UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 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 – 20 August 2024)
• Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) launched by UN
Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) launched by UN
GS Paper 2:
• India-Japan Relations
India-Japan Relations
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Benefits of Bamboo Cultivation
Benefits of Bamboo Cultivation
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Master clock system for railways
Master clock system for railways
• ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
• Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants
Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants
• Malabar Tree Toad
Malabar Tree Toad
• Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube
Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) launched by UN
Syllabus: Social Justice: Poverty
Source: TH
Context: The UN General Assembly has launched the “Multidimensional Vulnerability Index” (MVI), a new tool to help small island and developing nations access low-interest financing. Though use is voluntary, the UN urges its adoption
What is Vunerability?
Vulnerability refers to the susceptibility of individuals or groups to harm due to various factors, such as social, economic, environmental, or health-related circumstances. It highlights the condition of being at risk and unable to adequately protect oneself from adverse situations.
About Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI):
The MVI is a new global benchmark measuring structural vulnerability and resilience across various sustainable development dimensions. It complements GDP and other metrics, aiming to capture vulnerabilities and resilience in all developing countries. Initially advocated by small island states, it includes factors like import dependency, climate risks, and social resilience.
Aspects | Description
About | The Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) measures structural vulnerability and lack of resilience across various dimensions of sustainable development at the national level.
Purpose | It addresses the needs of small island developing states (SIDS) and other developing nations that face unique vulnerabilities but don’t qualify for low-interest financing.
Key Indicators in the MVI | The MVI includes indicators such as:
i) Import dependency
ii) Exposure to extreme weather events and pandemics
iii) Impacts of regional violence and refugee crises
iv) Demographic pressure
v) Water and arable land resources
vi) Child mortality under five.
Limitations of Traditional Measures | Traditional metrics like Gross National Income (GNI) often miss the vulnerabilities of developing countries. These measures hinder them from accessing necessary development financing.
Applications of the MVI | The MVI will guide:
i) Programmatic support for SIDS and other developing countries
ii) Debt service strategies
iii) Financing sustainable development initiatives tailored to the challenges of SIDS.
Singificance: The MVI is crucial for helping these nations access concessional financing, improve planning, manage debt, and prepare for climate impacts.
Other similar Indices:
What is National MPI?
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a metric assessing poverty in a country by considering health, education, and standard of living, represented by 12 indicators. It employs the Alkire Foster methodology.
The National Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), a first-of-its-kind, estimates multiple deprivations at a household level using NFHS data. Published by NITI Aayog, it includes three dimensions and 12 indicators. Sub-indices measure the Headcount Ratio (how many are poor) and the Intensity of Poverty (how poor are the poor). The Global MPI, published by OPHI in collaboration with UNDP, is a similar index addressing worldwide multidimensional poverty.
Key findings of Niti Aayog:
• Steep decline in Poverty Headcount Ratio (HCR): HCR represents the percentage of the population below the Poverty Line.
• Positive Improvement in All 12 MPI Indicators
• Faster Decline in Poorer States: Poorer states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar show a rapid decline in poverty, suggesting a reduction in disparities.
• SDG Target 2: India is expected to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) Target 1.2, aiming to reduce multidimensional poverty by at least half, well before 2030.
• Successful Government Initiatives: Programs like Poshan Abhiyan and Anemia Mukt Bharat have improved healthcare access, while the Targeted Public Distribution System under the National Food Security Act (ensures food grains for over 81 crore beneficiaries), extending free food grain distribution under Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana.
Insta Links:
Multidimensional poverty
Mains Links:
Though there have been several different estimates of poverty in India, all indicate a reduction in poverty levels over time. Do you agree? Critically examine with reference to urban and rural poverty indicators. (UPSC 2015)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 2024 – GS Paper 2:
India-Japan Relations
Syllabus: International Relation
Source: IE
Context: Japan’s Foreign Minister, Kamikawa Yoko, highlights the deep historical ties and democratic values shared between Japan and India. Kamikawa’s visit to India aims to strengthen the “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in key areas like defense, economics, people-to-people exchanges, and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
Key points highlighted in the visit are:
• Historical Ties: Japan and India share deep historical connections and democratic values.
