UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 December 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 December 2024)
• Carbon Market
Carbon Market
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Rajmarg Saathi
Rajmarg Saathi
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Santa Ana Winds
Santa Ana Winds
• Jalvahak Initiative
Jalvahak Initiative
• Olive Ridley Turtles
Olive Ridley Turtles
• Apiculture
Apiculture
• Solid Phase Alloying
Solid Phase Alloying
• Gene Therapy for Haemophilia A
Gene Therapy for Haemophilia A
• POSH Act, 2013
POSH Act, 2013
Mapping:
• Morocco
Morocco
• Kerch Strait
Kerch Strait
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 December 2024
#### GS Paper 3:
Carbon Market
Syllabus: Environment
Source: TH
Context: With COP29 approving standards for establishing an international carbon market, countries aim to create a structured mechanism for trading carbon credits and offsets to meet their climate goals effectively.
What is a Carbon Market?
• A carbon market enables the trading of carbon credits, granting the holder the right to emit one tonne of carbon dioxide (CO2) or its equivalent.
• These markets operate on the principle of limiting emissions and allocating rights through tradable credits or offsets.
• Origin: Introduced in the U.S. during the 1990s under the cap-and-trade system for controlling sulphur dioxide emissions.
Working of a Carbon Market:
• Issuance of Carbon Credits: Governments allocate a limited number of carbon credits, restricting total emissions. Each credit permits the emission of one tonne of CO2.
• Governments allocate a limited number of carbon credits, restricting total emissions.
• Each credit permits the emission of one tonne of CO2.
• Trading: Companies that need more credits can buy from those with surplus. Market forces determine the price based on supply and demand.
• Companies that need more credits can buy from those with surplus.
• Market forces determine the price based on supply and demand.
• Offsets: Companies purchase offsets by funding activities like afforestation or renewable energy projects to balance their emissions.
• Companies purchase offsets by funding activities like afforestation or renewable energy projects to balance their emissions.
• International Mechanism: Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement allow cross-border trading of emission reductions.
• Articles 6.2 and 6.4 of the Paris Agreement allow cross-border trading of emission reductions.
India’s Initiatives in Carbon Markets:
• Perform, Achieve, Trade (PAT) Scheme: Targets industries to improve energy efficiency and trade surplus credits.
• Renewable Energy Certificates (REC): Facilitates trade in renewable energy to meet energy compliance targets.
• Energy Conservation Act, 2022 Amendment: Introduced a domestic carbon trading market to incentivize low-carbon technologies.
• Climate Action: Committed to a 45% reduction in emission intensity by 2030 as part of its Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).
Positive Consequences of Carbon Markets:
• Emission Reduction: Imposes financial costs on emissions, encouraging companies to adopt cleaner technologies.
• Economic Efficiency: Allows cost-effective allocation of emission rights through market trading.
• Financial Support for Green Projects: Funds projects like afforestation and renewable energy.
• Global Cooperation: Encourages international partnerships under Paris Agreement mechanisms.
Limitations of Carbon Markets:
• Loopholes: Lack of stringent monitoring can lead to fraudulent claims or over-allocation of credits.
• Price Volatility: Fluctuating credit prices can create market uncertainty.
• Limited Impact on Emission Levels: Without strong caps, markets may fail to drive significant reductions.
• Accessibility Issues: Small businesses and developing countries may struggle to participate effectively.
• Criticism of Offsets: Offsets are seen as superficial solutions that don’t address the root cause of emissions.
Way Ahead:
• Stricter Regulations: Enforce robust monitoring and verification to prevent misuse.
• Capacity Building: Support developing countries in accessing carbon markets effectively.
• Incentives for Green Projects: Encourage innovative projects to offset emissions.
• Transparency: Ensure clear guidelines and public reporting of emissions and credits.
Conclusion:
Carbon markets offer a promising mechanism to reduce emissions and achieve global climate targets. However, addressing regulatory gaps, ensuring equity, and fostering international cooperation are essential to maximize their potential and ensure sustainable outcomes.
Insta Links:
• What-are-carbon-markets-and-how-do-they-operate?
Consider the following statements (UPSC-2023)
Statement—I Carbon markets are likely to be one of the most widespread tools in the fight against climate change.
