Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 29th November 2024

Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine Technology:

The Central Electricity Authority (CEA) has recognized Surface Hydrokinetic Turbine (SHKT) technology under the Hydro Category to drive innovations and explore alternate technologies.

• It uses kinetic energy of flowing water with practically zero potential head for generation of electrical energy unlike conventional units, which utilize potential energy of water through construction of suitable civil structures such as dam, diversion weir and barrages for creation of necessary ‘Head’.
• This technology supports the power sector in meeting the growing demand for base-load, round-the-clock renewable energy, especially in areas with poor grid accessibility.
• Surface Hydrokinetic turbines are easy to install and cost-effective.
• This technology provides a win-win situation both for renewable energy buyers and generators.
• Adoption of SHKT technology shall mark a significant milestone in leveraging India’s extensive water infrastructure, including canals, hydropower tailrace channels, etc. for sustainable energy generation.
• This technology has huge potential in GW scale with a lot of opportunities to harness renewable energy, leading to overall growth of the power.

SAREX-24:

The 11th edition of Indian Coast Guard’s National Maritime Search and Rescue Exercise & Workshop (SAREX-24) will be in Kochi, Kerala on November 28-29, 2024.

• SAREX-24 is conducted under the aegis of National Maritime Search and Rescue Board.
• The theme of the exercise is ‘Enhancing Search and Rescue capabilities through Regional collaboration’.
• It signifies ICG’s commitment to provide succor during large-scale contingencies regardless of location, nationality or circumstances in the Indian Search & Rescue Region and beyond.
• This event will feature various programmes, including table-top exercise, workshop & seminars involving participation of senior officials from government agencies, Ministries & Armed Forces, various stakeholders and foreign delegates.
• The sea exercise involving two large scale contingencies will be carried out off the Kochi coast with participation of ships & aircraft of ICG, Navy, Indian Air Force, Passenger Vessel & Tug from Cochin Port Authority and boats from the Customs.
• The response matrix in the sea exercise will involve various methods to evacuate distressed passengers, wherein the advent of new-age technology using satellite-aided distress beacons, drones to deploy a life buoy, air droppable life rafts, operation of remote controlled life buoy will be demonstrated.
• The exercise is designed not only to evaluate efficiency of operations and coordination with national stakeholders, but also to aptly focus on cooperative engagements with the littorals and friendly countries.

Network Readiness Index 2024

India has improved its position by eleven slots and is now placed at 49th rank as per the Network Readiness Index 2024 (NRI 2024) report released on 21st November 2024.

• Network Readiness Index maps the network-based readiness landscape of 133 economies based on their performances in four different pillars: Technology, People, Governance and Impact, covering a total of 54 variables.
• The report has been published by the Portulans Institute, an independent non-profit research and educational institute based in Washington DC.
• India has not only improved its ranking, but also improved its score from 49.93 in 2023 to 53.63 in 2024. It is noteworthy that India leads in several indicators.
• The report states that India secured 1st rank in ‘AI scientific publications’, ‘AI talent concentration’ and ‘ICT services exports’, 2nd rank in ‘FTTH/Building Internet subscriptions’, ‘Mobile broadband internet traffic within the country’ and ‘International Internet bandwidth’, 3rd rank in ‘Domestic market scale’ and 4th rank in ‘annual investment in telecommunication services’.
• India has ranked 2nd in the group of lower-middle-income countries after Vietnam.
• As per the report, India has demonstrated significant digital progress, with notable strengths in technological innovation and digital transformation.

OPCW- The Hague Award:

The 2024 OPCW – The Hague Award was conferred upon the Indian Chemical Council (ICC) at a ceremony during the 29th Session of the Conference of the States Parties (CSP) of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) at Hague.

• The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) established the ‘OPCW-The Hague Award’ in collaboration with the Municipality of The Hague in 2014.
• It is part of the OPCW’s ongoing effort to highlight significant contributions made by individuals and organisations, widely from academia, researchers, chemical industry, and civil society to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.
• Recipient of the award receives a medallion, a certificate and share of the €90,000 award fund.
• Indian Chemical Council (ICC) is India’s premier body representing the chemical industry which was established in 1938.
• It is the apex national body representing all branches of the Chemical Industry in India such as Organic & Inorganic Chemicals, Plastics & Petrochemicals & Petroleum Refineries etc.

