9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 30^th September, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Reasons for the shortage of donated cadavers in India

Source: The post reasons for the shortage of donated cadavers in India has been created, based on the article “Why more people need to donate their bodies to science” published in “Indian Express” on 30th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2 – Governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health, Education, Human Resources.

Context: The article discusses the importance of cadaver donation in India, especially after Sitaram Yechury’s decision to donate his body to AIIMS. It explains how cadavers are used for medical training, who can donate, the donation process, and the current shortage of cadavers in medical colleges.

For detailed information on Organ donation in India read this article here

What are cadavers used for?

1. Cadavers are primarily used for training doctors in anatomy and surgical techniques.
2. Medical students require cadavers for realistic surgical practice, as dummies do not provide the same experience.
3. Cadavers also aid in developing medical devices and understanding disease effects on the body.

How is Cadaver donation different from Organ donation?

1. Cadaver donation involves donating the entire body after death for medical training, while organ donation focuses on donating specific organs to save lives.
2. Cadavers are primarily used to train doctors in anatomy and surgery, whereas organ donations help patients in need of transplants.
3. Organ donation is more organized, with national bodies overseeing the process, unlike cadaver donation, which lacks a centralized system.
4. Bodies used for organ donation typically cannot be used as cadavers.

What are the reasons for the shortage of donated cadavers in India?

1. Lack of Awareness: Many people are unaware of body donation procedures. There is no national body to track whole-body donations, making it harder for people to donate.
2. Low Donation Rates: AIIMS Delhi meets its demand with 70 cadavers in two years, but Safdarjung Hospital and Vardhaman Mahavir Medical College (VMMC) received only 24 in five years, despite the government guideline requiring one cadaver for every 10 students. VMMC has 150 students per batch, but cadaver donations fall far short.
3. Eligibility and Acceptance Issues: Bodies of individuals with infectious diseases like HIV or tuberculosis are not accepted. Additionally, medical colleges often refuse bodies from unnatural deaths, especially if they are part of a medico-legal case.
4. Rising Demand: The number of medical students is increasing, with Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Medical Sciences (ABVIMS) admitting 100 students annually but receiving only 18 cadavers from 2019.

How do medical colleges manage the shortage?

1. Medical colleges use unclaimed bodies under the state’s Anatomy Act.
2. These bodies are often from poor or marginalized communities, raising ethical concerns.
3. Other countries, like those in the developed world, require explicit consent for body donations.

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons for the shortage of donated cadavers in India and how medical colleges manage this shortage.

Global governance challenges highlighted by the Summit of the Future

Source: The post global governance challenges highlighted by the Summit of the Future has been created, based on the article “Bridging the chasm of global inequality” published in “The Hindu” on 30th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- International Relations – Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the global governance challenges highlighted by the Summit of the Future. It emphasizes the imbalance in power between developed and developing countries, the need for reform, and the role of Asia in shaping global priorities and cooperation.

For detailed information on Summit of the Future read this article here

What is the focus of global governance?

1. The Summit of the Future raises questions about whether global governance should focus on great power competition or the continuing imbalance in institutions and global inequality.
2. While great power competition debates the means, the imbalance raises questions about justice.
3. Global governance now focuses on sustainability and improving well-being, not just economic growth through GDP.
4. Global goals do not resolve issues but create new forms of cooperation.

What key initiatives emerged from the Summit?

1. The Summit resulted in two major initiatives: the Global Digital Impact initiative and the Declaration on Future Generations, which call for national action.
2. Concrete impacts include the formation of an International Scientific Paneland a Global Dialogue on AI.
3. These initiatives mirror how climate change became a global issue 30 years ago.

What challenges remain in reforming global institutions?

