9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 26^th October, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Issues, current challenges, and proposed amendments in the Anti-Defection law in India

Source: The post Issues, current challenges, and proposed amendments in the Anti-Defection law in India has been created, based on the article “Sharpen the anti-defection law, strengthen democracy” published in “The Hindu” on 26th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper 2- polity- Parliament and State Legislatures – structure, functioning, conduct of business, powers & privileges and issues arising out of these.

Context: The article discusses India’s anti-defection law, created to prevent political instability from party-switching. It highlights the law’s challenges, including delays in cases and the Speaker’s role, and proposes timely amendments to strengthen democracy and stability.

What is the Anti-Defection law in India?

1. The anti-defection law, introduced in 1985, aims to prevent elected legislators from frequently switching political parties.
   2. The Indian Parliament added this law through the 52nd Amendment, introducing the Tenth Schedule.
   3. The law allows disqualification of members of Parliament or state legislatures if they leave their party or disobey the party whip during important votes.

For detailed information on Anti-Defection Law read this article here

How has the law changed over time?

1. Initially, the law allowed a split in a party if at least one-third of the members defected. This led to mass defections.
   2. In 2003, the 91st Amendment revised this by requiring at least two-thirds of a party’s members to defect to avoid disqualification, reducing small-scale defections.

What challenges does the law face?

1. The law has gaps, including delays in decision-making on defection cases. In some cases, Speakers took months or years to decide, which allowed defectors to remain in their positions. The Speaker’s power, without a set timeline, has raised concerns.
2. Also, the lack of transparency in party whips has led to confusion about defection cases. Although judicial review is allowed, courts avoid interfering to respect legislative autonomy.

For detailed information on Issues with the Tenth Schedule read this article here

What amendments are proposed?

1. Fixed Time Frame for Decisions: Establish a four-week limit for Speakers to decide on defection cases to prevent delays and misuse of power. This would ensure timely resolutions and reduce political bias.
2. Public Notice of Whips: Require political parties to publish whips in newspapers or through electronic media, ensuring members are properly informed and reducing disputes over party stances.
3. Committee Recommendations: Committees like the Dinesh Goswami Committee (1990) and the Law Commission of India (1999, 2015) have proposed reforms, emphasizing the need to strengthen the law’s transparency and fairness.
4. Supreme Court Suggestion: In Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker Manipur Legislative Assembly (2020), the Supreme Court recommended an independent tribunal to handle defection cases, reducing the Speaker’s potential bias.

Why is political will necessary?

1. For effective reform, leaders like Prime Minister Narendra Modi and opposition leader Rahul Gandhi must prioritize amendments to the law.
2. Strengthening this law would ensure more stability and integrity in Indian democracy, supporting initiatives like “One Nation, One Election.”

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges faced by India’s anti-defection law and the proposed amendments to address these issues.

GS PAPER - 3

Issue, Reasons, and Solutions for Crop Stubble Burning

Source: The post issue, reason, and solution for crop stubble burning has been created, based on the article “Paying farmers to harvest paddy manually could reduce NCR’s pollution” published in “Indian Express” on 26th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses the Supreme Court’s criticism of the government for not addressing crop stubble burning, which contributes to pollution. It explains why farmers burn stubble and suggests paying them for manual harvesting to reduce pollution. This approach could improve air quality and support rural employment.

For detailed information on Crop Residue Management In India read this article here

Why is stubble burning a problem?

1. Stubble burning is a significant pollution source in Delhi-NCR, contributing 5-30% of the area’s pollution load during certain months.
2. It releases harmful greenhouse gases, impacting air quality and increasing health risks for residents.
3. Burning stubble destroys essential soil nutrients, such as nitrogen, phosphorus, sulfur, and potassium, which are crucial for soil health.
4. Soil nutrient loss from burning raises dependency on imported chemical fertilizers, adding to India’s import bill.
5. For instance, earthworms and other beneficial organisms are killed during burning, further degrading soil quality.

