Daily Current affairs for UPSC - 18th November 2024

1. Supreme Court Declares Electoral Bonds Scheme Unconstitutional

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Polity and Governance
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS2 (Governance, Transparency, and Accountability)

Why in News?
The Supreme Court of India declared the electoral bonds scheme unconstitutional, citing concerns over lack of transparency and violation of the citizen's right to know.
Source: The Hindu

About Electoral Bonds Scheme

Definition/Description:
The electoral bonds scheme, introduced in 2018, allowed individuals and corporates to donate anonymously to political parties. These bonds could be purchased from designated banks and redeemed by political parties within 15 days.

Background:

• The scheme was introduced under the Finance Act, 2017, aiming to reform political funding by reducing cash donations.
• It allowed donors to remain anonymous to protect them from political retaliation, sparking debates about transparency and accountability.

Key Aspects of Electoral Bonds

1. Mechanism of the Scheme:
   • Bonds were issued in denominations ranging from ₹1,000 to ₹1 crore by designated banks like the State Bank of India.
   • Citizens and entities could purchase these bonds and donate them to registered political parties.
2. Concerns Over Anonymity:
   • Neither the public nor the Election Commission could access information on donors and amounts.
   • Critics argued this encouraged illicit funding and weakened electoral accountability.
3. Provisions That Facilitated the Scheme:
   • Amendments to the Companies Act allowed unlimited corporate donations.
   • Changes in the Representation of People Act removed the requirement for political parties to disclose the source of donations above ₹20,000.

Challenges and Future Prospects

Current Challenges/Issues:

• Lack of transparency in political funding.
• Possibility of misuse by shell companies or foreign entities.
• Weak oversight by regulatory bodies like the Election Commission.

Global or Indian Context:

• Global Standards: In most democracies, political funding transparency is prioritized to ensure accountability.
• Indian Perspective: Electoral reforms are essential for enhancing voter confidence and maintaining the integrity of democratic institutions.

Future Prospects:

1. Introducing alternatives like digital donations with full disclosure.
2. Strengthening the oversight role of the Election Commission and audit mechanisms.
3. Comprehensive electoral reforms to balance transparency and donor protection.

Source: The Hindu

2. Delhi’s Air Quality Deteriorates to Hazardous Levels

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Environment
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Environmental Conservation)

Why in News?
Delhi’s Air Quality Index (AQI) reached the “hazardous” category, prompting authorities to impose restrictions on construction activities, vehicle movement, and industrial operations.
Source: The Indian Express

About Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis

Definition/Description:
Air pollution in Delhi has become a recurrent crisis, especially during winter months, due to a combination of anthropogenic and meteorological factors. The primary pollutants include PM2.5 and PM10, which are harmful to respiratory health.

Background:

• Seasonal Trends:
  • During winter, calm winds and low temperatures trap pollutants near the ground, creating a toxic smog layer.
  • Stubble burning in neighboring states contributes significantly to pollution levels.
• Sources of Pollution:
  • Vehicular emissions, construction dust, industrial activity, and open burning of waste.

Key Aspects of Delhi's Air Pollution

1. Impact on Health:
   • Prolonged exposure to hazardous AQI levels can lead to respiratory diseases, cardiovascular issues, and reduced immunity.
   • Vulnerable groups, such as children and the elderly, face heightened risks.
2. Economic Costs:
   • Productivity losses due to poor air quality are estimated at over ₹2 lakh crore annually.
   • The healthcare burden has also increased significantly.
3. Government Interventions:
   • Implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).
   • Ban on diesel vehicles and restrictions on industrial activity during high pollution episodes.
   • Use of water sprinklers and anti-smog guns in public areas.

Challenges and Future Prospects for Delhi's Air Quality

Current Challenges/Issues:

• Weak enforcement of pollution control measures.
• Lack of regional cooperation to address stubble burning.
• Limited public awareness about air quality indices and preventive measures.

Global or Indian Context:

• Global Comparisons: Cities like Beijing have successfully implemented measures such as clean energy transitions and stricter vehicular norms to combat pollution.
• Indian Scenario: Despite stringent policies, weak implementation undermines their effectiveness.

Future Prospects:

1. Transition to cleaner energy sources, including electric vehicles and renewable energy.
2. Regional coordination to address stubble burning through incentives and alternative farming practices.
3. Expanding public transport and adopting green urban planning practices.

