UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 October 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 October 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 – 7 October 2024)
• New Ultrasound-Based Cancer Detection Technique
New Ultrasound-Based Cancer Detection Technique
• Ladakh Security
Ladakh Security
• National Agriculture Code
National Agriculture Code
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
• Rule to Roll shift
Rule to Roll shift
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
• Halari donkeys
Halari donkeys
• Doddalathur Megalithic Site
Doddalathur Megalithic Site
• Criteria for Classical Language Status
Criteria for Classical Language Status
• Very Short-Range Air Defence System
Very Short-Range Air Defence System
• Small Modular Reactors
Small Modular Reactors
Mapping:
• Sudan Civil War
Sudan Civil War
• Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 October 2024
#### GS Paper 2:
New Ultrasound-Based Cancer Detection Technique
Syllabus: Health and Technology
Source: TH
Context: Scientists have developed a new technique to detect cancers. The method uses ultrasound to turn a small part of our body’s tissue into droplets that are released into the blood. These bubbles contain molecules like RNA, DNA, and proteins that allow the scientists to identify particular types of cancer.
Technology used and methods:
• High-energy ultrasound: Employs higher-frequency sound waves than traditional ultrasound, capable of interacting more intensely with tissues.
• Droplet formation: The ultrasound waves cause tiny pieces of cancerous tissue to break off, turning them into droplets that release molecular contents into the bloodstream.
• Biomarker analysis: The droplets contain biomarkers like RNA, DNA, and proteins, which are then extracted from the blood and analyzed to identify specific cancer types.
• Single cell detection capability: The method is sensitive enough to detect a single cancer cell in blood samples, providing insights into cancer progression and metastasis.
Significance
• Non-invasive technique: Reduces the need for painful and invasive procedures like biopsies, making cancer detection easier for patients.
• Cost-effective solution: Expected to lower the cost of cancer detection significantly, offering a more affordable alternative to current expensive tests.
• High sensitivity: Increases the concentration of detectable biomarkers by over 100 times, improving early cancer detection accuracy.
• Versatility: Has the potential to detect multiple cancer types, such as prostate, breast, and melanoma, using a single diagnostic approach.
Limitations:
• Clinical validation required: Needs extensive clinical trials on diverse populations to ensure its effectiveness and accuracy before widespread use.
• Technical standardization: Challenges in standardizing the technique for different cancer types and ensuring consistent results across various settings.
• Biomarker variability: The sensitivity of detection may vary with different cancers due to variations in biomarker thresholds, potentially affecting accuracy.
• Early development stage: Still in the experimental phase, with a timeline of at least five years before potential commercial availability, depending on trial outcomes.
Early Cancer Detection:
• Definition: Early cancer detection involves identifying cancer at its initial stages, significantly improving treatment outcomes.
• Two components: Screening: Testing asymptomatic individuals to detect cancer before symptoms appear (e.g., mammography for breast cancer). Early diagnosis: Focuses on symptomatic patients, aiming for prompt detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Screening: Testing asymptomatic individuals to detect cancer before symptoms appear (e.g., mammography for breast cancer).
• Early diagnosis: Focuses on symptomatic patients, aiming for prompt detection, diagnosis, and treatment.
• Difference: Screening targets asymptomatic people and specific cancers (e.g., breast, cervical), while early diagnosis focuses on all cancers in symptomatic patients.
• Challenges: Risk of false-positive and false-negative results. Overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary treatments. Limited recommendations for certain cancers due to risk-benefit concerns.
• Risk of false-positive and false-negative results.
• Overdiagnosis leading to unnecessary treatments.
• Limited recommendations for certain cancers due to risk-benefit concerns.
About Cancer
• Definition: Cancer is a disease characterized by uncontrolled cell growth that spreads to other parts of the body.
• Global impact: The second leading cause of death worldwide, responsible for 1 in 6 deaths in 2018.
• Importance of early detection: Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and can significantly reduce mortality rates.
