Brief Summary
This video provides a comprehensive review of important current affairs from November 10th to November 16th, covering topics relevant to the UPSC exam. It includes discussions on international relations, geography, science and technology, environmental issues, and Indian government policies, using news articles from The Hindu and Indian Express as sources.
- Denmark's social media ban proposal for children under 15
- Volcanic lightning and its causes
- Lichens and their role as bioindicators
- Reintroduction of protection status for Rhesus Macaques
- Google's Project Sun Catcher for space-based AI data centers
- Aditya L1 mission and its study of coronal mass ejections
- Ricin as a potential bioterrorism agent
- President Murmu's visit to Angola for resource partnerships
- Sal trees as natural air purifiers
- Exercise Malabar naval exercises
- Gaganayan mission parachute safety tests
- Supreme Court's emphasis on rights of endangered species
- India's stance on Paris Climate Agreement at COP30
- Global greenhouse gas emissions report
- Heavy metal contamination in Uttar Pradesh's water
- Global TB report and India's progress in combating TB
- New GI tag fee structure and recent GI tag recipients
- Climate Risk Index 2026 and its implications for India
- India's plan to increase Neodymium production
- Removal of Quality Control Order for polyester fibers
- Hepatitis A and its potential inclusion in India's immunization program
- Draft Seeds Bill 2025 and its objectives
- Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023 implementation
- Great Nicobar project and environmental concerns
- India-Canada relations and critical mineral supply chains
Denmark's Social Media Ban Proposal
The government of Denmark has proposed a ban on social media access for children under the age of 15, a move that has brought the country into the news. Denmark shares a border only with Germany and is surrounded by the North Sea and Baltic Sea. The country includes islands like Zealand, Funen and Bornholm. Denmark, along with Norway and Sweden, forms the Scandinavian countries. When Finland and Iceland are added, they form the Nordic countries. The capital of Denmark is Copenhagen, and its longest river is the Gudenå. Denmark possesses natural resources like petroleum, natural gas, fish, salt, and limestone, particularly sourced from the North Sea. The political system is a constitutional monarchy. The proposed social media ban aims to promote digital safety, child protection, and better mental health among young people.
Volcanic Lightning Explained
Volcanic lightning occurs during volcanic eruptions due to the collision and friction of ash, rock, and ice particles within the volcanic plume. This collision generates static electricity, leading to lightning discharges. Cases of volcanic lightning have been observed at Mount Vesuvius in Italy. Volcanoes release gases like water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur dioxide, and hydrogen sulfide during eruptions.
Lichens as Bioindicators
Researchers from Maharaja College in Kerala have discovered four new species of lichen in the Western Ghats. Lichens are a result of a symbiotic relationship between fungi and algae, where the fungus protects the algae, and the algae provides food through photosynthesis. Lichens have a body structure called thallus and attach to trees via rhizines. They are bioindicators of pure air, as they are found in areas with low air pollution; pollutants like sulfur can kill lichens. The newly discovered species are Parmotrema, Celanopora, Bolewa, and Pyxine.
Rhesus Macaque Protection Status
A wildlife committee is advocating for the protection of the Rhesus Macaque, a monkey species found in South and Southeast Asia. Previously, it was under Schedule II of the Wildlife Protection Act, which provided legal protection against hunting. There is a demand to reinstate its Schedule II status. Rhesus Macaques live in social troops of 15-100 monkeys and communicate through vocalizations and facial expressions. Currently, the IUCN status is Least Concern, indicating a stable population, but it is listed in CITES Appendix II, regulating its trade. The species faces threats from human-wildlife conflict and illegal trade.
Google's Project Sun Catcher
Project Sun Catcher is a Google initiative to create an AI data center in space, aiming to utilize solar energy for continuous power. AI data centers require significant energy and cooling, which can be efficiently provided in space through solar panels. This approach reduces the need for electricity generated from fossil fuels, thus lowering carbon emissions. The project aims to build AI-powered, solar-based data centers in space, where solar radiation is available 24/7. Challenges include managing satellite lifespan and space debris.
