UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 September 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 September 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 – 5 September 2024)
• Centre’s BioE3 Policy: Harnessing Biotechnology for Economic Development
Centre’s BioE3 Policy: Harnessing Biotechnology for Economic Development
GS Paper 4:
• Corruption: CVC report
Corruption: CVC report
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• ‘Black Coat Syndrome’
‘Black Coat Syndrome’
• Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
• GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system
GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system
• FWD 200B
FWD 200B
• VISHANU YUDDH ABHYAS
VISHANU YUDDH ABHYAS
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 September 2024
#### GS Paper 3:
Centre’s BioE3 Policy: Harnessing Biotechnology for Economic Development
Syllabus: Science and Technology
Source: IE
Context: The recently launched BioE3 (Biotechnology for Economy, Environment, and Employment) policy aims to transform manufacturing processes across sectors to be more sustainable and less wasteful, utilizing biotechnology to mimic natural biological systems.
This marks the beginning of the “industrialisation of biology” with potential economic impacts.
BioE3 Policy:
Aims to boost biomanufacturing and bio-based products across sectors, aligning with goals like a ‘Net Zero’ carbon economy and circular bioeconomy. It focuses on R&D innovation, biomanufacturing hubs, skilled workforce development, and ethical biosafety. Core areas include bio-chemicals, smart proteins, precision biotherapeutics, and climate-resilient agriculture.
Vigyan Dhara Scheme: A unified scheme by the Department of Science & Technology to enhance R&D, increase researcher numbers, and improve gender parity in science. It focuses on sustainable energy, water, and promotes innovation across education and industry. Aligns with India’s vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047.”
Benefits of Biotechnology:
• Sustainability: Biotechnology offers eco-friendly alternatives to traditional products like plastics and fuels.
• Medical & Agricultural Applications: New possibilities in areas like gene editing, protein synthesis, and organ engineering.
• Environmental Impact: Biological carbon capture through microorganisms reduces the need for traditional storage methods.
BioE3 Policy’s Impact on India:
• Long-Term Vision: Prepares India to harness future biotechnologies, promoting research, education, and industry partnerships.
• Biomanufacturing Hubs: Focuses on bio-based chemicals, smart proteins, climate-resilient agriculture, and space/marine research.
India’s Bio-Economy
India ranks among the top 12 global biotech destinations and 3rd in the Asia-Pacific region. In 2024, its BioEconomy reached $130 billion, with a goal of $300 billion by 2030. The biotech sector includes Biopharmaceuticals, Bio Agriculture, Bio IT, and Bio Services. India is a leading producer of low-cost drugs, vaccines, and biosimilars. With 55% of its land dedicated to agriculture, India is a major player in Bt-Cotton and organic farming.
Challenges in Biotechnology
Despite its growth, biotechnology faces significant challenges:
• Ownership and Access: Patents on biotechnologies can limit access, especially in developing countries.
• Ethical Issues: Biotech innovations like cDNA raise concerns about human life and commercialization of genetic material.
• Uncertainty: Emerging genomic techniques bring unknown risks and potential for harm.
• Security Threats: Synthetic biology advancements could be misused for creating biological weapons.
• Environmental Impact: Agricultural biotech may affect ecosystems, non-target species, and pollinators due to changes in pesticide use and pest-resistant crops.
Government Initiatives:
• 9 biotech parks and 60 bio-incubators.
• Rs. 2,251 crore allocated to biotech in the 2024-25 budget.
• National Biopharma Mission and Biotechnology Development Strategy 2020-25 support skill development and innovation.
Way Ahead: India’s young, skilled workforce and scientific resources are key to future growth. More biotech incubators and a strong biomanufacturing ecosystem will drive innovation and start-ups, boosting the industry.
Though results will take time, BioE3 aligns with India’s broader technology missions, positioning the country for future economic benefits
Mains Link:
What are the research and developmental achievements in applied biotechnology? How will these achievements help to uplift the poorer sections of the society? (UPSC 2021)
How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC 2019)
Prelims Link:
• Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (UPSC 2012)
• To enable them to withstand drought
• To increase the nutritive value of the produce
• To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations
• To increase their shelf life
Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4
Ans: (c)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 September 2024 GS Paper 4:
Corruption: CVC report
Syllabus: Ethics: Public Service
Source: Th
Context: The Central Vigilance Commission’s (CVC) 2023 report revealed that the highest number of graft complaints were against railway employees, followed by Delhi’s local bodies and public sector banks.
Out of 74,203 corruption complaints received, 10,447 were against railway staff, 7,665 against local bodies in Delhi, and 7,004 against public sector bank employees. The report also noted 6,638 complaints against Delhi government employees and 5,313 against Delhi Police personnel. Of the total complaints, 66,373 were resolved, with 7,830 still pending.
What is Corruption?
Corruption refers to unethical behaviour, which is characterized by misuse of public or organizational power, causing harm not only to organizations but also to society.
• The word corrupt is from the Latin word ‘corruptus’ meaning to break or destroy
• Corruption is an important manifestation of the failure of ethics
• Corruption misuse of entrusted power for private gain
The Wheel of corruption:
In India, corruption, and abuse of office are aggravated by the following factors:
• The colonial legacy of unchallenged authority, the propensity to exercise power arbitrarily – easy to deviate from ethical conduct
• Enormous asymmetry of power – eco, social inequalities, caste legacy, 90% workforce in unorganized sector
• Policies after independence– e.g. State subsidies, and beneficiary-oriented programmes in the situation of asymmetry of power converted public servants into patrons, citizens into mendicant
• Over-centralization increases corruption – a large number of functionaries b/w citizens and decision-makers diffuses accountability
• Quality of politics – criminal-politician nexus
• Politicians secure votes through money, and muscle power & criminals enter politics to interfere in crime investigation, monetary gain creates “acceptance” for criminals to enter politics
Impact of Corruption:
Corruption as a Manifestation of Failure of Core Values
Core Values Failing | Examples
Erosion of Honesty and Trust: Integrity declines, trust erodes, leading to corruption. | Societies now depend more on contracts than on personal promises.
Shift in Values and Empathy: Focus on personal gain overshadows social consciousness. | Community welfare projects are often sidelined for personal enrichment.
Lifestyle and Materialism: Growing material desires lead to unethical shortcuts, weakening societal values. | Bypassing regulations for personal luxury projects is common.
Education and Societal Role Models: Failure to instill values of empathy and integrity normalizes corruption. | Youth often look up to successful, yet corrupt, figures as role models.
Measures to Uplift Core Values
Measures Needed | Examples
Promote Social Engagement: Encourage community interactions to build trust, empathy, and respect. | Community events help bridge cultural and generational gaps.
Emphasize Moral Education: Teach ethics, empathy, and honesty in schools and homes. | The New Education Policy, 2020 stresses moral lessons.
Address Socio-economic Inequality: Reduce disparities to strengthen unity and integrity. | Community-driven initiatives uplift disadvantaged areas.
Champion Societal Values over Personal Greed: Prioritize fraternity, trust, and collective well-being. | Public campaigns promote collective welfare over individual gains.
Create Inclusive Platforms: Foster mutual understanding by providing open spaces for shared experiences. | Storytelling sessions promote empathy through diverse experiences.
Strengthen Community Leaders: Empower leaders who embody societal values to serve as role models. | Training programs prepare leaders to drive value-based initiatives.
The Commission (CVC) issued guidelines across three vigilance administration areas: Punitive, Preventive, and Participative Vigilance.
• Punitive: Swift and effective actions against those guilty of misconduct to deter others.
• Preventive: Proactively aiming for corruption-free governance through measures like rule simplification, officer rotation, and process re-engineering.
• Participative: Involving stakeholders such as government, civil society, and institutions to raise awareness on the ill effects of corruption, including initiatives like Vigilance Awareness Week.
Thinkers on corruption:
Thinker | Country | Views on Corruption
Plato | Greece | Corruption arises when rulers prioritize personal interests over the welfare of the state, undermining justice.
Machiavelli | Italy | Power corrupts when unchecked; leaders often resort to unethical practices to maintain control.
Karl Marx | Germany | Corruption is inherent in capitalist societies, driven by exploitation and class divisions.
John Locke | England | Corruption is a misuse of power and lack of accountability in governance.
Gandhi | India | Corruption is a moral failure rooted in greed; simplicity and moral leadership are solutions.
Kautilya (Chanakya) | India | Corruption is inevitable in large administrations and must be curbed with strict regulations and penalties.
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar | India | Corruption threatens democracy and social justice; education and reform are key to combating it.
Swami Vivekananda | India | Corruption stems from a lack of spiritual and moral values, which can be overcome through ethical leadership.
Insta Links:
• A step towards fighting corruption
Mains Links
• Fighting corruption is often seen as a crucial step towards building better public institutions and improving the quality-of-service delivery. Comment. (10M)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 5 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
‘Black Coat Syndrome’
Source: LawBeat
Context: At the Supreme Court’s National Conference of the District Judiciary, President Droupadi Murmu celebrated the court’s 75-year legacy, unveiling its new flag and insignia.
• She praised the Supreme Court’s role as the guardian of justice in India and stressed its commitment to ensuring justice through its motto, drawn from the Mahabharata, “Where there is Dharma, there is victory.”
• President Murmu emphasized the judiciary’s moral responsibility to uphold impartiality, truth, and justice.
About ‘Black Coat Syndrome’:
“Black Coat Syndrome” is a term used to describe the anxiety and fear experienced by ordinary citizens when interacting with the judicial system, particularly in courtrooms.
The phrase metaphorically refers to the traditional black coats worn by lawyers, symbolizing the formal and often intimidating nature of court proceedings.
This syndrome reflects the emotional and financial burden that many individuals, especially those from marginalized backgrounds, face when seeking justice.
It highlights the challenges of navigating the legal system, such as prolonged case delays, adjournments, and high costs, which can discourage people from pursuing justice.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF)
- •Source: IE*
Context: World Bank projected a decline in Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) in Indian Economy for FY25.
• It revised India’s GDP growth estimate for FY25 to 7%,up from 6.6%, driven by public infrastructure investments and household spending on real estate.
• Despite this growth, urban youth unemployment remains high at 17%,and India is losing market share in labour-intensive sectors like apparel and footwear.
• While industrial growth is expected to slow slightly in FY26, agricultural growth is projected to rise sharply.
• The World Bank emphasized that global trade protectionism and rising tariffs could hinder trade-focused investments.
Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF) refers to the total value of a country’s investments in fixed assets during a specific period, such as infrastructure, machinery, equipment, and buildings.
It is an essential indicator of economic growth and development, as it reflects the level of investment made to enhance productive capacity.
GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system
Source: IE
Context: The introduction of the GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system in India aims to eliminate delays at toll plazas by allowing vehicles to pass without stopping, replacing the current FASTag system.
• The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has developed a GIS-based software for real-time monitoring of congestion at toll plazas, starting with 100 plazas.
• The GNSS-based tolling system will charge users based on the distance travelled and will eventually replace toll barriers, allowing for seamless traffic flow.
• Initially, it will operate alongside the FASTag system, with dedicated GNSS lanes at toll plazas.
• Over time, the entire system will shift to GNSS-based tolling.
A GNSS-based Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) system leverages Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) technology to enable automatic, location-based toll collection on highways without the need for physical toll booths.
Unlike traditional toll collection systems, where vehicles stop at toll gates, a GNSS-based ETC system uses satellite positioning to determine the vehicle’s location and calculate toll charges based on the distance travelled.
FWD 200B
- •Source: TNIE*
Context: Bengaluru-based company Flying Wedge Defence and Aerospace (FWDA) announced the successful maiden flight of India’s first indigenous combat unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV), the FWD 200B.
• This Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) Unmanned Combat Aerial Vehicle (UCAV) is equipped with optical payloads for surveillance and missile-like weapons for air strikes and bombing.
• Operating at a cruise altitude of 12,000 feet and a maximum altitude of 15,000 feet, the UAV can reach speeds of 250 km/h and has a range of 800 km with 7 hours of endurance.
• The FWD 200B requires only a 300-meter runway for takeoff, allowing for operation from shorter airstrips.
This marks a major achievement for India’s defense sector, reducing dependence on foreign military technology and overcoming challenges faced by previous initiatives.
VISHANU YUDDH ABHYAS
Source: PIB
Context: The “VishanuYuddh Abhyas” mock drill, conducted under the National One Health Mission (NOHM), aimed to evaluate India’s preparedness for zoonotic disease outbreaks.
• The exercise assessed the readiness of the National Joint Outbreak Response Team (NJORT), comprising experts from human health, animal husbandry, and wildlife sectors.
• A simulated outbreak scenario was created to test the response of various agencies, including the National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and state authorities.
• The drill involved virus identification and outbreak control measures, with independent observers monitoring the response.
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