Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 19th September 2024

MVA-BN vaccine:

The World Health Organization (WHO) has prequalified the Danish MVA-BN vaccine, making it the first approved vaccine to combat mpox.

• This prequalification facilitates broader and faster access to the vaccine, particularly for high-risk populations, aiming to reduce transmission and contain outbreaks.
• The MVA-BN vaccine, developed by Bavarian Nordic A/S, shows 76% effectiveness with a single dose and 82% with two doses.
• The vaccine can be stored at 2-8°C for up to eight weeks and is recommended for adults over 18.

What Is Open Science?

UNESCO urged the application of open science principles to AI, noting that AI’s “black-box” nature and dominance by private companies limit open science.

• Open Science is an inclusive approach that aims to make scientific research and data openly available, accessible, and reusable for everyone.
• It encompasses sharing research outputs, methodologies, software, and data to promote transparency, collaboration, and inclusivity in scientific knowledge.
• Open Science in AI enables validation and replication of AI experiments
• It Accelerates new developments through shared research.
• It Allows researchers from diverse backgrounds to contribute.
• It Reduces duplication of research efforts.

Decline in Jute Production India:

Jute production is projected to decline by 20% this year due to floods in West Bengal and Assam.

• India produces about 70% of the world’s jute goods.
• West Bengal contributes about 73% of this production.
• 90% of jute production is consumed locally.

Anusandhan National Research Foundation:

The first meeting of the governing board of the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) was chaired by the Prime Minister.

• It focused on initiatives to enhance India’s research capabilities and establish a strong research culture across institutions.
  Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR), the Mission for Advancement in High-impact Areas (MAHA), and ANRF Centres of Excellence (ACE) are planned to be launched during the meeting.
• PAIR aims to foster new partnerships established between top-tier institutions and academic institutions where research capabilities are limited.
• It will operate under a Hub and Spoke framework.
• MAHA is designed to accelerate research in key strategic and emerging areas through priority-driven, solution-focused research.
• The immediate priority areas for support under MAHA are EV Mobility and Advanced Materials.
• ANRF Centres of Excellence will create a world-class research environment with state-of-the-art infrastructure to support cutting-edge research in various fields.
• ANRF has been established under the Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023 to seed, grow, and foster a culture of research and innovation throughout the country.

Anti-Submarine Warfare Launch:

Malpe and Mulki, the fourth and fifth ships of the Eight Anti-Submarine Warfare (ASW) Shallow Water Craft (SWC) project, being built by M/s Cochin Shipyard Ltd, for the Indian Navy, were launched in Kochi.

• INS Mahe, INS Malvan, and INS Mangrol were unveiled in 2023.
• The Mahe-class ASW SWC have been named after strategically significant ports along India’s coastline.
• The ASW SWC ships are equipped with indigenously developed, state-of-the-art underwater sensors, and are envisaged to undertake anti-submarine operations in coastal waters as well as Low Intensity Maritime Operations and Mine Laying Operations.
• They can achieve a maximum speed of 25 knots with endurance of up to 1800 nautical miles.

Typhoon Yagi:

Typhoon Yagi has caused severe damage across Southeast Asia, affecting the Philippines, China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, and particularly Vietnam.

• It is the strongest tropicalcyclone Asia has encountered till September 2024 and the second most powerful globally after Hurricane Beryl (Atlantic Ocean).
• It originated as a tropical storm (wind speed upto 63 kmph) in the western Philippine Sea but became Category 5 typhoon with winds of 260 kmph.
• The Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale categorizes tropical cyclones from Category 1 (119-153 kmph) to Category 5 (252 kmph or higher).
• Storms reaching Category 3 and higher are considered major tropical cyclones due to their potential for significant damage.”
• Storm systems with winds of 119 kmph and above are classified as hurricanes, typhoons, or tropical cyclones.”
• India launched Operation “Sadbhav” to provide aid and urgent supplies to Vietnam, Laos, and Myanmar.

