9 PM UPSC Current Affairs Articles 9th November, 2024

Print Friendly and PDF

Dear Friends,

9 PM Brief is our prime initiatives for the preparation of current affairs. What we are providing in this initiative:

  • Ensure that all relevant facts, data, and arguments from today’s newspaper are readily available to you.
  • We have widened the sources to provide you with content that is more than enough and adds value not just for GS but also for essay writing.

It is our endeavor to provide you with the best content, and your feedback is essential for the same. We will be anticipating your feedback and ensure the blog serves as an optimal medium of learning for all the aspirants.

For previous editions of 9 PM BriefClick Here

For individual articles of 9 PM BriefClick Here

Download Factly and 9 PM Weekly Compilations | Arranged Subject-wise and Topic-wise

Mains Oriented Articles

GS PAPER - 1

Redevelopment plan for the Musi River

Source: The post redevelopment plan for the Musi River has been created, based on the article “The Musi’s clean-up: The ‘revitalisation plan’ flows away from fixing the issue of severe pollution” published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper1- society-developmental issues

Context: The article discusses Telangana’s Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s plan to redevelop Hyderabad’s polluted Musi riverfront. It highlights evictions of long-time residents, inadequate rehabilitation, lack of consultation, and failure to address pollution sources like untreated sewage and industrial effluents.

What is the redevelopment plan for the Musi River?

  1. Telangana’s Chief Minister, A. Revanth Reddy, proposed an ambitious plan to redevelop Hyderabad’s Musi riverfront.
  2. The plan aims to replicate London’s Thames riverfront.
  3. Features include high rises, promenades, shopping complexes, and multiple bridges.

What is the current state of the Musi River?

  1. The Musi River is heavily polluted and toxic. It carries 2,000 million litres of sewage daily, with over 60% untreated. Industrial effluents, mainly from Hyderabad’s generic drug industry, worsen the pollution.
  2. People living along its banks include about one lakh residents, some on dry riverbeds and others on the floodplain buffer zone.

What are the Concerns with the Government’s Approach?

  1. Forced Evictions: Around 15,000 structures in Old City were demolished, displacing long-term residents, including blue-collar workers like ragpickers and construction workers.
  2. Disruption of Livelihoods: Relocation plans propose high-rises in far-off locations, impacting the livelihoods of evictees.
  3. Lack of Consultation: The government claims consultations occurred, but evictees dispute this.
  4. Failure to Address Pollution: The plan overlooks key issues like 2,000 million litres of daily sewage flow, 60% untreated, and industrial effluents from the pharmaceutical sector.
  5. Cosmetic Focus: Redevelopment prioritizes aesthetics over permanent solutions, replicating issues seen in Urban rivers like Chennai’s Cooum, Delhi’s Yamuna, and Kolkata’s Hooghly.

Question for practice:

Examine the challenges and concerns associated with the Telangana government’s redevelopment plan for the Musi Riverfront.

GS PAPER - 2

Significance of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia

Source: The post significance of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia has been created, based on the article “The BRICS journey — gaining heft while in transition” Published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper2- Bilateral, regional and global groupings and agreements involving India and/or affecting India’s interests.

Context: The article discusses the BRICS summit in 2024, highlighting Russia’s leadership, its expansion, and the focus on economic, security, and cultural cooperation. It emphasizes India’s role in BRICS, supporting multipolarity and bridging differences between global powers, with a growing influence of the group.

For detailed information on BRICS Plus Grouping- Significance and Challenges read this article here

What Was the Focus of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia?

  1. The 2024 BRICS summit in Kazan highlighted the group’s survival and rejuvenation despite global challenges like COVID-19, geopolitical tensions, and economic sanctions.
    2. Russia chaired the summit, which saw discussions on reforming the United Nations, enhancing economic cooperation, and addressing global conflicts.
    3. The summit also addressed the use of local currencies for trade among member countries.

How has BRICS evolved over time?

