UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 December 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 December  2024)

1. South Asian Economic Union

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Rejected Votes in Election

2. A Tale of Two Realities in Education

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Pushpak Bhattacharyya Committee

2. African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)

3. PM CARES Fund

4. Sea Otters

5. Operation Greens Scheme

Mapping:

1. Greenland

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 December 2024

GS Paper 2 :

South Asian Economic Union 

Syllabus: International Relations

 Source:  DH  

 Context: The South Asian Economic Union (SAEU) remains an aspirational vision amidst the geopolitical and economic complexities of the region.

What is the South Asian Economic Union?

• Definition: The SAEU is a long-term vision of the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) to integrate the economies of its eight member states: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka.
• Objective: To enhance regional trade, investment, connectivity, and economic cooperation through phased integration of markets.
• Foundation: Built on agreements like SAFTA (2006), aimed at reducing tariffs and promoting free trade among members.
• Pillars of Integration: Regional market integration, cross-border connectivity, energy cooperation, and private sector liberalization (ADB Report).

Data on Trade Among SAARC Members: [Source: ADB Report]

• Intra-regional trade share: Accounts for less than 5% of formal trade among SAARC nations.
• India’s dominance: India contributes 73% of intra-regional exports but only 13% of imports, highlighting trade imbalances.
• Smaller members’ reliance: Bhutan, Afghanistan, and Nepal rely heavily on intra-regional exports, with shares of 82%, 67%, and 71%, respectively.
• Trade barriers: Complex non-tariff barriers (NTBs) and safeguard measures limit trade liberalization under SAFTA.

India’s Initiatives to Enhance Economic Cooperation

• Neighbourhood First Policy: Focuses on strengthening economic ties with SAARC nations through bilateral and multilateral agreements.
• India-Sri Lanka Cooperation: Expansion of the India-Sri Lanka Free Trade Agreement and development of Trincomalee as an energy hub.
• Energy Connectivity: Projects like the Bangladesh-Bhutan-India-Nepal (BBIN) energy grid to enhance regional power trade.
• Infrastructure Initiatives: Kaladan Multimodal Transit Transport Project and road corridors to improve trade connectivity with Myanmar and Bangladesh.
• Digital Connectivity: India’s push for digital infrastructure and e-governance projects in neighboring countries to boost trade facilitation.

Challenges to the South Asian Economic Union:

• Political tensions: Conflicts between India and Pakistan, and differing alignments like Nepal’s engagement with China’s Belt and Road Initiative.
• Trade imbalances: India’s export dominance and limited imports from other SAARC nations create economic disparities.
• Non-tariff barriers: Restrictive policies and lack of harmonized trade regulations limit regional trade growth.
• Infrastructure gaps: Poor transport and logistics infrastructure hinders effective cross-border trade.
• Economic disparity: Divergent economic policies and levels of development among SAARC members complicate integration efforts.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthen SAFTA: Revise and simplify trade agreements to eliminate non-tariff barriers and encourage fair trade practices.
• Boost connectivity: Invest in regional transport corridors, energy grids, and digital infrastructure to facilitate smoother trade and investment flows.
• Resolve political issues: Encourage multilateral dialogues to address geopolitical tensions and foster trust among SAARC nations.
• Leverage private sector: Involve businesses to drive innovation and investments in regional integration projects.
• Promote inclusivity: Focus on equitable policies to address trade imbalances and ensure smaller nations benefit from integration efforts.

Conclusion:

The vision of a South Asian Economic Union holds transformative potential for the region. However, achieving this goal requires addressing deep-rooted political and economic challenges through sustained efforts and cooperation. A phased and inclusive approach could gradually turn this distant dream into a reality, fostering growth and stability across South Asia.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Rejected Votes in Election

Context: The Election Commission of India’s report on the 2024 Lok Sabha elections reveals over 10.58 lakh votes were rejected or uncounted.

Rejected Votes in 2024 Lok Sabha Elections:

• Total Votes Not Counted or Rejected: Over 10.58 lakh votes, with 5,35,825 postal votes and 5,22,513 EVM votes rejected.
• Proxy and Tendered Votes: There were 3 proxy votes and 9,634 tendered votes indicating impersonation complaints.
• Impact on Representation: Highlights procedural inefficiencies and gaps in voter awareness or adherence to guidelines.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• GS Paper II – Electoral Reforms:
  • Highlights the need for technological upgrades in EVMs and postal voting systems.
  • Reflects challenges in electoral integrity and transparency.
• GS Paper IV – Ethics in Governance:
  • Raises questions about ethical practices in elections, impersonation cases, and vote rejection.
• Essay:
  • Useful for essays on Democracy and Electoral Practices, focusing on the need for voter awareness and systemic reforms.

