UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 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 3: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024)

1. Dedicated Freight Corridors

2. World Solar Report Series

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Intermediary Vs Publisher

2. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

3. Russia – Iran Space Collaboration

4. Cia-Cia Tribe

5. PM E-DRIVE Scheme

6. Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra Judgement

7. Proba-3 Space Satellite

Mapping:

1. Ranthambore National Park

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024

GS Paper 3:

Dedicated Freight Corridors

Syllabus: Railway Infrastructure

Source:  IE

Context: As India’s economy grows, dedicated freight corridors are proving instrumental in boosting the Railways’ revenue and contributing to GDP growth, with significant impacts on freight efficiency, connectivity, and infrastructure development.

What are Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)?

DFCs are specialized railway tracks designed solely for freight transport. These corridors, utilizing double-stack container and heavy-haul trains, increase capacity and ensure faster freight transit.

Currently, two DFCs are operational:

• Eastern dedicated freight corridor (EDFC):
  • Route: Covers approximately 1,856 km from Ludhiana (Punjab) to Dankuni (West Bengal).
  • Key sections: Kanpur-Mughalsarai and Khurja-Bhaupur.
  • Operations: Fully commissioned, handling nearly 200 trains daily, primarily transporting coal, steel, and agricultural products.
  • Impact: Relieves congestion on existing tracks, improves passenger train punctuality, and boosts regional economic activities.
• Western dedicated freight corridor (WDFC):
  • Route: Stretches about 1,504 km from Dadri (Uttar Pradesh) to Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) in Maharashtra.
  • Key sections: Rewari-Palanpur and Palanpur-Makarpura.
  • Operations: 93% complete, facilitating around 125 trains per day, with full completion expected by December 2025.
  • Impact: Enhances port connectivity, reduces transit time for goods, and significantly lowers logistics costs for exports and imports.

Need for Dedicated Freight Corridors:

• Congestion relief: Existing railway corridors, particularly the Golden Quadrilateral, are heavily burdened with over 50% of freight traffic on only 16% of track length, causing delays and inefficiencies.
• Boost to Freight Share: Railways’ share in national freight traffic was declining; DFCs aim to elevate this to 45% by 2030, addressing the need for a more sustainable and efficient freight system.
• Economic efficiency: Faster, dedicated freight lines lower overall logistics costs, helping reduce commodity prices and fostering economic growth.

Present Status of DFCs: (Source: DFCCIL Report)

• DFCs now handle over 10% of Indian Railways’ freight.
• An average of 325 trains run on DFC tracks daily, a 60% increase from previous years.
• Since their inception, DFCs have managed over 232 billion Gross Tonne Kilometres (GTKMs) and 122 billion Net Tonne Kilometres (NTKMs), underscoring their role in enhancing rail freight capacity.

Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) Contribute to India’s GDP:

• Reduction in Logistics Costs: DFCs have reduced freight costs and transit time, lowering commodity prices by up to 0.5%, thus boosting industrial competitiveness.
• Revenue Growth for Railways: DFCs contributed 2.94% to the Indian Railways’ revenue growth between FY 2018–19 and FY 2022–23, enhancing infrastructure profitability.
• Increased Freight Capacity: Handling over 10% of Railways’ freight and reducing congestion on traditional routes allows better resource allocation and efficient goods transport.
• Boost to Export-Import Traffic: Faster transit on DFC routes, especially in the WDFC linked to major ports, supports increased trade volumes, fueling GDP growth.
• Employment and Investment: Construction and operation of DFCs have generated jobs and attracted investments, directly contributing to economic activity and growth.
• Enhanced Supply Chain Efficiency: By improving freight reliability and decongesting passenger tracks, DFCs support a smoother, faster supply chain that benefits various sectors.