1. Lack of Progress on Security Council Reform: The Summit of the Future did not agree on a clear pathway for UN Security Council reform, only discussing member categories without reaching a conclusion.
2. Limited Reform in Global Financial Institutions: Reforms for global financial institutions are restricted to a promise of giving developing countries a greater say. However, no significant actions have followed this pledge.
3. Developing Countries’ Debt Burden: Developing nations face a massive public debt of $29 trillion, paying $847 billion in interest alone in 2022, showing the continued imbalance in global economic power.
4. Sustainable Development Goals Lagging: Only 17% of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are on track, reflecting the systemic issues in meeting global challenges.
5. Influence of Developed Nations: Developed countries still dominate agenda-setting, as shown by the ongoing control of G-7 nations despite the rise of emerging powers like China and India.

What role do developing countries and emerging powers play?

1. Re-emergence of China and India: Emerging powers like China and India, through BRICS, began influencing global governance in 2009.
2. Resource Use Shift: In 1950, the U.S. consumed 40% of global resources, but by 2010, Asia’s share grew to half of global usage.
3. Global GDP Share: By 2016, the GDP share of 17 developing countries tripled to 63% compared to G-7 countries.
4. Global Agenda Influence: Despite growing influence, developing countries still struggle to set the global agenda.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges developing countries face in influencing global governance, as highlighted by the Summit of the Future.

GS PAPER - 3

Reasons for Ghee Adulterated in India

Source: The post reasons for ghee adulterated in India has been created, based on the article “Express View on ghee adulteration: High taxes are the problem” published in “Indian Express” on 30th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3 – food security

Context: The article discusses the high cost of milk fat, its vulnerability to adulteration, and how incidents like the Tirupati ghee controversy may increase consumer demand for branded ghee. It suggests reducing taxes on ghee to prevent further price increases and adulteration risks.

What are the Reasons for Ghee Adulterated in India?

1. High Cost of Milk Fat: Milk fat is expensive, priced at Rs 460-470 per kg, much higher than refined oils like palmolein, soyabean, and sunflower oil (Rs 125-130/kg) and beef tallow (Rs 85-90/kg). This cost difference makes ghee prone to adulteration with cheaper foreign fats.
2. Limited Availability: India produces only 4 lakh tonnes of milk fat annually, mostly used by dairies for ice cream, butter, and ghee. This limited supply increases the temptation to adulterate ghee.
3. High Demand for Large Quantities: Large buyers like the Tirupati temple need significant amounts of ghee (5,000 tonnes annually), increasing the risk of adulteration due to the pressure to supply large volumes.
4. Tax Anomaly: The 12% GST on ghee, compared to 5% on vegetable fat, makes ghee costlier, encouraging adulteration.

What Can the Government Do?

Reducing the 12% Goods and Services Tax (GST) on ghee, butter, and milk fat. It argues that this higher tax makes these products even more expensive compared to vegetable fat and milk powder, which are taxed at 5%.

Question for practice:

Examine how the high cost of milk fat, limited availability, and tax anomalies contribute to the adulteration of ghee in India.

Causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India

Source: The post causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India has been created, based on the article “What India can do to reduce food wastage” published in “Indian Express” on 30th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- issues of buffer stocks and food security

Context: The article highlights the issue of food loss and waste (FLW) and its global impact. It discusses India’s food losses, the need for better technology, mechanisation, storage, and policy support to reduce these losses and improve food security and environmental sustainability.

For detailed information on Issue of food wastage in India read this article here

What is Food Loss and Waste (FLW) and Why is it Important?

1. The UN observes September 29 as the International Day of Awareness of FLW.
2. Globally, food loss between harvest and retail is 13.2% of production, and food wasted after retail is 17%. Together, FLW accounts for 30% of global food production.
3. Reducing FLW by half could feed all hungry people and lower greenhouse gas emissions by 8-10%.
4. FLW also impacts energy use, with potential savings of 38%.
5. Addressing FLW can significantly contribute to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for food security and environmental sustainability.

For detailed information on Food Waste Index Report 2024 read this article here

Where Does India Stand in Terms of FLW?

