UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 December 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 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 – 24 December  2024)

1. Critical Minerals

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Didi Ki Library Initiative

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. SpaDeX mission

2. GST Slabs

3. Cirus Reactor

4. No-Detention Policy

5. National Human Rights Commission

6. Cephalopods

7. GenCast

Mapping:

1. Panama Canal

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 December 2024

GS Paper 3 :

Critical Minerals

Syllabus: Economy

Source:  TH

 Context: In 2023, the Ministry of Mines identified 30 critical minerals vital for India’s economic growth and security. The report noted complete import dependency for 10 minerals, with China dominating the critical minerals sector.

Definition:

• Critical minerals are those minerals which are essential for economic development and national security, the lack of availability of these minerals or even concentration of existence, extraction or processing of these minerals in few geographical locations may lead to supply chain vulnerability and disruption.

Importance of Critical Minerals:

• Economic Development: Support industries like electronics, energy storage, and renewable energy.
• National Security: Essential for aerospace, defence, and telecommunication sectors.
• Sustainability: Vital for achieving global Net Zero emissions commitments through clean energy technologies.
• Technological Edge: Power critical sectors like semiconductors, EVs, and high-tech manufacturing.
• Global Transition: Underpin the shift to a low-carbon economy, fostering renewable energy adoption.

Factors leading to China’s dominance in critical minerals:

1. Resource Base and Reserves: China has vast reserves of critical minerals like rare earth elements (REE), lithium, and graphite, ensuring a strong supply base.
2. Processing Capabilities: Controls 87% of rare earth processing, 58% of lithium refining, and 68% of silicon processing, dominating global supply chains.
3. Strategic Investments: Heavy investments in domestic and overseas mining projects to secure mineral assets globally.
4. Vertical Integration: Developed end-to-end infrastructure from mining to refining, ensuring efficiency and cost-effectiveness in production.

Distribution of Critical Minerals

• In India

• • Lithium: Found in Jammu & Kashmir (5.9 million tonnes).
  • Rare Earth Elements (REE): Andhra Pradesh, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
  • Graphite: Arunachal Pradesh (largest deposit in India).
  • Cobalt: Found in Odisha and Jharkhand.
  • Tungsten: Deposits in Rajasthan and Karnataka.

• In the World

• • China: Dominates lithium, graphite, and REE processing (controls 87% of rare earth processing).
  • Australia: Major producer of lithium and REE.
  • DRC: Largest cobalt reserves (60% of global output).
  • USA: Significant REE mining but lacks refining capabilities.
  • South America: Lithium Triangle (Chile, Argentina, Bolivia).

Initiatives taken by India for critical minerals:

• KABIL: Joint venture securing overseas mineral assets for supply-chain diversification.
• Strategic Partnerships: Member of Minerals Security Partnership and Critical Raw Materials Club.
• Exploration and Research: Geological Survey of India (GSI) and CSIR promoting domestic exploration and recycling technologies.
• Production-Linked Incentives: Focus on recycling and extracting critical minerals.
• National Strategies: Proposed Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals (CECM) to streamline policies and strategies.

Challenges to critical minerals:

• Import Dependency: Heavy reliance on China for refining and processing critical minerals.
• Exploration Bottlenecks: Lack of advanced mining technology for deep-seated minerals.
• Policy Gaps: Absence of clear regulatory frameworks and incentives for private sector participation.
• Environmental Concerns: High environmental impact of mining and refining processes.
• Supply Chain Risks: Geopolitical tensions and export restrictions by dominant players like China.

Recommendations of Veena Dermal Committee:

1. Establish a Centre of Excellence for Critical Minerals to address technological gaps and enhance domestic capabilities.
2. Periodically update the list of critical minerals for India’s evolving needs.
3. Promote recycling technologies and circular economy practices to reduce virgin mineral dependency.
4. Develop policies to attract private investment in mineral exploration and processing.
5. Strengthen international collaborations for securing overseas assets and sharing advanced technologies.

Conclusion:

India’s growing focus on critical minerals is pivotal for sustaining economic growth, technological advancements, and energy transition. A comprehensive strategy addressing exploration, processing, and supply chain risks is essential to reduce dependency and achieve self-reliance in this critical sector.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Didi Ki Library Initiative

Context: The “Didi ki Library” initiative, launched in Bihar under the World Bank-supported JEEViKA project, aims to bridge educational gaps in rural areas.

