UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 December 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 December 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 – 23 December  2024)

1. India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023)

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Digital Warriors

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Quantum Satellite

2. United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC)

3. Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024

4. Starlink Satellite

5. Bio-Bitumen-based National Highway

6. Conduct of Election Rules, 1961

7. Speed Gun

Mapping:

1. Denali Fault

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 December 2024

GS Paper 2 :

India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023)

Syllabus: Environment

Source:  FSI

Context: The India State of Forest Report 2023 (ISFR 2023) was released by the Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, at the Forest Research Institute, Dehradun.

India State of Forest Report 2023

• Launched in: December 2023
• Department Involved: Forest Survey of India (FSI), under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change
• The biennial reportby the Forest Survey of India (FSI) is an assessment of the country’s forest resources.
• Aim:

• • Assess forest and tree resources in India.
  • Support natural resource management and policy evaluation.
  • Monitor progress towards Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) for climate change mitigation.

• Key Features:

• • Forest and tree cover analysis using satellite imagery (ISRO’s Resourcesat) and field-based National Forest Inventory (NFI).
  • Thematic focus on forest health, biodiversity, carbon sequestration, mangrove cover, and agroforestry.
  • Tracks carbon stock changes, critical for NDC targets under the Paris Agreement.
  • Information on forest fire trends, bamboo cover, and soil health.

• Key findings from report:

• • The total forest and tree cover of the country is 8,27,356.95 km2 which is 17% of the geographical area of the country.
  • The total Forest Cover has an area of 7,15,342.61 km2 (21.76%) whereas the Tree Cover has an area of 1,12,014.34 km2 (3.41%).
  • Increase in Forest and Tree Cover:

• 
  • Decrease in Forest and Tree Cover:

• 
  • The total forest and tree cover in the North Eastern region is 1,74,394.70 km2, which is 67% of geographical area of these states.
  • Composition of Mangrove Cover in India:
    • The total Mangrove cover of the country is 4,991.68 km2 , which accounts for 15 % of the country’s total geographical area.

• 
  • Tree cover:

• Stock of Wood:
  • The total growing stock of wood in the country is estimated at 6,429.64 M m³, which comprises of 4,478.89 M m³ inside forest areas and 1,950.75 M m³ outside recorded forest areas (TOF).

• Bamboo:
  • The total bamboo bearing area of the country has been estimated to be 1,54,670 km².
  • There is an increase of 5,227 km² in the bamboo bearing area of the country as compared to the previous assessment.

• Carbon Stock:
  • The carbon stock for 2023 has been estimated as 7,285.5 Mt.
  • There is an increase of 5 Mt of carbon stock as compared to the estimates of previous assessment.

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PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Digital Warriors

Context: The Uttar Pradesh Police has announced an expansion of its “Digital Warriors” initiative to combat fake news and cybercrimes.

About Digital Warrior Initiative:

• Launched: Initiated in 2018, active expansion in 2023.
• Objective: Combat fake news, raise cybercrime awareness, and highlight police initiatives.
• Participants: Social media influencers, college students, and community volunteers.
• Cyber-clubs: Establishment in schools/universities with teacher-nodal officers; activities like poster-making, slogan writing, and social media content creation.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper 2: Governance – Use of technology in governance and law enforcement.
• GS Paper 3: Cybersecurity – Combating cybercrimes and digital misinformation.
• Essay: Role of youth and technology in social empowerment.
• Ethics: Challenges in balancing freedom of expression and combating fake news.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Quantum Satellite

Source:  TH

Context: India plans to launch its first quantum satellite within the next 2-3 years under the National Quantum Mission (NQM).

About Quantum Satellite:

• What it is:

• • A quantum satellite is a communication satellite that uses quantum physics principles, such as quantum entanglement and superposition, to enable highly secure data transmission.

• Science behind its working:

• • Quantum Cryptography: Utilizes quantum principles like entanglement and quantum measurement to secure data.
  • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Ensures encryption keys are shared securely between parties. Any eavesdropping alters the quantum state, alerting users.
  • Photon Transmission: Encodes information in photons, which are transmitted through free space or fibre-optic cables.

• Features:

• • Quantum Key Distribution (QKD): Facilitates secure encryption key exchanges.
  • Quantum Entanglement: Ensures instantaneous detection of tampering.
  • High-Speed Communication: Enhanced data security without sacrificing speed.
  • Global Reach: Enables long-distance secure communication through satellite-ground systems.

• Advantages:

• • Enhanced Security: Virtually immune to hacking due to quantum measurement principles.
  • Future-Proof Encryption: Counters threats posed by quantum computers to classical cryptographic systems.
  • Strategic Applications: Useful in defence, banking, and secure government communications.
  • Technological Leadership: Positions India as a global leader in quantum technologies.

