Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 1st November 2024

Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization:

The recent rumours of a nuclear test by Iran were promptly refuted by the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty Organization (CTBTO).

• It is an international organization based in Vienna, Austria, established to implement the Comprehensive Nuclear Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT), which aims to ban all nuclear explosions worldwide.
• CTBT is a multilateral treaty opened for signature in 1996 by which states agree to ban all nuclear explosions in all environments, for military or civilian purposes.
• The treaty envisages the mechanisms that control such prohibition, including distant monitoring and data collection.
• It was signed by 183 states and ratified by 164 but has not entered into force as eight specific states among 44 (so-called Annex-2 states whose signatures are required for the Treaty to enter into force, namely the US, China, Iran, Egypt, Israel, India, Pakistan, and North Korea) have not ratified the treaty yet.
• In order to verify compliance with its provisions, the treaty establishes a global network of monitoring facilities and allows for on-site inspections of suspicious events.

Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile App:

Union Home Minister recently launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile application to “integrate technology with governance”.

• Civil Registration System (CRS) Mobile App is designed to facilitate the registration of births and deaths across India.
• It was developed by the Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India.
• It aims to simplify and expedite the registration process for citizens, making it more accessible and efficient.
• The new app will allow citizens to register births or deaths at any time from any place in their state’s official language.
• Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India (RGCCI):
  • It is an office under the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India, responsible for conducting the decennial Census of India, compiling demographic and population statistics, and overseeing the Civil Registration System (CRS) in the country.
  • Established in 1961, the RGCCI is a crucial body for policy-making, providing data that informs social, economic, and political decisions at all levels of government.
  • The Registrar General of India is the head of the Office of the Registrar General and Census Commissioner.

Simhachalam Temple : In News

During recent conservation efforts, epigraphists from the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) uncovered a Telugu inscription on the wall above the statue of Lord Hanuman at the 13th-century Simhachalam temple.

• Simhachalam Temple, originally known as Varaha Lakshmi Narasimha Temple, is a Hindu temple located in Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh.
• It is dedicated to the incarnation (avatar) of Vishnu known as Narasimha (the man-lion).
• The temple’s architecture is a blend of Kalinga and Dravidian styles, with its main sanctum adorned with intricate carvings and sculptures.
• The presiding deity, Lord Narasimha, is depicted with a human torso and a lion’s face, exuding a sense of divine power and grace.
• It boasts of a beautiful stone chariot drawn by horses.
• The Kalyana Mandapa within the temple has 16 pillars with bas reliefs depicting the incarnations of Vishnu.
• The outer walls of the sanctum depict images of a royal personality (said to be King Narasimha) in various postures.

Chronic Wasting Disease : In News

New York State authorities recently confirmed a case of Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) in a deer facility, emphasizing the disease’s impact on deer, elk and moose populations.

• Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD) is a progressive and fatal neurological disease affecting deer, elk, moose, and other cervids (members of the deer family).
• It’s caused by abnormal proteins called prions that damage brain tissue, leading to severe neurological symptoms, weight loss, and eventually death.
• CWD is part of a group of diseases known as Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathies (TSEs), which also include mad cow disease in cattle and Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease in humans.
• CWD spreads between animals through bodily fluids, like saliva, urine, and feces, as well as contaminated soil and plants.
• There is currently no evidence that CWD can infect humans.
• The disease can persist in the environment for long periods, making it challenging to control.
• Symptoms appear slowly and may include drastic weight loss, lack of coordination, drooling, excessive thirst, lack of fear of humans, and eventually death.
• Symptoms might not be visible for up to 16 months after infection.
• It is always fatal in infected animals. There is no vaccine or treatment.

North Atlantic Right Whale : Increased

A group of researchers that studies the whales said that the population of North Atlantic right whales increased about 4% from 2020 level after the whale’s population fell by about 25% from 2010 to 2020.

• These whales are migratory animals, spending the winter in warmer waters and migrating to the poles for cooler waters in late summer.
• These whales inhabit the temperate and subpolar waters of the North Atlantic and North Pacific oceans.
• Depending on the time of year and which hemisphere they’re found, right whales will spend much of their time near bays and peninsulas and in shallow, coastal waters.
• These are generally restricted to the coastal waters of the East coast of the United States and Canada.
• There are three recognized species of right whales that occur in different parts of the world. These are Southern right whales (Eubalaena australis), North Atlantic right whales (Eubalaena glacialis) and North Pacific right whales.
• These whales often skim feed at or just below the water surface, slowly swimming through clouds of plankton with their mouths half open and then straining the plankton through their long baleen plates.
• Conservation status IUCN: Critically endangered CITES: Appendix I

Mission Amrit Sarovar: Report

The Prime Minister of India said that over 60,000 Amrit Sarovars were constructed across villages leaving behind a legacy for future generations.

