UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 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 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024)
• Atmospheric Rivers: ‘Flying Rivers’ Causing Devastating Floods
Atmospheric Rivers: ‘Flying Rivers’ Causing Devastating Floods
GS Paper 2:
• Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024
Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Dark Tourism
Dark Tourism
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
• Fully Accessible Route (FAR)
Fully Accessible Route (FAR)
• Nano-MIND technology
Nano-MIND technology
• mRNA vaccine development against human avian influenza (H5N1)
mRNA vaccine development against human avian influenza (H5N1)
Mapping:
• Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam
Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Atmospheric Rivers: ‘Flying Rivers’ Causing Devastating Floods
Syllabus: Geography: Atmosphere
Source: BBC
Context: Heavy rains and floods have recently affected several parts of India, killing scores and displacing thousands. These floods are exacerbated by “flying rivers,” or atmospheric rivers.
What are Atmospheric rivers?
These are long, narrow bands of water vapour in the atmosphere that transport moisture from the tropics to other regions. These “rivers in the sky” can be thousands of kilometres long and hundreds of kilometres wide, carrying large amounts of water vapour. When they make landfall, they can release this moisture as heavy rain or snow, often leading to significant flooding and other weather-related impacts.
Atmospheric rivers occur globally, affecting the west coasts of the world’s major landmasses. A well-known example is the “Pineapple Express,” a strong atmospheric river that is capable of bringing moisture from the tropics near Hawaii over to the U.S. West Coast.
The main characteristics or defining features of the Atmospheric Rivers
• A shape that is long and narrow, no more than 400 to 500 Km wide, and extending for thousands of Kilometres sometimes across entire ocean basins.
• Wind speeds of greater than 12.5 meters per second in the lowest 2 km.
• Very thick Integrated Water Vapour
• These narrow plumes of enhanced moisture transport occur in the lower troposphere in the low-level jet region (within the warm sector) of extra-tropical cyclones.
Mechanism of precipitation from Atmospheric rivers (Ars)
Heavy rainfall can result, especially when ARs make landfall because of the convergence and thus vertical uplift within an AR, and most significantly when the moisture-laden air is forced to rise over mountains. E.g. near the Rockies on the western coast of America
Impact of Atmospheric rivers in the world
ARs are a major cause of extreme precipitation and severe flooding in mid-latitude, westerly coastal regions such as the West Coast of North America, Western Europe, and the west coast of North Africa. Over 80% of flooding damages in Western USA are linked to ARs.More than 80% of all flooding damages in the Western part of the USA are associated with atmospheric rivers.
Impact of Atmospheric Rivers in India
• Eastward-moving cyclonic circulations in the northern latitudes of India in conjunction with the atmospheric rivers drawing water vapour from the lower latitudes under the circumstances of positive interference result in extremely heavy and intense precipitation over the higher reaches of northern India.
• Atmospheric Rivers result in heavy precipitation when they confront mountainous terrain, such as those found in the Himalayan ranges of North India for example: 2010, Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir experienced a cloud burst, and the heavy rains that followed triggered flash floods and mudslides 2011 Kupwara District in J&K experienced heavy rainfall. Rain or thundershowers occurred in a large number of places across the country.
• 2010, Leh in the Ladakh region of Jammu and Kashmir experienced a cloud burst, and the heavy rains that followed triggered flash floods and mudslides
• 2011 Kupwara District in J&K experienced heavy rainfall. Rain or thundershowers occurred in a large number of places across the country.
A study found that between 1951 and 2020, India experienced 574 atmospheric rivers during the monsoon season, with their frequency and intensity increasing due to climate change.
Benefits of Atmospheric Rivers:
• Water Supply: Despite the hazardous effects of ARs, they can also be beneficial by providing precipitation which is essential for water supply and resources. Over the west coast of the USA, for example, ARs are thought to provide an average of 30–50% of annual precipitation and have been responsible for ending 33–74% of droughts in the region.
• Over the west coast of the USA, for example, ARs are thought to provide an average of 30–50% of annual precipitation and have been responsible for ending 33–74% of droughts in the region.
• Maintaining Hydrological Balance: Atmospheric rivers transport water vapour from the tropics to higher latitudes, redistributing moisture and supporting ecosystems and agriculture.
Way forward to deal with the challenges of atmospheric rivers
• Improving atmospheric forecasting systems should be a priority A better understanding of atmospheric rivers’ intensity, duration, and landfall locations can provide valuable information to residents and emergency responders.
• A better understanding of atmospheric rivers’ intensity, duration, and landfall locations can provide valuable information to residents and emergency responders.
