UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 August 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 August 2024)
• Jal Jeevan Mission completes five year
Jal Jeevan Mission completes five year
GS Paper 3:
• India’s Space Programme: Key Updates Since Chandrayaan-3
India’s Space Programme: Key Updates Since Chandrayaan-3
• Recent Industrial Accidents Highlight Safety Concerns
Recent Industrial Accidents Highlight Safety Concerns
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Seaplane Operation Guidelines
Seaplane Operation Guidelines
• FSSAI Orders Removal of A1, A2 Milk Claims
FSSAI Orders Removal of A1, A2 Milk Claims
• Heaviest Antimatter Particle Discovered
Heaviest Antimatter Particle Discovered
Mapping:
• Gumti River (Tripura)
Gumti River (Tripura)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 August 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
Jal Jeevan Mission Completes Five-Year
Syllabus: Environmental Conservation/ Government Policies and Intervention
The Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), a central government initiative to provide piped water to every rural household by 2024, was launched in 2019.
Key Achievements
• Over 77% of rural households in India now have piped water connections, a significant leap from the 2019 baseline of 17%.
• States Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Goa, Telangana, Haryana.
• Union Territories Achieving 100% Tap Connectivity: Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Daman & Diu.
• Tap water coverage increased from over 3 crore to 15 crore households.
• 8 states and 3 Union Territories achieved 100% coverage.
• Over 88% of schools and over 85% of Anganwadi centres receive tap water.
• Over 2 lakh villages and 190 districts reached ‘Har Ghar Jal’ status.
About the mission:
A fully functional tap water connection is defined as a household getting at least 55 litres of potable water per capita per day all through the year
Present challenges with the mission:
Aspect | Details
State Disparities | Only a few states report high coverage rates. In contrast, populous states like Uttar Pradesh and Rajasthan have lower coverage.
Quality Concerns | Some households, despite having tap connections, use local groundwater due to inadequate tap water quality.
Reporting and Certification | Adoption numbers rely on self-reporting by villages and lack third-party certification.
Shortcomings in Reality | Despite official claims of 100% household tap connections (FHTC), many households lack taps, and those with taps often receive limited water
Discrepancies in Reporting | Discrepancies exist between official reports and ground reality, where eligible FHTC households are not fully connected to running water supply.
Water Treatment Efforts | Water treatment plants have been commissioned to address water scarcity, but the challenge lies in commissioning pipes over difficult terrain.
Taps Get Stolen | In some areas, taps provided by the mission have been stolen, and households lack sufficient storage to maintain a continuous water supply.
Suggestions:
• Quality Over Quantity: Prioritizing consistent, high-quality tap water adoption in rural India is crucial. States with lower adoption rates and larger populations should receive assistance to improve their numbers.
• Third-Party Assessment: Implement third-party assessments to verify the accuracy of reported tap water connections, ensuring transparency and accountability.
• Focus on Lagging States: Prioritize states with lower adoption rates and larger populations to accelerate progress toward universal tap water coverage.
• Public Awareness: Conduct awareness campaigns to educate rural communities on the benefits of clean tap water and proper water usage.
• Make the Right to Water Legal: In India, the right to water is not enshrined as a fundamental right in the Constitution.
Other steps are taken for water management in Urban Areas:
• Atal Bhujal Yojana: For sustainable management of groundwater resources with community participation in selected water-stressed areas.
• National Aquifer Management Program: For mapping of aquifers, characterization, and development of aquifer management plans.
• National Water Policy (2012): Include provisions like rainwater harvesting, augmenting the availability of water through direct use of rainfall, etc.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT): To provide tap connections to over 1 crore households in 500 cities.
Conclusion:
On 28 July 2010, through Resolution 64/292, the United Nations General Assembly explicitly recognized the human right to water and sanitation and acknowledged that clean drinking water and sanitation are essential to the realization of all human rights.
Insta Links:
• Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) has hit the 51% mark
• Jal Jeevan Mission
Mains Links:
The Jal Jeevan Mission will be a major step towards improving our people’s ease of living and meeting their aspirations of a New India. Analyse. (250 words)
Prelims links:
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2020)
• 36% of India’s districts are classified as “overexploited” or “critical” by the Central Ground Water Authority (CGWA).
• CGWA was formed under the Environment (Protection) Act.
