UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 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 – 19 July 2024)

• ADB supports rooftop solar systems in India

GS Paper 4:

• NeuroEthics: Protecting Our Neurorights

NeuroEthics: Protecting Our Neurorights

• Examples of Ethics Example 1: Operation Nanhe Farishtey Example 2: Paris Mayor Swims in Seine River to Prove Cleanliness for 2024 Olympics

Examples of Ethics

• Example 1: Operation Nanhe Farishtey

Example 1: Operation Nanhe Farishtey

• Example 2: Paris Mayor Swims in Seine River to Prove Cleanliness for 2024 Olympics

Example 2: Paris Mayor Swims in Seine River to Prove Cleanliness for 2024 Olympics

Reports in News:

• WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2023 released

WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2023 released

• Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024

Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024

• ‘India’s Energy Storage Landscape’ Report

‘India’s Energy Storage Landscape’ Report

• Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Nalanda University

Nalanda University

• Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex

Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex

• Chandipura virus

Chandipura virus

• Lunar cave

Lunar cave

• Jerdon’s Courser

Jerdon’s Courser

Mapping:

• Peru – Mashco Piro tribes

Peru – Mashco Piro tribes

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024

#### GS Paper 3:

ADB supports rooftop solar systems in India

Syllabus: Economy: Energy: Renewable Energy/ Government Policies and Interventions

Source: ET

Context: The ADB has approved a $240.5 million loan for rooftop solar systems in India. Recently Pradhan Mantri Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana was approved with a budget of 75,021 crores and aims to provide 300 units of free electricity monthly to 1 crore households through rooftop solar setups.

Status of Rooftop solar system in India:

As of March 2024, India has 11.87 GW of installed rooftop solar capacity, with a 2.99 GW increase in 2023-2024. Gujarat and Maharashtra lead in rooftop solar installations, while residential sectors make up only 20% of the total. India’s potential for rooftop solar is about 796 GW, with 250 million households capable of installing up to 637 GW. Overall solar capacity reached 73.31 GW by December 2023, led by Rajasthan and Gujarat.

Benefits of the Rooftop Solar system:

• Reduction in Electricity Bills: By installing rooftop solar systems, households can significantly reduce their electricity bills, benefiting both the poor and middle classes.

• Energy Self-Reliance: It helps to make India self-reliant in the energy sector by promoting decentralized solar power generation.

• Energy Security: Promoting rooftop solar power contributes to enhancing energy security by diversifying energy sources and reducing dependence on traditional fossil fuels like coal.

• Environmental Sustainability: Solar energy is a clean and renewable energy source, leading to reduced greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollution, thereby supporting sustainable development.

• Increased Energy Access: By targeting individual households, rooftop solar aims to increase energy access, especially in rural and remote areas where grid connectivity is limited.

• Fulfilling International Commitments: It aligns with India’s international commitments to increase the share of non-fossil fuel-based energy sources in its energy mix, contributing to global efforts to combat climate change.

• Potential for Economic Growth: The growth of rooftop solar power capacity creates opportunities for economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation in the renewable energy sector.

• Uniform Distribution of Solar Potential: Unlike large solar parks that require extensive land and infrastructure, rooftop solar systems can be installed uniformly across all states and regions, tapping into the solar potential of every locality.

Challenges in the Implementation of Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana:

Challenges | Details

Free electricity issue | The provision of free electricity by many states discourages people from adopting rooftop solar systems.

Financial Constraints for DISCOMs | Discoms foresee losses due to the net metering system, as they already incur fixed costs and pay contracted charges to power generators.

Fear of increased costs for discoms due to compensating consumers for absorbing power from rooftop solar plants.

The limited success of previous schemes | The rooftop solar program fell short of expectations, achieving only about 11 GW by December 2023, compared to the 40 GW target.

The majority of capacity is contributed by commercial and industrial consumers, with limited adoption by households.

Flip-Flopping Policies | GST hike on solar system components increases capital cost, affecting the attractiveness of rooftop solar.

Regulatory Framework | Slow growth due to the absence or withdrawal of state-level policy support, especially for business and industrial segments

Inconsistent Rules on Net and Gross Metering | Power ministry’s new rules exclude rooftop solar systems above 10 kW from net-metering, potentially stalling the adoption of larger installations.

Low Financing | Banks advised by MNRE to offer loans for rooftop solar at subsidized rates, but nationalized banks have limited offerings. Private players in the market offer loans for rooftop solar at higher rates, up to 10-12%, posing financing challenges for adoption.

Way forward:

• Increase awareness about the long-term benefits of rooftop solar.

• Offer incentives or subsidies to offset initial installation costs.

• Review net metering policies to ensure fair compensation for both consumers and DISCOMs.

• Establish clear and stable regulatory frameworks to provide certainty to stakeholders.

