CLAT Power Prep 2025 Batch - Current Affairs Lecture-01 (January 2024) PDF

# **CLAT POWER PREP 2025 BATCH** ## Lecture-01: Current Affairs (JANUARY 2024) By- Ankita Singh Mam ## **Topics to be covered** 1. GENOCIDE CONVENTION 2. 19th NAM Summit 3. GSLV‐F‐14/INSAT ‐ 3DS Mission 4. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 ## **Topic : GENOCIDE CONVENTION** Recently, South Africa mo...

# **CLAT POWER PREP 2025 BATCH** ## Lecture-01: Current Affairs (JANUARY 2024) By- Ankita Singh Mam ## **Topics to be covered** 1. GENOCIDE CONVENTION 2. 19th NAM Summit 3. GSLV‐F‐14/INSAT ‐ 3DS Mission 4. Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 ## **Topic : GENOCIDE CONVENTION** Recently, South Africa moved to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), for an urgent order declaring that Israel was in breach of its obligations under the 1948 Genocide Convention. ### **What is the UN's Genocide Convention?** **Defining Genocide According to UN Convention:** - The term 'genocide' is specifically defined in the UN's Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. - Enacted in 1948, it outlines criteria including acts committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. ### **Criteria for Genocide:** - The convention lists five acts constituting genocide: - Killing members of the group; - Causing serious bodily or mental harm; - Inflicting conditions of life for physical destruction; - Imposing measures to prevent births; - Forcibly transferring children. ### **About the International Court of Justice (ICJ)** - Principal Judicial Organ: The ICJ is the primary judicial organ of the United Nations. - Informal Name: Commonly referred to as the 'World Court', the ICJ plays a crucial role in resolving legal disputes on a global scale. - Establishment: Established in June 1945 by the United Nations Charter - Seat: The Hague (Netherlands) - Language: French and English - Composition and Tenure: The Court is comprised of 15 judges who are elected for a nine-year term ## **Topic: 19th NAM Summit** ### **Why in news?** Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni, who hosted the 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement in January 2024, in Kampala, expressed his regret over the expulsion of Indians by Idi Amin in the 1970s. He praised the achievements of the Indian diaspora in Uganda and lauded India's role in the global south. ### **19th NAM Summit - Hosted by President of Uganda - Yoweri Museveni** - The summit was held in Kampala, Uganda. ### **19th NAM Summit - Highlights** - **Location and Theme:** The 19th Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) took place in Kampala, Uganda, under the theme "Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence". - **Leadership Transition:** Uganda succeeded Azerbaijan as the chair of the NAM, with its term set to run until 2027. - **Kampala Declaration:** The summit issued the Kampala Declaration, which criticized Israeli military actions and advocated for the implementation of a UN Security Council resolution to facilitate humanitarian aid access to the Gaza Strip. - **India's Participation:** India's delegation, led by the External Affairs Minister, emphasized the need for a sustainable solution to the Gaza crisis, highlighting the urgency of addressing the humanitarian situation and preventing the conflict from affecting the broader West Asian region. ### **Non-Alignment Movement: background** - **Origin:** Emerged during the Cold War, aiming for a neutral stance between the US and the Soviet Union. - **Inception:** Conceptualized at the 1955 Asia-Africa Bandung Conference, Indonesia. - **Founders:** Josip Broz Tito (Yugoslavia), Gamal Abdel Nasser (Egypt), Jawaharlal Nehru (India), Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Sukarno (Indonesia) - **Membership:** 120 countries as of February 2024, including 53 from Africa, 39 from Asia, 26 from Latin America and the Caribbean, and 2 from Europe (Belarus, Azerbaijan). - **Observers:** 17 countries and 10 international organizations. - **Role:** Played a crucial role in stabilizing world order and preserving peace during the Cold War. - **Principles:** Guided by the Panchsheel principles, advocating peaceful intervention in world politics rather than neutrality. - **Purpose:** Promote national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and security against imperialism, colonialism, neo-colonialism, racism, and foreign subjugation (Havana Declaration, 1979). ### **Important Key Point** - The 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit was held in Kampala, the capital of Uganda. This decision was made during the 18th NAM Summit, which took place in Azerbaijan. The venue for the summit, Speke Resort Munyonyo, hosted the event from the 15th to the 20th of January 2024. Kampala's selection as the host city for the 19th NAM Summit