UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024)

1. Election Expenditure India vs USA

GS Paper 3:

2. India and Fertilizer Imports

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Hula Parties – Man Animal Conflict

2. Surge in Global Greenhouse Gas

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. TASL-Airbus Facility

2. Fast Patrol Vessels

3. Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

4. Paddy Variety PR-126

5. Medicinal Foods and Benefits

6. Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

7. Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

Mapping:

1. Dholavira

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024

GS Paper 2:

Election Expenditure India vs USA

Syllabus: Election expenditure

Source: TH

 Context: Election spending in India often surpasses the limits set by the Election Commission of India (ECI), pointing to challenges like influence-peddling and inequitable representation. Comparatively, countries such as the U.S. and U.K. emphasize transparency and donor influence limitations to regulate election financing.

 Present laws governing election expenditure in India:

• Rule 90 of the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961: Sets expenditure limits for candidates based on election type and state size.
• Section 77 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951: Mandates that every candidate must maintain a separate account of all expenses incurred from nomination to result declaration.
• Expenditure Statement Submission: Candidates must submit a complete expenditure report to the Election Commission of India (ECI) within 30 days after election completion.
• Disqualification for Non-Compliance: Under Section 10A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, failure to accurately report or exceeding expenditure limits may lead to a three-year disqualification by the ECI.
• Political Party Expenditure: While there is no cap on a party’s total spending, all registered parties are required to file their election expenditure reports to the ECI within 90 days post-election, addressing concerns around party expenditure exploitation.

Current limit:

Comparison of election expenditure in India vs. the U.S:

Way forward:

• State funding of elections: As per the Indrajit Gupta Committee (1998) and Law Commission (1999), consider partial state funding to reduce financial dependency on private donations.
• Simultaneous elections: Conducting elections simultaneously could help streamline expenditures, although constitutional challenges exist.
• Cap on party expenditure: Establish a ceiling on total party spending, calculated as candidate limits multiplied by the number of candidates.
• Amend financial assistance laws: Amend laws to count any financial assistance provided by political parties to candidates within the spending limit.
• Enhanced judicial oversight: Increase judicial capacity to handle election disputes swiftly, disincentivizing breaches of expenditure limits.

Conclusion

India’s election financing model has controls, yet lacks spending caps for parties, favoring wealthier candidates and creating imbalance. Implementing transparency and stricter caps, as recommended, could curb undue influence, improve fairness, and strengthen public trust in the electoral process.

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PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024 GS Paper 3:

India and Fertilizer Imports

Syllabus:

Source:  TH

 Context: With conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza escalating, global concerns about the stability of fertilizer supplies have intensified. India, highly dependent on imports for various fertilizers, is now considering strategies to enhance domestic production and reduce its reliance on foreign sources.

India’s fertilizer imports:

• Current dependence: India relies on imports for about 20% of its urea, 50-60% of diammonium phosphate (DAP), and 100% of muriate of potash (MOP).
• Primary import sources: Major import partners include China, Russia, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Oman, Iran, and Egypt.

Source: Standing Committee on Chemicals and Fertilizers Report, August 2023.

 India’s fertilizer production:

Source: Department of Fertilizers, Government of India

Challenges:

• High import dependency: Given India’s reliance on imports, disruptions in global supply chains due to geopolitical conflicts directly impact availability and prices.
• Limited production growth: While production has increased marginally from 385.39 LMT in 2014-15 to 435.95 LMT in 2021-22, it remains insufficient to meet domestic demand fully.
• Fluctuating global prices: As oil prices rise due to regional conflicts, the cost of petroleum-based fertilizers will likely surge, raising India’s fertilizer import costs.
• Environmental concerns: The overuse of chemical fertilizers raises concerns about soil health and long-term sustainability.

Recommendations and way forward:

• Expand domestic production: Continue setting up new urea plants, similar to the six new plants established since the 2012 investment policy. Boosting domestic capacity could mitigate dependency on imports.
• Promote alternative solutions: Adopt nano-urea, encourage natural farming methods, and expand bio-fertilizer use to reduce chemical fertilizer dependency.
• Invest in R&D: Encourage research and innovation in alternative fertilizers and efficient farming practices.
• Policy reforms: Create an environment that encourages private and cooperative sector investment in fertilizer production.
• Long-term sustainability initiatives: Implement soil health management programs and train farmers in efficient fertilizer use.