Challenges to DFCs:

• Completion delays: The WDFC’s final section has an extended deadline until July 2025, impacting projected timelines and efficiencies.
• Escalating costs: Delays have raised project costs significantly, with a reported avoidable expenditure of Rs 2,690 crore, pushing total spending to Rs 94,091 crore as of March 2024.
• Loss of Intended Benefits: Delays reduce the immediate benefits of decongestion and increased capacity, impacting the Railways’ revenue potential.

Way Ahead:

• Timely completion: Fast-track the completion of ongoing DFC segments to avoid further delays and financial overruns.
• Expansion plans: Expedite development on four proposed corridors to extend DFC benefits nationwide, including the East Coast and East-West sub-corridors.
• Enhanced efficiency: Continuous investment in technology and infrastructure to ensure DFCs remain efficient and competitive in handling future freight demands.

Conclusion:

Dedicated Freight Corridors symbolize ‘Viksit Bharat’, aligning with India’s goal of modernizing infrastructure and enhancing logistics efficiency. Once fully operational, DFCs will drive economic growth, support industry, and strengthen India’s position as a logistics hub.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

World Solar Report Series

Syllabus: Energy and Environment

Source:  PIB

Context: The International Solar Alliance (ISA), an international coalition focused on promoting solar energy solutions, released the 3rd edition of its World Solar Report series at the 7th Assembly, highlighting solar growth, investment trends, technological advancements, and green hydrogen’s potential in Africa.

About ISA:

• Origin: Established in 2015 at COP21, jointly launched by India and France.
• Headquarters: Gurgaon, India.
• Aim: Mobilize $1 trillion in solar investments by 2030, advance solar technology, and transition to a carbon-neutral future.
• Members: 120 Member and Signatory countries, focusing on regions with high solar potential.
• Criteria: Open to countries lying fully or partially between the Tropics of Cancer and Capricorn, though other interested countries may join.

Recently Released Reports:

1. World Solar Market Report
   • Global Solar Growth: From 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023; projected to reach up to 7,203 GW by 2030.
   • Manufacturing & Affordability: Solar manufacturing capacity to exceed 1,100 GW by 2024; module prices below $0.10/watt.
   • Employment: Solar sector supports 7.1 million jobs globally, with 86% concentrated in ten countries.
2. World Investment Report
   • Growth in Energy Investments: Investments rising from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to $3.1 trillion by 2024.
   • Solar Dominance: Solar accounts for 59% of renewable energy investments, with APAC as the top investing region.
   • Regional Investment: APAC at $223 billion, EMEA at $91 billion, and AMER at $78 billion in 2023.
3. World Technology Report
   • Efficiency & Innovation: Record solar PV efficiency at 24.9%; 88% reduction in silicon use since 2004.
   • Cost Reduction: Utility-scale PV costs have dropped 90% since 2010, now at $0.044/kWh.
   • Material Advancements: Multijunction perovskite cells promising enhanced efficiency and lower production costs.
4. Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries
   • Potential for Decarbonization: Green hydrogen seen as a sustainable substitute for fossil fuels in industries.
   • Production via Renewables: Hydrogen generated through renewable-powered electrolysis supports Africa’s transition to green energy.
   • Target Countries: Focuses on Egypt, Morocco, Namibia, among others, for developing a green hydrogen economy.

Key positives:

• Massive solar capacity growth: Global solar capacity rose from 1.22 GW in 2000 to 1,418.97 GW in 2023, making renewable energy more accessible.
• Cost reductions: Solar PV costs have dropped significantly, with utility-scale PV now at $0.044/kWh, making solar energy more affordable.
• Employment opportunities: The solar industry supports 7.1 million jobs globally, fueling economic growth in many countries.
• Green hydrogen potential: Solar-powered green hydrogen is positioned to decarbonize key industries in regions like Africa, aiding the clean energy transition.

 Key negatives:

• High initial investment: Setting up solar infrastructure and green hydrogen facilities still requires substantial financial investments.
• Dependency on Technological Advancements: Solar’s future efficiency depends on continuous breakthroughs in technology and materials.
• Uneven regional growth: Investment and infrastructure development are uneven across regions, with APAC leading while others lag.
• Resource intensity: Despite improvements, solar manufacturing remains resource-intensive, with ongoing concerns over silicon use and waste.

