UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 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 – 24 October 2024)
• Sardar Patel
Sardar Patel
GS Paper 3:
• Solar Radiation Management
Solar Radiation Management
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• I4C Study
I4C Study
• Localized Weather Forecasting
Localized Weather Forecasting
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Industrial Alcohol
Industrial Alcohol
• WorldSkills 2024
WorldSkills 2024
• Kazan Declaration
Kazan Declaration
• Korowai Tribe
Korowai Tribe
• Rat Tail Falls
Rat Tail Falls
Mapping:
• Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 2024
#### GS Paper 1:
Sardar Patel
Syllabus: Freedom Fighters
Source: News on Air
Context: The government announced to commemorate the 150th birth anniversary of Sardar Patel with a two-year-long nationwide celebration beginning this year from October 31st.
Pre-independence contributions:
• Early involvement in politics and leadership: His first major involvement in the freedom struggle came during the Kheda Satyagraha (1917), where he played a significant role in supporting farmers against the British colonial government, protesting the collection of taxes during a severe famine.
• Non-cooperation movement (1920–1922): He successfully mobilized around 300,000 people and raised significant funds for the movement, promoting the use of Khadi and boycotting British goods.
• Bardoli satyagraha (1928): One of Patel’s most famous leadership roles came during the Bardoli Satyagraha, where he fought against an unjust increase in land revenue assessments. The success of this non-violent movement earned him the title of “Sardar” (meaning leader).
• Salt march and Civil disobedience movement (1930): His participation in the Civil Disobedience Movement and his call for mass protests against British salt laws resulted in his imprisonment, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to non-violent resistance against colonial rule.
• Indian National Congress Leadership: Patel played a significant role in the INC, including serving as the President of the INC in 1931. His leadership during the Karachi session of the INC was instrumental in ratifying the Gandhi-Irwin Pact and passing resolutions on Fundamental Rights and Economic Policy.
• Quit India Movement (1942): His leadership mobilized a significant portion of the population in support of the movement, even as he faced imprisonment for participating in civil disobedience.
Post-independence contributions:
• Integration of Princely States (1947-1950): After India gained independence in 1947, one of Patel’s monumental contributions was the integration of more than 560 princely states into the Indian Union.
• Creation of Indian Administrative Service (IAS): Recognizing the need for an efficient and strong administration in independent India, Patel was instrumental in establishing the Indian Administrative Service (IAS) as a unified civil service framework. He famously referred to the IAS as the “steel frame” of India, essential for the country’s governance and development.
• He famously referred to the IAS as the “steel frame” of India, essential for the country’s governance and development.
• Rehabilitation of refugees: Post-partition, Patel took significant steps in the rehabilitation of refugees who fled from Pakistan to India. His efforts helped stabilize the situation, ensuring that those displaced were provided with relief and resettlement opportunities.
• Reform of police and judicial system: As the first Home Minister of India, Patel oversaw the reorganization of India’s police forces and laid the foundation for reforms in the judicial system.
• Formation of unified India: Beyond integrating princely states, Patel played a key role in shaping India’s internal governance structure, ensuring that all regions were integrated under a common administrative framework.
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s role in the integration of India:
• Integration of 565 Princely States: After independence, Sardar Patel, as India’s first Home Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, was responsible for merging over 565 princely states into the Indian Union. His leadership in persuading these states to join India was critical in preventing fragmentation.
• Diplomatic negotiation: Patel primarily used diplomacy and persuasion to convince the princely states to accede to India. His strategy was based on offering them benefits like privy purses while ensuring their protection under the new Indian government.
• Use of force in Junagadh and Hyderabad: When persuasion failed, as in the cases of Junagadh and Hyderabad, Patel did not hesitate to employ military force. The Nawab of Junagadh sought to join Pakistan, but Patel’s decisive action led to its integration into India. Similarly, the Nizam of Hyderabad’s reluctance to accede was overcome through Operation Polo, which led to Hyderabad’s integration in 1948.
• Kashmir accession: Though Patel was not as directly involved in Kashmir’s accession due to Jawaharlal Nehru’s lead, his broader strategy in integrating princely states set a precedent for handling complex issues like Kashmir.
