UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 November 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 November 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 November 2024)
• Menace of Microplastic
Menace of Microplastic
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Violence Against Women
Violence Against Women
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Dairy Sector Performance
Dairy Sector Performance
• Riyadh Design Law Treaty
Riyadh Design Law Treaty
• PAN 2.0
PAN 2.0
• Women in the Constituent Assembly
Women in the Constituent Assembly
• Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, 2024
Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, 2024
• Sukpak: A Siberian Demoiselle Crane
Sukpak: A Siberian Demoiselle Crane
• Siddi Community
Siddi Community
Mapping:
• Uttarakhand State’s Rivers
Uttarakhand State’s Rivers
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 November 2024
#### GS Paper 3:
Menace of Microplastic
Syllabus: Environment
Source: DTE
Context: As the world moves toward the finalization of the Global Plastics Treaty, reducing microplastic pollution has become an urgent priority, demanding a multi-pronged approach involving regulations, innovative technologies, and global cooperation.
What are Microplastics and Their Classifications
• Definition: Plastics less than 5 mm in diameter, formed through fragmentation or intentionally manufactured for specific uses.
• Classifications: Primary Microplastics: Manufactured for commercial use, such as microbeads in cosmetics, plastic pellets, and synthetic fibers. Secondary Microplastics: Formed from the breakdown of larger plastics, such as water bottles, due to solar radiation, ocean waves, and mechanical forces.
• Primary Microplastics: Manufactured for commercial use, such as microbeads in cosmetics, plastic pellets, and synthetic fibers.
• Secondary Microplastics: Formed from the breakdown of larger plastics, such as water bottles, due to solar radiation, ocean waves, and mechanical forces.
Applications of Microplastics
• Medical and Pharmaceutical: Used in drug delivery systems due to their ability to absorb and release chemicals effectively.
• Industrial: Utilized in air-blasting technology and in producing synthetic textiles.
• Personal Care Products: Found in exfoliating agents like facial scrubs, toothpaste, and other cosmetics.
Impacts of Microplastics:
• On the Environment:
• Soil Degradation: Reduces soil quality, alters chemical properties, and disrupts water retention and nutrient cycles. Aquatic Pollution: Bioaccumulates in marine organisms and contributes to toxic chemical leaching into water bodies.
• Soil Degradation: Reduces soil quality, alters chemical properties, and disrupts water retention and nutrient cycles.
• Aquatic Pollution: Bioaccumulates in marine organisms and contributes to toxic chemical leaching into water bodies.
• On Animals:
• Trophic Transfer: Microplastics consumed by smaller organisms are passed through the food chain, affecting higher predators. Reproductive and Growth Impacts: Causes stunted growth, reduced fertility, and cell damage in aquatic and terrestrial species.
• Trophic Transfer: Microplastics consumed by smaller organisms are passed through the food chain, affecting higher predators.
• Reproductive and Growth Impacts: Causes stunted growth, reduced fertility, and cell damage in aquatic and terrestrial species.
• On Humans:
• Health Risks: Linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and disruptions in metabolism and reproduction. Organ Accumulation: Detected in the brain, lungs, placenta, and even heart tissues, increasing risks of stroke, heart attacks, and immune disorders.
• Health Risks: Linked to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and disruptions in metabolism and reproduction.
• Organ Accumulation: Detected in the brain, lungs, placenta, and even heart tissues, increasing risks of stroke, heart attacks, and immune disorders.
Measures Taken:
• Global Level:
• UNEA Resolution: Mandated the creation of the Global Plastics Treaty to combat plastic pollution, including microplastics. New Zealand Microbead Ban (2017): Banned sale and manufacture of products containing microbeads.
• UNEA Resolution: Mandated the creation of the Global Plastics Treaty to combat plastic pollution, including microplastics.
• New Zealand Microbead Ban (2017): Banned sale and manufacture of products containing microbeads.
• India Level:
• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2018, 2024): Provides frameworks to manage and reduce plastic waste. Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Nationwide ban on items like plastic straws and cutlery to reduce plastic pollution. India Plastics Pact: Encourages industries to minimize plastic use and enhance recycling practices.
• Plastic Waste Management Rules (2016, 2018, 2024): Provides frameworks to manage and reduce plastic waste.
• Ban on Single-Use Plastics: Nationwide ban on items like plastic straws and cutlery to reduce plastic pollution.
• India Plastics Pact: Encourages industries to minimize plastic use and enhance recycling practices.
Measures to Mitigate Microplastics:
• Innovative Technologies: Develop advanced filtration systems like electrocoagulation for wastewater treatment to remove microplastics.
