DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 26th November 2024

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: More than 170 countries are converging in Busan, Republic of Korea, to negotiate a new legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution, including marine pollution.

Background: –

• This is the fifth (and final) round of talks since 2022, when the UN Environmental Assembly (UNEA) agreed to develop such a by the end of 2024.

Why is a global plastic treaty required?

• The annual global production of plastic doubled from 234 million tonnes (mt) in 2000 to 460 mt in 2019. Nearly half of this was produced in Asia, followed by North America (19%) and Europe (15%). 
• Plastic production is expected to touch 700 mt by 2040, according to a report by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).
• Plastic takes anywhere from 20 to 500 years to decompose, and less than 10% has been recycled till now, according to a 2023 study published by The Lancet. Much of the plastic waste leaks into the environment, where it breaks down into smaller particles (microplastic or nanoplastic).
• Studies have found that exposure to chemicals in plastic can cause endocrine disruption and a range of diseases including cancer, diabetes, reproductive disorders, and neurodevelopmental impairment. Plastic also harms species inhabiting marine, freshwater, and land ecosystems.
• Plastic contributes to climate change also. In 2020, it generated 3.6% of global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, with 90% of those  emissions coming from plastic production, which uses fossil fuels as raw material. The remaining 10% of emissions were released during plastic waste management and treatment.
• India accounts for 20% of the world’s global plastic pollution with release of 9.3 mt, which is significantly more than the countries next in the list — Nigeria (3.5 mt), Indonesia (3.4 mt) and China (2.8 mt), the study said.

What is on the negotiating table?

• Negotiations pertain to formulating a global set of rules that will address plastic pollution through its life cycle, from fossil-fuel based production, and the challenges of managing plastic disposal and waste. 
• The final rules may also ban particular types of plastic, products and chemical additives used in plastics, and set legally binding targets for recycling and recycled content used in consumer goods.
• There will be talks on ‘just transition’ for workers and communities whose livelihoods would be affected by the elimination of certain items and a move away from plastic production.
• However, countries have been unable to converge on agenda items. Saudi Arabia, Iran, Russia, Kazakhstan, Egypt, Kuwait, Malaysia, and India have resistance to stricter mandates and have instead proposed downstream measures such as innovative waste management and sustainable plastic use. Countries have also not been able to agree on the subject of finance.

What is India’s position?

• India has made it clear that it does not support any restrictions on the production of polymers. Any restrictions are beyond the mandate of the UNEA’s resolution adopted at Nairobi in 2022, according to India.
• The country has also sought the inclusion of financial and technical assistance, and technology transfer in the substantive provisions of any final treaty.
• On the exclusion of harmful chemicals used for plastic production, India has said that any decision should be based on scientific studies, and the regulation of such chemicals should be regulated domestically.
• India banned the use of single-use plastics covering 19 categories in 2022. However, the country has said that a decision on the issue of including certain plastic items for phase-out in the final treaty should be pragmatic and regulation should be nationally driven taking into account national circumstances.

Source: Indian Express

Syllabus:

• Prelims – INTERNATIONAL

Context: United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) and the Climate Club launched the Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP).

Background: –

• The initiative focused on accelerating decarbonisation in heavy-emitting industries was launched in the presence of partner countries, key donor and partner organisations. 

Key takeaways

• The Global Matchmaking Platform (GMP) is an initiative designed to accelerate the decarbonization of heavy-emitting industries in emerging and developing economies.

Purpose and Objectives:

• Decarbonization: The primary goal of the GMP is to fast-track the decarbonization of industries that are major contributors to greenhouse gas emissions.
• Technical and Financial Solutions: The platform connects countries with technical and financial solutions to reduce emissions in energy and emissions-intensive industrial sectors.

How It Works:

• Single-Point Gateway: The GMP acts as a single-point gateway for governments in emerging and developing economies to raise customized requests and identify globally leading technical and financial solutions.
• Matchmaking Process: The platform facilitates a matchmaking process where countries’ specific needs are matched with appropriate technical and financial support from partner organizations.
• Pilot Projects: Pilot project discussions are already underway in countries such as Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Egypt, Indonesia, Kenya, Morocco, and Cambodia.

Support and Partnerships:

• Climate Club: The GMP is a support mechanism of the Climate Club, with the secretariat hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO).
• Delivery Partners: Key delivery partners include Climate Investment Funds, the German Development Cooperation (GIZ), UNIDO, and the World Bank.
• Initial Funding: The platform received initial funding from the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Climate Action (BMWK).

Source: Down To Earth

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – ECONOMY

Context: India’s micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) have added nearly 10 crore new jobs over the past 15 months, according to official data from the Udyam portal.

Background:

• According to the figures, the number of registered MSMEs has now gone up to 5.49 crore from 2.33 crore in August last year while the number of jobs reported by these enterprises has shot up to 23.14 crore from 13.15 crore during this period.

Definition and Classification

• Micro Enterprises: Investment in plant and machinery or equipment up to ₹1 crore and annual turnover not exceeding ₹5 crore.
• Small Enterprises: Investment in plant and machinery or equipment up to ₹10 crore and annual turnover not exceeding ₹50 crore.
• Medium Enterprises: Investment in plant and machinery or equipment up to ₹50 crore and annual turnover not exceeding ₹250 crore.

