Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 14th November 2024

Comb Jellies : New Study

Comb jellies, also known as ctenophore Mnemiopsis leidyi, can defy age and revert to younger versions of themselves, according to a study published recently.

• Comb Jellies are transparent, gelatinous invertebrates that drift through the waters of our global ocean.
• They are one of the oldest multicellular phyla in the animal kingdom, probably existing already more than 500 million years.
• There are between 100 and 150 known species of comb jellies, the best known of which are found close to shore.
• They are colorful, simple invertebrates that are part of the family Ctenophora.
• Each species varies in length, but the average size of a comb jelly is about four inches long.
• Comb jellies get their name from their eight rows of plates made of fused cilia (little hairs) that they use to move through the water, which looks like combs.
• They are the largest animals known to use cilia for locomotion.
• They have two large, trailing tentacles that branch out to create the appearance of a net-like structure of many tentacles.
• These organs serve as sticky fishing lines, which they use to trap and move prey to their bodies.
• These animals have two major cell layers, the external epidermis and internal gastrodermis; in between these cell layers is the mesoderm which is what gives the animals their gelatinous appearance.
• Many species are bioluminescent, meaning they can use proteins in their bodies to create an ethereal blue or green glow in response to stimuli like touch.
• Comb jellies are carnivorous and opportunistic, feeding on whatever passes them by.
• Unlike their close relative, the jellyfish, comb jellies do not have stinging tentacles and are harmless to humans.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 : In News

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs has, for the first time, explicitly listed the reasons for denying the clearance needed under the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act to receive funds from abroad.

• Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010 is a law enacted by Parliament to regulate foreign contributions(especially monetary donations) provided by certain individuals or associations to NGOs and others within India.
• The FCRA was originally enacted in 1976 and significantly revised in 2010.
• The Act falls under the purview of the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA).
• ‘Foreign Contribution’ means the donation, delivery, or transfer made by any foreign source of any:
• Any article(not being an article given to a person as a gift for his/her personal use, the market value of which is not more than one lakh rupees);
  • Any currency, whether Indian or foreign.
  • Any security, including foreign security.
• This will also cover:
  • Contribution received from any person who has in turn received it from a foreign source.
  • Interest accrued on foreign contributions deposited in the bank
  • It creates registration requirements and spending restrictions on Indian nonprofit organizations receiving foreign donations.
  • It aims to prevent foreign organisations from influencing electoral politics, social, political, economic, or religious discussions in India for wrong purposes and activities detrimental to the public interest.
  • Contributions made by a citizen of India living in another country (e.g., a Non-Resident Indian (NRI)) from his/her personal savingsthrough the normal banking channels, will not be treated as foreign contributions.
• The foreign contribution received has to be utilised only for the purposefor which it has been received, and not more than 20% of the foreign contribution received in a financial year can be utilised to defray administrative expenses.
• The FCRA requires every person or NGO seeking to receive foreign donations to open a bank account for the receipt of foreign funds in the State Bank of India, Delhi.

HAWK Missile:

It is up to the United States to decide what to do with Taiwan’s decommissioned HAWK anti-aircraft missiles, the island’s Defence Minister said recently.

• The HAWK (Homing All the Way Killer) MIM-23 is an all-weather low-to medium-altitude ground-to-air missile system.
• It was developed and designed by the American Defence Company, Raytheon.
• It was initially designed to destroy aircraft and was later adapted to destroy other missiles in flight.
• The missile entered service in 1960, and a program of extensive upgrades has kept it from becoming obsolete.
• It was superseded by the MIM-104 Patriot in United States Army service by 1994.
• It was finally phased out of US service in 2002, with the last user, the US Marine Corps, replacing it with the man-portable IR-guided visual range FIM-92 Stinger.
• The HAWK missile system has been widely exported and is still used by various countries globally, including NATO allies and countries in Asia and the Middle East.
• It employs a Semi-Active-Radar-Homing (SARH) guidance system.
• The Hawk missile is transported and launched from the M192 towed triple-missile launcher and is propelled by a dual-thrust motor, with a boost phase and a sustain phase.
• The HAWK can engage multiple targets simultaneously and is effective in a variety of weather conditions.
• However, it is generally considered outdated compared to more modern systems like the Patriot missile defense system.

Voyager 2 Spacecraft : Update

NASA’s Voyager 2 spacecraft made its historic flyby of Uranus, scientists have uncovered new revelations about the ice giant’s peculiar magnetic field.

