Weekly Current Affairs (15th to 21st October 2024) | Current Affairs: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - CLAT PDF Download

What is THAAD?

The United States has decided to send the Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence (THAAD) missile system to Israel.

• This is part of the U.S.’s promise to help strengthen Israel’s defence, especially with the rising tensions with Iran, which have included recent missile attacks on Israel.

What is the THAAD Missile Defence System?

• THAAD, or Terminal High-Altitude Area Defence, is an advanced missile defence system designed to intercept and destroy enemy missiles during the last part of their flight.
• It works by using a technology called “hit-to-kill,” meaning it directly hits a missile in the air to destroy it, rather than using explosives.

Components of a THAAD system:

• 95 soldiers to operate it Six truck-mounted launchers(each launcher has eight interceptors)
• A total of 48 interceptors(missiles that destroy the enemy missiles)
• Radar and tactical control equipment to detect and track incoming threats

Manufacturer: The system is built by Lockheed Martin, a major U.S. defence contractor.

Types of ballistic missiles THAAD can defend against:

• Short-range missiles (up to 1,000 km away)
• Medium-range missiles (1,000 to 3,000 km)
• Limited intermediate-range missiles (up to 5,000 km)

Comparison with older systems:

• THAAD provides wider coverage and greater protection against missile attacks compared to older systems like the Patriot Air and Missile Defence System.

Reasons for U.S. sending THAAD to Israel:

• Strengthen Israel’s missile defences against potential attacks, especially from Iran.
• Protect American soldiers and personnel based in Israel.
• Signal to Iran that the U.S. is serious about defending Israel and maintaining regional stability.

Iran's reaction:

• Iran sees the deployment of THAAD as a threat to its security and a signal of increased U.S. military involvement in the region.
• Iran feels pressured by ongoing tensions with Israel and the presence of more U.S. military equipment.
• The Iranian government has warned the U.S. against increasing its involvement in West Asia(the Middle East).

Comparison of military budgets:

• Israel spends a lot of money on its missile defence systems, including THAAD, giving it an advantage over Iran.
• Iran has a smaller budget for its missile technology, which affects its military capabilities.

Overall impact:

• The deployment of THAAD strengthens Israel’s defence capabilities and demonstrates U.S. support for Israel.
• It also complicates regional dynamics, potentially increasing tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran.

Delhi-NCR Implements Stage I of Graded Response Action Plan

Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) Activated in Delhi-NCR

• Delhi and the surrounding National Capital Region (NCR) have seen a decline in air quality, prompting the activation of Stage I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) by the Central government's air pollution control panel.
• The Air Quality Index (AQI) reached 234, categorizing it as 'poor' and necessitating immediate action to prevent further degradation.

What is GRAP?

• GRAP, or the Graded Response Action Plan, was established in India in 2017 as an emergency response to combat air pollution in Delhi and its neighboring areas.
• The plan consists of four stages, each activated by varying levels of air pollution, with specific actions outlined for each stage to mitigate pollution and enhance air quality.

Key Actions Under Stage I:

• Dust Control: Construction sites are required to implement stricter dust control measures, including increased water sprinkling to settle airborne dust.
• Waste Management: Authorities are enforcing stricter waste management practices, particularly to prevent open burning of trash.
• Traffic Management: Measures are being taken to reduce traffic-related pollution, including vehicle pollution checks and improvements in traffic flow.
• Industry Emission Control: Factories, power plants, and brick kilns are under close scrutiny to ensure compliance with emission guidelines.
• Restrictions on Diesel Generators: Use of diesel generators is being limited due to their high pollution output.
• Banning Coal and Firewood: The use of coal and firewood in food establishments is prohibited to reduce smoke emissions.

Implementation Timeline:

• The measures under Stage I commenced at 8 am on Tuesday, as mandated by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM).
• Authorities in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Rajasthan have been directed to implement these regulations.

Future Stages of GRAP:

• Stage II: Activated when AQI is 'Very Poor' (301-400).
• Stage III: Activated when AQI is 'Severe' (401-450).
• Stage IV: Activated when AQI is 'Severe Plus' (above 450).

Importance of GRAP:

• GRAP plays a vital role in managing air quality, particularly during winter months when pollution levels tend to rise.
• It is essential for safeguarding public health by ensuring proactive measures are taken to reduce pollution before it reaches hazardous levels.

