UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 December 2024
Kartavya Desk Staff
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 December 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 – 9 December 2024)
• Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024
Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024
• India’s Digital Infrastructure
India’s Digital Infrastructure
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):
• Stress and Sleep: The Twin Burdens
Stress and Sleep: The Twin Burdens
Facts for Prelims (FFP):
• Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991
Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991
• INS Tushil
INS Tushil
• Nafithromycin
Nafithromycin
• UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
• Manama Dialogue
Manama Dialogue
• Confederation of Indian Industry
Confederation of Indian Industry
• Indian Star Tortoise
Indian Star Tortoise
Mapping:
• Sathanur Dam
Sathanur Dam
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 December 2024
#### GS Paper 3:
Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024
Syllabus: Economics
Source: IE
Context: The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024 was passed by the Rajya Sabha to encourage domestic production of petroleum and mineral oils and promote private sector participation.
Key Features in Bill:
• Expanded Definition of Mineral Oils: Includes all hydrocarbons (natural gas, crude oil, shale gas, and coal-bed methane). Excludes coal, lignite, and helium.
• Includes all hydrocarbons (natural gas, crude oil, shale gas, and coal-bed methane).
• Excludes coal, lignite, and helium.
• Introduction of Petroleum Lease: Replaces “mining lease” with “petroleum lease” covering activities like exploration, production, and disposal of mineral oils. Existing leases remain valid.
• Replaces “mining lease” with “petroleum lease” covering activities like exploration, production, and disposal of mineral oils.
• Existing leases remain valid.
• Decriminalisation of Offences: Replaces imprisonment with fines: ₹25 lakh for violations and ₹10 lakh per day for continued violations.
• Replaces imprisonment with fines: ₹25 lakh for violations and ₹10 lakh per day for continued violations.
• Rule-Making Powers: Central government can set rules on environmental obligations, emission reductions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Central government can set rules on environmental obligations, emission reductions, and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Adjudication Mechanism: Penalties adjudicated by Joint Secretary-level officers; appeals directed to the Appellate Tribunal under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Board Act, 2006.
• Penalties adjudicated by Joint Secretary-level officers; appeals directed to the Appellate Tribunal under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Board Act, 2006.
Significance:
• Boosts Domestic Production: Encourages exploration and production of petroleum and natural gas. Reduces import dependency on crude oil.
• Reduces import dependency on crude oil.
• Private Sector Participation: Attracts private investment with clear lease regulations and reduced penalties.
• Environmental Responsibility: Introduces rules for emission reductions and sustainable practices.
• Regulatory Simplification: Decriminalisation enhances ease of doing business.
• Modernisation: Aligns with global energy trends by addressing unconventional hydrocarbons like shale gas.
Challenges
• State Rights: Potential disputes over states’ taxation rights due to changes in lease terminologies.
• Environmental Concerns: Handing over resources to private entities might lead to over-extraction or ecological harm.
• Implementation Issues: Effective enforcement of environmental and emission norms may pose challenges.
• Regulatory Overlap: Coordination between central and state authorities for royalty collection and lease approvals.
Conclusion:
The Oilfields Amendment Bill, 2024, modernises India’s regulatory framework for petroleum exploration, boosting domestic production and private investment. However, addressing environmental and state taxation concerns is crucial to ensuring balanced growth and sustainability.
Insta Links:
• Petroleum-and-natural-gas
Consider the following statements: (UPSC-2019)
• Coal sector was nationalised by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi. Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis. Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
• Coal sector was nationalised by the Government of India under Indira Gandhi.
• Now, coal blocks are allocated on lottery basis.
• Till recently, India imported coal to meet the shortages of domestic supply, but now India is self-sufficient in coal production.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
b. 2 and 3 only
d. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: a)
India’s Digital Infrastructure
Syllabus: Economics
Source: PIB
Context: India’s digital infrastructure has transformed significantly in recent years, driven by initiatives in cloud computing, AI, and digital governance. With platforms like Aadhaar, UPI, and DigiLocker leading the charge, the country is now a global leader in digital adoption.
About India’s Digital Revolution:
• Aadhaar: The world’s largest digital identity system with 138.34 crore enrolments, enabling seamless authentication.
