Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 21st November 2024

Binar Space Program:

Three tiny Australian satellites from Curtin University’s Binar Space Program burned up in Earth’s atmosphere due to solar activity.

• Binar Space Program is a satellite research program operating out of Curtin University.
• It aims to advance our understanding of the Solar System and lower the barrier for operating in space.
• The program began operations with its first satellite, Binar-1, in September 2021. This was less than a year into solar cycle 25 when solar activity was relatively low.
• In these conditions, the ten-centimetre cube satellite started at an altitude of 420 km and survived a full 364 days in orbit.
• The program’s follow-up mission – Binar-2, 3, and 4 – were three equally sized CubeSats. However, they were expected to last approximately six months owing to the extra surface area from new deployable solar arrays and a forecast increase in solar activity.
• As the Sun kicked into high gear, these three satellites burned up in the atmosphere much sooner than expected.

Cloud Seeding : Delhi Govt

Delhi is grappling with severe air pollution, the concept of cloud seeding has emerged as a potential short-term solution to combat the hazardous air quality.

• Cloud seeding, also known as artificial rain, is a weather modification technique that aims to enhance precipitation by introducing substances into clouds to stimulate rainfall.
• The science behind cloud seeding involves dispersing materials such as silver iodide, potassium iodide, or dry ice into clouds to encourage the formation of rain or snow.
• These particles serve as nuclei for water droplets to form around, potentially leading to increased precipitation.
• The process can be carried out using aircraft, ground-based generators, or even rockets in some cases.
• Cloud seeding is done to increase the radius of the cloud droplets so that they will grow bigger and because of gravity, they will come down as rainfall.
• In the context of air pollution, cloud seeding is seen as a potential method to “wash away” particulate matter and other pollutants from the air.
• The theory is that increased rainfall could help settle dust and other airborne particles, temporarily improving air quality.
• Suitable atmospheric conditions are necessary for the technique to be effective, including the presence of clouds with sufficient moisture.

Army Tactical Missile System:

Russia’s Defence Ministry said that Ukraine fired six US-made Army Tactical Missile System (ATACMS) at Russia’s Bryansk region.

• Army Tactical Missile System is a conventional surface-to-surface artillery weapon system capable of striking targets well beyond the range of existing Army cannons, rockets, and other missiles.
• It is manufactured by the US defense company Lockheed Martin.
• It is also designated M39 by the US Army, and its Department of Defence (DoD) designation is MGM-140.
• The missile first saw use during the 1991 Persian Gulf War.
• This weapon’s known operators other than the US are Bahrain, Greece, South Korea, Taiwan, and the United Arab Emirates.
• ATACMS are 24/7, all-weather, surface-to-surface, inertially guided ballistic missiles.
• It has a range of about 190 miles (305 km).
• Propulsion:Single-stage, solid propellant.
• These missiles are fired from the High Mobility Artillery Rocket System(HIMARS) and the M270 Multiple Launch Rocket System (MLRS) platforms.
• It has the ability to carry cluster munitions,which destroy a targeted area by releasing hundreds of bomblets instead of a single warhead.

Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan:

The Indian Army successfully conducted the Exercise, ‘Sanyukt Vimochan 2024’ at Ahmedabad and Porbandar on 18-19 November 2024.

• Exercise Sanyukt Vimochan is a multilateral annual joint Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) Exercise.
• The exercise, conducted by the Konark Corps of Southern Command of Indian Army, was conducted at Ahmedabad and Porbandar, Gujarat.
• The inaugural event of the exercise at Ahmedabad featured a Tabletop Exercise, focusing on the theme of ‘Cyclone in Coastal Region of Gujarat’. Representatives from National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA), Gujarat State Disaster Management Authority (GSDMA), Meteorological Department and FICCI attended the event along with Indian Armed Forces officials.
• It is aimed at addressing gaps in interagency integration and cooperation, ensuring a swift and coordinated response to natural disasters.
• It also witnessed a Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration held at Chowpatty Beach at Porbandar on 19 November 24.
• The Multi-Agency Capability Demonstration featured various agencies practicing coordinated logistics, rapid response and effective disaster management strategies in a simulated cyclone scenario.
• This event highlighted the collaborative efforts of the Indian Army, Indian Navy, Indian Airforce, Indian Coast Guard, National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force & other Central & State Agencies in addressing natural disasters.
• 15 Senior officials and representatives from Nine Friendly Foreign Countries from the Gulf Cooperation Council, Indian Ocean Region and Southeast Asia attended the event.
• It has not only enhanced our national disaster response capabilities but also added valuable contributions to the global dialogue on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief.

Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve : In News

An initiative taken by the Forest Department to conduct evening coaching classes for school children in 10 tribal hamlets located within the Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve (STR) has significantly enhanced their learning skills.

• Sathyamangalam Tiger Reserve is located at the junction of the Eastern and the Western Ghats in the Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, in the Erode District of Tamil Nadu.
• Its area is contiguous with the Mudumalai Tiger Reserve, Bandipur Tiger Reserve (Karnataka), and BR Tiger Reserve and Wildlife Sanctuary (Karnataka).
• Together, these reserves-forming the Nilgiris biosphere landscape, have the biggest tiger population in the world, at over 280 tigers.
• It is hilly and undulated,with altitudes ranging between 750 m and 1649 m.
• It consists of southern tropical dry thorn forests, mixed deciduous forests, semi-evergreen forests, and Riparian forests.
• The major species are Elephant, Tiger, Panther, Sloth bear, Gaur, Black Buck, Spotted deer, Wild boar, Black naped hare, Common langur Nilgiri langur, Striped neck mongoose, and Bonnet macaque.