• India has the largest area under groundwater irrigation in the world.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 2 only (d) 1 and 3 only
Ans: B
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 23 August 2024 – GS Paper 3:
India’s Space Programme: Key Updates Since Chandrayaan-3
Syllabus: Science and Technology: Space
Source: TH
Key Achievements Post-Chandrayaan-3:
Achievements | Details
Aditya L1 Mission | Launched on September 2, 2023; reached orbit around Earth-Sun Lagrange point (L1) by January 2024 for solar observation.
Gaganyaan TV-D1 | The first abort mission on October 21, 2023, successfully tested the Crew Escape System for India’s human spaceflight program.
XPoSat | Launched on January 1, 2024; second space-based observatory studying polarized radiation from space.
INSAT-3DS | Launched on February 17, 2024; critical for testing GSLV reliability before the NASA-ISRO NISAR mission.
Reusable Launch Vehicle (RLV-TD) | Conducted successful landing experiments in 2024, paving the way for future orbital return flight tests.
Small Satellite Launch Vehicle (SSLV) | Completed development with successful third flight on August 16, 2024; now ready for industry use.
Roadmaps and Future Plans
Gaganyaan Program | Focus on human spaceflight with astronaut training; the first uncrewed mission is expected in late 2024.
Next-Generation Launch Vehicle (NGLV) | Developing a heavy-lift vehicle for space station and lunar exploration goals.
Lunar Exploration | 25-year roadmap, including plans for an Indian on the Moon by 2040 and long-duration lunar missions.
NSIL Missions | Collaborations with SpaceX and private sector partnerships for LVM-3 development and satellite launches.
National Space Policy 2023 | The government has approved the Indian Space Policy (ISP) 2023, to boost private sector participation and increase investments in the space sector from private companies
Private Sector Participation
Agnikul Cosmos | Launched SoRTeD-01, using a semi-cryogenic engine, marking a significant achievement for India’s private sector.
Skyroot Aerospace | Progressing towards launching Vikram 1 with advancements in space technology development.
IN-SPACe | Issued new guidelines, and licenses, and allowed 100% FDI in most space sectors, except for specific ceilings in satellite manufacturing and operations.
Bottlenecks in the Indian space sector:
• Access to Capital: Limited funding for downstream companies, as upstream activities receive major investments.
• Human Resource Constraints: A need for technically inclined marketing personnel, but they tend to prefer established businesses with market-level salaries.
• Monopolization: High capital requirements make it challenging for many players to enter the industry, leading to potential monopolization.
• Funding Disparity: India’s space budget is significantly smaller compared to countries like
Recommendations:
A recent report by the Indian Space Association, NASSCOM and Deloitte India suggested adopting OECD’s framework for segmenting the space value chain into upstream, downstream and Auxiliary categories
• Upstream: All activities, products and infrastructure that ensure development, testing, launching, operations and monitoring of space assets
• Downstream: All applications, services and devices relying on satellites to create business value including Earth Observation, Satellite, SATCOM, etc
• Auxilliary: Additional space-related activities such as space insurance, awareness, education and training
Conclusion
The Indian space sector has an opportunity to create a vibrant ecosystem for start-ups and private enterprises. India needs to focus on building a comprehensive space policy, providing access to capital for early-stage startups, access to satellite technology for industry, improved training for satellite operations, and allowing private players to use the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) testing facilities.
Insta Links
• Milestones in India’s Space Programme
• Startups are powering India’s Space Odyssey 2.0
Mains Link:
What is India’s plan to have its own space station and how will it benefit our space programme? (UPSC 2019)
Discuss India’s achievements in the field of Space Science and Technology. How the application of this technology has helped India in its socioeconomic development? ( UPSC 2016)
Prelims Links
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2016)
The Mangalyaan launched by ISRO
• is also called the Mars Orbiter Mission
• made India the second country to have a spacecraft orbit the Mars after USA
• made India the only country to be successful in making its spacecraft orbit Mars in its very first attempt
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only (b) 2 and 3 only (c) 1 and 3 only (d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: C
Recent Industrial Accidents Highlight Safety Concerns
Syllabus: Disaster Management
- •Source: TH*
Context: A major blast at Escientia’s pharma plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Atchutapuram SEZ resulted in 17 deaths and numerous injuries, with another fire injuring 10 workers the same day. This follows a previous explosion in the same SEZ and a deadly incident in 2020.
