9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 26 November, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Significant contributions of women in drafting the Indian Constitution

Source: The post significant contributions of women in drafting the Indian Constitution has been created, based on the article “Feminist ideology in India’s constitutional discourse” published in “The Hindu” on 26th November 2024.

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Context: The article highlights the significant contributions of women in drafting the Indian Constitution. It criticizes the patriarchal neglect of their role, addresses their fight for gender equality through constitutional provisions, and laments the ongoing struggles for women’s rights in independent India.

Who Were the Founding Mothers of the Indian Republic?

1. The article highlights the contributions of women in the Constituent Assembly, referring to them as the “founding mothers.”
2. They worked alongside B.R. Ambedkar to ensure the Constitution addressed gender equality.
3. Prominent women like Amrit Kaur, Hansa Mehta, and Begum Aizaz Rasul challenged the patriarchal systems embedded in Indian society.

How Did Women Influence the Constitution?

1. Advocated for Gender Equality: Women in the Constituent Assembly, including Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur, fought to ensure the Constitution addressed gender equality, particularly in areas of Fundamental Rights.
2. Pushed for Uniform Civil Code (UCC): Hansa Mehta and Amrit Kaur demanded the UCC be part of Fundamental Rights to counter patriarchal power in religion and family. When it was relegated to the Directive Principles, they worked to strengthen its significance by introducing a prelude declaring the Directive Principles fundamental to governance.
3. Challenged Religious Freedom: Amrit Kaur and Hansa Mehta argued against absolute freedom of religion, warning it could perpetuate harmful practices like child marriage, purdah, polygamy, and sati.
4. Pioneered Secularism: Begum Aizaz Rasul described secularism as the Constitution’s most significant feature, supporting efforts to limit religion’s control over women’s rights.
5. Elevated Directive Principles: The efforts of women helped secure a legal framework that recognized Directive Principles’ importance in achieving social justice in later jurisprudence (1980s).

Conclusion

1. The founding mothers of the Indian Constitution played a crucial role in embedding gender equality, yet their contributions remain overlooked.
2. Despite this, patriarchal compromises allowed discriminatory personal laws, undermining women’s equality.
3. The 1974 Towards Equality report revealed that even two decades later, gender equality was unachieved.
4. The Uniform Civil Code, designed to ensure justice, remains unimplemented, reflecting a failure to honor their vision.
5. Women’s representation in power remains low, hindering feminist constitutionalism in India.

Question for practice:

Discuss the contributions of women in the Constituent Assembly toward promoting gender equality and their impact on the Indian Constitution.

India’s Constitution Progress and Ongoing Challenges

Source: The post India’s Constitution Progress and Ongoing Challenges has been created, based on the article “The Constitution still thrives, let it show India the way” published in “The Hindu” on 26th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2-Constitution of India —historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.

Context: The article reflects on the 75th anniversary of India’s Constitution adoption. It highlights B.R. Ambedkar’s concerns about inequality and fraternity, assesses progress on equality, and discusses challenges like caste politics, institutional erosion, and the ongoing responsibility to uphold constitutional values.

For detailed information on Significance of the 75th anniversary of the Constitution of India read this article here

What Did Dr. Ambedkar Say on Constitution Adoption?

1. Importance of Implementers: Dr. Ambedkar said that a good Constitution could fail if implemented by bad leaders, while a bad Constitution could succeed with capable leaders.
2. Need for Social Transformation:
3. Dr. Ambedkar highlighted the contradiction between political equality (one person, one vote) and social and economic inequality.
4. He stressed that liberty, equality, and fraternity are interdependent. Without fraternity, equality and liberty could not flourish naturally and would require enforcement.
5. Fraternity, defined as a sense of common brotherhood, was hindered by caste and religious divisions, which he called “anti-national.”
6. He argued that fraternity would lead to solidarity and help erode caste and social hierarchies.
7. Responsibility Post-Independence: Ambedkar reminded Indians that after independence, they could no longer blame the British for failures and must take responsibility for their actions.

How Has India Progressed on Equality, Fraternity?

1. Progress on Equality
2. Abolition of Untouchability: Untouchability has been legally abolished, promoting equality in principle.
3. Affirmative Action: India implemented one of the world’s oldest reservation systems for Scheduled Castes and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
4. Challenges: Social and economic equality is still incomplete, as seen in demands for caste-based opportunities and a caste census.
5. Economic Inequality: Inequalities in wealth and outcomes remain significant, causing political and social unrest.
6. Progress on Fraternity
7. Nationhood Strengthened: Events like the Kargil War and cricket matches show a growing sense of national unity.
8. Challenges:
9. Caste-based politics and reservations undermine fraternity.
10. Dr. Ambedkar’s vision of caste annihilation has not been realized, as caste remains entrenched in public life.
11. Limited Social Unity: Divisions based on caste, creed, and region persist.

