UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 April 2024

InstaLinks : 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 ina 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 : 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 ina 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 1:

• World Bank Warns of Squandered Demographic Dividend

GS Paper 4:

• Examples of Ethics

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

• 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement

• Paira cropping system

• Punnett square

• ‘Gravity hole’ in the Indian Ocean

• “Mother Of Dragons” Comet

• A.R.A.H. – Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health

• PRATUSH

• Coordinated Lunar Time

• Trademark

Sports

• 2026 Commonwealth Games

Mapping

• Earthquake in Taiwan

#### World Bank Warns of Squandered Demographic Dividend

#### GS1/GS2/GS3 Paper

Syllabus: Indian Society/ Human Geography/ Social Issues/ Economy: Employment

Source: TH

Context: The World Bank (as per “Jobs for Resilience, South Asia Development Update”) warned that South Asia, including India, is not utilizing its demographic dividend effectively.

What is a Demographic Dividend?

The demographic dividend refers to the economic growth potential that arises from changes in a population’s age structure. It occurs when the proportion of working-age individuals (15-64) in a population is larger than the dependent population (children and elderly), leading to increased productivity and economic growth. India is expected to enjoy this window for 37 years starting in 2018 and up to 2055

Benefits of Demographic Dividend are:

Advantage | Description

Increased Labour Force | A larger workforce boosts economic productivity.

Women’s Workforce Growth | Increased female participation in the workforce, driving economic growth.

Higher Savings Rate | Working-age individuals typically save more, boosting overall savings rates.

Middle-Class Expansion | Demographic dividend fosters the rise of an aspirational middle class, driving economic growth and consumption.

Historical Growth Contribution | In advanced economies, demographic dividends historically contributed up to 15% of overall growth.

Rapid Industrialization and Urbanization | An increased employment-seeking population leads to higher economic activities, driving industrialization and urban growth.

Workforce Expansion | With over 65% of the population in the working age group, India can become a significant global economic powerhouse.

Issues in harnessing demographic dividends (as per the report):

• Jobless Growth: South Asian countries experience jobless growth, with an employment ratio of only 59% in 2023, lower than other emerging economies (~70%). This is exacerbated by exceptionally low shares of women in employment and weak employment trends in non-agricultural sectors.

• Slow Private Investment: Private investment has slowed, and growth is primarily driven by public investment. This imbalance can hinder sustainable economic development and job creation.

• Slowing Global Growth: The region faces challenges due to slowing global growth, which can negatively impact trade, investment, and economic prospects.

• Heightened Risks: Various risks, including geopolitical tensions, climate change, and pandemics, pose additional challenges to harnessing the demographic dividend effectively.

Other challenges include:

• Poor Human Capital Formation: India faces challenges with low employability among graduates and postgraduates, with only 20-30% of engineers finding jobs suited to their skills, highlighting a need for skill development.

• Low Human Development: India ranks poor in the UNDP Human Development Index, indicating lower life expectancy and education levels compared to other developing countries

• Informal Economy: Approximately 216 million people in India, primarily in the agriculture sector, are part of the informal economy, facing lower wages, limited social security, and irregular employment, hindering economic growth and stability.

• Asymmetric Demography: The growth in the working-age population is concentrated in some of India’s poorest states, requiring the creation of meaningful employment opportunities to fully realize the demographic dividend.

• Tilted Sex Ratio and Declining Female Labour Force Participation: India faces challenges with declining female labour force participation rates, hindering the country’s ability to fully utilize its workforce potential and achieve demographic dividend goals.

• Psycho-social issues: India stands 12th on top suicide rates of any There is also a rising issue of drug abuse among youth.

• Fatigue and burnout: Indian youth have been observed to be overworked and fatigued due to rising heat and long working hours.

• Radicalization a combination of these issues has also led youth to be radicalized.

Measures to improve Demographic dividend (as per the World Bank Report)

• Openness to International Trade: Reduce barriers to trade to encourage greater participation in global markets, promoting economic growth and job creation.

• Flexible Labour Laws and Efficient Land Markets: Develop flexible labour laws and efficient land markets to enhance business competitiveness, attract investment, and stimulate job growth.

• Infrastructure Investment: Invest in infrastructure, particularly in transportation and agricultural sectors, to improve connectivity, productivity, and competitiveness, fostering economic development and employment opportunities.

• Promote Female Labor Force Participation: Encourage female labour force participation through measures such as wage subsidies, tax benefits, and initiatives to support work-life balance, ensuring gender equality and maximizing the workforce potential.