• Empower distribution companies and create an enabling environment for greater penetration of rooftop solar.

• Develop innovative financing mechanisms tailored to the needs of rooftop solar projects.

About Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana:

About | Description

Name of the Scheme | Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana

Objective | Aims to provide 300 units of free electricity monthly to 1 crore households through rooftop solar setups

Definition of Rooftop Solar Panels | Photovoltaic panels installed on building rooftops connected to the main power supply unit

Subsidies | 60% of installation costs are covered for 2 kW systems. 40% of installation costs covered for systems of 2-3 kW capacity

National Portal | It will facilitate subsidy applications and assist in finding a suitable vendor for installing rooftop solar. Additionally, it will aid decision-making by providing relevant information as needed.

Related Government Initiatives | The Rooftop Solar Programme was launched in 2014. Aims for 40 GW rooftop solar capacity by 2022 (deadline extended to 2026). Pradhan Mantri Suryodaya Yojana complements efforts to achieve the 40 GW target

Other Government Initiatives to Harness Solar Energy | National Solar Mission; Solar Park Scheme; Kisan Urja Suraksha evam Utthaan Mahabhiyan (PM-KUSUM); Surya Mitra Skill Development Programme; International Solar Alliance

Insta Links:

Rooftop solar scheme

Mains Links:

• India has immense potential for solar energy though there are regional variations in its developments. Elaborate. (UPSC 2020)

Prelims Links:

With reference to solar power production in India, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2018)

• India is the third largest in the world in the manufacture of silicon wafers used in photovoltaic units.

• The solar power tariffs are determined by the Solar Energy Corporation of India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: D

‘Net metering’ is sometimes seen in the news in the context of promoting the (UPSC 2016)

(a) production and use of solar energy by households/consumers (b) use of piped natural gas in the kitchens of households (c) installation of CNG kits in motor cars (d) installation of water meters in urban households

Ans: A

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)

• The International Solar Alliance was launched at the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2015.

• The Alliance includes all the member countries of the United Nations.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 only (b) 2 only (c) Both 1 and 2 (d) Neither 1 nor 2

Ans: A

Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022) 1. Gujarat has the largest solar park in India. 2. Kerala has a fully solar-powered International Airport. 3. Goa has the largest floating solar photovoltaic project in India.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 2 (b) 2 only (c) land 3 (d) 3 only

Answer: B: 2 only

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024 GS Paper 4:

NeuroEthics: Protecting Our Neurorights

Syllabus: Applications of Ethics

• •Source: TH*

Context: As neurotechnology advances, safeguarding neurorights becomes crucial.

What is Neurotechnology?

It refers to tools and devices that interact with the nervous system to monitor, understand, or influence brain activity. Examples include:

• EEG (Electroencephalography): Records electrical activity of the brain and is used in diagnosing and treating brain disorders.

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Provides detailed images of brain structures.

• BCI (Brain-Computer Interfaces): Allows direct communication between the brain and external devices, helping restore functions for physically impaired individuals, like Elon Musk’s Neuralink.

What are Neurorights?

They are ethical and legal principles aimed at protecting individuals’ mental privacy and cognitive liberty. Key aspects include:

• Mental Privacy: Protecting thoughts and brain data from unauthorized access or surveillance.

• Free Thought: Ensuring individuals’ cognitive processes remain uninfluenced by external manipulations.

For instance, Chile has legally recognized neurorights, mandating respect for brain activity and information. The U.S. states like Colorado are also enacting laws to safeguard neurological privacy. These rights aim to prevent misuse of neurotechnology in contexts like employment, healthcare, and marketing.

What is Neuroethics?

It addresses the ethical, legal, and social implications of neuroscience and neurotechnologies, ensuring these advancements benefit humanity while minimizing harm.

Digitisation of Neuro-Data: Opportunities and Concerns

Opportunities:

• Enhanced Cognitive Assistance: Wearable EEGs and BCIs like Neuralink aid cognitive functions and help restore lost functions in physically impaired individuals.

• Medical Advancements: Real-time health monitoring and personalized healthcare, improving diagnosis and treatment of brain disorders.

• Commercial and Research Value: Valuable insights for neuromarketing to understand and influence consumer behavior.

• Integration with Daily Life: Smartwatches and apps track physiological activities and emotions, integrating neurotech into everyday activities.

Concerns:

• Surveillance Risks: Potential misuse of neuro-data for monitoring by employers, governments, and private companies.

• Privacy and Security: Threats to mental privacy and autonomy through the collection and analysis of sensitive neuro-data.

• Ethical and Legal Challenges: Ethical dilemmas in mental privacy, consent, and neurotech use in societal contexts.

• Impact on Individual Rights: Compromise of the right to think freely and safeguard mental states, risking exploitation and loss of personal control.

