UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 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 1: (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024)

Vadhavan Port (India’s First Mega Port)

GS Paper 2:

Patna High Court strikes down 65% quota in Bihar

GS Paper 3:

GM Crops: Balancing Food Security and Environmental Impact

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Kerala’s gender-neutral school textbooks

Facts for Prelims (FFP)

e-SAKSHI Mobile Application Priority Sector Lending (PSL) Global Environment Facility (GEF) Claude 3.5 Sonnet Cyber Mercenaries

Mapping:

Nord Stream Methane Leaks

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024

GS Paper 1:

Syllabus: Geography: Ports/ Economy: Infrastructure sectors

Source: BS

Context: The Vadhavan port , recently cleared by the Cabinet, will be India’s first mega port, poised to significantly enhance the country’s sea-based trade.

Need:

Currently, India handles about 4.6 million TEUs (twenty-foot equivalent units) of transhipment cargo, with approximately 4.2 million TEUs processed outside the country due to geographical challenges. India’s long continental shelf results in expansive beaches , preventing large vessels from docking near the coast. This forces most cargo to be offloaded at Colombo or transferred mid-sea . The Vadhavan project aims to address these issues, allowing larger ships to dock directly at Indian ports.

Other major Challenges Faced by the Port Sector in India

Infrastructure Deficiencies: Many ports lack modern handling equipment and deep drafts. For instance, Kolkata Port faces draft limitations that restrict the entry of large vessels. Capacity Constraints: Indian ports lack enough room for capacity addition, existing capacity is being stretched thin. Logistical Inefficiencies: Poor hinterland connectivity and inadequate rail and road networks lead to high turnaround times. Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles: Lengthy customs and clearance processes delay cargo handling. Ports like Jawaharlal Nehru Port Trust (JNPT) face procedural delays impacting efficiency. Technological Lag: Many ports are yet to fully adopt automation and advanced technologies. Environmental Concerns: Port expansion projects often face opposition due to environmental impact assessments.

About Vadhavan Port :

The Vadhavan port will be constructed through a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed by the Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority and the Maharashtra Maritime Board . It will be an all-weather Greenfield deep draft major port in Palghar District, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti program , and built on a landlord-model through PPP .

Key Features:

Greenfield Infrastructure : Developed on previously undeveloped land from scratch. Construction : To be built in 2 phases with a total capacity of 23.2 million TEUs and a 20-meter draft to handle mega vessels. Landlord Model: The Port authority acts as a regulatory body and landlord, with private companies managing operations.

Significance of the Vadhavan Port Project

Economic Significance:

Mega Port Status : India’s first true mega port with 300+ MMTPA capacity. Lower freight costs per unit due to larger volumes. Ability to handle diverse cargo types beyond dry and bulk goods. Promotes economies of agglomeration by hosting suppliers, industrial complexes, and logistics firms. Competition among operators reduces handling charges. Functions as a hub in a hub-and-spoke model , managing global traffic and distributing cargo to smaller ports.

Trade Implications: Can handle projected sea-based EXIM trade of $1.6-2 trillion by 2030; Reduces dependence on foreign ports for transhipment.

Strategic Importance: Key node for IMEEC (India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor) and INSTC (International North-South Transport Corridor).

India’s status in the Port sector:

Major Ports : Under the Union Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways. There are 12 functional major ports. Minor Ports : Under State Maritime Boards/Governments. There are 200 non-major ports. India’s trade heavily relies on maritime transport , constituting over 95% by volume and 65% by value. The 2023 World Bank LPI Report is promising for Indian ports and logistics. In the “International Shipments” category, India has advanced from the 44th to the 22nd global rank since 2014. Container Port Performance Index (CPPI) 2023: Nine Indian ports have found their position among the top 100 global ports in CPPI in 2023

Initiatives taken by the government for the Port sector:

Initiative Description Sagarmala Initiative Launched in 2015 to harness India’s coastline and waterways for port-led industrialization. Port Modernization and Expansion Capacity at 12 major ports increased from 871 MMT in 2015 to 1,617 MMT in 2023. Private Sector Participation Encouragement of public-private partnerships (PPPs) in port operations . Brings investments, efficiency, and innovation. New Captive Policy Addresses renewal of concession periods, expansion scope, and dynamic business environment for port-dependent industries. Harit Sagar Green Port Guidelines Aims for safe, efficient, and sustainable ports with sound environmental practices. Liner Shipping Reforms Introduced in 2016 to make the port sector more competitive, reducing shipping costs and improving efficiency. India’s average turnaround time (TRT) of only 0.9 days is among the best globally. Legislative Changes Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 Grants greater autonomy to major ports. Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021 Increases safety and efficiency in vessel traffic services and training. Indian Vessels Act, 2021 Standardizes laws across all inland waterways. Replacement of Indian Ports Act, 1908 Updating legislation to meet present-day requirements. Ease of Doing Business National Logistics Portal (Marine) and Sagar Setu app facilitate seamless goods movement and enhance ease of doing business. FDI Policy Allows 100% FDI under the automatic route for port-related projects and offers a 10-year tax holiday for port development. India to Develop Six Mega Ports by 2047 The Ministry of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways has recently announced plans to develop six mega ports by 2047 . Four port clusters with capacities exceeding 300 MTPA include Cochin-Vizhinjam , Galathea South Bay, Chennai-Kamarajar-Cuddalore, and Paradip . Two clusters, Deendayal-Tuna Tekra and Jawaharlal Nehru-Vadhavan, will exceed 500 MTPA. These developments are part of the Maritime Amrit Kaal Vision, 2047

Way forward:

Integrated Connectivity : Strengthening the integration of ports with railways, roadways, and inland waterways is essential to ensure seamless cargo movement from ports to hinterlands and vice versa. Digital Transformation : Implementation of advanced technologies like blockchain, Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence can streamline documentation, cargo tracking, and communication processes. Investment Promotion: Encourage private sector participation through well-structured public-private partnerships (PPPs) and investor-friendly policies. Regional Connectivity : Strengthen regional connectivity through strategic collaborations and agreements. Promoting transhipment and coastal shipping can enhance trade within the Indian Ocean region. Safety and Security : Ensure stringent safety and security measures at ports to prevent accidents, environmental hazards, and unauthorized activities. Compliance with international safety standards is vital.

Conclusion

The global recognition of the operational efficiencies of Indian ports and the Indian maritime sector is an important step in India’s endeavour to become a global maritime power as envisaged in the Maritime India Vision, 2030.

Insta Links:

Prelims Links:

Recently, which of the following States has explored the possibility of constructing an artificial inland port to be connected to the sea by a long navigational channel? (UPSC 2016) (a) Andhra Pradesh

(b) Chhattisgarh

(c) Karnataka

(d) Rajasthan Ans: (d)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024 GS Paper 2:

Syllabus: Indian Constitution: Fundamental Rights

Source: TH

Context: The Patna High Court recently struck down Bihar’s attempt to raise Backward Classes (BC) reservation to 18%, Extremely Backward Communities (EBC) to 25%, and adjusted quotas for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, resulting in a total reservation of 65%.

Background of the case:

The Bihar government decided to increase reservations for Backward Classes, Extremely Backward Classes (EBC), Scheduled Castes (SC), and Scheduled Tribes (ST) following a caste-based survey, which showed these castes constituted 84% of the population of Bihar . This decision aimed to address the inadequate representation of these groups without adhering to a proportionate basis. The move, which included a 10% quota for Economically Backward Classes (EWS), raised reservations in Bihar to 75% (65% for backward castes and 10% for EWS), surpassing the 50% ceiling mandated by the Supreme Court. Subsequently, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) challenging this increase was filed in the Patna High Court.