E-Daakhil Portal:

The Department of Consumer Affairs recently announced the successful nationwide implementation of the E-Daakhil portal, now operational in every State and Union Territory of India.

• It was introduced as an inexpensive, speedy and hassle-free mechanism for filing consumer complaints.
• It was first launched in 2020 by the National Consumer Dispute Redressal Commission.
• It is an innovative online platform designed to streamline the consumer grievance redressal process, providing an efficient and convenient way for consumers to approach the relevant consumer forum, dispensing the need to travel and be physically present to file their grievances.
• The portal offers an intuitive and easy-to-navigate interface, allowing consumers to file complaints with minimal effort.
• From filing complaints to tracking their status, E-Daakhil ensures a paperless and transparent process with respect to filing of cases.
• Any consumer or Advocate can sign up on the e-Daakhil platforms with the required authentication by receiving an OTP on their registered cell phone or an activation link on their registered email address.
• They can then move on with filing a complaint.
• The portal has facilitated all aggrieved consumers to submit complaints to consumer commissions online in the comfort of their own homes, to pay the appropriate fees, and track the progress of the case online.
• It is accessible to consumers across all regions of India, from metropolitan cities to remote areas.

Jarawa Tribe : Involvement In Election

19 members from the Jarawa Tribe in Andaman and Nicobar Islands had been included in India’s electoral roll.

• Jarawa Tribe are an indigenous tribe which lives in the Andaman Islands.
• They are classified as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG).
• They inhabit parts of the Middle Andaman and South Andaman Islands. The region is characterized by dense forests, mangroves, and pristine beaches, providing a rich habitat.
• They are regarded as descendants of the Jangil tribe, which is now extinct.
• Some believe the ancestors of the Jarawas were part of the first successful human migrations out of Africa.
• The Jarawas have traditionally been hunter-forager-fishermen, and are known as warriors who fiercely defend their territory.
• They are known for their robust physique and excellent nutritional health.
• Traditional clothing among the Jarawa Tribe is minimal and functional, designed to suit the tropical climate of the Andaman Islands.
• After the British established a colonial presence in the Andaman Islands in 1789, the population of Jarawas declined massively.
• However, the Jarawas survived the British colonial presence and World War II.
• Over the years, the contact between the Jarawas and the outsiders increased, and since 1997, they have initiated contacts with settled populations, where they traded and interacted with tourists, got medical aid and even sent their children to school.
• At present, their number ranges between 250 to 400 individuals.

President’s Colours:

The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) presented the prestigious President’s Colours to four battalions of the Mechanised Infantry during a solemn ceremony held recently.

• It is the highest honour that can be awarded to any military unit, military training establishments, or State/Union Territory Police Forces of India.
• It is bestowed upon a military unit in recognition of exceptional service rendered to the nation, both in peace and in war.
• It is also known as “Rashtrapati ka Nishaan” in Hindi.
• The President’s Colour award has its history way back to ancient Indian traditions.
• In ancient times, whenever any military unit marched, they carried ‘dhwajas‘ or ‘patakas‘ or simply a flag of their respective kings to demonstrate their king’s supremacy. The flag had emblems or messages of their kings to other rulers.
• During British rule in India, the tradition continued. The military unit of the British Armed Forces carried the king’s/queen’s version of the flag whenever they went for a military march.
• On November 23, 1950, the ‘king’s colour’of the erstwhile British Indian regiments was laid to rest in Chetwode Hall, Dehradun, to make way for the ‘colours’ of the President of the Republic of India.
• The Indian Navy was the first Indian Armed Forces to be awarded the President Colour by Dr. Rajendra Prasad on May 27, 1951.
• It is a type of special flag, also known as ‘Nishaan’, which is awarded to a military unit in an organised ceremony.
  Colours are generally presented personally by the President, who is the Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, and in case of the President’s non-availability, by the Service Chief.
• The flag consists of a golden border in the middleand the insignia of a respective military unit, training establishments, and police forces in the centre.
• Sometimes, it may also contain the motto, important achievements and battle participation of those military units to which the award is bestowed.
• During any ceremonial parade, the President’s Colour, i.e., the special flag of a military unit, is kept in a special positionand soldiers often march with the President’s Colour on important dates, like their establishment anniversary.

