9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 6^th November, 2024

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 2

Supreme Court’s judgment on the UP Madarsa Act, 2004

Source: The post Supreme Court’s judgment on the UP Madarsa Act, 2004 has been created, based on the article “With UP Madarsa verdict, Supreme Court upholds positive secularism” published in “Indian Express” and on the article “Express View on Supreme Court’s UP Madarsa verdict: A learning matter” published in “Indian Express” on 6th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- mechanisms, laws, institutions and Bodies constituted for the protection and betterment of these vulnerable sections.

Context:  The article discusses the Supreme Court’s judgment upholding the UP Madarsa Act, 2004. It protects minority rights, regulates madarsa education, ensures quality education, balances secularism and religion, and rejects misuse of the Basic Structure doctrine for ordinary laws.

What is the Anjum Qadri and Anr vs Union of India & Ors case about?

The Supreme Court’s decision in Anjum Qadri and Anr vs Union of India & Ors is a landmark judgment upholding the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Board of Madarsa Education Act, 2004. This ruling, authored by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, reverses the Allahabad High Court’s March 22 judgment that struck down the Act, bringing relief to thousands of madarsas and lakhs of students.

What Was the Supreme Court’s Ruling on the UP Madarsa Act?

1. Challenge to the Act: The Allahabad High Court struck down the Madarsa Act, citing secularism as part of the Basic Structure doctrine. It argued that regulating religious education violates secularism and Article 21A (Right to Education).
2. Act Upheld: The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Act, 2004, overturning the Allahabad High Court’s decision to strike it down.
3. Basic Structure Doctrine Misapplied: The Court clarified that the Basic Structure doctrine applies only to constitutional amendments, not ordinary laws like the Madarsa Act. This was supported by the 1975 Indira Nehru Gandhijudgment.
4. Secularism Defined: Citing S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994), the Court emphasized that secularism ensures equal treatment of all religions. Recognizing madarsas safeguards minority educational rights without violating secular principles.
5. Article 21A and RTE Act: The Court rejected claims that madarsa education violated Article 21A. In Pramati Trust(2014), the SC exempted minority institutions from the RTE Act’s application.

What is the significance of the ruling?

1. Protection of Minority Rights: The judgment upheld the autonomy of madarsas under Article 30, safeguarding the rights of 13,364 madarsas educating over 12 lakh students in Uttar Pradesh.
2. Clarification on Secularism: It reaffirmed secularism as equal treatment of all religions, citing S.R. Bommai (1994), and dismissed the idea that madarsa education violates secularism.
3. Regulation with Balance: The Court supported state regulation to ensure education quality without undermining the minority character of institutions.
4. Distinction Between Laws: It clarified that the Basic Structure doctrine applies to constitutional amendments, not ordinary laws like the UP Madarsa Act.
5. Education Quality Concerns: The Court addressed criticisms of madarsa education quality, comparing it to systemic issues in secular schools. For example, 25% of 14-18-year-olds struggle with basic reading, according to the 2023 ASER report.

Question for practice :

Discuss how the Supreme Court’s ruling on the Uttar Pradesh Madarsa Act, 2004, balances the protection of minority rights with the principles of secularism and education quality.

Balancing Privacy and Justice: Aadhaar Access for Identifying Unidentified Bodies

Source: The post balancing privacy and justice: Aadhaar access for identifying unidentified bodies has been created, based on the article “Aadhaar biometric data access will aid forensics” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 2- Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

Context: The article discusses the conflict between privacy rights and the need to identify unidentified deceased individuals. It argues for allowing police access to Aadhaar biometric data in specific cases, emphasizing that this would help uphold the dignity of the deceased and aid investigations.

For detailed information on Aadhaar read this article here

What is the Current Policy on Biometric Data Access?

1. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) enforces strict data privacy policies to protect personal information in the Aadhaar database.
2. Core biometric information, such as fingerprints and iris scans, cannot be shared with anyone, as per Section 29(1) of the Aadhaar Act.
3. Section 33(1) allows limited disclosure of certain data, but only by a High Court judge’s order.

What Challenges Arise from this Restriction?

