Daily Current Affairs for UPSC IAS: 30th October 2024

Konark Sun Temple : Mann Ki Baat

The Prime Minister’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’—through which he interacts with citizens on various issues—had recently made references to Odissi dance and Konark temple.

• It is located on the coastline of Odisha in Puri district.
• Also called the Surya Devalaya, the temple is dedicated to the Hindu god Surya.
• Textual evidence indicates that Narasimha I (who reigned between 1238 and 1264) of the Eastern Ganga dynasty built the temple in 1250.
• It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984.
• It is a classic example of the Odisha style of architecture or Kalinga architecture.
• The temple complex has the appearance of a 100-foot-high solar chariot, with 24 wheels and pulled by six horses, all carved from stone.
• It is oriented towards the east so that the first rays of the sunrise strike the main entrance.
• The wheels of the temple are sundials, which can be used to calculate time accurately to a minute.
• Around the base of the temple, there are images of animals, foliage, warriors on horses, and other interesting structures.
• The temple also features elaborate stone carvings depicting scenes from Hindu mythology.
• The temple, built from Khondalite rocks, is also known as ‘BLACK PAGODA’ due to its dark colour.
• The temple remains a site of contemporary worship for Hindus, during the annual Chandrabhaga Festival, around the month of February.

Mount Fuji:

Japan’s Mount Fuji remained snow-less recently, the latest date that its majestic slopes have been bare since records began 130 years ago.

• Mount Fuji, also known as Fuji-san, is the highest mountain in Japan, standing at 3,776 meters.
• It is situated close to the Pacific coast in the Yamanashi and Shizuoka prefectures in the heart of the large island of Honshu, about 100km to the southwest of the Tokyo-Yokohama metropolitan area.
• Unlike other famous high-elevation mountains in the world, Mt. Fuji is not part of a large mountain range.
• It is a stratovolcanothat has been dormant since its last eruption in 1707 but is still generally classified as active by geologists.
• It has a prominent summit craterand is constructed from innumerable basaltic lava flows, each a few meters thick.
• It has a smooth slope and a wide, spreading base, creating a beautiful skyline as it narrows to a magnificent peak.
• It is said that the main cause of Mt. Fuji’s volcanic activity is the Pacific Plate sinking under the bottom of the Philippine Plate.
• On the northern slopes of Mount Fuji lie the Fuji Five Lakes (Fuji Goko), comprising, east to west, Lake Yamanaka, Lake Kawaguchi, Lake Sai, Lake Shōji, and Lake Motosu, all formed by the damming effects of lava flows.
• Despite its active volcanic nature, Fuji’s summit is covered in snow most times of the year.
• The mountain is the major feature of Fuji-Hakone-Izu National Park, and it is at the centre of a UNESCO World Heritage site designated in 2013.

Koel River : In News

In a tragic incident, three students, who were studying XI standard, went to take a bath in the Koel River in the Lohardaga district of Jharkhand, and drowned in deep waters.

• Koel River originates from the Palamau Tiger Reserve, Jharkhand, and flows in the western part of Palamu District.
• The river divides into two – the North Koel River and the South Koel River.
• The former river is tapped near Kutku for irrigation reasons and finally joins with the Son River.
• The latter one flows across the Indian state of Orissa near Rourkela, before merging with the Brahmani River.
• Flowing through the hilly terrain of Jharkhand and Odisha, the Koel River is part of the larger Damodar Valley region, known for its mineral-rich landscape.
• It is prone to seasonal flooding, particularly during the monsoon months.
• The North Koel Dam, also known as the Mandal Dam, was constructed on the North Koel River in Jharkhand, intended to generate hydroelectric power and supply irrigation water.

Marapi Volcano:

One of Indonesia’s most active volcanoes, Marapi Volcano, erupted recently, spewing thick columns of ash at least three times and blanketing villages with debris, but no casualties were reported.

