04.11.2024 Daily [Uttarakhand] UKPSC Current Affairs

Rapid Urbanisation and Climate Action Theme: Observed on October 31, World Cities Day 2024 highlights “Youth Climate Changemakers: Catalysing Local Action for Urban Sustainability,” focusing on the role of youth in climate resilience.

Global Urbanisation Pressures: With 57.5% of the global population in cities, urban areas face challenges including climate change, poverty, and inequality. These issues are particularly severe in rapidly urbanising regions of the Global South.

India’s Unique Urbanisation Path: India’s urbanisation, unlike the West, is driven by economic distress rather than industrialisation, leading to “poverty-driven urbanisation.” Reverse migration during COVID-19 further underscored gaps in infrastructure.

Challenges in Indian Cities: Key issues include outdated planning, limited governance capacity, climate vulnerability, and severe pollution. Over 40% of India’s urban population resides in slums, facing overcrowded and substandard living conditions.

Rising Inequality and Social Segregation: Urban wealth disparity is stark, with luxury developments contrasting sharply against the millions lacking basic housing. Social and religious segregation also marks Indian urban spaces.

Lack of Local Governance Control: Despite the 74th Amendment, urban governance remains weak, with minimal control over planning. Most city functions are outsourced, and cities receive only 0.5% of GDP in intergovernmental funds.

Urgent National Intervention Needed: As India observes World Cities Day, the pressing challenges of urbanisation highlight the need for comprehensive, people-centered national policies to promote sustainable urban development

1. Strengthening Bilateral Defence Ties: India and Algeria signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance bilateral defence cooperation, marking a new era in strategic partnership between the two nations. This MoU was signed by India’s Chief of Defence Staff, General Anil Chauhan, and Algeria’s Chief of Staff, Said Chanegriha.
2. Foundation for Long-Term Collaboration: The agreement establishes a framework for enduring military collaboration, fostering mutual understanding and addressing strategic interests across diverse sectors within defence.
3. Commemorative Visit and Historical Significance: General Chauhan’s visit coincided with Algeria’s 70th Revolution Anniversary, emphasizing shared values and historical ties that reinforce the India-Algeria relationship.
4. Promotion of Peace and Diplomacy: India, underscoring peaceful conflict resolution, reestablished its defence wing in Algeria, with Algeria reciprocating by reopening its defence wing in India.
5. Commitment to Global Partnership: India aims to be a “Vishwa Bandhu” (global partner) by supporting international stability, reflecting its commitment to global peace and strategic partnerships.
6. Focus on Defence Innovation: General Chauhan highlighted India’s evolving defence capabilities under the ‘Make in India’ and ‘Make for the World’ initiatives, offering cooperation with Algeria’s forces in defence production and technological advancements.
7. Political Momentum for Deeper Cooperation: This visit followed the recent state visit by India’s President to Algeria, reflecting a strong political will on both sides to deepen diplomatic, military, and strategic collaboration.

• Hazardous Air Quality: Lahore, Pakistan’s second-largest city, experienced unprecedented air pollution levels over the weekend, topping global pollution rankings.
• Emergency Measures: Authorities implemented emergency measures, including closing primary schools for a week, mandating work-from-home for 50% of office employees, and banning rickshaws to curb vehicular pollution.
• Health Advisory: Citizens were urged to stay indoors, minimize travel, and wear masks when outdoors. Hospitals were equipped with smog counters to monitor pollution levels.
• Construction Halted: Construction activities in certain areas were also halted to mitigate pollution. Factories and construction sites face potential closure for non-compliance with regulations.
• Blame on Transboundary Pollution: Senior Punjab Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb attributed the severe smog to winds carrying pollution from neighboring India, calling for bilateral talks to address the issue.
• Seasonal Smog: Like Delhi, Lahore experiences worsened smog during cooler months due to temperature inversions that trap pollutants near the ground.

• Short-Lived Restart: A Japanese nuclear reactor at the Onagawa plant, restarted on October 29th after 13 years of shutdown, was shut down again on November 4th due to an equipment malfunction.
• Technical Glitch: The shutdown was caused by a problem with a device related to neutron data inside the reactor.
• Safety Concerns: Despite no radiation release, the operator, Tohoku Electric Power Co., decided to shut down the reactor to re-examine the equipment and address public safety concerns.
• Post-Fukushima Restart: The Onagawa plant, located 100 km north of the Fukushima Daiichi plant, survived the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. This reactor was among the few being restarted after the Fukushima disaster prompted safety checks and upgrades across Japan.
• Energy Security Goals: Japan is promoting nuclear energy to ensure a stable energy supply and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
• Public Anxiety: The recent earthquake in the Noto Peninsula in January 2024, which caused damage to nearby nuclear facilities, has heightened public anxiety about the safety of nuclear power plants.
• No Restart Date: Tohoku Electric has not yet announced a new date for restarting the Onagawa No. 2 reactor.