Aditya L1 Mission Details
Aditya L1, India's first solar mission launched in 2023, is studying the sun from the L1 point. The mission uses the PSLV C57 rocket and includes seven instruments, one of which is the Visible Emission Line Coronagraph (VELC), made by IIA Bengaluru. VELC studies the solar corona and coronal mass ejections (CMEs), which are sudden releases of energy and plasma from the sun's outer atmosphere. CMEs can impact space weather and satellites. Joint studies by India and NASA can help in space weather forecasting and satellite protection.
Ricin as a Bioterrorism Agent
Ricin is a protein toxin derived from castor beans, highly toxic and lethal even in small amounts, causing organ failure and death by stopping protein production. It is extracted from the waste produced during castor oil production. There is no antidote for ricin poisoning, and treatment is limited to supportive care. Ricin is classified as a Schedule 1 substance under the Chemical Weapons Convention, which prohibits its use. Recently, individuals in Gujarat were arrested for planning ricin-based terror attacks.
President Murmu's Visit to Angola
President Droupadi Murmu's visit to Angola marks the first state visit by an Indian President to the country. Angola, located on the Atlantic coast of Africa, is rich in mineral resources like diamonds, iron ore, gold, and uranium. It shares borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia, and Namibia. The capital is Luanda, and the Kwanza River is a major river in Angola. Key geographical features include the Kalandula Falls and Mount Moco. India seeks to strengthen ties with Angola in energy, trade, and education.
Sal Trees as Natural Air Purifiers
Sal trees (Shorea robusta), also known as 'Sentinel of the Forest', are found in northern and central India. A recent study indicates that sal trees can combat air pollution by trapping dust particles on their leaves and absorbing carbon and sulfur due to high chlorophyll content. These trees act as natural air purifiers and can be used as examples in air pollution reduction strategies.
Exercise Malabar 2025
Exercise Malabar, a naval exercise involving the Quad countries (India, USA, Japan, and Australia), began in 1992 as a bilateral exercise between India and the USA. This year's exercise is being held in Guam, where the U.S. has military bases. The exercise aims to enhance cooperation among the navies for rescue operations and disaster response in the Indian and Pacific Oceans.
Gaganayan Mission Parachute Tests
ISRO is conducting safety tests for the parachutes to be used in the Gaganyaan mission, India's first crewed space mission. The mission aims to send astronauts into space for 5-7 days and safely return them to Earth. Parachutes are crucial for controlling the speed of the capsule during its descent.
Supreme Court on Endangered Species Rights
The Supreme Court emphasizes the need to protect endangered species like the Great Indian Bustard, which is critically endangered with only 100-150 individuals remaining. The court argues that protection should be based on the species' right to life, as per Article 51A(g) of the Indian Constitution, which promotes compassion for all living creatures. The lesser florican is another species with only about 70 individuals left.
India's Stance on Paris Climate Agreement at COP30
At the Conference of Parties (COP30) in Brazil, India advocates for maintaining the structure of the Paris Climate Agreement, which includes financial support from developed countries to developing countries for clean energy adoption. India supports the principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities (CBDR), where all countries must reduce pollution, but developed countries should provide assistance to developing countries. Approximately $1.35 trillion is needed by 2035 to promote clean energy in developing countries. India is part of the Like-Minded Developing Countries (LMDC) and the BASIC group (Brazil, South Africa, India, and China), which push for funding from developed countries.
Global Greenhouse Gas Emissions Report
The latest report on global greenhouse gas emissions indicates that emissions have increased in 2024 compared to 2023, reaching 57,700 megatons of carbon equivalent. China is the largest emitter, followed by the USA, with India being the third-largest emitter. India's pollution rate is increasing, highlighting the need for the CBDR principle, where developed countries should provide financial support to developing countries for adopting cleaner technologies.
Heavy Metal Contamination in Uttar Pradesh's Water
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Uttar Pradesh government to map areas with high levels of heavy metals in water, particularly in the Kanpur region. High levels of chromium and mercury are of concern. Chromium is carcinogenic and can cause kidney damage and skin and respiratory disorders. Mercury is neurotoxic, affecting brain development and memory, and is especially harmful to pregnant women and children. Heavy metals originate from industrial pollution and natural sources.
