9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 17th December, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Procedure for removing judges

Source: This article Procedure for removing judges is based on article “What is the procedure for removing judges?” published in The Hindu on 17^TH December 2024.

Syllabus: GS 2- Polity- Appointment to various Constitutional Posts, Powers, Functions and Responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies.

Context: The article discusses the procedure for the removal of judges in India and highlights the specific case involving Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav of the Allahabad High Court. It explains the constitutional and legal framework for removing judges and delves into the allegations against Justice Yadav that have prompted a motion for his removal.

What does the Constitution say about the removal of judges?

1. Articles 124 and 217 of the Constitution state that a Supreme Court or High Court judge can be removed by the President on grounds of proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
2. This must be approved by both Houses of Parliament with:

• A majority of the total membership of that House, and
• A two-thirds majority of members present and voting in the same session.

How are misbehaviour and incapacity defined?

The terms are not explicitly defined in the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court has interpreted misbehaviour to include wilful misconduct, corruption, lack of integrity, or offences involving moral turpitude. Incapacity refers to physical or mental inability to perform duties.

What is the role of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968?

The Act provides a detailed procedure for removal:

1. A motion must be signed by at least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha or 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha.
2. The Chairman (Rajya Sabha) or Speaker (Lok Sabha) can either admit or refuse the motion.
3. If admitted, a three-member committee (comprising judges and a jurist) investigates the allegations.
4. If the judge is absolved, the motion is dropped. If found guilty, the report is presented to both Houses, which must pass the motion with a special majority.

What standards govern judges’ conduct?

The Reinstatement of Values of Judicial Life (adopted by the Supreme Court in 1997) mandates that judges must reaffirm people’s faith in judicial impartiality and avoid any behaviour unbecoming of their office.

Though the Judges (Inquiry) Bill, 2006 was not passed, it suggested defining ‘misbehaviour’ to include violations of judicial codes of conduct. It also proposed minor penalties like warnings, censures, or temporary withdrawal of judicial work for misconduct that does not warrant removal.

Why is judicial conduct so significant?

Judges must uphold the dignity of their constitutional office. Any behavior that undermines public confidence in their impartiality can harm the judiciary’s credibility.

What challenges are involved in the removal process?

The process is stringent, requiring a special majority in both Houses of Parliament. Even if the inquiry committee finds a judge guilty, the motion often fails to pass, which protects judicial independence.

How does the “Blackstone’s ratio” apply?

The principle that “it is better for ten guilty persons to escape than for one innocent to suffer” applies to the removal process. The rigorous procedure ensures judicial independence by safeguarding judges from frivolous or politically motivated removal attempts.

Indianness of the Constitution

Source: This article on Indianness of the Constitution is based on “Yogendra Yadav writes: What’s Indian about the Indian Constitution?” is published in The Indian Express on 17^th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus topics: GS-2- Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Context: The article reflects on the Indianness of the Indian Constitution, a question that has surfaced repeatedly since its drafting and continues to be debated. It critiques the ideological and political attempts, particularly by certain factions, to question the Constitution’s legitimacy on the grounds of its alleged “foreign” origins.

Why is the question about the Indianness of the Constitution important? Was this question raised earlier?

1. The question of Indianness is central because it challenges the Constitution’s legitimacy and authenticity, which is being questioned by those aiming to undermine India’s constitutional republic.
2. The debate reflects an ideological conflict about whether the Constitution aligns with India’s cultural and civilizational values.
3. Even during the Constituent Assembly debates, the question of the Constitution being “alien” or “foreign” was brought up due to its reliance on Western constitutional traditions and English as its working language.

What does “Indianness” of the Constitution not mean?

1. An Indian Constitution cannot mean a document untouched by foreign ideas. A modern state requires a written constitution that incorporates universal principles.
2. Mere adding illustrations from Indian mythology or renaming laws (e.g., Indian Penal Code to Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita) does not inherently make it Indian.
3. Simply privileging Hindu-ness or any singular element from India’s past does not ensure authenticity. This approach mimics systems like Pakistan (Islamic Republic) or even models like Nazi Germany or modern Israel, which undermine India’s pluralistic identity.

How can the Constitution reflect Indianness authentically?