• It was launched on 24th April, 2022with the resolve to build 75 Amrit Sarovars during the 75th year of independence as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav.
• It helps to overcome the water crisis in rural areas of the country.
• Every Amrit Sarovar will have a pondage area of at least 1 acre with a water holding capacity of about 10,000 cubic metre.
• It focuses on water conservation, people’s participation and proper utilization of soil excavated from the water bodies to boost infrastructure projects.
• This Mission has been launched with a whole of Government Approach which involves 6 Ministries/Department namely:
  • Dept of Rural Development, Department of land resources, Department of Drinking Water and Sanitation, Department of Water resources, Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Ministry of Forest, Environment and Climate changes.
• There is no separate financial allocation for Mission Amrit Sarovar.
• Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Application and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N) has been engaged as Technical partner for the Mission.

National Commission For Indian System Of Medicine:

The National Commission for Indian System of Medicine (NCISM) conducted a workshop for drafting the Ayurveda Process Handbook at the NCISM office.

• National Commission for Indian System of Medicine is the statutory body constituted under NCISM Act, 2020. It replaced the erstwhile regulator Central Council for Indian Medicine (CCIM) to ensure transparency.
• The Act aims to provide for a medical education system that improves access to quality and affordable medical education, ensures availability of adequate and high quality medical professionals of Indian System of Medicine in all parts of the country.
• It consists of 29 members, appointed by the Central Government.
• A Search Committee will recommend names to the Central Government for the post of Chairperson, part time members, and presidents of the four autonomous boards set up under the NCISM.

Stem Cell Transplants : Findings

A recent study published in Science Translational Medicine examined long-term outcomes in patients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplants (HSCT), focusing on how transplanted stem cells evolve and mutate over time.

Key Findings of the Study:

• The research involved 16 pairs of donors and recipients where both exhibited surprisingly low mutation rates, average 2% in donors and 2.6% in recipients annually.
• This finding suggests a stable clonal expansion of stem cells over decades.
• While all donors exhibited some level of clonal hematopoiesis, the absence of widespread clonal expansion indicates a robust regenerative capacity of the bone marrow.
• Implications:
  • Crucial for improving long-term transplant outcomes.
  • Potential risk of developing blood cancers or chronic diseases in recipients due to the presence of clonal hematopoiesis

Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC):

China has expressed its opposition to the Taiwanese government establishing the Taipei Economic and Cultural Centre (TECC) in Mumbai. It is Taiwan’s third office in India, following the openings in New Delhi (1995) and Chennai (2012).

• In 1993, India and Taiwan set up representative offices: the India-Taipei Association in Taipei and the TECC in New Delhi.
• Other countries, like the US, Australia, and Russia, also maintain such centers to support visa services and cultural-economic exchanges.
• China’s official stance is that there is only one China, which includes Taiwan as an inseparable part, with the People’s Republic of China (PRC) as the sole legitimate government.
• India recognised the PRC in 1950, becoming one of the earliest countries to do so, and does not officially recognise Taiwan.

Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali Campaign:

The “Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali” campaign, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) from October 28 to November 3, 2024, aims to integrate the festival of Diwali with the Swachh Bharat Mission’s goals of cleanliness and sustainability.

• “Swachh Diwali Shubh Diwali” Campaign objective is to Promote cleanliness beyond homes to public spaces and neighborhoods, reinforcing the values of the Swachh Bharat Mission.
• It Emphasizes plastic-free celebrations and “Vocal for Local” to minimize environmental impact.
• It Aligns with principles of public service and sanitation, encouraging Diwali celebrations that support marginalized communities.
• It Engages citizens to create a cleaner, more inclusive Diwali celebration in line with collective well-being and sustainability.

Konark Wheels : Replicas Installed At Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan

Four replicas of the Konark wheels, made of sandstone, have been installed at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre and Amrit Udyan.

• This initiative aims to highlight India’s cultural heritage, presenting visitors with a glimpse of traditional and historical artistry associated with the 13th-century Konark Sun Temple in Odisha.
• The Konark wheel, built in the 13th century, represents time (Kalachakra), progression, and democracy.
• With 24 spokes, it embodies ancient wisdom and architectural mastery, symbolized in the national flag.
• The wheel served as a sundial in the temple, symbolizing the passage of time and India’s commitment to progress and resilience.

Transponder Technology : Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana

The Department of Fisheries with the help of the Vessel Communication and Support System under the Pradhan Mantri Matsya Sampada Yojana has been able to enhance the safety and security of fishermen at sea.