• UPI: Facilitates digital payments with 24,100 crore transactions (as of June 2024), driving financial inclusion.
• DigiLocker: A cloud-based platform with over 37 crore users, enabling secure document storage and verification.
• Digital Knowledge Sharing: DIKSHA has imparted over 556.37 crore learning sessions.
• Cloud Ecosystem: Platforms like MeghRaj and NIC cloud services bolster e-governance and digital public infrastructure.
Apps Leading India’s Digital Revolution:
· UMANG: Integrates 2,077 services from 207 departments, offering access to government schemes.
· MeriPehchaan: Single Sign-On (SSO) platform with 132 crore transactions.
· API Setu: Facilitates data exchange with over 6,000 APIs supporting 312 crore transactions.
· e-Hastakshar: Enables 81.97 crore digital signatures for document authentication.
· e-Sanjeevani: Telemedicine platform improving healthcare access with over 12.4 crore consultations.
Significance:
• Empowers Citizens: Platforms like UPI and DigiLocker ensure accessibility and inclusivity in services.
• Boosts Economy: Digital infrastructure supports e-commerce, start-ups, and innovation.
• Enhances Governance: Reduces red tape with paperless governance via e-Office and DigiLocker.
• Global Influence: Strengthens India’s leadership in digital solutions for the Global South.
• Climate-Friendly: Reduces paper use and promotes energy-efficient digital solutions.
Challenges:
• Digital Divide: Rural and marginalized communities face unequal access to digital resources.
• Cybersecurity Risks: Rising cyber threats pose challenges to secure transactions and data privacy.
• Infrastructure Gaps: Inadequate digital infrastructure in remote areas limits accessibility.
• Skill Deficit: Lack of digital literacy hinders effective utilization of platforms.
• Interoperability Issues: Challenges in integrating systems across departments and states.
Limitations
• Connectivity Gaps: Limited broadband access in rural India hampers inclusivity.
• Over-Reliance on Digital Platforms: Excludes citizens with limited tech skills.
• Data Privacy Concerns: Increased digital footprints raise risks of misuse.
• Slow Implementation: Bureaucratic delays in adopting digital tools in some states.
• Dependence on Imports: High reliance on imported technology for digital infrastructure.
Way Ahead:
• Expand Rural Connectivity: Strengthen BharatNet to cover rural and underserved regions.
• Enhance Cybersecurity: Implement robust data protection laws like the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023.
• Promote Digital Literacy: Launch targeted campaigns like PMGDISHA to bridge the skill gap.
• Encourage Domestic Innovation: Support initiatives like PLI schemes for digital hardware manufacturing.
Conclusion:
India’s digital revolution is a testament to its commitment to innovation, inclusivity, and governance. By addressing challenges like the digital divide and cybersecurity, India can continue to lead globally in digital solutions. The collaborative synergy between technology and policy ensures a future of empowered citizens and sustainable growth.
Insta Links:
• PM-lauds-9-years-of-digital-india-initiative
• “The emergence of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (Digital Revolution) has initiated e-Governance as an integral part of government”. Discuss. (UPSC-2020)
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Stress and Sleep: The Twin Burdens
Context: A panel discussion, “Stress and Sleep: The Twin Burdens,” under the “Healthy India, Happy India” initiative by Naruvi Hospitals and The Hindu, highlighted how excessive mobile use disrupts sleep across all ages.
About Impact of Phone Usage on Sleep:
• Sleep Deprivation: Prolonged mobile phone usage delays bedtime, reducing the recommended 7–8 hours of sleep.
• Sleep Fragmentation: Notifications and screen glare disrupt sleep cycles, leading to poor sleep quality.
• Stress and Anxiety: Excessive screen time increases mental fatigue and fosters a constant “Fear of Missing Out” (FOMO).
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA): Poor lifestyle habits linked to smartphone use, such as inactivity and obesity, worsen conditions like snoring and OSA.
• Child Development: Among children, disrupted sleep due to screen exposure impacts physical and mental growth.
Relevance in UPSC Exam:
• General Studies (GS): GS I (Society): Social impacts like stress, anxiety, FOMO, and effects on child development. GS II (Governance): Role of policies and campaigns in promoting digital detox and mental health. GS III (Science & Tech): Screen time’s impact on sleep and tech-based solutions for better sleep hygiene.