About Didi ki Library:

• What It Is:
  • A network of community libraries established in rural Bihar to support education and career development for underprivileged children and youth.
• Features:
  • Learning Resources: Provides textbooks, competitive exam material, and career guidance resources.
  • Focus on Girls: 63% of enrolee’s are girls, promoting gender equality in education.
  • Mentorship: Managed by “Vidya Didi’s,” who guide students in filling forms, accessing resources, and preparing for exams.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• Education Policy: Aligns with initiatives to improve literacy and bridge rural-urban educational disparities.
• Gender Empowerment: Promotes female education, addressing gender gaps in higher education and skill development.
• Social Issues: Tackles child marriage, child labour, and gender-based discrimination, making it relevant for ethics and social justice topics.
• Governance and Policy Implementation: Reflects successful public-private partnerships and the role of state governments in rural empowerment.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

SpaDeX mission

Source:  BS

Context: India’s SpaDeX mission, intended to develop and demonstrate technology required to dock and undock spacecraft in space, will be launched using PSLV-C60 on December 30.

About SpaDeX Mission:

• What it is: SpaDeX (Space Docking Experiment) is a cost-effective technology demonstrator by ISRO for in-space docking of two small spacecraft.
• Launch vehicle: PSLV-C60 will carry two spacecraft (Chaser: SDX01 and Target: SDX02) into low Earth orbit (470 km).
• Objectives:
  • Primary:
    • Demonstrate rendezvous, docking, and undocking of two spacecraft.
  • Secondary:
    • Transfer electric power between docked spacecraft for future robotic applications.
    • Composite spacecraft control and post-docking payload operations.
• New Technologies:
  • Docking Mechanism: Low-impact androgynous docking system with two motors.
  • Sensor Suite: Advanced sensors like Laser Range Finder (LRF), Proximity and Docking Sensor (PDS), and video monitors for precise docking.
  • RODP Processor: GNSS-based system for accurate inter-satellite position and velocity determination.
  • ISL Communication: Autonomous inter-satellite link for communication and real-time state sharing.
• Significance of Mission:
  • Technological Milestone: Positions India as the fourth country to develop space docking technology.
  • Space Exploration: Paves the way for Chandrayaan-4, space stations, and sample return missions.
  • Cost-Effective Innovation: Develops indigenous, scalable solutions for complex space operations.
  • Global Collaboration: Adopts standards similar to the International Docking System, fostering future international cooperation.

Insta Links:

GST Slabs

Source:  DH

 Context: The 55th GST Council Meeting, chaired by Finance Minister, introduced several revisions to the GST slabs for various items and services, impacting everyday commodities and specialized goods.

Revised GST rates on certain items:

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Cirus Reactor

Source:  TOI

Context: The Cirus reactor, operational since 1960, was pivotal in India’s nuclear program, driving scientific innovation and enabling the 1974 “Smiling Buddha” nuclear test.

About Cirus Reactor:

Uses of Cirus Reactor:

• Isotope Production: Supplied isotopes for medicine, agriculture, and industry.
• Neutron Beam Research: Advanced condensed matter studies.
• Reactor R&D: Helped develop Indian Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR) systems.
• Training: Platform for training engineers and scientists.
• Fuel Development: Testing and innovation in fuel assemblies.
• Neutron Activation Analysis: Used for material analysis and research.

Pakistan’s Attempt:

• Initial Effort: Munir Ahmed Khan initiated the replication of the Cirus reactor after visiting Trombay in 1964.
• Leadership: A secret team led by Sardar Ali Khan aimed to replicate Cirus’s design for Pakistan’s indigenous nuclear program.

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No-Detention Policy

Source:  IE

 Context: The Central Government has recently amended the Right to Education Act, 2009, scrapping the no-detention policy in schools governed by it.

• It includs Kendriya Vidyalayas, Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas, and other institutions under the Ministry of Defence and Tribal Affairs.

About No Detention Policy (NDP):

• What is the No-Detention Policy?

• • Introduced under Section 16 of the Right to Education Act, 2009 to prohibit the detention of students until Class 8.
  • Aimed to ensure minimum education levels for all children by promoting automatic promotion.

• Key Clause in RTE Act, 2009:

• • Section 16: No child shall be detained in any class until the completion of elementary education (Classes 1-8).
  • Amended in 2019: Allowed States to hold back students in Classes 5 and 8 based on academic performance.

• At present, 14 states and UTs are continuing the no-detention policy.

• Reasons for Removal:

• • Declining Learning Outcomes: Students reportedly lacked seriousness about studies due to assured promotions.
  • Accountability: Schools failed to focus on learning, as emphasized by the HRD Ministry.
  • States’ Feedback: Many states demanded policy removal to improve quality and accountability in elementary education.
  • National Alignment: Linked with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 for holistic education.

Insta links:

National Human Rights Commission

Source:  News on Air

 Context: Justice V. Ramasubramanian, former Supreme Court judge, has been appointed as the new Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) by President.

About National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• Established:

• • Formed on 12 October 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 (PHRA).
  • Created in accordance with the Paris Principles, 1991, endorsed by the UN General Assembly in 1993.

• Statutory: Statutory body established by the PHRA Act, 1993.
• Aim:

• • To promote and protect human rights as defined under Section 2(1)(d) of PHRA, including rights to life, liberty, equality, and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution.