• This initiative, utilizing indigenous transponder technology developed by ISRO and implemented by New Space India Ltd (NSIL)
• Vessel Communication and Support System Introduced on August 30, 2024, with a project outlay of ₹364 crore.
• It Provides real-time two-way communication for fishermen beyond mobile range, enhancing safety and allowing for timely advisories during emergencies.
• It Uses transponders developed by ISRO, enabling precise vessel tracking, speed monitoring, and emergency communication, especially crucial in adverse weather.
• The Nabhmitra Application aids in vessel tracking and provides real-time updates on sea conditions, weather alerts, and cyclone data, contributing to safe navigation.
• Broadcasts in local languages ensure accessibility for non-English-speaking fishermen, enhancing response time and safety.
• A transponder is a wireless device that receives incoming signals, amplifies them, and transmits a modified signal back.

Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card : Extension Of The Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana:

Prime Minister recently launched the Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card as an extension of the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PM-JAY).

• This card aims to ensure free healthcare for every citizen aged 70 years and above, providing an annual coverage of up to ₹5 lakh.
• Ayushman Vaya Vandana Card announced during the Union Budget 2024-25.
• It Operates under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
• Aim: To provide free, universal healthcare access to seniors above 70 years, ensuring they can avail of necessary treatments without financial burdens.
• All Indian citizens aged 70 years or older are eligible, regardless of income or economic status.
• It Provides an annual health cover of ₹5 lakh per family for healthcare needs, shared if multiple elderly individuals live in one household.
• Requires registration via the PM-JAY portal or Ayushman app and mandatory eKYC completion, even for those with existing Ayushman cards.
• Beneficiaries of other government health schemes (e.g., CGHS, ECHS) can either retain existing coverage or opt for the Ayushman Bharat benefits.
• Also available for individuals insured under the Employees State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) and those with private health insurance.

NEOM Project : Saudi Arabia

Saudi Arabia has taken a significant step toward realizing its ambitious NEOM project by opening its first luxury tourism site, an island called Sindalah.

• NEOM seeks to establish Saudi Arabia as a global luxury tourism and investment hub while advancing sustainable, high-tech urban development.
• It includes innovative concepts like The Line, twin skyscrapers spanning 170 km, a floating industrial complex called Oxagon, and Trojena, a mountainous skiing and leisure area.
• The first open site, Sindalah is a 840,000 square-meter luxury island aiming to attract global tourists and investors with high-end facilities, yachting berths, and a capacity of up to 2,400 guests daily by 2028.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed that it successfully transported an impressive 102 tonnes of gold:

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) revealed that it successfully transported an impressive 102 tonnes of gold from the Bank of England to secure storage facilities in India. This strategic move was part of the RBI’s meticulous planning to ensure the safe and discreet transfer of such a significant quantity of gold,

Ekta Nagar, located approximately 200 km from Ahmedabad: New Projects

Prime Minister Narendra Modi began his two-day visit to Gujarat on 30th October, 2024, starting in Ekta Nagar, located approximately 200 km from Ahmedabad. During this visit, he laid the foundation stone and inaugurated projects worth over ₹284 crore in the Narmada district, which is home to the iconic Statue of Unity.

Deepotsav 2024 Celebrations:

Ayodhya made history by setting two Guinness World Records on 30th October evening. In a dazzling spectacle, the Uttar Pradesh Tourism Department, alongside the district administration, illuminated the banks of the Saryu River with over 25 lakh diyas (earthen lamps), creating the world’s largest display of oil lamps.

Registration Of Births And Deaths:

Union Home Minister Amit Shah launched the Civil Registration System (CRS) mobile application, aimed at integrating technology into governance and simplifying the registration of births and deaths. This initiative aligns with the government’s Digital India vision, designed to provide citizens with a seamless and efficient way to register vital events at any time, from any location.

Francis Ford Coppola is set to be honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, marking its 50th installment, at a ceremony on April 26, 2025:

Oscar-winning filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola is set to be honored with the AFI Life Achievement Award, marking its 50th installment, at a ceremony on April 26, 2025, at Hollywood’s Dolby Theatre. At 86, Coppola’s recognition comes on the heels of his latest film, Megalopolis, which struggled at the box office but highlights his ongoing contributions to the film industry.

Lahore has once again claimed the title of the most polluted city globally:

Lahore has once again claimed the title of the most polluted city globally, with the Air Quality Index (AQI) soaring to alarming levels. Recently recorded at a staggering 708, the PM2.5 levels reached an unprecedented 431 µg/m³, significantly exceeding the World Health Organization’s recommended annual limit by 86 times.