• Voyager 2 Spacecraft is an unmanned space probe launched by NASA on August 20, 1977, just a few weeks before its sister craft, Voyager 1.
• Its mission was to study the outer planets of our solar system, including Jupiter, Saturn, Uranus, and Neptune and their moons, and then continue on an interstellar mission.
• It is the only spacecraft to have ever visited Uranus and Neptune.
• It carries a Golden Record, a phonograph record containing sounds and images from Earth, intended to be a message to any potential extraterrestrial civilizations it might encounter in the future
• It is the only spacecraft to study all four of the solar system’s giant planets at close range.
• It discovered a 14th moon of Jupiter.
• It was the first human-made object to fly past Uranus.
• At Uranus, Voyager 2 discovered 10 new moons and two new rings.
• It was the first human-made object to fly by Neptune.
• At Neptune, Voyager 2 discovered five moons, four rings, and a “Great Dark Spot.”
• After completing its primary mission, Voyager 2 continued on its journey into interstellar space, where it is still sending back data on the interstellar medium and the heliosphere.
• It is the second spacecraft to enter interstellar space. On Dec. 10, 2018, the spacecraft joined its twin—Voyager 1—as the only human-made objects to enter the space between the stars.
• It is currently the second most distant human-made object from Earth, after Voyager 1.

Inter-State Council : Reconstituted The Standing Committee

The Union government reconstituted the Standing Committee of the Inter-State Council (ISC) and named the Home Minister as its chairman.

• Inter-State Council is established under Article 263 of the Constitution of India to facilitate coordination and cooperation between the central government and the state governments.
• The formation of a permanent Inter-State council was supported by the Sarkaria Commission.
• The Inter-State council can be set up by the President If at any time it appears to the President that the establishment of such a council would be in the public interest. In 1990, the first such body was established by the presidential order.
• The Council consists of;
  • Chairman: Prime Minister
  • Members: Chief Ministers of all States
  • Chief Ministers of Union Territories having a Legislative Assembly and Administrators of UTs not having a Legislative Assembly – Members
  • Six Ministers of Cabinet rank in the Union Council of Ministers to be nominated by the Prime Minister – Members
• The Council is charged with the duty of:
  • Inquiring into and advising upon disputes which may have arisen between States.
  • Investigating and discussing subjects in which some or all of the States, or the Union and one or more of the States, have a common interest.
  • Making recommendations upon any such subject and particularly recommendations for the better coordination of policy and action.

NISAR Satellite : Planning To Launch New Satellite

ISRO and NASA are planning to launch a new satellite called NISAR in early 2025 that will help keep track of Earth’s surface on land and ice-covered areas.

• NISAR Satellite is a Low Earth Orbit (LEO) observatory jointly developed by NASA and ISRO.
• It will be launched by using ISRO’s Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle Mark-II rocket.
• It consists of both L-band and S-band Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) instruments, which makes it a dual-frequency imaging radar satellite.
• NISAR will be the first satellite mission to use two different radar frequencies(L-band and S-band) to measure changes in our planet’s surface.
• It is capable of penetrating clouds and can collect data day and night regardless of the weather conditions.
• NASA has provided the L-band radar, GPS, a high-capacity solid-state recorder to store data, and a payload data subsystem. ISRO has provided the S-band radar, the GSLV launch system, and spacecraft.
• It also consists of a large 39-foot stationary antenna reflector made of a gold-plated wire mesh which will be used to focus “the radar signals emitted and received by the upward-facing feed on the instrument structure.
• It will measure Earth’s changing ecosystems, dynamic surfaces, and ice masses, providing information about biomass, natural hazards, sea level rise, and groundwater.
• NISAR will observe Earth’s land and ice-covered surfaces globally with 12-day regularity on ascending and descending passes.
• The satellite will observe movements from earthquakes, ice sheet movements, landslides and volcanic activity, track changes in forests, wetlands and farmland and even check infrastructure stability.
• The NISAR mission will also benefit researchers focused on volcanic activity by helping track surface bulging or sinking caused by magma movement.
• This data will contribute to understanding volcanic behaviours and determining if such deformations hint at imminent eruptions.

Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Come hell And High Water

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) released the Adaptation Gap Report 2024: Come hell and high water.

• The report stresses the need for significant increases in climate adaptation efforts, particularly regarding adaptation financing for developing nations.

Key Findings of the Adaptation Gap Report 2024:

