UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 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 – 12 July 2024)

Assam Floods: Why Ganga-Brahamputra region is flood Prone

Reports In News

Planet on the Move Financial Inclusion Index Digital Economy Report 2024

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Barcelona Residents protesting against Tourists

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

International Maritime Organization (IMO) Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products MeDevIS platform Hydrogen peroxide nebulisation Drone tested at Ladakh’s Umling La pass

Mapping

Koyna, Maharashtra

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2024

GS Paper 3:

Assam Floods: Why Ganga-Brahamputra region is flood Prone?

Syllabus: Disaster Management

Source: TH

Context: Six more people died in Assam floods, raising the toll to 58. Over 24 lakh are affected across 30 districts, with rivers flowing above danger levels.

The floods in Assam have led to severe consequences:

Loss of Wildlife : Over 130 wild animals, including 6 rare one-horned rhinos in Kaziranga National Park, have died. Other casualties include 117 hog deer, 2 sambar deer, a rhesus macaque, and an otter. Kaziranga hosts the world’s largest population of one-horned rhinos. Infrastructure Damage : Extensive damage to roads and infrastructure has hindered rescue and relief efforts. Displacement of People: More than 2 million people have been displaced, forcing many to seek shelter in relief camps, straining resources and management.

Wha is Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta ?

The Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta , encompassing the states of Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal and covers more than 105,000 km2. It stands as a geographical marvel with its intricate river networks. However, this deltaic region is not just a testament to natural beauty but also bears the brunt of annual floods

Key factors contributing to the vulnerability of the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta to annual floods:

Natural Factors:

Heavy Rainfall and Monsoon Intensity : The region experiences intense monsoon rains, often exceeding 2,500 mm annually, leading to rapid riverine rises and flash floods. Eg : These rivers drain 75% of the total basin runoff in only 3 months of the monsoon. Riverine Morphology : The Brahmaputra River has a highly dynamic and shifting course, prone to erosion and channel avulsion (sudden change in course), increasing flood risks. Eg : The course of the Brahmaputra River has changed dramatically over the past 250 years, of 80 km from east of the Madhupur tract (Bangladesh) to the west of it. Tectonic Activity : The region lies in a seismically active zone, and earthquakes can trigger landslides and disrupt river courses, exacerbating flood events. Eg : Earthquakes of 1897 and 1950 in Assam increased flood frequency in the delta due to subsidence. Tidal influence : The Ganges Delta experiences high tides, creating backwater effects that impede drainage and worsen flood inundation. Cyclonic impact : The delta region is prone to cyclones, with an average of 4-5 cyclones making landfall every year. Eg : 2021 Cyclone Yaas caused massive floods.

Anthropogenic Factors:

Deforestation and Land Use Changes : Unsustainable deforestation in the upper catchments increases soil erosion and sediment load in rivers, reducing their carrying capacity and causing overflows. Eg : Sundarbans flooding attributed to these. Encroachment on Floodplains : Building settlements and infrastructure on floodplains obstructs natural drainage and reduces buffer zones, amplifying flood impacts. Eg : Bihar floods from are particularly severe due to encroachment of floodplains. Inadequate Drainage and Infrastructure : Insufficient drainage systems, choked rivers, and dilapidated embankments cannot handle excessive water, leading to widespread inundation. Eg : Inadequate and weak embankments are annually breached in Bihar-West Bengal floods. Poor Urban Planning : Urbanization without proper water management and flood zoning increases runoff and exposes more people to risks.

Strategies can be implemented to mitigate the risks associated with these floods:

Early Warning Systems : Implement advanced early warning systems to provide timely alerts to communities, enabling them to evacuate and take preventive measures. Eg : Flood Early Warning System ( FLEWS ) in Assam by its state disaster management authority. Eco-Restoration : Undertake comprehensive eco-restoration initiatives, including reforestation and wetland conservation, to enhance natural drainage systems and reduce vulnerability. Eg : Red River Delta Rehabilitation Project restored over 100,000 hectares of mangroves and wetlands which can be replicated here. Infrastructure Development : Invest in resilient infrastructure, such as embankments, flood shelters, and drainage systems, to protect communities and vital assets. Eg : Coastal Embankment Improvement Project ( CEIP ) in Bangladesh part of the delta. Community Engagement : Foster community-based initiatives for flood preparedness, including training in disaster response, and involve local communities in planning and decision-making processes. Eg : Community Preparedness and Adaptation of “Living with Floods” under Flood Risk Mitigation and Management. Climate-Resilient Agriculture : Promote climate-resilient agricultural practices and crop varieties to minimize the impact of floods on the agrarian economy. Eg : Integrated Rice-Fish Farming System ( IRFFS ) promoted by the World Food Programme.