Union Ministry Launches iGOT Lab for Ministry Employees

Dr. L. Murugan, the Union Minister, has initiated the establishment of an iGOT Lab (Integrated Government Online Training Lab) within the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting. This initiative aims to enhance the skills of Ministry employees through online learning.

• Objectives of the iGOT Lab: The primary goal of the iGOT Lab is to facilitate continuous professional development by offering online courses to help employees improve their skills and knowledge, making them more effective in their roles.
• Onboarding Timeline: Dr. Murugan has set an October 19 deadline for all Ministry employees to be fully registered and utilizing the iGOT portal, reflecting a strong commitment to rapid adoption of digital learning.
• Recommended Courses: The Ministry has identified 16 key courses to enhance employee skills, including:
• Incentives for Participation: To motivate participation, the Ministry will recognize and reward employees who complete the most courses each quarter, fostering a culture of continuous learning.
• Workshops and Communication: The Ministry plans to conduct workshops to communicate its learning agenda and objectives to all employees across its media units, ensuring alignment with strategic goals.
• Focus on Grievance Handling: In addition to the iGOT Lab, Dr. Murugan emphasized the importance of efficient grievance and RTI application handling to maintain transparency and accountability within the Ministry.

SCO Summit 2024

Pakistan to Host 2024 SCO Summit:

• Pakistan is set to host the 2024 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Islamabad on October 15-16.
• Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif will welcome leaders from member states, including China, Russia, Iran, and India.
• The summit will focus on regional issues such as security and economic cooperation.

India-Pakistan Relations at the Summit:

• The summit occurs amidst ongoing tensions between India and Pakistan, particularly following the Pulwama attack in 2019.
• Both countries have indicated that they will not engage in bilateral talks during the summit.
• India stresses the importance of peaceful relations but prioritizes addressing terrorism issues.

India-China Border Disputes:

• In addition to India-Pakistan issues, tensions between India and China over their shared border are also a concern.
• While the summit is not specifically aimed at resolving these disputes, it offers a platform for indirect dialogue between the two nations.

Protests in Pakistan:

• Pakistan is facing internal challenges ahead of the summit, particularly due to protests led by the opposition PTI party.
• Protesters are demanding the release of former Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is currently imprisoned.
• This situation has prompted the Pakistani government to strengthen security measures to ensure the summit proceeds smoothly.

Heightened Security for the Summit:

• To ensure safety during the summit, Pakistan has deployed over 10,000 police and paramilitary forces in Islamabad.
• Public gatherings have been banned, and strict surveillance is being implemented around key locations, such as Adiala Jail, where Imran Khan is detained.

About the SCO:

• The Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) was founded in 2001 as a security-oriented group.
• Its original members included China, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan, with India and Pakistan joining in 2017.
• Iran is expected to become a member soon.
• The SCO aims to promote cooperation among member states in areas like politics, economics, and military efforts, particularly in combating separatism, terrorism, and extremism.
• As the largest regional organization globally, the SCO covers 60% of Eurasia and includes 40% of the world’s population.

