Daily Current Affairs - 20th November 2024

1. A Thousand Days of Ukrainian Resilience

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: International Relations
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (IR)

Why in News?:

• Ukraine marks 1,000 days since the beginning of the war with Russia, showcasing resilience despite immense challenges.
• Source: The Hindu

About Ukraine's Resilience:

• Definition/Description:
  • The ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia has significantly altered global geopolitics.
  • Ukraine’s resilience refers to its ability to withstand the military, economic, and humanitarian crises since the conflict began.
• Background:
  • Began in February 2022 when Russia launched a military invasion of Ukraine.
  • Rooted in geopolitical tensions over NATO expansion, territorial disputes like Crimea, and separatist movements in Eastern Ukraine.
• Key Aspects:
  • Military Efforts: Despite being outnumbered, Ukraine has received military aid from NATO countries, including advanced weapons and intelligence support.
  • Economic Impact: Ukrainian GDP fell sharply due to infrastructure destruction and trade disruptions.
  • Humanitarian Crisis: Over 8 million refugees, with significant displacement internally and across Europe.
• Global Context:
  • Intensified the East-West divide, leading to significant sanctions on Russia.
  • NATO and EU support for Ukraine reaffirmed their commitment to security in Europe.
• Future Prospects:
  • The conflict's resolution depends on negotiations, potential ceasefires, or international mediation.
  • Reconstruction efforts in Ukraine will require global cooperation.

Source: The Hindu

2. Tracking Devices May Be Used if They Aid Bail, Help Free Up Jail Space

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Governance
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (Governance)

Why in News?:

• Discussions are ongoing to use tracking devices for undertrial prisoners to reduce overcrowding in jails.
• Source: The Hindu

About Tracking Devices in Judicial Reforms:

• Definition/Description:
  • Electronic tracking devices like ankle monitors allow authorities to monitor undertrial prisoners outside jail premises.
• Background:
  • India’s jails are operating at 130% capacity. A significant portion of inmates are undertrials awaiting bail or trial.
  • Supreme Court has repeatedly emphasized the need to address overcrowding and uphold prisoners’ rights.
• Key Aspects:
  • Cost Efficiency: Reduces the financial burden of maintaining overcrowded jails.
  • Better Resource Allocation: Allows authorities to focus on rehabilitation programs for convicts.
  • Technological Integration: Ensures real-time location tracking and compliance with bail conditions.
• Current Challenges:
  • Risk of misuse or tampering with devices.
  • Privacy concerns and lack of a robust legal framework for implementation.
• Future Prospects:
  • May pave the way for tech-enabled reforms in the criminal justice system, reducing dependency on custodial measures.

Source: The Hindu

3. How India Could Counter the CBAM

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Environment
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Environment)

Why in News?:

• The Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM), introduced by the European Union, poses challenges for India’s trade, particularly in sectors with high carbon footprints like steel and aluminum.
• Source: The Hindu

About CBAM (Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism):

• Definition/Description:
  • CBAM is a proposed EU regulation aimed at reducing carbon leakage by imposing tariffs on imported goods based on their carbon footprint.
  • It targets imports from countries with less stringent climate policies.
• Background:
  • Announced as part of the EU Green Deal to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
  • Initially focused on sectors like steel, cement, aluminum, fertilizers, and electricity.
• Key Aspects:
  • Impact on India:
    • India is a major exporter of steel and aluminum to the EU. CBAM could increase costs, making exports less competitive.
  • Compliance Challenges:
    • Indian industries face difficulties in transitioning to low-carbon technologies due to high costs and lack of infrastructure.
  • Global Trade Disputes:
    • CBAM is viewed as a protectionist measure by developing countries, potentially violating World Trade Organization (WTO) principles.
• India’s Current Approach:
  • Focus on renewable energy transition and energy efficiency initiatives.
  • Programs like Perform, Achieve, and Trade (PAT) aim to reduce industrial emissions.
• Future Prospects:
  • Technological Upgradation: Encourage carbon capture and green hydrogen in energy-intensive industries.
  • Diplomatic Negotiations: Engage with the EU to mitigate trade barriers and advocate for technology transfer and financial aid.
  • Domestic Policy Alignment: Strengthen India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.