What are Industrial and Chemical Disasters?
They are defined as the sudden release of toxic chemicals causing severe disruption and widespread losses beyond a society’s coping ability. India has reported over 130 major chemical accidents in the past decade, resulting in over 250 fatalities, according to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Examples of Major Industrial Disasters are:
• Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984): A gas leak from Union Carbide’s plant in Bhopal killed over 3,000 people and caused long-term health issues.
• Chasnala Mine Disaster (1975): A mine collapse in Jharkhand due to flooding resulted in over 375 deaths.
• Sukinda Valley Disaster (2008): Toxic waste and acid rain from chromium mines in Odisha led to severe environmental and health impacts.
• Latur Earthquake (1993): An earthquake in Maharashtra caused industrial damage and significant loss of life.
• Gujarat Gas Tragedy (2001): A gas leak from a pipeline in Gujarat resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
• Vishakhapatnam Gas Leak (2020): A styrene leak from the LG Polymers plant in Andhra Pradesh caused at least 12 deaths and numerous injuries.
• Kolkata’s Dharmatala Fire (2018): A fire at a chemical warehouse in Kolkata caused fatalities and extensive damage.
Key Factors Contributing to Industrial Accidents in India:
Factors | Description
Inadequate Regulation and Monitoring | Fragmented regulations with overlapping jurisdictions and loopholes weaken safety oversight and enforcement.
Lack of Comprehensive Chemical Risk Database | Absence of a central database hinders hazard assessment and development of safety protocols.
Insufficient Worker Training and Awareness | Untrained, contractual workers lack safety and emergency response training, increasing risks, especially with hazardous chemicals.
Poor Investment in Worker Safety | Cost-cutting measures neglect safety equipment and infrastructure, such as ventilation and fire safety.
Lack of Maintenance | Poor maintenance practices, as seen in incidents like the Visakhapatnam gas leak and Neyveli boiler blowout, compromise safety.
Legal Measures Against Industrial and Chemical Disasters:
Measures | Description
UN Convention on the Transboundary Effects of Industrial Accidents (1992) | Provides a framework for international cooperation, information sharing, and emergency planning.
Flexible Framework for Accident Prevention and Preparedness (CAPP) (2006) | Offers guidance to build chemical accident prevention programs, tailored to specific needs.
OECD Programme on Chemical Accidents (1990) | Focuses on preventing accidents through best practices and information sharing in chemical safety.
India
Bhopal Gas Leak (Processing of Claims) Act, 1985 | Addresses claims related to the Bhopal gas leak disaster.
Environment Protection Act (EPA), 1986 | Regulates environmental safety and pollution control.
Public Liability Insurance Act (PLIA), 1991 | Mandates insurance for industries handling hazardous substances to provide financial relief.
National Environment Appellate Authority Act, 1997 | Establishes NEAA to handle appeals regarding restrictions on industrial activities.
Hazardous Waste (Management, Handling, and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 1989 | Requires risk identification, preventive measures, and hazard reporting.
National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) Guidelines | Provides direction for chemical disaster management and detailed disaster management plans.
Occupational Safety, Health, and Working Conditions Code, 2020 | Defines employer/employee duties, safety standards, and worker rights including gender equality.
ILO Recommendations on Industrial Disaster Prevention | Requires identification of hazardous materials, maintaining an inventory of major hazard workplaces, and centralized data management.
Way forward:
• Enhanced Regulatory Framework: Develop a national framework with defined roles for agencies to enforce safety regulations.
• Improved Monitoring and Enforcement: Implement stricter penalties and more frequent inspections by qualified personnel.
• Establishing a Chemical Risk Database: Create a centralized database to document risks associated with industrial chemicals.
• Investing in Worker Training: Introduce comprehensive training programs and drills to improve worker awareness of safety protocols.
• Adopting Best Practices and Technologies: Encourage the use of environmentally sound technologies (ESTs) to reduce hazards and manage waste.
• Incentives for Safety Upgrades: Provide financial aid such as tax breaks or subsidies to support infrastructure upgrades and new technologies.
