Daily Current Affairs

2-December-2023

1. India offers to host 2028 climate meet

Topic: GS3 – climate action

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi refrains from fresh commitments to contain global temperature rise in his address at COP-28.
• Instead of new commitments, he offers to host the 33rd edition of the annual summit in India in 2028.

Call for Developed Countries:

• Modi emphasizes that developed countries should “vacate the carbon space” before 2050.
• Encourages global collaboration through India’s “Green Credit initiative,” a non-commercial effort aimed at creating a carbon sink.

Hosting COP in India:

• Proposing to host COP-33 in 2028, Modi suggests India’s commitment to climate action and leadership in the global climate discourse.
• The approval of the hosting proposal is contingent upon agreement from other signatories to the UNFCCC.

Global Solidarity Against Exploitation:

• Modi condemns the ruthless exploitation of nature by a small part of humanity, highlighting the disproportionate impact on the Global South.
• Stresses the collective responsibility of all nations, emphasizing the need for global solidarity against the consequences of environmental degradation.

Reflection on Climate Change Response:

• Modi’s address takes place during the high-level segment of the summit, where leaders from various countries express their responses to climate change.
• The PM’s speech underscores the global impact of environmental decisions and the interconnectedness of nations in addressing climate challenges.

Historical Context:

• India had previously hosted the COP summit in 2002.
• Modi’s proposal to host COP-33 reflects India’s ongoing commitment to climate-related initiatives and its desire to play a key role in shaping global climate policies.

2. High Court refuses to entertain pleas seeking Uniform Civil Code.

Topic: GS2 – Indian polity

Context:

• The Delhi High Court has rejected a batch of petitions seeking the implementation of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC).
• The court noted that the Law Commission is already studying the issue, and the power to enact laws lies with the legislature, as per a Supreme Court order.

Judicial Reference to Supreme Court Order:

• The Bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Mini Pushkarna, referred to a Supreme Court order emphasizing that the authority to enact laws rests with the legislature.

Nature of UCC:

• The Uniform Civil Code proposes the creation of a single law applicable to all religious communities in India, covering aspects like marriage, divorce, inheritance, and adoption.

Supreme Court Order Adherence:

• The Delhi High Court affirmed its decision based on a clear and categorical Supreme Court order, signaling its commitment to judicial principles and precedents.

Central Government’s Stand:

• Earlier this year, the Central Government had conveyed to the High Court that diverse property and matrimonial laws followed by citizens from different religious denominations undermine national unity.

Reiteration of Supreme Court’s Position:

• The High Court’s decision reflects a commitment to adhere to the existing legal framework and deference to the ongoing study of the UCC issue by the Law Commission.

3. PM meets Israel President, calls for durable resolution of Palestine issue

Topic: GS3 – International relations

Context:

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed condolences for lives lost in the October 7 terror attacks during a meeting with Israel’s President Isaac Herzog.

Military Operations in Southern Gaza:

• The meeting occurred as Israel initiated military operations in southern Gaza.
• PM Modi, while calling for regular humanitarian supplies to Palestinians, did not explicitly call for a ceasefire.

UN Secretary-General’s Appeal:

• UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, also meeting with PM Modi, appealed strongly to end hostilities, describing the situation in Gaza as an “epic humanitarian catastrophe.”

Discussions with President Herzog:

• PM Modi conveyed condolences and welcomed the release of hostages, emphasizing the need for continued humanitarian aid.
• Reiterated India’s support for a two-state solution and urged a diplomatic resolution to the Israel-Palestine issue.

Informal Talks with Regional Leaders:

• Modi held informal talks with leaders from Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar, and other regional leaders.
• Exchanged views on the Israel-Hamas conflict during a meeting with UAE President Mohammed Bin Zayed Al Nahyan.

Israeli President’s Perspective:

• Israeli President Herzog, in a social media post, asserted Israel’s case for “self-defence.”
• Highlighted discussions on Hamas violating the ceasefire and reiterated the demand to prioritize the release of hostages internationally.

4. UAE announces $30-bn fund to boost climate investments

Topic: GS3 – climate action

Context:

• The UAE, host of COP-28, pledges $30 billion to ALTÉRRA, a private investment fund aimed at climate investments globally.

Fund Mobilization Target:

• ALTÉRRA aims to mobilize $250 billion worldwide by 2030, positioning it as the largest fund of its kind.

Focus on Climate Investments:

• The fund, managed by Lunate and domiciled in Abu Dhabi Global Market, will concentrate on climate-focused investments, particularly in emerging markets and developing economies.