underscores Uganda's active participation and leadership within the Non-Aligned Movement, a significant international organization representing countries that do not formally align themselves with or against any major power bloc. - The theme of the 19th Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) Summit, held under Uganda's leadership, is 'Deepening Cooperation for Shared Global Affluence'. This theme emphasizes the summit's focus on fostering deeper cooperation among the more than 120 developing countries that are part of the NAM. By centering discussions and initiatives around shared global affluence, the summit aims to address the economic disparities and challenges faced by developing nations, promoting a vision of prosperity that is inclusive and beneficial for all member states. This theme reflects the broader objectives of the NAM to ensure political self-determination, national independence, sovereignty, and the defense of interests of developing countries, in a manner that encourages equitable global development and prosperity. - Josip Broz Tito, the leader of Yugoslavia, was one of the founding leaders of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961. Along with leaders from Egypt, India, Indonesia, and Ghana, Tito played a crucial role in establishing NAM as a platform for countries seeking to remain neutral or independent of the two dominant power blocs of the Cold War era - the United States and the Soviet Union. Tito's leadership and Yugoslavia's hosting of the first NAM summit in Belgrade were instrumental in bringing together nations under the shared goal of non-alignment and promoting peaceful coexistence, mutual respect for sovereignty, and economic and cultural cooperation free from the influence of superpowers. - The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) presently comprises 120 Member States, making it one of the largest groupings of states worldwide, outside the United Nations. This significant number reflects the Movement's broad appeal and its foundational principle of not formally aligning with or against any major power blocs, particularly during the Cold War era. The NAM's membership includes countries from various regions globally, illustrating its widespread influence and the common desire among nations to maintain an independent stance in international affairs, foster mutual respect for sovereignty, and promote peace and cooperation. - In August 1972, Idi Amin, the dictator of Uganda, ordered the expulsion of Indians and other Asians who were residing and conducting business in Uganda. This drastic measure affected around 80,000 Indians, who were given a mere 90 days to leave the country. This expulsion forced them to abandon their properties, businesses, and lives they had built in Uganda over many years. Idi Amin’s decision was part of a broader policy that he claimed was aimed at returning the economy to the Ugandan people, but it also reflected the dictator’s erratic and often brutal rule. The expulsion had significant social and economic impacts, both in Uganda and for the expelled communities, many of whom resettled in countries such as the United Kingdom, Canada, and India. ## **Topic: GSLV‐F14/INSAT ‐ 3DS Mission** ### **Why in news?** The GSLV‐F14/INSAT‐3DS mission, executed on February 17, 2024, marks a significant milestone in India's space exploration endeavors. - Launched from Satish Dhawan Space Centre (SDSC ‐ SHAR) in Sriharikota, this mission underscores India’s commitment to advancing its capabilities in meteorological monitoring and environmental observation from space. ### **Topic: GSLV-F14 Launch Vehicle** - The Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) F14 is a meticulously engineered three‐stage launch vehicle, standing at a height of 51.7 meters and boasting a liftoff mass of 420 tonnes. Its design is optimized for versatility and efficiency in deploying satellites into geosynchronous transfer orbits. ### **Topic: MOMENTS OF ISRO** - **Foundation (1969):** The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) was formed under the Department of Atomic Energy. - **Launch vehicle (1980):** Rohini became the first satellite to be placed into orbit by an Indian-made launch vehicle, SLV‐3. - **First Satellite (1975):** ISRO built India’s first satellite, Aryabhata, which was launched by the Soviet Union. - **ASVL Launched (1992):** Augmented Satellite Launch Vehicle (ASLV) and Insat‐2A were launched by ISRO. - **Chandrayaan 1 (2008):** ISRO sent an unmanned lunar orbiter, Chandrayaan‐1, into orbit. - **MOM Mission (2013):** India launched Mars Orbiter Mission (MOM) in 2013. It enters the mars orbit in 2014. - **Mission Shakti (2019):** Anti‐satellite (A‐SAT) weapons, Mission Shakti, a joint programme of DRDO and ISRO launched. - **Chandrayaan‐2 (2019):** On 22 July, 2019, India’s second moon mission "Chandrayaan‐2" launched. ### **Topic: Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO)** - **Establishment:** The Indian Space Research Organisation, under the Department of Space, Government of India, was established to harness space technology for national development. It simultaneously focuses on space science research and planetary exploration. - **Headquarters:** ISRO's central command is in Bengaluru, Karnataka, a hub for India’s technological and scientific advancement. - **Vision and Mission:** ISRO's core mission is the development of space technology and its application to various national tasks. The organization has been pivotal in using space technology for applications ranging from television broadcasting to satellite navigation, contributing significantly to national development. - **Antrix Corporation Limited (ACL):** ACL operates as the marketing wing of ISRO, tasked with promoting and commercially exploiting space products, technical consultancy services, and transferring technologies developed by ISRO to other industries. - **Current Leadership:** Shri S. Somanath serves as the chairman, guiding ISRO through its current missions and future endeavors in space exploration. ### **Important Key Point** - The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) has chosen the GSLV‐F14 (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle F14) as the launch vehicle for the INSAT‐3DS satellite. This mission is scheduled for 17th February 2024 and aims to significantly enhance India's capabilities in weather forecasting and disaster warning. The GSLV series is critical for ISRO’s strategy to deploy satellites into geostationary and geosynchronous transfer orbits, with the GSLV‐F14 being specifically designated for this important mission. The INSAT‐3DS satellite stands out among other satellites due to its specific purpose of improving meteorological observations and supporting disaster management efforts in India and the surrounding regions. - The GSLV‐F14 represents a milestone in the Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle (GSLV) series, being the 16th flight of this series. This launch vehicle series has been developed by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) to enable India to deploy satellites into geostationary and geosynchronous transfer orbits, marking significant progress in the country’s space capabilities. The GSLV‐F14 is notably the 10th flight featuring the indigenous cryogenic stage, showcasing the maturation of India’s cryogenic technology and its application in space launches. This flight’s position as the 16th in the series highlights the continued development and success of the GSLV program, making (c) 16th flight the correct answer and emphasizing the importance of GSLV‐F14 in the context of ISRO’s ongoing space exploration efforts. - The GSLV‐F14 launch vehicle is distinguished by its three‐stage design, each utilizing different propulsion technologies. The third stage, known as GS3, is specifically characterized by its cryogenic propulsion system, which employs liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2) as propellants. This cryogenic stage is crucial for providing the high efficiency and thrust needed for the final orbit insertion of the satellite. Cryogenic technology is known for its complexity and high performance, making it an essential component for advanced space missions. The use of LOX and LH2 offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and power, distinguishing this stage from other propellant systems. - The GSLV‐F14’s design incorporates a unique configuration across its three stages to optimize performance and payload capacity. The first stage, GS1, is particularly notable for integrating a solid propellant motor alongside four earth-storable propellant stages (EPS). These EPS are composed of a supporting structure, propellant tanks, and an engine, designed to augment the launch vehicle’s thrust during the initial phase of the launch. - These EPS are composed of a supporting structure, propellant tanks, and an engine, designed to augment the launch vehicle’s thrust during the initial phase of the launch. This combination of solid and earth-storable propellants in the first stage provides a robust foundation for the vehicle’s ascent, contributing to the GSLV‐F14’s capability to deliver payloads into specific orbits efficiently. - The GSLV‐F14, a three‐stage launch vehicle, employs different types of propellants across its stages to optimize performance and efficiency for satellite deployment. Specifically, the second stage of the GSLV‐F14, known as GS2, utilizes an earth-storable propellant. This type of propellant is characterized by its ability to be stored in liquid form at room temperature, offering significant advantages in terms of handling and storage compared to cryogenic propellants, which must be kept at extremely low temperatures. Earth-storable propellants typically include hypergolic liquid propellants that ignite upon contact with each other, eliminating the need for an ignition system. This makes the GS2 stage both reliable and efficient for the middle phase of the satellite launch sequence, ensuring a smooth transition from the solid propellant first stage to the cryogenic third stage, which uses liquid oxygen (LOX) and liquid hydrogen (LH2). ## **Topic: Swachh Survekshan Awards 2023 ** ### **Why in news?