RE-INVEST : Event

The Prime Minister inaugurated the 4th Global Renewable Energy Investors Meet and Expo (RE-INVEST) in Gandhinagar, Gujarat.

• It brings together key players in the renewable energy sector like government officials, industry leaders, investors, researchers, and policymakers.
• It was organised by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy in collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII).

Key Highlights of the RE-INVEST:

• Financial Commitments for Green Projects: Banks and financial institutions committed Rs 32.45 trillion for financing green projects.
• This financial backing reflects India’s growing emphasis on renewable energy development and the robust support from financial sectors.
• Top lenders are Reliance (Rs 6 trillion), Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd (Rs 5 trillion ), State Bank of India (Rs 5 trillion), Power Finance Corporation (Rs 3 trillion) and National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (Rs 1.86 trillion).
• Support from Developers and Manufacturers: The manufacturers have committed additional manufacturing capacities of 340 GW in solar modules, 240 GW in solar cells, 22 GW in wind turbines and 10 GW in electrolysers.
• Other stakeholders except manufacturers have committed an additional 570 GW of capacity addition.
• India invited global stakeholders to invest in India’s rapidly growing renewable energy sector.
• The government is focused on meeting increasing energy demand sustainably through renewable energy.
• India announced a significant 76% decrease in tariffs for grid-connected solar power plants, making solar energy more affordable and attractive for developers and consumers alike.

20th Maritime State Development Council:

The 20th Maritime State Development Council (MSDC) concluded recently in Goa with significant advancements in India’s maritime sector.

• This event brought together stakeholders from the Central Government, States, and Union Territories to resolve over 80 issues, focusing on port modernisation, maritime infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory frameworks.

Key Highlights of the 20th MSDC:

• The MSDC launched the National Safety in Ports Committee (NSPC) application on the National Single Window System platform to streamline regulatory processes, improve efficiency, and reduce costs for maritime sector stakeholders through real-time performance monitoring and enhanced information sharing.
• Indian International Maritime Dispute Resolution Centre (IIMDRC) was launched to resolve multi-modal and international maritime disputes, reinforcing the “Resolve in India” initiative.
• Indian Maritime Centre (IMC), a think tank focused on fostering collaboration and innovation among maritime stakeholders was launched.
• The council discussed the implementation of a state ranking framework and a port ranking system to promote competition and improve performance in the maritime sector.
• The National Maritime Heritage Complex (NMHC) at Lothal, Gujarat was highlighted as an international tourist destination, showcasing India’s rich maritime heritage through advanced technology.
• Seafarers were recognised as essential workers, improving their working conditions and access to shore leave.
• India’s 13th Major Port at Vadhavan in Maharashtra and the designation of Galathea Bay in the Andaman & Nicobar Islands as a ‘Major Port’ were highlighted.
• The key highlight of the event was the keel laying ceremony for India’s largest dredger, a 12,000 Cu. M. Trailer Suction Hopper Dredger (TSHD), at Cochin Shipyard Limited, marks a significant achievement for India’s maritime infrastructure and capabilities.
• Discussions were held on establishing a Mega Shipbuilding Park across multiple states to consolidate shipbuilding capabilities and drive innovation.
• Plans were made to install Radioactive Detection Equipment at ports for enhanced security. Discussions included setting up places of refuge for ships in distress.

Banks and FIs to Invest Rs 32.5 Trillion in Renewable Energy by 2030:

At the 4th RE-Invest Summit, hosted by the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE) and Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), leading renewable energy (RE) developers, manufacturing companies, banks, and financial institutions pledged close to $386 billion (Rs 32.45 trillion) to develop RE projects by 2030.

India and US Explore Enhanced Energy Cooperation:

India and the US have committed to deepening their bilateral cooperation across the energy value chain, aiming for a just and orderly energy transition. This agreement emerged from a meeting between Indian Union Minister of Petroleum and Natural Gas, Hardeep Singh Puri, and US Assistant Secretary of State for Energy Resources