UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 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 – 27 June 2024)

• Global impacts of heat and water stress on food production and severe food insecurity

Global impacts of heat and water stress on food production and severe food insecurity

• Global Trans-fat Elimination

Global Trans-fat Elimination

• Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands: Strategic and Ecological significance

Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands: Strategic and Ecological significance

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) initiative

Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) initiative

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Deputy Speaker

Deputy Speaker

• Leader of Opposition

Leader of Opposition

• ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme (NILP)

ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme (NILP)

• Multi-omics

Multi-omics

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2024

#### GS Paper 2:

Global impacts of heat and water stress on food production and severe food insecurity

Syllabus: Agriculture

• •Source: DTE*

Context: The report “Global impacts of heat and water stress on food production and severe food insecurity,” published in Scientific Reports, showed a projected decline in food production by 2050 under various climate change scenarios.

What is Food Insecurity?

Food insecurity is the lack of reliable access to sufficient, affordable, and nutritious food. Severe food insecurity is when individuals frequently run out of food, go hungry, and lack the means to eat regularly.

Major Findings of the Report:

• Global Food Production Decline: Heat and water stress could lead to a 6-14% decrease in global food production by 2050.

• Increase in Food Insecurity: The number of people with severe food insecurity could rise by up to 1.36 billion by 2050 compared to 2020.

• Regional Food Production Decline: India: almost 16% decline China: 22% decline United States: about 12% decline Africa: about 8-11% decline Australia: about 14% decline Central America: about 19% decline

• India: almost 16% decline

• China: 22% decline

• United States: about 12% decline

• Africa: about 8-11% decline

• Australia: about 14% decline

• Central America: about 19% decline

• Shift in Food Trade: Regions like China and ASEAN could become food importers by 2050.

• Food Price Increase: Significant increases in food prices, especially under extreme warming scenarios and in regions with high water stress.

• Impact of Extreme Weather: Weather extremes have been a major driver of acute food insecurity, affecting over 72 million people in 18 countries.

• Record-breaking Temperatures: May 2024 was the warmest May on record, continuing a trend of record-breaking monthly temperatures.

• Persistent Acute Food Insecurity: Nearly 282 million people faced high levels of acute food insecurity in 2023, with extreme weather being a significant factor.

Other Impacts of climate change on the food system:

Aspect of Food System | Impact of Climate Change

Crop Production | 1. Alters growing conditions, affecting crop yields and quality. 2. Increased temperatures can lead to heat stress in crops. 3. Changes in precipitation patterns can result in droughts or floods. 4. Altered pest and disease dynamics affect crop health.

Food Availability | 1. Unpredictable weather patterns disrupt seasonal food availability 2. Extreme weather events can damage crops and disrupt supply chains 3. Reduced food availability can lead to price fluctuations and shortages.

Food Quality and Safety | 1. Altered climate conditions affect the nutritional content of crops. 2. Increased temperatures can lead to spoilage and food safety issues 3. Changes in water availability impact food processing and safety.

Food Security | 1. Climate-induced crop failures can lead to food insecurity 2. Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by food shortages 3. Migration and conflict may result from food-related stressors.

Food Distribution | 1. Transportation routes may be disrupted due to extreme weather events. 2. Increased energy costs for transportation impact food prices 3. Changes in trade patterns affect global food distribution.

Food Waste | 1. Climate change can exacerbate food waste due to spoilage from temperature fluctuations 2. Resource-intensive food production contributes to waste.

Ecosystem Disruption | 1. Climate change alters ecosystems and biodiversity, affecting pollinators and natural pest control 2. Loss of biodiversity can disrupt food production and the ecosystem

1. 1.Increased temperatures can lead to heat stress in crops.

1. 1.Changes in precipitation patterns can result in droughts or floods.

1. 1.Altered pest and disease dynamics affect crop health.

1. 1.Extreme weather events can damage crops and disrupt supply chains

1. 1.Reduced food availability can lead to price fluctuations and shortages.

1. 1.Increased temperatures can lead to spoilage and food safety issues

1. 1.Changes in water availability impact food processing and safety.

