UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024

 

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 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 – 10 December  2024)

1. Soil

2. Shipping Laws

 

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Philosophy of Charity

 

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. AI

2. Bima Sakhi Yojana

3. GI Tag Products

4. No-Trust Motion

5. Fermented Bamboo Shoot (Melye-Amiley)

6. Eklingji Temple

7. Antimatter

 

Mapping:

1. Hindon River

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024

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GS Paper 3:

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Soil

Syllabus: Agriculture

Source:  IE

 Context: The 10th World Soil Day, themed “Caring for Soils – Measure, Monitor, and Manage,” highlighted soil health’s critical role in food production.

Present Status of Soil in India:

Factors Impacting Soil:

1. Water Erosion: Heavy rainfall and poor land management practices result in topsoil loss in over 94 million hectares.
2. Wind Erosion: Affects 9 million hectares in arid regions like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
3. Salinity: Improper irrigation practices lead to salinization, impacting coastal and irrigated zones.
4. Chemical Overuse: Excessive use of urea and other fertilizers causes nutrient imbalance and soil acidification.
5. Deforestation: Removal of vegetation increases vulnerability to erosion and loss of soil cover.

Regional Differences in Soil Deterioration

• Arid Regions: Rajasthan faces severe wind erosion and desertification.
• Flood-Prone Areas: States like Bihar and Assam suffer from erosion due to recurrent floods.
• Coastal Zones: Odisha and Tamil Nadu experience salinity ingress affecting fertility.
• Hilly Areas: Uttarakhand faces landslides and soil erosion due to deforestation.
• Semi-Arid Zones: Telangana and Maharashtra deal with overgrazing and drought-induced soil degradation.

Effects of Soil Degradation:

1. Land Degradation: Loss of fertile land due to erosion and contamination reduces agricultural productivity.
2. Desertification: Poor practices exacerbate aridity, leading to drought and biodiversity loss.
3. Loss of Arable Land: About 40% of agricultural land worldwide is no longer productive.
4. Increased Flooding: Degraded soil has reduced water absorption, increasing runoff and flooding risks.
5. Waterway Pollution: Fertilizer runoff pollutes rivers, harming aquatic ecosystems and water availability.

Challenges in the Fertilizer Sector:

1. Imbalanced Use: Overuse of nitrogen and underuse of phosphate and potash due to subsidy distortions.
2. Low Nutrient Use Efficiency: Only 35-40% of applied fertilizers benefit crops; the rest pollutes the environment.
3. Subsidy Dependence: Heavy reliance on subsidies hinders innovation and efficiency.
4. Leakage and Misuse: Urea is diverted for non-agricultural uses and smuggling to neighboring countries.
5. Environmental Impact: Excess nitrogen emissions contribute to global warming and soil degradation.

Government Initiatives to Control Soil Degradation:

1. Soil Health Card Scheme: Provides farmers with nutrient information for balanced fertilizer use.
2. Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY): Promotes efficient irrigation practices to reduce soil erosion.
3. National Mission for Sustainable Agriculture (NMSA): Encourages organic farming and soil conservation.
4. Watershed Management Programs: Focus on restoring degraded lands and improving water resources.
5. Afforestation Drives: Promotes reforestation to restore soil cover and prevent erosion.

Reforms Needed:

1. Subsidy Deregulation: Replace price controls with direct income transfers to farmers via digital coupons.
2. Promote Balanced Fertilizer Use: Incentivize the appropriate use of N, P, and K through education and policy.
3. Encourage Micronutrient  Use: Focus on micronutrient availability for improved crop productivity.
4. Triangulated Data Use: Integrate soil health cards, fertilizer sales, and farmer data for targeted policy interventions.
5. Innovation and Efficiency: Encourage private investment and research in fertilizers by deregulating the industry.

Conclusion:

Protecting India’s soils is vital for sustainable agriculture, food security, and environmental health. Coordinated efforts and policy reforms are essential to restore soil vitality and enhance productivity.

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Shipping Laws

Syllabus: Economics

Source:  TH

 Context: The introduction of the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, aims to overhaul outdated laws, align with international standards, and enhance maritime safety, environmental sustainability, and economic efficiency.