• Enhance Human Capital: Improve human capital through education and skill development programs, facilitating the transition of workers from agriculture to non-agriculture sectors, thus boosting productivity and enabling economic diversification.

Other measures needed are:

• Boost health investments: Increase healthcare spending to ensure a productive workforce.

• Reform the informal sector: Simplify regulations and provide credit access.

• Invest in the latest technologies: Support research and development in emerging fields.

• Address state diversity: Collaborate between states to manage demographic transition.

• Establish a high-level task force: Create a dedicated team to oversee demographic dividend.

• Manage urbanization: Plan for the influx of young people into urban areas with adequate amenities and services.

• Social security: As per ILO, only 4 per cent of Indians, even fewer than Bangladesh (28.4 per cent), are under any sort of social protection benefit. So, social security net- Insurance and pension needs to be enhanced.

Conclusion:

MoSPI has released the ‘Youth in India 2022’ Report, which shows that the population share of the youth is starting to decline whereas the share of the elderly is expected to increase during 2021-2036. This means necessary steps on the economic side and others are needed to empower the youth to prevent the demographic dividend from turning into a demographic disaster.

Insta Links

• Fertility rate below replacement level

#### Examples of Ethics

#### GS4 Paper

Syllabus: Applications of Ethics

Example 1: Fali S Nariman

Source: IE

Fali S Nariman’s legal career spanned 74 years, during which he played a pivotal role in shaping Indian constitutional law. Known for his unwavering principles, Nariman was not only a successful lawyer but also a moral guide to governments, the judiciary, and the legal fraternity

Ethical lessons from his life:

Fali S Nariman exemplified ethical values throughout his career, demonstrating integrity, courage, and accountability. One notable example is his acknowledgement of past errors, such as defending Union Carbide after the Bhopal tragedy. Despite the professional ramifications, Nariman had the courage to admit his mistake, showcasing his commitment to ethical conduct over personal gain.

Additionally, his principled stands during critical junctures, such as resigning from the post of Additional Solicitor General during the Emergency and returning the brief of the Gujarat Government in protest against attacks on the Christian community, underscored his unwavering commitment to upholding ethical principles in the face of adversity.

Example 2: Living Will

Source: TH

Context: Recently, 30 people in Thrissur in Kerala have executed living wills.

What is a Living Will?

A living will is a legal document that allows individuals to outline their preferences for medical care or the termination of medical support in situations where they are unable to make those decisions themselves. It details their wishes regarding treatments, life-sustaining measures, and end-of-life care, ensuring that their desires are respected and followed by healthcare providers and family members.

The Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling affirmed the right to die with dignity and eased procedures for creating living wills.

Ethical Issues with Living Will:

• Autonomy vs. Accuracy: While living will uphold individual autonomy by allowing people to express their healthcare preferences, there may be concerns about the accuracy of these preferences over time or whether they truly reflect the individual’s wishes at the time of decision-making.

• Interpretation Ambiguity: Instructions in living wills can lead to disagreements.

• Emotional Challenges: Creating a living will can be emotionally difficult for individuals and families.

• Cultural and Religious Conflicts: Living wills may clash with cultural or religious beliefs.

• Legal Framework Variability: Laws surrounding living will vary, posing fairness and accessibility concerns.

• Quality of Life Assessments: Deciding on life-sustaining treatments raises subjective quality of life issues.

Different countries have varying laws regarding euthanasia and assisted suicide:

• NETHERLANDS, LUXEMBOURG, and BELGIUM permit both euthanasia and assisted suicide for individuals experiencing “unbearable suffering” with no chance of improvement.

• SWITZERLAND prohibits euthanasia but permits assisted dying in the presence of a doctor or physician.

• CANADA initially allowed euthanasia and assisted dying for mentally ill patients, but this decision has faced widespread criticism.

• The US has diverse laws across states, with euthanasia permitted in some, such as Washington, Oregon, and Montana.

• The UK deems euthanasia illegal and considers it equivalent to manslaughter.

To know more about the Legal aspect of Living Will Click Here

#### 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Archaeologists, have unearthed a 5,200-year-old Harappan settlement at Padta Bet in Gujarat’s Kachchh district, near the Juna Khatiya necropolis.

• The excavation revealed evidence of Early Harappan to Late Harappan period occupation, including pottery, artefacts, animal bones, and structural remains.