1. 1.Vulnerable populations are disproportionately affected by food shortages

1. 1.Migration and conflict may result from food-related stressors.

1. 1.Increased energy costs for transportation impact food prices

1. 1.Changes in trade patterns affect global food distribution.

1. 1.Resource-intensive food production contributes to waste.

1. 1.Loss of biodiversity can disrupt food production and the ecosystem

Solutions:

• Importance of Adaptation: Scaling up support, including finance, capacity-building, and technology transfer, is urgent to enhance adaptive capacity and reduce vulnerability.

• Crop diversification: Diversifying cropping patterns, particularly towards millets, pulses, and horticulture, for sustainable agriculture.

• Adaptation Finance: Multilateral banks, financial institutions, and the private sector should mobilize more resources for adaptation.

• Multi-Pronged Approach: Addressing the climate-hunger crisis involves creating resilient livelihoods, promoting climate-resilient food crops, empowering women, supporting small-holder farmers, and increasing knowledge about vulnerability and food security.

• Sustainable Food Systems: Sustainability should be integrated into production, value chains, and consumption. Cash transfers for sustainable agriculture can be more effective than input subsidies.

• Cash transfers for sustainable agriculture can be more effective than input subsidies.

• Non-Agriculture Sector: Labor-intensive manufacturing and services can reduce the pressure on agriculture, especially for smallholders and informal workers. Strengthening rural MSMEs and the food processing sector is part of the solution.

• Strengthening rural MSMEs and the food processing sector is part of the solution.

Insta Links:

Climate change and agriculture

Mains Links:

What measures should India take to weather-proof its food security in the face of climate change?

Global Trans-fat Elimination

Syllabus: Science and Technology: Health

Source: WHO

Context: WHO has published its fifth milestone report on global trans-fat elimination, covering 2018-2023.

What are trans fatty acids?

TFA stands for trans fatty acids, commonly known as trans fats. These are a type of unsaturated fat that can be found in small amounts in nature but are primarily produced industrially. Industrial trans fats are created through a process called hydrogenation, where hydrogen is added to liquid vegetable oils to make them more solid. These fats are commonly used in processed foods, such as baked goods, snacks, and margarine, to improve texture, shelf life, and flavour stability.

WHO’s recommendation for adults is to limit consumption of trans fat to less than 1% of total energy intake.

Key Highlights of the Report:

• By late 2023, WHO’s best-practice trans-fat elimination policies were implemented in 53 nations, covering around 46% of the global population.

• In India, approximately 4.63% of coronary heart disease deaths are attributed to TFA intake.

Harmful Effects of Trans Fats:

Harmful Effects of Trans Fats | Description

Heart Disease | Raises total cholesterol and lowers HDL (good) cholesterol, increasing the risk of heart disease.

Obesity | Contributes to weight gain and obesity due to its adverse effects on metabolism.

Type 2 Diabetes | Increases the risk of developing insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes.

Metabolic Syndrome | This leads to conditions like high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess abdominal fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, raising the risk of heart attack and stroke.

Infertility | May negatively affect reproductive health and fertility.

Cancer | Associated with a higher risk of certain types of cancers.

Compromised Fetal Development | Can harm fetal development, leading to potential complications for the unborn baby.

Insulin Resistance | Impairs the body’s ability to use insulin effectively, contributing to metabolic disorders.

Other Issues: Trans fats can harm brain function and the immune system, lack nutritional value, strain healthcare systems due to associated health costs, and contribute significantly to obesity.

Challenges in Controlling TFA Usage:

• Lack of Awareness: The public and industry lack knowledge about TFA harms.

• Regulatory Gaps: Incomplete or inconsistent regulations across regions.

• Industry Resistance: Pushback from food manufacturers due to cost and convenience.

• Monitoring and Enforcement: Difficulty in ensuring compliance with regulations.

• Global Trade Dynamics: Variability in international trade policies affects consistency.

• Cost of Reformulation: High expenses involved in changing product recipes.