Clean Energy Projects in India:

• A portion of the initial funding will support the development of over 6 GW of new clean energy capacity in India.
• This includes the establishment of 1,200 MW of wind and solar projects set to produce clean power by 2025.

Leadership and Structure:

• COP-28 President Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber will chair the fund, with Director-General Majid Al Suwaidi serving as its CEO.

Four Key Verticals of ALTÉRRA:

• ALTÉRRA will focus on Energy Transition, Industrial Decarbonisation, Sustainable Living, and Climate Technologies as its four main verticals.

Commitment to Climate Finance:

• The launch of ALTÉRRA aligns with the COP Presidency’s Action Agenda and the UAE’s commitment to making climate finance more accessible and affordable.

Global Climate Finance Needs:

• By 2030, emerging markets and developing economies are projected to require $2.4 trillion annually to address climate change.

5. Disinformation can impair democratic discourse: CJI

Topic: GS3 – Indian Polity

Context:

• Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud expresses concern about the impact of fake news in the digital age.
• States that fake news can overshadow true information due to the massive scale of dissemination, altering the nature of discourse from truth-seeking to the dominance of the loudest voice.

Disinformation’s Effect on Democratic Discourse:

• Chief Justice Chandrachud emphasizes that disinformation has the potential to impair democratic discourse permanently.
• Fake stories, when widespread, can overwhelm the marketplace of free ideas, leading to the collapse of truthful discourse.

Evolution of Freedom of Speech:

• Freedom of speech, traditionally a crucial aspect of civil rights activism, is evolving in the digital era.
• The advent of troll armies and organized disinformation campaigns on social media platforms has created a barrage of speech that distorts the truth.

Changing Dynamics with Social Media:

• Social media has altered the traditional state-activist-corporation relationship.
• Civil rights activists now depend on platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube to exercise freedom of speech, often opposing the government.

Flip Side of Private Platforms:

• While activists leverage privately owned platforms for dissent, there is a downside.
• Social media platforms lack the regulation that state actors have and pose a novel challenge in terms of accountability and control.

Novel Challenges in the Digital Era:

• Chief Justice Chandrachud identifies the novel challenges in the digital age concerning fake news, disinformation, and the evolving dynamics of freedom of speech.

6. Manufacturing PMI rebounds in Nov.

Topic: GS3 – Indian economy

Context:

• The S&P Global India Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for November increased to 56 from October’s 55.5.
• The rebound follows October’s eight-month low pace.

What is Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI):

• Definition: The Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) is a leading economic indicator that assesses the health of a country’s manufacturing or services sector.
• Purpose: PMI is used to gauge the direction of economic activity and to identify potential changes in economic trends.
• Survey: PMI is based on a survey of purchasing managers from a representative sample of businesses in the manufacturing or services sector.
• Components: PMI is a composite index that is based on a number of sub-indices, such as new orders, production, employment, supplier deliveries, and inventories.
• Interpretation: A PMI reading of above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 indicates contraction.
• Significance: PMI is a widely used economic indicator that is followed by businesses, investors, and policymakers.

Question:

• Critically evaluate the significance of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) as a leading indicator of economic activity.

7. The GDP growth surprise

Topic: GS3- Economy

Context:

• The economic growth statistics for the second quarter of the current fiscal year (FY24) were announced by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), and they included a noteworthy surprise.
• India’s GDP expanded by 7.6% in the second quarter, above market estimates and leading to increases in GDP projections for the entire year.

Vindication of RBI’s Projections:

• The surprise gain is consistent with the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) early estimate of 6.5% GDP growth for the entire year, which was greater than the expectations of many other experts.
• Given the common revision of FY24 predictions upward to 6.5%, the RBI’s estimate appears to be accurate, suggesting that a rate cut is unlikely to occur sooner than expected.

Economic Recovery Momentum:

• In sharp contrast to three years ago, when India experienced a technical recession, the Q2 GDP figure is positive.
• The unexpected expansion gives hope that India’s economy is starting to recover and presents a promising picture for the future.

GVA vs. GDP Calculation:

• The GDP is typically calculated using two methods: income and expenditure.
• By taking into account the value of output less intermediate inputs, gross value added, or GVA, focuses on the income side of things.
• Although GDP and GVA can be calculated from one another, differences in the two approaches might cause controversy—as evidenced by prior GDP data releases.

GVA Data Analysis:

• The agriculture sector’s contribution has clearly decreased over time, according to an analysis of the GVA statistics for Q2, suggesting possible economic strain in rural India.
• The industrial GVA has increased by more than 13%, especially in the manufacturing sector, which is similar to India’s high-growth period from 2004 to 2008.
• Though these growth rates are aided by a low base and improvements in corporate performance, prudence is nevertheless suggested.

Sectoral Insights:

• The manufacturing, construction, and mining sectors all see healthy growth, but the services sector’s growth rate of 5.8% shows a noticeable slowdown.
• There are worries about the general state of the services economy because subsectors such as “trade, hotels, transport, communication, and broadcasting services” have poor growth rates comparable to those of agriculture.

Upcoming Challenges:

• Economists are nonetheless cautious despite the encouraging Q2 numbers, predicting that growth will slow in the next two quarters of FY24 and may even do so in FY25.
• There is still uncertainty about whether the momentum shown in Q2 will last, which highlights the importance of being cautious when evaluating India’s economic future.

8. Loss and damage fund approved at COP28: why this is a major step forward

Topic: GS3- Environment

Context:

• The participating nations accomplished a major milestone on the first day of the COP28 climate summit in Dubai when they decided to operationalize a loss and damage fund intended to help developing countries recover from climate disasters.
• The fund received nearly $400 million in its first financing round shortly after this breakthrough.

Purpose of the Loss and Damage Fund:

• The loss and damage fund aims to provide financial support to countries dealing with the aftermath of climate-related disasters including floods and extreme weather events, in response to a long-standing demand from poor countries.
• Even while wealthy nations are the main causes of climate change, developing countries especially tiny and island states bear the brunt of its effects since they lack the capacity to recover.

Financial Obligations of Developed Countries:

• Rich nations are required by the international framework on climate change to donate financial and technological resources to help developing nations adapt to the effects of climate change.
• According to a recent analysis, climate disasters caused a $1.5 trillion global loss in 2022, with the least developed nations suffering an average loss of 8% of their GDP.

Ambiguity in Defining Loss and Damage:

• The UNFCCC (United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change) cannot agree upon a definition for “loss and damage.”
• It falls into one of two categories: economic or non-economic. It includes both quantifiable repercussions, like revenue loss and infrastructure damage, and non-quantifiable effects, including trauma and a sense of community loss.

Historical Responsibility for Emissions:

• When looking at historical accountability for greenhouse gas emissions, 50% of all emissions are attributed to the US, the UK, and the EU.
• This number increases to 65% when Australia, Canada, Japan, and Russia are taken into account.
• China and India, on the other hand, have historically contributed less to emissions, with India contributing only 3%.

Uncertain Scale of Losses:

• The amount of money lost as a result of climate change is estimated to be between billions and trillions of dollars annually, although no single figure is agreed upon.
• According to the IPCC, as global warming continues, losses and damages will increase and will disproportionately affect emerging countries, especially the most vulnerable in terms of social and economic conditions.

Fund Size and Operation:

• With more than $400 million in donations already, the World Bank will initially be in charge of the loss and damage fund.
• The United Arab Emirates ($100 million), the European Union ($250 million), the United States ($17.5 million), and Japan ($10 million) are among the major donors.
• There is an immediate need for several trillion dollars, even though the fund’s precise size and replenishment schedule are yet unknown.
• Developing countries have consented to the World Bank’s supervision despite their initial hesitation, highlighting the critical role that wealthy countries play in financing the project.

9.El Nino, other factors to cause warm winter

Topic: Geography

Context:

• The country will see a warm winter, according to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), with minimum temperatures being above average.
• According to this estimate, November would be the third warmest in India since 1901, continuing the trend of global warming.
• It looks like 2023’s February, August, and November will be the warmest months on record.

Factors Contributing to Warm Winter:

• The El Nino phenomena, local impacts such as western disturbances, and the impending storm in the Bay of Bengal are some of the reasons the IMD cites for the predicted warm winter.
• The El Nino condition, which is characterized by warmer-than-normal sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean, is almost at its height. Temperatures 2.4 degrees Celsius above the threshold have been recorded in the Nino 3.4 zone.

Influence of Cloudy Conditions:

• Winter minimum temperatures are expected to rise due to cloudy circumstances brought on by western disturbances.
• Furthermore, cloud cover is anticipated to sustain minimum temperatures above average due to the development of a cyclone in the Bay of Bengal, especially over the eastern coastal regions and the southern peninsula of India.