• Unique ceramics suggest a local pottery tradition, while the site’s strategic location atop a hillock offered a commanding view of the surrounding landscape and access to water from a nearby stream.

• Artefacts such as semi-precious stone beads, tools, and animal bones indicate animal domestication and shellfish exploitation.

#### Paira cropping system

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: DTE

Context: Odisha is promoting climate-resilient agriculture through its rice fallow initiative, capitalizing on residual moisture after rice harvest to cultivate short-duration pulses and oilseed crops.

• This initiative aims to boost land productivity, increase farmers’ income, and ensure food security.

• The scheme, focuses on optimal resource utilization, increasing cropping intensity, and restoring soil health.

• Eight crops are being cultivated under the scheme, including green gram, black gram, Bengal gram, and mustard.

Eco-friendly inputs such as bio-fertilizers, bio-pesticides, and integrated pest management techniques are being incorporated to promote natural pest control and reduce reliance on chemical pesticides.

#### Punnett square

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Punnett square, named after British geneticist Reginald Punnett, is a grid used to predict the possible genetic outcomes of offspring when two individuals with known genotypes are crossed.

• It consists of a simple grid with squares representing possible combinations of traits inherited from each parent.

• This tool helps visualize the probabilities of different traits appearing in offspring and is commonly used in biology to understand inheritance patterns, such as dominant and recessive genes.

• Researchers utilize Punnett squares alongside Mendelian inheritance principles to study genetic traits in offspring, including those of animals and humans.

#### ‘Gravity hole’ in the Indian Ocean

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: CNN

Context: Scientists from the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, India, have proposed a credible explanation for the “gravity hole” in the Indian Ocean.

• Gravity Hole is where Earth’s gravitational pull is weaker, leading to a sea level dip of over 328 feet (100 meters).

• Using computer simulations dating back 140 million years, the researchers suggest that plumes of magma from deep within the planet, similar to those that create volcanoes, are responsible for the anomaly.

• These plumes, originating from the disappearance of an ancient ocean between the Indian plate and Asia, are believed to have brought low-density material closer to Earth’s surface, shaping the “gravity hole.”

The “gravity hole” is a circular depression in the Indian Ocean that has a weaker gravitational pull than the rest of the planet.

It’s officially called the Indian Ocean geoid low and is the world’s largest gravity anomaly.

#### “Mother Of Dragons” Comet

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TOI

Context: The “Mother of Dragons” comet, officially named Comet 12P/Pons-Brooks, is making a rare appearance in the Northern Hemisphere skies.

• This unique “Halley-type” comet, which completes its orbit around the sun every 71 years, is visible after dusk, marking its first appearance since 1954.

• Named by the European Space Agency due to its association with the “kappa-Draconids” meteor shower, the comet exhibits a bright green colour due to the emission of emerald-coloured light from diatomic carbon molecules.

• Notable for its cryovolcanic nature, the comet regularly erupts, creating stunning displays of brightness.

#### S.A.R.A.H. – Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: WHO

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has introduced S.A.R.A.H. (Smart AI Resource Assistant for Health), a digital health promoter prototype powered by generative artificial intelligence (AI), ahead of World Health Day.

• S.A.R.A.H. engages users in 8 languages on various health topics, providing information on healthy habits, mental health, and major health issues like cancer and heart disease.

• A.R.A.H. utilizes generative AI for accurate real-time responses and empathetic interactions, supported by Soul Machines Biological AI.

Previous versions of S.A.R.A.H., known as Florence, were used during the COVID-19 pandemic to disseminate critical health messages.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: Astronomers are keen on deploying telescopes on and around the moon to overcome challenges faced by instruments on Earth, such as atmospheric interference and radio noise.

• India’s contribution, PRATUSH (Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen), is being developed by the Raman Research Institute (RRI) in collaboration with the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO).

PRATUSH, or Probing ReionizATion of the Universe using Signal from Hydrogen, is a future radiometer planned for lunar orbit.

It aims to uncover the Cosmic Dawn of the Universe, answering questions about the formation of the first stars, their nature, and the light they emitted.

The project focuses on studying the Cosmic Dawn and Epoch of Reionization (EoR) using radiation from neutral hydrogen gas, which emits a signal at a 21-cm wavelength.

This signal can provide insights into the early Universe’s transition from neutral to ionized states.

PRATUSH will carry instruments designed to detect this weak signal, operating over a frequency band of 30-250 MHz.

Its observations will be free from ground-based interference, enabling more accurate measurements.

#### Coordinated Lunar Time

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The White House has directed NASA to establish a unified time standard for the moon and other celestial bodies, aiming to set international norms in space amidst a competitive lunar race.

• The directive, outlined by the head of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), calls for the development of a Coordinated Lunar Time (LTC) by the end of 2026.

• LTC will provide a time-keeping benchmark for lunar missions, accounting for the differing gravitational forces and other factors affecting time perception on the moon.

• The initiative seeks to ensure precision in lunar missions, facilitate data transfers between spacecraft, and coordinate operations as commercial activities expand to the moon.

The establishment of LTC will require international agreements and coordination among spacefaring nations.

#### Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: TH

Context: The Delhi High Court declared the “Haldiram” mark as a well-known trademark for food items, restaurants, and eateries globally. This ruling followed a suit filed by Haldiram India seeking protection of its mark.

The court acknowledged the brand’s extensive presence and influence, dating back to the 1960s, and granted a decree declaring “Haldiram” as a well-known mark. Additionally, the court imposed fines on an imitator for trademark infringement, highlighting the importance of protecting established brands.

What is a Trademark?

A trademark is a distinctive sign or indicator used by a business to distinguish its products or services from those of others. It serves as a badge of origin, identifying a particular business as the source of goods or services.

Intellectual Property Rights (IPRs) covered in India:

Types | Legal Provision | Description

Patent | Patent Act, 1970 | Exclusive rights granted for a new and inventive product or process for a certain period, typically 20 years

Trademark | Trademark Act 1999 | A symbol, word, or phrase (e.g. Brand name, logo) used to identify and distinguish goods or services of one seller from those of others. Term of Protection: 10 years; Renewable 10

Designs | Designs Act 2000 | Protection is granted to the unique appearance of a product (New or original designs) resulting from its features such as lines, contours, colours, shape, texture, materials, or ornamentation. Term of Protection: 10 + 5 years

Copyrights | Copyrights Act 1957 | It is a legal protection granted to creators of original works, such as literature, music, art, or software, giving them exclusive rights to reproduce, distribute, and display their work for a limited period. Term of Protection: Authors: Lifetime + 60 years; Producers: 60 years; Performers: 50 years

Geographical Indications (GI) | GI Act, 1999 | Sign used on goods that have a specific geographical origin and possess qualities, reputation, or characteristics that are essentially attributable to that origin. Term of Protection: 10 years; Renewable 10

Trade Secrets | Protected under Common Law | Confidential information that provides a competitive advantage to a business and is protected under common law. Term of Protection: Till confidentiality is safeguarded

#### 2026 Commonwealth Games

#### Sports

Source: Scroll

Context: Singapore has decided against hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games, following Malaysia’s lead. The Commonwealth Games Federation has been searching for a new host since Victoria, Australia withdrew due to escalating costs. Despite a £100 million incentive, Malaysia declined the opportunity last month due to financial concerns.

About Commonwealth Games:

The Commonwealth Games is a quadrennial (occurring every 4 years) international multi-sport event involving athletes from the Commonwealth of Nations. It originated in 1930 as the British Empire Games and evolved into its current format, embracing athletes with disabilities since 2002 and achieving gender equality in medal events in 2018. Hosted by various cities, Australia has held the Games the most times. The most recent Games were in Birmingham in 2022. India hosted the event in 2010 (in Delhi)

#### Earthquake in Taiwan

#### Mapping

Source: IE

Context: A powerful earthquake of 7.2 magnitude struck Taiwan.

What makes Taiwan and Japan so prone to earthquakes?

Taiwan and Japan are highly prone to earthquakes due to their location along major tectonic plate boundaries. Both countries sit on the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where several tectonic plates converge. Taiwan is situated on the boundary between the Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) and the Eurasian Plate (EP), while Japan is located at the juncture of the Pacific Plate (PP), Philippine Sea Plate (PSP), and Eurasian Plate(EP). The intense geological activity along these plate boundaries results in frequent seismic events, including earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Additionally, both Taiwan and Japan have rugged terrain and mountainous regions, further exacerbating the impact of earthquakes.

What is Ring of Fire?

The Ring of Fire is a horseshoe-shaped region in the Pacific Ocean characterized by frequent seismic and volcanic activity. The Ring of Fire marks the convergence of several tectonic plates, including the Pacific Plate, and is associated with approximately 90% of the world’s earthquakes. The Ring of Fire hosts numerous volcanoes formed through subduction, where one tectonic plate is forced beneath another, leading to volcanic eruptions.