Daily Current Affairs UPSC 07 August 2024

National Handloom Day

• The 10th National Handloom Day will be celebrated on August 7, 2024.
• National Handloom Day is a day to honor handloom weavers and support the handloom industry.
• The day was chosen to commemorate the 'Swadeshi Movement' which started on August 7,1905, promoting Indian-made products including handloom textiles.
• The first National Handloom Day was celebrated in 2015.
• Handloom is India's largest cottage industry and the second largest employment provider in rural regions.
• 70% of weavers and allied workers in the handloom industry are women.

Infrastructure Investment Trust (InvIT)

• NHAI successfully repaid a Rs. 15,700 crore loan using proceeds from InvIT monetization.
• InvIT proceeds are specifically used for NHAI debt repayment.
• InvIT is a Collective Investment Scheme regulated by SEBI, allowing individual and institutional investors to invest in infrastructure projects.
• Dividend and interest income from InvITs is taxable based on the investor's slab rate.
• InvITs are considered borrowers under the SARFAESI Act, giving them certain rights and protections.

Kasturi Cotton Bharat

• The Ministry of Textiles in India has given ginners the authority to produce Kasturi Cotton Bharat brand.
• Kasturi Cotton is a high-quality cotton from India that is fully traceable and certified, using blockchain technology for traceability.
• Kasturi Cotton Bharat is a joint initiative involving the Ministry of Textiles, Cotton Corporation of India, trade bodies, and industry.
• The goal of this initiative is to take ownership of branding, traceability, and certification of Indian cotton in order to improve its global competitiveness and create a sustainable ecosystem.
• The Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) is the implementing agency for this initiative.

De-influencers

• A recent study found that de-influencing trends generate 66.17% more engagement compared to content from traditional influencers.
• De-influencers, also known as reverse influencers, are content creators who critique products they believe are overhyped, harmful, or environmentally wasteful.
• De-influencers also promote more sustainable and ethical alternatives to their audience.
• They advocate for transparency in marketing and challenge the profit-driven mindset of the influencer industry.

Copper (Cu)

• Mining organizations have requested for copper from the Democratic Republic of Congo to be approved for delivery against London Metal Exchange contracts.
• Copper is known for its high malleability and ductility, excellent heat and electricity conductivity, corrosion resistance, and antimicrobial properties.
• Chile is the largest producer of copper globally, accounting for 23% of production and holding the highest reserves.
• Other top copper-producing countries include Peru, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Australia, and Russia.
• In India, copper deposits are found in Singhbhum (Jharkhand), Balaghat (Madhya Pradesh), Jhunjhunu, and Alwar (Rajasthan).
• Copper production in India occurs in Khetri (Rajasthan), Ghatsila (Jharkhand), Jhagadia and Dahej (Gujarat), and Tuticorin (Tamil Nadu).

Granules and Supergranules

• Researchers found a connection between the width of supergranular cells on the solar surface during solar minimum and the number of sunspots seen during the subsequent solar cycle maximum.
• This discovery can be useful in predicting space weather.
• Energy produced in the Sun's core is carried by convection fluid flows through the convection zone, which is the outermost 30% of the Sun.
• Convection motions are visible on the surface as granules (around 1000 km across) and supergranules (around 35,000 km across) cellular features.
• Granules and supergranules are the tops of convection cells where hot fluid rises from the interior, spreads out on the surface, cools, and then sinks back inward.

Mpox

• The 'Deadliest' Mpox Virus has spread across African countries.
• Mpox, formerly known as monkeypox, is caused by the Monkeypox virus (MPXV).
• MPXV is an enveloped double-stranded DNA virus of the Orthopoxvirus genus.
• Mpox is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be spread between animals and people.
• It is endemic in parts of Central and West Africa.
• The virus has been found in small rodents, monkeys, and other mammals in these areas.
• Symptoms of Mpox include skin rashes and headaches.

River Godavari

• A 100-year-old Indian Iris tree fell on the bank of the Akhanda Godavari River.
• The Godavari River is also known as Dakshin Ganga and is the largest river in peninsular India.
• The river originates from Trimbakeshwar in Maharashtra and flows into the Bay of Bengal, forming a delta.
• Before splitting into distributaries, the river is known as Akhanda Godavari at Rajahmundry in Andhra Pradesh.
• The basin states of the Godavari River include Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, and Puducherry.
• Major tributaries of the river include Pravara, Dharna, Indravati, Pranahita, Dudhna, Manjira, and Sabari.
• The Godavari River is bounded by the Satmala Hills to the north, Ajanta Range and Mahadeo Hills to the south, Eastern Ghats to the east, and Western Ghats to the west.
• There are several hydropower projects along the Godavari River, including Nizam Sagar, Pochampad, and Polavaram.

Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB)

• Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has shared information about Anemia Mukt Bharat (AMB).
• AMB aims to reduce anemia in vulnerable groups like women and children.
• Launched as part of the POSHAN Abhiyaan in 2018.
• AMB follows the 6X6X6 strategy: Six target beneficiaries, six interventions, and six institutional mechanisms.
• Interventions include prophylactic Iron and Folic Acid supplementation, delayed cord clamping after delivery, addressing non-nutritional causes of anemia, and biannual mass deworming for 1-19 year olds.

Seahorse

• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence uncovered a smuggling operation involving dried seahorses in Bengaluru, driven by demand for traditional medicine and gourmet cuisine.
• Seahorses are small fish with horse-shaped heads, not mammals, and India's coastal ecosystems are home to 9 out of the 12 species found in the Indo-Pacific.
• Seahorses are secondary consumers, not detritivores, meaning they feed on other organisms rather than decaying matter.
• Seahorses are listed under Schedule I of the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and are also included in CITES Appendix II for conservation purposes.

Impact of Atmospheric Rivers on Indian Floods

Researchers caution that the worsening of extreme rainfall events and weather patterns is being exacerbated by the intensification and more frequent occurrence of atmospheric rivers as a result of global warming

Atmospheric Rivers (AR)

• ARs are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere that transport water vapour.
• They are part of a larger system of cyclones that move heat and moisture from the tropics to the poles.
• ARs are the largest transport mechanisms of freshwater on Earth.
• Some ARs can cause extreme rainfall and floods.

Climate Change and Atmospheric Rivers

• As temperatures rise, rain events become more intense due to increased moisture retention in the atmosphere.
• By 2100, ARs are expected to become more intense globally.
• Intensified ARs can lead to drought-like conditions in some regions.

Impact of ARs on India

• Seven of India's most severe floods between 1985 and 2020 were associated with ARs.
• Increased fog and haze in the Indo-Gangetic plains have been linked to rising pollution and water vapour from ARs.
• Declining snow albedo in the Hindukush-Karakoram-Himalayan Mountain Range due to increased rainfall speeding up snow melting.
• Quality Council of India introduces QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework.

"Introducing QCI Surajya Recognition & Ranking Framework"

About Framework

Framework for Recognizing Excellence in Quality and Innovation

• Aim: Recognize and reward states and organizations excelling in quality and innovation for a Developed India.
• Pillars: Education, Health, Prosperity, Governance.

Quality Council of India (QCI)

• Establishment: National body of accreditation in 1996, autonomous non-profit organization.
• Jointly set up by Government of India and Indian Industry (ASSOCHAM, FICCI, CII).
• Nodal Department: DPIIT, Ministry of Commerce and Industry.
• Governing Council: 39 members with equal representation of Government, Industry, and Stakeholders.
• Role: National Accreditation Body, promote quality through National Quality Campaign, third-party assessment, improve quality of life in India.

Achievements

• Healthcare: Expanded COVID-19 testing labs, ABPMJAY quality certification, Kayakalp Certification for cleanliness.
• Sanitation: Certification of ULBs as ODF, ODF+, ODF++
• Education: Launched eQuest platform for employability through skill and training.
• Agriculture: Developed standards and scheme for Good Agriculture Practice implementation and certification in SAARC countries.

"Rising Tropospheric Ozone Pollution in Indian Cities"

Key findings on Ground-level Ozone (GLO)

• India's 10 metropolitan areas have exceeded the national ozone standard, with Delhi being the most affected.
• GLO hotspots are located in areas with low levels of NO2 and PM2.5 as the unavailability of NO2 hampers its dissipation.
• Night-time GLO continues to persist in all metropolitan areas.