For detailed information on Affirmative Action in India read this article here

What Challenges Remain for the Constitution?

1. Institutional Weakening: Parliament and judiciary face pressures, reducing their effectiveness.
2. Global Perception: The V-Dem Institute labeled India an “electoral autocracy,” indicating concerns about democratic practices.

Way Forward

Dr. Ambedkar reminded us of the responsibility independence brings. India must reduce societal and political contradictions, strengthen institutions, and follow constitutional principles to ensure true democracy.

Question for practice:

Examine Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s concerns about the relationship between liberty, equality, and fraternity, and their relevance to India’s progress since the Constitution’s adoption.

GS PAPER - 3

Disappointment of the 29th UN climate conference (CoP 29)

Source: The post disappointment of the 29th UN climate conference (CoP 29) has been created, based on the article “Express view: Disappointment at CoP — developing countries left unheard” published in “Indian Express” on 26th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- Environment

Context: The article discusses the disappointment of the 29th UN climate conference (CoP 29). Developing countries need $1.3 trillion annually for climate action, but a $300 billion deal was reached instead. The article highlights the failure to meet funding goals and calls for more creative solutions.

For detailed information on COP 29 Outcomes read this article here

What was CoP 29 expected to achieve?

CoP 29 in Baku was labeled the “Finance CoP” It aimed to secure at least $1.3 trillion annually for developing countries to combat global warming. This funding was crucial as reports showed the planet could exceed the 1.5°C warming limit.

What challenges did developing countries face?

1. Developing nations criticized the lack of equity and ambition. While the $300 billion could act as a seed fund for larger investments, history offers little hope.
2. Even the OECD acknowledged the need for new, effective financing strategies post-2025, but CoP 29 failed to provide a clear roadmap.
3. Initiatives like the International Solar Alliance (ISA), led by India, reflect the Global South’s efforts to address climate challenges independently. However, these efforts cannot replace the funding commitments from developed nations.

What needs to be done?

1. Developing nations must unite at global forums to pressure wealthy countries into fulfilling their financial obligations.
2. Creative and sustainable solutions are essential for achieving the necessary $1.3 trillion target.

Question for practice:

Discuss the implications of the $300 billion climate finance deal reached at CoP 29 on developing countries.

Satellite Tracking of Stubble Burning in Delhi

Source: The post Satellite Tracking of Stubble Burning in Delhi has been created, based on the article “On stubble burning and satellite data” published in “The Hindu” on 26th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses the issue of farm fires in Punjab and Haryana, which worsen air quality in Delhi. It highlights how satellites are used to track these fires, the controversy over their timing, and the government’s response to air pollution and stubble burning.

For detailed information on Air Pollution in Delhi read this article here

Why is Delhi’s air quality worsening after Deepavali?

1. Delhi’s air quality has remained poor despite implementing GRAP Stage IV measures and the Supreme Court’s intervention.
2. Paddy stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana is a major cause.
3. Farmers burn stubble after harvesting rice to prepare for wheat sowing. The smoke drifts to Delhi, worsening air quality due to seasonal winds.

How Are Farm Fires Detected?

1. NASA Satellites: Farm fires are tracked using NASA’s Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites. These satellites use MODIS and VIIRS instruments to detect fires through visible and infrared imaging.
2. Satellite Overpass Timing: The satellites pass over each location at 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m., capturing images of fires during these times.
3. Aerosol Tracking: Suomi-NPP’s Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite measures aerosol levels to track smoke from fires and its pollution contribution.
4. Alternative Satellites: South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT 2A provides additional data. It captured images showing more fires occurring after NASA’s satellites had completed their overpass.

What is the new controversy?

1. Timing of Stubble Burning: Farmers in Punjab and Haryana may be burning stubble after NASA satellites Aqua and Suomi-NPP complete their overpasses (1:30 p.m.), avoiding detection. This was suggested by NASA scientist Hiren Jethva based on satellite observations.
2. Contradictory Observations: GEO-KOMPSAT 2A satellite data showed smoke thickening later in the day, implying more fires after Aqua and Suomi-NPP’s scans.
3. Aerosol Levels: Aerosol quantities remain unchanged compared to previous years, despite claims of fewer fires, indicating undetected burning.
4. CAQM’s Stance: The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) was created in 2020 to address air pollution in the NCR. It claims a 71% reduction in fires in Punjab since 2020. However, Punjab government data shows the burnt area increased by 24% between 2022 and 2023, and IARI data shows a 15% increase.
5. Farmer Awareness: Meeting records (March 2024) and farmer accounts reveal instructions to burn stubble after 4 p.m.