Insta Links:
• Cancer-in-India-a-status-report
• Cancer-moonshot-initiative
• 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)
• What do you understand by nanotechnology and how is it helping in health sector? (UPSC-2020)
• Why is there so much activity in the field of biotechnology in our country? How has this activity benefitted the field of biopharma? (UPSC-2018)
Ladakh Security
- •Syllabus: Security and Defence*
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Ukraine war highlights the renewed importance of battle tanks alongside long-range firepower. Since the May 2020 stand-off in Eastern Ladakh, India and China have deployed tanks at altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet, sometimes with barrels just 100 meters apart.
Tanks armouring Ladakh sector:
• Revival of tanks in modern warfare:
• Global relevance: Tanks have regained importance in modern conflicts, proving essential alongside long-range firepower, as seen in the Ukraine war. Ladakh deployment: India and China have stationed tanks at altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet on the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Close proximity: Tanks from both nations were positioned as close as 100 meters apart during peak tensions on the Pangong Tso in 2020. Enhanced capabilities: Armoured units now feature advanced equipment, making them adaptable to evolving battlefield dynamics.
• Global relevance: Tanks have regained importance in modern conflicts, proving essential alongside long-range firepower, as seen in the Ukraine war.
• Ladakh deployment: India and China have stationed tanks at altitudes of 13,000-15,000 feet on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
• Close proximity: Tanks from both nations were positioned as close as 100 meters apart during peak tensions on the Pangong Tso in 2020.
• Enhanced capabilities: Armoured units now feature advanced equipment, making them adaptable to evolving battlefield dynamics.
• Current situation in Ladakh:
• T-90 Bhishma tanks: India has deployed T-90 tanks and BMP-2 carriers to demonstrate capabilities like deep-fording and maneuverability at high altitudes. Operational challenges: Tanks require frequent engine revving in cold conditions to maintain functionality due to low oxygen levels. Infrastructure upgrades: Maintenance facilities and winterisation kits have been set up at Nyoma and other strategic locations. Increased presence: Tank regiments, including T-72s and artillery units, have been steadily added to fortify the region since the 2020 stand-off.
• T-90 Bhishma tanks: India has deployed T-90 tanks and BMP-2 carriers to demonstrate capabilities like deep-fording and maneuverability at high altitudes.
• Operational challenges: Tanks require frequent engine revving in cold conditions to maintain functionality due to low oxygen levels.
• Infrastructure upgrades: Maintenance facilities and winterisation kits have been set up at Nyoma and other strategic locations.
• Increased presence: Tank regiments, including T-72s and artillery units, have been steadily added to fortify the region since the 2020 stand-off.
• Challenges of high-altitude operations:
• Extreme weather: Harsh conditions with temperatures dropping to -40°C impact the performance and durability of tanks. Oxygen levels: Low oxygen at high altitudes affects both the crew and the engine’s efficiency, necessitating special adaptations. Wear and tear: Rapid degradation and high wear and tear of equipment require faster turnaround of spares and technical support. Logistics: Transporting and maintaining heavy armoured units in such terrain is a logistical challenge, demanding specialized facilities.
• Extreme weather: Harsh conditions with temperatures dropping to -40°C impact the performance and durability of tanks.
• Oxygen levels: Low oxygen at high altitudes affects both the crew and the engine’s efficiency, necessitating special adaptations.
• Wear and tear: Rapid degradation and high wear and tear of equipment require faster turnaround of spares and technical support.
• Logistics: Transporting and maintaining heavy armoured units in such terrain is a logistical challenge, demanding specialized facilities.
• Threats from China:
• PLA modernization: China has deployed advanced ZTQ 15 light tanks and Type 96A tanks along the LAC, enhancing its military presence. Mechanized units: Chinese mechanized brigades have inducted new wheeled APCs and CSK assault vehicles for rapid mobility. Strategic positioning: China has improved its infrastructure and troop strength along the LAC, posing a persistent threat to Indian positions. Comparative advantage: Chinese light tanks are more agile and maneuverable in high-altitude conditions compared to traditional heavy tanks.
