UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 May 2024

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. 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. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

InstaLinks : Insta Links help you think beyond the issue but relevant to the issue from UPSC prelims and Mains exam point of view. 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. This helps you study a topic holistically and add new dimensions to every current event to help you think analytically.

Table of Contents:

GS Paper 3:

• Economic Cost of Climate Change

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

• India’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Wins Grand Prix

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• Hampi’s Virupaksha temple

• Heat Index

• Special categories of voters

• Radiation Processing

• Combating Oil Spills at Sea

• Mangrove Ecosystem

• Climate Litigation

Mapping

• Africa: Critical Mineral Acquisition Plan by India

Economic Cost of Climate Change

#### GS Paper 3

Syllabus: Economy/ Environment Conservation

Source: IE

Context: The economic toll of climate change is staggering, with recent UN studies revealing that global GDP could have been 37% higher without warming since 1960.

What is Climate Change?

Climate change refers to long-term alterations in temperatures and weather patterns. While natural factors like solar activity and volcanic eruptions can contribute, human activities, especially the burning of fossil fuels, have been the primary driver since the 1800s. From 1970 to 2021, nearly 12,000 climate change-induced disasters occurred, causing over 2 million deaths and $4.3 trillion in economic losses.

India ranked 7th in the Global Climate Risk Index 2021, indicating high exposure and vulnerability to climate risk events. Its diverse climate faces various temperatures, precipitation patterns, and extreme weather events, impacting the economy spatially and temporally.

Impact of Climate Change on the Economy:

Impacts | Description

Reduced Agricultural Productivity and Yield | Climate change can disrupt crop cycles and lower agricultural yield

The southwest monsoon has also become unpredictable. The annual average rainfall in India has gradually declined while intense wet spells as well as dry spells have increased in India.

Setback to Industrial and Service Sector | Increased operational costs, reduced profits, and infrastructure damage can occur due to climate-related regulations, investment shifts, and extreme weather events, affecting industrial and service sectors.

Infrastructure Damage | Extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves induced by climate change can cause significant damage to infrastructure, leading to economic losses.

Labor Market Impacts | Climate-induced health hazards may reduce productivity and prompt migration from climate-vulnerable areas; Global job losses from heat stress by 2030.

In 2020, the World Bank said that India could account for 34 million of the projected 80 million global job losses from heat stress-associated productivity declineby2030.

Risks for Banks and Financial Institutions | Physical and transition risks from climate change can affect banks and financial institutions directly and indirectly, impacting their credit, market, liquidity, operational, and reputational risks.

Impacts on High-Emission Industries | Industries contributing to high greenhouse gas emissions face challenges in transitioning to cleaner technologies, affecting electricity production, transportation, and other sectors.

Resource Scarcity | Climate change worsens water scarcity, leading to conflicts over shared water resources, and impacting agriculture, hydropower, and economic activities.

Erupted Arctic Economic Opportunities | Melting Arctic sea ice opens economic opportunities but also raises concerns over resource exploitation and territorial disputes among nations with interests in the region.

Climate-induced Conflicts | Climate change exacerbates existing tensions and conflicts over resources, particularly in regions facing political instability and economic challenges, such as the Syrian conflict influenced by prolonged drought.

Climate-related Supply Chain Disruptions | Extreme weather events disrupt global supply chains, causing economic losses and shortages of critical goods, exemplified by the 2011 floods in Thailand impacting electronics and automotive manufacturing.

Climate Gentrification | Climate change susceptibility prompts wealthier individuals and businesses to relocate, potentially leading to economic displacement and further marginalization of vulnerable communities in safer areas.

Risk Emanating from climate change:

What should be done:

• Industrial Symbiosis: Revolutionize circular economy, incentivize waste reduction, and promote industrial symbiosis.

• Public-Private Partnerships: Encourage collaborations for green innovation, and establish dedicated funds for startups.

• Climate-Conscious Urban Planning: Prioritize sustainability in city planning, and integrate climate measures into Smart Cities Mission.

• Climate-Resilient Special Economic Zones (SEZs): Create zones with sustainable practices, and attract green businesses and industries.

• National Green Taxonomy: Establish a classification system for sustainable activities, and guide investments and policies.