For detailed information on Stubble Burning Issue read this article here

Why do farmers burn crop stubble?

1. Shortened Harvesting Window: The Sub-soil Water Conservation Acts in Punjab and Haryana delay paddy sowing until mid-June to conserve groundwater. This shortens the time between paddy harvesting and the next wheat crop, pressuring farmers to clear fields quickly.
2. High Labor Costs: Due to the shorter window, labor demand peaks, making manual harvesting unaffordable for many farmers. This costs around Rs 4,000 per acre.
3. Harvesting Issues: Machines leave about two feet of stubble, which needs to be removed rapidly. Burning is the quickest and cheapest option.
4. Financial Constraints: Farmers cannot easily afford the Rs 4,000 required for manual or alternative stubble management.

For detailed information on reasons that caused the stubble burning read this article here

What should be done?

1. Encourage Manual Harvesting: Governments could pay farmers Rs 4,000 per acre to cover manual harvesting costs. This could be funded partly by MGNREGA.
2. Promote Crop Diversification: Farmers could shift from water-intensive crops like paddy to other crops like coarse cereals and pulses. Legal guarantees for MSP (Minimum Support Price) on these alternative crops can help farmers transition.
3. Support Migrant Labor: Higher wages could attract laborers to Punjab and Haryana, helping manage the manual harvesting process.

For detailed information on Solution for stubble burning read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine the reasons why stubble burning is prevalent among farmers in India and discuss potential solutions to address this issue.

Desire for Upward Mobility Declining

Source: The post desire for upward mobility declining has been created, based on the article “Harish Damodaran writes: Why aspiration is dead in India” published in “Indian Express” on 26th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Economy-growth, development and employment.

Context: The article discusses how people’s desire for social and economic advancement is fading in India. It highlights signs like reduced migration, lower consumer spending, and increased reliance on government aid, indicating a decline in aspirations and optimism about the future.

Why is the Desire for Upward Mobility Declining?

1. Historically, business was limited to certain communities in India, with most people not aspiring to move beyond their family’s traditional work.
   2. But in recent decades, this changed, and many, including slum-dwellers, began hoping for better futures for their children, like becoming doctors or government officials. This shift has stalled recently, as optimism fades.

What Are the Signs of Lower Aspirations?

1. Reduced Migration: Migration to cities is a common indicator of people’s optimism for a better life. Indian Railways’ passenger numbers, often linked to migration, peaked at 8,439 million in 2018-19 but dropped to 6,730 million in 2023-24, showing a decrease in movement for work opportunities.
2. Increased Dependence on Agriculture: From 1993 to 2018, the workforce in agriculture decreased, with workers moving to other sectors. This trend reversed after the pandemic, with agriculture absorbing 46.1% of the labor force in 2023-24, a sign of people staying in traditional roles.
3. Reduced Consumer Spending: Two-wheeler sales, a sign of consumer confidence, peaked at 21.2 million in 2018-19 but only reached 18 million in 2023-24, indicating cautious spending.

What Causes People to Settle for Less?

1. Influence of Free Services and Cash Transfers: Schemes like Maharashtra’s Ladki Bahin Yojana provide small monthly payments, which have led some agricultural workers to reduce workdays, as they feel less pressure to earn more.
2. Fewer Aspirations for Higher Living Standards: With rising dependence on government schemes, many people feel satisfied with limited financial support and basic comforts, instead of pursuing higher earnings.

Is India Alone in This Trend?

1. India isn’t alone in experiencing declining aspirations.
2. In China, only 47% of people feel hopeful about their future, down from 73% in 2014.
3. The belief that “hard work pays off” in China dropped from over 60% (2004-2014) to 28.3% in 2023.
4. China’s economy has a $12,600 per capita GDP, allowing some to adopt a “lying flat” attitude.
5. India’s per capita GDP is $2,500, making similar attitudes more challenging for sustainable living.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors leading to the decline in aspirations for social and economic advancement in India.