• Strategic Partnership: Strengthened “Japan-India Special Strategic and Global Partnership” in defense, economy, and more.
• Defense Cooperation: Focus on security collaboration, including joint military exercises and technology sharing.
• Economic Collaboration: Progress on key projects like High-Speed Rail and investments in Green and Digital Transformation.
• People-to-People Exchanges: Expanded cultural and tourism exchanges, with events like “Japan Month” and “India Month.”
• Women, Peace, and Security (WPS): Emphasis on women’s leadership in peace initiatives and collaboration in crisis response.
• Global Cooperation: Commitment to multilateral frameworks like the Quad for a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
India-Japan Relations:
India-Japan | Examples
Shared Values | Democracy, Freedom, and Rule of Law
Defence and Security Cooperation | India and Japan Vision 2025: Work together for peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region and the world
Relationship elevated to Special Strategic and Global Partnership (2014)
“2+2” Dialogue
Inclusive and Rule-based International order in Indo-Pacific
FOIP (Free and Open Indo-Pacific).
Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement with India
Military exercises: Dharma Guardian (army), Veer Guardian (Air Force), MILAN, JIMEX (Navy), and Malabar
Strengthening India’s Act East Policy | Japan supports strategic connectivity linking South Asia to Southeast Asia through synergy between the “Act East” policy and “Partnership for Quality Infrastructure.”
Economic Cooperation | Japanese help during India’s Balance of Payments (BOP) crisis in 1991
Bilateral trade over US $20 billion (2022)
Japan was the 4th largest investor in India in FY2020.
Industries Competitiveness Partnership
Comprehensive and Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) since 2011
Culture | Buddhism
Healthcare | Narrative of AHWIN (Japan’s) for AYUSHMAN Bharat.
Investment and ODA | India has been the largest recipient of Japanese Official Development Assistance (ODA) Loan for decades (e.g., Delhi Metro, Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, High-Speed Railways).
Global Partnership | Both are members of G4, Asia-Africa Growth Corridor, Supply chain resilience initiatives, and QUAD.
Space | LUPEX Mission (India’s lunar lander and Japanese rover will explore the moon).
Nuclear Cooperation | India-Japan Nuclear Deal 2016 will help India build six nuclear reactors in southern India.
Digital Infrastructure Cooperation | Cooperation in promoting joint projects for digital transformation (5G, Open RAN, Telecom Network Security, submarine cable systems, Quantum Communications).
Challenges | Climate change and WTO talks (Japan siding with developed countries). Japan’s frosty relations with Russia (Kuril Island dispute).
Conclusion | Relations between two powers can greatly support stability in the world.
Japan can help in India’s rise, e.g., India’s quest to become a global semiconductor Chip Manufacturing hub.
Insta Links
70 YEARS OF INDIA-JAPAN TIES
Mains Links
The India-Japan relationship is facing challenges due to the changing global geopolitical scenario. Analyse the challenges and suggest measures to address them. (250 Words)
Prelims Links
Consider the following countries: ( UPSC 2018)
Which of the above are among the ‘free-trade partners’ of ASEAN?
(a) 1, 2, 4 and 5 (b) 3, 4, 5 and 6 (c) 1, 3, 4 and 5 (d) 2, 3, 4 and 6
Ans: C
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Benefits of Bamboo Cultivation
Source: BS
Once called the “poor man’s timber,” bamboo is now “green gold” for Indian farmers, proving more profitable than crops like sugarcane and cotton. Bamboo farming is spreading beyond the Northeast to regions like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Gujarat. India has 136 native bamboo species. Indian Forest Act, 2017 reclassified bamboo as “grass,” easing restrictions on its cultivation. States like Maharashtra offer financial incentives for bamboo farming.
Benefits:
• Environmental: Bamboo is an efficient carbon converter, producing 35% more oxygen than most plants.
• Economic: High-yielding varieties like “Beema Bamboo” can yield profits of ₹75,000-80,000 per hectare annually.
• Health: Bamboo-based foods are rich in fiber and low in calories, with some therapeutic uses.