1. In India, post-harvest losses amount to Rs 1.53 trillion ($18.5 billion).
2. Losses include 12.5 million metric tons (MMT) of cereals, 2.11 MMT of oilseeds, and 1.37 MMT of pulses.
3. Horticultural losses total 49.9 MMT annually due to poor cold chain infrastructure.

What are the Key Causes of FLW in India?

1. Low Mechanisation: A lack of machinery like combine harvesters leads to higher food losses. In Bihar, only 10% of paddy farmers use combine harvesters, compared to 97% in Punjab, resulting in higher losses.
2. Inadequate Storage Infrastructure: Poor storage leads to 10% of total food grain production losses. The government plans to increase storage capacity by 70 MMT in five years.
3. Poor Cold Chain: Horticultural crops lose 49.9 million metric tons (MMT) annually due to poor cold chain infrastructure, affecting fresh produce availability and farmer income.

What Should be Done?

1. Upgrade Storage Systems: The government’s plan to add 70 MMT of storage capacity over five years could reduce 10% of food grain losses.
2. Promote Green Technologies: Encourage the use of solar dryers and airtight bags to cut losses and improve food safety.
3. Revisit the Jute Packaging Material Act (1987): While jute is biodegradable, its use leads to rodent attacks and pilferage in tropical climates. Expanding the use of airtight bags could reduce storage and transit losses.
4. Strengthen Policy Support: Support small farmers with mechanisation through Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) and Custom Hiring Centres (CHCs).

Question for practice:

Discuss the key causes of Food Loss and Waste (FLW) in India and the measures that can be taken to address them.

Need to revise international carbon finance standards

Source: The post need to revise international carbon finance standards has been created, based on the article “Common Practice Standards must have India outlook” published in “The Hindu” on 30th September is 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Agriculture

Context: The article discusses the need to revise international carbon finance standards to include India’s small farmers in agroforestry projects. By changing the “common practice” definition, more farmers can benefit from carbon credits and boost their income sustainably. Need to revise international carbon finance standards

What is the status of India’s agroforestry sector?

1. India’s agroforestry sector covers 28.4 million hectares, representing 8.65% of the country’s land area.
2. Agroforestry contributes 19.3% of India’s total carbon stocks, showing its environmental significance.
3. The sector has potential for expansion to 53 million hectares by 2050.
4. Research suggests it could create an additional carbon sink of over 2.5 billion tons of CO2 by 2030 with proper policies and support.

What are the benefits of carbon finance support for agroforestry?

1. Expands India’s agroforestry area from 28.4 million hectares to 53 million hectares by 2050, contributing to environmental sustainability.
2. Agroforestry can be integrated with carbon finance projects like Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) initiatives. If proper policies and financial support are in place, it could create an additional carbon sink.
3. Provides additional income for small and marginal Indian farmers through carbon credits.
4. Improves soil fertility, water retention, and prevents erosion, enhancing agricultural productivity.

What is ‘Common Practice’ in Carbon Finance?

1. “Common practice” assesses if a project goes beyond typical activities in a region to qualify for carbon credits.
2. Projects considered common do not earn credits, as they provide no additional environmental benefits.
3. Global standards, like Verra’s and Gold Standard, use this criterion, often reflecting large-scale agriculture in regions like Latin America and Africa.
4. In India, 86.1% of farmers are small and marginal with less than two hectares, practicing scattered agroforestry.
5. These fragmented practices may be seen as “common,” excluding Indian farmers from participating in carbon finance projects.

What Should be Done?

1. Redefine the “common practice” criteria to recognize India’s agroforestry activities, allowing small farmers to qualify for carbon credits.
2. Provide financial support and incentives to increase India’s carbon sink through Afforestation, Reforestation, and Revegetation (ARR) projects.
3. Use successful models like TERI’s 19 ARR projects, which have benefited over 56,600 farmers across seven states, as examples for scaling up carbon finance initiatives.
4. Encourage international platforms like Verra and Gold Standard to adopt India-centric approaches.