• Limitations:

• • High Costs: Development, deployment, and maintenance are resource-intensive.
  • Distance Challenges: Signal loss over long distances due to atmospheric and technical constraints.
  • Denial-of-Service Risks: Eavesdroppers can disrupt transmissions without stealing data.
  • Hardware Limitations: Difficult to upgrade or patch quantum hardware.

Insta Links:

United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC)

Source:  TH

Context: Former Supreme Court Judge Justice Madan B Lokur has been appointed as the Chairperson of the United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC) for a four-year term.

About United Nations Internal Justice Council (IJC):

• Created by the UN General Assembly as part of the reformed internal justice system to uphold accountability, independence, and professionalism.

• Functions under: Operates under the UN Secretary-General with oversight from the General Assembly.
• Aim: To strengthen the administration of justice within the UN by ensuring a fair and transparent system for dispute resolution among staff and management.
• Powers and Functions:

• • Search for Judges: Identifies and interviews candidates for vacancies in the UN Dispute Tribunal (UNDT) and the UN Appeals Tribunal (UNAT).
  • Recommendations: Recommends two or three candidates for each vacancy to the General Assembly, ensuring geographical diversity.
  • Oversight: Provides inputs on the implementation of the justice system to the General Assembly.
  • Independence: Monitors the independence and accountability of internal justice mechanisms.

• Appointment of Chairperson:

• • Procedure:
    • The Chairperson is selected by consensus from four other members of the Council.
    • Appointed officially by the UN Secretary-General.
  • Term: Four years, with Justice Lokur’s current tenure ending on November 12, 2028.

• Structure:

• • Total Members: Five members, including:
    • 1 Staff Representative
    • 1 Management Representative
    • 2 Distinguished External Jurists (nominated by staff and management)
    • 1 Chairperson (selected by consensus).

Insta links:

Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024

Source:  BS

Context: The Indian government notified the Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024.

About Telecommunications (Procedures and Safeguards for Lawful Interception of Messages) Rules, 2024:

• Key Features

• • Competent Authority:
    • Union Home Secretary and State Home Secretaries are designated as the competent authorities to authorize interception.
    • Joint Secretary-level officers can authorize interception in “unavoidable circumstances.”
  • Agency Authorization:
    • Central Government can authorize law enforcement or security agencies for interception under Section 20(2) of the Telecommunications Act, 2023.
  • Emergency Provisions:
    • In “remote areas” or “operational reasons,” heads or second senior-most officers of authorized agencies can issue interception orders, subject to confirmation within seven working days.
  • Data Retention and Destruction:
    • Interception records must be destroyed every six months unless required for functional or legal reasons.

New Features:

• Expanded Grounds:
  • Interception can now occur in “remote areas or for operational reasons,” not limited to “emergent cases.”
• Limits on Officers:
  • Only the head and one additional senior-most officer (IGP rank or above) at the state level can authorize interception.
• Accountability for non-confirmation:
  • Interception orders not confirmed within seven days cannot be used for any purpose, including as evidence in court.
• Relaxed Procedure for Agencies:
  • Greater flexibility for agencies to issue interception orders without immediate approval, subject to post-facto confirmation.

Insta links:

Starlink Satellite

Source:  TH

 Context: The recovery of a Starlink satellite device in Manipur has raised concerns about potential misuse by militants, despite Starlink not being authorized to operate in India.

About Starlink Satellite System:

• What is Starlink?

• • Designed by: SpaceX (owned by Elon Musk).
  • Purpose: To provide high-speed, low-latency internet globally, especially in remote and underserved areas.

• How Starlink Works:

• • Satellite Constellation: Operates using thousands of satellites in low Earth orbit (LEO) (~550 km above Earth).
  • Data Transmission:
    • Satellites communicate with ground stations and user terminals.
    • Use laser links to transmit data efficiently between satellites.
  • User Equipment: Includes a small antenna and router that users install to access the service.

• Key Features:

• • High-Speed Internet: Speeds often exceed 100 Mbps, suitable for streaming, video calls, and browsing.
  • Low Latency: 20-70 milliseconds.
  • Global Coverage: Particularly effective in remote regions and areas with poor traditional internet infrastructure.
  • Resilient Connectivity: Maintains service during disasters or in areas with restricted internet access.

Insta links:

Bio-Bitumen-based National Highway

Source:  TNN

 Context: Union Minister inaugurated India’s first bio-bitumen-based National Highway stretch on NH-44, Nagpur-Mansar Bypass.

About Bio-Bitumen:

• What is Bio-Bitumen?

• • Definition: A sustainable bio-based binder derived from renewable sources like crop stubble, vegetable oils, algae, or lignin.
  • Origin: Primarily extracted from lignocellulosic biomass or refined from residues of crude oil distillation.

• NH-44 Bio-Bitumen Stretch

• • Nagpur-Mansar Bypass on National Highway 44 in Maharashtra.