Source: The Hindu

4. The Dangers of High-Altitude Sickness

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Health
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (Health)

Why in News?:

• With increasing tourism in high-altitude regions like Ladakh and Himachal Pradesh, high-altitude sickness is emerging as a significant health concern.
• Source: The Hindu

About High-Altitude Sickness:

• Definition/Description:
  • A medical condition caused by low oxygen levels and reduced air pressure at high altitudes, typically above 8,000 feet.
  • Symptoms range from mild (headaches, nausea) to severe (pulmonary or cerebral edema).
• Background:
  • Often affects trekkers, soldiers, and travelers to mountainous regions.
  • Can lead to fatalities if not managed promptly.
• Key Aspects:
  • Types of Altitude Sickness:
    • Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS): Common and mild symptoms.
    • High-Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE): Fluid buildup in lungs, life-threatening.
    • High-Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE): Swelling of the brain, requires immediate medical attention.
  • Prevention and Management:
    • Gradual acclimatization and adequate hydration.
    • Use of medications like acetazolamide for prevention.
    • Oxygen therapy and descent in severe cases.
• Current Challenges:
  • Lack of awareness among tourists and insufficient medical facilities in remote regions.
• Future Prospects:
  • Improved healthcare infrastructure in high-altitude areas.
  • Awareness campaigns targeting trekkers and adventure tourists.

Source: The Hindu

5. Is Imposing Tariffs on Chinese Imports a Good Idea?

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Economy
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Economy)

Why in News?:

• India is considering tariffs on Chinese imports to reduce dependency and address trade imbalances.
• Source: The Hindu

About Tariffs on Chinese Imports:

• Definition/Description:
  • Tariffs are taxes or duties imposed on imported goods to regulate trade and protect domestic industries.
• Background:
  • India has a significant trade deficit with China, with imports surpassing exports.
  • Post-Galwan clash, India adopted measures like banning Chinese apps and restricting investments in sensitive sectors.
• Key Aspects:
  • Economic Impact:
    • Reduces dependency on Chinese goods but risks increasing input costs for Indian manufacturers.
  • Strategic Importance:
    • Aims to boost Atmanirbhar Bharat and encourage domestic manufacturing.
  • Global Trade Implications:
    • Retaliatory measures by China could affect Indian exports.
• Current Challenges:
  • Dependence on Chinese imports for critical sectors like electronics and pharmaceuticals.
  • Limited capacity of domestic industries to fill the gap quickly.
• Future Prospects:
  • Incentivizing domestic production through schemes like PLI (Production-Linked Incentive).
  • Diversifying imports by strengthening trade ties with other nations.

Source: The Hindu

6. If Diamonds and Pencils Are Made Out of Carbon, How Is It That Pencils Can Write?

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Science and Technology
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Science and Technology)

Why in News?:

• The unique properties of carbon and its allotropes, such as diamonds and graphite, are often highlighted in science discussions.
• Source: The Hindu

About Carbon Allotropes and Their Properties:

• Definition/Description:
  • Carbon can exist in different structural forms called allotropes, such as diamond and graphite, due to variations in atomic bonding.
  • Graphite: The primary component of pencils, made of layers of carbon atoms in a hexagonal arrangement, allowing it to slide and leave a mark.
  • Diamond: Carbon atoms in a tetrahedral structure, making it the hardest natural material.
• Key Aspects:
  • Why Pencils Can Write:
    • Graphite’s layers are weakly bonded, allowing them to flake off onto paper.
  • Why Diamonds Cannot Write:
    • Diamond’s rigid structure prevents it from shedding particles.
• Applications of Carbon Allotropes:
  • Graphite: Used in lubricants, batteries, and pencils.
  • Diamond: Applied in cutting tools, jewelry, and high-pressure experiments.

Source: The Hindu

7. At G-20 Summit, India and China Discuss Resumption of Flights, Visa Issuance

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: International Relations
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (IR)

Why in News?:

• India and China held discussions on improving connectivity and easing visa restrictions during the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro.
• Source: The Hindu

About India-China Relations at the G-20:

• Definition/Description:
  • Resumption of direct flights and streamlined visa processes were discussed to improve people-to-people ties and economic exchanges.
• Background:
  • India-China relations remain tense post-Galwan clash in 202