• The adaptation finance gap, indicating the disparity between financing needs and actual funds, has widened.
  Current funding (2022) is significantly below requirements, with only USD28 billion provided—meeting just 5% of the projected needs under the Glasgow Climate Pact.
• Glasgow Climate Pact aims to reduce methane emissions by at least 30% below 2020 levels by 2030.
• UNEP estimates developing countries need USD 387 billion annually by 2030 for adaptation.
• Only about one-third of the adaptation finance gap is in sectors typically funded by the private sector, leaving significant opportunities for private investment.
• The Emissions Gap Report, 2024 indicates that global temperatures could increase by 2.6°C to 3.1°C above pre-industrial levels by 2100.
• Developing countries suffer the most from climate-induced weather events despite having minimal contributions to global greenhouse gas emissions.
• Recent floods in Nepal, Nigeria, and Chad underscore the financial and infrastructural vulnerabilities of these nations.
• While 171 countries have at least one adaptation policy, out of 26 countries without an adaptation policy, 10 are uninterested in developing one, indicating slow progress in NAP planning and implementation.
• The UAE Framework for Global Climate Resilience (UAE-FGCR), introduced at UNFCCC COP28, sets dimensional and thematic targets (e.g., agriculture, water, health) for adaptation, yet implementation is lagging.
• It is the first international declaration of its kind with climate adaptation as the primary focus.
• UNEP calls for a shift from reactive to strategic adaptation, addressing harder-to-finance areas like ecosystem preservation and cultural heritage.
• The concept of “transformational adaptation” was contentious during COP28 but is considered crucial for addressing the rising risks.
• Transformational Adaptation refers to actions that adapt to climate change by making substantial changes in structure or function, surpassing mere adjustments to current practices.

Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile:

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) successfully conducted the maiden flight test of its Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM).

• Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile is designed to be launched from both mobile ground-based systems and frontline ships, using a universal vertical launch module, further enhancing its operational flexibility.
• It is also able to execute complex manoeuvres while flying at different speeds and altitudes, showcasing the missile’s versatility and precision.
• The LRLACM is equipped with state-of-the-art avionics and software that enhances its performance and reliability.
• These missiles are typically subsonic and can follow terrain-hugging flight paths, making them harder to detect and intercept, thus allowing for a strategic advantage in penetrating enemy defenses.
• It is developed by DRDO’s Aeronautical Development Establishment in Bengaluru, the LRLACM is the result of collaboration between various DRDO laboratories and Indian industries.
• Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) in Bengaluru served as the Development-Cum-Production Partners.
• The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) had previously approved LRLACM as a Mission Mode Project, sanctioned under the Acceptance of Necessity (AoN) procedure.
• The missile’s successful test is seen as a key milestone in advancing India’s defence capabilities, particularly in the area of long-range precision strikes.

Exercise AUSTRAHIND:

The 3rd edition of Exercise AUSTRAHIND commenced at the Foreign Training Node in Maharashtra, in November 2024.

• The exercise, conducted annually, alternates between India and Australia, aiming to enhance military cooperation and interoperability in joint operations.
• The exercise supports joint planning and sub-conventional operations in semi-urban, semi-desert terrain, focusing on counterterrorism, physical fitness, tactical drills, and high-level coordination as mentioned under Chapter VII of the UN mandate
• The exercise will be conducted in two phases – combat conditioning and tactical training phase and validation phase.
• The Exercise reflects growing defense cooperation under the India-Australia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership (2020).

Global Nature Conservation Index 2024:

India ranks 176th in the 2024 Global Nature Conservation Index. It is among the five lowest-ranked countries, along with Kiribati (180), Turkey (179), Iraq (178), and Micronesia (177), out of 180 nations.

• India’s low ranking is due to inefficient land management and increasing biodiversity threats.
• Nature Conservation Index (NCI) is developed by the Goldman Sonnenfeldt School of Sustainability and Climate Change at Ben-Gurion University and BioDB.com, a biodiversity database.
• The first NCI was launched in October 2024 to evaluate conservation efforts.
• It assesses four key markers: land management, biodiversity threats, capacity and governance, and future trends.

State of the Climate 2024 Report:

The WMO State of the Climate 2024 Update once again issues a Red Alert at the sheer pace of climate change in a single generation, turbo-charged by ever-increasing greenhouse gas levels in the atmosphere.

State of the Climate 2024 Report:

• 2024 is on track to be the warmest year, with global temperatures 1.54°C above pre-industrial levels.
• Greenhouse gas levels (CO₂, CH₄, N₂O) hit record highs in 2023, continuing to rise in 2024.
• Ocean heat content reached record levels in 2023, absorbing 3.1 million TWh of heat.
• Global sea level rise accelerated to 4.77 mm/year (2014-2023), doubling the rate of 1993-2002.
• Arctic and Antarctic Sea ice extent in 2024 remained below historical averages.
• Glaciers lost an unprecedented volume of ice equivalent to five times the water in the Dead Sea in 2023.
• 2023 was the driest year for global rivers in over 30 years.
• Extreme precipitation events caused significant flooding, but overall water availability declined globally
• Devastating floods, heatwaves, droughts, and wildfires affected millions globally in 2024, with extensive socio-economic impacts.
• Progress made in implementing Multi-Hazard Early Warning Systems (MHEWS), with 108 countries adopting them.
  Significant gaps persist, especially in vulnerable regions like Africa and small island nations.
• Renewable energy capacity increased globally, with improvements in wind and solar generation.
  Climate finance and integrated policies emphasized to meet adaptation and mitigation targets.