• Production of Bio-Bitumen

• • Primary Source: Lignin, a by-product of agricultural waste and plant-based materials.
  • Process: Biomass is processed to extract lignin, which is converted into bio-bitumen.

• Characteristics of Bio-Bitumen

• • Eco-Friendly: Reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 70% compared to petroleum-based bitumen.
  • Strength: Offers superior durability and load-bearing capacity.
    • Bio-bitumen is 40% stronger than conventional asphalt.
  • Sustainability: Promotes the use of agricultural residues, reducing stubble burning.

• Applications of Bio-Bitumen

• • Road Construction: Direct replacement for petroleum bitumen in asphalt pavements.
  • Modifier: Enhances traditional bitumen properties.
  • Rejuvenator: Restores aged asphalt’s elasticity and functionality.
  • Industrial Use: Applicable in waterproofing and adhesive materials.

Insta links:

Conduct of Election Rules, 1961

Source:  TOI

Context: The Government of India recently amended Rule 93(2)(a) of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961, restricting public access to certain electronic election records, such as CCTV footage and webcasting recordings.

About Conduct of Election Rules, 1961:

• Aim: To ensure free and fair elections by outlining comprehensive procedures for conducting elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
• Key features of the rules:

• • Framework for Elections: Details nomination, polling, counting, and declaration of results under various sections and rules.
  • Public Transparency: As per Rule 93(2)(a) (prior to the amendment), “all papers relating to elections” were open for public inspection.
  • Voter Secrecy: Ensures confidentiality of voters’ identities and actions during elections.
  • Election Officers’ Duties: Specifies roles and responsibilities for polling and returning officers.
  • Resolution of Disputes: Procedures for addressing disputes and complaints during the election process.

• Recent amendments:

• • Revised Access Clause:
    • Old Version: Allowed public inspection of “all papers relating to elections.”
    • New Version: Limited access to “all other papers as specified in these rules,” excluding electronic records like CCTV footage, webcasting recordings, and video logs.
  • Reason for Amendment:
    • Aimed at preventing potential misuse of electronic records, including risks to voter secrecy and manipulation using artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Retention of Candidate Access:
    • Clause Added: Candidates and their agents retain access to all election records, including electronic materials.
  • Judicial Oversight: Restricted materials can still be accessed by approaching the courts for specific cases.
  • Scope of the Change: Addresses ambiguities in Rule 93 and restricts public inspection of electronic records not explicitly specified, including forms and observer reports.

Insta links:

Speed Gun

Source:  TH

Context: Traffic police have started using speed guns to crack down on speeding vehicles all over India lately.

About Speed Gun:

• What is a Speed Gun?
  • A device to measure the speed of a moving object without physical contact.
  • Widely used in law enforcement, sports, and industrial applications.
• How it Works:
  • Utilizes electromagnetic radiation to emit waves towards the moving object.
  • Captures the reflected waves and calculates the speed based on the Doppler effect.
  • Consists of a transmitter, receiver, and processing unit for speed calculation.
• The Doppler Effect:
  • Concept: Change in the frequency of waves due to the relative motion between the source and the observer.
  • Application in Speed Guns:
    • Moving objects alter the frequency of reflected waves.
    • Higher frequency indicates the object is approaching; lower frequency signals it is moving away.
• Shortcomings of Speed Guns:
  • Beam Divergence: Radio waves spread out, potentially measuring multiple objects simultaneously.
  • Continuous-Wave Radar Issues: Prone to interference from multiple vehicles.
  • Technological Limitations: Requires advanced compensation systems for accurate targeting, increasing costs.
  • Replacement by LIDAR: Laser-based speed guns provide better accuracy and focus, overcoming radio wave divergence limitations.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 December 2024 Mapping:

Denali Fault

Source:  Phys.org

Context: New research reveals that three geologic sites along the Denali Fault were once part of a single feature that united two landmasses’ millions of years ago.

• The study identifies three locations Clearwater Mountains, Kluane Lake, and Coast Mountains linked by 300 miles of horizontal movement, showcasing the Denali Fault’s role in plate integration and crustal deformation.

About Denali Fault:

• Overview:
  • The Denali Fault is a prominent intracontinental dextral (right-lateral) strike-slip fault in western North America.
  • It stretches from northwestern British Columbia, Canada, to central Alaska in the United States.
• Tectonic Setting:
  • The fault lies along the boundary where the Pacific Plate is subducting beneath the North American Plate, marking a zone of active tectonic interaction.
• Key sites and their locations:

• • Clearwater Mountains: Located in Southcentral Alaska (USA).
  • Kluane Lake Region: Located in Southwestern Yukon, Canada.
  • Coast Mountains: Located in Near Juneau, southeastern Alaska (Canada & USA).

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 23 Dec 2024

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