Current Affairs – November 26, 2024

{GS1 – A&C – Art Forms} Haveli Sangeet

• Context (IE): Haveli Sangeet was recently in the news.

• It is a form of Hindustani classical music sung in havelis. The essential component is dhrupad.
• Origin: Govardhan, Mathura in Braj, northern India. It is also linked to the Pushti Margiya temples of the Vaishnava Tradition, where people sang daily to Krishna.
• Historical Background: Revived during the Bhakti movement; declined during the medieval period due to socio-political changes.
• Musical Styles: This includes Prabandh, Dhrupad, Dhamar, Khyal, Kirtana, and Bhajan, but is not limited to the Dhrupad style alone.
• Languages Used: Songs are performed in Brij Bhasha, Sanskrit, Punjabi, and Marwari.
• Significant Figures: Vallabhacharya, Shri Vitthalnathji (Shri Gusaiji), Surdas, Pandit Jasraj.

Vallabhacharya and the Rise of Haveli Sangeet

• Discovery of Lord Shrinath: In 1556, Vallabhacharya discovered a divine form of Bhagwat, named Lord Shrinath (the ‘Consort of the Goddess of Wealth’), in a cave on Giriraj Mountain.
• Fearing destruction during Aurangzeb’s reign, Vallabhacharya moved the deity multiple times before establishing a permanent home in Nathdwara, Rajasthan.
• Establishment of Haveli Sangeet: The temple of Shrinathji in Nathdwara, known as Haveli of Shrinathji, serves as seat of the Pushtimarg. The music associated with these temples, called Haveli Sangeet.
• Devotional Services and Disciples: Vallabhacharya appointed four disciples—Kumbhandas, Surdas, Parmanandas & Krishnadas—for devotional services, with Kumbhandas as Shrinath’s first kirtankar (singer).
• Expansion by Shri Vitthalnath: Vallabhacharya’s son, Shri Vitthalnath (Shri Gusai), further systematised the sewa (service) and added four more disciples—Govindawami, Chhitaswami, Chaturbhujdas, and Nanddas—forming the Ashta Sakhas (eight companions) of the Lord.
• Introduction of Raga, Bhog, and Shringar: Shri Gusai introduced raga (melody), bhog (offering), and shringar (adornment) as essential parts of sewa.
  • Raag sewa involves singing padas (devotional hymns) in various ragas and taals (rhythmic cycles) according to the eight prahars (time periods), including Mangala, Shringar, Gwaal, Rajbhoga, Uthapan, Bhoga, Sandhya, Aarati, and Shayan.

{GS2 – Governance – Reforms} One Nation One Subscription (ONOS)

• Context (IE | PIB | TH): The Union Cabinet approved the One Nation One Subscription scheme to provide nationwide access to high-impact international scholarly research and journal publications.

• It aligns with India’s vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and NEP 2020.
• It is Central Sector Scheme for 2025, 2026 & 2027. It responds to the PM’s call for “Jai Anusandhan” to emphasise the importance of research and innovation in the Amrit Kaal.

Key Features of ONOS

• Access to High-Impact Journals: This includes providing access to publications from various major international journal publishers. Beneficiaries include Higher Education and central govt R&D institutions.
• Digital Access via INFLIBNET: The Information and Library Network (INFLIBNET), an autonomous inter-university centre under the University Grants Commission (UGC), will be the central access coordinating agency. The process is designed to be entirely digital through a unified portal.
• Target Audience: It will benefit students, faculty members, and researchers from government institutions across tier 2 and 3 cities.
• Promotion of Interdisciplinary Research: The scheme will encourage core research and interdisciplinary studies by providing access to quality resources.
• Centralised Coordination: Department of Higher Education will administer ONOS through a portal.
• Usage Review: The ANRF will periodically monitor the scheme’s usage and assess the output regarding publications and research contributions by Indian authors.

{GS2 – Polity – IC – Elections} Election Commission ensuring Democratic Integrity

• Context (IE): Constitution Day on November 26 highlights the Election Commission of India’s role in ensuring free and fair elections under Article 324.

Contributions of the ECI

• Gender Equality: Improved voter gender ratio to 948 women per 1,000 men in 2024, closing the voter turnout gender gap.
• Judicial Endorsement: SC rulings affirm free & fair elections as integral to Constitution’s basic structure.
• Legislative Progress: Achieved 33% reservation for women in Lok Sabha and Vidhan Sabhas, effective from 2029.
• Electoral Transparency: Struck down electoral bonds in 2024 to ensure financial accountability in elections.