• Marapi Volcano is an active volcanolocated in the Padang Highlands of western Sumatra, Indonesia.
• The mountain is part of the Ring of Fire—a long, horseshoe-shaped, seismically active belt that rings the Pacific Ocean.
• The highest peak among several volcanoes in the highlands, Mount Marapi rises to 9,485 feet (2,891 meters) above sea level.
• It has steep slopes with dense vegetation on its lower flanks.
• Its summit contains the Bancah caldera, which has a diameter of 0.9 miles (1.4 km) and is characterized by a series of overlapping craters.
• Mount Marapi is often confused with a similar active volcano called Mount Merapi, which is located near the center of the island of Java, Indonesia.
• It has erupted 11 times during the early 21st century, with its deadliest single event having killed 60 people in 1979.

Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre:

The Indian Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (I4C) recently issued an alert against illegal payment gateways created using mule bank accounts by transnational organised cyber criminals facilitating money laundering as a service.

• I4C has been established under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to deal with cybercrime in the country in a coordinated and comprehensive manner.
• The I4C focuses on tackling issues related to cybercrime for citizens, including improving coordination between various Law Enforcement Agencies (LEAs) and stakeholders.
• The centre is located in New Delhi.
• Functions is to act as a nodal point in the fight against cybercrime.
• Identify the research problemsand needs of LEAs and take up R&D activities in developing new technologies and forensic tools in collaboration with academia/research institutes within India and abroad.
• To prevent misuse of cyberspace for furthering the cause of extremist and terrorist groups.
• Suggest amendments, if required, in cyber lawsto keep pace with fast changing technologies and international cooperation.
• To coordinate all activitiesrelated to the implementation of Mutual Legal Assistance Treaties (MLAT) with other countries related to cybercrimes in consultation with the concerned nodal authority in MHA.

Land Port Authority Of India:

The Union Minister of Home Affairs inaugurated a new Passenger Terminal Building and a Maitri Dwar in Petrapole, West Bengal built at a cost of Rs. 487 crore by the Land Port Authority of India (LPAI).

• Land Port Authority of India is an authority constituted under the Land Ports Authority Act, 2010.
• It was constituted for development and management of facilities for cross border movement of passengers and goods at designated points along the international borders of India.
• It is responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining and managing border infrastructure in India. It manages several Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) all across Borders of India.
• Chairperson and Members are appointed by the Central Government.
• Both Chairperson and Members have tenure for a period of five years from the date on which he assumes office and till he attains the age of sixty years, whichever is earlier.
• It is mandated to develop, sanitize and manage the facilities for cross border movement of passengers and goods at designated points along the international borders of India.
• Nodal ministry:Ministry of Home Affairs.

Petrapole:

• Petrapole is the largest land port in South Asia and it is a vital gateway for trade and commerce between India and Bangladesh.

FCI Grievance Redressal System App:

The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution launched the Mobile Application of FCI Grievance Redressal System (FCI GRS) for Rice Millers in New Delhi.

• It will facilitate rice millers in addressing their grievances with the FCI in an efficient and transparent manner.
• It is part of the Government’s ongoing efforts to harness technology for good governance.
• It aims to improve responsiveness and accountability by providing rice millers with a convenient platform to lodge complaints, monitor its status and receive responses on their mobile device in end-to-end digitized manner.
• User-Friendly Grievance Submission: Millers can easily register their grievances on their mobile through a user-friendly interface, simplifying communication with FCI.
• They have to register only once and thereafter any number of grievances can be lodged wherein each grievance will have Unique Grievance ID.
• It offers real-time updates on grievance status, keeping millers informed and ensuring transparency.
• Within FCI, once grievance is received, it will be automatically assigned to concerned Nodal Officers for further action.
• The App provides facility to Nodal Officer to either get grievance investigated by Quick Response Team or get feedback from the concerned Division.
• Where grievance redressal involves visit to site by QRT team, the mobile application will capture the physical visit by the team members through the geo-fencing tool.