• It also is important to discourage new construction in high-risk areas and help people move to safer locations after major disasters, rather than rebuilding in place.
Conclusion
As there is a direct relationship between the intensity of atmospheric rivers the climate change and they are getting stronger with the changed climate pattern, the solution lies in reducing global greenhouse gas emissions. Thus stabilizing the global climate system is the only long-term way to minimize economic damage and risk to vulnerable communities arising from the atmospheric rivers.
Mains Link:
Q1. How does the cryosphere affect global climate? (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Link:
The formation of an ozone hole in the Antarctic region has been a cause of concern. What could be the reason for the formation of this hole? (UPSC 2011)
(a) Presence of prominent tropospheric turbulence; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(b) Presence of prominent polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of chlorofluorocarbons
(c) Absence of polar front and stratospheric clouds; and inflow of methane and chlorofluorocarbons
(d) Increased temperature in polar region due to global warming
Ans: (b)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024 GS Paper 2:
Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak 2024
Syllabus: Governance
- •Source: Indian Express*
Context: The Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak is set to replace the British Era Aircraft Act 1934
Need to Replace the Aircraft Act 1934
• Frequent Amendments: The Act has been amended multiple times to enhance safety, and oversight, and align with international conventions, creating ambiguities and confusion for stakeholders.
• Redundancy Removal: Eliminate outdated provisions.
• Simplification: Improve ease of doing business and streamline processes.
• Modernization: Address design, manufacture, and maintenance of aircraft and related equipment.
Important Provisions:
• Revised Aircraft Definition: Balloons and gliders were removed from the definition.
• Empowerment for Rule-Making:
• The Central Government is empowered to make rules to implement international civil aviation conventions. Examples include the Chicago Convention (1944) and the International Telecommunication Convention (1932).
• The Central Government is empowered to make rules to implement international civil aviation conventions.
• Examples include the Chicago Convention (1944) and the International Telecommunication Convention (1932).
• Enhanced Powers for Aviation Authorities:
• Increased powers for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). Enhanced authority for the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS). Greater powers for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
• Increased powers for the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA).
• Enhanced authority for the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS).
• Greater powers for the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB).
• Emergency Powers:
• The Central Government is empowered to issue orders in emergencies for public safety, such as detaining aircraft.
• The Central Government is empowered to issue orders in emergencies for public safety, such as detaining aircraft.
• License and Certification Management: Central Government can suspend, cancel, or restrict licenses or certifications with a hearing opportunity for affected parties.
• Appeal Process: Introduction of a second appeal between the initial appeal and final appeal to the Secretary, MoCA.
Significance of the Bill:
The Bill aligns with the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by regulating aircraft design and manufacturing. It expands coverage to include drones, UAVs, flying taxis, and electronic gliders. This move addresses the needs of a rapidly growing aviation market, with ICRA forecasting an 8–13% growth in domestic air passenger traffic for FY2024.
Opposition: Some parliamentarians have opposed the Hindi name, arguing it violates Articles 348 1B, 120, and 340 of the Constitution, which mandate parliamentary bills to be in English. He cited Section 3 of the Official Languages Act, emphasizing the difficulty for South Indians to pronounce the Hindi name.
Government’s Response: The bill creates a new identity for India without violating constitutional provisions. The government assured that the bill’s text remains in English.
About the Chicago Convention:
Also known as the Convention on International Civil Aviation, it is an international treaty established in 1944. It set out the core principles for international air transport and created the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) to oversee its implementation. The convention recognizes nine freedoms of air, with the first five being officially recognized by the ICAO. These freedoms grant countries the right to fly over, land in, and transport passengers and cargo between territories.
India is its member
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Dark Tourism
- •Source: First Post*
Context: The Kerala Police have urged people not to visit landslide-hit Wayanad for sightseeing, warning against “dark tourism” amid ongoing rescue efforts.
What is Dark tourism?
It is also known as grief tourism, which involves visiting places associated with death, tragedy, or suffering. Examples include:
• Auschwitz: A Nazi concentration camp in Poland where millions perished during the Holocaust.
• Chornobyl: The site of the 1986 nuclear disaster in Ukraine.
• Hiroshima: The Japanese city was devastated by an atomic bomb in 1945.
• 9/11 Memorial: A tribute to the victims of the September 11 attacks in New York City.
These sites attract visitors seeking to understand and reflect on historical tragedies.
Dark tourism raises several ethical issues:
• Exploitation: Turning sites of tragedy into commercial attractions can be seen as profiting from suffering.
• Respect: Visitors may show disrespect, such as taking inappropriate selfies at solemn sites.
• Impact on Communities: Increased tourism can disrupt local communities and their mourning processes.