• Regulating Production: Ban microbeads and control the use of secondary plastic sources in consumer products.
• Recycling and Waste Management: Promote efficient recycling systems and reduce overall plastic production.
• Awareness Campaigns: Educate industries and consumers about the impact of microplastics and encourage sustainable alternatives.
• Standardized Monitoring: Implement global protocols for detecting and assessing microplastic concentrations in the environment.
Best Practice: The EU’s REACH Regulation (2023) bans intentionally added microplastics in products like detergents, cosmetics, and fertilizers, aiming to reduce their environmental and health impacts.
Conclusion
Microplastics represent a global challenge with significant risks to ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. While efforts like the Global Plastics Treaty and national policies are steps in the right direction, a collective approach involving innovation, regulation, and public awareness is crucial to mitigate this threat and protect our environment.
Insta Links:
• Managing-microplastic-pollution-in-India
• What are the impediments in disposing the huge quantities of discarded solid waste which are continuously being generated? How do we remove safely the toxic wastes that have been accumulating in our habitable environment? (UPSC-2018)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Violence Against Women
Context: The United Nations has highlighted the alarming rise in violence against women and girls in domestic settings, emphasizing that homes remain the most dangerous place for them globally.
About UN Report on Women Violence:
• Global Statistics (2023): 51,100 women and girls killed globally by intimate partners or family members (up from 48,800 in 2022). On average, 140 women are killed daily in domestic settings.
• 51,100 women and girls killed globally by intimate partners or family members (up from 48,800 in 2022).
• On average, 140 women are killed daily in domestic settings.
• Regional Disparities:
• Key Insights: 60% of female homicide victims were killed by intimate partners or family members. Men constitute 80% of global homicide victims, but most male deaths occur outside the home. Gender stereotypes, societal norms, and impunity for perpetrators are major drivers of violence.
• 60% of female homicide victims were killed by intimate partners or family members.
• Men constitute 80% of global homicide victims, but most male deaths occur outside the home.
• Gender stereotypes, societal norms, and impunity for perpetrators are major drivers of violence.
Relevance in UPSC Exam
• GS Paper I (Society): Issues of gender inequality, patriarchy, and social norms contributing to violence.
• GS Paper II (Governance): Policies addressing domestic violence, role of international organizations like the UN, and comparative analysis of global initiatives.
• GS Paper IV (Ethics): Ethical dilemmas in family justice systems and protection of vulnerable groups.
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Dairy Sector Performance
Source: TH
Context: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), under the Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, celebrated the National Milk Day 2024 at Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
About Dairy Sector Performance:
Category | Performance Details
Milk Production (2023-24) | 239.3 million tonnes, a 3.78% increase over 2022-23 estimates.
Compound Annual Growth Rate | 5.62% (milk), 6.8% (eggs), 4.85% (meat) over the last 10 years.
Per Capita Milk Availability | 459 grams/day (India) vs. 323 grams/day (global average) in 2022-23.
State Rankings (Milk) | Uttar Pradesh (16.21%), Rajasthan (14.51%), Madhya Pradesh (8.91%), Gujarat (7.65%).
Egg Production (2023-24) | 142.77 billion, with Andhra Pradesh leading at 17.85%, followed by Tamil Nadu (15.64%).
Meat Production (2023-24) | 10.25 million tonnes; poultry accounts for 48.96%, followed by buffalo and goat meat.
Global Position | 1st in milk production (24% global share); 2nd in egg production.
SOURCE: Basic Animal Husbandry Statistics 2024
Insta links:
• Dairy-industry-in-India
Riyadh Design Law Treaty
Source: PIB
Context: After nearly two decades of deliberations, the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member states have adopted the Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT).
• A landmark agreement aimed at harmonizing procedural frameworks for industrial design protection.
About Riyadh Design Law Treaty (DLT):
• Organization: Adopted by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) member states.
• Aim: To standardize and streamline procedural requirements for industrial design registration globally.
• Key Features: Simplified registration processes across jurisdictions. Relaxed time limits and reinstatement of lost rights. Simplified procedures for recording assignments and licenses. Option to file multiple designs in a single application. Encouragement for electronic systems and exchange of priority documents.
• Simplified registration processes across jurisdictions.
• Relaxed time limits and reinstatement of lost rights.
• Simplified procedures for recording assignments and licenses.
• Option to file multiple designs in a single application.
• Encouragement for electronic systems and exchange of priority documents.
• India’s Participation: India signed the treaty to enhance its global competitiveness in design protection and strengthen its policy emphasis on design-driven innovation.
