Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 23rd November 2024

Shivangi Desai Crowned Miss Charm India 2024:

Shivangi Desai, a 22-year-old final-year law student at the Indian Law School (ILS) Pune, has made India proud by winning the prestigious Miss Charm India 2024 title. Representing India at Miss Charm 2024 in Vietnam this December, Shivangi’s journey showcases a blend of intellect, beauty, and resilience. From a young age, she has excelled in academics, pageantry, and cultural promotion, cementing her position as a role model for young aspirants.

Gwalior Unveils India’s First Self-Sufficient Gaushala with a State-of-the-Art CBG Plant:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India’s first modern, self-sufficient gaushala in Laltipara, Gwalior, Madhya Pradesh. The gaushala, named Adarsh Gaushala, houses a state-of-the-art Compressed Bio-Gas (CBG) plant, marking a major milestone in India’s journey toward achieving sustainable development and promoting green energy solutions. This project reflects Modi’s vision of turning “Waste to Wealth”, highlighting how organic waste can be transformed into valuable resources.

IISc Introduces STRONG for Nanopore Research:

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) have introduced a groundbreaking language called STRONG (STring Representation Of Nanopore Geometry), which encodes the shape and structure of nanopores. This new tool is set to revolutionize nanopore research by enabling machine learning (ML) models to predict their properties accurately. Published in the Journal of the American Chemical Society, the development aligns with ongoing advancements in the integration of computational tools and materials science.

PM Modi Receives Global Peace Award in Washington:

The Association of Indian American Minorities (AIAM), a newly launched non-governmental organization, was inaugurated on November 22, 2024, at the Sligo Seventh-day Adventist Church in Maryland, USA. The organization aims to foster unity and uplift minority communities within the Indian American diaspora. During the launch event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was honored in absentia with the ‘Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Global Peace Award for Minority Upliftment’, recognizing his efforts in inclusive development and minority welfare.

ISRO and ASA Join Hands for Gaganyaan Mission:

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has entered into a significant collaboration with the Australian Space Agency (ASA) to support India’s first crewed spaceflight program, Gaganyaan. On November 20, 2024, the two space agencies signed an Implementation Agreement (IA) to enhance cooperation on crew and crew module recovery, which is crucial for the success of the Gaganyaan mission. This agreement will provide India with the necessary assistance to ensure the safe recovery of astronauts in the event of a contingency during the mission.

RS-26 Rubezh:

In a significant escalation of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, Russia reportedly used a new type of intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) targeting Dnipro, Ukraine.The RS-26 Rubezh, a solid-fuelled intercontinental ballistic missile.Capable of carrying multiple independently targetable re-entry vehicles (MIRVs).

Honorary Army General:

The Chief of Army Staff of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi, has been conferred the rank of Honorary General of the Nepal Army by President Ramchandra Paudel during a ceremony at Sheetal Niwas, Nepal. The tradition of exchanging honorary generalships between the Indian and Nepali armies began in the 1950s to symbolize mutual respect and cooperation.

Marine Fisheries Census 2025:

On World Fisheries Day 2024, the Centre launched transformative initiatives in the fisheries sector, including the Marine Fisheries Census 2025 and the National Plan of Action on Sharks.It is Fully digital process using mobile apps and virtual servers for real-time data collection.,Covers 1.2 million households across India’s coastline, including remote locations like Bitra Island and Campbell Bay,Collects data on household sizes, socio-economic status, and fisherfolk engagement,80% faster data processing compared to previous censuses.

Avian Botulism at Sambhar Lake:

A mass death of migratory birds died at Sambhar Lake in Rajasthan, likely due to avian botulism. The outbreak is believed to be caused by high temperatures and reduced salinity in the lake.Avian botulism is a neuromuscular disease caused by toxins produced by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The disease affects wild birds, primarily waterfowl and fish-eating birds, causing paralysis and death.

VISION Portal:

Union Minister launched the VISION Portal (Viksit Bharat Initiative for Student Innovation and Outreach Network) to democratize startup skills and innovation among underprivileged children.Inaugurated on November 21, 2024. Ministry: Operates under the Ministry of Science and Technology.