7th round of India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations:

India’s Prime Minister and Germany’s Federal Chancellor co-chaired the 7th round of India-Germany Intergovernmental Consultations (7th IGC) in New Delhi.

• Under the motto “Growing Together with Innovation, Mobility and Sustainability,” it focused on technology, innovation, climate action, and strategic cooperation.
• Earlier, Germany has accorded a special status to India, which will allow for quicker approvals for military purchases.
• Key Highlights:
  • Germany’s “Focus on India” Document: It outlines a blueprint for how India and Germany can collaborate to become a “Force for Global Good” e.g., partnership on innovation and technology leadership, Sustainable Development Goals etc.
  • Visas for Skilled Indians: Germany has decided to increase visas for the skilled Indian workforce from 20,000 to 90,000.
  • Digital and Technology Partnerships: Both countries finalised a work plan for internet governance, tech regulations, digital transformation of the economy, emerging digital technologies, Digital Agriculture, AI and IoT to foster innovation.
  • Critical and Emerging Technologies: Both reaffirmed the priorities outlined in the Innovation and Technology Partnership Roadmap in critical and emerging technologies, innovation, and skill development.
  • Disaster Mitigation: MoUs were signed between the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information Services (INCOIS) and National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR) to enhance research in disaster mitigation and related fields.
  • Space Cooperation: New Space India Ltd and GAF AG (Germany based remote sensing company) agreed for upgrading the international ground station in Neustrelitz, Germany for processing of data from OceanSat – 3 and RISAT – 1A satellites.
  • Green and Sustainable Future: Both sides stressed the need to work jointly on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) which calls for at least USD 100 billion per year for developing countries.
  • Both sides launched the Indo-German Green Hydrogen Roadmap and promotion of sustainable urban mobility in India.
  • India-EU Strategic Partnership: Both supported the India-EU Trade and Technology Council and coordinated efforts to advance connectivity initiatives, including the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor.
  • Track 1.5 Dialogue: The leaders emphasised the importance of the India-Germany Track 1.5 dialogue involving think tanks and experts to foster a deeper understanding of mutual perspectives.
  • Triangular Development Cooperation (TDC): The leaders agreed to upscale successful pilot projects in Cameroon, Ghana, and Malawi, while launching new projects related to millet in Ethiopia and Madagascar. TDC involves partnerships between two or more developing countries supported by a developed country(ies)/or multilateral organisation(s) to implement development projects.
  • Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT): India and Germany concluded the MLAT in criminal matters aims to bolster cooperation on legal issues, enhancing India and Germany’s ability to jointly address security challenges.

Allocation of Satellite Spectrum:

India opted for an administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, diverging from the auction method, amid reactions from industry giants and renewed debates over spectrum management.

• Satellite spectrum refers to the specific frequency bands used for communication via satellites.
• These radio frequencies are essential for transmitting signals from ground stations to satellites in orbit and vice versa, facilitating services such as television broadcasting, internet access, and mobile communication.
• Satellite spectrum differs from terrestrial spectrum used for mobile communication, as it operates without national boundaries.
• This international nature requires coordination and management by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), a UN agency.
• With the increasing demand for satellite services especially in areas like broadband and emergency communications, spectrum allocation becomes crucial.
• Efficient management of satellite spectrum ensures reliable connectivity, especially in remote or underserved regions.

Expansion Of Indian Sign Language (ISL):

India added some 2,500 new terms including words in English and Hindi to the Indian Sign Language (ISL) dictionary e.g., Aadhaar card, Blockchain, Ursa Nebula etc.