• Composition:

• • Chairperson: A former Chief Justice of India or a Supreme Court judge.
  • Members:
    • One former or sitting Supreme Court judge.
    • One former or sitting Chief Justice of a High Court.
    • Three members, at least one woman, with experience in human rights matters.
  • Ex-Officio Members: Chairpersons of various National Commissions (e.g., SC/ST, Women, Minorities, etc.) and the Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

• Functions and Powers:

• • Inquiry into Human Rights Violations: By public servants or negligence thereof.
  • Recommendations: On protection, promotion, and effective implementation of human rights.
  • Review of Laws: Assess treaties and international instruments for human rights.
  • Research and Awareness: Promote research, publications, and awareness of human rights safeguards.
  • Visit Institutions: Inspect jails and other places of detention.

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Cephalopods

Source:  TH

 Context: Cephalopods, like octopuses and squids, are gaining attention for their intelligence, prompting calls for humane treatment regulations akin to those for vertebrates.

About Cephalopods:

• Classification:

• • Belong to the class Cephalopoda in the phylum Mollusca.
  • Includes species like Octopus vulgaris, Sepia officinalis, and Architeuthis dux (giant squid).

• What they are:

• • Marine invertebrates with soft bodies and distinct features like tentacles, beak-like jaws, and highly developed nervous systems.

• Features:

• • Blood Type: Cold-blooded (ectothermic).
  • Biological Traits:
    • Chromatophores for skin colour change (camouflage and communication).
    • Unique W-shaped pupils for enhanced vision.
  • Physical Characteristics:
    • Tentacles with suction cups or hooks for grasping prey.
    • Arm “mini-brains” with distributed neurons.

• Various species:

• • Octopuses: E.g., Octopus vulgaris (common octopus), Octopus cyanea (day octopus).
  • Cuttlefish: E.g., Sepia officinalis (common cuttlefish).
  • Squids: E.g., Architeuthis dux (giant squid).
  • Nautilus: Chambered mollusc with external shell.

• Special features:

• • Learning Abilities:
    • Associative learning and memory comparable to vertebrates.
    • Ability to delay gratification (e.g., choosing a preferred snack over immediate lesser options).
  • Problem-Solving: Uses tools and strategies to escape enclosures or hunt.
  • Camouflage Skills: Advanced use of chromatophores for disguise and communication.

Insta links:

GenCast

Source:  TH

Context: Google DeepMind recently unveiled GenCast, a groundbreaking AI-based weather forecasting model.

About GenCast:

• What is GenCast?

• • GenCast is a diffusion-type AI model designed for probabilistic weather forecasting, predicting weather conditions using machine learning techniques.
  • Parent Company: Developed by Google DeepMind.

• How it works:

• • Uses ensemble forecasting: Generates multiple predictions by combining historical data with noisy inputs and refining them iteratively through neural networks.
  • Trained on 40 years of reanalysis data (1979-2019).
  • Produces forecasts for up to 15 days with a spatial resolution of 0.25° x 0.25° and temporal resolution of 12 hours.

• Existing forecast models:

• • Numerical Weather Prediction (NWP): Relies on solving physical equations but requires high computational power and provides deterministic forecasts.
  • Huawei’s Pangu-Weather: Predicts weekly weather faster than NWP models.

• Superiority of GenCast:

• • Probabilistic Forecasts: Better at predicting extreme weather and providing longer lead times for disaster preparation.
  • Efficiency: Faster and more resource-efficient than NWP models.
  • Extreme Event Prediction: Superior in tracking tropical cyclones and wind power production.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 December 2024 Mapping:

Panama Canal

Source:  DH

Context: The Panama Canal, a crucial global shipping route, has recently been at the centre of geopolitical tension as former U.S. President Donald Trump threatened to reclaim control over it.

About Panama Canal:

• Location and Connection:
  • Situated in Panama, Central America, the canal connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
• History:
  • Initial Efforts: Spanish colonizers envisioned the canal in the 16th century, with the French starting construction in 1878, which ultimately failed.
  • U.S. Construction: Post-Panama’s independence in 1903, the U.S. built the canal (1914), overcoming engineering challenges but witnessing over 5,000 worker deaths.
  • Transfer to Panama: In 1977, a treaty under U.S. President Jimmy Carter and Panamanian leader Omar Torrijos paved the way for Panama’s full control, effective from December 31, 1999.
• Present Ownership:
  • The Panama Canal is managed by the Panama Canal Authority, a government entity of Panama.
• Features:
  • Spanning 82 km (51 miles), it uses interconnecting locks to lift ships 26 meters (85 feet) above sea level via Gatun Lake.
• Working of the Canal:
  • Ships are transported through a lock system that balances water levels to move vessels efficiently between the two oceans, saving around 8,000 miles of travel.

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