UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 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 – 28 October 2024)

1. India’s Space Planning

2. Aviation Security

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Water Hyacinth Plant into Eco-Friendly Handicrafts

2. Federalism

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Swing States

2. Digital Arrest Scam

3. Electric Propulsion Satellite

4. India Defence Sector

5. Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum

6. Tardigrades

7. Pandemic Fund

Mapping:

1. Refugee camps in the Gaza Strip

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 October 2024

GS Paper 3:

India’s Space Planning

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source: TH

Context: India’s space program, led by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO), is expanding its horizons with a series of ambitious missions, new technologies, and partnerships, signaling a new phase in space exploration.

India’s Space Planning highlights:

• Gaganyaan Missions: Four human spaceflight missions and one uncrewed flight are part of the Gaganyaan program, progressing towards India’s human spaceflight capability.
• Bharatiya Antariksh Station: Four test missions are planned, aiming for India’s first space station launch, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station, by 2028.
• Next Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV): Approved for ₹8,240 crore, the NGLV will be developed in partnership with the private sector, enabling it to handle operational flights.
• Venus Orbiter Mission: Scheduled for 2028, this ₹1,236 crore mission aims to study Venus’s atmospheric and surface conditions.
• Chandrayaan-4 (2027): A moon sample-return mission, valued at ₹2,104 crore, with plans to collect lunar soil for Earth analysis.
• LUPEX with Japan: Collaborative Lunar Polar Exploration Mission (LUPEX) will involve a new lander designed for potential crewed missions in the future.
• Space-Based Surveillance (SBS-3): A comprehensive satellite network (21 by ISRO and 31 by private firms) for advanced surveillance capabilities at ₹26,968 crore.
• NISAR & Proba-3 Satellites: NISAR will focus on Earth observation (launch by early 2025), while Proba-3 will study the Sun’s corona, scheduled for launch in November 2024.
• Private Sector Involvement: Initiatives include green propulsion systems by Manastu Space, low-orbit satellites by Bellatrix Aerospace, and satellite assembly by Ananth Technologies.

Challenges in India’s Space Planning:

• Commercial market access: India’s limited share (2.6%) in the global space economy restricts its commercial space ventures, including satellite manufacturing and high-altitude platforms.
• Technological dependency: Ranking 7th globally in satellite count, India still relies on imports for advanced launch vehicle components, affecting self-sufficiency in critical technologies.
• Policy and legal gaps: The absence of a comprehensive space policy delays regulatory developments, hindering structured growth and commercial engagement in the sector.
• Budget constraints: With only 0.05% of GDP allocated to space, India’s budget is modest compared to countries like the US (0.25%), limiting its scope for high-cost missions.
• Geopolitical considerations: Collaborations, like the Artemis Accords, require diplomatic balancing, particularly amid geopolitical tensions involving China and other spacefaring natio

Way forward:

• Boost private sector engagement: Involving private companies in satellite production and other space ventures aligns with global trends and enhances India’s commercial capabilities.
• Strengthen human spaceflight program: Investing in astronaut training and infrastructure can prepare India for crewed missions, marking a milestone in indigenous human spaceflight.
• Increase budget allocation: Moving from cost-effective approaches to substantial investments will support India’s ambitious space goals and complex missions.
• Legal and policy framework development: Creating clear, forward-looking policies will ensure safe and sustainable space expansion, addressing both commercial and security needs.
• Expand international partnerships: Strengthening cooperation with global space agencies supports India’s goals while promoting peaceful and inclusive space exploration.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

Aviation Security

Syllabus: Aviation industry

Source:  TH

Context: In recent weeks, Indian airlines like Air India, Vistara, IndiGo, and others have encountered numerous bomb threats, leading to emergency responses, rerouting, and even fighter jet interception.

Rise in threats:

• Threats to flights have surged, mostly originating from social media platforms.
• Intelligence agencies are tracking these threats and IP addresses, with one detention made so far.
• The Union Civil Aviation Minister highlighted that around 275 threats were issued for about 48,000 flights, prompting discussions on updating aviation laws for stricter punishments.

About aviation security architecture:

• International guidelines: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) sets standards through its Annex 17–Aviation Security (under the Chicago Convention) to counteract threats.
• ICAO resources: The Aviation Security Manual (Doc 8973) aids ICAO member states with implementing safety measures against unlawful interference.
• National oversight: In India, the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security oversees security protocols, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation focusing on safety. Other agencies like the CISF, NSG, and Intelligence Bureau assist in threat management.

