UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 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 – 1 October 2024)

1. Eco-Sensitive Areas

2. Non – Basmati Rice

GS Paper 4:

1. Case of Atul

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

1. Ministry of Textile programs

2. Annual Survey of Industries

3. Gender Performativity

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

1. Eight – Core Sector

2. RajyaMata-Gomata

3. Marburg Virus Disease

4. Operation Northern Arrows

5. Thermobaric weapons

Mapping:

1. Bagmati River

2. Canary Island

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024

GS Paper 3:

Eco-Sensitive Areas

Syllabus: Environment

 Source: TH

 Context:  The Karnataka government has asked the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) to withdraw the sixth draft notification issued by it for the declaration of Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) of the Western Ghats.

About Eco-Sensitive Area:

Eco-Sensitive Areas (ESAs) are regions surrounding protected areas like national parks and wildlife sanctuaries, designated to act as buffer zones to reduce the impact of human activities on biodiversity.

• Governed under the Environmental (Protection) Act, 1986, and outlined in the National Wildlife Action Plan (2002-2016) by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC).

Origin:

• ESAs were introduced to provide buffer zones for protected areas.
• The Western Ghats Ecology Expert Panel (Gadgil Committee) and Kasturirangan Committee recommended their designation for biodiversity conservation, especially in fragile ecosystems like the Western Ghats.

Activities in ESAs:

• Prohibited: Commercial mining, industries causing pollution, large hydroelectric projects, sawmills, and use of wood for commercial purposes.
• Regulated: Felling trees, constructing hotels/resorts, commercial use of water, electrical cables, changing agricultural systems.
• Permitted: Organic farming, rainwater harvesting, use of renewable energy, ongoing agricultural practices.

Comparison between Madhav Gadgil’s report and Kasturirangan’s report:

Significance of ESAs

1. Conservation of biodiversity: ESAs protect biodiversity by regulating human activities, and preventing environmental degradation.
2. In-situ conservation: Helps conserve endangered species in their natural habitat (e.g., the One-horned Rhino in Kaziranga).
3. Minimizing man-animal conflict: Reduces conflicts by maintaining forest corridors.
4. Buffer zones: Acts as shock absorbers for ecologically fragile areas, balancing development and conservation.
5. Climate resilience: Helps ecosystems adapt to climate change by preserving natural landscapes.

Challenges

1. Development vs. Conservation: Balancing economic growth with environmental protection remains a challenge.
2. Impact on local livelihoods: Restrictions in ESAs can negatively impact communities dependent on natural resources.
3. Inconsistent policies: Implementation varies across states, leading to confusion and enforcement challenges.
4. Encroachment: Illegal mining, deforestation, and human encroachments threaten the efficacy of ESAs.
5. Lack of local participation: Insufficient involvement of local communities in decision-making weakens compliance.

Way ahead

1. Community involvement: Strengthen local participation through Gram Sabhas and local bodies in ESA management.
2. Sustainable development: Promote eco-friendly alternatives like organic farming and eco-tourism in ESAs.
3. Clear and consistent policies: Standardize ESA policies across regions to prevent loopholes.
4. Scientific assessments: Conduct thorough environmental impact assessments before approving developmental projects.
5. Alternative livelihoods: Provide financial support and training to affected communities for alternate, sustainable income sources.

Conclusion:

ESAs play a vital role in balancing conservation with sustainable development. Going forward, a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable approach is essential to preserve these fragile ecosystems while ensuring that development benefits local communities.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

Non – Basmati Rice

Syllabus: India Exports

 Source: TOI

Context:  The Government of India lifted the export ban on Non-Basmati White Rice on September 28, 2024.

Recent decision points:

1. Minimum export price (MEP): A minimum export price (MEP) of $490 per tonne has been imposed on Non-Basmati White Rice.
2. Reduction in export duty: The government also removed the 20% export duty on Non-Basmati White Rice and reduced export duty from 20% to 10% on husked rice, parboiled rice, and paddy.