Need for a New Law in Shipping Industry:

1. Outdated Framework: The Merchant Shipping Act, 1958, and Coasting Vessels Act, 1838, fail to address modern maritime needs.
2. Global Standards: India’s maritime laws need alignment with international conventions for competitive integration.
3. Regulatory Gaps: Current laws inadequately regulate offshore vessels, training institutes, and foreign-flagged seafarers.
4. Ease of Doing Business: Existing regulations hinder investments and technological advancements in the shipping sector.
5. Environmental Concerns: Urgent need for comprehensive measures to combat marine pollution.

Existing Laws in India:

1. Merchant Shipping Act, 1958: Regulates Indian-flagged vessels but excludes foreign-flagged vessels employing Indian seafarers.
2. Coasting Vessels Act, 1838: Focused on coastal shipping but lacks provisions for modern vessel types.
3. Regulatory Limitations: Fails to address maritime education, offshore operations, and modern vessel registration.

International Conventions on Shipping:

1. MARPOL (Marine Pollution): Focuses on preventing ship-based pollution.
2. Maritime Labour Convention (MLC): Protects seafarers’ rights and ensures fair working conditions.
3. Bunker Convention: Addresses liability for oil pollution damage from ship bunkers.
4. Wreck Removal Convention: Mandates safe removal of shipwrecks to avoid hazards.
5. Civil Liability Convention: Establishes liability for oil pollution incidents.

Key Features of Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024:

1. Ease of Vessel Registration: Allows ownership by NRIs, OCIs, LLPs, and foreign entities with majority Indian ownership.
2. Expanded Scope: Covers all types of mechanized and non-mechanized vessels, enhancing safety and transparency.
3. Temporary Registration: Facilitates ship recycling and final voyages for demolition.
4. Seafarer Welfare: Extends welfare measures to Indian seafarers on foreign-flagged ships, aligned with the Maritime Labour Convention.
5. Maritime Training: Introduces a legal framework for regulating maritime education, eliminating unauthorized institutes.

Significance:

1. Modernized Framework: Brings India’s maritime laws in sync with global standards.
2. Investment Promotion: Eases entry into the shipping sector and fosters economic growth.
3. Enhanced Safety: Ensures stricter regulations for vessel operations and coastal security.
4. Environmental Sustainability: Incorporates measures to combat marine pollution.
5. Global Competitiveness: Positions India as a leader in maritime innovation and trade.

Conclusion:

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, reflects India’s commitment to modernizing its maritime laws, ensuring safety, fostering economic growth, and safeguarding the environment. It promises to unlock the sector’s potential, aligning with global best practices for a sustainable future.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

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Philosophy of Charity

Context: Billionaire Warren Buffet’s significant philanthropic efforts highlight the debate over charity’s role in addressing inequality.

About Philosophy of Charity:

• Pro-Charity Philosophy:

• • Equalizing Opportunities: Charity provides resources to disadvantaged groups, offering a level playing field.
  • Immediate Relief: Addresses urgent issues like poverty, education, and healthcare.
  • Moral Responsibility: Wealthy individuals fulfilling societal obligations by redistributing wealth.
  • Complement to State Efforts: Augments governmental welfare programs through private initiatives.

• Counter-Charity Philosophy:

• • Systemic Inequities Persist: Charity doesn’t address the root causes of inequality, such as poor labor policies and deregulation.
  • Unequal Power Dynamics: Allows donors to dictate the terms of societal change, undermining democratic processes.
  • Tax Avoidance Tool: Wealthy individuals use charity to reduce tax burdens without addressing structural reforms.
  • Dependence on Philanthropy: Societies risk relying on billionaire conscience rather than robust public policies.

Relevance of Charity in UPSC Exam

• Ethics and Governance: Highlights moral obligations of wealth distribution, relevant for GS Paper IV (Ethics).
• Socio-Economic Issues: Explores inequality, poverty alleviation, and wealth concentration, key for GS Paper II and III.
• Philosophical Perspectives: Aligns with debates on distributive justice and policy interventions, useful for essay and ethics papers.

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

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MuleHunter.AI

Source:  IE

Context: Digital fraud in India’s financial sector is rising, with mule accounts aiding cybercrime. To combat this, the RBI has launched MuleHunter.AI, an AI-powered tool developed by its Innovation Hub in Bengaluru.

About RBI MuleHunter.AI:

• What is MuleHunter.AI?

