UPSC Daily Current Affairs - 15th November 2023 | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly PDF Download

GS-I

Kangri

Subject: Art and Culture

Why in News?

As winter tightens its icy grip on the Kashmir valley, the traditional fire pot known as “Kangri” is seeing a surge in demand.

About Kangri:

• The Kangri, also known as Kanger or Kangid, is a portable heater used by Kashmiris during winter.
• It consists of earthenware filled with glowing embers enclosed in handmade wicker baskets.
• Kashmiris carry it in their pheran, a knee-length woolen cloak, for warmth in freezing temperatures.
• Each pot can hold around 250 grams of charcoal, providing hours of heat.
• The Kangri is crucial for staying warm during harsh winter months, with temperatures dropping below minus 20 degrees.
• The outer shell is crafted from willow wicker reeds found in north Kashmir's Ganderbal district wetlands, reaching up to eight feet.
• The reeds undergo a process of scraping, peeling, soaking, boiling, and drying before being woven around a bowl-shaped clay pot.
• The earthenware is adorned with colorful threads, mirrorwork, and sequins, with a diameter of about six inches (150 mm).

Source: India Today

GS-II

ASEAN

Subject: International Relations

Why in News?

Recently, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh attended the 10th ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting-Plus (ADMM Plus).

Background:-

• It will be held in Jakarta, Indonesia, from the 16th of November to the 17th of November,2023.
• Since 2017, the ADMM-Plus Ministers have been meeting annually to bolster cooperation between ASEAN and the Plus countries.

About ASEAN:-

• Establishment: August 8, 1967.
• Secretariat: Jakarta, Indonesia.
• Members: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Brunei, Vietnam, Laos, Myanmar, and Cambodia.
• Founding Document: Bangkok Declaration in 1967 formally established ASEAN.
• First Summit: Held in 1976.
• Purpose:
  • Founded for maintaining social stability and political equilibrium among post-colonial Asian states.
  • Aims to address escalating conflicts in the region.
• Motto: "One Vision, One Identity, One Community."
• ASEAN Day: Celebrated on August 8th.

Institutional mechanism of ASEAN:-

• ASEAN Summit: It meets annually to discuss regional issues and set policy directions.
• ASEAN Coordinating Council (ACC): It oversees the implementation of ASEAN agreements and decisions.
• ASEAN Secretariat: It supports and facilitates ASEAN’s activities and initiatives.
• ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF): It is a platform for dialogue and cooperation on political and security issues among ASEAN member countries and their partners.
• Decision Making: It is done through consultation and consensus.

Significance of ASEAN for India:-

• Strategic Importance:
  • India requires a robust diplomatic connection with ASEAN nations for both economic and security considerations.
• Connectivity Initiatives:
  • Initiating connectivity projects through forums like the India-ASEAN conclave.
  • Northeast India plays a central role, fostering economic growth in the region.
• Trade Enhancement:
  • Strengthening trade relations with ASEAN nations serves as a strategic response to China's regional influence.
  • Promotes economic growth and development within India.
• Indo-Pacific Security:
  • ASEAN's pivotal role in the rules-based security architecture in the Indo-Pacific is crucial for India.
  • Maritime security is vital, given the dependency of India's trade on this region.
• Collaborative Security Measures:
  • Collaborating with ASEAN nations is imperative to address challenges like insurgency in the Northeast, counter-terrorism, and combat issues like tax evasion.

Source: AIR

One Station One Product scheme

Subject: Polity

Why in News?

The “One Station One Product” initiative by the Indian Railways, which provides uniquely designed sale outlets for locals to sell indigenous products, is now operational at 1,037 stations nationwide.

About One Station One Product scheme:

• It is an initiative by the Indian Railways, under the Ministry of Railways.
• It was launched with a vision to promote ‘Vocal for Local’.
• It provides uniquely designed sale outlets for locals to sell indigenous products nationwide.
• This scheme is designed by the National Institute of Design, Ahmedabad.
• It aims to build each railway station as a promotional hub and showcasing local and indigenous manufacturing products.
• Under the scheme, the allotment is done to all eligible applicants on a rotational basis.
• The pilot of the scheme was started on March 25, 2022.
• This scheme is providing welfare of local artisans, potters, weavers, tribals etc.
• The eligible applicant will be allotted a temporary stall or kiosk for a period of 15 days on deposition of Rs 1,000 with Railways.
• Sale outlets are provided at stations nationwide, allotted through a tendering process.
• The zonal railways will identify the stations, eligible products and the vendors.

Source: Financial Express

GS-III

Trishakti Prahar

Subject: Defence and Security

Why in News?

Much-anticipated joint exercise 'Trishakti Prahar' recently began near the western border of Rajasthan in Jaisalmer.

