy reforms: Reforming political representation systems to account for differences in demographic transitions, ensuring that states with lower populations are not penalized.
• Workforce planning: Invest in automation, technology, and retraining programs to manage the shrinking workforce efficiently (Economic Survey).
• Incentivize families: While direct incentives for childbirth have limited success globally, comprehensive family support programs focusing on healthcare, education, and employment could be more effective.
• Balanced development: Focus on equal economic and social development across regions to manage internal migration better and reduce disparities (NITI Aayog).

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 October 2024 GS Paper 3:

India’s Rise: A New Era of Economic Prosperity

 Syllabus: Economics

 Source: PIB

 Context: At the Annual India Leadership Summit in New Delhi, discussions centered on India’s rising economic influence in comparison to China’s historical dominance. With a projected 7% GDP growth and over 151,000 startups, India’s reforms and digital innovations are driving its rapid ascent.

Data points from the report:

• GDP growth projections: India’s GDP is projected to grow at 7% in FY 2024-25, maintaining its status as the fastest-growing major economy (World Bank, 2023).
• Market performance: Indian stock markets delivered a 15% compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over the last five years, while Chinese markets underperformed, with near-zero or negative growth (Ananth Narayan, SEBI, 2024).
• Digital growth: UPI transactions surged from 92 crore in FY 2017-18 to 13,116 crore in FY 2023-24, illustrating rapid digital adoption (Digital India, 2024).
• Startup ecosystem: India is the third-largest startup ecosystem, with 151,000 recognized startups and a 15x increase in investments from 2015-2022 (Startup India, 2023).
• Inclusive financial growth: The PMJDY has facilitated over 53 crore bank accounts, bringing millions into the formal financial system (Government of India, 2024).

Factors pushing India towards a new economic era:

• Digital revolution: Initiatives like Digital India and UPI have driven India’s shift towards a digital economy, making financial transactions seamless and inclusive (Digital India Initiative, 2015).
• Strong market performance: Consistent stock market growth and economic reforms have attracted domestic and international investments (SEBI, 2024).
• Startup boom: Government initiatives like Startup India have fostered innovation and entrepreneurship, driving job creation and economic diversification (Startup India, 2023).
• AI and technology integration: Programs like AI for India 2.0 are positioning India as a future leader in AI, creating a skilled workforce for the future (Global IndiaAI Summit, 2024).
• Inclusive growth policies: Schemes like PMJDY and PMAY-U have promoted financial inclusion and affordable housing, benefitted millions and supported broader economic growth (PMJDY, 2024).

Case Study: India vs. China comparison:

Limitations faced by India:

• Infrastructure deficiency: Despite rapid growth, India still faces significant infrastructure gaps, especially in rural areas, affecting overall productivity (World Bank, 2023).
• High unemployment: A growing working-age population means India must address unemployment and underemployment issues, particularly in the formal sector (ILO, 2023).
• Income inequality: While growth has been robust, wealth distribution remains uneven, with large sections of the population still excluded from economic benefits (Oxfam, 2023).
• Educational gaps: Despite progress, India’s education system continues to struggle with quality and access, particularly in rural and underprivileged areas (UNICEF, 2024).
• Environmental concerns: Rapid industrialization and urbanization have led to environmental degradation, which poses risks to sustainable long-term growth (UNEP, 2024).

Way ahead:

• Skilling programs: Expand programs aimed at upskilling the workforce, particularly in AI and emerging technologies, to address unemployment and underemployment (AI for India, 2024).
• Reducing income inequality: Implement policies that promote inclusive growth and equitable wealth distribution, ensuring that economic benefits reach all sections of society (Oxfam, 2023).
• Educational reform: Strengthen the education system by focusing on quality, accessibility, and alignment with market demands, especially in tech-related fields (UNICEF, 2024).
• Climate-resilient policies: Prioritize policies that promote sustainable industrialization and urban development to mitigate environmental risks (UNEP, 2024).

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

Joint survey by Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS

Context: A joint nationwide survey conducted by doctors from Safdarjung Hospital and AIIMS revealed that more than half of the healthcare workforce in India feels unsafe at their workplace, with nearly three-fourths having faced threats while on duty.

Data point from survey:

• Workplace Safety Concerns:
• 57% of healthcare professionals feel unsafe at work, with over 70% facing threats.
• Facilities and Infrastructure:
• Nearly 50% of healthcare professionals lack proper duty rooms with basic amenities.
• 90% of institutions lack weapon screening and 75% have insecure hospital boundaries, while 62% find emergency alarm systems inadequate.
• Security Measures in State vs. Private Institutions:
• 70% of healthcare workers in state-run institutions are dissatisfied with emergency alarms and security in high-risk areas.
• 63% of respondents from state government colleges are unhappy with the number of security personnel, showing 4 times higher dissatisfaction compared to private institutions.

Usage in UPSC syllabus:

1. General Studies Paper II (Governance, Constitution, Polity):
   • Topics like workplace safety regulations, government healthcare policies, and infrastructure in public institutions.
2. General Studies Paper III (Security Issues):
   • Discuss security infrastructure in critical sectors like healthcare and the effectiveness of security personnel in public institutions.
3. General Studies Paper IV (Ethics in Governance):
   • Ethical issues related to the safety and well-being of healthcare professionals, their working conditions, and accountability in public institutions.