Question for practice:

Why is there a need to adopt India-centric approaches in international carbon finance standards?

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Neutrino fog

Source: The post on Neutrino fog is based on the article “Not just nothing, dark matter quests close in on dire ‘neutrino fog” published in “The Hindu” on 30th september 2024.

Why in the News?

Recently, the LUX-ZEPLIN (LZ) experiment highlighted that as they advance the search for dark matter the challenge of neutrino fog has becomes more prominent.

About Neutrino fog

1. Neutrinos are tiny, ghost-like particles that pass through almost everything, including us, without being noticed. They are extremely difficult to detect because they barely interact with matter.

2. They are produced in huge numbers by the Sun and the Earth’s atmosphere.

3. In future dark matter detectors, neutrinos will create a lot of “noise” by scattering off nuclei, which complicates the detection of dark matter. This noise is called “neutrino fog.”

4. As dark matter detectors grow in size and sensitivity, they are increasingly likely to detect neutrinos, creating a “fog” of signals that can obscure or resemble potential dark matter interactions.

5. The presence of neutrino fog limits how much more sensitive dark matter detectors can become, as they will begin to register more neutrino interactions than dark matter ones.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit-7 Reaches Criticality

Source – This post on Rajasthan Atomic Power Project Unit-7 Reaches Criticality is based on the article “Milestone Achieved Rajasthan Atomic Power Project- Unit-7 Reaches Criticality” published in PIB on 30th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Unit-7 of the Rajasthan Atomic Power Project-7 & 8 (RAPP-7&8, 700 MW each) reached criticality, marking the start of a controlled nuclear fission chain reaction.

What is reaching Criticality?

Definition: Criticality in a nuclear reactor signifies the point at which a sustained and controlled nuclear fission chain reaction begins.

This means that each fission event produces enough neutrons to cause further fissions, maintaining a constant rate of fission and energy release. Its the first step in nuclear energy generation.

Significance: Reaching criticality is crucial for transitioning the reactor from the construction phase to the operational phase. This also marks the beginning of energy production as the reactor generates heat for electricity.

About RAPP-7

1. About: RAPP-7 is a 700 MWe Pressurized Heavy Water Reactor (PHWR). It is a key part of India’s indigenous nuclear reactor development program.

2. Importance: It is the third unit in a series of sixteen Indian-designed reactors, demonstrating India’s nuclear expertise. It follows the successful operation of similar units (Kakrapar Atomic Power Station-3 & 4) in Gujarat.

3. RAPP-7 & 8 will join six operational units at Rawatbhata which is currently contributing 1180 MW to the national grid.

4. Operational Timeline: RAPP-7 is expected to start power generation by the end of 2024, with RAPP-8 to follow in 2025.

5. Benefits:

a) Carbon Footprint Reduction: The successful operation of RAPP-7 will help reduce reliance on coal and other fossil fuels, contributing to India’s climate commitments.

b) Significance for Sustainable Growth: This achievement reflects India’s commitment to sustainable energy, enhancing its domestic power generation capabilities while lowering carbon emissions.

c) Increased Capacity: The RAPP-7 & 8 project will add a total capacity of 1400 MW to India’s grid, supporting energy needs while aligning with carbon reduction goals.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Create in India’ Initiative

Source – This post on Create in India’ Initiative is based on the article “PM urges participation in ‘Create in India’ challenges, says it is a huge platform” published in The Hindu on 30th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, Ministry of Information and Broadcasting released Create in India’ Initiative.

About Create in India’ Initiative

1. Launched by: Ministry of Information and Broadcasting

2. Aim: The core aim of ‘Create in India’ is to encourage Indian businesses, startups, and individuals to develop innovative products, technologies, and services that are globally competitive.

3. The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has introduced 25 challenges to foster talent and creativity across diverse sectors, such as music, education and anti-piracy.

4. Focus: Individuals who are skilled in areas like music, education, and anti-piracy to participate in the challenges. Participants can gain recognition and a larger platform for their creativity.

Creators, including those in bands or working for community radio were also encouraged to join.

6. This initiative complements the ‘Make in India’ campaign by emphasizing the need for Indian manufacturers and entrepreneurs not just to produce goods but also to generate value through original designs, technology, and innovation.

7. World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) Website: Creators are encouraged to participate by registering on the official website, [wavesindia.org](http://wavesindia.org), which serves as a hub for these challenges.

Objectives of the ‘Create in India’ Initiative:

1.  Foster Intellectual Property Rights (IPR): The initiative seeks to create awareness about the importance of Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) and to protect and promote innovation. It aims to empower Indian innovators to secure patents, trademarks, and copyrights, enhancing their ability to compete internationally.

2. Encourage Local Design and Creativity: ‘Create in India’ emphasizes developing original designs and creative solutions tailored to both the domestic and international markets. This includes sectors like fashion, electronics, software development, and the arts.

3. Boost Employment and Entrepreneurship: ‘Create in India’ is expected to create jobs and promote entrepreneurship, especially in high-value sectors like technology, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and renewable energy by nurturing an ecosystem that supports innovation.

4. Global Competitiveness: The initiative is designed to make Indian products, innovations, and services globally recognized by enhancing quality standards and fostering original ideas. This aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s push for products that meet global quality standards while supporting local artisans and industries.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and Programmes

Swachhta Puraskar 2024

Source – This post on Swachhta Puraskar 2024 is based on the article “Swachhta Puraskar 2024 presented to several departments at Visakhapatnam Steel Plant” published in PIB on 30th September 2024.

Why in News?

Recently, the Swachhta Puraskar 2024 was presented by the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL).

About Swachhta Puraskar 2024

1. About: The Swachhta Puraskar 2024 is a prestigious award presented by the Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL) to recognize departments that have contributed to the Swachh Bharat initiative.

2. Alignment: This initiative aligns with the broader Swachh Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Mission) launched by the Government of India, promoting cleanliness and sustainable practices within the organization.

The initiative is part of RINL’s broader corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts emphasizing environmental sustainability and the welfare of employees and the surrounding communities.

3. Focus: The awards were part of the ongoing Swachhta Hi Seva 2024 campaign which focuses on encouraging cleanliness and hygiene at the workplace.

4. Departments were recognized for their active involvement in ensuring cleanliness, waste management and sustainability practices within the steel plant.

5. Recognition of Department Heads and Coordinators: Each department’s Head of Department (HOD) along with their Swachhata Coordinators or representatives received the Swachhta Puraskar for their active role in fostering a clean environment within RINL.

6. This award symbolizes RINL’s commitment to promoting a clean and healthy environment for its workforce while advancing sustainable industrial practices.

7. It serves as both a recognition and motivation for continued efforts towards cleanliness and sustainable industrial operations at RINL.

UPSC Syllabus: Miscellaneous

Indian Navy Quiz – THINQ 2024

Source: This post Indian Navy Quiz – THINQ 2024 is created based on the article, THE INDIAN NAVY QUIZ – THINQ 2024, published in PIB on 30the Sep 2024.

What is the News?

The Indian Navy Quiz – THINQ24, progressed with the first Elimination Round on 10 Sep 24.

About Indian Navy Quiz – THINQ 2024

The Indian Navy Quiz – THINQ 2024 is an engaging and educational event.

Organised by: Indian Navy

Aim: It aims to provide young minds with a unique opportunity to experience the ‘way of life’ of the Indian Navy, instilling a sense of national pride and patriotism while testing their knowledge and intellect.

Theme: “Viksit Bharat,” inspired by India’s mission to become a developed nation by 2047.

Participation: The quiz is open to all students in classes 9th to 12th in schools in India, irrespective of the affiliation mode or region.

Prize: The winners will be recognised and honoured with exciting prizes, including mementos, gifts and certificates.