• GS I (Society): Social impacts like stress, anxiety, FOMO, and effects on child development.
• GS II (Governance): Role of policies and campaigns in promoting digital detox and mental health.
• GS III (Science & Tech): Screen time’s impact on sleep and tech-based solutions for better sleep hygiene.
• Ethics (GS IV): Balancing technology use with well-being and tech companies’ moral responsibility in curbing addiction.
• Balancing technology use with well-being and tech companies’ moral responsibility in curbing addiction.
• Essay Writing: Case studies for topics like “Technology and human well-being” or “Balancing progress with health.”
• Case studies for topics like “Technology and human well-being” or “Balancing progress with health.”
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991
Source: BS
Context: The Supreme Court of India has constituted a three-judge Special Bench to hear petitions challenging the constitutional validity of the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991.
About Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991:
• Objective: Freezes the status of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947. Prevents religious conversion of these sites to maintain their original character.
• Freezes the status of places of worship as they existed on August 15, 1947.
• Prevents religious conversion of these sites to maintain their original character.
• Major Provisions: Prohibition of Conversion (Section 3): Disallows conversion of places of worship between denominations or sects. Maintenance of Religious Character (Section 4): Ensures preservation of religious identity as of August 15, 1947. Abatement of Cases (Section 4(2)): Terminates pending legal proceedings and prohibits new cases related to conversions before the cut-off date. Exceptions (Section 5): Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. Ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Disputes settled by mutual agreement before the Act.
• Prohibition of Conversion (Section 3): Disallows conversion of places of worship between denominations or sects.
• Maintenance of Religious Character (Section 4): Ensures preservation of religious identity as of August 15, 1947.
• Abatement of Cases (Section 4(2)): Terminates pending legal proceedings and prohibits new cases related to conversions before the cut-off date.
• Exceptions (Section 5): Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case. Ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958. Disputes settled by mutual agreement before the Act.
• Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid case.
• Ancient monuments under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Disputes settled by mutual agreement before the Act.
• Penalties (Section 6): Imposes up to three years of imprisonment and fines for violations.
• Imposes up to three years of imprisonment and fines for violations.
Insta Links:
• Places-of-worship-act-1991
Meta data:
Learn about the Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991, its objectives, key provisions, and current legal challenges. Understand its impact on India’s secular framework and judicial proceedings.
INS Tushil
Source: IT
Context: Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will commission INS Tushil, a stealth missile frigate under Project 1135.6, at the Yantar Shipyard in Kaliningrad.
About INS Tushil:
• INS Tushil is part of the upgraded Krivak III class of Project 1135.6 frigates. It is the seventh ship in this series.
• Built at: Yantar Shipyard, Kaliningrad, Russia.
• Contract: Signed in October 2016 between the Indian Navy, JSC Rosoboronexport, and the Government of India.
• Key Features: Specification: A length of 125 metres and a displacement of 3,900 tonnes. Stealth Design: Incorporates radar-absorbing materials and an advanced hull design to reduce detectability. Speed: Capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots. Weapon Systems: Equipped with guided missiles, advanced radars, and weapon systems for enhanced anti-surface and anti-air warfare. Helicopter Deck: Supports operations for naval helicopters, enhancing its multi-role capabilities. Combat Versatility: Focused on anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Specification: A length of 125 metres and a displacement of 3,900 tonnes.
• Stealth Design: Incorporates radar-absorbing materials and an advanced hull design to reduce detectability.
• Speed: Capable of speeds exceeding 30 knots.
• Weapon Systems: Equipped with guided missiles, advanced radars, and weapon systems for enhanced anti-surface and anti-air warfare.
• Helicopter Deck: Supports operations for naval helicopters, enhancing its multi-role capabilities.
• Combat Versatility: Focused on anti-surface, anti-air, and anti-submarine warfare.