 Way ahead:

• Boost regional investments: Encourage more balanced solar investments across regions, especially in EMEA and Africa.
• Focus on Innovation: Prioritize research and development to improve solar efficiency and reduce manufacturing resource needs.
• Support green hydrogen projects: Promote green hydrogen infrastructure, particularly in resource-rich regions like Africa, for industrial decarbonization.
• Foster international collaboration: Leverage partnerships like ISA to share best practices, pool resources, and drive down costs globally.

 Conclusion:

ISA’s efforts in promoting solar technology and green hydrogen mark a significant step in the global green push, accelerating sustainable growth. Solar energy is emerging as a cornerstone of the world’s transition to a cleaner, more resilient energy future.

 Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Director General of Police, Uttar Pradesh Selection and Appointment Rules

Context: The Uttar Pradesh government has introduced new rules for the selection of the Director General of Police (DGP).

Key Points: New UP Rules for DGP Selection

• Selection Committee: Headed by a retired High Court judge, it includes the Chief Secretary, a UPSC nominee, the UP Public Service Commission chairperson or nominee, the Additional Chief Secretary/Principal Secretary (Home), and a retired DGP.
• Eligibility Criteria: Candidates must have a minimum of six months of service remaining from the date of DGP vacancy.
• Objective: To establish an independent, transparent selection mechanism for the DGP, free from political or executive interference.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus

• Governance (GS Paper II): Illustrates reforms in state administration and police governance as per Supreme Court guidelines.
• Indian Polity (GS Paper II): Highlights state-level autonomy in appointments, showing federal balance.
• Ethics in Public Administration (GS Paper IV): Reflects accountability, transparency, and independence in police appointments, essential values in public service.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Intermediary Vs Publisher

Source: Scroll

Context: The Union government has issued a notice to Wikipedia questioning its status as an intermediary under the IT Act, citing complaints of biases and editorial control.

About Intermediary (as per the IT Act):

• Definition: Entities that store, receive, or transmit information created by third parties.
• Criteria: To qualify, they must not have editorial control over content and should not create content directly.
• Liability Shield: Intermediaries are not liable for third-party content hosted on their platforms.
• Due Diligence: They must ensure illegal content is not posted by users and adhere to the IT Rules.
• Penalization: If found failing to meet these standards, intermediaries’ risk being classified as publishers, which can expose them to criminal liabilities.

About Publisher (as per the IT Act):

• Definition: Entities that produce, edit, or publish original content.
• Criteria: Publishers have control over what content appears on their platforms and are involved in content creation.
• Liability: Publishers are fully responsible for all content and are open to legal actions based on that content.
• Due Diligence: Publishers must comply with regulations but are directly liable for any defamatory, inaccurate, or unlawful content.
• Penalization: They face criminal penalties for content violations, such as defamation or misinformation, since they hold editorial authority.

Insta links:

Maha Kumbh Mela 2025

Source:  PIB

Context: The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj will be held from January 13 to February 26, drawing millions of pilgrims to perform sacred rituals and seek spiritual liberation.

About Maha Kumbh Mela:

• Origin: Rooted in Hindu mythology, the Maha Kumbh Mela began as a pilgrimage tradition thousands of years ago, with early references in Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE).

• Cycle & Locations: Occurs every 12 years, rotating between four locations — Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik — each with its sacred rivers: Ganges, Yamuna, Shipra, and Godavari.
• Rivers: Prayagraj hosts the Mela at the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and the mythical Sarasvati, considered highly auspicious for spiritual cleansing.
• Tracing the History of Kumbh Mela
  • Ancient Origins: Dates back thousands of years, with early references during the Maurya and Gupta periods (4th century BCE to 6th century CE).
  • Growth with Hinduism: Gained importance as Hinduism spread, with Gupta rulers elevating its status as a revered religious gathering.
  • Medieval patronage: Supported by dynasties like the Chola and Vijayanagar in the south, and the Delhi Sultanate and Mughals in the north.
  • Mughal tolerance: Emperor Akbar allowed Naga Sadhus to lead the royal procession in 1565, symbolizing religious and cultural unity.
  • Colonial documentation: British officials, including James Prinsep in the 19th century, recorded its rituals, large gatherings, and socio-religious impact.
  • Post-independence significance: Became a symbol of national unity and cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO in 2017 as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity.

• Significance: Recognized as a UNESCO intangible cultural heritage, it represents a quest for spiritual purity, unity, and self-realization, attracting diverse pilgrims, sadhus, and international seekers.

Insta links:

Russia – Iran Space Collaboration

Source:  TH

Context: A Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, into orbit from the Vostochny Cosmodrome.

About Russia-Iran:

• Strategic partnership: Moscow and Tehran have been deepening their ties in defense, technology, and energy, planning to establish a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s upcoming visit to Russia.
• Military allegations: Both countries have faced Western accusations that Iran is supplying Russia with explosive drones for use in Ukraine, although both have denied this.

About Iranian Satellites:

• Kowsar: Developed for Earth observation to support environmental monitoring and agriculture.
• Hodhod: Aimed at gathering data for research and development to strengthen Iran’s private space sector.
• Previous launches: Khayyam and Pars-1, launched in 2022 and 2023, were part of Iran’s national space expansion for civilian purposes.

Insta Links:

Cia-Cia Tribe

Source:   NYT

 Context: The Cia-Cia tribe on Buton Island, Indonesia, is using Hangul, the Korean alphabet, to document and preserve their indigenous language, which has survived orally for centuries but lacks its own script.

About Cia-Cia tribe:

• Cia-Cia tribe: Indigenous community in Buton Island, Indonesia, with a population of around 93,000.
• Language status: The Cia-Cia language has existed orally for centuries without a formal script, making it vulnerable to extinction.
• Preservation efforts: To prevent language loss, Cia-Cia is being transcribed using Hangul, which aligns closely with its phonetic structure.

About Hangul Script:

• Structure: Known for its unique phonetic system of circles and lines, representing sounds clearly.
• Adoption for Cia-Cia: Introduced in 2009 for Cia-Cia as Arabic script did not suit the language’s sounds.
• Implementation: Used in schools, textbooks, and public signs in Cia-Cia areas.
• Cultural concerns: While some fear cultural influence, others believe the adaptation helps preserve Cia-Cia’s uniqueness.

 Insta links:

PM E-DRIVE Scheme

Source:  PIB

Context: The PM Electric Drive Revolution in Innovative Vehicle Enhancement (PM E-DRIVE) scheme, launched by the Indian government, aims to accelerate electric vehicle (EV) adoption, develop necessary charging infrastructure, and create a robust EV manufacturing ecosystem in the country.

About PM E-DRIVE Scheme:

• Launch date: October 1, 2024.
• Ministry: Ministry of Heavy Industries.
• Budget: Financial outlay of Rs. 10,900 crores.
• Duration: Active until March 31, 2026.
• Objective: Encourage EV adoption, reduce environmental impact from transport, and support domestic EV manufacturing.
• Key components:

• Subsidies: Incentives for e-2Ws, e-3Ws, e-ambulances, e-trucks, and other EVs.
• Grants for Capital Assets: Fund e-buses, charging stations, and upgrade MHI testing facilities.
• Administration: Includes IEC activities and project management agency fees.

• Eligibility criteria:

• Electric two-wheelers: Incentives are available for 24.79 lakh e-2Ws with advanced batteries, covering both private and commercial ownership.
• Electric three-wheelers: Around 3.2 lakh e-3Ws, including registered e-rickshaws and L5 vehicles, qualify if used commercially and equipped with advanced batteries.
• Electric ambulances: 500 crore supports e-ambulances, with standards set by the Ministry of Health and other stakeholders.
• Electric trucks: 500 crore is allocated for e-trucks, requiring a scrapping certificate from a MoRTH-approved center.
• Electric buses: 4,391 crore funds 14,028 e-buses for large cities, prioritizing STUs that retire older buses under MoRTH guidelines.

Insta Links:

Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra Judgement

 Source:  Live Law

Context: The Supreme Court recently held in a 7:2 decision that not all private properties can be classified as “material resources of the community” under Article 39(b) of the Indian Constitution.

 Background:

• Article 39(b): Part of the Directive Principles of State Policy, this article mandates that the state should direct policies to distribute ownership and control of resources in a way that best serves the common good.

• Key Cases:
  • State of Karnataka v. Ranganatha Reddy (1978): Justice Krishna Iyer argued that material resources of the community included all resources, whether publicly or privately owned.
  • Sanjeev Coke Manufacturing v. Bharat Coking Coal Ltd. (1982): Affirmed Justice Iyer’s view on the broader interpretation of Article 39(b).
  • Mafatlal Industries Ltd. v. Union of India: Supported the notion that material resources of the community could include privately owned assets.

About 2024 Case Overview:

• Case name: Property Owners Association v. State of Maharashtra
• Outcome:

The Supreme Court clarified that:

• • Only certain private resources, based on factors like their impact on the community and scarcity, could be considered material resources under Article 39(b).
  • The judgment overturned the broad interpretation by Justice Iyer, asserting that not all private properties qualify as resources to be equitably distributed by the state.
  • The court upheld that material resources should primarily cover state-owned resources or private resources with significant community value.

Insta Links:

Proba-3 Space Satellite

Source:  PIB

Context: India, in collaboration with the European Union, is set to launch the Proba-3 Space Satellite, a solar observatory mission, in December 2024.

About Proba-3 Space Satellite:

• Objective: Solar observation, specifically focusing on the dynamics of the Sun’s corona.
• Collaboration: Joint mission by the European Union and India, highlighting international cooperation in scientific research.
• Launch Date: Scheduled for early December 2024 from Sriharikota, India.
• Significance: Marks the third Proba satellite launch by ISRO for the EU, building on past successful launches of Proba-1 and Proba-2.
• Technology and Science: Equipped to provide high-resolution images and data on solar corona behavior, advancing space weather research.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 6 November 2024 Mapping:

Ranthambore National Park

Source:   TOI

Context: As many as 25 tigers, out of a population of around 75 in the tiger reserve in Ranthambore National Park (RNP) in Rajasthan, have “disappeared” within the last year.

Issues in Ranthambore Tiger Reserve:

• Overpopulation: RNP currently holds around 75 tigers in a space suitable for about 40, leading to intense competition.
• Territorial Conflicts: Due to overcrowding, many tigers engage in territorial disputes, sometimes resulting in fatal conflicts.
• Human-Wildlife Conflict: The proximity of villages in the buffer zone exacerbates human-tiger conflicts, creating challenges for coexistence.
• Insufficient Monitoring: Monitoring gaps, as revealed by missing tigers in camera traps, have underscored the need for consistent surveillance.
• Delayed Relocation: Slow relocation efforts of villages around RNP have hampered mitigation of human-animal conflicts.

About Ranthambore Tiger Reserve (RTR):

• Location: At the junction of the Aravallis and Vindhyas in eastern Rajasthan, near Sawai Madhopur.
• Area: Spans 1,411 sq. km, one of northern India’s largest tiger reserves.
• History: Former royal hunting grounds for Jaipur’s Maharajas.
• Geography: Features steep rocky hills, lakes (Padam Talab, Raj Bagh Talab), and rivers Chambal and Banas, with the Great Boundary Fault.
• Flora: Tropical dry deciduous and thorn forests; dominated by Dhok trees and grasslands.
• Fauna: Hosts tigers, leopards, sloth bears, hyenas, and over 250 bird species.

 Insta links:

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 6 Nov 2024

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