• Preventing fragmentation: Patel’s vision and strategy ensured India’s territorial integrity at a critical moment when it could have fractured into several smaller, independent nations. His actions were key in shaping modern India’s map
Conclusion
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel’s contributions before and after independence were pivotal in shaping the political and territorial structure of modern India. His leadership in the freedom struggle, as well as his vision for a unified and administratively strong India, earned him the title “Iron Man of India.”
Insta Links:
• RSTV-in-depth-sardar-patel\
• Life-of-sardar-vallabhbhai-patel
• What was the difference between Mahatma Gandhi and Rabindranath Tagore in their approach towards education and nationalism? (UPSC-2023)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 2024 GS Paper 3:
Solar Radiation Management
Syllabus: Science and Technology
- •Source: IE*
Context: A new study proposes spraying diamond dust in the upper atmosphere as a geoengineering method to cool the Earth and combat global warming. This method is based on reflecting solar radiation back into space, an approach known as Solar Radiation Management (SRM).
About Solar Radiation Management (SRM):
• Definition: SRM involves scattering reflective materials in the atmosphere to reflect sunlight and reduce the amount of heat that reaches the Earth’s surface.
• Materials used: Besides diamonds, other proposed materials include sulfur dioxide, calcium carbonate, and sodium chloride. Each has varying degrees of reflectivity and risks.
• Inspiration from nature: SRM mimics the effects of volcanic eruptions, such as the Mount Pinatubo eruption, which cooled the Earth by 0.5°C in 1991 by releasing sulfur dioxide.
Spraying diamond dust: How it works?
• Mechanism: Diamond dust, when sprayed into the upper atmosphere, scatters sunlight and reflects solar radiation back into space, preventing it from reaching the Earth’s surface.
• Material choice: Diamonds are considered ideal because they have high reflectivity, meaning they can effectively reflect a significant amount of sunlight.
• Process: The dust would be dispersed into the stratosphere, mimicking the natural cooling effects of volcanic eruptions, which scatter particles that reduce sunlight reaching Earth.
• Scale: To achieve a global temperature reduction of 1.6°C, approximately 5 million tonnes of diamond dust would need to be sprayed annually.
Advantages of spraying diamond dust:
• High efficiency: Diamonds are highly reflective, making them more efficient than other materials like sulfur or calcium carbonate in scattering sunlight.
• Conceptual potential: This method offers a potentially fast-acting solution to temporarily reduce global temperatures and buy time for more sustainable solutions.
• Nature-inspired: The method draws from volcanic eruptions, which have been observed to reduce global temperatures naturally through particle dispersion.
• Minimal carbon footprint: Unlike fossil fuels, using diamonds for SRM does not contribute directly to carbon emissions, aiding the fight against climate change.
Limitations of spraying diamond dust:
• Implementation challenges: The technology and logistics for spraying millions of tonnes of diamond dust annually are not yet feasible, with high costs and infrastructure required.
• Unintended consequences: Large-scale geoengineering may disrupt weather patterns, affect rainfall, and potentially cause harm to ecosystems and biodiversity.
• Temporary solution: SRM addresses symptoms of global warming but does not eliminate greenhouse gases or halt climate change at its source.
• Ethical concerns: Manipulating the Earth’s climate system on such a large scale raises ethical issues, especially regarding impacts on agriculture, wildlife, and human populations.
Conclusion:
Spraying diamond dust into the atmosphere as part of Solar Radiation Management presents a theoretically promising but challenging solution to combat global warming. While it offers a rapid, temporary fix but unintended environmental impacts, must be carefully considered before implementing such geoengineering measures.
Insta Links:
• Climate-change-and-associated-issues
• Solar-radiation-management
• Which of the following statements is/are correct about the deposits of ‘methane hydrate’? (UPSC-2019)
• Global warming might trigger the release of methane gas from these deposits.
• Large deposits of ‘methane hydrate’ are found in Arctic Tundra and under the sea floor.
• Methane in atmosphere oxidizes to carbon dioxide after a decade or two.
Select the correct answer using the code given below.