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

Shadow Fleet

Source: TH

Context: The term “shadow fleet” has gained attention in the global maritime industry, particularly in the context of sanctions imposed on Russia due to its ongoing conflict with Ukraine.

About Shadow Fleet:

• Meaning: A fleet of tanker ships that obscure the ownership and origin of cargo, often to bypass international sanctions.
• Operations: These ships operate by frequently changing flags, names, and ownership to mask their activities and avoid sanctions or regulatory oversight.
• Issue: The use of complex ownership structures, shell companies, and registration under Flags of Convenience (FoC) makes enforcement of sanctions difficult, allowing sanctioned countries, like Russia, to export goods.
• Impact on India: India has been implicated in hosting shadow fleets, particularly in relation to Russian oil shipments, with some Indian firms reportedly linked to such fleets operating from Dubai.

About Flag of Convenience (FoC):

• A Flag of Convenience (FoC) vessel flies the flag of a country different from the country where the ship’s owner is based. This is often done to save costs and avoid stringent regulations on crew welfare and ship maintenance.
• Purpose: Allows shipowners to benefit from lower taxes, fewer regulations, and easier registration processes in countries with less stringent maritime laws.
• Common FoCs: Countries like Panama, Liberia, and the Marshall Islands are known for offering FoCs, making them attractive for owners looking to minimize operational costs and oversight.
• Issues: It allows owners to obscure the true origin and ownership of vessels, making it harder to enforce international laws and labor protections.

About Indian Register of Shipping (IRS):

• Established in 1975 under the Indian Companies Act, based on the recommendation of the Mudaliar Committee.
• Mission: To ensure accurate classification and safety records of mercantile shipping and other maritime-related constructions.
• Key Functions:
  • Sets standards for the construction, maintenance, and operation of ships.
  • Conducts surveys and provides technical certifications for maritime equipment and industrial installations.
  • Assists in the development of India’s merchant marine industry and evaluates quality management systems.
• Global Recognition: IRS has grown to become an internationally recognized classification society and became Chair of the International Association of Classification Societies (IACS) in 2019.
• Commitment: IRS promotes safety, environmental protection, and maritime risk management, aiming to be a trusted partner in maritime operations worldwide.

 Insta links:

Advance Booking System

Source: TH

 Context: The Indian Railways has decided to shorten the Advance Reservation Period (ARP) for booking train tickets from 120 days to 60 days.

 About Advance Booking System:

• New ARP rule: From November 1, 2024, passengers can book railway tickets 60 days in advance, down from the previous 120-day window.
• Historical changes: The ARP has been adjusted several times:
  • Between 1981-1985, the ARP was 90 days.
  • Between 1988-1993, it was reduced to 45 days.
  • Since 1995, the ARP was 60 days before being extended to 120 days in 2008.
• Reasons for shortening ARP:
  • High cancellation rates (21%) and seat wastage.
  • Fraudulent practices like impersonation and touts exploiting longer booking windows.
  • 88-90% of reservations occur within 60 days, making the longer ARP redundant.
• Fraud prevention: A shorter booking window limits the ability of touts to block large numbers of tickets and reduces opportunities for impersonation and illegal seat allotment.
• Special exemptions:
  • Foreign tourists: They can still book tickets up to 365 days in advance as part of a dedicated quota for planning long journeys.
  • Certain trains like the Taj Express: These are exempt from ARP rules since tickets are typically booked just days in advance.
  • General class tickets: Not affected by ARP since they are bought just before travel.

Insta links:

Z-Morh tunnel

Source:  IE

Context: Seven workers of the infrastructure company APCO Infratech, involved in constructing the Z-Morh tunnel, were killed in a militant attack in Jammu and Kashmir.

About Z-Morh Tunnel:

• Location: 6.4 km tunnel located near Gagangir village in Ganderbal district, connecting Sonamarg and Kangan in central Kashmir.
• Strategic importance: Part of the larger Zojila tunnel project, providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Ladakh, vital for military access to border areas.
• Altitude: Situated at over 8,500 feet, the tunnel bypasses snow-prone regions, ensuring year-round access.
• Construction: Initially conceived by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) in 2012, later transferred to NHIDCL; APCO Infratech is executing the project.
• Completion: Soft-opened in February 2024, with full completion delayed due to the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for J&K elections.
• Military importance: Provides crucial connectivity for Indian defence forces to border areas like Siachen Glacier and Eastern Ladakh, especially given ongoing tensions with China and Pakistan.

 Insta Links:

Cyclone Dana

Source: IE

 Context: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecasted the formation of Cyclone “Dana,” expected to intensify into a severe cyclonic storm by Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The cyclone is set to affect Odisha and West Bengal with wind speeds of up to 120 km/h.