• New terms were added during the celebration of International Day of Sign Languages 2024 with the theme “Sign up for Sign Language Rights”.
• The UN General Assembly has proclaimed 23rd September as the International Day of Sign Languages in 2017 and it was first celebrated in 2018.
• The World Federation of the Deaf (WFD) was established on 23rd September 1951.
• Expansion of the ISL facilitated the deaf community’s engagement particularly in scientific, cultural, and internet related contexts.
• The expansion of the ISL dictionary was spearheaded by the Indian Sign Language Research and Training Centre (ISLRTC).
• ISLRTC is an autonomous organisation established under Societies Registration Act, 1860 and functions under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.
• It is dedicated to researching, fostering educational access and promoting Indian sign language as a linguistic system.

Surge In Global Greenhouse Gas:

The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) has reported a record rise in global greenhouse gas (GHG) levels, highlighting a surge in carbon dioxide emissions and the warming effects on global temperatures.

• CO₂ concentration increase: 2023 saw 2.3 parts per million (ppm) rise in CO₂ levels from 2022, marking the twelfth consecutive year of over 2 ppm increases.
• Global warming record: 2023 surpassed the previous record held in 2016, with temperatures 1.48°C above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900).
• About 50% of CO₂ emissions remain in the atmosphere, 30% absorbed by land, and 25% by oceans.
• India’s GHG emissions grew by 6.1% in 2023, now accounting for 8% of global emissions, with historical contributions standing at 3%.
• Since 1990, radiative forcing (warming effect) from GHGs has risen by 51.5%, with CO₂ contributing 80% of this increase.

TASL-Airbus Facility:

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez inaugurated the Tata Advanced Systems Ltd. (TASL)-Airbus facility in Vadodara, Gujarat.

• This facility will manufacture the C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, marking India’s first private sector plant to produce military aircraft.
• This collaboration aligns with India’s “Make in India, Make for the World” initiative, aiming to boost India’s defense manufacturing capabilities and strengthen the India-Spain partnership.
• The C295 plant marks a milestone in India’s defense sector by enabling local, private-sector-led manufacturing.
• Of 56 C295 aircraft for the Indian Air Force, 16 will be from Spain, with 40 produced in Vadodara.
• Expected to generate over 10,000 jobs and support MSMEs by sourcing 18,000 indigenous parts.
• C295 aircraft serve multiple missions like medical evacuations, disaster response, and maritime patrols.
• Highlights shared cultural interests between India and Spain; introduces 2026 as the India-Spain Year of Culture, Tourism, and AI.
• Vadodara is poised to become a key aviation manufacturing hub, advancing India’s goal to produce indigenous civil aircraft.

Fast Patrol Vessels : Adamya and Akshar

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) launched two Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) ‘Adamya’ and ‘Akshar’, marking a milestone in its commitment to enhanced maritime security and indigenous manufacturing.

• These vessels, built by Goa Shipyard Ltd. (GSL) with over 60% indigenous content, are part of an eight-vessel contract valued at Rs. 473 crores.
• Fast Patrol Vessels (FPVs) is 52 meters in length and 8 meters in breadth; displacement of 320 tons.
• Equipped with a Controllable Pitch Propeller-based propulsion system, with a top speed of 27 knots.
• Over 60% of components are domestically sourced, supporting India’s self-reliance in defense.

Rajasthan government has launched the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme:

To encourage private investment and boost economic growth, the Rajasthan government has launched the Rajasthan Investment Promotion Scheme (RIPS) 2024. This new flagship initiative is designed to provide enhanced financial incentives across a broader range of sectors. The introduction of RIPS comes just ahead of the ‘Rising Rajasthan’ Global Investment Summit 2024.

Under-23 World Championship:

Chirag Chikkara made history by becoming only the third Indian wrestler to win the Under-23 World Championship, contributing to India’s impressive total of nine medals at the tournament. Competing in the men’s freestyle 57kg category, Chikkara secured a thrilling victory with a narrow 4-3 win over Abdymalik Karachov of Kyrgyzstan in the final seconds of the match.

Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji:

The Republic of Fiji has bestowed its highest civilian award, the “Honourary Officer of the Order of Fiji,” on Gurudev Sri Sri Ravi Shankar. This recognition, presented by Fiji’s President, Ratu Wiliame M. Katonivere, acknowledges Sri Sri’s contributions to promoting peace, unity, and uplifting communities globally.

State Bank of India (SBI) and India Exim Bank are actively supporting businesses in African countries:

The State Bank of India (SBI) and India Exim Bank are actively supporting businesses in African countries by addressing the trade finance gap, as highlighted by the South African heads of the two organizations during the India Entrepreneurs Forum (IEF).

Bharti Airtel has appointed Shashwat Sharma as the new Managing Director:

Bharti Airtel has appointed Shashwat Sharma as the new Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), effective January 1, 2026. This decision is part of a structured succession plan, allowing the incumbent MD and CEO, Gopal Vittal, to transition into the role of Executive Vice Chairman.

Act4Dyslexia Campaign:

As part of the nation-wide ‘Act4Dyslexia’ campaign, key monuments in Delhi, including Rashtrapati Bhawan, Parliament House, North and South Blocks, and India Gate, have been illuminated in red, the colour for Dyslexia Awareness.

• Dyslexia is a learning disorder that involves difficulty reading due to problems identifying speech sounds and learning how they relate to letters and words (decoding).
• It is also called a reading disability, dyslexia is a result of individual differences in areas of the brain that process language.
• It is not due to problems with intelligence, hearing or vision.
• It is often misunderstood as the ‘slow-learner syndrome’.
• The exact cause of dyslexia isn’t clear. However, several clues hint at how and why most cases happen.
• It is highly genetic and runs in families. A child with one parent with dyslexia has a 30% to 50% chance of inheriting it.
• Research shows people with dyslexia have differences in brain structure, function and chemistry.
• Infections, toxic exposures and other events can disrupt fetal development and increase the odds of later development of dyslexia.
• Specific Learning Disabilities, including dyslexia, were officially recognized under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act of 2016, which mandates equal opportunities in education, employment, and other aspects of life.
• The National Education Policy 2020 reinforces this mandate, emphasizing inclusive education from foundational to higher education levels.
• NEP 2020 reforms focus on early identification, teacher capacity building, and providing necessary support and accommodations to students.

Chairman of the Airports Authority of India:

Vipin Kumar, a 1996-batch IAS officer from the Bihar cadre, has officially taken charge as the Chairman of the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Before this new role, he served as the Additional Secretary in the Department of School Education & Literacy under the Ministry of Education, Government of India.

Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank:

The Financial Services Institutions Bureau (FSIB) has recommended Ashok Chandra as the next Managing Director (MD) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Punjab National Bank (PNB). Currently serving as Executive Director at Canara Bank since November 2022, Chandra’s banking career began in September 1991 with Corporation Bank.

Best Sports League of the Year’ award at the Confederation of Indian Industry:

The Pro Kabaddi League (PKL) proudly received the prestigious ‘Best Sports League of the Year’ award at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Sports Business Awards 2024. The award ceremony, part of the CII Score Card 2024 event, took place in New Delhi on October 18, coinciding with the launch of PKL’s 11th season.

India’s first ‘Writer’s Village’ was inaugurated in Dehradun:

India’s first ‘Writer’s Village’ was inaugurated in Dehradun by former President Ram Nath Kovind, along with Uttarakhand Governor Lt Gen Gurmeet Singh (retd) and Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami. This unique village aims to foster creativity and provide a nurturing environment for writers from across the country, establishing Dehradun as a new cultural hub for literary talent.

Nationwide Volunteering Initiative:

Union Minister Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya has launched a nationwide volunteering initiative, ‘This Diwali with MY Bharat – Ye Diwali MY Bharat Ke Saath,’ to commemorate the first anniversary of the MY Bharat Portal. Scheduled from October 27 to 30, 2024, the initiative aims to engage over 200,000 volunteers across 500 locations in India.