05.11.2024 Daily [Madhya Pradesh] MPPSC Current Affairs

1. A Tapestry of Climates: Himachal Pradesh, nestled in the northern reaches of India, is a land of contrasting climates. From the warmth of its valleys to the icy embrace of its peaks, the state offers a unique experience for every season.

2. A Year-Round Adventure: This diversity allows visitors to engage in a wide range of activities, be it skiing in the winter months or trekking during the summers. Whether you seek a serene escape or an adrenaline rush, Himachal Pradesh has something for everyone.

3. A Dance of Seasons: The state experiences four distinct seasons: winter, pre-monsoon, monsoon, and post-monsoon. Each season paints a new canvas, transforming the landscape with its unique charm.

4. A Symphony of Rainfall: The state’s rainfall varies significantly, shaping its diverse ecosystems. The outer Himalayas receive abundant rainfall, nurturing lush forests, while the inner Himalayas experience a drier climate, creating stark and rugged landscapes.

5. A Timeless Destination: Himachal Pradesh’s diverse climate and captivating landscapes make it a year-round tourist destination. From its charming hill stations to its ancient temples and breathtaking mountain vistas, the state offers a myriad of experiences.

6. A Celebration of Nature: Whether you’re seeking the thrill of winter sports, the tranquility of a monsoon retreat, or the invigorating beauty of a summer trek, Himachal Pradesh invites you to embrace the magic of its ever-changing seasons.

The recent high-power steering committee meeting in Lucknow signifies a significant step towards sustainable development in the state. Here are the key takeaways:

1. Investing in Infrastructure: The committee approved detailed project reports (DPRs) for 27 projects worth Rs 1,337 crore, focusing on crucial infrastructure development.

2. Prioritizing Water Security: The projects include water supply schemes for several cities and towns, ensuring access to clean water for a larger population.

3. Improving Sanitation: Sewerage schemes for Ghaziabad are also included, addressing sanitation concerns and promoting public health.

4. Rejuvenating Water Bodies: The committee approved DPRs for the rejuvenation of 16 water bodies, emphasizing the importance of ecological balance and water conservation.

5. Creating Green Spaces: Five parks and green space projects were approved, promoting urban greening and enhancing the quality of life for residents.

6. Streamlining Processes: The committee emphasized conducting only one tender per city under AMRUT 2.0, simplifying the process and ensuring efficient project implementation.

7. Universal Access to Water: The meeting reiterated the commitment to providing tap connections to every household under AMRUT 1.0, ensuring equitable access to clean water for all.

These initiatives demonstrate the state’s commitment to sustainable development, focusing on improving infrastructure, promoting environmental conservation, and enhancing the quality of life for its citizens.

• Successful Launch: A Russian Soyuz rocket successfully launched two Iranian satellites, Kowsar and Hodhod, from the Vostochny launchpad on November 5th, 2024. This marks the first Iranian satellites launched by the private sector.
• Deepening Ties: The launch underscores the strengthening relationship between Moscow and Tehran, who are collaborating across various sectors, including defense and technology.
• Controversial Drone Deliveries: The West has accused Iran of supplying Russia with drones for use in the Ukraine conflict, a claim both countries deny.
• Strategic Partnership: Russia and Iran are reportedly planning to formalize a “comprehensive strategic partnership” during an upcoming visit by Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Moscow.
• Boost to Iran’s Space Program: The successful launch provides a boost to Iran’s civilian space program, which has suffered a series of setbacks in recent years, including failed launches and explosions.
• Military Space Program: Iran also operates a separate military space program, which has seen successful launches but has also been targeted by Israeli airstrikes.
• Concerns Over Missile Technology: The development of satellite launch vehicles raises concerns about Iran’s potential to develop intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs), which could be used to deliver nuclear weapons.