Statement—II Carbon markets transfer resources from the private sector to the State.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
• Both Statement—I and Statement—II are correct and Statement—II is the correct explanation for Statement—I
• Both Statement—I and Statement—II are correct and Statement—II is not the correct explanation for Statement—I
• Statement—I is correct but Statement—II is incorrect
• Statement—I is incorrect but Statement—II is correct
Answer: b)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Rajmarg Saathi
Context: The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has launched ‘Rajmarg Saathi’, a modernized Route Patrolling Vehicle (RPV) system to enhance highway safety, emergency response, and road maintenance efficiency.
About Rajmarg Saathi:
• What it is: Rajmarg Saathi is Upgraded Route Patrolling Vehicles (RPVs) designed for efficient highway patrolling and incident management.
• Aim: Improve highway safety and ensure seamless traffic flow through advanced technology and efficient emergency response.
• Features:
• Advanced Design: Closed cabinets with organized shelves for quick access to emergency tools and inventory. AI-Enabled Dashboard Cameras: Captures cracks, potholes, and other road distress data for integration with the NHAI One application for efficient maintenance. Safety Tools: Equipped with modern communication and safety gear to minimize traffic disruptions. Data Collection: Weekly video analytics for better road condition monitoring and maintenance.
• Advanced Design: Closed cabinets with organized shelves for quick access to emergency tools and inventory.
• AI-Enabled Dashboard Cameras: Captures cracks, potholes, and other road distress data for integration with the NHAI One application for efficient maintenance.
• Safety Tools: Equipped with modern communication and safety gear to minimize traffic disruptions.
• Data Collection: Weekly video analytics for better road condition monitoring and maintenance.
Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:
• GS Paper 3: Infrastructure Highlights advancements in road safety and maintenance systems. Focus on technology in infrastructure development.
• Highlights advancements in road safety and maintenance systems.
• Focus on technology in infrastructure development.
• GS Paper 2: Governance Role of NHAI in public service delivery and ensuring safety standards.
• Role of NHAI in public service delivery and ensuring safety standards.
• Essay Paper Topics on sustainable infrastructure and technology-driven governance.
• Topics on sustainable infrastructure and technology-driven governance.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Santa Ana Winds
Source: IE
Context: Santa Ana winds are a seasonal weather phenomenon unique to California, characterized by hot, dry, and gusty conditions that significantly increase the risk of wildfires and cause damage across affected regions.
What Are Santa Ana Winds?
• Definition: Santa Ana winds are strong, dry winds that blow from inland deserts toward the coast, significantly affecting Southern California’s weather.
• Seasonality: These winds typically occur during fall but can also happen in winter.
How Are Santa Ana Winds Formed?
• High-Pressure Systems: A high-pressure system forms over the Great Basin (northeast of California), creating a strong pressure gradient.
• Airflow Dynamics: The high-pressure forces cooler, north-to-northeasterly winds to flow toward the lower-pressure coastal regions.
• Downslope Effect: As winds descend through mountain passes, the air compresses, warms, and dries out, reducing relative humidity and intensifying the gusts.
• Wind Speed: Gusts can reach up to 80 mph, creating hazardous conditions.
Regions Affected by Santa Ana Winds:
• Primary Impact Area: Southern California, particularly areas around Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura counties.
• Secondary Impact: Parts of Baja California and other coastal regions may also experience similar conditions.
Impacts of Santa Ana Winds:
• Wildfire Risk: The hot, dry winds rapidly dry vegetation, creating ideal conditions for wildfires to ignite and spread.
• Structural Damage: High wind speeds can damage buildings, power lines, and trees.
• Health Effects: Dust and allergens stirred by the winds can worsen respiratory conditions.
• Power Disruptions: Utility companies may implement precautionary power outages to prevent wildfire ignition from downed lines.
Insta Links:
• Local-winds
Jalvahak Initiative
Source: TOI
Context: The Indian government has launched the Jalvahak initiative to promote long-haul cargo transportation via inland waterways.
About the Jalvahak Initiative:
• What It Is: Jalvahak is a cargo promotion scheme designed to incentivize the movement of long-haul cargo through India’s national waterways.