 Conclusion:

Addressing India’s fertilizer challenges requires a mix of increased domestic production, innovative practices, and strategic policy support. The government’s steps toward self-sufficiency, alongside sustainable practices, will be crucial to stabilizing the agricultural sector in the face of global uncertainties.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Hula Parties – Man Animal Conflict

Context: The human-elephant conflict in India has significantly impacted both communities and wildlife, particularly in the Jhargram district of West Bengal, where close interactions between populated areas and forest patches often lead to confrontations. One notable approach for managing such conflicts is the use of Hula Parties by the forest department, a practice that has drawn criticism for its ethical and environmental implications.

 About Hula Party:

• Definition: Hula Parties are groups, typically made up of 15-30 locals, hired informally by the forest department to prevent elephants from entering populated areas.
• Tools and method: They use torches (hulas), consisting of iron rods with live fire, sticks, and noise to ward off elephants. In emergencies, torches are used to create barriers to reduce human-elephant interaction.
• Legal and ethical issues: Using fire against protected species like elephants, categorized under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, is illegal. There are also safety concerns and ethical considerations regarding potential harm to elephants.
• Recent controversy: Following the tragic death of a pregnant elephant, the use of torches by hula parties has come under scrutiny, with calls for better-trained personnel and non-violent conflict resolution.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• Ethics in Administration: Ethical considerations around wildlife conservation, human-wildlife conflict, and humane methods for managing interactions.
• Environment and Ecology: Understanding human-wildlife conflicts, habitat fragmentation, conservation strategies, and sustainable practices.
• Science and Technology: Application of technology (e.g., social media updates) in community-led wildlife management.
• Governance and Policy: Insights into wildlife management policies and the role of local governance in managing human-animal conflict.

Surge in Global Greenhouse Gas

Context: The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported a record rise in global greenhouse gas (GHG) levels, highlighting a surge in carbon dioxide emissions and the warming effects on global temperatures.

Greenhouse gas surge:

• CO₂ concentration increase: 2023 saw 2.3 parts per million (ppm) rise in CO₂ levels from 2022, marking the twelfth consecutive year of over 2 ppm increases.
• Global warming record: 2023 surpassed the previous record held in 2016, with temperatures 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).
• Carbon cycle: About 50% of CO₂ emissions remain in the atmosphere, 30% absorbed by land, and 25% by oceans.
• India’s contribution: India’s GHG emissions grew by 6.1% in 2023, now accounting for 8% of global emissions, with historical contributions standing at 3%.
• Radiative forcing increase: Since 1990, radiative forcing (warming effect) from GHGs has risen by 51.5%, with CO₂ contributing 80% of this increase.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• General Studies (GS) Paper 1: Climate change and global warming effects on geography and environment.
• GS Paper 3: Sustainable development, environmental degradation, and conservation efforts.
• Essay Writing: Topics on environmental issues, climate policies, and India’s role in global climate efforts.
• GS Paper 2: India’s international relations concerning climate commitments (UNFCCC, Paris Agreement).

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

TASL-Airbus Facility

Source: PIB

 Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL)-Airbus facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

• This facility will manufacture the C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, marking India’s first private sector plant to produce military aircraft.
• This collaboration aligns with India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, aiming to boost India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the India-Spain partnership.

About C295 Airbus facility:

• Strategic importance: The C295 plant marks a milestone in India’s defense sector by enabling local, private-sector-led manufacturing.
• Production: Of 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, 16 will be from Spain, with 40 produced in Vadodara.
• Job creation: Expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and support MSMEs by sourcing 18,000 indigenous parts.
• Versatility: C295 aircraft serve multiple missions like medical evacuations, disaster response, and maritime patrols.
• Cultural diplomacy: Highlights shared cultural interests between India and Spain; introduces 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.
• Future aviation hub: Vadodara is poised to become a key aviation manufacturing hub, advancing India’s goal to produce indigenous civil aircraft.

 C-295 Aircraft Features:

• Versatile tactical airlifter: Built by Airbus for light-medium transport with a range of mission capabilities.
• High payload: Carries up to 9 tonnes or 71 troops, with a max cruise speed of 260 knots.
• Extended endurance: Up to 13 hours of flight time, suitable for varied weather conditions.
• Rear ramp door: Enables rapid deployment of troops and cargo, enhancing tactical flexibility.
• Short take-off & landing (STOL): Operates on unprepared airstrips with high manoeuvrability.
• Dual propulsion: Powered by two turboprop engines for efficient performance.
• Specialized for Tactical Missions: Low-speed capability (110 knots) and strong low-level handling.

 Insta links:

Fast Patrol Vessels

Source:  PIB

Context: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’, marking a milestone in its commitment to enhanced maritime security and indigenous manufacturing.

• These vessels, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, are part of an eight-vessel contract valued at Rs. 473 crores.

About Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs):

• Dimensions: 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth; displacement of 320 tons.
• Performance: Equipped with a Controllable Pitch Propeller-based propulsion system, with a top speed of 27 knots.
• Indigenous manufacturing: Over 60% of components are domestically sourced, supporting India’s self-reliance in defense.
• Primary roles:
  • Fisheries protection: Monitoring foreign trawlers in Indian waters.
  • Coastal patrol: Regular patrols of the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and coastal areas.
  • Anti-smuggling: Prevents smuggling activities in Indian maritime territory.
  • Search and rescue: Conducts search and rescue missions for distressed vessels or personnel.
  • Communication link: Provides essential communication channels during conflicts or emergencies.
  • Escort services: Escorts coastal convoys during hostilities or wartime conditions.

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Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana

Source:  News on Air

Context: On Dhanvantari Jayanti, celebrated as the 9th Ayurveda Day, the Prime Minister will launch the expansion of health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70 years and above as a major addition to the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana.

• This will help provide health coverage to all senior citizens regardless of their income.

About Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY):

• Launch year: 2018, as a flagship scheme focused on accessible healthcare for India’s vulnerable families.
• Objective: Provides health insurance coverage of up to ₹5 lakhs per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospital care.
• Coverage: Currently covers 55 crore individuals across 12.34 crore families nationwide.
• Key features:
  • Universal health access: Seeks to ensure no citizen, especially the marginalized, is deprived of healthcare.
  • Health and Wellness Centres (HWCS): Target of 1,50,000 HWCs to offer primary healthcare, emphasizing preventive and curative services.
  • Expanded senior citizen coverage: Recently expanded to include all senior citizens 70+, offering coverage irrespective of income.
  • Financial protection: Reduces out-of-pocket healthcare expenses for low-income families by covering a wide array of medical treatments.

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Paddy Variety PR-126

Source: New Indian Express

 Context: The Indian government has initiated a review of the paddy variety PR-126, widely cultivated in Punjab, following complaints from local rice millers about a reduction in rice yield, specifically concerning the Out Turn Ratio (OTR) from paddy to rice.

About Paddy Variety PR-126:

• Introduction: PR-126 was adopted on a large scale in Punjab since 2016.
• Yield concerns: Rice millers report a 4-5% reduction in OTR, resulting in less rice yield (around 5 kg per quintal).
• Intrinsic defects: Alleged issues include broken grains, potentially due to early harvesting and hybrid varieties sold as PR-126.
• Growth duration: A short-duration variety that typically matures in 125 days but can mature in as little as 110 days.
• Water efficiency: Requires less water, aligning with sustainable agriculture goals.

 About Out Turn Ratio (OTR):

• Definition: OTR, or Out Turn Ratio, measures the percentage of rice yield extracted from paddy after milling.
• Standard requirement: The Food Corporation of India (FCI) mandates a standard OTR of 67% per quintal for millers, meaning 67 kg of rice per 100 kg of paddy.
• Penalties for Shortfall: If the OTR falls below 67%, millers must compensate the government for the deficit, leading to financial loss.
• Hybrid impact: Certain hybrid paddy varieties are reported to yield an OTR as low as 60-62%, increasing costs for millers by approximately ₹300 per quintal due to reduced yield.

 Insta links:

Medicinal Foods and Benefits

Source:  TH

Context: In recent decades, researchers have identified new compounds and potential drugs from plants traditionally used in medicine, and today, these plants are being further explored for broader health applications and benefits.

About Medicinal Foods and Benefits:

• Turmeric: Known for its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, used traditionally in food and medicine. High doses, however, may pose risks, highlighting the need for dosage regulation.
• Giloy (Tinospora cordifolia): Used for immunity boosting, reducing fevers, and other therapeutic benefits; traditionally consumed for its stem’s medicinal properties.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Known to alleviate stress, improve energy levels, and enhance mental focus; it is particularly valued for its root’s therapeutic properties in Ayurveda.
• Bhringaraj (Eclipta prostrata): Beneficial for hair health, as well as liver and digestive health, and sometimes consumed as a leafy vegetable.
• Lemon (Citrus limon): Recognized for vitamin C content and immunity-boosting properties; varies significantly across different varieties and cultivars.

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Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH)

Source:  IE

Context: The Union Government has decided to expand the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) by incorporating advanced agricultural techniques like hydroponics, aquaponics, vertical farming, and precision agriculture.

• This move aims to modernize horticulture practices, increase productivity, and address requests from various states for updated cost norms and guidelines.

About Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH):

• Origin: Launched by the Government of India, MIDH is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme (CSS) established to promote the horticulture sector.
• Ministry: Implemented under the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare.
• Aim: Focuses on the holistic growth of horticulture through support for production, post-harvest management, and marketing of diverse horticulture crops.
• Sub-schemes:
  • National Horticulture Mission (NHM)
  • Horticulture Cluster Development Programme (HCDP)
  • Technology Mission for Development in NE States, Sikkim, and J&K
  • National Bamboo Mission
  • Coconut Development Board
  • Mission for Integrated Development of Medicinal Plants (MIDMP)

Additional information:

• Hydroponics: A soil-free cultivation method where plants grow in nutrient-rich water solutions, allowing for controlled environment agriculture and higher yields in limited spaces.
• Aquaponics: A combination of aquaculture and hydroponics, where fish waste provides nutrients for plants grown in water, and the plants, in turn, purify the water for the fish.
• Vertical Farming: An innovative approach to farming in stacked layers, typically indoors, using LED lighting and controlled environments to maximize crop output in urban or limited spaces.
• Precision Agriculture: A technology-driven approach to optimize crop yields by using data analysis, GPS, and IoT tools to monitor and manage farming inputs like water, fertilizers, and pesticides with high accuracy.

 Insta Links:

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO)

Source: New Indian Express

 Context: Recently, CTBTO’s systems clarified a false alarm regarding suspected nuclear activity in Iran, showing the organization’s critical role in preventing misinformation related to nuclear tests and promoting global security.

About Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO):

• Established: 1996 as the interim Preparatory Commission for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty.
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria.
• Mission: Prepare for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT’s) entry into force by building a verification regime and promoting global adoption of the treaty.
• Structure:
  • Preparatory Commission (all Member States), with Working Groups for administrative, financial, and verification issues.
  • Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS), with divisions for International Monitoring, Data, and On-Site Inspection.
• Funding: Member-state contributions.

About CTBTO International Monitoring System (IMS):

• Network Size: Comprises 337 monitoring facilities, with over 90% operational.
• Technologies:
  • Seismic: Detects underground explosions via ground shockwaves.
  • Hydroacoustic: Identifies underwater explosions.
  • Infrasound: Monitors atmospheric, low-frequency sounds from nuclear tests.
  • Radionuclide: Detects radioactive particles from nuclear explosions.

 Insta links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 29 October 2024 Mapping:

Dholavira

Source:     New Indian Express

Context: The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has flagged concerns regarding the poor preservation, lack of tourist facilities, and halted excavation activities at Dholavira, an ancient Harappan city and UNESCO World Heritage Site.

About Dholavira:

• Significance: Dholavira is an important archaeological site from the Indus Valley Civilization, inhabited from 3000 BCE to 1800 BCE.
• Location: Situated in Kutch District, Gujarat, between the seasonal streams of Mansar and Manhar.
  • Dholavira is the fifth largest site of the Indus Valley Civilization in the sub-continent.
• UNESCO status: Designated a World Heritage Site in 2021.
• City layout: Comprises a walled city and cemetery, featuring a Castle with a Bailey, Ceremonial Ground, Middle Town, and Lower Town.
• Key features: Notable for its advanced water management system, with 16 reservoirs and channels, step wells, and large public baths.
• Historical insights: Dholavira’s remains reveal insights into urban planning, trade, governance, and Harappan culture, showcasing fortifications, gateways, workshops, and residential units.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 29 Oct 2024

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