• Green Bond Financing: Issue sovereign green bonds to fund climate-resilient infrastructure projects.

Conclusion:

India, the third-largest emitter of greenhouse gases in 2020, is projected to peak emissions between 2040-2045, posing challenges for its energy transition plans. A forward-thinking approach is crucial for navigating this trajectory effectively.

Mains Link:

Q.1 Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (UPSC 2021)

Q.2 ‘Climate Change’ is a global problem. How will India be affected by climate change? How Himalayan and coastal states of India be affected by climate change? (USPC 2017)

Prelims Link

Q.1 In the context of India’s preparation for Climate-Smart Agriculture, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2021)

• The ‘Climate-Smart Village’ approach in India is a part of a project led by the Climate Change, Agriculture and Food Security (CCAFS), an international research programme.

• The project of CCAFS is carried out under Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research (CGIAR) headquartered in France.

• The International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-Arid Tropics (ICRISAT) in India is one of the CGIAR’s research centres.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (d)

Q.2 Which of the following best describes/describe the aim of ‘Green India Mission’ of the Government of India? (UPSC 2016)

• Incorporating environmental benefits and costs into the Union and State Budgets thereby implementing the ‘green accounting’.

• Launching the second green revolution to enhance agricultural output so as to ensure food security to one and all in the future.

• Restoring and enhancing forest cover and responding to climate change by a combination of adaptation and mitigation measures.

Select the correct answer using the code given below.

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (c)

Q.3 With reference to ‘Global Climate Change Alliance’, which of the following statements is/are correct? (USPC 2017)

• It is an initiative of the European Union.

• It provides technical and financial support to targeted developing countries to integrate climate change into their development policies and budgets.

• It is coordinated by World Resources Institute (WRI) and World Business Council for Sustainable Development (WBCSD).

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3

Ans: (a)

India’s ‘All We Imagine As Light’ Wins Grand Prix

#### Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: IE

Context: Indian director Payal Kapadia’s debut film “All We Imagine As Light” won the Grand Prix prize.

All We Imagine As Light is an Indo-French production about a nurse, Prabha, and her friend, Anu, who embark on a transformative road trip. Kapadia’s previous documentary, A Night of Knowing Nothing, won the Golden Eye award at Cannes.

What is the Cannes Film Festival?

The Cannes Film Festival is a prestigious annual event held in Cannes, France, showcasing international films and attracting global attention for its film premieres, red-carpet events, and exclusive industry gatherings. It began in 1946 and is renowned for awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or to outstanding films.

Festival Highlights

• Features film premieres, screenings, and exclusive industry events.

• Red carpet events attract global media attention.

• Notable for awarding the prestigious Palme d’Or, with films like “Taxi Driver,” “Pulp Fiction,” and “Parasite” among winners.

• The only Indian film to win the Palme d’Or was “Neecha Nagar” in 1946.

Hampi’s Virupaksha temple

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: A portion of Hampi’s Virupaksha temple collapsed due to heavy rains.

About the Temple:

The Virupaksha Temple in Hampi, dedicated to Lord Virupaksha (a form of Shiva), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Karnataka. Constructed by Lakkan Dandesha under Prauda Deva Raya of the Vijayanagara Empire, it’s one of India’s oldest temples, dating back to the 7th century. The temple features intricate Dravidian architecture with a nine-tiered entrance gate and mathematical patterns. It has survived through the Chalukyan and Hoysala periods, despite damage during Mughal rule. Notable festivals include the marriage of Virupaksha and Pampa in December and the chariot festival in February.

Heat Index

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TOI

Context: The mercury in Delhi reached 41°C recently, but with high humidity, the heat index soared to a blistering 50°C.

IMD now measures the heat index, factoring in both temperature and humidity, providing a more accurate sense of discomfort. Expectations are for the index to hit 54-56°C in the next 48 hours.

Heat Index (HI):

Launched by the India Meteorological Department (IMD) on an experimental basis. Also known as Apparent Temperature, it reflects what the temperature feels like to the human body when relative humidity is combined with the air temperature. It provides information about the impact of humidity on high temperatures and serves as an indicator of human discomfort.