Sabal-20 Logistics Drone:

In a significant move to bolster the Indian Army’s logistical capabilities, the private drone manufacturer EndureAir has delivered its innovative Sabal 20 logistics drone to the Eastern theatre of operations.

• It is an electric-unmanned helicopter based on variable pitch technology, designed specifically for aerial logistics.
• It was manufactured by the private drone manufacturer
• It is designed to fulfill demanding operational requirements, assisting with tasks including precise logistics, high-altitude operations and long-distance deliveries.
• The drone features tandem rotor configuration and the design “ensures remarkable stability, superior high-altitude performance, minimised turbulence risk and outstanding lifting capacity across diverse terrains”.
• It is capable of carrying payloads of up to 20 kg, which is equivalent to 50 percent of its own weight, with scalable options for future requirements.
• It can operate in confined and rugged terrain, while its low RPM (Revolutions Per Minute) design minimises noise, enhancing stealth in sensitive missions.
• One of the standout features of the Sabal 20 is its Vertical Take-Off and Landing (VTOL) technology, which allows the drone to operate in confined spaces and difficult environments.
• It also has cutting-edge autonomous flight capabilities and user-friendly controls that simplify complex tasks, ensuring reliable performance even when it is beyond the line of sight of the operator.

‘Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat’ Campaign:

The Union Minister of Women and Child Development recently launched the “Bal Vivah Mukt Bharat Campaign”.

• It was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development, Government of India.
• It seeks to engage multiple stakeholders in a collective effort to eliminate child marriage in India.
• It will focus on the seven high-burden states: West Bengal, Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Tripura, Assam and Andhra Pradesh and nearly 300 high-burden districts where child marriage rates are high as compared to the national average.
• The campaign will call on every State and Union Territory to devise an action plan aimed at reducing the child marriage rates below 5% by 2029.
• Child marriage rates dropped from 47.4% in 2006 to 23.3% in 2019-21, according to government data.
• A key feature of the initiative is the launch of the Child Marriage Free Bharat portal, a platform to raise awareness, report cases, and monitor progress.
• The portal is designed to facilitate effective monitoring of Child Marriage Prohibition Officers (CMPOs) by strengthening supervision and evaluation mechanisms to ensure their active role in preventing child marriages and supporting affected individuals.
• People will be able to register their complaints pertaining to child marriage, and these will be directed straight to the concerned CMPOs anywhere in the country.
• All States have been directed to log on to the portal and register the CMPOs so that there is real-time monitoring of cases.
• Nodal officers will be assigned at the Centre for monitoring the portal.
• It seeks to enhance public access to information, making it easily available to enable better communication and support.

High Seas Treaty:

India signed the High Seas Treaty, formally known as the Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ) Agreement, in September 2024, marking a major milestone in international ocean governance.The BBNJ Agreement developed under the framework of United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) focuses on conserving and sustainably using marine biological diversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction, which are beyond the 200 nautical miles (370 km) of Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs)

Folk Dance Yakshagana:

Tulasi Raghvendra Hegde, a 15-year-old prodigy, has gained recognition as a leading Yakshagana performer. Recently awarded the Young Achiever Award 2024 by the Rotary Club of Madras East.Yakshagana is a traditional folk dance-drama from coastal Karnataka, combining dance, music, song, and elaborate costumes.

MACE Telescope in Ladakh:

the Major Atmospheric Cherenkov Experiment (MACE) telescope was inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh, representing a significant advancement in gamma-ray astronomy.It enables scientists to explore gamma rays with energies exceeding 20 billion electron volts (eV), emitted from sources beyond the Milky Way, including pulsars, blazars, and gamma-ray bursts.MACE positioned at an altitude of approximately 4.3 kilometers, MACE is the highest imaging Cherenkov telescope globally, making it the largest of its kind in Asia and the second-largest worldwide.