G20 Rio de Janeiro Leaders Declaration:

The G20 Leaders’ Summit held in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil was headlined by the official launch of the Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty

• Global Alliance Against Hunger and Poverty will serve as a platform for connecting countries in need of assistance with public policies targeted towards eradicating hunger and poverty, with partners willing to offer expertise or financial support.
• It consists of 81 countries (including India), 26 international organisations, 9 financial institutions and 31 philanthropic foundations and non-governmental organisations have already joined the Alliance.
• Any member country can access proven best practices from other members and identify potential partners willing to assist in the development of its own national model.”
• Assistance may be in the form of technical expertise or financial support.
• The Alliance has identified an evidence-based policy basket, which comprises more than 50 policy instruments that member countries can avail support for.
• Of particular importance are the six “Sprints 2030”, high-impact areas which will see target-oriented initiatives catering to the most vulnerable.
• These include: school meals; cash transfers; smallholder and family farming support programs; socio-economic inclusion programs; integrated maternal and early childhood interventions; and water access solutions.
• The Alliance does not boast an exclusive fund.
• It envisions playing a matchmaking role, connecting countries in need with motivated donors and technical support.
• The $2-3 million required annually for its operations will come from member countries and institutions such as the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), UNICEF, and the World Bank.

Data from National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)- German GRACE (Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment:

Between 2015 and 2023, freshwater stored on land, including lakes, rivers, and groundwater, fell by 1,200 cubic kilometres. India: Home to 18% of the global population, India has just 4% of the world’s freshwater resources and occupies only 2.4% of Earth’s surface. Nearly half of its rivers are polluted, and over 150 primary reservoirs are at just 38% of their storage capacity, exacerbating the country’s severe water crisis.

India’s Trade Deficit:

According to some economists, India’s trade deficit is not a sign of weak manufacturing but reflects India’s strength in services and attractiveness as an investment destination.

• A trade deficit occurs when a country imports more goods and services than it exports. It represents the amount by which the value of imports exceeds the value of exports over a certain period.
• Overall Trade Deficit: Reduced from USD 121.6 billion (FY23) to USD 78.1 billion (FY24).
• Services exports stands at USD 339.62 in FY24 and Services Trade Surplus stands at USD 162.06 billion.
• India’s share in world services exports rose from 0.5% (1993) to 4.3% (2022), making India the 7th largest services exporter globally.
• Merchandise exports stands at USD 776 billion (FY23). Merchandise Trade Deficit narrowed to USD 238.3 billion (FY24) from USD 264.9 billion (FY23).
• Current Account Deficit (CAD): Reduced to USD 23.2 billion (0.7% of GDP, FY24) from USD 67 billion (2% of GDP, FY23).
• Capital Account Balance: Net inflows rose from USD 58.9 billion (FY23) to USD 86.3 billion (FY24), driven by foreign portfolio investment (FPI).

Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar:

Union Minister of Culture and Tourism will confer the Ustad Bismilliah Khan Yuva Puraskar for the years 2022 and 2023 to 82 young artists in a special ceremony at Dr Ambedkar International Centre, Janpath, New Delhi.

• Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puruskar was instituted by the Sangeet Natak Akademi in the name of Bharat Ratna Ustad Bismillah Khan for young performing art practitioners upto the age of 40 years in 2006.
• It is given annually to outstanding young artists in the fields of music, dance, drama, folk & tribal arts and puppetry in a special ceremony held in Delhi and also outside Delhi.
• The Yuva Puraskar carries a purse money of Rs 25,000/- (Rupees twenty-five thousand only), a plaque and an angavastram.
• The reason behind instituting the Ustad Bismillah Khan Yuva Puraskar was to encourage and motivate the young artists in the field of music, dance, drama, folk and tribal art forms and other allied performing art forms of the country.

International Cooperative Alliance:

India is all set to host the global conference of the International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) for the first time.

• Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO) has taken the initiative to host the ICA General Assembly and Global Cooperative Conference.
• The Global Cooperative Conference in India will also mark the official launch of the ‘UN International Year of Cooperatives-2025’.
• The theme of the conference is “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All”.
• International Cooperative Alliance (ICA) is a non-profit international association which unites, represents and serves cooperatives worldwide.
• Founded in 1895, it is one of the oldest non-governmental organisations and one of the largest ones measured by the number of people represented with one billion cooperative members on the planet.
• It is the apex body representing cooperatives, which are estimated to be around 3 million worldwide, providing a global voice and forum for knowledge, expertise, and coordinated action for and about cooperatives.