1. Radical Originality: Creating an entirely new Constitution by rejecting Western political thought and building one solely on India’s civilizational heritage. This was Gandhi’s vision in Hind Swaraj. However, this remains impractical since no workable draft exists.
2. Compositional Originality: Adapting and modifying Western constitutional ideas to suit India’s context and traditions. This is the approach taken in India’s Constitution.

How does the Indian Constitution reflect compositional originality?

1. The Constitution was not a result of sudden creation. It was written in under three years and it was the product of over a century of modern Indian political thought and engagement with multiple intellectual traditions.
2. It brought together diverse visions of India, combining received ideas from Western constitutionalism with India’s civilizational wisdom to forge an “Indian modernity.”
3. The lived experience of Indian jurisprudence and public participation over the past 75 years proves that even those unfamiliar with the Constitution resonate with its morality and values.

What unique Indian features does the Constitution showcase?

1. Union of India: Unlike classic federal states, the Constitution aligns with India’s multi-layered governance traditions from pre-modern times.
2. State-Nation Concept: India’s model respects cultural and social diversity, unlike European-style nation-states.
3. Secularism: Indian secularism adopts a “principled distance” approach based on maitri and sarva dharma samabhava, not the Western models of American or French secularism.
4. Socialism: The socialist features align with India’s value of karuna (compassion).
5. Rejection of caste and untouchability: The Constitution builds on long-standing Indian traditions of reform.

What is the essence of Indianness in the Constitution?

1. The Constitution reinterprets and recasts inherited ideas, blending modern principles with India’s intellectual traditions, much like an authentic Indian dish made from foreign ingredients.
2. The Indian Constitution is a testament to India’s desi genius. It is modern yet deeply rooted in Indian values, traditions, and cultural context, creating something unique and authentically Indian.

Religion and Reservations in India

Source: This article on Religion and Reservations in India is based on article “ How Supreme Court, govt have attempted to define importance of religion in SC & OBC reservations” published in The Indian Express on 17^th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS-2- Indian Constitution—Historical Underpinnings, Evolution, Features, Amendments, Significant Provisions and Basic Structure.

Context: The article addresses the complex and contentious issue of religion and reservations in India, focusing on Other Backward Classes (OBC) and Scheduled Caste (SC) quotas. It examines the evolving legal and governmental positions on whether religion can be a basis for providing reservation benefits and highlights specific Supreme Court and High Court rulings that have shaped the debate.

Can reservations be based on religion, especially for Other Backward Classes (OBC)?

1. While the Constitution (Article 16(4)) allows states to provide reservations for “backward classes” underrepresented in public services, the Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney v Union of India (1992) ruled that religion cannot be the sole basis for determining backwardness.
2. The court emphasized that other social, economic, or educational criteria must also justify reservations.
3. Several states have provided OBC reservations to Muslims. For example:

• Kerala: Muslims have been part of OBC quotas since 1956.
• Karnataka: In 1995, based on the Justice O. Chinnappa Reddy Commission’s 1990 report, Muslims “as a whole” were deemed socially and economically backward.
• Tamil Nadu: Included Muslim groups in the OBC quota in 2007.

4. However, challenges persist. For instance, on May 22, 2024, the Calcutta High Court struck down OBC reservations for 77 classes—mostly from the Muslim community—stating that the reservations were based on religion without “objective criteria” to prove backwardness.

How does religion impact Scheduled Caste (SC) reservations?

1. The Constitution (Article 341) allows the President to specify SC communities. The Scheduled Castes Order, 1950 restricts SC status to Hindus, later extended to Sikhs (1956) and Buddhists (1990). Converts to Christianity and Islam remain excluded.
2. In the Soosai v Union of India (1985) case, the Supreme Court ruled that a religious convert cannot retain SC status unless they prove caste-related discrimination persists in their new religious community.
3. The Ranganath Mishra Commission (2007) found caste discrimination exists across all religions and recommended that SC status should extend to converts to Christianity and Islam. However, the Centre rejected this recommendation.
4. A key challenge is pending in the Ghazi Saaduddin v State of Maharashtra case (since 2004), which questions the constitutional validity of the 1950 Presidential Order. In April 2024, the Supreme Court delayed the case, citing the Centre’s formation of a commission led by ex-CJI K G Balakrishnan to examine the issue. The commission’s report is now expected by October 2025.

What are the legal hurdles regarding reservations for religious groups?