• 1 and 2 only
• 2 and 3 only
• 1 and 3 only
• 1, 2 and 3
Answer: d)
• ‘Climate change’ is a global problem. How India will be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India will be affected by climate change? (UPSC-2017)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
I4C Study
Context: The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C), under the Union Home Ministry, has projected significant economic losses from cyber frauds in the coming year.
Key Findings from the I4C Study:
• Projected losses: India is expected to lose over ₹1.2 lakh crore due to cyber frauds in the next year, equivalent to 0.7% of the GDP.
• Mule bank accounts: A major contributor to these scams, with approximately 4,000 mule accounts identified daily, serving as intermediaries for money laundering.
• ATM hotspots: 18 ATM hotspots identified across India where fraudulent withdrawals are prevalent. International withdrawals have been traced to ATMs in Dubai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Russia.
• Scam origins: Many scams have been traced to China or Chinese-linked entities, while “scam compounds” in countries like Cambodia, Myanmar, Laos, and Azerbaijan operate like call centers, tricking unsuspecting victims.
• Cryptocurrency: Much of the defrauded money is converted into cryptocurrency before being taken out of the country.
Relevance to the UPSC Syllabus:
• Internal Security: Cyberfraud and its implications for national financial security, under the topic of challenges to internal security through communication networks.
• Governance: Role of institutions like I4C in preventing financial fraud and coordinating cybersecurity measures.
• International Relations: Cross-border cybercrime and India’s collaboration with other countries to tackle international financial fraud networks.
Localized Weather Forecasting
Context: The Ministry of Panchayati Raj, in collaboration with the India Meteorological Department (IMD), is launching a new initiative to provide localized weather forecasting to gram panchayats.
Key points on collaboration:
• Daily weather forecasting: Gram panchayats will receive daily weather updates and have access to hourly forecasts to enhance their preparedness for natural disasters.
• Focus on farmers: The initiative is designed to help farmers by providing accurate weather data, enabling them to adopt sustainable agricultural practices and mitigate risks from climate change.
• Digital access: The forecasts will be available on digital platforms like e-Gram Swaraj and the Meri Panchayat mobile app, ensuring easy access for local authorities and the rural population.
• Climate resilience: The initiative aims to make rural areas more climate-resilient by promoting awareness and preparedness at the grassroots level.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:
• Governance: This initiative can be linked to e-governance efforts in rural development, especially under topics related to Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and the use of technology for governance.
• Agriculture and Climate: Relevant to environmental sustainability and agriculture, helping understand how weather forecasting tools can improve rural agricultural practices.
• Science and Technology: Demonstrates the application of meteorological sciences and technology in real-world governance for rural development.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Industrial Alcohol
Source: TH
Context: In a significant ruling, a nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court upheld the right of State legislatures to regulate industrial alcohol as an “intoxicant” under the ambit of “intoxicating liquor” as mentioned in the State List of the Constitution’s Seventh Schedule.
• This judgment comes after multiple States challenged the Centre’s position that industrial alcohol fell under the exclusive control of the Union government, as per Entry 52 of the Union List.
About lists in news:
• State List (Entry 8): Grants States the authority to regulate “intoxicating liquor” and activities like production, possession, transport, and sale. The Supreme Court extended this definition to include industrial alcohol, recognizing its potential for misuse affecting public health.
• The Supreme Court extended this definition to include industrial alcohol, recognizing its potential for misuse affecting public health.
• Union List (Entry 52): Pertains to industries that require Union control in the public interest. The Centre argued that this gave it exclusive jurisdiction over industrial alcohol, but the Court ruled that the State’s authority under Entry 8 still stands.
• The Centre argued that this gave it exclusive jurisdiction over industrial alcohol, but the Court ruled that the State’s authority under Entry 8 still stands.
About industrial alcohol:
• Industrial alcohol refers to ethanol used primarily for industrial purposes, such as manufacturing, fuel production, or chemical applications.
• Unlike potable alcohol, industrial alcohol is denatured with toxic chemicals to make it unsuitable for human consumption.
• It plays a critical role in sectors like pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, and fuels.