World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024:

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) published the World Intellectual Property Indicators (WIPI) 2024, highlighting significant growth in intellectual property filings worldwide.

Key Highlights:

• 15.7% growth in patent applications in 2023, the fastest among the top 20 origins globally.
• India ranked 6th in patent filings with 64,480 applications, over 55% from residents.
• Patent-to-GDP ratio increased from 144 to 381 in a decade.
• India recorded 36.4% growth, driven by sectors like textiles, tools, machines, and health.
• India ranked 4th globally, with a 6.1% rise in trademark filings in 2023
• Health (21.9%), Agriculture (15.3%), and Clothing (12.8%).
• Over 3.2 million active registrations, the 2nd largest globally.
• A record 3.55 million patent applications were filed globally in 2023, marking a 2.7% increase.
• Asia led IP filings, with India, China, South Korea, Japan, and the U.S. driving the growth.

World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO):

• A specialized UN agency headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, established in 1967.
• Objective: Ensures that the IP framework evolves with global needs, fostering innovation

Moran and Mottock Communities:

The Moran and Mottock communities in Assam staged a large-scale protest in Tinsukia, demanding Scheduled Tribe (ST) status.

• It is Indigenous group from Assam and Arunachal Pradesh of Tibeto-Burman origin, part of the Kachari family.
• They spoke Moran language, closely related to Dimasa, but now predominantly speak Assamese.
• Former customs are now interwoven with Vaishnavism after conversion.
• Current Demand: Seeking ST status for better educational, employment, and social welfare opportunities.

Arvindar Singh Sahney has been appointed as the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC):

Arvindar Singh Sahney has been appointed as the new chairman of Indian Oil Corporation (IOC), the nation’s largest oil firm, as per an order from the petroleum ministry on 13th November. Sahney, 54, currently serves as the Executive Director of Business Development in the Petrochemicals division at IOC.

MHA Greenlights CISF’s First All-Women Unit:

The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has approved the creation of the Central Industrial Security Force’s (CISF) first-ever all-women battalion, announced on 12th November, 2024. This historic move aims to promote gender equality and inspire more women to contribute to the CISF’s mission of securing the nation’s strategic assets.

Chennai Grandmasters 2024:

GM Aravindh Chithambaram made a remarkable late surge in the final rounds, winning the last two classical games to secure the Chennai Grand Masters 2024 title. Meanwhile, GM V Pranav remained unbeaten throughout the tournament to claim the Challengers title at the Anna Centenary Library on 11th November, 2024.

PM Modi’s Three-Nation Visit:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to undertake a crucial three-nation tour from November 16-21, which will include attending the G20 Summit in Brazil, visiting Nigeria, and concluding with a state visit to Guyana. The trip holds significant diplomatic importance as it strengthens India’s strategic partnerships, enhances multilateral engagements, and continues India’s active role in global affairs.

New Bike Taxi Service by Delhi Metro Includes Women-Driven Rides:

Delhi Metro has introduced a new bike taxi service, available for booking through the official Delhi Metro app, DMRC Momentum (Delhi Sarthi 2.0). Launched on November 11, 2024, in partnership with First And Last Mile Connectivity India Pvt. Ltd., the service also includes a dedicated bike taxi option for women, enhancing commuter convenience and safety.Launch Date: November 11, 2024. Service Partner: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation

India’s Industrial Output Grows 3.1% in September 2024:

India’s industrial production recorded a growth of 3.1% in September 2024, marking a significant rebound from the 0.1% contraction in August. This growth is attributed to a strong performance in manufacturing, alongside modest increases in electricity generation and mining. However, compared to the same month last year, the growth rate has slowed from 6.4% in September 2023, indicating a more tempered industrial recovery.

25th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council:

India’s Minister for Communications, Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, inaugurated the 25th Meeting of the South Asian Telecommunication Regulators’ Council (SATRC-25) in New Delhi. In his keynote address, Scindia highlighted India’s role as the “Voice of the Global South” and emphasized that SATRC-25 would be a vital platform for knowledge-sharing and innovative discussions on new policy and regulatory challenges.

British Writer Samantha Harvey Wins Booker Prize for Fiction with “Orbital”:

British author Samantha Harvey has won the prestigious Booker Prize for Fiction for her novel “Orbital,” a thought-provoking and imaginative exploration set in the unique setting of the International Space Station (ISS). The novel, which Harvey refers to as a “space pastoral,” delves into the fragility of Earth and the profound connection humans have with their planet, using the perspective of astronauts in orbit.

PM Hails Pankaj Advani’s Success as World Billiards Champion 2024:

Pankaj Advani, the veteran Indian cueist, has once again showcased his mastery in the sport by securing his 28th world title. At the IBSF World Billiards Championship in Doha on November 9, 2024, he triumphed over England’s Robert Hall 4-2, marking his seventh consecutive World Billiards Championship win.