UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 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 3 : (UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024)

1. COP 29 – Outcome

2. Urban Civic Bodies

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Nayi Chetna 3.0 – Pahal Badlaav Ki

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. Constitution Museum

2. ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024

3. National Gopal Ratna Awards, 2024

4. Space Junk and Its Impact

5. Brihadeeswarar Temple

6. Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi

Mapping:

1. Kurram district of Pakistan

2. Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024

GS Paper 3:

COP 29 – Outcome

Syllabus: Environment

Source:  UNFCCC

 Context: The 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, focusing on scaling up climate finance, adaptation, and global cooperation to combat climate change.

Outcomes of COP29:

1. Climate Finance:
   • New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG):
     • Triple climate finance for developing countries to USD 300 billion annually by 2035.
     • Scale finance from public and private sources to USD 1.3 trillion annually by 2035.
2. Carbon Markets (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement):
   • Finalized frameworks for country-to-country trading of carbon credits (Article 6.2).
   • Operationalized the Paris Agreement Crediting Mechanism (Article 6.4), ensuring environmental and human rights safeguards.
   • Supported capacity-building for least developed countries to participate in carbon markets.
3. Transparency:
   • 13 countries submitted their Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) under the Enhanced Transparency Framework.
   • UNFCCC organized #Together4Transparency, promoting transparent climate action with 42 events.
4. Adaptation:
   • Baku Adaptation Roadmap launched to expedite National Adaptation Plans (NAPs).
   • Established a support program for NAP implementation in least developed countries (LDCs).
   • High-level dialogues emphasized financing and technical support for adaptation.
5. Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities:
   • Adopted the Baku Workplan and renewed the Local Communities and Indigenous Peoples Platform (LCIPP) Facilitative Working Group.
6. Gender and Climate Change:
   • Extended the Lima Work Programme on Gender and Climate Change for another 10 years.
   • Mandated a new Gender Action Plan to be developed by COP30.
7. Civil Society and Inclusivity:
   • Over 55,000 attendees, including civil society, Indigenous Peoples, youth, and businesses.
   • Strengthened Action for Climate Empowerment (ACE) for integrating public engagement into national climate policies.
8. Global Climate Action:
   • Showcased real-world solutions under the Marrakech Partnership for Global Climate Action.
   • Launched the 2024 Yearbook of Global Climate Action, emphasizing non-Party stakeholder contributions.
9. Forests and REDD+:
   • UK pledged £3 million to enhance REDD+ transparency and implementation for halting deforestation by 2030.
10. Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs):
    • Stronger climate plans (NDC 3.0) due in 2025, covering all greenhouse gases and sectors.
    • UK and Brazil committed to ramping up climate action in their updated NDCs.

India’s Initiatives at COP29:

• Resilient Infrastructure: Highlighted CDRI and IRIS initiatives for disaster-resilient infrastructure and SIDS adaptation.
• Industrial Decarbonization: Co-hosted LeadIT Member Meet with Sweden; promoted hydrogen-based solutions and CO2 capture.
• SIDS Adaptation Finance: Advocated finance unlocking and disaster-resilient support for SIDS.
• Solar Energy Leadership: Promoted solar adoption with ISA, targeting a 20-fold increase by 2050.
• Gender-Inclusive Action: Showcased women-led clean energy solutions and gender-inclusive climate policies.
• LeadIT Summit: Reaffirmed commitment to heavy industry decarbonization under the Paris Agreement.

Limitations of COP29:

• Inadequate Finance: Funding commitments termed “too little, too distant”, failing to meet immediate needs.
• Private Sector Dependency: Heavy reliance on non-guaranteed private contributions.
• Unmet Emission Goals: Insufficient pledges to meet the 1.5°C target, with global emissions rising in 2023.
• Geopolitical Conflicts: Disputes over CBAM and unfair procedural practices highlighted mistrust.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthen Finance: Ensure binding, timely, and grant-based funding mechanisms.
• Boost Cooperation: Improve negotiation fairness and address trade disputes in separate forums.
• Accelerate NDCs: Expand Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) to include all sectors.
• Focus on Adaptation: Increase support for LDCs and SIDS with dedicated resources.
• Science-Driven Action: Align decisions with scientific assessments and expand renewable energy.

Conclusion:

COP29 achieved critical milestones in scaling up climate finance, operationalizing carbon markets, and advancing adaptation and transparency. While significant progress was made, challenges remain, necessitating stronger global efforts at COP30 and beyond.

Insta Links:

PYQ:

Urban Civic Bodies

Syllabus: Economics

Source:  IE

Context: A recent RBI report highlights challenges in municipal corporations’ revenue generation, heavy dependence on government transfers, and insufficient capacity to meet urban development demands.

 Data Facts on Urban Civics (Source: RBI Report on Municipal Finances)

• Property Tax Revenue:
  • Contributes 0.12% of GDP (2023-24).
  • Accounts for 16% of municipal revenue receipts and 60% of own tax revenue.
• Revenue Receipts:
  • Municipal receipts: 0.6% of GDP in 2023-24, compared to 9.2% (Central) and 14.6% (State governments).
  • Top 10 MCs generate 58% of municipal revenue receipts.
• Grants and Transfers:
  • Central government grants increased by 24.9% (2022-23).
  • State transfers grew by 20.4%.
• Municipal Bonds:
  • Total outstanding bonds: ₹4,204 crore (March 2024), only 0.09% of total corporate bonds.
• Digitalisation:
  • GIS-based property tax mapping can improve compliance and reduce revenue leakages.

Issues Plaguing Urban Bodies:

• Low Revenue Generation:
  • Property tax collection remains abysmally low.
  • Dependence on government transfers undermines financial autonomy.
• Operational Inefficiencies:
  • Poor enforcement of tax laws.
  • Leakages in revenue collection systems.
• Underutilized Financing Options:
  • Limited use of municipal bonds and PPPs.
• Infrastructure and Service Delivery Gaps:
  • Insufficient funds to maintain roads, drainage, and sanitation systems.
• Dependence on Upper Tiers:
  • Over-reliance on state and central transfers stifles long-term planning.

Way Ahead:

• Strengthen Own Revenue Sources:
  • Reform property tax structures to reflect real valuation.
  • Introduce GIS-based property tax mapping.
• Enhance Non-Tax Revenues:
  • Regularly revise user charges for services like water and waste management.
  • Adopt digital platforms for efficient fee collection.
• Leverage Innovative Financing:
  • Expand municipal bond market participation.
  • Promote PPPs in urban transport, waste management, and renewable energy.
• Optimize Expenditures:
  • Digitize operations to streamline costs.
  • Automate processes to free resources for capital investments.
• Ensure Timely Transfers:
  • Develop rule-based frameworks for predictable state and central transfers.
• Capacity Building:
  • Provide technical training for local bodies to improve planning and enforcement.

 Conclusion:

Strengthening revenue sources, leveraging technology, and fostering collaborative frameworks can enhance their capacity to deliver essential services. This transformation is essential for sustainable urban growth and improved quality of life.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Nayi Chetna 3.0 – Pahal Badlaav Ki

Context: Union Ministers will launch Nayi Chetna 3.0 – Pahal Badlaav Ki, a month-long campaign against gender-based violence, under DAY-NRLM to promote awareness and grassroots action.

About Nayi Chetna – Pahal Badlaav Ki:

• Launched By: Ministry of Rural Development under DAY-NRLM.
• Campaign Duration: 25th November to 23rd December 2024.
• Slogan: “Ek Saath, Ek Awaaz, Hinsa Ke Khilaaf.”
• Objectives:
  • Awareness: Raise understanding of all forms of gender-based violence.
  • Action: Encourage communities to report and demand action.
  • Support Systems: Strengthen access to support and legal mechanisms.
  • Empower Institutions: Enable local bodies to respond decisively.
• Outreach:
  • Supported by 9 Ministries/Departments.
  • Involves Self-Help Groups (SHGs) as part of a Jan Andolan spirit.
  • Previous editions reached 3.5 crore (1st) and 5.5 crore (2nd) participants.

Relevance in UPSC Exam:

• Women’s Empowerment and Gender Justice:
  • Relevant for GS Paper 1 (Society) and GS Paper 2 (Social Justice).
  • Highlights grassroots initiatives tackling gender-based violence.
• Government Schemes and Campaigns:
  • Nayi Chetna exemplifies “Jan Andolan” and inter-ministerial convergence for social reform.
• Ethics and Governance:
  • Illustrates ethical governance models and social inclusion strategies.
• Essay Writing:
  • Serves as a case study for topics on gender equality, women’s empowerment, and participatory governance.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

Constitution Museum

Source:  TOI

Context: India’s first Constitution Museum was inaugurated at OP Jindal Global University in Sonipat, Haryana, to commemorate and celebrate the drafting, principles, and evolution of the Indian Constitution.

About Indian Constitution Museum:

• Location: OP Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana.
• Maintained by: OP Jindal Global University in collaboration with the Centre for Museums.
• Features:
  • Photolithographic constitution copy: A centerpiece featuring one of 1,000 original reproductions.
  • 360-degree visual display: Chronicles pre-Independence India and significant events in drafting the Constitution.
  • Busts of Constituent Assembly Members: Nearly 300 sculptures honoring their contributions.
  • Dr. BR Ambedkar section: Hologram and interactive displays featuring his philosophies, speeches, and writings.
  • Multimedia presentations: Interactive insights into the drafting and evolution of the Constitution.

Insta links:

ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024

Source:  PIB

Context: Prime Minister will inaugurate ICA Global Cooperative Conference 2024 and launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives 2025 on 25th November at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi.

About International Cooperative Alliance:

• Origin: Established in 1895 during the 1st Cooperative Congress in London, England.
• History: One of the oldest NGOs, representing over 1 billion cooperative members globally across 105 countries.
• Aim: To unite cooperatives worldwide, promote sustainable development, and support member organizations.
• Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium.
• Summits: Regular global and regional summits foster collaboration and address cooperative challenges.

2024 ICA Global Conference:

• Host: India, for the first time in ICA’s 130-year history.
• Location: New Delhi.
• Organizers: Indian Farmers Fertiliser Cooperative Limited (IFFCO), ICA, and other cooperative entities.
• Theme: “Cooperatives Build Prosperity for All.”
• Aim:
  • Showcase the role of cooperatives in promoting inclusive, sustainable development.
  • Explore innovative strategies for global cooperative growth.
  • Launch the UN International Year of Cooperatives-2025.

Insta links:

National Gopal Ratna Awards, 2024

Source:   PIB

 Context: The Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD) declared the winners of the National Gopal Ratna Awards (NGRA) this is one of the highest National Awards in the field of livestock and dairy sector for the year 2024.

About National Gopal Ratna Award 2024:

• Department: Presented by the Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairying (DAHD), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, and Dairying.
• Origin: Initiated to promote and recognize excellence in the livestock and dairy sector.
• Aim: To encourage farmers, technicians, and cooperatives working in dairy and indigenous cattle rearing to achieve excellence and boost development in the sector.
• The Award is conferred in three categories, namely,
  • Best Dairy Farmer Rearing Indigenous Cattle/buffalo Breeds,
  • Best Artificial Insemination Technician (AIT) and
  • Best Dairy Cooperative/ Milk Producer Company/ Dairy Farmer Producer Organization.

• Special awards introduced for North Eastern Region (NER) States in all categories.
• Cash rewards:
• ₹5 lakh (1st rank), ₹3 lakh (2nd rank), ₹2 lakh (3rd rank).
• ₹2 lakh for NER Special Award.
• Includes a certificate and memento (for first two categories).

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Space Junk and Its Impact

Source:  IE

Context: The exponential growth in satellite launches, with over 10,000 active satellites in orbit today, is contributing to space junk pollution.

About Space Junk and Its Impact:

• Definition: Space junk includes defunct satellites, rocket stages, and other debris left in orbit or disintegrated during re-entry.
• Pollutants Released: Burning satellites release aluminum, nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and black carbon, which accumulate in the stratosphere.
• Ozone Layer Threat: Aluminum oxide acts as a catalyst for ozone depletion, counteracting the success of the Montreal Protocol that reduced CFCs.
• Stratospheric Changes: Pollutants like copper and other metals can alter atmospheric chemistry and promote cloud formation.
• Climate Impacts: Soot particles absorb solar energy, potentially warming the atmosphere and disrupting natural climate patterns.
• Long-Term Ripple Effects: Alterations in the upper atmosphere may indirectly harm ecosystems, weather patterns, and human health on Earth.

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Brihadeeswarar Temple

Source:  TH

Context: The Sadhaya Vizha, celebrated in Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, commemorates the birth anniversary of Raja Raja Chola I, a visionary Chola emperor known for his administrative acumen, and monumental contributions to architecture and culture.