Feature | Absolute Alcohol | Denatured Alcohol
Composition | Pure ethanol (minimal or no additives) | Ethanol with high concentration of toxic additives
Safety | Drinkable but highly dangerous in high amounts | Poisonous, unfit for consumption due to toxic additives
Additives | May contain trace impurities | Contains substances like methanol, rendering it toxic
Applications | Medical and laboratory use (sterilization, chemicals) | Industrial applications (fuel, cleaning solvents)
Smell & Taste | Characteristic alcoholic odor, slightly sweet taste | Foul odor, bitter taste due to additives
Taxation | Higher taxes due to its purity and potential for drinking | Lower or tax-exempt since it’s unsuitable for drinking
Cases and judgement:
• ITC Ltd v. Agricultural Produce Market Committee (2002): The Supreme Court affirmed that states are not subordinate to the Centre, emphasizing the need to maintain a constitutional balance of powers between them.
• The Supreme Court affirmed that states are not subordinate to the Centre, emphasizing the need to maintain a constitutional balance of powers between them.
• Synthetics & Chemicals Ltd v. State of Uttar Pradesh (1989): A 7-judge Bench ruled that states’ powers under Entry 8 of the State List are limited to regulating “intoxicating liquors,” leaving the regulation of industrial alcohol to the Centre.
• A 7-judge Bench ruled that states’ powers under Entry 8 of the State List are limited to regulating “intoxicating liquors,” leaving the regulation of industrial alcohol to the Centre.
• Ch Tika Ramji v. State of UP (1956): The Court upheld a state law regulating the sugarcane industry, confirming that states can legislate in industries even when central laws exist, reinforcing federal principles.
• The Court upheld a state law regulating the sugarcane industry, confirming that states can legislate in industries even when central laws exist, reinforcing federal principles.
Insta links:
• Liquor-policy-issues-in-the-liquor-industry
• Federalism-in-India
E. coli
Source: IE
Context: Recently, an E. coli outbreak in the U.S. has caused the death of one individual and led to the hospitalization of 10 others after consuming McDonald’s burgers. The incident has sparked concerns over food safety and the spread of such infections.
About E. coli:
• Definition: coli is a type of bacteria that normally resides in the intestines of humans and animals. While most strains are harmless, some can cause serious illness.
• Toxin Production: The dangerous strains produce Shiga toxins, damaging the lining of the small intestine and causing diarrhea.
• Common Symptoms: Infections can result in diarrhea (often bloody), stomach cramps, fever, and nausea.
• Transmission: Spread through contaminated food, water, and contact with fecal matter from infected humans or animals.
• Most Known Strain: coli O157 is the most commonly known strain linked to severe infections.
• Severe Complications: In rare cases, it can lead to hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which can cause kidney failure, particularly in children and the elderly.
• Treatment: Most infections resolve on their own, but hydration is key. In severe cases, medical intervention may be needed.
Insta links:
• Antibiotic-resistant-bacteria
• Abaucin
WorldSkills 2024
Source: News on Air
Context: Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, will felicitate WorldSkills 2024 winners for their outstanding achievements at a competition that was held in France.
About WorldSkills 2024:
• Event: 47th edition of WorldSkills 2024 took place in Lyon, France. It is a biannual competition of international skilling.
• 47th edition of WorldSkills 2024 took place in Lyon, France.
• It is a biannual competition of international skilling.
• It is considered the largest global competition for skills, often compared to the Olympic Games for vocational skills.
• Team India:
• India sent its largest-ever contingent with 60 participants, competing in 52 skill categories.
• Medals and achievements:
• India secured 4 Bronze medals in Patisserie, Industry 4.0, Hotel Reception, and Renewable Energy.
• Additionally, 12 participants earned Medallions of Excellence, showcasing India’s rising prominence in the global skills arena.
• Best of Nation Award: Ashwitha Police won the award for Patisserie and Confectionery, marking her as the top performer from India.
• Significance:
• The event aligns with India’s goal to become a global hub for skilled talent, emphasizing its growing expertise in various vocational domains.
• This year’s participation also marked a breakthrough moment with more women competing in traditionally male-dominated skills.
Insta Links:
• Skill-Development
Kazan Declaration
Source: MEA
Context: The 16th BRICS Summit saw the leaders adopt the Kazan Declaration: ‘Strengthening Multilateralism For Just Global Development And Security’
16th BRICS Summit, 2024:
• Host: The 16th BRICS Summit was hosted by Russia in Kazan from October 22 to October 24, 2024.