Legal challenges arise when reservations for religious groups are provided without clear justification:

• Andhra Pradesh (2005): The state introduced 5% reservations for Muslims within the OBC quota. The Andhra Pradesh High Court struck it down, stating the government did not use “objective criteria” to prove backwardness.
• Calcutta High Court (2024): Similar reasoning invalidated reservations for 77 predominantly Muslim classes.

The Supreme Court is yet to decide on the Andhra Pradesh case, despite indicating it would address it after the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) judgment in 2022.

France faces political crisis after failed elections

Source: The post France faces political crisis after failed elections has been created, based on the article “Costly gambles: Emmanuel Macron is driving France into one crisis after another” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations

Context: The article discusses France’s political crisis after President Macron’s failed gambles. A hung parliament, economic troubles, and unstable governments have worsened the situation. Macron’s refusal to work with the Left has prolonged the crisis, risking further instability and economic harm. France faces political crisis after failed elections.

What Led to France’s Current Political Crisis?

1. President Emmanuel Macron called a snap legislative election to secure a new mandate for his centrist coalition and stop the far-right National Rally’s rise.
2. However, the election led to a hung parliament. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) emerged as the largest bloc, but Macron appointed Michel Barnier, a conservative leader from the Republicans (who finished fourth), to form the government.
3. Barnier’s government collapsed within three months, leaving France without a budget for 2025.

Who Is France’s New Prime Minister?

1. Macron has now appointed François Bayrou, leader of the Democratic Movement party, as Prime Minister.
2. His party holds just 33 seats in the 577-member National Assembly, making him weak in Parliament.
3. Even if Macron’s coalition (Ensemble) and the Republicans combine, they still lack a majority (289 seats).

What Are the Challenges Facing the New Government?

1. The Socialist Party, part of the left-wing alliance, has refused to join the new government.
2. This leaves Bayrou’s government dependent on Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally for survival.
3. Passing an emergency budget to ensure essential services is Bayrou’s immediate task.
4. Negotiations will be difficult as the far-right opposes further cuts in social spending.

How Severe Are France’s Economic Issues?

France is facing significant economic troubles:

• Rising unemployment and falling domestic consumption.
• The fiscal deficit has jumped to 6.1% of GDP, worse than Greece, Spain, and Italy (countries hit hard in the 2008-09 debt crisis).
• France’s national debt has grown to €3.2 trillion, over 112% of GDP.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors that led to France’s current political crisis and the challenges facing its new government.

How Powerful Countries Dominate Through Global Chaos

Source: The post How Powerful Countries Dominate Through Global Chaos has been created, based on the article “Geopolitics has played a massive role in the rise of ‘Master States’” published in “Live mint” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International relations

Context: The article explains how powerful countries, or “Master States,” use geopolitical chaos to gain economic and military dominance. It highlights how nations like Britain, the US, Germany, and Japan leveraged resources, markets, and opportunities during global upheavals to succeed. How Powerful Countries Dominate Through Global Chaos?

What is the Westphalian System?

1. The Westphalian system describes a world where countries, known as nation-states, operate under their own rules.
2. These rules are often shaped by a few powerful countries, referred to as “Master States,” which dominate because of their military and economic strength.
3. Master States maintain control by creating rules that benefit themselves and disadvantage less developed countries. This creates an unequal global economic system.

How Have Master States Historically Gained Power?

1. Colonization and Conquest: European powers like Britain plundered resources from colonies in Asia, Africa, and the Americas. Colonies provided cheap raw materials, labor, and markets for British goods.
2. Slavery and High Tariffs: The U.S. used slavery to address labor shortages and protected its manufacturers with high tariffs while stealing European technology.
3. Geopolitical Chaos: The U.S. benefited from World War II by supplying war materials and leading reconstruction. The 1944 Bretton Woods system established the U.S. dollar as the global trade currency.

How Did the U.S. Help Japan and Germany After World War II?

1. After World War II, the U.S. helped rebuild Japan and Germany. It funded Europe’s recovery through the Marshall Plan and boosted Japan by buying its products during the Korean War and beyond, which helped Japan’s economy flourish.
2. The rise of Master States relies significantly on their ability to manipulate global rules and take advantage of geopolitical disturbances to cement their economic and military superiority.

Question for practice:

Discuss how Master States have historically gained power by leveraging geopolitical chaos and economic strategies.