• • Definition: MuleHunter.AI is an AI-driven solution designed to detect and mitigate mule bank accounts effectively.
  • Developed by: Reserve Bank Innovation Hub (RBIH), Bengaluru.
  • Aim: To curb the misuse of mule accounts in online financial frauds.
  • Functions:
    • Real-time identification of mule accounts.
    • Collaborative framework with banks for advanced fraud detection.
    • Uses AI/ML technologies for enhanced monitoring and fraud prevention.

• What are Mule Bank Accounts?

• • Definition: Accounts used by fraudsters for illegal activities such as laundering illicit funds.
  • Operation: Often acquired from individuals with limited financial knowledge.
  • Impact: Innocent account holders, or “money mules,” are implicated in fraud investigations, while actual criminals evade detection.

• Scale of the Problem

• • Magnitude: Over 4.5 lakh mule accounts identified in India, with prominent cases in banks like SBI, PNB, and Canara Bank.

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Bima Sakhi Yojana

Source:  DD News

 Context: Prime Minister launched the Bima Sakhi Yojana in Panipat, Haryana, on December 9, 2024, reinforcing his vision for women empowerment and financial inclusion.

About Bima Sakhi Yojana:

• Launched by: Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC).
• Aim: To empower women economically by training them as LIC agents and promoting financial literacy and insurance awareness.
• Eligibility criteria:

• • Age: 18-70 years.
  • Qualification: Minimum Class X pass.

• Features:

• • Training and Stipend: Women receive specialized training and a stipend for the first three years.
  • Employment Opportunity: Trained Bima Sakhis can serve as LIC agents, with opportunities to advance as Development Officers.
  • Insurance Coverage: Promotes insurance awareness and access to affordable insurance products.
  • Economic Independence: Offers sustainable livelihood and additional income for women.

• Significance:

• • Financial Inclusion: Extends banking and insurance services to underserved communities.
  • Economic Empowerment: Provides women with an opportunity to earn ₹1.75 lakh annually on average.
  • Social Impact: Enhances the role of women in rural and urban economic ecosystems.
  • National Vision: Supports India’s resolution to become a developed nation by 2047 by leveraging women’s participation in economic growth.

Insta links:

 

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GI Tag Products

Source:  PIB

 Context: Ashtalakshmi 2024 showcased the North East region’s rich heritage, highlighting its GI-tagged products, which reflect its unique cultural and agricultural traditions.

About GI Products in News:

Insta links:

 

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No-Trust Motion

Source:  IE

Context: The Opposition is preparing to move a no-trust motion against Rajya Sabha Chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar during the Winter Session.

About No-Trust Motion:

• What is a No-Trust Motion?

• • A procedural tool to express a lack of confidence in the presiding officer of a House.
  • Aimed at holding leaders accountable and upholding parliamentary integrity.

• Constitutional Article:

• • Article 67(b): Governs the removal of the Vice-President and Rajya Sabha Chairperson.
  • Article 90: Pertains to the removal of the Deputy Chairperson of the Rajya Sabha.

• Rules and Procedure:

• • Notice Requirement: Must be submitted with at least 14 days’ notice.
  • Majority Vote: Requires a majority of votes in the Rajya Sabha to pass.
  • Concurrence of Lok Sabha: The motion must also be approved by the Lok Sabha for removal.

• Criteria:

• • Alleged violation of parliamentary procedures, fairness, or constitutional principles.
  • Requires strong justification and political consensus for success.

• History of No-Trust Motions:

• • 2020: A no-confidence motion was submitted against Deputy Chairman Harivansh over the contentious farm Bills debate.
  • Previous Cases: Precedents of motions against Lok Sabha Speakers include G.V. Mavalankar (1951), Sardar Hukam Singh (1966), and Balram Jakhar (1987).
  • Unique Aspect: No motion has ever been successfully moved against a Rajya Sabha Chairperson.

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Fermented Bamboo Shoot (Melye-Amiley)

Source:  PIB

 Context: A study by the Institute of Advanced Study in Science and Technology (IASST) has revealed that Melye-Amiley, a traditional fermented bamboo shoot from Tripura, exhibits anti-obesity properties.

• It enhances metabolic health by reducing lipid accumulation and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation, making it a potential solution for weight management.