The Patna High Court struck down amendments to Bihar’s reservation system for the following reasons:

Violation of Constitutional Equality: The amendments were deemed to violate Articles 14, 15, and 16 of the Constitution, which guarantee equality before the law and prohibit discrimination on various grounds including caste. Exceeding 50% Reservation Limit : The amendments raised reservations in Bihar to 65%, which exceeded the 50% ceiling set by the Supreme Court in the Indra Sawhney case (1992). The court upheld the 50% limit as a legal restriction on total reservations . Lack of Proportionate Basis: The reservation increase was not based on a proportionate representation framework, which is required for reservation policies to align with constitutional principles. Absence of Adequate Study : The state government did not conduct a thorough analysis or in-depth study to justify the need for and impact of the increased reservations, raising concerns about the rationale behind the amendments. Judicial Precedents: The court referred to previous judgments and constitutional interpretations that underscored the importance of maintaining a balance between affirmative action and constitutional limits on reservations.

What was Indra Sawhney’s judgment ?

The 1992 Indra Sawhney judgment by a 9-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court established that reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs must not exceed 50% of total seats in legislatures, higher education, and public employment. This limit was considered fair and reasonable, with flexibility allowed only in extraordinary situations.

Other judgement:

Maratha Reservation: Increased total reservations in Maharashtra to 68%, struck down by the SC in 2021 for exceeding the 50% ceiling.

Exceptions:

State Exceptions : Despite the limit, some states, notably Tamil Nadu with 69% reservation , and occasionally the Union government and the Supreme Court itself, have breached this ceiling. Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) Reservation : Upheld by a 3:2 majority in 2023, stating the 50% ceiling is flexible but applies primarily to SCs, STs, and OBCs reservations.

Current reservation % in central government:

Arguments in favour of the 50% Ceiling:

Contradiction with Equality: Critics argue exceeding the 50% reservation limit contradicts the principle of equality. Balance Needed : Maintaining a balance between reservations for affirmative action and equality under the law is crucial. Reservations as Exceptions : Reservations should be exceptions to ensure equality, as warned by Dr B R Ambedkar in the Constituent Assembly.

Criticism of the 50% Ceiling and Support for Reservations:

Arbitrary Limit: Critics view the 50% reservation limit as arbitrary, imposed by courts despite legislative attempts to exceed it. Debate on Legitimacy : Ongoing debate questions the legitimacy and flexibility of the 50% reservation ceiling established through judicial interpretation. Reservations as Fundamental Right : Some argue reservations are integral to the fundamental right to equality and a part of the Constitution’s basic structure. Judicial Perspective: The Supreme Court’s 2022 ruling upheld the OBC quota in NEET, affirming that reservations enhance merit distribution rather than undermine it.

Conclusion:

The Patna High Court’s decision underscores the challenge of balancing social justice initiatives with constitutional limits on reservation quotas, highlighting the importance of rigorous study and adherence to judicial precedents in policy-making.

Insta Links:

Mains Link:

Whether the National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC) can enforce the implementation of constitutional reservation for the Scheduled Castes in the religious minority institutions? Examine. (UPSC 2018)

Prelims Link:

Consider the following statements: (USPC 2020) The Constitution of India defines its ‘basic structure’ in terms of federalism, secularism, fundamental rights and democracy. The Constitution of India provides for ‘judicial review’ to safeguard the citizens’ liberties and to preserve the ideals on which the Constitution is based. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? (a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2 Ans: (d)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024 GS Paper 3:

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source: DW

Context: Genetically modified (GM) crops are touted as a solution for global food security, especially in the face of climate change. The current “gene revolution” uses genetic editing to improve crop resilience, aiming to support a growing population and combat climate-induced agricultural challenges.

What is a GM Crop?

A GM or transgenic crop is a plant that has a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology.

The new gene revolution, driven by tools like CRISPR, allows precise gene editing without introducing foreign genes. This technology helps develop new GM crop varieties, enhancing food security.