• Other Treaties on Industrial Design: The Hague Agreement on Industrial Designs, facilitating international registration of industrial designs.
Insta links:
• Intellectual-property-rights
PAN 2.0
Source: DD News
Context: A day after the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved PAN 2.0, the Income Tax Department issued a detailed clarification on the project.
About PAN:
• Origin: Introduced in 1972; revamped in 1995 for improved tax compliance.
• Department: Issued and managed by the Income Tax Department under the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT).
• Aim: To link individuals and entities with their tax-related transactions, ensure transparency, and streamline tax compliance.
Comparison of PAN and PAN 2.0:
Aspect | PAN | PAN 2.0
Introduction Year | 1972 (revamped in 1995) | 2024 (Planned Upgrade)
Issuance System | Hosted on multiple platforms | Unified portal for all PAN/TAN services
Application Process | Partially online with paper-based options | Fully online, paperless process
QR Code | Introduced in 2017, basic validation | Enhanced dynamic QR code with real-time data
Updates/Corrections | Fee-based updates | Free updates for details like name, DOB, address
Data Security | No centralized data vault | Mandatory PAN Data Vault for enhanced cybersecurity
Business Identifier | PAN used for tax-related activities | Unified business identifier for multiple systems
Grievance Redressal | Limited, through individual portals | Streamlined grievance system via unified portal
Existing PAN Validity | Remains valid | Remains valid but upgrade available for free
Insta links:
Women in the Constituent Assembly
Source: IE
Context: The Indian Constitution, a monumental framework for governance, was shaped by the contributions of 299 members of the Constituent Assembly, including 15 remarkable women from diverse backgrounds.
About Women in the Constituent Assembly:
Ammu Swaminathan (1894-1978)
• Background: Hailed from Palakkad, Kerala; married Subbarama Swaminathan.
• Contributions: Advocated for gender equality and spoke on the Hindu Code Bill despite male-dominated ridicule.
Annie Mascarene (1902-1963)
• Background: Born in Travancore, Latin Christian family; academic brilliance led her to law.
• Contributions: Advocated for universal adult franchise and a strong Centre while promoting local government autonomy.
Begum Qudsia Aizaz Rasul (1909-2001)
• Background: From a royal family in Punjab; opposed purdah after marriage.
• Contributions: Opposed separate electorates for religion and debated Muslim upliftment and Indian nationalism.
• Post-independence: Elected to the Rajya Sabha; promoted women’s hockey.
Dakshayani Velayudhan (1912-1978)
• Background: First Dalit woman graduate in science; Pulaya community.
• Contributions: Opposed separate electorates, emphasizing nationalism and equality.
Renuka Ray (1904-1997)
• Background: Born in Pabna, now Bangladesh; studied at LSE after meeting Gandhi.
• Contributions: Advocated for Hindu Code Bill, women’s rights to inheritance, and opposed women’s reservation as a barrier to growth.
Insta Links:
• Constituent-assembly
Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, 2024
Source: UNEP
Context: The Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, 2024, published by UNEP’s Global Peatlands Initiative, provides actionable insights for their conservation and sustainable management, placing them at the heart of global environmental discussions.
About The Global Peatland Hotspot Atlas, 2024:
• Published by: UNEP under the Global Peatlands Initiative.
• Provide data and insights into the global state of peatlands.
• Highlight threats and opportunities for conservation and sustainable management.
• Bridge the gap between science and policy for informed decision-making.
• Key Insights:
• Updated hotspot maps intersecting data on biodiversity, climate change, and land use.
• Identifies 488 million hectares of peatlands globally, with 12% highly degraded.
• Peatlands emit 1,941 Mt CO₂e per year due to human activity.
About Peatland:
• What is Peatland? Peatlands are unique wetland ecosystems characterized by waterlogged conditions that slow the decomposition of plant material, leading to the formation of peat soils. These ecosystems consist of both the organic-rich soil (peat) and the wetland vegetation thriving on the surface.
• Peatlands are unique wetland ecosystems characterized by waterlogged conditions that slow the decomposition of plant material, leading to the formation of peat soils.
• These ecosystems consist of both the organic-rich soil (peat) and the wetland vegetation thriving on the surface.
• Distribution of Peatlands:
• Found in nearly all countries, peatlands cover at least 3% of the Earth’s land surface. The Congo Basin hosts the largest known tropical peatland, discovered in 2017.
• Found in nearly all countries, peatlands cover at least 3% of the Earth’s land surface.
• The Congo Basin hosts the largest known tropical peatland, discovered in 2017.
• Significance of Peatlands:
• Carbon Storage: Peatlands store more carbon than all the world’s forests combined, acting as a natural buffer against climate change.