1. Identification of Unidentified Bodies: Police face obstacles in identifying unknown bodies, especially those of economically disadvantaged individuals, migrants, and daily wagers, who often lack identification documents.
2. Limited Fingerprint Databases: Police fingerprint databases usually contain records only for individuals with criminal histories. Many states have not yet digitized these records, slowing down cross-referencing efforts.
3. Inefficiencies in Standard Procedures: Current methods, such as checking distinctive features, CCTV footage, and missing persons reports, are often inadequate, especially when bodies are decomposed.
4. Impact on Families and Justice: Access to Aadhaar biometric data could provide closure to families and assist in homicide investigations, but the current restrictions prevent this. In the U.S., agencies use Deceased Persons Identification (DPI) Services for similar cases, helping to uphold public safety and dignity.

What should be done?

1. Amend the Aadhaar Act to allow police access to core biometric data, specifically for identifying deceased individuals, to address cases where other methods fail.
2. Limit access strictly to cases with a registered First Information Report (FIR) regarding unidentified bodies under Section 194 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (formerly Section 174 of the CrPC), and allow approval by the jurisdictional judicial magistrate instead of requiring a High Court order.
3. Draw inspiration from the United States’ Deceased Persons Identification (DPI) Services, which help law enforcement identify unknown bodies through fingerprint databases.
4. Ensure requests for Aadhaar data are restricted to verified cases, prioritizing privacy and security.
5. This approach upholds dignity, offers closure to families, and ensures justice, especially for marginalized communities facing unequal access to the criminal justice system.

Question for practice:

Evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of amending the Aadhaar Act to allow police access to biometric data for identifying unidentified deceased individuals.

Tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Source: The post tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar has been created, based on the article “On India-Canada diplomatic relations” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- International Relations – Effect of Policies and Politics of Developed and Developing Countries on India’s interests.

Context: The article talks about tensions between Canada and India over the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India accuses Canada of sheltering Khalistani extremists. Cultural misunderstandings, legal issues, and media roles have strained relations. Both countries view the situation differently.

For detailed information on India-Canada Relations and the Khalistan Issue read this article here

Why are Canada and India in Conflict?

1. The diplomatic row began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India’s intelligence might be involved in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen.

2. India had labeled Nijjar a Khalistani terrorist.
3. In response to these accusations, both nations expelled each other’s top diplomats, worsening Hindu-Sikh tensions in Canada.

What is the Historical Background?

1. India has long criticized Canada for being a safe haven for Khalistani extremists.

2. India’s biggest grievance was Canada’s failure to prevent the 1985 Air India bombing, carried out by Canada-based Khalistani extremists.
3. This terrorist act killed 329 people, including children, and was the largest airline bombing before 9/11.
4. Canada’s response to the bombing and subsequent investigations has strained relations between the two countries.

Do Sikhs in Canada Hold Political Power?

1. Sikhs make up only 2% of Canada’s population but hold significant political influence due to geographic concentration. At one point, four Sikh ministers served in Trudeau’s cabinet.

2. Many Sikh MPs belong to Trudeau’s Liberal Party, although surveys show most Sikhs in Canada may vote Conservative in the next election.
3. While Trudeau’s government has engaged with Sikh community events where Khalistan flags are displayed, this engagement isn’t solely for political gains.

Are There Cultural Misunderstandings Between India and Canada?

Misunderstandings exist on both sides.

1. In Canada, the Air India bombing was long viewed as a “foreign tragedy” due to the victims’ Indian heritage, reflecting systemic racism. Many Canadians remain unaware of Khalistani activism because no Khalistani terrorist acts have occurred in Canada since the bombing.
2. In India, public opinion assumes that Canadian institutions function similarly to Indian ones, with less understanding of Canada’s guarded police independence and stringent rule of law.

Why Does Canada Deny India’s Extradition Requests?

1. India’s extradition requests for Khalistani extremists are often denied due to Canada’s legal standards and concerns about India’s human rights record.

2. Western countries, including Canada, avoid extradition when there’s a risk of prolonged detention without trial.
3. Only six individuals have been extradited to India from Canada between 2002-2020.
4. Notably, India also struggles to extradite individuals like Nirav Modi and Vijay Mallya from countries like the U.K., which are friendly to India.