About Brihadeeswarar Temple (Rajarajeswaram)

• Location: Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, part of the UNESCO “Great Living Chola Temples.”
• Era: Built in 1009 CE by Raja Raja Chola I, it is the largest and tallest Indian temple.
• Design:
  • Features a massive 70-meter pyramidal vimana with an octagonal dome-shaped stupika.
  • Two large gopuras adorned with intricate sculptures.
  • Sanctum houses a two-storey lingam of Lord Shiva.
• Cultural Significance: Repository of Tamil inscriptions detailing rituals, gifts, and the temple’s construction overseen by Raja Raja Chola himself.
• Artistry: Painted murals, sculptural narratives, and stucco figures (added later during the Maratha period).
• Other Chola Temples:
  • Gangaikonda Cholapuram (by Rajendra I).
  • Airavatesvara Temple (by Rajaraja Chola II).

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Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi

Source:  PIB

Context: The article was published regarding K M Munshi contribution in freedom movement.

Kanhaiyalal Maneklal Munshi (Ghanshyam Vyas)

• Birth: Born on 30th December 1887, in Gujarat.
• Freedom Fighter:
  • Active in Indian Home Rule Movement as Secretary in 1915.
  • Participated in Civil Disobedience Movement (1930, 1932) and Individual Satyagraha (1940); jailed twice.
• Political Roles:
  • Elected to Bombay Legislative Assembly (1927, 1937); resigned during Bardoli Satyagraha.
  • Served as Home Minister of Bombay Presidency, managing communal riots.
• Educational Contributions:
  • Founded Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan in 1938, a renowned educational trust.
• Literary Achievements:
  • Authored over 50 books in Gujarati and English, including Krishnavatara and Saga of Indian Sculpture.
• Philosophical Influences:
  • Influenced by Shri Aurobindo, aligning with revolutionary ideas initially.
• Death: Passed away on 8th February 1971.

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 25 November 2024 Mapping:

Kurram district of Pakistan

Source:  IE

 Context: Sectarian violence has escalated in the Kurram district of Pakistan, following a massacre of Shia travelers, resulting in days of clashes and significant casualties.

About Kurram District:

• Location:
  • Situated in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, northwestern Pakistan.
  • Borders Afghanistan with multiple crossings along the 192-km Durand Line.
• Key River:
  • The district is named after the Kurram River (Pashto: Kwarma), derived from the Sanskrit word Krumu.
• Geographical Features:
  • Lies in the Kurram Valley, a strategically significant and mountainous region.
  • Shares borders with Afghan provinces like Logar, Paktia, and Nangarhar.
• Demographics:
  • Predominantly Pashtun tribes: Turi, Bangash, Orakzai, Wazir, and others.
  • Shia-Sunni composition: Shia Turis dominate Upper Kurram, while Sunnis inhabit Lower and Central Kurram.
• Why Conflict:
  • Tribal rivalries over land and resources exacerbated by governance failures.
  • Sectarian tensions fueled by external influences (Saudi-Iran rivalry) and local grievances.
  • Historical factors: Zia-ul-Haq’s Sunni Islamisation policies and Cold War geopolitics.

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Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands

Source:  TH

 Context: The Eastern Imperial Eagle (Aquila heliaca), a rare and vulnerable bird of prey, was recently sighted in the Pulluzhi kole wetlands, a Ramsar-protected area in Kerala.

About Eastern Imperial Eagle:

• Scientific Classification: Member of the family Accipitridae; subfamily Aquilinae.
• Habitat: Found in old forests, mountain and riverine forests, and isolated tall trees for nesting.
• Range: Breeds in southeastern Europe, West, and Central Asia; migrates to northeastern Africa, Middle East, and South/East Asia in winter.
• Physical Features:
  • Large eagle with a wingspan of 1.76 to 2.2 m and length between 68 to 90 cm.
  • Reverse sexual dimorphism: females larger than males.
  • Golden crown and nape, grey base to the tail, white “braces” on scapulars.
  • Keen eyesight, strong legs with curved talons for prey capture.
• Conservation Status: Listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

About Thrissur-Ponnani Kole Wetlands:

• Location: Spreads across Thrissur and Malappuram districts in Kerala, India.
• Area: Covers 13,632 hectares (33,690 acres).
• Significance:
  • Provides 40% of Kerala’s rice requirement.
  • Acts as a natural drainage system for Thrissur city, Ponnani city, and surrounding districts.
  • Part of the Central Asian Flyway, supporting migratory bird species.
• Boundaries: Lies between Chalakudy River (South) and Bharathappuzha River (North), extending to Ponnani Taluk.
• Hydrological Network: Connects to Enamavu River, Canoli Canal, Chettuva River, and flows into the Arabian Sea.
• Soil Fertility: Enriched by alluvium soil deposited by Kechery and Karuvannoor rivers during monsoons.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 25 Nov 2024

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