Current Affairs Capsule for 3rd October 2024

1. Railway Accidents in India (2019-2024)

Overview: India had 200 major railway accidents in the period 2019-2024, of which 351 died and 970 were injured.

Types of Accidents:

Derailments

Collisions

Fire-related incidents

Zone-wise Accident Data:

Central Railway: 22 accidents, 1 fatality, and 2 persons injured

Northern Railway: 25 accidents, 5 fatalities, 5 injuries

South Eastern Railway: 10 accidents including the Balasore triple train disaster, 297 deaths, 637 persons injured.

East Coast Railway: 15 accidents, 20 fatal cases, 79 injuries

Compensation Details: Railways paid ₹ 32 crore in compensation (₹26.83 crore as ex-gratia dues for dead and ₹ 7 crore for injured persons).

Accident Reduction: The number of annual occurrence decreased from 171 to 40 occurrences in one year.

Zero Casualty Zones: There were no reports of any loss of life from North Eastern, Konkan and South Western as well as from the Southern Railways.

Exam Focus:

The candidates are to concentrate on the trends of railway safety measures for the zones most hazardous for accidents. Less attention can be paid to the declining number of accidents that occurred, and the compensation process, which also provides the governments’ concern regarding the safety and rehabilitation of the riders. All candidates preparing for governance, disaster management, and infrastructure development sections of the exams should give attention to this topic.

2. INS Arighat: India’s Nuclear Submarine

Overview: INS Arighat is the second nuclear- powered ballistic missile submarine of India is commissioned by Rajnath Singh at Visakhapatnam.

Technical Specifications:

• Displacement: 6,000 tonnes

•  Reactor: 83 MW pressurized light water reactor and fuelled by enriched uranium.

•  Armament: K-15 SLBM with range of 750 km and K-4 SLBM with range of 3500 km

Significance of INS Arighat:

•  Enhances the capability of India’s nuclear land, air, sea based delivery systems.

• Enhances power with reactor of long underwater mission.

Comparison with Global Submarines:

• Not as large as the submarines used by the US, Russia, UK, France, and China, but can present a real threat.

Strategic Importance:

• Improves and extends India’s second strike capability in nuclear deterrence

•  Ease of operation and longer endurance underwater are features that make it of operational significance to India’s marine security.

Exam Focus:

SSC CGL and UPSC CSE exams require knowledge of how INS Arighat is useful to the defense of India. The subject matter ties directly with topics such as, nuclear deterrence, India’s emerging military power and military relations. Candidates also need to analyze India’s nuclear submarine force vis–à–vis global forces in order to comprehend defense options.

3. Mpox (Monkeypox) Outbreak in India

Overview: India reported its initial case of Mpox, a viral disease that results from the monkeypox virus, which operates in the same family as the smallpox virus.

Symptoms:

•  Rash (itchy and painful)

• Fever, swollen glands

• Headaches , muscle aches and pains , fatigue

Transmission:

• Spread from animals to humans

• Direct transmission, shaking hands and other proximity contacts

India’s Response:

• The health ministry has warned all states and union territories to prepare the healthcare workers.

• The measures which should be taken are to avoid close contact with the patients, too frequent use of hand sanitizers and avoiding contact with the patients.

Prevention:

•  Wash hands frequently

• Do not use their items of frequently touched surfaces such as utensils, clothing, toys, and phones.

Exam Focus:

 For SSC and UPSC preparation, one should especially focus on the government’s response to outbreaks of diseases during outbreaks all across the globe. Reviewing the sections of study material titled India during pandemic and WHO guidelines becomes important for the current affairs and general studies sections.

4. Delhi’s New Chief Minister: Atishi

Overview: Atishi, an AAP stalwart, is the third woman to occupy the post of the Chief Minister of Delhi after the resignation by Arvind Kejriwal.

Atishi’s Background:

• Key member of the AAP since 2013, MLA of Kalkaji

• One of the most important actors in the general educational process in Delhi

• Employed professional (possessing a Master from Oxford University)

Reasons for Kejriwal’s Resignation:

Later on, Kejriwal was accused of corruption and he was jailed for five months before being bonded out.

Future Prospects:

•  Atishi wants AAP to triumph in the next elections.

• She wishes Kejriwal should come again as CM after coming elections.

Exam Focus:

Citizens and voters need to comprehend political changes and the uses of essential political personnel in leading the country. It will also help to prepare for sections connected with polity, state governances and political scenario in India.

5. Start-up Planning to Sell Sunlight

Overview: Yet, a Californian start-up called Reflect Orbital proposed to sell ‘sunlight back to people through the satellites and mirrors’.

How It Works:

 A total of 57 satellites carrying mylar mirrors are to reflect the sunlight to the solar panels after sun set which will double the hours of light.

Significance:

This solution makes a contribution to the fact that solar power is unavailable for use at night.

Test Success:

To demonstrate the feasibility of the concept, Reflect Orbital used sun’s rays in a experimental hot air balloon equipped with mirrors.

Exam Focus:

This topic can be useful for learning objectives being examined under innovation, technology, and renewable energy in SSC and UPSC. Applicants should be informed of new developments in energy systems and/or the impact they have on the environment.

6. One Nation, One Election (ONOE)

Overview: The ONOE suggests that the Indian Government should conduct Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections in tandem.

Key Features:

• Lok Sabha and state election collectively first, then local elections.

•  Aim: This paper explains that ERP systems can be implemented to save time and costs within the organization.

Support and Opposition:

BJP supports ONOE for efficient supply whereas the opposition political parties believe it can be hard to effect.

Future Steps:

An adequate bill for ONOE will be tabled in the winter session of the Parliament.

Exam Focus:

The candidates need to pay particular attention to the strengths and weaknesses of ONOE, its implications for Indian democracy and the procedure for enacting legislation. This area is attractive for the polity and governance section in both examinations.