GS PAPER - 3

India’s Demographic Advantage and Challenges

Source: This article on India’s Demographic Advantage and Challenges  is based on article “ India’s asset-less, ageing population with poor health is a crisis in the making” published in The Indian Express on 17^th December 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS 3-  Indian Economy and issues relating to Planning, Mobilization of Resources, Growth, Development and Employment 

Context: The article critically examines India’s demographic situation, highlighting the gap between its potential demographic dividend and the challenges hindering its realization. India, currently at its demographic prime, has a substantial proportion of its population in the working-age group (15-59 years), which will continue for the next few decades. However, the article underscores that demographic advantage alone is not sufficient unless accompanied by the right policies and investments to ensure high productivity, education, skills, and health.

What is India’s demographic status, and what are the key challenges?

1. India is in its demographic prime, with 3% of its population aged 15-59 years, a unique advantage expected to last for three more decades.
2. By 2030, India will have the largest workforce in the world, but this can only translate into economic growth if supported by proper education, skills, and health.
3. However, current challenges include:

• Education: Only 41% of women and 2% of men (15-49 years) have 10+ years of schooling.
• Health:
  • Anaemia: 57% of women and 25% of men are anaemic.
  • BMI: 18.7% of women and 16.2% of men have a BMI below normal.
• Learning Outcomes: Among adolescents, only 77% of 17-18-year-olds can read a Class 2 textbook, and just 35% can perform division.

How do nutrition and health issues among children impact India’s future workforce?

1. Under-5 Health:
   • Stunting: 35.5% are stunted.
   • Wasting: 19.3% are wasted.
   • Underweight: 32.1% are underweight.
   • Anaemia: 67.1% of children (6-59 months) are anaemic.
2. Diet: Only 3% of children under two years receive a minimal adequate diet. Poor nutrition hinders 90% brain development, which occurs before age five, affecting future cognitive abilities.

What is the risk of an ageing population post-2030?

1. After 2030, India will start ageing, with the workforce shrinking and the elderly population rising.
2. Without intervention, India risks a large, asset-less, ageing population in poor health, creating economic burdens rather than growth opportunities.

What urgent steps must India take to harness its demographic dividend?

1. Conduct a real-time analysis of the demographic situation.
2. Redesign policy frameworks to strengthen:
   • Nutrition: Ensure minimal adequate diets for children.
   • Healthcare: Address anaemia, undernutrition, and physical health gaps.
   • Education: Improve learning outcomes, especially foundational skills like reading and arithmetic.
3. A strong foundation of nutrition, health, and education across the life cycle is critical to ensure India’s demographic dividend can capitalize on future economic opportunities and avoid becoming a burden.

La Niña delays impact India’s weather patterns

Source: The post La Niña delays impact India’s weather patterns has been created, based on the article “How does La Niña affect India’s climate?” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses La Niña, a climate phenomenon that affects global weather. It explains its delayed emergence in 2024, its effects on rainfall, temperature, and air quality, and how it impacts India’s monsoon and winter seasons. Climate change may increase its frequency. La Niña delays impact India weather patterns

What is La Niña and El Niño?

La Niña is a phase of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO). It occurs when the Pacific Ocean between Indonesia and South America becomes cooler than normal. Its counterpart, El Niño, causes warming of the same region.

For details information on El Nino: Concept and impacts read this article here

How is La Niña affecting winter in India?

1. This winter, southern cities like Bengaluru and Hyderabad are colder than usual. Northern India has a delayed winter with above-normal temperatures.
2. Current ONI values show that La Niña has not formed yet.
3. If La Niña had formed, north India would have experienced colder winters.
4. 35-Year Analysis:

• La Niña winters have colder nights but higher daytime temperatures.
• Wind Speed: Winds are stronger during La Niña, reducing air pollution.
• Planetary Boundary Layer Height (PBLH): PBLH is slightly lower, which can trap pollutants near the ground.

How is La Niña affecting India?

1. Delayed Onset: La Niña was expected to emerge by July 2024 but has not yet formed. There is now only a 57% chance it will develop this year.
2. Air Quality Effects: Higher wind speeds during expected La Niña conditions could help disperse air pollutants, potentially improving air quality. However, cooler temperatures might increase biomass burning, worsening pollution due to more pollutants being trapped near the ground.
3. Monsoon Impact: La Niña years typically see normal or above-normal rainfall in India, benefiting the monsoon season. In contrast, El Niño years often bring less rainfall and hotter summers, like the severe heatwaves India faced in April of this year.
4. Future Outlook: If La Niña persists into 2025, it may bring relief from heat waves and strengthen the monsoon.

