9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 14 November, 2024
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Mains Oriented Articles
GS PAPER - 2
Challenges of delimitation in India
Source: The post challenges of delimitation in India has been created, based on the article “The perfect cocktail of layered discrimination” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper2- polity- issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure.
Context: The article discusses the challenges of delimitation in India. It highlights how reallocating Lok Sabha seats based on population growth could harm non-Hindi states. Solutions include freezing delimitation, decentralizing power, or balancing representation to preserve federalism and unity.
For detailed information on Delimitation Exercise read this article here
What is Delimitation?
Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies based on population. Article 82 of the Constitution mandates this after every Census. However, the process was frozen in 1976 and 2001 to avoid penalizing states that controlled population growth. This freeze ends in 2026 unless extended.
Why is Delimitation Controversial?
- Disparity in Population Growth: States with lower Total Fertility Rates (TFR), such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu (1.6-1.8), have successfully controlled population growth. In contrast, Hindi-speaking states like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar have TFRs around 3.5, leading to potential shifts in representation.
- Reduction in Representation: If delimitation occurs, the proportion of Lok Sabha seats from southern states may drop from 25% to 17%, while Hindi-speaking states’ representation may rise from 40% to 60%.
- Economic Contribution vs Representation: States like Karnataka, Maharashtra, and Tamil Nadu contribute far more to direct taxes but receive only 30% of their contributions in return. In contrast, states like Bihar and Uttar Pradesh receive 250%-350% of their contributions.
- Imbalance in Political Power: Southern states would lose influence, while Hindi-speaking states, dominated by the BJP, would gain electoral dominance, leading to skewed policymaking at the Union level.
- Ethno-Linguistic Shift: Since 1947, Hindi speakers’ population proportion has risen from 36% to 43%, nearing a majority. This could threaten India’s federal structure, designed to balance diverse ethno-linguistic groups.
For detailed information on Revised delimitation exercise read this article here
What are Possible Solutions?
- Extend the freeze on delimitation: Continue the approach of Indira Gandhi and Atal Bihari Vajpayee by postponing delimitation for another 25 years to maintain current political stability.
- Permanently freeze seat redistribution: Avoid inter-state redistribution of Lok Sabha seats to prevent political imbalances.
- Balance delimitation with decentralization: Implement delimitation but expand the State List, abolish the Concurrent List, and transfer more powers from the Union to the States.
- Increase the number of seats in each state: Preserve current proportions while increasing total seats to address population growth, reducing representational disparities.
These solutions aim to preserve federalism and prevent regional dominance.
Question for practice:
Evaluate the potential impact of the delimitation exercise on India’s federal structure and regional representation.
GS PAPER - 3
India’s need for an equitable energy transition to meet rising power demand
Source: The post India’s need for an equitable energy transition to meet rising power demand has been created, based on the article “The green transition India needs” published in “Indian Express” on 14th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3-infrastructure-energy
Context: The article highlights India’s need for an equitable energy transition to meet rising power demand. It highlights seven shifts, including decentralizing energy, focusing on operational costs, investing in climate resilience, and integrating digital technologies and circular economy practices, with people at the core.
For detailed information on Energy Transition: Challenges and Solutions read this article here
What Are the Key Shifts Needed for India’s Energy Transition?
- Shift to Decentralized Energy Systems:
- India aims to solarize 10 million households, adding 30 GW of clean energy through rooftop solar installations.
- However, rooftop solar remains expensive for low-income groups. A Council on Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) study found that ~30% of India’s rooftop solar potential lies in the 0-1 kW category, which is still costly even after subsidies.
- Community solar models or partnerships can make solar energy more accessible.
- Adopt Operational Expenditure Models:
- Transitioning from capital expenditure (capex) to operational expenditure (opex) can lower barriers for clean energy adoption.
- Examples include utilities setting up solar systems and charging pay-as-you-go, district cooling services, and sustainable mobility models like per-kilometer payments for clean transportation.
- Invest in Climate-Resilient Systems:
- Over 80% of India’s population resides in climate-vulnerable districts, as highlighted by a CEEW study.
- Investments in resilient energy systems and climate-proofing infrastructure are critical to avoid macroeconomic shocks.
- Integrate into Global Supply Chains:
- India should focus on collaborating in solar PV and green hydrogen supply chains instead of adopting protectionist industrial policies.
- Participation in global supply chains promotes energy security through interdependence and collaboration.
- Combine Decarbonization and Digitalization:
- With 820 million active internet users, over half from rural areas, India can merge digital and energy systems.
