Daily Current Affairs – 20th November 2024

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

0, leading to a significant reduction in direct flights and stricter visa policies.

Current Status:

• Currently, direct flights between the two nations are limited, and visa issuance for various categories (tourism, business) remains challenging.

Significance of Discussions:

• De-escalation: A step towards de-escalating tensions and rebuilding trust.
• Economic Benefits: Facilitates trade, business travel, and economic cooperation.
• People-to-People Contact: Improves cultural exchanges, tourism, and educational ties.
• Diplomatic Engagement: Indicates a willingness from both sides to engage on practical issues despite broader strategic differences.

Challenges Ahead:

• The core border dispute remains unresolved, which continues to be a major impediment to full normalization of ties.
• Trust deficit persists, requiring sustained diplomatic efforts and confidence-building measures.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Q1: What was the primary outcome of the India-China discussions at the G-20 Summit?
  • A1: The primary outcome was an agreement to discuss the resumption of direct flights and the easing of visa restrictions to improve connectivity and people-to-people exchanges.
• Q2: Why were direct flights and visa issuances restricted between India and China?
  • A2: Restrictions were largely imposed following the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which led to heightened border tensions and a deterioration of bilateral relations. The COVID-19 pandemic also played a role in initial travel restrictions.
• Q3: How significant are these discussions for India-China relations?
  • A3: These discussions are significant as they represent a step towards de-escalation and normalization of practical aspects of bilateral relations, potentially fostering economic ties and people-to-people contact, despite ongoing border disputes.

Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)

1. Which of the following carbon allotropes is primarily used in lubricants and batteries?

1. Diamond
2. Fullerene
3. Graphene
4. Graphite

Correct Answer: d) Graphite

2. The recent discussions between India and China on resuming flights and easing visa restrictions took place during which international summit?

1. BRICS Summit
2. SCO Summit
3. G-20 Summit
4. ASEAN Summit

Correct Answer: c) G-20 Summit

Mains Question

Despite ongoing border disputes, discussions on resuming flights and easing visa restrictions between India and China at the G-20 Summit signify a potential shift in their bilateral engagement. Analyze the implications of such moves for regional stability and India’s foreign policy objectives. (250 words)