Criticisms of Nobel laureates AJR’s views

Source: The post criticisms of Nobel laureates AJR’s views has been created, based on the article “A Nobel in hand, but where AJR’s model falls short” published in “The Hindu” on 26th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Growth and Development

Context: The article discusses the 2024 Nobel Prize winners, Daron Acemoğlu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson, and critiques their Eurocentric view on economic prosperity. It argues that their framework oversimplifies history, ignores diverse development paths, and fails to account for the complexities of colonial institutions.

For detailed information on Nobel Prize in Economics 2024 read this article here

What is the Nobel-winning theory of economic development by Acemoğlu, Johnson, and Robinson (AJR)?

The 2024 Nobel winners in Economic Sciences, Daron Acemoğlu, Simon Johnson, and James Robinson, studied how institutions affect economic prosperity.
They found that institutions created during colonial times shaped the economic growth of today’s nations.
Where Europeans faced high death rates, they set up “extractive” institutions that exploited resources, slowing long-term growth.
Where Europeans could settle, they built “inclusive” institutions with secure property rights and checks on power, which encouraged growth.

For detailed information on How different types of institutions impact a country’s prosperity read this article here

What are the criticisms of AJR’s view?

1. Eurocentric Perspective
2. AJR’s framework suggests that European-style “good institutions” are universally ideal for development, promoting a Eurocentric view.
3. They imply that nations should aim to replicate Europe’s model to achieve prosperity, ignoring diverse development paths like those in East Asia.
4. Misrepresentation of Western Development
5. AJR’s emphasis on “good” Western institutions overlooks exclusion and cronyism as drivers of growth in the West.
6. For instance, Britain’s Industrial Revolution, cited as a triumph of inclusive institutions, relied heavily on labor exploitation and political disenfranchisement.
7. Overlooked Role of State Intervention
8. AJR’s framework omits the role of state intervention and industrial policy in Western development.
9. Economist Ha-Joon Chang highlights that countries like the U.S. and U.K. used protectionism and state-led planning to build industrial strength before adopting inclusive, free-market policies.
10. Simplistic Historical Interpretation
11. AJR classify institutions as either “extractive” or “inclusive,” overlooking the complexity of historical processes.
12. Scholars Frederick Cooper and Mahmood Mamdani note that colonial institutions were often hybrids, blending local governance with imposed authority, creating diverse outcomes.
13. Ignorance of Colonial Legacies
14. AJR’s theory downplays the impact of colonial institutions, which entrenched structural dependencies favoring colonizers.
15. Dependency theory argues that colonial powers’ exploitation left countries like Congo impoverished despite natural wealth, while Europe gained economically.

For detailed information on How western industrialization led to political and economic advantages over the East read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine the criticisms presented against AJR’s Eurocentric view on economic development in the context of diverse global development paths.

India’s Opportunities and Challenges in Carbon Markets

Source: The post India’s opportunities and challenges in carbon markets has been created, based on the article “Fair trade: India must develop a transparent carbon trade policy” published in “The Hindu” on 26th October 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS paper3- Environment

Context: The article discusses the push for India’s transition to carbon markets ahead of the COP29 in Baku. It highlights the role of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement in enabling carbon credit trading and India’s plans to meet emission standards.

What is the Focus of COP29 in Baku?

1. The upcoming 29th Conference of Parties (COP29) in Baku, Azerbaijan, will focus on increasing climate finance and clarifying the rules for carbon markets as outlined in Article 6 of the Paris Climate Agreement.
2. Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, signed in 2015, defines how carbon markets can work globally. It allows countries to trade in carbon credits, which come from reducing or removing greenhouse gases.
3. This trade encourages nations to take more climate-friendly actions, like using renewable energy or conserving forests.

What are Carbon Markets?

1. Carbon markets allow countries or companies to trade carbon credits. These credits are generated by actions like switching to renewable energy or maintaining forests that absorb carbon dioxide. This system aims to motivate more countries and companies to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions.
2. Carbon markets have faced criticism for being unclear and ineffective. For years, there has been confusion about how to verify carbon credits.
3. However, COP29 is expected to provide guidelines on verifying credits, making it possible for countries to claim legal credits starting next year.

For detailed information on What are carbon markets read this article here

What are India’s Opportunities and Challenges in Carbon Markets?

1. Opportunities for India in Carbon Markets:
2. India’s commitment to generate 50% of electricity from non-fossil sources by 2030 positions it as a key player in carbon-reduction projects.
3. With its voluntary carbon markets, Indian companies, including those in forestry, are creating carbon-trapping initiatives, attracting multinational interest.
4. The iron and steel industries are expected to meet emission standards by 2025, setting the stage for India’s formal carbon market launch.
5. COP29 may bring clear guidelines, enabling India to legally claim and trade verified carbon credits.
6. Challenges for India in Carbon Markets:
7. Verifying carbon credits is complex and lacks transparency, risking ineffective compliance.
8. Past experiences, like the energy-efficiency trading scheme, show limited pressure on companies to meet targets.
9. India needs transparent, globally-aligned policies to maintain credibility and attract investment.

For detailed information on India stands to gain from the trading of carbon credits read this article here

Question for practice:

Examine how COP29 in Baku is expected to impact the rules for carbon markets and what this means for India’s participation in carbon trading.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

ISRO-DBT Agreement to design and conduct experiments

Source: This post on ISRO-DBT Agreement to design and conduct experiments has been created based on the article “ISRO-DBT ink deal to conduct biotechnology experiments in space station” published in The Hindu on 26th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT) have signed an agreement to design and conduct experiments that will be integrated into the upcoming Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS). ISRO-DBT Agreement to design and conduct experiments

About the agreement

Parties Involved: The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the Department of Biotechnology (DBT).

Purpose: To design and conduct biotechnology experiments to be integrated into India’s planned indigenous space station, the Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS).

About Proposed Biotechnology Experiments

1. Muscle Loss Studies: Investigating the effects of weightlessness on muscle degradation in space.

2. Algae Research:

i) To explore algae as a nutrient source and preservation method for food.

ii) To investigate algae’s potential for biofuel production, including jet fuel.

3. Radiation Impact: Assessing the effects of space radiation on human health.

About BIOE3 Initiative and Bio-Manufacturing

1. BIOE3 Policy was launched by DBT to boost bio-manufacturing as part of India’s bio-economy.

2. Bio-Economy Goals: Aiming for a $300 billion bio-economy by 2030.

3. Focus Areas includes:

i)  Space bio-manufacturing for human health innovations.

ii)  Development of novel pharmaceuticals, biotherapeutics, and regenerative medicine.

iii) Bio-based waste management solutions.

iv)  Support for start-ups in biotechnology and bioeconomy.

Read more: Bharatiya Antariksh Station (BAS)

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology 

Government Doubles Loan Limit Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana

Source: This post on Government Doubles Loan Limit Under Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has been created based on the article “Govt. doubles loan limit under Mudra Yojana to ₹20 lakh” published in The Hindu  on 26th October 2024.

Why in news?

The loan limit under the Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) has been raised from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh. This aimed at bolstering entrepreneurship across India. This increase aligns with the Mudra Scheme’s mission of “funding the unfunded,” expanding opportunities for aspiring entrepreneurs to access capital.

Budget Announcement Details

1. Union Budget Declaration: In the Union Budget 2024-25, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced this enhancement to support entrepreneurs who have previously availed and successfully repaid Mudra loans.

2. Eligibility for New Limit: Entrepreneurs who have already taken and repaid loans under the ‘Tarun’ category of the PMMY are eligible for the increased loan limit under a new category, termed “Tarun Plus.”

