13 November 2024 : Daily Current Affairs

1. In Baku breakthrough, COP clears carbon credit trade

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 6)

Topic:  GS2 –  International Relations – Agreements involving India or affecting India’s interests., GS3 – Environment

Context

At COP29 in Baku, a landmark agreement was reached to establish a global carbon market, enabling countries to trade carbon credits as per the Paris Agreement’s Article 6. This mechanism aims to reduce emissions while directing resources to developing nations. However, unresolved issues around credit ownership and transparency remain.

Overview of COP29 and the Carbon Market Agreement

• At COP29 in Baku, countries voted to finalise a long-awaited global carbon market agreement, facilitating carbon credit trading among nations.
• This market aligns with Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, enabling countries to trade carbon credits to meet emission reduction targets through bilateral and global markets.

Article 6 Subsections and Carbon Trading Mechanism

• Article 6.2 allows bilateral trade of carbon credits between countries, while Article 6.4 focuses on establishing a global carbon market.
• Operational requirements for this UN-supervised carbon market have largely been in place since 2022, but challenges around transparency and authenticity of credits have delayed full implementation.

Key Challenges in Carbon Market Development

• Accounting Concerns: Clarification is needed on credit ownership, especially for cross-border projects like afforestation in developing countries financed by developed nations.
• Project Eligibility: Determining the point in a project’s lifecycle when credits are valid for trade is another critical issue.
• There are also unresolved questions on whether countries can claim credits from projects within their borders funded by foreign entities for their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).

Economic and Climate Benefits of the Agreement

• If implemented, Article 6 could cut climate plan costs by $250 billion annually by promoting global cooperation.
• The COP29 President emphasised the potential of this carbon market to direct much-needed resources to developing nations.

Next Steps and Broader Climate Goals

• Experts note that while the Article 6 decision is a significant achievement, attention should also remain on the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) to ensure comprehensive climate action.

New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG)

The New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) is a global financial target aimed at enhancing climate action in developing nations. It is designed to replace the previous $100 billion annual commitment for climate financing. Expected to be established by 2025, the NCQG will focus on supporting climate adaptation, mitigation, and resilience in vulnerable countries. This goal aligns with the Paris Agreement’s objectives and NCQG will provide a more ambitious and realistic financial framework to address climate change challenges in developing countries.

Practice Question:  Discuss the significance of a global carbon market as established under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. What challenges do countries face in implementing such a market effectively, and how could it contribute to global climate goals? (150 Words /10 marks)

2. COP29 in Baku: Global Leaders Gather to Tackle Climate Finance Challenges and Set New Emission Goals   

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 13)

Topic: GS3 – Environment

Context:

The 2024 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) commenced on November 11 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Attended by delegates from nearly 200 nations, business leaders, climate scientists, Indigenous representatives, and other stakeholders, COP29’s primary goal is to advance a unified strategy to mitigate global warming. A major focus will be on mobilizing climate finance to aid developing countries in addressing climate change impacts.

Analysis of News:   

Understanding COP and Its Role

• The Conference of Parties (COP) is the decision-making body of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), a 1992 treaty aiming to curb human-induced climate interference.
• With 198 members, COP convenes annually to review emission data from member states, assess progress, and establish climate policy. Each COP meeting advances global climate negotiations, guiding actions on greenhouse gas emissions and climate adaptation.

Key COP Milestones

• Kyoto Protocol (COP3, 1997): Imposed binding emission reduction targets for developed countries, aiming for a 4.2% reduction below 1990 levels by 2012.
• Paris Agreement (COP21, 2015): Created a global treaty with a target to limit warming to below 2°C, ideally below 1.5°C. Countries agreed to submit national climate plans (NDCs) by 2020.
• Glasgow Pact (COP26, 2021): Called for the “phase down” of coal and the reduction of “inefficient fossil fuel subsidies,” marking the first time coal was directly addressed.
• Loss and Damage Fund (COP28, 2023): Established to financially support countries affected by climate disasters.

Criticisms of COP

• COP has faced criticism, primarily for failing to secure sufficient climate finance for developing nations.
• The $100 billion annual commitment from developed nations, promised in 2009 for 2020 onwards, has not been met.
• Additionally, recent studies indicate that meeting the 1.5°C target remains uncertain due to insufficient action on emissions, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency’s 2021 report.

Expectations from COP29

• At COP29, climate finance is a priority, particularly with discussions around the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), a post-2025 target that would exceed the initial $100 billion pledge.
• However, negotiations over NCQG remain complex, with disagreements on financing terms, contributing parties, and targeted climate actions.
• COP29 recently resolved a longstanding issue by establishing standards for carbon credits under Article 6.4 of the Paris Agreement, enabling nations to offset emissions through credit mechanisms.

Conclusion

• COP29 in Baku aims to address critical issues of climate finance and emissions reduction strategies, particularly through developing a new financing goal and implementing carbon credit standards.
• Achieving consensus on these topics is essential to foster global climate resilience, especially for vulnerable developing nations.

Opportunities for India at COP29

Leveraging Methane Diplomacy COP29 presents India with a unique opportunity to leverage the U.S.-China methane partnership for advancing its methane abatement agenda. Through this collaboration, India can seek financial support, technical assistance, and capacity-building resources, particularly for its waste sector, which accounts for a notable portion of methane emissions. With emissions estimates for waste management largely based on outdated or unreliable data, more accurate satellite monitoring and resources could help India scale up its methane mitigation efforts. A Significant Opportunity to Fasttrack India’s Efforts in Methane Reduction India’s 2016 inventory estimates these sources as producing around 4% of India’s methane emissions. But underlying data quality (emissions factors as well as waste stream volumes) is poor. Satellite monitoring on Delhi and Mumbai, for instance, suggests that emissions levels are 50%-100% above commonly used estimates and that dumpsites alone account for more than a quarter of Mumbai’s greenhouse gas emissions. Methane may be a side issue in the overall COP29 agenda, but it presents a significant opportunity for India to fast-track its efforts in reducing methane emissions. The Government of India has laid the groundwork with its existing policies and initiatives.

PYQ: Describe the major outcomes of the 26th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). What are the commitments made by India in this conference? (250 words/15m) (UPSC CSE (M) GS-3 2021)

Practice Question:  Assess the role of the Conference of Parties (COP) in addressing global climate change challenges. Critically analyze the effectiveness of COP agreements in achieving climate goals, and discuss the key challenges faced by COP29 in advancing climate finance for developing nations. (250 words/15 m)

3. India’s Renewable Energy Sector Achieves Significant Growth

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2072828&reg=3&lang=1 )

Topic: GS3 – Indian Economy – Energy

Context

India’s renewable energy sector has experienced significant growth, with a 24.2 GW increase in capacity between October 2023 and October 2024. This expansion aligns with the country’s commitment to meeting its clean energy targets under the ‘Panchamrit’ goals.

Growth in Renewable Energy Capacity

• From October 2023 to October 2024, India’s total renewable energy installed capacity increased by 24.2 GW (13.5%), reaching 203.18 GW.
• Including nuclear energy, the total non-fossil fuel capacity rose to 211.36 GW in 2024, up from 186.46 GW in 2023.

Solar Power Surge

• India’s solar energy capacity grew by 20.1 GW (27.9%), increasing from 72.02 GW in 2023 to 92.12 GW in 2024.
• The total solar capacity, including projects under implementation and tendered, reached 250.57 GW, up from 166.49 GW in the previous year.

Wind Power Growth

• Wind energy capacity increased by 7.8%, from 44.29 GW in 2023 to 47.72 GW in 2024.
• The total capacity in the pipeline for wind projects reached 72.35 GW as of October 2024.

Hydro and Nuclear Contributions

• Large hydro projects contributed 46.93 GW, and nuclear energy contributed 8.18 GW to India’s renewable energy mix by October 2024.
• These contributions enhance the diversity and resilience of India’s renewable energy landscape, supporting its clean energy goal

Prelims Facts

1. DRDO carries out test of long-range cruise missile

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 4)

Context

The DRDO successfully tested a new Long Range Land Attack Cruise Missile (LRLACM) with a 1,000 km range from Odisha’s coast. Developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment, it enhances India’s standoff strike capabilities, similar to the U.S. Tomahawk.

Long-Range Cruise Missile

• A long-range cruise missile is a guided missile designed for precise strikes on land or sea targets from a considerable distance, often exceeding hundreds of kilometres.
• It flies at a low altitude to avoid radar detection and has terrain-following capabilities.
• Powered by a jet engine, it maintains a constant speed, typically subsonic or supersonic.
• Cruise missiles are equipped with guidance systems such as GPS or inertial navigation to accurately hit targets.
• Unlike ballistic missiles, they follow a flat, controlled trajectory and can be launched from land, air, sea, or submarine platforms.

Difference Between Cruise Missile and Ballistic Missile

India’s Ballistic and Cruise Missiles

Feature	Cruise Missile	Ballistic Missile
Trajectory	Follows a flat, low-altitude, guided path	Follows an arc-like, high-altitude, ballistic path
Speed	Generally subsonic, sometimes supersonic	Can reach hypersonic speeds
Guidance	Guided throughout flight with GPS or terrain-following	Primarily guided in initial phase, free-falls later
Purpose	Used for precise, targeted strikes at close to mid-range	Primarily for long-range, strategic targets
Detectability	Harder to detect due to low-altitude flight	Easier to detect at higher altitudes

2. Scientists uncover a mix-up about Uranus

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 7)

Context

In 1986, NASA’s Voyager 2 conducted a flyby of Uranus, providing key insights into the planet’s magnetic field and plasma environment. Recent studies suggest that the data collected was misleading due to unusual solar wind conditions at the time. This new understanding alters previous conclusions about Uranus’ magnetosphere and plasma characteristics.

More About Uranus:

• Uranus is the seventh planet from the Sun and the third largest in the solar system.
• It was discovered by William Herschel in 1781, making it the first planet discovered with a telescope. Uranus is the first planet to be discovered with the aid of a telescope.

• Uranus has a unique tilt, rotating on its side at an angle of about 98 degrees, which causes extreme seasons.
• It is an ice giant, primarily composed of hydrogen, helium, water, and methane.
• The planet’s atmosphere is characterised by a blue-green colour due to methane gas, which absorbs red light and reflects blue.
• Uranus has 28 known moons, including Titania, Oberon, Miranda, Ariel, and Umbriel.
• It also has two sets of rings, made of dark, narrow bands of particles.
• The planet’s magnetic field is tilted at a 59-degree angle relative to its rotation axis.
• Uranus has a very cold atmosphere, with temperatures reaching around -224°C (-371°F), making it one of the coldest planets in the solar system.
• Voyager 2 is the only spacecraft to have visited Uranus, conducting a flyby in 1986.

3. NHRC directs official to fix dismal condition of schools

(Source – The Hindu, International Edition – Page No. – 2)

Context

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has intervened after receiving a complaint about poor infrastructure in government schools in Uttar Pradesh. The complaint highlighted the lack of basic amenities, such as drinking water, affecting students’ Right to Education (RTE). The NHRC has directed action within eight weeks.

National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

• A statutory body established in 1993 under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
• Mandate: Protects and promotes human rights in India.
• Composition: Consists of a Chairperson (former Chief Justice of India or Supreme Court Judge), one member (former Supreme Court Judge), one member (former High Court Chief Justice), and three members with expertise in human rights.
• In addition to these full-time members, the commission also has the following 7 ex-officio members:
• Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities,
• Chairperson of the National Commission for SCs,
• Chairperson of the National Commission for STs,
• Chairperson of the National Commission for Women,
• Chairperson of the National Commission for BCs,
• Chairperson of the National Commission for the Protection of Child Rights, and
• The Chief Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities.

Appointment of Members of NHRC:

• The Chairperson and members are appointed by the President.
• Appointments are made on the recommendations of a six-member committee:
  • Prime Minister (head)
  • Speaker of the Lok Sabha
  • Deputy Chairman of the Rajya Sabha
  • Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha
  • Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha
  • Union Home Minister
• A sitting judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court is appointed after consulting the Chief Justice of India.

Term of Members:

• The term is 3 years or until the age of 70, whichever is earlier.
• Re-appointment is possible, but after the term, they are ineligible for employment under Central/State Governments.

Removal of Members:

• The President can remove members based on:
  • Insolvency, paid employment, unsound mind, or conviction.
  • Proved misbehaviour or incapacity (with Supreme Court inquiry).
• Functions:
  • Inquires into human rights violations.
  • Intervenes in legal cases involving human rights.
  • Recommends measures to improve human rights protection.
  • Promotes human rights education and awareness.
  • Studies international human rights instruments and recommends their implementation.
• Powers:
  • Can summon and examine witnesses.
  • Can seek information from public authorities.
  • Can recommend remedial measures to the government.
• Role: Acts as a watchdog to ensure human rights are upheld in India.

4. India Leads Major Economies in CO2 Emission Growth as Global Carbon Levels Reach Record High, Study Warns of 1.5°C Warming Threshold

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Express Network; Page: 12)

Context:

India’s carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from fossil fuels are forecasted to grow by 4.6% in 2024, making it the highest increase among major economies. The increase is attributed to heightened emissions from coal (4.5%), oil (3.6%), natural gas (11.8%), and cement (4%). The growth is fueled by rapid infrastructure development and rising energy demands outpacing renewable energy adoption.

Analysis of News:   

Global CO2 Emissions and the 1.5°C Threshold

• Globally, CO2 emissions from fossil fuels are projected to hit a record 37.4 billion tonnes in 2024, up 0.8% from 2023.
• The current trajectory gives a 50% chance that global warming will consistently exceed 1.5°C within six years.
• Experts leading the Global Carbon Project study, highlighted the urgency, noting the continued rise in fossil fuel use despite worsening climate impacts.

Emissions by Major Economies

• In comparison to India’s projected increase, China’s emissions are expected to rise modestly by 0.2%, while the US and EU see increases of 0.6% and 3.8%, respectively.
• India’s contribution to global emissions is 8%, behind China (32%), the US (13%), and the EU (7%). Coal remains the largest single source of global emissions, accounting for 41%.

Role of Carbon Sinks: Land and Oceans

• The study reveals that land and ocean carbon sinks absorb roughly half of human-emitted CO2 each year.
• Oceans absorb 10.5 billion tonnes annually, despite climate-induced reductions in their CO2 uptake capacity, primarily due to altered winds and reduced CO2 solubility in warmer waters.
• El Niño in 2023 temporarily reduced land CO2 sinks, but they are expected to recover in 2024 as El Niño subsides.

5. Zhurong Rover Uncovers Evidence of Ancient Ocean on Mars, Shedding Light on Planet’s Potential for Life

(Source: Indian Express; Section: Explained; Page: 13)

Context:

With data from China’s Zhurong rover, scientists have found compelling evidence of an ancient ocean on Mars, marking a stark contrast to the barren landscape seen today. Zhurong, which landed in Mars’ northern Utopia Planitia plain in 2021, examined geological features that suggest the presence of an ancient coastline..

Analysis of News:   

Geological Evidence of a Martian Ocean

• The rover’s findings, supported by China’s Tianwen-1 Orbiter and NASA’s Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter, indicate that Mars had a water ocean around 3.68 billion years ago.
• Researchers identified sediment channels, mud volcanoes, and troughs that hint at both shallow and deeper marine environments, suggesting a coastline structure. The presence of these features supports theories of Mars’ wetter past.

Evolutionary Insights and Ocean Disappearance

• Planetary scientists estimate that the ocean likely froze and disappeared by about 3.42 billion years ago, as Mars became colder and lost much of its atmosphere.
• This finding offers clues to the evolutionary trajectory of Mars, which, like Earth, formed around 4.5 billion years ago but gradually shifted away from hospitable conditions.

Implications for Potential Life on Mars

• The presence of water in Mars’ early history boosts the possibility that microbial life may have existed when the planet had a warm, thick atmosphere.
• The study aligns with previous research, which suggested that water may still exist in deep underground reservoirs.

The Role of Zhurong Rover

• China’s Zhurong rover, though now likely inactive due to dust accumulation, made significant contributions with its scientific instruments, exceeding its original mission timeframe.
• The study published in Scientific Reports advances understanding of Mars’ water history, providing insight into the planet’s transformation and potential for life in its distant past.

6. India secures position in top 10 countries in Patents, Trademarks, and Industrial Designs: WIPO 2024 Report

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2072706&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

In 2023, India achieved significant growth in intellectual property (IP) filings, leading the world with a 15.7% increase in patent applications. This growth highlights India’s expanding role in global innovation, particularly in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. The surge reflects the country’s focus on strengthening its IP ecosystem.

Analysis of the news:

• India’s Patent Growth: India achieved a record 15.7% growth in patent applications in 2023, marking the fifth consecutive year of double-digit growth.
• Global Ranking: India ranked 6th globally for patents with 64,480 applications; 55.2% of these were resident filings, a first for India.
• Industrial Design Surge: Industrial design applications in India surged by 36.4%, highlighting growth in product design, manufacturing, and creative industries.
• Top Sectors: The top sectors in design filings were Textiles and Accessories, Tools and Machines, and Health and Cosmetics, contributing nearly half of all design filings.
• Trademark Filings: India ranked 4th globally in trademark filings, with a 6.1% increase in 2023; nearly 90% of filings were by residents.
• Growth in IP Filings: Between 2018 and 2023, India’s patent and industrial design applications more than doubled, and trademark filings increased by 60%.
• IP Activity and Economic Growth: India’s patent-to-GDP ratio grew significantly from 144 to 381 in the past decade.

Practice Question:  Discuss the recent trends in India’s intellectual property filings, highlighting the factors driving growth in patents, trademarks, and industrial designs. How do these trends reflect India’s innovation landscape and economic development? (250 Words /15 marks)

7. Through biofuel blending country saved 91,000 crore rupees on import bill

(Source – https://pib.gov.in/PressReleseDetail.aspx?PRID=2072749&reg=3&lang=1 )

Context

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri highlighted India’s progress in biofuel blending, saving ₹91,000 crore on its import bill, which will benefit the agricultural sector. He also emphasised India’s refining growth and the goal of achieving net carbon zero emissions by 2070.

Analysis of the news:

• India saves ₹91,000 crore on its import bill through biofuel blending.
• This amount is projected to be used for the benefit of the agricultural sector.
• Biofuel blending helps reduce dependency on crude oil imports.
• India has achieved the second position globally in biofuel blending.
• The target for 20% biofuel blending is expected to be achieved ahead of schedule, by next year.
• Biofuel blending contributes to sustainability and energy security.
• It aligns with India’s goal of reducing carbon emissions and enhancing green energy initiatives.
• Biofuel blending supports rural economies and agricultural growth.