- Prepaid smart meters and AI systems optimize energy distribution, making renewable integration more efficient.
- Promote Circular Economy:
- By 2030, India’s solar energy waste may reach 600 kilotonnes, equivalent to 720 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
- Recycling minerals like silicon and cadmium from this waste supports environmental sustainability and energy security.
- Center Policies Around People:
- Financing small-scale consumer needs, such as electric two-wheelers or rooftop solar, can create aggregated market opportunities.
- This approach shifts focus from power developers to end-use consumers.
Question for practice:
Discuss the key shifts needed for India’s energy transition to meet its rising power demand, as highlighted in the article.
CoP 29’s agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Pact
Source: The post CoP 29’s agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Pact has been created, based on the article “CoP’s hasty decision on carbon credits could do more harm than good” published in “Indian Express” on 14th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 3- Environment
Context: The article discusses CoP 29’s agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Pact. It sets rules for emissions trading but faces criticism for ignoring double accounting, project risks, and community impacts, risking a repeat of Kyoto Protocol failures.
For detailed information on India’s Opportunities and Challenges in Carbon Markets read this article here
What is Article 6 of the Paris Pact?
- Article 6 enables carbon markets where polluting entities can offset emissions by purchasing credits from less polluting ones.
- The aim is to reduce the cost of implementing Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) by $250 billion annually, according to Azerbaijan at CoP 29.
For detailed information on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement read this article here
What was agreed at CoP 29 in Baku?
- Countries reached a consensus on methodologies for carbon market standards, resolving transparency concerns.
- The agreement seeks to streamline emissions trading and clarify operational mechanisms.
What criticisms does the agreement face?
- Experts say the decision was rushed, with inadequate deliberation on key issues.
- It does not address “double accounting,” where emissions reductions are counted by multiple parties.
- It ignores risks like carbon reversal in natural sinks (e.g., forests) and displaced community livelihoods from green projects.
Why are carbon markets controversial?
- Historically, carbon markets like the Clean Development Mechanism under the Kyoto Protocol failed due to a lack of trust among parties.
- Critics fear developed countries may use offsets to avoid genuine decarbonization, shifting the burden to developing nations.
Question for practice:
Discuss the criticisms faced by the agreement on carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Pact reached at CoP 29 in Baku.
Sustainability challenges in India’s agricultural exports
Source: The post sustainability challenges in India’s agricultural exports has been created, based on the article “India’s tea, sugar exports raise sustainability concerns at home” published in “The Hindu” on 14th November 2024
UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3-Agriculture – Marketing of agricultural produce.
Context: The article discusses the sustainability challenges in India’s agricultural exports, focusing on tea, sugar, and millets. It highlights ecological, social, and economic issues, emphasizing the need for better practices to balance exports, resource use, and worker welfare. Sustainability challenges in India’s agricultural exports
For detailed information on Challenges facing agriculture exports from India read this article here
What is the importance of agricultural exports in India?
- India’s agricultural exports were valued at $53.1 billion in 2022-2023, up from $8.7 billion in 2004-2005.
- Exports strengthen the economy by increasing revenue, foreign exchange, and transaction options.
- The rapid growth of exports raises sustainability concerns in production, processing, and distribution.
When is an agricultural commodity sustainable?
- Sustainability depends on three pillars: ecological, economic, and social factors.
- Good governance and policies are necessary for sustainable systems.
- Sustainability extends across all stages: pre-sowing, on-farm production, and post-harvest.
- Tea and sugar illustrate these challenges well.
What are the sustainability challenges in tea production?
- Human-wildlife conflicts: 70% of tea plantations are near forests, leading to frequent interactions with elephants.
- Chemical pesticide use:
- 85% of pesticides used are synthetic, increasing chemical residues like DDT and Endosulfan in tea.
- These chemicals pose risks of cancer, diabetes, and neurotoxicity.
- Labour issues:
- Over 50% of workers are women, often underpaid and working in hazardous conditions.
- Regulations under the Plantations Labour Act (1951) are poorly enforced.
What are the sustainability challenges in sugar production?
- Water consumption:
- Producing 1 kg of sugar requires 1,500–2,000 kg of water.
- Sugarcane occupies 25% of India’s cropped area but uses 60% of irrigation water.
- Increased cultivation in Maharashtra and Karnataka has stressed groundwater and ecosystems.
- Drip irrigation could reduce water use by 40-50%.