What are the challenges in resolving stubble burning?

1. Timing of Fires: Farmers may burn stubble after satellite overpasses to avoid detection. Data from NASA’s Aqua and Suomi-NPP satellites shows fewer fires than expected, while other satellites like GEO-KOMPSAT 2A show increased smoke later in the day.
2. Satellite Limitations: ISRO’s INSAT-3DR and RESOURCESAT satellites can track fires but have limitations. INSAT-3DR’s data resolution is coarse, while RESOURCESAT-2A has better imaging but lower coverage. GISAT-1, a satellite launched in 2021, failed to reach orbit, leaving limited domestic resources for precise monitoring.
3. Economic Constraints: Burning stubble is cheaper and quicker for farmers than alternative methods. Despite government efforts, cost-effective solutions remain scarce.
4. Inconsistent Data: The CAQM claims fires have reduced, but data from Punjab and the Indian Agricultural Research Institute show increases in burnt areas, indicating discrepancies in reporting.

Question for practice:

Discuss the role of satellite technology in tracking stubble burning and its effectiveness in addressing air pollution issues in Delhi.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Launch of National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

Source: This post on Launch of National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) has been created based on the article “Launch of National Mission on Natural Farming” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF).

About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

1. It has been launched as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

2. Objective: To promote chemical-free natural farming rooted in traditional knowledge using integrated and diversified crop systems for sustainable, climate-resilient agriculture.

Key Features

1. Duration: Till the 15th Finance Commission period (2025-26).

2. Implementation Targets

i) 15,000 clusters in willing Gram Panchayats within two years.

ii) To reach 1 crore farmers and introduce Natural Farming on 7.5 lakh hectares of land.

iii) To establish 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) for easy access to natural farming inputs.

3. Monitoring System: Real-time, geo-tagged monitoring through an online portal.

4. Convergence with Existing Schemes: It utilize existing government programs to enhance livestock populations, develop NF demonstration farms, and strengthen market linkages.

5. Educational Integration: It engage students through the Rural Agricultural Work Experience (RAWE) program. It also introduce undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma courses on Natural Farming.

Support and Resources

1. Demonstration Farms and Training

i) Establish 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms at Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs), Agricultural Universities (AUs), and farmers’ fields.

ii) Train 18.75 lakh farmers in natural farming practices, such as preparing Jeevamrit and Beejamrit.

iii) Engage 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/Community Resource Persons (CRPs) for awareness, mobilization, and handholding.

2. Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) to provide ready-to-use natural farming inputs like Jeevamrit and Beejamrit and promote local livestock for creating bio-inputs.

3. Market Linkages: Introduce an easy certification system and common branding for natural farming produce and strengthen market access through convergence with local markets, APMC Mandis, Haats, and Depots.

Environmental and Health Benefits

Soil and Ecosystem Health: It improves soil fertility, carbon content, and water use efficiency and promotes soil microorganisms and biodiversity.

Climate Resilience: It builds resilience against risks like waterlogging, floods, and droughts.

Health and Nutrition: It reduces farmers’ exposure to harmful fertilizers and pesticides and also ensures nutritious food for families and consumers.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes

Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs)

Source: This post on Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) has been created based on the article “CULTURAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMMES” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Ministry of Culture actively signs Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs).

About Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs)

1. The Ministry of Culture actively signs Cultural Exchange Programmes (CEPs) to promote Indian art and culture globally.

2. Aim: These programmes aim to enhance India’s soft power and foster inter-cultural relations with other nations.

3. Objective: To disseminate Indian art and culture globally and to develop and strengthen inter-cultural relations with other nations.

4. Areas of Collaboration: Cultural exchanges cover a diverse range of areas, including: Music and dance, Theatre, Museums and science museums, Libraries and archives, Protection and conservation of historic monuments and archaeological sites, Literature, research, and documentation and Festivals and cultural events

5. Current Status: 144 countries have ongoing CEP negotiations. Valid signed CEPs exist with 84 countries

Festivals of India (FoI) Abroad

1. Festivals of India (FoI) are cultural initiatives aimed at promoting India’s rich heritage and enhancing its global image through impactful cultural diplomacy.

