(Newspapers, PIB and other important sources)

Prelim and Main

1.  What explains India’s surprisingly fast GDP growth and the ongoing surge in Sensex? READ MORE

2.  Land of Fire and Ice: Will the Grindavik eruption in Iceland be another Eyjafjallajokull? READ MORE

3.  India a ‘star performer’; projected to contribute over 16% to global growth: IMF READ MORE

4.  World Bank happy with Sri Lanka reforms, releases second tranche of $250 million READ MORE

5.  India set to launch first-ever offshore mineral auction in Q1CY24 READ MORE

6.  Lok Sabha passes Bills to replace British-era criminal laws READ MORE

7.  Disinflation may pave way for interest rate reduction: RBI officials READ MORE

8.  World Bank sets up task force to act on MDB reform plan READ MORE

9.  Sahitya Akademi Awards for 2023 announced READ MORE

Main

GS Paper- 1

1. Inequality, Labour and Social Democracy READ MORE

2. Caste, Class and Exclusivity: Inside India’s Private Universities READ MORE

3. How Konkani idioms on climate, environment are changing with altering weather systems READ MORE

GS Paper- 2

POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

1. Classifying Bills as Money Bills a threat to democracy READ MORE

2. Old Pension Scheme: Should it be restored READ MORE

3. A missed chance to strengthen Indian federalism READ MORE

4. Record suspensions poor optics for temple of democracy READ MORE

5. A bill for control over all communications READ MORE

6. Telecom Bill 2023 Is a Repackaged Version of the Archaic Colonial Law READ MORE

7. Judiciary vs. Executive: Turf war intensifies over judge appointments READ MORE

SOCIAL ISSUES

1. A broken education system: Apps and coaching classes are the wrong solution READ MORE

2. Why domestic workers’ rights remain in limbo READ MORE

3. End manual scavenging for good and for all READ MORE

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

1. US can’t build a meaningful strategic partnership if it stays blind to India’s core concerns over the Khalistan issue READ MORE

2. Maldives and the #IndiaOut Campaign READ MORE

GS Paper- 3

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

1. What causes inflation in India: Demand or supply issues? READ MORE   

2. Explained: The FX-rated debate between IMF & RBI READ MORE

3. Indian economy charting a new growth path READ MORE

4. Unlock the potential of manufacturing sector READ MORE

ENVIRONMENT AND ECOLOGY

1. Was the COP28 climate summit a milestone or a mirage? | Explained READ MORE

2. Outcomes of the COP-28 climate summit READ MORE

3. COP21 was a game-changer for clean energy, COP28 shows the path ahead READ MORE

SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

1. Covid resurgence: Vigil a must as cases on the rise in India READ MORE

2. New study explains why diverse gut microbiomes offer better protection against harmful microbes READ MORE

3. Bridging the learning gap in Indian schools: Is generative AI the answer? READ MORE

INTERNAL SECURITY

1. India’s defence budgeting and the point of deterrence READ MORE

2. A security breach that must lead to sweeping changes READ MORE

DISASTER MANAGEMENT

1. Turbulence in south: On the heavy rain in southern Tamil Nadu, weather forecasting and preparedness READ MORE

GS Paper- 4

ETHICS EXAMPLES AND CASE STUDY

1. Fruits of our karma are unavoidable READ MORE

2. The secret of progress READ MORE

3. Permissive parenting to respectful parenting READ MORE

Questions for the MAIN exam

1. Indian federalism contemplates the division of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the states and unlike in the US, Indian federalism is not spontaneous. Examine.

2. India has the potential to emerge as a major global player in manufacturing but to growing global, going local is the effective way forward to realize this potential in true manner. Comment.

3. The arbitrary power to label any Bill as a Money Bill effectively scuppers any useful role for the Rajya Sabha in making laws. Comment.

4. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and civil society is imperative to develop and implement robust AI policies that prioritize ethics, fairness, and inclusivity. Discuss how ethical dilemmas and data privacy concerns can be addressed and AI benefits reach all segments of society can be ensured?

5. AI’s transformative prowess offers a novel perspective, fundamentally redefining India’s vision for the future and India must embrace this technology judiciously, leveraging its power for the greater good while safeguarding the values and ethics that define the nation. Comment.

