UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 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 – 11 October 2024)
• India – ASEAN
India – ASEAN
GS Paper 3:
• Second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey
Second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• National Maritime Heritage Complex
National Maritime Heritage Complex
• 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature
2024 Nobel Prize in Literature
• Yuva Sangam
Yuva Sangam
• Antarctic warming
Antarctic warming
Mapping:
• Karanpura Coalfield
Karanpura Coalfield
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
India – ASEAN
- •Syllabus: India and its neighbourhood.*
- •Source: IE*
Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi called 21st century as the century of India and ASEAN nations, adding that the INDIA-ASEAN friendship was important at a time when parts of the world are facing conflicts and tensions.
Recent Summit
• Host: The summit was held in Vientiane, Laos, with leaders from all 10 ASEAN member states attending.
• Key Prelims Facts: 21st ASEAN – India summit. ASEAN consists of 10 nations—Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos. The summit focused on political stability and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically addressing issues related to the South China Sea.
• 21st ASEAN – India summit.
• ASEAN consists of 10 nations—Indonesia, Thailand, Singapore, Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Myanmar, Cambodia, Brunei, and Laos.
• The summit focused on political stability and promoting peace in the Indo-Pacific region, specifically addressing issues related to the South China Sea.
Modi’s 10-Point Program:
• ASEAN-India Year of Tourism (2025): India will allocate USD 5 million for joint activities promoting tourism.
• Celebrating Act East Policy: Focus on youth summits, start-up festivals, hackathons, and cultural exchanges.
• Women scientists conclave: Organize events under the ASEAN-India Science and Technology Development Fund.
• Scholarship expansion: Doubling scholarships at Nalanda University and new ones for ASEAN students.
• Trade agreement review: Plan to review the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement by 2025.
• Disaster resilience: USD 5 million allocated for enhancing disaster resilience.
• Health Ministers’ track: Initiate health resilience measures and cooperation.
• Cyber policy dialogue: Regular dialogues on cybersecurity to strengthen digital resilience.
• Workshop on green hydrogen: Focus on sustainable energy and environmental technology.
• Plant a Tree for Mother Campaign: Inviting ASEAN leaders to participate in a green initiative to build climate resilience.
ASEAN – India Cooperation in various fields:
• Political: Collaborative frameworks on maritime security in the Indo-Pacific, with initiatives like joint naval drills and anti-piracy operations to safeguard regional waters.
• Historical and cultural: Organizing annual ASEAN-India cultural exchange programs and think-tank dialogues to deepen ties and address shared historical narratives.
• Economic: Review of the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement to streamline tariffs, boost exports, and enhance economic integration in key sectors like IT and textiles.
• Social: Launch of specific youth-centric initiatives, such as scholarships at Nalanda University, to foster educational ties and skill development among ASEAN nations.
• Defense: Increased focus on defense technology transfers, cyber defense collaborations, and joint military training exercises to enhance strategic readiness.
Limitations:
• South China sea disputes: China’s territorial claims in the South China Sea conflict directly with those of ASEAN nations like Vietnam and the Philippines, hindering regional unity.
• Myanmar crisis: ASEAN’s lack of a strong, unified stance on Myanmar’s political instability undermines its credibility in handling internal conflicts.
• Economic imbalances: Vast income and development gaps between member nations, like Singapore and Cambodia, limit cohesive economic growth strategies.
• Chinese influence: Heavy dependence on Chinese investments in infrastructure projects like ports and railways compromises ASEAN’s ability to assert its strategic autonomy.
Conclusion:
India’s engagement with ASEAN symbolizes its commitment to a cooperative and inclusive Indo-Pacific region. Strengthening diplomatic, economic, and cultural ties with ASEAN nations will help promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the region. The 10-point program lays a solid foundation for deeper collaboration, mutual respect, and shared growth.
Insta Links:
• Significance-of-ASEAN-for-India
- 1.The term ‘Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership’ often appears in the news in the context of the affairs of a group of countries known as (UPSC-2016)
Answer: b)
- 1.In the Mekong-Ganga Cooperation, an initiative of six countries, which of the following is/are not a participant / participant? (UPSC-2015)
- 1.Bangladesh
- 1.Cambodia
- 1.Myanmar
- 1.Thailand
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
b) 2, 3 and 4
c) 1 and 3
d) 1, 2 and 5
Answer: c)
- 1.Evaluate the economic and strategic dimensions of India’s Look East Policy in the context of the post-Cold War international scenario. (UPSC-2016)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024 GS Paper 3:
Second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey
Syllabus: Agriculture and allied activities.