- Labour concerns:
- Workers face poor conditions, long hours, and rising temperatures, harming their physical and mental health.
- Many workers are trapped in debt cycles.
How can millets contribute to sustainable agriculture?
- Millets are seen as a sustainable alternative because they require fewer resources and are resilient to harsh conditions.
- They also help in maintaining soil health and ensuring nutritional security.
- Millet exports have been growing, with $75.45 million worth exported in 2022-2023, showing their potential in sustainable agriculture.
What is needed to improve sustainability in agriculture?
- There is a need for better management practices, stricter regulations, and a focus on reducing the environmental impact of agriculture.
- This includes enhancing water management, reducing pesticide use, and improving labor conditions to create a more sustainable and inclusive agricultural system in India.
Question for practice:
Examine the sustainability challenges faced by India’s agricultural exports, with specific reference to tea, sugar, and millets.
Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)
Supreme Court judgement on “Bulldozer Justice”
Source: This post on Supreme Court judgement on “Bulldozer Justice” has been created based on the article “Supreme Court puts brakes on ‘bulldozer culture’” published in The Hindu on 14th November 2024.
Why in news?
The Supreme Court of India delivered a landmark judgment condemning the use of bulldozers by state authorities to demolish the homes of individuals accused of criminal offenses.
The court criticized the practice as an illegal and arbitrary display of power, issuing detailed directives to ensure accountability and protect due process.
Supreme Court’s Directives for Demolition Procedures
The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 of the Constitution to establish binding guidelines for state authorities to address concerns over arbitrary demolitions.
i) Notice Requirements: Authorities must provide at least 15 days’ notice before demolishing a property.
ii) Detailed Notice: The notice must specify the nature of the unauthorized construction, particular violations, and grounds for demolition.
iii) Opportunity to Respond: Owners or occupants should have a fair chance to contest the demolition before a designated authority.
iv) Reasoned Order: Final demolition orders must include reasoned conclusions. The demolition process must be recorded.
v) Consequences of Non-compliance: Violations of these guidelines could lead to contempt charges, prosecution, and restitution liabilities for responsible officials.
The court clarified that these directives would not apply to encroachments on public property or demolitions ordered by a court.
SC observations on “Collective Punishment”
Justice B.R. Gavai noted that demolishing homes as a form of “collective punishment” violated the rule of law:
i) Innocent Parties Affected: Family members, such as spouses and children, should not be penalized through demolitions without any involvement in criminal activities.
ii) Violation of Basic Rights: Destroying homes infringes on the constitutional right to life, which includes the right to shelter and dignity.
iii) Presumption of Innocence: The court emphasized that an accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Emphasis on “Rule of Law” and “Separation of Powers”
1. Role of Judiciary: The judiciary, not the State, is empowered to determine guilt or innocence. The State cannot unilaterally impose excessive punishment, even on convicted individuals.
2. Institutional Accountability: Arbitrary exercise of power by public officials, including punitive demolitions, should be subject to judicial review.
3. Standard for Selective Demolitions: If a single property is targeted for demolition while similar nearby structures remain untouched, this could indicate malicious intent.
4. The judgment underscored the value of home ownership, stating that for many, a home is a result of years of hard work. A house represents stability, security, and future aspirations. Authorities should only consider demolition if no other alternatives exist.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation
African Elephant
Source: This post on African Elephant has been created based on the article “Researchers document huge drop in African elephants in a half century” published in The Hindu on 14th November 2024.
Why in news?
A recent study reveals drastic declines in African elephant populations, with data spanning surveys from 475 sites across 37 African countries between 1964 and 2016.
Savanna elephant populations have declined by approximately 70% on average, and forest elephants by about 90% at the surveyed sites.