For details information on Negative impact of delayed La Niña read this article here

Conclusion

La Niña’s delayed emergence is affecting weather patterns. Its formation could benefit India by reducing heat and strengthening the monsoon. However, it may also impact winter air quality and temperature patterns in the coming months.

Question for practice:

Examine how the delayed emergence of La Niña in 2024 is impacting India’s winter, air quality, and monsoon patterns.

India’s Path to Overcome Green Hydrogen Challenges

Source: The post India’s Path to Overcome Green Hydrogen Challenges has been created, based on the article “Green hydrogen and the financing challenge” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3-Infrastructure: Energy

Context: The article highlights India’s challenges in achieving its green hydrogen goals due to high production costs and financing barriers. It suggests innovative financing, policy frameworks, industrial hubs, and global collaborations to reduce risks and scale green hydrogen production efficiently. India’s Path to Overcome Green Hydrogen Challenges
For details information on Green Hydrogen Mission read this article here

Why is Green Hydrogen Important for India?

1. Ambitious Goal: India aims to produce 5 million metric tonnes (MMT) of green hydrogen annually by 2030 to decarbonize its industrial sectors and achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. However, current progress is slow, with BloombergNEF estimating that India may meet only 10% of its goal.
2. Reducing Reliance on Fossil Fuels: Current traditional hydrogen methods (grey/blue) cost $1.9-$2.4 per kg, while green hydrogen costs $5.30-$6.70 per kg. Scaling production can reduce this gap.
3. Global Leadership Opportunity: Countries like the U.K., U.S., and Japan are creating hydrogen hubs, providing successful examples for India.
4. Industrial Hubs Development: States like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat can become green hydrogen hubs.
5. Access to Abundant Renewables: Leveraging India’s renewable energy resources with efficient financing can lower production costs.
6. Economic Potential: Policies like purchase agreements and international collaborations can attract investments and boost exports.

What are the major challenges related to India’s green hydrogen sector?

1. High Production Costs: Green hydrogen costs $5.30-$6.70 per kg, while grey/blue hydrogen costs only $1.9-$2.4 per kg, making it hard to attract investment.
2. Levelised Cost of Electricity (LCOE): High Weighted Average Cost of Capital (WACC) in emerging markets like India increases LCOE. Studies show WACC rising from 10% to 20% can increase hydrogen costs by 73%.
3. Electrolyzer Costs: These range between $500-$1,400/kW for alkaline systems and $1,100-$1,800/kW for proton exchange membrane systems.
4. Slow Investments Globally: By May 2024, only 27.6% of 1,572 large-scale hydrogen projects (valued at $370 billion) reached final investment decisions.
5. Lack of Policy Innovation: Unlike the U.K.’s Low Carbon Hydrogen Standard or U.S. hydrogen hubs, India lacks policies to build market confidence and integrated ecosystems.

How Can India Overcome Financing Barriers?

India must adopt a multi-pronged approach to attract investments:

1. Policy Measures:

• Implement long-term hydrogen purchase agreements.
• Provide loan guarantees to reduce risks.
• Use regulatory sandboxes to experiment with new business models.

2. Innovative Financing Models:

• Introduce modular project financing to scale facilities in phases.
• Use “anchor-plus” financing where industrial anchor customers support initial capacity.
• Adopt equipment-leasing structures to reduce upfront electrolyzer costs.

3. Global Collaboration:
4. Set up standardized hydrogen certification to boost exports.
5. Develop cross-border trade partnerships, such as the Australia-Japan Hydrogen Energy Supply Chain Project.

Way Forward

India needs to develop industrial hubs in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Gujarat, where projects can demonstrate effective business models and achieve lower hydrogen prices through strategic planning and financial structuring.

Question for practice:

Evaluate how India can overcome the challenges of high production costs and financing barriers to achieve its green hydrogen goals.

Indian Railways Electrification Drive Lacks Strategic Clarity

Source: The post Indian Railways Electrification Drive Lacks Strategic Clarity has been created, based on the article “The hidden cost of greenwashing the Indian Railways” published in “The Hindu” on 17th December 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3-Infrastructure: Energy, Railways etc.