Protocol for handling bomb threats in aviation:

1. Pre-departure threats:
   • Aircraft is moved to a secured bay for thorough checks.
   • Passengers and baggage undergo additional screening.
2. In-flight threats:
   • The Bomb Threat Assessment Committee (BTAC) at both the departure and destination airports assesses the threat.
   • If the threat is deemed “specific” and the aircraft is in domestic airspace, the plane is diverted to the nearest airport. Security staff inspect the aircraft after evacuation of crew and passengers.
   • If the aircraft has exited Indian airspace, Air Traffic Control contacts foreign authorities to coordinate the response.

 Government actions to counteract bomb threats:

• Social media accountability:
  • Platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Meta, and Google are required to promptly share user details of accounts posting threats.
  • Platforms may lose immunity under the IT Act if they fail to remove false alerts and could face action under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita 2023.
• Enhanced protocols:
  • Directors of CISF and BCAS briefed the Union Home Secretary on strengthening ground operations.
  • The BTAC protocol has been updated to incorporate “red flag” assessments for improved threat classification.

 Challenges:

• Technological limitations: Current systems lack advanced capabilities for tracking and analyzing threat calls, impacting quick response.
• Regulatory and policy gaps: Existing laws need updates to address threats comprehensively, including stricter penalties for ground-based incidents.
• Communication gaps: Coordination among agencies involved in aviation security is inconsistent, leading to delayed or fragmented responses.
• Absence of a threat database: Lack of a centralized, global hoax call database limits information-sharing and tracking of recurrent threats.
• Resource demands: Security improvements require significant investment in technology, skilled manpower, and infrastructure.

 Way forward:

• Invest in advanced technology: Incorporate AI-driven threat analysis, quantum computing, and enhanced tracking for real-time threat management.
• Update aviation laws: Revise regulations, such as the Aircraft Act of 1934, to allow prompt action against security threats, even for grounded flights.
• Strengthen communication channels: Streamline cross-agency communication protocols to ensure rapid, unified responses during security threats.
• Establish a global hoax database: Create a collaborative platform for sharing hoax-related data globally, integrating AI for initial assessments.
• Enhance funding for security measures: Allocate more resources to develop cybersecurity frameworks and conduct predictive profiling for potential threats.

Conclusion:

The rise in hoax threats poses systemic challenges in India’s aviation security. Tackling these requires updated legislation, better technological investment, and coordination among agencies under international guidelines.

 Insta Links:

PYQ:

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

Water Hyacinth Plant into Eco-Friendly Handicrafts

Context: The Krishna district administration, in collaboration with Lepakshi Handicrafts and the Andhra Pradesh Handicrafts Development Organisation, is transforming the invasive water hyacinth plant into eco-friendly handicrafts. Led by national award-winning artisan Rita Das, this initiative provides rural women with skill-building workshops, converting environmental issues into economic empowerment opportunities. The training program, inaugurated by District Collector DK Balaji, aims to address ecological concerns, create self-employment, and boost local craftsmanship.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper II – Governance and Social Justice
  • Women Empowerment: Highlights skill development and income generation for rural women.
  • Government Schemes and Initiatives: Role of state-led handicraft initiatives in sustainable development.
• GS Paper III – Environment and Ecology
  • Invasive Species Management: Utilization of invasive water hyacinth for productive economic activities.
  • Sustainable Development: Merging environmental conservation with livelihood creation.
• GS Paper IV – Ethics in Public Administration
  • Innovative Governance Solutions: Transforming ecological issues into livelihood opportunities.
  • Community-Centric Policies: Promoting local, sustainable crafts while empowering vulnerable groups.

• Optional Papers (Sociology, Public Administration)
  • Role of Community and Gender in Economic Development: Illustrative example for rural upliftment and gender equality.

Federalism

Context: Chief Justice of India recently highlighted the evolving role of federalism in promoting democracy and upholding constitutional ideals. At the Loksatta Annual Lecture, he stressed that modern challenges like climate change, AI, and cybercrime require Union and state collaboration, emphasizing the need for greater synergy.

These lines from his speech capture CJI Chandrachud’s vision of a dynamic and cooperative federalism:

• “Federalism should foster democracy, equality, liberty, dignity, and fraternity.”
• “Modern challenges like climate change and cybercrime go beyond traditional federal boundaries.”
• “The Constitution was intended to be transformative, not static.”
• “Indian federalism is unique; it values equality and liberty, not as a mask but as a core principle.”
• “Constructive dialogue between the Union and States is vital for federalism to thrive.”
• “Courts play a key role in shaping and safeguarding federal principles.”

Relevance in UPSC syllabus:

• GS Paper II – Indian Constitution and Governance

• • Federalism in India: Helps in understanding evolving federal principles in India.
  • Cooperative and Competitive Federalism: Highlights the balance of collaboration and contestation in Union-State relations.
  • Judiciary and Federalism: Insight on judicial interpretation of federalism and the role of constitutional courts in preserving states’ rights.

• Essay Paper

• • Federalism as a Dynamic Principle: Useful for essays on governance, democracy, and challenges to federalism in the modern age.