About African Elephant
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Aspects | Description |
About | 1. The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is the largest land animal on Earth. 2. It is renowned for its impressive size, intelligence, and social structure. |
Location | 1. African elephants are primarily found across sub-Saharan Africa, living in varied habitats, from savannas and deserts to forests and marshes. 2. There are two subspecies of African elephants: the African bush elephant and the smaller African forest elephant, each adapted to different ecosystems. |
Physical Characteristics | 1. African elephants are massive, with males reaching heights of up to 4 meters (13 feet) at the shoulder and weighing up to 12,000 pounds. 2. Females are generally smaller but are still formidable in size. 3. One of their most distinctive features is their large, fan-shaped ears, which help regulate body temperature by dissipating heat. 4. Unlike Asian elephants, African elephants have two “fingers” on the tips of their trunks, which allow them to grasp small objects with great dexterity. 5. Both males and females have tusks, although males tend to have larger, more prominent ones. |
Diet | As herbivores, African elephants spend a significant part of their day feeding, consuming up to 300 pounds of vegetation daily. Their diet includes grasses, fruits, leaves, and bark, which they can strip from trees using their trunks and tusks. |
Ecological Role | 1. Elephants play a crucial role in shaping their environment, often referred to as a “keystone species.” 2. By breaking trees, digging water holes, and dispersing seeds through their dung, elephants help maintain biodiversity in their ecosystems. |
Conservation Status | African elephants are classified as vulnerable to endangered due to threats from habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and poaching for their ivory tusks. |
Conservation efforts | Conservation efforts include anti-poaching initiatives, habitat restoration, and community engagement programs aimed at fostering coexistence between humans and elephants. |
Key differences between African and Asian elephants:
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1. African elephants have larger, fan-shaped ears that resemble the African continent, while Asian elephants have smaller, rounded ears.
2. Body Size: African elephants are generally larger and heavier, with males standing up to 13 feet at the shoulder, while Asian elephants are slightly smaller.
3. Head Shape: African elephants have a fuller, more rounded head, while Asian elephants have a twin-domed head with an indent in the middle.
4. Trunk: African elephants have two finger-like projections at the tip of their trunk, while Asian elephants have only one.
5. Back Shape: African elephants have a concave or saddle-shaped back, while Asian elephants have a more convex or humped back.
6. Location: African elephants are found in various parts of Africa (savannas, forests, and deserts), while Asian elephants are native to Southeast Asia, including India, Sri Lanka, and parts of Indonesia.
UPSC Syllabus: Environment
Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)
Source: This post on Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been created based on the article “Musk, Indian-origin Ramaswamy to head body to trim US govt: What is DOGE” published in Indian Express on 14th November 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, US President-elect Donald Trump has introduced a new initiative called the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk and Indian-origin entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy. This unconventional team is set to overhaul government operations and streamline expenses.
The acronym “DOGE” appears to be a nod to Dogecoin, a cryptocurrency often promoted by Musk.
Purpose of DOGE
The primary goal of DOGE is to create a leaner, more efficient government by:
1. Reducing Bureaucracy: The department aims to eliminate unnecessary layers of bureaucracy, making processes quicker and more transparent.
2. Cutting Regulations: DOGE will identify and eliminate what it views as excessive regulations that hinder efficiency.
3. Minimizing Wasteful Spending: The initiative seeks to reduce government spending, directing funds to essential services and minimizing waste.
4. Restructuring Federal Agencies: DOGE will evaluate and restructure various government departments to maximize efficiency and reduce costs.
How DOGE Will Operate
1. Advisory Role: DOGE will not be a formal government department; instead, it will act as an advisory body, partnering with the White House and the Office of Management & Budget.
2. Transparency and Public Involvement: DOGE’s activities will be posted publicly online, allowing citizens to provide feedback on areas for potential cuts or concerns.
3. Leaderboard for Wasteful Spending: DOGE plans to highlight the most frivolous government expenses to entertain and inform the public.
UPSC Syllabus: International relations
Guidelines to Prevent Misleading Advertisements in Coaching Sector
Source: This post on Guidelines to Prevent Misleading Advertisements in Coaching Sector has been created based on the article “Central Consumer Protection Authority Issues Guidelines for “Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector” published in PIB on 14th November 2024.
Why in news?
The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has introduced the “Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector, 2024” to protect students and prevent deceptive marketing by coaching centers. This move aims to ensure transparency, prevent unfair practices, and support students’ rights.
Key Definitions in the Guidelines
1. “Coaching”: Covers academic support, education, and study programs but excludes counseling, sports, arts, and creative activities.
2. “Coaching Center”: Defined as any institution providing coaching to over 50 students.
3. “Endorser”: It refers to any individual endorsing coaching centers, responsible for verifying the truthfulness of their endorsements.
Highlights of the Guidelines
1. Regulation of Advertisements: It prohibits misleading claims about courses, faculty qualifications, fees, and refund policies. It bans exaggerated success rates, selection assurances, and job guarantees. It also prohibits false promises of high scores, assured admissions, and exam rankings.
2. Truthful Representation: Coaching centers must accurately represent their facilities, infrastructure, and resources.
3. Student Success Stories and Testimonials: Coaching centers cannot use student names, photos, or testimonials in advertisements without written consent post-success. This rule aims to prevent undue pressure on students to endorse centers preemptively.
