UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 2024)

1. Bangladesh Crisis: Ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Government

2. The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

GS Paper 3:

3. Geothermal Power Potential in India

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. History of clock

2. Antibiotic-resistant bacteria

3. Sub-zero temperature batteries

4. Methane mitigator

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 2024

GS Paper 2:

Bangladesh Crisis: Ouster of Sheikh Hasina’s Government

Syllabus: International Relations: India’s Neighbourhood

Source: IE, IE

Context: Sheikh Hasina has resigned as Bangladesh’s Prime Minister amid violent protests. The Bangladesh Army, led by General Waker-Uz-Zaman, has taken control and is in the process of forming an interim government.

What led to the protest and fall of the government?

Sheikh Hasina’s government fell due to widespread protests sparked by a controversial job quota system favouring descendants of those who fought for Bangladesh’s independence. These protests, led by students, grew into a larger anti-government movement, fueled by dissatisfaction with Hasina’s 15 years of authoritarian rule, a crackdown on the opposition, and alleged human rights abuses. The unrest and violent clashes ultimately forced her to resign and flee the country.

What was the Army’s role?

Bangladesh Army is said to have refused to intervene in the student’s protest, thereby leaving no choice for the Government, but to resign.

Over the years, the Bangladesh Army has played a significant role in the country’s politics, directly or indirectly controlling it for 15 years after the assassination of Sheikh Mujibur Rahman (the country’s founding figure) in 1975. The army’s influence persisted until Sheikh Hasina, Mujib’s daughter, rose to power in 2008. In 2024, following widespread protests, the army once again intervened, taking responsibility for forming an interim government after Hasina’s resignation.

Impact of Sheikh Hasina’s Exit on India:

• Loss of a Trusted Partner: India lost a reliable ally in Sheikh Hasina, who was sensitive to India’s security concerns and collaborated on counter-terrorism.
• China’s Influence: Hasina’s exit may strengthen China’s influence in Bangladesh, complicating India’s regional strategy, especially with other challenging neighbours.
• Border Security Concerns: The new government could be less friendly, increasing border security issues for India, especially given the existing tensions with Pakistan and China.
• Islamist Extremism: Hasina’s departure may lead to a resurgence of Islamist extremism in Bangladesh, which could threaten India’s security.
• Transit and Connectivity: India’s logistical supply routes to its Northeast may be impacted if the new government revises transit agreements.
• Potential Anti-India Stance: The Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), if it comes to power, might adopt an anti-India stance, straining bilateral relations.

India’s Stand During the Crisis:

1. India views the Bangladesh protests as an internal matter.
2. Despite Hasina’s undemocratic practices, India has supported her, creating tensions with the West, which has criticized her authoritarian methods.

What should India do?

1. Supporting Allies: India must navigate distancing itself from Hasina while engaging her opponents to maintain regional influence.
2. Geopolitical Risks: With Hasina gone, India must be cautious of Pakistan and China’s potential influence on Bangladesh, working with global partners to ensure stability.
3. Beyond 1971: India must move beyond the 1971 liberation narrative and engage with diverse political forces in Bangladesh based on mutual long-term interests.
4. Partition’s Legacy: The crisis underscores unresolved tensions from Partition, reminding both nations of the ongoing impact on their relationship.
5. Regional Dynamics: India’s strategy must recognize the independent agency of its neighbours, requiring patience and adaptability in its foreign policy approach.

Dimensions of India-Bangladesh Relations:

Other major challenges for India in its neighbourhood:

Insta Links:

• India-Bangladesh relations

Mains Links:

Q1. Analyse internal security threats and transborder crimes along Myanmar, Bangladesh and Pakistan borders including Line of Control (LoC). Also discuss the role played by various security forces in this regard. (USPC 2018)

Q2. Project ‘Mausam’ is considered a unique foreign policy initiative of the Indian Government to improve relationships with its neighbours. Does the project have a strategic dimension? Discuss. (UPSC 2015)

Prelims Links:

The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024

Syllabus: Government Policies and Interventions/ Economy: Energy

 Source: ET

Context: The Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Amendment Bill, 2024, introduced in the Rajya Sabha.

The Bill aims to:

1. It aims to amend the Oilfields (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948.
   • Originally, oilfields, mines, and minerals were regulated under the Mines and Minerals (Regulation and Development) Act, 1948, which was later split in 1957 by the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act.
2. The Act regulates the exploration and extraction of natural gas and petroleum.
3. Ensure Policy Stability: Stabilizes terms of petroleum leases to protect lessees from unfavourable changes.
4. Enable International Arbitration: Allows dispute resolution through international arbitration.

1. Boost Investor Confidence: Creates an investor-friendly environment to attract investments.
2. Facilitate Efficient Development: Encourages joint development of connected fields and shared infrastructure.

Major Provisions of the Bill:

Conclusion:

The amendment is significant as it ensures energy access, security, and affordability, reduces import dependence by boosting domestic oil and gas production, attracts investment for capital and technological advancement, supports energy transition to cleaner fuels, and establishes a robust enforcement mechanism for compliance.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 2024 GS Paper 3:

Geothermal Power Potential in India

Syllabus: Economy: Energy/ Geography

 Source: IE

Context: India has identified approximately 10,600 MW of geothermal power potential, according to the Geological Survey of India (GSI).

1. The GSI has conducted extensive exploration across 381 thermally active areas, gathering data on temperature, discharge, and water quality.
2. A 20 kW pilot geothermal power plant using Binary Organic Rankine Cycle technology has been successfully commissioned in Telangana by Singareni Collieries Company Limited.

What is Geothermal energy?

It is heat that comes from the Earth’s interior. It is harnessed by tapping into steam or hot water reservoirs found beneath the Earth’s surface. This energy can be used directly for heating or to generate electricity using geothermal power plants.

Types of Geothermal Power Plants ( Sometimes such Qns can be asked in Prelims)

There are three types of geothermal power plants where we can harness the heat of the earth to produce electricity.

1. Dry steam powerplant
2. Flash steam power plant
3. Binary cycle power plant

All these plants follow the same principle of using the heat of the earth to produce electricity. As flash steam power plant requires a high enthalpy range and hence they cannot be used in India.

Status of Geothermal Energy/Geothermal Powerplants in India:

Geothermal resources in India have been mapped by the Geological Survey of India (GSI) and a broad estimate by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) suggests that there could be 10 GW of geothermal power

Potential of Geothermal Energy in India:

Various challenges in the widespread adoption of geothermal energy in India:

1. High Upfront Costs: Significant initial investment for drilling wells and installing infrastructure.
2. Limited Geothermal Resources: Most resources are low-temperature, suitable mainly for direct heat applications.
3. Lack of Technical Expertise: Insufficient professionals with experience in geothermal exploration and development.
4. Regulatory and Policy Framework: The absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework specific to geothermal energy.
5. Uncertain Resource Assessment: Limited exploration and data make accurate resource assessment challenging.
6. Infrastructure Limitations: Remote areas may lack the necessary infrastructure, increasing costs and complexity.
7. Environmental Considerations: Potential negative impacts, such as groundwater contamination or seismic activity.

Steps Taken in India:

1. Renewable Energy Research & Technology Development Programme (RE-RTD)

1. • 100% financial support by MNRE to government/non-profit research organizations.
   • Up to 70% financial support to industry, startups, private institutes, entrepreneurs, and manufacturing units.

2. Renewable Energy Technology Action Platform

1. • Collaboration under the US-India Strategic Clean Energy Partnership.

3. Mission on Advanced and High-Impact Research (MAHIR)
4. Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) has established India’s first Geothermal field development project at Puga village in Ladakh.
5. Tata Power is India’s largest integrated power company. Tata Power will be setting up a geothermal plant in Gujarat of about 5MW plant.
6. National Thermal Power Corporationis planning to construct a 300MW of geothermal power plant project in Chhattisgarh.

Insta Links:

• Geothermal Energy

Mains Link:

Examine the various obstacles to an energy-secure India. How can the government ensure energy security while honouring its net zero commitments? (15M)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

History of clock

 Source: TH 

Context: Throughout history, timekeeping has evolved from basic sundials and water clocks to advanced atomic and nuclear clocks.

Current advancements include optical clocks, which use higher-frequency radiation for even greater precision, and researchers are working on nuclear clocks, which could potentially offer even higher accuracy by using the nuclei of atoms as resonators.

Antibiotic resistant bacteria

Source: TH

Context: A recent study in Nigeria has found colistin-resistant bacteria in newborn babies and their mothers, even though neither had been treated with colistin.

• Colistin is a critical antibiotic used as a last resort for severe infections, and its resistance is a growing concern due to its limited use in healthcare settings.
• This resistance likely emerged from the widespread use of colistin in agriculture, particularly in livestock feed.
• The use of antibiotics in farming, especially for growth promotion rather than treatment, contributes significantly to antimicrobial resistance.

Sub-zero temperature batteries

Source: The Tribune

Context: The Council of Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) has developed a new battery designed to function effectively in sub-zero temperatures, which is particularly beneficial for defence forces and civilians in high-altitude regions.

• The innovative battery features a durable cathode catalyst and an anti-freezing electrolyte, making it suitable for extreme cold conditions where conventional batteries fail.
• Researchers at CSIR-Central Mechanical Engineering Research Institute created a hybrid cathode material combining cobalt and iron alloys with nanoparticles.
• This enhancement improves the battery’s durability and performance in both liquid and solid-state zinc-air batteries, even in very low temperatures.
• The new battery’s portability, flexibility, and lightweight nature make it a versatile energy solution for various users, including military personnel and remote communities.

The technology is part of a broader effort to develop efficient energy storage systems, addressing limitations of traditional lithium-ion batteries and exploring alternatives like metal-air batteries and electro-catalytic techniques for low carbon footprint solutions.

Methane mitigator

 Source: PIB

Context: India has discovered and isolated indigenous methanotrophs, bacteria that naturally mitigate methane, a potent greenhouse gas.

• Researchers have identified novel methanotrophs from rice fields and wetlands in Western India, including a new genus and species named Methylocucumis oryzae.
• These bacteria are efficient in oxidizing methane, converting it to CO₂ and water.
• Methylocucumis oryzae is notable for its large size, unique oval shape, and strict temperature requirements, as it cannot grow above 37°C.

This methanotroph has also been found to enhance rice plant growth, promoting earlier flowering and increased grain yield.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 7 August 2024 [PDF]

Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE

Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Official Facebook Page HERE

Twitter Account HERE

Instagram Account HERE

LinkedIn: HERE