• Ministry Involved: Launched by the Ministry of Ports, Shipping & Waterways (MoPSW).
• Implementing Agency: The initiative is implemented jointly by the Inland Waterways Authority of India (IWAI) and Inland & Coastal Shipping Limited (ICSL).
• Promote environmentally sustainable cargo transportation.
• Decongest roads and railways by shifting freight movement to waterways.
• Foster economic growth through efficient logistics.
• Features:
• Incentive for Long Haul Cargo: Offers up to 35% reimbursement on operating costs for cargo transported over 300 km via waterways.
• Validity: Initially valid for three years.
• National Waterways Covered: NW1: River Ganga. NW2: River Brahmaputra. NW16: River Barak.
• NW1: River Ganga.
• NW2: River Brahmaputra.
• NW16: River Barak.
• Scheduled Service: Fixed-day sailings between key locations like Kolkata, Patna, Varanasi, and Pandu (Assam).
• Transit Times: Transit durations are predefined, ensuring timely delivery.
• Modal Shift Target: Aim to achieve 800 million tonne-kilometres of cargo movement by 2027.
Insta links:
• National waterways
Olive Ridley Turtles
Source: TH
Context: Carcasses of Olive Ridley turtles continue to wash ashore along the Visakhapatnam coast during their breeding season. Experts attribute the deaths to marine pollution and accidental entanglement in fishing trawlers.
About Olive Ridley Turtles:
• Smallest and Most Abundant: They are the smallest and most abundant sea turtles globally.
• Name Origin: Lepidochelys olivacea.
• Unique Nesting (Arribada): Known for mass nesting, thousands of females lay eggs simultaneously on the same beach.
• Geographic Distribution: Found in the warm waters of the Pacific, Atlantic, and Indian Oceans. Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest rookery.
• Odisha’s Gahirmatha Marine Sanctuary is the world’s largest rookery.
• Physical Features: Adults measure 62-70 cm, weigh 35-45 kg, and have paddle-like flippers with one or two claws.
• Diet and Habitat: They are omnivorous and solitary, spending most of their lives in the open ocean.
• Migration: Travel thousands of kilometers annually between feeding and mating grounds.
• Conservation Status:
• IUCN Red List:
• Wildlife Protection Act, 1972: Schedule 1 (highest protection in India).
• CITES: Appendix I (international trade ban).
Insta links:
• Olive-Ridley
Apiculture
Source: TH
Context: In Assam, migratory beekeeping is thriving as beekeepers from states like West Bengal and Bihar bring their bee boxes to pollinate mustard fields and produce honey.
What is Apiculture?
• Definition: Apiculture, or beekeeping, involves the maintenance of bee colonies in artificial hives for honey, beeswax, and pollination services.
• Purpose: It supports sustainable agriculture and the production of honey and related products.
Types of Bees in Apiculture:
• Apis mellifera (European Honeybee): Widely used for commercial honey production due to high yield.
• Apis dorsata (Rock Bee): Known for large honeycombs; found in the wild.
• Apis cerana (Asian Honeybee): Indigenous to South and Southeast Asia; suited for small-scale farming.
• Trigona (Stingless Bee): Produces medicinal honey; used for niche markets.
Impact of Beekeeping on Agriculture:
• Improved Pollination: Bees facilitate cross-pollination, boosting crop yields for mustard, mango, coconut, and lychee.
• Enhanced Crop Quality: Pollination improves the size, taste, and nutritional value of fruits and vegetables.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Bees support wild plant reproduction, maintaining healthy ecosystems.
• Economic Benefits: Beekeepers earn through honey production and indirectly increase farmers’ income via higher yields.
Insta links:
• World-bees-day
Solid Phase Alloying
Source: TH
Context: A groundbreaking study highlights the potential of solid phase alloying to transform metal scrap into high-performance alloys without traditional melting processes.
About Solid Phase Alloying:
• What is Solid Phase Alloying?
• Definition: Solid phase alloying is a technique to create metal alloys directly from scrap without melting, enhancing their properties. Purpose: Upcycles metal scrap into high-performance alloys for various industrial applications.
• Definition: Solid phase alloying is a technique to create metal alloys directly from scrap without melting, enhancing their properties.