Source: PIB
Context: The National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) released its second All India Rural Financial Inclusion Survey (NAFIS) for 2021-22, covering one lakh rural households across India. The survey provides insights into economic and financial indicators, assessing the impact of government policies on rural development post-COVID.
Data points:
Data Category | 2016-17 | 2021-22 | Key Observations
Income Growth | Rs. 8,059 per month | Rs. 12,698 per month | 57.6% increase in average monthly income. Agricultural households earn slightly more.
Expenditure Increase | Rs. 6,646 per month | Rs. 11,262 per month | Significant rise in monthly expenditure, higher for agricultural households.
Financial Savings | 50.6% of households saved | 66% of households saved | Higher savings rate, with agricultural households showing more savings.
Kisan Credit Card (KCC) | Not specified | 44% of agricultural households | Greater uptake among households with larger landholdings.
Insurance Coverage | 25.5% with insurance | 80.3% with insurance | Marked increase in households with at least one insured member.
Pension Coverage | 18.9% receiving pension | 23.5% receiving pension | Slight improvement in households with at least one member receiving pension.
Financial Literacy | 33.9% demonstrated good literacy | 51.3% demonstrated good literacy | Significant rise in financial literacy and sound financial behavior.
Significance:
• Economic growth: Improved income and expenditure levels indicate better economic conditions for rural households, contributing to poverty reduction.
• Enhanced financial security: Increased savings, insurance, and pension coverage suggest improved financial resilience and security among rural populations.
• Inclusive growth: The rise in financial literacy and KCC adoption reflects greater access to financial services, empowering rural communities.
• Policy impact: Government initiatives like MGNREGS, PMAY-G, and DAY NRLM have played a vital role in boosting rural financial inclusion and socio-economic development.
Limitations:
• Income disparities: Despite the rise in average income, there remain significant disparities between agricultural and non-agricultural households.
• Uneven financial access: States like Goa, Kerala, and Gujarat show lower savings rates, indicating uneven access to financial services.
• Insurance gaps: Life and health insurance penetration remains limited compared to vehicle insurance, highlighting areas for improvement.
• Pension shortfalls: Despite improvements, a significant portion of elderly rural populations still lacks pension coverage.
Conclusion:
The NAFIS 2021-22 survey highlights substantial progress in rural financial inclusion, with improved income, savings, and financial literacy. Continued government support and investment are crucial to sustain this momentum and ensure a prosperous future for India’s rural population.
Insta Links:
• NABARD
- 1.“In the villages itself no form of credit organization will be suitable except the cooperative society.” –All India Rural Credit Survey. Discuss this statement in the background of agricultural finance in India. What constraints and challenges do financial institutions supplying agricultural finance face? How can technology be used to better reach and serve rural clients? (UPSC-2014)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Out-of-pocket medical expenses
Context: A government survey reported that the average out-of-pocket medical expenses for hospitalization over the past year were Rs 4,129 in rural areas and Rs 5,290 in urban areas.
Key Data Points from the Govt Survey (July 2022-June 2023)
• Out-of-Pocket medical expenditure: Hospitalisation: Rural households spent an average of ₹4,129 per year; urban households spent ₹5,290. Non-hospitalisation treatments: Rural households spent ₹539 per month; urban households spent ₹606.
• Hospitalisation: Rural households spent an average of ₹4,129 per year; urban households spent ₹5,290.
• Non-hospitalisation treatments: Rural households spent ₹539 per month; urban households spent ₹606.
• Literacy and numeracy: 96.9% of individuals aged 15-24 can read, write, and perform simple arithmetic. Literacy rates: 97.8% for males and 95.9% for females in the 15-24 age group.
• 96.9% of individuals aged 15-24 can read, write, and perform simple arithmetic.
• Literacy rates: 97.8% for males and 95.9% for females in the 15-24 age group.
• Education, Employment, and Training: 23.3% of the 15-24 age group were not in education, employment, or training (NEET). The NEET figure rises to 25.6% for those aged 15-29.
• 23.3% of the 15-24 age group were not in education, employment, or training (NEET).
• The NEET figure rises to 25.6% for those aged 15-29.
• Digital access: 95.1% of households have a telephone or mobile connection. Only 9.9% of households have access to computers. 95.7% of individuals aged 15-24 in rural areas and 97% in urban areas can use mobile phones.
• 95.1% of households have a telephone or mobile connection.
• Only 9.9% of households have access to computers.
• 95.7% of individuals aged 15-24 in rural areas and 97% in urban areas can use mobile phones.
Relevance to UPSC syllabus:
• Social issues and development: Highlights gaps in healthcare access and costs in rural and urban areas.
• Governance and policy-making: Useful in evaluating policies related to health and education.
• Economic development: Data on out-of-pocket expenses aids in understanding financial burden on households.
• Education and skill development: Provides insights into literacy and skill training needs for youth.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
National Maritime Heritage Complex
- •Source: PIB*
Context: In a significant decision, the Union Cabinet, has approved the development of the National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat.
More about National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC):
• Location: Being built in Lothal, Gujarat, under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways.
• Objective: Showcases India’s maritime heritage from ancient to modern times through an educational and engaging experience.
• Significance: Set to be the world’s largest maritime museum complex; aims to boost tourism, create jobs, and enhance India’s global maritime image.
• Key features: Includes Lothal recreation, four theme parks, coastal state pavilions, eco-resorts, a maritime research institute, and advanced museum facilities.
• Development: Managed by Tata Projects Ltd and designed by Architect Hafeez Contractor, creating around 22,000 jobs, promoting regional economic growth.
About Lothal:
• Historical importance: A significant Indus Valley Civilization site dating back to 2,200 BC; known for its role as a major trading hub.
• Key discoveries: World’s oldest artificial dock, bead factories, warehouses, drainage systems, and evidence of maritime trade with West Asia and Africa.
• Location: Situated in Gujarat’s Bhal region; well-connected by road and rail, making it accessible for visitors.
• UNESCO status: Nominated for the UNESCO World Heritage list, highlighting its historical significance in ancient maritime trade and culture.
Insta links:
• National-maritime-heritage-complex
- •Source: PIB*
Context: Recent research by scientists at the Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science (IACS), Kolkata, has identified a new approach for cancer treatment by targeting a DNA repair enzyme called TDP1.
About TDP1:
• Role: Tyrosyl-DNA phosphodiesterase 1 (TDP1) is a DNA repair enzyme that plays a crucial role in fixing DNA damage induced by Topoisomerase 1 (Top1) inhibitors during cell division.
• Activation: TDP1 becomes particularly active during the mitotic phase, helping repair drug-induced DNA damage, allowing cancer cells to survive chemotherapy.
• Regulation: The enzyme’s activity is regulated by Cyclin-dependent kinase 1 (CDK1), which enhances TDP1’s ability to resolve DNA damage through phosphorylation.
Significance:
• Enhanced cancer therapy: Using CDK1 inhibitors with Top1 inhibitors disrupts DNA repair and halts the cell cycle, hindering cancer cell survival.
• Drug resistance target: TDP1 and CDK1 are new targets for overcoming resistance to current cancer therapies.
• Precision medicine: Focuses on personalized treatments by targeting cancer cells dependent on these DNA repair proteins.
• Therapeutic potential: Combining CDK1 inhibitors with existing drugs may boost cancer cell elimination, improving treatment success.
Insta links:
2024 Nobel Prize in Literature
Source: TH
Context: The 2024 Nobel Prize in Literature was awarded to South Korean author Han Kang for her “intense poetic prose” that explores historical traumas and human fragility. This marks a shift from recent Europe-centric winners, with the Swedish Academy recognizing her innovation in contemporary prose.
About Han Kang and her works:
• Early career: Han Kang started her literary journey with poetry, but her breakthrough came with her novel, The Vegetarian (2007), which won the Man Booker International Prize in 2016.
• Key themes: Her writing often addresses themes like patriarchy, violence, grief, and historical injustices, blending a radical and poetic imagination with intense narratives.
• Notable works: The vegetarian: Explores a woman’s decision to stop eating meat and her family’s violent reactions. Human acts (2016): Focuses on the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea, highlighting the voices of historical victims. The white book (2017): A meditative exploration of grief and memory, constructed around the symbolism of the color white. Greek lessons (2023): A story of love and loss between a woman who has lost her speech and a teacher losing his sight. We do not part: Set against the backdrop of a hidden massacre in Korean history, it delves into collective trauma and memory.
• The vegetarian: Explores a woman’s decision to stop eating meat and her family’s violent reactions.
• Human acts (2016): Focuses on the 1980 Gwangju Uprising in South Korea, highlighting the voices of historical victims.
• The white book (2017): A meditative exploration of grief and memory, constructed around the symbolism of the color white.
• Greek lessons (2023): A story of love and loss between a woman who has lost her speech and a teacher losing his sight.
• We do not part: Set against the backdrop of a hidden massacre in Korean history, it delves into collective trauma and memory.
• Impact: Her works have expanded Korean literature’s reach globally, highlighting its power to address universal human experiences with empathy and depth.
Insta links:
• 2023-Nobel-prize-for-literature-jon-olav-fosse
Yuva Sangam
- •Source: News on Air*
Context: The Ministry of Education today launched the registration portal for the fifth phase of Yuva Sangam under Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
About Yuva Sangam:
• Scheme part of: Yuva Sangam is an initiative under the Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) program launched by the Government of India.
• Aim: Its primary goal is to foster cultural exchange and strengthen people-to-people connections among youth from different states and union territories of India.
• Criteria: Youth aged 18-30, including students, National Service Scheme (NSS) and Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) volunteers, and employed/self-employed individuals, are eligible to participate by registering on the Yuva Sangam portal.
• Origin: The initiative draws inspiration from the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, focusing on experiential learning and promoting India’s rich cultural diversity.
• Significance: Provides multi-dimensional exposure to participants in areas like Tourism (Paryatan), Traditions (Parampara), Development (Pragati), People-to-people connect (Paraspar Sampark), and Technology (Prodyogiki). Encourages youth to experience India’s diverse heritage, development landmarks, and traditions first-hand.
• Provides multi-dimensional exposure to participants in areas like Tourism (Paryatan), Traditions (Parampara), Development (Pragati), People-to-people connect (Paraspar Sampark), and Technology (Prodyogiki).
• Encourages youth to experience India’s diverse heritage, development landmarks, and traditions first-hand.
Insta Links:
• PM YUVA SCHEME
• Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Antarctic warming
Source: News on Air
Context: A new study indicates a dramatic increase in plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula, attributed to rising temperatures, signalling significant ecological changes.
About Antarctic warming:
• Warming rate: Antarctica is warming at a rate between 0.22°C to 0.32°C per decade, double the global average of 0.14-0.18°C per decade.
• Antarctic peninsula: This region is warming five times faster than the global average, with temperatures now nearly 3°C higher than in 1950.
• Extreme heatwaves: The continent has faced record-breaking heatwaves, with temperatures in July 2024 reaching up to 28°C above normal and a peak heatwave in March 2022 showing a rise of 39°C above average.
• Sea ice loss: Antarctica’s sea ice extent in 2024 was the second smallest on record, closely following the record low in 2023.
Recent study findings:
• Increased vegetation: The extent of plant cover on the Antarctic Peninsula has increased 14 times over the past 35 years, expanding from less than 1 sq km in 1986 to nearly 12 sq km by 2021.
• Greening rate: The rate of greening increased by over 30% between 2016 and 2021, with vegetation like mosses and lichen thriving due to warmer conditions.
• Impact on ecosystem: Rising temperatures and increased plant life may lead to soil formation, creating conditions conducive to invasive species, potentially threatening native flora and fauna.
• Albedo effect: More plant life could reduce the peninsula’s albedo (reflectivity), absorbing more solar energy and further increasing temperatures, potentially accelerating global warming.
Significance:
• Indicator of climate change: The expansion of plant cover highlights the profound impact of climate change even in the most remote and extreme regions.
• Global repercussions: Increased temperatures and ice loss in Antarctica contribute to rising sea levels, affecting coastal areas worldwide.
• Ecological shifts: The greening of Antarctica raises concerns about altering its ecosystem balance, paving the way for non-native species and impacting native biodiversity.
Insta links:
• Impact-of-Antarctic-ice-melting-on-ocean-currents
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 11 October 2024 Mapping:
Karanpura Coalfield
Source: PIB
Context: Recent studies using microscopic palynomorphs, organic remains, and geochemical assessments have indicated significant hydrocarbon generation potential in the South Karanpura coalfield, specifically in the eastern Sirka region of Jharkhand.
About South Karanpura coalfield:
• Location: Situated in the Ramgarh district of Jharkhand, India, forming an elongated strip along the Chingara fault.
• Reserves: Covers an area of approximately 195 square kilometers, with coal reserves estimated at 5,757.85 million tonnes.
• Mineral richness: Primarily consists of coal, carbonaceous shale, and sandstone layers, known for its significant deposits of workable coal.
• Recent features: High potential for hydrocarbon generation, especially in the eastern Sirka coalfield compared to the Giddi coalfield, with promising conditions for coal bed methane and shale gas exploration.
About Shale gas:
• Shale gas and oil are unconventional natural resources. They are found at 2,500-5,000 metres below the earth’s surface.
• They are deeper in comparison to conventional crude oil found at 1,500 metres. The process of extracting shale oil and gas requires deep vertical drilling followed by horizontal drilling.
• The most common way to extract shale gas is ‘hydraulic fracturing’ (fracking), Shale gas is trapped under low permeable rocks.
Insta links:
• DD NEWS
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 11 Oct 2024
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