• PLA modernization: China has deployed advanced ZTQ 15 light tanks and Type 96A tanks along the LAC, enhancing its military presence.
• Mechanized units: Chinese mechanized brigades have inducted new wheeled APCs and CSK assault vehicles for rapid mobility.
• Strategic positioning: China has improved its infrastructure and troop strength along the LAC, posing a persistent threat to Indian positions.
• Comparative advantage: Chinese light tanks are more agile and maneuverable in high-altitude conditions compared to traditional heavy tanks.
• Indian Army’s future plans:
• Tank upgrades: Plans to upgrade T-72 tanks and BMP-2 carriers with advanced engines and new-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs). Light tank development: Indigenous light tank ‘Zorawar’ is in development with expected trials by August 2025 for deployment in Ladakh. Modern combat vehicles: Focus on acquiring Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV) for advanced warfare. Countermeasures: Implementing technology to counter drones and loitering munitions, including air burst ammunition to protect armoured units.
• Tank upgrades: Plans to upgrade T-72 tanks and BMP-2 carriers with advanced engines and new-generation Anti-Tank Guided Missiles (ATGMs).
• Light tank development: Indigenous light tank ‘Zorawar’ is in development with expected trials by August 2025 for deployment in Ladakh.
• Modern combat vehicles: Focus on acquiring Future Ready Combat Vehicles (FRCV) and Future Infantry Combat Vehicles (FICV) for advanced warfare.
• Countermeasures: Implementing technology to counter drones and loitering munitions, including air burst ammunition to protect armoured units.
Insta Links:
• Ladak-and-sixth-schedule
• High-powered-committee-for-Ladakh
- 1.Why are the tribals in India referred to as ‘the Scheduled Tribes? Indicate the major provisions enshrined in the Constitution of India for their upliftment. (UPSC-2016)
- 1.The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is viewed as a cardinal subset of China’s larger ‘One Belt One Road’ initiative. Give a brief description of CPEC and enumerate the reasons why India has distanced itself from the same. (UPSC-2018)
National Agriculture Code
- •Syllabus: Agriculture*
- •Source: TOI*
Context: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has begun the process of formulating a National Agriculture Code (NAC), on the lines of the existing National Building Code and National Electrical Code.
About National Agriculture Code (NAC):
• Purpose: Aims to standardize agricultural practices and provide guidelines for future standardization in India.
• Structure:
• General principles: Applicable to all crops. Crop-specific standards: Focuses on crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
• General principles: Applicable to all crops.
• Crop-specific standards: Focuses on crops like paddy, wheat, oilseeds, and pulses.
Coverage:
• Agricultural cycle: Encompasses entire agricultural processes from crop selection to post-harvest operations.
• Post-harvest operations: Includes standards for storage, processing, irrigation, soil and plant health management, and traceability.
• Emerging areas: Incorporates standards for natural farming, organic farming, and the use of Internet-of-Things (IoT) in agriculture.
• Input management: Provides guidelines for the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and weedicides.
Objectives:
• Standardization: To create a national code considering agro-climatic zones, crop types, and socio-economic diversity.
• Quality culture: Acts as a reference for policymakers and agriculture departments to incorporate NAC into their schemes.
• Guidance for farmers: Serves as a comprehensive guide to aid decision-making in agricultural practices.
• SMART farming and sustainability: Focuses on modern farming techniques, sustainability, traceability, and documentation.
• Capacity building: Supports training initiatives by agriculture extension services and civil society organizations.
Implementation plan:
• Timeline: NAC drafting expected to be completed by October 2025.
• Standardized Agriculture Demonstration Farms (SADF): Experimental farms to test and implement standardized agricultural practices.
• Training programs: BIS plans to collaborate with universities and agricultural institutes to train farmers on NAC standards.
Significance of the National Agriculture Code (NAC):
• Standardization of practices: Promotes uniform agricultural standards, enhancing productivity and ensuring best practices across diverse agro-climatic zones.
• Guidance for stakeholders: Provides a comprehensive framework for farmers, policymakers, and agricultural institutions to make informed decisions in agricultural practices.
• Support for modern farming: Encourages the adoption of SMART farming, sustainability, and the use of emerging technologies like IoT, improving efficiency.
• Capacity building: Aids in the training of farmers and agricultural workers, empowering them with knowledge and skills to improve productivity and sustainability.
Limitations of the National Agriculture Code (NAC):
• Implementation challenges: Standardizing agricultural practices across diverse regions with varying climates and soil conditions may be difficult.
• Adoption issues: Farmers, especially smallholders, may face resistance or difficulty in adopting new practices due to lack of resources or awareness.
• Dynamic agricultural needs: Rapidly changing agricultural trends and the emergence of new technologies might require frequent updates to the code.
• Infrastructure limitations: Lack of adequate infrastructure and resources in rural areas could hinder the effective rollout and training on NAC guidelines.
Conclusion
The National Agriculture Code (NAC) represents a significant step toward modernizing and standardizing agricultural practices in India, aiming to boost productivity, sustainability, and efficiency. However, its success will depend on effective implementation, farmer adoption, and continuous updates to address evolving agricultural needs.
Insta Links:
• Digital-agriculture-mission
In India, which of the following can be considered as public investment in agriculture? (2020)
- 1.Fixing Minimum Support Price for agricultural produce of all crops
- 1.Computerization of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies
- 1.Social Capital development
- 1.Free electricity supply to farmers
- 1.Waiver of agricultural loans by the banking system
- 1.Setting up of cold storage facilities by the governments
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
(a) 1, 2 and 5 only
(b) 1, 3, 4 and 5 only
(c) 2, 3 and 6 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6
Answer: c)
- 1.Given the vulnerability of Indian agriculture to vagaries of nature, discuss the need for crop insurance and bring out the salient features of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY). (UPSC-2016)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Rule to Roll shift
Context: Minister Dr Jitendra Singh highlighted a significant transformation in India’s governance approach, moving from a traditional rule-based system to a dynamic, role-based framework.
About ‘Mission Karmayogi’:
• Governance transformation: Shifts from a rule-based to a role-based system, aiming to make civil servants more adaptable and aligned with their responsibilities.
• Key reforms: Abolition of interviews for Group B and C positions and faster recruitment timelines, enhancing transparency and efficiency in government processes.
• Performance-driven focus: Emphasis on moving from process-driven to performance-oriented governance to achieve tangible results and meet global aspirations.
• Mission Karmayogi Prarambh: Focuses on preparing new recruits with the right tools and training from the start to build a capable workforce.
• iGOT-Karmayogi platform: Introduction of four new features and 20 domain-specific courses to enhance learning for government officials.
• Capacity Building: Initiatives like “Know Your Ministry” and new learning modules aim to strengthen skills across ministries and departments.
Relevance to UPSC Syllabus
• General Studies Paper II (Polity and Governance): Government policies and interventions: Understanding the role of Mission Karmayogi in enhancing civil service efficiency and transparency. Governance and accountability: The transition to role-based governance as a key reform for performance-driven administration.
• Government policies and interventions: Understanding the role of Mission Karmayogi in enhancing civil service efficiency and transparency.
• Governance and accountability: The transition to role-based governance as a key reform for performance-driven administration.
• General Studies Paper IV: Public/Civil service values and Ethics in public administration: Mission Karmayogi’s focus on merit-based recruitment and ethical governance. Case Studies on government efforts: Mission Karmayogi as an example of how capacity building and modern training methods shape public service delivery.
• Public/Civil service values and Ethics in public administration: Mission Karmayogi’s focus on merit-based recruitment and ethical governance.
• Case Studies on government efforts: Mission Karmayogi as an example of how capacity building and modern training methods shape public service delivery.