• Purpose: Upcycles metal scrap into high-performance alloys for various industrial applications.
• Science Behind Solid Phase Alloying
• The process operates entirely in the solid state, eliminating the need for bulk melting. Utilizes friction and heat generated through high-speed rotation to blend and disperse metals uniformly.
• The process operates entirely in the solid state, eliminating the need for bulk melting.
• Utilizes friction and heat generated through high-speed rotation to blend and disperse metals uniformly.
• The Process:
• Material Input: Aluminium scrap is mixed with copper, zinc, and magnesium. Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE): A rotating die creates frictional heat, combining the metals into a uniform alloy. Outcome: The final alloy matches the strength and performance of products made from primary aluminium.
• Material Input: Aluminium scrap is mixed with copper, zinc, and magnesium.
• Shear Assisted Processing and Extrusion (ShAPE): A rotating die creates frictional heat, combining the metals into a uniform alloy.
• A rotating die creates frictional heat, combining the metals into a uniform alloy.
• Outcome: The final alloy matches the strength and performance of products made from primary aluminium.
• Benefits of Solid Phase Alloying:
• Energy Efficiency: Eliminates energy-intensive melting, reducing manufacturing costs. Sustainability: Reduces waste by recycling industrial aluminium scrap. Improved Properties: Produces durable, high-strength alloys comparable to new materials. Versatility: Enables the creation of new alloys for 3D printing technologies. Cost-Effectiveness: Low-cost feedstock from scrap leads to affordable high-performance materials.
• Energy Efficiency: Eliminates energy-intensive melting, reducing manufacturing costs.
• Sustainability: Reduces waste by recycling industrial aluminium scrap.
• Improved Properties: Produces durable, high-strength alloys comparable to new materials.
• Versatility: Enables the creation of new alloys for 3D printing technologies.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Low-cost feedstock from scrap leads to affordable high-performance materials.
Insta links:
• Metallic-minerals
Gene Therapy for Haemophilia A
Source: TH
Context: Researchers has achieved a milestone by conducting a successful gene therapy trial for severe haemophilia A using a lentivirus vector.
Gene Therapy for Haemophilia A:
What is Haemophilia A?
• Definition: A hereditary bleeding disorder caused by the deficiency of clotting Factor VIII.
• Genetic Cause: It arises due to a defective gene on the X chromosome.
• Prevalence: More common in males; females are typically carriers.
Symptoms
• Prolonged Bleeding: Following injury or surgery.
• Spontaneous Bleeding: Internal bleeding in joints and muscles without apparent cause.
• Bruising: Unusual or frequent bruises.
• Hemarthrosis: Bleeding into joints, causing pain and swelling.
What is Replacement Therapy?
• Definition: A standard treatment where clotting factors are injected into the veins to replace the deficient Factor VIII.
• Mechanism: Derived from human plasma or produced synthetically (recombinant clotting factors).
• Challenges: Short lifespan of clotting factors in the body. Antibodies may neutralize the clotting factors, reducing effectiveness.
• Short lifespan of clotting factors in the body.
• Antibodies may neutralize the clotting factors, reducing effectiveness.
What is Roctavian?
• Definition: The first FDA-approved gene therapy for severe haemophilia A.
• How It Works: Uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver a corrected gene encoding Factor VIII. The gene integrates into liver cells to produce clotting Factor VIII.
• Uses an adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector to deliver a corrected gene encoding Factor VIII.
• The gene integrates into liver cells to produce clotting Factor VIII.
• Efficacy: Reduces annual bleeding rates but requires corticosteroids to suppress immune reactions.
• Limitations: Treatment response may wane over time, and pre-existing antibodies to AAV may limit its use.
Lentivirus Vector in Gene Therapy:
• Advantages: Rarely triggers pre-existing Integrates into host cells, ensuring long-term production of clotting factors.
• Rarely triggers pre-existing
• Integrates into host cells, ensuring long-term production of clotting factors.
• Indian Approach: Gene transfer into adult stem cells for lifelong efficacy.
Insta Links:
• Haemophilia-A
POSH Act, 2013
Source: IE
Context: The Supreme Court is hearing a PIL on applying the POSH Act to political parties, questioning their status as workplaces and Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) compliance.