Examples:

Optimized Photosynthesis : Research projects are focusing on optimizing photosynthesis in staple crops such as maize and rice . This aims to improve their ability to convert sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide into energy, thereby enhancing yields and reducing atmospheric carbon. Drought-Tolerant Maize : Scientists are developing drought-tolerant transgenic maize by incorporating genes from a plant known as xerophyta viscosa , which can tolerate severe dehydration up to 95%. Insect-Resistant Cowpea : Australian scientists are bioengineering cowpeas to have built-in resistance to insect pests, crucial for protecting this important legume staple in Africa from crop failure

Status of GM Crop in India:

In India, Bt cotton remains the sole GM crop approved for commercial cultivation . As of 2022, the Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) has granted environmental release approval for the Mustard hybrid DMH-11, though its implementation is pending a Supreme Court decision. Additionally, ongoing research and field trials are underway for several other crops including chickpeas, pigeonpea, corn, and sugarcane .

Regulations for GM Crop In India:

In India, GM crop regulations are governed by the 1989 Rules under the Environment Protection Act (1986). The Genetic Engineering Appraisal Committee (GEAC) under the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) handles the appraisal of GM crop proposals.

GM Crops role in enhanced yields and resilience:

Pest Resistance: GM crops can be engineered to be more resistant to pests and diseases, which can lead to increased yields. This is important in a world where food security is a growing concern. g . Bt cotton, engineered with a gene from the bacterium Bacillus thuringiensis , produces a protein toxic to certain pests.

GM crops can be engineered to be more resistant to pests and diseases, which can lead to increased yields. This is important in a world where food security is a growing concern. Drought Tolerance : they contain genes that enable the plant to withstand water scarcity. This characteristic enhances crop resilience in regions prone to drought, ensuring more consistent yields. g. Drought-resistant GM maize

they contain genes that enable the plant to withstand water scarcity. This characteristic enhances crop resilience in regions prone to drought, ensuring more consistent yields. Nutritional Enhancement : GM crops can be engineered to have higher levels of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. This can help to improve the health of people who consume these crops. g. Golden rice, fortified with beta-carotene, addresses vitamin A deficiency .

GM crops can be engineered to have higher levels of nutrients, such as vitamins and minerals. This can help to improve the health of people who consume these crops.

Ecological and food safety concerns associated with GM crops:

Biodiversity Loss : The cultivation of herbicide-tolerant GM crops can lead to the overuse of specific herbicides. This can result in the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, disrupting local ecosystems and reducing biodiversity.

The cultivation of herbicide-tolerant GM crops can lead to the overuse of specific herbicides. This can result in the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, disrupting local ecosystems and reducing biodiversity. Biosafety concerns : They can reduce species diversity. For example, Insect-resistant plants might harm insects that are not their intended target and thus result in the destruction of that particular species.

They can reduce Cross-Pollination and Gene Flow : GM crops, such as genetically modified canola, can crossbreed with wild relatives, potentially leading to the spread of modified genes in non-GM populations and affecting natural plant diversity.

GM crops, such as genetically modified canola, can crossbreed with wild relatives, potentially leading to the spread of modified genes in non-GM populations and affecting natural plant diversity. Unintended Consequences : The introduction of GM crops resistant to specific pests might inadvertently disrupt ecological balances by affecting non-target species, leading to unanticipated ecological consequences.

Food safety concerns:

Allergenicity : Transfer of allergenic genes into GM crops could potentially introduce new allergens or amplify existing allergenic properties, posing risks to sensitive individuals.

Transfer of allergenic genes into GM crops could potentially introduce new allergens or amplify existing allergenic properties, Health Impacts : Altered nutritional profiles in GM crops could impact human health in unforeseen ways. The long-term effects of consuming genetically modified foods need thorough investigation.

: Altered nutritional profiles in GM crops could impact human health in unforeseen ways. The of consuming genetically modified foods need thorough investigation. Resistance Development : Over-reliance on certain GM traits can lead to the evolution of resistant pests or diseases, necessitating more intensive chemical treatments and posing risks to the environment and human health.

