UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 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 – 30 October 2024)

1. Census Exercise

GS Paper 3:

2. India’s Defence Revolution

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Aandhi Village – Green Technology

2. Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali Campaign

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Konark Wheels

2. Tarun Plus

3. Transponder Technology

4. Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card

5. Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

6. Petrapole Land Port (Maitri Dwar)

Mapping:

1. NEOM project

2. Iranian Military Bases

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 October 2024

GS Paper 2:

Census Exercise

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions 

Source:  Indian Express

 Context: The Indian government has announced plans to initiate the delayed Census exercise next year, expected to conclude by 2026. This Census will impact two major processes: delimitation of constituencies and the reservation for women in legislative bodies.

About Census in India:

• Frequency: Conducted every 10 years, India’s Census provides essential population data.
• Historical background:
  • The first Indian city census was conducted in 1830 by Henry Walter in Dacca.
  • The first non-synchronous, nationwide census took place in 1872 under Lord Mayo.
  • The first synchronous census occurred in 1881, led by Census Commissioner W.C. Plowden, establishing the decennial cycle.
• Global comparison: Many countries, such as the United States and the United Kingdom, also conduct a census every 10 years, while some, like Canada and Japan, conduct it every five years.
• Responsible authority: The Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner under the Ministry of Home Affairs manages India’s Census.
• Legal framework:
  • The Census is governed by the Census Act of 1948, introduced by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.
  • It is a Union subject under Article 246 and is listed as item 69 in the Seventh Schedule of the Constitution.

About Delimitation exercise:

• Definition: Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to reflect population changes. A Delimitation Commission oversees this exercise.
• Historical Context: India has conducted the Census seven times since independence, yet only four delimitations (1952, 1953, 1973, and 2002) have occurred.
• Last Delimitation: The previous delimitation in 2002 only adjusted boundaries without changing the number of seats, which has remained based on the 1971 Census for Lok Sabha and the 2001 Census for state Assemblies.
• Expected Changes: Based on the estimated population of 1.5 billion in 2026, significant seat adjustments may occur to represent population growth accurately.

Constitutional changes:

• Article 82: Requires re-adjustment of seats in the House of the People (Lok Sabha) and legislative Assemblies after each Census.
• 42nd and 84th amendments: Amendments in 1976 and 2001 froze delimitation until the first Census after 2026.
• 2026 census dependency: The first Census post-2026 will serve as a reference for re-adjustment under Article 82, potentially requiring further amendments for early implementation.
• Key articles affected: Articles 82, 81 (Lok Sabha composition), 170 (state Assemblies), and 55 (President’s election) must be adjusted to align with any changes to seat allocations.

Political challenges:

• Constitutional mandate: The 128th Constitutional Amendment mandates 33% women’s reservation in Lok Sabha and state Assemblies.
• Contingent on delimitation: The reservation will be implemented only after delimitation based on the first Census conducted post-2026.
• Impact on male representation: Women’s reservation in the current 545-member Lok Sabha would reserve 182 seats for women, impacting the availability of seats for male representatives.
• Seat redistribution: Delimitation can help reallocate seats without reducing current representation, helping to facilitate the women’s quota.

Way forward:

• Constitutional amendments: Update Articles 82, 81, 170, and 55 to align with current population data for balanced representation.
• Balanced delimitation approach: Establish fair delimitation criteria beyond population, incorporating regional growth considerations.
• Women’s reservation implementation: Initiate steps to ensure smooth seat reallocation to accommodate 33% reservation.
• Strengthen regional consensus: Work towards a balanced approach to address the North-South divide in population growth.
• Enhanced stakeholder engagement: Build support from key political stakeholders for smoother legislative amendments and policy adoption.

Conclusion:

The upcoming Census, delimitation, and women’s reservation adjustments are pivotal for aligning India’s legislative representation with its demographic reality. These changes demand legal amendments, regional consensus, and a commitment to equitable representation, ensuring legislative reforms reflect India’s evolving socio-political landscape.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 October 2024 GS Paper 3:

India’s Defence Revolution

Syllabus: Defence sector

Source: PIB

Context: The recent inauguration of the Tata Aircraft Complex at Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) in Vadodara, Gujarat, marks a significant achievement for India’s “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission, further advancing the nation’s self-reliance in defense manufacturing.