About POSH Act:
• What is POSH Act?
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013. Objective: Protect women from sexual harassment at workplaces and ensure a mechanism for redressal.
• Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.
• Objective: Protect women from sexual harassment at workplaces and ensure a mechanism for redressal.
• Important Sections of the Act:
• Section 3(1): Prohibits sexual harassment at the workplace. Section 4: Mandates the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every workplace. Section 9: Details the procedure for filing a complaint within three months of the incident. Section 13: Discusses the inquiry procedure and actions against the accused if found guilty.
• Section 3(1): Prohibits sexual harassment at the workplace.
• Section 4: Mandates the formation of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in every workplace.
• Section 9: Details the procedure for filing a complaint within three months of the incident.
• Section 13: Discusses the inquiry procedure and actions against the accused if found guilty.
• Who is Covered Under the Act?
• Employees: Includes permanent, temporary, contract workers, interns, and volunteers. Workplace: Includes offices, public and private institutions, houses, hospitals, transport, and places visited during employment.
• Employees: Includes permanent, temporary, contract workers, interns, and volunteers.
• Workplace: Includes offices, public and private institutions, houses, hospitals, transport, and places visited during employment.
• Features of the POSH Act:
• ICC Formation: Requires at least one external member with expertise in addressing sexual harassment. Wide Definition of Workplace: Covers places visited during employment and extends to remote work settings. Employer Responsibility: Ensures compliance, raises awareness, and reports annual compliance status. Penalties: Non-compliance attracts fines and reputational damage for the organization.
• ICC Formation: Requires at least one external member with expertise in addressing sexual harassment.
• Wide Definition of Workplace: Covers places visited during employment and extends to remote work settings.
• Employer Responsibility: Ensures compliance, raises awareness, and reports annual compliance status.
• Penalties: Non-compliance attracts fines and reputational damage for the organization.
• Judicial Judgments on POSH Act:
• Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997): Laid down guidelines for workplace sexual harassment, which later became the foundation for the POSH Act. Kerala HC (2022): Held that political parties are not workplaces under the Act due to the absence of an employer-employee relationship.
• Vishaka vs. State of Rajasthan (1997): Laid down guidelines for workplace sexual harassment, which later became the foundation for the POSH Act.
• Kerala HC (2022): Held that political parties are not workplaces under the Act due to the absence of an employer-employee relationship.
Insta links:
• Issues-with-the-protection-of-women-from-sexual-harassment-POSH Act
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16 December 2024 Mapping:
Morocco
Source: TH
Context: Morocco is becoming a key partner for India in defence and high-tech, inviting Indian firms to set up production units as a gateway to Africa and Europe.
About Morocco:
• Location: Situated in western North Africa, across the Strait of Gibraltar.
• Morocco borders: Algeria, Western Sahara, and has coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Capital: Rabat.
• Largest City: Casablanca, known for its industrial and commercial prominence.
• Geography: Features the Atlas and Rif Mountain ranges.
• Coastlines: Only African nation with exposure to both the Atlantic Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
• Places in News in Morocco:
• Casablanca: Morocco’s industrial and commercial hub, showcasing its modern economic aspirations.
• Rabat: The capital city and venue for the India-Morocco Defence Industry Seminar.
Insta links:
• Morocco
Kerch Strait
Source: IE
Context: A Russian oil tanker, Volgoneft-212, split during a storm in the Kerch Strait, causing a significant oil spill.
About Kerch Strait:
• Geographical Location: Connects the Black Sea and the Sea of Azov. Separating Crimea’s Kerch Peninsula (west) from Russia’s Taman Peninsula (east).
• Separating Crimea’s Kerch Peninsula (west) from Russia’s Taman Peninsula (east).
• Historical Significance: Known historically as the Cimmerian Bosporus and later as the Straits of Yenikale, named after the Yeni-Kale fortress in Kerch.
• Strategic Importance: Vital for Russian exports of crude oil, grain, and liquefied natural gas, and a key geopolitical point due to its proximity to Crimea.
• Key Harbor: The Crimean city of Kerch, known for its historical and economic relevance, lends its name to the strait.
Insta links:
• Kerch-bridge-Crimea
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 16 Dec 2024
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