What Role Has the Media Played?

1. In Canada, media outlets have been critical of Trudeau’s government for not sharing evidence regarding India’s alleged involvement in Nijjar’s killing. However, they also criticized India’s aggressive stance.

2. Indian media has strongly supported the government narrative, sometimes pushing misinformation, such as claiming there were no convictions for the Air India bombing, despite Inderjit Singh Reyat’s 30-year sentence for making the bomb.

Is Freedom of Expression a Factor?

1. India is frustrated by Canada’s allowance of Khalistani referendums and parades that glorify violence.

2. In Canada, free speech laws permit these expressions, as long as they do not cross the legal threshold for hate speech.
3. Legal experts in Canada argue that stronger vigilance is needed against explicit hate speech, particularly in cases where threats are made.

Question for practice:

Discuss the factors contributing to the diplomatic conflict between Canada and India over the Khalistan issue and the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

Challenges in India’s higher education

Source: The post challenges in India’s higher education has been created, based on the article “Rising STEM research demands revitalised education” published in “The Hindu” on 6th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2-governance-Issues relating to development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Education.

Context: The article discusses challenges in India’s higher education. Many graduates lack essential skills due to poor training quality. It suggests focusing on teaching over research, establishing joint degree programs between teaching and research institutions, and improving faculty development to enhance education quality and student outcomes.

For detailed information on Issues and trends in India’s higher education system read this article here

What Are the Main Challenges in India’s Higher Education?

1. Skill Gaps in Graduates: Many students graduating from private colleges and newer IITs lack basic industry-required skills, impacting industry and research quality.
2. Quality of Training: Faculty often chase papers for rankings, compromising teaching quality. This leads to poor-quality graduates, affecting industry standards and research output.
3. Faculty Shortages: Institutions face faculty shortages, worsening as fewer students pursue higher education.
4. Overemphasis on Research: Teaching institutions prioritize research output, often participating in predatory publications, diverting resources from teaching.
5. Limited Access to Research Institutes: 95% of students study in non-premier institutions, like KIIT University, admitting over 2,000 computer science students annually, unlike IIT Bhubaneswar’s 60.
6. Lack of Collaboration: Minimal partnerships exist between research and teaching institutions, with few models, like NIT Surat-IIT Bombay, showing success.

How Can India’s Education System Improve?

1. Separate Rankings: Rank teaching institutions based on teaching quality, not research output, to reduce the reliance on low-quality publications.
2. Establish Joint Degree Programs: Research and teaching institutions should establish partnerships for pedagogy improvements through “hyphenated degrees.” For instance, in India, NIT Surat and IIT Bombay collaborate, allowing select students to spend their final year at IIT Bombay and continue into its M.Tech. program. In the U.S., community colleges partner with research universities, offering similar pathways.
3. Encourage Faculty Collaboration: Promote partnerships like the Partnerships for Accelerated Innovation and Research (PAIR) program, launched by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF), incentivizing research-teaching institution collaborations.
4. Develop Centers of Excellence: Fund government-backed centers focused on pedagogy, similar to research centers, to boost teaching quality across institutions.

What Role Can Collaboration Between Institutions Play?

1. Strengthening Education: Partnerships between research institutions (which admit about 5% of undergraduates) and teaching institutions (where 95% study) enhance the overall quality of education and research.
2. Joint Degree Programs: Establishing agreements allows top-performing students from teaching institutions to spend their final years in research institutions, earning degrees from both and improving their skills.
3. Curriculum Alignment: Collaborations help align curricula between teaching and research institutions, ensuring consistency in content and pedagogy for better learning outcomes.
4. Faculty Development: Faculty from research institutions can mentor those in teaching institutions through workshops and training, enhancing pedagogical skills.

How Will These Changes Benefit India?

1. Improving pedagogy will raise the quality of undergraduate education, helping produce more skilled graduates.
2. This focus on teaching can also improve research quality by relieving faculty of publication pressures.
3. These proposals are applicable to all fields, not just science and engineering. Revitalizing India’s teaching institutions will create a stronger talent pool capable of driving research and innovation.