Rise in Defense Production: (Source: PIB Report)

• Record production: India’s defense production achieved a record high in FY 2023-24, reaching ₹1.27 lakh crore.
  • This marks an approximate 174% growth from ₹46,429 crore in 2014-15.
• Key Driver: The rise is attributed to initiatives like the Make in India campaign, focused on bolstering indigenous manufacturing.
• Increased domestic manufacturing: Over 65% of India’s defense needs are now met domestically, reducing import dependency significantly.
• Diverse industry base: The defense sector includes 16 Defense Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs), over 430 licensed private companies, and approximately 16,000 MSMEs.
• Private sector contribution: Currently, 21% of defense production comes from private industry participants, contributing to India’s self-reliance in defense.

India’s Defense Exports Surge:

• Historic growth in exports: Defense exports increased from ₹686 crore in FY 2013-14 to ₹21,083 crore in FY 2023-24, representing a 30-fold rise.
• Global reach: India exports defense equipment to over 100 countries, with the U.S., France, and Armenia being top destinations.
• Export target: The government has set a target to increase defense exports further, aiming for ₹50,000 crore by 2029, solidifying India’s role as a reliable defense partner on the global stage.

Challenges:

• Technological gaps: Despite progress, India relies on foreign suppliers for critical technologies in areas such as aerospace and advanced electronics.
• Quality standards: Private sector players face challenges meeting high standards, especially in high-tech segments like avionics and missile technology.
• Funding constraints: Despite budget increases, additional resources are needed for R&D and infrastructure to keep pace with growing demands.
• Bureaucratic hurdles: Procedural delays can hinder quick adoption and implementation of projects.
• Limited skilled workforce: Developing and retaining a skilled workforce in specialized areas remains challenging.

Way ahead:

• Enhanced private sector role: Encouraging private sector participation, particularly in research-intensive domains.
• Increased budget for R&D: To maintain momentum and foster innovation in high-tech defense segments.
• International collaborations: Leverage strategic partnerships for technology transfer and joint ventures in defense.
• Skill development: Initiatives to build and retain talent in aerospace, electronics, and other defense-oriented skills.
• Streamlined processes: Further simplify procurement and licensing procedures to foster a conducive environment for innovation.

Conclusion:

India’s drive for defense self-reliance reflects a strong commitment to reducing imports, bolstering national security, and emerging as a global arms industry player. Ambitious 2029 targets aim to make India a defense manufacturing hub, supported by progressive policies and a growing domestic industry.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Aandhi Village – Green Technology

Context: In Aandhi village, located just 43 kilometers from Jaipur, Rajasthan, a transformation toward a zero-waste model is underway through the integration of advanced green technologies. Food waste, agro waste, wastewater, and other sources from across the village are being converted into resources. Using an array of sustainable technologies like an Organic Waste Bio-Methanation Plant, Vermifiltration, and Constructed Wetlands, the village has started generating clean energy, treating wastewater, and recycling waste materials. This project, led by the Climate, Energy, and Sustainable Technology (CEST) Division, stands as a replicable model for rural India, setting a powerful example of resource recovery and environmental conservation through innovative interventions.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• Sustainable Development and Waste Management: Demonstrates practical application of waste-to-wealth models, crucial for environment-related papers.
• Case Study for Rural Development: Exemplifies green tech initiatives in villages, enhancing answers on rural sustainability and development programs.
• Innovation and Climate Resilience: Illustrates India’s strides in climate resilience, suitable for questions on sustainable technology and climate change.
• Governance and Community Engagement: A model of community-led environmental stewardship, aligning with governance and local involvement topics.

Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali Campaign

Context: The “Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali” campaign, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) from October 28 to November 3, 2024, aims to integrate the festival of Diwali with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s goals of cleanliness and sustainability.

About the “Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali” Campaign:

• Objective: Promote cleanliness beyond homes to public spaces and neighborhoods, reinforcing the values of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• Eco-friendly focus: Emphasizes plastic-free celebrations and “Vocal for Local” to minimize environmental impact.
• Gandhian values: Aligns with principles of public service and sanitation, encouraging Diwali celebrations that support marginalized communities.
• Community involvement: Engages citizens to create a cleaner, more inclusive Diwali celebration in line with collective well-being and sustainability.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• Ethics in Public Administration: The Swachh Bharat Mission’s community-oriented initiatives highlight principles of social responsibility, ethical duty, and Gandhian values, which are important for Public Administration studies.
• Social Issues: This campaign connects with urban sanitation, public health, and social welfare, reflecting how cultural traditions can support contemporary social goals.
• Environment and Ecology: Promoting an eco-friendly, plastic-free Diwali raises awareness of sustainable practices, reinforcing environmental responsibility, which is crucial for India’s Environmental Initiatives.
• Essay: Topics like community service, inclusivity, and social harmony can draw from this campaign to discuss how festivals can foster unity and societal well-being.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Konark Wheels

Source: PIB

 Context: Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.

• This initiative aims to highlight India’s cultural heritage, presenting visitors with a glimpse of traditional and historical artistry associated with the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.

About Konark Sun Temple:

• Historical background: Built in the 13th century under King Narasimhadeva I of the Eastern Ganga Dynasty, the temple is located in Konark, Odisha.
• Architectural design: The temple represents a colossal stone chariot with twelve pairs of intricately carved wheels, symbolizing the Sun God’s chariot.
• Materials used: Constructed using Khondalite stones, the temple features detailed carvings illustrating mythology and cultural life.
• Astronomical significance: The temple’s design is oriented to capture the first light of the sun, symbolizing ancient Indian astronomical knowledge.
• UNESCO recognition: In 1984, the Konark Temple was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, acknowledging its historical and architectural importance.

About Konark Wheel:

• Symbolism: The Konark wheel, built in the 13th century, represents time (Kalachakra), progression, and democracy.
• Design features: With 24 spokes, it embodies ancient wisdom and architectural mastery, symbolized in the national flag.
• Purpose: The wheel served as a sundial in the temple, symbolizing the passage of time and India’s commitment to progress and resilience.

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Tarun Plus

 Source:  PIB

 Context: In July 2024, the finance minister announced an increase in the loan limit to ₹20 lakh, effective from October 24, 2024, under the new Tarun Plus category.

About Pradhan Mantri MUDRA Yojana (PMMY):

• Origin: Launched on April 8, 2015.
• Ministry: The Ministry of Finance.
• Objective: Designed to promote financial inclusion and self-employment opportunities by extending credit to small-scale enterprises in manufacturing, trading, and services, including allied agricultural activities.
• Loan categories:
  • Shishu: Loans up to ₹50,000 for nascent businesses.
  • Kishore: Loans between ₹50,000 and ₹5 lakh for slightly developed businesses.
  • Tarun: Loans above ₹5 lakh up to ₹10 lakh for mature businesses.
  • Tarun Plus: New category with loans from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh for successful Tarun borrowers.
• Member Lending Institutions (MLIs): Scheduled Commercial Banks, Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs), Micro Finance Institutions (MFIs) etc.
• Key features:
  • Collateral-free loans: Offered through banks, NBFCs, RRBs, and MFIs without collateral, ensuring easier access.
  • MUDRA card: A RuPay debit card offering flexible working capital, functioning as an overdraft facility for credit access and payment convenience.
  • MUDRA MITRA app: A mobile app providing loan-related information, guidance, and resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.

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Transponder Technology

Source:  PIB

Context: The Department of Fisheries with the help of the Vessel Communication and Support System under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been able to enhance the safety and security of fishermen at sea.

• This initiative, utilizing indigenous transponder technology developed by ISRO and implemented by New Space India Ltd (NSIL)

 About Vessel Communication and Support System:

• Launch Date and Cost: Introduced on August 30, 2024, with a project outlay of ₹364 crore.
• Objective: Provides real-time two-way communication for fishermen beyond mobile range, enhancing safety and allowing for timely advisories during emergencies.
• Technology: Uses transponders developed by ISRO, enabling precise vessel tracking, speed monitoring, and emergency communication, especially crucial in adverse weather.
• Application: The Nabhmitra Application aids in vessel tracking and provides real-time updates on sea conditions, weather alerts, and cyclone data, contributing to safe navigation.
• Multilingual Support: Broadcasts in local languages ensure accessibility for non-English-speaking fishermen, enhancing response time and safety.

About Transponders:

• Definition: A transponder is a wireless device that receives incoming signals, amplifies them, and transmits a modified signal back.
• Primary Functions:

• • Acts as both a transmitter and receiver (transmitter + responder).
  • Shifts input signal frequency and boosts it.
  • Transponders are categorized into active (used in aircraft, RFID) and passive (used in devices like credit cards).

• Types:

• • Bent Pipe Transponder: Converts signal to radio frequency, boosts it, and transmits it back; often used in satellites as a repeater.
  • Regenerative Transponder: Processes the signal by demodulating and remodulating it for better accuracy; suitable for digital signals.

• Comparison:

• • Transponder vs. Transceiver: A transceiver can both send and receive signals without preprogrammed responses, while a transponder is programmed to respond automatically.
  • Transponder vs. Transducer: A transducer converts energy types, while a transponder handles signal transmission and response.