Issues in India’s Electoral System

• Criminalization of Politics: 46% of Lok Sabha members in 2024 faced criminal cases, undermining democratic ideals.
• Wealth Concentration: 93% of elected members in 2024 were billionairs, reflecting unequal representation.
• Defections and Horse Trading: The Anti-Defection Law is inadequate in curbing legislative defections.
• Democratic Shortcomings: Factors like low literacy, corruption and inadequate political culture weaken India’s democracy.

Electoral Reforms: Achievements and Gaps

• Regulation of Expenditure: Candidate expenditure limits implemented, but political party spending lacks regulation.
• State Funding of Parties: Proposed but not implemented; aims to reduce private donations and ensure transparency.
• Gender Representation: Progress in women’s voter participation and legislative representation remains uneven.
• Election Commissioners’ Independence: Appointment mechanisms and protections from removal remain areas of concern.

Way Forward

• Financial Transparency: Introduce a National Election Fund & ban private donations to political parties.
• Strengthen Laws: Amend Anti-Defection Law and enact stricter regulations against criminalization in politics.
• Enhance Gender Representation: Expedite operationalization of legislative reservations for women.
• Institutional Safeguards: Ensure the autonomy and security of Election Commissioners against political influence.
• Voter Awareness: Promote education campaigns targeting underrepresented and disadvantaged groups.

Also Read >> One Person, One Vote, One Value

{GS3 – Agri – Schemes} National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF)

• Context (PIB): The Union Cabinet approved the launch of NMNF as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare.

Key Components

• Cluster Approach: NMNF will be carried out in various clusters within Gram Panchayats that are ready to participate. The mission aims to reach a large number of farmers and cover a vast area of farmland.
• Preference Areas: Priority will be given to areas with a prevalence of natural farming practices and existing support structures like Primary Agricultural Credit Societies, and Farmer Producer Organization.
• Bio-input Resource Centres: It will give farmers easy access to ready-to-use natural farming inputs.
• Model Demonstration Farms: Various NF Model Demonstration Farms will be set up at Krishi Vigyan Kendras, Agricultural Universities, and farmers’ fields for training and demonstration purposes.
• Farmer Training: Farmers will be trained in preparing natural farming inputs and practices, with support from Krishi Sakhis/Conservation Reserve Program for awareness and handholding.
• Certification System: Farmers can access a simple certification system and dedicated branding to market their natural farming produce.
• Monitoring: An online portal will conduct real-time geo-tagged monitoring of NMNF implementation.

Benefits of Natural Farming

• Cost Reduction: It can reduce costs & dependency on external inputs, rejuvenating soil health & fertility.
• Climate Resilience: It enhances resilience to climate risks such as waterlogging, floods, and droughts.
• Health and Nutrition: It reduces exposure to fertilisers and pesticides, providing healthier and more nutritious food for farmers and consumers.
• Environmental Sustainability: Natural farming enhances soil carbon content and water use efficiency, increases soil microorganisms and biodiversity, and contributes to a healthier environment.

Read More > National Mission on Natural Farming.

{GS3 – Envi – Air Pollution} Tackling Delhi’s Air Pollution Crisis

• Context (IE): Delhi’s AQI often crosses the hazardous mark of 400, with pollution peaking every November, severely affecting health and reducing life expectancy by nearly 11.9 years.

Major Sources of Pollution

• Stubble Burning: Contributes up to 35% of PM 2.5 emissions (from Punjab & Haryana during winters).
• Transport Sector: Accounts for around 19% of Delhi’s air pollution due to vehicular emissions.
• Industrial and Construction Activities add 4.6% and 2.4%, respectively, to particulate matter.
• Residential and Road Dust: Contribute a combined 5.3% of PM 2.5 pollutants.
• Neighbouring Areas: 30-35% pollution originates from areas like Gurugram, Faridabad & Ghaziabad.

Issues

• Policy Gaps: Lack of effective long-term measures to address crop burning and urban pollution.
• Slow EV Adoption: High upfront costs and inadequate infrastructure for electric vehicles.
• Insufficient Technological Interventions: Limited deployment of innovative solutions like smog towers.
• Market Risks: Profitability of alternative crops doesn’t match paddy, discouraging farm diversification.
• Blame Game: Political inaction and lack of collaborative efforts between central and state governments.

Proposed Measures to Combat Pollution

Incentivizing Crop Diversification

• Revised Incentives: Increase financial support for farmers switching from paddy to alternatives like pulses, oilseeds, and millets to ₹35,000/ha for five years.
• Groundwater Conservation: Promote crops requiring less water to reduce depletion in Punjab and Haryana.
• Procurement Assurance: Ensure MSP for alternative crops to mitigate market risks and reduce dependence on imports.

Strengthening Electric Vehicle (EV) Policy

• Expand Infrastructure: Expedite the establishment of 30,000 EV charging points; currently, only ~2,450 are operational.
• Mandatory Provisions: Include EV charging stations in residential, office and mall parking spaces.
• Policy Acceleration: Advance Delhi’s EV 2.0 policy to achieve 25% EV registrations by March 2025.

Innovative Technological Solutions

• Smog Towers: Install vacuum cleaning towers in high-pollution zones and traffic-heavy areas.
• Real-time Monitoring: Utilize advanced technologies to track and mitigate PM 2.5 levels effectively.
• Green Solutions: Invest in green infrastructure and air-purifying plants in urban spaces.

Benefits of the Proposed Actions

• Health Improvement: Significant reduction in respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
• Environmental Sustainability: Conservation of groundwater & reduction of greenhouse gas emissions.
• Economic Gains: Lower subsidy costs and reduced imports of pulses and edible oils.
• Global Example: Establishing Delhi as a model for air quality management in other cities.

Way Forward

• Collaborative Governance: Foster cooperation between central & state governments for unified action.
• Farmer Engagement: Provide sustained incentives and market stability for crop diversification.
• Rapid EV Deployment: Introduce subsidies and ease policies to accelerate EV adoption.
• Public Awareness: Awareness campaigns for responsible citizen behavior & community involvement.
• Continuous Innovation: Promote R&D in pollution control technologies.

{GS3 – Envi – UNFCCC} Adoption of Article 6 at COP29

• Context (DTE): At COP29 in Baku, nations adopted Article 6 of the Paris Agreement after nearly a decade of negotiations.

Advantages of adopting Article 6

• Transparency and Accountability: Countries must disclose approved mitigation outcomes, with public reporting of inconsistencies.
• Financial Mobilization: Drives investments for achieving new climate finance goals (NCQG).
• Global Market Integration: Encourages standardized rules for carbon trading under UN oversight.
• Support for Developing Nations: Helps finance afforestation, clean energy and emission reduction projects in developing countries.

Issues with Article 6

• Double Counting: Countries are not mandated to disclose mechanisms to avoid duplicate reporting of carbon credits.
• Risk Reversals: Inadequate monitoring for instances where stored carbon is released back into the atmosphere (e.g., forest fires).
• Weak Accountability: Lack of strong consequences for misreporting or misuse of carbon credits.
• Operational Delays: Article 6.4 is unlikely to be operational until 2026.
• Regulatory Concerns: Transition from Kyoto Protocol’s Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) to Article 6.4 lacks stringent additionality checks, risking the inclusion of low-quality projects.

Challenges ahead

• Global Coordination: Aligning diverse national interests and standards under a unified framework.
• Scientific Rigour: Ensuring standards reflect the best available science, especially for reversal risks and additionality.
• Market Quality: Safeguarding against cowboy carbon markets with low-quality credits undermining the system.

Way forward

• Strengthening Transparency: Mandate detailed reporting of mitigation outcomes and mechanisms to avoid double counting.
• Improved Monitoring: Develop tools for reversal risks & quantify mitigation outcomes effectively.
• Phased Rollouts: Introduce Article 6.4 gradually, ensuring adaptation and testing of new standards and mechanisms based on evolving science and climate needs.
• Capacity Building: Support developing nations in implementing Article 6 mechanisms with integrity.
• Global Collaboration: Foster trust among nations through clear rules and equitable frameworks.
• Public Engagement: Promote awareness among stakeholders about the potential & limitations of carbon markets.
• Accountability Framework: Enforce penalties for misuse to uphold environmental integrity.

{GS3 – Infra – Initiatives} Tato-I Hydro Electric Project

• Context (PIB): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved constructing the Tato-I Hydro Electric Project (HEP) on the Yarjep River in Arunachal Pradesh.

Project Specifications

• Installed Capacity: 186 MW, consisting of three units of 62 MW each.
• Implementation: Joint venture between the North Eastern Electric Power Corporation Ltd. (NEEPCO), the Government of Arunachal Pradesh and the Government of India.
• Free Power: Arunachal Pradesh will receive 12% of the power generated for free, and an additional 1% will go towards the Local Area Development Fund (LADF).

{GS3 – S&T – Defence} Balloons: Utility & Limitations

• Context (IE): Taiwan’s air defense systems detected a Chinese balloon entering its Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), raises concerns about espionage and surveillance.