Neuroethics Initiatives:

• U.S. Presidential Commission on Bioethics: Published the ‘Gray Matters’ report in 2015, addressing cognitive enhancement, consent capacity, and legal implications.

• OECD Recommendations: In 2019, recommended principles to safeguard personal brain data and monitor misuse of neurotechnologies.

• UNESCO’s Concerns: In 2022, highlighted issues related to human identity, freedom of thought, and privacy, stressing the risks of unauthorized access to neural data.

• Institute of Neuroethics: In 2023, emphasized proactive consideration of scientific advances and ethical research training.

Way Forward for Addressing Neuroethics Concerns:

• Robust Regulations: Implement clear laws for the collection, use, and sharing of neuro-data.

• Protect Mental Privacy: Safeguard against unauthorized access and misuse of neuro-data.

• Informed Consent: Ensure explicit consent from individuals before using their neuro-data.

• Ethical Standards: Develop and enforce guidelines for ethical neurotech research and applications.

• International Collaboration: Promote global cooperation to establish consistent neuroethical standards.

• Ethical Review Boards: Create diverse boards to evaluate the ethics of neurology research.

• Equity: Ensure fair access to neurological interventions for all individuals.

Conclusion: Governments and international bodies should collaborate to create robust regulations for the ethical use of neuro-data, protecting mental privacy, consent, and individual rights.

Insta Links:

• Ethics, Integrity and Aptitude

Examples of Ethics

Example 1: Operation Nanhe Farishtey

Source: PIB

Context: Over the past seven years (2018-May 2024), the Railway Protection Force (RPF) has rescued 84,119 children through ‘Operation Nanhe Farishtey.’ This initiative aims to protect vulnerable children at railway stations and on trains.

Ethical Values from Operation Nanhe Farishtey:

• Compassion: Prioritizing the welfare and protection of vulnerable children.

• Dedication: Continuous and unwavering efforts to rescue children in need.

• Responsibility: Safeguarding the most vulnerable members of society.

• Collaboration: Working with various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive care and protection.

• Awareness: Raising public awareness about the plight of runaway and missing children.

Example 2: Paris Mayor Swims in Seine River to Prove Cleanliness for 2024 Olympics

Context: Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo swam in the Seine on July 17, 2024, to show the river is clean enough for upcoming Olympic events. Wearing goggles and a wetsuit, she swam about 100 meters to demonstrate the improved water quality following a €1.4 billion investment to prevent sewage leaks.

Ethical Values from Paris Mayor’s Seine Swim:

• Transparency: Demonstrating the river’s cleanliness openly to the public.

• Accountability: Ensuring promises about water quality for the Olympics are met.

• Commitment: Investing in long-term environmental improvements.

• Leadership: Leading by example to build public trust and confidence.

• Community Benefit: Prioritizing public health and recreational opportunities.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024 Reports in News

Reports in News

Reports | Description

WHO/UNICEF Estimates of National Immunization Coverage (WUENIC) 2023 released | In 2023, global childhood immunization stalled, leaving 2.7 million children unvaccinated, with over 50% in conflict-affected areas.

In India, 1.6 million children missed key DPT and measles vaccines, and 2 million were zero-dose. Despite a long-standing Universal Immunization Programme and initiatives like Mission Indradhanush and Intensified Mission Indradhanush, significant gaps remain. The HPV vaccine is also absent from national programs, despite high cervical cancer rates among women.

Global Education Monitoring (GEM) Report 2024 | Released by UNESCO

It is part of the ‘Education 2030 Incheon Declaration,’ highlighting the impact of climate change on education systems.

Over the past 20 years, schools have been closed during 75% of extreme weather events, affecting over 5 million people.

In India, rainfall shocks have harmed early vocabulary and later academic skills. Despite its importance, education’s role in addressing climate change is often overlooked, with only 2 out of 72 climate initiatives addressing SDG 4.

Climate change destroys educational infrastructure, displaces people, and exacerbates vulnerabilities, particularly in marginalized and low-income communities, significantly harming educational outcomes.

‘India’s Energy Storage Landscape’ Report | A report released by Mercom India Research

As of March 2024, India has installed a cumulative Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) capacity of 219 MWh, with Chhattisgarh leading at over 54% of this capacity.

BESS involves electrochemical devices that store renewable energy, such as solar and wind, for later use. Common types include Lithium-ion, Lead-acid, and Sodium-sulfur batteries.

To promote BESS, India has introduced initiatives such as the Viability Gap Funding scheme, which aims to develop 4,000 MWh of projects by 2030-31, a waiver of inter-state transmission charges for projects commissioned up to June 2025, and the Production Linked Incentive Scheme for advanced battery storage.

