UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 November 2024

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 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 – 9 November 2024)

1. Aligarh Muslim University Case

GS Paper 3:

2. In Depth Analysis: 6G

Content for Mains Enrichment (CME):

1. Cafe Lamma

2. Quotes from CJI Speech

Facts for Prelims (FFP):

1. World’s First CO₂-to-Methanol Conversion Plant

2. Zhurong Rover Mars Exploration

3. Project Shaurya Gatha

4. Seaplane Service

5. CSE Assessment

6. Bibek Debroy Committee’s on Railways

Mapping:

1. CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market)

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 November 2024

GS Paper 2:

Aligarh Muslim University Case

Syllabus: Polity

Source:  Live Law

 Context: The Supreme Court’s verdict in the Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) case reaffirmed that institutions of national importance can retain their minority character under Article 30 of the Constitution.

• The ruling resolves debates on the coexistence of “national” and “minority” traits in institutions.

What is a Minority Institution?

• Constitutional provisions:

• • Article 30(1): Grants minorities the right to establish and administer educational institutions of their choice.
  • Article 28: Restricts religious instruction in institutions maintained by state funds but allows it in minority institutions.

• Legal provisions:

• • National Commission for Minority Educational Institutions Act, 2004: Provides legal recognition and safeguards for minority educational institutions.
  • Supreme Court Interpretation: Recognizes the rights of religious and linguistic minorities.

Judgement on Aligarh Muslim University Case:

• Holistic Outcome:

• • National and Minority Coexistence: Institutions of national importance can also hold minority status, and these attributes are not mutually exclusive.
  • Fundamental Rights: Article 30(1) rights cannot be subservient to parliamentary declarations under Entries 63 and 64.
  • Preservation of Rights: Establishing and administering institutions must remain vested with the minority community to uphold constitutional guarantees.

• Significance:

• • Protects the dual identity of institutions like AMU.
  • Strengthens the autonomy of minority institutions in India.

Criteria for Classification as Minority Institution:

• Establishment and Administration: The institution must be established and administered by a religious or linguistic minority.
• Genesis and Intent: Purpose must predominantly benefit the minority community.
• Administration: Need not be exclusively managed by the minority but should reflect minority interests.
• Funding Sources: Minority status is unaffected by state aid or contributions from other communities.
• Historical Context: Institutions established pre-Constitution can claim minority status.

Role of Minority Institutions in India:

1. Promoting education: Minority institutions ensure access to quality education for disadvantaged groups.

E.g. St. Xavier’s College (Kolkata), Jamia Millia Islamia (New Delhi).

1. Cultural Preservation: Act as hubs for preserving linguistic and religious diversity.

E.g. Aligarh Muslim University, Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya.

1. Fostering inclusivity: Contribute to nation-building by integrating marginalized communities.

E.g. Madrasas providing secular education alongside religious studies.

1. Skill development: Equip minorities with skills for socio-economic upliftment.

E.g. Vocational programs at Christ University (Bengaluru).

Conclusion

Minority institutions in India play a pivotal role in preserving cultural identity while contributing to educational and social equity. The Supreme Court’s judgment reinforces the balance between national integration and constitutional protection of minority rights.

 Insta Links:

PYQ:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 November 2024 GS Paper 3:

In Depth Analysis: 6G

Syllabus: Science and Technology

Source:  Sansad TV

 Context: India aims to become a global leader in 6G technology by 2030 through the Bharat 6G Mission. The initiative builds on the success of 5G deployment, covering 98% of districts in just 21 months.

Features of 6G Technology:

• Terahertz (THz) Frequencies: 6G will use waves in the THz range, capable of carrying significantly more data than 5G.
• Massive MIMO: Supports numerous devices and connections using multiple antennas for better data transmission and reception.
• Network Slicing: Enables creating smaller, specialized networks for distinct traffic types, like video streaming or automation.
• Enhanced Security: Employs advanced encryption and authentication methods to safeguard sensitive data and applications.
• Ultra-Reliable Low Latency Communication (URLLC): Ensures extremely low latency, supporting mission-critical applications like industrial automation and VR/AR.
• Integrated Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IIRS): Enhances signal strength and quality in areas with poor reception.
• High-Speed Data Transfer: Enables faster communication and data rates over hundreds of GHz or THz frequencies.

Steps taken by the government on 6G:

1. Bharat 6G Vision and Strategy:

1. • Vision Statement: Design, develop, and deploy 6G technologies for secure, intelligent, and pervasive connectivity globally.
   • Core Principles: Affordability, sustainability, and ubiquity, aligned with the national vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).
   • Goals:
     • Facilitate R&D in 6G technologies through startups, companies, and universities.
     • Develop affordable 6G telecom solutions.
     • Enable global IP and patent contributions from India.
     • Enhance quality of life through transformative applications.

2. Technology Innovation Group (TIG) on 6G:

1. • Established on November 1, 2021, to develop a roadmap for 6G in India.
   • Constituted six task forces focusing on:
     • Multidisciplinary solutions.
     • Spectrum management.
     • Devices and networks.
     • International standards.
     • Funding for R&D.

3. Bharat 6G Alliance:

1. • A collaboration of domestic industry, academia, and research institutions.
   • Focuses on 5G advancements, 6G product development, and patent generation.
   • Aligns with global alliances like the Next G Alliance (US), 6G Flagship (Finland), and South Korea’s 6G Forum.

Applications of 6G Technology:

Challenges associated with 6G technology:

• Technical complexity: Advanced components and subsystems increase the complexity of development and deployment.
• Infrastructure deployment: Requires massive investment and regulatory support for infrastructure upgrades.
• Spectrum allocation: Limited spectrum availability poses challenges for allocation amid competing demands.
• Security concerns: High-speed data transmission increases vulnerability to cyber-attacks, necessitating robust security measures.
• Standardization issues: Achieving global consensus on standards for interoperability can be time-consuming and contentious.
• Global collaboration: Ensuring international cooperation among stakeholders for technological and regulatory alignment.

Conclusion:

India’s 6G mission embodies a forward-looking approach to digital innovation, ensuring the nation remains a global technology leader. Through strategic investments, international collaborations, and inclusive policies, India can harness 6G to drive socio-economic growth and global connectivity.

 Quotes from minister speech on 6G: (USE THESE IN ESSAY AND CONCLUSION TO FETCH MORE MARKS)

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UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 November 2024 Content for Mains Enrichment (CME)

Cafe Lamma

Context: Libya, a nation recovering from years of conflict, is seeing the rise of sustainable initiatives like Cafe Lamma in Tripoli, which promotes eco-friendly practices and creative reuse of materials to inspire environmental awareness and community engagement.

About Cafe Lamma:

• Sustainability and Recycling: Built entirely from recycled materials like tyres, wood, and construction waste, the cafe promotes environmental conservation in a country lacking recycling infrastructure.
• Cultural and Educational Hub: Hosts art galleries, workshops, and a library, fostering community engagement and a shift toward eco-consciousness in post-war Libya.

Relevance in UPSC Syllabus:

• Ethics and Environment: Demonstrates ethical responsibility and innovative approaches to sustainable development.
• Society and Culture: Highlights post-conflict community rebuilding through arts and sustainable practices.
• Disaster Management: Reflects adaptive use of resources in war-affected regions, relevant to resilience-building strategies.

Quotes from CJI Speech

Context: CJI DY Chandrachud, during the Express Adda, reflected on key judicial and constitutional issues, including the judiciary’s role in societal transformation, judicial appointments, diversity, same-sex marriage debates, and the significance of open courts.

Catchy statement from CJI Speech:

• “It’s the diversity of the nation which protects the basic structure of the Constitution.”
• “The ultimate guarantee of our good behaviour lies in the written word.”
• “Constitutional court function is not just to decide cases, but to promote a democratic dialogue.”

Relevance in UPSC Exam

• Ethics and Integrity: CJI’s emphasis on neutrality and diversity ties into ethical governance and the responsibilities of public officials.
• Judiciary in Governance: Insights into the role of judiciary in promoting democratic dialogue and balancing independence with societal expectations.
• Constitutional Values: His remarks on diversity safeguarding the basic structure doctrine are crucial for GS-II and Essay papers.
• Judicial Reforms: Perspectives on court technology and judicial appointments align with topics in governance and reforms.

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 November 2024 Facts for Prelims (FFP)

World’s First CO₂-to-Methanol Conversion Plant

Source: DD News

 Context: NTPC, India’s largest power producer, launched the world’s first CO₂-to-methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal facility, marking a significant advancement in carbon management and green fuel technologies.

About CO₂-to-Methanol Conversion Process:

• Carbon capture: CO₂ emissions from industrial processes are captured directly from flue gases.
• Catalytic reaction: The captured CO₂ reacts with hydrogen (produced through renewable sources) using a specialized catalyst developed by NTPC
• Methanol synthesis: The reaction occurs under controlled pressure and temperature conditions, producing methanol as the end product.
• Storage and utilization: The synthesized methanol is stored and can be used as a fuel or a feedstock for chemicals.

Significance of CO₂-to-Methanol Conversion:

• Carbon management: Reduces CO₂ emissions by recycling them into useful products.
• Green fuel production: Methanol serves as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels, supporting India’s transition to green energy.
• Indigenous innovation: Development of India’s first indigenous methanol synthesis catalyst promotes self-reliance in green technologies.
• Industrial applications: Methanol is used in fuel blending, chemicals production, and hydrogen generation.
• Sustainable development: Aligns with global climate goals and India’s commitment to reducing carbon footprints.

Insta links:

Zhurong Rover Mars Exploration

Source:  DD News

Context: China’s Zhurong rover, part of the Tianwen-1 Mars mission, has provided compelling evidence suggesting that Mars harboured an ocean billions of years ago.

Discovery Made by China on Mars

• Rover and mission details:

• Rover: Zhurong (named after a mythical Chinese fire god).
• Mission: Tianwen-1, China’s Mars exploration program.

• Mars location:

• Utopia Planitia: A vast plain in Mars’ northern hemisphere where geological features like troughs, sediment channels, and mud volcano formations were observed.

• Significance of discovery:

• Indicates the presence of an ancient ocean approximately 3.68 billion years ago, likely frozen in its latter stages.
• Supports the theory of a Martian coastline and varying marine environments, enhancing the possibility of past microbial life.
• Suggests Mars transitioned from a hospitable to a cold and dry planet earlier than previously thought.
• Furthers understanding of water’s role in Mars’ history and its implications for habitability.

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Project Shaurya Gatha

Source:   PIB

Context: The 2nd edition of the Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) was inaugurated by Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan on November 8, 2024, in New Delhi.

About Project Shaurya Gatha:

• Department: An initiative by the Department of Military Affairs and the USI of India.
• Aim: To conserve and promote India’s military heritage through education and tourism.
• Features:
  • Focus on documenting India’s rich military history.
  • Encouragement of tourism to key military sites.
  • Educational programs to raise awareness among youth and the general public.

About Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF):

• Origin: First held in 2023 at the Manekshaw Centre, New Delhi.
• Aim: To bridge the gap in public awareness of India’s military heritage, history, and strategic priorities.
• Organisers: Organized by the USI of India through its Centre for Military History and Conflict Studies (CMHCS).
• Features:
  • Panel discussions with think tanks, academicians, and policymakers.
  • Defence exhibitions by DRDO and the armed forces.
  • NCC cadet participation and cultural programs.
  • Launch of publications on military history and security.

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Seaplane Service

Source:  TH

Context: The demonstration flight of Andhra Pradesh’s first seaplane service is all set to take off from Punnami Ghat, near the Prakasam Barrage in Vijayawada, and land at a jetty in Srisailam in Nandyal district.

About Seaplane:

• What it is: A seaplane is a fixed-wing aircraft designed for takeoff and landing on water.
• Working principle: Utilizes buoyancy provided by water for takeoff and landing; incorporates propellers or jet engines for propulsion.
• Types:
  1. Flying boats: Feature a hull that floats on water and do not operate on land.
  2. Floatplanes: Equipped with pontoons (floats) attached beneath the fuselage.

About India’s Seaplane Project:

• Objective: Enhance regional air connectivity and promote tourism through water-based aviation under the RCS-UDAN scheme.
• India’s First Seaplane Project in India:
  • Launched in Gujarat (2020) connecting Sabarmati Riverfront (Ahmedabad) to Statue of Unity (Kevadia).

• Proposed Seaplane Routes under UDAN:
  • Gujarat: Shatrunjay Dam to Ambaji and Sabarmati Riverfront to Statue of Unity.
  • Andhra Pradesh: Vijayawada (Prakasam Barrage) to Srisailam.
  • Assam: Guwahati Riverfront to Umrangso Reservoir and Shillong.
  • Andaman & Nicobar Islands: Jal Hans project connecting Agatti, Kavaratti, and Minicoy.
  • Telangana: Nagarjuna Sagar to Vijayawada and Hyderabad.

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CSE Assessment

 Source:  DTE

Context: According to the CSE and Down To Earth analysis, 2024 saw a record frequency and severity of such events, disproportionately affecting vulnerable populations, agriculture, and infrastructure.

Key Highlights of CSE Assessment:

• Rising frequency of events:
  • Extreme weather events occurred on 255 of 274 days in 2024, up from 235 in 2023 and 241 in 2022.
• Impact on lives:
  • Deaths increased by 18% in 3 years, with 3,238 fatalities in 2024 compared to 2,755 in 2022.
  • Kerala recorded the highest fatalities (550), followed by Madhya Pradesh (353) and Assam (256).
• Agricultural losses:
  • Crop loss spiked by 74%, with 3.2 million hectares affected in 2024 compared to 1.84 million hectares in 2022.
  • Maharashtra suffered the largest crop losses (>60%).
• Infrastructure and Livestock Damage:
  • 235,862 houses were destroyed in 2024, a significant increase from 80,293 in 2022.
  • 9,457 livestock perished, up from 92,519 last year.
• Regional and State Impact:
  • Central India had the highest extreme weather days (218 days) in 2024.
  • Madhya Pradesh recorded the most extreme weather days (176) among states.
  • Andhra Pradesh reported the most houses damaged due to extreme weather.
• Broader implications:
  • Heatwaves claimed 210 lives but underestimated prolonged health impacts.
  • Lack of robust compensation systems for farmers exacerbates poverty and marginalization.

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Bibek Debroy Committee’s on Railways

Source:  IE

Context: The Bibek Debroy Committee’s 2015 report outlined transformative reforms for Indian Railways, focusing on viability and competitiveness, though several key recommendations remain unimplemented.

Key Recommendations of Bibek Debroy Committee (2015)

1. Liberalization (Not Privatization):
   • Allow entry of private operators to enhance growth and competition.
   • Status: Not implemented due to opposition; PPP projects limited to goods services.
2. Empowering Field Officers:
   • Delegation of decision-making powers to GMs and DRMs for greater autonomy.
   • Status: Partially implemented with increased decentralization efforts.
3. Railway Board Restructuring:
   • Redesignate Chairman as CEO with decision-making powers.
   • Status: Implemented in 2020 with restructured Railway Board.
4. Independent Rail Regulator:
   • Establish Rail Development Authority (RDA) for pricing and competition promotion.
   • Status: RDA approved in 2017 but with limited functioning.
5. Accounting Reforms:
   • Transition to accrual-based accounting to improve financial transparency.
   • Status: Implemented across Indian Railways.
6. Offloading Non-Core Activities:
   • Relieve Railways of responsibilities like RPF, medical, and educational facilities.
   • Status: Under consideration.
7. Safety Upgrades:
   • Create Rashtriya Rail Sanraksha Kosh (RRSK) for safety asset renewal with ₹1 lakh crore corpus.
   • Status: Extended till 2027 with additional funding of ₹45,000 crore.
8. Technology Integration:
   • Synergize technology, exemplified by Vande Bharat trains and KAVACH systems.
   • Status: Being actively implemented.

Insta Links:

UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 9 November 2024 Mapping:

CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market)

Source:  DD News

Context: The second meeting of the India-CARICOM Joint Commission was held virtually to review and strengthen the multifaceted relationship between India and CARICOM.

About CARICOM (Caribbean Community and Common Market):

• Origin: Established in 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
• Aim:

• Economic Integration: Promote integration and cooperation among member states.
• Equitable Benefits: Ensure fair sharing of the benefits of integration.
• Foreign Policy Coordination: Develop a unified approach to foreign relations.

• Nations involved:

• 15 full members: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.
• Associate members: Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands.

• Secretariat: Located in Georgetown, Guyana.
• Chairmanship: Rotates every six months among the Heads of Member States.

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Daily Current Affairs + PIB Summary 9 Nov 2024

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