Significance

• Economic Contribution: MSMEs contribute significantly to the GDP, employment, and exports. In India, they account for nearly 30% of the GDP.
• Employment Generation: MSMEs are major job creators, providing employment to millions of people.
• Innovation and Entrepreneurship: They foster innovation and entrepreneurship, often leading to the development of new products and services.

Government Support

• The Indian government has made significant strides to support MSMEs, particularly through its 2024-25 Union Budget allocating a substantial Rs 22,137.95 crore to the MSME Ministry—an increase of 41.6% from the previous fiscal year.
• Digital Initiatives: Initiatives like Udyam Registration and the MSME SAMBANDH portal.
• Champions Platform: The Champions platform, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, provides handholding support to MSMEs and new entrepreneurs.

Source: DD News

Syllabus:

• Prelims – POLITY

Context: India observes Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Divas, on November 26 each year. 

Background: –

• This year marks 75 years since the adoption of the Constitution, and the Centre will commemorate the occasion with year-long activities under the campaign ‘Hamara Samvidhan, Hamara Swabhiman’.

Key takeaways

• Constitution Day, also known as Samvidhan Diwas, is celebrated in India on November 26th each year to commemorate the adoption of the Indian Constitution by the Constituent Assembly on November 26, 1949. 
• The Constitution came into effect on January 26, 1950, marking the birth of the Indian Republic.
• The day also honors Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, whose vision and leadership were instrumental in shaping the document.
• Government of India declared November 26 Constitution Day in 2015, the year that marked the 125th birth anniversary of Dr BR Ambedkar, the chairman of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution. Previously, the day was celebrated as Law Day.
• Lesser-known facts about the Constitution of India :
  • Manabendra Nath Roy was the first to propose the idea of forming a Constituent Assembly in 1934, which later became an official demand of the National Congress in 1935.
  • The Original Constitution of India was handwritten by Prem Behari Narain Raizada in both Hindi and English.
  • Shantiniketan artists, including Beohar Rammanohar Sinha and Nandalal Bose, decorated every page of the handwritten Constitution.
  • India has the longest Constitution in the world, with 117,369 words.
  • The original copies of the Constitution of India are preserved in helium-filled cases in the Library of the Parliament of India.
  • The original text of the Constitution contained 395 articles in 22 parts and eight schedules.

Source: News18

Syllabus:

• Prelims & Mains – CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Government of Odisha, in partnership with ICRISAT, launched a ‘Compendium of Regenerative Agriculture’ to promote regenerative agriculture.

Background: –

• The compendium outlines five key principles for sustainable farming: minimising soil disturbance, maximising crop diversity, maintaining soil cover, keeping living roots year-round, and integrating livestock. 

Key takeaways

• Regenerative agriculture is a holistic approach to farming that focuses on restoring and enhancing the health of ecosystems.

Core Principles:

• Soil Health: The primary focus is on improving soil health through practices like minimal soil disturbance (no-till farming), cover cropping, and crop rotation.
• Biodiversity: Enhancing biodiversity by integrating a variety of crops and livestock, which helps in pest control and nutrient cycling.
• Water Management: Improving water retention and reducing runoff through practices like mulching and agroforestry.
• Carbon Sequestration: Increasing carbon sequestration in the soil to mitigate climate change by capturing atmospheric CO2.

Practices:

• Cover Cropping: Planting cover crops to protect and enrich the soil during times when main crops are not growing.
• Composting: Adding organic matter to the soil through composting to improve soil structure and fertility.
• Agroforestry: Integrating trees and shrubs into agricultural systems to enhance biodiversity and provide additional income sources.
• Holistic Management: Managing farms as integrated ecosystems, considering the interrelationships between soil, plants, animals, and humans.

Benefits:

• Improved Soil Health: Healthy soil supports better crop yields, reduces the need for chemical inputs, and enhances resilience to extreme weather.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: Diverse ecosystems are more resilient and productive, providing habitat for beneficial insects and wildlife.
• Climate Mitigation: By sequestering carbon, regenerative agriculture helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat climate change.
• Economic Viability: Farmers can reduce input costs and improve profitability through sustainable practices.

Source: Hindu Businessline

Q1.) Which of the following statements about Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in India is/are correct?

1. MSMEs contribute nearly 30% to India’s GDP.
2. The Udyam Registration Portal facilitates registration and monitoring of MSMEs in India.
3. A medium enterprise in India is defined as one with an annual turnover not exceeding ₹500 crore.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Q2.) Constitution Day is celebrated on November 26 every year to commemorate which of the following events?

(a) Adoption of the Preamble to the Constitution

(b) Formation of the Drafting Committee of the Constitution

(c) Adoption of the Constitution by the Constituent Assembly

(d) Coming into effect of the Constitution of India

Q3.) Which of the following is NOT a core principle of regenerative agriculture?

(a) Minimal soil disturbance

(b) Maximizing crop diversity

(c) Reducing the carbon content in the soil

(d) Integrating livestock into farming systems

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’  Today’s – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) – a

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – c