UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 December 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 December 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 – 11 December 2024)
• House Disruptions
House Disruptions
• Syria and Middle East Tension
Syria and Middle East Tension
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• UN Report on Land Degradation
UN Report on Land Degradation
• Poppy Cultivation
Poppy Cultivation
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• UNEP Champion of the Earth 2024
UNEP Champion of the Earth 2024
• Rajagopalachari
Rajagopalachari
• AgeXtend
AgeXtend
• Dulcibella camanchaca
Dulcibella camanchaca
Mapping:
• Saydnaya Military Prison
Saydnaya Military Prison
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 December 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
House Disruptions
Syllabus: Polity
Source: IE
Context: India’s parliamentary democracy, hailed globally for its vibrancy, faces a serious challenge due to repeated disruptions in legislative proceedings. Such behaviour not only wastes valuable time and resources but also undermines public trust in democratic institutions.
Data on Parliamentary Disruptions in 2024: (*Source:* PRS Legislative Research).
• Winter Session Stalemate:
• Over 32% of scheduled time was lost in disruptions over demands for discussions on controversial bills and governance issues.
• Budget Session Deadlock:
• Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha functioned for only 45% and 31% of their respective scheduled times.
• Frequent Walkouts and Protests:
• Opposition parties staged walkouts 17 times, disrupting key debates, including discussions on unemployment and inflation.
• Decreasing Legislative Productivity:
• Productivity fell below 50% in four consecutive sessions, the lowest in a decade.
Reasons Behind Repeated Disruptions:
• Lack of Consensus: Deep polarization between ruling and opposition parties.
• Contentious Legislation: Absence of pre-legislative consultations leads to resistance.
• Unaddressed Opposition Demands: Inadequate government response to issues raised by the opposition.
• Procedural Violations: Use of unparliamentary behavior like sloganeering and rushing to the well of the house.
Laws Addressing House Disruptions in India
• Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business: Grant presiding officers’ authority to maintain decorum.
• Article 105 (Privileges): Protects MPs’ freedom of speech but not unruly behaviour.
• Code of Conduct for Members: Emphasizes ethical and disciplined behaviour.
• Rule 374(A) of Lok Sabha: Allows for automatic suspension of members engaging in grave misconduct.
Consequences of Parliamentary Disruptions:
• Loss of Public Trust: Erodes confidence in democratic institutions and governance.
• Wastage of Resources: Millions of rupees spent on non-productive parliamentary sessions.
• Missed Opportunities: Delayed or incomplete legislation on pressing socio-economic challenges.
• International Reputation: Diminishes India’s image as a stable democracy.
Way Ahead:
• Consensus-Building: Promote dialogue between ruling and opposition parties to resolve disputes.
• Strict Enforcement: Presiding officers must implement suspension rules for repeated disruptions.
• Ethical Training: Encourage youth in politics to prioritize decorum and accountability.
• Pre-Legislative Consultations: Address opposition concerns before introducing contentious bills.
• Public Awareness: Foster citizen understanding of the consequences of disruptions to increase accountability.
Conclusion:
To uphold India’s democratic ethos, all stakeholders must work collectively to ensure that Parliament becomes a hub of constructive debate and policymaking. Building consensus and fostering respect for parliamentary rules are vital to restoring the sanctity of legislative institutions.
Insta Links:
• Disruption-in-Parliament
• The Indian Constitution has provisions for holding joint session of the two houses of the Parliament. Enumerate the occasions when this would normally happen and also the occasions when it cannot, with reasons thereof. (UPSC-2017)
Syria and Middle East Tension
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: IE
Context: The collapse of Bashar al-Assad’s regime in Syria after an 11-day offensive by rebel groups has triggered a geopolitical reshuffle in the Middle East.
Middle East Tensions and Syria’s Recent Fall:
• Syria’s Collapse Assad’s rule, characterized by authoritarianism, ended after sustained pressure from rebel forces led by Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, a former al-Qaeda operative. External supporters like Iran and Russia shifted focus elsewhere, contributing to Assad’s defeat.
• Assad’s rule, characterized by authoritarianism, ended after sustained pressure from rebel forces led by Abu Mohammed al-Jawlani, a former al-Qaeda operative.
• External supporters like Iran and Russia shifted focus elsewhere, contributing to Assad’s defeat.
• Regional Dynamics Turkey-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged as a dominant force. Questions arise about Syria’s future governance and potential descent into Islamist authoritarianism.
• Turkey-backed Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS) emerged as a dominant force.
• Questions arise about Syria’s future governance and potential descent into Islamist authoritarianism.
Factors Behind Tensions in the Middle East
• Authoritarian Regimes: Fragile political systems often collapse under pressure from internal dissent or external interventions.