Source: The Indian Express

3. ISRO Successfully Launches INSAT-3DS Meteorological Satellite

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Science and Technology
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Space Technology, Weather Forecasting)

Why in News?
The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) successfully launched the INSAT-3DS satellite, enhancing India’s weather forecasting, disaster management, and climate monitoring capabilities.
Source: The Hindu

About INSAT-3DS Satellite

Definition/Description:
INSAT-3DS is an advanced meteorological satellite equipped with state-of-the-art imaging and data relay capabilities. It provides real-time data on weather systems, ocean conditions, and atmospheric changes.

Background:

• Part of the INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) series, which began in 1983 to support communication, broadcasting, and meteorology.
• INSAT-3DS is an upgrade over INSAT-3D, launched in 2013, with enhanced payloads and imaging resolutions.

Key Aspects of INSAT-3DS

1. Technical Features:
   • Imaging Payload: Captures high-resolution images of the Earth in visible, infrared, and water vapor bands.
   • Sounder Payload: Monitors temperature and humidity at various atmospheric levels.
   • Search and Rescue Transponder: Supports maritime and aviation distress alert systems.
2. Applications:
   • Weather Forecasting: Provides accurate predictions of monsoons, cyclones, and extreme weather events.
   • Disaster Management: Supports early warning systems for floods, cyclones, and droughts.
   • Climate Monitoring: Tracks long-term atmospheric changes critical for climate studies.

Challenges and Future Prospects for INSAT-3DS

Current Challenges/Issues:

• Limited ground infrastructure for data analysis and dissemination.
• Dependence on foreign satellite systems for certain advanced meteorological needs.

Global or Indian Context:

• Global Context: Satellites like GOES (USA) and Himawari (Japan) provide similar capabilities for their regions.
• Indian Context: INSAT-3DS strengthens India's self-reliance in meteorological and disaster management technologies.

Future Prospects:

1. Integration of AI for more precise forecasting models.
2. Expanding applications to agriculture and urban planning.
3. Collaboration with other countries for data sharing to enhance global weather prediction models.

Source: The Hindu

4. India Achieves 200 GW Renewable Energy Capacity Milestone

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Environment and Energy
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS3 (Energy, Environmental Conservation)

Why in News?
India’s renewable energy capacity has crossed the 200 GW mark, with solar energy contributing 90 GW. This milestone aligns with the country’s commitment to achieving 500 GW of renewable capacity by 2030.
Source: Mint

About India’s Renewable Energy Milestone

Definition/Description:
Renewable energy refers to energy generated from sustainable sources like solar, wind, hydro, and biomass. Achieving 200 GW capacity is a significant step toward meeting India’s energy transition goals.

Background:

• India committed to achieving 50% of its energy requirements from renewables by 2030 at COP26 in Glasgow.
• The government launched the National Solar Mission in 2010 to promote solar power.

Key Aspects of India's Renewable Energy Growth

1. Breakdown of Capacity:
   • Solar Energy: 90 GW
   • Wind Energy: 45 GW
   • Hydropower: 55 GW
   • Biomass and Others: 10 GW
2. Significant Initiatives:
   • National Solar Mission: Aims to achieve 280 GW of solar capacity by 2030.
   • Green Hydrogen Mission: Focuses on developing hydrogen as a clean energy alternative.
   • Renewable Energy Parks: Development of ultra-mega parks in states like Rajasthan and Gujarat.
3. Economic Implications:
   • Creation of over 1 million green jobs.
   • Attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) in renewable sectors.

Challenges and Future Prospects for Renewable Energy in India

Current Challenges/Issues:

• Land acquisition and delays in project execution.
• Limited domestic manufacturing of solar panels and wind turbines.
• Grid integration and energy storage remain technical challenges.

Global or Indian Context:

• Global Context: Countries like China and the US have achieved similar milestones, but India’s progress is notable given its developmental constraints.
• Indian Context: This milestone solidifies India’s position as a global leader in renewable energy.

Future Prospects:

1. Enhancing domestic manufacturing under the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme.
2. Expanding research and development in energy storage technologies.
3. Promoting decentralized renewable energy solutions for rural electrification.

Source: Mint

5. Cyclone ‘Vayu’ Intensifies, Coastal States on High Alert

Subject and UPSC Paper:

• Subject: Geography and Disaster Management
• UPSC Mains Paper: GS1 (Geography), GS3 (Disaster Management)

Why in News?
Cyclone ‘Vayu’ in the Arabian Sea has intensified into a severe cyclonic storm, prompting high alerts in Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Kerala. Authorities have initiated evacuation measures and disaster preparedness plans.
Source: Th