• Optional Papers – Political Science and Public Administration

• • Indian Political System: Detailed case studies on federalism, union-state relations, and the judiciary’s role in a federal structure.

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

Swing States

Source: TH

 Context: The 2024 U.S. presidential election, set for November 5, places a critical emphasis on a handful of states known as “swing states” or “battleground states.”

About Swing States:

• Definition: Swing states are those where neither Democratic nor Republican candidates have a consistent dominance, leading them to “swing” between parties in different elections.
• Examples in 2024: The primary swing states this election include Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Georgia, Nevada, Arizona, and North Carolina.

• Significance:
  • Electoral college impact: Swing states are crucial as they can allocate their entire electoral votes to the winner within that state, regardless of the margin. This can be decisive in a closely contested election.
  • Close poll margins: In the 2024 race, polls in these states show tight competition, with leads often within a 3.4% margin, the typical polling error.
  • Demographic influence: Each swing state has unique demographic groups—like Latinos in Arizona and Black voters in Georgia—that candidates aim to influence through tailored campaigns.

Insta links:

Digital Arrest Scam

Source:  TH

 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently highlighted the rising threat of the “digital arrest” scam during his Mann Ki Baat address, urging citizens to remain cautious and report suspicious activities.

About Digital Arrest Scam:

• Definition: Digital arrest is a form of cybercrime where scammers impersonate officials from law enforcement agencies (CBI, ED, police, etc.) and claim the victim is involved in serious crimes like money laundering or narcotics trafficking.
• Method: Scammers call or video call victims, posing as officials from law enforcement or government bodies (sometimes in official attire or settings) and demand personal information.
• Tactics: They gather personal information, create fear by appearing official, and then apply psychological pressure by threatening arrest, often quoting fake legal provisions.

Indian laws addressing digital arrest scams:

• Information Technology Act, 2000 – Section 66D: Punishes cheating by impersonation via computer resources, carrying penalties including imprisonment.

• I4C: The MHA-established Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre has been blocking fraudulent accounts, including over 1,000 Skype accounts linked to digital arrest scams.
• Cyber awareness campaigns: I4C’s “Cyberdost” platform is issuing alerts and spreading awareness about such scams.
• National cyber-crime reporting portal: Victims are encouraged to report incidents at the portal or call the helpline (1930).

 PM proposed strategy to combat digital scams:

1. Cyberhelpline: Urges citizens to call the national helpline at 1930 for reporting scams.
2. Cybercrime reporting portal: Encourages use of cybercrime.gov.in to file digital complaints.
3. Public awareness: Calls for educational institutions to involve students in awareness campaigns on digital fraud.
4. Three-step safety protocol: Advises citizens to “Stop-Think-Take Action” before responding to suspicious calls.

 Insta links:

Electric Propulsion Satellite

Source:  TOI

Context: To make its satellites lighter in future, ISRO is going to launch its first home-grown electric propulsion-led spacecraft, Technology Demonstrator Satellite (TDS-1) in December.

• This technology shift aims to reduce the weight of satellites by substituting chemical fuel with electric propulsion, allowing for a more efficient journey to geostationary orbit.

About Electric Propulsion Satellite (TDS-1):

• Purpose: To demonstrate electric propulsion technology for steering satellites using solar-powered ionized gas, reducing reliance on chemical fuel.
• Benefits: Cuts down satellite mass drastically by minimizing fuel needs; a four-tonne satellite can be reduced to around two tonnes.
• Technology: Utilizes gases like Argon as fuel, which are ionized using solar power to create propulsion.
• Historical use: First incorporated in GSAT-9 (South Asia Satellite) in 2017 with imported Russian components.
• Significance: Marks a step towards India’s space autonomy, as this EPS is fully developed domestically by ISRO.

Insta Links:

India Defence Sector

Source: TOI

Context: India has increased its focus on exporting defence equipment, with Armenia recently emerging as a significant buyer of Indian-made weapon systems like Akash air defence missiles, Pinaka rocket systems, and 155mm artillery guns.

Key data points on Indian defence sector:

Insta links:

Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum

Source:  IE & IE

Context: Gujarat’s Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum in Balasinor, an iconic site is currently under consideration for a UNESCO geo-heritage tag. The park faces neglect in maintenance and management, impacting both visitor experience and the conservation of fossils.

About Dinosaur Fossil Park and Museum, Balasinor:

• Location: Located in Raiyoli, Balasinor, Gujarat, known for Late Cretaceous fossils of dinosaurs like Rajasaurus narmadensis.
• Discovery: Uncovered in the 1980s by GSI geologists, it ranks as one of the world’s largest dinosaur egg hatcheries.
• Current issues: Faces neglect with overgrown vegetation, broken displays, and frequent power outages.
• Nearby threats: A nearby irrigation project poses risks to the fossil-rich area.
• Museum facilities: Features like 3D mapping and VR tours but is affected by structural issues and funding delays.
• Local conservation: The Fossil Park Society coordinates upkeep efforts, and Nawabzadi Aaliya Sultana Babi, known as the “Dinosaur Princess,” advocates for its preservation.

 Insta Links:

Tardigrades

Source:  IE

Context: Researchers have discovered the mechanisms behind the extraordinary radiation resistance of a newly identified species of tardigrades, Hypsibius henanensis, which may have future applications in space travel, nuclear cleanup, and cancer therapy.

About Tardigrades:

• Habitat: Found globally in terrestrial, marine, and freshwater environments, from extreme Arctic cold to Antarctic depths and high altitudes.
• Extreme survivors: Known for enduring extreme radiation, temperatures ranging from 150°C to -272°C, and decades without food or water.
• Unique physiology: These tiny, eight-legged, multicellular creatures can revive from a dried, lifeless state even after several years.
• Size and structure: Microscopic but multicellular, they are among the most resilient life forms on Earth, earning nicknames like “water bears” and “moss piglets” due to their appearance and habitat preferences.

• Tardigrades’ radiation resistance:
  • Genetic adaptation: Hypsibius henanensis has 14,701 genes, with 30% unique to tardigrades, that activate under radiation to protect and repair DNA.
  • DNA repair mechanisms: Uses a specific protein, TRID1, to quickly repair DNA double-strand breaks caused by radiation.
  • Mitochondrial and DNA repair proteins: Produces proteins crucial for mitochondrial function and DNA repair, enhancing survival after radiation exposure.
  • Antioxidant pigments (Betalains): Produces betalains that neutralize harmful chemicals generated by radiation, preventing cellular damage.

 Insta Links:

Pandemic Fund

Source: TH

 Context: The Union Government of India has launched a $25 million project to boost animal health security in partnership with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

About Pandemic Fund:

• Fund size and origin: A $25 million initiative established under the G20 Pandemic Fund during Indonesia’s G20 presidency in 2022.
• Objective: Enhance pandemic preparedness in low- and middle-income countries by improving response capacity to animal health risks.
• Implementing partners: Asian Development Bank (ADB), World Bank, and Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).

Purpose and rationale:

• Preventing zoonotic outbreaks: Address the animal origin of zoonotic diseases, with 5 of 6 WHO-declared public health emergencies having animal origins.
• Reducing economic impact: Mitigate socio-economic damage caused by zoonotic outbreaks, like SARS and avian flu, which caused global losses of $50 billion and $30 billion, respectively.

Key Interventions:

• Laboratory upgrades: Expand and improve animal health labs and vaccine production facilities.
• Enhanced surveillance: Strengthen early warning systems for better outbreak detection and timely intervention.
• Data system upgrades: Improve data management and analysis for better risk assessment and decision-making.
• Institutional capacity building: Establish a disaster management framework tailored for the livestock sector, addressing capacity needs at national and regional levels.

 Zoonotic diseases:

• Definition: Diseases that can be transmitted from animals (domesticated or wildlife) to humans, often facilitated by close animal-human interactions.
• Risk statistics: Over 60% of pathogens affecting humans originate from animals, with 75% of emerging human diseases linked to animal sources.
• Examples and impact: Mosquito-borne diseases (e.g., dengue from Aedes aegypti), avian influenza, and rabies are zoonotic diseases. Climate change increases the frequency and range of these diseases.

 Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 28 October 2024 Mapping:

Refugee camps in the Gaza Strip

Source:  Tribune India

Context: On Sunday, Israeli military strikes resulted in the deaths of at least 45 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, primarily affecting the northern regions, according to Palestinian health officials.

Places in news:

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) provides essential services within eight recognized refugee camps in the Gaza Strip. However, the agency does not police or govern these camps, as those responsibilities lie with local authorities.

1. Beach Camp: Located along the coast, this is one of Gaza’s most densely populated camps.
2. Bureij Camp: Positioned in central Gaza, it’s one of the smaller camps but heavily affected by conflicts.
3. Deir El-Balah Camp: Known for its proximity to the Deir El-Balah city, it serves many refugees in central Gaza.
4. Jabalia Camp: The largest camp in the Gaza Strip, it faces significant overcrowding and poor infrastructure.
5. Khan Younis Camp: Located in southern Gaza, it serves a large population with a mix of urban and rural residents.
6. Maghazi Camp: Another central Gaza camp, smaller in size but significantly affected by economic hardships.
7. Nuseirat Camp: Located near Bureij, it is one of the more populated camps in the central Gaza area.
8. Rafah Camp: Situated near the Gaza-Egypt border, it’s heavily impacted by border conflicts and restrictions.

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