2. Objectives of FoI:

i) Promote Indian Culture abroad to create lasting cultural connections.

ii) Strengthen bonds between India and foreign countries.

iii) Enhance bilateral cultural contacts and collaboration.

iv) Project a positive cultural image of India internationally.

v) Drive interest in inbound tourism, including medical and wellness tourism (Ayush).

Significance of FoI: It act as tools for inter-cultural understanding and showcase India’s soft power. They contribute to various sectors like: Tourism, Health, Education and Commerce

Strategic cultural engagement boosts India’s global influence. 62 Festivals of India have been organized in 59 countries since 2013-14.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture 

One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme

Source: This post on One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) Scheme has been created based on the article “Cabinet approves One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme.

About One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme

1. It is a central sector scheme.

2. It aims to provide nationwide access to international scholarly research articles and journal publications for students, faculty, and researchers in government-managed higher education and R&D institutions.

It aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes research as a cornerstone of outstanding education.

2. The scheme will be coordinated by Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university center under the University Grants Commission (UGC).

3. Institutions Covered: More than 6,300 government higher education institutions and central government R&D institutions.

4. Number of Beneficiaries: Nearly 1.8 crore students, faculty members, researchers, and scientists across disciplines, including those in tier 2 and tier 3 cities.

5. Journal Access: It includes 30 major international journal publishers and provides access to approximately 13,000 e-journals.

6. A unified portal, “One Nation One Subscription,” will be developed for institutions to access journals. The entire process will be digital and user-friendly.

7. Review and Monitoring: The Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) will periodically review the scheme’s usage and publications by Indian authors affiliated with participating institutions.

Key Objectives

Support for Research and Development: Expands access to high-impact research resources, fostering a culture of research and innovation.

Alignment with National Goals: To supports the vision of Viksitbharat@2047 and Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting high-quality research.

Promotion of Interdisciplinary Research: Encourages both core and interdisciplinary research across all disciplines and geographic regions.

Enhanced Accessibility: Bridges the knowledge gap for institutions in tier 2 and tier 3 cities by providing equitable access to world-class resources.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes 

India Employment Report 2024

Source: This post on India Employment Report 2024 has been created based on the article “Youth unemployment rates in India lower Than Global Levels” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The India Employment Report 2024 by the Institute for Human Development (IHD) and the International Labour Organisation (ILO) highlights an improved employment scenario in India.

Major Findings of the report

1. Global Youth Unemployment Trends: In 2021, global youth unemployment was 15.6% (ILO’s Global Report Trends for Youth, 2022).

In 2023, the rate decreased to 13.3% (ILO’s World Employment and Social Outlook Trends, 2024).

2. India’s Youth Unemployment: According to the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS) by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), India’s youth unemployment rate (ages 15-29) was 10.2% in 2023-24, lower than the global average.

3. Improving Worker Population Ratio (WPR): The Worker Population Ratio (WPR) for youth increased from 31.4% in 2017-18 to 41.7% in 2023-24, indicating growth in employment.

Formal Sector Employment Growth: Over 1.3 crore net subscribers joined the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO) in 2023-24.

Between September 2017 and August 2024, 7.03 crore net subscribers joined the EPFO, showcasing increased formalization of employment.

About Institute for Human Development (IHD)

1. The Institute for Human Development (IHD) is a leading Indian research organization established in 1998, focusing on labor, employment, and socio-economic development.

2. It conducts research on issues like informal labor, migration, social protection, and human development, providing policy insights to address inequality and poverty.

3. It is known for its flagship India Human Development Report. IHD collaborates with national and international organizations to promote inclusive growth.

UPSC Syllabus: Report and Index, Indian Economy 

Proba-3

Source: This post on Proba-3 has been created based on the article “All about Proba-3, the advanced European solar mission that ISRO will launch” published in The Hindu on 25th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will launch the European Space Agency’s Proba-3 mission aboard its PSLV rocket on December 4 from Sriharikota.

About Proba-3

1. About: Proba-3 is an advanced solar mission developed by the European Space Agency (ESA).

2. Aim: The mission aims to study the solar corona, the Sun’s outermost and hottest atmospheric layer.

It is scheduled to launch on December 4, 2024, using the Indian Space Research Organisation’s (ISRO) Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle (PSLV).

3. The mission will be placed in a highly elliptical orbit measuring 600 km x 60,530 km with an orbital period of 19.7 hours.