Kaziranga National Park Recognized for Butterfly Diversity

Kaziranga National Park: A Hub of Butterfly Diversity

• Kaziranga National Park, renowned for its one-horned rhinoceros population, has recently been acknowledged as India’s second-largest hub for butterfly diversity, boasting an impressive 446 butterfly species. This places it just behind Namdapha National Park in Arunachal Pradesh.
• Dr. Monsoon Jyoti Gogoi, who has been studying the park since 2007, conducted research that highlights the park’s rich variety of wildlife.In September, the park hosted its first-ever ‘Butterfly Conservation Meet-2024’, gathering around 40 butterfly enthusiasts and experts to discuss the various butterfly species found in Kaziranga.
• The park’s butterfly diversity is particularly noteworthy as it is located outside the typically species-rich Himalayan and Patkai mountain ranges. Some of the remarkable butterfly species observed in Kaziranga include Burmese Threering, Glassy Cerulean, Dark-bordered Hedge Blue, Ferrar’s Cerulean, Great Red-vein Lancer, Peacock Oakblue, Yellow-tailed Awlking, Dark-dusted Palm Dart, Clavate Banded Demon, Pale-marked Ace Yellow, and Onyx Long-winged Hedge Blue.
• During these studies, researchers identified 18 butterfly species that had never been reported in India before, showcasing the park’s unique biodiversity.
• Beyond Kaziranga National Park, the nearby Panbari Reserve Forest also supports various butterfly species, further enriching the region’s ecological diversity.
• Dr. Gogoi has compiled a pictorial guidebook documenting all 446 butterfly species found in the park. At the recent conservation meet,Gaurab Nandi Das from the Czech Republic shared valuable insights on butterfly classification, underscoring the significance of ongoing conservation efforts in Kaziranga.
• Kaziranga National Park is situated in the Golaghat and Nagaon districts of Assam, India. Established as a national park in 1974, it is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is of international importance, housing two-thirds of the world’s greater one-horned rhinoceroses and representing the largest undisturbed area of the Brahmaputra Valley floodplains.
• The park’s vegetation comprises a mix of eastern wet alluvial grasslands, semi-evergreen forests, and tropical moist deciduous forests, contributing to its biodiversity and ecological significance.
• Kaziranga National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in India, is famous for its large population of Indian one-horned rhinoceroses, which constitute about two-thirds of the global population. Established in 1905, the park spans 430 square kilometers and features diverse ecosystems, including grasslands and wetlands. It is home to over 480 bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatching, as well as significant populations of tigers and elephants. Kaziranga’s unique floodplain ecology supports its rich biodiversity, and its conservation efforts are crucial for wildlife preservation in India.

Expensive Farmed Salmon Threatens Affordable  Fish Access Globally

Study Overview:

• A recent study published on October 16, 2024, in Science Advances, investigates the impact of rising farmed salmon demand on coastal communities' access to affordable fish. Led by Patricia Majluf from Cayetano Heredia University, the research focuses on the use of small fish, known as forage fish, in producing fishmeal and fish oil (FMFO) for aquaculture.

Reduction Fisheries Explained:

• Reduction fisheries involve catching small fish, such as anchovies or sardines, specifically for fishmeal and fish oil production, rather than for human consumption.
• A significant portion of the global fish catch comes from reduction fisheries, with 12 of the top 20 global fisheries targeting these small species.
• The Peruvian anchoveta is one of the largest fisheries, primarily used for FMFO, impacting local communities that rely on these fish for food.

Impact on Coastal Communities:

• Poor coastal communities depend on small fish for food and livelihoods.
• As these fish are redirected to feed farmed fish like salmon, local access to affordable protein sources diminishes.

Understanding the Fish-in-Fish-out (FIFO) Ratio:

• The FIFO ratio measures the amount of wild fish needed to produce farmed fish.
• The study highlights potential misrepresentation in the aquaculture industry's claims about the reduction of fishmeal in feeds, particularly for carnivorous fish like salmon.
• Despite claims of using less fishmeal, there remains a high demand for fish oil, especially for farmed salmon.

Concerns About Sustainability:

• Climate change and overfishing pose significant threats to the populations of key fish species like the Peruvian anchoveta.
• Overfishing, especially the capture of young fish before they can reproduce, exacerbates the decline in fish populations.
• In response, some feed producers are exploring alternative sources, including fish typically consumed by humans, to ensure a steady supply of fish oil.

Recommendations for the Aquaculture Industry:

• The study advocates for the aquaculture industry to seek alternatives to fishmeal and fish oil in fish feeds.
• This shift would enhance the sustainability of fish farming and ensure that coastal communities can continue to rely on fish as a vital food source.
• Improving the sustainability of fish feeds is crucial for protecting the environment and ensuring that vulnerable communities have access to affordable fish.

16th BRICS Summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Upcoming Visit to Russia for the BRICS Summit:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Russia from October 22-23, 2023, to participate in the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan, at the invitation of President Vladimir Putin.
• This marks Modi's second trip to Russia in 2023, following a previous visit to Moscow in July.

Understanding the BRICS Summit:

• The BRICS Summit is a gathering of five major countries:Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
• This year, new members including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE have joined the group.
• The main aim of the summit is to strengthen cooperation among these nations to promote global development and security.

Modi's Agenda at the Summit:

• During the summit, Modi is expected to meet with leaders from the BRICS countries and may also have a significant meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping.
• This potential meeting is important due to the ongoing border tensions between India and China.

Key Themes of This Year’s Summit:

• The focus of this year’s summit is on multilateralism, which emphasizes global cooperation in a fair and equal manner.
• Leaders will discuss ways to continue existing collaborations and plan new initiatives for development and security.