Question for practice:

Examine how collaborations between teaching and research institutions can address the challenges in India’s higher education system.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

Source: This post on Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs) has been created based on the article “On the growth track: How Dedicated Freight Corridors are adding to GDP, boosting Rail revenues” published in The Hindu on 6th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, a study by Australia’s University of New South Wales states that Dedicated Freight Corridors are boosting India’s GDP and significantly increasing Indian Railways’ revenue.

About Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFCs)

1. DFCs are special railway routes dedicated to freight transportation. They enable faster transit, allow double-stacked containers, and carry heavy haul trains, increasing capacity and efficiency.

2. Purpose of DFCs: The need for DFCs arose due to the overutilization of the Railways’ golden quadrilateral (Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Howrah), which carried over half of the Railways’ freight traffic.
– The Railways sought to increase its share in freight traffic, aiming for 45% by 2030, as outlined in the National Rail Plan.

3. Establishment and Development: It was announced in the Railway Budget for FY 2005-06, with foundation stones laid in 2006 by then Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.

4. Two main DFCs constructed:

Eastern DFC (EDFC): 1,337 km from Sonnagar (Bihar) to Sahnewal (Punjab).

Western DFC (WDFC): 1,506 km from Jawaharlal Nehru Port (Mumbai) to Dadri (Uttar Pradesh).

5. DFCCIL (Dedicated Freight Corridor Corporation of India Limited) was formed as a special purpose vehicle for the project’s construction and maintenance.

6. Operational Impact and Current Performance: On average, 325 DFC trains run daily, a 60% increase from last year. DFCs have carried over 232 billion Gross Tonne Kilometres (GTKMs) and 122 billion Net Ton Kilometers (NTKMs). Over 10% of Indian Railways’ freight operations are now managed by DFCs.

7. Economic Contribution: DFCs reduced freight costs and travel times, leading to up to a 0.5% decrease in commodity prices. They contributed to a 2.94% revenue increase in Indian Railways from FY 2018-19 to FY 2022-23. The Western DFC has significantly reduced freight costs, benefiting both industries and consumers in economically weaker states.

8. Future Corridors in Development: Four additional DFCs are proposed:

Corridor	Distance
East Coast Corridor	Kharagpur to Vijayawada (1,115 km)
East-West Sub-corridor I	Palghar to Dankuni (2,073 km)
East-West Sub-corridor II	Rajkharsawan to Andal (195 km)
North-South Corridor	Vijayawada to Itarsi (975 km)

9. DFCs are anticipated to have long-term benefits for India’s logistics, industry, and social equality across regions with varying GDPs.

UPSC Syllabus: Indian economy 

Supreme Court Ruling on Private Property and State Acquisition

Source: This post on Supreme Court Ruling on Private Property and State Acquisition has been created based on the article “Not all private properties can be used by State for the community: Supreme Court holds in majority decision” published in The Hindu on 6th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, SC gave judgment on Private Property and State Acquisition.

About the judgement

1) A nine-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court ruled that not all private properties can be regarded as “material resources of the community” for use by the State to promote the “common good.”

2) The majority opinion emphasized that allowing the State blanket authority to acquire private assets aligns with outdated economic ideologies, not current economic practices.

The decision highlights India’s shift from socialism towards liberalization and market-based reforms.

3) Economic Evolution and Constitutional Principles: The court’s decision reflects India’s economic evolution, with the Constitution framing economic democracy and electoral choices allowing diverse economic policies.

Chief Justice Chandrachud observed that India’s rapid economic growth and resilience are tied to this flexible economic vision, which allows varying approaches rather than strict state control.

4) Article 39(b) and Defining “Material Resources”: Article 39(b) of the Constitution directs the State to ensure that material resources are distributed to serve the community’s welfare.

The court clarified that “resources” under Article 39(b) should be context-dependent.

The term encompasses various resources, but acquisition for community use should be evaluated on factors like resource scarcity, the necessity for public welfare and the effects of concentrated ownership in private hands

5) Significance of the Ruling: This ruling reinforces the need for proper procedures and justifications before the State can acquire private property, safeguarding private ownership within India’s evolving economic landscape.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

Supreme Court Ruling on Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act

Source: This post on Supreme Court Ruling on Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act has been created based on the article “Supreme Court upholds validity of Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act” published in The Hindu on 6th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, the Supreme Court partially upheld the Act, maintaining that the State can regulate madrasas to ensure educational standards but found certain provisions unconstitutional.

In March, the Allahabad High Court declared the Uttar Pradesh Madrasa Education Board Act, 2004, unconstitutional, stating it conflicted with secular principles.

Key Findings by the Supreme Court

1. Support for Religious Education: The Court acknowledged that religious education is part of India’s historical and cultural fabric, as recognized by Article 23 of the Constitution.

2. State Regulation: The Act was upheld as a measure to maintain minimum educational standards, ensuring madrasa students are adequately equipped to participate in society and secure employment.

3. Higher Education Provisions: Provisions related to Fazil (undergraduate) and Kamil (postgraduate) levels were struck down as unconstitutional, as they conflicted with the University Grants Commission Act, which governs higher education standards under Union jurisdiction.

4. Balance of Interests

i) Right of Minorities: Minorities are entitled to establish and manage educational institutions (Article 30), but this right is not absolute and is subject to certain conditions to maintain educational standards.

ii) State’s Interest in Education: The State can regulate educational standards in minority institutions, especially those seeking recognition or financial aid, balancing minority rights with educational quality.

5. Clarifications on Secularism

i) The Supreme Court disagreed with the Allahabad High Court’s view that the Act breached secularism principles in the Basic Structure.

ii) Requirements for a Secularism Challenge: Court held that a law must explicitly violate a secularism-related constitutional provision to be considered unconstitutional, not merely contradict secularism principles broadly.

6. Student Rights and Religious Instruction: Considering Article 28(3) students in State-recognized or aided institutions cannot be forced to participate in religious instruction or worship, ensuring freedom of choice in religious education settings.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

Chittaranjan Das

Source: This post on Chittaranjan Das has been created based on the article “PARLIAMENTARIANS PAY TRIBUTES TO DESHBANDHU CHITTARANJAN DAS” published in PIB on 6th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla paid floral tributes to Deshbandhu Chittaranjan Das at his portrait in the Central Hall of Samvidhan Sadan on his Birth Anniversary.

About Chittaranjan Das

1. Chittaranjan Das (5 November 1870 – 16 June 1925) was affectionately known as ‘Deshbandhu’ (Friend of the Nation).He was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, political leader, and lawyer from Bengal.

2. He played a significant role in India’s struggle for independence and was a mentor to leaders like Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose.

3. Early Life and Education:

i) He was born into a respected Bengali Baidya family in Calcutta (now Kolkata.

ii) He pursued his education at the London Missionary Society’s Institution in Bhawanipur and later graduated from Presidency College, Calcutta, in 1890.

iii) Subsequently, he traveled to England to study law at the Middle Temple and was called to the Bar in 1894.

4. Legal Career: Das gained prominence as a lawyer when he successfully defended Aurobindo Ghosh in the Alipore Bomb Case of 1909, showcasing his legal acumen and commitment to the nationalist cause.

5. Political Involvement

i) A staunch advocate for India’s independence, Das was actively involved in the Indian National Congress (INC).

ii) He supported the Non-Cooperation Movement initiated by Mahatma Gandhi and was elected President of the INC during its Gaya session in 1922.

iii) However, due to differences over council entry strategies, he resigned from the presidency and, along with Motilal Nehru, founded the Swaraj Party in 1923 to advocate for greater self-governance.

6. Contributions to Communal Harmony: Das initiated the Bengal Pact in 1923 understanding the economic disparities between Hindu and Muslim communities in Bengal.

This agreement aimed to address communal tensions by ensuring proportional representation in legislative bodies and government jobs, promoting unity and cooperation among different communities.

7. Literary Pursuits: Beyond his political and legal endeavors, Das was also a distinguished Bengali poet. He authored several works, including “Malancha,” “Mala,” and “Sagar Sangeet,” reflecting his literary talent and deep appreciation for Bengali culture.

UPSC Syllabus: Art and culture 

MAHASAGAR

Source: The post on MAHASAGAR  is based on the article “THIRD EDITION OF ‘MAHASAGAR’” published in “PIB” on 6th November 2024

Why in the News?

Recently, the Indian Navy held the third edition of the high-level virtual interaction MAHASAGAR.

About the MAHASAGAR virtual interaction

Aspects	Description
About	1. It is the third edition of the high-level virtual engagement. It was initiated in 2023, with growing acceptance among IOR nations. 2. It is conducted bi-annually. 3. During this event, Admiral Dinesh Kumar Tripathi, Chief of the Naval Staff, engaged with Heads of Navies, Maritime Agencies, and senior leaders from Indian Ocean Region littoral nations, including Bangladesh, Comoros, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Sri Lanka, and Tanzania.
Focus	“Training Cooperation to Mitigate Common Maritime Security Challenges in the IOR.”
Purpose	To serves as the Indian Navy’s flagship outreach program for promoting security and growth through high-level virtual interactions among maritime leadership.
Objectives of Exercise	To address the urgent need for collaborative training initiatives to manage shared maritime security issues in the Indian Ocean Region.
Focus Areas of Training	i) Focus on Training: Emphasis on quality training and joint training opportunities to build necessary capabilities. ii) Collaborative Approach: Importance of partnerships among IOR littorals to address and mitigate shared maritime security challenges effectively. iii) Capacity Building: Developing skilled manpower across the region to enhance readiness for maritime security challenges.

UPSC Syllabus: Defence 

World Solar Report

Source: The post World Solar Report is based on the article “ISA releases World Solar Report series” published in “PIB” on 6th November 2024

Why in the News?

Recently, during the 7th Assembly of the International Solar Alliance (ISA), four key reports were released, focusing on the rapid advancements in solar energy and sustainable practices worldwide.

The four reports include the World Solar Market Report, World Investment Report, World Technology Report, and *Green Hydrogen Readiness Assessment for African Countries.

Key Highlights of Each Report:

1. World Solar Market Report: Unprecedented Growth in Solar Capacity:

i) Global Solar Capacity Surge: Since 2000, global solar capacity has expanded from 1.22 GW to an impressive 1,418.97 GW in 2023, marking a 40% annual growth rate. In 2023 alone, 345.83 GW was added, making up 75% of new renewable energy capacity worldwide.

ii) Manufacturing Exceeds Demand: By the end of 2024, solar manufacturing capacity is expected to surpass 1,100 GW, doubling anticipated PV panel demand. Prices for solar cells and advanced modules have dropped significantly, promoting affordability.

iii) Employment Growth: Solar industry jobs have reached 7.1 million, with solar contributing a substantial 44% increase from 2022 figures.

Solar capacity could reach between 5,457 and 7,203 GW by 2030, driven by international climate commitments.

2. World Investment Report: Shifts in Global Energy Investments

i) Rising Energy Investments: Total global energy investments have grown from $2.4 trillion in 2018 to an expected $3.1 trillion by 2024. Clean energy investments now outpace fossil fuel investments, reaching $2 trillion.

ii) Dominance of Solar Investments: Solar energy leads in renewable investments, accounting for 59% of total renewable energy investments in 2023, mainly due to reduced panel costs.

Regional Leadership: The APAC region leads global solar investment with $223 billion, followed by EMEA ($91 billion) and AMER ($78 billion).

3. World Technology Report: Advancements in Solar Technology

Record Efficiency in PV Modules: Monocrystalline solar PV modules have reached a new efficiency high of 24.9%. Multijunction perovskite cells promise higher efficiency and lower production costs, challenging traditional silicon panels.

Material Innovation: Solar manufacturing now uses 88% less silicon per watt than in 2004, highlighting strides in efficiency and environmental benefits.

Cost Reduction in Utility-Scale PV: The levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) for utility-scale solar has dropped by 90%, from $0.46/kWh in 2010 to $0.044/kWh in 2023.

4. Green Hydrogen Readiness in African Countries

Potential for Decarbonization: Green hydrogen, produced through renewable-powered electrolysis, offers an alternative to fossil fuels for industries like steel and fertilizer production, especially in Africa.

Country Assessments: Countries like Egypt, Morocco, and Namibia are evaluated for their green hydrogen potential, focusing on economic feasibility, financing, and risk management.

UPSC Syllabus: Report and index