Report of India’s G20 Task Force on Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) released. | In 2023, a task force was established under India’s G20 Presidency to promote Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) and financial inclusion globally.

DPI includes platforms like digital identity, financial infrastructure, and data exchange solutions that enhance digital inclusion and empower individuals.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP):

Nalanda University

Source: TH

Context: The article discusses the historical and modern significance of Nalanda, as recently, the PM inaugurated the New Nalanda University Campus in Rajgir, Bihar.

About Nalanda University:

• Nalanda, an ancient centre of learning and a revered Buddhist site was rediscovered in the 19th century.

• Founded around 427 AD by Emperor Kumaragupta-I of the Gupta dynasty, it flourished with the support of the Pala kings and the monks of Nalanda, who were patronized by the Pithipatis of Bodh Gaya.

• The university offered studies in various fields such as music, Sanskrit, astronomy, yoga, Ayurveda, and philosophy, and was home to renowned scholars of Hinayana and Mahayana Buddhism, including Aryabhata and Hiuen Tsang.

• Hiuen Tsang documented Nalanda’s rigorous admission tests and scholarly environment during his five-year stay in the 7th century.

• Nalanda faced decline and was reportedly attacked and ransacked by Bakhtiyar Khalji around 1200 AD, resulting in the destruction of its vast collection of books.

Bhojshala Temple-Kamal Maula Mosque complex

• •Source: TH*

Context: The Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) has confirmed that the existing structure at the Bhojshala complex in Madhya Pradesh’s Dhar district was built using remnants of an earlier temple.

• The ASI’s report revealed that the pillars and pilasters of the current structure, which were originally part of a temple, have been mutilated.

• The survey employed ground-penetrating radar and other archaeological methods over three months and found that the temple dated back to the Paramara dynasty period.

• Hindu deities’ images were found on the pillars, many of which were defaced to conform to mosque requirements.

• Additionally, inscriptions from the 13th century CE were discovered. The ASI also referenced historical accounts of the temple’s conversion into a mosque by the Khilji king Mahmud in 1455 CE.

Chandipura virus

• •Source: HT*

Context: The Chandipura virus (CHPV), a rare and potentially deadly pathogen, has been identified as the cause of recent deaths in Gujarat.

• The virus is suspected in 13 other recent fatalities. CHPV, first identified in 1965 in Maharashtra, is spread primarily by sandflies, particularly the Phlebotomus genus, which thrive in the dry, tropical conditions of north Gujarat.

• The virus causes symptoms such as sudden high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, altered consciousness, seizures, and in severe cases, coma and death.

• It primarily affects children under 15 due to their low immunity. Diagnosis is challenging due to symptom similarity with other viral encephalitis.

• There is no specific antiviral treatment for CHPV, so care focuses on symptom management and intensive care for severe cases.

Prevention strategies include reducing exposure to sandflies through insecticide use, protective clothing, insect repellents, and improved sanitation.

Lunar cave

• •Source: CNN*

Context: Scientists have confirmed the existence of a large lunar cave connected to a pit in Mare Tranquillitatis, providing potential shelter for astronauts against the moon’s extreme conditions.

• This cave, was discovered through archival radar measurements from NASA’s Lunar Reconnaissance Orbiter.

• Such caves, formed by volcanic processes, can protect humans from radiation, micrometeorites, and temperature extremes, facilitating long-term lunar habitation.

Further exploration could yield insights into the moon’s volcanic history and internal structure, with plans for future missions to examine these caves in detail.

Jerdon’s Courser

• •Source: TOI*

Context: Jerdon’s Courser, a nocturnal bird endemic to Andhra Pradesh’s Sri Lankamalleswara wildlife sanctuary in Kadapa, has not been seen in over a decade.

• This bird, scientifically named Rhinoptilus bitorquatus, was thought extinct until its rediscovery in 1986.

• It lives in open patches within scrub forests in the Eastern Ghats and is found exclusively in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana.

Its call is a short series of two-noted whistles, “tuick-tuoo.” The species is listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024 Mapping::

Peru – Mashco Piro tribes

• •Source: IE*

Context: The recent sighting of more than 50 Mashco Piro tribespeople, one of the largest uncontacted tribes in the world, is raising concerns.

• The Mashco Piro, who live deep in the Amazon rainforest of southeastern Peru, are being pressured by logging activities close to their territory.

• The Peruvian government has forbidden contact with the tribe to prevent disease transmission, but large parts of their land have been sold for logging.

About Peru:

It is a country in South America that’s home to a section of the Amazon rainforest and Machu Picchu, an ancient Incan city high in the Andes mountains.

The region around Machu Picchu, including the Sacred Valley, Inca Trail and the colonial city of Cusco, is rich in archaeological sites.

Check out the map to see neighbouring countries and geographical features.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 July 2024 [PDF]

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