UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 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 – 5 November 2024)

1. ‘Quota-Within-Quota’ System

GS Paper 3:

2. India’s Green Leap: A Shift from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. False Consciousness

2. Committees on Western Ghats

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Foam in Yamuna River

2. Visible Emission Line Coronagraph

3. International Solar Alliance

4. Asian Buddhist Summit

5. Kalka-Shimla Narrow-Gauge Railway

Mapping:

1. Paragliding

2. Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

‘Quota-Within-Quota’ System

Syllabus: Reservation in India

Source:  TH

Context: Recent debates, spurred by a Supreme Court ruling, have questioned whether a ‘quota-within-quota’ system is needed to ensure that affirmative action policies are more equitable across SC subgroups.

Existing Reservation Quotas:

• Scheduled Castes (SC): 15% reservation in education and public employment.
• Scheduled Tribes (ST): 7.5% reservation.
• Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27% reservation with a “creamy layer” exclusion.
• Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10% reservation without caste restrictions.

Advantages of Quota-within-Quota:

• Targeted Assistance: Quota-within-quota ensures that benefits reach the most disadvantaged subgroups within SC/ST categories, addressing the issue of unequal access among subgroups.
• Reduces monopolization: It prevents dominant subgroups from cornering benefits, promoting a fairer distribution across various SC/ST communities.
• Enhanced representation: By focusing on the most marginalized, this approach helps ensure that diverse subgroups have improved representation in education and employment.
• Flexible policy design: It allows States to customize affirmative action policies to better address the socio-economic conditions specific to different regions and communities.
• Promotes social justice: By narrowing the gap within the broader SC/ST categories, quota-within-quota policies help achieve a more equitable approach to social upliftment.

Limitations of Quota-within-Quota:

• Data Deficiency: Lack of recent, accurate caste-based data complicates identifying the subgroups that need the most assistance, making implementation challenging.
• Political influence: The policy can be exploited for political gains, as seen in some states, which may lead to arbitrary or biased allocation of subquotas.
• Implementation challenges: Administering multiple subquotas within existing reservations can create logistical and administrative complexities, potentially leading to inefficiencies.
• Dilution of Reservation Impact: Fragmenting quotas within a group can reduce the overall effectiveness of reservations by creating competition among subgroups rather than promoting collective upliftment.
• Increased social fragmentation: Subcategorization may deepen social divisions within SC/ST groups, potentially leading to inter-group tensions and undermining unity.

Way ahead:

• Strengthen access: Ensure all eligible SC groups have equal access to reservation benefits by improving administrative reach.
• Updated census data: Conduct a detailed caste-based Census to make data-driven policy decisions.
• Transparent criteria: Establish clear guidelines for subcategorization to avoid political misuse.
• Public awareness: Increase awareness on eligibility and rights within SC groups to bridge gaps in reservation accessibility.
• Monitoring and Evaluation: Regularly assess the impact of quota policies to address any emerging inequities.

Conclusion:

The introduction of a “quota-within-quota” is a step toward achieving more nuanced affirmative action. By acknowledging intra-category differences within SCs, policymakers can ensure a fairer distribution of resources. However, careful planning, clear criteria, and updated data are essential to ensure these policies fulfill their intended purpose without political manipulation.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

India’s Green Leap: A Shift from Fossil Fuels to Clean Energy

Syllabus: Energy and Environment

Source: PIB

Context: The Asia-Pacific Climate Report from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) highlights India’s efforts and accomplishments in the major shift from fossil fuels to clean energy domain, which include key reforms and subsidy reallocations.

Key Findings in the Asia–Pacific Climate Report:

• Reduction in Fossil Fuel Subsidies: India’s reforms have led to an 85% reduction in fossil fuel subsidies, from $25 billion in 2013 to $3.5 billion in 2023.
• Taxation for Renewable Energy: India implemented a cess on coal production from 2010 to 2017, funding clean energy projects like the Green Energy Corridor and National Solar Mission.
• Targeted subsidy redirection: Tax hikes on petrol and diesel redirected funds toward renewable initiatives, with LPG access for rural communities also enhanced.
• Investment in Clean Energy: National programs, including the Green Hydrogen Mission and PM-KUSUM, aim to support green infrastructure, cut emissions, and improve energy access.
• Positive Impact on Climate Goals: The report emphasizes India’s progress toward its 2070 net-zero target, setting a model for other nations.

Positives of India’s Energy Transition:

• Significant Subsidy Reduction: Redirecting funds from fossil fuels to renewables represents a major shift towards sustainability.
• Rural Energy Access: Improved access to LPG and clean energy in rural areas supports both social welfare and environmental goals.
• Investment in New Energy Technologies: Programs in green hydrogen and solar energy showcase India’s commitment to next-generation energy solutions.
• Strengthened Renewable Energy Infrastructure: Projects like the Green Energy Corridor enhance transmission networks for renewable energy.
• Economic and Environmental Benefits: Reduced dependency on fossil fuels benefits both the economy and the environment by lowering emissions.

Limitations of India’s Energy Transition:

• Tax Reallocation Challenges: Funds from the coal cess were diverted to GST compensation post-2017, impacting clean energy funding.
• Dependency on Fossil Fuels: Despite reforms, fossil fuels still play a significant role in India’s energy mix, indicating slow progress in a complete shift.
• Limited Access to Subsidies: Disparities exist in accessing clean energy subsidies, especially in remote or underserved areas.
• High Cost of Technology Transition: Advanced clean energy technologies require significant investments and can be costly for initial rollout.
• Political and Fiscal Adjustments: Shifting subsidies and adjusting tax structures are complex processes with potential for political challenges.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthen Funding Mechanisms: Ensure stable funding for clean energy projects by revisiting cess allocations and reducing fiscal dependency on fossil fuel-based revenue.
• Scale Renewable Initiatives: Expand programs like PM-KUSUM to cover more regions and increase solar and wind energy capacity.
• Support Clean Energy R&D: Invest in research and development for technologies like green hydrogen and advanced battery storage to make them economically viable.
• Enhance Rural Access: Strengthen infrastructure for rural clean energy adoption, ensuring equitable access to sustainable resources.
• Policy Consistency: Maintain a steady and transparent policy framework to encourage private investments in clean energy.

Conclusion:

India’s shift from fossil fuels to clean energy demonstrates its strong commitment to sustainable growth. The ADB’s Asia-Pacific Climate Report highlights India’s progress in reducing fossil fuel subsidies and advancing renewables, positioning it as a leader in energy reform. With ongoing investment and inclusive policies, India is well-placed to achieve its 2070 net-zero goal.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

False Consciousness

Context: Recently, U.S. Republican candidate Donald Trump visited a McDonald’s in Pennsylvania to connect with working-class voters, highlighting the GOP’s focus on swing-state demographics often impacted by its policies.

False Consciousness:

• Definition: False consciousness is a concept derived from Marxist theory, describing a scenario where individuals act against their own economic interests due to manipulated beliefs and values.
• Theory background: Karl Marx posited that capitalist structures and elite-controlled institutions obscure social realities, preventing workers from recognizing the exploitation they face.
• Media influence: Media outlets can perpetuate false consciousness by presenting themselves as aligned with the working class while promoting elite-driven narratives.
• Culture wars: As observed by journalist Thomas Frank, Republicans engage in cultural battles (e.g., over abortion, immigration, and gender issues) to distract voters from economic concerns, casting these issues as central to American values and traditional morality.
• Significance: This ideological approach enables elites to retain power by fostering division, aligning economic grievances with identity-based struggles, and rallying support for policies that ultimately disadvantage the working class.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• Ethics (GS IV): Addresses governance ethics, stressing leadership’s role in safeguarding public interests without manipulation, relevant to integrity, accountability, and media influence.
• PSIR: Links to Marxist ideology and identity politics, examining how culture wars and populism shape political behavior and global trends.
• Sociology: Explores class dynamics and media’s role in maintaining social hierarchies, essential for understanding societal structures and class awareness.
• Essay Writing: Useful for themes on governance, media ethics, and public perception, providing a foundation to discuss public opinion manipulation.
• GS II: Aids analysis of political systems, voter behavior, and democracy, both in India and globally.

Committees on Western Ghats

Context: The Union Environment Ministry’s expert committee, led by former forest director-general Sanjay Kumar, is set to examine Goa’s proposals concerning eco-sensitive areas (ESA) in the Western Ghats.

Committees on Western Ghats:

• Sanjay Kumar Committee:
  1. Formed to review state objections on ESA demarcations and validate proposed exclusions.
  2. Will conduct field visits to verify if demands for village exclusions from ESA listings are justified.
  3. Seeks to finalize the ESA status for villages, restricting activities harmful to biodiversity.
• Madhav Gadgil Committee (2011):
  1. Established by UPA government to propose protection measures for the Western Ghats.
  2. Recommended designating the entire Western Ghats as ecologically sensitive.
  3. Proposed the creation of a dedicated ecological authority to regulate development.
  4. Report suggested rigorous conservation, but its recommendations were not fully adopted.
• Kasturirangan Committee (2012):
  1. Formed as a follow-up to the Gadgil Committee to provide a more moderate approach.
  2. Based ESA demarcations on 37% of the Western Ghats, focusing on forested areas.
  3. Emphasized a balance between conservation and developmental needs, allowing limited activity in specific areas.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus

• Environment and Ecology (GS Paper III):

• Highlights biodiversity conservation in the Western Ghats, a critical ecological zone.
• Discusses sustainable development and conservation policies.

• Governance (GS Paper II):

• Showcases policy-making and Centre-State relations in ecological matters.

• Geography (GS Paper I):

• Focus on Western Ghats’ geography and its environmental challenges.

• Ethics (Ethics Paper):

• Addresses ethical dilemmas in balancing development with ecological preservation.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Foam in Yamuna River

Source: Hindustan Times

Context: In preparation for Chhath Pooja, Delhi has faced recurring debates and actions around the toxic foam in the Yamuna River, where devotees gather for rituals.

Why Does Foam Occur in the Yamuna River?

• Pollutant accumulation: The river’s lean flow during winter time reduces the natural dilution of pollutants, allowing them to concentrate.
• Detergents: The main contributors to foaming are phosphates from detergents used in domestic and industrial activities. These chemicals lead to surfactant buildup in the water.
• Industrial effluents: Discharge from industries upstream also contributes chemicals that create foam.
• Bacteria activity: Anaerobic bacteria act on the pollutants, especially as water falls from heights, such as at the Okhla barrage, aiding foam formation.
• Seasonal changes: The onset of winter reduces oxygenation, aggravating the foaming.

About Defoaming Process:

• Defoamer solution: A polyoxypropylene-based defoamer, approved by the US FDA, is used to suppress foam effectively without harming water quality.
• Dilution ratio: The defoamer is diluted at a ratio of 1:100, minimizing any adverse effects from constituents like silicone.
• Ecological safety: Testing indicated no reduction in dissolved oxygen levels after defoaming, implying it doesn’t impact the river’s ecology.
• Temporary solution: Spraying is focused on the Okhla barrage area, and while effective for short-term foam control, it is not a permanent fix for pollution.
• Monitoring and Approval: The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and other stakeholders oversee the process to ensure eco-friendly application methods.

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Visible Emission Line Coronagraph

Source:  New Indian Express

 Context: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA) in Bengaluru have reported initial significant observations from the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) onboard ADITYA-L1, India’s first solar mission launched by ISRO.

About Recent Observation:

• The VELC on ADITYA-L1 successfully captured and precisely estimated the onset time of a Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) that erupted from the Sun on July 16, marking the first scientific result from India’s solar mission.
• The VELC’s unique capabilities allowed scientists to observe the CME close to the Sun’s surface, a breakthrough as such observations are typically visible only at a greater distance from the Sun.

About Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC) on ADITYA-L1:

• Purpose: To observe the solar corona and study Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) and the solar wind.
• Structure: Comprises a coronagraph, spectrograph, polarimetry module, and detectors with auxiliary optics.
• Capabilities: Enables simultaneous imaging, spectroscopy, and spectro-polarimetry near the Sun’s surface.
• Built by: Indian Institute of Astrophysics (IIA), CREST campus, Hosakote, Karnataka, in collaboration with ISRO.
• Functionality: Offers continuous monitoring of the solar corona, providing critical data for understanding solar activities and modeling CMEs, especially as the Sun reaches the peak of Solar Cycle 25.

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International Solar Alliance

Source:  PIB

Context: The Seventh International Solar Alliance (ISA) Assembly session, held in New Delhi at Bharat Mandapam, concluded with key leadership elections, the review of ISA initiatives, and deliberations on advancing global solar energy adoption.

Recent Outcomes of the ISA Summit:

• Leadership Elections: India was unanimously elected President, and France won the contested Co-Presidency against Grenada. Eight Vice Presidents from ISA’s regional groups were also selected, including Ghana, Seychelles, Australia, and Germany.
• Director general appointment: Ashish Khanna from India was appointed Director General, with goals to strengthen ISA’s collaboration and practical implementation of solar goals.
• Focus areas: The Assembly discussed key initiatives targeting energy access, security, and transition, focusing on funding requirements and programmatic support.
• Committees and Governance: Decisions included enhancing ISA’s governance structure with the Standing Committee and Regional Committees to streamline collaboration and action among Member Countries.

About the International Solar Alliance (ISA):

• Established: 2015; headquartered in India (first intergovernmental organization headquartered in India).
• Membership: 120 Member and Signatory countries, aiming to mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030.
• Mission: Drive global solar energy adoption to foster sustainable growth, reduce energy costs, and provide universal energy access.
• Primary goals: Enhance solar energy in sectors like agriculture, transport, and health; standardize solar policies; and provide solar training and data.
• Partnerships: Collaborates with development banks, civil society, private, and public sectors, focusing on support for Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

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Asian Buddhist Summit

Source: PIB

 Context: India is set to host the first Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) in New Delhi on November 5-6, 2024, organized by the Ministry of Culture in collaboration with the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC).

About Asian Buddhist Summit 2024:

• Origin: Initiated by the Government of India and IBC to promote Buddhist heritage and interfaith dialogue across Asia for the first time.
• Ministry: Organized by the Ministry of Culture, Government of India.
• Location: Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, India.
• 2024 theme: “Role of Buddha Dhamma in Strengthening Asia.”
• Aim: To celebrate the cultural and spiritual heritage of Buddhism in Asia, fostering dialogue and collaboration on challenges faced by the Buddhist community.
• Significance:
  • Cultural Unity: Strengthens ties across Asia, celebrating shared Buddhist heritage and values.
  • Spiritual development: Promotes mindfulness, compassion, and interconnectedness through Buddha Dhamma.
  • Global leadership: Reinforces India’s role as a leader in preserving and promoting Buddhism, aligning with India’s Act East and Neighborhood First policies.
  • Tourism and Economy: Encourages Buddhist pilgrimage tourism, supporting the local economy and cultural preservation.
  • Scientific and Well-being Insights: Showcases the integration of Buddha Dhamma in scientific research and well-being, including mindfulness and mental health practices.

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Kalka-Shimla Narrow-Gauge Railway

Source:  TH

Context: Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has urged the Indian government to explore the possibility of using green hydrogen to power the Kalka-Shimla narrow-gauge railway, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• This initiative aligns with Himachal Pradesh’s goal to become a ‘green energy State’ by 2026, and would contribute to India’s climate goals

About Kalka-Shimla Narrow-Gauge Railway:

• World heritage status: Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on July 8, 2008.
• Location: Spans from Kalka in Haryana (elevation 2,152 ft) to Shimla, Himachal Pradesh (elevation 6,808 ft).
• Route details: The 96.6 km single-track railway passes through 18 stations, 102 tunnels, and 988 bridges.
• Historical significance: Built in 1898 to connect Shimla (then the summer capital of British India) to the Indian rail network.
• Engineering feats: Features 864 bridges, the world’s highest multi-arc gallery bridge, and 919 curves, with the sharpest curve having a 48-degree radius.
• Construction: Built under the guidance of Chief Engineer H.S. Harington; early locomotives by Sharp, Stewart and Company, later by the Hunslet Engine Company.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 November 2024 Mapping:

Paragliding

Source:   TH

Context: Polish paraglider Andrew Babinski was stranded in Himachal Pradesh’s Dhauladhar hills after a mid-air collision with another participant, while rescue efforts failed due to difficult terrain. Separately, an Australian competitor in the Paragliding World Cup 2024, which began on November 2 with 94 participants from 26 countries, sustained a leg injury before takeoff despite strict safety protocols.

About Dhauladhar Hills:

• Location: The Dhauladhar range is part of the Lesser Himalayan mountains, stretching from the north of Kangra and Mandi in Himachal Pradesh to near Badrinath in Uttarakhand.
• Elevation: The elevation ranges widely from about 3,500 meters to nearly 6,000 meters.
• Topography: Primarily composed of granite, with limestone and sandstone deposits in some areas.
• Highest peak: Hanuman Tibba is the highest peak in the Dhauladhar range.
• Glacial lakes: The Lam Dal Lake is a notable glacial lake located within this range.
• Major pass: Indrahar Pass, which serves as a boundary between the Kangra and Chamba districts in Himachal Pradesh, is a popular trekking route in the Dhauladhar.

About Bir:

• Location: Bir is a rural village in the Joginder Nagar Valley, situated in the Dhauladhar range foothills within Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
• Reputation: Known as the “Paragliding Capital of India,” attracting enthusiasts for adventure sports and international competitions.
• Cultural significance: Home to Tibetan Buddhist monasteries of the Nyingma, Karma Kagyu, and Sakya schools, along with a large stupa.
• Activities: Ecotourism, spiritual studies, meditation, and trekking draw visitors throughout the year.
• Tibetan colony: Established in the early 1960s as a settlement for Tibetan refugees post-1959, forming a cultural hub with Tibetan influences.

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Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki

Source:   News on Air

Context: Mount Lewotobi Laki-Laki erupted in southeastern Flores, Indonesia, triggering earthquakes, fatalities, property damage, and mass evacuations.

About Lewotobi Laki-Laki:

• Location: Situated on Flores Island, southeastern Indonesia.
• Twin volcano: Part of the Lewotobi twin volcano complex, comprising Lewotobi Laki-Laki (Male) and Lewotobi Perempuan (Female) stratovolcanoes.
• Geological significance: Positioned within the “Ring of Fire,” a region known for intense tectonic activity.
• Eruption details: Recently erupted, emitting lava and ash, causing significant damage to surrounding villages and resulting in multiple fatalities.
• Safety measures: Authorities advised residents to stay at least 7 km away from the volcano due to the risk of further eruptions and earthquakes.
• Previous names: Historically referred to as Lobetabi, Lovotivo, and Loby Toby.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 5 Nov 2024

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