Context: The article criticizes the Indian Railways’ hasty electrification drive. It highlights the wastage of diesel locomotives with years of service left, questions environmental benefits, and argues that the policy lacks economic and strategic clarity, causing significant financial loss. Indian Railways Electrification Drive Lacks Strategic Clarity

For details information on Railway network in 14 states 100% electrified in FY23 read this article here

What is the Issue with Indian Railways’ Electrification Efforts?

1. Wastage of Diesel Locomotives: As of March 2023, 585 diesel locomotives were idle. Today, the number is 760. Over 60% of these locomotives have a remaining life of more than 15 years.
2. Minimal Foreign Exchange Savings: According to the AC Nielsen report (2014), Railways’ diesel consumption is just 2% of India’s total diesel use (2021-22). Trucks consume 28%, and agriculture consumes 13.2% of diesel, showing Railways’ minimal contribution.
3. Environmental Claims Are Misleading: 50% of electricity in India comes from coal-fired plants. Railways earn 40% of total freight revenue by transporting coal. Electrification increases coal dependency, shifting pollution to thermal plants.
4. Policy Lacks Clarity: The rush for 100% electrification wastes serviceable assets and taxpayer money, causing financial losses.

What is the Strategic Reasoning Behind Keeping Diesel Locomotives?

1. Disaster Management: Indian Railways plans to retain 2,500 diesel locomotives for emergencies and strategic purposes.
2. Traffic Needs: Around 1,000 diesel locomotives will remain operational for a few more years to meet traffic demands.
3. Residual Service Life: Over 60% of idle locomotives still have more than 15 years of service left.

Conclusion

The Indian Railways’ rush for 100% electrification lacks practical and environmental justification. Over 760 diesel locomotives, 60% with over 15 years of life, are being wasted. Electrification relies on 50% coal-generated electricity, increasing pollution. Retaining 3,500 diesel locomotives highlights policy contradictions. This approach causes significant financial loss without achieving real “green” goals.

Question for practice:

Examine the economic, environmental, and strategic issues associated with the Indian Railways’ rush for 100% electrification, as highlighted in the article.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Key facts about Morocco

News: Morocco is becoming a key gateway for India to expand its presence in Africa for defense exports. Key facts about Morocco

About Morocco

• Capital: Rabat
• Location: Morocco is located in North Africa, in the Maghreb region. It lies in both the Northern and Western Hemispheres.
• Borders: Algeria to the east and Western Sahara to the south.
• Coastlines: Morocco is the only African country with coastlines on both the Atlantic Ocean (to the west) and the Mediterranean Sea (to the north).
• Strategic Cities: Casablanca is the largest city and a major commercial hub, while the capital is Rabat.
• Climate: Morocco experiences a Mediterranean climate along the coastal regions, characterized by mild, wet winters and hot, dry summers. The interior regions and southern areas are drier, with desert conditions.
• Geography:
  • Mountain Ranges: The Atlas Mountains dominate Morocco’s landscape, with Jebel Toubkal as the highest peak at 4,167 meters.
  • Rivers: The Moulouya River, originating in the Atlas Mountains, is a major water source, flowing into the Mediterranean Sea.
  • Desert: Parts of the Sahara Desert extend into southern Morocco.
• Political System-Morocco is a constitutional monarchy with a king as the head of state and a two-house legislative system.
• Economy– Morocco’s economy relies heavily on agriculture, tourism, phosphate exports, and manufacturing. It is one of the world’s largest producers of phosphates.
• Language– The official languages are Arabic and Tamazight (Berber). French is widely used for business and administration.
• Interesting Facts:
  • Morocco was one of the first states to recognize the United States as an independent nation in 1777.
  • It hosts iconic landmarks like the Hassan II Mosque in Casablanca and Aït Benhaddou, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Exercise SLINEX

News: Exercise SLINEX 2024 (Sri Lanka–India Exercise) will take place from December 17 to 20, 2024, at Visakhapatnam, under the supervision of the Eastern Naval Command.