A Tale of Two Realities in Education

Anecdote: In India’s urban centres, education thrives with modern conveniences. Children board brightly painted school buses to air-conditioned classrooms, equipped with digital tools and nurturing environments. Parents invest heavily, ensuring holistic development through well-trained teachers, extracurricular activities, and well-stocked libraries. In stark contrast, Kidagari, a remote tribal village in Andhra Pradesh’s Alluri Sitharama Raju district, presents a daily struggle for education. Eight-year-old Meghana and her peers trek 3 kilometres barefoot through dense, snake-infested forests, braving knee-deep streams and treacherous terrain. Parents often accompany their children, wary of the dangers along the isolated path. Without basic infrastructure, some schools operate under trees or temporary sheds during rains. Teachers minimize homework and reduce book loads to ease the burden on these children, who battle physical and psychological hurdles just to reach school. Yet, the resilience of Kidagari’s children is inspiring. Their determination underscores the vast gap between urban privilege and rural struggle. While urban students aim for academic excellence, tribal children dream of safer treks and better-equipped classrooms. This tale is a stark reminder of the urgent need to bridge educational disparities, ensuring that no child is left behind in the pursuit of knowledge.

Relevance in UPSC Exam Syllabus:

• GS Paper I – Indian Society:
  • Tribal issues, lifestyle changes, and the socio-economic challenges of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
• GS Paper III – Infrastructure Development:
  • Role of rural road connectivity in improving access to basic amenities like education.
• Essay:
  • Themes on Educational Inequalities and Bridging the Rural-Urban Divide.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya Committee

Source:  News on Air

 Context: The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has constituted an eight-member committee to develop a framework for the ethical and responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the financial sector.

About Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya Committee:

• Established by: Reserve Bank of India (RBI).
• Total Members: 8.
  • Chaired by Dr. Pushpak Bhattacharyya, a Professor at IIT Bombay.
• Aim: To create a Framework for Responsible and Ethical Enablement of AI (FREE-AI) in the financial sector to guide AI adoption ethically and securely.
• Need:

• Global and Domestic AI Assessment: Review AI adoption trends in financial services both globally and in India.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify risks associated with AI in finance and recommend evaluation, mitigation, and monitoring strategies.
• Compliance: Propose compliance requirements for financial entities like banks, NBFCs, fintech firms, and payment system operators.
• Governance: Recommend a governance framework for ethical AI use in the Indian financial sector.

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African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM)

Source:  TH

 Context: The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has authorized the African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM), effective from January 1, 2025.

About African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM):

• Full form: African Union Stabilization and Support Mission in Somalia.
• Established by: United Nations Security Council (UNSC) in collaboration with the African Union (AU).
• Aim: To stabilize Somalia by supporting its security infrastructure, addressing terrorism threats, and fostering sustainable peace and development.
• Features:

• Transition from Anti-Terrorism Focus: Replaces the AU anti-terrorism operation with broader stabilization goals.
• Scalable Peacekeeping Force: Ensures a sustainable and effective security presence while considering funding limitations.
• Global Collaboration: Backed by international partners like the EU and the U.S., despite their funding concerns.

About Somalia:

• Location: Located in the Horn of Africa, Eastern Africa.
• Capital: Mogadishu.
• Neighbours: Ethiopia, Djibouti, and Kenya; coastline along the Indian Ocean.
• Geographic Features:

• Rivers: Jubba and Shabelle are the major rivers, supporting agriculture.
• Mountains: The Cal Madow and Karkaar ranges dominate the northern region.
• Plateaus: Features plateaus and flatlands, including the Haud Plateau.
• Climate: Predominantly arid and semi-arid, with drought-prone regions.

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PM CARES Fund

Source:  IE

Context: The Prime Minister’s Citizen Assistance and Relief in Emergency Situations Fund (PM CARES Fund) received Rs 912 crore in contributions during the financial year 2022-23.

