29-November-2023-Daily-Current-Affairs

BAN ON BS-III PETROL, BS-IV DIESEL VEHICLES LIFTED AS AIR QUALITY IMPROVES IN NCR

GS 3 (ENVIRONMENT): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The Centre has eased restrictions in Delhi-NCR, including the ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel vehicles, as air quality improves due to recent rainfall and strong winds. The Commission for Air Quality Management had implemented Stage 3 of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) earlier, enforcing measures to combat rising pollution.

Key Points:

Lifting of Restrictions:

• Ban on BS-III petrol and BS-IV diesel four-wheelers lifted in Delhi-NCR.
• Previous restrictions included a halt on non-essential construction, stone crushing, and mining.

Reasons for Easing:

• Improvement in air quality attributed to recent rain and strong winds.
• Consideration of the disruptive impact on a large number of stakeholders and the public.

Earlier Stringent Measures:

• GRAP Stage 4 measures, including school closures and halting essential construction, were implemented earlier in November.
• These measures were lifted on November 18 with a marginal improvement in air quality.

Remaining Restrictions:

• GRAP Stages 1 and 2 restrictions persist, including a ban on diesel generators (except for emergency services) and the use of coal or firewood in certain establishments.

Air Quality Index (AQI):

• The overall AQI in Delhi fell from 395 to 312, indicating an improvement in air quality.

Conclusion:

While the lifting of certain restrictions signifies an improvement in air quality, concerns persist, prompting the need for continued monitoring and sustainable measures to address pollution in the region. The easing of curbs aims to balance environmental concerns with the impact on various stakeholders and the public.

 

KERALA GOVERNOR SIGNS A BILL, RESERVES SEVEN FOR PRESIDENTIAL ASSENT

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The recent development in Kerala, where Governor Arif Mohammed Khan signed the Kerala Public Health Bill, 2022, into law, has brought attention to the longstanding political and legal tensions between the Raj Bhavan and the Kerala government. This move follows a Supreme Court directive emphasizing Governors’ responsibility to act within the parameters of State legislature decisions, without wielding a non-existent veto power.

Key Points:

Gubernatorial Assent:

• Governor Khan’s approval of the Kerala Public Health Bill marks a notable development after a prolonged hiatus and discord between the Governor and the state government.

Supreme Court Directive:

• The Supreme Court’s recent judgment guided the Governor’s decision, emphasizing adherence to the State legislature’s decisions.

Comprehensive Public Health Approach:

• The Kerala Public Health Bill, 2022, aims for a holistic approach to public health, extending beyond disease diagnosis and cure.

Ongoing Legal and Political Disputes:

• Despite the assent to one Bill, tensions between Governor Khan and the government persist.
• Seven Bills, including the controversial Kerala Lok Ayukta Amendment Bill and Kerala University Amendment Bill, are reserved for Presidential consideration.

Governor’s Stance on Lok Ayukta Amendment:

• Governor Khan opposed the Lok Ayukta Amendment, which grants appellate authority to the political executive, deeming it a challenge to the powers of the High Court.

Presidential Review of Key Legislation:

• The reserved Bills, including those related to Lok Ayukta and Kerala University, await Presidential review, and no constitutional deadline dictates the President’s decision.

Conclusion:

While the approval of the Kerala Public Health Bill offers a glimpse of resolution, the broader political and legal landscape in Kerala remains contentious. The reserved Bills awaiting Presidential consideration, especially those concerning Lok Ayukta and Kerala University, indicate that the tussle between the government and Raj Bhavan is likely to continue. The constitutional nuances and differing perspectives on key legislations underscore the complexity of the ongoing disputes.

KARNATAKA’S BAN ON FODDER TRANSPORT HITS THOUSANDS OF DAIRY FARMERS IN WAYANAD

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The recent ban on fodder transportation from Karnataka to Kerala has created a challenging situation for thousands of dairy farmers in Wayanad, a significant dairy farming region. The Karnataka government’s order, issued on November 22, has impacted the dairy ecosystem in Wayanad, relying heavily on Karnataka for essential fodder.

             Key Points:

Dependency on Karnataka:

• Thousands of dairy farmers in Wayanad, especially in the Malabar region, rely on Karnataka for green maize, grass, and hay to feed cattle.

Karnataka’s Order:

• On November 22, the Karnataka government issued an order prohibiting the transportation of fodder from drought-affected districts to other districts or outside the state.

Drought Impact and Milk Production:

• The ban is influenced by drought conditions in Karnataka, and the state aims to boost its milk production through this restriction.

Disruption in Green Maize Supply:

• Dairy farmers in Wayanad were obtaining green maize at ₹5 per kg from Karnataka, facilitating a crucial element in cattle feed.

Role of Milma:

• Earlier, Milma provided green maize and fodder from Karnataka at subsidized rates, but distribution ceased in October, contributing to the current predicament.

Concerns and Impact:

• The ban has led to a shortage of fodder, raising concerns about a significant decline in milk production in Wayanad.
• Dairy farming faces economic challenges due to high cattle feed prices and low farm gate prices of milk.

Conclusion:

The ban on fodder transportation from Karnataka to Kerala has triggered a crisis for dairy farmers in Wayanad, emphasizing the interdependence of regional dairy ecosystems. The scarcity of fodder poses a threat to milk production, requiring prompt intervention and solutions to sustain the livelihoods of dairy farmers in the affected region.

A NON-STARTER

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

President Droupadi Murmu’s proposal for an All-India Judicial Service (AIJS) to enhance diversity in the judiciary has reignited discussions on the viability and desirability of a centralized recruitment system for district judges. However, challenges and reservations within the legal community cast doubt on the effectiveness of AIJS in achieving its intended goals.

Key Points:

Lack of Consensus:

• The Union Law Minister revealed a lack of consensus on the AIJS proposal, with only two High Courts supporting it and 13 opposing it, emphasizing the need for thorough examination.

Current Recruitment System:

• The existing system, involving recruitment through High Courts and public service commissions, is seen as more conducive to ensuring diversity, incorporating reservations, and considering local nuances.

Judicial Decision-Making Complexity:

• Unlike civil services, judges lack support from an experienced lower bureaucracy, necessitating a deep understanding of local issues for effective judicial functioning.

Constitutional Hurdles:

• Article 312 of the Constitution allows for AIJS but demands a two-thirds majority in the Council of States and a parliamentary law, facing potential challenges given the States’ reluctance to cede control.

Diversity in Legal Education:

• Legal education’s lack of uniformity across the country poses a challenge, as practical experience often influences lawyers’ decisions to join the judiciary.

Career Attractiveness:

• Uncertainties in career progression, especially the limited elevation of district judges to High Courts, may deter young lawyers from opting for a national judicial service.

Conclusion:

While the AIJS proposal aims to diversify the judiciary, existing challenges, including the lack of consensus, constitutional complexities, and career uncertainties, raise doubts about its efficacy. The current decentralized system remains pivotal in ensuring diversity and addressing the unique complexities of judicial decision-making at the district level.

WHY ARE THE MARATHAS MOBILISING NOW?

GS 2 (POLITY AND GOVERNANCE): SOURCE – THE HINDU

The intensification of Maratha mobilization for reservations in education and public employment demands scrutiny, considering historical rejections of their inclusion in the OBC list. Examining the causes behind this fervent protest reveals a complex interplay of urban and rural crises, particularly the erosion of dominance due to economic transformations.

Key Points:

Historical Rejections:

• From 1953 to 2008, multiple commissions rejected Maratha demands for OBC inclusion, raising questions about the recent surge in mobilization.

Urban Crisis:

• Rapid job losses in urban areas, especially in large-scale manufacturing since the late 1990s, eroded well-paid opportunities that Marathas historically dominated. Economic liberalization led to the closure of many such companies.

Public Sector Contraction:

• Despite Marathas holding over 29% of open-category government jobs, the public sector witnessed a decline in job opportunities. Economic liberalization and increased contractual jobs exacerbated the competition for a shrinking pool of government positions.

Rural Crisis:

• Closure of factories forced workers back to villages, disrupting the traditional pattern of urban employment supporting rural family members. Rural Maratha youth face challenges in finding well-paid jobs and supporting their families, affecting their social status.

Educational Aspirations:

• Rising aspirations for higher education among Marathas coincide with a decrease in government-run institutions. Private institutions, often financially burdensome, leave Marathas vying for limited open-category seats.

Crisis of Dominance:

• The convergence of urban and rural crises has resulted in a broader crisis of dominance for the Marathas. Economic mobility of some Dalits and the political assertion of OBCs contribute to their anxiety and mobilization.

Conclusion:

The contemporary Maratha mobilization reflects a profound crisis stemming from economic shifts, job scarcity, and challenges to historical dominance. Addressing their concerns necessitates a nuanced approach, encompassing increased formal sector job opportunities, expanded public education, and targeted scholarship programs to alleviate the persistent crisis among the Marathas.

CLEAN ENERGY SHARE IN INDIA AND ITS STATES’ ELECTRICITY MIX

GS 3 (ECONOMY): SOURCE – TIMES OF INDIA

As nations converge at the U.N. climate summit in Dubai, the focus on clean energy transitions varies among BRICS countries, each navigating unique challenges. India’s journey, from 17% clean energy in 2000 to 23% in 2022, reflects both progress and hurdles. A closer look at BRICS nations and specific Indian states unveils diverse trajectories in power generation.

BRICS Nations’ Clean Energy Transition:

China’s Dual Leadership:

• China stands as a paradox, leading in both clean and dirty energy. A remarkable reduction in fossil fuel share (82% to 65%) is overshadowed by its status as the world’s largest greenhouse gas emitter.

India’s Gradual Shift:

• India’s progress, with a rise from 17% to 23% clean energy, lags behind China. Efforts to expand coal phase-down faced resistance, highlighting challenges in aligning diverse energy interests.

Brazil’s Green Prowess:

• Brazil and Ethiopia stand out with over 90% clean energy generation. Brazil’s emphasis on carbon credit markets reflects its commitment to monetize vast forests.

South Africa’s Struggle:

• South Africa, facing an 86% fossil fuel share, received financial aid to shift from coal. However, it grapples with a severe power crisis, underscoring the complexities of transitioning.

Indian States’ Energy Landscape:

Gujarat and Rajasthan’s Decline:

• Gujarat witnesses a drastic drop in fossil fuel usage (80% to 60%), indicating a substantial clean energy push. Rajasthan also records a decline, showcasing regional variations.

Leadership in Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh:

• Karnataka and Himachal Pradesh emerge as leaders among top producers, boasting a higher share of clean energy. Their proactive approach contrasts with other states.

Stagnation in Uttar Pradesh and Others:

• States like Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, West Bengal, and Bihar consistently rely on fossil fuels (over 90%), showing stagnation in embracing cleaner alternatives.

Challenges in Tamil Nadu:

• Despite initial progress, Tamil Nadu faces stagnation, emphasizing the need for sustained efforts in maintaining a balanced energy mix.

Emerging Concerns in Odisha and Punjab:

• Odisha and Punjab witness an increase in fossil fuel usage, signaling emerging challenges that demand attention in their energy transitions.

Conclusion:

The dual narratives of BRICS nations and diverse trajectories within Indian states underscore the intricate nature of global and regional efforts toward clean energy adoption. While some nations showcase remarkable progress, others grapple with complex challenges, highlighting the imperative for collaborative and context-specific approaches to achieve sustainable energy transitions.

ASTROSAT

GS 3 (SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY): SOURCE – THE HINDU

AstroSat, India’s premier astronomical observatory, achieves a significant milestone by detecting its 600th Gamma-ray Burst (GRB). GRBs are brief, intense bursts of gamma-ray radiation, the most energetic form of light, providing crucial insights into celestial phenomena.

         

• AstroSat, India’s inaugural dedicated astronomy mission, operates across X-ray, optical, and UV spectral bands simultaneously.
• Launched to unravel high-energy processes in celestial bodies such as binary star systems with neutron stars and black holes, AstroSat facilitates concurrent observations across multiple wavelengths.
• This capability enhances our understanding of diverse astronomical objects by capturing their varied emissions in distinct spectra, contributing to a comprehensive exploration of the cosmos.
• AstroSat’s continuous achievements underscore India’s prowess in space-based astronomical research.