About Melye-Amiley:

• Definition: A traditional fermented bamboo shoot from Tripura, locally called Melye-Amiley.
• Nature: Known for its unique flavour and nutritional properties.
• Region: Indigenous to Tripura, a state in North East India.
• Source: Derived from bamboo shoots traditionally fermented by local communities.

• Significance:

• • Health Benefits:
    • Reduces lipid accumulation in adipocytes.
    • Enhances fat browning regulator genes and thermogenic protein expression.
    • Stimulates mitochondrial biogenesis through the activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway.
  • Cultural Value: Reflects Tripura’s rich culinary and traditional knowledge.
  • Scientific Relevance: Offers potential for natural weight management solutions.

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Eklingji Temple

Source:   NIE

 Context: The iconic Eklingji Temple in Udaipur has introduced new regulations, including a dress code and a mobile phone ban, to preserve its sanctity.

About Eklingji Temple:

• Built in: Originally constructed in the 8th century.
• Built by: Bappa Rawal, the 8th-century ruler of Mewar.
• Location: Situated in Kailashpuri village, Udaipur District, Rajasthan.
• Historical Timeline:
  • 8th Century: Constructed by Bappa Rawal.
  • 14th Century: Hamir Singh renovated and reinstalled the idol after destruction by invaders.
  • 15th Century: Rana Kumbha rebuilt the temple and added a Vishnu temple.
  • Late 15th Century: Reconstructed by Rana Raimal after attacks by Malwa Sultanate’s Ghiyath Shah.
• Architectural Features:
  • Temple Complex: Made of marble and granite, the complex has a central Shiva lingam representing Lord Ekling Nath.
  • Intricate Carvings: Features elaborate sculptures and ornamental pillars, showcasing Mewar’s architectural style.
  • Main Idol: A four-faced Shiva lingam symbolizing creation, preservation, and destruction.
  • Sect Associations: Originally linked to the Pashupata sect, then Nath sect, and later to Ramanandis.

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Antimatter

Source:  TH

 Context: A recent study sheds light on antimatter, the elusive partner of matter, and its role in solving the cosmic mystery of why matter dominates the universe.

About Antimatter:

• What is Antimatter?

• • Antimatter consists of antiparticles, each having the same mass but opposite charge as their matter counterparts.

Example: The antielectron (positron) is positively charged, unlike the negatively charged electron.

• Discovered by:

• • Theorized by: Paul A.M. Dirac (1928).
  • Observed by: Carl Anderson in cosmic rays (1932).

• Characteristics:

• • Charge: Opposite to that of corresponding matter particles.
  • Mass: Identical to matter particles.
  • Behavior: Annihilates upon contact with matter, producing energy.
  • Existence: Scarce in the observable universe.

• Origin of Antimatter:

• • Antimatter was formed during the Big Bang alongside matter.
  • A tiny asymmetry in matter-antimatter populations led to the annihilation of antimatter, leaving matter dominant.

• Difference Between Matter and Antimatter are:

Significance of Antimatter:

• Understanding Cosmic Origins: Helps explain the asymmetry between matter and antimatter in the universe.
• Energy Source: Annihilation of matter and antimatter produces immense energy, potentially useful for advanced energy systems.
• Medical Applications: Used in positron emission tomography (PET) scans for accurate medical imaging.
• Testing Fundamental Physics: Provides insights into quantum mechanics and the Standard Model of particle physics.

Insta links:

 

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 10 December 2024 Mapping:

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Hindon River

Source:  DTE

Context: The Hindon River, once vital for communities in Western Uttar Pradesh, is now a toxic stretch due to unchecked industrial and domestic waste.

• Its pollution has caused severe health and environmental challenges, leading to its declaration as a “dead river” by the CPCB.

About Hindon River:

• Source: Lower Shivalik ranges, Saharanpur District, Uttar Pradesh.
• Flows through: Uttar Pradesh only.

• Course: Travels for approximately 400 km, merging into the Yamuna River in Noida.
• Major Cities: Saharanpur, Muzaffarnagar, Shamli, Baghpat, Ghaziabad, Gautam Buddh Nagar.
• Tributaries:
  • Kali (West) River: Carries industrial and domestic pollutants.

• Krishni River: Contributes additional pollution from agricultural runoff and industrial waste.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary (10 Dec 2024)

 

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