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Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card

Source: DD News

Context: Prime Minister recently launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card as an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

• This card aims to ensure free healthcare for every citizen aged 70 years and above, providing an annual coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.

About Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card:

• Origin: Announced during the Union Budget 2024-25.
• Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
• Aim: To provide free, universal healthcare access to seniors above 70 years, ensuring they can avail of necessary treatments without financial burdens.
• Eligibility: All Indian citizens aged 70 years or older are eligible, regardless of income or economic status.
• Features:
  • Coverage: Provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for healthcare needs, shared if multiple elderly individuals live in one household.
  • Enrolment process: Requires registration via the PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app and mandatory eKYC completion, even for those with existing Ayushman cards.
  • Integrated with other schemes: Beneficiaries of other government health schemes (e.g., CGHS, ECHS) can either retain existing coverage or opt for the Ayushman Bharat benefits.
  • Additional support: Also available for individuals insured under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and those with private health insurance.

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Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve

Source:  TH

Context: Four elephants were found dead, with five others in poor health, at Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh.

About Bandhavgarh Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Situated between the Vindhyan and Satpura ranges in Umaria district, Madhya Pradesh.
• Status: Designated a national park in 1968, it gained Tiger Reserve status in 1993.
• Topography: Known for valleys, hills, and plains with the historic Bandhavgarh Fort, associated with Lord Rama and his brother Lakshmana, prominently located.
• Vegetation: Features tropical moist deciduous forests, including sal, mixed forests, and grasslands, with bamboo on the lower slopes.
• Flora: Includes notable species like Saj (Terminalia tomentosa), Dhaora (Anogeissus latifolia), Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), and Amla (Emblica officinalis).
• Fauna: Hosts the Royal Bengal Tiger noted for the highest density of tiger population in India and globally.

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Petrapole Land Port (Maitri Dwar)

 Source:  News on Air

Context: Union Home Minister inaugurated a new passenger terminal building and the ‘Maitri Dwar’ cargo gate at Petrapole Land Port on the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.

About Maitri Dwar:

• Location: Positioned at Petrapole Land Port on the India-Bangladesh border in West Bengal.
  • Located in the North 24 Parganas district.
• Purpose: Designed to streamline cross-border cargo movement and support increased trade between India and Bangladesh.
• Capacity: Handles around 600-700 trucks daily, boosting the efficiency of cargo handling across the border.
• Facilities: Provides integrated infrastructure for customs, immigration, and security for seamless cross-border processing.
• Significance: Enhances India-Bangladesh trade relations by supporting nearly 70% of the land-based trade between the two countries.

• Petrapole is South Asia’s largest land port and handles a significant portion of India-Bangladesh land-based trade.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 30 October 2024 Mapping:

NEOM project

Source:   TH

Context: Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step toward realizing its ambitious NEOM project by opening its first luxury tourism site, an island called Sindalah.

About NEOM project:

• Purpose: NEOM seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a global luxury tourism and investment hub while advancing sustainable, high-tech urban development.
• Features: It includes innovative concepts like The Line, twin skyscrapers spanning 170 km, a floating industrial complex called Oxagon, and Trojena, a mountainous skiing and leisure area.
• Sindalah Island: The first open site, Sindalah is a 840,000 square-meter luxury island aiming to attract global tourists and investors with high-end facilities, yachting berths, and a capacity of up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028.

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Iranian Military Bases

Source:   TH

Context: Recent satellite imagery reveals damage at two Iranian military bases following a suspected Israeli airstrike. The Parchin base, historically linked to Iran’s nuclear activities, and Khojir, associated with ballistic missile development, both sustained damages.

Locations in news:

• Parchin Military Base:
  • Location: Approximately 40 kilometers southeast of Tehran, near the Mamalu Dam.
  • Significance: Historically linked to Iran’s nuclear weapons program. The IAEA has suspected it as a test site for explosives that could trigger a nuclear weapon.
  • Damage: Satellite imagery shows one building destroyed and others damaged. The site includes “Taleghan 2,” a facility identified as containing an explosive testing chamber and flash X-ray system.
• Khojir Military Base:
  • Location: Roughly 20 kilometers from Tehran, this base includes underground facilities and a tunnel system.
  • Significance: Known for housing missile production facilities and is vital to Iran’s ballistic missile program.
  • Damage: Satellite images reveal destruction at two structures, impacting Iran’s missile manufacturing capability.

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