Cyclones and their features:

• Definition: A cyclone is a large-scale air mass that rotates around a strong center of low atmospheric pressure.
• Formation: Cyclones develop over warm ocean waters (above 26.5°C) due to the rapid upward movement of warm air, which condenses to form clouds and releases energy, fueling the system.
• Wind Speed: Cyclonic storms are categorized based on wind speeds, with severe cyclonic storms typically reaching wind speeds between 89 and 117 kmph.
• Impact: Cyclones bring torrential rain, high-speed winds, and storm surges, leading to flooding, destruction of infrastructure, and displacement of communities.

About naming cyclones:

• Origin: The naming of cyclones in the Indian Ocean region was initiated by WMO/ESCAP in 2000, comprising countries like Bangladesh, India, and others, with 169 names released in 2020.
• Member countries: Bangladesh, India, the Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Thailand.
  • In 2018, Iran, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Yemen were added.
• Purpose: Naming cyclones simplifies communication, making it easier for the public, media, and authorities to track storms and prepare for them.
• Guidelines:
  • Must be short, easy to pronounce, and neutral to politics, religion, and culture.
  • No name can be repeated or offensive.
  • Each country provides 13 names, which are used sequentially.

• Naming process: Each member country suggests 13 names, and the list rotates when a new cyclone forms. The names must be short, easy to pronounce, neutral (politically, culturally, and religiously), and not offensive.
• Recent cyclone and nations which gave name:

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Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services

Source:  IE

Context: The European Space Agency (ESA) launched its Moonlight Lunar Communications and Navigation Services (LCNS) programme at the International Astronautical Congress.

About Moonlight Programme:

• Purpose: The Moonlight programme aims to create a constellation of lunar satellites to support accurate autonomous landings, high-speed communication, and mobility on the lunar surface.
• Satellite Constellation: Around five lunar satellites will enable long-distance data transfer between Earth and the Moon, covering a distance of about 400,000 km (250,000 miles).
• Timeline:
  • The programme begins with the launch of Lunar Pathfinder, a communications relay satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology LTD, planned for 2026.
  • Initial services are expected to begin by the end of 2028, with full operational capabilities by 2030.
• Target Areas: The Moon’s South Pole will be a primary focus due to its unique lighting conditions and the potential presence of water ice in permanently shadowed craters.
• Collaboration: ESA will work alongside global space agencies, including NASA’s Artemis programme, and the Artemis Gateway project, to foster cooperation and build shared lunar infrastructure.
• Future Impact: Moonlight’s communications infrastructure is expected to reduce the need for standalone communication systems, allowing mission teams to concentrate more on mission operations such as astronaut safety and robotics.

 Insta Links:

Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell Bus

Source:  PIB

Context: Union Minister along with Bhutan Prime Minister Tshering Tobgay took a ride on a green hydrogen-run bus in the national capital New Delhi, in a message to sustainable mobility and a green future.

About Green Hydrogen Fuel Cell:

• Green Hydrogen Fuel Cells are a highly efficient and environmentally friendly way to generate electricity.
• They harness the energy stored in green hydrogen, which is hydrogen produced using renewable energy sources like wind, solar, or hydropower, ensuring zero greenhouse gas emissions during production.

Key components:

• Green hydrogen:
  • Green hydrogen is generated through electrolysis, a process where water is split into hydrogen (H2) and oxygen (O2) using renewable energy.
• Fuel cell:
  • A fuel cell is an electrochemical device that converts the chemical energy in hydrogen directly into electrical energy.
  • It consists of two main parts: the anode (positive side) and the cathode (negative side), with an electrolyte facilitating the movement of ions between the electrodes.

How the fuel cell works:

• Hydrogen supply:
  • Green hydrogen is supplied to the anode side of the fuel cell, where hydrogen molecules are split into protons (positively charged hydrogen ions) and electrons.
• Electric current generation:
  • The electrons flow through an external circuit from the anode to the cathode, creating an electric current that can be used to power various applications, from vehicles to stationary power plants.
• Water as a byproduct:
  • At the cathode, oxygen from the air reacts with the protons and electrons to form water vapor (H2O), the only byproduct of the reaction, along with heat.

Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 22 October 2024 Mapping:

Bioluminescent Waves

Source:  HT

Context: After Chennai faced heavy rains, a remarkable natural phenomenon took place at the East Coast Road (ECR) beach, as rare bioluminescent waves lit up the night sky, mesmerizing the city’s residents.

Location:

• Chennai East coast road beach.

About Bioluminescence:

• Definition: Bioluminescence is the production of light by living organisms, primarily due to chemical reactions within marine life.
• Organism Responsible: Noctiluca scintillans, also known as “sea sparkle,” is a bioluminescent phytoplankton that creates mesmerizing blue waves when disturbed.
• Marine species: Common bioluminescent organisms include certain fish, bacteria, and jellyfish.
• Purpose: It is believed that bioluminescence serves multiple functions for marine life, including:
  • Defense Mechanism: Used to escape predators.
  • Communication: Helps species communicate with each other.
  • Attraction: Assists in attracting prey or mates.
• Location: Bioluminescence can appear in various marine environments, depending on the type of organism and habitat.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 22 Oct 2024

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