India’s status in global rice exports:

1. Global leader: India is the second-largest producer and the biggest exporter of rice globally, accounting for 33% of the world’s total rice exports in 2023 (17 million tonnes).
2. Competitors: India’s major competitors in the rice export market are Thailand and Vietnam, which together export almost as much rice as India. Other competitors include Pakistan, Cambodia, and the United States.
3. Export breakup: India’s rice exports are divided into Basmati and Non-Basmati categories. In 2023-24, Basmati rice accounted for one-third of total rice exports (52.42 lakh tonnes), while Non-Basmati rice saw major exports of varieties like parboiled rice and Non-Basmati White Rice.

Impacts of lifting the ban:

• Domestic level:

1. Increase in retail prices: The lifting of the ban could lead to further price hikes in domestic retail prices, which have already been elevated due to inflationary trends.
2. Benefit to farmers: Farmers who grow premium Non-Basmati rice varieties, like Sona Masoori, are likely to benefit from improved export opportunities.
3. Support for state welfare schemes: State governments have been allowed to purchase rice for welfare schemes, providing a safety net for lower-income communities.

International level:

1. Boost to exporters: The lifting of the ban will revive sentiment among traders, particularly in countries like Kenya, Vietnam, and Malaysia, which are major importers of India’s Non-Basmati White Rice.
2. Global market stabilization: India’s re-entry into the global rice market will help stabilize prices internationally, especially after the earlier ban disrupted global supplies.
3. Strengthening international relations: India’s rice exports play a role in food security for many countries, especially in regions like Southeast Asia and Africa. The lifting of the ban could reinforce trade ties with these countries.

Way ahead:

1. Balanced export-import policies: The government should monitor both domestic supply and global demand to ensure a balance that prevents further domestic inflation while maintaining export growth.
2. Focus on production: Increasing investment in rice farming infrastructure, including irrigation and yield-improving technologies, will be critical in ensuring sustained high production levels.
3. Promote diversification: Encouraging diversification of rice varieties and exports can ensure stable income for farmers while promoting India’s competitiveness in the global market.

Conclusion:

The decision to lift the ban on Non-Basmati White Rice exports and impose a minimum export price is aimed at balancing domestic availability with global demand. This may benefit both farmers and exporters, while also addressing India’s global role as a key rice supplier.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024 GS Paper 4:

Case of Atul

Syllabus:  Compassion, Good governance.

Context: The case of a young Dalit student, Atul, who missed paying his admission fee by mere minutes due to a technical glitch, reflects the deep social and systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities in India. Despite having the talent to crack JEE Advanced, one of the toughest exams, Atul’s opportunity seemed lost until the Supreme Court, under Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, intervened. The Court recognized that talent should not be hindered by minor procedural lapses, especially when it comes from marginalized sections. The judiciary’s empathetic and just response underscores the ethical responsibility of institutions to ensure fairness and equal opportunities for all.

Usage in UPSC Syllabus:

This case serves as a powerful example of the balance between rules and equity and can be used in an essay or ethics paper to discuss social justice, inclusivity, and compassionate governance. It also highlights the role of the judiciary in safeguarding the rights of underprivileged individuals against systemic barriers, a principle central to good governance and ethical public administration.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Ministry of Textile programs

Context: A number of activities including ‘Cleaning of Office Premises’, ‘Cyber Hygiene Activities, and ‘Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs’ were conducted by the organizations under the Ministry of Textiles.

1. Cleaning of Office Premises: The cleaning of office premises is an activity aimed at maintaining hygiene and organization in workplaces, ensuring a clutter-free, clean, and productive environment.
2. Cyber Hygiene Activities: Cyber hygiene activities involve maintaining safe online practices to protect digital assets and data from cyber threats, and promoting awareness about digital security.
3. Safai Mitra Suraksha Shivirs: These are camps focused on educating and ensuring the safety and welfare of sanitation workers (Safai Mitras), often involving health check-ups and safety gear distribution.