Economic and Political Aspirations:

• President Putin believes that BRICS countries can play a crucial role in boosting global economic growth.
• He also emphasizes economic sovereignty, which aims to reduce the dependency of BRICS nations on other countries, particularly Western powers.

Strategic Initiatives:

• Putin is advocating for major infrastructure projects such as the Arctic Sea route and the North-to-South corridor.
• These initiatives aim to enhance trade connections between Eurasia and Africa, improving the efficiency of goods transportation.

The Significance of the BRICS Summit:

• The BRICS Summit serves as a vital platform for addressing global issues and fostering cooperation among emerging economies.
• It takes place during a period of significant political and economic changes worldwide.

A Brief History of the BRICS Summit:

• The BRICS Summit began in 2009, with its first meeting held in Russia.
• BRICS countries collectively represent about 42% of the world’s population and 23% of the global economy.
• The term "BRICS" was coined by economist Jim O’Neill in 2001, and these countries focus on economic cooperation and political collaboration, often addressing key global issues.

Abhyuday Jindal, President of Indian Chamber of Commerce

Abhyuday Jindal appointed as President of Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC)

• Abhyuday Jindal has been appointed as the new President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce (ICC), succeeding Ameya Prabhu.
• Jindal's appointment comes as the ICC continues to evolve in response to changing business leadership in India.

About the Appointment:

• Jindal took over after Prabhu's term ended on October 18, 2024.
• The ICC, founded in 1925, collaborates with the government to address industry challenges.

Jindal’s Leadership Goals:

• Sustainable Business Practices: Promoting environmentally and socially beneficial business strategies.
• Inclusive Growth: Supporting initiatives that ensure broad societal benefits from economic progress.
• Global Advocacy: Working on policies to enhance the global competitiveness of Indian industries.

Economic Ambitions:

• Jindal's plans align with India's aim to become a $35 trillion economy by 2047.
• He emphasizes building a strong and resilient economy through strategic actions.

Jindal’s Background:

• Jindal holds a degree in economics and business management from Boston University, providing a solid academic foundation for his role.

About the ICC:

• The ICC is a pivotal business organization in India, working closely with central and state governments to represent industrial interests.
• Since its inception, the ICC has facilitated dialogue between businesses and the government to promote economic growth.

Cyclone Dana Expected to Form in Bay of Bengal

A new cyclone is forming in the Bay of Bengal and will be named 'Dana,' meaning a beautiful pearl in Arabic. This name was suggested by Qatar. The cyclone is expected to strengthen within the next 24 hours.

Cyclone Naming Process:

• Since 2004, the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) has overseen the naming of cyclones in the North Indian Ocean.
• Member countries include Bangladesh, Iran, Maldives, Myanmar, Oman, Pakistan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, UAE, and Yemen.
• Each country proposes four names.
• When a cyclone forms, it is named in order from the list.
• Once a name is used, it is retired and not repeated.

About Low-Pressure Areas:

• A low-pressure area over the sea is created when air pressure drops.
• This drop in pressure causes winds from surrounding areas to come together.
• In the Northern Hemisphere, these winds rotate anti-clockwise.
• The North Indian Ocean, being in this hemisphere, experiences this phenomenon.

Development into a Cyclone:

• A low-pressure area can develop into a depression and then into a cyclone if it continues to grow in size and strength.
• Cyclones are associated with various weather events, including storm surges as they approach land.

Types of Cyclones:

• Cyclones, hurricanes, and typhoons are different names for the same weather phenomenon, depending on their location.
• Hurricanes occur in the North Atlantic and Northeast Pacific.
• Typhoons form in the Northwest Pacific Ocean.
• Cyclones are found in the South Pacific and Indian Oceans.

Future Cyclone Names:

• After Dana, the next cyclones will be named Fengal (Saudi Arabia), Shakhti (Sri Lanka), and Montha (Thailand).
• The naming continues in this order until all names are used, after which new lists will be proposed by member countries.

Impact of Cyclones:

• Cyclones can cause severe weather conditions like heavy rainfall, strong winds, and flooding.
• Coastal areas are especially at risk from storm surges, which can cause significant damage.

Monitoring and Preparedness:

• Meteorological agencies closely monitor developing cyclones, and early warnings are essential for safety.
• Residents in affected areas are advised to stay informed and prepare for potential impacts.

Andhra Pradesh to Scrap 2 Child Policy for Local Elections

•  On October 20, 2024, the Chief Minister of Andhra Pradesh, N. Chandrababu Naidu, made an announcement regarding new laws for candidates in local body elections. 
•  The proposed legislation will require that candidates must have two or more children. 
•  This decision is aimed at tackling issues related to the state's ageing population and the problem of declining birth rates. 
•  Previously, the government implemented a two-child policy that prevented individuals with more than two children from running for election. 

Background of the Two-Child Policy:

• The two-child policy was introduced in 1994 in united Andhra Pradesh.
• Aimed to control population growth by barring individuals with more than two children from participating in local body elections.
• Also impacted access to government jobs and benefits in some states.
• Faced criticism over its implications for democratic representation.

Current Demographic Concerns:

• Fertility rate in Andhra Pradesh has dropped to 1.5, below the national average of 2.1.
• Concerns raised about future population balance and increasing elderly residents.
• Warning of a severe ageing crisis by 2047 if trends continue.

Impact of Youth Migration:

• Migration of young people from rural areas to urban centres and abroad, leaving villages with predominantly elderly populations.
• This migration exacerbates demographic challenges, leading to potential age structure imbalance.

Global Comparisons:

• Parallels drawn between Andhra Pradesh and countries like Japan, China, and several European countries facing similar demographic issues.
• These countries experiencing significant rise in elderly populations, leading to socio-economic challenges.

Legislative Changes Proposed:

• Proposed law allowing only individuals with two or more children to contest local body elections.
• Aim to incentivise families to have more children.
• Emphasis on having more children as a societal responsibility.

Historical Perspective on Population Control:

• Chief Minister acknowledged previous stance on population control that led to the two-child policy.
• Shift in perspective from fearing overpopulation to ensuring a stable and youthful population for the future.

ISRO Receives Satellites for SPADEX Docking Mission

• Satellite Acquisition: ISRO has acquired two 400kg satellites for the SPADEX mission, aimed at demonstrating satellite docking in space.
• Mission Overview: SPADEX will launch the satellites into slightly different orbits using a single rocket. They will travel at speeds of about 28,000 km/h to align and dock together, which is crucial for future missions like Chandrayaan-4 and the Indian Space Station.
• Importance of Docking: Docking technology is vital for operations such as astronauts docking their spacecraft with space stations for crew and cargo transfer. SPADEX will validate autonomous rendezvous and docking capabilities.
• Role of Ananth Technologies: Ananth Technologies Private Limited (ATL) assembled and tested the satellites, marking the first time ISRO relied on a private company for full satellite assembly. ATL has been a key partner since 2000.
• Impact of Reforms: The collaboration between ISRO and ATL reflects recent reforms in the Indian space sector, promoting private sector involvement and innovation in space missions.
• Future Goals: The technologies tested in SPADEX are crucial for India's plans to establish a space station by 2028 and for future missions like Chandrayaan-4, which will utilize docking technology.
• Next Steps: The satellites will be taken to the Indian Spaceport at Sriharikota for further testing and fueling before launch, marking a significant milestone for India's space program.

EPFO Sees 18.53 Lakh New Members in August 2024

Growth in EPFO Memberships: August 2024:

• The Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) saw a significant rise in its subscriber base, with 18.53 lakh net additions in August 2024, reflecting a 9.07% increase from the previous year.
• New memberships included 9.30 lakh members, a slight increase of 0.48% from August 2023, attributed to outreach programs and heightened awareness of EPFO benefits.
• The majority of new members (59.26%) are aged 18 to 25 years, indicating a trend of young individuals, particularly first-time job seekers, entering the organized workforce.
• Approximately 13.54 lakh members re-joined EPFO after exiting, a 14.03% increase from the previous year, often opting to transfer EPF accumulations for long-term financial security.
• Gender diversity improved, with 2.53 lakh women joining, leading to a net female member addition of 3.79 lakh, reflecting greater female participation in the organized sector.
• Maharashtra led in net member additions, contributing 20.59% of the total, with other states like Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, and Delhi also making significant contributions.
• The increase in EPFO memberships indicates a strong job market and evolving workforce demographics, with greater inclusivity among youth and women.
• The trends in membership growth and regional contributions provide insights into the changing landscape of employment and employee benefits in India.