Color codes used for HI:

• Green: HI less than 35°C

• Yellow: HI between 36-45°C

• Orange: HI between 46-55°C

• Red: HI greater than 55°C

Special categories of voters

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Type of Voting | Description | Eligible Voters

In-Person Voting | Voters cast their ballots at designated polling stations on the specified election day using EVMs. | All registered voters.

Postal Ballots | Allows remote voting outside the polling station, without EVMs, before the designated poll date. | Special voters, Essential service workers (railways, telecom, health, media, etc.)., voters on election duty, detainees, and certain absentee voters.

Postal Voting Centers (PVC): Centers where essential service absentee voters can obtain and cast their postal ballots before the election day.

Electronically Transmitted Postal Ballot System (ETPBS) | Encrypted ballots are sent electronically to service voters, who return completed ballots by post. | Service voters (armed forces, paramilitary, government employees abroad).

Home Voting | Election teams visit homes of 85+ aged voters, PwD, and COVID-19-affected voters to facilitate postal voting. | Voters aged 85+, persons with disabilities, COVID-19 affected voters.

Election Duty Certificate (EDC) | Allows election duty personnel to vote at their duty polling station within the same constituency. | Election duty personnel.

Proxy Voting | Service voters appoint a proxy to vote on their behalf at their designated polling station. | Armed and paramilitary forces (Classified Service Voters).

Assisted Voting | Allows a companion to assist a blind or disabled voter in casting their vote. | Voters with blindness or other disabilities.

Radiation Processing

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: BS

Context: The government plans to expand the radiation processing of onions to create a buffer stock of 100,000 tonnes this year, aiming to prevent shortages and price rises.

With output expected to drop by 16%, radiation technology will be used to increase shelf life, reducing hoarding and price volatility.

Radiation Processing:

• Uses ionizing radiations like gamma rays, accelerated electrons, and X-rays.

• Delayed ripening extends shelf life by eliminating spoilage microbes.

• Cannot eliminate microbial toxins and pathogen viruses.

• Causes minimal chemical changes.

• Least impact on nutritional value compared to other methods.

Regulation:

• Radiation Processing is mandated by the Prevention of Food Adulteration (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 1994.

• Requires packages of irradiated foods to display the green irradiation logo endorsed by Codex Alimentarius Commission and the phrase ‘Processed by Irradiation method.

About Onions:

The onion, an herb in the lily family, is globally grown for culinary and medicinal purposes. India is the world’s second-largest producer, with major states including Maharashtra, Karnataka, and others. Maharashtra leads in production (42%), followed by Madhya Pradesh (15%) in 2021-22.

Key export destinations include Bangladesh, Malaysia, UAE, Sri Lanka, and Nepal. Onion farmers lack government MSP-based support and depend solely on market forces.

Combating Oil Spills at Sea

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) organised a ‘Pollution Response Seminar and Mock Drill ’ recently.

Topic | Details

What is an Oil Spill? | The release of liquid petroleum hydrocarbons into the environment, especially marine areas, from tankers, platforms, rigs, or wells.

Substances | Refined products like gasoline, diesel, bunker fuel, or oily refuse.

Examples of Incidents | International: El Palito refinery (Venezuela, 2020), MV Wakashio (Mauritius, 2020), Norilsk diesel spill (Russia, 2020), Deepwater Horizon (Gulf of Mexico, 2010)

India: Chennai (2023 and 2017), Sundarban (2014), ONGC Uran (2013), Mumbai (2010)

Damage | Environmental: Harm to fish, birds, and mammals; habitat contamination; Fisheries: Reduced fish populations, damaged fishing gear; Tourism: Decline due to polluted beaches; Health: Toxic exposure causing respiratory problems, and skin irritation.

International Efforts for Oil Spill Management | MARPOL (1973): International Maritime Organisation’s convention to prevent pollution from ships (India is a signatory); Oil Pollution Preparedness, Response and Cooperation Convention (1990): Framework for international cooperation and mutual assistance in oil spill response (India is a signatory)

Indian Efforts for Oil Spill Management | National Oil Spill Disaster Contingency Plan (NOS-DCP): Managed by the Indian Coast Guard, it ensures effective spillage reporting, prompt response, public health protection, and use of science and technology; Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Grants the government authority to enforce compliance with shipping regulations to prevent oil spills.