• Consumer Preferences: Preference for taste and texture of TFA-containing foods.

• Inconsistent Policies: Varied policies across countries complicate control efforts.

Initiatives to tackle Trans-Fats:

National Initiatives | Description

FSSAI “Trans Fat-Free” logo | Voluntary labelling promoting TFA-free products with TFA not exceeding 0.2g per 100g/ml.

“Heart Attack Rewind” campaign | Mass media effort to eliminate industrial trans fats, part of the broader “Eat Right” campaign initiated in 2018.

Pledge by edible oil industries | Commitment to reduce salt, sugar, saturated fat, and trans-fat content by 2%

Swasth Bharat Yatra | Pan-India cyclothon under the “Eat Right” campaign to engage citizens on food safety and healthy diets.

Regulation of trans fats | FSSAI regulations to cap TFA in oils and fats to 2% by 2022, down from 5% previously allowed.

Eat Right Movement | Initiative to transform India’s food system for safe, healthy, and sustainable food under “Eat Right India”.

Green Purple initiative | Program promoting trans-fat-free cooking and food safety among chefs and food establishments.

Global Initiatives

WHO “REPLACE” campaign | The global campaign to eliminate trans fats from industrially produced edible oils by 2023.

WHO Validation Programme for Trans Fat Elimination | Recognizes and supports countries in eliminating TFA, driving policy progress globally.

Key Recommendations of WHO report:

• A mandatory national limit of two grams of industrially produced trans-fat per 100 grams of total fat in all foods

• Sub-regional bodies should pass mandatory TFA elimination policies binding on member states to facilitate trade and policy implementation.

• Food manufacturers should voluntarily eliminate industrially produced TFA across their product lines, beyond complying with national policies.

More measures to eliminate trans fats in food:

• Implement regulations: Set limits on trans fats in food or ban partially hydrogenated oils.

• Increase public awareness: Educate about health risks and how to avoid trans fats.

• Develop alternatives: Research substitutes without health risks.

• Encourage reformulation: Prompt food makers to reduce or remove trans fats.

• Promote healthy eating: Advocate balanced diets low in trans fats.

• Taxation: Consider taxing trans-fat products.

• Incentives: Reward low-trans fat food production.

Insta Links:

• 5 billion people globally are exposed to toxic trans-fat linked to heart disease

Prelims Link:

Regular intake of fresh fruits and vegetables is recommended in the diet since they are a good source of antioxidants. How do antioxidants help a person maintain health and promote longevity? (UPSC 2011)

A. They activate the enzymes necessary for vitamin synthesis in the body and help prevent vitamin deficiency.

B. They prevent excessive oxidation of Carbohydrates, fats and proteins in the body and avoid unnecessary wastage of energy.

C. They neutralize the free radicals produced in the body during metabolism.

D. They activate certain genes in the cells of the body and help delay the ageing process

Answer: C

Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands: Strategic and Ecological significance

Syllabus: Internal Security/ Environment Conservation

Source: IE

Context: The Indian government must recognize the strategic and ecological significance of the Andaman & Nicobar (A&N) islands.

Strategic Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India

• Forward Défense Position: Crucial presence in the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea. Key in monitoring and controlling maritime chokepoints like the Malacca Strait

• Naval Power Projection: Acts as India’s first line of defence against eastern threats. Base for projecting naval strength into the eastern Indian Ocean and western Pacific, countering China’s naval presence.

• Integrated Military Command: Hosts the Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC), India’s only tri-service theatre command. Serves as a model for integrated military operations, vital for future conflicts.

• Exclusive Economic Zone Expansion: Extends India’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) and continental shelf under UNCLOS.

• Maritime Trade Hub Potential: Development of Galathea Bay in Great Nicobar Island as a transhipment port. Could become a major hub for international maritime trade, rivalling ports like Singapore.

Ecological Significance of Andaman and Nicobar Islands for India

• Biodiversity Hotspot: Home to over 2,200 species of plants, 270 species of birds, and numerous mammals and reptiles.

• Example: Great Nicobar Biosphere Reserve, which hosts endemic species like the Nicobar Megapode.