• Essay writing: Can be used in essays on topics like “Reforms in Civil Services,” “Role of Technology in Governance,” or “Modernizing Indian Administration.”
• Can be used in essays on topics like “Reforms in Civil Services,” “Role of Technology in Governance,” or “Modernizing Indian Administration.”
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Halari donkeys
Source: TH
Context: The endangered Halari donkeys, native to the Halar region of Gujarat, are considered to be intelligent animals which work closely with human beings.
About Halari donkeys:
• Region: Found in the Halar region of Gujarat, primarily in Jamnagar and Dwarka districts of Saurashtra.
• Status: Considered endangered with a population of fewer than 500.
• Appearance: Typically white, larger, and more resilient compared to other donkey breeds.
• Social behavior: Intelligent and social animals, form close bonds with humans, often used for transport needs.
• Construction: Historically used in building dams, forts, hilltop temples, and rest houses due to their strength in carrying heavy loads.
• Community usage: Bharwad and Rabari pastoralists: Used as pack animals during migration. Kumbhar community: Employed in pottery work in the Jamnagar region.
• Bharwad and Rabari pastoralists: Used as pack animals during migration.
• Kumbhar community: Employed in pottery work in the Jamnagar region.
Economic value
• Market price: Currently valued at over ₹1 lakh each, with rising demand for Halari donkey dairies.
• Milk production: Halari donkey milk is known for its sweetness, with powdered milk selling for more than ₹7,000 per kg in international markets, especially for cosmetics.
Conservation efforts:
• Organizations involved: Sahjeevan Trust, Gujarat’s Animal Husbandry Department, and the National Bureau of Animal Genetic Resources.
• Actions taken: Identification of pure-bred male and female donkeys for breeding to increase population.
• Future needs: Experts advocate for breeding farms in the native Halar region, requiring more substantial State government resources.
Insta links:
• Rajyamata-gomata
Doddalathur Megalithic Site
- •Source: TH*
Context: A team of history and archaeology scholars and students from the University of Mysore have embarked on an excavation of megalithic burial sites in Chamarajanagar district (Karnataka).
About Doddalathur megalithic site:
• Location: Doddalathur village, Hanur taluk, Chamarajanagar district, Karnataka. Situated in a small valley formed by the Male Mahadeshwara Hill ranges.
• Discovery: Identified by C. Krishnamurti of the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) in 1961.
• Period: The site corresponds to the Iron Age, broadly placed between 1200 BC and 300 CE in South India.
• Significance: Contains hundreds of megalithic burials characterized by circles made of large boulders. Many burials remain intact despite agricultural expansion and land development.
• Current excavation: Led by a team from the University of Mysore and the Mythic Society, Bengaluru, with a focus on understanding megalithic-iron age culture and providing field training to archaeology students.
About Megalithic sites:
• Definition: Megaliths are large stones used in prehistoric monuments or burial structures.
• Purpose: Constructed as burial sites or commemorative memorials (non-sepulchral). Burial types: Include dolmenoid cists, cairn circles, capstones, and urns or sarcophagi made of terracotta. Memorial types: Include non-sepulchral sites such as menhirs.
• Burial types: Include dolmenoid cists, cairn circles, capstones, and urns or sarcophagi made of terracotta.
• Memorial types: Include non-sepulchral sites such as menhirs.
• Types of Megalithic structures:
• Stone circles (Cromlechs): Circular arrangements of stones, sometimes used as burial markers. Dolmen: A chamber formed by placing a large capstone on support stones, often used as tombs. Cist: A small stone-built coffin-like box used to hold bodies, often placed underground. Monolith: Single standing stones, sometimes used as markers or commemorative symbols. Capstone style: Single horizontal stones placed over burial chambers without support stones.
• Stone circles (Cromlechs): Circular arrangements of stones, sometimes used as burial markers.
• Dolmen: A chamber formed by placing a large capstone on support stones, often used as tombs.
• Cist: A small stone-built coffin-like box used to hold bodies, often placed underground.
• Monolith: Single standing stones, sometimes used as markers or commemorative symbols.
• Capstone style: Single horizontal stones placed over burial chambers without support stones.
• Timeline: Most megaliths in India date to the Iron Age (1500 BC to 500 BC), with some predating this period up to 2000 BC.
• Geographic spread: Found throughout Peninsular India, especially in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, and Telangana.
Insta links:
• Menhir-and-megalithic-burial-sites
Criteria for Classical Language Status
- •Source: TH*
Context: The Union Cabinet’s decision to accord classical language status to five new languages, including Marathi and Bengali, came after a key provision, which mandated that a language must have original literary tradition, was dropped.
Background on criteria for Classical Language Status:
• In 2004, the Government of India, for the first time, created a new category of languages known as Classical Languages. It set the following as criteria for the status of Classical Language: High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years. A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generation of speakers. The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
• High antiquity of its early texts/ recorded history over a thousand years.
• A body of ancient literature/ texts, which is considered a valuable heritage by generation of speakers.
• The literary tradition must be original and not borrowed from another speech community.
This criterion was revised in 2005 and 2024 based on the recommendations of Linguistic Experts Committees (LEC) under Sahitya Akademi to examine the proposed languages for the status of Classical Language.
Comparison of old and new criteria:
Criteria | Old Criteria (Revised in 2005) | New Criteria (Revised in 2024)
Antiquity of Texts | High antiquity of early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years | High antiquity of early texts/recorded history over a period of 1,500-2,000 years
Ancient Literature | A body of ancient literature/texts, considered valuable heritage by generations of speakers | A body of ancient literature/texts, considered heritage by generations of speakers
Literary Tradition | Must have original literary traditions, not borrowed from another speech community | Inclusion of knowledge texts (prose and poetry), epigraphical and inscriptional evidence
Distinct Classical Language | Classical language and literature must be distinct from modern forms or have discontinuity with later forms | Classical languages and literature could be distinct from its current form or could be discontinuous with later forms of its offshoots
The 2024 Linguistic Expert Committee also recommended the following languages to be fulfilling revised criteria to be considered as a Classical Language: Marathi, Pali, Prakrit, Assamese, Bengali.
Insta links:
• Classical-language-status
Very Short-Range Air Defence System
- •Source: PIB*
Context: The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted three flight tests of the fourth-generation miniaturized Very Short-Range Air Defence System (VSHORADS) at the Pokhran Field Firing Ranges in Rajasthan.
VSHORADS: Key features and details:
• Type: Fourth-generation Man Portable Air Defence System (MANPAD).
• Design and development: Indigenously developed by DRDO’s Research Centre Imarat (RCI), Hyderabad, in collaboration with other DRDO laboratories and industry partners.
• Purpose: Designed to counter low-altitude aerial threats like helicopters and low-flying aircraft.
• Range: Capable of engaging targets at a range of up to 6 km.
• Technologies incorporated: Dual-band IIR seeker: Ensures precise tracking and targeting of aerial threats. Miniaturised reaction control system: Enhances missile maneuverability. Integrated avionics: Provides advanced targeting and control. Dual-thrust solid motor: Powers the missile for fast response and interception.
• Dual-band IIR seeker: Ensures precise tracking and targeting of aerial threats.
• Miniaturised reaction control system: Enhances missile maneuverability.
• Integrated avionics: Provides advanced targeting and control.
• Dual-thrust solid motor: Powers the missile for fast response and interception.
• Portability: Lightweight and portable design for quick deployment over difficult terrains.
• Operational capability: Demonstrated hit-to-kill capability against high-speed targets in various engagement modes (approaching, receding, and crossing scenarios).
• Development status: Trials completed with production agencies engaged, paving the way for early user trials and mass production.
Insta Links:
• VSHORADS
Small Modular Reactors
Source: IE
Context: Nearly 20 years after the India-US civil nuclear deal was signed, Holtec International, a privately-held US company, has emerged as a potential catalyst to finally unlock the commercial potential of the pact.
About Small Modular Reactors (SMRs):
• Definition: Advanced nuclear reactors with a power capacity of up to 300 MW per unit, about one-third the size of traditional reactors.
• Features: Small: Compact size, making them versatile for different sites. Modular: Can be factory-assembled and transported for on-site installation. Reactors: Use nuclear fission to generate heat and produce energy.
• Small: Compact size, making them versatile for different sites.
• Modular: Can be factory-assembled and transported for on-site installation.
• Reactors: Use nuclear fission to generate heat and produce energy.
Advantages
• Longevity: Designed to operate for 40-60 years with over 90% capacity factors.
• Low-Carbon Electricity: Efficient in generating large amounts of clean energy.
• Flexibility: Ideal for remote locations and can be paired with renewable energy in hybrid systems.
• Cost Efficiency: Reduced fuel needs, lower staffing, and off-site manufacturing save construction time and costs.
• Repurposing Sites: Can be installed on decommissioned thermal power plant sites using existing infrastructure.
Safety Features
• Enhanced Safety: Smaller core damage risk, improved seismic isolation, and passive safety features reduce potential radioactive leaks.
• Simple Design: Lower likelihood of uncontrolled radioactive releases compared to traditional reactors.
Disadvantages
• Limited Availability: Not yet widely used for power generation.
• Economic Viability: Requires large-scale production to be cost-effective.
• Regulatory Challenges: Licensing for SMRs is complex and costly, designed primarily for larger reactors.
Insta links:
• Bharat-small-reactors
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 October 2024 Mapping:
Sudan Civil War
Source: TH
Context: The Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched a major offensive against the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Khartoum and Bahri. Thus, the war which was quiet for a few months has gained momentum again. Eighteen months into the civil war, the UN said that more than 20,000 people have been killed.
Places in news:
• Khartoum and Bahri: Major sites where the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) launched a renewed offensive against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
• Omdurman: One of the conflict zones that experienced spread of violence beyond the initial fighting in Khartoum.
• El Fasher: Located in Darfur, heavily impacted by clashes and a critical area in the ongoing humanitarian crisis.
• Darfur and Kordofan States: Regions facing severe humanitarian issues, including famine and ethnic-targeted violence due to the conflict.
• Zamzam Camp, North Darfur: Declared as having famine conditions, hosting nearly 500,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs).
• Jazeera State: Facing food insecurity crisis similar to conditions in Zamzam camp due to the ongoing conflict.
• El Fashaga Region: Border area with Ethiopia, witnessing frequent clashes over agricultural land amid the ongoing instability.
• Abiey Region: Disputed land between Sudan and South Sudan, with increased ethnic violence and over 100 casualties reported.
Insta links:
• Darfur-Sudan
Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary
Source: TH
Context: A catastrophic weather event flattened an estimated 50,000 trees over 332 hectares in Eturnagaram Wildlife Sanctuary in Mulugu, Telangana, devastating the landscape.
About Eturnagaram wildlife sanctuary:
• Location: Situated in Mulugu district, Telangana, near the borders of Maharashtra and Chhattisgarh, 100 km from Warangal and 250 km from Hyderabad.
• Established: Declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1952 by the Hyderabad Nizam Government.
• Area: Spans over approximately 806 sq. km.
• Water bodies: Dayyam Vagu stream divides the sanctuary, with the Godavari River also flowing through it.
• Flora: Dominated by tropical dry deciduous forests with species like teak, bamboo, madhuca, and terminalia.
• Fauna: Home to diverse wildlife including tigers, leopards, panthers, wolves, sloth bears, blackbucks, nilgai, sambar, and four-horned antelope. Hosts reptiles like Mugger crocodiles, cobras, pythons, and kraits.
• Cultural significance: Contains the famous Sammakka-Saralamma Temple within its boundaries.
Insta links:
• Eturnagaram-amrabad-wildlife-sanctuaries
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (7 Oct 2024)
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