• Significance: Strategic Asset: Strengthens India’s maritime security and naval firepower. It incorporates both Indian and Russian technologies, with Indian components accounting for 26 percent of its construction. Indo-Russian Collaboration: Highlights robust military and technical cooperation between India and Russia. Modernization: Enhances India’s blue-water navy capabilities with state-of-the-art technology. Regional Stability: Contributes to India’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
• Strategic Asset: Strengthens India’s maritime security and naval firepower. It incorporates both Indian and Russian technologies, with Indian components accounting for 26 percent of its construction.
• It incorporates both Indian and Russian technologies, with Indian components accounting for 26 percent of its construction.
• Indo-Russian Collaboration: Highlights robust military and technical cooperation between India and Russia.
• Modernization: Enhances India’s blue-water navy capabilities with state-of-the-art technology.
• Regional Stability: Contributes to India’s efforts in maintaining peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region.
Insta links:
• Mahasagar
Nafithromycin
Source: PIB
Context: India has achieved a groundbreaking milestone in the fight against antimicrobial resistance (AMR) with the development of Nafithromycin, the country’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic.
About Nafithromycin:
• Developed by: Wockhardt Ltd., with support from the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) under the Biotech Industry Program.
• To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria. Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance.
• To combat Community-Acquired Bacterial Pneumonia (CABP) and address infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria.
• Reduce the global and national burden of antimicrobial resistance.
• Effectiveness:
• 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin. Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time. Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects.
• 10 times more effective than existing treatments like azithromycin.
• Offers a three-day treatment regimen, significantly reducing recovery time.
• Effective against typical and atypical drug-resistant bacteria, with superior safety and minimal side effects.
• Significance:
• First in its Class: Marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years. Addresses AMR: A critical tool in tackling AMR-related infections affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
• First in its Class: Marks the first global introduction of a new macrolide antibiotic in over 30 years.
• Addresses AMR: A critical tool in tackling AMR-related infections affecting vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Insta links:
• Antimicrobial-resistance
Meta data:
Discover Nafithromycin, India’s first indigenous macrolide antibiotic developed by Wockhardt with BIRAC support. Learn about its effectiveness, significance in tackling antimicrobial resistance, and global health impact.
UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs
Source: News on Air
Context: India has been elected to Chair the 68th Session of the UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND), with Ambassador Shambhu S. Kumaran assuming the Chairmanship.
• This marks the first time India holds this position, emphasizing its commitment to global leadership in addressing international drug policy issues.
About UN Commission on Narcotic Drugs (CND):
• Origin:
• Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I). Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Established by the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) in 1946 through Resolution 9(I).
• Expanded in 1991 to function as the governing body of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).
• Headquarters: Vienna, Austria
• Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties. Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse. Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
• Monitor and oversee: Implementation of international drug control treaties.
• Promote balanced policies: Address illicit drug production, trafficking, and substance abuse.
• Support evidence-based strategies: Enhance access to controlled substances for medical and scientific purposes.
• Membership: Comprises 53 Member States, elected by ECOSOC for a four-year term, ensuring equitable geographical representation.
• Functions:
• Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions. Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration. Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.
• Normative Role: Discharges treaty-based responsibilities and strengthens global drug control mechanisms through decisions and resolutions.
• Operational Role: Oversees UNODC’s budget, conducts annual sessions, and facilitates intersessional policy reviews and collaboration.
• Policy Commitments: Leads the 2019 Ministerial Declaration follow-up, with a mid-term review in 2024 and final review in 2029.
Insta links:
Manama Dialogue
Source: News 18
Context: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar attended the 20th Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, highlighting India’s diplomatic efforts in addressing challenges across the Middle East, from Gaza to Syria.
About Manama Dialogue:
• Origin: Initiated in 2004 in the Kingdom of Bahrain.
• Nations involved: Includes participants from Middle East, North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
• Organized by: The International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS) in collaboration with Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• To provide a platform for national leaders, policymakers, and strategic thinkers to address pressing regional security issues. Facilitate policy discussions on geopolitics, security trends, and conflict resolution.
• To provide a platform for national leaders, policymakers, and strategic thinkers to address pressing regional security issues.
• Facilitate policy discussions on geopolitics, security trends, and conflict resolution.
• 2024 Theme: “Middle East Leadership in Shaping Regional Prosperity and Security”
Insta Links:
• Middle-east-tension
Confederation of Indian Industry
Source: TH
Context: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has emphasized the importance of adhering to fiscal deficit targets of 4.9% for 2024-25 and 4.5% for 2025-26, underscoring the need for prudent fiscal management to sustain India’s economic growth.