Control Measures for Oil Spills | Bioremediation: Using microorganisms to remove toxins (e.g., TERI’s Oil Zapper bacteria). Oil Booms: Floating barriers to contain spills. Dispersants: Chemicals sprayed to aid natural oil breakdown.

Mangrove Ecosystem

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: NIE

Context: The first global mangrove assessment by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), warns of the imminent collapse of South India’s mangrove ecosystems due to pollution, deforestation, and coastal development.

• Unlike the ecosystems in western and eastern India, those in the south are highly vulnerable to collapse, threatened further by rising sea levels and severe storms linked to climate change.

The IUCN Red List of Ecosystems (RLE) has assessed mangrove ecosystems globally for the first time, revealing alarming findings.

• Half of the assessed global mangrove ecosystems are at risk of collapse, with nearly 20% classified as high risk.

• Major threats include climate change, deforestation, development, pollution, and dam construction.

• Climate change alone jeopardizes one-third of assessed mangrove

• Sea-level rise is predicted to submerge 25% of global mangrove area in the next 50 years.

• Without significant intervention, by 2050, climate change and sea-level rise could lead to the loss of 1.8 billion tonnes of stored carbon and expose 2.1 million lives to coastal flooding.

• Indian mangroves vary in status: Andaman and Bay of Bengal are classified as Least Concern, while South India is Critically Endangered, and West India is Vulnerable.

Mangroves play a crucial role in disaster risk reduction, carbon sequestration, and supporting biodiversity and fisheries.

Initiatives for Mangroves:

Global:

• Mangrove Breakthrough: Introduced at UNFCCC COP27 by UN High-Level Climate Champions and Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA).

• Global Mangrove Alliance (GMA) was established at the World Ocean Summit in 2018.

• Mangrove Alliance for Climate: Led by UAE in collaboration with Indonesia.

India:

• Mangrove Initiative for Shoreline Habitats & Tangible Incomes (MISHTI).

• Conservation and Management of Mangroves and Coral Reefs under National Coastal Mission Programme.

Climate Litigation

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: IE

Context: Environmental activists have sued Norway, challenging its proposal for seabed mineral exploration, claiming inadequate impact assessment. Norway’s parliament approved the plan in January, citing minimal impact from the study.

Deep-Sea Mining Explained

• Involves extracting minerals from the ocean floor.

• Types: Polymetallic nodules, seafloor sulphide deposits, cobalt crusts.

• Materials: Nickel, cobalt, rare earth elements, essential for renewable energy and technology.

• Environmental concerns: Ecosystem damage, pollution, sediment plumes affecting marine life.

Climate Litigation Overview

• Definition: Legal action to hold countries and companies accountable for climate efforts and contributions.

• Rising trend: 2,180 cases in 65 jurisdictions by December 2022 (up from 884 in 2017).

• Key Cases: 2,000 Swiss women sued their government over climate inaction. Young plaintiffs in Montana won against the state for neglecting climate change. A 9-year-old girl in India filed a case for greater climate action, later rejected.

• 2,000 Swiss women sued their government over climate inaction.

• Young plaintiffs in Montana won against the state for neglecting climate change.

• A 9-year-old girl in India filed a case for greater climate action, later rejected.

Africa: Critical Mineral Acquisition Plan by India

#### Mapping

Source: Hindu BL

Context: India aims to bolster its access to critical minerals in Africa to enhance resource security and challenge China’s dominance in the region.

• With a list of 30 crucial minerals, including lithium and cobalt, India seeks partnerships in countries like Tanzania, Zimbabwe, Congo, and Zambia.

Khanij Bidesh India Limited (KABIL) was established in 2019 as a joint venture of NALCO, HCL, and MECL to secure strategic minerals like lithium and cobalt from overseas. KABIL handles the identification, acquisition, exploration, and processing of these minerals to meet India’s commercial needs.

The Mineral Security Partnership (MSP) is a US-led coalition of 14 countries, including India, focusing on ensuring stable supply chains for critical minerals like Cobalt, Nickel, Lithium, and rare earth minerals. Its mandate includes diversifying and stabilizing global supply chains, promoting investment, upholding environmental and social standards, and increasing mineral recycling.