QUOTATIONS AND CAPTIONS

• When states are democratically governed according to law, there are no demagogues.
• Parliament’s successful functioning is a joint responsibility of both the government and the Opposition.
• Regardless of the changing domestic realities in Male, India’s regional and geopolitical relevance will continue to keep relations with New Delhi among Male’s high-priority affairs.
• Bilateral ties are only as strong as the support that a partner government can generate in favour of a policy.
• Despite recognising asymmetric federalism, the verdict overlooks concerns about sovereignty, Parliament’s powers, and the future of statehood.
• While we have a personal data protection law, we don’t know how it will be enforced. And when AI in education is sold as a part of the broader digital public infrastructure, that law won’t really apply.
• If internet services are included in the law’s ambit, then the several alarming requirements related to surveillance, possession, suspension, authorisation, etc. will be applied to those services as well, deepening the threats to our rights and freedoms.
• A large number of services will be brought under the purview of the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 and the government will be empowered to exercise powers of surveillance over, and intrude into the privacy of, individuals and organisations.
• The Constitution is not always clear on the balance of power between the Centre and states. The Supreme Court’s J&K ruling stopped short of clarifying it.
• Indian federalism is unique. The Constitution does not use the word federalism anywhere. However, it prescribes a federal scheme of governance almost throughout.
• Indian federalism tries to strike a balance between the Union and the states. It contemplates the division of powers and responsibilities between the Union and the states. Unlike in the US, Indian federalism was not spontaneous.
• A situation of the powerful Union taking a hostile attitude to opposition-ruled states should be avoided, as it might create dissatisfaction and a feeling of dismemberment among the people.
• Selective use of the law demolishes the Rule of Law which, in the Indian context, is a dominant threat to the nation’s federal character.
• India has the potential to emerge as a major global player in manufacturing. The government has initiated various measures to strengthen the sector, and businesses must adopt successful strategies in uncertain times. One such strategy is “To grow global, go local”.
• If Parliament is rendered free of the Opposition and the Upper House circumvented by labelling any Bill as a Money Bill, India will effectively have a one-man rule.
• The arbitrary power to label any Bill as a Money Bill effectively scuppers any useful role for the Rajya Sabha in making laws.

ESSAY TOPIC

• The economy is an owned subsidiary of ecology.

50-WORD TALK

• Former US President Donald Trump’s disqualification from running in Colorado’s 2024 primary ballot might cheer his opponents. But it has just handed him an inflammable issue to fire up his base. It will now go to the US Supreme Court but will only further polarise the country in its wake.

Things to Remember:

• For prelims-related news try to understand the context of the news and relate with its concepts so that it will be easier for you to answer (or eliminate) from given options.
• Whenever any international place will be in news, you should do map work (marking those areas in maps and exploring other geographical locations nearby including mountains, rivers, etc. same applies to the national places.)
• For economy-related news (banking, agriculture, etc.) you should focus on terms and how these are related to various economic aspects, for example, if inflation has been mentioned, try to relate with prevailing price rises, shortage of essential supplies, banking rates, etc.
• For main exam-related topics, you should focus on the various dimensions of the given topic, the most important topics which occur frequently and are important from the mains point of view will be covered in ED.
• Try to use the given content in your answer. Regular use of this content will bring more enrichment to your writing.

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TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister encountered a significant setback as the Madras High Court convicted him and his wife in a case involving multiple instances of disproportionate assets.

EXPLANATION:

• This verdict puts the Minister at risk of immediate disqualification from the State’s Legislative Assembly unless his conviction is stayed or overturned.
• He is going to appeal to the Supreme Court soon.

Judicial Review and Verdict Rationale

• Justice G. Jayachandran, overturning an earlier 2016 trial court’s acquittal order, deemed it “palpably wrong, manifestly erroneous, and demonstrably unsustainable.”
• The Directorate of Vigilance and Anti-Corruption’s (DVAC) appeal, lodged in February 2017, challenged the initial verdict, which favoured the Minister and his wife.
• The judge highlighted that the prosecution sufficiently substantiated that the couple possessed assets amounting to ₹1.72 crore, disproportionate to their known income sources from April 2006 to May 2010, a period coinciding with tenure as Minister for Higher Education and Mines.
• Consequently, Minister faced charges of criminal misconduct under the Prevention of Corruption Act, while his wife was found guilty of abetment.

Critique of Trial Court’s Decision

• The judge criticized the trial court’s acceptance of the income tax returns filed by Minister’s wife post-registration of the disproportionate assets case.
• He labelled this decision as patently erroneous, emphasizing that considering the couple as separate entities and accepting self-serving tax declarations led to miscarriage of justice.
• The judge contended that treating the spouse of a public servant as a separate entity should be contextually evaluated.
• Even if the spouse operates separate income tax accounts or businesses, evidence suggested a scenario where she functioned as a mere conduit for the public servant’s illicitly acquired assets.