NDMA Guidelines for Floods:

NDMA Guidelines Details Preparing for Floods: Avoid building in flood-prone areas unless you elevate and reinforce your home. Elevate furnace, water heater, and electrical panel if susceptible to flooding. Install check valves in sewer traps to prevent flood water backup. Contact officials about flood barriers being constructed in your area. Seal basement walls with waterproofing compounds. When a Flood is Likely: Listen to radio/TV for information. Be aware of flash flooding – move to higher ground immediately if at risk. Be aware of areas known to flood suddenly. If Evacuating: Secure your home – bring in outdoor furniture, move items upstairs. Turn off utilities if instructed. Do not walk or drive through moving floodwater.

Conclusion:

As seen above, many factors are natural and inevitable to certain extent, thus, mitigating the risks associated with annual floods in the Ganges-Brahmaputra Delta requires a holistic and integrated approach that combines physical infrastructure, sustainable land-use practices, community engagement, and international cooperation.

Insta Links:

Prelims Link:

Which of the following is/are tributary/tributaries of Brahmaputra? Dibang Kameng Lohit Select the correct answer using the code given below: (a) 1 only

(b) 2 and 3 only

(c) 1 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (d) With reference to river Teesta, consider the following statements: The source of river Teesta is the same as that of Brahmaputra but it flows through Sikkim. River Rangeet originates in Sikkim and it is a tributary of river Teesta. River Teesta flows into Bay of Bengal on the border of India and Bangladesh. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 and 3 only

(b) 2 only

(c) 2 and 3 only

(d) 1, 2 and 3 Ans: (b)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2024 Reports In News :

Reports In News

Reports Description Planet on the Move By IUCN It calls for a reimagined conservation approach that addresses the nexus among migration , environmental change, and conflict. Environmental changes drive migration, leading to resource conflicts and further environmental degradation . Current migration policies often treat human and wildlife migration separately. The report recommends integrating migration, humanitarian, and development needs with biodiversity conservation, establishing international legal protections for environmental migrants, and enhancing synergies between existing laws. Financial Inclusion Index The RBI released the Financial Inclusion Index for March 2024, with a value of 64.2, up from 60.1 in March 2023 (meaning higher Financial inclusion). This comprehensive index measures financial inclusion across banking, investments, insurance, postal, and pension sectors, reflecting the extent of inclusion in the country. It ranges from 0 (complete exclusion) to 100 (full inclusion) and includes three parameters: Access (35%), Usage (45%), and Quality (20%). The index is published annually in July. Digital Economy Report 2024 By UN Trade and Development (Established in 1964 ). It aims to help developing countries integrate into the global economy and has 195 member nations. It highlights the urgent need for sustainable strategies in the digitalization lifecycle . With internet users rising from 1 billion in 2005 to 5.4 billion in 2023, the environmental footprint of digitalization is significant. The ICT sector accounted for 1.5–3.2% of global GHG emissions in 2020, and e-waste surged by 30% from 2010 to 2022, reaching 10.5 million tonnes globally . Data centers consumed 460 terawatt hours of electricity in 2022, with water use expected to double by 2026. The demand for critical minerals like graphite, lithium, and cobalt could increase by 500% by 2050, leading to potential environmental inefficiencies. The report recommends adopting circular economy models, enforcing stricter environmental regulations , investing in renewable energy and energy-efficient technologies, and promoting sustainable business models.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME) :

Barcelona Residents protesting against Tourists

Source: IE

Context: Barcelona residents are protesting against mass tourism by firing water pistols at tourists and asking them to “go home.” The city’s tourism surged from 9.7 million in 2022 to 26 million in 2023, causing issues like rising living costs and a housing crisis.

Measures like banning short-term rentals and increasing tourist taxes have been introduced but are seen as insufficient by locals. This problem isn’t unique to Barcelona; cities like Venice and Amsterdam are also struggling with overtourism and its impact on local residents and the environment

Issues in the case of Barcelona’s response to overtourism include:

Displacement of Residents: Rising rental prices and living costs push locals out of their homes and neighborhoods. Resource Strain : Increased tourism pressures local infrastructure and resources, potentially reducing quality of life for residents. Cultural Erosion : The city prioritizing tourists over locals can lead to the loss of local culture and community values. Environmental Impact: Mass tourism can lead to environmental degradation, including pollution and damage to natural sites. Economic Inequality : While tourism boosts the economy, benefits may not be equitably distributed among residents.

International Maritime Organization (IMO)

Source: PIB

Context: At the 132nd session of the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Council in London, India led global maritime discussions.

The delegation proposed the establishment of the South Asian Centre of Excellence for Sustainable Maritime Transport (SACE-SMarT) , aiming to advance environmentally sustainable and technologically proficient maritime practices in the region.

About International Maritime Organization (IMO): The International Maritime Organisation (IMO) is a specialized UN agency focused on regulating shipping and preventing marine pollution from ships.

Established in 1948 and operational since 1958, the IMO has 175 member states and three associate members, with headquarters in London. India joined in 1959.

The IMO creates a fair, effective regulatory framework for the shipping industry and addresses legal issues like liability and international maritime traffic facilitation.

Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products

Source: PIB

Context: India and Taiwan have implemented a Mutual Recognition Agreement (MRA) for organic products.

This MRA, the first bilateral agreement for organic products between the two nations , involves the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) of India and the Agriculture and Food Agency (AFA ) of Taiwan.

, involves ) of Taiwan. Under this agreement, organic products produced according to India’s National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and certified by an accredited body can be sold in Taiwan with the “India Organic” logo.

and certified by an Conversely, organic products from Taiwan meeting its Organic Agriculture Promotion Act standards can be sold in India with the “ Taiwan Organic” logo.

This agreement will facilitate the export of key Indian organic products such as rice, processed food, green/black and herbal tea, and medicinal plant products to Taiwan.

MeDevIS platform

Source: WHO

Context: The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched MeDevIS (Medical Devices Information System) , an online platform designed to provide global open access to information on medical devices.

This platform supports governments, regulators, and users in selecting, procuring, and using medical devices for diagnostics, testing, and treatment of various health conditions.

and users in of various health conditions. MeDevIS covers 2301 types of medical devices addressing health issues like reproductive health, noncommunicable diseases, and infectious diseases such as COVID-19.

addressing health issues like MeDevIS consolidates information from multiple sources, simplifying the decision-making process for healthcare practitioners and patients.

The platform references two international naming systems: the European Medical Device Nomenclature (EMDN) and the Global Medical Device Nomenclature (GMDN ), which assist in regulatory approval, procurement, and inventory management.

The WHO aims for MeDevIS to improve access to life-saving medical technologies, especially in resource-limited settings, and to contribute to universal health coverage.

Hydrogen peroxide nebulisation

Source: First Post

Context: Recently an actress sparked controversy by advocating hydrogen peroxide nebulisation for viral infections, suggesting it as an alternative to medications.

This method involves inhaling a mist of diluted hydrogen peroxide , typically used in disinfectants, which can lead to harmful by-products and lung damage.

About Hydrogen Peroxide: Hydrogen Peroxide (H₂O₂) is a colourless liquid with a slightly sharp odour . Hydrogen peroxide can cause irritation to the eyes, nose, skin, and throat . Workers may be harmed from exposure to hydrogen peroxide.

Drone tested at Ladakh’s Umling La pass

Source: IE

Context: A Bengaluru-based firm, NewSpace Research and Technologies, has successfully tested a 100-kg Max Take Off Weight (MTOW) drone at an altitude of 19,024 feet at Umling La pass in Ladakh , the world’s highest motorable pass.

It demonstrated the drone’s ability to carry a 25-kg payload, surpassing the performance of China’s DJI FlyCart 30 drone tested at Mount Everest base camp.

surpassing the performance of China’s The drone, which flew to an altitude of 6,200 meters, offers significant potential for civilian and military logistics, disaster relief, and medical transport in high-altitude regions such as J &K, Uttarakhand, and the North Eastern states.

The NewSpace drone could also reduce the cost of high-altitude logistics operations compared to traditional manned flights, like those conducted by the Ministry of Defence.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2024 Mapping:

Koyna, Maharashtra

Source: TH

Context: India is undertaking a mission to drill a 6-km deep hole in the Koyna-Warna region of Maharashtra to study earthquakes and the earth’s crust.

This region has experienced frequent earthquakes since the Koyna Dam was impounded in 1962.

The pilot borehole, drilled to a depth of 3 km, has already provided significant insights, including information on ancient lava flows and granitic basement rocks.

has already provided significant insights, The deep drilling aims to better understand reservoir-triggered earthquakes and involves complex techniques like mud rotary drilling and air hammering.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 12 July 2024 [PDF]

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