UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 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 2: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2024)
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UN Summit of the Future 2024
GS Paper 3:
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5 years of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
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Sanju Devi’s Journey to Sanitation in Patna
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MoRTH Promotes Use of Urban Waste in Highway Construction
Facts for Prelims (FFP)
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Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
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Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material
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Cancer Moonshot Initiative
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Rhinos
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COMPUTER SECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – POWER (CSIRT–POWER)
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Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2024
GS Paper 2:
UN Summit of the Future 2024
Syllabus: International Relations
Source: UN
Context: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for urgent reforms to outdated UN institutions on peace, security, and finance at the UN Summit of the Future 2024. India’s Prime Minister also attended the summit.
What is the UN Summit of the Future 2024?
The UN Summit of the Future 2024 aims to reform and strengthen international governance to address contemporary global challenges. It focuses on sustainable development, peace, security, and technology, culminating in the adoption of the “Pact for the Future,” which includes commitments to accelerate SDGs, promote equitable digital access, and safeguard the interests of future generations.
Key Highlights of the UN Summit of the Future:
- Purpose: Reform international governance to address global challenges and ensure a sustainable future.
- Theme: “Multilateral Solutions for a Better Tomorrow.”
- Outcome: Adoption of the “Pact for the Future” with two annexes: the Global Digital Compact and the Declaration on Future Generations.
- Pact for the Future: Accelerates SDGs, supports climate action, promotes a just transition from fossil fuels, and commits to nuclear disarmament and AI governance.
- Global Digital Compact: Promotes equitable access to technology and universal AI governance.
- Declaration on Future Generations: Emphasizes long-term thinking, considering the interests of future generations.
- India’s Stance: Called for UN reforms, supported global digital governance and advocated for expanded Security Council membership.
What is the Pact for the Future?
The Pact for the Future is an action-oriented agreement from the 2024 UN Summit of the Future, addressing global challenges like sustainable development, peace, security, digital cooperation, and future generations. It aims to reform global governance and includes the Global Digital Compact and a Declaration on Future Generations.
The Pact address 21st-century challenges like climate change and conflict. Adopted by consensus, except for a group led by Russia, key points include:
- Sustainable Development: Empower developing countries in global finance and strengthen safety nets for the poor.
- Peace and Security: Recommit to nuclear disarmament and prevent misuse of new technologies.
- Science and Technology: Promote ethical research, protect indigenous knowledge, and empower women.
- Youth and Future Generations: Include future generations in decision-making.
- Global Governance: Reform UNSC to better represent Africa and prevent an arms race in space
Proposed Reforms by the UN Secretary-General:
- Security Council Reform: Guterres emphasized that the UN Security Council must be restructured to reflect current geopolitical realities, addressing the under-representation of regions like Africa, Asia-Pacific, and Latin America.
- Strengthening Global Financial Architecture: He called for reforms in international financial institutions (IMF, World Bank, WTO) to better support debt-stricken developing nations in achieving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and to enhance their representativeness and capability in addressing global economic challenges.
India, representing the G4 nations (Participating in Inter-governmental Negotiations on UNSC reform), presented a detailed model for UN Security Council reform, proposing new permanent members elected democratically by the General Assembly and showing flexibility on the veto issue.
Key Highlights of the India’s Proposed Model:
| Highlights | Details |
| Enlarged Membership | 11 Permanent members, and 14/15 non-permanent members with a 2-year term to be elected based on current practice. |
| Equitable Regional Representation | Representation of 6 new permanent members shall come from Africa (2), Asia-Pacific (2), Latin America and Caribbean (2), Western Europe and Other Member States (1). |
| Working Methods of Council | An affirmative vote of 14/15 of 25/26 members will be required for a decision. |
| Veto | No veto rights to new permanent members until decided by a review, held fifteen years after reform came into force. |
| Relationship between UNSC and UNGA | The council should hold regular consultations with the President of UNGA, submit annual reports and special reports to UNGA, etc. |
Conclusion:
Looking towards the future, the 21st century presents a myriad of complex challenges, ranging from climate change to cybersecurity threats and economic inequality. Despite its imperfections, the United Nations (UN) stands uniquely positioned to address these multifaceted issues, given its convening power, diplomatic role, and extensive network of agencies.
However, realizing its full potential requires implementing reforms to enhance its effectiveness. Streamlining bureaucracy, reducing inefficiencies, and ensuring more equitable representation within the organization are crucial steps towards achieving this goal. Despite these challenges, the UN remains indispensable in global governance, humanitarian assistance, and crisis management. While the need for reform is evident, the UN’s continued role in fostering cooperation, dialogue, and collective action underscores its enduring importance in tackling the world’s most pressing problems.
Insta Links:
Mains Links:
What are the main functions of the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC)? Explain different functional commissions attached to it. (10 M) (UPSC 2017)
Prelims Links:
With reference to the “United Nations Credentials Committee”, consider the following statements: (UPSC 2022)
- It is a committee set up by the UN Security Council and works under its supervision.
- It traditionally meets in March, June and September every year
- It assesses the credentials of all UN members before submitting a report to the General Assembly for approval.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 3 only
(b) 1 and 3
(c) 2 and 3
(d) 1 and 2
Ans: (a)
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2024 GS Paper 3:
5 years of Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI)
Syllabus: Disaster Management
Source: HT
Context: Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) marks its fifth Anniversary
Also, CDRI announced a $2.5 million fund to support cities in 30 low and middle-income countries, including India. This Urban Infrastructure Resilience Programme (UIRP) aims to enhance awareness, planning, and financial resources for integrating climate resilience into infrastructure.
Previously, the Union Cabinet had given its approval for ratification of the Headquarters Agreement (HQA) between the Government of India (Gol) and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI).
About CDRI:
| CRDI | |
| About | CDRI is a global partnership of National Governments, UN agencies, multilateral development banks, the private sector, and academic institutions. |
| Objective | It aims to promote the resilience of infrastructure systems to climate and disaster risks, thereby ensuring sustainable development. |
| Launched by | It was launched by the PM of India during the UN Climate Action Summit (New York) in 2019. It is seen as India’s attempt to obtain a global leadership role in climate change and disaster resilience matters |
| Secretariat | New Delhi |
| Members | Since its launch, 31 Countries, 6 International Organisations and 2 private sector organisations have become members of CDRI. |
| Upgradation | In 2022, the Cabinet approved the recognition of CDRI as an International Organisation and for the signing of HQA for granting CDRI exemptions, immunities and privileges as contemplated under the UN (Privileges and Immunities) Act, 1947 |
| Significance of HQA agreement | Ratification will provide CDRI an independent and international legal persona so that it can carry out its functions internationally, more efficiently. |
How can CDRI help in enhancing the reach and resilience of Infrastructure
The Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) is an international partnership of governments and other agencies working to promote resilience to disasters.
Improving Reach
- CDRI advocates for prioritizing connectivity infrastructure like rural roads and telecom to enhance access to remote and vulnerable communities.
- It partners with development banks like ADB to mobilize financing for reach-enhancing projects which governments may overlook due to modest returns.
- CDRI highlights how reaching the last mile reduces disaster risks and long-term costs by facilitating evacuation, monitoring and service delivery.
- It is developing geospatial models to identify underserved regions prone to disasters to guide investment priorities for reach.
Enhancing Resilience
- CDRI has formulated 10 resilience standards and guidelines customizable for countries based on hazard risks and local needs.
- It trains infrastructure agencies on lifecycle resilience solutions encompassing disaster-resistant design, construction and proactive asset management.
- CDRI promotes cost-effective engineering innovations like bio-engineering for slope stabilization and decentralized renewable energy systems to build resilient eco-infrastructure.
- It works with countries to develop disaster resilience plans for critical infrastructure like power grids, communication networks and transport systems.
- CDRI helps countries assess infrastructure risks and resilience gaps through detailed diagnostic tools and simulations.
Conclusion
Thus CDRI focuses on furthering inclusion and resilience together by advocating connectivity infrastructure to remote areas and building the capacity of countries on end-to-end solutions for resilient design, delivery and operations, thus steering policy towards inclusive and resilient infrastructure globally.
Insta Links:
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)
Sanju Devi’s Journey to Sanitation in Patna
Source: PIB
Sanju Devi from Patna, Bihar, became a symbol of change by breaking gender norms and leading a sanitation initiative in her community.
Initially facing resistance, she trained with the Patna Municipal Corporation to drive an e-rickshaw and collect door-to-door garbage. Her efforts not only improved waste management but also inspired other women to join the cause, challenging traditional gender roles. Her story aligns with the Swachh Bharat Mission, showcasing how individual actions can drive national progress toward cleanliness and equality.
Ethical Values:
- Perseverance: Overcoming personal and societal challenges to achieve goals.
- Leadership: Inspiring others through actions and leading by example.
- Empowerment: Enabling oneself and others to break stereotypes.
- Community Service: Contributing positively to the betterment of society.
- Courage: Defying societal norms and embracing unconventional roles.
- Responsibility: Taking initiative for community welfare.
- Equality: Promoting gender equality by challenging traditional roles.
MoRTH Promotes Use of Urban Waste in Highway Construction
Source: IE
Context: The Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) has issued guidelines to use urban solid waste in building National Highways.
This move aims to reduce the environmental impact of sourcing construction materials like soil, often taken from agricultural fields. Successful pilot projects on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway and Ahmedabad-Dholera Expressway have demonstrated the feasibility of using inert waste material for highway embankments. With around 1700 lakh tons of accumulated waste across 2304 dump sites, utilizing this material can mitigate environmental hazards and support sustainable highway development.
Significance:
Using urban solid waste in highway construction reduces environmental impact, minimizes soil depletion from agriculture fields, addresses the issue of overflowing landfill sites, and promotes sustainable infrastructure development.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)
Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS)
Source: PIB
Context: The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) Annual Report (July 2023 – June 2024) presents key labour market trends in India.
- Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR):
- The overall LFPR for individuals aged 15 years and above increased from 57.9% in 2022-23 to 60.1% in 2023-24.