• Marine Ecosystems: Example: The coral reefs around Havelock Island, which support diverse marine species and protect against coastal erosion.

• Unique Fauna: Several endemic species of animals and birds. Example: The Narcondam Hornbill, found only on Narcondam Island.

• Critical Habitats: Important nesting sites for endangered species. Example: Leatherback turtles nest on the beaches of Great Nicobar Island.

• Mangrove Forests: Extensive mangrove coverage providing vital ecosystem services.

• Eco-Tourism Opportunities: Pristine beaches, coral reefs, and unique wildlife offer immense eco-tourism potential. Generates revenue, creates jobs, and boosts the Indian economy.

• Cultural and Anthropological Significance: Home to indigenous tribes like the Shompen for millennia. Preserving their unique culture and way of life is crucial for the islands’ identity.

About the Great Nicobar Project:

It was introduced in the 1970s for national security in the Indian Ocean Region and has gained urgency due to increased Chinese activity in the Bay of Bengal and Indo-Pacific. The Rs 72,000 crore development includes a ₹35,000 crore transhipment port at Galathea Bay, a dual-use military-civil international airport, a power plant, and a greenfield township, overseen by the Andaman and Nicobar Islands Integrated Development Corporation.

Challenges faced by A&N:

• Environmental vs. Developmental Balance: Balancing strategic and economic growth with the protection of unique ecosystems and biodiversity, such as leatherback turtle nesting sites at Galathea Bay, presents significant challenges.

• Indigenous Rights and Preservation: Development often conflicts with the preservation of the culture and rights of Indigenous tribes like the Jarawas, Onges, and Sentinelese, risking violations of protective laws.

• Infrastructure Challenges: The remote location, difficult terrain, and seismic activity complicate infrastructure projects, including sourcing materials and skilled labour.

• Climate Vulnerability: The islands’ susceptibility to climate change impacts, such as rising sea levels, threatens both infrastructure and indigenous communities, necessitating long-term adaptive strategies.

• Surveillance Deficiencies: Inadequate surveillance networks over the vast maritime expanse leave critical chokepoints like the Six Degree Channel vulnerable.

Way forward:

To ensure balanced development in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, several strategic initiatives can be implemented. These include establishing a centre that integrates traditional tribal knowledge with modern science to advance medicine, sustainable forestry practices, and climate-resilient agriculture. Additionally, creating a startup incubator focused on maritime technologies and sustainable island development will stimulate innovation and attract investment. Designating specific islands as diplomatic and cultural exchange zones for regional cooperation summits, coupled with implementing blockchain technology for transparent resource management, will enhance sustainability and international collaboration.

Insta Links:

• Andaman and Nicobar to establish wildlife sanctuaries

Prelims Link:

Q1. Which one of the following pairs of islands is separated from each other by the ‘Ten Degree Channel’? (UPSC 2014)

(a) Andaman and Nicobar

(b) Nicobar and Sumatra

(c) Maldives and Lakshadweep

(d) Sumatra and Java

Ans: (a)

Q2. Which of the following have coral reefs? (USPC 2014)

• Andaman and Nicobar Islands

• Gulf of Kachchh

• Gulf of Mannar

• Sunderbans

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1, 2 and 3 only

(b) 2 and 4 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Ans: (a)

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) initiative

• •Source: PIB*

Context: MoHUA has launched the Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) initiative under SBM-U 2.0 to bolster Urban Local Bodies’ readiness for monsoon challenges.

Aim: Aimed at mitigating health risks exacerbated by heavy rainfall, the initiative spans from July 1st to August 31st, 2024. It emphasizes comprehensive cleanliness drives, waste management, water quality assessments, and hygiene promotion across ULBs.

The initiative demonstrates ethical values such as:

• Community Care: Prioritizing community health and well-being through proactive measures.

• Transparency: Ensuring transparency in operations and resource allocation for sanitation efforts.

• Collaboration: Encouraging inter-sectoral collaboration to tackle cleanliness and health challenges effectively.

• Equity: Promoting equal access to sanitation and hygiene facilities across urban areas.

• Accountability: Holding stakeholders accountable for maintaining cleanliness standards and health outcomes.

#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: The Goan dessert Dodol is poised to receive a Geographical Indication (GI) tag.

• While GI tags are valuable for commercial purposes by linking products to their geographic origins and unique qualities, they often overlook the dynamic and migratory nature of food culture.

About GI Tag:

• A Geographical Indication (GI) is a designation used on products with a specific geographical origin, indicating qualities or reputation linked to that origin.

• Internationally recognized under the Paris Convention, GI is part of Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs), covered by the WTO’s TRIPS Agreement, Madrid Agreement, and Lisbon Agreement.

• In India, GI registration is governed by the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act of 1999.

• Administered by the Registrar of Geographical Indications (RGI), it identifies agricultural, natural, or manufactured goods, providing legal protection for 10 years, renewable.

• The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, Ministry of Commerce and Industry, oversees GI registration, offering protection against unauthorized use, promoting exports, and ensuring quality and distinctiveness.

Deputy Speaker

• •Source: IE*

Context: The Deputy Speaker post in the Lok Sabha has been vacant from 2019 to 2024.

• With the Opposition’s increased strength, they are pushing for this position, which they held continuously from 1990 to 2014.

About Deputy Speaker:

• The role of the Deputy Speaker, outlined in Articles 93 and 95(1) of the Constitution, is to perform the duties of the Speaker when the position is vacant.

• The Deputy Speaker is elected by a simple majority in the Lok Sabha, typically during the second session of the new House.

• Despite the constitutional requirement for both Speaker and Deputy Speaker to be elected “as soon as may be,” there is no specified timeframe, allowing delays in appointment.

Leader of Opposition

Source: IE

Context: The position of Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha has been filled , which was vacant for 10 years because no party had numbers equalling a tenth of the strength of the House, which has been by practice a requirement to lay claim to the post.

• The role of the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha includes representing the opposition in the House, voicing the opposition’s views, and facilitating the smooth functioning of parliamentary busines

• The position, officially described in The Salary and Allowances of Leaders of Opposition in Parliament Act, 1977, is occupied by the leader of the largest party in opposition.

• In practical terms, the Leader of Opposition participates in high-powered committees for key appointments, such as the Director of CBI and the Central Vigilance Commissioner.

• This role is crucial for ensuring checks and balances within the government.

• The Leader of Opposition sits in the front row and enjoys certain ceremonial privileges.

ULLAS – New India Literacy Programme (NILP)

• •Source: TOI*

Context: Recently Ladakh has been declared fully functionally literate under the ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram, achieving a literacy rate of over 97%.

The ULLAS – Nav Bharat Saaksharta Karyakram (New India Literacy Programme), a centrally sponsored scheme from 2022-2027 aligned with NEP 2020. The scheme has five components, namely;

• Foundational Literacy and Numeracy,

• Critical Life Skills (which include, financial literacy, digital literacy, legal literacy, healthcare and awareness, childcare and education, family welfare, etc.),

• Basic Education (includes preparatory (classes 3 – 5), middle (classes 6- 8), and secondary stage (classes 9-12) equivalency),

• Vocational Skills (Skill development will be a part of the continuous learning process for neo-literates to obtain local employment),

• Continuing Education (This includes engaging holistic adult education courses in arts, sciences, technology, culture, sports, recreation, as well as other topics of interest or use to local learners).

Multi-omics

• •Source: TH*

Context: India’s use of multi-omics—integrating genomics, metagenomics, proteomics, transcriptomics, and epigenomics—is revolutionizing the detection and treatment of diseases like tuberculosis (TB), cancers, and antimicrobial resistance.

Major initiatives include:

• Genome India Project: Sequenced 10,000 genomes from 99 ethnic groups to develop a reference genome, aiding in low-cost diagnostics and research.

• IndiGen Project: Sequenced genomes of 1,008 individuals to analyze genetic disease epidemiology and optimize treatments.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 June 2024 [PDF]

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