About Balloons

• Typically made of polyethylene and filled with helium gas, balloons can stay aloft for hours to months, depending on their design and purpose.
• High-Altitude Balloons: Can ascend to 40-50 km, carrying payloads of thousands of kilograms.
• Gondolas: Attached to the balloon, these carry instruments or personnel, equipped with parachutes for a safe descent.
• Some balloons may include solar panels and onboard propulsion devices, enhancing their capabilities.
• Balloon-based experiments have contributed to two Nobel prizes in Physics (1936 and 2006).

Ballooning in India

• Balloons have been used for scientific purposes in India since 1948, starting with cosmic ray research by Homi Bhabha.
• The Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR) initiated balloon fabrication in the 1950s, with a major facility in Hyderabad that remains active today.
• Current Applications: Balloons are used by ISRO and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology.
• Research Contributions: Indian institutions have conducted over 500 balloon launches for various scientific and space-related studies.

Utility of Balloons

• Historical Role: Scientific research, weather monitoring (before satellites).
• Scientific Measurements: Measures temperature, pressure, wind speed & aerosol concentrations.
• Astrophysics: Balloons provide a unique vantage point for space observation, offering cost-effective alternatives to space-based research above aircraft levels but below satellite orbits.

Advantages of Balloons in Surveillance

• Espionage: Balloons can remain in the air for extended periods, carrying significant payloads for surveillance.
• Cost-effective: Balloons are cheaper than satellites and can be reused since they bring instruments back to Earth.
• Discreet Operations: Their slow movement makes them less detectable by traditional defense radar systems, which may confuse them with birds.

Limitations

• Lack of Navigation Systems: Balloons rely on wind direction and speed, which limits precise control compared to drones and satellites.
• Detection: Though harder to detect, advancements in radar technology are improving detection capabilities for slower-moving objects like balloons.

Way Forward

• Enhancing Radar Detection: With growing concerns over balloon surveillance, recalibrating radar systems to detect slow-moving objects is essential for national security.
• Expanding Balloon-Based Research: The continued use of balloons in scientific research, especially for weather and space-related studies, holds significant potential for cost-effective exploration.

{Prelims – In News} PAN 2.0 Project

• Context (TH | PIB): The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) has approved the Income Tax Department’s PAN 2.0 Project.

• It is an e-Governance project for re-engineering the business processes of taxpayer registration services through technology-driven transformation of PAN/TAN services to enhance taxpayers’ digital experience.
• This will upgrade the current PAN/TAN 1.0 eco-system, consolidating the core and non-core PAN/TAN activities and the PAN validation service.
• This project aligns with the government’s vision of Digital India by promoting using PAN as a common identifier across various digital systems used by specified government agencies.

Permanent Account Number (PAN)

• It is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued by the Income Tax Department of India to individuals, companies, and other entities.
• Tax Purposes: It is primarily used for various tax-related transactions such as filing income tax returns, making tax payments, and receiving tax refunds.
• Financial Transactions: It is also required for certain high-value financial transactions, including the purchase or sale of immovable properties, large bank deposits, and investments in securities.
• Lifetime Validity: Once issued, a PAN is valid for the holder’s lifetime.

Tax Deduction and Collection Account Number (TAN)

• It is a unique ten-digit alphanumeric identifier issued to entities responsible for deducting or collecting tax at source in India.
• Purpose: TAN is required by businesses, organisations, and individuals who need to deduct or collect tax on behalf of the Income Tax Department. This is commonly seen in salary payments, contractor payments, rent, and other transactions where tax is deducted at the source.
• Legal Requirement: TAN must be quoted in all TDS (Tax Deducted at Source) or TCS (Tax Collected at Source) returns, payments, and other related communications with the Income Tax Department.

{Prelims – Sci – Bio} Lucy – Oldest Human Fossil

• Context (IE): Fifty years after its discovery, the 3.2 million-year-old skeleton, Lucy, remains crucial for human evolution theory.

Source: sciencefriday

About the Lucy

• Lucy is the collection of several hundred pieces of bone fossils representing 40 % of the skeleton of a female hominin species Australopithecus afarensis.
• Discovered in 1974 in Ethiopia, Lucy is one of the oldest and most complete fossil skeletons of any adult, erect-walking human ancestor.
• Lucy stood about 4 feet tall, and her small brain size was similar to that of a chimpanzee, but she walked upright on two legs, a key characteristic of human ancestors.
• Lucy’s discovery is important because her bones show a mix of human-like walking and ape-like features. Her nearly complete skeleton helps scientists learn about the look and behaviour of our early ancestors.

Stages of species in Human Evolution