Raorchestes asakgrensis : A new Frog Species

A new frog species named Raorchestes asakgrensis was recently discovered from Meghalaya.

• Raorchestes asakgrensis is a new species of frog.
• It was named after the Eman Asakgre Community Reserve in the Garo Hills of Meghalaya, where it was discovered, to honour the local community’s support in conservation efforts.
• Found at an elevation of 174 meters in Eman Asakgre, this small arboreal frog is distinctive for its pointed snout and visible tympanum.
• Males measure about 20.49 mm in snout-vent length, with females slightly larger at 22.8 mm.
• Males call from shrubs at dusk, perched 1.5 meters or higher, with calling activity peaking after the first monsoon rains.

International Criminal Court : Arrest Warrants For The Prime Minister Of Israel

The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for the Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister and Hamas officials, accusing them of war crimes and crimes against humanity

• International Criminal Court (ICC) is a global court which seeks to hold to account those guilty of some of the world’s worst crimes.
• It is the only permanent international criminal tribunal.
• The ICC was established by an international agreement, the Rome Statute, on 17 July 1998.
• The Rome Statute sets out the Court’s jurisdiction, structures and functions.
• The Statute entered into force on 1 July 2002.
• It investigates and where warranted, tries individuals charged with the gravest crimes of concern to the international community: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity and the crime of aggression.
• HQ: Hague, Netherlands.
• Members: 123 nations are States Parties to the Rome Statute and recognize the ICC’s authority; the notable exceptions being the USA, China, Russia, Israel and India.
• Funding: The Court is funded by contributions from the States Parties and by voluntary contributions from Governments, international organizations, individuals, corporations, and other entities.
• The court has eighteen judges, each from a different member country, elected to non-renewable nine-year terms.
• The Presidency: Consists of three judges (the President and two Vice-Presidents) elected from among the judges. It represents the Court to the outside world and helps with the organization of the work of the judges.
• 18 judges in 3 divisions, the Pre-Trial Division, the Trial Division, and the Appeals Division.
• Office of the Prosecutor (OTP): OTP is responsible for receiving referrals and any substantiated information on crimes within the jurisdiction of the Court. OTP examines these referrals and information, conducts investigations, and conducts prosecutions before the Court.
• The core function of the Registry is to provide administrative and operational support to the Chambers and the Office of the Prosecutor.

MeerKAT Radio Telescope:

An international team of astronomers has employed the MeerKAT radio telescope to investigate giant radio galaxies in the field of the Cosmological Evolution Survey (COSMOS).

• MeerKAT is a connected array of radio telescopes located in the Northern Cape province of South Africa.
• It was originally known as the Karoo Array Telescope (KAT), which would consist of 20 receptors. When the South African government increased the budget to allow the building of 64 receptors, the team renamed it “MeerKAT”, – i.e., “more of KAT”.
• It is part of South Africa’s contribution to the global Square Kilometre Array (SKA) project, which aims to build the largest and most sensitive radio telescope in the world.
• It is a precursor instrument to the mid-frequency component of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA).
• It uses radio signals from space to study the evolution of the universe and everything it contains.
• It comprises 64 dishes, each 13.5 metres in diameter, with maximum separations of 8 km.
• The received signals travel to a subterranean processor building that combines them and allows the telescopes to work together as a single instrument.
• It is currently the most powerful radio interferometer at centimeter wavelengths.

Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary : In News

Authorities have told the National Green Tribunal that the claims made in a media report about wild animals disappearing from the Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary in Maharashtra due to encroachments were “inaccurate” and “sensationalised.”

• It is located in the Palghar district of Maharashtra, 75 km away from Mumbai.
• The sanctuary is spread over an area of 85 sq. km., which is mostly hilly.
• It serves as a vital corridor between Sanjay Gandhi National Park (also known as Borivali National Park) and Tansa Wildlife Sanctuary.
• It is characterized by hilly terrain, dense forests, and small rivers or streams.
• Some commonly spotted animals in the sanctuary include Leopard, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Langur, Bonnet and Rhesus Macaque and Black-naped Hare.
• A multitude of birds, including the Crested Serpent-eagle, Jungle Owlet, White-eyed Buzzard, Oriental Honey-buzzard, Emerald Dove, and Heart-spotted Woodpecker, can be found here.
• Several ancient temples are within its boundaries. The most famous of these temples is the Tungareshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva.