UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 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 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2024)
- Urban Transformation Strategies in the Union Budget 2024-25
GS Paper 3:
-
Global Approach to Climate Change and India’s Perspective
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
-
Kalarippayattu
-
Olympic Order
-
DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number)
-
PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyaan
-
Ketamine
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2024
GS Paper 1:
Urban Transformation Strategies in the Union Budget 2024-25
Syllabus: Geography/ Governance: Urban Governance
Source: PIB
Need for Urban Transformation Strategy
- Increasing Urban Population: Currently, urban areas constitute ~35% of India’s population; Expected to grow to 53% by 2047.
- Economic Contribution: Urban centres contribute ~66% to the national GDP; Expected to reach 80% by 2050.
- Key Issues:
- Infrastructure deficit.
- Rapidly deteriorating environment, including air pollution.
- Sub-optimal planning and governance.
Urban Transformation Strategies in Union Budget 2024-25:
| Strategies in Union Budget 2024-25 | Details |
| PM Awas Yojana (PMAY) | Expansion and Investment: Allocation for 3 crore additional houses, including PM Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 for 1 crore urban poor and middle-class families with ₹10 lakh crore investment. Central assistance of ₹2.2 lakh crore over five years and interest subsidies for affordable loans. |
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| Vision and Commitment: Focus on pucca houses with essential amenities (toilets, LPG, electricity, tap connections). Female head of the family mandated as owner/co-owner, promoting women’s empowerment among EWS and LIG. | |
| Rental Housing | Dormitory-type accommodation for industrial workers through PPP mode, supported by Viability Gap Funding (VGF) and anchor industries. Policies for efficient and transparent rental housing markets. |
| Cities as Growth Hubs | Development of cities as growth hubs through economic and transit planning, orderly peri-urban area development, and creative brownfield redevelopment. Transit Oriented Development plans for 14 large cities with populations above 30 lakh. |
| Water Supply and Sanitation | Partnership with state governments and multilateral development banks to promote water supply, sewage treatment, and solid waste management projects in 100 large cities. Utilization of treated water for irrigation and tank filling. |
| Weekly ‘Haats’ | Support for developing 100 weekly ‘haats’ or street food hubs each year for five years, building on the success of the PM SVANidhi Scheme for street vendors. |
| Stamp Duty | Encouragement for states to moderate high stamp duty rates and lower duties for properties purchased by women, as part of urban development reforms. |
Other Initiatives:
| Initiative | Description |
| AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) Scheme | Aims to provide basic services like water supply, sewerage, and urban transport to households, ensuring improved urban infrastructure. |
| Climate Smart Cities Assessment Framework 2.0 | Evaluates and guides cities in integrating climate resilience into their urban planning and development strategies. |
| TULIP – The Urban Learning Internship Program | Offers internships to young graduates in urban local bodies and smart cities to enhance their understanding of urban governance and planning. |
| Smart Cities Mission (SCM) | Focuses on promoting sustainable and inclusive cities that provide core infrastructure, a clean and sustainable environment, and quality of life to citizens. |
| National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) | Aims to rejuvenate the Ganga River by implementing projects for pollution abatement, river surface cleaning, and biodiversity conservation. |
| River Cities Alliance (RCA) | A collaborative platform for river cities to share knowledge and best practices on river management and sustainable urban development. |
| National Water Policy, 2012 | Advocates for rainwater harvesting and desalination in urban and industrial areas to increase the availability of utilizable water, promoting sustainable water management. |
Mains Link:
With a brief background of quality of urban life in India, introduce the objectives and strategy of the ‘Smart City Programme.’ (UPSC 2016)
Prelims Link:
With reference to Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
- Private and public hospitals must adopt it.
- As it aims to achieve universal, health coverage, every citizen of India should be part of it ultimately.
- It has seamless portability across the country.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (d)
Consider the following statements: (UPSC 2011)
In India, a Metropolitan Planning Committee
- is constituted under the provisions of the Constitution of India.
- prepares the draft development plans for metropolitan area.
- has the sole responsibility for implementing Government sponsored schemes in the metropolitan area.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Ans: (a)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2024 GS Paper 3:
Economic Survey and Budget: Global Approach to Climate Change and India’s Perspective
Syllabus: Environmental pollution and degradation, Environmental impact assessment, Conservation, and climate change.