Mains :
With growing energy needs should India keep on expanding its nuclear energy programme? Discuss the facts and fears associated with nuclear energy. (UPSC 2018)
Prelims:
Q1. In India, why are some nuclear reactors kept under “IAEA safeguards” while others are not? (USPC 2020)
(a) Some use uranium and others use thorium (b) Some use imported uranium and others use domestic supplies (c) Some are operated by foreign enterprises and others are operated by domestic enterprises (d) Some are State-owned and others are privately owned
Ans: (b)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Seaplane Operation Guidelines
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Minister for Civil Aviation introduced new guidelines for seaplane operations in India. The guidelines aim to integrate seaplanes into India’s aviation sector, creating jobs and promoting economic growth.
Key points include:
• UDAN 5.4: Launching fresh bids for routes to improve connectivity.
• Seaplane Guidelines: Incorporate seaplanes under the Non-Scheduled Operator Permit (NSOP) and extend Viability Gap Funding (VGF) for initial support.
• Future Plans: The government is focusing on safety, flexibility, and innovation, including research into electric seaplanes to reduce carbon emissions.
FSSAI Orders Removal of A1, A2 Milk Claims
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has directed food businesses and e-commerce platforms to remove claims of ‘A1’ and ‘A2’ milk from packaging and websites.
A1 and A2 Milk Category:
Milk contains different forms of casein protein, with A1 and A2 beta-casein being the primary ones.
• A1 beta-casein: Found mainly in cow breeds from northern Europe, such as Holstein and Friesian.
• A2 beta-casein: Found in milk from breeds like Guernsey and Jersey cows from the Channel Islands and southern France.
Regular milk contains both A1 and A2 proteins, while A2 milk is distinct as it contains only the A2 variant.
Benefits of A1 and A2 Milk Product Category
• Digestive Health: Supporters of A2 milk claim it is easier to digest for some people, potentially reducing issues like bloating, gas, and discomfort, which are sometimes associated with A1 milk.
• Lactose Intolerance: While not directly related to lactose, some individuals with lactose intolerance report better tolerance with A2 milk due to differences in protein composition.
• Marketing Claims: A2 milk is often marketed as a healthier option, which appeals to consumers looking for alternatives to traditional dairy.
Concerns about A1 and A2 Milk Product Category
• Lack of Scientific Consensus: There is limited robust scientific evidence confirming the significant health benefits of A2 milk over regular milk, and much of the claims remain controversial.
• Cost: A2 milk is often more expensive than regular milk due to specialized breeding and production processes.
• Marketing Gimmick: Critics argue that the A1 vs. A2 distinction is a marketing strategy rather than a genuine nutritional difference, misleading consumers without clear regulatory backing.
The claims about A1 and A2, based on differences in beta-casein protein, are not recognized by the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. Companies have six months to phase out pre-printed labels. FSSAI emphasized the importance of eliminating misleading claims, with industry leaders supporting the move.
Heaviest Antimatter Particle Discovered
Source: Live Science
Context: Scientists discovered the heaviest antimatter particle, named antihyperhydrogen-4, at the Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider in New York.
What is Antimatter?
Antimatter is a type of matter composed of antiparticles, which have the same mass as ordinary matter particles but possess opposite electric charges. For example, the antimatter counterpart of an electron (which has a negative charge) is the positron, which has the same mass as an electron but a positive charge. Similarly, the antiproton is the antimatter equivalent of a proton, having the same mass but an opposite, negative charge.
Example:
• Matter: A hydrogen atom is made of one proton (positively charged) and one electron (negatively charged).
• Antimatter: The antimatter version, antihydrogen, consists of one antiproton (negatively charged) and one positron (positively charged).
Difference from Matter:
The key difference between matter and antimatter lies in the charges of their particles. When matter and antimatter come into contact, they annihilate each other, releasing energy in the process. This process is governed by the same fundamental forces, but the charge reversal leads to the annihilation phenomenon.
Despite equal amounts of matter and antimatter being produced at the universe’s birth, matter dominates today. Scientists are still exploring why this imbalance occurred.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 August 2024 Mapping:
Gumti River (Tripura)
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) denied that the floods in Bangladesh were caused by the opening of the Dumbur dam (on the Gumti River) in Tripura.
The Gumti River originates from the Longtharai and Atharamura ranges in Tripura and runs over 167 km to the Indo-Bangladesh border. It flows through Bangladesh and joins the Meghna River near Daudkandi.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 August 2024 [PDF]
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