4. Proba-3 will attempt the world’s first “precision formation flying,” where two satellites will fly in tandem and maintain a fixed configuration in space.

Instruments Onboard Proba-3

1. ASPIICS (Association of Spacecraft for Polarimetric and Imaging Investigation of the Corona of the Sun): This coronagraph focuses on the Sun’s inner and outer corona. It features a 1.4-meter diameter occulting disk to block sunlight, allowing detailed observation of the corona.

2. DARA (Digital Absolute Radiometer): This instrument measures the Sun’s total energy output, known as total solar irradiance, which is vital for understanding solar activity.

3. 3DEES (3D Energetic Electron Spectrometer): This spectrometer measures electron fluxes as the satellites pass through Earth’s radiation belts, providing valuable data for space weather studies.

Features of Proba-3

1. Two-Satellite System: Proba-3 comprises two satellites:

i) Occulter Spacecraft (200 kg): This satellite casts a shadow to create an artificial eclipse.

ii) Coronagraph Spacecraft (340 kg): Positioned in the shadow, this satellite observes and photographs the Sun’s corona.

2. Artificial Eclipse for Extended Observation: Unlike natural solar eclipses, which last only about 10 minutes and occur approximately 1.5 times a year, Proba-3 will provide up to six hours of continuous eclipse-like conditions daily. This extended observation time is equivalent to 50 solar eclipses annually.

3. Autonomous Precision Formation: The satellites will autonomously maintain their precise alignment, with one satellite positioned 150 meters away from the other. This alignment allows continuous observation of the Sun’s corona without interference from its bright light.

Benefits for India

1. Showcasing ISRO’s Expertise: The Proba-3 mission reinforces India’s reputation for reliable, cost-effective space launches, strengthening ISRO’s standing in global space exploration.

2. Exclusive Data Access: Indian scientists gain privileged access to mission data, with collaborative input in defining scientific goals, ensuring direct research benefits.

3. Synergy with Aditya L1: Collaboration between Proba-3 and India’s Aditya L1 mission can enhance solar physics research and improve space weather predictions.

Read more: Proba-3 Mission

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

PAN 2.0 Project

Source: This post on PAN 2.0 Project has been created based on the article “Cabinet approves the PAN 2.0 Project” published in PIB on 26th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, has granted approval for the PAN 2.0 Project proposed by the Income Tax Department.

About PAN 2.0 Project

1. PAN 2.0 will modernize and consolidate the existing PAN/TAN 1.0 eco-system by integrating core and non-core PAN/TAN activities, along with PAN validation services.

2. Aim: The project aims to transform taxpayer registration services using advanced technology, ensuring a seamless and enhanced digital experience for taxpayers.

Key Features of PAN 2.0

1. Common Business Identifier: The project consolidates PAN, TAN (Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number), and TIN (Taxpayer Identification Number) into a unified system. This addresses industry demands for a single identification number to simplify compliance.

2. QR-Code Integration: All new and existing PAN cards will feature an enhanced QR code. The QR code, first introduced in 2017, integrates financial transactions more effectively with the tax department.

3. Unified Portal: A new online, paperless portal will replace the nearly 15-20-year-old software currently in use. The portal will focus on improving ease of access, service delivery, and grievance redressal mechanisms.

4. Mandatory PAN Data Vault System: Entities such as banks and insurance companies that handle PAN information must securely store this data using a mandatory PAN data vault system. This feature aims to enhance data protection and cybersecurity.

5. Technology-Driven Transformation: The PAN 2.0 project will revamp taxpayer registration services to improve efficiency and accessibility. It will consolidate core and non-core PAN/TAN activities along with PAN validation services.

Benefits for Individuals and Businesses

Individuals: Existing PAN cardholders can upgrade to QR code-enabled PAN cards free of cost. The upgraded cards will enhance integration of financial transactions with the tax department. Applications for PAN cards under PAN 2.0 will be fully online and paperless.

Businesses: PAN will serve as a seamless, common system for filing tax challans and returns. This integration simplifies the filing of tax-related documentation and compliance procedures.

Current Identification Numbers and Their Roles

1. Permanent Account Number (PAN): A 10-digit alphanumeric identifier used by the Income Tax Department to track financial transactions, including tax payments and returns. PAN remains unchanged once allotted and is mandatory for filing income tax returns.

2. Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN): A 10-digit alphanumeric identifier required for deducting or collecting tax at source. It is mandatory to quote TAN in TDS/TCS returns, payment challans, and certificates.

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes