UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 2024

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 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 – 19 November 2024)

1. India’s Neighbourhood Policy

 

GS Paper 3:

2. High-Performance Buildings

 

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Chhattisgarh Cattle Marking

2. Story of Morning Mama

 

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

2. Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023

3. ‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative

4. Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise

5. World Anti-Doping Agency

6. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees

7. African Penguin

 

Mapping:

1. UNESCO Sites in News

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 2024

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GS Paper 2:

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India’s Neighbourhood Policy

Syllabus: International Relation

Source:  IE

 Context: India’s neighbourhood policy is under scrutiny as its relations with several neighbouring countries face challenges. With a history of deep cultural and historical ties, India’s approach to its neighbours must balance its growing global aspirations with regional sensitivities.

India’s Neighbourhood Policy:

• Neighbourhood First Policy:

• Emphasizes prioritizing relations with immediate neighbours.
• Seeks economic integration, development partnerships, and cultural ties.

• Gujral Doctrine:

• Advocates non-reciprocity and goodwill gestures toward neighbours.
• Focuses on non-interference, respect for sovereignty, and peaceful dispute resolution.

• Act East Policy:

• Connects India with Southeast Asia for trade, security, and cultural integration.
• Strengthens ties with Myanmar, Bangladesh, and ASEAN countries.

Present Diplomatic Means to Handle Neighbours:

• Economic Initiatives:

• Trade agreements and infrastructure projects like BBIN and SAARC.
• Investments in energy, transport, and connectivity in Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh.

• Security Cooperation:

• Joint exercises and counter-terrorism efforts, e.g., BIMSTEC and Quad.
• Border management agreements with Bhutan, Nepal, and Bangladesh.

• Cultural Diplomacy:

• Leveraging historical and religious ties with Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Promoting Indian soft power through educational scholarships and cultural exchanges.

• Aid and Assistance:

• Humanitarian assistance during crises (e.g., earthquake relief in Nepal).
• Development aid to Bhutan, Maldives, and Afghanistan.

Positive Impacts:

• Economic Growth:

• Enhanced trade and energy cooperation with Bangladesh and Bhutan.
• Cross-border projects like Maitree Super Thermal Power Project with Bangladesh.

• Regional Stability:

• Cooperation on counter-terrorism and maritime security in the Indian Ocean region.
• Proactive measures in disaster management strengthen goodwill.

• Soft Power:

• Popularity of Indian culture, films, and educational initiatives in neighboring countries.
• Religious tourism initiatives, such as Ramayana Circuit.

Negative Impacts:

• Trust Deficit:

• Perceptions of India as a “big brother” in Nepal and Sri Lanka.
• Accusations of interference in internal politics, e.g., Maldives and Nepal.

• Chinese Influence:

• China’s Belt and Road Initiative offers economic alternatives to India’s neighbours.
• Strategic encirclement through infrastructure projects like Hambantota Port in Sri Lanka.

• Security Concerns:

• Rise in anti-India sentiment used for political gains in Bangladesh and Maldives.
• Border disputes with Nepal strain bilateral ties.

Measures to Prioritize Neighbour Relations:

• Respect Sovereignty:

• Avoid overt interference in domestic politics of neighboring countries.
• Uphold the principle of non-reciprocity in bilateral agreements.

• Strengthen Economic Ties:

• Enhance cross-border infrastructure and connectivity projects.
• Promote regional trade blocs like BIMSTEC and BBIN.

• Collaborate on Shared Challenges:

• Partner in addressing climate change, disaster management, and health crises.
• Ensure equitable sharing of water resources in transboundary rivers.

• Engage Strategically:

• Counterbalance Chinese influence by offering competitive investments and aid.
• Focus on soft-power diplomacy through cultural and educational exchanges.

• Transparent Communication:

• Regular summits and dialogues to address grievances and foster trust.
• Encourage people-to-people contact to mitigate misunderstandings.

Conclusion

India’s neighbourhood policy must focus on fostering trust, mutual respect, and collaboration. Strengthening ties with its neighbours through economic, cultural, and diplomatic initiatives is crucial for regional stability and India’s global aspirations.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

Tags: India Neighbourhood Policy, Gujral Doctrine, Regional Diplomacy, SAARC, BIMSTEC, China Influence, Trust Deficit, Regional Stability.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

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High-Performance Buildings

Syllabus: Climate resilient infrastructure.

Source:  TH

 Context: High-Performance Buildings (HPBs) are essential for achieving sustainable living in the face of climate change, rising urbanization, and energy demands. Designed to conserve resources, enhance energy efficiency, and withstand extreme weather, HPBs represent the future of sustainable construction and urban resilience.

High-Performance Buildings:

• Definition: HPBs are designed to optimize energy efficiency, reduce resource consumption, and provide resilience against unpredictable climatic conditions.
• Need:
  • Carbon Emissions: Buildings account for 28% of global energy-related emissions; in India, the sector contributes 20% of national emissions.
  • Urbanization: India’s urban population is projected to reach 600 million by 2030, increasing the demand for energy-efficient infrastructure.
  • Global Goals: Meeting the UN’s goal of a 30% energy efficiency improvement in buildings by 2030 requires immediate action.
• Integrative Design:
• • Encourages collaboration among architects, engineers, and building owners to achieve measurable performance goals.
  • Uses digital modeling for predicting outcomes and refining designs before construction, ensuring operational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Example: Passive design strategies optimize natural sunlight and thermal mass to reduce heating and cooling needs.

• Sustainable Materials:
• • Prioritize materials with low embodied carbon and high recycled content.
  • Use low-emission materials to enhance indoor air quality by minimizing volatile organic compounds (VOCs).

Example: Indian Institute of Human Settlements (IIHS) uses lifecycle assessments to choose durable materials for its Bengaluru campus.

• Energy Efficiency:
• • Passive Strategies: Utilize natural light, building orientation, and thermal mass to minimize reliance on mechanical systems.
  • Active Strategies: Employ energy-efficient HVAC systems, smart technologies, and renewable energy sources to achieve net-zero energy goals.

Example: Infosys Hyderabad campus uses radiant cooling systems and daylighting controls to reduce energy use.

• Water Conservation
• • Efficient Fixtures: Low-flow faucets and dual-flush toilets conserve water.
  • Reuse Systems: Rainwater harvesting and wastewater recycling for irrigation and sanitation.

Example: Infosys campuses recycle 100% of wastewater using advanced treatment systems.

• Handling Climate Risks
• • Incorporate climate-resilient features like flood protection, durable materials, and renewable energy systems.
  • Ensure passive survivability to maintain habitability during power outages.

Example: Infosys Crescent building in Bengaluru uses advanced cooling systems and consumes far less energy than standard office buildings.

India’s Initiatives for Energy-Efficient Buildings:

• Eco-Niwas Samhita: A code for energy-efficient residential buildings.
• Energy Conservation Building Code (ECBC): Sets energy performance standards for commercial buildings.
• Energy Conservation (Amendment) Act, 2022: Aims to improve energy efficiency across sectors.
• NEERMAN Awards: Recognizes innovation in energy-efficient buildings.
• Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment (GRIHA): Promotes sustainable building practices.

Limitations:

• Operational Neglect: Focus on initial costs often overlooks long-term operational efficiency.
• Diverse Typologies: Energy efficiency varies across building types, complicating standardization.
• Split Incentives: Mismatch in benefits between owners and tenants reduces support for energy-efficient upgrades.
• Loss of Indigenous Knowledge: Overreliance on foreign technologies sidelines cost-effective local solutions.
• Fragmented Systems: Lack of integration between design, construction, and operations reduces overall building performance.

Conclusion:

High-Performance Buildings are indispensable for sustainable urbanization and achieving global energy goals. Despite limitations, India’s initiatives are fostering progress. As practices become more widespread, HPBs can set benchmarks for future-ready, climate-resilient construction.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Chhattisgarh Cattle Marking

Context: Chhattisgarh reported 231 road accident deaths from stray cattle in 2.5 years, exceeding Maoist-related fatalities. The government is addressing this with awareness drives and marking cattle horns.