• Climate Regulation: They provide a cooling effect by sequestering atmospheric carbon.
• Water Management: Regulate and purify water supplies, supporting human consumption and ecosystems.
• Biodiversity: Provide habitats for rare and endangered species of flora and fauna.
• Cultural Importance: Preserve archaeological and cultural heritage due to their waterlogged conditions.
• Livelihoods: Support local communities through ecosystem services and resources.
Insta Links:
• Peat Soil
Sukpak: A Siberian Demoiselle Crane
Source: TOI
Context: A Siberian Demoiselle crane, nicknamed Sukpak, has set a new migratory record by flying 3,676 km to Khichan in Rajasthan, surpassing the previous distance of 2,800 km.
About Siberian Demoiselle Crane:
• Scientific Name: Anthropoides virgo (also referred to as Grus virgo).
• Breeding Range: Central Asia to Mongolia, east to Northeast China.
• Wintering Range: Primarily western India, with large congregations in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• Migration Path: Traditionally via Himalayan valleys, with notable reverse routes like Sukpak’s journey through Russia, Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, and Pakistan.
• Cultural Significance: Known as *koonj* or *kurjaa* in Indian culture, symbolically important in Gujarat and Rajasthan.
• IUCN Status: Listed as Least Concern.
• Conservation Efforts: Khichan in Rajasthan is India’s first Demoiselle crane conservation reserve, hosting 20,000 cranes annually during their winter migration.
Insta Links:
• Migration-in-India-status
Siddi Community
Source: IE
Context: Rhythm of Dammam spotlights the marginalized Siddi community, descendants of African slaves brought to India centuries ago, through the lens of 12-year-old Jayaram Siddi, played by Chinmaya Siddi.
About the Siddi Tribe:
• Descendants: Primarily of Bantu peoples from East Africa, brought to the Indian subcontinent through the slave trade, as well as soldiers, sailors, and merchants.
• History: First arrived at Bharuch port in 628 AD with Arab merchants. Later brought as slaves by Arab conquerors, Portuguese traders, and Deccan Sultanates. Prominent historical figures include Malik Ambar and Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut.
• First arrived at Bharuch port in 628 AD with Arab merchants.
• Later brought as slaves by Arab conquerors, Portuguese traders, and Deccan Sultanates.
• Prominent historical figures include Malik Ambar and Jamal-ud-Din Yaqut.
• Distribution in India: Concentrated in Karnataka, Goa, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Tamil Nadu, often in rural or forested areas.
• Features: Diverse religions—Muslims, Hindus, and Christians. Unique cultural practices like the use of *dammam*, *duf*, and *gumte* instruments, and shared rituals like ancestor worship. Languages include Konkani, Urdu, Marathi, and regional dialects.
• Diverse religions—Muslims, Hindus, and Christians.
• Unique cultural practices like the use of *dammam*, *duf*, and *gumte* instruments, and shared rituals like ancestor worship.
• Languages include Konkani, Urdu, Marathi, and regional dialects.
Insta Links:
• Tribes-in-news
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 27 November 2024 Mapping:
Uttarakhand State’s Rivers
Source: NIE
Context: A report by the Spring and Rejuvenation Authority (SARA) highlights alarming threats to 5,428 water sources, with significant declines in water levels across the Uttarakhand state’s rivers.
About Rivers in News:
• Song River
• Origin: Lesser Himalayas, near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand. Tributary of: Seasonal feeder to the Ganga River system.
• Origin: Lesser Himalayas, near Mussoorie, Uttarakhand.
• Tributary of: Seasonal feeder to the Ganga River system.
• Western Nayar River
• Origin: Pauri district, Uttarakhand. Tributary of: Ganga River.
• Origin: Pauri district, Uttarakhand.
• Tributary of: Ganga River.
• Eastern Nayar River
• Origin: Pauri district, Uttarakhand. Tributary of: Ganga River.
• Origin: Pauri district, Uttarakhand.
• Tributary of: Ganga River.
• Shipra River
• Origin: Nainital district, Uttarakhand. Tributary of: Kosi River.
• Origin: Nainital district, Uttarakhand.
• Tributary of: Kosi River.
NOTE: Madhya Pradesh also has one of the rivers named Shipra, which joins Chambal.
• Gaudi River
• Origin: Champawat district, Uttarakhand. Tributary of: Tributary of the Saryu River.
• Origin: Champawat district, Uttarakhand.
• Tributary of: Tributary of the Saryu River.
Insta Links:
• Rivers-in-news
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 27 Nov 2024
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