About Trishakti Prahar:

• Participants: Indian Army, Indian Navy, and Indian Air Force collaborate.
• Objectives:
  • Enhance mutual coordination and operational efficiency.
  • Develop new strategies and assess operational capabilities in modern warfare.
• Activities:
  • All three branches actively engage in live practice sessions simulating real war scenarios.
  • Long-range attacks by reconnaissance aircraft focus on precision and high-volume attacks.
• Military Assets:
  • Diverse array, including howitzers, helicopters, T-90s, and Arjun main battle tanks.
• Air Force Showcase:
  • Pune-based Southwestern Command demonstrates operational capability and readiness.
  • Highlights integrated air-land operations, combined arms operations, and fast mobility.
• Aircraft Contribution:
  • Fighter aircraft, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy lift helicopters, and Navy aircraft.
• Technological Evaluation:
  • Evaluates modern warfare technologies like unmanned aerial vehicles, precision-guided missiles, loiter munitions, counter-drone systems, communication systems, and automatic spectrum monitoring systems.

Source: Republic World

Helicobacter pylori

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

The National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases has made quick detection of drug-resistant ‘Helicobacter pylori possible recently.

Background:-

• A two-step PCR-based assay of a small region of the Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria can help detect H. pylori infection and also identify clarithromycin-resistant bacteria and those that are drug-sensitive in six-seven hours has been developed by a team of researchers from the National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED), Kolkata.

About Helicobacter pylori:-

• H pylori is a bacterium that infects the stomach lining.
• It is linked to gastrointestinal issues like peptic ulcers and stomach cancer.
• About two-thirds of the world’s population has it in their bodies.
• For most people, it never causes any symptoms.
• In India, H. pylori infection affects 60-70% of the population.
• This usually happens during childhood and remains in the stomach throughout their life if not treated with antibiotics effectively.

Symptoms:-

• An ache or burning pain in your stomach (abdomen)
• Stomach pain that may be worse when your stomach is empty
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Frequent burping
• Bloating
• Unintentional weight loss

Treatment:-

• Clarithromycin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat H. pylori infections, but drug-resistant strains in India have raised concerns about its effectiveness.

Diagnosis:-

• Traditional H. pylori infection diagnosis and antibiotic sensitivity testing involved time-consuming bacterial culture, taking weeks.
• Delayed diagnosis and sensitivity testing can result in ineffective treatment and antibiotic resistance.
• The National Institute of Cholera and Enteric Diseases (ICMR-NICED) in Kolkata created a two-step PCR-based assay for diagnosing H. pylori infection.
• This assay amplifies a specific DNA segment, targeting a critical mutation linked to clarithromycin resistance.

Significance of discovery:-

• The PCR-based assay offers a faster and more accurate alternative to traditional culturing methods, aiding in prompt diagnosis and effective treatment.
• The assay has demonstrated 100% sensitivity and specificity. 

Source: The Hindu

Orionid Meteor Shower

Subject: Science and Technology

Why in News?

Recently, the Orionid Meteor Shower was seen.

About Orionid Meteor Shower:-

• October month every year, Earth passes through the tail of debris left behind by Halley’s comet.
• This comet orbits the sun approximately every 76 years.
• The Orionid meteor shower, an annual phenomenon that lights up the night sky every October.
• It is produced when Earth passes through the debris left behind by Halley’s Comet.
• The result is what NASA calls “one of the most beautiful showers of the year”: the Orionid meteor shower.
• This shower lasts until November 22, but don’t wait to get out there and look up, because it’s about to peak this weekend.
• Halley’s Comet was predicted, by the calculations by English astronomer Edmond Halley.
• Interestingly, the comet is named after its orbit calculator rather than its discoverer.
• Halley’s Comet measures about five by nine miles in size and loses between three to ten feet of material on each passage through the inner solar system.
• Halley’s Comet has a unique history of predictable returns and has been observed throughout history, with recorded sightings dating back to 240 CE.

Source: CNN

INS SUMEDHA

Subject: Defence

Why in News?

Recently, INS Sumedha made a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia.

Background:-

• INS Sumedha in continuation with Indian Navy’s mission-based deployment to West Africa and Atlantic made a port call at Walvis Bay, Namibia from 10-13 November 23.
• This port call is a manifestation of India’s warm ties with Namibia, its commitment to enhance maritime security and demonstrate solidarity with friendly nations.

About INS SUMEDHA:-

• Built by: Goa Shipyard Limited.
• INS Sumedha is an indigenously built Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel.
• It is part of the Indian Navy’s Eastern Fleet based at Visakhapatnam.
• It is the third ship of the indigenous Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel (NOPV) Project to be inducted into the Indian Navy.
• It is deployed for multiple roles independently and in support of Fleet Operations.
• Its primary role is to undertake EEZ surveillance, anti-piracy patrols, fleet support operations, providing maritime security to offshore assets and carry out escort operations for high value assets.

Significance:-

• It is a highly potent platform that can be deployed for a variety of operational missions.
• It bears testimony to the capabilities of the Indian ship building industry. 

Source: PIB