- For females, LFPR rose from 37.0% to 41.7%, while for males, it slightly increased from 78.5% to 78.8%.
- Worker Population Ratio (WPR):
- The WPR also saw a rise, increasing from 56.0% to 58.2%.
- For females, it jumped from 35.9% to 40.3%, and for males, from 76.0% to 76.3%.
- Unemployment Rate (UR):
- The overall UR was 3.2% for both males and females.
- While the male UR decreased slightly from 3.3% to 3.2%, the female UR increased from 2.9% to 3.2%.
About the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS):
The Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) is a comprehensive survey conducted by the National Statistical Office (NSO) of India to assess the employment and unemployment situation in the country.
Objectives
- Assess Employment Status: PLFS aims to provide detailed information on various dimensions of labour force participation, employment, and unemployment.
- Monitor Employment Trends: It helps track changes in the labour market and understand the dynamics of employment and economic conditions.
- Support Policy Formulation: The data collected is crucial for policymakers to formulate labour-related policies and programs.
Key Features
- Household Survey: PLFS gathers information from households across rural and urban areas, making it representative of the entire country.
- Annual and Quarterly Data: It includes both annual and quarterly surveys to provide timely insights into labour force dynamics.
- Employment Indicators: The survey collects data on various indicators such as work participation rate, unemployment rate, and underemployment rate.
Child Sexual Exploitative and Abuse Material
Source: TH
Context: The Supreme Court of India has ruled that viewing, downloading, storing, or distributing child sexual exploitative and abuse material (CSEAM) is a criminal offence under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Information Technology (IT) Act.
- A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud emphasized that the harm to the victim continues even after the abuse, through the circulation of exploitative material online.
- The court urged Parliament to amend the POCSO Act to replace the term “child pornography” with CSEAM, which more accurately describes the crime.
- The judgment criticized the use of “child pornography” as it trivializes the abuse, explaining that both viewing CSEAM and the act of child sexual abuse share a common intent—exploitation for sexual gratification.
- Additionally, the court introduced the concept of “constructive possession,” holding individuals accountable for having the ability to control or delete such material, even if they attempt to evade liability.
The judgment calls for immediate legal reforms and encourages people to report any unknown or suspicious links involving CSEAM.
Cancer Moonshot Initiative
Source: USEmbassy
Context: The Quad countries—United States, Australia, India, and Japan—have launched a “Cancer Moonshot Initiative” aimed at reducing cancer in the Indo-Pacific, starting with cervical cancer.
- The initiative will improve the cancer care ecosystem through better health infrastructure, research collaboration, data systems, and enhanced prevention, detection, treatment, and care.
- Cervical cancer, the third leading cause of cancer deaths among women in the region, can be prevented with HPV vaccines and early screening, but access remains limited.
- The initiative will promote HPV vaccination, increase screenings, and improve treatment, with the goal of saving hundreds of thousands of lives over time.
The Quad countries plan to collaborate on research, engage the private and non-governmental sectors, and work with organizations like Gavi and the International Atomic Energy Agency to lower screening costs and improve cancer care access.
Rhinos
Source: IUCN
Context: On World Rhino Day 2024, the status of the world’s five rhino species presents a mixed outlook.
- In Africa, the rhino population, comprising both black and white rhinos, increased to approximately 23,885 by the end of 2023, despite continued poaching.
- However, the critically endangered black rhino population slightly declined by 1%, primarily due to poaching in Namibia and South Africa.
- In Asia, the situation is more dire. The Javan rhino population plummeted by 33%, leaving only 76 individuals after poachers targeted breeding males.
- The Sumatran rhino population remains precariously low, with only 34-47 individuals left.
COMPUTER SECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – POWER (CSIRT–POWER)
Source: PIB
Context: The Union Minister inaugurated the COMPUTER SECURITY INCIDENT RESPONSE TEAM – POWER (CSIRT-Power) facility, aimed at protecting India’s power infrastructure from increasing cyber threats.
- The facility is a proactive response to the growing risk of cyberattacks on the power sector, which is a critical part of national infrastructure.
- CSIRT-Power, equipped with advanced cybersecurity tools and expert teams, will coordinate incident responses, enhance preparedness, and strengthen the cybersecurity framework of the power sector.
- It addresses the sector’s vulnerabilities, especially given the digital transformation and growing attack surface.
- The initiative follows the National Cyber Security Policy of 2013 and seeks to build resilience through information sharing, best practices, training, and collaboration with stakeholders.
- It aims to provide specialized support, prevent cyber incidents, and improve the overall security posture of the power sector.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA)
Source: HT
Context: The Supreme Court ruled that the 14-day timeline for granting sanctions under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) is mandatory, not discretionary, requiring strict adherence by both central and state governments.
- Non-compliance with this timeline could lead to the quashing of criminal proceedings, emphasizing the importance of swift and diligent decision-making in national security matters.
- The court clarified that this ruling applies prospectively and is aimed at ensuring that the procedural rights of the accused are upheld.
UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 September 2024
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