Global TB Report 2025
The World Health Organization's Global TB Report 2025 indicates that TB incidences in India have decreased by 21%, compared to a global average of 12%. This success is attributed to innovations like Truenet technology and Gene Expert, which improve diagnosis. Initiatives like the TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and digital health improvements have also helped. India aims to eliminate TB by 2025. The report identifies India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, and Pakistan as countries with the highest TB burden. Multi-drug resistant TB (MDR TB) is addressed with the BPaLM regimen, a new drug combination.
GI Tag New Fee Structure
The fee for applying for a Geographical Indication (GI) tag has been reduced to ₹1000. Recent GI tag recipients include Kannadibba Payya, Apatani Textile, Marthandam Honey, Lepcha Tongpuk, Bodo Ornai, Ambaji Marble, and Bedu Badri Cow Ghee. A GI tag is a sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific region, providing it with a unique identity and legal protection against imitation. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, awards GI tags, which are valid for 10 years.
Climate Risk Index 2026
The Climate Risk Index 2026, released by Germanwatch, a German NGO, assesses the impact of climate change on countries. India is ranked as the ninth most affected country over the past 30 years (1995-2024). Climate change has caused numerous deaths and significant economic losses worldwide.
Neodymium Production Increase
India plans to increase its neodymium production ninefold by 2027. Neodymium, a rare earth element from the lanthanide series, is used in strong permanent magnets for electric vehicles, wind turbines, electronics, and defense applications. It is extracted from monazite and bastnasite, found in China, India, the USA, Brazil, Sri Lanka, and Australia. Increasing domestic production aims to reduce dependence on China, which processes 80-90% of the world's rare earth elements.
Removal of Quality Control Order (QCO) for Polyester Fibers
The central government has revoked the Quality Control Order (QCO) for polyester fibers and yarns to boost the textile industry. The QCO, which certified that imported products met Indian standards, was causing import restrictions and increasing prices. Removing the QCO aims to increase supply, control prices, and support the textile industry. The decision was made under Section 16 of the BIS Act and affects items like ethylene glycol, terephthalic acid, and polyester yarns.
Hepatitis A Inclusion in Immunization Program
There is a push to include Hepatitis A in India's Universal Immunization Program. Hepatitis A, a viral liver infection, is increasingly affecting adults. Vaccination provides long-term protection against the virus. Symptoms include jaundice, nausea, and abdominal pain. The disease spreads through direct contact and contaminated food and water.
Draft Seeds Bill 2025
The Draft Seeds Bill 2025 has been released for public feedback. It aims to ensure that seed dealers maintain minimum quality standards and provide affordable, high-quality seeds to farmers. However, some farmers are protesting, fearing that it will give companies too much control over the agricultural system.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023
The Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, approved by Parliament, aims to protect personal data, including names, ID numbers, phone numbers, emails, locations, and online identifiers. The act is based on the Supreme Court's 2017 Puttaswamy case, which recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right. A Data Protection Board will be established to oversee implementation. The act distinguishes between data fiduciaries (those who collect data) and data principals (users whose data is collected). The government is exempt from the act, allowing it to use personal information without question. The law will be implemented gradually, with full implementation expected by November 2026 and large companies starting in 2027.
Ambaji Marble GI Tag
Ambaji Marble, recently granted a GI tag, is sourced from the town of Ambaji in Gujarat. With a history spanning 1200-1500 years, this marble is used in the construction of temples, including the Dilwara Temple.
India-Canada Relations and Critical Minerals
India and Canada are seeking to strengthen relations, particularly in critical mineral supply chains. Canada possesses resources like lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, rare earth elements, and copper, which are essential for India's electronic vehicle manufacturing and renewable energy goals. Canada can serve as a secure and reliable partner, especially after strained relations under the Trudeau government.
Great Nicobar Project Concerns
Concerns have been raised about the ₹72,000 crore Great Nicobar project and its potential environmental impact. The project may threaten species like the leatherback sea turtle, Nicobar megapode, coral reefs, and mangroves. There are concerns about the lack of transparency and proper environmental impact assessments. The area, previously under Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) 1A, which provided the highest level of protection, has been de-notified, allowing for port development.