** Indore and Surat were declared joint winners of the cleanest city award in the Union government's annual cleanliness rankings for urban areas. - This marks the seventh consecutive year for Indore and a first-time win for Surat in sharing the top spot. - Maharashtra was named the cleanest state in the rankings. ### **Key Features of the Awards** - **Swachh Survekshan awards 2023** - **Top 10 Cities:** 1. Indore, Madhya Pradesh 2. Surat, Gujarat 3. Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra 4. Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh 5. Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh 6. Vijaywada, Andhra Pradesh 7. New Delhi (NDMC), Delhi 8. Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh 9. Greater Hyderabad, Telangana 10. Pune, Maharashtra - **Bottom 3:** 1. Kolkata, West Bengal 2. Asansol, West Bengal 3. Haora, West Bengal - **Top States:** 1. Maharashtra -411 2. Madhya Pradesh -378 3. Chhattisgarh -169 - **Specialized Awards in Swachh Survekshan:** - **Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar Award:** - Winner: Chandigarh - Recognition: Best safety standards for sanitation workers. - **Cleanest Ganga Town:** - Awarded to: Varanasi - **Cleanest City (Population Below 1 Lakh):** - Winner: Sasvad, Maharashtra - **Cleanest Cantonment:** - Declared Winner: Mhow Cantonment ### **Swachh Survekshan Overview:** - **Conducted By:** Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA) - **Since:** 2016 - **Significance:** Recognized as the world's largest urban sanitation and cleanliness survey. - **Purpose and Impact:** - **Goal:** To encourage a competitive spirit among towns and cities. - **Focus:** Enhancing service delivery to citizens and promoting cleaner urban areas. - **Scope and Evolution:** - **Expansion:** Survey has grown to include more cities each year. - **2023 Coverage:** Encompassed 4,416 urban local bodies, 61 cantonments, and 88 Ganga towns. - The number of cities participating in the annual ranking has grown from 73 in 2016 to over 4,500 in 2023. - The 2023 survey received 1.58 crore online citizen feedback and 19.82 lakh face-to-face views. - **Progress Highlight:** Scientific waste processing increased from 15-16% in 2014 to nearly 76%. ### **Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) Overview:** - **Launch Date:** 2nd October, 2014 - **Launched By:** Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs - **Focus Areas:** Cleanliness, sanitation, and proper waste management. - **Target:** Urban areas. ### **Important Key Point** - The Swachh Survekshan 2023 rankings were determined based on several critical factors related to urban cleanliness and sanitation, including door-to-door waste collection, source segregation, cleanliness of public areas, clean water bodies, and citizens' feedback on city cleanliness. - Madhya Pradesh secured the second position in the state cleanliness rankings as per the Swachh Survekshan 2023. This achievement highlights Madhya Pradesh’s effective waste management practices, including efforts in door-to-door waste collection and source segregation, contributing to its high ranking among Indian states for cleanliness. - Sasvad in Maharashtra earned the prestigious title of the cleanest city among cities with a population below 1 lakh, as recognized by Swachh Survekshan 2023. This accolade reflects Sasvad’s exemplary performance in maintaining cleanliness and implementing effective waste management practices. - Chandigarh received the Safaimitra Surakshit Shehar award, distinguishing it as the city with the best safety standards for sanitation workers. This award highlights the city’s commitment to ensuring the well-being and safety of its sanitation workforce, recognizing the implementation of practices and measures that protect workers from potential hazards associated with their duties. - Swachh Survekshan, conducted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) since 2016, is distinguished as the world’s largest urban sanitation and cleanliness survey. This initiative is part of the broader Swachh Bharat Mission, aimed at making India clean and free from open defecation. Swachh Survekshan assesses and ranks cities across India based on their cleanliness, sanitation, and urban waste management practices, encouraging cities to improve their service delivery to citizens.