Sickle Cell Eradication : Stamp Released

On Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas (15th November 2024), a commemorative postage stamp on “Sickle Cell Eradication – 2047” was unveiled in Madhya Pradesh.

• The initiative aligns with India’s broader commitment to eradicating sickle cell anemia, a hereditary blood disorder, by 2047, particularly focusing on tribal communities, which are disproportionately affected.
• Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a genetic blood disorder causing abnormal haemoglobin (the protein that carries oxygen through the body), resulting in sickle-shaped red blood cells.
• This leads to blocked blood flow, severe pain, organ damage, and reduced life expectancy.
• The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) tribal health expert committee has identified SCD as one of the ten major health issues among tribal communities.
• Symptoms: Some common symptoms of sickle cell disease are
• Chronic anaemia which leads to fatigue, weakness, and paleness.
• Painful episodes (also known as sickle cell crisis) cause sudden and intense pain in the bones, chest, back, arms, and legs.
• Delayed growth and puberty.

Global Alliance Against Hunger And Poverty:

A new Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty was launched at the G20 Leaders Summit in Brazil to eradicate poverty and hunger globally.

• The alliance is an important step towards the implementation of the Deccan High-Level Principles on Food Security and Nutrition 2023, adopted at the G20 New Delhi Summit 2023.
• In addition, India’s Prime Minister addressed a session on ‘Social Inclusion and the Fight against Hunger and Poverty,’ sharing India’s experiences and success stories.
• It is a voluntary coalition of governments, international organisations, NGOs, and other stakeholders working to eradicate hunger (SDG 2), poverty (SDG 1), reduce inequalities (SDG 10), and support other interlinked SDGs.
• It has three pillars – knowledge, finance and knowledge– at the country level.
• The G20 and alliance members should lead sustained political efforts to mobilise collective action against hunger and poverty globally
• Bring together domestic and international support, including public and private funds, for country-led programs in nations facing hunger and poverty.
• It will follow a structured governance framework to coordinate efforts, using a reference basket approach to guide country-led actions without requiring the collective endorsement of specific policies.

Green World Environment Award 2024:

Coal India Limited (CIL), a leading state-owned coal mining corporation, has been conferred the ‘Green World Environment Award 2024’ in the CSR category. For its Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna, which supports curative treatments for Thalassemia through Bone Marrow Transplants (BMT). Thalassemia Bal Sewa Yojna provide financial assistance of up to ₹10 lakh provided for BMT operations across 17 partner hospitals.

Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development, 2023:

The Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development 2023 was awarded to classical pianist and conductor Daniel Barenboim and Palestinian peace activist Ali Abu Awwad.Indira Gandhi Prize for Peace, Disarmament, and Development established in 1986 by the Indira Gandhi Memorial Trust in honour of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.

Nigeria Nation:

Prime Minister of India has been conferred with the ‘Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger’ Award by Nigeria, signifying strong diplomatic ties between the two nations. Nigeria’s Borno state experienced severe flooding due to the collapse of the Alau Dam.

Kho Kho World Cup 2025:

India is all set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in New Delhi.India is all set to host the inaugural Kho Kho World Cup from January 13 to 19, 2025, at the Indira Gandhi Indoor (IGI) Stadium in New Delhi. This historic event marks a significant step towards elevating Kho Kho, one of India’s most cherished indigenous games, onto the global stage. With the support of the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) and the Kho Kho Federation of India (KKFI), the tournament promises to be a milestone in the promotion of traditional sports.

SBI marked the centenary of its iconic Horniman Circle Branch:

The State Bank of India (SBI) celebrated the centenary of its iconic Horniman Circle Branch with the unveiling of a specially minted ₹100 commemorative coin by Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman. The event also featured the release of the 5th edition of The Evolution of the State Bank of India, detailing the bank’s transformation between 1981 and 1996. From its humble beginnings with just 100 branches in 1920, SBI today boasts over 22,640 branches, with plans to expand further in FY25. The bank’s impressive digital presence, financial inclusion efforts, and significant role in India’s banking revolution were highlighted during the event.

India’s Unemployment Rate Drops to 6.4% in July-September 2024 Quarter:

In the July-September 2024 quarter, India’s urban unemployment rate decreased to 6.4%, marking the lowest level observed in recent years. The rate has dropped from 6.6% in the previous quarter and remains consistent with the rate recorded in the same period last year. This improvement reflects positive trends in employment, particularly in urban areas, indicating progress in job creation and labor force participation.

Maharashtra State Open Badminton:

Harshit Mahimkar and Prisha Shah dominated the Maharashtra State Open Badminton Tournament 2024, clinching both the men’s and women’s singles titles along with the U-17 boys’ and girls’ singles crowns. Held at the Willingdon Sports Club, the tournament saw these two shuttlers showcase exceptional skills, bringing back memories of previous triumphs in the Maharashtra badminton circuit while setting a high bar for future competitors.

ALT EFF 2024 Film Festival Returns to Mumbai to Ignite Climate Conversations:

The All Living Things Environmental Film Festival (ALT EFF) returns to Mumbai for its 2024 edition, running from November 22 to December 8 at Liberty Cinema. Since its inception in 2020, ALT EFF has become a significant platform for environmental storytelling, bringing global issues of sustainability and climate change to the forefront through cinema. The festival is expanding its reach, with screenings in over 70 cities across India, including villages, fostering a wider conversation on environmental challenges.

Tata Power has entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd:

Tata Power has entered into a strategic partnership with Druk Green Power Corporation Ltd (DGPC) to develop at least 5,000 MW of clean energy generation capacity in Bhutan. This collaboration aims to harness Bhutan’s vast hydropower potential and contribute to the region’s energy security and sustainability. The initiative aligns with Bhutan’s vision to diversify its energy portfolio and improve regional energy integration.