About the Confederation of Indian Industry:
• Origin: Established in 1895, as a non-government, not-for-profit organization.
• Ministry affiliation: Collaborates with the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, but operates independently.
• Headquarters: Located in New Delhi, India.
• Aim: Foster a conducive environment for industrial growth, sustainable development, and global competitiveness.
• Functions:
• Policy Advocacy: Partners with the government on policy-making to boost industrial growth. Capacity Building: Promotes innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness through dedicated Centres of Excellence. Global Linkages: Strengthens international business relations with 300 counterpart organizations in nearly 100 countries. Corporate Citizenship: Focuses on affirmative action, skill development, and sustainable development programs.
• Policy Advocacy: Partners with the government on policy-making to boost industrial growth.
• Capacity Building: Promotes innovation, sustainability, and competitiveness through dedicated Centres of Excellence.
• Global Linkages: Strengthens international business relations with 300 counterpart organizations in nearly 100 countries.
• Corporate Citizenship: Focuses on affirmative action, skill development, and sustainable development programs.
Insta links:
Indian Star Tortoise
Source: TH
Context: The Indian star tortoise (Geochelone elegans), an endangered species endemic to the Indian subcontinent, faces threats from illegal wildlife trade and habitat loss. Recent research highlights its genetic diversity, offering insights into conservation strategies.
About Indian Star Tortoise:
• Scientific Name: Geochelone elegans
• IUCN Status:
• Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
• Vulnerable under the IUCN Red List.
• Types:
• Northwestern Group: Genetically less diverse. Southern Group: Highly diverse, showing greater genetic variations.
• Northwestern Group: Genetically less diverse.
• Southern Group: Highly diverse, showing greater genetic variations.
• Features:
• Shell: Obsidian black with sun-yellow star-like patterns. Size: Small to medium-sized, dome-shaped shells in the wild, pyramid-shaped shells in captivity due to nutritional deficiencies. Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grass, leaves, and fruits.
• Shell: Obsidian black with sun-yellow star-like patterns.
• Size: Small to medium-sized, dome-shaped shells in the wild, pyramid-shaped shells in captivity due to nutritional deficiencies.
• Diet: Herbivorous, feeding on grass, leaves, and fruits.
• Habitat: Endemic to the subcontinent, Indian star tortoises reside in arid pockets of northwest India (bordering Pakistan), South India, and Sri Lanka
• Endemic to the subcontinent, Indian star tortoises reside in arid pockets of northwest India (bordering Pakistan), South India, and Sri Lanka
Insta links:
• Elongated-tortoise
#### UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 December 2024 Mapping:
Sathanur Dam
Source: TH
Context: Cyclone Fengal brought unprecedented rainfall to Tamil Nadu’s Pennaiyar river basin, resulting in heavy inflows into the Sathanur Dam, which was already at 95% capacity.
About Sathanur Dam:
• Location: Built across the Pennaiyar River in Thandarampet taluk, Tamil Nadu, near Tiruvannamalai.
• Inauguration: Constructed in 1958.
• Significance: Third-largest dam in Tamil Nadu after Mettur and Bhavanisagar. Supports irrigation, drinking water, and electricity generation.
• Third-largest dam in Tamil Nadu after Mettur and Bhavanisagar.
• Supports irrigation, drinking water, and electricity generation.
• Tourist Attractions: Houses a crocodile farm and a fish grotto.
About Pennaiyar River:
• Origin: Nandi Hills, Karnataka.
• Course: Flows through Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh before draining into the Bay of Bengal.
• Length: 497 km, making it Tamil Nadu’s second-longest river after the Kaveri.
• Other Names: South Pennar River, Dakshina Pinakini in Kannada, Thenpennai or Ponnaiyar in Tamil.
• Interstate Importance: The second-largest east-flowing river basin between Pennar and Cauvery basins.
• Cities on Banks: Bangalore, Hosur, Tiruvannamalai, and Cuddalore.
Insta Links:
• Pennaiyar-river
Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 9 Dec 2024
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