Optical Fibre in Siachen:

For the very first time, the Indian Army has successfully installed Optical fibre connectivity at Siachen and Daulet Beg Oldie (DBO) to ensure high-speed broadband connectivity.Fiber optic cables use fast-traveling pulses of light to transfer digital information. It relies on total internal reflection for their operation.Siachen is the world’s highest and coldest battlefield. It is strategically located between Pakistan on the left and China on the right.

CM Rio Opens New Amenities at Kisama for Hornbill Fest:

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated several new facilities at the Naga Heritage Village, Kisama, ahead of the 25th Hornbill Festival. These enhancements aim to enrich the festival experience, preserve Naga culture, and facilitate year-round use by local communities and international visitors. The event also highlighted the inclusion of the USA as a new partner country for the festival.

Eight Startups Selected Under National Quantum Mission:

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the selection of eight pioneering startups under the National Quantum Mission (NQM) and the National Mission on Interdisciplinary Cyber-Physical Systems (NMICPS). QNu Labs (Bengaluru): Developing end-to-end quantum-safe heterogeneous networks for secure communication.QPiAI India Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru): Building a superconducting quantum computer.Dimira Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Mumbai): Creating indigenous cryogenic cables essential for quantum computing.Prenishq Pvt. Ltd. (IIT Delhi): Developing precision diode-laser systems for advanced quantum applications.QuPrayog Pvt. Ltd. (Pune): Innovating optical atomic clocks and related technologies for quantum sensing.Quanastra Pvt. Ltd. (Delhi): Advancing cryogenics and superconducting detectors.Pristine Diamonds Pvt. Ltd. (Ahmedabad): Manufacturing diamond materials for quantum sensing.Quan2D Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (Bengaluru): Pioneering superconducting nanowire single-photon detectors.

A Book Titled ‘My Beloved Life’ By Amitava Kumar:

Amitava Kumar’s My Beloved Life tells the story of Jadunath “Jadu” Kunwar, a man from a small village in Bihar, and his daughter Jugnu, as they navigate the challenges of life in a rapidly changing India. The novel explores their journeys of love, loss, and growth, while also reflecting on significant historical events that shaped the country.

Las Vegas Grand Prix 2024: Max Verstappen Clinches Fourth Formula 1 Title

Dutch Formula 1 driver Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship title, despite finishing fifth in the Las Vegas Grand Prix. Verstappen’s dominance in Formula 1 continues as he becomes the sixth driver in history to win four or more titles.

World’s Oldest Man, Passes Away at 112:

John Tinniswood, born in Liverpool, UK, on August 26, 1912, was recognized as the world’s oldest man after the death of Venezuelan Juan Vicente Perez in April 2023. He passed away peacefully at the age of 112 in a care home in Southport, England, on November 25, 2024. Tinniswood lived through significant historical events, including both World Wars and the sinking of the Titanic, and attributed his longevity to “pure luck” while promoting moderation in all aspects of life.

“India, Japan Begin First Talks on Economic Security and Trade”:

The first round of the India-Japan Dialogue on Economic Security, Strategic Trade, and Technology took place in Tokyo. This important meeting focused on enhancing collaboration between the two nations in areas like economic security, supply chain resilience, and the application of emerging technologies. The dialogue was co-chaired by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri from India and Vice Minister Masataka Okano from Japan, and it marked a significant step in strengthening the India-Japan Special Strategic and Global Partnership

One Health Pavilion Wins Special Appreciation Medal at IITF 2024:

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s ‘One Health’ Pavilion at the 43rd India International Trade Fair (IITF) held in New Delhi has been awarded a Special Appreciation Medal for its innovative design and impactful presentation of India’s healthcare initiatives. This recognition underscores the Ministry’s commitment to promoting a holistic approach to health that integrates human, animal, plant, and environmental well-being, aligning with India’s evolving healthcare strategies.

SBI Raises ₹50,000 Crore via Bonds in FY25:

State Bank of India (SBI), the country’s largest lender, has raised ₹50,000 crore in FY25 through a series of domestic bond issuances, marking a significant milestone. This achievement highlights SBI’s strong financial position and its ongoing efforts to support economic growth and financial inclusion, particularly in underserved rural areas. The raised funds are earmarked for long-term development, infrastructure projects, and strategic partnerships that empower rural entrepreneurs, including women and small businesses