3. New Category and Benefits: A new category called ‘Tarun Plus’ has been established for loans ranging from ₹10 lakh to ₹20 lakh. This is exclusively available to entrepreneurs who have successfully repaid earlier Tarun loans.

4. Expanded Guarantee Coverage: The Credit Guarantee Fund for Micro Units (CGFMU) will extend guarantee coverage to PMMY loans up to the new limit of ₹20 lakh, further reducing the financial risk for lenders.

5. Promoting an Entrepreneurial Ecosystem: This decision is part of the government’s strategy to foster a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, helping emerging businesses to expand and contribute to the economy.

Read more: Mudra Scheme: performance and significance

UPSC Syllabus: Schemes and programmes

Key Findings on Biodiversity Decline in Protected Areas

Source: This post on Key Findings on Biodiversity Decline in Protected Areas has been created based on the article “Why ‘protected’ areas are seeing faster biodiversity decline” published in Indian Express on 26th October 2024.

Why in news?

A recent study by the Natural History Museum (NHM) in London has uncovered that biodiversity is declining faster within protected areas than outside them. The research highlights that designating land as “protected” does not guarantee positive outcomes for biodiversity preservation. Here’s a breakdown of the findings and their implications:

Key findings of study

1. Objective of the study: Examine biodiversity trends in protected versus non-protected areas.

2. Measure Used for the study: Biodiversity Intactness Index (BII), which gauges the remaining natural biodiversity in a region.

3. Global Decline: The BII has dropped by 1.88 percentage points globally from 2000 to 2020.

4. Critical Biodiversity Areas (CBAs): Within critical ecosystems (wetlands, unique habitats), 22% are protected.

5. Protected vs. Non-Protected Decline: In CBAs, biodiversity declined by 2.1 percentage points in protected areas compared to 1.9 points in non-protected areas.

Why Protected Areas Are Failing

1. Narrow Focus of Protection: Many protected areas target specific species rather than entire ecosystems, leading to incomplete conservation efforts.

2. Pre-existing Degradation: Some areas were already degraded when they were designated as protected, which might contribute to the continued biodiversity loss.

3. Resource Exploitation: Oil, gas, and mining concessions overlap with protected lands, particularly in biodiversity-rich regions like the Conkouati-Douli National Park in the Republic of Congo, where 65% of the park is used for resource extraction.

4. Climate Change Impacts: The climate crisis, through increased droughts and wildfires, exacerbates biodiversity loss in protected areas. Notably, Australian national parks experienced significant wildfire destruction in 2019.

Recommendations for Policymakers

1. Strengthen Conservation Efforts: Policymakers must go beyond simply designating land as protected; conservation should aim for robust ecosystem preservation.

2. Focus on 30×30 Goal: Countries should remain committed to the “30×30” target from Biodiversity COP15 to conserve 30% of lands and oceans by 2030, with a stronger emphasis on ecosystem-level protection.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment 

Relaunch of National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)

Source: This post on National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM) has been created based on the article “Centre to relaunch mission to preserve ancient manuscripts “ published in The Hindu on 26th October 2024.

Why in news?

The Union Ministry of Culture is set to relaunch the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM).

About the relaunch of the National Mission for Manuscripts (NMM)

1. Goal: To intensify the preservation of ancient texts across India.

2. New Structure: Plans are underway to create an autonomous body dedicated to this mission.

3. Proposed New Body: It has proposed a new body called the National Manuscripts Authority.

4. Autonomy: It will operate as an autonomous entity under the Ministry of Culture.

5. Current Status: NMM currently functions within the Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts.

Achievements of the National Mission for Manuscripts

1. Metadata Creation: Metadata for approximately 5.2 million manuscripts has been created.

2. Digitization: Over 300,000 manuscript titles have been digitized, though only one-third are currently accessible online.

3. Conservation Efforts: Preservation activities have covered roughly 900 million folios over the past 21 years.

Future Goals

1. Digital Access: Increase the upload rate of digitized manuscripts to make them more accessible.

2. Enhanced Conservation: Continue both preventive and curative conservation of manuscripts across the country.

Read more: National Mission for Manuscripts

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

Pandemic Fund Project on Animal Health Security in India

Source: This post on Pandemic Fund Project on Animal Health Security in India has been created based on the article “Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh launches $25 Million Pandemic Fund Project; Aimed at Strengthening Animal Health Security in India” published in PIB on 26th October 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying introduced the Pandemic Fund Project titled “Animal Health Security Strengthening in India for Pandemic Preparedness and Response” in New Delhi.

About Pandemic Fund Project

1. About: The Pandemic Fund, established under Indonesia’s G20 Presidency.

2. Aim: It aims to bolster India’s animal health systems for improved pandemic readiness. It aims to address zoonotic disease risks, thus protecting animal and human populations from potential pandemics.

3. Objectives: The Pandemic Fund Project is designed to support and enhance existing departmental initiatives through:

i) Disease Surveillance: Improved disease monitoring using genomic and environmental surveillance.

ii) Laboratory Infrastructure: Enhanced diagnostic facilities for early detection.

iii) Cross-Border Collaboration: Strengthened international cooperation for zoonotic disease management.

4. Implementation Partners: The project will be implemented with the collaboration of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), and the World Bank, focusing on an integrated approach to strengthen India’s animal health systems and pandemic defenses.

Newly Released Documents to Aid Animal Health Management

1. Standard Veterinary Treatment Guidelines (SVTG): A comprehensive guide outlining veterinary best practices aimed at improving livestock health, productivity, and support for the national Anti-microbial Resistance plan.

2. Crisis Management Plan (CMP): A framework designed to aid in effective management and containment of animal disease outbreaks.

UPSC Syllabus: Governance

IndiaAI and Meta Collaboration for Open Source AI Innovation and Skill Development in India

Source: This post on IndiaAI and Meta Collaboration for Open Source AI Innovation and Skill Development in India has been created based on the article “IndiaAI at MeitY & Meta collaborates to advance Open Source AI Innovation, R&D and Skill Development in India” published in PIB on 26th October 2024.

Why in news?

IndiaAI and Meta recently announced the establishment of the Center for Generative AI, named Srijan (सृजन), at IIT Jodhpur. Additionally, they launched the “YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building” in collaboration with the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE).

About GenAI CoE

1. Establishment of GenAI CoE – Center for Generative AI, Srijan, at IIT Jodhpur: Meta, in collaboration with the Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY), will support the Center for Generative AI, Srijan, at IIT Jodhpur.

2. The center will focus on research, development, and fostering ethical AI technologies.

3. Objectives: It includes education, capacity building, and policy advisory, empowering students, researchers, and practitioners in AI development.

About YuvAi Initiative for Skilling and Capacity Building

1. Aim: The initiative was launched with AICTE. It aims to empower 100,000 students and young developers in AI skills.

2. Focus: It focuses on using open-source large language models (LLMs) for real-world applications, addressing fields like healthcare, agriculture, education, smart cities, and financial inclusion.

3. Over three years, participants will be equipped to develop generative AI applications through specialized courses and resources.

About GenAI Resource Hub and Learning Programs

1. Creation of a GenAI Resource Hub with curated courses, case studies, and open datasets for AI skill-building.

2. “LLM for Young Developers” course designed by Meta, along with Master Training Activation Workshops, introduces foundational AI concepts.

3. It includes “Unleash LLM Hackathons” where participants propose AI-driven solutions; top ideas receive mentorship, seed grants, and market support.

About AI Innovation Accelerator Program:

1. This supports 10 student-led AI startups working with open-source AI, offering incubation and market visibility.

2. It provides opportunities for startups to gain exposure and resources to scale innovative AI applications.

UPSC Syllabus: Science and technology