• Proxy Conflicts: Rivalries among global powers (e.g., Russia, the U.S.) and regional players (e.g., Iran, Turkey) exacerbate instability.
• Sectarian Divides: Sunni-Shia tensions underpin many conflicts, fueling violence and regional rivalries.
• Geopolitical Ambitions: Nations like Turkey, Iran, and Saudi Arabia aim to expand their influence, often at the expense of regional stability.
Impacts:
• In the Region:
• Power Vacuum: The absence of Assad may lead to infighting among rebel factions. Instability: Potential rise of extremist groups threatens regional peace. Economic Fallout: Ongoing conflicts disrupt trade and economic recovery. Refugee Crisis: Renewed displacement of civilians exacerbates humanitarian challenges.
• Power Vacuum: The absence of Assad may lead to infighting among rebel factions.
• Instability: Potential rise of extremist groups threatens regional peace.
• Economic Fallout: Ongoing conflicts disrupt trade and economic recovery.
• Refugee Crisis: Renewed displacement of civilians exacerbates humanitarian challenges.
• On India:
• Energy Security: Instability in the Middle East could impact oil imports. Diaspora Risks: Threats to Indian workers in Gulf nations. Geopolitical Balancing: Navigating relations with regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia. Strategic Interests: Maintaining influence in a volatile region.
• Energy Security: Instability in the Middle East could impact oil imports.
• Diaspora Risks: Threats to Indian workers in Gulf nations.
• Geopolitical Balancing: Navigating relations with regional powers like Iran and Saudi Arabia.
• Strategic Interests: Maintaining influence in a volatile region.
• Globally:
• Rise of Extremism: Threat of radical Islamist movements spreading beyond the region. Geopolitical Rivalries: Renewed tensions among global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China. Economic Impact: Oil market volatility affects global economies. Humanitarian Concerns: Escalating crises demand international intervention.
• Rise of Extremism: Threat of radical Islamist movements spreading beyond the region.
• Geopolitical Rivalries: Renewed tensions among global powers like the U.S., Russia, and China.
• Economic Impact: Oil market volatility affects global economies.
• Humanitarian Concerns: Escalating crises demand international intervention.
Way Ahead
• Inclusive Governance: Rebel factions must build a pluralistic framework respecting minority right.
• International Cooperation: Global powers should mediate to ensure stability and prevent extremism.
• Regional Stability: Nations like Turkey and Saudi Arabia must prioritize peace over influence.
• Humanitarian Aid: Focus on addressing displacement, hunger, and healthcare crises in affected areas.
Conclusion:
The fall of Assad signals a transformative phase in the Middle East, fraught with uncertainty and opportunity. Stability in Syria and the broader region hinges on inclusive governance, regional cooperation, and international mediation.
Insta Links:
• Syrian-civil-war
• The area known as ‘Golan Heights’ sometimes appears in the news in the context of the events related to (UPSC-2015) Central Asia Middle East South-East Asia Central Africa
• Central Asia
• Middle East
• South-East Asia
• Central Africa
Answer: b)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
UN Report on Land Degradation
Context: The United Nations (UN) released its report, The Global Threat of Drying Lands, during COP16 in Riyadh, emphasizing the growing threat of aridity to global agricultural systems.
Key Highlights of the UN Report:
• Extent of Aridity Affects 40% of Earth’s arable lands (5.7 million sq km) and an additional 7% when soil erosion is considered. 77.6% of Earth’s land became permanently drier between 1961-2020.
• Affects 40% of Earth’s arable lands (5.7 million sq km) and an additional 7% when soil erosion is considered.
• 77.6% of Earth’s land became permanently drier between 1961-2020.
• Impact of Climate Change Global arid areas may expand by 3.9% by 2040, resulting in significant crop losses: 20 million tonnes of maize 19 million tonnes of rice 8 million tonnes of soybeans 21 million tonnes of wheat
• Global arid areas may expand by 3.9% by 2040, resulting in significant crop losses: 20 million tonnes of maize 19 million tonnes of rice 8 million tonnes of soybeans 21 million tonnes of wheat
• 20 million tonnes of maize
• 19 million tonnes of rice
• 8 million tonnes of soybeans
• 21 million tonnes of wheat
• Regional Impacts Sub-Saharan Africa: Up to 22% of crop production may be lost by mid-century. Kenya: Maize production could decline by 50% by 2050. South Asia and North Africa: Significant declines in rainfed agriculture expected.
• Sub-Saharan Africa: Up to 22% of crop production may be lost by mid-century.
• Kenya: Maize production could decline by 50% by 2050.
• South Asia and North Africa: Significant declines in rainfed agriculture expected.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper I (Geography) Impact of aridity on landforms and agriculture systems.
• Impact of aridity on landforms and agriculture systems.
• GS Paper III (Environment) Climate Change Effects: Linkage to crop production and water resources. Desertification and Land Degradation: Key aspect of sustainable development.
• Climate Change Effects: Linkage to crop production and water resources.
• Desertification and Land Degradation: Key aspect of sustainable development.
• Essay Writing Role of global reports in addressing food security and climate adaptation strategies.
• Role of global reports in addressing food security and climate adaptation strategies.
Poppy Cultivation
Context: Manipur recorded a 32.13% decline in poppy cultivation during 2023-24, as per a report by the Manipur Remote Sensing Applications Centre (MARSAC).
About Poppy Cultivation:
• Extent of Cultivation:
• Declined from 28,598.91 acres in 2021-22 to 11,288.1 acres in 2023-24.
• Major districts with eradication operations: Kangpokpi (4,454.4 acres), Ukhrul (3,348 acres), Churachandpur (2,713.8 acres).
• Eradication Efforts:
• Between 2017 and January 2024, 19,135.6 acres of poppy plantations were destroyed.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• Governance and Policy: Case study of effective anti-drug policies and law enforcement strategies.
• Ethics and Society: Highlights the intersection of illegal activities, social justice, and environmental degradation.
• Geography and Security: Links to border areas and drug trafficking routes, critical for security studies.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
UNEP Champion of the Earth 2024
Source: TOI
Context: Indian ecologist Madhav Gadgil, renowned for his work on the Western Ghats, has been named a UNEP Champion of the Earth 2024 in the lifetime achievement category.
About UNEP Champions of the Earth Awards:
• Origin:
• Established in: 2005. Awarded by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Established in: 2005.
• Awarded by: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP).
• Aim: To honour individuals, groups, and organizations making transformative environmental contributions.
• Categories:
• Lifetime Achievement Policy Leadership Inspiration and Action Science and Innovation Entrepreneurial Vision
• Lifetime Achievement
• Policy Leadership
• Inspiration and Action
• Science and Innovation
• Entrepreneurial Vision
• Winners of UNEP Champions of the Earth 2024:
Winner | Country/Organization | Category | Contribution
Madhav Gadgil | India | Lifetime Achievement | Advocacy for ecosystem conservation, especially in the Western Ghats.
Sonia Guajajara | Brazil | Policy Leadership | Advocating Indigenous rights and combating deforestation.
Amy Bowers Cordalis | USA | Inspiration and Action | Restoring the Klamath River ecosystem and advocating for Indigenous rights.
Gabriel Paun | Romania | Inspiration and Action | Protecting Europe’s last old-growth forests in the Carpathians.
Lu Qi | China | Science and Innovation | Leading efforts in desertification reversal and afforestation projects.
SEKEM | Egypt | Entrepreneurial Vision | Promoting sustainable agriculture and transforming desert areas into farms.
Insta Links:
• Champions-of-the-earth, 2023
Rajagopalachari
Source: PIB
Context: On Shri C. Rajagopalachari’s birth anniversary, PM Modi honored his multifaceted contributions to governance, literature, and social empowerment.
About C. Rajagopalachari:
• Born: December 10, 1878, in Thorapalli, Madras Presidency (now Tamil Nadu, India).
• Family: Belonged to a Tamil-speaking Iyengar Brahmin family; father was a lawyer.
• Contribution to the Freedom Movement: Indian National Congress (INC): Served as a legal advisor and General Secretary. Non-Cooperation Movement: Promoted boycotts of British goods and institutions. Civil Disobedience Movement: Led Salt Satyagraha in Madras Presidency. Rajaji Formula (1944): Proposed a framework to resolve conflicts between INC and the Muslim League on partition. Diplomatic Efforts: Represented Indian National Congress (INC) in Round Table Conferences and advocated peaceful negotiations for independence.
• Indian National Congress (INC): Served as a legal advisor and General Secretary.
• Non-Cooperation Movement: Promoted boycotts of British goods and institutions.
• Civil Disobedience Movement: Led Salt Satyagraha in Madras Presidency.
• Rajaji Formula (1944): Proposed a framework to resolve conflicts between INC and the Muslim League on partition.
• Diplomatic Efforts: Represented Indian National Congress (INC) in Round Table Conferences and advocated peaceful negotiations for independence.
• Post-Independence Contributions:
• Governor-General of India (1948–1950): Last Governor-General; oversaw the transition to the Republic of India. Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–1954): Introduced reforms in education, agriculture, and rural development. Founder of Swatantra Party (1959): Advocated free-market principles and economic liberalization.
• Governor-General of India (1948–1950): Last Governor-General; oversaw the transition to the Republic of India.
• Chief Minister of Madras State (1952–1954): Introduced reforms in education, agriculture, and rural development.