• Energy: Bamboo can be used for biofuels, paper production, and as a wood alternative in construction.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Master clock system for railways
Context: For the first time, Indian Railways is set to develop a master clock system to synchronize time across its entire network, addressing issues with the current manual time-keeping method.
• This initiative arose due to difficulties in investigating rail accidents caused by time mismatches across different systems and applications.
• The existing system involves station masters setting time manually based on instructions from section controllers, leading to discrepancies during accident investigations.
• The new master clock system will source time from reliable sources like NAVIC or the National Physical Laboratory (NPL) and will be integrated across various railway applications and systems.
This synchronized time system will enhance operational efficiency and improve the accuracy of post-incident analyses.
ICG Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre
Source: PIB
Context: Raksha Mantri inaugurated the new Indian Coast Guard (ICG) Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC).
• The Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre and the Coast Guard Air Enclave was also inaugurated.
• These facilities are designed to enhance maritime security and ensure efficient responses to emergencies.
Facility | Purpose | Features | Operations
Maritime Rescue Coordination Centre (MRCC) | Improve maritime rescue operations for distressed mariners and fishermen | Advanced equipment for distress monitoring and real-time communication | Manned by highly trained Indian Coast Guard personnel
Regional Marine Pollution Response Centre | Respond to marine pollution, particularly oil and chemical spills | First-of-its-kind in the region; operates 24/7; provides pollution response training | Offers training to various organizations and personnel from friendly countries
Coast Guard Air Enclave | Strengthen maritime security along the coast | Equipped with indigenously built helicopters for maritime patrols and search and rescue missions | Enhances coastal security and rescue operations
Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants
Source: TH
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has launched a project to address the rising concern of microplastic contamination in food.
• The initiative, titled “Micro-and Nano-Plastics as Emerging Food Contaminants,” aims to develop and validate methods for detecting microplastics in various food products and assess their prevalence and exposure levels in India.
• The project is being conducted in collaboration with leading research institutions across India.
• The project will focus on creating standard protocols for microplastic analysis, comparing results across different laboratories, and generating crucial data on microplastic exposure among consumers.
FSSAI’s initiative follows global studies, including a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), highlighting the presence of microplastics in common food items like sugar and salt.
Malabar Tree Toad
- •Source: DTE*
Context: A recent study indicates that the population of the endemic Malabar Tree Toad (MTT) in India’s Western Ghats may decline by 68.7% by 2080 due to climate change, particularly in protected areas (PAs).
• The Malabar Tree Toad, a unique arboreal species rediscovered in 1980 after being first discovered in 1876, faces severe threats from climate change, habitat fragmentation, pollution, and disease.
The study found that climate change is likely to shift Malabar Tree Toad habitats from central to southern Western Ghats, with some wildlife sanctuaries potentially becoming more suitable, while others might lose suitable habitats.
· The Malabar Tree Toad lives mainly in trees, especially in the dense canopy of tropical rainforests. · It is active at night, feeding on insects and other small creatures, while during the day, it hides under leaves or in tree crevices to stay safe from predators and avoid drying out. · The Malabar Tree Toad is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List. |
· It is active at night, feeding on insects and other small creatures, while during the day, it hides under leaves or in tree crevices to stay safe from predators and avoid drying out.
· The Malabar Tree Toad is listed as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List.
Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube
Source: IE
Context: The Arogya Maitri Disaster Management Cube is a cutting-edge, mobile hospital developed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) as part of the Army’s broader BHISHM initiative (Bharat Health Initiative for Sahyog, Hita, and Maitri).
• This state-of-the-art cube, is designed to treat up to 200 casualties, making it a rapid response solution for disaster management.
• The cube is equipped with advanced medical equipment and integrates AI and data analytics for effective coordination and real-time monitoring.
• It includes 72 lightweight, transportable components that can be easily moved by hand, cycle, or drone, offering unmatched flexibility in disaster-struck areas.
• The system also features the BHISHM software for efficient inventory management, ensuring readiness for repeated use.
The cube’s ability to be quickly deployed and its robust, waterproof design make it ideal for emergency situations, potentially saving lives during the critical “golden hour” following mass casualty incidents.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 20 August 2024 [PDF]
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