Usage in UPSC Syllabus:

• Use in UPSC GS2: Connected to Social Justice, especially in safeguarding the rights and dignity of sanitation workers and labor welfare
• Use in UPSC GS2: Linked to e-Governance and Digital Governance, emphasizing the role of digital literacy and safety measures in effective administration.

Annual Survey of Industries

Context: India’s industrial sector is growing at a fast pace, NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam said on Monday while releasing the Annual Survey of Industries.

Summary:

1. Industrial Sector Growth: India’s industrial sector showed significant growth during the financial year 2022-23, as revealed by the Annual Survey of Industries by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation.
2. Employment: The sector added 22 lakh jobs in 2022-23, surpassing pre-pandemic levels.
3. Gross Value Added (GVA): GVA grew by 7.3% in 2022-23 compared to the previous year.
4. Key Growth Drivers: Industries like basic metal, coke, refined petroleum products, food products, chemicals, and motor vehicles drove this growth, contributing 58% of the total output.
5. Top States: In terms of GVA, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh led the industrial sector. These states accounted for over 54% of the country’s total manufacturing GVA and employed around 55% of the manufacturing workforce.
6. Wages and Emoluments: Average wages in the sector increased by 6.3% in 2022-23.

Gender Performativity

• Gender Performativity Concept: Introduced by Judith Butler in her 1990 work Gender Trouble, it challenges the traditional, fixed understanding of gender, arguing that gender is not innate but rather socially constructed through repeated actions and behaviors.
• Essentialism vs. Social Constructivism:
  • Gender Essentialism posits that gender is biologically determined.
  • Social Constructivism sees gender as created through societal norms and discourse, shaped by external factors such as language, culture, and actions.
• Butler’s View on Sex and Gender: Butler critiques the distinction between biological sex and socially constructed gender, arguing that even biological sex is subject to social interpretation, further complicating the binary understanding of gender.
• Performativity vs. Performance:
  • Performativity refers to the unconscious repetition of gender norms, giving the illusion of naturalness.
  • Performance implies a conscious enactment of gender roles.
• Critiques: Transgender theorist Julia Serano critiques Butler, suggesting that gender identity can also emerge from internal, subconscious feelings rather than solely societal norms.
• Impact on Feminism and Queer Theory: Butler’s work has had a major influence on third-wave feminism and queer theory, advocating for a more fluid, non-binary understanding of gender.

In essence, Butler’s theory deconstructs gender norms and proposes that gender is not a fixed attribute but rather a continuous performance shaped by societal expectations.

Judith Butler’s concept of gender performativity can be applied in UPSC essays on:

1. Gender Identity: Highlights fluidity in gender roles shaped by societal norms, relevant to essays on gender inequality, empowerment, or LGBTQ+ rights.
2. Social Constructs: Illustrates how societal expectations influence behaviors beyond gender, including caste, race, and class.
3. Feminism and Queer Theory: Supports arguments in feminist and LGBTQ+ discourse, addressing non-binary identities.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Eight – Core Sector

Source: TH

Context: Output levels in India’s core sectors slipped to a nine-month low in August, even as year-on-year growth slipped 1.8%, marking the first contraction in three and a half years.

Trends in India’s Core Sector Output (August 2024):

1. Overall Contraction: Core sector output declined by 1.8% in August 2024, compared to the 6.1% growth recorded in July.
2. Negative Growth in Key Industries:
   • Coal: Down by 8.1%, marking the steepest decline.
   • Electricity: Decreased by 5%, the first contraction in 13 months.
   • Cement: Registered a 3% decline, its worst performance in nine months.
   • Refinery Products: Dropped by 1%, marking the second fall in three months.
   • Natural Gas: Fell by 3.6%, its second successive month of contraction.
   • Crude Oil: Declined by 3.4%, continuing its third straight month of negative growth.
3. Modest Growth in Fertilizers and Steel:
   • Fertilizers: Grew by 3.2%.
   • Steel: Registered a 4.5% increase, though this was its slowest growth in 26 months.

Reasons for the decline:

1. Base effect: The sharp contraction in August can be partly attributed to the high base of 13.4% growth from the previous year, making the current year’s figures appear lower by comparison.
2. Monsoon impact: The late withdrawal of the monsoon has disrupted coal production and electricity generation, affecting overall industrial activities.
3. Global economic uncertainty: Ongoing global economic challenges have impacted demand, particularly for energy-intensive industries like electricity and coal.
4. Supply chain disruptions: Factors such as logistical bottlenecks and fluctuations in international markets for crude oil and natural gas have affected the output of refinery products and crude oil.
5. Seasonal factors: Reduced construction activity during the monsoon months likely contributed to lower output in the cement and steel sectors.

Background:

1. Index released by: The Index of Eight Core Industries (ICI) is released by the Office of the Economic Adviser under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) in the Ministry of Commerce & Industry.
2. Base year: The base year for the ICI is 2011-12.
3. Frequency: The ICI is published every month.
4. Significance: It serves as a critical barometer of India’s industrial performance, covering 40% of the weight in the Index of Industrial Production (IIP).

Insta links:

RajyaMata-Gomata

Source: ET

Context: The Maharashtra government has designated the State’s indigenous cow breeds as ‘RajyaMata-Gomata’ due to concerns over declining numbers.

• Subsidy scheme: The government has introduced a subsidy scheme of ₹50 per cow per day to support goshalas, aimed at encouraging the rearing of native cow breeds.
• Cultural and nutritional importance: Indigenous cows hold religious, scientific, and economic significance, with their milk considered highly nutritious and valuable for organic farming and Ayurveda.
• Goshalas support: The scheme will be implemented online, with district verification committees monitoring the subsidy distribution.
• Opposition criticism: The Congress opposition criticized the decision as politically motivated ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections, questioning the clarity of the government’s resolution.
• The primary breeds found in the Maharashtra include:
  • Deoni – Primarily found in the Marathwada region.
  • Lal Kandhari – Also native to the Marathwada area.
  • Khillar – Predominantly raised in Western Maharashtra.
  • Dangi – A breed from the northern part of Maharashtra.
  • Gaolao – Commonly found in the Vidarbha region.

These breeds are known for their adaptability to local climates and are valued for their contributions to organic farming, milk production, and Ayurvedic practices​

Insta links:

Marburg Virus Disease

Source: TH

Context: Rwanda says eight people have died so far from the Ebola-like Marburg virus, just days after it declared an outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever that has no authorised vaccine or treatment.

About Marburg Virus Disease (MVD):

• Origin: Discovered in 1967 in Marburg, Germany, after lab workers were exposed to infected green monkeys from Uganda.
• Cause:
  • Caused by the Marburg virus, a zoonotic RNA virus from the Filoviridae family, like Ebola.
  • The natural reservoir is the African fruit bat (Rousettus aegyptiacus).
• Transmission:
  • Spread through contact with infected bats or animals, and human-to-human transmission via blood or bodily fluids.
• Symptoms:
  • Early symptoms: Fever, chills, headache, muscle aches, rash, nausea, and diarrhea.
  • Severe symptoms: Liver failure, shock, hemorrhaging, and multi-organ failure.
• Fatality Rate:
  • Case fatality rate varies between 24% to 88%, depending on the outbreak.
• Treatment:
  • No specific treatment or vaccine. Supportive care includes fluids, oxygen, and blood transfusions to improve survival.

Insta links:

Operation Northern Arrows

Source: TOI

Context: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in villages near the Israel-Lebanon border.