• Founder of Swatantra Party (1959): Advocated free-market principles and economic liberalization.
• Literary Works:
• Translations: Mahabharata and Ramayana (English). Tamil translation of Ramayana (Chakravarthi Thirumagan), which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958. Hinduism: Doctrine and Way of Life: Explored Hindu scriptures and philosophy. Autobiography: Rajaji: A Life.
• Translations: Mahabharata and Ramayana (English). Tamil translation of Ramayana (Chakravarthi Thirumagan), which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958.
• Mahabharata and Ramayana (English).
• Tamil translation of Ramayana (Chakravarthi Thirumagan), which won the Sahitya Akademi Award in 1958.
• Hinduism: Doctrine and Way of Life: Explored Hindu scriptures and philosophy.
• Autobiography: Rajaji: A Life.
• Awards and Recognitions:
• Bharat Ratna (1954): For contributions to politics, literature, and public service. Ramon Magsaysay Award (1958): For leadership during his tenure as Madras Chief Minister. Sahitya Akademi Fellowship: Honored for contributions to literature. Ramanujan Award (1962): For translating Thirukkural into English.
• Bharat Ratna (1954): For contributions to politics, literature, and public service.
• Ramon Magsaysay Award (1958): For leadership during his tenure as Madras Chief Minister.
• Sahitya Akademi Fellowship: Honored for contributions to literature.
• Ramanujan Award (1962): For translating Thirukkural into English.
• Death: December 25, 1972, in Chennai, Tamil Nadu, at age 94.
Insta links:
• C-Rajagopalachari
AgeXtend
Source: TH
Context: Researchers at IIIT-Delhi have developed AgeXtend as a tool to efficiently cut down the time taken to identify viable molecules with geroprotectors, or age defying properties.
About AgeXtend:
• What it is:
• AgeXtend is an Artificial Intelligence-based platform designed to identify compounds with geroprotective (anti-aging) properties.
• To accelerate the discovery of molecules promoting healthy aging and longevity by cutting down the time and effort required in conventional research.
• Developed by:
• Researchers from the Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology (IIIT), Delhi.
• Procedure:
• Scans vast chemical spaces (1.1 billion compounds) to predict, analyze, and validate molecules with anti-aging potential.
• Utilizes machine learning to determine compounds’ efficacy, safety, and mechanisms of action.
• Experimental validation conducted on yeast, worms ( elegans), and human cell models.
• Significance:
• Largest study on longevity, encompassing commercial drugs, FDA-approved compounds, and Ayurvedic and Chinese medicine molecules.
• Provides a clear rationale for why certain compounds are identified as geroprotectors, aiding further targeted research.
• Open-source availability of code and data fosters collaboration among global researchers while enabling commercial exploration.
Insta links:
• Ageing-in-India
Dulcibella camanchaca
Source: Sci.news
Context: The Atacama Trench, among the deepest oceanic regions, reveals unique biodiversity with the discovery of Dulcibella camanchaca, a new predatory amphipod.
About Dulcibella camanchaca:
• Found In:
• Atacama Trench, South Pacific Ocean, at a depth of 7,902 meters.
• Features:
• Equipped with raptorial appendages for capturing prey.
• Active predator feeding on smaller amphipods in a food-limited habitat.
• Significance:
• First large, active predatory amphipod discovered in the Atacama Trench.
• Represents a new genus, showcasing the trench’s status as an endemic biodiversity hotspot.
• Highlights the importance of deep-ocean exploration for uncovering unique species and understanding extreme marine ecosystems.
Insta links:
• Species-in-news
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 December 2024 Mapping:
Saydnaya Military Prison
Source: IE
Context: The infamous Saydnaya Military Prison near Damascus, often referred to as the “human slaughterhouse,” became a site of unimaginable atrocities under Bashar al-Assad’s regime.
About Saydnaya Military Prison:
• Location: Near Damascus, Syria, infamous for severe human rights violations.
• Death Toll: Amnesty International estimates 13,000 deaths (2011–2015); Syrian Observatory for Human Rights estimates up to 30,000.
Other Syrian Locations in News:
• Douma: Site of alleged chemical attacks in 2018, sparking international outrage and military intervention threats.
• Homs: A focal point of early civilian protests against the Assad regime; witnessed widespread destruction during the civil war.
• Aleppo: Symbol of the humanitarian crisis, with mass civilian casualties during prolonged battles between rebels and regime forces.
• Palmyra: Historic site devastated by ISIS, highlighting the cultural cost of Syria’s conflict.
• Daraa: Known as the “cradle of the revolution,” where the 2011 Arab Spring protests began in Syria.
Insta Links:
• Syria civil war
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 11 Dec 2024
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