  1. Formation and Initial Growth: BRICS began in 2009 with Brazil, Russia, India, and China. South Africa joined in 2011, forming the current grouping.
  2. First Decade’s Accomplishments: In its first decade, BRICS achieved notable progress in fostering political, economic, and cultural cooperation.
  3. Challenges in the Second Decade: BRICS faced major challenges:
  4. The COVID-19 pandemic put China on the defensive.
  5. The India-China border clash in Galwan Valley (June 2020) strained relations.
  6. Russia’s Ukraine invasion (2022) led to a confrontation with NATO.
  7. Expansion and Growth:
  8. The 2023 summit welcomed five new members: Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Egypt, and Ethiopia.
  9. At the 2024 Kazan summit, 13 countries, as ‘partner states. Countries are, Latin America: Cuba and Bolivia; Eurasia: Belarus and Türkiye; Africa: Algeria, Nigeria, and Uganda; Southeast Asia: Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, and Vietnam; and Central Asia: Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan.

What are the key verticals of BRICS?

  1. Political and Security Cooperation
  2. Focuses on global peace, security, and conflict resolution.
  3. The 2024 Kazan summit emphasized the conflict in West Asia, condemning Israel’s actions but omitted the October 7 Hamas attack.
  4. Called for an immediate ceasefire, release of hostages, and recognition of Palestine.
  5. On Ukraine, BRICS reiterated national positions, urging dialogue and addressing “root causes” of the conflict.
  6. Economic and Financial Cooperation
  7. Encourages the use of local currencies in trade among BRICS members.
  8. Discussed further development of the New Development Bank as a “new type of MDB.”
  9. Expansion of Saudi Arabia into BRICS raised hopes for a capital boost, but these remain unfulfilled.
  10. Cultural and People-to-People Cooperation
  11. Aims to strengthen social and economic development through exchanges in sports, culture, and civil society.
  12. Cooperation with think tanks, businesses, and parliaments may have long-term benefits.

What role does BRICS play for India?

  1. BRICS helps India promote multipolarity and maintain strategic autonomy.
  2. It strengthens India-Russia ties and supports Global South interests.
  3. At the summit, PM Modi and President Xi Jinping agreed on border disengagement, signaling improved India-China relations.
  4. As China-India relations improve, the strategic space for India to deal with its western partners may also expand.
  5. India uses BRICS to act as a bridge between the east, west, north, and south, enhancing its geopolitical influence.

Question for practice:

Discuss the significance of the 2024 BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in addressing global challenges and enhancing cooperation among member countries.

GS PAPER - 3

Changed in the RBI’s Currency Policy

Source: The post Changed in the RBI’s Currency Policy has been created, based on the article “Unshackling the Indian Rupee” published in “Indian Express” on 9th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper3- Indian Economy

Context: The article discusses the Reserve Bank of India’s recent decision to actively intervene in the foreign exchange market, which has led to the rupee becoming more stable. This policy is criticized for distorting market signals, potentially harming exports, and lacking transparency.

For detailed information on The RBI’s Currency Management read this article here

What Has Changed in the RBI’s Currency Policy?

  1. Increased Intervention: Since late 2022, the RBI has intervened actively in the forex market to stabilize the rupee, buying dollars to prevent appreciation and selling to prevent depreciation.
  2. Reduced Volatility: Rupee-dollar volatility dropped to 1.9% between April 2023 and August 2024, compared to the earlier average of 5% (1991-2020).
  3. Shift from Market Forces: Unlike the euro-dollar exchange rate driven by free markets, the rupee’s stability stems from RBI’s actions.
  4. Pegged-Like System: The rupee now resembles a pegged exchange rate, raising concerns over export competitiveness and transparency.

Why is the RBI’s Increased Intervention Problematic?

  1. Market Distortion: Pegging exchange rates distorts demand-supply signals, harming the economy, as seen in pre-1991 India.
  2. Export Impact: Real exchange rate appreciation makes Indian exports costlier, hurting the Make in India initiative.
  3. Global Examples: Countries like Argentina and Thailand faced crises after pegging their currencies.
  4. Transparency Issues: Lack of clear communication from RBI confuses private market participants, undermining trust and efficient market functioning.

What Were the Benefits of India’s Earlier Flexible Exchange Rate Policy?

  1. Economic Stabilization: During high growth periods, the rupee appreciated, preventing overheating. During downturns, depreciation boosted exports and supported recovery.
  2. Real Exchange Rate Stability: Long-term balance was maintained, adjusting for inflation differences with trading partners. This supported sustainable trade competitiveness.
  3. Export Competitiveness: Flexible rates ensured exports remained attractive by reflecting market-driven demand and supply.
  4. Market Efficiency: The system allowed natural economic adjustments without state interference.

What Are the Consequences of the Current Policy?

  1. It undermines India’s Make in India initiative by making exports costlier.
  2. It confuses businesses and investors, disrupting market efficiency.
  3. The long-standing flexible exchange rate system, which worked well, has been replaced unnecessarily.

Question for practice:

Examine how the Reserve Bank of India’s increased intervention in the foreign exchange market has impacted India’s export competitiveness and market efficiency.

Sustainable Cooling: Combating Heatwaves Through Global and National Initiatives

Source: The post sustainable cooling: combating heatwaves through global and national initiatives has been created, based on the article “Staying cool, but with clean tech, global collaborations” published in “The Hindu” on 9th November 2024

UPSC Syllabus Topic: GS Paper 3- environmental pollution and degradation.

Context: The article discusses the urgent need for sustainable cooling solutions due to rising global temperatures. It highlights India’s leadership, global cooperation through the Quad and Kigali Amendment, and emphasizes affordable, energy-efficient cooling technologies to combat climate change and protect vulnerable populations.

For detailed information on Recent Global Temperature Trends and Climate Change read this article here

What is the Importance of Sustainable Cooling?

  1. Cooling is essential in a warming world, especially for vulnerable populations facing extreme heat.
  2. India experienced temperatures over 50°C in 2024, highlighting the urgency for thermal comfort and safety.
  3. By 2030, 160-200 million Indians may face deadly heatwaves annually, risking productivity and health.
  4. Cooling-related emissions, including HFCs, could cause 0.52°C of warming by 2100 if unchecked.
  5. Efficient cooling can cut emissions, save energy costs, and reduce pollution.

How Are Global Efforts Addressing Cooling-Related Emissions?

  1. The Global Cooling Pledge, announced at COP28, aims to reduce cooling emissions by 68% by 2050, providing access to sustainable cooling for 3.5 billion people and saving $17 trillion in energy costs.
  2. The Wilmington Declaration by Quad nations highlights a commitment to deploy high-efficiency cooling systems in climate-vulnerable regions and develop sustainable energy solutions.
  3. These efforts complement the Kigali Amendment, which targets HFC reduction to prevent 0.52°C of warming by 2100.
  4. India’s leadership through the India Cooling Action Plan aligns with these global initiatives to promote clean cooling technologies.

For detailed information on Global Cooling Pledge at COP28 read this article here

What Challenges Do Developing Countries Face with Cooling?

  1. Inefficient Cooling Appliances: Inefficient models using outdated refrigerants dominate markets, causing higher emissions and energy consumption.
  2. Risk of Becoming Dumping Grounds: Without stronger regulations, developing countries risk importing inefficient appliances, worsening climate and energy challenges.
  3. High Emissions Impact: Indirect emissions from fossil fuel-powered cooling and direct emissions from harmful refrigerants are critical concerns.
  4. Weak Standards: Many countries lack integrated energy efficiency and refrigerant regulations to address these issues.
  5. Escalating Cooling Demand: In India, cooling demand is expected to rise sharply, with air conditioner sales increasing 16% for every degree over 30°C and 1.14 billion air conditioners projected by 2050.

What Can Be Done Through a Mission-Mode Approach?

  1. Focused Leadership: Establish a national mission for sustainable cooling, ensuring coordinated efforts across ministries.
  2. Cross-Sectoral Collaboration: Create an inter-ministerial working group to integrate efforts and policies.
  3. Budget Allocation: Allocate initial funding for the mission and develop long-term dedicated budget lines.
  4. Capacity-Building: Initiate national training programs to build expertise in sustainable cooling technologies.
  5. Address Rising Demand: India may have the highest cooling demand globally by 2050, with over 1.14 billion air conditioners in use.
  6. ICAP Goals: Reduce cooling demand by 20%-25%, energy consumption by 25%-40%, and transition to low-GWP refrigerants.
  7. Promote Clean Manufacturing: Expand production of high-efficiency air-conditioners and ceiling fans as part of India-U.S. joint efforts.

Question for practice:

Examine the significance of global and national efforts in promoting sustainable cooling to address the challenges posed by rising cooling demand and emissions.

Prelims Oriented Articles (Factly)

Supreme Court Overrules 1967 Verdict on AMU’s Minority Status

Source: This post on Supreme Court Overrules 1967 Verdict on AMU’s Minority Status has been created based on the article “Supreme Court overrules 1967 verdict agains Aligarh Muslim University’s minority tag”  published in The Hindu on 9th November 2024.

Why in news?

In a 4:3 majority decision, the Supreme Court recently declared that an institution founded by a minority community retains its minority status even if it is later recognized by statute.

Background of the Case

1. The 1967 judgment in S. Azeez Basha vs. Union of India had denied minority status to AMU, considering it a central university, thus ineligible for Article 30(1) protections.

2. Article 30(1) allows religious and linguistic minorities the right to establish and manage their own educational institutions.

3. The AMU (Amendment) Act of 1981 restored the university’s minority status, but the Allahabad High Court struck down the relevant provision in 2006, leading to the present review by the Supreme Court.

About the Judgement

1. Interpretation of Article 30: Article 30(1) as both anti-discriminatory and a special rights provision for minorities. The right ensures autonomy for minority institutions and protects them from discriminatory legislation or actions that could restrict the establishment or management of these institutions.

2. Requirement for Minority Status: The onus is on the community to demonstrate that the institution was established to serve and preserve its cultural identity. This intent can be evidenced through founding documents, speeches, and other primary sources related to the institution’s formation.

3. Scope of Minority Institutions’ Rights: The court clarified that Article 30(1) applies not only to institutions offering religious education but also to those imparting secular education. The Chief Justice emphasized that institutions don’t lose their minority status if their administration includes members from outside the community, especially in fields requiring specific expertise like law or medicine.

UPSC Syllabus: Polity and nation 

2nd Edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF)

Source: This post on 2nd Edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) has been created based on the article “2nd Edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival to kick-start on Nov 8” published in PIB on 9th November 2024.

Why in news?

The 2nd annual IMHF will commence in New Delhi on November 8, 2024, spanning two days.

About 2nd Edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF)

1. The second edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) was held on November 8–9, 2024, at the India International Centre in New Delhi.

2. It was organized by the United Service Institution of India (USI). It is the country’s oldest defense think tank.

3. Aim: The festival aimed to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector undertakings, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars focusing on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history, and military heritage.

4. Purpose: It is to engage global and Indian think tanks, corporations, public and private sector entities, non-profits, academicians, and research scholars.

5. Scope: It focusses on India’s national security, foreign policy, military history, and military heritage.

About Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’

1. This initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Military Affairs and the United Service Institution (USI) of India.

2. It aims to conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism.

3. Project ‘Shaurya Gatha’ focuses on educational initiatives and tourism to raise awareness of the nation’s defense history among citizens and visitors.  The project seeks to instill a sense of pride and understanding of the country’s military legacy.

UPSC Syllabus: Defence

India and CARICOM Strengthen Ties in Joint Commission Meeting

India and CARICOM Strengthen Ties in Joint Commission Meeting

Source: This post on India and CARICOM Strengthen Ties in Joint Commission Meeting has been created based on the article “2nd Edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival to kick-start on Nov 8” published in The Hindu on 9th November 2024. India and CARICOM Strengthen Ties in Joint Commission Meeting

Why in news?

Recently, the 2nd India-CARICOM Joint Commission meeting was held virtually on November 6, 2024.

About 2nd India-CARICOM Joint Commission meeting

1. The second meeting of the India-CARICOM Joint Commission was held virtually on November 7, 2024.

3. The meeting reviewed the spectrum of relations between India and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), focusing on areas such as trade, investment, health, and capacity building.

4. Focused Areas of Collaboration:

i) Economic Cooperation and Trade: Both sides reviewed economic progress and explored future trade opportunities.

ii) Renewable Energy and Climate Resilience: India reaffirmed its commitment to supporting CARICOM’s climate goals through technical expertise in renewable energy.

iii) Education and Capacity Building: The meeting emphasized partnerships in education, human resource development, and digital infrastructure to bolster social and economic progress.

5. CARICOM’s Strategic Importance for India: CARICOM represents a unified voice in the Caribbean, aligned with India’s goals of strengthening partnerships with the Global South. The Caribbean’s strategic location offers potential for economic, technological, and cultural exchanges beneficial to both India and CARICOM nations.

6. Both parties agreed to intensify high-level dialogues and collaborative projects. India and CARICOM’s partnership is rooted in shared developmental values, aiming for progress in economic, social, and technological domains.

UPSC Syllabus: International organisation 

Agrivoltaic farming

Source: This post on Agrivoltaic farming has been created based on the article “Agrivoltaic farming focuses on simultaneous use of land for agriculture & solar energy” published in DD News on 9th November 2024.

Why in news?

The Seventh Session of the International Solar Alliance (ISA) concluded today in New Delhi, featuring a visit to a farm site in Najafgarh on the final day. During this visit, delegates from various countries observed the practical application of agrivoltaic systems in action.

About Agrivoltaic farming

1. Agrivoltaic farming, also known as agrophotovoltaics, combines agriculture with solar energy production by placing solar panels over crops or farmland.

2. This dual-use system leverages sunlight not only to grow plants but also to generate clean, renewable energy, enhancing land productivity.

Benefits of Agrivoltaics

1. Agrivoltaics addresses the issue of land competition between agriculture and solar farms. Instead of using land solely for solar panels or crops, it integrates both, making it especially valuable in areas with limited space.

2. This system is particularly advantageous for regions aiming to boost food and energy production without expanding land use.

3. Microclimate Benefits: The shade provided by solar panels creates a cooler microclimate beneath, which can reduce water evaporation from the soil, benefiting crops in arid regions.

4. This shade can protect certain plants from extreme heat, increasing their yield and resilience during hot, dry periods.

5. Improved Energy Efficiency: Solar panels tend to perform better when kept cool, and the plants beneath them create a cooling effect, improving the panels’ efficiency. This synergy can lead to higher energy output than standalone solar farms in certain climates, maximizing renewable energy generation.

6. Economic Incentives: Agrivoltaics offers farmers an additional income stream by generating electricity, which can be sold back to the grid or used to power farm operations, reducing energy costs.

This extra revenue can be especially valuable for small-scale or struggling farms, helping them remain financially viable and resilient against market fluctuations.

7. Challenges:

i) Despite its benefits, agrivoltaic farming has some challenges. Setting up dual-use systems requires higher initial costs and specialized infrastructure.

ii) The placement of panels must be optimized to avoid excessive shading for crops needing more sunlight.

iii)Additionally, the design must allow for agricultural machinery to navigate and access the land efficiently, which requires tailored engineering solutions.

Future Potential

Agrivoltaic farming holds substantial promise for sustainable agriculture and renewable energy production. As technology advances and costs decrease, this approach could be instrumental in meeting food and energy needs for a growing global population, particularly in regions affected by climate change.

UPSC Syllabus: Environment 

Black-footed ferret

Source: This post on black-footed ferret has been created based on the article “Successful birthing by cloned black-footed ferret raises new hope for conservation of endangered species” published in Down to Earth on 9th November 2024.

Why in news?

Recently, Smithsonian National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute (NZCBI) researchers successfully witnessed the birth of two black-footed ferret kits by a cloned mother. This birth is significant for conservation efforts, as black-footed ferrets are one of the most endangered mammals in North America, with an estimated 370 left in the wild.

About black-footed ferret

Black-Footed Ferret
Source:Black-Footed Ferret
Aspects Description
About 1. The black-footed ferret (Mustela nigripes) is a rare and only native ferret species to North America’s prairies.
2. This slender, weasel-like animal is the only ferret species native to North America and is known for its distinct black face mask, black-tipped tail, and black feet, which give it its name.
3. These ferrets are solitary by nature, coming together only for breeding or when females are raising their young.
Physical Description 1. Their fur is mostly yellow-buff with lighter areas on the belly, forehead, muzzle, and throat, while distinctive black markings cover their face, feet, and the tip of their tail.
2. Their legs are short but strong, with large front paws and claws that are well-adapted for digging.
3. They are equipped with large ears and eyes.
4. Ferrets likely have acute hearing and sight; however, their sense of smell is considered their primary tool for locating prey underground in the dark.
Diet 1. About 90% of their diet consists of prairie dogs, and one ferret may consume over 100 prairie dogs each year.
2. They also eat small mammals like mice, rats, ground squirrels, rabbits, and occasionally birds, reptiles, and insects.
Communication Highly vocal animals, black-footed ferrets use distinct sounds to communicate. A loud chatter serves as an alarm, while a hiss indicates fear or agitation.
Female ferrets often whimper to encourage their young to follow.
Conservation Status IUCN: Endangered

UPSC Syllabus: Environment 

Blog
Academy
Community