Further Legal Proceedings and Potential Disqualification

• The court scheduled a hearing on Thursday, December 21, for Minister and his wife to present their case before sentencing.
• As per the Representation of the People Act, a legislator convicted under the PCA faces disqualification for six years from the date of conviction, with imprisonment extending the disqualification period.
• The Minister’s potential disqualification hinges on the Supreme Court’s response to his appeal and the stay or annulment of his conviction.

Conclusion: Ongoing Legal Battle and Political Ramifications

• The conviction and the looming threat of disqualification have profound implications for Tamil Nadu’s political landscape.
• The pending legal proceedings, including the Supreme Court appeal and the revision against a previous acquittal, contribute to the ongoing uncertainty surrounding Ponmudy’s political future and the potential repercussions for the state’s governance.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/tamil-nadu/madras-high-court-convicts-tn-minister-ponmudy-his-wife-in-a-disproportionate-assets-case/article67653085.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 2: POLITY AND GOVERNANCE

THE CONTEXT: The Finance Ministry has revealed that states in India may avail themselves of approximately ₹2.04 lakh crore as supplementary borrowing limits this fiscal year, surpassing their regular net borrowing limits.

EXPLANATION:

• This additional borrowing capacity has been granted to support specific financial obligations and incentivize reform-driven initiatives.

BREAKDOWN OF ADDITIONAL BORROWING ALLOWANCES

• Pension Liability Relief
  • Pension Contributions to National Pension System (NPS):
    • 22 states have been authorized to raise nearly ₹61,000 crore in additional borrowings beyond their standard net borrowing ceilings (capped at 3% of Gross State Domestic Product – GSDP as of October 27).
    • This extra borrowing privilege is extended to states that have fulfilled their pension liabilities by contributing to the National Pension System, which manages government employee retirement savings.
  • Power Sector Reforms
    • Performance-Based Incentives:
      • Another provision enables states to raise over ₹1.43 lakh crore this fiscal year, in line with the Ministry of Power’s recommendations.
      • This borrowing capacity is linked to the Fifteenth Finance Commission’s suggestion to grant states an extra borrowing space equivalent to 0.5% of their GSDP.
      • This incentive aims to reward states that implement reforms in the power sector, fostering improvements in operational and economic efficiency.

OVERVIEW OF NET BORROWING CEILINGS

• Standard Net Borrowing Ceiling:
  • The regular net borrowing limit for states stands at ₹8,59,988 crore for the current fiscal year.
  • This limit is in accordance with the recommendations set forth by the Fifteenth Finance Commission.
• Approved Borrowings:
  • Consequently, approvals have been granted for states to raise funds through various channels:
    • Open Market Borrowings (OMB):
      • States have been allowed to raise ₹6.99 lakh crore via open market borrowings.
    • Negotiated Loans:
      • Additionally, approvals for negotiated loans amount to ₹69,371 crore.

IMPLICATIONS AND FINANCIAL FLEXIBILITY

• The increased borrowing allowances offer states crucial financial flexibility, empowering them to address specific financial commitments, particularly pertaining to pension liabilities managed through contributions to the National Pension System.
• Moreover, the borrowing incentives tied to power sector reforms underline the government’s emphasis on encouraging states to implement measures that enhance the efficiency and performance of this critical sector.
• By surpassing the standard net borrowing limits, states can access additional financial resources, albeit tied to specific criteria and reform-oriented initiatives, enabling them to bolster fiscal capabilities and potentially enhance infrastructure development and service delivery within their regions.

SOURCE: https://www.thehindu.com/business/states-can-borrow-an-extra-2-lakh-crore-this-year/article67655189.ece/amp/

TAG: GS 3: SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

THE CONTEXT: A recent study published in Scientific Reports introduces the electron Born self-energy (eBse) model as an innovative extension challenging conventional cosmological perceptions.

EXPLANATION:

• It is proposed by Dr. Bruce Law from Kansas State University.
• This model presents a unique mechanism attributing cosmic inflation to a constant potential energy density, offering an alternative explanation for dark energy.

Understanding Dark Energy and Its Enigma

• Dark energy, accounting for approximately 68% of the universe’s total energy content, remains an enigmatic force fuelling the universe’s accelerated expansion.
• Unlike dark matter, dark energy displays uniform distribution and is often associated with the cosmological constant (Λ), initially posited by Einstein to explain cosmic expansion.

Conventional Models and the ΛCDM Paradigm

• Traditional cosmological models, notably ΛCDM, link dark energy to the intrinsic energy of space’s vacuum, contributing to the observed accelerated expansion.
• However, the eBse model introduces a departure from this concept by proposing that the energy associated with the electric field surrounding a finite-sized electron contributes significantly to dark energy.

Mechanisms of Cosmic Inflation and Transition Models

• Law highlights two distinct cosmological theories: cosmic inflation and the ΛCDM model.
• Cosmic inflation hypothesizes a rapid, exponential expansion of the universe in its early stages.
• This phase addresses foundational issues of the Big Bang theory, explaining large-scale uniformity and isotropy.
• The eBse model delineates a critical glass transition temperature (TG = 1.06 × 10^17K) when the universe moves out of equilibrium.
• Beyond this threshold, exponential acceleration ensues, driven by a constant potential energy density.

The eBse Model: Core Principles and Unique Perspectives

• The eBse model’s foundation lies in viewing intergalactic space akin to a single hydrogen atom, with ionization accounting for an electron’s electric field.
• Law’s premise stems from contemplating the physics of finite-sized electrons and positrons, expanding the model’s scope to dense scenarios for consistency with astrophysical observations.
• In this model, temperature (T) acts as the inflation while potential energy density ψ(T) represents a plateau potential.
• Temperature fluctuations influence system behaviour, maintaining relative stability within certain ranges.
• This model introduces a seamless transition between cosmic inflation and the later ΛCDM model, forging a connection between early and later evolutionary stages of the universe.

Validation and Future Prospects

• Law underscores consistency between his model and Planck collaboration 2013 findings on cosmic inflation, validated through detailed analyses of temperature fluctuations in the cosmic microwave background (CMB).
• Future endeavours aim to validate the eBse model through comparisons with astrophysical measurements, particularly focusing on CMB temperature fluctuations.
• However, the model’s current limitations in addressing photonic transport and quantum fluctuations necessitate further exploration and refinement.

Conclusion: The Evolutionary Trajectory of the eBse Model

• The eBse model represents a paradigm shift, challenging established cosmological norms by providing a distinct mechanism for cosmic inflation and dark energy.
• Its potential to bridge gaps between early universe dynamics and later-stage evolution underscores its significance in reshaping cosmological paradigms, urging continual refinement and exploration for a comprehensive understanding of the universe’s expansion history.

SOURCE: https://phys.org/news/2023-12-ebse-perspective-dark-energy-inflation.html

TAG: GS 3: ECOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENT

THE CONTEXT: A groundbreaking study published in Nature challenges previous estimations regarding the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

EXPLANATION:

• It was led by an international team of researchers and asserts that the ocean can store approximately 20% more carbon than previously estimated by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)

Role of Plankton in Carbon Sequestration

• The study delves into the pivotal role of plankton, microscopic organisms, in facilitating the transfer of carbon from the ocean’s surface to its depths.
• Plankton, through the process of photosynthesis, consume carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and transform it into organic matter as they grow.
• Upon their demise, some plankton convert into particles termed “marine snow,” which gradually descends to the ocean floor.
• These particles not only store carbon but also serve as essential nutrients for a spectrum of deep-sea organisms, from bacteria to larger deep-sea fish.

Insights from Oceanographic Data

• The research team, comprising seven scientists, meticulously examined data compiled from oceanographic expeditions spanning back to the 1970s.
• Utilizing this extensive dataset, they constructed a digital map delineating the movement of organic matter across the world’s oceans.
• This comprehensive analysis led to a re-evaluation of the ocean’s carbon storage capacity.

Revised Estimate of Carbon Storage in the Ocean

• The study’s revised estimate suggests that the ocean has the potential to store 15 gigatons of carbon annually.
• This noteworthy increase from the IPCC’s previous estimation of 11 gigatons annually highlights a substantial advancement in comprehending global-scale carbon exchanges between the atmosphere and the ocean.

Implications and Significance

• This re-evaluation of the ocean’s capacity to sequester carbon represents a significant stride in understanding the intricate dynamics of carbon movement between the atmosphere and the ocean.
• Despite this enhanced absorption of carbon dioxide by the ocean, it’s crucial to note that this process occurs over an extensive period, spanning tens of thousands of years.
• Consequently, it is insufficient to counterbalance the rapid increase in CO2 emissions stemming from industrial activities since the 18th century.

Ocean Ecosystem’s Role in Climate Regulation

• However, the study underscores the pivotal role of the ocean ecosystem as a substantial contributor to the long-term regulation of global climate dynamics.
• It emphasizes that while the ocean’s absorption process might not suffice to offset current emissions, acknowledging its significance underscores the need for sustained efforts to protect and understand this ecosystem’s vital role in mitigating climate change.
• The ocean, acting as a major player in the global climate system, warrants continued scientific attention and conservation efforts.

SOURCE: https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-03662-7

TAG: GS 1: GEOGRAPHY

THE CONTEXT: The recent deluge in south Tamil Nadu, particularly in areas like Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli, has been attributed to an active Northeast monsoon (NEM) intensified by the El Nino phenomenon.

EXPLANATION:

• El Nino, characterized by warmer-than-normal temperatures in the central and eastern Pacific Ocean, is a phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation Phenomenon (ENSO).
• This phase tends to augment rainfall extremes, specifically during the Northeast monsoon period.

Impact of El Nino on Rainfall Extremes

• Studies indicate that extreme rainfall occurrences during the Northeast monsoon in regions of southern Tamil Nadu are notably more frequent than during the Southwest monsoon season.
• The recent heavy rainfall is a reflection of this pattern, with five districts experiencing significant downpours, surpassing normal rainfall levels by staggering percentages.
• Tirunelveli received 363.6 mm of rainfall, an astonishing 5,094% higher than the usual amount.
• Thoothukudi encountered 343.6 mm of rain, exceeding the normal by 7,059%.
• Other affected districts include Tenkasi, Virudhunagar, and Kanyakumari, each experiencing substantial rainfall exceeding the expected averages.

Meteorological Factors Contributing to Extreme Rainfall

• Experts emphasize the contribution of the El Nino phenomenon in intensifying the Northeast monsoon, thereby creating conducive conditions for extreme rainfall events.
• Factors contributing to the deluge include:
  • Cyclonic Circulations:
    • These atmospheric whirls in upper layers induce low-pressure areas, leading to rainfall.
    • The presence of cyclonic circulations, particularly near Kanyakumari, facilitated strong upper-level divergence.
    • This resulted in significant low-level convergence of moisture-laden winds towards south Tamil Nadu.
  • Upper-Level Divergence and Low-Level Convergence:
    • The spreading out of air in the upper atmosphere causes air below to rise, leading to low-level convergence.
    • This process brings moisture-laden winds, fostering extreme rainfall events.
  • Influence of Cyclonic Systems:
    • After the impact of Cyclone Michaung, a diffuse cyclonic system near the south Tamil Nadu coast further intensified northeast winds, creating wind and wave convergence over the region, especially around the gap between Sri Lanka and Tamil Nadu (Palk Bay & Gulf of Mannar).

Previous Observations and Weather Patterns

• Historically, research suggests that extreme rainfall during the Northeast monsoon (December-February) is more prevalent in the southern regions of Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka compared to the Southwest monsoon (June-September).
• Studies analyzing 30 different weather patterns have identified specific climate variability, with certain patterns significantly associated with extreme rainfall occurrences in autumn and winter around Sri Lanka and south Tamil Nadu.

EL-NINO:

• El Niño is characterized by unusually warm ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific, as opposed to La Niña, which is characterized by unusually cold ocean temperatures in the Equatorial Pacific.
• El Niño is an oscillation of the ocean-atmosphere system in the tropical Pacific having important consequences for weather around the globe.
• Among these consequences are increased rainfall across the southern tier of the US and in Peru, which has caused destructive flooding, and drought in the West Pacific, sometimes associated with devastating brush fires in Australia.
• Observations of conditions in the tropical Pacific are considered essential for the prediction of short term (a few months to 1 year) climate variations.

Implications and Conclusion

• The current deluge over Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli aligns with one of these identified patterns.
• The active pattern during the NEM season strengthens the monsoon, potentially enhancing rainfall over coastal Tamil Nadu and Sri Lanka.
• In essence, the convergence of various meteorological factors, including El Nino’s influence on the Northeast monsoon, cyclonic circulations, upper-level divergence, and low-level convergence, has contributed to the recent extreme rainfall events in south Tamil Nadu.
• Understanding these complex interactions is crucial for predicting and mitigating the impacts of such extreme weather occurrences in the future.

SOURCE: https://www.downtoearth.org.in/news/climate-change/el-nino-fuelled-northeast-monsoon-caused-the-deluge-in-south-tamil-nadu-experts-93469