About PM CARES Fund:

• Established in: March 27, 2020, registered under the Registration Act, 1908.
• Under ministry: Administered directly by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO).
• Administered by: Managed by honorary officials including Additional Secretary/Joint Secretary in charge of the PM CARES Fund.
• Trustees:

• Ex-Officio Trustees: Prime Minister (Chairman), Minister of Defence, Minister of Home Affairs, and Minister of Finance.
• Nominated Trustees: Justice K.T. Thomas (Retd.), Kariya Munda.
• Advisory Board Members: Rajiv Mehrishi, Sudha Murthy, Anand Shah.

• Aim: To address public health emergencies, natural disasters, and calamities by providing financial assistance, creating infrastructure, and funding research for relief efforts.
• Features:

• Entirely funded through voluntary contributions from individuals and organizations (domestic and foreign).
• Exempt from FCRA and eligible for 80G benefits under the Income Tax Act, 1961.
• Qualifies as CSR expenditure under the Companies Act, 2013.
• Focuses on relief activities like healthcare infrastructure, assistance for affected individuals, and upgradation of emergency services.
• Managed without direct budgetary support from the government.

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Sea Otters

Source:  IE

Context: A recent study highlights the ecological role of endangered southern sea otters in controlling the invasive green crab population at Elkhorn Slough, California.

About Sea Otter:

• What it is: An aquatic member of the weasel family (Mustelidae), primarily found along Pacific Ocean coasts in North America and Asia.
• Scientific name: Enhydra lutris.
• Habitat: Coastal waters and estuaries, often in kelp forests and seagrass beds; occasionally rests onshore.
• IUCN Status: Endangered.
• Features:
  • Webbed feet and water-repellent fur for warmth and buoyancy.
  • Eats up to 25% of its body weight daily.
  • Nostrils and ears close in water for underwater foraging.
• Role in Ecosystem Conservation:
  • Keystone Species: Vital for maintaining marine ecosystem balance.
  • Kelp Forest Protection: Preys on sea urchins, preventing their overpopulation and subsequent destruction of kelp forests.
  • Biodiversity Sustenance: Supports marine habitats by ensuring a balanced food web, aiding species diversity.

Operation Greens Scheme

Source:  DTE

Context: The government’s flagship Operation Greens scheme, designed to stabilise crop prices and benefit farmers, has spent just 34 per cent of its allocated budget for 2024-25, according to a parliamentary report.

About Operation Greens:

• What it is: A Central Sector Scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana to stabilize crop prices and ensure farmers’ welfare.
• Ministry: Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI).
• Launched: November 2018, with an initial outlay of ₹500 crore.
• Aims:
  • Enhance farmers’ income through targeted interventions.
  • Reduce price volatility in agricultural markets.
  • Minimize post-harvest losses.
  • Create robust farm-to-market linkages.
• Crops Covered: Initially covered Tomato, Onion, and Potato (TOP); expanded in 2021 to include 22 perishable crops, including mango, banana, apple, guava, ginger, and shrimp.
• Features:
  • Long-Term Interventions:

• 1. • Strengthen production clusters and Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs).
     • Build farm-gate infrastructure like storage and processing facilities.
     • Enhance food processing and value addition capacities.

• Short-Term Interventions:
  • Provide subsidies (50%) on transportation and storage for eligible crops to protect growers from distress sales.
  • Mitigate post-harvest losses through immediate logistical solutions.

• Expanded Scope:
  • Included all fruits and vegetables (TOTAL) under short-term measures during the Aatmanirbhar Bharat Package (2020).
  • Integrated value chain development extended to 22 perishable crops under the 15th Finance Commission Cycle (2021-26).

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 December 2024 Mapping:

Greenland

Source:  The Print

 Context: US President has once again expressed interest in buying Greenland, and Greenland has again stated it is not for sale.

About Greenland:

• Location: Greenland is the world’s largest island, situated between the Arctic and Atlantic Oceans, east of the Canadian Arctic Archipelago.
• Controlled by: An autonomous territory under the Kingdom of Denmark.
• Features:
  • Three-quarters of its surface is permanently covered by an ice sheet.
  • Inhabited predominantly by Inuit communities who migrated from Alaska via Northern Canada.
• Significance for the USA:
  • Geopolitical Strategy: Greenland’s location supports U.S. control over vital Arctic passages, including the Northeast, Northwest, and Central routes.
  • Military Significance: Historical use by the U.S., such as Camp Century, highlights its potential for Arctic defence and operations.
  • Economic Potential: The melting ice unveils vast reserves of minerals and energy resources.
  • Global Influence: Crucial for countering China’s Polar Silk Road initiative and securing strategic dominance in the Arctic.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 28 Dec 2024

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