• Theme: “Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security”.
• Participants: Leaders of BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa) along with new partner countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.
• Objective: Discussing economic cooperation, multilateralism, geopolitical concerns, and the interests of the Global South.
Kazan Declaration – Key outcomes:
Key Area | Highlights
Geopolitical Concerns | Call for peaceful resolution to the Ukraine conflict through diplomacy.
| Concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Palestine and condemnation of violence in Gaza, West Bank, and Lebanon.
Global Governance & Multilateralism | Emphasis on the reform of global financial architecture and multilateralism.
| Support for the continued functioning of the G20 and a reformed, responsive global financial system.
Economic Cooperation | Promotion of local currencies for cross-border payments to reduce trade barriers.
| Agreement to explore the establishment of a BRICS Grain Exchange and a BRICS Cross-Border Payment System.
Pandemic Preparedness & Health | Support for the BRICS R&D Vaccine Center and Early Warning Systems for infectious diseases.
| Addressing antimicrobial resistance and enhancing healthcare collaboration.
Environmental Conservation | Support for India’s Big Cats Conservation initiative and collaboration on protecting endangered species.
Expansion & Partnerships | Welcoming new BRICS partners from Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, expanding the bloc’s influence in the Global South.
Insta links:
• Turkeys-bid-to-join-brics
• 15th-brics-summit
Korowai Tribe
Source: India.com
Context: Indian vlogger Dheeraj Meena visited the jungles of Indonesia to meet ‘human eating’ Korowai tribes and documented his interaction with the tribal community.
About Korowai Tribe:
• Location: The Korowai tribe inhabits the southeastern region of Papua, Indonesia.
• Forest connection: The tribe has a profound bond with the forest, which provides them with food through hunting and gathering.
• Isolation: Until the mid-1970s, the Korowai had almost no interaction with the outside world.
• Treehouses: They are known for building treehouses elevated 8-15 meters above the ground, with some as high as 45 meters.
• Social structure: The tribe practices equality, with no formal hierarchy, valuing harmony among members.
• Cannibalism history: Historically, they practiced cannibalism for spiritual and social reasons, but this has largely ceased in recent times.
Insta Links:
• Tribes-in-news
Rat Tail Falls
Source: TH
Context: The Rat Tail Falls, located in the Dindigul district of Tamil Nadu, stands as the state’s tallest waterfall at 947 feet. Recent heavy rainfall has significantly increased its water flow, enhancing its dramatic cascade down the hills.
About Rat Tail falls (Thalaiyar falls):
• Location: Theni District, Tamil Nadu, India.
• Height: Stands at 297 meters (974 feet), making it the tallest waterfall in Tamil Nadu, the sixth highest in India, and the 267th highest globally.
• Water source: The falls form part of the Manjalar River, a tributary of the Vaigai River.
• Visibility: The waterfall can be seen from the Dum Dum Rock viewpoint on the Batalugundu-Kodaikanal Ghat Road, located about 3.6 km away.
• Scenic view: It is recognized for its unique appearance as a long, thin strip of water cascading down a black rock cliff, especially noticeable on clear days.
Insta links:
• Type of falls
• Lonavala waterfalls
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 October 2024 Mapping:
Arugam Bay
Source: TOI
Context: Israel has advised its citizens to swiftly leave tourist regions in Sri Lanka, specifically the Arugam Bay area, due to a potential terrorist threat.
About Arugam Bay:
• Location: Arugam Bay, also known as “Arugam Kudah,” is located on Sri Lanka’s southeast coast, within the Batticaloa Territory.
• Historical significance: It is part of the ancient Mattakallappu Desam, a historic region in Sri Lanka.
• Tourism: A popular spot for Israeli tourists, with many businesses catering to Hebrew-speaking visitors, including eateries, spas, and a Chabad house.
• Name origin: The Tamil name “Arugam Kudah” translates to “Bay of Cynodon dactylon,” referring to a type of grass commonly found in the area.
Insta links:
• Israel-Palestine-issue
• Hambantota-port
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