Objectives of the THINQ 2024

1. Promote Awareness: The quiz aims to educate participants about the Indian Navy’s history, achievements, and technological advancements.
2. Encourage Participation: By engaging various demographics, the event seeks to inspire interest in maritime careers and defense services.
3. Foster Teamwork: Participants often compete in teams, promoting collaboration and teamwork among peers.

PUSA – 44 Rice variety

Source: This post PUSA – 44 Rice variety is created based on the article, A rice variety that can address farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, published in Indian Express on 30the Sep 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: Economy or Agriculture

What is the news?

The famous Pusa-44 paddy variety is famous in Panjab; however, it is causing many environmental issues.

What is PUSA – 44 Rice variety?

Pusa-44 is a high-yielding variety of paddy.

Developed by: Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI) in New Delhi.

Released Year: It was released for large-scale cultivation in 1993, this variety has become a popular choice among farmers, particularly in the Punjab region.

Key Characteristics

• Growth Duration: Pusa-44 takes approximately 155-160 daysfrom sowing to harvesting.
• Yield Potential: It boasts an impressive yield of 35-36 quintals per acre, with some farmers reporting yields as high as 40 quintals. This is significantly higher than its nearest competitor, PR-126, which yields about 30-32 quintalsbut matures in a shorter period of 123-125 days.
• Economic Viability: The additional yield translates to a financial benefit of approximately ₹9,280-11,600 per acre, based on the minimum support price of ₹2,320 per quintal for ‘Grade A’ paddy.

What are the challenges in cultivation of PUSA – 44 Rice variety?

Stubble Burning: Due to its long maturity period, farmers in Punjab and Haryana have a short window between harvesting PUSA-44 and sowing the next crop (mainly wheat). This leads to stubble burning as the quickest way to clear the fields, contributing heavily to air pollution.

Water Consumption: PUSA-44 also has high water requirements, exacerbating groundwater depletion in water-scarce regions like Punjab and Haryana.

The Punjab government has banned Pusa-44 for the current crop year due to concerns over stubble burning. However, many farmers continue to cultivate it using saved seeds from previous crops.

What are the alternatives of PUSA – 44 Rice Variety?

The Central and state governments are considering phasing out the PUSA-44, IARI has introduced a new variety called Pusa-2090.

It matures faster (120-125 days) while maintaining comparable yields (34-35 quintals per acre).

This variety aims to reduce stubble burning and improve water efficiency by requiring fewer irrigations.

‘Cyber slavery’ in Southeast Asia

Source: This post ‘Cyber slavery’ in Southeast Asia is created based on the article Amid ‘cyber slavery’ reports, about 30,000 Indians yet to return from Southeast Asia, published in Indian Express on 30^th Sep 2024.

Why in news?

Recent reports indicate that over 30,000 Indians are currently stranded under ‘cyber slavery’ in countries like Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar, and Vietnam.

What has the report stated on cyber slavery?

As per the data compiled by the Bureau of Immigration, under the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), 73,138 Indians travelled to Cambodia, Thailand, Myanmar and Vietnam on visitor visas, from January 2022 to May 2024.

29,466 of these Indians are yet to return.

As per the report, some Indians are trapped in “cyber slavery” in some Southeast Asian countries.

What is cyber slavery?

This refers to situations where individuals, often lured by promises of lucrative jobs to other countries. But, coerced into working in illegal online operations, such as cyber fraud, hacking, or scamming. Once individuals reach these countries their passports would be taken away.

Victims are often confined in guarded facilities with minimal freedom, and their earnings are withheld. Threats of violence or reporting to authorities are used to maintain control.

A significant portion of these individuals is believed to be involved in various forms of digital fraud, including investment scams and online dating frauds.

Reports suggest that many of these scams have resulted in substantial financial losses for victims back in India, because they use the same language. As per the estimates, around ₹800 crore lost by Indians due to fraudulent activities orchestrated by these cyber slaves.