• Deadly Eruption: Mount Lewotobi Laki-laki volcano on Flores Island erupted on November 3rd, 2024, killing nine people, injuring dozens, and damaging thousands of homes.
• Mass Evacuation: The Indonesian government is working to evacuate at least 16,000 residents from villages surrounding the volcano, which remains on high alert.
• Evacuation Challenges: Thick volcanic ash has hampered evacuation efforts, making road travel difficult. As of November 5th, only about 2,472 residents had been evacuated.
• Temporary Shelters: Evacuees are being relocated to schools and temporary shelters in safer villages, approximately 20 km away from the volcano’s crater.
• Emergency Response: The local government has declared a state of emergency for the next 58 days, enabling aid from the central government. Military and police personnel are assisting with evacuations.
• Infrastructure Disruption: Four airports on Flores Island have been closed due to the eruption, further complicating relief efforts.
• Ring of Fire: Indonesia’s location along the “Pacific Ring of Fire” makes it prone to volcanic eruptions and earthquakes due to the convergence of tectonic plates.

• Strengthening Asian Bonds: The inaugural Asian Buddhist Summit (ABS) is being held in New Delhi on November 5-6, 2024, aiming to foster unity and cooperation among Asian nations through the shared values of Buddhism.
• India’s Act East Policy: The summit reflects India’s Act East Policy, which emphasizes collective and inclusive development in Asia, with Buddhist principles as a guiding force.
• Diverse Participation: The event brings together Buddhist leaders, scholars, and practitioners from various traditions across Asia to engage in dialogue and address contemporary challenges.
• Buddhism’s Unifying Role: The summit highlights the historical and cultural significance of Buddhism in fostering a common outlook on life and promoting spiritual unity across Asia.
• Soft Power Diplomacy: India utilizes Buddhism as a tool for soft power projection, showcasing its rich Buddhist heritage and promoting its role as a bridge connecting different Asian cultures.
• Key Themes: Discussions will cover various topics, including Buddhist art, heritage, the dissemination of Buddhist teachings, the role of relics, and the relevance of Buddhist philosophy in the 21st century.
• Special Exhibition: A dedicated exhibition titled “India as the Dhamma Setu (Bridge) connecting Asia” will showcase India’s historical and contemporary contributions to Buddhism across the continent.

• Successful Mission Completion: Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on November 4th, 2024, after a six-month mission aboard the Tiangong space station. Their capsule landed safely in Inner Mongolia.
• Crew Rotation: The returning astronauts welcomed a new three-person crew to the Tiangong last week, ensuring continuous operation of the space station.
• China’s Space Ambitions: This mission is part of China’s ongoing efforts to become a leading power in space exploration. The country has achieved significant milestones recently, including lunar sample returns and a Mars rover landing.
• Tiangong Space Station: The Tiangong, meaning “Heavenly Palace,” is China’s orbiting space station. It has been operational for two years and serves as a platform for scientific research and technological development.
• Space Debris Concerns: The Tiangong has faced challenges with space debris, requiring maneuvers to avoid collisions and even experiencing partial power loss due to debris impact.
• China’s Contribution to Space Debris: China is also a contributor to the growing problem of space debris, with incidents like a rocket stage break-up during a satellite launch in August adding to the debris field.
• Future Goals: China aims to land astronauts on the moon by 2030, further solidifying its position as a major player in space exploration.

• Release on Bail: Hundreds of undertrial prisoners across India are set to be released on bail on November 26 (Constitution Day) under the new Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) law.
• Eligibility Criteria: This provision applies to first-time offenders who have been detained for at least half the maximum possible sentence for their alleged offense. Those accused of crimes with potential death penalty or life imprisonment are excluded.
• Exemptions for Serious Crimes: Heinous crimes like rape, murder, acts of terror, offenses under the POCSO Act, and NDPS Act are not covered under this provision.
• Decongesting Prisons: The move aims to address the issue of overcrowding in jails by releasing undertrial prisoners who have already served a significant portion of their potential sentence.
• Supreme Court Order: The Supreme Court, in August 2024, directed jail superintendents to facilitate applications for bail under the new BNSS provisions, even for cases registered before the law came into effect.
• Special Campaign: The Ministry of Home Affairs is launching a special campaign to ensure states and union territories utilize the BNSS provisions to grant relief to eligible undertrial prisoners.
• Celebrating Constitution Day: This initiative aligns with Constitution Day celebrations, promoting constitutional values and potentially offering a second chance to individuals awaiting trial.