Context: The Economic Survey 2023-24 highlights the flaws in the current global approach to climate change, emphasizing the need for developing countries to adopt a localized perspective in their climate strategies.
Definition and Historical Instances
The current global approach to climate change predominantly focuses on reducing carbon emissions through renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and cutting methane emissions. Historically, this approach has been shaped by developed nations, often neglecting the socio-economic and geographical challenges faced by developing countries like India.
How the global approach to climate change is flawed:
| Aspect | Issue |
| Inadequate Funding | Only USD 100 billion was pledged by developed countries till 2020, far short of the approximately USD 6 trillion which developing countries need by 2030 to meet half of their climate targets. |
| Ignoring Per Capita Emissions | Developing countries like India, despite having low per capita emissions and a minimal cumulative historical contribution to global emissions (4% from 1850-2019), are urged to take greater responsibility for emissions reduction. |
| Overestimating Risks | The global approach often overestimates the risks associated with nuclear energy, which is one of the cleanest and safest options. Public fear, fueled by rare accidents like Chernobyl and Fukushima, hinders its broader adoption. |
| High-Energy Technologies | Developed countries are increasing their energy infrastructure to support energy-intensive technologies such as artificial intelligence, which exacerbates energy demand and emissions. |
| Overconsumption | Developed nations focus on substituting means to achieve high consumption rather than addressing the root cause of overconsumption, leading to higher fossil fuel usage despite climate change mitigation goals. |
| Example of Overconsumption | Meat Production: Developed countries’ practices threaten food security and degrade resources by creating ‘food-feed competition.’ Traditional farming in developing nations reduces costs and balances the natural cycle, freeing arable land to combat global hunger. |
| Resource-Intensive Renewables | Transitioning to renewable energy involves significant environmental costs due to the extraction of rare earth metals required for solar panels and wind turbines. This process is often destructive and energy-intensive, contradicting the objectives of clean energy. |
| Intermittent Renewable Sources | Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent, requiring substantial storage capacities to ensure a stable power supply. This necessitates additional resource extraction for battery production, further impacting the environment. |
| Financial Burden on Developing Countries | Developing countries face a significant financial burden in transitioning to cleaner energy sources. The limited financial support from developed nations makes it challenging for countries like India to invest in the necessary clean energy infrastructure and technology. |
| Lack of Holistic Approach | The current global strategy primarily focuses on technological solutions without addressing lifestyle changes and reduced consumption in developed countries, which are essential for sustainable climate action. |
| Housing | Western nucleated families lead to urban sprawl and high environmental costs.
Vs India: Traditional multi-generational households in India promote sustainable living with local materials, natural ventilation, and lower resource use, benefiting the elderly and reducing energy consumption. |
India’s Climate Action Progress
- Carbon Sink: India has created a carbon sink of approximately 1.97 billion tonnes of CO2 equivalent between 2005 and 2019, with plans to add an additional 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes by 2030 through enhanced forest and tree cover.
- Emissions Intensity Reduction: India aims to reduce the emissions intensity of its GDP by 45% by 2030 from the 2005 level.
- Mission LiFE: Focuses on behavioral changes among individuals to combat climate change, promoting mindful consumption over overconsumption.
Benefits and Drawbacks of India’s Climate Actions
Benefits:
- Sustainable Development: Integrating traditional farming practices and multi-generational households promotes sustainable living and reduces environmental costs.
- Economic Growth: Investing in renewable energy and energy efficiency projects can drive economic growth while reducing emissions.
Drawbacks:
- Financial Burden: The transition to cleaner energy sources requires significant investment, which is challenging given the current financial support from developed nations.
- Technological Challenges: Renewable energy sources like solar and wind are intermittent and require substantial storage capacities, which are resource-intensive.
Suggested Actions
- Develop a Climate Finance Taxonomy: As announced in the Union Budget 2024-25, this system will classify sustainable investments, guiding investors and banks to direct capital towards impactful climate adaptation and mitigation projects.
- Promote Small-Scale Renewable Projects: Focus on small-scale solar and wind projects suited to India’s unique context, improving energy efficiency in industries, and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
- Advocate for Equitable Climate Policies: Push for more equitable climate policies that hold developed nations accountable for their historical emissions and current consumption patterns.
About Climate Finance Taxonomy (presented in Union Budget for 2024-25)
Definition: A classification system identifying which parts of the economy can be marketed as sustainable investments, guiding investors and banks to direct funds toward impactful climate change solutions.
Purpose: Taxonomies set standards for classifying climate-related financial instruments (e.g., green bonds) and serve other uses like climate risk management, net-zero transition planning, and climate disclosure.
Global Adoption: Countries such as South Africa, Colombia, South Korea, Thailand, Singapore, Canada, Mexico, and the European Union have developed taxonomies.
Significance:
- Aids countries in transitioning to a net-zero economy by ensuring economic activities align with science-based transition pathways.
- Promotes climate capital deployment and reduces greenwashing risks.
- Enhances capital availability for climate adaptation and mitigation, helping countries like India achieve climate commitments and green transitions.
Way Forward:
The Economic Survey 2023-24 and the Union Budget 2024-25 emphasize that:
- India’s climate strategy must balance developmental goals with meaningful climate action.
- India’s strategy should focus on sustainable development practices, individual responsibility, and equitable climate policies.
- India needs to advocate for climate justice, ensuring that global strategies are accommodative of its unique socio-economic context.
About Mission LiFE:
Conclusion:
By promoting sustainable consumption and leveraging its position in the Global South, India can push for a more equitable and effective global climate strategy.
Mains Links:
Write a note on Life mission and how it will help reduce global carbon emissions.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP):
Kalarippayattu
Source: PIB
Context: The Ministry of Youth Affairs & Sports has recognized the Kalarippayattu Federation of India for its efforts in promoting the traditional martial art of Kalarippayattu within the country.
About Kalarippayattu:
- Kalaripayattu, meaning “Battleground” (Kalari) and “Method” or “Art” (Payatt), is an ancient Indian martial art that originated in Kerala between the 3rd century BC and the 2nd century AD.
- Practiced in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu, it is one of the oldest and most scientific martial arts in the world, with a history of over 3,000 years.
- Kalaripayattu includes personal combat training exercises designed to develop sharp reflexes for unarmed combat and skilled fighting using various weapons such as sticks, daggers, knives, spears, swords, and shields.
Olympic Order
Source: NewsOnAir
Context: Abhinav Bindra, India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist, has been awarded the prestigious Olympic Order by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for his significant contributions to the Olympic Movement.
- The award will be presented during the 142nd IOC Session in Paris.
- Bindra, who won the men’s 10-meter air rifle event at the 2008 Beijing Games, is the first Indian to receive this highest IOC honour.
DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number)
Source: Hindustan Times
Context: The Department of Post has released a beta version of the National Addressing Grid, DIGIPIN (Digital Postal Index Number), for public feedback.
- Developed with IIT Hyderabad, DIGIPIN aims to provide a permanent digital infrastructure for addressing that remains unaffected by changes in state, city, or locality names, or road networks.
- The system divides the country into 4m x 4m units, each assigned a unique 10-digit alphanumeric code based on geographical coordinates.
- This code serves as an offline addressing reference, useful for locating addresses, emergency operations, and logistics.
- No private address data is stored, ensuring privacy.
PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyaan
Source: TH
Context: Finance Minister announced the launch of the PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyaan, aimed at providing basic facilities to five crore Scheduled Tribe families across 63,000 villages in tribal-majority and aspirational districts.
- This scheme is designed after PM-JANMAN for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups.
- The 2024-25 budget allocated ₹13,000 crore for the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, with a significant portion going to Eklavya Model Residential Schools.
Ketamine
Source: TH
Context: A new slow-release ketamine tablet offers hope for treatment-resistant depression with fewer side effects compared to traditional intravenous or intranasal administration.
- Ketamine, originally an anesthetic, has rapid antidepressant effects and is often used when other antidepressants fail.
- The slow-release formulation reduces common side effects like headaches and nausea, making it suitable for at-home use.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 July 2024 [PDF]
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