• Voyeurism: There is a risk of sensationalizing and trivializing the experiences of victims.
• Consent and Sensitivity: It is crucial to handle these sites with sensitivity and obtain consent from affected communities for tourism activities.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF)
- •Source: Economic Times*
Context: India has been elected as the Vice-Chair of the Supply Chain Council under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework (IPEF).
• The council was established as part of the IPEF Supply Chain Resilience Agreement, which aims to mitigate risks of economic disruptions due to supply chain shocks, enhance crisis coordination, and reduce dependence on China.
• The council’s mission is to undertake targeted, action-oriented initiatives to bolster supply chains for sectors and goods vital to national security, public health, and economic well-being.
Fully Accessible Route (FAR)
- •Source: Business Line*
Context: The Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) recent decision to exclude new 14-year and 30-year government securities (G-Secs) from the Fully Accessible Route (FAR) may unsettle bond markets, potentially causing yield spikes for these securities.
• Experts warn that this exclusion could erode investor confidence, reduce participation, and increase yields due to diminished foreign portfolio investor (FPI) demand.
• FPIs generally prefer stable regulatory environments, and changes can lead to uncertainty and adjustments in investment strategies.
• Despite this, large domestic investors are expected to absorb the fresh supply of these tenors.
• RBI’s move aims to mitigate the potentially destabilizing effects of large capital flows in fixed-income markets by limiting investments in the more liquid segments.
The Fully Accessible Route (FAR) regulations impose no limits on investments by Non-Resident Indian retail investors. NRIs can invest in Government Securities both on repatriable and non-repatriable bases, depending on the terms and conditions of the investment scheme.
Nano-MIND technology
- •Source: INDIA TODAY*
Context: In a ground-breaking experiment, researchers at the Center for Nanomedicine at the Institute for Basic Science (IBS) and Yonsei University in South Korea have demonstrated the ability to control specific brain regions in mice using magnetic fields.
• This innovation, called Nano-MIND (Magnetogenetic Interface for NeuroDynamics) technology, uses magnetic fields and magnetized nanoparticles to wirelessly and precisely modulate specific deep brain neural circuits.
• The technology enables the selective activation of targeted brain circuits, surpassing current brain manipulation methods.
• The potential applications of Nano-MIND in understanding brain functions, developing sophisticated artificial neural networks, advancing brain-computer interface (BCI) technologies, and creating new treatments for neurological disorders.
• This advancement in neuroscience could revolutionize research and treatment methodologies for brain-related conditions by providing a more precise and less invasive approach.
How it works?
In their experiments, the researchers successfully activated neurons in various brain regions, such as the medial preoptic area (MPOA) to stimulate maternal behaviours in non-maternal female mice, and the lateral hypothalamus to regulate feeding behaviours, significantly altering appetite and feeding patterns.
Tags: GS3, Science, Nano-MIND technology
mRNA vaccine development against human avian influenza (H5N1)
- •Source: WHO*
Context: A new initiative to develop and distribute mRNA vaccines for human avian influenza (H5N1) in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), in collaboration with the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Medicines Patent Pool (MPP).
• The project is part of the mRNA Technology Transfer Programme, established in 2021 to enhance vaccine production capacity in LMICs.
• Once successful, the knowledge and materials will be shared with other manufacturers to expedite vaccine development and strengthen pandemic preparedness.
• The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to improve the sharing of influenza viruses and vaccine access under the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness Framework.
The mRNA Technology Transfer Programme has already developed a platform for COVID-19 vaccine candidates, which is now being adapted for other diseases, enhancing global vaccine equity.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024 Mapping:
Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam
Source: ET**
Context: Karnataka has begun releasing Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu from the Krishna Raja Sagar (KRS) dam and Kabini reservoir, following a directive from the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA).
Krishnaraja Sagar (KRS) Dam:
• Type: Gravity dam on the river Kaveri and tributaries Hemavathi and Lakshmana Theertha in Mandya, Karnataka.
• Construction: Named after Maharaja Krishna Raja Wadiyar IV, built between 1911 and 1931, designed by Sir M. Visvesvaraya.
• Objectives: Irrigation, hydroelectric power, drought mitigation.
• Features: 2,621 meters long, 40 meters high, with 177 arch-type iron sluices, some automatic. Constructed with stone masonry and surki mortar.
• Reservoir: Covers 130 sq. km, Brindavan Gardens attached.
• Usage: Main source of irrigation for Mysore and Mandya, drinking water for Mysore and Bangalore, and power for the Shivanasamudra station. Water flows to Tamil Nadu’s Mettur dam.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 2 August 2024 [PDF]
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