About Exercise SLINEX

• It is a bilateral naval exercise between India and Sri Lanka.
• The first SLINEX exercise took place in 2005. The 11th edition took place in 2024.
• The 2024 edition of SLINEX aims to further enhance the strong maritime ties between India and Sri Lanka while promoting a safe, secure, and rules-based maritime environment.
• Participating Units:
  • From India: Indian Naval Ship (INS) Sumitra, a Naval Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Eastern Fleet, along with a Special Forces team.
  • From Sri Lanka: SLNS Sayura, an Offshore Patrol Vessel, with an embarked Special Forces team.
• The exercise will take place in two phases: the Harbour Phase and the Sea Phase.
  • Harbour Phase– Participants will engage in professional and social exchanges to foster mutual understanding.
  • Sea Phase- It will include joint exercises such as Special Forces operations, gun firings, communication drills, seamanship practices, navigation evolutions, and helicopter operations.

M. S. Subbulakshmi

News: The Supreme Court, in a recent interim order, directed that Carnatic vocalist T.M. Krishna “should not be recognised” as a recipient of the Sangita Kalanidhi M.S. Subbulakshmi Award.

About M. S. Subbulakshmi

• She was an Indian Carnatic singer.
• She was born on September 16, 1916, in Madurai, Tamil Nadu
• She was the first musician to be awarded the Bharat Ratna.
• In 1974, she became the first Indian musician to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award.
• She was also the first Indian to perform at the United Nations in 1966 on the occasion of UN Day.
• In 2005, the United Nations issued postage stamps to commemorate her birth centenary.
• She popularized numerous classical and devotional compositions, including Venkatesa Suprabhatam and Bhajagovindam.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing

News:The Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution, launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF).

About Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR (Negotiable warehouse receipt)

• It aims to provide credit facilities to small farmers to prevent them from distress selling.
• Nodal Ministry– Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food, and Public Distribution.
• Implemented by– Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA).
• It establishes a corpus of Rs 1,000 crore to support post-harvest financing for farmers through electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs). This is facilitated after depositing commodities in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA)-accredited warehouses.
• Coverage:
  • Loans up to Rs. 75 lakhs for agricultural purposes.
  • Loans up to Rs. 200 lakhs for non-agricultural purposes.
• Eligible Institutions– All scheduled banks and cooperative banks.
• Eligible Borrowers- Small and Marginal Farmers (SMF), Women, SC/ST/PwD Farmers, other farmers, MSMEs, Traders, Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), and Farmer Cooperatives.
• Risks Covered- Credit risk and warehouseman risk.
• Guarantee Coverage:
  • 85% for loans up to Rs. 3 lakhs.
  • 80% for loans between Rs. 3 to 75 lakhs for small and marginal farmers, women, SC/ST/PwD.
  • 75% for other borrowers.
• Guarantee Fee- 0.4% p.a. for farmers and 1% p.a. for non-farmers.

Hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS)

News: A study shows that hydroxymethanesulphonate (HMS), a secondary aerosol, forms in cold urban environments such as Fairbanks, Alaska. This discovery provides new insights into aerosol chemistry under extreme conditions and its impact on air quality.

About Hydroxymethanesulphonate Explaination

• It is a secondary aerosol which forms through chemical reactions involving formaldehyde and sulfur dioxide in the presence of liquid water.
• Role of Liquid Water- The reaction requires liquid water within aerosol particles. Even under extremely cold conditions, liquid water can persist in a supercooled state within aerosols, enabling the reaction to occur.
• Environmental conditions favoring HMS formation:
  • Low temperatures: Inhibit ammonium volatilization, which reduces aerosol acidity and stabilizes sulfite ions.
  • High ammonium ion concentrations: Help neutralize acidity, ensuring favorable conditions for HMS formation.
  • Supercooled liquid water: Allows the chemical reaction to proceed at sub-zero temperatures.
• Impact on health and environment
  • Air Quality: HMS contributes to the formation of secondary aerosols that increase PM2.5 pollution, negatively impacting air quality, especially in cold urban areas like Fairbanks, Alaska.
  • Climate Impact: By influencing cloud formation and aerosol radiative properties, HMS can affect climate processes.
  • Health Concerns: Increased PM2.5 levels associated with HMS can worsen respiratory and cardiovascular illnesses, particularly in polluted regions.

Additional Facts Aerosols: Tiny solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.Examples– Dust, smoke, fog. PM2.5: Fine particulate matter with a diameter less than 2.5 micrometres (µm).