UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 covers important current affairs of the day, their backward linkages, their relevance for Prelims exam and MCQs on main articles

InstaLinks :  Insta Links help you think beyond the  current affairs issue and help you think multidimensionally to develop depth in your understanding of these issues. These linkages provided in this ‘hint’ format help you frame possible questions in your mind that might arise(or an examiner might imagine) from each current event. InstaLinks also connect every issue to their static or theoretical background.

Table of Contents 

GS Paper 2 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024)

1. Preamble

GS Paper 3:

2. Production Linked Incentive Scheme

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. National Mission on Natural Farming

2. One Nation One Subscription

3. Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

4. Gamma Rays

5. Global Matchmaking Platform

6. Places of Worship Act, 1991

7. Tracking Stubble Burning

Mapping:

1. Gelephu Mindfulness City

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

Preamble

Syllabus: Polity

Source:  Live Law

Context: The Supreme Court dismissed petitions challenging the inclusion of “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble of the Indian Constitution, added through the 42nd Amendment during the Emergency in 1976.

Judgment Highlights:

• The Supreme Court upheld the inclusion of “socialist” and “secular,” affirming their consistency with the Constitution’s basic structure, as established in Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973) and S.R. Bommai v. Union of India (1994).
• The Court clarified that the amendment power of Parliament extends to the Preamble under Article 368.
• It dismissed the petitions as flawed and lacking a legitimate cause after 44 years since the 42nd Amendment.

Preamble Amendment:

• The Preamble of the Indian Constitution was revised only once through the 42nd Amendment Act of 1976, following the Sardar Swaran Singh Committee’s recommendations.
• Passed in 1976 during the Emergency by the Indira Gandhi government.
• This amendment introduced the terms Socialist and Secular between Sovereign and Democratic, while Unity of the Nation was updated to Unity and Integrity of the Nation.
• While the 44th Amendment (1978) reversed many Emergency-era changes, it retained these terms.

Meaning of “Socialist” and “Secular“:

• Socialist: Represents a welfare state ensuring economic and social justice, reducing inequalities, and promoting collective well-being without eliminating private enterprise.
• Secular: Implies equal treatment of all religions without favor or discrimination, ensuring religious freedom while maintaining the state’s neutrality in religious matters.

Reasons Behind Inclusion:

1. Strengthening Constitutional Values: To emphasize principles already embedded in the Constitution’s framework (e.g., Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles).
2. Addressing Emergency-Era Criticism: To project India’s commitment to inclusivity and equality during politically challenging times.
3. Global Alignment: Align India with modern states that prioritize democratic socialism and secularism.

Limitations and Challenges:

• Misuse of Secularism: Politicization of the term for electoral gains.
• Economic Inequality: Persistent income gaps challenge socialist goals.
• Religious Intolerance: Increasing communal tensions hinder secular ideals.
• Implementation Issues: Inefficient delivery mechanisms for welfare programs.

About Preamble:

• Features of the Preamble:

• • Introduction to the Constitution: Provides a concise overview of the philosophy and objectives of the Indian Constitution.
  • Core Values: Highlights the commitment to sovereignty, socialism, secularism, democracy, and a republican form of government.
  • Guaranteed Ideals: Ensures justice (social, economic, and political), liberty (thought, expression, belief, faith, and worship), equality (status and opportunity), and fraternity (national unity and dignity).
  • Guiding Principle: Reflects the aspirations and ideals of the people, acting as the moral and philosophical essence of the Constitution.

• Components of the Preamble:

• • Source of Authority: Declares that the Constitution derives its power from the people of India.
  • Nature of the State: Defines India as a Sovereign, Socialist, Secular, Democratic, and Republic entity.
  • Objectives: Establishes justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity as the goals.
  • Date of Adoption: Specifies November 26, 1949, as the date of adoption.

• Preamble as an Integral Part of the Constitution:

• • Berubari Union Case (1960): Initially ruled that the Preamble is not part of the Constitution but could aid in interpretation.
  • Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973): Reversed the earlier view, declaring the Preamble an integral part of the Constitution and pivotal for interpreting its provisions.
  • LIC of India Case (1995): Reaffirmed the Preamble’s status as part of the Constitution, though not enforceable in courts.

Conclusion:

The inclusion of “socialist” and “secular” in the Preamble underscores India’s commitment to justice, equality, and inclusivity. While challenges persist, these principles remain pivotal in guiding India’s democratic journey. Strengthening their practical implementation will uphold the vision of the Constitution.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

Production Linked Incentive Scheme

Syllabus: Economics

Source:  PIB

 Context: India’s Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, launched in 2020, aims to transform the country’s manufacturing sector into a global hub by encouraging investments, innovation, and self-reliance.

 What is the PLI Scheme?

The PLI Scheme incentivizes companies (domestic and foreign) to manufacture in India by offering financial rewards based on incremental production and revenue over five years. Initially targeting three industries, it was later expanded to 14 critical sectors to drive import substitution, employment generation, and high-tech industrial development.

Features and Sectors Covered

1. Features:
   • Performance-driven financial incentives.
   • Promotes advanced technologies and economies of scale.
   • Focus on self-reliance and boosting exports.
   • Encourages job creation and import substitution.
2. Sectors Covered:
   • Large-scale electronics manufacturing (LSEM).
   • Pharmaceuticals and medical devices.
   • Automobiles and auto components.
   • Telecom and networking products.
   • Renewable energy and solar PV modules.
   • Advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries.
   • White goods, drones, textiles, food products, and specialty steel.

Budget Outlay:

• Total allocation: ₹1.97 lakh crore (~$24 billion).
• Strategic funding across 14 sectors to enhance domestic manufacturing, exports, and technological development.

Achievements and Impact:

1. Overall Impact:
   • ₹1.46 lakh crore investments realized by August 2024.
   • ₹12.50 lakh crore production generated.
   • ₹4 lakh crore exports and 9.5 lakh jobs created.
2. Sector-Specific Achievements:
   • Electronics: Transition from a net importer to a net exporter of mobile phones. Production grew to 33 crore units (2023-24), with exports reaching 5 crore units.
   • Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices: India became the 3rd largest producer by volume, exporting 50% of production and reducing import dependency on bulk drugs.
   • Automotive: Attracted $8 billion in investments and boosted production of high-tech automotive components.
   • Renewable Energy: Solar PV module production expanded with 65 GW manufacturing capacity under the second tranche.
   • Telecom: Achieved 60% import substitution and became a major exporter of 4G and 5G equipment.
   • Drones: Sector witnessed seven-fold growth, driven by MSMEs and start-ups.

Challenges:

1. Limited Value Addition: Over-reliance on assembly rather than end-to-end manufacturing.
2. WTO Constraints: Rules limit tying incentives to domestic value addition.
3. Ambiguity in Disbursal: Lack of standardized parameters for fund allocation.
4. Data Gaps: Absence of centralized databases for tracking outcomes.
5. Complex Supply Chains: Difficulty in developing high-tech industries like semiconductor manufacturing.

Way Ahead:

1. Policy Evaluation: Assess cost per job, production outcomes, and export growth.
2. Transparent Incentives: Standardize criteria for fund disbursal and maintain accountability.
3. Strengthening Value Addition: Focus on entire supply chains to deepen domestic manufacturing.
4. Database Development: Create centralized systems for tracking investments, jobs, and exports.
5. Expand Sectors: Target emerging industries like green hydrogen, semiconductors, and AI.

Conclusion:

The PLI Scheme has significantly bolstered India’s manufacturing capabilities, attracting investments, increasing production, and fostering innovation. Addressing challenges and building a robust ecosystem will ensure sustained growth and secure India’s position as a global manufacturing powerhouse.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Rise of Yashasvi Jaiswal

Anecdote: Yashasvi Jaiswal’s rise to cricketing fame is a tale of grit and determination. Born to a shopkeeper in rural India, Jaiswal left for Mumbai at the age of 11 to pursue his cricketing dreams. With no stable shelter, he initially worked at a dairy but was thrown out for prioritizing cricket over chores. Homeless, he lived in a tent at the Muslim United Club and sold pani puri at Azad Maidan to survive, often praying his teammates wouldn’t see him. While others were supported by their families, Jaiswal cooked his own meals, often going without breakfast. Through relentless hard work and resilience, he transitioned from selling street food to being India’s most promising young batter since Virat Kohli.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• Inspirational Leadership: Demonstrates perseverance and determination, relevant for ethics and essay topics on resilience and ambition.
• Sports and Governance: Reflects the role of grassroots support and policies in nurturing sports talent, relevant for GS-II topics on welfare policies.
• Case Study Material: Serves as an example for ethics case studies on hard work, humility, and overcoming adversity.
• Essay Themes: Applicable for essays on dreams, societal change, and individual grit.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

National Mission on Natural Farming

Source:  PIB

 Context: The Union Cabinet, approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF), promoting sustainable, chemical-free farming to improve soil health, cut input costs, and ensure nutritious food.

About National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF):

• Ministry: Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.
• Central Sponsored Scheme: Total outlay of ₹2481 crore (GoI share ₹1584 crore; State share ₹897 crore) till FY 2025-26.
• Aim: To promote natural, chemical-free farming practices for sustainability, climate resilience, soil health rejuvenation, and nutritious food production.
• Key Features:

• Implementation in 15,000 clusters across Gram Panchayats, covering 5 lakh Ha and reaching 1 crore farmers.
• Establishment of 10,000 Bio-input Resource Centres (BRCs) and 2000 NF Model Demonstration Farms at KVKs, Agricultural Universities, and farmers’ fields.
• Training of 75 lakh farmers and deployment of 30,000 Krishi Sakhis/CRPs for mobilisation and handholding support.
• Certification system and common branding for marketing NF produce.
• Real-time geo-tagged monitoring via an online portal.

Insta links:

One Nation One Subscription

Source:  Live Mint

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the One Nation One Subscription (ONOS) scheme to provide universal access to international scholarly research articles and journals.

• This initiative aligns with the vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat and Viksit Bharat@2047, fostering a robust research and development culture in India.

About One Nation One Subscription (ONOS):

• Ministry: Department of Higher Education, Ministry of Education.
• Central Sector Scheme: ₹6,000 crore allocated for 2025–2027.
• Aim: To provide access to top-quality international research journals to government higher education institutions (HEIs) and central government R&D institutions.
• Key Features:

• Coverage of 30 major international publishers and nearly 13,000 e-journals.
• Access for 6,300 government HEIs and R&D institutions benefiting 8 crore students, faculty, and researchers.
• Entirely digital process coordinated by INFLIBNET under UGC.
• Promotes interdisciplinary and core research, especially in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
• Aligned with NEP 2020 and supported by Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF).

Insta links:

Atal Innovation Mission 2.0

Source:   BS

Context: The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Atal Innovation Mission (AIM) under NITI Aayog as AIM 2.0, with an allocated budget of ₹2,750 crore until March 31, 2028.

About Atal Innovation Mission 2.0:

• Ministry/ Department: NITI Aayog.
• Budget: ₹2,750 crore till March 2028.
• Aim: To strengthen India’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem by improving input, throughput, and output quality in innovation.
• Key Features:

• Language Inclusive Program of Innovation (LIPI): Establish 30 Vernacular Innovation Centers in 22 scheduled languages.
• Frontier Program: Develop customized innovation templates for J&K, Ladakh, NE states, and aspirational districts with 2,500 new ATLs.
• Human Capital Development Program: Train 5,500 professionals to build and sustain innovation ecosystems.
• Deeptech Reactor: Pilot research sandboxes for deep tech startups requiring long-term investment.
• State Innovation Mission (SIM): Strengthen innovation ecosystems in states/UTs, integrated with NITI Aayog’s State Support Mission.
• International Innovation Collaborations: Host Global Tinkering Olympiad, engage in 10 bilateral/multilateral collaborations, support WIPO for the Global South, and anchor Startup20 Engagement Group.
• Industrial Accelerator Program: Create 10 PPP-mode accelerators for scaling startups in critical sectors.
• Atal Sectoral Innovation Launchpads (ASIL): Build 10 sector-specific platforms for startup integration and procurement across key ministries.

Insta links:

Gamma Rays

Source:  TH

Context: The MACE telescope, the world’s highest imaging Cherenkov telescope, was inaugurated in Hanle, Ladakh, on October 4 to study cosmic gamma rays and advance high-energy astrophysics research.

About Gamma Rays:

• Definition: Gamma rays are the shortest wavelength and highest energy form of electromagnetic radiation.
• Sources: Produced by pulsars, supernovae, black holes, gamma-ray bursts, and potential dark matter particle interactions.
• Properties: Energy > 100,000 eV, hazardous to living cells, and blocked by Earth’s atmosphere.
• Detection: Indirectly observed on Earth using Imaging Atmospheric Cherenkov Telescopes (IACTs) like MACE.
• Cherenkov Radiation: Faint blue light emitted when gamma rays interact with atmospheric molecules, creating electron-positron showers.

About the MACE project:

• Location: Hanle, Ladakh, at an altitude of ~4,300 m, making it the highest imaging Cherenkov telescope in the world.
• Development: Indigenously built by Bhabha Atomic Research Centre (BARC) with support from ECIL and other Indian partners.
• Objective: To study high-energy gamma rays and contribute to the understanding of the universe’s most energetic phenomena, such as supernovae, black holes, and gamma-ray bursts.
• Technology: Uses Cherenkov imaging technology to detect cosmic rays and observe high-energy astrophysical events.
• Significance: Enhances India’s cosmic-ray research capabilities and strengthens its position in multi-messenger astronomy on a global scale.

Insta Links:

Global Matchmaking Platform

Source:  UNIDO

Context: At COP29, the Global Matchmaking Platform for Industrial Decarbonization (GMP) was launched by UNIDO and the Climate Club.

• It is a pioneering initiative to decarbonize heavy-emitting industries in developing and emerging economies by connecting countries with global technical and financial resources.

 About Global Matchmaking Platform:

• Origin: Conceptualized at COP28 (December 2023) under the Climate Club framework to drive industrial decarbonization globally.
• Launch: Officially launched at COP29 with key donor and partner organizations.
• Agencies Involved: UNIDO, Climate Club, German Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Climate Action, World Bank, GIZ, and other international partners.
• Aim: To provide financial and technical support to decarbonize high-emission industrial sectors in developing and emerging economies, advancing climate goals.
• Key Features:

• Tailored Support: Country-specific guidance for industrial decarbonization.
• Global Partnerships: Involves financiers, technology providers, and experts.
• Delivery Partners: Includes World Bank, Climate Investment Funds, and GIZ.
• Pilot Countries: Includes Argentina, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, and others.
• Technology Transfer: Facilitates adoption of low-carbon industrial technologies.
• Funding: Supported initially by German climate cooperation funds.

• Significance:

• Accelerates decarbonization in “hard-to-abate”
• Strengthens North-South climate cooperation.
• Promotes innovative, sustainable industrial practices in developing economies.
• Supports the Paris Agreement and a global net-zero emissions pathway.

Insta Links:

Places of Worship Act, 1991

Source:  IE

Context: The Shahi Jama Masjid in Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh, faces disputes over claims it was built on a Hindu temple site, raising protests and invoking the Places of Worship Act, 1991.

About Places of Worship Act, 1991:

• Objective: Prohibits the conversion of a place of worship and ensures its religious character as on August 15, 1947.
• Key Provisions:

• Section 3: Bars conversion of a place of worship, either wholly or partly, to a different denomination or segment.
• Maintains the religious status quo of all places of worship as of Independence Day, 1947.
• Prohibits legal suits or claims to alter the status of any place of worship.

• Exemptions:

• Ayodhya dispute: Excluded as the case was sub-judice at the time.
• Ancient monuments: Covered under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958.
• Disputes resolved by mutual consent or settled before the law’s enforcement.

• Significance: Aims to maintain communal harmony by preventing religious conflicts over historical claims.

Insta Links:

Tracking Stubble Burning

Source:  TH

Context: Stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana heavily pollutes NCR air. While satellites monitor fires, farmers burning outside detection windows raise concerns about tracking methods and government measures.

About Satellites Used to Track Stubble Burning:

• NASA Satellites:
  • Aqua (2002) and Suomi-NPP (2011) with MODIS and VIIRS instruments detect fires via visible and infrared imaging during overpasses at 1:30 p.m. and 1:30 a.m. local time.
  • Ozone Mapping and Profiler Suite measures aerosol levels to assess smoke impact on air quality.
• South Korea’s GEO-KOMPSAT 2A:
  • Provides continuous geostationary observations to capture fires missed by Aqua and Suomi-NPP.
• European Space Agency’s Sentinel II:
  • Offers burnt area data every five days.
• Indian Satellites:
  • INSAT-3DR: Tracks fire activity but with coarse resolution, limiting accuracy.
  • RESOURCESAT Series: LISS-3, LISS-4, and AWiFS sensors detect fires with varying spatial resolutions.

NOTE: Basic information on stubble burning has been covered in the previous article; kindly cover it as well.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 26 November 2024 Mapping:

Gelephu Mindfulness City

Source:  TH

Context: Bhutan’s PM Tshering Tobgay highlighted the Gelephu Mindfulness City as a major “Zero Carbon” project, thanking India for supporting its development as a sustainable, cooperative initiative.

About Gelephu Mindfulness City:

• Vision: To create a sustainable, zero-carbon city promoting harmony, sustainability, and Bhutan’s Gross National Happiness philosophy.
• Origin: Envisioned by King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck to improve Bhutanese lives and build a global model for sustainable living.
• India’s Role: Strategic collaboration with India for investment and infrastructure, strengthening India-Bhutan ties; viewed as a cooperative project benefiting both nations.
• Key Features:

• Spread over 2,500 sq. km, comprising 2.5% of Bhutan’s landmass.
• Includes protected national parks, wildlife sanctuaries, and renewable energy facilities generating 4,000-5,000 MW.
• Self-governed Special Administrative Region (SAR) with independent judiciary and lawmaking powers.
• Mandala-style neighbourhoods connected by inhabitable bridges over 35 rivers and streams.
• Infrastructure for hydroelectric power, hydroponic farming, spiritual centers, markets, and healthcare (both traditional and modern).
• Designed as a low-rise, eco-friendly city prioritizing personal well-being and environmental sustainability.

Insta Links:

Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 26 Nov 2024

Follow us on our Official TELEGRAM Channel HERE

Subscribe to Our Official YouTube Channel HERE

Please subscribe to Our podcast channel HERE

Official Facebook Page HERE

Twitter Account HERE

Instagram Account HERE

LinkedIn: HERE