About Operation Northern Arrows:

• Launch: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) initiated Operation Northern Arrows, a ground invasion targeting Hezbollah’s military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.
• Objective: The operation aims to neutralize Hezbollah targets near the Israel-Lebanon border that pose an immediate threat to northern Israel’s communities.
• Military Strategy:
  • Limited, localized raids conducted by IDF commandos, supported by air cover and artillery.
  • Targets are based on precise intelligence.
• Parallel operations: Operation Northern Arrows is being conducted simultaneously with Israel’s military operations in Gaza and other conflict areas.

Insta Links:

Thermobaric weapons

Source: FE

Context: Russia’s use of ODAB-1500 thermobaric weapons in Ukraine has garnered attention due to their extremely destructive effects.

About Thermobaric weapons:

1. Thermobaric weapons use the atmosphere’s oxygen to fuel an explosion.
2. Release a fuel cloud that ignites, causing a high-temperature explosion.
3. Results in an immense blast wave and a vacuum effect by consuming nearby oxygen.

Features

1. Two-stage explosion: First disperses fuel, then ignites it.
2. Effective in enclosed spaces: Highly destructive in buildings, bunkers, or tunnels.
3. Human impact: Can rupture organs and cause severe injuries due to pressure changes.
4. Not specifically banned: No explicit ban, but targeting civilians could violate the Hague Conventions.

History and Origin

1. Developed by the U.S. and Soviet Union during the Cold War.
2. Used by the U.S. in 2001 against al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
3. Russia has deployed these in Chechnya and Ukraine.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024 Mapping:

Bagmati River

 Source: Hindustan Times

Context: The death toll due to persistent downpours triggered flooding and landslides across Nepal rose to 112, according to the Nepal Police database.

About Bagmati River:

1. Origin: Bagdwar in the Shivapuri Hills, located northwest of the Kathmandu Valley, Nepal, at an elevation of around 2,690 meters (8,825 feet).
2. Course:

1. • It flows through the Kathmandu Valley, passing through Chovar Gorge.
   • The river then flows southward through the Shivalik Range and into the Terai region of Nepal.
   • It enters the Indian state of Bihar and flows southeastward, eventually joining the Burhi Gandak River.

3. Countries: Flows through Nepal and India.
4. Tributaries: Manohara and Bishnumati Rivers.
5. End: The river empties into the Burhi Gandak River after a course of 360 km (225 miles).
6. Cities: Kathmandu, Lalitpur, and Birgunj in Nepal, and it passes through rural regions in Bihar, India.
7. Cultural Significance:

1. • The river is considered sacred by Hindus and Buddhists.
   • It is home to the famous Pashupatinath Temple (UNESCO World Heritage Site) in Kathmandu and the Gokarneswor Temple.

Insta links:

Canary Island

Source: The Print

Context: Rescue crews renewed the search for about 48 migrants missing since their boat capsized near the Spanish island of El Hierro in what threatens to be the deadliest such incident in 30 years of crossings from Africa to the Canary Islands

About Canary Islands:

• Location: The Canary Islands is an archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, located about 1,300 km south of mainland Spain and 115 km west of the African coast (Morocco).
• Controlled by: The archipelago is part of Spain.
• Origin: The islands were formed by volcanic eruptions millions of years ago, giving them a unique volcanic landscape.
• Climate: Subtropical climate, with warm temperatures and little seasonal variation.
• Vegetation: The islands’ rich volcanic soil and mild temperatures support diverse vegetation, with different plant species depending on elevation.

El Hierro Island:

• Location: El Hierro is the southernmost and westernmost of the Canary Islands, located off the coast of Africa.
• Features: Known as the “Meridian Island”, El Hierro is the second-smallest of the main Canary Islands, covering an area of 268.51 square kilometers.
  • The island is characterized by volcanic landscapes, rugged terrain, and a subtropical climate.

• Capital city: Valverde and the island has a population of about 11,659 (2023).

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 1 October 2024

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