Ground-level Ozone (GLO)

• Ozone (O3) is a variant of oxygen composed of three oxygen atoms.
• It occurs both in the Earth's upper atmosphere and at ground level.
• GLO is a secondary, short-lived pollutant formed in the atmosphere by the reaction between oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the presence of sunlight.
• Peak O3 levels occur in summers.
• Sources of GLO include pollution from cars, power plants, industries, and electronic equipment like photocopiers.

Impact of Ground-level Ozone (GLO)

• Health impacts include worsening bronchitis, triggering asthma, and permanently damaging lung tissue.
• Climate impacts include absorbing radiation and acting as a strong greenhouse gas.
• Agriculture and ecosystem impacts include interfering with photosynthesis and stunting the overall growth of some plant species.

Strategies to prevent Ozone pollution

• Reduce methane emissions and cut levels of atmospheric pollution from cars, power plants, and other sources.

"New SOP for Organ Transport Released by Ministry of Health"

Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) provide detailed instructions and protocols for the efficient transportation of organs within India.

Key Features of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for Organ Transport in India

• Green corridor: One Trigger System for organ transport by green corridor
• Applicability: Organs transported only within Indian territory
• Means of Transport: Air, roads, trains, metros, ports, and waterways allowed

Organ Transplantation

• Life-saving therapy for end-stage organ failure.
• Replaces damaged organs with healthy ones from donors.

Status of Organ Transplantation in India

• Highest ever organ transplantation in 2023 at 18,378.
• 63% of living donors and 30% of recipients were women.
• India ranks third in the world for organ transplantation.

Issues in Organ Transplantation

• Wide gap between patients needing transplants and organ donors.
• Commercial transactions fueling illegal organ trade.
• Poor rate of Brain Stem Death certification by hospitals.
• Ethical concerns regarding surrogate decision making and end-of-life care.

Transplantation of Human Organs and Tissues Act (THOTA), 1994

• Regulates removal, storage, and transplantation of human organs.
• A three-tier regulatory structure with NOTTO at the national level.
• National Human Organ and Tissue Removal and Storage Network at one or more places.

"India's Remarkable 165% Increase in Renewable Energy Capacity"

According to the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy, India's renewable energy capacity grew from 76.38 GW in 2014 to 203.1 GW in 2024.

Current Status of India

• Ranks fourth globally in renewable energy capacity.
• 4th in Wind Power capacity and 5th in solar photovoltaic power.
• Crossed 200 GW capacity from non-fossil fuel sources.

Steps taken to achieve growth

• Foreign Direct Investment permitted up to 100%.
• Waiver of Inter State Transmission System charges for certain projects.
• Implementation of dedicated programmes like PM-KUSUM.
• Introduction of rules like Offshore Wind Energy Lease Rules.

Challenges in growth of RE

• Legacy infrastructure costs and high transmission losses.
• Grid reliability concerns and high transition costs.
• Limited access to low-cost financing.
• Energy storage capacity issues for intermittent power supply.

Way Forward

• Promote hybrid wind and solar plants.
• Focus on new energy storage systems like Pumped Storage Hydropower and batteries.

Google's Monopoly Ruling: US Court

• US District Court found Google guilty of violating Sherman Act.
• Monopoly in General Search Services (GSS) and General Text Advertising markets.
• Anti-trust laws aim to prevent anti-competitive practices and monopolies.

Google's Monopoly Issues

• Google has 89.2% market share in GSS, 94.9% on mobile devices.
• Controls 88% of text advertising market.
• Maintains monopoly through control of distribution channels and deals with tech companies.

Concerns with Big Tech Monopolies

• Abuse of dominant position with access to large datasets.
• Winner-take-most nature of digital market limits competition.
• Anti-Competitive Practices identified in India's Parliamentary Report.

Regulation of Big Tech in India

• Competition Act, 2002 prohibits anticompetitive agreements and abuse of dominance.
• Competition Commission of India established to eliminate ACPs and promote competition.
• Draft Digital Competition Bill, 2024 aims at predictive regulation for anti-trust issues.
• Consumer Protection Act, 2019 addresses unfair trade practices.

Anti-Competitive Practices (ACPs)

• Regulations against steering customers.
• Pricing strategies and discounts.
• Fairness in platform neutrality and self-preferencing.
• Exclusive partnerships.
• Adjacency and bundling practices.
• Search and ranking preferences.
• Use of non-public data.
• Limiting third-party applications.
• Mergers and acquisitions.
• Advertising guidelines.