Way forward:

Recommendation Description Scientific Evidence-Based Decisions Governments should base decisions on GM technologies on robust scientific evidence , thoroughly evaluating benefits and risks before implementation. Cultivating an environment of openness and transparency Open communication of scientific findings and regulatory processes is crucial to address genuine fears and build public trust. Involving stakeholders Participation of scientists, farmers, consumers, and environmentalists in regulatory protocols enhances decision legitimacy and fosters trust in GM technology development. Precautionary principle Given uncertainties over GM safety , adopting this principle suggests waiting for a broader scientific consensus to minimize risks before widespread implementation. Policy frameworks for equitable benefits Improving policies to address concerns such as pricing, and input costs, and ensuring equitable benefits for all stakeholders involved in GM cultivation. Strong liability laws Implementing robust laws to hold parties accountable for environmental hazards or unforeseen consequences from GM technologies encourages responsible practices.

Insta Links:

Mains Link:

How can biotechnology help to improve the living standards of farmers? (UPSC 2019)

Prelims Link:

Q1. Other than resistance to pests, what are the prospects for which genetically engineered plants have been created? (UPSC 2012) To enable them to withstand drought To increase the nutritive value of the produce To enable them to grow and do photosynthesis in spaceships and space stations To increase their shelf life Select the correct answer using the codes given below: (a) 1 and 2 only

(b) 3 and 4 only

(c) 1, 2 and 4 only

(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4 Ans: (c) Q2. Bollgard I and Bollgard II technologies are mentioned in the context of (UPSC 2021) (a) clonal propagation of crop plants

(b) developing genetically modified crop plants

(c) production of plant growth substances

(d) production of biofertilizers Ans: (b)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Source: IT

Context: Kerala’s government is promoting gender neutrality by revamping school textbooks to depict men and other family members participating in domestic chores , breaking traditional gender stereotypes.

This initiative aims to foster inclusivity among children from an early age . New instructional materials, featuring fathers engaged in kitchen activities traditionally associated with women

The initiative to revamp school textbooks and promote gender-neutral education depicts several ethical values:

Equality : Promotes gender equality by challenging traditional roles and stereotypes. Inclusivity : Encourages an inclusive outlook by representing diverse family dynamics. Shared Responsibility : Highlights the importance of shared household responsibilities. Respect : Fosters respect for all genders by depicting men and women as equal contributors. Empowerment : Empowers children to question and reshape societal norms. Fairness : Advocates for fair treatment and opportunities for all genders in both public and private spheres.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Source: PIB

Context: The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) organized a two-day training workshop for the revised fund flow procedure under the MPLAD Scheme using the e-SAKSHI Portal.

What is the e-SAKSHI Portal?

eSAKSHI portal is an end-to-end solution for efficient and transparent implementation of the MPLAD scheme.

About MPLAD : Type: Central Sector Scheme Ministry : Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation Allocation : Rs. 5 crore per MP for developmental works to create durable community assets based on local needs. Funds : Non-lapsable, carried forward to the next year. Allocation Targets : At least 15% for Scheduled Caste areas and 7.5% for Scheduled Tribe areas.

Source: RBI

Context: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revises Priority Sector Lending (PSL) norms

What is Priority Sector Lending (PSL) ?

Priority Sector Lending (PSL) is a mandate by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to ensure that vulnerable sectors receive adequate credit . The purpose of PSL is to promote inclusive development by directing funds to sectors such as agriculture, MSMEs, education, housing, social infrastructure, renewable energy, and others.

Formalized in 1972, PSL ensures the flow of credit to creditworthy sectors that struggle to access formal financial institutions. Banks must allocate a portion of their Adjusted Net Bank Credit (ANBC) or Credit Equivalent of Off-Balance Sheet Exposure (CEOBE ), whichever is higher, towards PSL. The target is

40% for scheduled commercial banks and foreign banks with 20 or more branches 75% for Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) and Small Finance Banks (SFBs) 65% for Urban Cooperative Banks (UCBs) in FY 2024-25, increasing to 75% in FY 2025-26.

It applies to all commercial banks, including Regional Rural Banks (RRBs), Small Finance Banks (SFBs), Local Area Banks, and Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs ).

Source: IE

Context: Claude 3.5 Sonnet , the latest AI model from Anthropic, represents a significant advancement in the field of large language models (LLMs).