El Nino and Cyclone Impact:

• Two major elements influencing the weather are the storm named “Michaung” that is approaching the southwest Bay of Bengal and the ongoing El Nino state.
• El Nino conditions are predicted to worsen, and cloud cover and higher minimum temperatures are anticipated in southern coastal Andhra Pradesh, northern Tamil Nadu, Telangana, and southern Odisha due to the impending cyclone.
• For extremely heavy rainfall over coastal Andhra Pradesh on December 3 and 4, the IMD has issued a “red” alert.

December Weather Outlook:

• The IMD predicts that there won’t be much of a temperature decrease in December, with minimum temperatures predicted to stay above average in most of the nation, with the exception of east and northeast India.
• The storm and western disturbances have created gloomy conditions, which are expected to add to the warmer-than-usual weather in the following days.

Cyclone “Michaung” Alert:

• The IMD has issued a “red” alert as Cyclone “Michaung” approaches southern coastal Andhra Pradesh and northern Tamil Nadu.
• Extremely heavy rainfall (more than 200 mm) is predicted for coastal Andhra Pradesh on December 3 and 4.
• In the upcoming days, it is anticipated that the cyclone’s effects will reach Telangana and southern Odisha, including Chennai.

10. Climate goals: Global South needs finance, tech, says PM

Topic: GS3- Environment

Context:

• During his remarks at the COP28 conference, Prime Minister Narendra Modi brought attention to the issues facing the Global South, stressing the need for more climate funding, technological transfer, and carbon space for developing nations.
• The phrase “Global South” refers to emerging countries that are not located north or south of the equator. It was coined relatively recently.

India’s Leadership in the Global South:

• India has assumed a leading position among developing nations, hosting two Voice of Global South Summits this year in an effort to raise awareness of these countries’ issues in international fora.
• Despite their small role in its origins, Modi emphasized the Global South’s disproportionate burden from climate change.

Call for Climate Finance and Technology:

• Despite having little funding, Modi claimed that nations in the Global South, like India, had made commitments to combating climate change.
• He emphasized that rich countries need to contribute to the battle against climate change and urged for climate financing and technical help to meet their climate ambitions.

Expectations from Developed Countries:

• Speaking for the Global South, Modi said that by 2030, developed nations should provide billions of dollars in easily available and reasonably priced climate funding, as decided upon at the G20 summit.
• In order to effectively tackle climate change, he emphasized the significance of making climate funding available to underdeveloped countries.

Critique of Developed World’s Efforts:

• The belief held by developing nations that the industrialized world has not done enough to address climate change was repeated by Modi.
• He denounced a few societies for their rapacious use of natural resources, which had disastrous effects that the Global South was most severely affected by.
• Modi called on industrialized nations to meet their climate duties and put aside their selfish self-interests.

Utilizing Carbon Budget and Loss and Damage Fund:

• Modi emphasized that emerging nations have to contribute fairly to the rapidly diminishing carbon budget, which refers to the permitted emissions of greenhouse gases without going above the 1.5-degree Celsius temperature threshold.
• He expressed his gratitude for the loss and damage fund’s operationalization and expressed the hope that it would lead to advancements in the New Collective Quantified Goal for climate finance, sufficient financing for the Adaptation Fund and the Green Climate Fund, and a commitment from rich nations to cut their carbon footprint by 2050.

11.Navy Chief: Centre to decide on scaling down military presence in Maldives

Topic: GS2- IR

Context:

• According to Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, India and the Maldives have a solid working relationship.
• Any decision about the withdrawal of Indian military forces from the island nation will be made in accordance with directives from the Central Government.
• He underlined that India has a number of resources stationed in the Maldives and has provided support to the nation in a number of capacities during the previous five years, including medical evacuations and maritime surveillance to identify illicit activity.

Government’s Decision on Personnel Scaling Down:

• Admiral Kumar made it clear that the government has the authority to decide whether to reduce staff.
• Noting the close training and participation links between New Delhi and the Maldives in major Navy activities, he reaffirmed that the Indian Navy would adhere to the government’s directives in this regard.

Maldives’ Request for Withdrawal:

• Admiral Kumar’s remarks are in response to the Maldives’ formal request earlier this month for India to remove its military personnel from the nation.
• In the face of China’s growing influence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR), India has been attempting to deepen its relationship with the Maldives, an important maritime neighbor.

Monitoring Chinese Presence in IOR:

• Admiral Kumar agreed that China might have valid reasons for its presence in the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) relating to commercial activities in relation to the country’s rising actions in that region.
• According to him, India keeps a careful eye on regional developments, taking into account possible conflicts and issues like illicit fishing, drug trafficking, piracy, illegal immigration, and robbery.

Indo-Pacific Stability and Partnerships:

• Admiral Kumar stressed the value of ongoing discussions in preserving harmony and peace in the Indo-Pacific area.
• He brought up the United States and India’s long-standing alliance, in which both nations actively take part in a variety of exercises aimed at resolving regional issues.

Efforts to Repatriate Naval Personnel in Qatar:

• Admiral Kumar stated that great efforts are being made by the Indian government to repatriate the eight former Naval servicemen who are currently serving death sentences in Qatar.
• The Court of First Instance in Qatar convicted the former Navy men, and a higher court in Qatar has accepted an appeal against the death sentences that were filed.
• The particular charges in this case have not yet been made public.

12. “Green Credits Programme: Fostering a Market-Based Approach to Diverse Environmental Actions”

Topic: GS3- Environment

Context:

• The Green Credits Programme, which was introduced by the Environment Ministry in October, intends to create a market-based incentive structure for a range of environmentally beneficial activities that go beyond reducing carbon emissions.
• In contrast to current carbon-only market systems, this project expands the notion to encompass a wider range of environmentally responsible activities.

Diversifying Beyond Carbon Credits:

• Although trading carbon credits for financial gains based on reducing carbon footprints is a well-established practice both domestically and globally, the Green Credits Programme aims to duplicate this mechanism for a larger range of environmental acts.
• This broadens the focus beyond carbon-centric activities and includes programs like water conservation and soil improvements.

Developing Methodologies and Standards:

• As it develops, the program is working on developing standards and procedures to quantify and validate various environmental actions.
• For the market-based incentive system to be credible and effective, this underlying work is essential.

Market Development:

• The creation of a market that makes it easier to acquire and sell these credits is essential to the Green Credits Program’s success.
• This initiative proposes a larger participation, potentially involving private enterprises acquiring green credits as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) duties, in contrast to the current carbon markets, which are primarily focused on corporations and industries.

Inclusivity for Individuals and Communities:

• In contrast to carbon markets, which mostly assist big businesses, the Green Credits Program might help people as well as communities.
• The effort provides chances for a variety of stakeholders to get involved and support ecological sustainability by promoting a greater range of ecologically beneficial activities.

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Integration:

• Buying green credits for their CSR projects is a crucial first step for private businesses participating in the program.
• This is in line with business sustainability objectives and advances a more community-focused and inclusive approach to environmental preservation.

Ongoing Development and Implementation:

• The Green Credits Programme is a dynamic endeavour that is continually undergoing refinement in terms of methods, standards, and market mechanisms.
• As it develops, it could lead to the creation of a more inclusive and thorough framework for identifying and rewarding a variety of environmental initiatives.

For Enquiry

Phone


Whatsapp


Mail

Search


2 Dec 2023 : Daily Current Affairs



2 December 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF



Ordinance Making Power of the President and Governor



Legislative Procedures in the Parliament



Speakers, Chairman and other offices of the Parliament



The Parliament



State Council of Ministers



The Chief Minister



1 Dec 2023 : Daily Quiz



1 Dec 2023 : Daily Answer Writing

Daily Current Affairs 2 Dec 2023 : Daily Current Affairs Daily Current Affairs
2-December-2023
1. India offers to host 2028 climate meet
Topic: GS3 –…
December 2023 The Hindu 2 December 2023 : The Hindu Editorial Notes PDF The Hindu Editorial
2-December-2023
1. Improving the capability of the Indian state.
Topic: GS2 –…
Executive Ordinance Making Power of the President and Governor Introduction :
The Constitution of India under Articles 123 and 213 provides the President and the Governor,…
legislature Legislative Procedures in the Parliament Parliament being the supreme legislative body in the country, its primary function is law-making. All…
legislature Speakers, Chairman and other offices of the Parliament Presiding officers of the Parliament:
Both houses of the Parliament have a presiding officer; the Lok…
legislature The Parliament The Union Legislature in the Indian Constitutional set-up is known as the Indian Parliament. It is modelled…
Executive State Council of Ministers In a parliamentary form of government, the Council of Ministers, headed by the Chief Minister, wields…
Executive The Chief Minister Article 163 of the Indian Constitution states, “There shall be a Council of Ministers with the Chief…
Daily Quiz 1 Dec 2023 : Daily Quiz 1 Dec 2023 : Daily Quiz…
mains answer writing 1 Dec 2023 : Daily Answer Writing Mains Answer Writing
1-December-2023
1.  “The art of painting in India has a rich and diverse…