UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 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 – 23 October 2024)

1. Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

GS Paper 3:

2. Small Modular Reactors & Tech Firms

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Amazon Future Engineer Program

2. World Economic Outlook

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Tenkana

2. S4* SSBN

3. Kartarpur Corridor

4. Di-Ammonium Phosphate

5. Cloud Chamber

6. Bima Sugam

Mapping:

1. Nandankanan Zoological Park

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 October 2024

GS Paper 1:

Foundational Literacy and Numeracy

 Syllabus: Education

 Source:  Live Mint

 Context: The article discusses the challenges faced by Indian schools in achieving foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) goals, especially among socioeconomically disadvantaged children.

Key Data Points:

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy (FLN): 20% of students in the schools do not achieve FLN by grade 3, this was reduced from 40% earlier.
• Socioeconomic context: Over 80% of students in schools come from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds.
• Educational impact of poverty: Poverty affects learning outcomes, with students from poor families facing nutritional deficits, less adult care, higher absenteeism due to illness.

Challenges to FLN in India:

1. Impact of poverty: Students from poor families often face malnutrition, lack of healthcare, and absenteeism due to economic demands, which directly impacts their learning.

E.g. Many students in rural areas help with family livelihood activities, limiting their school attendance.

1. Resource constraints: Most Indian schools lack adequate resources such as trained teachers, learning materials, and individual attention for students with specific needs.

E.g. Government schools in many rural areas suffer from teacher shortages and inadequate infrastructure.

1. Learning gaps due to absenteeism: Students from disadvantaged backgrounds often miss school more frequently due to illness, family responsibilities, or other external factors, leading to significant learning gaps.

E.g. Seasonal migration in many states disrupts consistent attendance for children.

1. Mental health and social exclusion: Children from marginalized communities often face stress and social exclusion, affecting their ability to focus and perform academically.

E.g. Students from Dalit communities often face social discrimination, impacting their learning environment.

1. Curriculum and Pedagogy: The Indian curriculum often doesn’t account for the varied learning needs of students, particularly those who require more time and personalized teaching to grasp basic concepts.

E.g. The standardized curriculum doesn’t allow much flexibility for students with learning disabilities or those requiring remedial education.

Way ahead:

1. Customized learning solutions: Schools should implement personalized learning plans and remedial education programs, especially for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

E.g. Focus on skill-based learning to close gaps early.

1. Enhanced teacher training: Equip teachers with better training on handling diverse classroom environments and addressing the unique needs of socioeconomically disadvantaged students.

E.g. Include specific training on inclusive teaching practices.

1. Community involvement: Strengthen the involvement of communities and parents in supporting children’s education, ensuring that learning continues beyond school hours.

E.g. Conduct parent-teacher workshops to educate families on the importance of continuous learning.

1. Government support and resources: Increased funding for public schools to ensure adequate infrastructure, teaching materials, and teacher-student ratios.

E.g. Implement policies that ensure proper nutritional support and healthcare for children.

1. Focus on mental health: Provide psychological support to children facing stress, social exclusion, and other mental health challenges.

E.g. Implement counseling and mental health programs in schools, particularly in areas with high poverty levels.

 Conclusion:

Achieving FLN for all Indian children by grade 3 is essential, but requires a multifaceted approach that includes addressing poverty, improving school resources, and adopting more inclusive teaching methods.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 October 2024 GS Paper 3:

Small Modular Reactors & Tech Firms

Syllabus: Science and Technology

 Source: TH

 Context: Google announced a partnership to purchase nuclear energy from Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) developed by Kairos Power. This move reflects tech companies’ increasing interest in nuclear energy to power data centers and other operations with clean energy.

Key Points:

• Google’s SMR Agreement:

• Google signed an agreement to buy nuclear energy from SMRs developed by Kairos Power.
• The SMRs will supply 500 MW of carbon-free energy by 2035, supporting Google’s data centers and AI development.

• Other companies involved:

• Microsoft: Signed a 20-year power purchase agreement with Constellation to add 835 MW of carbon-free energy to the grid.
• Amazon: Partnered with Energy Northwest, X-energy, and Dominion Energy for SMR projects to power data centers.
• OpenAI: CEO Sam Altman backed the nuclear startup Oklo, aiming to build a commercial microreactor by 2027.

• Why nuclear energy?

• Nuclear energy is seen as a reliable, round-the-clock, and carbon-free energy source.
• It’s being used to offset the rising energy demands of AI models and data centers, which consume vast amounts of electricity.

• SMR advantages:

• Lower costs: SMRs have potentially lower building and operational costs compared to traditional nuclear reactors.
• Scalability: SMRs have compact designs and can be deployed in areas unsuitable for large nuclear plants.
• Carbon-free: Nuclear energy provides clean energy without greenhouse gas emissions.

Positives of tech companies in nuclear energy:

1. Clean energy transition: Tech companies’ investment in nuclear power supports the shift away from fossil fuels, contributing to global decarbonization efforts.

E.g. Google’s deal helps offset the carbon emissions of its energy-hungry data centers.

1. Energy reliability: Nuclear energy provides a continuous power supply, unlike intermittent renewable sources like solar or wind.

E.g. Microsoft’s investment in SMRs ensures a steady supply of energy to its operations.

1. Technological innovation: By partnering with nuclear startups, tech companies are driving innovation in energy technology, including the development of SMRs and microreactors.

E.g. OpenAI’s backing of Oklo aims to make microreactors commercially viable by 2027.

1. Global leadership: U.S. government supports tech companies’ nuclear ventures to re-establish leadership in nuclear technology, ahead of competitors like China and Russia.
2. Sustainability commitments: Nuclear energy aligns with companies’ goals to achieve carbon neutrality and reduce global emissions.

E.g. Amazon’s partnerships aim to reduce emissions across its logistics and data center operations.

Challeneges:

1. Public perception and trust issues: Nuclear energy has a controversial reputation due to accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, making public acceptance a challenge.

E.g. The nuclear energy push is met with skepticism by environmental groups such as Friends of the Earth.

1. High costs and delays: Despite lower operational costs, the construction of nuclear reactors, including SMRs, remains expensive, with potential delays and budget overruns.

E.g. Oklo’s microreactor may face delays, pushing its commercial launch beyond 2027.

1. Safety concerns: Despite technological advances, the potential for accidents or malfunctions in nuclear reactors raises significant safety concerns.

E.g. The Three Mile Island accident in 1979 still lingers as a reminder of the risks associated with nuclear power.

1. Nuclear waste management: Long-term management of nuclear waste is a persistent challenge, and unresolved waste disposal issues raise environmental concerns.

E.g. Current nuclear projects have yet to fully address the sustainability of waste management solutions.

1. Vulnerabilities to natural disasters: Nuclear infrastructure, if located in disaster-prone areas, poses additional risks during events like tsunamis or earthquakes.

E.g. Fukushima demonstrated the vulnerability of nuclear plants to natural disasters beyond human control.

Conclusion:

            Tech companies’ adoption of nuclear energy offers a carbon-free, reliable solution for growing energy needs, but concerns over safety, high costs, and nuclear waste persist. While innovations like SMRs hold promise, balancing opportunities and risks will be crucial for a sustainable energy future.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

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

Amazon Future Engineer Program

Context: The National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), in collaboration with Amazon, has launched the third phase of the Amazon Future Engineer Program in 50 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS).

Amazon Future Engineer Program – Phase 3:

• Target Schools: Implemented in 50 EMRS schools across Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Telangana, and Tripura.
• Focus Areas: Orientation and training in emerging technologies like blockchain, artificial intelligence, block programming, and coding.
• Teacher Training: Four-day workshops are held for teachers to enhance their ability to teach modern technology.
• Student Engagement: Students in classes 6-9 will be introduced to computer science fundamentals, and Class 10 students will participate in project-based virtual sessions.
• Objective: To prepare tribal students for careers in STEM by integrating modern technological literacy into the curriculum.

Relevance in UPSC syllabus:

• GS Paper 2 (Governance and Social Justice):

• Education and Development: The initiative aligns with government schemes aimed at improving educational access for marginalized communities, particularly tribal students.
• Tribal Welfare: Enhancing the skillsets of tribal students can be linked to policies for uplifting Scheduled Tribes.

• GS Paper 3 (Science and Technology):

• Technology in Education: The introduction of AI, blockchain, and coding in tribal school’s ties into topics around the use of technology in education.
• Innovation and Skill Development: It reflects India’s push towards innovation and skill development in cutting-edge fields like AI, contributing to India’s STEM workforce.

World Economic Outlook

Context: The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has released its World Economic Outlook (WEO) at the Annual Meetings in Washington, projecting growth rates and economic trends globally.

Data from World Economic Outlook:

• India’s growth:

• • Projected growth for FY 2024-25: 7%
  • Projected growth for FY 2025-26: 6.5%
  • Decline from 8.2% in 2023 attributed to the normalization of demand after the pandemic.

• Global growth:
  • Expected global output growth: 3.2% for 2024 and 2025.
• Inflation:
  • Global inflation: From 9.4% in Q3 2022 to an expected 3.5% by end of 2025.
• Risks identified:
  • Geopolitical tensions, particularly the Russia-Ukraine war and conflict in West Asia.
  • Growing protectionism and tight monetary policies.
  • Sovereign debt issues and weak economic activity in China.
• IMF recommendations:
  • Triple policy pivot:
    • Monetary policy neutrality: Gradually shift to neutral stances in monetary policies.
    • Build fiscal buffers: Reinforce fiscal policies after years of expansive measures.
    • Structural reforms: Focus on productivity growth, coping with demographic changes, climate transition, and increasing resilience.

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

Tenkana

Source: TH

Context: A team of scientists from India and Canada has identified a new genus of jumping spiders, Tenkana, in South India.

About Tenkana:

• New Genus: The genus Tenkana was discovered in southern India, named after the Kannada word for “south.”
• Species Relocation: Two previously known species, Tenkana manu (South India and Sri Lanka) and Tenkana arkavathi (Karnataka), have been moved from the Colopsus genus to Tenkana.
• New Species: A new species, Tenkana jayamangali, was discovered and named after the Jayamangali river in Karnataka.
• Habitat: Unlike related spiders that inhabit forests, Tenkana species are found in drier, ground habitats across Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Puducherry.

Insta links:

S4* SSBN

Source: TH

Context: India’s fourth nuclear-powered ballistic missile submarine (SSBN), referred to as S4*, was launched into water at the Ship Building Centre in Visakhapatnam.

About Nuclear-Powered Ballistic Missile Submarine (SSBN):

1. Features:

• Nuclear propulsion: SSBNs are powered by nuclear reactors, enabling them to stay submerged for long durations without surfacing, limited only by food supplies and maintenance.
• Ballistic missile capability: They are equipped with submarine-launched ballistic missiles (SLBMs), allowing them to serve as a platform for nuclear deterrence with a second-strike capability.
• Stealth: The submarines are designed for stealth, reducing their detection by enemy forces, making them a key asset for strategic deterrence.

2. Indian SSBN Programme:

• Operational SSBNs: India currently operates two SSBNs, INS Arihant (commissioned in 2016) and INS Arighaat (commissioned in 2024).
• Upcoming SSBNs: The S4 submarine, Aridhman, is undergoing sea trials, and the newly launched S4* is more advanced in terms of size and missile range capabilities.

3. Features of Indian SSBNs:

• Missile range: INS Arihant is equipped with K-15 SLBMs with a 750 km range. The S4* will carry the advanced K-4 missile, capable of striking targets up to 3,500 km away.
• Nuclear deterrence: These submarines provide India with a second-strike capability, a critical element of its nuclear deterrence strategy, ensuring survivability in case of a first-strike attack.
• Strategic importance: SSBNs allow India to maintain credible deterrence by remaining hidden in the vastness of the oceans, ensuring the capability to respond to any nuclear attack.

Insta links:

Kartarpur Corridor

Source:  News on Air

Context: India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the agreement on the Kartarpur corridor by five years.

About Kartarpur Corridor:

• Connects important shrines: The corridor links Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India’s Punjab.
• Visa-free movement: Indian pilgrims can visit the gurdwara without a visa, requiring only a permit.
• Commemorative initiative: It was inaugurated on November 12, 2019, during the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.
• Operational year-round: The corridor operates throughout the year, with up to 5,000 pilgrims allowed to visit daily under the agreement.
• Passenger terminal: The fully air-conditioned terminal near Dera Baba Nanak has over 50 immigration counters to accommodate the pilgrims.

Insta Links:

Di-Ammonium Phosphate

Source: IE

Context: A shortage of di-ammonium phosphate (DAP), a key fertiliser required at the time of sowing, is undermining crop production prospects for the current rabi season.

About Di-Ammonium Phosphate (DAP):

• Key fertilizer for Indian agriculture: DAP is the second most used fertilizer in India after urea. It is highly preferred for its balanced content of Nitrogen (18%) and Phosphorus (46%), which are essential macronutrients for plant growth.
• Nutrient benefits: DAP provides both nitrogen and phosphorus, which are vital for early root development and overall plant health, making it critical at the sowing stage.
• Manufacturing process: DAP is produced by reacting ammonia with phosphoric acid under controlled conditions. It is widely manufactured in fertilizer plants across India.

Insta links:

Cloud Chamber

Source:  IE

Context: India recently launched Mission Mausam, a weather modification initiative to improve forecasting and manage events like rainfall and fog. Alongside, the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM) in Pune is developing a convective cloud chamber for advanced cloud physics research, enhancing understanding of Indian monsoon clouds.

About Cloud Chamber:

• Definition: A cloud chamber is a closed drum-like structure where water vapor, aerosols, and other particles are injected to study cloud formation under controlled humidity and temperature.
• Purpose: India’s cloud chamber, unlike basic ones in other countries, will include convection properties to simulate monsoon clouds and other weather phenomena relevant to India.
• Function: It will allow the study of cloud behavior, rain formation, intra-particle interactions, and cloud-seeding techniques under Indian weather conditions.

 About Mission Mausam:

• Weather modification: The mission aims to manage weather events such as rainfall, hail, fog, and potentially even lightning strikes.
• Focus on cloud physics: Strengthening cloud physics research to understand cloud formation and behavior under Indian weather systems.
• Convective cloud chamber: Developing a first-of-its-kind chamber to simulate Indian monsoon clouds, improving weather forecasting and strategic planning.
• Cloud seeding: Building on past experiments like CAIPEEX, which showed promising results in rainfall enhancement, but with recognition that cloud seeding alone cannot solve rainfall deficits.

 Insta Links:

Bima Sugam

Source:  TH

Context: Bima Sugam, an ambitious digital insurance platform developed under the Bima Trinity initiative by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), is poised for launch.

About Bima Sugam:

• Organization & Ministry: Developed by the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI), under the Ministry of Finance.
• Aim: To streamline and democratize the insurance process, enhancing accessibility and transparency across India.
• This initiative is part of Bima Trinity, which also includes Bima Vistaar and Bima Vahak, showcasing India’s push for modernized insurance solutions.
• Features:
  • Digital marketplace: Functions as an all-in-one platform, allowing life and non-life insurance companies to sell products like an e-commerce site.
  • Unified platform: Offers end-to-end digital services, including policy purchase, renewal, claims settlement, portability, and grievance redressal for life, health, and property insurance.
  • Paperless & integrated: Promotes a paperless ecosystem by storing policies electronically and integrates with government databases for seamless operations.
  • Bima Vahaks Portal: A special portal to onboard Bima Vahaks, women-centric intermediaries, to distribute insurance products in rural areas.
  • Inclusivity & Efficiency: Aims to ensure insurance access to all, improving ease of use and transparency in the sector.

Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 October 2024 Mapping:

Nandankanan Zoological Park

Source:  TOI

Context: With a severe cyclonic storm predicted to hit Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Nandankanan Zoological Park has initiated extensive preparations to ensure the safety and well-being of the animals.

About Nandankanan Zoological Park:

• Location: Situated near Bhubaneswar, Odisha.
• Inauguration: Opened in 1960.
• Global recognition: First zoo in India to become a member of the World Association of Zoos & Aquariums (WAZA).
• Breeding centre: Known for successful breeding of endangered species like the Indian pangolin and white tigers. Leopards, lions, vultures, and the Indian gharial are also bred here.
• Conservation efforts: World’s first captive crocodile breeding center, achieving the breeding of gharials in 1980.
• Botanical garden: The park also hosts the State Botanical Garden, a key center for plant conservation and nature education in Odisha.

Insta links:

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