What is Claude 3.5 Sonnet?

It is the latest AI model developed by Anthropic , positioned within their family of generative pre-trained transformers (GPTs).

Comparative table outlining the key features and capabilities of Claude 3.5 Sonnet, GPT-4o, and Gemini-1.5 Pro:

Feature Claude 3.5 Sonnet GPT-4o (OpenAI) Gemini-1.5 Pro (Google) Speed and Efficiency Operates at twice the speed of Claude 3 Sonnet Optimal balance of speed and computational resources Efficient processing of large datasets Performance Outperforms competitors in coding, reasoning tasks Versatile in natural language understanding and generation Strong in information retrieval and context understanding Benchmarks Leading in coding proficiency, reasoning, knowledge Not specified, but designed for diverse text applications Competes well in complex information environments Application Focus Suitable for nuanced understanding, humour, complex instructions Widely applicable across domains, text generation Integrates with Google ecosystem, multimedia processing Vision Capabilities Strong in visual reasoning, transcribing from images Primarily text-based, lacks specific visual processing Advanced AI for image recognition and multimedia contexts Company Anthropic OpenAI Google

Source: GEF

Context: The Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has approved over $736.4 million in funding to address pressing environmental challenges worldwide.

Funding from the GEF Trust Fund, Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF), and Global Biodiversity Framework Fund (GBFF) supports diverse projects including:

Great Green Wall (GGW) for landscape restoration in Africa’s Sahel region Sustainable Cities Integrated Program (SCIP) spanning 20 countries to catalyze urban system transformation India: The CoHABITAT Project focuses on conserving wetlands, forests, and grasslands along the Central Asian Flyway , implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change.

About GEF

GEF (est. during 1992 Rio Conference; HQ: Washington, D.C) is a multi-stakeholder partnership to tackle various environmental issues. Its funding is provided by participating donor countries and is mobilized through a replenishment process every four years.

It funds:

Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD) Minamata Convention on Mercury

About Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework : It is a global agreement adopted at the 15th Conference of Parties (2022) to the UN Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). It sets forth four goals and 23 targets to be achieved by 2030 to address the biodiversity crisis. The framework aims to restore and conserve ecosystems, reduce species extinction risk, mitigate pollution, promote sustainable practices, and allocate financial resources for biodiversity conservation. It also emphasizes the need for international cooperation and monitoring to track progress.

Context : UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned about escalating cybersecurity threats and misuse of digital technology through Cyber Mercenaries, highlighting growing sophistication in malware like trojans and AI-enabled cyber operations.

About Cyber mercenaries:

They are individuals or private groups hired to conduct cyber operations , both offensive and defensive, targeting specific networks and infrastructure. They facilitate spying on internet-connected devices such as computers and phones . Examples of cyber mercenaries include Lazarus, Ocean Lotus group, and NSO group . This practice operates in a legal grey area due to the absence of international conventions regulating their activities.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024 Mapping:

Source: DTE

Context: Thousands of tonnes of methane from the September 2022 Nord Stream pipeline explosions dissolved in the Baltic Sea , raising concerns about marine life and carbon cycles.

A study found that between 10,000 and 50,000 tonnes of methane likely dissolved in the water, potentially altering microbial life and local carbon budgets.

The Nord Stream pipelines are crucial conduits for transporting natural gas from Russia to Europe. Nord Stream 1, completed in 2011 , runs from Vyborg in Russia to Lubmin near Greifswald, Germany, with majority ownership by the Russian state-owned gas company Gazprom. Before the war, this pipeline supplied 40% of Europe’s pipeline gas, which has now decreased to 9%. Nord Stream 2 is a 1,200-km pipeline extending from Ust-Luga in Russia to Greifswald in Germany , designed to carry 55 billion cubic meters of gas annually. This pipeline crosses the Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) of Russia, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Germany, as well as the territorial waters of Russia, Denmark, and Germany, highlighting its extensive reach and strategic importance.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 24 June 2024 [PDF]

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