Initiatives Taken:

• Painting Cattle Horns: Stray cattle horns are painted with reflective, high-quality paint to help drivers spot them at night.
• Collar Belts for Cattle: Collar belts are being tied to stray cattle to increase visibility and reduce collision risks.
• Awareness Drives: Chaupals (village meetings) are organized to educate rural communities about keeping roads free of cattle.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:

• GS Paper II – Governance:
  • Government Policies: Analysis of public safety measures and their implementation at the state level.
  • Institutional Coordination: Role of multiple departments in addressing safety issues.
• GS Paper III – Infrastructure & Disaster Management:
  • Road Safety: Measures to mitigate road accidents and ensure public safety.
  • Urban and Rural Development: Addressing challenges in rural and semi-urban governance.
• GS Paper IV – Ethics:
  • Ethical Governance: Responsibility of officials to prioritize public safety.
  • Case Studies: Stray cattle management as an example of ethical dilemmas in policymaking.

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Story of Morning Mama

Context: In Banda Aceh, Indonesia’s conservative province, Qurrata Ayuni defied norms to establish Morning Mama, the city’s only woman-run café. Orphaned by the 2004 tsunami, she built a sanctuary for women—free from smoke, noise, and prejudice—offering a safe space to work and thrive. Morning Mama empowers women, employs female baristas, and challenges gender biases, inspiring resilience and self-reliance across Aceh and beyond.

Relevance to UPSC Syllabus:

• Essay Paper:

• • Topics related to Women Empowerment, Overcoming Adversity, Social Entrepreneurship, or Gender Equality.

• General Studies Paper I:
• Society: Role of women and social empowerment.
• Diversity of the world, cultural norms, and their impact on women.
• General Studies Paper IV:
  • Ethics: Case study on Resilience and Leadership or Ethical Entrepreneurship.
• Interview Stage:
  • Questions on practical approaches to women’s empowerment, societal challenges, and entrepreneurship.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve

Source:  PIB

 Context: The Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh has been notified as India’s 56th tiger reserve. This milestone reflects India’s ongoing efforts to conserve tigers and their habitats under Project Tiger and the National Wildlife Plan.

About Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve:

• Location: Spread over 2,829.38 sq. km in Chhattisgarh, encompassing Guru Ghasidas National Park and Tamor Pingla Wildlife Sanctuary.
• Core and Buffer: Core/critical habitat spans 2,049.2 sq. km, and the buffer covers 780.15 sq. km.
  • This makes it the third largest tiger reserve in the country after Nagarjunasagar-Srisailam Tiger Reserve in Andhra Pradesh and Manas Tiger Reserve in Assam.
• Landscape Connectivity: Links with Sanjay Dubri Tiger Reserve (Madhya Pradesh), Bandhavgarh (Madhya Pradesh), and Palamau (Jharkhand).
• Biodiversity: Hosts 753 species, including 230 birds, 55 mammals, and a range of insects.
• Terrain and Climate: Situated on the Chota Nagpur and Baghelkhand plateaus, characterized by dense forests and tropical climate.
• Fauna: Tigers, leopards, wolves, sloth bears, hyenas, and various deer species.
• Significance: This will be the fourth Tiger Reserve in Chhattisgarh, after the Udanti-Sitanadi, Achanakmar and Indravati Reserves.

Source: NTCA Official website

Procedure for Notification of Tiger Reserves in India:

• Identification of Area: The state government identifies a potential area based on ecological significance, tiger population, and habitat quality.
• Recommendation by NTCA: The state government submits the proposal to the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), which assesses the ecological and conservation value of the area.
• Approval by NTCA: If NTCA finds the proposal viable, it grants preliminary approval and advises the state government to proceed.
• State Government Notification: The state government officially notifies the area as a tiger reserve under Section 38V of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• Core and Buffer Zones: The area is divided into:
  1. Core Zone: Critical habitat for tigers, with limited human activity.
  2. Buffer Zone: Area surrounding the core to reduce human-tiger conflict.
• Final Approval: The state’s notification is submitted to the NTCA for final approval, completing the process.
• Implementation: The state government, with NTCA’s technical and financial support, implements conservation measures in the notified tiger reserve.

Insta links:

Tags: Tiger Reserve, Guru Ghasidas-Tamor Pingla Tiger Reserve, Chhattisgarh, Conservation, Biodiversity, 56^th Tiger Reserve, Procedure for Notification of Tiger Reserves.

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Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023

Source:  PIB

Context: The Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI) 2023 was launched by the Union Minister, Dr. Jitendra Singh, to evaluate the effectiveness of grievance redressal mechanisms across 89 Central Ministries and Departments.

 About GRAI 2023 Report:

• Department Involved:
  • Conceptualized and designed by Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• Departments Assessed:
  • A total of 89 Ministries/Departments assessed.
  • Grouped based on grievance volume:
    • Group A: >10,000 grievances (28 Ministries/Departments).
    • Group B: 2,000–9,999 grievances (33 Ministries/Departments).
    • Group C: <2,000 grievances (28 Ministries/Departments).
• Dimensions & Indicators:
  • 4 Dimensions: Efficiency, Feedback, Domain, Organisational Commitment.
  • Indicators: 11 indicators across the dimensions to evaluate performance.
• Criteria:
  • Data from CPGRAMS (January–December 2023).

• Growth Trends:
• 85 out of 89 Ministries/Departments improved scores over 2022.
• 57% exhibited incremental growth up to 25%.

About Grievance Redressal Assessment and Index (GRAI):

• Ministry: Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances (DARPG).
• Launch Year: 2022 (First edition released in 2023).
• Aim:
  • Present a comparative assessment of grievance redressal mechanisms.
  • Enhance transparency and citizen satisfaction in governance.
• Data Source: Centralized Public Grievance Redressal and Management System (CPGRAMS).
• Reference Period: January–December

 Insta links:

 

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‘One Day One Genome’ Initiative

Source:   PIB

 Context: The Department of Biotechnology (DBT) and Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) have launched the ‘One Day One Genome’ initiative to showcase India’s microbial diversity.

About One Day One Genome Initiative:

• Ministry: Department of Biotechnology (DBT).
• Launch: November 9, 2024, by Shri Amitabh Kant at the National Institute of Immunology, New Delhi.
• Aim: To highlight India’s microbial diversity and showcase its importance in environment, agriculture, and human health.
• Coordinating Agency: Biotechnology Research and Innovation Council (BRIC) in collaboration with the National Institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBMG).
• Features:
  • Sequencing one bacterial genome daily to uncover microbial potential.
  • Provides freely accessible, annotated bacterial genome data.
  • Includes graphical summaries, infographics, and genome assembly/annotation details.
  • Supports research in environment management, agricultural development, and human health improvement.
  • Promotes public and scientific engagement to stimulate innovation and community benefits.

Insta links:

 

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Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise

Source:  PIB

Context: The Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024), aimed at strengthening India’s cybersecurity resilience, was inaugurated by the National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).

About Bharat National Cyber Security Exercise (Bharat NCX 2024):

• Ministry/Organization: Organized by National Security Council Secretariat (NSCS) in collaboration with Rashtriya Raksha University (RRU).
• Launch Date: November 18, 2024.
• Aim:
  • Enhance India’s cybersecurity resilience.
  • Train cybersecurity professionals in advanced defense, incident response, and decision-making.
  • Prepare leadership to handle national-level cyber crises.
• Key Features:
  • Immersive Training: Cyber defense and incident response training with live-fire simulations targeting IT and OT systems.
  • Strategic Decision-Making Exercise: Simulates national-level cyber crises for senior leadership across sectors.
  • CISO’s Conclave: Brings together Chief Information Security Officers to discuss trends, government initiatives, and insights.
  • Startup Exhibition: Showcases innovative cybersecurity solutions by Indian startups.
  • Collaborative Platforms: Facilitates interactions between government and industry stakeholders.
  • Comprehensive Debrief: Consolidates best practices and lessons learned at the end of the event.

Insta Links:

 

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World Anti-Doping Agency

Source:  DD News

Context: India, in collaboration with the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), will host the Global Learning and Development Framework (GLDF) Results Management Training in New Delhi.

• Training aims to standardize anti-doping procedures, foster collaboration among nations, and strengthen the global sport integrity framework.
• This workshop is organised by the National Anti-Doping Agency (NADA) India in collaboration with WADA, with support from the Japan Sports Agency (JSA) and the Japan Anti-Doping Agency (JADA).

About World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA):

• Establishment: Formed in 1999 as an independent international agency funded equally by governments and the sports community.
• Initiation: Founded by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to lead the fight against doping in sports.
• Headquarters: Located in Montreal, Canada.
• Core Activities:
  • Conducting scientific research on anti-doping.
  • Providing education and capacity-building initiatives.
  • Monitoring the implementation of the World Anti-Doping Code, which standardizes anti-doping policies globally.

Insta Links:

 

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United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees

Source:  DD News

Context: India has fulfilled its annual contribution of USD 5 million for the year 2024-25 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), with the release of the second tranche of USD 2.5 million.

About United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA):

• Establishment: Created by the UN General Assembly in 1949.
• Objective: Provides relief, health, education, and social services to Palestinian refugees who lost homes and livelihoods after the 1948 Palestine war.
• Headquarters: Initially based in Beirut, moved to Vienna (1978), and later to the Gaza Strip (1996) following the Oslo Accords.
• Mandate: Continuously renewed by the UN General Assembly; currently extended until June 30, 2026.
• Services: Offers education, healthcare, social relief, infrastructure improvement, microfinance, and emergency aid during conflicts.
• Operations: Active in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Gaza Strip, and West Bank (including East Jerusalem), serving over 5 million Palestinian refugees and their descendants.
• Funding: Primarily relies on voluntary contributions from UN Member States and receives limited UN budget support for international staffing.

Insta Links:

 

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African Penguin

Source:  IE

Context: The African Penguin, or Cape Penguin, is now “Endangered” per the IUCN, with under 10,000 breeding pairs, mostly in South Africa. Conservationists warn of possible extinction in the wild by 2035.

About African Penguin:

• Scientific Name: Spheniscus demersus.
• Endemic Region: Southern Africa; primarily South Africa and Namibia.
• Habitat: Found within 40 km of the shore; utilizes coastal habitats for breeding, molting, and resting.
• Physical Features: Streamlined body, black stripe with unique black chest spots, pink glands above eyes for temperature regulation.
• Diet: Primarily feeds on pelagic schooling fishlike sardines and anchovies.
• Breeding: Prefers burrows in guano but adapts well to artificial nests; burrows protect chicks from harsh weather.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List.
• Threats: Food scarcity, climate change, habitat loss, oil spills, predators, diseases, and human disturbances.

Insta Links:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 19 November 2024 Mapping:

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UNESCO Sites in News

Source:  TH

 Context: Hundreds of cultural professionals, including archaeologists and academics, called on the United Nations to safeguard war-torn Lebanon’s heritage in a petition ahead of a crucial UNESCO meeting.

About UNESCO Places in News:

• Baalbek (Lebanon)
  Ancient Roman ruins located in eastern Lebanon, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Tyre (Lebanon)
  A Phoenician city in southern Lebanon, known for its historical harbor and Roman ruins.
• Anjar (Lebanon)
  An early Islamic city featuring Umayyad ruins, located in the Beqaa Valley.
• Bakhmut (Ukraine)
  Historic sites in this city face threats amid ongoing conflict with Russia.
• Lviv (Ukraine)
  A UNESCO World Heritage city, known for its medieval and Renaissance architecture, threatened by the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

About Hague Convention, 1954:

• Background: Adopted under UNESCO after observing the large-scale destruction of cultural heritage during armed conflicts.
• Objective: To safeguard cultural property such as monuments, archaeological sites, art, manuscripts, and scientific collections.
• Scope: Applies during armed conflict as well as in peacetime to ensure preparation for potential threats.
• Symbol: Introduced the “Blue Shield” emblem for marking and identifying cultural heritage sites.
• India’s Role: India is a signatory to the convention and actively supports its implementation.

Insta Links:

 

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 19 Nov 2024

 

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