4. Transparency and Disclosure: All advertisements must disclose important details like student name, rank, course details, and whether the course was paid. Disclaimers must be clear and as prominent as other key information to avoid misleading consumers.
5. Prevention of False Urgency: The guidelines prohibit tactics that create false urgency, like implying limited seats, to pressure students into quick decisions.
6. Link with National Consumer Helpline (NCH): Coaching centers must partner with NCH, allowing students to raise complaints regarding misleading practices more easily.
7. Fair Contracts: It prohibits unfair contract terms and restricts the use of successful candidate testimonials without their post-selection consent.
8. Enforcement and Penalties: Violations will be considered breaches of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, allowing the CCPA to impose penalties and ensure accountability.
CCPA Actions and Penalties
1. Enforcement: The CCPA has taken proactive action by issuing notices to 45 coaching centers for misleading advertisements, imposing fines totaling Rs. 54,60,000 on 18 coaching institutes.
2. Complaint Resolution: The NCH has registered increasing student complaints, from 4,815 in 2021-2022 to over 16,276 in 2023-2024, highlighting the rising trust in NCH’s services.
3. Refund Drive: From September 2023 to August 2024, the NCH facilitated refunds of ₹1.15 crore to students affected by misleading practices, particularly non-refunded enrollment fees.
UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation
Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’
Source: This post on Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’ has been created based on the article “INDIAN NAVY TO CONDUCT FOURTH EDITION OF COASTAL DEFENCE EXERCISE ‘SEA VIGIL-24’” published in PIB on 14th November 2024.
Why in news?
Recently, the Indian Navy is to Conduct the Fourth Edition of the Coastal Defence Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’.
About Exercise ‘Sea Vigil-24’
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Aspects | Description |
About | 1. It is a Pan-India Coastal Defence Exercise from 20–21 November 2024. 2. It is the fourth edition following the initial exercise held in 2018. 3. It is the largest edition yet, covering India’s entire 11,098 km coastline and a vast EEZ of 2.4 million sq km. It has involvement of six Ministries and 21 different organisations and agencies. 4. Participation from fishing communities, coastal populations, NCC cadets, and Bharat Scouts and Guides which aims to raise awareness about maritime security and engage local stakeholders. |
Objective | To validate and strengthen India’s coastal defence and security mechanisms |
Focus areas | 1. Security of critical coastal assets like ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, and Cable Landing Points. 2. Enhanced awareness about maritime security among coastal communities, including fishing populations and students. |
Feature | It emphasis on securing strategic locations, including ports, oil rigs, Single Point Moorings, Cable Landing Points, and other vital infrastructure. It focuses on coastal population security alongside critical infrastructure |
Significance | 1. It provides a holistic assessment of India’s maritime defence capabilities. 2. It helps identify strengths and weaknesses in the current preparedness of maritime security agencies. 3. It serves as a precursor to the Indian Navy’s biennial Theatre Level Readiness Operational Exercise (TROPEX). |
UPSC Syllabus: Exercise in news
Bio-derived foam
Source: This post on Bio-derived foam has been created based on the article “IISc researchers develop recyclable, eco-friendly bio-derived foam for FMCG packaging” published in Deccan Herald on 14th November 2024.
Why in news?
Researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, have developed an Bio-derived foam derived from biological sources. It is designed to specifically reduce plastic pollution. Bio-derived foam
About Bio-derived foam
1. This recyclable, bio-derived foam supports a circular economy, reducing landfill waste. This biodegradable foam is a sustainable alternative to EPS and PU foams.
2. Unlike traditional plastic foams, it degrades naturally in landfills without contaminating groundwater.
3. It offers a sustainable packaging option for FMCG, replacing conventional plastic foams.
4. It is made from FDA-approved, non-edible oils and natural hardeners and thus it is eco friendly. Epoxidized fatty acids and tea-sourced polyphenol hardeners ensure the foam remains fully biodegradable.
5. Switching to this bio-foam could cut greenhouse gas emissions, as producing 10,000 plastic foam cups emits 680 pounds of CO₂. It is also highly durable and withstands 10,000 cycles of use, making it ideal for FMCG packaging.
Need for Sustainable Packaging
With the Indian foam market valued at $7.9 billion and projected to grow to $11.1 billion by 2032, there is a pressing need for environmentally conscious solutions.
Presently, less than 1% of the 2.3 million tonnes of plastic foam produced each year is recycled, creating significant waste.
UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology